1. Kittle Krack Pie at Crabtree’s Kittle House
Basically an ode to the delectableness of sugar, this single-serving (as in, we’re not sharing) pie is the perfect amalgam of buttery cookie crust and rich, gooey, sugary filling. The scoop of coconut ice cream on top is just the (figurative) icing on the cake…well, pie.
11 Kittle Rd, Chappaqua, 914.666.8044; www.kittlehouse.com
2. Grilled Pineapple Tacos at Halstead Taqueria
With taco joints trending in the county, we’re big fans of the creative fillings on the specials board at this Harrison spot. Recently, the grilled pineapple tacos surprised us with their caramelized, sweet, not-heavy-and-greasy goodness.
261 Halstead Ave, Harrison, 914.341.1283; www.taqueriahalstead.com
3. Hemingway Daiquiri at The National
For such a simple drink, it’s surprisingly hard to find a daiquiri done right (hint: it shouldn’t be an alcoholic fruit smoothie). At The National, they’re doing Hemingway proud with just five ingredients: light rum, fresh grapefruit and lime juices, maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup.
376 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, 203.861.6851; www.thenational-ct.com
4. White Pizza at Patsy’s Pizzeria
Pretty much every town has a decent white slice, but none can hold a candle to the one at Patsy’s (a transplant of the NYC pizzeria) in New Rochelle. Somehow, dollops of ricotta emerge from the oven so smooth and creamy they seem like clouds about to float away – rich, cheesy clouds.
2 Pelham Rd, New Rochelle, 914.265.2256; www.patsyspizzanewrochelle.com
5. Market Steak with Baby Kale and Pickled Garlic at The Cookery
At this pantheon of pork, it was the steak that won us over in 2016. The cut changes frequently, but it’s always perfectly cooked and supremely flavorful with just enough smoky char from the grill. Plus, the salad of tender baby kale and pickled garlic slices, dressed in bright vinaigrette, is the perfect foil.
39 Chestnut St, Dobbs Ferry, 914.305.2336; www.thecookeryrestaurant.com
Photo credit Andrew Dominick |
6. Chocolate Chip Cookie at Beascakes Bakery
Yes, this cookie came in second in our chocolate chip cookie taste test earlier this year, but our inner chocoholic was addicted. What’s not to love about a cookie that literally oozes melting chocolate with every bite?
575 N Main St, Armonk, 914.303.6000; www.beascakesny.com
Photo Credit AM Studio |
7. Chilean Sea Bass at KOKU
Fish, sourced from top Japanese suppliers, shines at this restaurant and sushi bar. The Chilean sea bass, marinated for 24 hours in delicately sweet saikyo miso is grilled and packed with umami flavor.
454 Main St, Armonk, 914.730.0077; www.kokujapanese.com
8. Käsespätzle at Rothbard Ale + Larder
Okay, it’s not technically Westchester, but it’s worth the drive to Westport for the revamped German food at Rothbard Ale + Larder. Don’t miss the käsespätzle – a skillet of tiny dumplings, coated in a Gouda-gruyere cheese sauce and topped with buttery breadcrumbs. It’s up there with the best mac ‘n’ cheese we’ve ever had.
90 Post Rd E, Wesport, 203.557.9666; www.rothbardct.com
9. Plum & Fennel Salad at Pik Nik
The showstopper at Tarrytown’s new ’cue spot wasn’t the ribs or pulled pork (though both are tasty) – it was this bright summer salad with ripe fruit, refreshing fennel, and tons of fresh herbs. Until stone fruits come back in season, we’ll keep an eye out for other prepared salads behind the counter.
45 Main St, Tarrytown, 914.631.5600
10. Pork Braciole at Carlo’s
When the weather’s cold, we’re heading to Carlo’s for a hearty helping of this nonna-style comfort food. Bathed in a lush tomato sauce, the meat is so tender you barely need a fork.
179 Main St, New Rochelle, 914.336.2458; www.carlosrestaurant.net