Michael Psilakis is best known for his television appearances, such as on Iron Chef America, and for his prestigious culinary accolades including a Michelin star and multiple James Beard nominations. In Westchester, his fine-dining Irvington restaurant, MP Taverna, is among the county’s best eateries, delivering fresh, high-quality Greek cuisine. But Psilakis’ newest venture is a step away from the glitz and glamor of haute cuisine and celebrity. Open since October, Route B is a fast-casual joint with an emphasis on the busy, modern-day family.“I won a lot of rewards, and I had opened a lot of restaurants, and when my father passed away, I took a step back and tried to really understand what food is about and why I had given so much of my life to it,” says Psilakis. As his career evolved to accommodate a life with family and two kids front and center, Psilakis wanted to open a restaurant that would allow him to prioritize time with loved ones.At Route B, the setup is simple. There’s a breakfast menu with burritos and sandwiches, then a build-your-own lunch and dinner menu with burgers, burritos, bowls, and salads. The driving concept is a customizable combination of flavor profiles, which include Greek, Mexican, Texan, and all-American options. (There are vegan offerings, too.) For example, a traditionally Mexican burrito can be filled with Greek flavors like olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and onion. Or, a white-rice bowl might incorporate spicy Buffalo sauce and Gorgonzola cheese. Prime aged-beef burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches can be done several ways, including with tzatziki sauce and spicy peppers. For kids just beginning to experiment with food, this set up helps to foster creativity and exploration.“Route B is a direct relationship to family life in a modern sort of way,” says Psilakis. “[We wanted] to create something that would satisfy all the different wants and needs of a modern family, using good ingredients.” The organic, hormone- and antibiotic-free Amish chicken is the same one you’ll find at MP Taverna, and the truly luscious Greek yogurt is made from a combination of cow, goat, and sheep’s milk. Topped with honey and crispy seeds, it makes a nice dessert to end a nutritious meal that can fit into any family’s busy schedule.
Route B1 Bridge St, Ste 100
Irvington
914.826.2295
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