“Cuffing season” — that magical time of year when singles semi-purposefully fall into short-term relationships because winter dating is just not a pleasant experience — is firmly in swing and Westchester residents might be looking for cozy, heartwarming ways to spend time with their new belle or beau.
Luckily, the New York Post decreed that a disproportionate number of male online daters specifically name-dropped an Italian-American staple as the cornerstone of a romantic date, making certain Westchester eateries the unofficial dating destinations for thirsty local daters. Here’s where you can score some of the absolute tastiest chicken parms in the county.
Pizzeria La Rosa
12 Russel Ave, New Rochelle; 914.633.0800
Profiled by Rob Petrone on Restaurant Hunter, the classic parm at this New Rochelle pizzeria is big and beautiful. The organic chicken thighs get a 24-hour brine and a light crisp before being absolutely bathed in plenty of not-too-spicy sauce and house-made mozzarella.
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Yorktown Coach Diner
340 Downing Dr, Yorktown Heights; 914.245.2191
Even with veal, eggplant, and shrimp variations, we know who the true parm star is at this northern Westchester diner and restaurant — in fact, the place is famous for it. Served with soup or salad and spaghetti with marinara, with a cozy blanket of creamy mozzarella, this might be one of the closest approximations to how you remember your nonna’s cooking.
Nonna Carola
211 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.899.3130
Speaking of nonna, with a tomato sauce that’s the equivalent of her secret marinara recipe, not to mention the three-cheese blend, stracciatella, and basil that are also featured prominently, this chicken parm is just what’s needed when you’re in the mood for a dose of nostalgia.
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Francesco’s
600 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.946.3359
If you’re looking for full-on, old-school chicken parm in sandwich form, look no further than Francesco’s. We called this White Plains mainstay a “hidden gem,” and we stand by it. Wide, toasted bread and crispy, deep-fried cutlets pair with perfectly gooey mozzarella and a classic sauce that doesn’t need updating (unless you want to try to Fra Diavolo style, that is).
TVB by: Pax Romana
171 E Post Rd, White Plains; 914.831.3303
Another traditional variant, the menu at Pax Romana in White Plains offers up an entrée of the classic parm, which is pounded thin with deliciously crispy edges, then slathered with tomato and both mozzarella and parmigiano cheese. Go for this parm if you’re feeling seriously hungry; not only is the serving substantial, but the order also comes with a choice of soup or salad.
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Fortina
17 Maple Ave, Armonk; 914.273.0900
136 South Ridge St. Rye Brook; 914.937.0900
1086 N. Broadway, Yonkers; 914.358.3595
For this savory parm, Fortina uses a cage-free, bone-in chicken breast that’s pounded thin, fried, covered with the signature marinara sauce and mozzarella, and wood-fired until golden brown and bubbly. It also comes with ziti. The eatery even has the option of a chicken parm sandwich in which the chicken, marina, and mozzarella cheese are layered between two pieces of seasoned garlic bread.
Mount Kisco Diner
252 E Main St, Mount Kisco; 914.666.5676
Known for its gargantuan takes on everything from burgers to shakes (topped with entire cake slices, for scale), this otherwise humble-seeming diner knows how to please. For the classic, get your parm served atop heaps of linguine. In sandwich form, pick one up with house-made marinara on a toasted hero with fries, crispy coleslaw, and a pickle. Or, for the truly adventurous, try The Superman Mario: chicken cutlet, mozzarella cheese, chopped ham and pepperoni, and marinara sauce that is then all wrapped together and deep-fried and served with a side of fries. Otherwise, go for the Superman Sub: breaded chicken, American cheese, mozzarella sticks, bacon, and vodka sauce that is all placed on a toasted hero.
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Related: Hermosa Serves up Latin Fusion Dishes in Westchester
