It is not uncommon for Skidmore students to venture off-campus for a dinner on Broadway. But this past March a new restaurant opened on the less traveled Beekman Street, and is worth the extra few blocks of effort. At a second seating last Saturday Night, the small Italian restaurant Taverna Novo was buzzing with customers. It seems word has already gotten out—this spot is a fresh Saratoga gem.
The restaurant owner greeted us at the door and welcomed us to our table almost as if we were family. Once at our table, we realized that deciding what to order was not an easy task. Taverna Novo boasts an extensive menu that includes over ten starters, a dozen or so pizzas, another dozen pasta dishes and a handful of entree and secondi plates. After much deliberation, we decided to sample a variety of dishes: Pappardelle alla Bolognese, Risotto Milanese, Astice e Gambero and a Vegetariana pizza.
Through and through, the Pappardelle alla Bolognese was a hit. Although not made on site, the pasta tasted especially fresh. The Bolognese struck a perfect balance of tomato and beef to perfectly dress the dish. Unlike Bolognese dishes from other kitchens, the sauce did not drown the pasta and was not overly watery. The ideal size for one, this plate will leave you satisfied without feeling like you overate. Despite a number of other tempting dishes on the menu, pasta lovers will be satisfied with the Bolognese on every visit.
The kitchen went on to prove itself once again with the impressive Risotto Milanese. In a classic citrus-seafood tango, shrimp and lobster pieces were folded into the lemon buttery rice. The consistency was smooth yet not overdone, and the strong lemon flavor supported the seafood well without overdoing it.
Lastly, the wood fired oven pizza did not disappoint. The thin crust may have made the slices logistically difficult to eat, but the flavorful vegetable medley and fresh basil made the dish well worth the balancing effort. An ideal personal pizza for one or appetizer to share among friends, the Vegetariana pizza is a solid choice that certainly will not leave vegetarians unsatisfied.
Vegetarians, seafood lovers, and pasta enthusiasts will all find something to love at Taverna Novo. Venturing off Broadway may seem like a trek, and it can be hard to work up the motivation to check out a new place when you already know your favorite spots. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you won’t be sorry for making the effort to check this place out. It certainly has all the ingredients to be your new go to.
Courtney Plutte ‘18 contributed to this reporting.