a traditional family Italian restaurant for all seasons
Review by Sue Giustino
Elegantly perched atop one of the highest points in Montauk overlooking Fort Pond Bay, the Montauk Manor is home to of the Monte family’s most recent venture. Found within the walls of this historical Tudor Revival style building, just off the vast vaulted lobby with exposed beams and archways adorned with vintage accents and a cozy, classy feel all contributing to its historic atmosphere, is Monte’s Restaurant. Setting a warm, welcoming scene prior to entering the dining room, the large stone flooring of the lobby is adorned by Monte’s ‘sidewalk’ café with tables, a cozy corner bench nook, and a quaint bar all overlooking the huge blazing fireplace. Simultaneously, the kitchen aromas awaken your senses with the preparation of recipes passed down through generations, building anticipation of the menu which encompasses a delicious array of fish, pasta, meats, salads and vegetables professionally prepared in the Italian tradition by Chef Andrew.
After being welcomed at the door by Velaine, we were escorted to our seats in the warm dining room. Creating a cozy familiar ambiance with low lighting and pictures adorning the walls with scenes encompassing the generations of the Monte family, old Brooklyn neighborhood scenes, and a few from way back in Italy; one gets the feeling of sitting in the old Monte’s Restaurant on President St. in Brooklyn. With a lovely greeting by our waitress Rachel, we opted to have Chef Andrew treat us to ‘chef choice’ options for our visit. While enjoying the ambiance, John from behind the lobby bar prepared our tasty cocktails of choice: a Dirty Martini, a gin Negroni and a Monte’s specialty Martini Limon prepared with limoncello.
Our first course included Monte’s Tri Color Caesar and the Burrata. The fresh Caesar salad is a blend of Romain and radicchio tossed in a classic Caesar dressing with a hint of lemon, and finished with added texture from crunchy croutons and a tasty parmigiana crisp. The softa and creamy Burrata sitting atop flavorful slow roasted tomato confit is garnished with basil pesto and a balsamic drizzle creating a fresh, clean, light appetizer reminiscent of summer garden delights.
To start our second course, from the Family Favorites section of the menu, we were treated to Grandma’s Meatballs, and what a treat they are. These moist, light, and flavorful meatballs are beautifully arranged on a hot mini skillet with Monte’s tomato sauce, a dollop of whipped ricotta and fresh basil.
Rounding off this indulging course, Chef sent an aromatic plate of Baked Oyster and Clams Oreganata, as well as the Calamari Fritti. The Clams are dressed with a light topping of breadcrumbs blended with fresh oregano and garlic providing a perfect accent to the tenderness and flavor of the whole clam. Similarly, the Oysters are presented with a perfectly balanced crisp buttery topping of blue cheese, breadcrumbs and just enough lemon to compliment the brininess of the oyster. Always enjoying a tender Calamari, their Calamari Fritti did not disappoint with a light, crispy coating and tender texture accompanied by Monte’s own tomato sauce- perfection.
After enjoying that amazing array of culinary delights, chef presented us with one of each of the numerous entrees available on the Pasta, Parm, and Mains sections of the menu. Grilled New York Strip, also available as pizzaiola, was paired with a simple accent of greens in a gentle vinaigrette allowing the natural goodness of the perfectly grilled steak to shine. If Chicken Parm is your ‘parm dish’ of choice [eggplant and shrimp are also available], Monte’s is a wonderful spot to enjoy it. Creating a meal you’ll want to order again and again, the chicken is pounded tender in the traditional Italian style, cooked with a thin flavorful breadcrumb coating, then finished with the Monte’s tomato sauce that never fails, and just enough mozzarella, parmesan, and basil fritto.
As expected in a fine Italian Eatery, the pasta dishes include a lovely variety of styles used to complement Chef’s creative ingredients. Incorporating one of Monte’s own pastas, is the 3 Buchi Ricotta Pistachio Pesto. Not sure what Buchi was, I did some investigating and discovered that it’s a specific, tubular pasta shape made by the Monte’s brand, inspired by old-world Italian tradition. The tripled tubular pasta is intentionally designed with a rough texture to hold sauce effectively. I haven’t sampled this dish, but from what I hear from friends, it’s delicious. Other varieties available are Orecchiette, Spaghetti, Linguini, Pappardelle, Paccheri, and Ravioli. The one that is both a Chef and Manager favorite- Linguini Vongole was sent for our pasta course. Raising the bar of Linguini and Clam sauce to the next level, this dish offers a light yet bold flavorful broth created with a blend of garlic, white wine and olive oil incorporated with an abundance of fresh tender clams, and tossed with al dente linguini. I always have a difficult time choosing a past while dining at Monte’s, so I usually stay with the Pappardelle with Lobster and Spicy Pink Sauce, the Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage, or the Paccheri Bolognese. Having now enjoyed the Linguini Vongole so much, what will I do? If is this is one of my dilemmas, Life is Good!
So, every multi course Italian meal deserves a tasty teat ending, and we received quite a few of them. Sweet- tart Lemon Sorbet, decadent Chocolate Moose Layer Cake, Creamy NY Style Cheesecake with raspberry drizzle, Italian Rainbow Cake with the vibrant tri-colored almond-paste sponge cake
layers separated by sweet fruit preserves and covered in a rich chocolate coating, and traditional Cannoli Italian pastry consisting of a crisp, tube-shaped fried dough shell with a hint of cinnamon filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta cheese filling and chocolate chips. Wow, take your pick, each one is sure to please whatever sweet tooth craving you may have. Varieties vary so check with your waiter.
Monte’s is open year-round with reduced hours for the off season. Presently they’re open Thursday – Monday for dinner @5pm- and Saturday and Sunday for Breakfast 8-11am and 12-4pm for lite bites lunch. Monte’s will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
For additional information about the menu, as well as ordering Monte’s Merchandise- including their own Spicy Sauce, Family Recipe Tomato Sauce, or Sweet Pepper and Tomato Sauce, or their 3 Buchi or Rotolini Pastas, go to https://www.montesmanor.com/