Anyone who lives in the Westchester area is familiar with the Westchester Mall in White Plains. As the Mecca of suburbia shopping, it only makes sense that there are dozens of restaurants that reside in its shadow. While it may be the new kid on the block, The Westchester Burger Company may soon become the fan favorite of the neighborhood.

Located where the iconic Finn McCool’s (and the short lived Hito) once stood, Westchester Burger Co. has a game plan for how to steal the hearts and stomachs of the masses. While it has just opened up and is going through some early “soft opening” growing pains, the burgers are tasty and the selection is plentiful. There are around 20 different burger combinations each with it’s own catchy name; such as the Bada Bing Burger, the Italian Stallion Burger and of course Graziella’s Burger (WBC is owned by the same team as Graziella’s and Blue in White Plains)

Not in the mood for a burger? There are plenty of apps and entrees to choose from as well. They have everything from your classic wings and ribs to hot dogs and steaks. I think I saw a salad on the menu, but who goes to a burger joint to order a salad?!? Just put some lettuce and tomato on your burger… that counts as your veggies for the day!

The décor and ambiance is well suited for a local burger joint in the vicinity of the Westchester Mall. It has a real lively feel going on with couches and televisions lining the walls. An enjoyable combination of an active (yet small) bar scene, friendly staff, 80’s hair band tunes (WWG’s favorite!) and quality beef makes this a great spot to a grab a bite while watching the game or to bring the entire family. The prices are certainly fair with the burgers ranging from about $10-16 and the apps under $10. All in all this is a fun and cool new eatery to check out the next time you’re in the area.

And don’t forget to support your local businesses by drinking the Captain Lawrence Brewery (located in Pleasantville) selection that they have on tap!

While no one seems to be able to tell what is going on with this economy, one thing is for certain… it is bringing about some wonderful opportunities to dine out in Westchester. The restaurant industry has gotten hit like everything else, so in an effort to drum up business, certain places are offering some fantastic deals. Below are a few dandies that are worth a visit.

On Thursday and Friday nights Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua offers 50 cent Little Necks and $1 Blue Point Oysters. On the beverage side, every bottle of California Chardonnay is 50% off. There is so much back vintage inventory on their wine list that you can find a number of quality bottles for $30-50…at full price!  Which means you’re drinking it for $15-25.  Since they have a fully temperature controlled cellar with over 70,000 selections, you know what you’re drinking should have held up over the years.

Speaking of 50% off wines, The TapHouse in Tuckahoe and Ruby’s in Rye (both owned by the Pearl Restaurant Group) offer this on ALL wines for their Sunday Brunch. It’s a great way to try some of the more expensive wines you typically would avoid, or just a good reason for some Sunday afternoon drinkin! Both restaurants offer delicious and reasonable brunch specials as well.

Peter Kelly’s X20 in Yonkers is also a great brunch hot spot.  For $38 you get 2 full courses, 1 desert and unlimited Champagne… and they are NOT afraid to pour. Beautiful Hudson River views help to make this quite an enticing venue to spend your early Sunday afternoon.

While all these deals are solid, the most inviting promotion I have seen lies within the high end steakhouses of White Plains. Both Morton’s and BLT Steak have put together Happy Hour menus for both food and drink. You can now go into these expensive, fancy restaurants and get a glass of wine for $4-6 and appetizer plates (sliders, mini filet sandwiches, steak tartare, shrimp cocktail, etc.) for $5-7.

While they are not huge dishes, they are definitely an acceptable size…and the quality is all there. Plus, you know that any wine being served by the glass in a well established steak house such as these has to be quality. Just a fun way to enjoy the experience of eating out without having to spend the weekly paycheck on a NY Strip Steak…which is still fun too.

Have you found any great local restaurant deals? Would love to hear about it….

I have to hand it to my folks for finding this awesome little Italian joint. It’s one of those restaurants that has a huge menu, homemade pastas and sauces, delicious meat and fish dishes and very reasonable prices to match. Plus it feels like you took a time machine back to the late 80’s….which I love. It’s so old school that it doesn’t even have a website for WWG to promote!

 As soon as you sit down not only is bread brought to the table, but also a plate of complimentary Bruschetta. It’s nice these days to get something for nothing! Then the server will typically let you know about a deal on one of the wines they are trying to move. The servers are fairly knowledgeable about the wine, but it’s not someplace I would trust them whole heartedly. So you may want to ask a question about the wine just to test them out a bit.

 As for the wine list, it’s small and all Italian. However, they do have some very good values. The wines change pretty frequently, but you can almost always find an inexpensive Chianti or Barbera D’Asti for around $30. They also carry the Villa Antinori for around $40. This is a very popular Super Tuscan (blend of Sangiovese, Cab and Merlot) that is really enjoyable each and every vintage. Considering it usually runs about $20 in most stores, they carry it at a good price.

 However, the best value on the wine list lies on the expensive side. They carry the Argiano Solengo which is a very high end Super Tuscan comparable to the best in all of Italy.  In most stores this wine will run around $50-75. I think I saw it on a crazy sale once for like $40, and that was a blowout. La Grotta is selling the 2002 vintage right now for $70!! That is cheaper than I have seen it in some stores!

 Because it’s the 2002, it is drinking beautifully right now. Lots of ripe berries with hints of chocolate and some spice.  I tried to talk my Pops out of spending so much on a bottle, but in the end I am still his son so he has the final say…and it was truly one of the best values I have ever seen on any wine list.

 Having eaten here many times I can’t remember ever having a bad meal. The mussels, both marinara and bianco, are the highlight of the appetizer menu. Although my mom would argue the stuffed artichoke tops the list. The pastas are all homemade, and the nightly special pastas are really something special. I had a black linguini with lobster meat in a vodka style sauce that was out of this world. Not only are all the pasta dishes quality, but none are over $18 and the portions are huge….enough that you almost always have to take some home with you.

 As for the meats, the Osso Bucco is definitely a fan favorite, as well as the veal saltimbocca. The steaks are pretty solid for an Italian place, but you’re better off going with a veal or chicken dish if you’re in the mood for meat. The fish is usually very fresh as well, and I know the Tilapia is one of their more popular dishes. Again, I don’t think there is a dish on the menu that is over $25, which makes it easy on the wallet.

 Like most traditional Italian places, they carry the standard desserts including homemade cannolis, biscuit tortoni, spumoni, tiramisu and a large selection of ice cream and sorbets. What they don’t carry is any hard alcohol or liqueur, so it is really just a wine and beer kinda place… which works for me! Hope it does for you too….enjoy!

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending a Beer Pairing dinner at the TapHouse in Tuckahoe. Those of you who read my blog know it’s a favorite of mine. This event proved once again the quality and versatility of both the restaurant and the beers that were offered from the Latis Imports portfolio.

The first course paired the Rodenbach Grand Cru with a Fried Oyster dish. The Grand Cru was a bit vinegary up front. Not unpleasant but quite pungent and different than any other beer I have tasted. However, paired with the oysters and the sweetness of the tomato chutney, it worked out quite well and the creamy oak flavors enhanced the finish.

Next up was the unbelievable Seared Diver Scallops with a Banana Carpaccio paired with the Steen Brugge Wit Blanche. Lots of citrus, orange peel and coriander in this wheat beer….reminded me of a Hoegarden but with a lot more going on. The coolest part was that the Lemon Confit and Banana mix really brought out all the citrus and acidity in the beer.

The first meat dish was a Roasted Breast of Duck in a Caramel Soy Candied Orange Sauce….and yes it was as delicious as it sounds! This one was paired up with the most popular beer from Latis, the Palm Ale. It’s amazing that every course prepared by Chef Kevin Bertrand was more impressive than the one before. The caramel sauce brought out all the luscious caramel and nutty flavors in the Palm. Moreover, the duck was cooked to perfection… medium rare as to keep all its juicy flavors.

Although the duck was a tough act to follow, they managed to do so in style. The offering was Braised Short Ribs in a Pear Celeriac Puree matched up with the Steen Brugge Tripel. One word….WOW! The Tripel was a woody, hoppy selection with a mildly sweet and slight orange flavor. And at 8.7% alcohol this one has a real kick! But again, it worked so well with the beef and BBQ sauce that you were unable to tell it was that strong. The ribs and sauce cut right through the hops and the puree gave it a nice creamy finish. Definitely my favorite course of the night.

For dessert, the TapHouse served their famous Chocolate Molten Lava Cake. Latis broke out one of the coolest “dessert” beers I have ever tasted. The Kriek Boon is an effervescent, clean cherry flavored beer. But unlike other fruit flavored beers, they actually put cherries into the barrel during fermentation so there is no syrupy, sugar component. Just good, clean fruit….almost like a dark sparkling Rose wine. And at 4% alcohol you can drink this all night!

Both the TapHouse and Latis Imports had an extremely successful showing for this event. From top to bottom each pairing selection was really outstanding.  You can find the Palm Ale on tap everyday at the TapHouse. So the next time you’re there and are thinking about ordering a wine with one of the meat dishes… you may want to give one of these well crafted brews a shot.  Below are the web links for both the TapHouse and Latis Imports….Enjoy!

http://www.latisimports.com/

http://www.thetaphouseny.com/

 

   

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)

 

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the Holiday season is in full bloom. Here in Westchester, the Westchester Mall is the place where everyone finds themselves shopping at some point. Located in the mall is a chain that most people are familiar with, PF Chang’s. While you may have eaten there before, they have a couple new value deals on the menu that are fully worth checking out. I did the other night with my wife and some friends and it was a really fun dining experience that still left us with a few bucks in our wallets.

Taking our current state of the economy into consideration, many restaurants are offering “recession deals”. Some places offer weeknight price fix specials, others may waive their wine corkage fee on certain occasions. Chang’s has put together a full 4 course dinner for 2 people for $39.95 and it is available all the time!! This nice, little package includes 2 soups (2 choices), an appetizer (6 choices), 2 entrees (14 choices), and 2 mini deserts (8 choices).

Not only do they offer a wide selection of choices from their menu, but they offer the most popular ones! That means you don’t have to give up having the Chicken Lettuce Wraps or Crab Wontons for apps to take advantage of the price fix. As far as the entrees go, with 14 selections it includes almost everything on the regular menu from the Chang’s Spicy Chicken, to Kung Pao Shrimp (or Chicken)…..even the Mongolian Beef (a personal favorite)! 

It’s very refreshing to see a restaurant not skimp out on selections, or portion size, when offering one of these price fix deals. Anyone who has gone to a restaurant for “Restaurant Week” in NYC knows what I mean. They may offer a $30 all inclusive meal per person, but with what they offer you either need to order a lot more food off the price fix or hit a McDonalds about 2 minutes after you leave the restaurant!

Now for the really fun part…Chang’s has always offered a wide selection of wines by the glass (with very healthy pours I might add), but now they have added a $10 Wine Flight option. You can choose ANY 3 wines that they offer by the glass, in which they pour 2.5 ounces of each  (also a very healthy pour) and serve them in their full size wine glasses. I know that sounds trivial but it makes a huge difference.

Most restaurants that offer wine flights serve them in smaller glasses which really doesn’t really allow the wine to open and it takes away from the bouquet and aroma factors. The server will also bring the glasses in this fancy wrought iron wine glass “tree”  (pictured above) which is very attractive and also efficient as it doesn’t take up too much space on the table.

Since the pours are fairly healthy, you can really have fun pairing the wines with the different courses. Try some of the light and crisp whites with the appetizers, like the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc or the Albarino (white wine from Spain that is quite floral, with nice hints of lemon and melon).

If you are a Chardonnay fan, their selection is excellent with the Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay being my favorite. It’s just a classic California Chardonnay with apple and pear flavors, good acidity but also has that buttery mouth feel for a very soft and smooth finish. It pairs very well with the Dumplings and the Almond and Cashew Chicken.

Even though some people consider PF Chang’s to be a “Chinese food restaurant”, it’s more of an Asian Fusion style, which means there will be lots of great spices and texture to the sauces. So for the reds, the Pinots work out with some of the lighter, spicier dishes. The Wild Horse and Cambria Pinots are a couple of winners. The heavier chicken and beef dishes certainly call for selections from the bigger red wine options. The Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz is a real standout, as well as the Dry Creek Cabernet.

This is one of the few times where I would recommend to absolutely select the more expensive wine options for the flight. I’m all about finding the deal and value when it comes to wine prices. But the value here lies in the flight itself.  So if they are going to pour any 3 wines, even though they may vary from $7 -$13 when poured by the glass, get the good stuff! 

This wine flight and price fix scenario has made PF Chang’s a great spot to go out with a group of friends, as it can get a bit loud in there.  You can mix and match on the price fix for 2 dinners, and decide together what wines to get in the flights. It allows you to experiment with a wine that you might not want to order a whole glass of, and try different pairings that may agree with your palate. Remember, everyone’s taste buds allow them to taste things differently, so this is the time to try something you typically may not. You just may find your new favorite wine or pairing….and at these prices you can’t miss!