Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Romance Over Food & Wine on Valentine’s Day
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 Friday, Feb. 14. Warm things up a bit, make a whole weekend out of it! Restaurants and nightspots throughout Westchester are gearing up with 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…
A VALENTINE’S SOUFFLE AT BIA — One of the most exciting restaurant openings this past year, Simi and Miranda Polozani and their team have been showing off their skills at flashy Bia American Kitchen & Bar at Chappaqua Crossing. Chef William Deluca’s global menu has been surprising all comers including us. Our recent indulgences here included their signature Burrata Burger with baby arugula, roasted peppers, crispy burrata, and balsamic, a big bowl of Southwest Chicken Salad with Cajun chicken, mixed greens, corn, red onions, avocado, black beans, roasted peppers, tortilla chips, cheddar and boom boom dressing, and Harissa Steamed Mussels. Delicious and satisfying. I admit I was especially smitten with their classic Grand Marnier Souffle for dessert. Every spoonful is fluffy, decadent, and delightful. The artsy dramatically designed 220-seat space has two dining rooms, a party/catering area, and a sweeping contemporary bar and lounge. Bia, 480 North Bedford Road, at Chappaqua Crossing, Chappaqua. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m. 914-855-0123 www.biaamericankitchen.com
TECHNICOLOR LOVE AT JILL’S — 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 Truffle Parm Fries, Chili Roasted Cauliflower, 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. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com
LOVE AT THE DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO — Chef/owner Dean Vivolo’s new winter menu includes a wonderful Paglia e Fieno con Funghi. The Linguine Vongole is not to be missed. Chef Vivolo’s robust regional Italian cuisine is served out of a restored vintage diner just across from Harrison’s Metro-North station and the new Avalon complex. 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 with shrimp or mushrooms; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; or traditional Baccala. Great staff. Good wine list. Sparkling lights. Closed Mondays. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com
SHARE A BURRATA PIZZA AT JACK’S — Owner Shane Clifford and his staff serve an enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohue’s kitchen include a refreshing Lobster Cobb Salad, tasty Chargrilled Octopus, decadent 6-hour braised Short Ribs, Lobster Mac N’ Cheese, a notable Burrata pizza out of their woodfired oven, Non-Traditional Cod & Chips, and Wagyu Sliders. Weekend brunch. Open daily. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com
A SOUTHERN VALENTINE AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN — Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, and crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Ribs, Chicken & Waffles, too. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Great happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6 p.m.; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Live music schedule. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com