Tasty Summer Destinations in Westchester
- Morris Gut
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Time to plan some summer road trips with good food in mind…
SOUTHERN COMFORT AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR
The rooftop is open. Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, Fried Pickles, Chicken & Waffles, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts, Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Ribs, and a great Pimento Cheeseburger. 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. Great happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Live music jams on Friday & Sunday evenings. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
ADRIATIC FLAVORS AT DUBROVNIK
Founded by Jerry Tomic some 12 years ago, Dubrovnik has evolved into a dynamic Michelin-recognized restaurant. Westchester’s first restaurant devoted to the cuisine of Croatia, a multi-level 85-seat establishment with a lovely seasonal outdoor patio, state of the art temperature-controlled wine cellar, al fresco wood fire rotisserie BBQ, and lush seasonal al fresco garden. Manager Matija will be your guide. Talented chefs man the kitchen and they will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic in flavorful style. Seafood is a specialty. Octopus Salad, Adriatic Cuttlefish Risotto, Whole Mediterranean Branzino, Seafood & Saffron Pasta, Roasted Cornish Hen. Happy hours: 3-6 pm. Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle. 914-637-3777 www.dubrovnikny.com
IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN
Their Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich is a winner. 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 Donohoe’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. Al fresco seating. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com
MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND
Check out the views on the rear enclosed deck. When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca in New Rochelle for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true. Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Ravioli, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. On occasion, Rabbit Cacciatore, too. Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. Woodburning pizza oven. Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com
ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!
Recently cited by Forbes Magazine, 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; Grilled Lamb Chops; Braised Lamb Shanks; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Linguine alle Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. The outdoor patio is now open. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com
INDIAN STREET FOODS AT MUMBAI KATTA
Anita Gawde is a dynamo. At one moment she is greeting entering patrons, the next she disappears into the kitchen, the next she is on the dining room floor touting her menu: the tasty street foods of regional India. Anita and her husband Jayant Gawde are marking their 1st. Anniversary with vibrant specialties plated with pizzazz. We recently feasted on a tasty tour of savory small plates: Samosa Chaat, Sabudana Vada, delectable Chicken Kathi Roll, ending with their delicious Chicken Masala and crispy crusted Shrimp Fry. The Kesar Phirni, their version of rice pudding, was a festive dessert. Anita and her friendly staff will help you through the menu. Mumbai Katta, 227 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 516-953-3265 www.mumbaikatta.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. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)
PPCine provides all-in-one streaming services, so you can watch TV shows, live sports, like cricket and football matches, and much more in a single place.