By Morris Gut
Manhattan Voice
April 21, 2025
NEW YORK - A wonderful new addition to the Bronx/Westchester dining scene, Basilico Ristorante, a handsome dining room and bar, has been opened in Pelham by hospitality veterans Nick Demaliaj and Jetmir Arifaj. Partners Nick and Jetmir had previously worked at the iconic Russian Tea Room in Manhattan. They bring years of restaurant experience to the dining room floor.
The menu is a global mix of Italian, Mediterranean, and American specialties with European influences served in an inviting multi-room setting highlighted in classy white with French doors. Eclectic artworks and lighting fixtures adorn the walls and ceiling.
Basilico offers such tempting starters as delicious Veal Meatballs, Grilled Octopus, Tuna Tartare and classic Caesar Salad.
Pasta selections include Spaghetti Bolognese, hearty slow cooked beef and tomatoes; Squid Ink Linguine, clams, tomatoes and garlic in a white wine sauce; Seafood Ravioli served in a rich creamy tomato sauce; Pappardelle with sweet sausage in a savory ragu with a drizzle of truffle oil; and Fettuccine Mediterranean, asparagus, olives, capers, tomatoes, basil and garlic, evoking flavors of the Mediterranean.
Beautifully plated meat and seafood entrees include: hearty Braised Short Ribs with mushrooms, homemade fettuccine in a red wine reduction; Zuppa di Pesce, a hearty seafood stew with garlic and fine herbs in a spicy tomato sauce served with garlic toast; classic Coq au Vin, the French version with braised chicken in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and mashed potatoes; Pan Seared Branzino, roasted potatoes and string beans in a lemon butter caper sauce; Braised Lamb Shank, slow braised and served with luxurious risotto; Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Burger, served avocado coleslaw and choice of fries or garden salad; and Wagyu Truffle Burger, with caramelized onions and truffle pecorino cheese and side of fries.
Save room for such tempting desserts as classic Tiramisu; Risotto and Pistachio Cake; Crème Brulee, Gelati or Affogato.
There is a pre-fixed lunch daily: 2 courses $35 p.p; 3 courses $45 p.p. Served with coffee or tea. An a la carte weekend brunch features such dishes as Crab Cake Benedict; Classic Caesar Salad; Polenta Funghi; Avocado Toast; and Prosciutto and Mozzarella Omelet.
Basilico Restaurant, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner and Weekend Brunch. Kid’s menu. Private party facilities. Full take-out & delivery. Proper casual dress. Municipal parking; free evenings. 914-740-5900 www.basilicopelham.com
SOFT SHELL CRAB SEASON HAS
ARRIVED!
The season for fresh soft-shell crab runs April-September and there are legions who crave this delicacy simply sautéed or deep fried with some lemon and butter. Nothing like a crispy soft-shell crab sandwich with the proper condiments. I am a big fan. They first show up from Florida and the Gulf Coast at area markets followed by the popular bounty from Chesapeake. As the season wears on more venues will be serving them. Here’s where to seek them out locally…
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-9885) Jumbo soft shell crabs are on the blackboard as a special. Great with one of their craft beers. www.artiescityisland.com
Sea Shore, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300) Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve soft shells in a variety of styles. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777) This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine in the metro area, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Indoor, al fresco, takeout & delivery. www.dubrovnikny.com
Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. (914-835-6199) Chef/proprietor Dean Vivolo will be serving soft shell crabs out of his vintage diner any style in addition to this popular regional Italian dishes. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Dive Oyster House, 1201 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor (914-236-3911) In the coming weeks, owner Kenny Neziraj will offer Soft Shell Crab as a daily specialty. Happy Hours. www.diveoysterhouse.com
Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-364-8510) It’s right in the heart of Little Italy, a full-fledged fish market with counters set up as an Oyster Bar & Clam Bar. Take your pick.
Randazzo’s Seafood, 2327 Arthur Ave., Bronx (718-367-4139) Started 3 generations ago by a Sicilian family of fisherman, this market has soft shells in stock all season. Current hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.randazzoseafood.com
Caffe Regatta, 133 Wolf’s Lane, Pelham 914-738-8686 Veteran chef/proprietor Anthony Labriola offers an eclectic contemporary mix of pristinely fresh fish and seafood specialties along with a daily Raw Bar. Soft shells are waiting for you. www.cafferegatta.com
Bread & Brine, 119 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson (914-479-5243) The place bustles inside and out, and ‘summers in Maine’ is the theme. Soft shells are a seasonal treat. www.breadandbrinehoh.com
Kee Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), Owner Ekren & Elvi offer a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch and will soon include Soft Shell Crab. And they are pristine. www.keeoysterhouse.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food & dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)
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