Fortina

I monitor new restaurant openings, particularly in my county, regularly. FORTINA has been on my radar for months, before it even opened 6 weeks ago.

We were met with a smiling face by co-owner John at promptly 6:30 suggesting we could sit anywhere we liked. At this time, the Friday early-diner crowd was easing in, from parents with kids to older couples.

The first thing that struck us was the decor. Besides the 'modern' barn look, the bar is striking, with a white subway tile backsplash, up-cycled light fixtures, a shelf lined with Campari, and the staple focal point being an Octopus drawing.

The physical menu itself is eco-friendly (a double-sided sheet of paper) and the old-school dish rag napkins give it an old-world charm.

Based on what I just described, it was obvious to me that the Grilled Octopus on Panzarella must be ordered, along with a Negroni. Neither disappointed. The octopus was perfectly tender and blended nicely with the tomato & bread salad. The Negroni also packed punch. On the strong side, served with orange ice, I savored it slowly. I always equate Bitters to being a man's drink, but being used to them all my life, this was probably the best Negroni I've had.

My friend ordered the Bonaparte. Using Tito's Tequila, this drink is definitely a fruity summer drink. Her 'hesitancy' to try octopus led us to try the Fried Meatball appetizer 'just in case'. The meatballs are good, but I will always say mom's are better. Two years ago, you couldn't even get me to eat a meatball out!

Bread is only put on the table if you ask for it- of course, we did. The carb-fest continued by ordering two pastas. With a keen eye, I apparently ordered the only two pastas that are made in-house. My friend favored the Cavatelli, while I favored the Pici. It was a perfect contrast of red sauce vs. white sauce. Both are stellar dishes.

Next up, our pizzas. Still on my 'high' from eating Squash Blossoms and Burrata every chance I got in CA a few weeks ago, the Fiorello was a go. My friend was curious to try the recently-added Lemon Pie. Rob, a second co-owner, sent out a complimentary third, his favorite: The Luigi Bianco.

Let's discuss the LB. It's named after the third co-owner's Christian's best friend and resident chef. Like the rest of the pizzas, it comes out steaming hot from the wood oven. Since it's a white pizza (3 cheeses) drizzled with black truffle oil, we determined you must let it sit for a few minutes allowing the cheese to firm up. Listen to me when I say let it sit though, as this pizza is their signature, their 'home run'.

Dessert consisted of Christian's mother's recipe for Tiramisu and a Cioccolata Densa (a chocolate pudding that needs to be mixed due to the olive oil and salt added).

By this hour, the crowd shifted completely. Most of the crowd becomes Armonk's single women on the prowl. Dressed like they were in the 'meat packing district', it was clear that this 'glorified pizzeria' has become the "IT" place. However, it left me wondering where were the single men?

Speaking of men, besides the food, the detailed attention the staff provides to their customers was surprising. Our handsome waiter, George, that rat bastard, is a 20-year old collegiate providing great laughs while accommodating our needs. Meanwhile, if you have the pleasure of meeting the 6'3" manager, Danny Otto, you are also in good hands. His sharp wit is infectious...and it goes without saying, compliments to Rob, John, and Christian, for opening a business that will make them very successful. You struck ORO!!!

I went for the first time yesterday. I thought the staff was friendly and very attractive. I went with my 23 year old son and he could barely eat because he could not stop looking at the wait staff.

As for the food it was excellent except for the fact that they put parm on the ravioli which made it a bit too salty.

The best part of my experience was that they had my favorite gin which is something rare to find.

All in all I will definitely return for another meal, sans parm.

FIN.

THe food was excellent!  Mozzarella melted on garlic bread..yummm.  THe pizza was really delicious too.  It's quite pricey but not too bad for a nice restaurant other than the pastas.  We went with our kids and it really wasn't kid-friendly at all!  There was nothing appropriate for them on the menu other than pizza.  They wanted Ravioli so we got one plate $18 and asked them to split it into two plates.  It came with 2 ravioli on each plate....and they were SMALL ravioli.  That put me over the edge and I will probably not go there again for anything other than pizza.  I mean seriously, 4 small ravioli for $18 is just not OK....oh and they were cheese, not lobster or anything like that!  Service was very good and the wine selection was nice too.