Since it’s opening in 2007, my wife and I have rung in each New Year with family and friends at The TapHouse. Not only do we have a blast, but it really is an enjoyable dining experience. This year our crew had the pleasure of eating downstairs in the beautiful wine cellar, where we did our best to clear it out. However with the large selection they have it was a futile effort…but we had a lot of fun trying!

 The TapHouse is a gastropub style restaurant, one of only a few in Westchester, with a whole lot of character, a diverse menu, outstanding service and a vast “craft” beer and wine list that is extremely reasonable. It’s the kind of place you can go with the family for an easy, inexpensive meal, or you can step up your game and get some really quality dishes and pair them with a great bottle of wine.

 If you’re looking to go the inexpensive route all of the apps (the short rib sliders being my favorite), salads and sandwiches are between 7.50-16 dollars. Hell…the Burger (which rocks) is only like 10 bucks!

 But even if you decide to go for the all out meal every entrée on the menu is under $30, which is a tremendous value considering how expensive some restaurants in Westchester can be. Where else can you get a top notch NY Strip Steak for $29?!?

 As for the wine list, it is mainly California driven (which I love!) and there is plenty to choose from. There are of course a number of wines from other areas as well. The managing owner, Chris O’Brien, incorporates a nice variety of styles, regions and price points on the list. There are dozens of options for under $40 and if you are looking to spend a couple more bucks on a special bottle, you will find that the wines only run around 2-2.5 times what you would spend in a store…..which is very rare to see in Westchester!!

I’m not going to review all the dishes as the NY Times has already written a glowing review of the restaurant (just click on the link below).

http://events.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/nyregion/08dinewe.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

 However, I am going to point out a few bottles of wine from the main list that I enjoy and are very good deals. They also have put together a value wine list where everything is $24 and all are quite nice. Oh, and the best deal of all is during their Sunday Brunch when EVERY single bottle of wine is half price. It doesn’t get much better than that!

WHITES

$26-39

Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc, Sonoma                 $28

Moon Mountain Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma            $30  *  Favorite value White

Buehler Chardonnay, Napa                                      $30

Brancott Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (NZ)       $33

Kali Hart Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands       $39

$40 and up

Trimbach Riesling, Alsace                                         $40

Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River          $42

Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Napa             $48

Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Santa Barbara           $55

REDS

$26-39

Lot 205 Petite Sirah, California                                 $28

Chalone Merlot, Monterey                                         $31

The Big Red Monster (Blend), California                 $35

Pascual Toso Malbec Reserve, Argentina                $36       *  Favorite value Red

Paraiso Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara                            $38

$40-59

Qupe Syrah, Bien Nacido, CA                                    $40

Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa                $44

Vital Vineyards Pinot Noir, Williamette Valley       $51

Wild Oak Zinfandel, Sonoma                                     $55

Clos Du Val Merlot, Napa                                           $57

$60 and up

Ridge Geyserville (Zin Blend), CA                       $66

David Bruce Pinot Noir, Sonoma                         $70

Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa              $75

Dare by Viader Cabernet Franc, Napa                $85  **  Favorite wine on list

Robert Craig “Affinity”Cabernet, Napa              $90

Sbragia ‘Rancho del Oso’ Cabernet, Napa        $150

(Yes this last one is very expensive, but it will run about $60-80 in most stores and is one of the best Cabernets to come out of Napa…..it will run over $200 at most restaurants)