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I enjoyed many fine culinary experiences this past year. Here is a short list of favorite dishes and dining venues you should try not to miss in 2026! Winter Farmers Markets, too…

HEARTY SUNDAY ROAST DINNER AT JILL’S

Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. There’s also Truffle Parm Fries, Chili Roasted Cauliflower, Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl. Hearty  Sunday Roast.  Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com  

INDIAN STREET FOODS AT MUMBAI KATTA

Anita Gawde is a dynamo. At one moment she is greeting entering patrons, the next she disappears into the kitchen, the next she is on the dining room floor touting her menu: the tasty street foods of regional India. Anita and her husband Jayant Gawde have been marking their 1st. Anniversary with vibrant specialties plated with pizzazz. We recently feasted on a tasty tour of savory small plates: Samosa Chaat, Sabudana Vada, delectable Chicken Kathi Roll, ending with their delicious Chicken Masala and crispy crusted Shrimp Fry. The Kesar Phirni, their version of rice pudding, was a festive dessert. Anita and her friendly staff will help you with the menu. Mumbai Katta, 227 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 516-953-3265 www.mumbaikatta.com 

ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO

Cited by Forbes Magazine, Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage 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; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Linguini Nere with bay scallops; Grilled Lamb Chops; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Spaghetti a la Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. Seasonal outdoor patio. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com

TENDER BRISKET & BURGERS AT SMOKEHOUSE TAILGATE GRILL

Partners Mike Hoffer and Justin Zeytoonian re-opened their new industrial-designed BBQ restaurant in The Rockwell, a new building along North Ave., New Rochelle, near IONA. It is directly across from the shuttered original which they founded in 2007. The well edited menu includes a good selection of craft beers along with signature Tacos, BBQ Chicken and Racks of Ribs. Recently, we  ordered their popular Brisket, and it was flavorful and tender. The Tomahawk Burger is prepared with Pat La Frieda beef and is a satisfying winner. The original Smokehouse Tailgate Grill is located at 587 North Ave., New Rochelle, not far from IONA College. (914-813-8686). Their second location: Smokehouse Tailgate Grill, 320 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. (914-341-1655). www.shtailgate.com

ARTISANAL PIZZA FENICE 

In just 3 years, John Gristina, proprietor of Pizza Fenice in Pelham, has become a pizzaioli to be reckoned with. The buzz about his traditional and non-traditional pizzas and Italian/American fare have reached across the area often drawing lines of patrons to his cozy take-out pizza shop. (There are a few tables if you can score them.) Our recent indulgence: his Sunday Sausage & Peppers Pizza was an entirely decadent experience loaded with flavor. We finished it over two days. A must try! Pizza Fenice, 304 5th Ave., Pelham. 914-633-3332. www.pizzafenice.com 

WINTER FARMERS MARKETS RIGHT NOW

So, winter just started and you miss visiting your favorite farmer’s market. Some of our most popular markets operate all winter, and while you may not get all the spring/summer/fall harvest can produce, it’s still a good place to pick up a variety of artisanal goods such as meats, cheeses, jams, breads. Here are some markets worth a winter’s drive. Check ahead for times and dates. Happy grazing:

Larchmont Winter Farmers Market, Metro-North upper lot, Chatsworth & Myrtle Blvd., Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round. www.downtoearthmarkets.com 

Hastings -on-Hudson Winter Farmers’ Market, Commuter Parking Lot, across from Metro-North station. 134 Southside Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.hastingsfarmersmarket.org 

Pleasantville Farmers Market, Metro-North Parking Lot, 10 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville.  Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12, through March 2026. www.pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org 

Irvington Winter Farmers’ Market, Main Street School Auditorium, 110 Main St., Irvington. Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.theirvingtonfarmersmarket.org 

Gossett’s Farm Market, Gossett Brothers Nursery, 1202 Rt. 35, South Salem. Year round. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.gossettbrothers.com 

Cold Spring Indoor Farmers Market, Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rt. 9D. Garrison. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.coldspringfarmersmarket.org 

(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. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)