Jeanne Muchnick's big fall dining preview for Westchester. What's new? What's coming?
September always feels like a time of new beginnings and in the Westchester dining world, that means more openings. A lot more openings. So many that you'll want to scroll down not only to see what just opened (hello to more Italian food, coffee, baked goods and Latin-inspired spots), but also to see what's coming soon, some in a matter of days.
Here's what you have to look forward to: 16 new spots (on top of all the new bagel places previously reported on) plus 21 more opening later this fall, running the gamut from high-end to fast casual.
Aki Asian Fusion, White Plains
Aki Asian, with outposts in Long Island, opened its doors Aug. 8 and features a large assortment of sushi, sashimi, curries, wok dishes, noodles and more. 130 W. Post Road, 914-368-8100, akiasianfusion.aiyaorder.us
El Callejon, Port Chester
Those who remember the French-focused Appetit Bistro, which closed this past June, will be happy to know the owners have created a new Latin-inspired concept in the same space, on target to open this weekend. Diners can expect lots of arepas along with rice bowls, Colombian hot dogs, pork ribs, plantain balls stuffed with chicharron and cheese and a host of seafood dishes. 540A Willett Ave., 914-690-2000
More: Like bagels? Then you'll love what's going on in Larchmont, Mamaroneck
Polpettina, Eastchester
After an almost six-month shutdown due to renovations, this Italian restaurant, known for its pizzas, meatballs and crispy eggplant chips, opens soon (as in this weekend or next week; follow their social media for an update). Diners will find a more spacious space including a new bar (they knocked down walls) in addition to a fresher look, as everything is brand new, including the bathrooms. 102 Fisher Ave., 914-961-0061, polpettina.com
Venchi, White Plains
It's gelato time thanks to the debut of this Italian spot, also known for its imaginative chocolates. Open since Sept. 1, this is the first Venchi location in Westchester. Customers will also find gelato shakes, authentic Italian coffees, hot chocolate and crepes made with Venchi’s hazelnut chocolate spread. Venchi chocolates, for the record, are gluten free (some are even vegan friendly) and contain noble fats such as olive oil and cocoa butter. The shop, on Retail Level 3 at The Westchester (near Starbucks and Warby Parker), also features an extensive selection of gifts. 125 Westchester Ave., us.venchi.com
Redd's Soul Food, Croton-on-Hudson
This new takeout eatery, open since Aug. 11, is all about what Owner Lauren Redd calls "authentic country cooking." That means oxtails, barbecue ribs, fried chicken, collard greens, candied yams, lemon brownie, banana pudding and peach cobbler. Redd, who was born and raised in Ossining and was catering during the pandemic, grew up cooking with her grandmother, making everything from jellies to fermented vegetables. Menus change weekly and as the weather cools, will also feature more soups and sandwiches. 163 Grand Ave. 914-236-4168, Croton-on-Hudson, facebook.com/reddssoulfood
Mamaroneck Social Bar & Lounge, Mamaroneck
Ali Sahin, who owns New Roc Social Bar & Lounge in New Rochelle, is opening a similar concept in Mamaroneck on Sept. 6. Mamaroneck Social is in the former, long-closed Huber's Hofbrau space. The space, which was vacant for 20 years, features the original bar (with a new granite top) as well as the original 12-foot-high tin ceilings. Customers can expect pops of color with red and black tables, yellow chairs, pink booths and lots of Instagrammable neon signs saying "Let's Party" and "Good Vibes Only." Diners can expect an assortment of cocktails (hello to an espresso martini and salted caramel mojito!) and light bites such as chicken wings, veggie spring rolls, mozzarella sticks and sweet potato fries. 370 Mamaroneck Ave., 914-732-3131
Wako Chicken, Yonkers
Fried chicken — in a variety of flavors such as sweet and spicy garlic, honey soy teriyaki, mango habanero and golden crispy — are on the menu at this fast food restaurant, which opened Aug. 30 next to Cookies N Cream at the Cross County Center. 8000 Mall Walk, wakochicken.com
Rosa’s Italiana Cucina, Mamaroneck
It's been a two year absence but Rosa’s La Scarbitta of Mamaroneck, which had been on Halstead Avenue before closing due to COVID, has reopened — as of July 26 — as Rosa’s Italiana Cucina, this time on West Boston Post Road. Unfortunately, right before they were due to open, Chef/Owner Rosa Merenda passed away. Her husband Angelo Merenda is carrying on as she would have wanted and her Sous Chef Librato Sedeno, who was with her for 11 years, is relying on her traditions and recipes. Diners can expect dishes like Rosa's lasagna, skirt steak and Eggplant Rollatini. 410 W. Boston Post Road, 914-777-1667, facebook.com/RosasLaScarbitta
More: Where to find apple cider doughnuts in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam
Mandy Bean Specialty Coffee, Yonkers
A lot of thought and design has gone into both the decor and the coffee at this new cafe, which opened June 10. Every piece of wood in the store is custom made and custom cut to create a large arch in the seating area, while the backdrop for the bar was designed as a ripple, paying homage to coffee drops dripping. It's one reason to try "The Ripple," their signature drink made of in-house cold brew, oat milk, and homemade vanilla. All blends are made of high quality single origins from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Central America. There's outside seating as well as an assortment of pastries and muffins from New York's Balthazar Bakery along with a variety of vegan and gluten free options from Croton's Baked by Susan. 2361c Central Park Ave. (Ronald Brenhouse Shopping Center), 914-999-1010, mandybean.com
Dragon Tea, Mamaroneck
Taiwan milk tea, bubble tea, taro milk tea, coffee, and more are on the menu at this new outpost, open since Aug. 22. Owner Sean Christie, who, along with his business partners, also have four places in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson and said he always wanted to bring his brand to Westchester. 317 Mamaroneck Ave., 914-218-1331, dragonteanewyork.com
TOUS les JOURS, Bronxville
The 100th outpost of this French-Asian bakery café chain opened Aug. 17 and features a large selection of artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts, all of which are baked in-store daily. The new bakery, which also serves an array of coffee drinks, is the 10th location in New York, adding to the brand’s growing East Coast presence, which also includes recent openings in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Virginia. 19 Park Place, 914-337-1908, tljus.com.
Golfzon Social, Scarsdale
Like golf? And also like eating? This new concept spot, featuring state-of-the-art golf simulators and a chef-driven menu (and cocktails) opened Aug 12. (There's also a location in West Nyack.) Customers will find 16 TwoVision simulator bays and flat screen TVs along with a modern vibe. On the menu: flatbread pizzas, Mexican street corn dip, nachos, wings, salads, slow-cooked brisket and steamed bratwurst along with a margarita, Old-Fashioned, Paloma, beer and more. 691 Central Park Ave., 914-348-2020, golfzonsocial.com/scarsdale-ny
Tee Bar & Grille, Shrub Oak
This modern American bistro, nestled within the greens of The Links at Valley Fields golf course, opened June 22. On the menu: A variety of salads and sandwiches like fish tacos, grilled chicken Caesar wrap, classic burger and more. There's also a variety of entrees like double cut pork chops, slow cooked short ribs, salmon and meatloaf along with creative cocktails like the Birdie (gin, St. Germain, lime juice, prosecco), Tee Time (citus vodka, triple sec, cranberry, fresh lemon and basil) and Fire Pit (tequila, triple sec, agave, lime, muddled jalapeños and strawberry). 795 US-6, 914-302-2850, teebaryorktown.com
Doggology, Cortlandt Manor
Open since May 23, this hip fast casual eatery, with a few tables for dining in, features elevated hot dogs, smash burgers, milkshakes, French fries and tater tots. Chef/Owner Tara Nicosia, who's been cooking for more than 25 years (and used to own Little Piggy in Harrison), has brought an injection of fun to her menu. Case in point: The Emotional Support Dogg (topped with chili and creamy queso sauce), Separation Anxiety (with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo) and the Happy Dogg, which can't promise happiness, but can promise bacon, egg and cheese. For those "doggs on a diet," there's also a grilled chicken salad wrap and grilled chicken salad bowl. 2081 Albany Post Road, Montrose, 914-531-3267, doggologyny.com
Emerson & Ruth, Tarrytown
Say goodbye to Equus, the previous name for this fine dining restaurant, located in The Castle Hotel & Spa, and hello to Emerson & Ruth. The name change, which took place Aug. 16, was done to honor the legacy of the former families who owned and entertained here. The chef is the same, as previously reported in May (Executive Chef Jared Secor), but instead of a family-style menu, it's now a la carte. What's also the same: The decor and the focus on seasonal, regional American farm-to-table cuisine such as an unrestrained burger, slow roasted chicken, fresh seafood and fresh cut filet. There's also a large variety of wines by the glass as well as a stocked wine cellar from select notable producers, in addition to a crafted spirit-driven cocktail program. A family-style menu is available for parties of eight or more. 400 Benedict Ave., 914-524-6385, castlehotelandspa.com/the-grounds/dine
Morris Park Pizza Express, Shrub Oak
Vincent Gaudio, chef/owner of Shrub Oak's Novecentuno restaurant and Foundation Rx, opened a Bronx style pizzeria built around the kind of food he grew up with on April 29. "There are so many people from that area that moved up to Yorktown/Shrub Oak," he said of the pizzeria his uncles, father and grandfather started in 1967. Now all three of his spots are next to each other and he's brought a bit of his childhood to Westchester. 1402 E Main St., 315-303-3622, morisparkpizzaexpress.com
Plus look for ...
Bonchon, White Plains: The first Westchester location for what's billed as "The gold standard for fried chicken" will open the third week of September. 220 Main Street, bonchon.com
Micheline, Scarsdale: This French bistro, where Scarsdale Metro Restaurant had been, has an opening date of Sept. 13. 878 Scarsdale Ave., michelinerestaurant.com
Piccola Trattoria, Dobbs Ferry: The wait is over for the return of Chef/Owner Sergio Pennacchio, who had this restaurant in Dobbs for many years before having to close due to new development in his former space. He's now set to open the week of Sept. 18 at a new, larger location (with a bar, which he didn't have in his prior spot), featuring Italian classics. 23 Cedar St., 914-674-8427, piccolany.com
Miles, The Prince, White Plains: This combo fine dining restaurant and brewery should open late September/early October. Owner Zach Goldstein is a veteran of both the restaurant and brewing worlds, with years of experience at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's properties and Stone Brewing Company. He and his team, including Chef Eric Brach (The Inn at Pound Ridge, ABC Cocina, Faviken), are planning an approachable and upscale dining experience through colorful design and a seasonally-changing, seven-course tasting New American food menu. Diners can also expect beers brewed on-site focusing farmhouse styles such as Saison, Bièr de Garde and Sahti. The upper level of the restaurant will be a reservations-only, 45-seat fine dining room, with a more casual brewery and 18-seat outdoor, weekends-only taproom located below with a separate, a la carte dining menu. 873 N. Broadway, milestheprince.com
The Hudson Oven, Croton-on-Hudson: Chase Fox Harnett, the baker behind the popular roving “Sourdough Scavenger Hunt," a cabinet filled with sourdough breads for folks to "leave what you think it's worth," is opening a brick and mortar spot in early October. The cabinet will still be placed throughout the Lower Hudson Valley (his social media gives you hints where) but, if don't feel like "hunting," you can pick up breads at his new retail outlet. 385 S. Riverside Ave., thehudsonoven.com
Sweet Temptations and OMC, White Plains: A mid to late September date is the target for this combination dessert shop/speakeasy cocktail bar from the owners of The Blind Pig of Westchester. 181 Martine Ave.
Taco District, Peekskill: Dina and Hever Palacios, who own Iron Vine Tapas Bar And Restaurant in Peeksill, plan on opening a new restaurant in mid-October featuring two marble bars, outdoor seating and Peekskill's first rooftop bar. There will also be elevated tacos and cocktails. 992 Main St.
Crawdaddy's Creole Kitchen, Pleasantville: Look for a New Orleans-oriented restaurant to take over what had most recently been Wheeler Prime Steakhouse. Owners Michael Boulos of The Raconteur Bar & Kitchen, Veronica Kallas (recent winner of Westchester Magazine's Bartender Shakeoff) and Maria and Anthony Amato of Foley's promise plenty of crawfish and craft cocktails along with a dark, moody Voodoo Lounge separate from the dining room. 68 Wheeler Ave.
Casa Mary Cantina, White Plains: Expect a combination of cuisines from Guatemala and Mexico when this new restaurant — which will also have a cabaret — opens later this month/early next month. Owner Randy De Leon named the space after his grandmother, Mary, who had a restaurant in Guatemala and plans to bring her flavors and recipes to the community along with live music and events. 736 N. Broadway
Fleetwood Bakery, Pleasantville: The second outpost of this popular Mount Vernon bake shop should open by the end of the month. 57 Wheeler Ave.
Fuel Hub, Tarrytown: Shakes, energizing teas and waffle doughnuts are on the menu at this to-go spot, shooting for an end of September opening. 37 Main St., 646-279-4966
Alessia's Trattoria, Mamaroneck: This sister property to Antonio's Trattoria on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx will open Sept. 11. 551 Halstead Ave., 914-315-4799, alessiastrattoria.com
Better Burger, Peekskill: Look for a fast casual style burger joint to open later this fall serving burgers, fries, wings and boozy shakes from longtime restaurateur (and big Peekskill advocate) Louis Lanza. Diners can expect a few seats to eat in with an emphasis on take-out. 55 Hudson Ave.
Penny Lick Ice Cream, Mamaroneck: This ice cream shop, the second location for Owner Ellen Sledge, who's been in Hastings-on-Hudson since 2015, should open any day. Check the shop's social media for an update. 1212 W Boston Post Road, 914-839-2840, pennylickicecream.com
Patsy's Pizzeria of Harrison, Harrison: The anticipated opening for this Italian restaurant is Oct. 2 but an official announcement will come via their social media closer to the date. 7 Purdy St.
Mr. Nick's Restaurant, Tarrytown: Mid-September is when this expanded Italian eatery opens. Many locals knew as Mr. Nick's Brick Oven next door. 19 N. Broadway, 914-366-0666
Sugar Bear, White Plains: The Westchester is about to get a new candy store, on Level 3 near the Nordstrom entrance, later this month. 125 Westchester Ave., sugarbearcandystore.com
The Ambleside Pub, Mount Kisco: This British pub, from the owners of The Hamlet British Shop in Mount Kisco, is on target to open in early November.
The Halal Guys, New Rochelle: Fans of The Halal Guys will be happy to know they're opening another location later this fall near New Roc Center. 27 Lecount Place, thehalalguys.com
Horseman's Bagels and Carvel, Sleepy Hollow: After a fire last December, these two businesses have been closed. But Carvel should open in two weeks and the bagel shop should open before October. 276a N. Broadway, 914-373-2788
Liebman’s Deli, Ardsley: I know I've mentioned this before, but the date is getting closer. Think October or November for this beloved Riverdale Jewish deli where I'm already pining for matzo ball soup. 472 Ashford Ave., liebmansdeli.com
Got food news?
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: Westchester dining preview includes 16 new spots, 21 on the way
