Westchester Dining News – Summer Bites and Pieces
Menu Movers & Shakers By Morris Gut –
McShane’s Pub Premiers in Port Chester. Edmund Cleary had worked for Dunne’s Pub in White Plains for many years, a personable barkeep who knew how the keep the crowd buzzing. Vincent Furey tended bar at Davy Byrnes Irish Restaurant in Port Chester. Longtime friends, they partnered to open McShane’s Public House this past May, converting a former Latin restaurant into an Irish gastropub with wrap around bar, original tin ceiling, table and booth seating, a free standing community table, and plenty of TVs to keep up with daily events. Best news of all is the menu offers above average gastro-fare loaded with flavor. Take their overstuffed Corned Beef Reuben: it is a winner for its tender corned beef, pickled cabbage, stout mustard and Gruyere cheese. The Spiced Lamb Sliders with roast tomato salsa will pique your palate as well. Cleary and Furey have put their own signature to all their menu items from the plump juicy Burgers to the McShane’s Fish & Chips. McShane’s Public House is located at 123 N. Main Street, Port Chester. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch seven days a week from 11:30 am to 4 am. Phone: 914-937-7800. www.mcshanesportchester.com
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ Coming to White Plains. Stamford got a Dinosaur BBQ a couple of years ago, now downtown White Plains is about to get Brother Jimmy’s. If you’ve been on Mamaroneck Ave. at East Post Road you could not help but notice the windows at the short-lived Butterfield 8 space have been all papered up and word is, according to the Brother Jimmy’s web site, that conversion work is moving forward at the sprawling 200-plus seat location. It is scheduled to reopen later this summer/early fall as a full-fledged Brother Jimmy’s style BBQ franchise. So what is Brother Jimmy’s style BBQ? On my ongoing quest for great BBQ I have been to Brother Jimmy’s restaurants in Manhattan on a number of occasions and I found it hit and miss. They had one on the Upper East Side on 3rd Ave., which closed a couple of years ago though it always appeared busy, and that one was consistently fine. On the other hand, their original Manhattan unit further downtown on 1st was just ok, at least in my opinion. So all you BBQ lovers out there anticipating White Plains’ first BBQ restaurant (with all respect to the Great American BBQ pop-up at Sam’s of Gedney Way), I hope this one turns out well. And being located alongside the flock will not hurt them either. Brother Jimmy’s is also known for its bustling bar and nightlife scene. Right now you can take in Brother Jimmy’s South Carolina style BBQ and southern cooking at franchises from South Florida to Yankee Stadium. The new Brother Jimmy’s BBQ will be located at 147 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. Phone pending. www.brotherjimmys.com
Major Renovation Underway at Ciao, Eastchester. Owner Zef Deljevic and his staff have been keeping 350-seat Ciao in Eastchester bustling and busy for more than 25 years. Now work has begun on a major renovation to the free-standing multi-level restaurant that is sure to keep it vibrant for years to come. It will include a brand new façade and deck and refurbishment of the two private party rooms. The main dining room with its open kitchen already sports new wood flooring. Architectural renderings of the new Ciao façade hang in the bar/lounge area so drop in and take a look.
Ciao was originally founded by restaurateur David Gatanfard in 1988, owner of legendary Edmondo’s at the time, and it became an instant hit. It was one of the first eateries to bring the ‘trattoria’ concept to Westchester. In 1990 Zef became chef, and by 1999 he took over the sprawling operation. Fortunately, Ciao will remain open throughout the process for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Ciao is located at 5-7 John Albanese Place, Eastchester. 914-779-4646. www.ciaoeastchester.com
Al Fresco Dining at Trattoria Vivolo. Dean Vivolo, chef-owner of Trattoria Vivolo in Harrison, has been offering al fresco dining on weekends, weather permitting, at his vintage diner setting across from the Metro-North station. Customers are invited to lounge over a glass of wine or cup of espresso, share one of the tasty thin-crusted pizzas, or take in a full meal. The friendly staff is eager to please.
Robust Pasta selections include: Bucatini all’ Amatriciana, with pancetta in a spicy tomato sauce with pecorino cheese; Penne Carbonara, with pancetta, pecorino cheese in a cream sauce; Lasagna al Forno, Bolognese style; and Ravioli di Spinaci, stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese with a light marinara sauce. The Linguine Vongole is a favorite as is the Orecchiette with sausage.
Hearty ‘Pesce’ and ‘Carne’ specialties include: Branzino Arrosto, pan-seared sea bass with garlic, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil; Costoletta di Vitello alla Erbe, grilled veal chop topped with fresh herbs and sauteed mushrooms; Caciucco di Mare, mixed seafood simmered in a spicy tomato herb sauce over linguine; Costoletta di Maiale Ciambotta, pan-seared pork chops with vinegar peppers and potatoes; Gamberi alla Griglia con Rucola, grilled shrimp with arugula and basil sauce; and Pollo Paillard, grilled chicken paillard with roasted vegetables. Daily verbal specialties augment the regular menu. All entrees served with seasonal vegetables. At lunch the house also offers a variety of Panini sandwiches.
Special Hint: While there, take a look at the new black and white photos of Italy hanging throughout the restaurant. They were taken be the Vivolo family during a visit to Dean’s paternal hometown of Accadia-Foggia in the Apulia region of Italy.
Trattoria Vivolo is located at 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison, opposite the northbound Harrison Metro North. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Main courses at lunch: $8.95 to $12.95. Dinner is served seven nights from 5 to 10 p.m. Main courses at dinner: $10.95 to $24.95. Party facilities for up to 40 guests. Seasonal outdoor seating. Take out. Major credit cards. Free and municipal parking. Casual dress. Reservations accepted. Phone: 914-835-6199. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net
Examiner Media – Keeping you informed with professionally-reported local news, features, and sports coverage.
