Garvan’s: A new American restaurant with an Irish twist

April 22, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

As you drive along historic Huguenot Street and into the pastoral setting of the New Paltz Golf course you will come upon a charming building (circa 1759) which is the home to the newest restaurant to join the busy New Paltz dining scene, Garvan’s.

This lovely gastro pub and fine restaurant offers the diner several delightful options. The pub area with its low ceiling, white washed stone and original wood beams evokes the image of an authentic Irish pub. Here you can find tavern fare as you gather with friends or family in this charming and inviting space.

Pub area

The other two dining rooms on the first floor have a more formal and romantic feel and beautiful touches. Each room features fireplaces, ornate molding, soft lighting and white linen covered tables. There is tranquil Celtic music drifting through the dining rooms which is fitting as the restaurateur, Garvan McCloskey comes from Ireland. There is another dining room on the second floor as well as dining on the covered porch. Each of the dining rooms is named after a place in Ireland.

Dining Room

Garvan immediately came to say hello and his warmth and charm made me feel right at home. He is a wonderful example of hospitality at its best. Garvan then explained our waiter would be bringing us some bread to start our meal that a special homemade recipe (made by his wife) consisting of imported Irish flour and Guinness stout. It was a very hearty bread indeed. Our waiter, Robert was quite attentive and helpful with suggestions and helping us choose from the menu.

Home made Irish Brown Bread

The menu is best described as American classic cuisine with an Irish influence. Ingredients are locally sourced when possible (such as meat from local New York State farms) and you can taste the quality.

Starters: I began with pan seared Sea Scallops with a lemon beurre blanc sauce and served over parmesan risotto. This appetizer was so light and fresh, I could have had this as my entree. I also sampled the Lump Crab cake served with a red pepper sauce. It was excellent and another creation from head Chef Josh Paige.

Crab Cake

Sea Scallops

Entree: The menu features classic traditional American fare served in a modern fashion. The Wild Grilled Salmon with an herb crust was as fresh as it gets. Tender and light and served with a leek fondue and a creamy parmesan risotto. I strongly recommend this entree. My dining companion ordered the Braised Short Rib which was fork tender beef with a Guinness stout demi glace and served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes. A perfect choice for the meat lover.

Wild caught Grilled Salmon

Beef short rib

Dessert: Don’t leave without trying the homemade apple pie. This is an unique version prepared by Garvan’s wife and is an upside down apple pie made with sweet candied apples and served with ice cream. Yum!

Upside down Apple Pie

Garvan’s is a special place. Its warmth and charm is present from the moment you walk into this historic building and the classic cuisine with a hint of Ireland will satisfy your appetite. The service was excellent with an old fashion hospitality not often found in modern restaurants. Don’t miss this new gem in New Paltz.

Garvan’s

215 Huguenot Street New Paltz New York

845-255-7888 http://wwwgarvans.com/

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Hudson Grille: Contemporary American Dining in White Plains

April 4, 2016April 5, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Hudson Grill is located in the popular restaurant /bar scene on Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. Unlike some of its neighbors, Hudson Grille really stands out with its casual but upscale decor , excellent food and its five star service.

Upon entering Hudson Grille for dinner, I was pleasantly surprised how architecturally beautiful the interior presents itself. Classic dark wood floors and bar, leather seating, stone walls in the dining area, a red velvet drapes that can separate the dining area from the rest of the restaurant. The walls are adorned with photos and prints depicting scenes of the Hudson River . The overall effect is both elegant and swanky, and is reminiscent of a top notch eatery you would find in Manhattan. Hudson Grille has occupied this space in downtown White Plains since June 2010 and has built a loyal following.

The menu is large and there is something for everyone. Small plates, sharable dishes, and full entrees can be ordered. Our very professional waiter Adrian informed me as we mulled over the menu that they have a large variety of wines including a “flight of wine” which allows the diner to sample three types of wine. Your wine glasses are held in a sort of wine glass tree. Quite interesting. I love sweet wines so I thought the Flight of Wines would be a great way to try their selections. All my choices were thoroughly explained before tasting. Such a fun and unique way to start off your meal.

Flight of wine

We also sampled the Lychee Martini which was unique and tasty.

Lychee Martini

Starters: With its expansive menu, many items were chosen to be shared among our party of 4. The Steamed Bao Bao buns with pulled BBQ pork with cilantro and pickled cucumber was right on the mark. This dish was sweet and savory and perfect for sharing.

Fish Tacos were another perfect choice with amazing freshness, crunch and a pleasant blend of spices.

Fish Tacos

The Moo Shu Chicken BBQ lettuce wraps with peanuts, hoison sauce and vegetables were a light and delicious sharable plate. Creative presentation with the little Chinese take-out box holding the chicken.

Moo Shu

The menu is quite broad and draws influences from many culinary regions. A top choice for an appetizer was the Filet Mignon Kebobs in Teriyaki Sauce. It was a nice portion and cooked to perfection.

Filet Mignon Kebobs

Main Course: Moving on the main course we selected the Braised Short Rib with Yukon Gold potatoes puree, roasted root veggies in a Madeira cream sauce. I had a taste and have to say this is a delicious dish.

Braised Short Rib

I had the Norwegian Salmon on a Cedar Plank as my main dish. The presentation was quite pleasing with baby bok choi and stir fried jasmine rice. The mizo glaze and toasted sesame brought a sweetness to this healthy choice.

Norwegian Salmon on Cedar Plank

The last selection for our table was the Lobster Roll with Fries and was highly recommended by the waiter. We were not disappointed. The roll was filled with delicious fresh lobster meat and the crispy fries came served in a small metal bucket. It was delightful.

Lobster Roll

Dessert: Please don’t leave Hudson Grille without trying one(or more!) of the in-house chef made desserts. Three desserts not to miss: Almond coconut ice cream cake with crispy chocolate ganache caramel and mango sauce. A superb confection.

Banoffee pie with ripe bananas creamy toffee, puff pastry, creme fraiche and chocolate sauce with chocolate sauce. So creative and special.

Warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel chocolate sauce sweet and luscious.

The Hudson Grille changes its menu every season and uses only the freshest ingredients that are expertly prepared to create a real dining experience. There is a patio outside in the back for al fresco dining and there is also a room for private events. There is a DJ on Thursday and Saturday nights.

Top service, a great and varied menu, with outstanding presentation are reasons for you to put Hudson Grille in White Plains on your dining list.

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Hudson Grille

165 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains NY

914-997-2000

http://www.hudsongrilleny.com

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Lilly’s – an upscale new eatery and bar in White Plains

May 10, 2015May 2, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

As I walked into Lilly’s I felt that I had stepped into a retro Victorian restaurant and bar. I immediately was drawn in to focus on the beautiful French fireplace, crystal chandeliers, red couches and exposed brick walls. The lighting is soft and the large bar area is covered by a pretty white marble counter top and Roman statue can be seen as you look up. The space is very inviting , friendly and feels very comfortable.

The menu consists of many tapas, small plates, but also has interesting salads, homemade artisan pizzas and some larger dishes (entrees) as well. There is also a nice selection of fresh cheese and meat plates to share. Coming in with a group of four, we decided to try many different selections.

Shrimp with lemon and tarragon

We started with a wonderful and creamy homemade gnocchi with shitake mushrooms ,sage and apple. This dish was delicious. Other must have are the oysters with a prosecco citrus topping,

Oysters

the meatballs, a tasty grilled skirt steak with an herb citrus aioli, the shrimp with lemon and tarragon, and the brussel sprouts with parmesan and “caesar ” dressing. I also enjoyed the kale salad with cider vinaigrette, apples, strawberries, bacon and almonds. A perfect light and balanced salad.

Kale Salad

We then shared two pizzas. The first was the quattro formaggio with ricotta, taleggio, mozzarella, pecorino and roasted garlic. This thin crusted delight is a must try and absolutely delicious.We also chose the “Lilly’s” pizza which contained tomato, homemade meatballs, mozzarella and chilies. If you want something a little different and a bit “hot” then this one is for you.

Lilly’ Pizza (top) and 4 cheese pizza (below)

The drink menu has quite a selection of beers, wine and artisan cocktails.Don’t leave without trying the chocolate lave cake with chocolate mint ice cream or the olive oil cake with rhubarb -strawberry compote and mascapone cheese.

Olive Oil cake with fruit compote and marscapone

This upscale new restaurant and bar in White Plains is a true gem and is sure to be a hit. A great place to go for date night or fun with a group of friends. There is also outside seating on the back patio which will be fantastic with the warm weather approaching.

Bar detail

Lilly’s

169 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains NY

914-997-5600

www.lillyswp.com

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A NYC Steakhouse in the heart of Westchester County

January 27, 2015May 2, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Benjamin Steakhouse on a lovely winter evening. I dined with my husband and another couple and even though it was a Sunday night the place was quite busy. We were seated next to a roaring fireplace that brought instant warmth and charm to this top notch and beautiful restaurant. From the moment you walk in the door you are greeted in such a way that it feels like home. Everyone is genuinely nice and wants you to have an amazing meal and dining experience.

The four of my party decided to share a lot of dishes so that we can figure out what specialties we liked best. There were so many items it was hard to choose. I had to try a lot of seafood appetizers as it is my favorite thing to eat. We had clams oreganato, oysters, lump crab meat salad , crab cakes, shrimp cocktail and lobster bisque soup for everyone.

We couldn’t believe how delicious and fresh everything was. The lobster bisque is amazing and really hits the spot. I tasting everything and have to say I felt like I was in a specialty seafood restaurant. I almost forgot the restaurant is called Benjamin Steakhouse which leads me to the next part of my meal- the amazing entrees. I had to choose surf and turf which included a nice size filet mignon and a lobster tail. The steak melted in your mouth and the lobster tail was so juicy and luscious that the drawn butter given on the side was not needed. I ordered spinach and potatoes for the four of us to share. Everyone else ordered different cuts of beef and we loved it all. The porterhouse was amazing I was told.
If all this food wasn’t enough we had to order different desserts to sample. Cheesecake, fruit platter, red velvet cake and key lime pie. A great ending to a perfect meal.
What I took away from this wonderful dining experience besides culinary excellence was a staff that works so hard at trying to please in every way and making sure everything is perfect from start to finish. It is no wonder that this restaurant was named best steakhouse by Westchester Magazine. Don’t miss this special place!

Location 610 West Hartsdale Avenue White Plains, New York

914-428-6868 for reservations

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