Hungry on move-in day and hoping to cash in on one last meal with your parents? Or are you a parent who wants to ensure your newly minted adult (cue wistful tear) has one last balanced meal before you say goodbye? These local joints close to Westchester colleges and universities are great dining spots to try before the school year starts.
A full-service departing dinner is a great way for parents who made the long trek, schlepping bags and boxes all day, to reward themselves before hitting the road…again.
Iona University: AJ’s Burgers
542 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.235.3009
Just down the street from Iona University and located in the heart of New Rochelle is this Italian-American joint that serves up a whole lot more than burgers. After you move into your dorm, stop by AJ’s with your parents to grab the award-winning shrimp bisque dinner (over linguine) or the #1 chicken sandwich (char-grilled chicken, garlic sautéed broccoli rabe, provolone, and hot cherry peppers on a homemade artisan roll), and don’t miss the mouth-watering chicken parmigiana.
The comfort-food fare is led by Chef Alan Jay Cohen of the eponymous restaurant. Of course, AJ’s has an assortment of burger options, such as the Bacon Mac burger and fresh mozzarella burger, but there’s also seafood, such as Mariano Rivera’s favorite shrimp Positano and Faroe Island salmon. AJ’s is the perfect place to stop by for an elevated dinner with the family and old-school Italian food, plus thick milkshakes. “AJ’s is unique because we cook with passion and love. We serve our customers like we serve our favorite relatives,” says Cohen, who is also the owner and operator.
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Pace University: Dai Sushi
8 Pleasantville Rd, Pleasantville; 914.769.0638
Looking for an upscale Japanese restaurant right down the road from Pace University? Venture no further than Dai Sushi. From the popular Wagyu beef tataki to the Toro Rosa roll (seared toro, mixed greens, fried shallots, and gochujang spicy miso sauce), there’s something delicious for everyone in the whole family who (willingly or not) made the college drop-off trip. Dai Sushi’s menu is extensive, with sashimi and sushi plates, noodle dishes, fried rice, and other sides and specials. Try the yellow mango roll to savor crunchy, spicy yellowtail with tuna, mango, jalapeño, and chili sauce. This sushi spot is the perfect stop for lunch or dinner on move-in day.
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Purchase College & Manhattanville College: Tredici North
578 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase; 914.997.4113
Practically sitting smack in the middle of both Purchase College and Manhattanville’s campus, Tredici NORTH is a four-time Best of Westchester winner that serves classic Italian dishes with a modern spin helmed by Executive Chef Giuseppe Fanelli. For an appetizer, go for the inside-out meatballs, which features a beef, pork, and veal mixture stuffed with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and fontina cheeses, breaded in panko and fried, and topped with house-made crushed plum tomato sauce.
Or try the salmon tartare appetizer to dig into sliced sushi-grade salmon, avocado, minced and charred jalapeno, mustard seeds, soy sauce, and sour cream topped with micro cilantro and finished with wasabi oil. Then, choose among an assortment of pastas and entrees, such as the Kobe beef ravioli with caramelized onions, black truffle, and fontina di Valdosta in browned butter and thyme sauce or traditional veal chop parmigiana. A bit on the pricier side, Tredici North makes sense if you want to dine on a fancy meal with the parents before classes start and the college meal plan kicks in.
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Sarah Lawrence College: The Taco Project
65 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.356.8226
This welcoming little taco cantina at the corner of Pondfield Road and Garden Avenue is an ideal location for Sarah Lawrence College students and their parents to dine before or after moving in this fall. Located 10 minutes from campus in the heart of Bronxville Village, The Taco Project is a welcome stop for handhelds with serious flavor. All tacos here come two to an order and are served on yellow corn tortillas. The menu also features birria, burritos, quesadillas, and even special kids’ meal boxes (if your younger sibling happens to tag along).
Every month, there’s a special limited-time taco or related dish. (For August, it’s poké tuna tostadas.) You can also expect a variety of daily specials. A meal from The Taco Project will be sure to fill you up and be a great start to the school year.
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