'Little bit of voodoo magic': First look at New Orleans-themed Westchester restaurant

A slice of The Big Easy is opening Nov. 21 in Pleasantville, complete with gumbo, po'boys, jambalaya, and a Voodoo Lounge with fun cocktails like the classic Sazerac and The Grape Lafiette, inspired by Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar in the French Quarter.

The 48-seat Crawdaddy's Creole Kitchen, where Wheeler Prime Steakhouse had been, is a partnership between Michael Boulos of The Raconteur Bar & Kitchen in Pleasantville, Veronica Kallas (recent winner of Westchester Magazine's Bartender Shakeoff) and Maria and Anthony Amato who own Foley's, also in Pleasantville.

The story behind the venture

According to Maria Amato, their collaboration boils down to "a little bit of voodoo magic." She and her husband are huge New Orleans aficionados so they visit several times a year.

One night not long ago they were at The Raconteur chatting with Boulos, who also loves New Orleans and who's dreamed about opening a Big Easy-themed restaurant for at least 14 years. Turns out the Amato's have long had a similar idea. So when their conversation steered towards the steakhouse around the corner that had recently gone out of business, they figured why not pool their talents, their passion and their love for their favorite Southern city into a restaurant?

That was September. Being longtime restaurant owners, and taking over what essentially was a turn-key business, they got to work fast, opening Crawdaddy's less than three months later.

But that meant a drastic decor change

Maria Amato said their goal was more "Garden District chic" than French Quarter, brightening up the space with pale yellows and whites (it had been red and black before) and making it more casual with brown paper tablecloths and snazzy brown chairs. The same built-in bench sits along the back wall, but again, has been lightened up.

Amato, who was instrumental in decorating the space, also filled the back wall of the dining room with signs from The Big Easy and lots of greenery. And, on each table, a jar of Cafe du Monde, an iconic coffee from a New Orleans cafe (served on the menu and in espresso martinis) and Louisiana's Crystal hot sauce.

She also made the bar more enticing with rounded orange velvet stools and a piano that's for anyone and everyone to play. "Pleasantville is a musical town," said Maria Amato, "So we hope people will want to come and tickle the ivories."

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Adding to the homey vibe: Photos of Boulo's family in frames on the side and a fake flickering fireplace that's two sided, so you can see it from both the bar and the Voodoo Lounge.

What about my po'boy and Sazarac?

You'll definitely be able to appease your craving for po'boys and other New Orleans favorites like gumbo, grilled oysters, and jambalaya. Other dishes include whiskey peppercorn mussels, maple brined pork chop and the Carpetbagger, a 14-ounce ribeye with Cajun remoulade and a half dozen fried oysters on top. Cocktails include the Hurricane, the Sazarac (naturally), and 75 Frenchman St. (with gin, simple syrup and prosecco).

Tell me more about the the Voodoo Lounge

This is a small room just past the entry way, with two purple couches, shelving filled with books and candles, a few side tables and a purple neon Voodoo Lounge sign, evoking a comfy living room ambiance. Boulos said they wanted to offer a moody, darker vibe reminiscent of the French Quarter where guests can chill.

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There will be a bar bites menu here along with cocktails you won't find in the dining room (though, if you really want them, they'll accommodate). Those include The Grape Lafiette, inspired by Lafiette's in the French Quarter, known for its frozen grape daiquiri; the Matcha-Do-About-Voodoo, inspired by the swamp creatures of New Orleans, and the Mad Hex on You, a fun tiki cocktail with rum, dry Curacao and lime.

If you go

Address: 68 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville, 914-448-6199

Hours: 3 to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday; to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

Good to know: No reservations unless your party is six or more. Brunch will come down the road.

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New Westchester NY restaurant offers taste of The Big Easy