Rye House takes its name  from the spirit  rye, and not from the neighboring town.  Rye House in Port Chester is a fine gathering spot for friends or couples looking for a hip and relaxed place to drink and dine.   The owners also own the Rye House in the Flatiron district of Manhattan yet this location has created its own identity with an expanded menu.  The Rye House has been described as the “elevated American tavern”, combining the friendliness and warmth of a tavern with upscale food and a vast selection of drinks and innovative cocktails.

The interior of this vintage brick building on the corner of Main and Willett in downtown Port Chester is a warm and inviting space.  In a prior life the space housed for many years an upscale clothing store but had been shuttered for some time.  The new owners have breathed life into the space with new large windows that let in the streetscape, and use lots of wood, exposed beams hardwood floors and warm tones to give the space an honest yet familiar tavern experience.  Downstairs is a separate space perfect for music or private events.

The bar has a very extensive list of whiskey, rye and bourbons as well as the usual menu of spirits  The whiskey and bourbon list is so extensive I stopped counting  after 100 different varieties.. There are 10 beers on tap and another 12 available in bottle or can. Signature cocktails are also available under the supervision of Sara, their master mixologist.

Prior to dinner we sampled some appetizers including the Fried Pickles served with buttermilk ranch dressing,  Truffle Grilled Cheese (fontina cheese, and black truffle) which was amazing and the spicy Voodoo Shrimp with creole remoularde.     For a cocktail I tried the Clara Bow, which  featured bourbon, house made grenadine and mint.  I usually do not drink bourbon, but this was one fine cocktail.

After being sat at our table we decided to sample some appetizers.  We sampled the Baby Beets Salad with pomegranate, and greek yogurt which was a healthy choice.  We also sampled G-Ma’s Meatballs and marinara which was a nice comfort food.  We then moved on the Spicy Chorizo Tacos with pineapple which was delicious. We also enjoyed the Hamachi Cerviche.   A nice pairing with the apps was Driftwood Ale from Montauk Brewing.

Main course:  we sampled a few items from the entree menu and  they were all winners.  The Pan Seared Branzino was excellent covered in sprouts and spaetzle.    The Carolina Shrimp and Grits was a real comfort food and was a favorite.  This dish seems to be in more restaurants lately and we are happy about seeing more of this comfort food.   We complimented our entree with a wine pairing of a white wine from Long Island White Blend of Mattituck..

Dessert included a Artisanal Hudson Valley Cheese Board  and  the Chocolate Lava Cake  served with Longford’s ice cream.  Both were delicious and a great way to end the meal.

Rye House is a great spot to gather with friends or for date night with a nice blend of food and a wide selection of cocktails, wine and beer.

Rye House Port Chester

126 North Main Street Port Chester NY      tel: 914.481.8771

https://www.ryehousepc.com

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Fig and Olive in Scarsdale offers a traditional Mediterranean cuisine that is prepared from fresh and classic ingredients.  The cuisine while traditional is served in a contemporary style and presentation, free of heavy sauces or unnecessary carbs.

The interior of the restaurant  features modern and clean lines with a long bar and large dining area.  The feel is light and airy with stucco walls, warm and soft colors, potted olive trees,  and potted rosemary plants.  The design and use of plants help create a Mediterranean mood.   The walls are filled with shelves arranged that boxes that hold the restaurant’s large selection of wines as well as olive oil.

Fig and Olive’s menu has a focus on premium olive oil and  flavors from the French Riviera.  Many of the ingredients are from premier farms and local vendors in an attempt to provide the freshest taste and quality.

There is an innovative list of cocktails and we just had to sample the Fig and Walnut Julep, the Raspberry Mojito and “Summer in Provence”.  All were creative and refreshing selections.   There is also a extensive selection of wines and sparking wine.

We began with three types of unique olive oil that is brought to the table and served with fresh bread.  It is a fine way to sample the variety and taste of these signature olive oils.

Our party of four decided to share some of the appetizers.  We began with the Signature Crostini which can be ordered in a plate of 3 ($11) or 6 ($20). There are 9 different choices.  We ordered the Kabocha Squash, Octopus with hummus, Mushroom with artichoke and truffle, Machengo with fig and almond, Burrata with tomato and pesto, and the Shrimp with avocado, cilantro and tomato.  A great and light selection that really gives the diner a sample of the delicious food that awaits.

Signature Crostini

We also sampled from the appetizer menu the Burrata Heirloom Beet  served with red apple, hazelnut, dill  and apple cider dressing.  A nice healthy choice and attractive presentation.   The Sea Scallops was a chance to sample the seafood and it was presented with honey roasted carrot, orange segment citrus and charmoula and was very tasty.  Appetizers run from $5 to $17.  Flatbread pizza is also on the menu.

I also sampled a healthy salad, the Shrimp and Salmon salad.  This was served with fennel, arugula, avocado, tomato, citrus and cilantro olive oil dressing.  A very healthy selection that was full of flavor and very satisfying.

Shrimp and Salmon Salad

Main Course:   Fig and Olive offers a number of selections including 5 different pasta selections.  We did not sample those but instead tried the Swordfish with roasted sunchoke, rapini, romesco-marscapone sauce and almond and hazelnut.   Delicious.  We also ordered the Rosemary Lamb Chops with goat cheese gnocchi, and braised honey eggplant that was cooked to perfection and was a generous portion.

Swordfish

The Grilled Hickory Hanger Steak with roasted potato, garlic confit and almond and hazelnut was our last selection and was nicely prepared, although the shallow bowl in which it was served made it difficult to slice the meat.    Main courses are $25-36.

Rosemary Lamb Chops

Grilled Hanger Steak

There is also a Price Fixe menu of four courses at $38 that is worthy of exploring.

Dessert:  with a little room left we shared the Apple Tart ( a generous portion) which was light and tasty.  We also ordered the Pot de Creme, which was rich and decadent, and though small it was satisfying.

The restaurant was filled the night we dined there which is testament to its high quality cuisine and service.  Reservations are recommended.

Fig and Olive

696 Post Road (Rt 22)  Scarsdale New York     tel:  914.725.2500

http://www.figandolive.com

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With Valentine’s Day  quickly approaching I am offering suggestions for different restaurants for that special day. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, you can use any of these suggestions for a weekend date night.   I have dined at all these restaurants in the last year and you can read my reviews in detail at the I On The Valley blog site.  You can also go to the I on The Valley facebook page which will link you to the different reviews and many photos.

1.Kee Oyster House– White Plains: Great cocktails and fresh fantastic seafood is only the start at this great restaurant. Its vintage Old New York City feel will set the mood for a great evening

Kee Oyster House :  128 East Post Road White Plains   http://www.keeoysterhouse.com

Key Oyster House White Plains

2. Ramiro’s 954 – Mahopac: Latin fusion menu, fun cocktails and a warm Latin inspired motif makes Ramiro’s a fine choice.

Ramiro’s 954-  954 Route 6 Mahopac NY     http://www.ramiros954.com

Ramiro’s 954

3.Tredici North– Purchase:  A  innovative Italian menu from a top chef and a stylish hip interior make this a must dine location.  There are some amazing cocktails as well !

Tredici North -578 Anderson Hill Road Purchase NY    http://www.tredicinorth.com

Tredici North

4.The National-Greenwich: Celebrity Chef Geoffrey Zakarian has produced a wonderful restaurant with an award winning menu, classy cocktails and a swanky decor.

The National- 376 Greenwich Avenue Greenwich Ct.   http://www.national-ct.com

The National

5.Kisco River Eatery- Mt Kisco one of the newest restaurants in Mt.Kisco, Kisco River Eatery  brings an American menu with an Italian twist.  The warm comfortable interior is the perfect setting.

Kisco River Eatery- 222 East Main Street Mt Kisco NY   http://www.kiscoriver.com

Kisco River Eatery

6.Mediterraneo  -White Plains:   a  dramatic modern restaurant from Z Hospitality Group that has transformed this unique space in White Plains into a dining hot spot.   Chef Albert DeAngelis has developed a Coastal Mediterranean menu that is fantastic.

Mediterraneo -189  Main Street White Plains NY    http://www.zhospitalitygroup.com

Mediterraneo

7. Sixty 5 On Main– Nyack- three unique dining areas, fantastic cocktails a stylish bar and a wide variety of delicious small plate menu choices make this restaurant the perfect evening out.

Sixty 5 On Main:   65 Main Street Nyack NY    http://www.sixty5onmain.com

Sixty 5 on Main

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Sixty 5 on Main in Nyack is a fantastic addition to  the dining scene in this lively riverfront village.  The large restaurant feature a multi ethnic  small plate cuisine and features innovative cocktails and fresh desserts with a Caribbean influence.  As an additional bonus live jazz and blues bands play on Friday and Saturday evenings. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant.

Upon entering with friends recently  I noticed the restaurant is divided into separate and unique dining spaces including the bar/main dining room, a second dining room with rich paneled walls and ceiling which looked like the library in a fine home, and finally the room where we sat with its sloping ceiling and stone walls.  There is also an outside dining patio during the warmer seasons.  The jazz band was set up in the main dining room.

We started at the bar with its blue lights and Moroccan style lamps which set the atmosphere for some special cocktails.

Some of the unique cocktails we sampled was The Hudson, with vodka (or gin), pear ginger tea, lemon juice, ginger syrup, St Germain, pear bitters and elderflower foam which was a sweet and smooth concoction. The Club 65 is a fine cocktail of gin (or vodka) fresh lemon juice, fresh berry syrup and vermouth which makes for nice starter to the evening.

The small plate menu encourages guest to order various items and share if they want with the guests at their table.  Our table of 6 was seated in a curved banquette in the corner and the couch was covered in a soft aqua  suede.  The space was intimate and perfect for our party.

Here are some of the items we ordered to start:  Beet Salad with arugula, roasted beets, crispy beets and soft goat cheese in a hazelnut vinaigrette. Fresh and healthy and great to share.   The Octopus Carpaccio was an interesting selection and served cold with thin sliced octopus with olives, capers and pine nuts in herb infused olive oil.  Delicious and a nice presentation.

Beet Salad

Octopus

Our group also ordered the dozen East coast oysters from the raw bar ( all served with three different sauces),  Fish Tacos  which are tortilla “cups”  avocado and pico de gallo and really hit the spot. Smaller than a traditional taco but full of flavor.

Oysters

Fish Tacos

Other dishes sampled were the Tuna Crudo, served in orange and lemon and snow peas,  Fried Calamari, and healthy selection of Maple winter Vegetables with brussel sprouts, sweet potato, cashew creme, and apple vinaigrette.

Octopus Carpaccio

Maple Winter Vegetables

Seafood dishes we enjoyed was the Fish of the day which was Grouper and the Scottish Salmon.  The salmon was a creative blend of Scottish Salmon, Asian Broth,,shitake mushrooms,lemon grass, ginger and bok choy which really emphasized the multi ethnic origins of the very creative menu.

Scottish Salmon in Asian Broth

Grouper

Rounding out our small plates were the excellent Shrimp Matbucha,  in a salted puff pastry with peppers, olives , yogurt and extra virgin olive oil.  A real delight.  Showing the variety of dishes available for all tastes we enjoyed the Chicken Steam buns, a soft doughy bun with chicken in a ginger soy sauce with peanuts, red peppers and slice pickles.  The sweetness of the pickle and the strong flavors of the ginger soy sauce made for an interesting taste.

Chef Moshe Gundman formerly of Oceana has really developed an innovative small plates menu with something for everyone and includes many locally sourced ingredients.  Pasty Chef Choya Hodge who worked under Chef Gordon Ramsay offered up some wonderful desserts with a Caribbean influence including the  delightful Mango Sorbet.

Sixty5 on Main is a welcome recent addition to the Hudson Valley dining scene and from the full dining room  on the evening we attended, it seems it has already gained many new admirers

Sixty 5 on Main

Sixty Five Main Street, Nyack New York

Tel:  845.358.5200

http://sixty5onmain.com/

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The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce held its Centennial Party on Thursday January 26th 2017 at Betteridge Jewelers in Greenwich.  The celebration of the 100 years of serving the community was highlighted by a lovely band playing throwback music, great appetizers by Plum Caterers, Wine by Val’s and signature cocktails by The National.

The red carpet event was a wonderful party and a good time was had by all.  Please see the slideshow below for  more photos from the event.

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Happy 100 years to the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce !

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Returning to the  Lounsbury House on Main Street in Ridgefield  will be the 18th annual Taste of Ridgefield which is organized and run by the Ridgefield Rotary Club.  It will be held on Sunday January 29th. 

There will be numerous food and beverage providers from the Ridgefield area and attendees to the event can enjoy samples  from each. Taste food and desserts from local restaurants and caterers and enjoy wine tasting as well.

The Taste of Ridgefield  benefits local charity and 100% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to charity.  The event is held in two sessions,  12:30 to 2:30 pm or 4 to 6 pm.  Tickets to this event are $45 in advance or $50 at the door.   You can purchase advance tickets at Deborah Ann’s (381 Main Street Ridgefield)  or Squash (389 Main Street Ridgefield)  or online at http://www.ridgefieldrotary.org.

The Lounsbury House at the Ridgefield Community Center

316 Main Street Ridgefield Ct.

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