Wings Fly at Tuck’d Away Grill, Tuckahoe
By Morris Gut –
Michael Cuozzo, a young energetic veteran of the food service business, has opened Tuck’d Away, a casual grill and bar offering tempting comfort foods and networking on Yonkers Avenue just steps away from Tuckahoe Metro North. He is joined by Chef Ken Austria, a graduate of the former New York Restaurant School, who had previously put his talents to work in corporate catering and did a stint at Empire City Casino. Prior to opening his first solo venture, Michael Cuozzo had spent years at Casa Rina Restaurant in Thornwood.
A fresh grey and red color scheme greets patrons as they enter the 50-seat dining room and bar/lounge.
Chef Austria’s menu keeps it all simple, but is loaded with surprising flavors. Popular Chicken Wings really fly here. Walked in recently and spotted patrons with platters of wings in a variety of styles all over the bar and dining area: plump and juicy Tuck’d Away Wings, Buffalo-style, BBQ, Spicy Peanut, Thai Chili style, Tequila Lime, Teriyaki or plain fried served with all the trimmings.
Reasonably priced small plates and light fare include: Pretzel Bites with choice of dipping sauce; Fried Pickles with horseradish remoulade; house made Turkey Chili; Pork Wontons served with soy sauce or Thai chili; a Slider Trio, with Tuck’d Away burger slider, Teriyaki Salmon and Chickpea Slider; Baked Macaroni and Cheese, with Asiago, Cheddar, gruyere, Fontina, panko bread crumbs; and Arugula Flat Bread, arugula, red onion marmalade and goat cheese.
Additional fresh made options include: BBQ Chicken Flat Bread, with chopped red onion and cheddar cheese; Arugula Flat Bread with red onion marmalade and goat cheese; Tuck’d Away Salad, with mesclun, walnuts, Mandarin orange, grapes, gorgonzola cheese, sliced onion and raspberry vinaigrette; Asian Mixed Salad, with spinach, Napa cabbage, peppers, onions, water chestnuts, carrots, bean sprouts, wonton chips served with a honey soy vinaigrette; and Simply Salmon Salad, poached salmon, baby spinach, sliced onion, apple cider and pomegranate vinaigrette.
Burgers include: Tuck’d Away Burger, your choice of 6 oz. or 8 oz. stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese, topped with green chili sauce, served with garlic parmesan fries; and a Chickpea Burger, panko bread crumbs, roasted garlic, carrots, chickpeas, served on pita bread with a side of roasted eggplant bruschetta, and Burger Quesadilla, with beef, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, garlic mayo served with sides of chipotle ketchup and chive sour cream. There’s also an overstuffed Grilled Chicken Wrap served with a side of pasta salad; Shrimp and Avocado Wrap with cilantro lemon mayo; Tuck’d Cheese Steak; and a Toasted Italian Combo, with prosciutto, pepperoni, mortadella, capicollo and a side of olive tapenade. Gluten free wraps are available. Main courses include: Fish & Chips; Salmon served with sautéed spinach and rice; and Flank Steak marinated and served with balsamic glazed asparagus and steak fries. Daily specials augment the regular menu.
Special Hint: A 2-course Price-Fixed Lunch is served Monday thru Saturday for $12, including soda, juice or coffee. A 3-course Price-Fixed Dinner for $20 is served Sunday thru Wednesday. There is a bustling Happy Hour Monday thru Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm featuring half-off selected cocktails and menu items. There is occasional live music; check ahead for details.
Tuck’d Away Bar and Grill is located at 90 Yonkers Ave., Tuckahoe. The restaurant and bar is open from 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays from 2 p.m. Same menu served all day. Prices range from $5 to $18. Happy Hours Monday through Friday. TVs. Bar/lounge. Specialty cocktails. Occasional live entertainment; call ahead for details. Catering menu for home or office. Full take-out. Major credit cards. Casual dress. Municipal street parking. Reservations suggested for larger groups. Phone: 914-222-9162. www.tuckedaway90.com
Mark Your Culinary Calendar: A Taste of Westchester, the annual fundraiser in support of Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, will take place on Monday, Nov. 3, at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel, 80 West Oak Lane, West Harrison, starting at 6:15 p.m. The event always brings out some of the best in food and spirits for a good cause. At this writing, tastings will be offered by The Iron Tomato, Texas de Brazil, The Melting Pot, The Olde Stone Mill, Blue Moon Mexican Café, Antonee’s Gourmet Catering, Don Coqui, Emma’s Ale House, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The 808 Bistro, Angelina’s Ristorante, Gina Marie’s Chianti Ristorante, Ladel of Love, Chocolations, Haiku Asian Bistro, and others. A wine and spirits tasting will feature: Aries Wine and Spirits, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Coffee Labs, Polar Beverages and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Tickets are $125 per person. For reservations contact: Stephanie Russo: 914-937-3800. steaphanie.russo@cpwestchester.org.
Fall Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, Nov. 3 to 16: It’s being touted as ‘the sequel’ and it is an appropriate tag for this popular dining out promotion sponsored by The Valley Table Magazine that is also held in March. Part two will include scores of past participants and some new from all over the Hudson Valley even stretching the borders into Scarsdale, White Plains, Mamaroneck and New Rochelle, with patrons anxious to cash in on the seasonal bounty at reasonable prices. Restaurants are expected to offer 3-course luncheons for $20.95, and 3-course dinners for $29.95. Sometimes there are caveats, so be sure to verify the hours and the menus that are served. Reservations are advised. For additional information and an up-to-date list of participating restaurants go to: www.HudsonValleyRestaurantWeek.com.
Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net.
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