Catch up with Rockland's new eateries and those opening soon
A new self-pour beer wall at Mekong District in Nyack and Neapolitan pizza at Pizzetiéllo in Pearl River are among the recent additions to Rockland's dining scene, but so too is a food truck specializing in chicken wings, a Himalayan restaurant serving a variety of soups and noodles, and a Salvadorian eatery with a focus on pupsas.
Plus, burgers, beer and a vintage cafe with a merchandise component are not far behind. Not to mention a popular food truck turned brick and mortar, complete with an event space, is opening soon, as is a Ukrainian restaurant and a beer and wine tasting room that pairs everything with chocolate. Details follow.
Recently Opened
Himalya Tibet Momo, Nyack
Open since Sept. 5, this Himilayan Tibetan eatery, in the former Alain's Petit Bistro space, features dishes like Phingsha (soup dish with a choice of meats, rice, noodles, potato, bell peppers and the chef's special sauce), spicy tofu, veggie Momo (homemade dumpling with spinach, mushroom topped with scallions and cilantro in a clear bone broth soup), noodle dishes, fried rice and more. 88 Main St., 845-587-7844
La Casa de las Pupusas, Tappan
Tacos, meat dishes (i.e. chicken stew, yuca with meat, grilled pork chop), fish and soups are on the menu at this Salvadorian restaurant where, given it's name, you'll also find a large variety of pupusas (griddle cakes) filled with different options such as chicken and cheese, zucchini, ham and cheese, and more. The restaurant, where Mello Dee Thai had been, opened in July. 80 Route 303, 845-613-7009
Chomped Food Truck
Chicken wings — in Buffalo sauce (mild and spicy), Nashville Hot, Thai Chili, Tropical Coconut, Teriyaki, Korean BBQ, Mango Habanero, Honey Garlic, Honey BBQ and Mild Garlic — are a big hit at the Chomped food truck, open since May, but so are the Bavarian cream churros and Tasty Tot Boat. Owned and operated by self-taught chef (and Nanuet native) Richard Mellia, you'll find the truck at local breweries and cideries (mainly at Red Barn Cidery). It can also be booked for private parties. Look for a new, larger trailer coming in the next few months that Mellia plans to use instead of the truck. Look for him on Instagram or Facebook or contact him at 845-499-5196 or chompedus@gmail.com
More: Neapolitan pizza is the focus at this new Pearl River eatery
Coming soon
The NoCo Kitchen, Tappan
Joe Agnello, the chef/owner behind NoCo Catering and The NoCo Hot Box Food Truck, is transitioning to a brick and mortar spot serving lunch and dinner with a full liquor license by early next week. He'll also feature an event space available for rent. The food truck, which many knew from its spot across the street at 32 Old Tappan Road, is still available for private parties but the everyday operations will now run out of the restaurant. Follow Agnello's social media for up-to-date details. 67 Old Tappan Road, 845-445-7332, nococatering.com
Cooper's Restaurant, Pearl River
Norman Barton, who lives in the area and has worked in the restaurant business since 1990, is opening a 35-plus seat spot featuring American and European influences along with craft cocktails, craft beer, wine and "one of the best pints of Guinness outside of Ireland." The restaurant replaces what had been Barley Moon and should open in the next few months. 17 N. Main St.
District 96 and The Burger Loft, Nyack
Expect a late October/early November opening for a new District 96 and The Burger Loft full service restaurant. The popular burger and beer place, with a location in New City, is going into the corner space currently occupied by Rising Above Bakery and before that by Hudson Market on Main (it's all part of Rockland Community College's Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center). Diners can expect the same menu with a few additional items. Beer will not be brewed here but brought over from New City. For the record, the Piermont place they had been planning is no longer happening but will be another restaurant, so stay tuned on that. 5 N Broadway, theburgerloft.com
More: Rockland's first self-pour beer wall opens Thursday in Nyack
The Rail Trail, Blauvelt
The Rail Trail Cafe & Mercantile is hoping to open its doors by the end of this month. The vintage cafe will serve coffee and espresso from Tarrytown's Coffee Labs Roasters and has partnered with several local distributors to provide a finer diner culinary experience that is creative, approachable and inclusive. Along with food, there's also a mercantile portion carefully curated by owners (and sisters) Coleen Dahlem and Kerri Horgan, with niche items from their travels throughout both New York and New England. 545 Western Highway
Corner of Ukraine, Nyack
Ukrainian-born Ivanka Dashko is opening an authentic Ukrainian restaurant where J-Petal had been. The goal is to open in October. 85 Main St.
Beer at Lucas Candies, Haverstraw
Something new is brewing in this old-school candy shop, along with their famous beer brittle. Owners Deb Bertrand and Nick Loucas have converted half the store into a tasting room where they'll be pairing beer and wine with their chocolates and confections. They plan on starting Sept. 24 at the Haverstraw Food Crawl and will also do pop-up events over the next few months. The goal is to be fully operational in the store by spring. Stay tuned to lohud for more details. 6 Main St., 845-947-1220, lucascandies.com
Got a food lead?
Know of an opening or closing? Email JRMuchnick@gannett.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland County new restaurants near me: wings, Himalayan, Salvadorian
