An Italian Treasure in Westchester
Dantes Gourmet Deli Italian Specialties
429 Central Avenue
White Plains NY
(914) 946-3609
Anthony Perrotta has carved out a niche on Central Avenue catering to both the well versed Italian gastronome and the newbie connoisseur. Perrotta took over Dante’s Gourmet Deli in1997, from two families, one of the men having been named Dante. Anthony had plenty of experience growing up in his own family’s food business in Mount Vernon, New York as well as learning the ins and outs of their import/export business in Genoa, Italy.
On my recent visit, Anthony greeted everyone who entered with a vibrant smile and special greeting. He waited on each customer with a warmth that made you feel as if you were a part of his family. After he was done helping the last customer he came over and greeted me and listened intently as I explained my mission. When I finished talking and asked him if he would be amenable to being a part of this new venture he paused and asked me if I had bought and fresh mozzarella. I said I had just bought some slices of fresh smoked mozzarella and the next thing I knew he had wrapped up a whole fresh mozzarella for me and some homemade vinaigrette to drizzle over it. I couldn’t wait to get home. I was already salivating from the sights and smells in the store but now knowing the treat I had in my bag…YUM
Anthony’s recipes for osso buco, delicious soups, arancini and brasciole have been passed down by his grandmother Louisa and his mother-in-law. The dedicated chef wakes up hours before the sun to make his fresh homemade mozzarella and ravioli. He makes his ravioli starting at 3:00am each Saturday morning, churning out about 100 boxes. This process is done in house using a 50 year old Lombi pasta machine. Anthony relies on his touch to gauge when the dough is ready to be put in the machine. That kind of scrutiny can only come from years of experience passed down from generation to generation and when you eat a plate of the dreamy ravioli you feel a part of the family’s heritage.
Among the many hard to find items Dante’s stocks is a delicacy called Burrata which is Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella while the inside is mozzarella and cream. Other eclectic items include Italian seed packets for your home garden, chinotto which is a slightly bittersweet non alcoholic beverage, and orzata syrup imported from Italy. Antony also provides many organic items for his health conscious shoppers.
Dante’s offers hot entrees with dishes like eggplant parmigiana, stuffed mushrooms, paninis and pizza. On any given day at lunch time patrons can be found lined up out the door. There are also cold cases stocked with many types of cheeses and meats which are delivered fresh from Arthur Avenue each morning.
Adding to the old world atmosphere, Anthony often speaks to his loyal customers in their native tongue. Dante’s is an experience you will never forget and you will want to repeat over and over.
Mangi e buon appetito!