Bar 141 Melds Fine Flavors With Good Networking

By Morris Gut

Recent visits to the new Bar 141 have left me pleasantly surprised.

My thirst for socializing and good conversation has been satisfied by the convivial atmosphere. The long glistening bar is a good spot for networking. Couple that with their solid kitchen and friendly staff and we have a fine addition to the Westchester dining scene.

Proprietors John and Joanne Piazza have reimagined their casual family-friendly restaurant and sparkling bar, which is tucked into a corner of the bustling Thornwood Town Center.

You are made to feel right at home as soon as walk in. Chef Edy Payes, who previously worked at Mediterraneo in Greenwich, is turning out a tempting eclectic mix of contemporary Italian, American and global dishes.

We have had several memorable meals here so far. The Caesar salad has stood out, with crispy romaine, shredded parmesan and croutons and coated with a flavorful Caesar dressing. Not overloaded with croutons, it was spot-on. Tuna tartare with avocado, soy and jalapeno crema is beautifully plated with its side of homemade white crisps. The baked clams were a revelation – fresh juicy littlenecks topped with tasty breadcrumbs and a garlic sauce.

House-made pappardelle melded well with mushrooms, peas, asparagus, sausage and tomato cream. Crispy pan-fried chicken Milanese combined well with arugula, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and onion. Special mention must go to the delicious parmesan-crusted halibut served with spinach and beurre blanc. Halibut is a favorite of mine, and this version is a winner!

Bar 141 doesn’t stop there. Additional specialties include lobster bisque, crispy cauliflower, Thai meatballs, an open pastrami Reuben, the double-cut maple pork chop, Thai chicken bowl and burgers with the works.

There is a three-course lunch special for $17.99 served Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. It comes with a complementary glass of house wine, prosecco or draft beer and a choice of the soup of the day or small house salad, choice of main course and a house-made dessert. It’s truly a deal.

An a la carte bottomless Sunday brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring such specialties as avocado toast, eggs Benedict and steak and eggs. Kids can choose from chicken fingers, mac and cheese, cheese ravioli or grilled cheese.

There is live music and social events each month.

Bar 141 is located at 1006 Broadway in the Thornwood Town Center. There are private party facilities and catering packages available. Ample free parking. Closed Mondays. Info: 914-579-2610 or visit www.bar141.com.  

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken

Crowds lined up for the recent grand opening of Bonchon in White Plains, the first Westchester location for the popular international Korean comfort food chain. Fans could not wait to get their first crunch.

Bonchon offers hand-battered, double-fried, hand-brushed chicken wings, dumplings, rice dishes, pot stickers, bulgogi fries, pork buns and bibimbap, along with sides and sauces. Our first visit was a mixed bag as the new operating crew were still honing the system.

We ordered house-fried rice bulgogi, pork pot stickers with soy garlic sauce and half and half wings with a spicy and sweet sauce. A tiny cup of complementary coleslaw was served. We scored a table, but the order came packed for take-out.

Glancing at other tables around us, eat-in orders were fancifully laid out on large trays. We ended up eating out of our carry-out boxes. Bottom line: the pot stickers and wings were indeed crunchy and good, while our rice dish was mealy. Will give them another try when things calm down a bit.

Bonchon is located at 220 Main St. in White Plains (next to Barnes & Noble). Open daily. Info: 914-922-2001 or visit www.bonchon.com.

Michelin 2023-24 Westchester Ratings

It has become an annual rite of the culinary. The prestigious Michelin Restaurant Guides have been publishing their ratings internationally, nationally, in New York City, and for the fourth year, in Westchester. As always with these guides, there is controversy: who made the list, who did not and why? It is all kept so secretive.

The Bib Gourmand designations (reasonably priced eateries of merit) and Stars (high-end establishments), can be meaningful to a restaurant’s bottom line.

As of last November, here are the local spots that made the list for 2023-24. Based on my experience, many are deserving finalists.

Bibs in Westchester include Dubrovnik, New Rochelle, Croatian-Adriatic cuisine; Maria, New Rochelle, Italian-global; Tredici Social, Bronxville, regional Italian; Café Alaia, Scarsdale, an Italian trattoria; Burrata, Eastchester, artisanal wood-fired pizza; The Southern Table, Pleasantville, southern specialties; Badageoni Georgian Kitchen, Mount Kisco, our first Georgian eatery; RaaSa, Elmsford, regional Indian cuisine; Rafele, Rye, Neapolitan Italian cuisine; Boro6 Wine Bar, Hastings-on-Hudson, European-style taverna; and The Cookery, Dobbs Ferry, innovative Italian cuisine.

New additions this year are TVB by Pax Romana in White Plains, known for their fresh pastas, and Chutney Masala in Irvington, featuring modern Indian cuisine. By the way, the only star recipient in Westchester was once again Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

You can access the full list, including restaurants in the nearby Bronx, at https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/new-york-state/restaurants/bib-gourmand. Bon Appetit!

Zagat is Back!

If you are passionate about your dining and you enjoy sharing your experiences, the Zagat Restaurant Survey has returned.

It was originally established by Tim and Nina Zagat in 1979 for foodies with an unquenchable hunger for everything culinary. They would share their weekly dining experiences with family and friends. As time went on, the guide expanded throughout greater New York before going national. The company is now owned by The Infatuation (www.theinfatuation.com).

Zagat is the vox populi of restaurant surveys; the general public are the sole reviewers. The company correlates the ratings that go into the guide. You can post as many times as you want about the good, bad and beautiful dining experiences you have had both locally and nationally.

There is a Bronx board, a Westchester-Connecticut board, a Manhattan board, a New Jersey board and a national board. Join the conversation, or just look in from time to time. For more information, visit https://theinfatuation.com/new-york/features/the-new-zagat-is-here.

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 more than 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-6591 or at gutreactions@optonline.net.