Table Hopping with Morris Gut

Partners Imer Rraci and Chef Avni Brahimaj have opened Torcello Ristorante in the free-standing house that previously housed long running La Riserva on Boston Post Road in Larchmont. Torcello, which is named after an island off the northern coast of Venice, espouses the classics of Northern Italian Cuisine. It is a fine dining experience.

Imer Rraci is a 30-year veteran of the hospitality business, having formerly worked for the former Giambelli’s in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, Ct. He had operated his own restaurant Delvina in New Jersey. 

The dining rooms are highlighted with black and white photos of Italy set against white walls. The antique mirrored middle dining area sparkles and evokes antique charm against the white tableclothed setting. Wooden floor tiles lend a lovely contrast. There is a cozy bar for cocktails, and a rear dining room for private events.

From Chef Avni’s kitchen come such fine starters as: Mozzarella Caprese, a colorful platter of beefsteak tomato with fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers; Artichokes Roman Stye, roasted baby artichokes, garlic, herbs, evo; house made Crab Cake, served with tartar sauce; and Eggplant Rollatini, with ricotta and spinach in a light tomato sauce.

Thin Italian Roman Piadina are prepared daily: Fig Flat Bread, figs, goat cheese, walnuts, with honey and evo; and Pear Flat Bread, pears, gorgonzola, pecans, arugula, balsamic glaze.

Fresh made Salads include a fine traditional Cesare; Tre Color; or Insalata Di Barbabietole, baby arugula with red and golden beets, tomatoes, red onion, goat cheese and balsamic glaze.

Fresh made Pastas include Rigatoni Bolognese with a flavorful meat sauce; Pappardelle Milanzane, fresh tomatoes and eggplant topped with fresh mozzarella; Risotto Di Funghi, with porcini mushrooms in a truffle cream sauce; and Spaghetti con Vongole, baby clams in garlic and oil served with a red or white sauce.

Main courses include a delicious Pollo Torcello, chicken breast topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in alight bourbon mushroom sauce; Veal Martini, scallopini lightly breaded with parmesan cheese in a lemon and white wine sauce; Pollo Scarpariello, boneless chicken with sausage and cherry peppers in a garlic lemon and white wine sauce; and Veal Sorrentino, scallopini topped with prosciutto and fontina cheese in a cognac sauce. There is a daily selection of market fresh fish and seafood.

Carnivores will enjoy hunkering down to a Veal Chop, served with sauteed shitake mushrooms; 12 oz, Filet Mignon, served with a peppercorn brandy sauce; a hefty Shell Steak, grilled and served with sauteed peppers, mushrooms, and onions; and classic Rack of Lamb. All entrees served with vegetable of the day. Supplementary sides are available. 

Torcello Ristorante Italiano is located at 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. Open for dinner only from 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Lunch hours will be announced shortly. Main courses at dinner range: Appetizers: from $15. Entrees: $24 to $46. Bar & cocktails. Private party facilities. Take out. Proper casual dress. Major credit cards. Free parking. Reservations accepted: 914-833-1118. www.torcellolarchmont.com 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)