By Karen Talbot

Nov. 23, 2016:  Having recently celebrated nine years in Bronxville, Sammy's continues to thrive and seems a bistro of choice in our town. Unlike crosstown sister restaurant Rosie's, which specializes in Italian fare, Sammy's serves American continental cuisine expertly prepared with plenty of menu options.

Dean Rancanelli, who is also the executive chef, and co-owner Marco Lojano have a real winner on their hands. You enter into a nice wood bar room with a few tables and chairs and then go up a couple of steps into the main dining room.  

The yellow walls, adorned with risqué paintings, a tiled floor, and wood tables and chairs make for a pleasant dining experience. This is exactly what my husband and I and a good friend enjoyed the other night.  

Warm Italian bread, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, was brought over to our table when we sat down. The appetizers we chose were each excellent: 

• Octopus "Portuguese":  A succulent and tender display of herb-grilled octopus over mixed greens dressed in porcini oil with crispy julienned potato on top. 

• Aubergine Bouree:  Deliciously layered eggplant stuffed with a four-cheese medley in a divine tomato cream sauce with herb drizzle.

• Arugula & Pear Salad:  Fresh and tasty with goat cheese, pecans, and slivered dates. 

The main courses we selected: 

• Blanquette de Veau:  Tender braised veal simmered with carrots, baby peas, and button mushrooms in a natural juice gravy, served with the best mashed potatoes and spinach. 

• Short Rib Stew: Also succulent and tender, served with mashed potatoes and spinach. 

• Veal Samantha:  "Milanese" style, with caramelized shallots and nice chunks of caprese (tomato and mozzarella) on top--a dish that we will definitely order again. 

For dessert, we ordered tiramisu, an Italian favorite, made of mascarpone cream and chocolate shavings. 

Besides the standard main menu, which is extensive, a special appetizer, pasta, and meat are served daily.  

Hours of operation

Lunch:  Mon. – Sat. 11:30 am to 3:30 pm; Sun. noon to 3:00 pm
Dinner:  Mon. – Thurs. 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Fri. and Sat. 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Sun. 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  

Pictured here:  Interior of Sammy's Downtown.

Photo courtesy the owners