Hudson Valley Restaurant Week: Il Sogno
Hi, it’s Doug from Hungry Travels. I was none too happy when I drove past Pacifico a few months ago and saw that it was gone, replaced by a new Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, Il Sogno. Pacifico had lousy parking and was situated on an ugly stretch of Rt. 1, but I’d always liked the Nuevo Latino food and the lively energy of the place (especially after a few mojitos). I knew I would miss it.
Over time, dismay turned to acceptance, and tonight with my friend Jose, I was ready to give Il Sogno a shot. The location’s still awkward (the view is a giant red “Auto Parts” sign), and parking’s probably still an issue on very busy nights (it was fine tonight); inside, the bright, showy colors of Pacifico have been replaced with the more muted tones of Il Sogno.
The atmosphere’s been muted too. Out: Latin music and buzzing bar scene. In: A more sedate dining experience.
We sat down and were brought warm, crusty bread, a zesty eggplant and roasted pepper spread, and these complementary croquettes, hot out of the fryer. We were off to a very good start.
Our server gave us menus and explained the night’s specials, then he started to walk away.
Confused, I asked, “Is there a Restaurant Week menu?”
Almost reluctantly, he handed us both a sheet of paper. “Yes,” he said. “We only give it upon request.”
Weird. How come they’re steering people away from Restaurant Week? I guess they make a lot more money if customers order off the regular menu, but aren’t most people coming in right now specifically for the prix fixe?
I started with a salad of romaine, pears and gorgonzola.
Not the prettiest thing to look at, and a lettuce like arugula would have been more elegant than romaine, but oh well. Still tasted good.
Off the regular menu Jose and I shared this caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella.
It was okay. The balance was off—the mozzarella slices were too thick and too cold. It would have tasted better if they’d brought it to room temperature first.
For my entree, I chose the salmon with sun-dried tomatoes, capers and a white wine mustard sauce. Served with a side of sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes.
Tasty sauce and the salmon was flaky and cooked just right.
Jose ordered one of the night’s specials, chicken stuffed with mozzarella and asparagus.
Notice anything familiar? The sauce and sides looked identical to my dish, like they’d simply substituted chicken in place of salmon. Jose liked it, but it was also $22—kind of pricey.
I love creme brulee, and this certainly didn’t disappoint. Which reminds me, I haven’t made creme brulee in a while—I need to fire up the ‘ol torch again!  Who wants to come over and try some?
Jose ordered off the regular menu for dessert (He wasn’t going for this whole Restaurant Week prix fixe thing) with a chilled sabayon over strawberries. The strawberries had been marinated in a liqueur I think, and there was sweet balsamic lightly drizzled on top. Very delicious.
Il Sogno can’t match Pacifico’s liveliness and mojo, but then again, I don’t think it’s trying to. I can’t say anything wowed me tonight, but it was a good, solid meal with pleasant service. It’s got to be tough opening an Italian restaurant in Westchester where the competition is fierce. Let’s see if Il Sogno can make its mark.
Il Sogno Ristorante
316 Boston Post Rd.
Port Chester, NY
914-937-7200
this place’ll be outta business in 6 months….
We ate here twice in a month and found the food very good both times. I loved the salad, pear, and gorgonzola salad wonderful because the dressing was WONDERFUL which can make or break a salad. We ordered the special both times and was very happy. We will go back.