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Category:
Published: October 2007
Tosca Grille
Historic Hendrick Hudson Building
200 Broadway
Troy, NY
518.272.3013
I wonder how many of you are aware of the spectacular new restaurant we have right in downtown Troy. The Tosca Grille is located in the beautifully-renovated Hendrick Hudson Building. Proprietor and head chef Larry Schepici took great care in the remodeling of his restaurant. Chef Larry has a truly impressive background. In 2000, Chef Larry brought home the bronze medal for the U.S.A. in the Hotelympia Master Chef Grand Prix. The competition included chefs from all around the world. While he was the executive chef at Sargo's (the restaurant at the Saratoga National Golf Club) Chef Larry earned the restaurant many coveted awards. His awards include Best New Restaurant in Upstate New York NYS by the Restaurant Association, 2002 Perfect Emphatic Four Star Rating by the Times Union, 2003 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine, and he was the recipient of the Four Diamond Award from AAA, which made Sargo's one of only a handful of restaurants in the northeast to enjoy that distinction. I could go on about Chef Larry's honors, but I have limited space.
We can't talk about the Tosca Grille without describing its elegant dcor. Attention has been paid to every detail. From the beautiful window treatments and the Brazilian cherry floors to the walls which are a combination of African mahogany and warm earth tones, the dcor is fabulous. Exquisite Italian hand-blown glass chandeliers, wall sconces, a grand piano, and a mural of a scene from Puccini's famed opera Tosca are all part of this lovely dcor. The intimate bar area, tucked into one corner of the dining room, is perfect for good conversation over a relaxing cocktail.
Our evening of fine dining began with two wonderful appetizers: a pumpkin bisque and a duet of crab and avocado cocktail. The pumpkin bisque was made from organic Cinderella pumpkins harvested from one of several local farms patronized by Chef Larry. The bisque was creamy and seasoned to perfection with an intense yet delicate taste. The duet was also outstanding. The lump crabmeat was fresh, and the avocado, organic beets, tomato concasse, and goat cheese made for a delightful melding of flavors. For our entrees, we decided on crisp black pepper parmesan gnocchi with a Bolognese sauce and seafood bianco. My gnocchi were a true treat. They were light with a superb texture and taste, and took me back to my Nonna's kitchen. The Bolognese sauce was a combination of veal, pork, prosciutto and beef all cooked in a tomato sauce like Nonna used to make. Fresh herbs and spices made this sauce aromatic and delicious. My dinner companion had the seafood bianco, a combination of shrimp, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams and Atlantic fish sauted with garlic, basil, and Roma tomatoes. The seafood mixture was simmered in an herb-scented fish fumet and served over homemade pasta. Everything in the dish was fresh and bursting with flavor. For dessert we devoured a heavenly piece of Grand Marnier flourless chocolate cake with a smooth cup of French press decaffeinated coffee.
Larry Schepici has created something very special with his Tosca Grille. From the exquisite surroundings to the exceptional service and outstanding cuisine, Tosca's Grille is a winner.
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