Posts in Restaurants
Beer, Booze, + BBQ: Here's What’s Happening at Captain Lawrence Barrel House
Beer, Booze, + BBQ: Here's What’s Happening at Captain Lawrence Barrel House

On the heels of renovating their Elmsford taproom and menu overhaul, then adding a distillery, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company’s expansion continues on the outskirts Downtown Mount Kisco.

Captain Lawrence Barrel House—sure to be dubbed Captain Lawrence Kisco by many—is different from the main brewery in terms of they’re not actually brewing beer or distilling spirits here. “Barrel House” should give away that this satellite version of Captain Lawrence is for barrel storage and aging booze produced by their distillery, Current Spirits. Whiskey, bourbon, single malt, and barrel-rested gin are all on the premises soaking up all those toasted oaky notes as we speak, and soon, giant oak foeders (pronounced food-ers) for aging sour beer will make their way into the back rooms.

And Captain Lawrence Barrel House isn’t just a honey hole for storage and aging, it’s there for your socializing and beer drinking enjoyment.

Visitors can expect 16 draft lines of mostly of Captain Lawrence beer, plus a few reserved for their own hard seltzer and a cider guest tap. Additionally, for non-craft beer nerds, there are three wines, pours and tasting flights of Current Spirits lineup of liquors, and canned cocktails, and mixed drinks like an old fashioned, spicy margarita, and a Moscow Mule.

As far as where to sip on your quaff, you have options. Pull up at the bar, grab a table in the dining room, or head out back where there’s an outdoor biergarten with obligatory picnic tables and string lights.

Once you pick which part of the Barrel House to post up at, pair your pint with some pub grub. Regulars of the main brewery will certainly recognize some of Kisco’s menu put in place by executive chef Forrest Pasternack (formerly of the lauded Bailey’s Backyard in Ridgefield, CT) who took over the reigns shortly after Tim Ocasio’s departure. Tacos, wings, a must-eat LaFrieda blend burger, and a fried chicken sandwich are familiar at both locations.

Read More
Features, RestaurantsAndrew DominickMount Kisco, craft beer, Captain Lawrence Brewing, Current Spirits, Brewery, beer, HomepageComment
Wildly Cakes & Flour Power: 3 Westchester Bakers Open Retail Shops Amidst a Pandemic
Wildly Cakes & Flour Power: 3 Westchester Bakers Open Retail Shops Amidst a Pandemic

Take three bakers. Mix in a pandemic that has us craving carbs and sweets. Sprinkle in some dedicated followers. That’s the recipe for two new bakeries that recently opened in Westchester – Wildly Cakes in Dobbs Ferry and Flour Power in Pelham.

Read More
Restaurants, FeaturesAbbe WichmanBakery, Custom Cakes, Dessert, Cake, Pastries, Pastry Chef, Openings, Dobbs Ferry, Pelham, HomepageComment
Bedford Playhouse Adds Full-Service Café: Not Just Movies and Popcorn
Bedford Playhouse Adds Full-Service Café: Not Just Movies and Popcorn

A trip to the Bedford Playhouse isn’t just about watching the latest Hollywood films while munching on a tub of buttery popcorn and washing it down with a large soda. With the addition of a café, guests can have a sit-down meal or sip on a craft cocktail before or after a movie, or minus the movie altogether.

The brains behind The Playhouse Café’s mostly tapas style menu is food and beverage manager, Gerald Massoud, a former general manager at Fortina.

The idea behind Massoud’s food is snackable, “sociable,” and approachable plates. A couple of healthy, bright salads if you’re keeping it light, beef barley soup and lobster bisque if you need to warm up on a chilly night.

The rest is almost entirely small plates perfect for sharing. There are addictive options like marinated olives, pita bread with house made hummus, and prosciutto with cheese and fruit. All are ideal paired with a glass of wine, pint of craft beer, or a damn fine cocktail that rivals any bar in the area. Currently, the café’s bar has 20 total wines to choose from, available in both a glass and by the bottle, plus, plenty of local beer and a few hard ciders.

Read More
Restaurants, FeaturesAndrew DominickBedford, Bedford Playhouse, Take Out, HomepageComment
GE Brown Re-Opens in Bedford NY
GE Brown Re-Opens in Bedford NY

Strolling through bucolic Bedford, appreciating autumn’s colors, area residents and visitors alike who crave a coffee drink, delicious sandwich and salad choices, or the perfect host/hostess gift, stop at the go-to spot in town — G.E. Brown.

The late summer re-opening was preceded by a five-month closing and, as owner Jennifer Vellano put it, “an overnight pivot to a different model of serving the town and keeping the store alive.” She and her husband James opened G.E. Brown in 2015, bringing with them catering and restaurant expertise. The store quickly became known for its inventive twists — a sensational chicken salad with raisins and nuts, their “Ham it Up” breakfast sandwich on a danish, and soul-satisfying soups like broccoli cheddar. When the pandemic hit the Vellanos “didn’t have the option to close down,” so took the creativity apparent in their food and brought it to the store’s concept.

Read More
RestaurantsAbbe WichmanBedford, Comfort Food, American, Home Delivery, To-Go, HomepageComment
Billy & Pete’s: Elevated Pizzas, Seasonal Cocktails & Delicious Bite-Sized Donuts
Billy & Pete’s: Elevated Pizzas, Seasonal Cocktails & Delicious Bite-Sized Donuts

Taking their mutual love and knowledge of the restaurant industry and bringing it to the area where one of them grew up, Billy Bishop and Peter Smith recently opened Billy & Pete’s Social House. The restaurant’s convivial spirit and contemporary American-themed food (with Italian accents) has already garnered enthusiastic reaction from the Mamaroneck/Larchmont area.

While the duo had to introduce the restaurant with a slightly smaller menu than originally planned, they are already finding an enthusiastic audience for their pizzas, cocktails and the bite-sized, pop in your mouth donuts that are sold on weekends at a window at the side of the restaurant.

Read More
RestaurantsAbbe WichmanMamaroneck, Larchmont, Pizza, Cocktails, Breakfast, Lunch, American, Openings, Doughnuts, Homepage Comment
The Granola Bar Opens "The Taco Bar" at Their Rye Location
The Granola Bar Opens "The Taco Bar" at Their Rye Location

TGB Restaurant Group, owners and operators of The Granola Bar’s five locations proudly announces the launch of their ghost kitchen concept; The Taco Bar. This evening taco and burrito concept opens every night from 5-9pm based out of The Granola Bar of Rye location. Customers can order for pick-up and delivery only via UberEats, GrubHub, or by calling the store directly at 914-709-4229.

Co-owner Julie Mountain continues; “The Taco Bar is such a natural extension of what are doing during the daytime with The Granola Bar and allows us to show versatility and ability to pivot during these times.”

Executive chef Neil Rohricht continues to flex his delicious culinary expertise at The Taco Bar creating a flavorful and easy to navigate menu that appeals to everyone in the family.

You can find The Taco Bar menu at: https://thegranolabarct.com/qr_menu/the-taco-bar/

Read More
RestaurantsStephanie WebsterOpenings, Rye, Tacos, Mexican, Take Out, To-Go, Home Delivery, HomepageComment
CHIGO: Authentic Chinese Made With Healthy Organic Ingredients in Hawthorne NY
CHIGO: Authentic Chinese Made With Healthy Organic Ingredients in Hawthorne NY

On a hot summer’s night… (cue Meatloaf), who wants to cook? The tradition of eating Chinese food on Friday night goes back to my childhood days, so on a recent Friday night it was CHIGO for us. If you are a long time Westchester diner you may remember Tung Sing or South Seas from your youth. There were only a few Chinese-food spots where you could also take out food. Forward a few years (wink wink) and there are a plethora of spots from which to get your dumpling fix, but none that compare to CHIGO. What makes this delivery only spot in Hawthorne different is the quality of the ingredients that make up each delicious dish!

A bit of background before we get to the eats will help you to appreciate the thoughtfulness that has gone into this brand. This is the latest incarnation from the brains behind WUJI - pure fresh Chinese; LULU - classic Chinese healthy ingredients; and CHINA WHITE - homegrown organic Chinese. If you have ever dined at any of these restaurants you understand the high level of service and the superior quality of the food.

Read More
RestaurantsDonna Monaco OlsenChinese, Take Out, Openings, Hawthorne, Lunch, Home Delivery, Homepage Comments
"The Barn" at The Bedford Post Inn: Yep...It's THAT Good
"The Barn" at The Bedford Post Inn: Yep...It's THAT Good

The Barn at Bedford - Just See What Love There are very few meals that truly linger days after I have them. Ohhhh, but when one does, I’m inclined to get out my imaginary megaphone and shout. The Charred Octopus at The Barn has had me positively awestruck. Our very editor here at CTbites asked me, “It was that good?” “Yes, Boss Lady, it was realllllllly good.” As one of three new eateries housed within The Bedford Post Inn, The Barn is in the midst of a fresh start. Again. Chef Roxanne Spruance and her crew had only just taken on the restaurants, and restructured and revived The Barn, just a few months before the pandemic hit, so the June Phase 2 re-opening has given them yet another chance to really open. Chef feels lucky. She says, “Thankfully, despite the timing, we’ve hardly skipped a beat.”

Read More
RestaurantsKristin L. WolfeBedford, Westchester, Openings, American, Homepage, Celebrity ChefComment
Bobo's Café Opens New Location: Baldwin Place Makes Three
Bobo's Café Opens New Location: Baldwin Place Makes Three

In continuing their domination of Northern Westchester, Craig and Glen Bernardi, the two brothers behind Bobo’s Café, opened their third location in Baldwin Place a week before the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to temporarily close their doors. All three cafes are open once again, with an app making contact-free ordering for curbside pickup a snap. You can also meander up to the door and place an order but be forewarned – these joints are hopping.

Baldwin Place joins the original Somers location, and the second one opened last year in Chappaqua, as a go-to spot for great coffee drinks, an elevated café menu, and convivial atmospheres. If they did a reboot of “Cheers” in a café, Bobo’s could be the inspiration.

Read More
RestaurantsAbbe WichmanBreakfast, Lunch, Coffee, Brunch, Comfort Food, Openings, Smoothies, HomepageComment
15 Food Trucks Launch the Westchester Food Truck Association Popping up in CT & NY
15 Food Trucks Launch the Westchester Food Truck Association Popping up in CT & NY

This pandemic has stopped a lot of things. One thing it hasn’t stopped? The ability for a handful of fantastic eateries to take to the streets and roll into your neighborhood in food trucks. And now, they’re living by the “we’re all in this together” mantra we’ve all taken up. As of early March, 15 food trucks formed an alliance for the ages. The Westchester Food Truck Association, composed of diverse, local favorites, will have you wanting to call for a (literal) truckload of their food.

Meet The Trucks: Walter’s Hot Dogs, Gyro Uno, Westchester Burger Co., Longford’s Ice Cream, Put Some Meat on Your Bones, Cibus Latin Fusion, Road Grub Mobile, Pizza Vitale, Leila’s Crepe Station, Sloppie Joe’s, Graziella’s Restaurant, Crazy Taco-Mex, Abeetz Pizza, Poke Motion, Mac’s Meatball Truck

Read More
Features, RestaurantsMaddie PhelpsHome Delivery, Food Truck, Street Food, To-Go, Take OutComment
Westchester Breweries Offering Takeout and Delivery During COVID-19
Westchester Breweries Offering Takeout and Delivery During COVID-19

Much like restaurants that have switched over to takeout and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, breweries have adapted, too.

If your beer stash is dwindling down or if you simply want to keep supporting local beer as you usually would—minus the taproom experience—this list should help you stock your fridge and the breweries will no doubt appreciate the business.

Stay safe and soon enough we’ll be back to nerdy beer conversation and saying, “Cheers!” But in the meantime…

Read More
Restaurants, FeaturesAndrew DominickWestchester, Brewery, craft beer, HomepageComment
Chef David DiBari's The Cookery - Kickin’ Ass Since 2009
Chef David DiBari's The Cookery - Kickin’ Ass Since 2009

On many occasions, you’ll walk into The Cookery (or see it in Instagram stories) and see David Dibari, Chef Sajin Renae, and the crew in the kitchen, experimenting, and making delicious magic as they do. The passion they have for food, good food, and for collective, creative energy emanates each Dibari location (like The Parlor, Eugene’s Diner, Doughnation). But, let’s celebrate The Cookery for a minute, shall we. They’ve just turned 10 and are being celebrated far and wide. And guess what? There’s a lot to celebrate.

Read More
RestaurantsKristin L. WolfeDobbs Ferry, Westchester, Brunch, HomepageComment
Baked by Susan Opens New Retail Location in Croton-on-Hudson March 7th!
Baked by Susan Opens New Retail Location in Croton-on-Hudson March 7th!

Evolve or dissolve is what they say and this family business has done just that – growing and growing and needing more and more space to accommodate their ever expanding line of bakery items. Constantly evolving, Baked by Susan (BbS) prides itself on making handmade old-fashioned baked goods fresh daily, and thanks to more square feet will now be expanding its savory line of goods. The new wide open space at 379 South Riverside in Croton-on-Hudson will be closer to the train station and therefore offering extended hours to accommodate hungry commuters. Join them for a soft opening this week, and a "party like" grand opening on March 7!

Read More
RestaurantsDonna Monaco OlsenOpenings, Bakery, Breakfast, Dessert, Specialty Market, Homepage, Custom Cakes, Cooking Classes, Catering Comment
A Bit Different: The Rare Bit Changes Gears with Southern Soul Food and More
A Bit Different: The Rare Bit Changes Gears with Southern Soul Food and More

Westchester’s dining scene has had its share of buzzworthy restaurant openings in the past few years. The Rare Bit was without a doubt one of the more exciting debuts at the tail end of 2018 with its English gastropub theme and with owners Scott Broccoli and David DiBari behind it.

Forget what you knew about The Rare Bit then because it’s a bit different from what you may recall. DiBari is out as a partner as of mid-2019 and they’ve all but scrapped the idea of being strictly British.

According to Broccoli, it simply wasn’t the right concept for Dobbs Ferry and surrounding towns. “Maybe this works in Manhattan or San Francisco [where Broccoli owns multiple restaurants including Ace’s Bar, The Pub at Ghirardelli Square, and Dobbs Ferry Restaurant],” he says. “I personally like British food, but it’s heavy, and you can’t eat it all the time.”

As for his former partner, Broccoli mentioned there are no hard feelings, it was just a difference of opinion about The Rare Bit’s original concept.

Read More
Features, RestaurantsAndrew DominickDobbs Ferry, Homepage, GastropubComment
Michelin Heralded Maria Restaurant in New Rochelle...One Year Later
Michelin Heralded Maria Restaurant in New Rochelle...One Year Later

The Westchester dining scene has been simmering in New York City’s backyard. A few acclaimed chefs have made their way up the Hudson River, succumbing to high city rents, among other reasons. And residents here have become savvy to good restaurants, and have steadily come to expect the same quality of food and service closer to home.

The 2020 Michelin Guide has now included eight Westchester County eateries on its Bib Gourmand list, which includes Maria in New Rochelle, a hit restaurant that is just over a year old.

Read More
RestaurantsSibylla ChipaziwaNew Rochelle, Westchester, Michelin, Italian, Lunch, Homepage
Chef Eric Korn Brings Elephant Tree Pop-Up Dinners To Westchester County 
Chef Eric Korn Brings Elephant Tree Pop-Up Dinners To Westchester County 

With an opportunity to “stretch his legs and get a little creative,” Chef Eric Korn is bringing Westchester residents his vision of dining out as an experience with his Elephant Tree pop-ups.

Pop-ups have been growing in popularity, allowing chefs to go beyond brick and mortar, cook in a wide array of setting,s and offer diners something a little different each time. The tagline of The Elephant Tree sums it up: “Who wrote the rule that a pop up can’t be a great restaurant?”

Korn, Executive Chef at Monteverde at Oldstone, a wedding and private party venue overlooking the Hudson River, says pop-ups offer chefs “a low barrier to entry” as they don’t need the initial start-up money necessary to open a restaurant. He had done some pop-ups when he was the owner of Good Life Gourmet Catering in Irvington (he went on to own Wolfert’s Roost) and found “from a diner’s perspective a pop-up is less about going to a restaurant than it is about going to a special event.”

Read More
Features, RestaurantsAbbe WichmanPop-Up, HomepageComment
OKO Japanese Inspired Cuisine Opens in Rye
OKO Japanese Inspired Cuisine Opens in Rye

OKO, featuring Japanese inspired cuisine and Nigiri sushi from celebrated chef and Westchester native Chef Brian Lewis, has opened in Rye, New York at 29 Purchase Street (the corner of Locust Avenue.

If you’ve got your finger on the pulse of the Westchester County food scene, there’s a good chance you’re jonesing to eat at OKO. OKO is brought to you by Chef Brian Lewis—fresh off a James Beard semifinalist nomination—a name CT residents are familiar with from his critically acclaimed Westport CT restaurant, The Cottage. At OKO, Lewis is changing things up, as he plans to showcase his passion for Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques. 

Read More
RestaurantsAndrew DominickRye, Westchester, Japanese, Sushi, Cocktails, Lunch, Openings, Celebrity Chef, HomepageComment
Fatt Root Brings Asian Street Food to the Streets of Pleasantville
Fatt Root Brings Asian Street Food to the Streets of Pleasantville

The annual Chili Cook-off returns to Cromwell of Saturday December 7 from 5-8pm. There are CASH prizes for the best batches of chili plus the holiday block party and tree lighting. https://heatherpolke.wufoo.com/forms/q4twnn81ik2fhg

Business Owners of Black Rock is hosting its first annual Holiday Shop & Stroll on Sunday December 8, right before the annual Black Rock Community Council tree lighting. Support local Black Rock businesses while enjoying music, snacks, and drinks.

The Greenwich Holiday Stroll spans a whole weekend and takes place on December 7 & 8. Enjoy fun festivities for the whole family throughout downtown Greenwich, Byram, Cos Cob and Riverside. This year will have over 110 vendors as well as activities like photos with Santa. https://www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com/greenwich-holiday-stroll

Tavern on State presents a Winter Game themed Sunday Supper on December 8. 5 courses with wine pairings costs $85 per person.

Red Bee Honey's Holiday Open House returns on Sunday December 8 from 11am-4pm. Shop Local and Shop Small at Red Bee Honey and pick up your holiday honeys, gift boxes, beeswax candles, soap and many other goodies. Tour a working apiary and meet author and founder, Carla Marina Marchese who will be signing copies of her books. Other local vendors and artists will be there as well with gourmet foods, crafts, and other items. https://www.facebook.com/events/356791105074763/

Half Full’s outdoor Winter Beer Garden is now open! Find it in Mill River Park's Winter Wonderland during the entire month of December with a space double the size of last year! The 203 is also there with a holiday inspired pop-up booth.

On Monday December 9, Buon Appetito Restaurant of Canton invites you to a Steele Wine Dinner. The meal includes 4 courses, dessert, and wine pairings. It costs $75 per person, plux tax and gratuity, and runs from 6:30-8:30pm. https://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/769928

55 Wine Bar, Harry's Wine and Liquor Market, and VIAS Imports present this year's Annual Holiday Wine Dinner on Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm. Enjoy a carefully curated 6 course prix fixe menu paired with delicious wines. Tickets are $75 + tax and gratuity. Limited seating. Call the restaurant to reserve. https://55winebar.com/

On Wednesday December 11, join the Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood for a Halter Ranch Wine Dinner. The five course meal kicks off at 6:30pm and costs $95 plus tax and tip. https://www.facebook.com/marianne.mcnulty.1/posts/10220055082745182

Hartford Flavor Company and Wild Moon Liqueurs are teaming up for a Holiday Mixology Class on Wednesday December 11 from 6-7:30pm. Learn how to make, shake and mix up craft cocktails for the holiday season and beyond. Pizza will be served! Tickets are $40 per person. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-mixology-class-tickets-80300385615

It’s “all about the braise” on Thursday December 12. Ari Long is coming to Wakeman Town Farm to show us how to prepare leg of lamb and seasonal side dishes in time for the holidays. Don’t forget to BYOB! The class is limited to 16 so book your seats early. https://www.wakemantownfarm.org/

On Thursday December 12, attend a Toro Loco Pop Up Dinner Tasting hosted by Popovers Bistro in Simsbury. The event will offer a sneak peek of the soon to open Toro Loco restaurant and will include a three-course family style meal with Mexican & Spanish inspired  tapas. Tickets are $45 per person. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4455941

The State Street Toys for Tots Pub Crawl kicks off at 12pm on Saturday December 14 at Cave a Vin! Enjoy drink specials and free snacks as you make your way to Christopher Martins, Oak Haven, Diesel, and JP Dempsey’s. Tickets are $25 and are available at statestreettoys2019.eventbrite.com.

Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk hosts an Ugly Sweater Christmas Brunch on Saturday December 14. how off your ugliest Christmas sweater to brunch at Valencia and receive a complimentary brunch punch or batido/jugo. Happy Holidays!

Sunday December 15 is Kids Day at Palmers Market in Darien. Stop by between 2 and 4pm for special kid activities including a scavenger hunt, cupcake decorating, a ride on Trevor the talking reindeer, and other fun holiday activities.

Jazz Brunches continue at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art on Sunday December 15. Enjoy a buffet brunch in the Untitled Bistro with live jazz by Charmagne Tripp. Tickets include museum admission, jazz, brunch, and one complimentary bloody mary or mimosa. There are two seatings, one at 10:30am & one at 12:30pm. Tickets are $39; $29 members. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-brunch-charmagne-tripp-tickets-79533449689

The Griswold Inn’s Holiday Bill of Fare has returned! The special seasonal menu features game offerings alongside classic Gris signature dishes. The meal will be served by costumed waitstaff while the Royal Court Singers perform. Call 860-767-1776 to reserve.

Read More
RestaurantsAbbe WichmanAsian, Pleasanville, Street Food, Comfort Food, Lunch, Homepage
Mad Donuts Opens At The Westchester: Worth a Trip to the Mall
Mad Donuts Opens At The Westchester: Worth a Trip to the Mall

If donut heaven exists, it may very well look like MAD Donuts at The Westchester. The décor, outfitted in white (faux) flowers with splashes of color on the wall, photos of such heavenly deities as Anthony Bourdain and Jimi Hendrix, and the neon sign with its message “donuts and chill” – if this isn’t heaven it’s at least an instagrammer’s dream.

Read More
RestaurantsAbbe WichmanDonuts, Doughnuts, The Westchester, Openings, Dessert, Kid Friendly, Bakery, Homepage