Table Hopping with Morris Gut

Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj has opened the outdoor patio and updated the menu at his restaurant and bar/lounge offering big cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generously served Northern Italian/Continental fare. The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with white tablecloths, colorful deVelleneuve impressionist paintings, and warming sconces. Mediterranean clay-colored banquets and chairs compliment wooden walls and plush beige curtained windows. Out of Chef Nick Deimant’s kitchen come such specialties as: Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alla Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal or Chicken Parmigiana, grilled Filet Mignon, NY Sirloin Steak, a hefty Rib Eye, or Pork Chops. The house made smooth Ricotta Cheesecake is top notch. The bar/lounge bustles. Alex’s Bar & Grille, 577 N. Broadway, White Plains. 914-358-1444 www.alex577.com 

 

Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been drawing patronage from all around for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Enjoy their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some specially priced beverages and small plates loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops. The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café & Bakery next door. Maria, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle. 914-636-0006 www.marianewrochelle.com 

 

Owner/Brewmeister Michael Chiltern brought White Plains its first microbrewery 3 years ago and it’s a good one. He has updated his hours and is now serving his brews and a new menu all afternoon and evening from noon, Tuesday thru Sunday. The open-air backyard has been expanded with extra seating.

 

You’re in good hands on the floor with Christa and the crew. A daily selection of brews is listed on a big colorful blackboard. Comforting new specialties coming out of Chef Melvin’s kitchen include: Birria Tacos, Blazin’ Wings, Hand Cut Free Range Chicken Tenders, a variety of Brew House Burgers, and Slammin’ Sandwiches like the South Paw Philly Cheesesteak. Enjoyed my Passion Wolf IPA there recently.

Wolf & Warrior Brewing, 195A E. Post Road, White Plains. 914-368-8617 www.wolfandwarrior.com

 

La Cremaillere has brought country French dining back to the Bedford/Greenwich border hamlet of Banksville. Venerable La Cremaillere Restaurant, housed in a vintage 1750 house on Bedford-Banksville Road, has reopened and currently  serves dinner only Wednesday-Saturday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m; and Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Executive Chef is Thomas Burke, who had previously worked at Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish locations in Westchester & New York City, Le Bernardin, Manhattan, and The French Laundry in Napa, California. Prix fixe menu options include 2-courses: $85; 3-courses: $95; and 4-courses: $125. A Chef’s Tasting menu: $200. Sunday brunch: 3-courses, $65 per person. Look for such Gallic specialties as: Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Long Island Duck Breast ‘a l’orange’, and Strawberries & Cream Mille-Feuille. La Cremaillere, 46 Bedford-Banksville Road, Banksville. 914-234-9647 www.lacremny.com 

 

(Morris Gut 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)