Lunch — Blog — Not NYC Bites

Billy & Pete’s: Elevated Pizzas, Seasonal Cocktails & Delicious Bite-Sized Donuts

Taking their mutual love and knowledge of the restaurant industry and bringing it to the area where one of them grew up, Billy Bishop and Peter Smith recently opened Billy & Pete’s Social House. The restaurant’s convivial spirit and contemporary American-themed food (with Italian accents) has already garnered enthusiastic reaction from the Mamaroneck/Larchmont area.

While the duo had to introduce the restaurant with a slightly smaller menu than originally planned, they are already finding an enthusiastic audience for their pizzas, cocktails and the bite-sized, pop in your mouth donuts that are sold on weekends at a window at the side of the restaurant.

RestaurantsAbbe WichmanSeptember 25, 2020Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Pizza, Cocktails, Breakfast, Lunch, American, Openings, Doughnuts, Homepage Comment

CHIGO: Authentic Chinese Made With Healthy Organic Ingredients in Hawthorne NY

On a hot summer’s night… (cue Meatloaf), who wants to cook? The tradition of eating Chinese food on Friday night goes back to my childhood days, so on a recent Friday night it was CHIGO for us. If you are a long time Westchester diner you may remember Tung Sing or South Seas from your youth. There were only a few Chinese-food spots where you could also take out food. Forward a few years (wink wink) and there are a plethora of spots from which to get your dumpling fix, but none that compare to CHIGO. What makes this delivery only spot in Hawthorne different is the quality of the ingredients that make up each delicious dish!

A bit of background before we get to the eats will help you to appreciate the thoughtfulness that has gone into this brand. This is the latest incarnation from the brains behind WUJI - pure fresh Chinese; LULU - classic Chinese healthy ingredients; and CHINA WHITE - homegrown organic Chinese. If you have ever dined at any of these restaurants you understand the high level of service and the superior quality of the food.

RestaurantsDonna Monaco OlsenAugust 31, 2020Chinese, Take Out, Openings, Hawthorne, Lunch, Home Delivery, Homepage Comments

Bobo's Café Opens New Location: Baldwin Place Makes Three

In continuing their domination of Northern Westchester, Craig and Glen Bernardi, the two brothers behind Bobo’s Café, opened their third location in Baldwin Place a week before the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to temporarily close their doors. All three cafes are open once again, with an app making contact-free ordering for curbside pickup a snap. You can also meander up to the door and place an order but be forewarned – these joints are hopping.

Baldwin Place joins the original Somers location, and the second one opened last year in Chappaqua, as a go-to spot for great coffee drinks, an elevated café menu, and convivial atmospheres. If they did a reboot of “Cheers” in a café, Bobo’s could be the inspiration.

RestaurantsAbbe WichmanJuly 18, 2020Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee, Brunch, Comfort Food, Openings, Smoothies, HomepageComment

Jay Street Cafe in Katonah Relaunches, Giving The People What They Want

RestaurantsAbbe WichmanMarch 10, 2020Katonah, Diner, Breakfast, Lunch, Comfort Food, Brunch, KidComment

Michelin Heralded Maria Restaurant in New Rochelle...One Year Later

The Westchester dining scene has been simmering in New York City’s backyard. A few acclaimed chefs have made their way up the Hudson River, succumbing to high city rents, among other reasons. And residents here have become savvy to good restaurants, and have steadily come to expect the same quality of food and service closer to home.

The 2020 Michelin Guide has now included eight Westchester County eateries on its Bib Gourmand list, which includes Maria in New Rochelle, a hit restaurant that is just over a year old.

RestaurantsSibylla ChipaziwaFebruary 23, 2020New Rochelle, Westchester, Michelin, Italian, Lunch, Homepage

OKO Japanese Inspired Cuisine Opens in Rye

OKO, featuring Japanese inspired cuisine and Nigiri sushi from celebrated chef and Westchester native Chef Brian Lewis, has opened in Rye, New York at 29 Purchase Street (the corner of Locust Avenue.

If you’ve got your finger on the pulse of the Westchester County food scene, there’s a good chance you’re jonesing to eat at OKO. OKO is brought to you by Chef Brian Lewis—fresh off a James Beard semifinalist nomination—a name CT residents are familiar with from his critically acclaimed Westport CT restaurant, The Cottage. At OKO, Lewis is changing things up, as he plans to showcase his passion for Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques.

RestaurantsAndrew DominickJanuary 3, 2020Rye, Westchester, Japanese, Sushi, Cocktails, Lunch, Openings, Celebrity Chef, HomepageComment

Fatt Root Brings Asian Street Food to the Streets of Pleasantville

The annual Chili Cook-off returns to Cromwell of Saturday December 7 from 5-8pm. There are CASH prizes for the best batches of chili plus the holiday block party and tree lighting. https://heatherpolke.wufoo.com/forms/q4twnn81ik2fhg

Business Owners of Black Rock is hosting its first annual Holiday Shop & Stroll on Sunday December 8, right before the annual Black Rock Community Council tree lighting. Support local Black Rock businesses while enjoying music, snacks, and drinks.

The Greenwich Holiday Stroll spans a whole weekend and takes place on December 7 & 8. Enjoy fun festivities for the whole family throughout downtown Greenwich, Byram, Cos Cob and Riverside. This year will have over 110 vendors as well as activities like photos with Santa. https://www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com/greenwich-holiday-stroll

Tavern on State presents a Winter Game themed Sunday Supper on December 8. 5 courses with wine pairings costs $85 per person.

Red Bee Honey's Holiday Open House returns on Sunday December 8 from 11am-4pm. Shop Local and Shop Small at Red Bee Honey and pick up your holiday honeys, gift boxes, beeswax candles, soap and many other goodies. Tour a working apiary and meet author and founder, Carla Marina Marchese who will be signing copies of her books. Other local vendors and artists will be there as well with gourmet foods, crafts, and other items. https://www.facebook.com/events/356791105074763/

Half Full’s outdoor Winter Beer Garden is now open! Find it in Mill River Park's Winter Wonderland during the entire month of December with a space double the size of last year! The 203 is also there with a holiday inspired pop-up booth.

On Monday December 9, Buon Appetito Restaurant of Canton invites you to a Steele Wine Dinner. The meal includes 4 courses, dessert, and wine pairings. It costs $75 per person, plux tax and gratuity, and runs from 6:30-8:30pm. https://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/769928

55 Wine Bar, Harry's Wine and Liquor Market, and VIAS Imports present this year's Annual Holiday Wine Dinner on Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm. Enjoy a carefully curated 6 course prix fixe menu paired with delicious wines. Tickets are $75 + tax and gratuity. Limited seating. Call the restaurant to reserve. https://55winebar.com/

On Wednesday December 11, join the Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood for a Halter Ranch Wine Dinner. The five course meal kicks off at 6:30pm and costs $95 plus tax and tip. https://www.facebook.com/marianne.mcnulty.1/posts/10220055082745182

Hartford Flavor Company and Wild Moon Liqueurs are teaming up for a Holiday Mixology Class on Wednesday December 11 from 6-7:30pm. Learn how to make, shake and mix up craft cocktails for the holiday season and beyond. Pizza will be served! Tickets are $40 per person. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-mixology-class-tickets-80300385615

It’s “all about the braise” on Thursday December 12. Ari Long is coming to Wakeman Town Farm to show us how to prepare leg of lamb and seasonal side dishes in time for the holidays. Don’t forget to BYOB! The class is limited to 16 so book your seats early. https://www.wakemantownfarm.org/

On Thursday December 12, attend a Toro Loco Pop Up Dinner Tasting hosted by Popovers Bistro in Simsbury. The event will offer a sneak peek of the soon to open Toro Loco restaurant and will include a three-course family style meal with Mexican & Spanish inspired tapas. Tickets are $45 per person. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4455941

The State Street Toys for Tots Pub Crawl kicks off at 12pm on Saturday December 14 at Cave a Vin! Enjoy drink specials and free snacks as you make your way to Christopher Martins, Oak Haven, Diesel, and JP Dempsey’s. Tickets are $25 and are available at statestreettoys2019.eventbrite.com.

Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk hosts an Ugly Sweater Christmas Brunch on Saturday December 14. how off your ugliest Christmas sweater to brunch at Valencia and receive a complimentary brunch punch or batido/jugo. Happy Holidays!

Sunday December 15 is Kids Day at Palmers Market in Darien. Stop by between 2 and 4pm for special kid activities including a scavenger hunt, cupcake decorating, a ride on Trevor the talking reindeer, and other fun holiday activities.

Jazz Brunches continue at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art on Sunday December 15. Enjoy a buffet brunch in the Untitled Bistro with live jazz by Charmagne Tripp. Tickets include museum admission, jazz, brunch, and one complimentary bloody mary or mimosa. There are two seatings, one at 10:30am & one at 12:30pm. Tickets are $39; $29 members. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-brunch-charmagne-tripp-tickets-79533449689

The Griswold Inn’s Holiday Bill of Fare has returned! The special seasonal menu features game offerings alongside classic Gris signature dishes. The meal will be served by costumed waitstaff while the Royal Court Singers perform. Call 860-767-1776 to reserve.

RestaurantsAbbe WichmanJanuary 3, 2020Asian, Pleasanville, Street Food, Comfort Food, Lunch, Homepage

Souvlaki Truck: A Greek Roadside Gem in Yonkers NY

Whenever I think of Greek food, I imagine classic diner souvlaki and gyro platters. The dishes are usually listed in the bottom corner of the menu, under Italian specialties, almost like a side note. To be honest, I feel like the recipes are usually treated that way, too, although at 2 a.m. you won’t catch me hating.

But the Souvlaki Truck that's been parked on the side of busy Central Park Avenue in Yonkers since 2013, and its restaurant base Niko’s Taverna up the street, are very clear about making these Mediterranean specialties the star of the show.

RestaurantsJennifer TurianoDecember 16, 2019Greek, Food Truck, Yonkers, To-Go, Lunch, Comfort Food