Table Hopping with Morris Gut

Amore! 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 Monday, Feb. 14th. Warm things up a bit, make a whole weekend out of it! Restaurants and nightspots throughout Westchester are gearing up to serve 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…FOLLOW CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS AND STAY SAFE!

ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!

Chef-owner Dean Vivolo and his friendly staff are on top of their game. His robust regional Italian cuisine is served out of a restored 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; fresh old-fashioned Meatballs and Sausage; Crostino di Polenta, topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Paglia e Fieno; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Italian Stir-Fry; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; occasional Roasted Porchetta. Good wine list. Sparkling lights evenings. Closed Mondays.  Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199  www.trattoriavivolo.com

COCKTAILS & A VIEW AT LA PICCOLA CASA! 

Thru the years Chef Walter Ricci worked many popular kitchens in greater Westchester including the former Umberto’s in Rye and Giorgio’s in Port Chester. The restaurant is housed in the landmark DeLancey House where author James Fenimore Cooper lived for a time across from scenic Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. Walter will be serving his new updated menu featuring many of his well-known specialties: Italian classics with concentration on the finest ingredients. There’s terrific Baked Clams, Seafood Pasta, and Rack of Lamb. Pastas are terrific, especially with seafood. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Free street parking. Reservations accepted. La Piccola Casa, 410 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. Phone: 914-777-3766.

DINE PARISIENNE-STYLE AT ENCORE BISTRO!

One of my favorite French eateries is bustling Encore Bistro in Larchmont where proprietor David Masliah and Chef Erwin Perez serve such hearty bistro favorites as: delicious Tartin de Tomates, Moules Provencales, a fabulous Salade Parisienne, along with St. Jacques au buerre blance and Steak Frites as a main course. (It’s hard to stay away from their rendition sweetbreads!) Plates du Jour, too. Great French fries here, the real thing! For dessert there are classic versions of Tarte Tatin and Profiteroles. Great deal: there is a 3-course lunch for $19.50 served Monday thru Saturday. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Cozy bar. Encore, 22 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont. 914-833-1661 www.encore-bistro.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)