05/26/09

Bigging Up: Two Westchester Chefs Compete for Food TV Show Slot

It’s true: there’s nothing we foodies like to sneer about more than established Food Network stars. Sandra Lee and her thousand things to do with Jell-O; here again—gone—and then here again Robert Irvine, with his dubious knighthood and Stretch Armstrong body; or the Darth Vader of all TV chefs, Raych, whose relentless giggle is as ominous as the heralding notes of the Death Star.

Laugh, laugh, laugh—but 16 years into the Food Network, we’re all still watching…

We remember a callow Bobby Flay, with an absent “swap out” and a balky food processor, when he finally resorted to upending the machine, weighty base and all. We watched in helpless horror as the Flay competed on Iron Chef Japan, whining like a newbie just...

Posted at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

05/18/09

The New and Improved Bistro Z

Bistro Z, an upscale American restaurant at the renovated Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown, boasts a new executive chef, a revamped menu, and a busy calendar of social events.

The restaurant encompasses three main areas: the 70-seat dining room, featuring a large fireplace and newly opened outdoor patio; a lounge with four flat-screen TVs; and a piano bar in the hotel...

Posted at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

05/11/09

Annus Horribilis: Can it Be Over?

It’s been a horrible year…but is it really over? Can diners come out to play?

After a cruel, hard winter with lots of restaurant closures, it looks as though the Westchester dining scene is still standing. Sure, we took some hits, and there have certainly been losses…but it looks like the warm weather is bringing a few tender shoots. Here’s the new growth that we’re excited about:

Comfort Lounge
Chef John Halko, Hastings king of organic take-away at Comfort, has had a rough winter, when the projected opening of his actual restaurant (with actual toilets,...

Posted at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1

05/04/09

Molly Spillane's, Mamaroneck's New Hot Spot

Taking over a space formerly occupied by law offices, Molly Spillane’s quickly is livening up a sedate end of Mamaroneck Avenue. The sister restaurant of Mickey Spillane’s in Eastchester, the two-floor, 9,000 square-foot Molly Spillane’s aims to please a mixed crowd of all ages, from families and singles, to serious diners and sports fans.

The dining room’s handsome décor is a blend of dark mahogany and brick; large front windows open up for an alfresco dining experience, while outdoor sidewalk seating makes for prime people-watching during the warmer months. The centerpiece of the dining area is the enormous Cheers-esque bar containing 16 high-def televisions tuned in to the latest sporting event.

The restaurant’s most...

Posted at 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0