First look at Chatterbox Per La Via in Hawthorne, focused on takeout, delivery, catering
Chatterbox, the Pleasantville restaurant known for its lively karaoke, themed brunches and Italian American entrees "with a twist," is (softly) opening its second location Nov. 20 in Hawthorne. A more official opening will take place the first week of December.
According to Joe Pandolfo, who owns the space with his father Joseph and brother, Michael, the focus on the new 35-seat spot is on takeout, delivery, catering and self-serve dining. The name, Chatterbox Per La Via, reflects that as the name means "for the road" in Italian.
"We're at capacity where we are now," he said. "So this made sense."
So what's different?
This is not a sit-down restaurant with wait service and a vibrant nightlife like their other 125-seat space. Instead, the focus is on lunch and items to go. Chatterbox Pleasantville doesn't offer any food delivery apps or services, so this will be a big difference in Hawthorne.
Catering will also be emphasized.
More: New farmhouse-focused restaurant to open in North White Plains with a brewery downstairs
The Pandolfos also want people to feel free to use their space as a hang-out spot to sit with a cup of coffee, a salad and their laptop.
What about the food?
Fans of Chatterbox Pleasantville will recognize a lot of the dishes (think lots of pastas, bacon-wrapped shrimp, antipasti and Salmon Teriyaki), but the emphasis here is on gourmet wedges, wraps, quesadillas and paninis using bread from Terranova Bakery in the Bronx. The eatery will also feature a build-your-own salad option.
There's no alcohol — that's at least six months down the road — but there will be coffee and soft drinks. A more extensive coffee menu will come in six months.
The owners also plan to eventually add breakfast, smoothies and juices.
Anything special to order?
Joe Pandolfo highly recommends the Buona Sera chicken wedge, a chicken cutlet with a trio of Chatterbox housemade sauces: pesto, marinara and vodka sauce, topped with burrata.
What about pizza?
Not yet, but there are plans to add it down the road.
Tell me about the interior
The space, which previously had been Chigo Chinese, has had an overhaul with new flooring, Chatterbox's signature black-and-white decor and a brand new kitchen. They've also renovated the second floor space, which will include a podcast studio and room for meetings.
What else should I know?
Come spring, there will be outdoor dining. The room upstairs is large enough for people to hold meetings and, of course, have their food catered. Six months down the road they plan to expand the hours and add Saturdays.
They also have plans to sell jarred sauces, frozen pizza and semolina-based pasta.
More: How to find the best food in Westchester, Rockland and see what new spots are opening soon
Recognize the TikTok star?
If you're on TikTok, you may recognize Joseph Pandolfo, who's turned his nightly cooking into a popular series complete with his catch phrase "Buona sera e buongiorno a tutti," often with his dog, Chef Bailey, by his side in the kitchen.
If you go
Address: 58 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, 914-495-3511, chatterboxpleasantville.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Pleasantville restaurateurs open second location in Hawthorne NY
