Restaurants of the Year
By THE INTOWN WESTCHESTER EDITORIAL STAFF
(Original publication: November 10, 2006)
The truth is, we've been scouring Westchester for the best restaurants for almost two years. Since InTown began publishing in March 2005, we've done 40 restaurant reviews, and evaluated 91 more eateries in other features in our pages. At times, it's been humbling (with husbands and wives threatening to leave the table if we don't put away our notebooks) and at others it's been horrendous (like a certain Rye restaurant that kept us waiting, despite our reservation, for two-plus hours). But there were also moments of transcendence: that first bite of the Grand Marnier soufflé at L'Europe; an unexpected, complimentary platter of Chat 19 calamari to go with the restaurant's live music; and that first appetizer at Harvest-on-Hudson, just as the sun sets across the river, blanketing the Palisades in a raspberry glow. And when we voted on our favorite Westchester restaurants, such moments-more than price, service, or even décor-helped these 10 stand out. They aren't all new, and they aren't all trendy. They're just, as Tina Turner might say, simply the best.
Favorite Newcomer: The Sterling Inn, New Rochelle
WHY WE LOVE IT: Prior to the arrival of this eatery, there wasn't much to choose from in terms of fine local cuisine. But now, hungry New Roc residents don't have to travel far for classic French-American fare. The décor, designed by co-owner Rachael Smith (wife of Chef Sterling Smith, a Culinary Institute of America grad), includes delicate chandeliers and comfy leather chairs that make the bar look like a swanky New York City lounge.
WHAT TO ORDER: The creamy mac-and-cheese appetizer, made with a mélange of truffles, must not be missed. If you're really in the mood for fungi, follow this up with sweet-pea-and-ramps risotto, which comes smothered in shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Meat lovers will delight in the rosy Australian rack of lamb, and for a decadent finish, we love the chocolate ganache cake. Chef Smith recommends you enjoy the gooey center with a glass of port. Our response? Forget the digestif, and bring on a second helping of dessert!
DINNER FOR TWO: $80
DETAILS: 1279 North Ave.; New Rochelle; 636-2400; www.thesterlinginnrestaurant.com.
RUNNER-UP: Frodo's, Pleasantville |
