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Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich and Fries at Jill’s

Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Plan Ahead for the Holiday Train Show at NYBG

The glittering thirty-third annual Holiday Train Show is on track from November 16 through January 20, 2025, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. After taking in all that beauty, here are easy-to-reach suggestions:

Holiday Dining at the NYBG — There are two themed dining pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid  A. Haupt Conservatory, the casual Pine Tree Café and the farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. 646-627-7711 or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/ 

Check out the website for special Glow Nights and Bar Car Nights featuring curated food & cocktails. Advanced tickets and reservations are advised. www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/bar-car-nights/ 

Artie’s Steak & Seafood, City Island — Owner Spiros Chagares and his staff offer patrons a tempting mix of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as hearty Seafood Chowders; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Cold Seafood Salad for two; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Big combo platters. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and Grilled Mediterranean Pizzas. Craft beers. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Private party facilities. Open 7 days. Free parking. Artie’s, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718-885-9885. www.artiescityisland.com

Jill’s Bar & Restaurant, Mamaroneck: 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 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. For more information, visit 914-341-1776. www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com  

Tuck’d Away, Tuckahoe — Owner Michael Cuozzo operates a convivial bar & grill a short walk from Tuckahoe Metro North. He has built a loyal following for his kitchen, especially his chicken wings. You can debate about the best chicken wings in Westchester, but no one has it over Tuck’d. Every Wednesday unlimited Wings & Beer are served from 7-9 p.m. for $30 per person. There is a bustling Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm featuring half-off selected cocktails and menu items. Tuck’d Away Bar and Grill, 90 Yonkers Ave., Tuckahoe. Open daily. 914-222-9162. www.tuckedaway90.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. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)