By Karen Talbot

Sept. 28, 2022: Serafina Scarsdale is a lively, bustling year-old Italian dining establishment that does not give the impression of being from a typical chain of restaurants. Instead, the farm-to-table concept is adhered to with fresh, innovative food that everyone will love!

The Serafina restaurants were started by two friends from Italy, Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, when they opened Serafina Fabulous Pizza on East 79th Street in New York City in 1995. They then expanded to dozens of other locations in the US and worldwide, with a close sister restaurant in White Plains.

The restaurant is spacious and attractive, with a high painted black ceiling from which large straw lamp shades surround recessed lighting. There is a huge bar with two TVs that do not overwhelm the pleasant atmosphere.

We started our dinner with Insalate Di Porto Cervo, a pleasing combination and presentation of romaine carrots, hearts of palm, and avocado in a lemon dressing.

Next from "Pasta," we enjoyed a delicious evening special, Short Rib Pappardelle cooked to perfection.

From "Secondi Piatti," we had Filet of Bass Al Pinot Grigio that was slow cooked in white wine and rosemary with a slight sweetness to the sauce. Very thin slices of potato were wrapped around the fish, and it was served on a bed of sauteed leeks and zucchini.

Don't skip Dessert and go for the yummy Profiteroles, which are cream puffs filled with chantilly cream covered with dark chocolate. Other Italian desserts are also available, including Tiramisu, Lemon Sorbet, and Cheesecake.

The Manager, Alessandro Refoni, couldn't have been more attentive to all of the patrons in the restaurant, nor could our waitress, Brianna. The portions are generous, and the service is spot on. Also, I like that the flatware was changed between courses.

The menu also offers Classic Antipasti, Italian Mozzarella & Burrata, Rissotti & Ravioli, and, of course, pizza, with a choice of twenty winning combinations.

Serafina Scarsdale is a very good addition to our local dining spots, and the Serafina Cookbook is available in stores, celebrating 25 years of delicious recipes and fun stories. In addition, each month a wine from Italy and a cocktail are featured.