The Quarry Settles Into New Quarters On Main St. Tuckahoe

Several years ago, soon after Dominic Cesarini took over the original Joe's Quarry Inn on Marbledale Road in Tuckahoe, he went to work adding his own signature to the cozy premises. The tavern menu evolved, eventually sporting a good helping of homestyle Italian dishes with plenty of broccoli rabe to go around.

In a major move, chef/owner Cesarini has now settled into new larger quarters at 106 Main Street in Tuckahoe, a handsomely renovated bi-level 70-seat dining room and bar/lounge that had briefly operated as Thomas Stone.

Cesarini, a local 'grill man' man himself, whose family owned and operated several cafes and grills in the Bronx-Tuckahoe-Eastchester area, has maintained the friendliness he and his staff always evoke. He has also kicked it up a notch with a good mix of reasonably priced American/tavern comfort fare.

From Main St., customers enter the new Quarry Restaurant thru a sparkling bar/lounge area that is always engaged in spirited networking. Flat screen TVs are tuned in to the days' events. Booth and table seating greet you in the dining room. There are artsy exposed pipes and vents on the ceiling. A lovely area rug helps temper the noise level. Handsome brown wood and clay tone walls, warm lighting fixtures and modern sturdy dark brown butcher block-type chairs and tables highlight the floor with large picture windows looking out onto Main. There is another entrance from the rear parking lot. The staff is most friendly, efficient and eager to please and set you at ease right away.

Good finger foods and starters include: crock of onion soup au gratin; Buffalo chicken wings with bleu cheese dressing and celery; chili served with chopped onions and melted cheddar; beer batter onion rings; and fried calamari New England style, sauteed with hot and sweet peppers.

Fresh crisp salads are always on hand and include: Caesar with a variety of optional toppings such as grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, sliced steak or grilled salmon; warm spinach salad; chef salad or their classic Cobb salad; and barbecue chicken salad with black beans, corn, Monterey Jack cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, basil, tortilla strips over lettuce with Ranch dressing. An iceberg wedge salad is on hand too, served with bacon bits and bleu cheese dressing.

Tasty grilled flatbreads have become popular here and can be topped with arugula, caramelized onions and goat cheese, or broccoli rabe, sundried tomatoes and mozzarella.

An eclectic selection of sandwiches and entrees include: great juicy burgers with choice of toppings; roasted half chicken; house made meatloaf; BBQ baby back ribs; broiled or pan-seared salmon; 14 oz. boneless rib eye, or a 16 oz. strip steak; Dominic's homestyle version of chicken giambotta, boneless chicken breast with sausage and potatoes with hot and sweet cherry peppers; and a special Thanksgiving Dinner (served all the time) with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mashed turnips, vegetables and cranberry sauce.

My recent encounter with a hefty double-cut pork chop, a blackboard special one weekend, was terrific. Most main courses come with choice of sides including: baked beans, baked macaroni & cheese, whipped cauliflower, mashed turnips, or potatoes prepared in a variety of styles. Some of the menu's most popular items can be prepared for bulk take out.

Special Hint: During a recent visit I noticed that Cesarini had brought back his popular Lobster Platter served with 1 1/2 lb. lobster, clams, cole slaw and potatoes. Quite a feast for $24.95. The updated wine list is a good complement to your meal with a daily selection available by the glass.

The new Quarry Restaurant remains a safe haven to tuck into and enjoy hearty comforting fare in a lovely new space that is easy on your wallet.

The Quarry Restaurant is now located at 106 Main Street, Tuckahoe. Open 7 days a week from 11 am to midnight for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Main courses at lunch and dinner range from: $7.95 to $24.95. Brunch served from noon to 3 p.m.: from $7.95. Bar/lounge. Cocktails. Full take-out. Local delivery. Major credit cards. Casual dress. Municipal street parking; free parking in the rear parking area. Seating is on a first come first served basis. Larger groups are advised to call ahead. Phone: 914-337-0311. Fax: 914-337-0894.

(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)