There are restaurants that always do well in the summer thanks to shady outdoor patios, and some that are destinations on chillywinter eveningsfor theircozy fireplaces andwell-rounded whiskey menus. And then there are therestaurants that are just always the spot to be, no matter the season.
In Northern Westchester, there are a few spots that are always good for a night out. Restaurants where food, drinks, atmosphere and decor all just work.
When Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened the Inn at Pound Ridge, there was a snowstorm outside. But thatdidn't stop anyone from keeping their reservations. At the time, Vongerichten, laughing, told us he was shocked by the determination.
"In the city, it snows and everyone stays home, but out here they just get into their SUVs and go out. It's great," he said.More than a year later, the Inn at Pound Ridge maintains the allure, though weekend dinner reservations are somewhat easier to come by.
Clock Tower Grill, Brewster
Technically in Putnam, chef-owner Rich Parente is quietly running one of the area's best restaurants, and manages to pullan in-the-know crowd from all over both Westchester and Putnam counties. It's tucked awayin a new-ish shopping center in Brewster that feels strangelylike a liberal artscollege campus, but the food and drinks (more specifically, beer and cider selections) at Clock Tower Grill are serious. Influences are international and creatively integrated. Tuna tartar is topped withsweet chili sauce andtobiko caviar; tenderrabbit bolognese is spooned over handmade cavatelli withcream and freshricotta, and grass-fedlamb chops are rubbed withLebanese spices and grilled to an even char, then served with sweet cured lemon. Parente is fond of themed multi-course meals, and the game dinner, on Oct. 22 ($55 per person) looks particularly appealing, especially when you canfeast like a Lannister on elk and sweet potato chilli,espresso-rubbed wild hareand savoryfried boar rib chop. Go:512 Clock Tower Dr., Brewster,845-582-0574.clocktowergrill.com
Inn at Pound Ridge, Pound Ridge
Friday and Saturday evening reservations are a bit easier to come by than they used to be (though you should still go to Open Table one week in advance for prime seating time), andthe food continues to impress. The ambiance is special, too. Mid-century modern wishbone chairs fill bothromantically lit dining rooms, upper and lower, and when the weather is cool enough there're a crackling fireplace within view of nearly every table. Also noteworthy: pastry chef Melody Farrar might the best in Westchester. Her creations manage to be exciting and heartwarming at the same time— just try the salted caramel sundae topped with light and crunchy popcorn or the warm and velvetydoughnuts.Go:258 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge, 914-764-1400.www.theinnatpoundridge.com
Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish, North Salem
The most stylish cozy New England clam shack you'll ever see, with an outstanding wine list and akitchen stocked with fresh seafood andingredients grown right on the property's fields and greenhouses. Reservations are a must, and you're likely to see a famous face or two packed into the historic space that features a long rustic bar, massive stone hearth, white marble topped tablesand homey wide-plank floors. Flickering candles throughout the dining room cast romantic light and locals have noticed:Farmer and the Fish is one of the best date night spots around. Want to recreate the experience at home? A farm shop attached to the restaurant sells a full selection of fresh fish from Down East Seafood (another venture of co-owner Edward Taylor), along with prepared meals, localproduce and meat, pickles, dairy products, baked goods and more. We've been waiting for months on Farmer and the Fish's second location, opening later this year at the Tarrytown waterfront.Go:100 Titicus Road, North Salem,914-617-8380.www.farmerandthefish.com
2015 Fall dining guide
Little Drunken Chef, Mount Kisco
The latest restaurant from Bonnie Saran (also of Little Kabab Station, Little Spice Bazaar and Little Crepe Street), Little Drunken Chef offers a lively and welcome tapas-style bar to the downtown Mount Kisco scene. Open since late July, this new hot spot has had Saturday after Saturday of excited new patrons sliding up to the bar for a small plate and a cool co*cktail. The space is edgy, with exposed brick and lots of funky, industrial lighting that makes it feel more like a bar that would be right at home in Hoboken or Williamsburg. Martha Stewart recently published a photo gallery and gushing blog post on her log about a recent visit, so it's safe to say the cat's already out of the bag for Saran's not-so-little bar.Go: 36 East Main St., Mount Kisco,914-242-8800. Facebook: Little Drunken Chef
Village Social, Mount Kisco
Ladies nightdrinks, a date night bite before a movie, dinner with the kids, dinner with the grandparents, special occasions. A Bruce Willis spotting.Village Social checks just about every box we have for our changing restaurant needs. The menu changes with the seasons, but mainstays like pizza, crispy Brussels sprouts, roasted salmon and pretzel-crusted tuna aren't going anywhere. Chef Mogan Anthony has earned hipster cred recently for his occasional pop-up ramen restaurant, Mura Ramen and Gastropub, at various restaurants in the area including Locali Pizza in New Canaan and Conte's Seafood in Mount Kisco. Follow the Facebook page to know about the next one. Reservations for the pop-up book quickly. Go:251 East Main St., Mount Kisco,914-864-1255.villagesocialkb.com
Twitter: @megmccaff15
