Hours: Daily 5:30—10:30 p.m., closed on Monday

To the cheers of fans and foodies, New York Yankees closing pitcher Mariano Rivera opened Mo’s in the heart of Downtown New Rochelle. Rivera, considered by baseball aficionados to be one of the best closers of all time, has partnered with businessman John Fosina and chef Gary Fosina, sons of former Councilman Joe Fosina and community leader Micki Fosina. The menu features steak, chops, sea food and a Panamanian-style steak dish paying tribute to Rivera’s native cuisine.

On entering Mo’s, one walks through a handsome lounge with a well-stocked bar. In the front dining room, a large colorful painting of Rivera in pitching mode catches the eye. Other sports pictures adorn the sage green and dark blue walls. White cloths and navy blue napkins cover the tables. Upholstered banquets invite relaxation.

The hallway leading to the back dining room is lined with photos of current and past Yankees. As one enters that area, a huge salt-water coral reef fish tank with fluorescent-hued fish captures your attention. The back dining room holds the overflow of diners and can be used for private parties.

Rangoli Restaurant, Haute Cuisine of India
615 Main Street
914-235-1306
Hours: Buffet lunch, 7 days 12-3pm; dinner, Sun-Thurs 5-10pm and Fri-Sat 5-11pm

In August Rangoli Restaurant, which had established a strong following in its former location in Pelham, began serving its aromatic haute cuisine of northern and southern India in New Rochelle. In addition to the regular menu, generous luncheon buffets are offered on week days; more elaborate buffets are served on Saturdays and Sundays. Early in 2007, an "executive lunch" will be available. The restaurant also welcomes groups from local service organizations.

One enters the restaurant through a cozy cocktail lounge with cushions, banquettes and stools. A long bamboo-covered bar dominates the room leading to the large dining area, which has open space for dancing and a raised seating area that can be curtained off for privacy. The main front dining room has French doors that open onto Main Street. Indian art decorates the red, brown and saffron-colored walls. Indian music enhances the ambiance.

The proprietors hope to have monthly shows geared to family entertainment, including visiting dance troupes and belly dancing.

DaVinci’s Cafe, Italian Ristorante
22 Division St. (Between Main and Huguenot Streets)
914-235-2464
www.Davincis-cafe.com

Hours: T-Sat.11:30am-10 pm, Sun 3-10 (dinner only)

DaVinci’s Cafe, open since September, serves traditional northern and southern Italian cuisine, including seafood, pastas and a signature chicken dish. Brick oven pizza is a specialty, and bread is baked daily on the premises. The restaurant’s signature dessert is a fresh zeppoli with vanilla ice cream and chocolate nutella. There is a full-service bar with a variety of martinis and frozen drinks and a full cappuccino bar. The restaurant also does catering.

The eating experience is greatly augmented by the handsome decor—etched glass, beautiful wooden crown moldings and inlaid tile floors lovingly crafted by artisans. On entering one is captivated by the ambiance. Glass-paneled doors etched with the visage of Leonardo DaVinci set the mood. The red-walled lounge area is furnished with bar tables and chairs. The bar, with its beautiful granite counter and attractive espresso machine, invites relaxing with a drink.

The pale yellow and wood paneled walls of the dining room are adorned with landscapes of Italy and, not surprisingly, a reproduction of DaVinci’s Mona Lisa. Brass light sconces lend warm ambient light.

There is valet parking on Friday and Saturday. Live entertainment after 9:00 p.m. will begin in December.

Emporio Gelato
Panini and Coffee Bar
452 Main Street
914-740-4381
emporiogelato@optonline.net

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Emporio Gelato is a great place to go for breakfast, lunch dinner or after an early movie (it’s a short walk from New Roc City). It serves a wide selection of freshly-made gelato, sorbets, frappes, smoothies and milk shakes. It also features a coffee bar, panini, crepes—both sweet and savory, soups, pastas and daily entrée specials. The cuisine is primarily Italian with some South American dishes. Pastries, pies and deserts are prepared on the premises. Breakfast includes the chef’s special egg dishes, pancakes and waffles. Gelato cakes for special occasions may be ordered.

Gelato is a delectable frozen confection that is softer and denser than ice cream, but has fewer calories (8% fat). Among the exotic flavors that will be made fresh every few days are: nocciola (hazelnut), stracciatella (chocolate chip), bacio (coffee and hazelnut), giaduia (chocolate and hazelnut), amarena (sour cherry), pistachio, fig, mango, passion fruit and other temptations. There are also some lactose-free and sugar-free offerings.

Owner Mario Padula grew up in Tuscany. His family has been in the restaurant business for 30 years, including 15 years in Pleasantville. The cafe will also provide take-out service and delivery.

Bella Bella
Italian Ristorante & Bar
583 Main Street
914-813-2626

Hours: Mon-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Belle Bella will open at 583 Main Street the end of November, offering traditional Italian cuisine at affordable prices in a family-friendly atmosphere. Pastas are home made. There is a well-stocked bar and wines imported from many countries. A number of price fixed dinners will be available. The chef, trained in Southern Italy and France, has 35 years experience.

Bella Bella will be open for lunch and dinner and Saturday and Sunday morning brunch. The restaurant will do catering and in-house parties as well as take-out service and delivery. Valet parking will be available.

The Gnarly Vine Wine Bar
501 Main Street
914-337-9330

Hours: Mon-Sat 2-12 p.m.; Sun 2 to 10 p.m.

Projected opening: late November or December 2006

The Gnarly Vine will add a note of sophistication to Downtown. The decor will be rustic Tuscan-style with a modern spin. Customers can sample a variety of wines accompanied by light food, such as cheese plates, oysters and clams on the half shell, salads and paninis. Owner Ray Schramm has been in the restaurant business for 23 years in Manhattan, Boston and Pelham.

The Speckled Door
559 Main Street
Projected opening: around St. Patrick’s Day 2007

The Speckled Door, named after a Kinsdale, Ireland inn, will provide the warm camaraderie of a family-friendly neighborhood Irish pub. Hearty pub fare will be offered, including steaks and burgers. Partners Kevin McKenna, who owns Stitch in NYC, and Peter Cunningham—both New Rochelle natives—want their establishment to be a great place to celebrate family events.