DINING OUT with Morris Gut
The glittering 33RD annual Holiday Train Show is on track through January 20TH, 2025, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It’s been expanded, and a must for the young and the young at heart. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and displays. For additional info, times, and advanced tickets: www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/ After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are easy-to-reach suggestions before or after…
HOLIDAY DINING AT NYBG!
There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/ . Check out the website for special Glow Nights and Bar Car Nights featuring curated food & cocktails. Advanced tickets and reservations advised.
ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, CITY ISLAND
Owner Spiros Chagares and his staff offer patrons a tempting mix of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Cold Seafood Salad for two; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Big combo platters. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and Grilled Mediterranean Pizzas. Craft beers. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Private party facilities. Open 7 days. Free parking. Artie’s, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718-885-9885 www.artiescityisland.com
MARIO’S IN NEARBY LITTLE ITALY
Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable ‘Little Italy’ institution. The amiable Regina Migliucci is at the helm. Great appetizers include Hot Antipasto Platter for 2; and Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Move on to such entrees as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt. Vesuvious; or the traditional Chicken Parm. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-584-1188 www.mariosarthurave.org
JILL’S BAR & RESTAURANT, MAMARONECK
Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, have premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. There’s also Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Surf & Turf Tacos. Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com
JACK’S BAR & RESTAURANT, EASTCHESTER
Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. Jack’s offers an enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohue’s kitchen include decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Guinness braised Short Ribs; Woodfired Pizzas and big juicy Burgers. Check out their decadent Grilled Cheese Menu. The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com
TORCELLO RISTORANTE, LARCHMONT
Imer Rraci and his veteran team reimagined the former La Riserva into a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, this kitchen turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Linguine alle Vongole; Veal Chop Parmigiana; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci had spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Happy hours Wed. through Fri. 3:30-6 pm. Outdoor patio. Free parking. Torcello, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www.torcellolarchmont.com
TRATTORIA VIVOLO, HARRISON
Recently cited by Forbes Magazine as a top spot, Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Linguini Nere with bay scallops; Grilled Lamb Chops; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Spaghetti a la Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. Seasonal outdoor patio. Free parking. Closed Mondays. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com
FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR, WHITE PLAINS
Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & Grits and Braised Short Ribs. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
DIVE OYSTER HOUSE, BRIARCLIFF MANOR
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. There’s also a soothing Lobster Bisque, both served with traditional chips. A tray of pristine oysters is another good way to start your meal, or perhaps share a shellfish platter. A whole grilled Branzino was a pleasing recent indulgence. There’s also a fine Linguine with White Clam Sauce; two-pound Lobsters, Seafood Tower, and delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Lobster Rolls, 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
(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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