Burgers Highlight Mouthwatering Menu at Southern Table

By Morris Gut

We were happy to get back to Southern Table Kitchen and Bar in Pleasantville. It was a lovely late afternoon, and right from the start the staff made us feel comfortable. The outdoor patio was active as was the dining room. We opted for seats at the bar.

It was easy to remember how generous the portions are here. I had to try their Bulleit Burger. It recently won best burger at Westchester Magazine’s annual Burger Bash. At $26.75, it was a winning indulgence layered with a prime beef blend, laced with a Bulleit Kentucky bourbon glaze, sharp cheddar, spicy aioli, bacon and caramelized onions. It was served with fries.

For my partner, it was a delightful, summery honey crisp salad that included baby greens, honey crisp apples, candied pecans and gouda and goat cheese with an apple cider vinaigrette.

For dessert, Southern Table’s creamy house-made key lime pie with a dollop of whipped cream is a must.

On past visits we have enjoyed the fried green tomato BLT wrap, with a side of sweet potato fries, and the crispy Buffalo chicken salad that featured a little mountain of romaine, tomato, red onion, cucumber, scallions and blue cheese dressing. The fried chicken was also special.

Additional specialties here include cheddar biscuits, grit bowls and Cajun-style seafood boils.

Southern Table received a third coveted “Bib” designation from the 2023 Michelin Restaurant Guide for New York State. The owners also operate Wood & Fire in Pleasantville and Scarsdale.

Southern Table Kitchen and Bar is located at 39 Marble Ave. in Pleasantville. Info: 914-618-3355 or visit www.southern-table.com.

Coral Seafood Opens

Coral Seafood in White Plains is a new expansive seafood-themed restaurant with an eclectic menu. Owner Frenco Osmonaj, Manager Ilir Sylejmani and Chef Nicki Krasnigi make up a veteran team that also operate the Lake House in Mahopac and another Coral Seafood in Baldwin Place in Somers.

The 120-seat dining room and bar are lavish. Big picture windows face the fountains along Main Street.

The menu includes fresh seafood selections along with a tempting mix of American-European specialties.

I stopped in recently to check out the specialties, which include the tasty grilled octopus, fresh oysters, wedge salad, seafood pasta, chicken souvlaki, grilled lamb chops, fish and chips, branzino and prime rib-eye steak.

At lunch, the house features fried or grilled calamari, the Coral Burger, lobster ravioli, steamed clams and clams oreganata. More on this new spot in a bit.

Coral Seafood Restaurant is located at 19 Court St. in White Plains at the corner of Main Street. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. There’s a bar and lounge and party facilities. Municipal parking available. Info: 914-600-8232 or visit www.coralseafoodwhiteplains.com.

Lunch, Conversation at City Limits

Since its founding by the Livanos family in 1994, City Limits Diner in White Plains has become a bustling mainstay at the crossroads of Central Avenue and Route 119, across from the Westchester County Center.

After a major renovation in 2012, the popularity of City Limits only grew with patronage from throughout Westchester. During a recent lunch hour, the place was buzzing throughout the multilevel dining room.

Just about everything on the menu appears good, including breakfast, which is served all day. It was hard to decide, but I was in the mood for a corned beef Reuben, which came to the table well stuffed and hot. It was meltingly delicious. My partner ordered the Chinese chicken salad, while our guest went for the turkey Cobb. It turned out to be a fine spot to reflect on the day.

The Livanos family has developed many fine dining experiences over the years, including the upscale Moderne Barn in Armonk, and more recently, Moderne Barn Mediterranean Gourmet Market.

City Limits Diner is located at 200 Central Ave. in White Plains. Open seven days. Info: 914-686-9000 or visit www.citylimitsdiner.com.

Boxcar Cantina

There is plenty to like about this south-of-the-border eatery in Greenwich, which is where the Farrell family has been serving up the flavors of northern New Mexico for almost 30 years. The menu has a wonderful mix of Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine.

They offer a top-notch Boxcar Burger, topped with Jack cheese and hot New Mexican green chiles, wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with organic hand-cut fries and organic ketchup. They prepare their signature Tee Pee Nachos, which is among the best nachos I have had in the area.

There is a main dining room while the tavern room has a seasonal fireplace.

Boxcar Cantina is located at 44 Old Field Point Rd. in Greenwich, Conn. Info: 203-661-4774 or visit www.boxcarcantina.com.

NYC Summer Restaurant Week

For those seeking summer bites in the Big Apple, the 32^nd annual NYC Restaurant Week is running now through Aug 18. About 600 participating restaurants in all five boroughs are offering two- and three-course prix fixe lunches and dinners at $30, $45 and $60 price points. Each restaurant sets its own menu for the duration of the event.

There are caveats, so patrons are advised to check ahead regarding menus, dates and serving times. For the full list and more information, visit www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

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