Holiday Events for Foodies

Where to Eat When Attending Holiday Events

Children enjoy the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Westchester. -Photo by Winter Wonderland

By Morris Gut

Manhattan Voice

December 18, 2023

MANHATTAN - The 10th  glittering season of ‘Winter Wonderland’ will run through December 31st at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. 

This drive-thru event draws thousands for a big dose of Holiday Cheer. It is sponsored by Westchester Medical Center, and a partnership between the Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester Parks Department. The 1.2-mile drive begins at 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. weekends and is chocked full of festive seasonal attractions. Tickets are $35 per car. For additional info and reservations: 914-231-4600, or visit www.wwinterwonderland.com 

The White Plains Holiday Market brought to us by White Plains BID, returns December 6th through the 17th with 40 regional craft and food vendors. It takes place on Court St. between Main & Martine St. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday; to 7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. For info: https://wpbid.com/events/holiday-market/

The 3rd annual New Rochelle Holiday Market 2023 at the New Rochelle Train Station will run through December 17th, 4-8 pm weekdays, and 12-8 pm weekends. There are 60 vendors, an ice-skating rink, live music, and food trucks. 

For info: www.ideallynewrochelle.com/events/holiday-market 

If all this makes you hungry, here are some nearby dining suggestions for everyone in the family:  It’s a busy time of the year, so reserve ahead if you can…

MULINO’S HOLIDAY FEST!

It is over-the-top at Mulino’s of Westchester in White Plains during the holidays, and it begins with the bright glittering lights at the entranceway. The annual Christmas Holiday Fest at Mulino’s has been extended through January 2024, and it’s a sight to behold for the whole family! The fountain garden is beautiful as is the lavish dining room and bar/lounge. General Manager Gimmy Cavagna and his staff are keeping the premises spiffy as ever: gesticulating Christmas decorations galore, life size toy soldiers, bursting colorful floral displays, the handsome multilevel seating area. A special holiday menu is served. Open 7 days. 

Fresh mozzarella salad at Torcello.

Valet parking. Reservations advised. Mulino’s of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains 914-761-1818  www.mulinosny.com

VALHALLA CROSSING!

Owner Stan Chelluck and his wife operate this bustling vintage old stationhouse restaurant next to Valhalla’s Metro North. Over the years, he has spruced up the railroad cars, facade and sweeping bar, and offers flavorful ‘authentic rail car dining’. The kitchen serves an eclectic menu of American tavern specialties: wings, sliders, burgers with choice of toppings, mac ‘n cheese, chicken pot pie, fresh salads, wraps, kid’s menu, too. Portions are generous. Valhalla Crossing Restaurant & Bar, 2 Cleveland Street, Valhalla, just off the Taconic Parkway. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday. Free parking.  Phone: 914-682-4076. www.valhallacrossing.com 

ANASA GREEK KITCHEN!

The vibrant flavors and hospitality of Greece are served up with gusto at Anasa Greek Kitchen, the newly revamped Mediterranean restaurant on Central Ave., White Plains. Proprietors Bobby and Stevia are all over the room engaging with customers. Bobby, who is the talented self-taught chef and artist, will help you create a special menu. Extraordinary starters are their hot meze platter of Chargrilled Octopus served with olive oil and lemon, or lightly fried Zucchini Chips. Follow with their colorful Horiatiki Salad. As a main course try the skewered Lamb; fresh Whole Branzino; or Pork Chops.  A glass of traditional Greek Restina white wine is a fine complement. Anasa Greek Kitchen, 287 Central Ave., White Plains. 914-368-8828 www.anasagreek.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 & Grits and Braised Short Ribs. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com

IRISH AMERICAN PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR!

Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew serve delicious finger foods and generously plated specialties. Out of Chef/partner Brandan Donohoe’s modern Irish American kitchen come great burgers, decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese, crusty pizzas out of their woodfired oven; freshly made salads; Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich; Berkshire Pork Chops; Jack’s Lamb Shank. Their full Irish Breakfast at brunch is a winner. Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert is a must! Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com 

CLASSICS AT TORCELLO!

Imer Rraci and his veteran team have reimagined the former La Riserva, a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, Chef Avni turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Eggplant Rollatini; Rigatoni Bolognese in a meat sauce; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Veal Martini; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci has spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Weekday Happy Hours: 4:30-6:30 pm. Free parking. Torcello, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www.torcellolarchmont.com 

MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND!

When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true, albeit with a sprinkling of contemporary taste. There are private and semi-private party facilities for up to 100 guests and catering packages to suit your needs. Robust Italian/American specialties include fresh made Manicotti, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. Rabbit Cacciatore, too.  Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. New woodburning pizza oven. Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com 

 

(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 the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)