Jeanne MuchnickRockland/Westchester Journal News
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This summer is hot in more ways than one. Ten Westchester eateries have opened in the past few weeks with more on the precipice of opening soon. Watch this space as well as lohud's Instagram page for updates.
Wanna Empanada, Ossining
The popular empanada food truck, started in 2020 and owned and operated by Philip Gioio, his wife Kenelyn and mom Doreen, now has a brick and mortar location. The new spot, which opens July 22, features an ever-rotating list of sweet and savory empanadas (think Philly cheesteak, meatball parm, lobster mac and cheese, spinach and feta, Oreo, cheesecake and more) along with sodas and lemonade. Philip Gioio said they basically outgrew their food truck and needed more space for cooking and storage. Plus, the customer demand was so high, it made sense to have a place open four days a week (Wednesday to Saturday) where people can enjoy their empanadas rather than always having to chase the truck. In total, the Gioio's feature 80 varieties of empanadas with beef, cheese and MacDaddy, a combo of beef, cheddar, onion, pickles and special sauce, being among some of the most popular. The truck will still be available for private parties, festivals and events. 238 North Highland Ave., 914-330-8374, wannaempanadany.com
Benny's Brown Bag, Peekskill
Gourmet sandwiches are the focus at this new takeout spot, open since July 5. The eatery, owned by Vincent Cox and Bettina (Betty) Warshaw (the name is a combination of Vinny and Betty), have decorated the space with lots of vintage touches such as an old TV with a VCR featuring skateboarding videos (and other shows including cartoons), fun brown bags with their logo on them, and refrigerated cases that read "Thirsty?" and "Here ya go!" in retro blue script. The two, who both previously worked in the corporate world, wanted to bring something fresh and new to what had been a long-standing deli. All sauces are made in house, all items are made to order and meats are sourced from Thumann's Inc, a New Jersey-family owned and operated company.
Breads come from multiple local distributors such as Nanuet's Rockland Bakey and New Jersey's Schmidt Bakery. Heading the kitchen is Phillip Dixon, a 2012 Peekskill High School alum who's worked for such local restaurants as Gleason's and Birdsall House. Together, the three have come up with some cool-sounding sandwiches among them the Thai Fried Chicken, which sells out fast and early; the Chili Crisp Turkey, with all natural turkey, six-month-aged Manchego, Chili Crisp mayo, arugula, house pickled red onions on a Ciabetta long roll and the Chimi Chimi Ya Roast Beef with provolone, creamy herb sauce, house-pickled red onions and crispy red onions also on a Ciabetta. A salad is also available and craft beer is to come. Look, too, for breakfast sandwiches down the road. 1100 Elm St., 914-600-8848
Our Place Kitchen & Bar, Yorktown Heights
Yorktown native Melanie LaHara, who's been in the restaurant business many years and at many spots (think Red Hat, Wood & Fire and more) and her fiancé Marc Kenyon, another Westchester native (i.e. Bedford) and long-time restaurateur (they met at Red Hat!), opened their own place (something LaHara always dreamed of!) on June 12. The spot, which for years was Furci's, has been remodeled with an expanded bar, to provide a warm, homey ambiance featuring a crowd-pleasing menu of New American fare, many of which can be accommodated for those with gluten-free needs. On the menu: A variety of shareable bites such as barbecue pork ribs, wings, mussels and elote corn dip, as well as burgers, salads sandwiches and tacos. LaHara said her love for the restaurant business started when she was young seeing her father in action: Michael LaHara served as the director of opeartions fo Keith McNally's NYC restaurants including the esteemed Balthazar for many years. Don't be surprised if you see him here one day: This place, where the wait staff T-shirts read: "Make Our Place Your Place" (it's also stenciled on the dining room wall!) is all about family and making diners feel comfortable. As an added note: Brunch will start soon. 334 Underhill Ave., 914-302-7900, ourplaceyorktown.com
More: Harrison is redefining its restaurant scene as apartments draw newcomers
Bistro de Ville, Scarsdale
The French restaurant, from the team behind Purdy's Farmer & The Fish, opened June 29, taking over the space that had been El Barrio. The interior is more or less the same in terms of layout — an open kitchen, the bar towards the left upon entry — but inside is now warmer and more subdued with a wallpapered wall showcasting wispy feathers, an art deco, modern dining room and a Parisian exterior with the kinds of tables and chairs that make you want to sip an espresso and nibble on a baguette. This being an authentically French place, you have to try the mussels, the steak frites or the burger (with those amazing "frites"). Plus you'll love how the chocolate mousse is served — scooped out from a large terraine, and then placed on a large plate, making it perfect for sharing. 185 Summerfield St., bistrodeville.com
Líkhâ Art Cafe, Hawthorne
Open since July 11, this art-oriented cafe is the brainchild of Emma Songalia whose long career included years working in a dental office. Now, the White Plains resident is sharing her passion for her Filipino culture with customers. The sunny-filled spot, which features Abbotsford Road coffees and Filipino pastries such as Ube flan cake and pan de cocoa, is decorated with colorful artwork by local Filipino artists, lots of plants and comfy sofas and chairs. There's also pint-sized seating for children along with a small chess set and other games. Down the road Songalia, who owns the cafe with three other partners, hopes to add events such as canvas painting, crafts parties and more. Likha, she explained, is Filipino for "creative," and it's that creativy, along with a sense of community, that she hopes to bring to Hawthorne. 363 Elwood Ave., 315-936-3324, facebook.com/LikhaArtCafe
Casa Fuego, Yonkers
Heat is the theme at this Latin fusion spot, open since June 19, where the decor draws inspiration from Miami and Las Vegas. Dramatic painted walls and lots of greenery bring attention to the focal point of the space: a custom-made, 6,000-pound wood-burning oven. There's also a floating fireplace in the middle of the restaurant. And the menu is hot too, leaning towards food with spice: Think paella and mofongo along with handcrafted cocktails like the Fuego Tini made with jalapeno infused tequila. This is the fourth restaurant to open under the First Generation Hospitality umbrella, including Public Pizza which is also at Ridge Hill. 238 Market St., ridgehill.com/dinings/casa-fuego
More: Jeanne Muchnick's 'Best Thing I Ate This Week': Pasta at DPNB in Nyack
Via Veroli, Yonkers
Sal Cucullo, owner of The 808 Bistro in Scarsdale, has taken over the space that had been Calabria Mia (and before that Reggia Morelli). Open since June 15, the eatery, with a sunny atrium in front, features a fusion of Italian flavors including popular favorites such as Pork Chop Scarpiello, traditional chicken or eggplant parm, lemon roast Cornish hen, and pizzas such in varieties such as crumbled meatball, roast garlic and fig. You'll also find plenty of pastas such as mushroom ravioli, penne pasta, linguine with clam sauce and Cacio e Pepe. There's also a nice Happy Hour with $5 margaritas and mixed drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 2150 Central Park Ave., 914-961-3333, viaveroli.com
La Casa De Nina, Hawthorne
Open since June 15, this restaurant, where Unionville Tavern had been, specializes in both Peruvian and Greek food. Menu items include Greek salad, gyros, souvlaki, moussaka as well as Peruvian spaghetti, fried calamari, Pollo a la Brasa (rotisserie chicken), Peruvian soups and ceviche. The restaurant is owned by Lino and Victoria Cacsire who own El Miski in White Plains and Miski 2 in Elmsford. 415 Commerce St., 914-810-7705
The Little Shop of Coffee & Dry Goods, Sleepy Hollow
Open since June 17, this cozy gift shop is an offshoot of Sleepy Coffee Too, a coffee shop employing young adults with "differing abilities," which opens Sept. 23. The coffee shop, which lohud first reported on last March, is still under construction but customers can enjoy a taste of what's to come via its ground and whole bean Legendary signature blend (and free coffee samples!) along with apparel and other Sleepy Coffee, Too merchandise. In addition, Owner Kim Kaczmarek, a retired special ed teacher, has stocked her shop with jewelry, books, olive oil and baking mixes from other companies that employ those with disabilities. That includes a variety of cookies, granola and crackers from Rockland-based Rising Above Bakery, which lohud wrote about in 2021. 110 Beekman Ave., sleepycoffeetoo.org
Tutto Cream, Hawthorne
Gelato, pastries, ice cream and sorbets are part of the repertoire at Tutto Cream, which also specializes in custom tarts and cakes. The ice cream shop, where you'll find pistachio, strawberry and coffee flavored treats (all homemade!) opened July 1 and is owned by longtime pastry chef Zoila Guayllasaca who has been in the business for more than 25 years. 422 Commerce St., 347-992-9762
Jeanne Muchnickcovers food and dining. Clickherefor her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram@lohud_foodor via thelohudfood newsletter.
