New Wegman’s Market Has Something for Everyone

By Morris Gut

Westchester’s new Wegman’s Food Market at 106 Corporate Park Drive in Harrison officially opened Aug. 5 and has been drawing large crowds of shoppers the first two weeks.

Got a first look at the 121,000-square-foot store late on a Sunday morning. The parking lot was already about three-quarters full. Local police and employees were directing traffic. There was a line wrapped around the building with proper distancing, although it moved quickly. We were in the store within minutes.

One of the highlights at Wegman’s has always been its fresh and prepared foods area – and this one did not disappoint. A technicolor cornucopia of consumption. It was lunchtime and shoppers filled the food lines for eat-in or take-out. There is a dining area where you can buy your food and sit down.

Walking through the aisles was a tempting trek. The fruit and produce glistened, the cheeses were piled high and the baked goods were aromatic. The fresh fish looked pristine. The meat department was fully stocked.

You almost forget that half the market is filled with row after row of regular groceries and supplies. My shopper-savvy companion spotted some good buys, while most goods were on par or more expensive than other area food markets.

Check for bargains when you first enter the store lobby, which appear to be the most significant. Wegman’s is more about the freshness and the theater. By the way, every register in a long row was manned and operating. Lately, we have found that a difficulty at other markets, pandemic notwithstanding.

We were a bit hungry, so before leaving we pre-ordered a burger and fries from The Burger Bar, one of their concept eateries. You get a buzzer while you wait. It turned out well. The Welcome Burger was a four-ounce grilled patty with lettuce, tomato and red onion served on a classic soft burger bun for $6. A side of crispy fries was also good for $3. It reminded me of Shake Shack. It was in that category. There are all kinds of toppings and a variety of burgers to choose from.

A chilled lobster roll and crab cake sandwich are also on the menu. Kids’  meals, shakes and soft-serve are available, too. Beverages and a limited beer selection are on hand.

Wegman’s is open 6 a.m. to midnight. Info: 914-539-3700 or visit www.wegmans.com and www.wegmansburgerbar.com.

A Return to Lomardo’s

It was eight years ago that Lombardo’s, a 75-seat contemporized family-style Italian American pizza restaurant opened alongside Corx Wine & Liquors and the surrounding parking area began to fill almost immediately.

The Lombardo family of Long Island, led by Mario Lombardo Sr. and Mario Jr. and partner James Romanelli, had done a playful redesign of the sprawling space. It formerly housed The Sports Page, with industrial barn-like ceilings, exposed vents and metal beams, architectural lighting and windows looking out on Mamaroneck Avenue. There were also comfortable grey leather booths and banquettes, a long white marble topped bar and a battery of glistening pizza ovens and display cases.

The pandemic has brought changes to the dining room. Following COVID-19 guidelines set by the state, seating has been distanced and stools have been removed from the bar. A line of patio seating surrounds the restaurant’s exterior along Mamaroneck Avenue. Take your choice, partial indoor or out. Pizza and food pick-up, quite popular here, is ongoing. The line forms outside the primary parking lot. Ordering in advance is suggested.

Patrons are warmly greeted by the Lombardos and their staff. We scored a high-top inside near the window. Two glasses of Pinot Noir soothed us as we scanned the limited menu. We were in the mood for baked clams, and they do a fine job with them here. Six plump clams, flavorful stuffing and a wedge of lemon. The crusty bread came in handy for dipping into the sauce. We followed with their homemade lasagna, which they kindly split for us. A large side of al dente sautéed broccoli in garlic sauce had a delicious crunch. There was enough for a doggie bag.

Big bowls of pasta include Linguine di Mare (shrimp, mussels and baby clams sautéed in your choice of garlic and oil, marinara or Fra Diavolo sauce) and old-fashioned spaghetti with homemade meatballs.

Generously plated entrees include classic platters of meatball, eggplant, sausage, chicken cutlet or veal cutlet parmigiana; grilled Chicken Toscana (chicken breast with broccoli rabe, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella cheese, drizzled with extra virgin); and fresh Filet of Sole Oreganata, topped with seasoned bread crumbs in a classic garlic and white wine scampi sauce. All entrees come with choice of pasta or small house salad. There are a variety of calzones, rolls and heroes. Blackboard specialties augment the regular menu.

Mario Sr. started in the pizza business some 30 years ago at Gino’s in Elmont, L.I. He now owns seven pizzerias, and, of course, his signature pizzas are a mainstay at Lombardo’s in White Plains, and at their newest location in Dobbs Ferry. There are varieties to choose from sold by the slice or whole pies. Lombardo’s is a friendly, casual place where a customer can have a slice of pizza or a whole meal at the table.

Lombardo’s is located at 1203 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Appetizers available from $5.25; pastas from $15.50; entrees range from $24 to $29.95; heroes and panini from $9.95. Specialty pizzas are $12.75 to $29.75. Take-out and delivery. Major credit cards accepted. Casual dress. Free parking. First-come, first-served policy; larger groups should call ahead. Info: 914-615-9090 or visit www.lombardospizza.com.

‘Time to Dine’ Through Aug. 30

Spring Hudson Valley Restaurant Week 2020 had to be postponed this year, but all was not lost. As the Hudson Valley reopens, The Valley Table magazine and sponsors have created Time to Dine, a special two-week culinary dine-a-round highlighting the many restaurants that had planned to participate in Restaurant Week.

The promotion runs through Aug. 30. Participating restaurants throughout the Hudson Valley will be offering specials and promotions for dine-in and/or dine-out. You must check with your restaurant of choice regarding their individual plans. There is no standard prix-fixe offer at lunch and dinner.

For a list of participants, deals and additional info, visit www.valleytable.com/time-to-dine.

Glynwood Fundraiser Set for Sept. 10

Glynwood Center for Regional Foods and Farming in Cold Spring will be holding Glynwood For Good, an online “Un-Gala” fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. Glynwood is a food and educational organization based on a 225-acre working farm. Its mission is to promote farming in the Hudson Valley.

The evening will include live music, local speakers and food-box prizes curated by official Glynwood Ambassador Mark Bittman, famed cookbook author and speaker. There will be an opportunity to meet Bittman on the farm.

If you would like to participate, contact Glynwood, P.O. Box 157, 362 Glynwood Rd., Cold Spring, call 845-265-3338 or visit www.glynwood.org.

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 at gutreactions@optonline.net.