Savona's

Savona’s Restaurant        By Baron Corso de Palenzuela von Habsburg     Rating: ***** Excellent

11 Broadway Kingston,  New York

Hours: 11:30-10:00 P.M  Open everyday

Tel. 845-339-6800
 

AN ENCHANTED EVENING AT SAVONA’s

Recently, one cold evening my beloved and I decided to dine out.  We were in the mood to have hearty Italian food in a cozy and romantic setting -- so, we decided to go to a local trattoria in the Hudson Valley that specializes in that fare.

 Savona’s, located in Kingston by the waterfront marina at the Roundout offers traditional Italian cuisine. The ambiance is casual and comfortable with large windows that afford pleasant street views while dining.  The seating inside accommodates about sixty patrons. It also has a nice bar area with additional seating----  as well as outdoor seating when weather permits.   A live music scene on weekends makes Savona the place to be for good music while dining.  Chef-owner Stephen Savona has been at the helm for many years. And the excellent food he creates speaks of his talent and kitchen magic---keeping the flavors intact as handed down by family. 

Savona offers fresh salads made with locally sourced ingredients. The fig and gorgonzola with greens salad was an excelent starter.And the Mista insalata was just as fresh and delicious.  The soups that are house made are down to earth tasty,along with a good selection of antipasti dishes that will not disappoint. Try dishes like the Arrancini rice balls, and House made mozzarella sticks that are really delicious.  And don’t forget Nona’s famous Meatballs that are heaven sent -- the best in the Valley, according to my dining companion.   She and I enjoy the meatballs and pasta dishes served at the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival where Savona every year has a kiosk. The restaurant offers a Special Lunch menu that is very popular seven days a week.  It serves three courses, soup, or salad entrée and dessert.  It is a pocket friendly winner in the Valley. Entrees do come in full meal fashion with great tasting pasta dishes like Meatballs and Spaghetti, Eggplant Rollatini with pasta, Lobster Raviolli ala Vodka, and Rigatoni, Broccolli Rabe and Sausage.  Complimentary fresh garlic bread sticks in olive oil are served with every meal.   Savona ‘s wine list offers excellent Italian wines along with other internationally moderately priced selections.    There is good restaurant energy here, and the staff goes about its rounds with cheer and professionalism.

Following complimentary wine and scrumptious appetizers , a warm spinach salad,  and the bruchettas,   we then prepared for the –main dinner dishes.  The two entrees selected,  Bistecca  Savona and Salmon Limoncello were artfully presented.  The Salmon Limoncello was beautifully plated.  The flavors were delicate, the texture was a perfect balance between creamy and al dente.  The salmon fillet encrusted in herb panko was properly cooked.  It was tender flaky with a good fresh aroma and under the salmon was a heavenly creamy limoncello spinach risotto.   The Bistecca Savona, a 14oz. steak pan seared had an appropriate carmelized exterior- -giving the medium size luscious steak a very desirable and palatable look.  Cooked medium rare and topped with gorgonzola cheese, it was thick and flavorful  with great juiciness.  Every bite was a delicious mouthwatering sensation of steak cooked to perfection.  It was served with a baked  potato and green vegetables. The complimentary bottle of Chianti Rufino with its notes of hazelnut,   cloves and oak proved a magical accompaniment to both dishes. The Dessert we ordered was a silky smooth Tiramisu and a great tasting Raspberry Cheese Cake.  We ended the extravaganza with coffee and two  glasses of FraAngelico liquer, and Cognac. With kisses from my beloved ,and excellent wine and food by candlelight, dinner proved an enchanted and romantic dining experience.  

 “Exceeding the customers expectation “  is a phrase that I hear often in the hospitality industry, but Stephen Savona takes the policy to heart. Savona is what diners often wish for :  a small, friendly and unpretentious local restaurant.  Everything works here, from the food and wine, to the ambiance, the service, the value and the live music.  Savona’s is a good choice for gourmets and locals alike who enjoy  authentic  Italian cuisine that is moderately priced .  Try Savona’s and you too will find out why everyday is a delicious day at Savona’s.    And it will have you shouting : Mama Mia Qui Buono.                                Rating:  *****  Five Stars- Excellent

Baron Corso de Palenzuela von Habsburg is an international restaurant critic and connoisseur of food, wine, beer, and chocolate.  He has written for Gusto, Gourmet, Country and Abroad, Edible and other publications.   He resides in Virginia and New York.  He can be reached at :Tel.  845-706-1244