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This is HVRW's 11th bi-annual event and each time there are more participants. It is an excellent way for restaurants to strut their stuff and for diners to explore new cuisines and discover new surroundings. Restaurants offer a prix fixe three-course lunch for $20.95 and dinner for $29.95. Beverages, taxes and tips are not included.
Via Vanti! at the old Mount Kisco train station has been open for six years, but there are still those who have not yet discovered it. Co-owner Scott Mason said the restaurant offers “a fresh take on Italian” by offering ingredients that are "absolutely fresh." "Our dishes are are lighter and healthier than most people's conception of Italian food, and you can see the ingredients; they are not disguised in heavy sauces." He says Via Vanti! thinks of itself "as a cool culinary alternative at a moderate price point in a magical setting."
Other Italian treats can be found at Le Fontane in Katonah. Brothers Antonio and Alfredo Abbate have been serving authentic southern Italian dishes to Westchester residents since 1987. The latest menu addition is homemade fresh pasta from their newly opened sister venture, Katonah Pasta Store.
Bedford Hills’ Sette e Venti, just one year old, is participating in HVRW for the second time. Manager Martin Lleshaj said that "people were shocked last time to see that our Italian dishes are so authentic." This fall’s menu includes mozzarella in carrozza, eggplant chips, gnocchi bolognese, pork osso bucco and shrimp scampi. "We count on word-of-mouth," Lleshaj said, "so this is a great opportunity for us."
In addition to the various types of steak offered at Mount Kisco's Blackstones Steakhouse, there are veal chops, lamb chops, an assortment of seafood appetizers and a raw bar, featuring oysters, clams, shrimp, lobster cocktail, and crab meat. The restaurant prides itself on its warm atmosphere and its broad selection of wines.
Also in Mount Kisco, Leslie Lampert's Cafe of Love offers a vast range of dining experiences, from gastronomical multi-course dinners to light bites before or after a movie. "Hudson Valley Restaurant Week has made Westchester an exciting place to dine," said Lampert. "It creates awareness of all Westchester's restaurants, including some that don't get the proper traffic. We're all in business together and this is a chance for everyone to be in the spotlight."
The Rose Room in Mount Kisco has been open for a year and a half and Owner Michael Lubic (who also owns Somers' Traditions 118) said that HVRW is a chance to showcase new dishes in addition to offering popular menu items. It is a longterm opportunity to attract new customers who will want to return again and again, he said.
The sentiment is echoed at Mount Kisco's Village Social where Owner Joe Bueti said the event is a great way to introduce some of the new fall menu items at a great value for the customer. Appetizers at the popular eatery include grilled kurobuta sausage with pumpkin butter, beet chutney and maple candied walnuts. Fall vegetable pasta with Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and truffle cream will be featured as an entree and apple crumble with salted caramel ice cream as a dessert.
Two Asian cuisines will also be showcased during Restaurant Week. Global Grill@ Myong Gourmet in Mount Kisco will highlight some of Myong's personal favorites. "I make things outside the box," Myong explained. "I'm not a book person. I think things through and create my own version."
Mount Kisco's Hito is the only Japanese restaurant participating in all of Westchester. In addition to its Japanese favorites — sushi, sashimi, tempura, teriyaki and hibachi specialties— the restaurant also offers some Thai favorites, like pad Thai and Thai curry.
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