Table Hopping with Morris Gut:
Where to Enjoy Mardi Gras Reveling
Proprietor Peter Van Cott of The Bayou Restaurant, 580 Gramatan Ave., Mount Vernon, has been serving up the spirited sounds and flavors of Cajun country since 1991, and the place is still funky and enjoyable. So, if you can’t make it to New Orleans, this is the spot to revel to authentic blues and zydeco music while hunkering down to an overstuffed Po’ Boy or such house specialties as: Voodoo Wings, overstuffed Muffulettas, Southern Fried Chicken, Grilled Peppered Catfish, Tender Pork Ribs Smothered in BBQ Sauce, Jazzy Jumpin’ Jambalaya, Alligator Sausage, and Crawfish Tails Smothered in rich Creole Gravy. Their 33rd Annual Mardi Gras Bash will be held on Fat Tuesday featuring live entertainment. Reservations are suggested. Phone: 914-668-2634. www.bayourestaurantny.com
Owner Nick Fusco at Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves a Southern-themed menu that includes such specialties as: Shrimp Po-Boy Sandwich; Fried Green Tomatoes; Cajun Pasta; Shrimp & Grits; and a hearty Pimento Cheeseburger. Look for a swarm of artsy flying birds hanging from the ceiling. Open for dinner at 4 p.m. weekdays; from 2 p.m., Fridays; from 11 a.m., Sat. & Sun. Great Happy Hours 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend brunch. Phone: 914-607-2476. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
Owners Greg & Jon DeMarco and Kevin Campbell of Rye Roadhouse, 12 High Street, Rye, will be marking Fat Tuesday all day. The fun starts with specialty cocktails, authentic New Orleans dishes and traditional Zydeco music. Try their tasty Shrimp Po’ Boy or mixed bowl of Jambalaya with meats and seafood including Andouille sausage and crawfish tails. The sweet potato fries served with remoulade are great. Beads and giveaways are also promised. Reservations a must. Phone: 914-925-2668. www.ryeroadhouse.com
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, 2375 Central Park Ave., Yonkers, is part of a 70-store chain of eateries espousing the delights of southern seafood. There are Crayfish Boils, Po’ Boys. The menu allows you to select your favorite meat, seafood & vegetables and they will prepare a New Orleans-style meal. 914-355-7739 www.hookreel.com
Holy Crab, 32 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves fresh Cajun-style seafood as you would see in New Orleans. It is a long sprawling space with bustling bar/lounge. Open daily 1-9:30 p.m. Check out such specialties as: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Po’ Boys, Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs and Jambalaya Shrimp. Phone: 914-948-3888. www.holycrabny.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)