Table Hopping with Morris Gut
A beautiful Technicolor harbinger of spring, the 19th annual Spring Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs thru Sunday, May 1st. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking thru the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This year’s theme: ‘Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope.’ (For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. So, where do we dine? Here are a few suggestions…
‘ORCHID EVENINGS’!
This year visitors can also enjoy cocktails at several bar areas and the Hudson Garden Grill, as well as take in special ‘Orchid Evenings’ filled with entertainment and snacks from the popular Bronx Night Market pop-up. www.thebronxnightmarket.com These unique evening events will take place: March 26 & April 2, 9, 16, 22, 23. Evening hours: 7-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested.
CONSTELLATION CULINARY GROUP at NYBG!
They have themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and a more formal dining room with waiter service called Hudson Garden Grill serving an eclectic American menu with locally sourced ingredients. Check it out online: www.nybg.org/visit/dining/the-hudson-garden-grill/
MARIO’S, 2342 ARTHUR AVE., BRONX
718-584-1188
A venerable Little Italy institution, Mario’s is marking over 100 years of operation. Regina Migliucci and her family run the show. To many, the flavorful sauces and gravies produced in this kitchen are the stuff of Italian ‘foodie heaven’. And for those in the know, the old-world menu also holds many surprises. For starters enjoy the palate pleasing lagniappe of marinated carrots, hot peppers, and good crusty Arthur Ave. bread as you survey the menu. Hearty Spiedini, Braciola, Osso Buco. www.mariosarthurave.com
MORRIS PARK INN, 1024 MORRIS PARK AVE., BRONX 718-239-4109
Proprietor Steve Poli of bustling Morris Park Inn offers a full tavern menu and generous portions. Specialties to look for: Nachos Supreme, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Chopped Cobb Salad, hefty Burgers, wraps and sandwiches, Mussels with Spaghetti, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. www.morrisparkinn.com
ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, 394 CITY ISLAND AVE., BRONX 718-885-9885
Owner Spiro Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several inviting dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Asian Sticky Buns; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Craft beer selection. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Open 7 days. Free parking. www.artiescityisland.com
MACELLERIA ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE, 142 FIFTH AVE., PELHAM 914-365-2561
While Macelleria is a high-end Italian steakhouse, a Michelin Guide Award winner serving classic cuts of prime beef and chops, you may want to pop in for their comfort dishes and small plates that are sure to please. Fresh made Meatballs served with a big dollop of ricotta cheese and luscious tomato sauce; jumbo Crab Cake appetizer served with an herbed mustard sauce; a perky Arugula Salad, with arugula, navel orange segments, fennel, goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette; and an herbal and delicious Steak Tartare. There’s a classic Burger, too. For dessert there’s a most extraordinary house made Tiramisu. Proprietor Tony LaLa and his team will take good care of you. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. www.macelleriaitaliansteakhouse.com
JACK’S BAR, 219 MAIN ST., EASTCHESTER
914-652-7650
Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew offer a good dose of Irish hospitality and dishes with pizzazz! Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include Double-Stacked Smash Burger; decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Jack’s Meatballs; Seared Scallops; Chicken Curry; Shroom Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Berkshire Pork Chop; and Grilled Lamb Sliders. www.jackseastchester.com
MARIA, 11 HUGUENOT ST., NEW ROCHELLE
914-636-0006
Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been drawing patronage from all over for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Enjoy their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some favorite beverages and small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops. The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door. www.marianewrochelle.com
TRATTORIA VIVOLO, 301 HALSTEAD AVE.,
HARRISON 914-835-6199
Chef-owner Dean Vivolo and his friendly staff are on top of their game. His robust regional Italian cuisine is served out of a restored diner just across from Harrison’s Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; fresh old-fashioned Meatballs and Sausage; great Seafood Salad; Crostino di Polenta, topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Paglia e Fieno; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Italian Stir-Fry; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; occasional Roasted Porchetta. Good wine list. Sparkling lights evenings. www.trattoriavivolo.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)