Late-year restaurant openings: 12 new eateries debut in Lower Hudson (with more to come)
This has been a year of restaurant openings — 110 at last count in Westchester and Rockland — with more squeezing in before the end of the year. That includes an Italian takeout sandwich shop, a candy store, gourmet pretzels and an online cookie business.
Plus, expect four more Westchester spots by late December — two are already taking reservations — along with two in Rockland. But you'll have to read to the bottom for details.
Here are the latest openings:
Westchester
Milladoro, Elmsford
Say hello to authentic Italian sandwiches made with schiachiatta bread and housemade sauces like black truffle cream and pistachio cream. Chef Dean Medico, who some may know from his catering company and pizza truck Pizza Luca, opened this takeout and delivery pop-up in his Elmsford commercial kitchen Nov. 20. Try the Milla, named after his daughter, featuring prosciutto di parma, fresh mozz, sweet red peppers, Balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil, or the Della with mortadella, stracciatella and pistachio cream. You can also customize your own. Open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 75 North Central Ave., 914-347-4718
Cafe Europa, Mount Vernon
This Mediterranean-inspired 80-seat bar and restaurant, with lots of creative cocktails, mezze dishes, seafood, pasta and meat entrees, opened Nov. 17, only to temporarily close for a few days due to piping issues. Owners Ardit Beqiri and Elvir Muriqi, the latter of whom is a well-known boxer, plan to open again around Dec. 10, so check their social media for updates. 184 Gramatan Ave., Mt Vernon, 914-863-0025, cafe-europa.com
BobbyPop Candy Shop, Rye
BobbyPop candy store, which started two years ago as an online pandemic business run by five sisters raised in Bedford, now has a brick and mortar location in Rye. Open since Dec. 2, Owners Erin Murphy, Clare Terhune and Mary Bachman had been using the space over the last year for the company's production studio but realized they could use the front half as a candy store (their other two sisters, Molly Rappoli and Cara Buckenmeyer, live out of state but are still involved in the business).
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The cheery, colorful shop, with their iconic black-and-white striped wall and hot pink neon sign, is filled with the reusable acrylic boxes BobbyPop is known for and can be filled with your choice of gummy and sour candies sourced from places like Sweden and Germany, topped with (if you want) edible candy messages. Sample messages include "Cheers," "Peace," "Teach" and "Merry Christmas." Candy boxes can be customized, pre-ordered or created in the store. FYI: It's located in the alleyway behind the wood store so you won't see it directly from the street. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays to 2 p.m. Weekdays are still in flux so check their social media for updates. 15 Purchase St., Rye, shopbobbypop.com or email sweets@shopbobbypop.com.
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese, Scarsdale
This fine cheese shop, in Bronxville since 2009, opened its first second location Nov. 15. Co-Owner Kevin McNeill, who runs the shop with his wife, Ruth Walter, said customers had long been asking for it, so when a space became available, they took the plunge. Guests will find the same gourmet cheeses, vinegars, jams, sauces, honey, charcuterie and gift baskets as in the Bronxville store. 35 Spencer Place, 914-361-1770, dobbsandbishop.com
Hermosa, Mount Kisco
American tapas fusion is the focus at this new spot, where Little Drunken Chef had been. That means appetizers like crispy coquettes, salmon tartare, gambas al ajillo (shrimp and garlic) and Buffalo cauliflower and main dishes such as barbecue ribs, octopus and butter chicken thighs with Basmati rice. Open since Nov. 19, it has the same layout but with darker colors and purple lights and is based on the motto "Enjoy the good things." The restaurant, which means "beautiful" in Spanish, is run by the brother and sister team of Chris and Angela Jimenez, along with Viktor Solarik under a new partnership. 36 E Main St., 914-218-8660, hermosamtk.com
Fuel Hub, Tarrytown
Energizing teas, smoothies and shakes are on the menu at this new nine-seat spot, open since the first week of November. That means warm winter drinks like their gingerbread, candy cane, and egg nog. 37 Main St.
Jersey Mike's, Mohegan Lake
Like subs? Then you'll be happy to see this new addition, which opened Nov. 29. Customers can expect a wide variety of hot and cold subs including Mike's famous Philly cheesesteak and the chain's popular "the juice," an olive oil and red wine vinegar blend. Look, too, for another location coming to 2361 Central Park Ave. in Yonkers early next year. 3150 E. Main St., 914-540-5001, jerseymikes.com
Empire Bagels, Larchmont
There's more than bagels at Empire Bagels, which opened its eighth location Nov. 8. There's a full vegan menu with lots of gluten-free offerings along with an acai and smoothie bar as well as fresh juices. And yes, of course, a wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses. You can also find these bagels in Harrison, Cortlandt Manor, Cross River, Carmel and Brewster. Other locations include Fishkill and the Bronx. 158 Larchmont Ave., 914-341-1978, empire-bagels.com
Rockland
Nyack Social, Nyack
Albin Infante, Antonio Feliciano and Pedro Luis Sosa, who own restaurants in the Bronx and New Paltz, opened their new 85-seat fusion restaurant Nov. 29 where Punta Cana had been. Diners can expect live music and the occasional DJ along with menu items such as empanadas, tostadas, burgers, sandwiches and salads, along with gluten-free flatbreads and entrees like shrimp mac and cheese, sausage and broccoli ravioli, and salmon. 125 Main St., 845-480-5416, nyacksocial.com
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Sweet & Salty's
Sweet & Salty's is back... at least for the holiday season. The cookie business, which ToniAnn Salvato and MC Dougherty started as a delivery business during the pandemic and then shifted to a brick and mortar spot in Valley Cottage — and then closed — is now back for local delivery. Also available: online orders and nationwide shipping. There are currently five varieties including a gluten free and dairy free option as well as their ever-popular salted chocolate chip, peanut butter and jelly, and chocolate caramel pretzel. Watch their website as they plan to add more flavors. sweetnsaltys.com
Philly Pretzel Factory, New City
Rob O’Malley and Bobby Miller, longtime residents of Rockland County looking for career changes, are behind this new franchise location, set to open Dec. 9. O'Malley is a retired federal law enforcement officer with a 30-year career under his belt, while Miller has spent the last 24 years as a Omnichannel executive in inventory and merchandise planning. “We experienced what Philly Pretzel Factory was like when we tried their catering at a gathering we went to and thought this was a perfect fit for not only us, but the community of New City,” said O’Malley. Customers can expect 25+ pretzel creations. This is the first Philly Pretzel Factory in the county. 98 S Main St., 845-925-0049, phillypretzelfactory.com
Putnam
Rye Republic, Brewster
How's this for a restaurant story? Casey Troutman and Kaitlin Dunn met and fell in love their first day of culinary school at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and have been dreaming about opening a place together for more than a decade. Now they have, with the help of Chef CJ Barroso, who previously worked at some of Manhattan's top kitchens including Aquavit, Public, Saxon and Parole. Open since Nov. 19, their 50-seat spot (the old O’Connors Public House) is all about offering diners a classic American bar that's a haven for cold beer, classic cocktails, mouthwatering burgers, and unbeatable ambiance. Fans of O’Connors will recognize key elements of the original space including the giant mirror behind the bar and the funny bathtub that hovers over the back hallway, though the couple have updated it by enlarging the kitchen for more of an open kitchen concept. There's also custom shelving behind the bar and a cozy front booth for big groups. 1620 New York 22, 845-363-1329, ryerepublic.com
And coming soon (as in really soon)
Casa Mary Cantina & Grill, North White Plains: This Mexican resturant, with plenty of room for private parties (think up to 270), is taking reservations starting Dec 15. 736 North Broadway, White Plains, 914-659-1101
Corner of Ukraine, Nyack: Expect a taste of Ukraine where Big Jerk Caribbean Restaurant had been. It's on target to open Dec. 15. 85 Main St.
Invito Restaurant, Elmsford: The goal for the opening of this modern Mexican restaurant, with a secret speakeasy, is Dec. 19. 210 Saw Mill River Road, 914-909-0191, invitorestaurantny.com
Marigold Indian Restaurant, Eastchester: Michelin-starred Chef Hemant Mathur is behind this new 55-seat venture owned by Chander Mohan and Ravinder Bisht, the latter of whom worked for many years at Chutney Masala in Irvington. Bisht hope to open his traditional Indian restaurant before Christmas. 434 White Plains Road
Lemak, Scarsdale: A new Malaysian eatery by longtime restaurateurs Jeevan Pullan and Roshan Balan should open by the end of the year. Lemak means coconut cream and will be a key ingredient in the menu's offerings (think noodles and curries). The two brothers own Vega Mexican Cuisine and NH 44 Indian in Hartsdale, as well as TAKO Mexican Street Food in Yonkers and Harrison and Jaipore Xpress in Briarcliff Manor. 62 Garth Road
Four Star Café, Congers: This modern American restaurant, featuring burgers, steaks, salads and more, should open before the end of the year. It's owned by Michael Nicosia Jr. (and family) whose father, Michael, long ran The Four Star Steak House in New City. The junior Nicosia also ran Grande Central Restaurant and Michael's on Main. He's now bringing back the "Four Star" star tradition with his new restaurant where Peppermill South had been. 31 Lake Road
Noble Pies, Rye: The pie shop has closed its Purdy Avenue location as of Dec. 4 and is moving around the corner and down the street to 15 Purchase St. The new Rye shop, which is 200 square feet smaller than its previous space, should open Dec. 20. noblepies.com
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: Twelve new restaurants open in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam NY
