Bites Nearby: Via Vanti

Overview:  encompasses the spirit of Italy through the chic design of the restaurant, the warmth and friendliness of the staff, and the enormous attention paid to the food. It’s not often that you dine at at local restaurant which prepares it’s own gelato.  In fact, Abbodanza Magazine named Via Vanti as the best gelateria in the state of New York.

Check out the website for Via Vanti for ongoing events, too.  They often have live music or cultural events taking place throughout the month.  This month, in keeping with the restaurant’s February theme of “Amore,” that includes a Feb. 14 book signing by local writer Eve Marx for her 101 Things That You Didn’t Know About Sex book.

Décor:  Elements of Venetian design are everywhere, including lighting fixtures from Murano.  Via Vanti has encorporated Italian style very well into an already established Westchester train station restaurant.  Some argue that the seating lacks warmth for nighttime dining, but no one can argue that it lacks Italian origins.  The artwork, paintings by Tova Snyder entitled “Italian Roofscapes”, adequately capture the Italian feeling here.

The Drinks: As expected, good Italian wines can be had here.  Also, try their ingenious gelato dessert cocktails – this month’s specials include Naughty Friar (Valrhona chocolate bathed in Frangelico), Casanova's Kiss (Strawberry gelato bathed in Amaretto) and Lusty Limone (Coconut gelato bathed in Limoncello). 

Appetizers: Flavorful soups include Wild Mushroom Chowder and Golden Roots & Fruits.  I love the Samurai Caesar which receives a kick from wasabi and lime in the dressing.  And the Figgy Piggy salad is just fun to say, as well as a delight to devour.  And from their small plates menu, or Piccoli Gusti, the Rainbow Tower, with chickpea fritters, is an excellent choice.

Pizzette, or the thin crusts pizzas could serve as an appetizer serving several or as a main course.  They are crisp, light and delicious, and with several varieties to choose from you will find your dream pizza.

Entrees:  The menu for entrees is extensive.  It can get a bit confusing with it’s many sub-headings (Breadless Panini, Pasta, Burgers and Rotolli – what’s rotolli?! – and then the Pollo, Carne e Pesce section) but grin and bear it – you will find something which will satisfy you.  Our family cannot visit without ordering at least one Bucatini Bolgnese – it’s as good as it gets. The Pollo Limone al Mattone, a.k.a. “Chicken Under a Brick” is an expertly cooked boneless half chicken, cooked the way they do it in Tuscany.

Sides: Try the sautéed broccoli rabe.  More innovative dishes include the warm Italian slaw, the gorgonzola garlic bread, or the chickpea fritters.  Yum!

Desserts:  If homemade gelato isn’t enough, try the Dolce Latte Lava Cake – a warm caramel cake served with Valrhona chocolate gelato.  Or maybe the sweet pizzette is more your style – a crispy sweet dough topped with Nutella and your choice of 3 mini scoops of gelato.  And who could say no to bread pudding prepared with Italian pannetone cread and served alongside coconut gelato.  Not me!

Service:  Relaxed and friendly.  

Address: 2 Kirby Plaza; Mount Kisco

914-666-6400

Chef: Carla Gambescia is the Culinary Director, as well as the owner.

Cost: 1st course dishes range from $9-14; entrees average $14-20; desserts range $7-9.