Banchetto Feast
75 W. Route 59
Nanuet
845-624-3070
banchettofeast.com
$5.29 – $21.99

My spouse Terrence and I decided we wanted to go out for dinner with some friends, including my best friend Nativar and his best friend (and my brother) Danny.

It had been a while since we all sat down together at a restaurant, so we wanted to pick a place that was convenient for all and easy to get to.

Nativar told me about a spot her sister absolutely raved about in Rockland, and since all four of us hail from Rockland we decided Banchetto Feast in the Nanuet Mall it would be.

Being familiar with Rockland we knew exactly where the mall was, so getting there was easy. Once we got to the mall, we had to find a mall map since a lot has changed since the last time we were there. We found the map, determined that Banchetto’s was on the first floor near Boscov’s, and away we went.

Once we started down the corridor to where the restaurant was located, we knew we were headed in the right direction because of the wonderful aroma of food that met us in the corridor.

We arrived around 2:00pm (reservations are suggested for dinner on weekends) and our host let us pick our own seating. We settled on a corner table. After ordering drinks we all looked at the menu to see what Banchetto’s had to offer.

Within a matter of minutes our drinks arrived and we decided on appetizers. We ordered 2 of the Banchetto hot antipasto sampler for two, but had not decided on our entrees. The menu was ample with choices and we each took our time to decide exactly which entrée we wanted.

In the end I chose Capellini Chicken and 3 Shrimp with fresh tomato, broccoli and garlic sauce. Terrence opted on Capellini Lobster Tail & Scallops with creamy champagne sauce. My brother Danny ordered Chicken Francese and Nativar ordered Grilled Filet of Salmon with veggies and rosemary potatoes.

Our appetizers came to us hot and delicious, along with Banchetto’s famous garlic bread.

Our Antipasto sampler consisted of abundant portions of fried calamari, chicken fingers, eggplant rollatini, meatball bites, and mozzarella sticks.

I specifically enjoyed the fried calamari, and eggplant rolatini, but didn’t want to indulge too much as I knew my capellini was on the way.

As we waited we talked about everything, from reminiscing over our high school years to who was going to win the Super Bowl (I went with the Colts). I realized that we were somewhat loud with our conversation (especially when talking about sports) but the entire restaurant was abuzz. Not a loud obnoxious type of buzz, but the pleasant buzz of conversation.

Our entrées were served and we all dived right in. The Capellini chicken and shrimp was very good, with just enough seasoning to light up my taste buds. Terrence agreed that his Capellini lobster tail & scallops were just as tasty. Nativar’s salmon was served perfectly with grilled veggies and rosemary potatoes. She allowed me to sample her entrée and I had to agree. Normally I’m not a rosemary type of girl, but her potatoes were delicious.

I think of all of our entrées, my brother Danny was the happiest with his. He consistently orders Chicken Francese and said that this was the by far the very best that he had ever tasted (and he’s tried it at many restaurants). Once dinner was done we were stuffed to the gills. Although they had an inviting list of desserts to choose from, we all decided to pass.

In total our check was for just over $100, covering 2 sampler appetizers, 4 entrees and 8 drinks. The dining experience was great and we all agreed we would have to get together very soon to do it again. Thanks Banchetto’s!