Windsor Terrace, the neighborhood between
Park Slope and Kensington, has a lot to offer. But while quiet
streets with pretty homes and friendly neighbors are a few of
its advantages, it is not a destination stop for fine dining.
Nat Natale aims to change that with his recently opened Da Vincenzo,
named in honor of his father.
"There wasn’t an Italian restaurant in the area that looked
special, offered great food and wouldn’t kill anyone at the cash
register," Natale said. The Bay Ridge resident gutted the
corner space on Prospect Park West and Prospect Avenue – once
the home of the Regina Bakery (now located a couple doors down
on Prospect Avenue) – laid amber tiles on the floor, added a
gorgeous wooden bar and lit the room with elegant hanging lamps.
While the weather is warm, Natale opens the glass doors, which
fold back like an accordion and allow breezes to circulate throughout
the 50-seat room. Diners can also opt to eat alfresco at one
of the outdoor tables.
Chef Chris DeDilectis, pictured at left with "Tubettoni
da Vincenzo," offers a menu that is "two thirds northern
Italian and a third southern Italian," says Natale. You’ll
find Chilean sea bass baked in thin slices of potato; swordfish
"Da Vincenzo" sauteed with tomatoes, capers, onions
and olives; and simple pasta preparations like the "Monte
Cristo" – pappardelle (broad, flat noodles) with porcini
mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, pancetta and basil.
For the finale, there’s DeDilectis’ special "banana turtle
cake" – brownie-like layers filled with slices of bananas,
caramel, walnuts and topped with whipped cream.
Windsor Terrace never had it so good.
Da Vincenzo (256 Prospect Park West at Prospect Avenue) accepts
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
Entrees: $14.75-$26. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner Tuesday
through Sunday. Brunch is offered on Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Closed Mondays. For more information, call (718) 369-3590.
