Port Chester, NY: Tarry Lodge

Denise de Castro

14 years ago

One of the many rooms on the
second floor of Tarry Lodge

The first Mario Batali owned restaurant I’ve dined at is surprisingly, not in New York City, but in a town called Port Chester, about 40 minutes north of NYC: Tarry Lodge (Twitter handle: @TarryLodge). During my commute to work, I noticed the restaurant but thought to myself, nah, Batali and Bastianich wouldn’t open a restaurant in Port Chester. So, of course, I googled it, and yup, the establishment was his.

I made early dinner reservations, and didn’t bother to read any reviews. The last few reviews I’ve read for other restaurants hyped up the restaurant, and I wound up leaving disappointed. So I came with no expectations, and open mind, and quite an appetite.

Homemade bread and
olive oil w/ olives

My server, Louie, was amazing. He made great recommendations, was very attentive (at the right times), and provided excellent service.

For starters we ordered the Prosciutto pizza – Prosciutto, Tomato, Mozzarella, and Arugula. A decent sized pie – 12 inches, cut into 6 slices. An appetizer big enough to share with a small group.

Osso Buco alla Milanese with Pumpkin Fregula, $29, was on the top of my list. I’ve never had it before, and my intentions were to try something I’ve never had before. I figured the Batali/Bastianich team wouldn’t let me down. I was thinking of it, the moment the menu was handed to me – veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine and broth.

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G – I was savoring every bite of it. The meat was tender. There was no need for a knife and the meat fell right off the bone. I even ate some of the bone marrow – daring move on my part, and wow, that was excellent.

Prosciutto pizza

Osso buco

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, $17, was my husband’s choice. I’d say this was the best bolognese sauce I’ve ever had. Not too meaty; the pasta was cooked perfectly; the sauce was very flavorful.

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese

My brother ordered the Lamb Chops with Caponata and Mint, $26, which was second on my list. I’m glad he ordered it too, even though he requested it rare. The meat was tender and flavorful. Again, I’d say this was the best order of lamb chops I’ve ever had. Move over, Capital Grille and SD26.