NYC Local News: Top 6 Places to Eat After Taking in the Holiday Light Shows

Where to Eat After the Holiday Train Show is a Treat

By Morris Gut 

Manhattan Voice 

December 7, 2025

NYC LOCAL NEWS - The glittering 34^th annual Holiday Train Show is on track through January 11, 2026, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It’s been expanded, and a must for the young and the young at heart. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and displays.

For additional info, times, and advanced tickets: www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/  After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are easy-to-reach dining suggestions before or after…

HOLIDAY DINING AT NYBG! 

There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/ 

Check out the website for special Glow Nights and Bar Car Nights featuring curated food & cocktails. Advanced tickets and reservations advised.

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THE FOUNTAIN AT MULINO’S

It’s lovely at Mulino of Westchester in White Plains. The restaurant is festooned with Holiday cheer. The dramatic fountain garden seen through a giant picture window is beautiful as is the lavish multi-level dining room and bar/lounge. General Manager Gimmy Cavagna and his staff keep the premises spiffy. Artworks, bursting colorful floral displays, the bustling bar.  A special menu will be served. Don’t miss their dramatic Seafood Tower;  Linguine Nere con Coda D’Aragosto Marechiaro, black linguine with baby lobster tails. and delicious cheesecake. Open 7 days.  Valet parking. Reservations advised. Mulino of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains 914-761-1818  www.mulinosny.com

JACK’S BAR & RESTAURANT, EASTCHESTER 

Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew serve delicious finger foods and generously plated specialties. 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!  The same group own Jill’s in Mamaroneck. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com

CLASSICS AT TORCELLO RISTORANTE

Imer Rraci and his veteran team reimagined the former La Riserva into a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, this kitchen turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Linguine alle Vongole; Veal Chop Parmigiana; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci had spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Happy hours Wed. through Fri.  3:30-6 pm. Private party facilities. Free parking. Torcello, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www.torcellolarchmont.com 

MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND

Check out the views and enjoy the cuisine. 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 in New Rochelle 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. Robust Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. Rabbit Cacciatore, too.  Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. Woodburning pizza oven.  Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com 

BEECHMONT TAVERN, NEW ROCHELLE

I like vintage pubs and taverns. I recently got back to the Beechmont Tavern, across from IONA University in New Rochelle. It has been around since 1928, they say, and proprietor Rob Hayes keeps the place warm and buzzing. We ordered their popular traditional chicken wings, a Gael burger and fries, and a tasty fresh goat cheese and pear salad. We shared. All were great. A special shout out to the staff. They are friendly and on the spot. We will be back. Beechmont Tavern, 750 North Ave., New Rochelle. Open 7 days. 914-636-9533 www.beechmonttavern.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. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)