You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Douglaston Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:
IL TOSCANO
Overview: For a taste of Tuscany, head to the end of 235th Street in Douglaston and visit Il Toscano. Owners Mauro and Alex Privilegi opened the restaurant more than 25 years ago.
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"Most of the recipes that we started off with come from my grandmother," Alex says. "She just passed away last year at 96 and we owe a tremendous amount of success to her cooking."
The pasta is made fresh daily by a full-time pasta chef whom she trained. It was a skill she mastered for a reason: "She supported her family right after World War II by making pasta in Italy," Alex says.
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Appetizers: Start with an appetizer of broccoli rabe or mozzarella fresca with sun-dried and fresh marinated tomatoes.
Entrees: The menu offers a wide selection of Northern Italian cuisine.
Main courses include Long Island Duckling to Lasagna Bolognese to Grilled Double Cut Veal Chop with Gnocci, fresh asparagus and Porcini mushrooms.
Desserts: Those will a sweet tooth will want to try a classic like tiramusu or zabaione, which is fresh berries topped with a rich cream.
Signature Dish: One item on the menu Il Toscano is well-known for is their lobster. It’s cracked in the shell and sauteed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, lemon, white wine and a pinch of hot pepper.
The Drinks: The restaurant offers an extensive wine list.
Address: 42-05 235th Street, Douglaston, NY
Reservations Are Highly Recommended.
Cost: Main courses range from $22 to $40.