Mario Fava and his brother, Tarcisio Fava, run two classic Italian eateries, the somewhat casual Moscato in Scarsdale and the slightly more upscale Lusardi’s in Larchmont. They’re both marked by royal-blue awnings and interior walls the color of autumn squash. Both are part of the Mario Fava Restaurant Group that includes Chat and Chat 19, two American grills in those same two towns.
Serving Scarsdale residents for 15 years, Moscato is mostly handled by longtime manager Thomas Dellasala and brother-in-law Franco Caputi. Antipasti range from grilled sausage over arugula, endive, white mushrooms, and truffle oil topped with sliced Parmigiano-Reggiano to chicken livers sautéed in balsamic onions and mushrooms with field greens in a Parmesan basket. The house-made green-and-white fettuccine with prosciutto, mushrooms, and a touch of cream gives way to less traditional linguine with duck breast, butternut squash, raisins, spinach, and scallions in garlic and oil with a touch of teriyaki sauce. There’s a whole-wheat penne with sautéed vegetables for health-conscious diners, as well as gluten-free pasta upon request. Traditional veal, chicken, pork, and fish items are offered too.
Lusardi’s has two decades of history in Larchmont and has a menu that’s simliar to its younger cousin to the north, including the popular cold seafood salad, Fantasia di Mare with calamari, octopus, shrimp, celery, and black olives. The plating here is more artistic but the philosophy is consistent.
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Moscato’s linguine with duck breast, butternut squash, raisins, and spinach has a touch of teriyaki sauce. |
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“We stick to the basics, finding the best quality around, good service, and we also introduce new twists to keep people interested,” Mario Fava says.
874 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale (914) 723-5700
www.moscatorestaurant.com
1885 Palmer Ave Larchmont (914) 834-5555
www.lusardislarchmont.com
