Table Hopping with Morris Gut

Tasty Traditional & Contemporary Dishes at Maria: Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been drawing patronage from all around for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Enjoy their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some specially priced beverages and small plates loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops. The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café & Bakery next door. Maria, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle. 914-636-0006 www.marianewrochelle.com 

Wine Indulgences at Ernie’s Wine Bar: Out of this tiny kitchen come laudatory renditions of American/Global dishes bursting with flavor. Oenophiles, take note. The carefully selected wines served here, many from small-batch independent producers, can be heavenly. It is a wonderful place to unwind, take in some music on special nights, and indulge. The small bar is great for networking, too. Recent food tastings here have included Escargots Provençale style; Luisanna’s amazing meatballs; cheese & charcuterie platter; Duck Wontons or Duck Confit; a wonderful Fettuccine Carbonara; Mushroom & Pea Risotto. There is live entertainment. Check ahead for updates. Open Monday thru Saturday for happy hour and dinner. Ernie’s, 7 Pondfield Road, Bronxville. 914-652-7859 www.ernieswinebar.com 

Modern Irish American with Pizazz at Jack’s Bar: Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew have delicious finger foods and generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen. Great Burgers; decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Jack’s Meatballs; Seared Scallops; Chicken Curry; Shroom Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Berkshire Pork Chop; and Grilled Lamb Sliders. Their full Irish Breakfast at brunch is a winner. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.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)