Matilde's International Restaurant

Matilde's International Restaurant is situated in the Triangle Shopping Center and commonly has its shades drawn, creating an island of isolation in the otherwise busy plaza.

The interior is well-decorated with various works of art and is brightly lit. The initial feeling of the dining room is similar to a small, simple bistro.

A radio plays low, uncomfortably conflicting with the chatter of the television that hangs above the door to the kitchen.

The menu is very large and filled with familiar Italian dishes, including veal parmigiana and a number of pastas, which are all store-bought. There is a small spattering of Mexican and Columbian selections such as tostones and empanadas scattered throughout the sizeable menu. The selections also includes a "healthy" section.

Our waitress was friendly but it bordered on unprofessional. She spent much of her time either texting or taking advantage of Matilde's free wireless Internet on her laptop which was set up on the corner table.

The tostones appetizer was well prepared and had the satisfying crunch one would expect from the traditional fried plantain dish. They were not overly salted and were complimented well by the garlic and oil dipping sauce that was served in a small saucer on the plate.

The lentil soup that preceded the main course was very well prepared and filling. There was a hint of spice that worked well with the natural flavor of the beans.

Although we ordered chicken and rice soup, we were served chicken and noodle soup because the kitchen had run out of chicken and rice. The chicken and noodle soup was, unlike the lentil, very bland and oily.

The 10-ounce strip steak and fried jumbo shrimp platter was served with small sides of vegetables and wedge-cut French fries. We were not asked for a preference on the temperature of the steak but it was served medium-well. The steak was well-cooked and tender. The unseasoned French fries were completely over-taken by the broccoli and green beans which were soaked in butter.

The fried shrimp that accompanied the steak were very large and not overcooked, maintaining their tenderness. The batter was thin and did not overpower the natural flavor of the shrimp.

The "Tilapia a La Mexicana" was served with a side of Spanish rice and the same vegetables as the steak. The fish was smothered in sautéed bell peppers and onions, with a bright and colorful presentation. The flavor was sweet, with only a slight spice but did little to cover up the muddy taste of the fish.

The dessert menu was very small and somewhat lackluster, with flan being the only homemade option. The waitress even referred to one of the desserts as "a waste."

Overall, Matilde's International Restaurant provides an inconsistent dining experience. Because of the small size and open design of the dining room, conversations can be awkward and uncomfortable. The menu is full of classic dishes from various culinary backgrounds but they are not all executed correctly.

Matilde's International Restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The restaurant is located at 34 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights. For more information, call 914-245-148.