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Havana Central:The Cuban experience close to home

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Would you like to dine in an atmosphere where you feel as if you drifted off to a tropical locale? Then pay a visit to Havana Central.  I was immediately drawn in as I focused on the palm tree outside the entrance and the display of colorful tropical drinks.  I had a feeling an adventure awaited inside the doors.   Once inside Cuban music floated through the air that immediately calmed my mind and transported me to a different place

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The interior space is incredibly beautiful with great attention to detail.  Moldings, lighting, art prints, photographs, plants, and dark hardwood doors and trim all add to an elegant tropical environment.  The overall effect creates the mood that you are in fact in a Cuban restaurant in some other time.

I started with a Blackberry Mojito,  a variation of the classic Cuban cocktail, and it was refreshing and fantastic.  It was served in a tall glass with fresh blackberries, fresh mint leaves, and a stalk of cut sugar cane.  They have several different flavors including mango and you should not pass up trying one.

mohito

Since I had felt I had drifted off  to a Havana dining destination I had to choose foods typical of Cuban cuisine.

Starters: I started with the stuffed plantain baskets,  (Tostones Relleno) which were beautifully prepared and consisted of beef,chicken  and pork filled in a basket made from mashed plantain and served with  a light sauce.  This was a great start to the meal.

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Stuffed Plantain Baskets

Since the restaurant is known for the empanadas, I sampled the beef, pork and shrimp empanadas.  They were fresh and delicious with a light crispy crust.  Not at all greasy like some restaurants might serve.  Another great choice was the Lobster Stuffed avocado (Agucate Rellano De Langosta)  This was a healthy choice for an appetizer and really hit the spot.

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Empanadas

 

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Lobster Stuffed Avocado

Main Course:  Although the menu is quite large and varied, I just had to go with one of my favorites, Seafood Paellla.  This dish of rice and seafood was beautifully presented in a cast iron pot and was filled with scallops, mussels, clams, shrimp, and rice.   Truly this was one of the best paellas I have had and I have had paella in the Dominican Republic and in Spain!

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Seafood Paella

Another selection for a main course was the Pineapple Chicken (Pollo con Pina).  A nice chicken breast served with pineapple and both grilled and brushed with a citrus marinade.  It was served with Moro which is rice mixed with black beans and wine, garlic and bacon.  Both were excellent choices.

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Chicken with Pineapple 

There is live music Thursday to Sunday and Happy Hour Monday- Friday  4-7 pm with great drink specials.   There are also beautiful appointed rooms for private parties.  There are many events here such as salsa dancing night, and even painting classes.   When warmer days arrive, there is even outdoor seating.

With excellent and attentive service and wonderful traditional Cuban cuisine,  all presented in a cool tropical atmosphere, Havana Central is the place to be.  I can’t wait to go back !

havana central

Havana Central

One Ridge Hill Blvd   (Ridge Hill Shopping Center)

Yonkers ,  New York      

914-423-5500

http://www.havanacentral.com

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Whitby Castle: elegant dining in a true castle

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How often do you get to dine in a magnificent castle?    I had the opportunity recently to have brunch at Whitby Castle located at the Rye Country Club in Rye NY.   Whitby is located on the grounds of the Rye Country Club, but is open to the public and not just for club members.

whitby castle

The picturesque castle was designed by Alexander Jackson Davis one of the premier architects of the 19th century and has designed many buildings in the Hudson Valley including Lyndhurst in Tarrytown.  Dining here is to experience the elegance of a bygone era and as a bonus you can enjoy the gorgeous water view toward Milton Harbor and Long Island Sound.

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As you enter the castle you cannot help but admire the old world craftsmanship, high ceilings and the fine architectural  details in each room.  The main dining room is sun lit  with a large windows facing out over the patio, the green lawns of the golf course and then the tranquil waters of Milton Harbor.

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View from the Dining Room

We dined for Sunday brunch on Easter and had a wonderful meal.  Brunch included a wide assortment of food including traditional breakfast favorites of bagels, muffins, scrambled eggs, Eggs Benedict , sausage and bacon.   There were also salad, shrimp cocktail, and a variety of hot dishes including  Chicken Picatta, Sole, and pasta.  If that was not enough, there was a carving station with prime rib, turkey breast and lamb.  To end the meal (if you have room), there is a delicious spread of desserts and fresh fruit, coffee and tea.  Even though it is a buffet, the service from our waiter was attentive and friendly.    Certainly a wonderful place to dine.

Whitby Castle is open to the public for Dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.  Lunch is served daily except for Monday.  The menu changes often so there is no menu online.

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Outside dining

The castle is host for private events and is a desirable location for weddings.   The next event coming up is Mother’s Day Brunch on May 8th 2016.   Brunch will be in two seatings, 10:30am  and 2:30pm.  The cost for brunch is $49.95 per person and children under 12 are $19.95 each.

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for more information:

Whitby Castle  

30 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY 10580
Tel:  914.777.2053

https://www.lessings.com/corporate/venue_home.aspx?ref=40#menus

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Hudson Grille: Contemporary American Dining in White Plains

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 hudson grille

 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.

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Flight of wine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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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Zero Otto Nove: A fresh look at Italian cuisine in Armonk

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I have heard about the wonderful food at Zero Otto Nove on Arthur Avenue in  the Little Italy Section of the Bronx and was interested in eating at their Westchester restaurant in Armonk.    Located off Old Route 22 in a former commercial building, the restaurant decor has an industrial modern interior combined with traditional touches.  The brick walls, exposed trusses and  large opening garage door are  a hint to is past and this has been blended with traditional touches to create a warm inviting effect.   On a Sunday evening I visited for dinner and  it was a full house and most tables were filled with families and tables with  couples .  Some tables were filled with a variety of dishes which encourages sharing a variety of plates.

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The food is Southern Italian inspired by the owner and chef Roberto Paciullo from Salerno Italy. The menu is both familiar yet unique and there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy and to share.

Starters:  I began with Parmigana di Melanzane E Zucchine  (Eggplant and Zucchini parmigiana)  with fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce. The sauce was fantastic as only the finest San Marzano tomatoes are used and the pasta is made fresh daily.

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Eggplant and Zucchini Parmiagiana

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can taste the difference with the fresh quality ingredients.     I also shared the Grilled Octopus with fresh tomatoes, capers, cannellini beans and olive oil.  Delicious !  Also shares was the Polpettine, Polenta and Caprino which is an innovative and tasty delight of small meat balls, polenta, and goat cheese.  Both appetizers were delectable and the presentation was pleasing.  There  is also a wood fired oven on premises which provide diners with a choice of fresh pizza selections.

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Meatballs with Polenta and Goat Cheese

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Grilled Octopus

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Wood Fired Oven Pizza

Main Course:  The entrée I picked was the Mediterranean Sea Bream with clams, cherry tomatoes in white wine.

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Sea Bream and Clams

Sea Bream is a mild tasting white fish which was cooked with the other ingredients in aluminum foil to keep in the moisture and taste.  The foil is opened table side and the aroma of flavors that escape is quite amazing.  The dish was a fantastic combination of flavors.

The other dish was a pasta dish which was suggested by the waiter and I am glad I ordered.  This is a unique dish of  Radiatori in Cartoccio , which is pasta with porcini mushrooms, tomatoes, bread crumbs and parmigiano reggiano also cooked in aluminum foil.  Because of the unique preparation of this dish, the food was soft creamy and amazing.  As the foil was peeled back, you could witness the pasta unfurl in front of you as the flavors wafted over the table.  This is not your typical old school Italian dish.

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Pasta,porcini mushrooms,tomatoes cooked in tin foil

Dessert: is homemade and fun to share.  The cannoli  alla Zero Otto Nove  was a variation of the classic cannoli  as it was two flat thin canolli pastries filled with sweet ricotta creme.  I had to indulge in the Sogni Cioccolato  (chocolate cake with dark  and flavored with Grand Marnier and covered in Nutella).  Hats off to the pastry chef for two provided two great ways to finish a fine meal.

Zero Otto Nove is a really innovative Italian restaurant with food for the whole family and is prepared and served from the heart.  The service was great and they  made you feel like you were part of the family.

Fun Fact:  Zero Otto Nove means  zero eight nine (089) which is the area code for Salerno Italy from where the owner/chef is from.

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Zero Otto Nove

55 Old Route 22 Armonk NY       Tel:  914-273-0089

web:  http://www.089armonk.089roberto.com

 

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