Up From the Ashes, Full Moon Trattoria Opens For Business

If you saw what was left of  only a few months ago, you had to wonder if the restaurant would ever return to its spot along Anderson Hill Road in Purchase. 

The restaurant was open only five weeks when an  burned through four floors of the restaurant in January. Much of the restaurant's bar area and entryway were completely destroyed.

But after picking up the pieces and re-building for seven months, Full Moon Trattoria is back to what it does best, bringing fine Italian cuisine to customers in Purchase.

John Gresia, an Eastchester resident and co-owner of , said that while the renovation process was lengthy, the restaurant now has a larger bar and lots of detailed mahogany woodwork. While about half of the restaurant was destroyed in the fire, Gresia said that Full Moon's dining area remained in tact.

Full Moon celebrated its re-opening Wednesday, and with no advertising beyond a sign in front of the restaurant and an announcement on their Facebook page, Gresia said he was surprised at the large turnout.

"We had a great crowd last night," he said. "We're extremely excited and very happy to be here. It was more than we expected."

Full Moon Trattoria's cuisine is modeled on that of its sister location, Full Moon Pizzeria, on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx.

"In the Purchase area, there wasn't anything similar to that," Gresia said. "We wanted to bring the success we've experienced on Arthur Ave. to Westchester."

Along with the restaurant's renovations, Gresia noted some new menu additions and plans to offer a Sunday a la carte breakfast with specialty flatbreads.

"We added a really nice homemade gelato station with about nine different flavors," explained Gresia. "The gelato is made fresh every day by an Italian gentleman. We have the traditional vanilla and chocolate, a popular Nutella flavor, hazelnut and fruito di bosco, which is a wild berry flavor."

Full Moon favorites will remain on the menu, though. The Francesca Pizzette includes baby bella mushrooms, caramelized onions, Taleggio cheese and truffle oil, and the Full Moon Salad features baby greens, grilled shrimp and chicken, Gorgonzola cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, pears and a balsamic vinaigrette.

The restaurant's menu also boasts traditional Italian fare such as eggplant parmigiana and homemade lasagna.

With and in close proximity to the restaurant, Gresia said Full Moon is offering delivery to both colleges and is accepting payment through Purchase's More Dollars student cards.

Full Moon Trattoria is located at 632 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase.