La Grotta 2 Restaurant &
Catering Premiers in Yonkers!POSTED: JUNE 2011
Chef Franco Venusio, founder of the original La Grotta, has opened La Grotta 2 Restaurant & Catering on McLean Ave.in Yonkers. The totally refurbished multi-level establishment is at the same site that previously housed the old Italian-American Club of Yonkers.
Chef Franco is joined in the operation by his wife Phyllis and general manager and maitre d’ Ricky Tinelli. The Venusio family is from Pugliain southern Italyand some of that influence can be found in the décor and on the menu. The restaurant and catering facilities are housed on 3 floors accommodating up to 400 guests. The main dining room and bar/lounge seat up to 100.
Chef Franco and his family arrived in the States in 1974 and began working restaurants at the age of 14. He worked his way up at such popular spots of the day as: Casa Rina in Thornwood; Coloseo di Roma, Mt. Vernon; the former Gino’s on Allerton Ave. in the Bronx; and Villa Barone in the Bronx eventually opening the first La Grotta on Midland Ave., Yonkers some 14 years ago.
Red-sauce Italian-American specialties are making quite a comeback all around the big city. The Venusio family offers a friendly ambiance and décor as well as a traditional red-sauce menu. Dishes served here are tried and true, according the Chef Franco, his customer’s favorites.
Good starters include: a fine version of Mozzarella in Carozza served with anchovy and a red sauce; Arugula Salad with tomtoes; seasonal Stuffed Zucchini Flowers; hot or cold Antipasto platters; Eggplant Rollatini stuffed with mozzarella, ricotta and light tomato sauce; and Grilled Portabella with garlic and balsamic glaze over baby arugula.
Hearty homemade and dry pasta specialties include: house made Gnocchi served 3 ways: with tomato and basil, alla Bolognese and Sorrentino style with tomato and fresh mozzarella; Linguine with fresh Clam Sauce; Lasagna di Casa with meat sauce; Orecchiette alla Barese, with broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and virgin olive oil; Penne alla Vodka; and house made Cavatelli alla Pugliese with shrimp, baby arugula with a touch of tomato.
Generously served main courses include such traditional classics as: Zuppa di Pesce, mixed seafood in a red sauce over pasta; Pork Chops with vinegar peppers in a white wine sauce or Contadina style with peppers, potatoes, mushrooms and onions; Chicken Scarpariello on the bone prepared with garlic, white wine and herbs; and classic versions of such long-standing favorites as: Chicken or Veal Parmigiana; Filet of Sole and Shrimp Francese; Veal Saltimbocca, topped with prosciutto in a light brown sauce over spinach; Chicken or Veal Sorrentino topped with prosciutto, eggplant and fresh mozzarella; and a spring favorite of Chicken Capriciosa, breaded chicken topped with arugula, tomatoes and red onions. Main courses are served with pasta or vegetable of the day. Daily verbal specialties augment the regular menu. Carnivores will enjoy the broiled steaks: choice of NY Shell or Rib Eye topped with caramelized onions, mushrooms or hot peppers on request.
We are told the bar/lounge will offer a live entertainment schedule. Customers can call ahead for additional information.
La Grotta 2 Restaurant & Catering is located at 811 McLean Ave., Yonkers. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays; to 11 p.m. weekends; from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. Main courses at lunch range from $14. to $18. Dinner main courses range from $15.95 to $28.95. Bar/lounge and cocktails. Occasional entertainment. Full take-out. Catering menu for home and office. Off premise catering service. Custom catering for all types of functions for up to 180 guests. Major credit cards. Free and municipal parking. Proper casual dress. Reservations accepted. Phone: 914-237-4075. Fax: 914-237-5713.
(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the dining scene in greater Westchesterfor over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
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