Ernesto’s, White Plains to Mark 25th Anniversary
By Morris Gut – Veteran restaurateur Ernesto Capalbo, founder of Ernesto’s Ristorante in White Plains, and co-host and general manager Charlie Gambino, have been nearing a milestone 25th Anniversary with a major enhancement and upgrade of the dining rooms and bar lounge, a fresh contemporized look that feels most comfortable to patrons. There is ample room for private parties and events, and for those who frequented Ernesto’s over the years, a major convenience is the addition of new restrooms on the dining room level.
The former attached pizzeria has been moved down W. Post Road and renamed Pizza Cucina boasting a jazzy new red logo and playful design, serving many of Capalbo’s most popular pizzas, sandwiches and main courses for eat in or take out. According to Capalbo, the idea was to maintain Ernesto’s as a more formal space for dining and catering.
Founded in 1990, Ernesto’s has been serving it’s Calabrian-style Italian-American cuisine to waves of local movers and shakers. One day it might be the Mayor huddling with a group at a rear table, on another it may be judges and officials of every stripe all partaking in the ‘cucina rustica’ of southern Italy as presented by the friendly, professional staff.
Ernesto’s is not what you would call ‘trendy’ as so many other restaurants strive to be, but it surely is a safe haven you can pop into for some generously served hearty platters of food without the hyper-pretentiousness so much at play today. Tasty does not have to be trendy, something we are quick to forget. Want proof? Just check out some of these delicious house specialties we have enjoyed on recent visits.
For starters, the old-fashioned Hot Antipasto, I rate it one of the best in the area, loaded with fresh baked clams, shrimp, eggplant rollatini, stuffed mushrooms and artichoke hearts, or a warming bowl of Pasta Fagioli, with beans and prosciutto in a light tomato broth; or the classic Spiedini Romana, sliced bread layered with mozzarella lightly battered and sautéed, served with anchovy sauce. The Cold Seafood Salad is outstanding.
Hearty pastas include: Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe in a broth of infused extra virgin olive oil with garlic sauce; Pappardelle Mare & Monti (a special one day) with sautéed shrimp, sea scallops, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes in a pink sauce; and Spaghetti al Tartufo alla Romana, with mushrooms, artichoke, peas, garlic and oil and white wine. A fine version of Linguine with clam sauce is served as is a decadent house made Ravioli.
Generously plated main courses include: Veal Chop Valdostana (another special) topped with prosciutto, mozzarella and mushroom sauce; traditional Costolette di Maiale all’ Aceto, double cut pork chops with sweet or hot vinegar peppers, chardonnay, caramelized onion, garlic and beef stock sauce; a fine version of Filet of Sole Francese in a white wine and lemon sauce; and their signature Combinazione Oreganate, with shrimp, jumbo sea scallops broiled with chardonnay
wine, lemon, fresh herbs, touch of garlic and seasoned bread crumbs. If the Baby Lamb Chops are on the menu, grab them! They are tender and delicious.
Special Hint: The sparkling spirited bar area offers Happy Hours Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. with reasonably priced beers, wines and $5. Martinis. It is a good spot for networking. There is a 3-course prix fixe luncheon for $14.95 served Tuesday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m., and 3-course Early Bird Dinners are served 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday priced at a reasonable $19.95. There are private party facilities for up to 120 guests.
Ernesto Capalbo and Charlie Gambino along with their veteran floor staff Elio, Geovan and Juan look forward to spoiling you…and that’s comforting to know.
Ernesto’s Ristorante is located at 130 West Post Road, White Plains (Rt. 22). The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday thru Sunday. Main courses at lunch: $8.95 to $29. Dinner main courses: $14.95 to $29. Cocktail area. Happy Hours. Semi-private party/meeting facilities for up to 120 guests. Children’s menu. Take out. Major credit cards. Casual dress. Free and municipal parking. Reservations accepted; suggested for larger groups. Phone: 914-421-1414. www.ernestosristorante.com
Reveling on Valentine’s Day, Lunar New Year, and Carnival in February
Amore! The coupling of good food and wine with the sensual is the aphrodisiac of literature and verse through the ages. Pucker up! Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th is coming! Make it a full-fledged Valentine’s Weekend. Restaurants and nightspots are gearing up to serve some of their most titillating specialties. And don’t forget the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Goat, beginning on Sunday, Feb. 19th; Carnival, celebrated around the world throughout the month of February; and of course Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17th will offer an eclectic roundup of delectable dishes and dining venues in coming weeks.
Want to Cook Asian Yourself?
In the meantime, if you are an intrepid home cook and want to pull the old wok out of the closet and oil it up, you may want to visit Kam Sen Foods, 22 Barker Ave. in the White Plains Mall (914-428-4500) for some of your authentic Chinese ingredients. This Asian market draws quite an ethnic crowd daily for its pan-Asian products, produce, meats and seafood. There’s also sprawling H-Mart, 371 N. Central Ave., Hartsdale (914-448-8888). The Chinatown markets in Flushing and Manhattan are great but will take a bit longer to reach. www.kamsenfoods.com or www.hmart.com
Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net.
Examiner Media – Keeping you informed with professionally-reported local news, features, and sports coverage.
