Casa Rina Of Thornwood

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In 2002, Tommy Stratis took over Casa Rina, a restaurant that has been pleasing Westchester diners for 20 years. He could have taken the easy route - just continued filling the house with a tradition of offering fine Italian food at good prices. But Tommy set the bar higher. He decided to keep Casa Rina's reputation for value, and resurrect it's past. For 60 years before it became Casa Rina, this large space was Parisi's, the premier steakhouse in Westchester. Tommy has re-introduced classic steakhouse fare, yet kept those Italian specialties that made this restaurant so beloved. He has triumphed on both counts.
Casa Rina has five separate dining rooms, allowing both fine dining for individual tables and private rooms for larger functions. On our last visit we were seated in a warm and inviting paneled room, at a spacious table with fresh flowers. A warm bread basket soon appeared, accompanied by olives, peppers and Bruschetta. We enjoyed these as we perused the expansive menu. There's something for everyone - seafood (Shrimp Scampi, Fillet of Sole, or Zuppa de Pesce were just a few choices), chicken (Marsala, Francese, or Parmigiana), veal Saltimbocco, and more. For a very modest supplement, each main course can be served as part of a complete dinner- sppetizer, soup or salad, coffee or tea and dessert included. What a deal! On our recent visit I started with the Cold Antipasto Misto - sweet salamis, delicate prosciutto, mozzarella with a dollop of pesto, tasty marinated vegetables, and cheeses. Other appetizer choices included Mussels (Bianco or Marinara) or stuffed mushrooms. My companion had an incredibly fresh arugula salad. The pork chops with peppers and vinegar featured meaty tender pork chops topped with a piquant balsamic vinegar reduction and tender red cherry pepper- Delilizioso! Casa Rina has a fresh lobster tank too- our reasonably priced steamed lobster (other preperation options available, the Fra Diavolo was tempting!) was perfectly cooked, and accompanied the same tasty sides as the pork chops- a melange of sauteed vegetables, and a tasty potato croquette. In addition to filet mignon and steaks, that night's specials included a hugecut of perfectly cooled Blackened Prime Rib with asparagus.
Portion sizes are large, but save room for dessert! Tempting choices included white chocolate bread pudding, tiramisu, Italian ricotta cheesecake and profiteroles. Particular raves were reserved for the pecan cranberry pie (like a rich Southern pecan pie, with the cranberries adding a tart note) and the apple crisp. Casa Rina is conveniently located just off the Saw Mill Parkway in Thornwood, New York at 886 Commerce Street.
"Casa Rina Delizioso" by Dale Williams