Michael Vivolo, Chef/Proprietor of La Riserva Trattoria, is marking 36 years in Larchmont. Look around, you may spot former Yankees manager Joe Torre eating in his favorite restaurant.
La Riserva is serving a tempting variety of new seasonal prix fixe lunches, dinners and Sunday brunch, and now features a stunning photo gallery in the multi-level dining rooms.
A 3-course $12.95 daily lunch special includes soup of the day and crisp house salad along with a choice of such main courses as: Sea Bass Francese, Chicken Marsala, Loin of Pork Martini, Grilled Chicken over mixed greens, or Rigatoni with sliced sausage and tomato sauce. The new 3-course prix fixe dinner includes choice of soup or fresh salad, choice of main course, house dessert and coffee. Entrée choices may include: Filet of Sole Francese; Pollo Verdura, sautéed chicken breast with white wine, tomatoes, zucchini and fresh mozzarella; Spaghetti con Polpetine, with meatballs and basil tomato sauce; Cozze e Vongole Fra Diavolo con Linguini, clams and mussels over linguini with spicy marinara sauce; Costoletta di Maiale Martini, pounded pork chop crusted with parmigiano cheese, white wine and lemon; and Salmon in Puff Pastry, with capers and chopped tomatoes. The prix fixe dinners come with a glass of wine or soda and are served Monday thru Friday from 4:30 to 6 pm. $27.95 per person.
The dining rooms were beautifully refurbished by Michael’s wife Margaret a while back with plush new carpeting, window fixtures and artwork. The dramatic new photo gallery includes vintage black and white blow-ups depicting scenes from Vivolo’s hometown of Accadia-Foggia in the Apulia region of southeast Italy during the early 20th Century. They are lovely, a must see!
From the regular menu come such signature pastas as: Angel Hair Abissi Marini, thin egg noodles in a light cream sauce with shrimp and mushrooms; Farfalle alla Romana, with fresh tomato, mushrooms, chicken and asparagus; Penne al Salmone, with marinara and fresh salmon; Gnocchi Piacentina, housemade potato pasta served in a cream and meat sauce with sage; Linguine Pescatore, with mussels, clams, shrimp and calamari in a light marinara sauce; Housemade Lasagna, in a cream and meat sauce; and Fusilli Antica, with tomato sauce and sausage.
Popular main courses include: Veal Chop alla Griglia, grilled veal chop with mushrooms and roasted potatoes; Gamberoni in Guazzetto, jumbo shrimp in white wine with lemon, butter, capers and mushrooms; Pollo Piemontese, with portobello mushrooms and brandy sauce; Veal Verbena, topped with asparagus and mozzarella cheese, and fresh Branzino served in a variety of styles.
A new Sunday brunch menu, served noon to 3 pm, offers choice of Mimosa, Bloody Mary or Soda, a basket of bread and bruschetta, and choice of such main courses as: Frittata Joe Torre with egg whites, broccoli, mushrooms, potatoes and red onion; Eggplant Rollatine; Penne Salmone; Pollo Parmigiana; Insalata Portofino, with grilled chicken; Farfalle alla Romana, with chicken, asparagus, mushrooms and tomatoes; Clams and Mussels Posillipo; Foccacia Umbria with roasted eggplant, tomato, arugula, sharp provolone cheese, served with fries; and Pollo Tarragone with rice, chicken breast with champagne and tarragon sauce. The meal also comes with choice of coffee or tea and house dessert. Cost is $17.95 per person.
Customers old and new are always greeted with genuine warmth when entering La Riserva. Hosting duties are shared by Michael and Margaret Vivolo, along with Ellie Cucino, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant. Son Dean Vivolo operates the popular Trattoria Vivolo in Harrison out of a vintage diner.
La Riserva Trattoria 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont Open for lunch Monday thru Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Dinner is served 7 nights, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday thru Thursday; to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Catering facilities for up to 60 guests. Take-out. Free parking. 914-834-5584 www.lariservarestaurant.net
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. 914-235-6591 gutreactions@optonline.net
The BEST restaurant in NY !! Michael & his stall (sorry, I can not remember all their names) are just great to be around & I thank Dave for always being so helpful & great at his job… Thank You All, Joe
La Riserva is a wonderful place! Was my parents’ favorite for many many years and still would be if they were alive today. So good to hear they are still going strong! Best wishes to all from the Landry’s.