We went to the Tarrytown Music Hall last night. We always went to Chiboust when we verntured down to the Music Hall but, sadly, that is gone. Last night we opted for Bistro 12 which is right across the street from the theater. I wasn’t expecting much, we really chose it because we wanted to be close since time would be tight on a Friday night, and we did not want to go to Sweet Grass again. The place, billing itself as Portuguese and Italian, is tiny, and last night they had a few big groups so tables for 2 were scarce. We had a reservation - good thing because this place was turning people away. Bistro 12 does not try to be hip or today or trendy., and despite the fact that the place was full, it was quiet and relaxing. It is family run and the food is really good. The two owners - I suspect they are brothers- take all the orders. Very friendly and attentive. The first bite I had was the amazing bread. It was crusty with soft airy bread inside and served warm with soft butter on the side. I could have made a meal out of that bread. There was also oil on the table, but I can’t resist soft butter! DH had the fried calamari app served with a delicious, slightly spicy marinara sauce that he was still eating after all the perfectly fried calamari were gone. They were light and fried to golden perfection. DH had tender, flavorful veal scallopini with shitake and porcini’s in a madeira sauce. Very good. I opted for the chicken Francese which was light and lemony. I find that many places don’t get the batter quite right on that dish but this was great. Of course, I added parm!! The julienned squash and carrots with garlic accompanied both dishes and these were lacking seasoning.
All in all, the food was terrific, the service friendly an attentive. Would I make a special trip to Tarrytown to eat there, no. But we’re going back to the Music Hall next month and we made the reservation last night.
