Places to Consider When Planning That Special Holiday Gathering

By Morris Gut

We’re always on the lookout for venues to hold that special event. With the holiday season approaching, here are some suggestions of where to hold gatherings locally.

Mansion on Broadway

Housed in an historic building, just off of I-287, Mansion on Broadway is loaded with the charm of a bygone era. It has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation, with dynamic proprietor Michael Pasqualini restoring the Mansion to its original glory.

It’s operated by a creative culinary team ready to make your special event most memorable. An inviting bar and lounge is available. Whether you are planning a corporate meeting or other event for up to 200 guests, Pasqualini provides tours of the premises by advance reservation.

Mansion on Broadway is located at 139 N. Broadway in White Plains. Ample parking. Info: 914-949-6900 or visit www.mansiononbroadway.com.

Torcello Ristorante

Imer Rraci and his veteran team have reimagined the former La Riserva, a lovely setting for northern Italian classics.

Named after an island off the coast of Venice, Chef Avni turns out winning dishes such as the colorful mozzarella caprice; eggplant rollatini; rigatoni Bolognese; risotto di funghi with porcini; veal martini; a classic rack of lamb; and delicious pollo torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce.

Rraci spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan and Valbella in Old Greenwich, Conn.

Open seven days for dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. There’s a bar for cocktails, a private party room and outdoor patio. Free parking.

Torcello Ristorant is located at 2383 Boston Post Rd. in Larchmont. Info: 914-833-1118 or visit www.torcellolarchmont.com.

Freebird Kitchen & Bar

Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of fried calamari, meaty baby back ribs, Cobb salad, spicy chicken wings, crispy Brussels sprouts, shrimp and grits and braised short ribs. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable.

There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining, a sprawling bar and craft beers. Happy hour is Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays.

Freebird Kitchen & Bar is located at 161 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. Info: 914-607-2476 or visit www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com.

Tesoro D’Italia

Peter, Mark and Don have done a stellar job growing this expansive Italian restaurant and catering house. The restaurant is divided into a main dining room for 100 guests, a semiprivate fireplace room for up to 40 guests and a lovely glass-enclosed wine room seating up to 25. A spacious banquet room can accommodate 130 for all types of parties and private events.

There is an inviting color-tiled bar and lounge for networking, spirited conversation and casual dining. A dramatic wine wall highlights the dining room along with smoked glass dividers and white tablecloths.

Look for their black linguini Pescatore, chicken payard and Chilean seabass. A weekday lunch special is offered from 12 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for $24.95. Happy hours are 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the bar only. Live entertainment Friday evenings. Free parking.

Tesoro D’Italia is located at 160 Marble Ave. in Pleasantville. Info: 914-579-2126 or visit www.tesoroditaliany.com.

Anasa Greek Kitchen

The vibrant flavors and hospitality of Greece are served up with gusto at Anasa Greek Kitchen, the newly-revamped White Plains Mediterranean restaurant. Proprietors Bobby Tsakarakis and Stevia Farmakopoulos took over the former Niko’s Greek Taverna and imbued it with a refreshing atmosphere and flowery décor.

Anasa, which refers to “the breath of life,” surpasses expectations. Bobby and Stevia are all over the room engaging with customers. He is the talented self-taught chef and artist who will help you create a special menu. An extraordinary starter is their hot meze platter of chargrilled octopus served with olive oil and lemon.

Follow with their colorful horiatiki salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, olives and feta cheese, sprinkled with oregano, olive oil and vinegar dressing.

As a main course there is a hearty combo of skewered filet mignon with sweet peppers; chargrilled shrimp and scallops with roasted potatoes and asparagus; fresh whole branzino; and lamb and pork chops. A glass of traditional Greek retsina white wine is a fine complement. Service is spot on.  

Anasa Greek Kitchen is located at 287 Central Ave. in White Plains. Info: 914-368-8828 or visit www.anasagreek.com.

Alex’s Bar & Grille

Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj serves big cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generous portions of northern Italian/continental fare.

Customers enter the multi-section dining room through the bar and lounge with its black industrial ceiling and soft lighting. The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections featuring tables with white tablecloths, colorful impressionist paintings and warm sconces.

The tender steaks could be considered a bargain here. Check out the pan-fried calamari with hot cherry peppers; linguini alla vongole; a delicious fresh branzino prepared tableside; classic veal parmigiana; grilled prime filet mignon; prime New York sirloin steak; and the veal chop. Don’t pass up their delicious house-made cheesecake.

Up to 75 guests can be accommodated for private parties.

Alex’s Bar & Grille is located at 577 N. Broadway in North White Plains. Info: 914-358-1444 or visit www.alex577.com.

La Bocca

Chef and proprietor Tony Spiritoso has been celebrating 35 years as a chef and restaurateur in Westchester. A meal here usually begins with platters from his signature antipasto bar loaded daily with tempting cured imported meats, cheeses and appetizing house-made salads. Spiritoso has brought his vintage bright red slicing machine along wherever he’s been, and it sits ready to be used at the antipasto counter.

Some consider La Bocca the most authentic Italian kitchen in the area featuring seasonal pastas, meats, fish and game. The wine selection is among the best in Westchester. The dining room is decorated with artistic columns and artifacts. There is a wine room for private events. Open seven days.

La Bocca is located at 8 Church St. in White Plains. Info: 914-948-3281 or visit www.laboccaristorante.com.

Mamma Francesca

When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Gulf of Naples, his earliest memories were of the simple farm-to-table and sea-to-table meals enjoyed with his family. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca for nearly 40 years, overlooking Long Island Sound with views of the New Rochelle’s boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true, albeit with a dash of contemporary taste.

Robust Italian-American specialties include fresh-made manicotti, calamari fritti, Ischia salad, chicken parmigiana and misto frutti di mare. There’s rabbit cacciatore, too.

There are private and semiprivate party facilities for up to 100 guests and catering packages to suit your needs. There’s also off-premise catering.

Mamma Francesca is located at 414 Pelham Rd. in New Rochelle. Info: 914-636-1229 or visit www.mammafrancesca.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 Westchester for more than 30 years. He may be reached at 914-235-6591 or gutreactions@optonline.net.