Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich and Fries at Jill’s

Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Plan Ahead for the Holiday Train Show at NYBG

The glittering thirty-third annual Holiday Train Show is on track from November 16 through January 20, 2025, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It’s been expanded and is a must for the young and the young at heart. Visit www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/  for additional info, times, and advanced tickets. After taking in all that beauty, here are easy-to-reach suggestions:


Holiday Dining at the NYBG — There are two themed dining pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid  A. Haupt Conservatory, the casual Pine Tree Café and the farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. 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 are advised. www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/bar-car-nights/ 


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


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. For more information, visit 914-341-1776. www.jillsbarandrestaurant.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; 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 


Dubrovnik, New Rochelle — Founded by Jerry Tomic, Dubrovnik has become 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, lush seasonal herb garden, and bar/lounge. Talented chefs man the kitchen and they will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic in a flavorful style. Seafood is a specialty. Happy hours. Reservations are suggested: 914-637-3777. Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle. www.dubrovnikny.com 


Tuck’d Away, Tuckahoe — Owner Michael Cuozzo operates a convivial bar & grill a short walk from Tuckahoe Metro North. He has built a loyal following for his kitchen, especially his chicken wings. You can debate about the best chicken wings in Westchester, but no one has it over Tuck’d. Every Wednesday unlimited Wings & Beer are served from 7-9 p.m. for $30 per person. There is a bustling Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm featuring half-off selected cocktails and menu items. Tuck’d Away Bar and Grill, 90 Yonkers Ave., Tuckahoe. Open daily. 914-222-9162. www.tuckedaway90.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)