Terrific Mussels at Quinta Steakhouse in Pearl River
I had dinner at Quinta Steakhouse the other night. I love the vibe of this place. Red banquettes, nice big bar, a butcher’s case in front. It feels like Les Halles in Manhattan. And turns out, one of the Cerdeira brothers  Armando and Ricardo, the owners  worked with Anthony Bourdain, the lanky, leather jacket-wearing, cigarette-smoking chef who launched his writing and television career while cooking there.
The brothers are Portuguese, and the menu reflects that. Our absolute favorite thing of the evening were the mussels  plump, fresh and delicious, served in a garlicky red sauce.
They come in this very cool iron serving dish with a little lid.
We also adored this wine. I mean, we really liked the taste â€â€
 but after one of the brothers told us he used to pick the grapes in the field, we were drawn to it even more. There’s just something about knowing the backstory of a bottle, isn’t there?
Not everything on the menu was a hit. We didn’t love the venison (a bit too gamy) and the Carne Alentejana (Portuguese Pork Loin and Clams) wasn’t to everyone’s taste. But we really liked the desserts  especially the creme caramel (or was it flan? Either way…).
But we had such a fun evening. The company was great, the wine was flowing and the brothers Cerdeira were wonderful hosts. Next time, I’m getting a steak. Are they good?
Photo Caption: 2007-0223quinta-02.jpg
Not too far away is Louie’s on on central ave, i think. they had a great mussels in white garlic .. very tasty.havent been there in alongwhile.
Steaks are great! The brothers are wonderful hosts. Pearl River has wonderful restaurants and this is one of my favorite along with Kwan Thai and Adagio.
I was disappointed with my steak at La Quinta, Louie’s on the Avenue (1 Block away) was a far superior experience for pretty much the same amount of money.
I have had nothing but pleasant dining experiences at Quinta. Not only is it a one of a kind restaurant in the Pearl River area but I found their steaks, and their seafood dishes, far surpass any restaurants in the area including Louie’s.
I always enjoy my evenings dining at Quinta. The brothers, Ricardo and Armando, are the perfect hosts and coupled with their professional staff and superb entres, I always leave Quinta knowing I will be back very soon. I recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to feel special and not “just a customer”!
Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and in my opinion, Adagio is, by far, the best restaurant in Pearl River. Louie’s is great if your grandmother is in town… the food is good, but Adagio may be the best food this side of Manhattan. Kwan Thai is great also, if you’re in the mood for a more casual evening. The waitstaff at Adagio is so professional, yet friendly… and the bartender is AWESOME! Hope you all get to partake sooner rather than later. Cheers!
QUINTAS!? LOL! Are we thinking of the same restaurant?! I’ve given them two chances and the last time my steak tasted like pee-pee. Now, I’m not saying that anyone took a whiz on my food, but the point is that they could have and I wouldn’t have known the difference! Seriously! If I’m gonna spend that kind of money on a strip steak I’ll drive my lexus up to Louie’s where the choice beef is always cooked to perfection and I can eat it in the comfort of a home-style fireplace room! And my guests and I never have to compete with a noisy bar!
That’s interesting. I’m glad Quintas finally got their act together because the last time I was there I watched an immigrant cook adjust something IN his pants and then go back to the kitchen. I couldn’t enjoy the food because the spanish brother’s were spitting in the face of one of their employees! Seriously!
At Louie’s the management is so courteous and helpful (they open for brunch at 1 pm on Sunday’s) that I always have a wonderful time… as if the amazing food weren’t enough reason to dine at Louie’s!!!
these guys before have the story straight! louie’s is head and shoulders above la qunita outhouse or whatever its called. its like, if quinta is portugal, louie’s is spain. or no… quinta is more like mexico. and louie’s is like the spanish armada coming over to kick the crap out of their bad bad food.
I love louie’s! The Villa Amore rocks!
I love louies too! I hate Quinta!
There are a suspicious number of Louie’s postings on this blog, don’t you think?
Since you bring it up Liz, not really. Especially when you take into account that they are always willing to reserve rooms for large parties and accomadate any customer! They are the FFFull package! Food, Friendly service, and Fabulous atmosphere…
Instead of Quinta, who is the SSSimplest of packages… meaning that they Suck Suck Suck!
Louie’s on the Avenue Everybody! I’ll see you there any Sunday after One PM!
I don’t know much about the pearl river restaurants. But my own experience is that Luoie’s food has always been satisfying and fresh. the food has always been full flavored and cimplementary of their modestly priced wine list.
I went to Quintas Steak House and i didnt try the mussels… maybe ill go back to have those. But i had a hosue special once, shrimp or something, and there was a hair on it. It was just a little one and I picked it off, but it was curly and looked like… welll you know. I dont have to say it. the shrimp was fine but the curly-Q kind of ruined the meal for me. curly-Q-intas thats what my wife and I call it.
happy Eating Rockland County!
Pam,
Very interesting acronyms!
Laura,
I need to go back to Adagio. I’ve only been once.
Ryan,
Pee? Really? This is a food blog….
George,
The brothers are Portuguese. Why does Louie’s open at 1 for brunch?
Al,
How unappetizing.
Laura,
What do you like at Kwan Thai?
My favorite mussels are at Eastchester Fish Gourmet, I think it’s a parsley and wine sauce with lemon zest.
We travel to Newark regularly for the Portugese restaurants and were hoping for Quinta to be of their standards. We did not find this to be the case.
I was disappointed with the Marascada at Quinta. The shrimp were salad size, small mussels, sliced scallops and clams. The green sauce was not as green as usual but I am not sure what the right version is. This was not value for the price.
Others in our party had steaks, they said they were chewy, and pork which was good.
Cappacino is processed not fresh.
We liked the Vinha red wine that we ordered.
The waitress provided excellent service but could have smiled a little.
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