Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Sparkling Holiday Dining & Events
The 5th annual New Rochelle Holiday Market 2025 at New Roc City, 29 LeCount Place, will run Nov. 28 through Dec.14th., 4-8 pm weekdays, and 12-8 pm weekends. There are holiday vendors and fun for all. For info: www.newrochelleny.gov/1842/NRNY-Holiday-Market
The White Plains Holiday Market brought to us by White Plains BID, returns December 6th through the 17th with 40 regional craft and food vendors. It takes place on Court St. between Main & Martine St. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday; to 7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. For info: https://wpbid.com/events/holiday-market/
If all this makes you hungry, here are some nearby dining suggestions for everyone in the family…
ALEX’S BAR & GRILLE, NORTH WHITE PLAINS
The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with Mediterranean clay-colored banquets and plush beige curtained windows. Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj offers big cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generously served Northern Italian/Continental fare. Check out such specialties as: Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alle Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal Parmigiana, grilled Filet Mignon, NY Sirloin Steak, a hefty Rib Eye, or the Pork Chops. Alex’s Bar & Grille, 577 N. Broadway, N. White Plains. 914-358-1444 www.alex577.com
BEECHMONT TAVERN, NEW ROCHELLE
I like vintage pubs and taverns. I recently got back to the Beechmont Tavern, across from IONA University in New Rochelle. It has been around since 1928, they say, and proprietor Rob Hayes keeps the place warm and buzzing. We ordered their popular traditional chicken wings, a Gael burger and fries, and a summery goat cheese and pear salad. We shared. All were great. A special shout out to the staff. They were friendly and on the spot. We will be back. Beechmont Tavern, 750 North Ave., New Rochelle. Open 7 days. 914-636-9533 www.beechmonttavern.com
TRATTORIA VIVOLO, HARRISON
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; Linguini Nere with bay scallops; Grilled Lamb Chops; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Spaghetti a la Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. Seasonal outdoor patio. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com
JACK’S BAR & RESTAURANT, EASTCHESTER
Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew serve delicious finger foods and generously plated specialties. Chef/partner Brandan Donohoe’s modern Irish American kitchen come great burgers, decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese, crusty pizzas out of their woodfired oven; freshly made salads; Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich; Berkshire Pork Chops; Jack’s Lamb Shank. Their full Irish Breakfast at brunch is a winner. Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert is a must! The same group own Jill’s in Mamaroneck. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.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; Linguine alle Vongole; 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
(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)