The three-course early bird dinners served here are generous and cost a reasonable $14.95. When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories were of the simple seaside meals with his family, farm-to-table and, of course, sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca Italian Restaurant in New Rochelle for over 30 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true, albeit with a sprinkling of contemporary taste. There is a talented new kitchen staff preparing a seasonal menu of robust specialties: fresh Ischia salad; giant meatballs; good retro versions of chicken, veal or shrimp Parmigiana; Mamma’s chicken breast Europeo, stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, mushrooms and spinach in a Marsala wine sauce; a big platter of misto frutti di mare loaded with shrimp, clams, calamari and mussels in a red sauce over linguini; and pork chops or sirloin della nonna, served with sliced potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and onions. Daily happy hours and Chichetti menu at the bar. Party facilities and off-premise catering. Free parking. 414 Pelham Rd., New Rochelle. 914-636-1229; mammafrancesca.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 or gutreactions@optonline.net
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14 Apr 2017
0 Commentsearly bird dinners with a view
The three-course early bird dinners served here are generous and cost a reasonable $14.95. When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories were of the simple seaside meals with his family, farm-to-table and, of course, sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca Italian Restaurant in New Rochelle for over 30 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true, albeit with a sprinkling of contemporary taste. There is a talented new kitchen staff preparing a seasonal menu of robust specialties: fresh Ischia salad; giant meatballs; good retro versions of chicken, veal or shrimp Parmigiana; Mamma’s chicken breast Europeo, stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, mushrooms and spinach in a Marsala wine sauce; a big platter of misto frutti di mare loaded with shrimp, clams, calamari and mussels in a red sauce over linguini; and pork chops or sirloin della nonna, served with sliced potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and onions. Daily happy hours and Chichetti menu at the bar. Party facilities and off-premise catering. Free parking. 414 Pelham Rd., New Rochelle. 914-636-1229; mammafrancesca.com