This Is the Best Food & Drink in Westchester in 2017
Share
 |
||||||||||||||||
New Butcher ShopCampbell Meats What’s so great about whole-animal butchery, you ask? Just stop into Campbell Meats, where the case is full of gorgeous cuts; the charcuterie is made on-site; the staff gives expert advice; and the store is stocked with a thoughtful selection of Hudson Valley products.
Manhattan-Style Dining Experiencetredici NORTH There is the typical Westchester Italian restaurant, and then there’s 68-seat tredici NORTH. Kitchen Casino and Chopped episode-winning Chef Giuseppe Fanelli presents renditions of classic Italian fare, such as “Inside-Out” meatballs (panko-breaded and stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta) and Kobe ravioli with dark chocolate and fontina. The atmosphere is equally as sophisticated (e.g., a stunning onyx wall, a reclaimed terra cotta bar), plus servers wear threads designed by Westchester resident Kenneth Cole.
Peel ’n’ Eat ShrimpHoly Crab Restaurant* If you like getting down and dirty with peel ’n’ eat shrimp, Holy Crab won’t disappoint. It succeeds where others fail — managing the next-to-impossible feat of keeping the spices (three flavor options and five levels of heat, from mild to “go to hell spicy”!) clinging to the shrimp even after peeling. Step it up with a glass of house-made sangria — yum!
RamenRamen Musashi at FujiMart Slurping is allowed at the tiny restaurant space connected to this modest Japanese grocery. Deep, satisfying bowls of ramen, seven types in all, are on offer — the best being the creamy pork-bone broth tonkotsu renditions (shio or shoyu) and the miso with a mix of sautéed veggies and pork. The price is right at $9.75 to $12, but bring the greenbacks, as it’s cash-only.
New RestaurantMediterraneo White Plains has taken another step toward big-time downtown status with the opening of this seafood-heavy Mediterranean restaurant. From the eye-catching exterior (wrapped in blue glass and crisscrossed with beams) and the tri-level interior (with glass-enclosed elevator and modish Italian furniture) to a no-freezer kitchen, Exec Chef Albert DeAngelis has seen to it that an urbane, on-trend dining destination has landed in Westchester’s burgeoning commercial hub.
Food CourtSavor Westchester at The Westchester As part of The Westchester’s just-completed multimillion-dollar makeover, the tired food court has been replaced by Savor Westchester, which features on-trend dining options not available anywhere else in the county, like Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Bluestone Lane (Australian-style coffeehouse), and Hai Street Kitchen (fast-casual Japanese). An outdoor terrace completes the mix.
Addictive AppSpicy Edamame at KOKU The aromatic edamame amped up by shichimi togarashi (a seven-spice seasoning mixture) and topped with Parmesan are truly habit-forming at this Modern Japanese restaurant. Truth be told, KOKU could have just as easily been recognized for its transcendent Saikyo miso black cod starter or the NYC-quality sushi.
Fried ChickenThe Rye Roadhouse Yes, we’re kind of obsessed with the sweet-potato fries at this Cajun/Creole spot tucked away on a back street in Rye. But come Wednesday night (or any night, for that matter), we’re at The Roadhouse for the $10.95 fried-chicken special, featuring four crispy chicken pieces and a duo of Southern sides.
Chicken QuesadillaCity Limits Diner No offense, chicken quesadillas, but you’re boring. City Limits is here to restore your reputation with its blend of smoked chicken, crisp-tender corn kernels, and jalapeño-jack cheese that hits all the right salty, cheesy, spicy notes.
Heineken Light Best Burger AwardCoals Nabbing the title for second time, Coals’ burger with nutty Gruyere, ale-cured duck bacon, and sweet and savory maple-rosemary sauce beat out 28 other restaurants at our annual Burger & Beer Blast in June.
Revamped Farmers’ MarketThe TaSH at Patriot’s Park The formerly lackluster Tarrytown Farmers’ Market has been overhauled and renamed The TaSH (Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow). The verdant Patriot’s Park setting remains the same, but little else does. Alongside 30-plus vendors — everything from organic olive oils to artisan chocolates — there’s a stage for family-friendly performances, panel discussions with local farmers, and charitable incentives, such as the Double Bucks food stamps program, where eligible families receive $40 worth of food for half-price.
Locavorian MarketPurdy’s Farm Shop at Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish A locavore’s paradise, this one-stop market (attached to the notable restaurant) offers an ever-changing, well-edited array of locally sourced meats, fish, produce (gardens are on-site) and prepared foods. The staff suggests complete meals to quickly assemble based on what’s available each day, says farm-shop manager Rocanne Schillman, formerly of Jean-Georges in Manhattan.
Alternative to a PaniniPanuozzi at Lago Ristorante & Wine Bar Panuozzi, a specialty of the Campania region of Italy, may lack the renown of Panini, but this Italian sandwich is also magnifico! Made with charred-at-the-edge pizza dough and stuffed with meats and cheeses (e.g., porchetta and provola or mortadella and fontina), Lago offers their bravissimo version at lunch only.
TeahouseHastings Tea & Coffee Tea sommeliers, a thoughtful selection, and table service in cast-iron pots make this tea lounge with a coffeehouse feel a must-visit for the tea lover. Be sure to sample the fresh alfajores, the yummy South American pastry featuring dulce de leche sandwiched between shortbread cookies, from White Plains-based Rita’s Alfajores.
New Mexican RestaurantBlockheads Somewhere between fast-casual and fine dining lands this affordable (most everything is $15 and under), good-vibe eatery serving tasty San Fran-style Mexican favorites. Blockheads’ comprehensive menu even offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus $5 kids’ meals. You’ll be tempted to fill-up on the tortilla chips and guacamole while you wait, but don’t — leave room for massive burritos (meet the super-veganator!) and $3 frozen margaritas.
Creative Pasta DishesZuppa Restaurant & Lounge Don’t expect tediously traditional pasta dishes like a la vodka or linguine with clam sauce at this modern Italian restaurant located in a renovated newspaper-printing warehouse. Instead, think tagliatelle infused with arugula in a spring-pea rabbit ragout or pea-pod-shaped cortecce with crisped guanciale and ramps. All house-made and varying by season, there’s usually something new and imaginative to try with each return visit.
Chocolate DessertChocolate Torte at Ernie’s Wine Bar + Eats The short dessert list at this dimly lit eclectic eatery varies nightly, with one exception: the chocolate torte. Even non-chocoholics will adore this cake — moist and decadent with a crunchy gingersnap cookie crust, like chocolate mousse but in significantly firmer cake form. There may be a chocolate-related dream (or two) the night’s sleep after eating this wonderful creation.
CaramelsLa Petite Occasion Your taste buds will go on a delicious vacay when biting into one of these locally sourced caramels handmade with the latest delivery of Hudson Valley Fresh cream. Try Montauk Mocha, made with locally roasted espresso and sea salt from Long Island’s East End, or bacon bourbon maple, with booze from the Berkshires. Available online and at farmers’ markets and stores in (and a bit beyond) Westchester.
Pastry HybridThe Dannoli at Pop’s Espresso Bar While the coffee at Pop’s is smooth and robust, the real big attraction at the New Rochelle shop is their famous dannoli. What’s a dannoli, you ask? It’s a glazed doughnut stuffed with cannoli cream and dusted with sugar. Dig into the classic or opt for the Nutella or strawberry versions of the decadent dessert.
Holiday-Themed Candy SelectionSweeets Jaded hearts melt beside this store’s overflowing holiday displays, where European chocolates and Hollywood fudge mingle with must-have novelty items to tempt your inner (or actual) child. From surprise-stuffed cornucopias to Fourth of July sparklers to green marzipan fingers with almond fingernails, don’t be surprised to find yourself buying little gifts for every — or no — occasion.
Dessert PizzaThe Dessertist Okay, so “dessert pizza” is not really pizza but rather a dessert shaped as a pizza — but who would quibble with semantics when we’re talking about a treat this delectable? Pastry Chef Samantha Mittler’s dessert tarts come in fun flavors such as caramel-chocolate sweet cream, s’mores, Oreo and house-made caramel, or their signature, The Munchies, with chocolate-fudge cream, ganache, caramel, pretzels, and potato chips.
Fast-Casual PizzaPizzeria Veloce No pizzas sitting on the countertop to be reheated at this 110-seat DIY pizza-and-salad eatery; instead, there are made-to-order, personalized, 10-inch pies with elevated ingredients (e.g., four-year-old prosciutto di Parma, organic tomatoes from Italy) cooked in two and a half minutes. Pick your dough (classic at $7, whole wheat at $7.50, gluten-free at $8.50), sauce (red, béchamel, basil pesto), and cheese (fresh or shredded mozzarella) — dining out for pizza was never this fun!
Chocolate ÉclairsYorktown Pastry Shop This third-generation German-heritage bakery makes a mean apple strudel, cruller, and crumb bun. But their best pastry is the crisp, buttery éclair, with a shell of airy choux dough, copiously filled with a light, dreamy vanilla pastry cream and glazed on top with rich chocolate.
Use of a DonutKrispy Kreme Bread Pudding at Emma’s Ale House Bread pudding may be delicious, but it’s not the most exciting nouvelle dessert. Comfort-food authority Emma’s found a way to ratchet up its sexiness: Replace the standard bread with Krispy Kreme donuts. Add caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream on top, and this confection morphs into a decadent delight worth skipping your entrée for.
Sandwich ShopMason Sandwich Co. In a sea of Italian combos, Mason’s craft sandwiches like halal-cart-style chicken with yogurt and harissa; fried chicken doused in spicy maple, and shaved beef with pimento cheese and crispy onions, are breaths of fresh air. Better still, nearly everything — including the chips that accompany each sandwich — is made in-house.
Sweet and Savory TreatPeanut Butter Chocolate Pretzels at Posh Pretzels Can’t decide whether to reach for a salty snack or a sweet treat? Just reach for one of Posh Pretzels’ chocolate peanut butter pretzels, and you’ll never face that dilemma again. A firm, crisp, but light pretzel is the unsung hero beneath a thick layer of perfectly mixed peanut butter and chocolate coating. It’s so fresh, so smooth, and so creamy that it will melt in your hands if you hold it too long — just another excuse to eat it (not that you needed one).
New Neighborhood Grocery StoreFoodtown* A&P’s demise in late 2015 left Hastings without a supermarket — until brothers Robin, Bill, and John Estevez stepped in. Owners of other Foodtowns in the region, the trio gutted what had become a dingy and dirty excuse for a food store and transformed it into a bright, inviting, immaculate space. The store’s aesthetics are matched by a genuine interest in their community, and caring yet savvy customer service: Through social media, they respond to customer requests to stock a certain brand, type of shopping cart — even songs to add to the store’s playlist.
SoupsLadle of Love Ladle of Love serves up world-spanning soup-and-sandwich take-out made fresh and small-batch from locally sourced ingredients. Nothing beats their creamy Harvest Celebration soup on a rainy autumn day, or classic chicken & dumpling if you’re feeling under the weather. And if it’s for a friend? They’ll overnight a basket of soup and goodies practically anywhere, ladle included. BOW Food & Drink Continued… |
Readers’ Picks 2017Approximately 18,300 ballots were submitted online in December and January for the 2017 Best of Westchester Readers’ Ballot; 15,102 votes were tallied in the subsequent Food & Drink category elimination rounds in February. The results, your favorites, are listed below: Alfresco Diningbartaco
American RestaurantModerne Barn
AppetizersVillage Social 67 Purchase St, Rye
Asian Restaurant (Not Japanese/Sushi)Haiku Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
BagelsThe Bagel Emporium
Bakery (American)Baked by Susan
Bakery (Italian)Neri’s Bakery
BarbecueSmokehouse Tailgate Grill 320 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck
Bar FoodCoals 131 Parkway Rd, Bronxville
Beer Selection (Restaurant/Bar)Growlers Beer Bistro
Beer Selection (Retail Store)DeCicco & Sons
Birthday CakesRiviera Bakehouse
BistroRed Hat on the River
Bread BakeryThe Kneaded Bread
BreakfastCity Limits Diner
Brewery/DistilleryCaptain Lawrence Brewing Co.
BrunchX2O Xaviars on the Hudson
Burger (Classic)Piper’s Kilt
Burger (Specialty)Westchester Burger Co.
Cheap EatsWalter’s Hot Dogs
ChefPeter Kelly of X2O Xaviars on the Hudson
Chinese TakeoutImperial Wok
Classic French RestaurantLa Panetière
Chocolate Chip CookieBaked by Susan
Chocolate ShopChocolate Chalet
CoffeehouseThe Black Cow Coffee Company 7 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville
Craft Beer PubThe Oath Craft Beer Sanctuary
Craft CocktailsRiverMarket Bar & Kitchen
DeliAnthony’s Deli
DinerCity Limits Diner
DonutsHot Dippity Donuts
Farmers’ MarketPleasantville Farmers’ Market
Fast-Casual Chain*Shake Shack
Fish MarketMount Kisco Seafood
Food TruckWalter’s Hot Dogs
Gourmet SupermarketDeCicco & Sons
Gourmet TakeoutDeCicco & Sons
Greek RestaurantLefteris Gyro
Health Food CaféRocbody Fitness Café
Ice CreamThe Blue Pig
Indian RestaurantChutney Masala
Italian Restaurant (Not A Pizzeria)Fortina
Japanese RestaurantSushi Mike’s
Latino Restaurant (Non-Mexican)Sofrito
Lobster RollThe Tavern at Croton Landing
Mexican Restaurantbartaco
Mojitobartaco
New RestaurantCantina Lobos
Pizza (Counter-Service Pizzeria)Sal’s Pizza
Pizza (Full-Service Restaurant)Frankie and Fanucci’s Wood Oven Pizzeria
Private Dining RoomCrabtree’s Kittle House
ProduceStew Leonard’s
RamenRoc-N-Ramen
Romantic RestaurantX2O Xaviars on the Hudson
SaladsKathleen’s Tea Room
SandwichesRocky’s Millwood Deli
Seafood RestaurantPurdy’s Farmer & the Fish
SlidersThe Tap House
Special-Occasion RestaurantBlue Hill at Stone Barns
SteakhouseBenjamin Steakhouse
SushiSushi Mike’s
TacosThe Taco Project
Tapas/Small PlatesLittle Drunken Chef
Thai RestaurantSambal
Vegetarian-Friendly RestaurantSweet Grass Grill
Waterside DiningRed Hat on the River
Wine MenuCrabtree’s Kittle House
Wine StoreStew Leonard’s Wines of Yonkers |
|||||||||||||||
|
Chris Simpson
Photo by Andre Baranowski
Photo by Ken Gabrielsen
