Expectations are high for The Whitlock (17 Katonah Ave; Katonah; 914.232.8030), a New American restaurant from The Cookery alums Christina and Matt Safarowic, that opened in late September in the space that formerly housed Willy Nick’s. Expect seasonal American fare with an emphasis on local farms and purveyors, such as CM Meats (Dobbs Ferry), Amba Farms (Bedford Hills), Longford’s Ice Cream (Rye), and Yonkers Brewing Co. Starters ($8 to $16) include tater tots with crème fraîche and caviar; everything-bagel deviled eggs; and roasted artichoke dip. Mains ($17–$27, excepting a $49 tomahawk steak) to sample are loaded lasagna (cheddar béchamel, broccoli, bacon, and scallions), chorizo and shrimp burger, and Berkshire pork chop with vinegar-pepper relish. Matt heads up the kitchen, and Christina works the front of house and manages the bar program.
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Ben Pope, a Hong Kong native who studied at the French Culinary Institute and was previously chef at 2 Duck Goose in Brooklyn, debuted Mr. Koo’s Kitchen (100 Main St, Irvington; 914.231.9567) in October. The menu is Contemporary Cantonese, with selections such as hot tea-smoked branzino, crispy egg noodles with sautéed grass-fed beef; and roasted duck leg and breast with Chinese broccoli and star fruit compote. The restaurant takes the space that housed Wolfert’s Roost.
Waterfront seafooder Fin & Brew (5 John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill; 914.788.4555) was scheduled to have opened by press time at Charles Point Marina. CIA alums Jan Michael Anastacio, formerly executive sous chef at Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish, and Ryan Swank, recently chef de cuisine at Cafe No Se at the South Congress Hotel in Austin, are co-chefs. The casual eatery is part of a space that also houses event venue Factoria, River Outpost Brewing by Scott Vaccaro of Captain Lawrence, and entertainment complex Spins Hudson.
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Rooftop dining is a highlight at Freebird Kitchen and Bar (161 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains), serving Southern comfort cuisine and Mason-jar craft cocktails in the space that once held Elements.
New York City-based chain and superfood-smoothie authority Juice Generation has opened at Savor at The Westchester (125 Westchester Ave; White Plains; 212.531.1110 www.juicegeneration.com). Acaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, and vegan-baked goods are on offer, as well.
Pizza Gourmet Trattoria (599 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck) is scheduled to have opened by press time in the space that once housed Massa Coastal.
Turophiles have a new hero in Gayle Martin, owner of Plum Plums Cheese (72 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge; 914.764.1525). Martin has earned the designation Certified Cheese Professional from the American Cheese Society and is one of fewer than 900 CCPs in the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Australia.