Small plates equal small holiday waistline

During the holiday season good things not only come in small boxes but also on small plates ”“ thanks to Anthony Goncalves, Westchester”™s sizzling chef of 42 restaurant. He has given me “42” reasons to smile and aspire to be (in my next career) the White Plains, N.Y., Ritz-Carlton hotel elevator operator. What could be better than pulling up to the front door of the glitzy Ritz, having a multitude of car attendants fighting to park your soiled SUV and being personally escorted up to the 42nd floor for great food, extraordinary views of the Manhattan skyline and reasonable prices?

I don”™t know about you but with Thanksgiving right around the corner and more holiday buffets to follow, restaurant 42”™s new small-plate dinner option is a smart choice and just what my health professional would say to order.

“I am excited about introducing small plates at 42,” said Goncalves. “We are responding to patrons who want a fine dining experience but may not have time to sit in our formal dining room each night. And, along with lighter and faster fare comes more manageable prices. We will still continue to offer our full menu but are happy to have the addition of small plates so that diners can experience the great ambiance and food we have come to be known for on a more regular basis.”

Indeed. The items on the small-plates menu are under $20! Thank you Anthony ”“ in a sketchy economy, you”™re my teenage daughters new super hero. We can “dine on the fly” and leave with a few leftover dollars for shopping at The Westchester mall.

However, if you are like me and on the holiday “shed weight and fly” plan, I strongly recommend the tongue twister “basket of bite-sized baby burgers” (trust me, this is not to be confused with a basket of White Castle burgers) or the crab croquette with lemon aioli and pomegranate reduction ”“ both dishes are filling and taste great. Other head spinners include: blistered green peppers with sea salt, tuna sashimi style, chicken in a peanut and red curry sauce, and kona ceviche.

On a recent visit to 42, I asked Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., resident Sally Davis what she thinks about the latest smaller and smarter-style plate trends.

“Many times when I go out to dinner, I order two appetizers or I am looking for a healthy alternative. Sometimes the appetizers are more appealing than the main course. But whether we are in a down economy or booming economy, it is nice to have menu options and I love what 42 is presenting.”

For a lot of business women like Davis and me, when we dine out ”“ less is more and a selection of five artisanal cheeses or a plate of American burrata crostini usually hits the spot, doesn”™t take all night and will not require a tummy tuck the next day.

This holiday season, if you feel like “puttin”™ on the Ritz,” 42 is the answer ”“ small delicious plates you will wear well.

Restaurant 42 is on the 42nd floor of The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton in White Plains, N.Y.

Nancy Dacey of Ridgefield has more than 22 years of experience working in the food service industry. In Dishing It Out, she offers information and suggestions on an array of food-related topics. Reach her at nancyjdacey@msn.com.