DINING OUT by Morris Gut
ROMANCE OVER FOOD & WINE ON VALENTINE’S DAY!
The coupling of good food and wine with the sensual is the aphrodisiac of literature and verse through the ages. Pucker up! Valentine’s Day is Friday, Feb. 14th. Warm things up a bit, make a whole weekend out of it! Restaurants and nightspots throughout Westchester are gearing up with some of their most titillating specialties. Here is an eclectic round-up of delectable dishes and dining venues for you and your loved one and don’t forget to reserve early…
GLOBAL COLORFUL AT 512 BISTRO
Marking their 1st. Anniversary, partners Abel & Karla Magana and Jose Arteaga are ready to serve you culinary love from around the world. Their bustling restaurant offers such multi-cultural specialties as Tempura Fish Taquitos, Alaskan Crab Cakes, loaded Vegan Bowl, Broiled Chilean Sea Bass, Tuna Steak and a hefty T-Bone Steak with all the trimmings. Big juicy Burgers too. Colorful art and ceiling fixtures highlight the dining room. Bright and airy. Romantic fireplace room behind dramatic glass doors. Long sparkling bar/lounge area. Friendly staff. Open 7 days. 512 Bistro, 512 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor. Free parking. 914-236-3130 www.512bistro.com
LATIN SPRITS AT EL PRIMO
Dynamic host and co-owner Daniel Cahill along with partners Rory Dolan and Declan Rainsford have created a hotspot focusing on elevated Latin American cuisine. There’s a long sparkling Agave bar and curved banquets and high tops that lead to a semi-private dining room in the rear. Soft colors throughout. Enjoy a curated Agave cocktail flight and such kitchen specialties as beautifully plated Mole Enchiladas, Al Pastor Tacos, Vegan Sabina Quesadilla, and Grilled Shrimp Tostada. Open 7 days from noon to 2 a.m. El Primo, 166B Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-861-0400 www.elprimowp.com
CLASSIC CUTS AT ALEX’S BAR & GRILLE
The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with Mediterranean clay-colored banquets and plush beige curtained windows. Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj offers big cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generously served Northern Italian/Continental fare. Check out such specialties as: decadent Oysters Rockefeller, Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alle Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal Parmigiana, grilled Filet Mignon, NY Sirloin Steak, a hefty Rib Eye, or the Pork Chops. Alex’s Bar & Grille, 577 N. Broadway, N. White Plains. 914-358-1444 www.alex577.com
BIA AMERICAN KITCHEN
One of the most exciting restaurant openings this past year, Simi and Miranda Polozani and their team have been showing off their skills at flashy Bia American Kitchen & Bar at Chappaqua Crossing. Chef William Deluca’s global menu has been surprising all comers including us. Our recent indulgences here included their signature Burrata Burger with baby arugula, roasted peppers, crispy burrata and balsamic, a big bowl of Southwest Chicken Salad with Cajun chicken, mixed greens, corn, red onions, avocado, black beans, roasted peppers, tortilla chips, cheddar and boom boom dressing, and Harissa Steamed Mussels. Delicious and satisfying. I admit I was especially smitten with their classic Grand Marnier Souffle for dessert. Every spoonful fluffy, decadent and delightful. The artsy dramatically designed 220-seat space has two dining rooms, a party/catering area and sweeping contemporary bar and lounge. Bia, 480 North Bedford Road, at Chappaqua Crossing, Chappaqua. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m. 914-855-0123 www.biaamericankitchen.com
SEASHELL BAR AT DIVE OYSTER HOUSE
Proprietor Kenny Neziraj operates a strong kitchen serving a laudable seafood-themed menu. On a cold winter day there is nothing like a bowl of their fresh New England Clam Chowder. A tray of pristine oysters is another good way to start your meal or their baked clams. A whole grilled Branzino was a pleasing recent indulgence. Don’t miss the Mezze Rigatoni with Crab Meat. There’s also a fine Linguine with White Clam Sauce; two-pound Lobsters, Seafood Tower, and delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Lobster Rolls at Burgers, too. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner & Sunday Brunch. Weekday Happy Hours. Dive Oyster House, 1201 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor. 914-236-3911 www.diveoysterhouse.com
MULINO of Westchester
It’s lovely at Mulino of Westchester in White Plains on Valentine’s Day. The fountain garden seen through a giant picture window is beautiful as is the lavish multi-level dining room and bar/lounge. General Manager Gimmy Cavagna and his staff keep the premises spiffy. Artworks, bursting colorful floral displays, the bustling bar. A special menu is served. Don’t miss their dramatic Seafood Tower; Linguine Nere con Coda D’Aragosto Marechiaro, black linguine with baby lobster tails and delicious cheesecake. Open 7 days. Valet parking. Reservations advised. Mulino of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains 914-761-1818 www.mulinosny.com
LA BOCCA
A meal here usually begins with platters from chef/proprietor Tony Spiritoso’ s signature antipasti bar loaded daily with tempting cured imported meats, cheeses and appetizing house made salads. Tony has brought his vintage bright red slicing machine along wherever he has been, and it sits here ready to roll at the antipasto counter. Some consider La Bocca the most authentic Italian kitchen in the area. Seasonal pastas, meats, fish and game. The wine selection is among the best in the county. The dining room is strewn with artistic columns, imported goods and seasonal artifacts. There is a wine room for private events. Open 7 days. Happy Bites Monday thru Friday, 3-6 pm. La Bocca, 8 Church St., White Plains. 914-948-3281 www.laboccaristorante.com
TESORO D’ITALIA
Peter, Mark & Don Lucaj have done a stellar job growing this expansive Italian restaurant. There is an inviting color-tiled bar/lounge area for networking and spirited conversation, and casual dining too. A dramatic wine wall highlights the main dining room. Look for their Black Linguini Pescatore, Chicken Payard, and Chilean Sea Bass. Weekday lunch special noon to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday: $24.95. Happy Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Bar only. Live entertainment Friday evenings. Ample free parking. Tesoro D’Italia, 160 Marble Ave.,Pleasantville. 914-579-2126 www.tesoroditaliany.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
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