More Fall Buzz and Bites in Area Culinary Scene
Buffets Slowly Reopening
By Morris Gut
With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and food markets with open buffet stations were forced to close out of an abundance of caution.
This caused great upheaval, especially at Indian and Asian restaurants, Brazilian churrascaria-type operations and supermarkets that relied heavily on fresh hot and cold buffets.
In White Plains, after a multimillion-dollar renovation to a former Bank of New York building, one of the newest of these Brazilian restaurants, Fogo de Chao, has been waiting to open at Main and Church streets for months now.
Well, things appear to be slowly changing.
During a recent walk through at DeCicco’s & Sons in Armonk and its newest location in Eastchester, I was surprised to see the buffet stations open again, albeit with stricter guidelines. There were markers on the floor and added cover guards at the buffets. Customers did not seem to mind while filling their take-out containers with their favorite salads, meats and vegetables.
A walk through a local Stop & Shop still had the buffet and soup stations closed. At a newly-opened Indian restaurant in Harrison, the luncheon buffet station was also closed.
For those who remain a bit squeamish about open buffets right now, markets and restaurants will pre-package your menu selections, and even bring them to you in some cases.
Don’t know how widespread this is, but it is underway and apparently under the watchful eye of the Westchester County Department of Health.
A Stop at Exit 4
Our technicolor fall drives around Westchester last week took us through Katonah, Mount Kisco and Chappaqua. We thought Exit 4 in Mount Kisco would make a good rest stop. When they opened the space several years ago, it was Westchester’s first “food hall” concept. Since our last visit in May, it seems that the food purveyors and menus have been consolidated.
We were happy to see the Exit 4 craft beer ad wine bar had reopened. We had two good brews, a SingleCut IPA and the Sloop Brewing Co. Juice Bomb, and split an order of their popular pan-seared Asian dumplings stuffed with pork and shrimp and spicy dipping sauces. Very tasty!
Partner Isi Albanese and his friendly crew were keeping it active. According to Albanese, the food hall always had a robust takeout business because of its wide variety, such as Japanese, barbecue and pizza, so business has been pretty good even during the pandemic.
The phones rang consistently. Out front on Main Street, parking meters were covered to allow for easy curbside pick-up.
Exit 4 Food Hall is located at 153 E. Main St. in Mount Kisco. Open seven days. Major credit cards accepted. Info: 914-241-1200 or visit www.exit4foodhall.com.
Lefteris: Greek Food at a Great Price
I have been a fan of Lefteris Gyro restaurants for a long time, starting with the original location in Tarrytown, and later when they expanded to Ridge Hill, Yonkers, Mount Kisco and Pleasantville. There may be some more sophisticated Greek spots in the area, but this casual group of restaurants always puts out a good Greek meal at a reasonable price.
On this visit we ordered a large portion of spanakopita, spinach pie and a large gyro wrap, loaded with sliced lamb, lettuce, tomato and onions, all in a pita. Both were so good and plentiful. The large pita wrap does get unruly, but over the years I have resorted to eating it with a knife and fork. Extra tzatziki sauce on the side. Certainly, enough to share.
By the way, COVID-19 guidelines were firmly practiced inside. We had our temperature checked before we were seated. First time that was provided to me at a restaurant.
Lefteris Gyro is located at 190 E. Main St. in Mount Kisco. Open daily. Take-out available. Check the website for the other locations. Info: 914-242-8965 or visit www.lefterisgyro.com.
Palminteri to Open White Plains Restaurant
Bedford resident, actor and restaurateur Chazz Palminteri and his partnership are taking over the former Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on Main Street in White Plains. The new eatery will be called Chazz Palminteri Restaurant & Pizza.
Palminteri is best known for his 1993 hit film “A Bronx Tale,” which was filmed in and around Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
Chazz has already put his name to a restaurant in midtown Manhattan, in partnership with Jack Sinanaj, who also owns Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse and Empire Steakhouse in the city. More details as they become available.
Chazz Palminteri Restaurant & Pizza will be located at 264 Main St. in White Plains. Info: 914-600-8430 or visit www.chazzpalminterinyc.com.
New Tenant at Old Sofrito Space
The owners of Colombian House in New Rochelle have leased the space previously occupied by Sofrito at 175 Main St. in White Plains. The windows have been decorated with big food photos and a sign announcing “Coming Soon!” For an idea of their menu, visit www.colombianhouse.com.
Remember to follow COVID-19 guidelines and stay safe!
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 or by e-mail at gutreactions@optonline.net.
