I normally don't go out to dinner at an Italian restaurant because Italian food is my specialty ( a…read moreCertified Executive Chef for 30+ years and a graduate of the C.I.A.). Before I traveled overseas, I was an apprentice to an Italian Master Chef for two years. I learned a lot, but I learned more when I did finally go overseas to learn how to cook Italian food. I tried to learn from every place possible, including restaurants (working for free) and from people in the countryside, especially from some amazing Nonni.
Living in the Capital District of New York I've tried almost every Italian restaurant and to no avail, I can make better food, so I don't tend to visit these establishments. About a week ago my beautiful partner told me she found a place down in Saugerties, N.Y. of all places, Maestri's Prime Italian Steakhouse. So, I called a friend of mine and said hey, you and your wife join us and let's go try an Italian restaurant that gets some good reviews, and it's considered to be fine dining Italian not a red sauce pizza place.
So, we hopped in the car and picked up our friends and drove down to Saugerties. A nice little ride, 25 minutes or so then off the Thruway, take a quick left and there is a three-story old house that's been turned into an Italian restaurant. As we entered, we walked through a short little hallway into the main dining room where the bar is located, and by the way the bar is well stocked and very comfortable. We were greeted by a lovely woman (the Matriarch), a well-dressed gentleman (the Son) and the Patriarch of the family in a chef's coat looking very dapper and ready to engage. Smiles from all. We were immediately seated at a four-top which was nice and comfortable and looking around the decor couldn't be better. Our server approached us and I must say what a lovely woman pleasant, polite, and knew what she was talking about. That started the evening off on a positive note. Two young men one who of whom was the grandson served us water and an amazing focaccia that was well seasoned and well liked that we had to get seconds. It is very rare that you can find young people that can do fine dining service but these two young men, they knocked it out of the park, (all night) polite, attentive, and could answer any question about the menu. I would have hired them in a flash. My companion had an amazing glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The couple that went with us had a bottle of House Cabernet. Also, outstanding. I personally ordered my Tito's dirty martini with blue cheese olives shaken not stirred, that too was perfection.
On to the food. My companion ordered Raul's Crispy Brussels Sprouts prepared with confit of garlic - honey mustard aioli. Perfectly executed with a very flavorful aioli. I ordered as well as our friends (they split one) the "Signature" Seafood Martini. This was amazing. A large Martini glass filled with half a lobster tail (again perfectly cooked) 2 very plump shrimp and a large dollop of luscious crab meat, all on top of a Gin spiked cocktail sauce that was to die for. Pass the focaccia please. Everyone was all smiles and quiet.
Next up are the entrees. My friend's wife had the "Signature" (love that wording) Zuppa Di Pesce. The plate was the size of a boat with Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Calamari, and Lobster over perfectly cooked Linguine in a very tasty marinara. My companion went with the Lamb Chop Lollipops served with a Pistachio-Mint Pesto and swirls of Balsamic Reduction. The smell was perfume to my attentive nose. My friend and I each ordered the Veal Chop Parmigiana. A panko and parmigiano crusted Veal Rib Chop Milanese (at least ¾ of an inch thick, bone in, and could be cut with your fork). I asked for Vodka Sauce instead of Marinara and topped with Parmigiano Reggiano and Mozzarella. My friend had Marinara, and both did not disappoint. This is how I learned from my Master Chef to prepare Veal Parmigiano. The Chef knows what he is doing.
Again, the service was beyond good, it was downright excellent. I normally don't order Dessert but what the hell. If it's half as good as our meal, it's a score. Our friends wanted to try the Peach Melba with Jane's Vanilla Ice Cream and my Companion indulged in a large serving of Janes Almond Joy Ice Cream. If you have never heard of Jane's you are missing out on a super-premium brand. I personally went with the homemade Tiramisu. Put a fork in me. It was to die for.
Now of course we all had containers of food to take home which is the signature of a good Italian Restaurant. I asked our amazing waitress if we could talk to the owner and his son. Both immediately came out along with the Matriarch of the family. Just a beautiful family inside and out. They alone are worth the trip to this far exceeding establishment.
What was the damage? Under $400. Without tips. That's for everything. Five-star food and service for that price. No brainer.
I want to reiterate, the Italian Restaurants in the Capital District don't ho