Consistent
Good Taste
BUON GUSTO: 1446 Old Northern Blvd.,
Roslyn: 516-484-9550
CUISINE: Italian
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays; 1 p.m.
to 11 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: Yes
CREDIT CARDS: All major credit cards
Since its transformation from firehouse to restaurant, the
brick fixture on Old Northern Boulevard in Roslyn has seen businesses come and go.
But for the past eight years, Buongusto has prevailed.
Italian for "good taste," Buongusto indeed lives
up to its name with a consistency that keeps customers loyal.
The lunch menu offers a variety of appetizers, such as
Zucchini Fritti (Julienne fried zucchini for $4.95) Involtini di Melanzane (rolled
eggplant with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese for $5.95) and the Antipasto
Buongusto (a hot antipasto for $8.95).
If a salad is what you’re in the mood for, there are
nine to choose from including the traditional Caesar salad ($4.95) to the Arugola, Endive
& Grilled Shrimps served with Buongusto’s Italian vinaigrette ($9.50).
Though the salad selection diminishes slightly on the
dinner menu, it more than makes up for it with additional pasta, chicken, veal and fish
entrées.
Purchased daily from the Fulton Fish Market, Buongusto
offers dishes such as Dentice Mediterraneo (fresh fillet of red snapper sautéed in white
wine, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and onions for $16.95) Calamari Fritti (fresh
fried calamari for $12.95) and Gamberoni alla Romana (breaded shrimp prepared with marsala
wine, mushrooms, brown sauce and fresh mozzarella for $16.95).
Chicken and veal dishes include Pollo Scarpariello (pieces
of chicken with sausage, sweet peppers, garlic and white wine for $12.95), Chicken alla
Verde (chicken breast with fresh broccoli and melted mozzarella sautéed in fine brown
sauce), Scaloppine alla Caprese (sautéed veal with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato for
$14.95) and Costoletta di Vitello alla Griglia (grilled veal chop with sautéed mushrooms
for $21.95).
The pasta selection is not only reasonably priced, ranging
from $9.95 to $13.95, but is also extensive with something for everyone.
Dishes that should not be missed are the Capellini del
Pescatore (Angel hair pasta with a generous assortment of fresh seafood in red sauce for
$13.95), Penne Ortolana (Penne pasta served with chicken, broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes
sautéed with garlic and oil for $12.95) and Mezzelune all’Anna (Half-moon shaped
pasta filled with ricotta cheese in tomato sauce prepared with fresh mozzarella for
$10.95).
Buongusto seats about 200 guests and also does catering,
offering seven different packages from $22.00 to $41.00 per person plus tax and 17 percent
gratuity. Choices range from salad to an appetizer to hors d’oeuvres plus pasta, and
a main course of chicken, veal or fish, plus unlimited wine, beer and soda, not to mention
coffee and dessert.
So for great food in a friendly, casual yet elegant
environment, visit Francesco Amorelli and his partners (and chefs) Rosario and Joseph. But
be sure to make reservations, especially during the weekend. Good taste like this is hard
to keep secret.
- Jennifer Maurici |
