New in Port Chester: Nessa
That’s the beef carpaccio at Nessa, the new restaurant in Port Chester. It comes with Parmesan and truffle oil. I adored it.
I stopped by Nessa, which opened about six weeks ago, because it sounded like my kind of restaurant. (I wrote about it in my foodnotes column in The Line a couple weeks back.) Two things really made my ears perk: simple small plates done Italian style, and an all-Italian wine list by Jean-Luc Le Dû, the former sommelier at Restaurant Daniel in Manhattan. (If I may paraphrase myself from foodnotes, Le Dû now owns his own shop in Manhattan, Le Dû’s Wines. He does tastings with the staff at Nessa and consults with the Tessitores on the list and sourcing its wines.)
I’m awfully glad he does. I tried three different ones, and they were all new (to me) and intriguing. I don’t have the list in front of me, so I’ll come back at this post and let you know what they were.
The wines come in quartinos, carafes or bottles.
The selection is not overwhelming, but it’s eclectic. Unless you’re very well versed in Italian wines, you’ll need some help. (Though the wine list is very good at offering tasting notes, so you may just want to read and try!)
My friend and I tried two of the bruschettas and one of the tramezzini  or “little sandwiches.”
From front to back and right to left: fig and ricotta with pancetta; white bean and truffle oil; shrimp salad with boston lettuce and red pepper mayo.
Hands down, the fig was my favorite. It really worked. The white bean was pretty good, though the tomatoes were mealy. You don’t need them. The sandwich was nice and spicy (it reminded me a little of the pimento cheese sandwiches of my youth), and I give it snaps for surprising me. I don’t think I’ve had anything quite like it before. Bravo!
We were sitting at the bar, but I got a few pictures of the dining room. (The two are separated only by a line of gauze curtains):
The bar:
I wish Nessa lived near me.
Another carpaccio shot:
I’m going back to try the pasta. Have you been yet? What do you think?
325 N. Main (on the other side of the tracks toward Greenwich), Port Chester. 914-939-0119.
Photo Caption: 2007-0510nessa-6.jpg
I was up at Nessa once, and I can not get the fucilli pasta out of my mind!!! I think they must lace the food with crack, because everything I had that night was amazing, and I was immediately addicted. Adam, the bartender knew exactly the wine taste I was asking for and the wine far exceeded my expectation. Mark, the owner was a gentleman, friendly, and totally open to all my opinions on how to make the restaurant even better (I told him he should put out some bread and olives in oil on the table, or at least some bread and butter, he said he did not originally want to cause people fill up on that stuff, and he wants them to enjoy their entre with salivating desire…which I completely understand and agree with) Very cool guy…I am going back for round two tonight…we’ll see if theres bread on my table this time! Even if there wasnt bread…I don’t care, NESSA is my new instant favorite place to eat!!!
How are the prices?
My boyfriend and I went to Nessa’s last night and the food was amazing.
We started out with 3 different kids of bruschetta and I am still dreaming about the pesto one. My boyfriend doesn’t like to try new things and even he was open to trying things because everything looked so amazing.
I strongly urge you to get the chicken under a brick. That sauce is something that I would like to drink straight.. lol.
Wine and dessert were also amazing but the best part is how hands on the owner was. He greeted us and made sure that our dining experience was fantastic.
Thanks for everything Mark!
Jules,
The prices are fair. The bruchettas are about $3 and the sandwiches $5. I believe the entrees were teens to mid-20s, but I don’t have the menu in front of me.
Cynthia, I”m going to get that chicken next time!
And Jared, what’s in the fusilli? I don’t remember it….
I just went to Nessa for the second time. It was amazing again. The Bruchetta’s were all great! I am a picky and somewhat reluctant eater and don’t try new things often but I just loved the Pesto last time and wanted to taste some others. Again the Pesto was my favorite but the Tomato and white beans was also delicious. I also enjoyed the Artichoke with Brie and I didn’t think I would like brie. We tried three others and they were also very good but the first three were more for my taste. Everything seems to be well thought out and prepared with love. For Entrees my husband ordered the Monkfish and said it was amazing ( I am not a fan of any fish – so I did not try it). Next time he wants to order the Lambchops, I had the Rigatoni Bolognese and it was delicious. I brought the rest home and had it today and it was just as good. We met the chef Brady and he was very nice as well as the owner Mark – who is very cool. Thanks for a wonderful meal- it’s hard to find a restaurant that has everything you’re looking for. Can’t wait to go again – it’s a great night out!
We going tonight… stay tuned !
Mr T. and Mrs. Tessitore the food was/is EXCELLENT! I should of visited last year when you both told me/us you were open. I have travel a bit and have eat out a lot and will say the food is fabulous and I would say comparable in many ways and even better than many NYC eateries! (I don’t say this because we know you, but because the food speaks for itself.) I recommend and have recommended this place to everyone! Go try it out because I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Look forward to see you again in February!
Ciao e Buon Fortuna!
Aldo