Table Hopping with Morris Gut

The culinary landscape in greater Westchester is blossoming again! Like planting seeds in the garden, restaurants are sprouting, spreading their wings. Expansions and new openings are on the hot burner. Here is some of latest grapevine…

TORCELLO OPENS IN LARCHMONT – Imer Rraci and his veteran team have reimagined the former La Riserva, a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, Chef Avni turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Eggplant Rollatini; Rigatoni Bolognese in a meat sauce; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Veal Martini; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci has spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 4 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Free parking. Torchello Ristorante, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www.torcellolarchmont.com 

ONE RARE STEAKHOUSE OPENS IN SCARSDALE – Veteran restaurateur Harry Sinanaj of Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse in Manhattan has opened Westchester’s newest upscale bastion of beef at the former Zachy’s Wine Shop space right in the Village of Scarsdale. A stellar ribbon cutting ceremony was held on February 7th. The team at this handsomely designed 120-seat restaurant with sparkling bar will lavish you. From Chef Admir’s kitchen come such specialties as: a daily selection of East or West Coast Oysters, Wedge Salad, Pappardelle with short ribs, classic Surf & Turf, Porterhouse for 2 or more, and Tomahawk Steak. The bar is already a hotspot. Opens at 4 p.m. One Rare Italian Steakhouse, 16 East Parkway, Scarsdale. 914-330-8488 www.oneraresteakhouse.com  

CAFÉ DEUX OPENS IN HARRISON – Sisters with a decidedly French flair, Carrie and Charlotte Denoyer, have opened Café Deux on Halstead Ave. in Harrison, across from the new Avalon complex and Metro-North. Café Deux is an all-day café and restaurant that will highlight classic French delights and bistro fair: fresh pastries, sandwiches, entrees, and sweets including their signature ‘cupped desserts’ as complement their daily selection of curated coffees and teas. There is plenty of culinary pedigree at work here. Jean Denoyer, their father, a noted restaurateur, opened the original La Goulue in Manhattan some 51 years ago. Chef is Alex Aparicio who had spent time at Pub Street and Village Social in Westchester. Pastry chef is Jessica Craig who had worked for Michelin-starred celebrity Chef Missy Robbins. Café Deux, 307 Halstead Ave., Harrison. The café will be open 7 days a week. 914-920-4110 www.cafedeuxny.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)