travel guides
EXPLORING FOOD IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
intoxikate
JUNE 2020
Wild Pepper Shrimp from OMandarin in Hartsdale
TRAVEL TO ASIA
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
IntoxiKate.com • 1
ROAD TRIP The past few months have been very hard on us all, but if I have learned anything during quarantine it’s this—we’ve come out of it with stronger family values and an incredible sense of community. Oh, and enough banana bread to feed the entire country! While the pandemic may keep us from hopping on planes for a bit, spending several weeks in our homes only incited wanderlust. Luckily, we have no shortage of culture in our own backyard. And one of the easiest ways to explore a new culture is diving into its cuisine. Don't feel comfortable dining out? I've included the links to order takeout. Simply click the link in blue. ■ ORDER NOW: intoxikate.com Restaurants with outdoor seating options are noted. OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE
2 • ©Kate Schlientz, 2020
That’s why I’ve created these easy-to-use, new IntoxiKate Travel Guides. Focused on different cuisines and topics, these online, interactive magazines allow you to explore new restaurants, dishes, and more—all in your own backyard. If you decide to explore alone or with the family, I’d love to see it! Join the conversation—simply use the hashtag #IntoxiKateTravel. Here’s to spending a summer learning more about our world, enjoying new dishes, and living life deliciously!
CANTONESE GOOSEFEATHER
49 E. Sunnyside Lane, Tarrytown 914-829-5454 Top Chef contestant Dale Talde found a home in the river towns at the Tarrytown House Estate, bringing noodles, Cantonese barbecue, dumplings, and more to Westchester. Goosefeather—found specifically in the King Mansion—is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients paired with Chef Dale’s culinary innovation. IntoxiKate Tip: Call an Uber or name a DD in advance—the beverage program is super flavorful and fun. ■ ORDER NOW: goosefeatherny.com
job not only with the decor, but the whole experience—staff gladly walks you through the best way to enjoy new dishes. ■ ORDER NOW: omandarin.com
FILIPINO HAPAG FILIPINO CUISINE
1789 Central Park Ave #1787, Yonkers instagram.com/hapagfilipinocuisine Filipino cuisine has been influenced by Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and American cooking styles and ingredients, making it a unique flavor fusion. And this hot spot on in Yonkers allows you to explore it all—from breakfast to
These Sichuan Wontons from OMandarin are stuffed with pork and shrimp and sit in a spicy, chili broth.
OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE
CHINESE OMANDARIN
361 N. Central Ave., Hartsdale 914-437-9168 OMandarin has become a fast favorite in my household. From Dim Sum favorites like the Sichuan Wontons to the Soup Dumplings, to the Peking Duck and various Clay Pots, you can explore the many flavors of authentic Mandarin Chinese cuisine. Owner Peter Liu has done an exceptional IntoxiKate.com • 3
event experience Sambal is throwing a live BBQ on the outdoor patio every Thursday at 5:00 PM! They’ll be showcasing the following summer specials and signature cocktails (think Thai Lime Margaritas and the Basil Gin Smash).
INDO CHINESE
BBQ
Pan Fried Paneer Momos Burnt Garlic Fried Rice Garlic Chili Noodles Veggie Manchurian Paneer Szechuan Chili Chicken Ginger Scallions Soft Shell Crab Pepper Salt
Bangkok Chicken Skewers Tender Beef Satays Five Spice Pork Ribs
Sambal’s Chicken Satay slathered with a delicious peanut sauce (which is also available to go). 4 • ©Kate Schlientz, 2020
One of Chutney Masala’s most popular dishes— Chicken Tikka Masala—pictured here with Garlic Naan Bread.
dinner dishes. P.S. Save room for the delicious halo-halo, a popular Filipino cold dessert concocted of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and other goodies!
be introduced to how it can be prepared in much lighter ways. I highly recommend the Jackfruit Seed Hummus, Spicy Pineapple Rice, or Bang’s Butter Chicken.
■ ORDER NOW: 914-652-7773
■ ORDER NOW: eatatbang.com
INDIAN
OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE AT THE SAVOR FOOD HALL
BANG
125 Westchester Ave Suite FS02A Savor Food Hall, Westchester Mall, White Plains 914-646-9455 The latest fast-casual concept to pop up at the Savor Dining Hall in The Westchester pairs a love for Indian food with a mission to eat healthy. At Bang, you won’t miss the spices and flavors you love from Indian cuisine, but you will
CHUTNEY MASALA INDIAN BISTRO 76 Main St., Irvington 914-591-5500
When it comes to exploring Indian food and culture, Chutney Masala will always be on the top of my list. Chef/owner Navjot Arora has taught me so much about the cuisine, challenging me to try IntoxiKate.com • 5
6 • ©Kate Schlientz, 2020
COOK @HOME Opposite page: (Top, from left to right) Ramen and Oat Milk Bubble Tea from Fatt Root in Pleasantville; a variety of dishes from GoSu in Irvington. (Center, from left to right) Goosefeather’s “Lobster Roll” Bao Special in Tarrytown; the Lover’s Roll from ISO Sushi in Yonkers; Halo Halo from Hapag Filipino Cuisine in Yonkers. (Bottom, from left to right) Thai Rolled Ice Cream from Yum Ice Cream & Bubble Tea in New Rochelle; a variety of dishes from Bang in White Plains; Goi cuon or Summer roll from The Banh Mi Shop in White Plains. With the exception of Bang, all images courtesy of the respective restaurants.
I am utterly obsessed with local cookbook author Rinku Bhattacharya. She is offering free cooking videos of her favorite dishes on the Spice Chronicles Facebook page so you can try whipping up every day, authentic recipes at home.
new dishes and taking the time to explain the history behind cooking styles and ingredients. Plus, the food is always amazing. Always ask if he is available—even quick conversations with Chef Navjot are educational! Need an ice breaker? Start by asking him about yogurt.
and the ISOGOOD signature roll with tuna, cucumber and avocado inside, top with salmon, yellow tail, lime, ikura, and kimchi aioli. #yum
■ ORDER NOW: chutneymasalatogo.com
KOREAN
OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE
JAPANESE ISO JAPANESE CUISINE
1086 N. Broadway #115, Yonkers 914-963-0777 Tucked into the Boyce Thompson Center—kiddie-corner to Fortina’s Yonkers location—ISO combines fresh, flavorful sushi rolls and Hibachi specials with generous portions. IntoxiKate favorites include the Tuna Avocado Salad
■ ORDER NOW: isoyonkers.com
GOSU ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT 50 S Buckhout St, Irvington 914-479-5898
GoSu is one of those places that posts food photos on social media, your mouth waters, and you immediately want to drive straight there. From Ramen Noodles to Korean Beef to Bulgogi Tacos, these home cooked Korean meals offer something the whole family will love. Try the Bibimbap—a delicious colorful veggie bowl! ■ ORDER NOW: eatgosu.com OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE IntoxiKate.com • 7
THAI YUM ICE CREAM & BUBBLE TEA 8 Anderson St., New Rochelle instagram.com/yumicecream8
Rolled ice cream was all the rage a few years ago and it hasn’t melted since! Because of the freezing technique—it’s poured into a pan instead of a traditional bucket—the ice cream has less air, creating a more intense flavor. Yum Ice Cream has no shortage of interesting flavor combos. Try the Purple Girl Roll Ice Cream—taro flavored ice cream topped with toasted marshmallows.
experience. Plus, the eatery has a large patio overlooking the Hudson River, offering beautiful views of the Palisades. ■ ORDER NOW: sambalny.com OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE See page 4 for details on their live BBQ event every Thursday.
VIETNAMESE THE BANH MI SHOP
148 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains instagram.com/tbmshop_ny
THAI & MALAYSIAN
Banh mi—bread in Vietnamese—is a sandwich traditionally filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and chili peppers served on a baguette. But this White Plains eatery offers MUCH more than its namesake; think spring rolls, fried calamari, rice, noodles, pho, and more.
SAMBAL
■ ORDER NOW: 914-686-6888
■ ORDER NOW: 914-740-3770
4 W. Main St., Irvington 914-478-2700 The sister restaurant to Chutney Masala (both in Irvington), evolved from Navjot Arora’s romance with Southeast Asian cuisine. A true exploration of the salty, sweet, sour, and (sometimes) spicy flavors of Thai and Malaysian food, this Best of Westchester winner uses fresh, organic ingredients and exotic herbs for a truly authentic 8 • ©Kate Schlientz, 2020
VIETNAM’S CENTRAL 694 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-7222
If you’ve been reading through this or you know anything about Asian cuisine, you’ve picked up on a common theme—they are a fusion of influences from many different cuisines. Vietnamese, for example, has a lot of French influences. It is also known for
its fresh ingredients. Vietnam’s Central showcases it all through pho, vermicelli noodles, curry, and caramelized pots.
ASIAN-INSPIRED STREET FOOD
This relatively new noodle bar, led by Chef Mogan Anthony is the real deal. (Mogan studied noodlemaking in Japan.) In addition to the oversized noodle bowls, you’ll find a variety of rice bowls, dumplings, steamed buns, and salads. Sake and beer are also available. Have a veggie lover in the family? This Pleasantville hot spot has you covered (try the avocado and tofu “poke bowl”).
FATTROOT
■ ORDER NOW: fattroot.com
■ ORDER NOW: vietnamscentral.com
11 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville 914-579-2552
OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE
An amazing noodle pull of Sambal’s Chicken Pad Thai.
IntoxiKate.com • 9