We decided, for my mom's birthday this year, it wasn't going to be Chinese again (her favorite!), but Italian. She didn't want to come into the city, so we went up to Westchester, instead. I had heard from some foodie friends of mine that Gina Marie's was amazing, because the Chef (Caputo) had worked at Il Mulino (a premiere Italian restaurant in the village, and impossible to get reservations at), and I must say that it was totally reflected in his dishes. There were 5 of us, (one under the age of 12), and the bill came to $200 with tax, tip and soft drinks. The staff was very accommmodating, and gave us a table in a room by ourselves, my mother wears two hearing aids, and cannot be around a lot of noise. The front garden is very attractive, and we might have sat out there, but since we had a whole room for ourselves, who could resist? The fried calamari was a fine appetizer, crispy, and not overseasoned, red sauce on the side was v. good. Chef Caputo took good care of us, with a spectacular appetizer platter of bruschetta, slices of tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil, roasted red peppers, seafood salad with my favorite scungilli in it, and finely sliced and fried pieces of zucchini and eggplant. The complete dinner ($23.50) includes a wonderful soup that was creamed with sherry and barley and mushrooms, not to be missed, and also included fresh vegetable or pasta, Parmigiano, Marsala or Francese chicken, veal or shrimp, coffee, ice cream or cheesecake, a good deal. I had a blackened fish platter over sauteed spinach in garlic that was perfectly cooked, and tantalizing to the tastebuds. Everything comes with a small salad that is quite delightful, but I must talk about the dessert. I had pears poached in a red wine, surrounded by a egg/liquoresque foam, a beautiful combination to a beautiful end of a meal. Bathroom and restaurant are both accessible, and my mother claimed it was the best Italian meal she has ever had! Thanks Chef!
Pros: incredible red sauce, very tasty, not sweet
Cons: coffee, not so good.
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