Dining
You don’t have to go far to find great food. Just look inside!
Out & About Your guide to eating out in Port Chester, Rye Brook and surrounding areas. The aroma of Moroccan cuisine comes to town Page 4
A Supplement to the
NEWS Westmore
2
WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, May 5, 2017
Dining Out & About Advertisers receive extended listings.
Frankie & Louie’s Restaurant • Pizzeria
Specializing in Catering Daily Blackboard Specials Fresh Baked Cakes for All Occasions
FAST DELIVERY 414 Willett Avenue Port Chester, NY 914-939-0202
OPEN 7 DAYS
Mother s Day ’ 14 Sunday, May Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
American Atrium at Doral Arrowwood
975 Anderson Hill Road, Rye Brook 935-6600
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
44 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester 690-9453
Cousin Frankie’s USA Grill
112 Willett Avenue, Port Chester 305-4878
Dig Inn
Rye Ridge Shopping Center 112 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 305-8463
Härth
Hilton Westchester 699 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook 939-6300
Port Chester Coach Diner 317 Boston Post Road, Port Chester 937-0008
Purchase Country Diner
Specials & Regular Menu Available
Westchester County Airport 240 Airport Road, Rye Brook 437-7650
Q Authentic Barbecue Restaurant
Call 914-939-0202 for Reservations
112 North Main Street, Port Chester 933-7427
Rela Café
Come experience Sonora. You will not be disappointed.
25 South Regent Street Port Chester 939-7200 Specialties include: Classic French onion soup, jumbo lump Maryland crabcakes, baked oysters Rockefeller; PEI mussels in five different sauces; cold marinated seafood salad, classic Caesar salad; Louisiana shrimp & grits; bistro chicken breast, braised coublecut Berkshire pork chop, Long Island duck three ways, baked Atlantic cod, potato crusted Atlantic salmon, baked beef blend burger, baked Turducken country meatloaf, filet mignon, boneless ribeye; variety of sides; angel hair pasta w/ shrimp, arugula, garlic and oil, Fettuccini Carbonara, risotto, lasagna and ravioli of the day, variety of pizzas including Margarita, Florentine and Mexican. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 5-11 p.m., Sun. 3-9 p.m. Party room available. Catering home and office. Most major credit cards. Free on-premises parking.
Rye House
Nuevo Latino Cuisine
“Nothing about the food here is ordinary...” Excellent The New York Times
Cinco de Mayo Friday Specials
Mother’s Day
37
3-course Prix Fixe Menu
Friday, May 5 • 3-10 p.m.
Prix Fixe Menu (3 courses) Mexican Inspired
$
Regular menu also available
At the Bar - 1/2 price Margaritas Limited supply “Casa Amigos” Tequila Kids Menu Available Call Early for Reservations: 933-0200
Sunday, May 14th
Just for Mom
Brunch: 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - $40 per person Dinner: 3 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - $50 per person Kids Menu Available Call Early for Reservations: 933-0200
Open for Lunch & Dinner
Private Room Available • Cooking Classes
179 Rectory Street, Port Chester, NY
914-933-0200 • www.sonorarestaurant.net
126 North Main Street, Port Chester 481-8771
Rye Ridge Deli
Asian Buddha
1 Rye Ridge Plaza Rye Brook 481-4651
Edo Japanese Steak House 140 Midland Avenue, Port Chester 937-3333
Euro Asian Bistro 30 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 937-3680
Burgers Elevation Burger 176 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 305-6700
Westchester Burger Co.
275 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 305-6095 Serving 20 different burgers including Original WBC angus beef burger, Tex-Mex burger, Kobe burger, Pretzel burger, Mom’s Italian Turkey burger, Greenhouse veggie patty, Soprano chicken burger, Ba Da Bing Italian sausage burger, a lamb burger, tuna burger and bison burger. Six varieties of milkshakes, appetizers, salads and entrées. Open 7 days from 11:30 a.m., closing at 10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, at 11 p.m. Thursday and at midnight Friday and Saturday. Free parking in the shopping center lot.
Brazilian Café Brazil USA
37-39 North Main Street, Port Chester 939-1139
Churrascaria Copacabana 29-31 North Main Street, Port Chester 939-6894
International Café & Brazilian Bakery
103 Adee Street, Port Chester 939-1002
Rio Minas Brasil U.S.A. Buffet
140 Midland Avenue, Port Chester 481-5724
Central American Sofia’s Café
22 South Main Street, Port Chester 939-0005
Chinese China House
170B North Main Street, Port Chester 939-7288 or 939-7290
East Wok Restaurant
Rye Ridge Shopping Center 126 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 937-2131
140 Midland Avenue, Port Chester 939-0068
Sam’s Bar & Grill
544 Willett Avenue, Port Chester 937-8337 or 937-8339
1 Mill Street, Port Chester 939-2001
The Clydesdale Pub & Grill 435 North Main Street Port Chester 935-1234
The Pub
Doral Arrowwood Anderson Hill Road Rye Brook 939-6630
Wing Lady
Westchester County Airport 240 Airport Road Rye Brook 437-7650
Wingstop
110 Abendroth Avenue Port Chester 939-0200
Ho Sai Gai
King Garden Chinese Restaurant
32 Grace Church Street, Port Chester 939-4310
Manchu Garden
504 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester 939-8688
Number 1 Chinese Restaurant
120 Westchester Ave., Port Chester 937-8465
Panda Restaurant
213 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester 937-4699
Wah Yuan Chinese Restaurant
Post Road Plaza 262 Boston Post Road, Port Chester 939-7776
Friday, May 5, 2017 | WESTMORE NEWS
Dining Out & About
3
Advertisers receive extended listings.
Coffee Shops Pan America Bakery & Café 22 South Main Street Port Chester 939-0005
Starbucks Coffee Company
Rye Ridge Shopping Center 118 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 937-1597
Colombian Aqui Es Santa Fe Café 32 Broad Street Port Chester 305-1060
Asi Es Colombia 172 North Main Street Port Chester 934-7675
El Encuentro
132 North Main Street Port Chester 305-1828
Fast Food
Fast Food
Garden Catering 140 Midland Avenue Port Chester 934-7852 or 934-7810
Hubba
Taco Bell
Tandoori Taste of India 163 North Main Street Port Chester 937-2727 or 935-9680 Specialties include: Papadams (lentil wafers); Chicken Kabob; soups & salads; Dieters Delight; Chicken Vindalu (chicken curry in hot tangy Goan sauce); Lamb Do Pyaza; Beef Vindalu; Shrimp Bhuna ; vegetarian specials--Malai Kofta (cheese/potato balls in almond & cashew nut sauce); Sabji Saag Mali (spinach in spices, herbs/ garlic with potato and cauliflower); Vegetable Vindalu (mixed vegetables in very spicy tangy sauce); rice specials; medley specials; fresh breads; Indian style rice pudding; fried milk balls. Open 7 days lunch & dinner. Lunch Buffet Mon.-Sat. 12-2:30. Sunday Brunch Buffet. Delivery and catering available. All major credit cards. Street & municipal parking.
36 Broad Street, Port Chester 937-0840
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Appétit Bistro
262 Boston Post Road,, Port Chester 935-0741
540A Willett Avenue Port Chester 690-2000
McDonald’s Restaurant
Greek/American One Station Plaza
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
111 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-3416
275 Boston Post Road Port Chester
Irish/American
Guatemalan
Subway Restaurant Port Chester locations: 262 Boston Post Road 934-5045 19 North Main Street 914-481-5255
Irish/American
303 Boston Post Road Port Chester 939-0695
Texas Chili Restaurant
24 North Main Street, Port Chester 939-7271
321 Boston Post Road Port Chester 937-335
Indian
Davy Byrnes Irish Pub & Restaurant
Café Guatemala 28 Grace Church Street Port Chester 937-8537
538 Willett Avenue, Port Chester 937-2106
McShane’s Pub & Restaurant
123 North Main Street, Port Chester 937-7800
Italian Alba’s Ristorante
400 North Main Street Port Chester 937-2236 Specialties: All fish and pasta dishes; veal, chicken and beef dishes; salads; variety of homemade desserts including Tara Misu and Strawberries Flambé. Hours: Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 12 noon-3 p.m.; Dinner: 5:30-10:30 p.m. weekdays, 5:30-11 p.m. weekends. Call or fax ahead for lunch. Catering. Private party rooms. Sundays: Private parties only. Rooms available for 40-120 people. Call for reservations. All major credit cards. On premises parking.
Fortina
Rye Ridge Shopping Center 136 South Ridge Street, Rye Brook 937-0900
Listings continue on page 5
El Rincon Paisa 130 North Main Street Port Chester 939-9364
Alba's
Los Chuzos de Juancho
8 South Main Street Port Chester 481-1340
Makondo Restaurant 139 North Main Street Port Chester 305-6147
Dominican Hollywood Chicken International 216 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 934-8137
Reyna Restaurant
R
I
S
T
Regular Menu also available
Complimentary Rose for Every Mother
150 North Main Street Port Chester 937-7343
RATED
HHH Very Good
—The Advocate and Greenwich Time
Chipotle Mexican Grill
116 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 908-4184
Dunkin Donuts Port Chester locations: 330 Boston Post Road 939-8331 295 Midland Avenue 935-9034
To advertise in this special monthly section call Elaine at the
at 939-6864.
E
Specials of the Day
Rinconcito Ecuatoriano Restaurant
Chop’t Creative Salad Company
T
Open 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
138 Irving Avenue Port Chester 934-8010
Rye Ridge Shopping Center 100 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 937-0351
N
Sunday, May 14
El Criollito Restaurant
260 Boston Post Road Port Chester 934-7877
A
Mother’s Day
Ecuadorian
Burger King
R
NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE
66 Poningo Street Port Chester 939-9251
Fast Food
O
Very Good
—New York Times
400 North Main Street Private Rooms Port Chester, NY Available
Reservations Suggested
(914) 937-2236 FAX (914) 937-2271
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WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, May 5, 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Argana introduces Moroccan hospitality and cuisine By Jananne Abel
A
rgana Restaurant & Bar at 325 North Main St. is open and welcoming customers to its exotic interior where you will be treated to both sweet and savory modern Moroccan cuisine and treated royally by Nordine Achbania and his staff. Fear not that the flavors are foreign or the food spicy. Cumin, saffron, ginger, cilantro and parsley are among the herbs and spices used. “There is no curry in our food,” said co-owner Achbania. “It’s more about flavors and aroma. We don’t even have curry in the building.” Argana, named after the argan tree that is exclusive to Morocco and the oil from it is used in many beauty products, is equally special in that it is the only Moroccan restaurant in Westchester and Fairfield counties. The closest is in New York City. The creation of Moroccan-born Nordine and his wife Soumia “Mia” Achbania, Argana is their first restaurant. Nordine has managed several restaurants, most recently Louie’s in Cos Cob and Polpo in Greenwich, the latter for about
10 years. Mia, the executive chef, designed the menu and developed the recipes. She is doing the cooking with the help of two sous chefs, one of whom is also the pastry chef. Joao Rafael Alves worked with Nordine at Polpo for five years. His desserts, especially the napoleon, are to die for. They decided on Moroccan food because “this area of Port Chester and Westchester needs something different,” said Nordine before Argana opened on Mar. 21. “There are too many Italian, French and Mexican restaurants.” The couple, who came to the U.S. about two decades ago and settled in Port Chester for six years before moving to Greenwich, were walking to Kneaded Bread on North Main Street, their favorite place for breakfast, one day when Mia noticed the sign on the building that
Executive chef and co-owner Mia Achbania opens a colorful tajine in which Moroccan stews are cooked or warmed and served in the kitchen at Argana Restaurant & Bar.
Jananne Abel|Westmore News
formerly housed nessa stating that it was available for lease. “That’s how we found this place,” said Nordine, a most personable host. “The way we designed the menu it is 65% Moroccan,” he said, adding that Moroccan cuisine is open, influenced by France and Spain. That’s why you’ll see appetizers like Mia Octopus ($15) and Argan Burrata ($12) and entrées like Double Cut Veal Chop ($36) and Angus Steak au Poivre ($38) on the menu. In addition, Moroccan cuisine is comprised of more than 3,500 dishes, so “it’s easy for us to switch dishes every three months.” At the end of May the Achbanias intend to slightly change the menu to feature more summer dishes.
Moroccan staples
The beautifully landscaped patio at Argana is a lovely Courtesy of Argana place to dine.
Tajine, couscous and b’stilla are the Moroccan staples on the menu, b’stilla a dish that is more of a luxury for people with money in Morocco compared to the other two, according to Nordine. A tajine is a conical clay pot, which dates back to ancient times, in which these succulent stews, also
called tajine, are cooked. The pot allows the steam to rise, condense and drip back down into the stew. Most typical are the Beef Tajine ($28) and Chicken
Argana is using short ribs so the meat is even more tender and falling apart, said Nordine. That sounds like a good move. The Achbanias aim to please and
Three of the luscious desserts at Argana—a napoleon, apple blossom and crème brulée.
Richard Abel|Westmore News
Tajine ($24), but there are also other varieties like sea bass ($27), lamb shank ($28) and lobster tail ($32) on the menu. I have tried the beef and lobster tail. On my first visit to Argana, the beef tagine brought two large pieces of slowcooked beef in a thick sweet sauce filled with prunes, apricots, toasted almonds and sesame seeds to give it texture and crunch. While the meat texture reminded me of that in beef stew, now
this change was the direct result of customer feedback. The lobster tail is cooked in the shell in a delicate sauce made with spinach, red pepper and white wine. Couscous, the most widely known Moroccan dish which I recall eating in Paris as a college student, consists of slow-cooked vegetables and braised beef or lamb ($27) served in a nest of couscous (small steamed Please turn to page 7
Friday, May 5, 2017 | WESTMORE NEWS
Dining Out & About Advertisers receive extended listings.
Italian
Italian/Pizzeria
Marianacci’s Restaurant 24 Sherman Street Port Chester 939-3450
Pasquale II Ristorante
2 Putnam Avenue Port Chester 934-7770 The great cuisine of Arthur Avenue comes to Port Chester. Specialties: Stuffed Artichoke, Linguine Pescatore (with chopped clams and shrimp in white or red sauce, Costata di Vitello (veal chops), Chicken Balsamic, Zuppa di Pesce (lobster, shrimp, calamari, clams and mussels in red sauce over linguine), Fusilli Primavera (zucchini, peas, mushrooms, broccoli in light red sauce, Veal Scaloppine. Homemade Cheese Cake and Tira Mi Su. Closed Monday. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 1-9 p.m. Most major credit cards. Free on-premises parking.
Piccolo Italian Gourmet 321 North Main Street Port Chester 914-481-5678
Tarry Lodge
18 Mill Street, Port Chester 939-3111
Italian/Pizzeria Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta 147 Irving Avenue, Port Chester 939-0900
Antonio’s Pizza and Restaurant
Papa John’s Pizza
117 North Main Street, Port Chester 481-5096
Pizza Pasta & Things Kohl’s Shopping Center 529 Boston Post Road Port Chester 939-8000
Regent Pizza & Pasta 199 South Regent Street Port Chester 934-2900
Roddy’s Pizza & Salad 46 North Main Street Port Chester 937-5120
T&J Restaurant & Pizzeria 10 Pearl Street, Port Chester 939-4134
Villa Rustica Pizzeria & Trattoria 261 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 939-8888 or 939-8885
Luncheonettes Bagel Emporium
211 Irving Avenue, Port Chester 937-5252
Dougie’s Standby
604 North Main Street, Port Chester 939-0022
Corbo’s Corner Deli at Belle Fair
200 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 939-1379
Coals
35½ North Main Street Port Chester 305-3220
Domino’s Pizza
262 Boston Post Road, Port Chester 967-5070
Frank’s Restaurant and Pizzeria 23 Putnam Avenue Port Chester 939-8299
Frankie & Louie’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
414 Willett Avenue Port Chester 939-0202 Specialties include: Mozzarella sticks, fried calamari, zucchini sticks, grilled chicken salad, Caesar salad, antipasto, pasta fagioli, tortellini soup, eggplant parmigiana wedge, veal & pepper wedge, Penne a la Vodka, homemade manicotti, Chicken Marsala, Veal Cutlet Milanese, scungilli marinara or fra diavolo, shrimp marinara; meatball, mushroom and Luigi’s Special pizzas; stuffed pizza; focaccia, baked ziti, lasagna, salad and broccoli gourmet pizzas; sausage & pepper and chicken roll calzones; fresh baked cakes and pastry. Weekly specials. Mon. & Tues.: Large pizza plus 50 chicken wings. Wed.: Family Style Night. Thurs.: Ravioli Night. Sun.: Pasta Madness. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 7 days a week. Catering available. Free delivery lunch & dinner. Credit cards: AX, VISA, MC. Ample free parking in lot.
John’s of Arthur Avenue
508 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester 481-8888 or 481-8889
Michael’s Restaurant & Pizzeria 125 Midland Avenue Port Chester 939-2241
s�j ,11alf 14-tJvj 12/Jhb tt;, 3fJHb ,4� Masala Dosa Uptapum Veggie Samosa Chole Poori Veggie Pokora
Baingan Burhani Kabob Station Chicken 65 Pani Poori and Bhel Station Salad Bar
Basmati Rice Assortment of naan Dal Makni Bhindi Bhuna Alu Gobi
Chicken Vindaloo Chicken Tikka Masala Lamb Rogan Josh Goat Biryani Shrimp Malabar
Ras Malai Guiab Jamun
Rice Pudding Fruit Salad
Café 800
800 Westchester Avenue Rye Brook 914-694-5758
Pathmark Shopping Center 130 Midland Avenue Port Chester 939-5137
20 Belle Fair Boulevard, Rye Brook 939-2370
tHotlv!J,/ s, Ow!f Ba{jd
Lenny’s Bagels
Mango Mimosa $5 Vindaloo Bloody Mary $5 *Mother's Day Dinner S pecials Starting at 5pm to 1 Opm
Call {914) 937-2727 or visit www.TandooriTasteofl ndia .com $20 per person
163 North Main Street, Port Chester, NY
Lyon Park Deli, Café & Catering
29 Putnam Avenue, Port Chester 937-1171
Marini’s Deli
340 Willett Avenue, Port Chester 939-4201
Luncheonettes Tarry Market’s La Cucina
The Great Cuisine of Arthur Avenue
179 North Main Street, Port Chester 253-5680
The Kneaded Bread 181 North Main Street Port Chester 937-9489
Vinny’s Luncheonette 182 North Main Street Port Chester 939-9591
Mexican bartaco
1 Willett Avenue, Port Chester 937-8226
Coyote Flaco
115 Midland Avenue Port Chester 937-6969
El Tio Restaurant 143 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-1494
Kiosko
220 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 933-0155
Mary Ann’s Mexican Restaurant 23½ North Main Street Port Chester 939-8700
Listings continue on page 6
2 Putnam Ave., Port Chester, NY
914-934-7770 Open Mother’s Day Sunday, May 14th RegulaR Menu
& SpecialS foR the Day ReSeRvationS RequeSteD CATERING AVAILABLE
Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Friday 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday 3 - 11 p.m. • Sunday 1 - 9 p.m. • Closed Mondays Most major credit cards • On premises parking
5
6
WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, May 5, 2017
Dining Out & About Advertisers receive extended listings.
Mexican Noma’s American & Mexican Cuisine 92 Purdy Avenue, Port Chester 305-2312
Rancho Grande 8 Poningo Street, Port Chester 939-8125
Sin Dulce Pastry & Bakery
30 Broad Street Port Chester 481-5040
Argana Restaurant & Bar 325 North Main Street Port Chester 612-4440
Multi-national Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market Rye Ridge Shopping Center 144 South Ridge Street Rye Brook 308-3692
Boca Marina Restaurant 40 Grace Church Street Port Chester 934-9090
SERVING Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Peruvian Pepper Steak Chicken Dishes Pork Dishes Seafood Soup Fried Seafood Shrimp Dishes OPEN - 7 DAYS Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday - Sunday 8 a.m. - Midnight
110 North Main St., Port Chester, NY Delivery Available Se Habla Español
939-9437
Lunch Specials Takeout also
Acuario Cevicheria y Mas
Bambú Restaurant & Nightclub
Moroccan
Authentic Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian
110 Adee Street Port Chester 481-5488
118 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 937-2003
“Our Specialty is Roasted Chicken”
575 Boston Post Road Port Chester 708-1985
163 North Main Street Port Chester 937-2338
Taqueria La Picardia
MISTI RESTAURANT
Whole Foods Market
Salsa Picante Mexican Restaurant
146 North Main Street Port Chester 481-1283
POLLO A LA BRASA
Multi-national
Inca & Gaucho Restaurant Seafood & Steakhouse 173 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 939-2100
IncAzteca 480 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 305-5400
Sonora Nuevo Latino Cuisine 179 Rectory Street Port Chester 933-0200 Specialties include: Lobster and plantain bisque, traditional Colombian free range chicken and potato soup, tuna and yucca cake with mango and wasabi sauce, Ecadorian ceviche: shrimp, tomato base, avocado, red onions and citrus, lobster and avocado quesadilla, steamed Rhode Island mussels, pan roasted Chilean sea bass with white beans, chorizo and lobster broth, Sonora seafood paella, grilled lamb chops with wild mushrooms, mashed potatoes and roasted garlic mojito sauce, grilled skirt steak with mojito thyme sauce and lobster moro rice. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday. Cooking classes. Latin jazz music every Thursday. Private room available. Free on-premises parking.
To advertise in this special monthly section call Elaine at the at 914-939-6864.
El Chalan Restaurant 45 Midland Avenue Port Chester 934-2244
El Parralito Restaurant 2 South Main Street Port Chester 305-5600
La Gladys Restaurant 453 Ellendale Avenue Port Chester 481-1365
Misti Restaurant 110 North Main Street Port Chester 939-9437 Specialties include mussels cooked in onions, tomatoes and sweet corn kernels, Peruvian-style seafood sushi; soups: beef, chicken, seafood; variety of salads; fish morsels cooked in onions and tomatoes; shrimp cooked in spicey sauce, steamed seafood in Peruvian spices; rotisserie chicken (pollo a la brasa) with French fries and salad, chicken fried rice, Peruvian-style beef with spaghetti, pepper steak, roast beef, “Hungry Joe” Steak with fried plantains, egg, bacon and rice, beef tripe stew with rice; custard. Open Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 8 a.m.-12 midnight. Lunch specials. Delivery or takeout available. Street parking. VISA, MC accepted, ATM on premises.
Nico’s Chicken 137 Irving Avenue, Port Chester 939-7090
Panka Peruvian Bistro 167 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 481-5424
Pio’s Chicken 148 Irving Avenue, Port Chester 305-2491
Salvadoran La Pupusa Loca de Port Chester 165 Westchester Avenue Port Chester 935-0767
Rinconcito Salvadoreno Restaurante 20 Broad Street, Port Chester 937-9287
Seafood El Palacio de los Mariscos 134 North Main Street Port Chester 939-2222
Port Chester Seafood 295 Midland Avenue Port Chester 937-2232
Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House 55 Abendroth Avenue Port Chester 939-2425
Friday, May 5, 2017 | WESTMORE NEWS
7
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Argana introduces Moroccan hospitality and cuisine Continued from page 4 balls of semolina). So far I have only sampled the Vegetarian Couscous ($22) which puts mixed seasonal vegetables (there were wide strips of carrots and zucchini on top of pieces of parsnip, but they vary according to what’s fresh at the market) over steamed, fluffy couscous. I enjoyed the subtle flavor of this oh, so healthy entrée. B’stilla, beautifully presented baked in a star shape with lemon slices on top the time I ordered the seafood version and with cross hatching on top on another visit when another guest in our party ordered the chicken version, is like nothing I’ve ever had before. It’s definitely fit for a king! The Seafood B’stilla is a savory Moroccan pie filled with white fish, calamari, shrimp and scallops all chopped up with vermicelli, black mushrooms, olives and house-made preserved lemon enclosed in phyllo dough. It’s a tasty, crunchy, melt-in-your mouth mélange accented by lemon.
Must-tries Besides those staples, the Moroccan Harira ($10), authentic soup filled with lentils, chickpeas and celery, the Savory Briout ($13), puff pastry stuffed with ground beef flavored with Moroccan inspired herbs and spices like cilantro and parsley, the Fromage Cigar ($11), phyllo dough rolled with goat cheese, finely chopped onion, parsley and thyme into a heavenly, crunchy cigar-shaped delicacy that once again melts in your mouth, and Harissa Shrimp ($14), six medium shrimp in a perfectly spiced tomato
and red pepper sauce, are among the must-tries at Argana.
Hospitality/family dinners A good way to get a sampling of many of these Moroccan specialties in one fell swoop is by ordering a Moroccan Hospitality Dinner (for two or more), which ranges in price from $30 to $60 per guest depending on which one you order. My husband and I enjoyed the Atlas at $45 each which included eggplant and roasted tomato appetizers served with pita, the Moroccan soup, Briout, Beef Tajine, Seafood B’stilla and a selection of three desserts—the amazingly light, scrumptious napoleon, crème brulée and a lovely apple blossom pastry. To go with your dessert, be sure to try the slightly sweet Moroccan menthe tea served in ornate glasses. By the way, Atlas Mountain, in the center of Morocco, is the region best known for its cuisine. For a lower-priced version, go for the Sunday Night Family Dinner which features soup, assorted Moroccan appetizers, Chicken or Beef Tajine or Lamb Couscous and the chef ’s dessert of the day, all for $25.
Cocktails and wine Even the cocktails ($12) have a Moroccan influence, flavored with fresh mint leaves, mint tea and ginger. The Atlas Mule, for instance, is made with fig flavored vodka and ginger beer. The wine list, which includes more than 85 bottles from California, Italy, Argentina, Chile and France, was created by a sommelier
Argana co-owners Mia and Nordine Achbania stand in the dining room of their new restaurant, which opened Mar. 21 at 325 North Main St. Jananne Abel|Westmore News from one of the largest wine companies in New York City, with prices ranging from $25-$120. Wines are listed under categories such as Truth, Beauty and Chaotic Order, with a description as to their character underneath each.
Brunch, lunch and Mother’s Day Argana, which is serving Sunday brunch and lunch the other days of the week except Monday, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. “Those are the kitchen hours,” said Nordine. “You are welcome to stay as long as you want.” Brunch, which costs $22 including a Bellini, Bloody Mary, Moroccan mint tea or
The brightly colored, exotic dining room at Argana.
Courtesy of Argana
fresh juice, features omelets, crepes, sandwiches, Moroccan pancakes, Moroccan brioche and other specialties. It is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The lunch menu includes many of the Moroccan appetizers and entrées on the dinner menu plus salads, sandwiches and paninis. “Not one dish is over $20,” Nordine said proudly. For Mother’s Day, Argana will serve an a la carte menu as well as a $28 threecourse menu and a halfprice wine list from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Kids will eat for $14.
Exotic décor The décor is completely changed from the space’s nessa days. It is now bright and airy, exotic, and the bar has been moved from the right to the left side of the dining room. Gorgeous handmade hanging lights imported from Morocco light up the dining room, which seats 85, including 12 at the bar. It is painted yellow and accented by deep red Moroccan designs, a Moroccan fountain painted on one door, a large mirror with an ornate frame, plates and a Moroccan arch leading into a deep red private room that can accommodate up to 25 people. Matching yellow cloths cover the tables which are offset by black cloth napkins and pretty round decorative candle globes. The lights with their various openings create interesting patterns on the walls after dark.
A French door opens up onto the beautifully landscaped patio, one of the nicest outdoor eating spots in Port Chester, which seats up to 120. Below the patio is a bocce court, called petanque in Morocco, which has the same rules but uses a different size ball. Nordine is planning to spruce up the court, which dates from 1965 but which was fully renovated and used when nessa was in operation. “I am planning to use it because I like the game,” he said. He already has a champagne and petanque event scheduled for Bastille Day on July 14 for the Greenwich Alliance Francaise.
Future events In the future Argana may incorporate belly dancers as an added attraction 2-3 times per week without taking away from your meal, maybe a Moroccan band and Moroccan exotic nights with a belly dancer, Moroccan rugs on the floor and one long table with food served family style. However, mainly the Achbanias want to concentrate on introducing guests to Moroccan culture, hospitality and cuisine.
Parking Parking is on the street with optional valet parking on weekends. There is free parking on North Main Street between Horton Avenue and Terrace Avenue from 6-9 p.m. TuesdayThursday.
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WESTMORE NEWS | Friday, May 5, 2017
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