Taleggio – Shakiban’s Newest Endeavor
You may have eaten at one of the many dining establishments founded by Par Shakiban during his more than 40 years in the restaurant business. Eateries he launched include Patisserie Salzburg of Scarsdale and Rye, Brezza in Armonk, Eclisse Northern Italian in Port Chester, Eclisse of Stamford and Eclisse Mediterraneo Cucina and Laguna in White Plains.
Now he is applying his know-how and experience to family-style fine dining.
Last Saturday his 16-month-old, 180-seat restaurant, Taleggio Italiano Classico, in White Plains was converted from an upscale dining establishment into a family-style restaurant while keeping most of the same dishes on the menu. Each oversized appetizer or entrée can feed two to three people.
Family-style restaurants are rare today, although Carmine’s and Tony’s Di Napoli appears to be a successful example of this concept in New York City.
Typically, the appetites of four or even five people can be satisfied by ordering two appetizers and two main courses, said Taleggio Italiano Classico General Manager Charles Amchir. He mentioned that options will be available for single diners or couples.
Amchir, who came aboard a month ago, previously held managerial posts with the Greenwich Lobster House, Cafe Mozart in Manhattan, California Pizza Kitchen at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, N.J. and at Via Vanti! in Mount Kisco.
Another of the changes at Taleggio, Amchir said, will be an increase in the number of seafood items offered.
For first-time visitors or guests seeking a delicious three-course dinner, I recommend:
Appetizer: Scrumptious Spanish octopus with garlic and oil. Boiled and lightly charred on the grill, it’s so thick it looks like a big chuck of lobster meat.
Entree: Veal Sorrentino with marsala sauce. Two layers of thinly pounded veal are topped with eggplant, prosciutto and mozzarella.
Dessert: Chocolate cake. Filled with lots of chocolate mousse and delivered from Patisserie Salzburg.
Red or white sangria is offered by the pitcher.
The restaurant is open seven days a week with lunch service beginning at noon each day and dinner service starting at 4 p.m. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday closings vary, so check with the restaurant.
A recently opened 24-hour municipal parking garage is located directly behind the restaurant. Parking is $1 per hour and is payable by cash or credit card. The walk from the garage to the restaurant entrance requires only a few steps.
Taleggio Italiano Classico is located at 189 E. Post Rd. (at the corner of Walker Avenue) in White Plains. For more information, call 914-761-1111 or visit www.taleggiorestaurant.com, 914-761-1111.
