Hudson Valley Restaurant Week: 121 Restaurant
I was very impressed with the HVRW at Restaurant 121 in North Salem. Especially because it was such a small menu: 2 apps, 2 entrees, 1 dessert. All of them were fabulous.
I’m dining my way through Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, which runs through March 21 (except Saturday). You can see all the participating restaurants here at hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com. Dinners are $26.09 and lunches are $16.09.
I just got back from 121 Restaurant in North Salem. I’m going to write my review — but I want to hear about your experiences, too, whether here or anywhere else. So give me your reviews…. and I’ve got some incentive. I’ll give the authors of my five favorite comments 2 free tickets to our Wine&Food Festival, April 4, 5 and 6 at the DoubleTree Tarrytown.
Above is the pepper-crusted pork tenderloin with mango salsa and Caribbean grits. An explosion of flavor. The pork had a sweet-chili glaze as a sauce, and the grits had a Southwestern-jalapeno flavor with bits of red pepper and chive. The mango was so perfectly diced I thought by looking it was corn kernels. After I finished chewing, the heat lingered in the back of my throat.
We started with a drink at the bar. I had sauvignon blanc; my husband went for the Captain Lawrence. As my good friend says, “I’ll drink anything that Scott makes.”
It’s a really comfortable bar, one that I would have liked to have settled in to. But I’m finding during restaurant week, for some reason, it’s easier to sit at a table. That’s different than my normal M.O. Maybe it’s because I don’t normally order 3 courses: app, entree, dessert? Can someone come up with a HVRW menu made up of “choose your three favorite appetizers and have them in any order?” I’d so go for that. Anyway, I digress.
We got our table after a few moments of waiting, and the waiter took our order. “We’ll have the entire restaurant week menu,” we told him, after seeing that there were only two choices for each course. It threw him for a sec, but then he got it.
First they brought us the salad and the soup.
Organic Baby Field Greens Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Cucumber and Balsamic Vinaigrette:
It doesn’t look like much, I know. But the dressing was balanced and judiciously applied. The lettuce was both sweet and bitter. And there was a tiny hint of chili hiding somewhere, like someone had just added a few drops of sriracha in the dressing before whisking it all together.
The soup was equally sneaky. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Creme Fraiche.
Did someone from 121 sneak into my kitchen and steal the tortilla soup recipe I love? And combine it with squash? I thought I tasted pasilla chili? Brilliant. I’ve never had a puree soup that was at once thick yet not at all creamy. The creme fraiche was infused with a lovely smoky spice. I lapped this up like I belonged to Pavlov.
Between courses, I took the chance to visit with folks in the restaurant. I was a little disappointed that no one else was ordering off the restaurant week menu. When I asked why, nearly everyone told me they didn’t know it was available. I can see why. The waiter handed us our menus with a sheet of white paper on top. Face up it said: “Thursday Dinner Specials.” At first, I mistook it for the HVRW menu and was starting to get very excited: Malpeque oysters? Maryland lump crab cakes? Flank Steak? Miso-Glazed Black Cod? We are in business!
Except that we weren’t. You had to turn the paper over to see the HVRW menu. I’m not going to chastise too much, but I’ll bet it was the reason we were the only table in the main dining room having the $26.09 prix fixe. (Unlike Equus, where I don’t think I saw any table without it!)
My first victims?
In the green, Rachel Mellett of Brewster. On the far side, Kerry Tolve, left, and Michele LaPorte, both of North Salem.
There were two tables of 20 women: the Somers Newcomers Club, out for an evening of fun. (It’s a women’s social group. Sometimes they do comedy nights or bowling or cooking, but tonight it was dinner out.)
Top, Elaine Dunham and Jamie Sobol. Bottom, from left: Sarah Borell, Celia Hurley and Laureen Smith-Arena.
Top, from left, Marj Lazzara and Holly Baker. Bottom, from left, Jackie Alberti, Robin Nohe and Stephanie Carey.
Top, from left, Heide Sullivan and Liane Buttiglire. Bottom, from left, Elizabeth Bordiga, Christine Mannering and Beth Sylvester.
And, for the final photo: top, from left, Kelly Krug and Lauren Stellwagen; bottom, from left, Dale Nadeau, Karen McDowall (who says she’s a Small Bites reader, thanks Karen!) and Johanne Yursa.
Phew!
There were other diners in the restaurant, most notably the purveyor who brought my David Wayne syrah to the restaurant: Joern Tittle and his employees. From left, Samathan Crecco of Mahopac; Tittle, who lives in Ridgefield; Kathleen Collado of New Rochelle and Luke (with an L) Zottoli of Mahopac:
Gerri Silver of Ridgefield, the owner of EJ’s Luncheonette in Manhattan (a favorite of mine!) was also in the house. She’s on the left here with Katharine Naishtut, also of Ridgefield:
They adore 121, and were disappointed not to know about the HVRW menu. “It’s a destination restaurant,” Gerri told me. They love the food, the bar, the fireplace in winter and the porch in summer. “The venue changes according to the seasons,” says Katharine.
So, back to my dinner. Let’s have another look at the pork, shall we?
And the pasta? Penne Pomodoro with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella:
I gotta admit… when I saw the menu on paper, I was a little annoyed. C’mon! I thought. Pasta and tomato sauce? Really? Isn’t that a cop out? One bite and I was convinced otherwise. If you can put out a plate of pasta this good, I would gladly pay top dollar — anytime. It’s the kind of pasta you dream of. Garlicky. Creamy cheese. A sprinkling of Parmesan for umami’s sake. I guess the only complaint I have — and this is for the whole meal, mind you — is that the basil was cooked down too much. I would have preferred a little more zing.
Look at those little cubes of mozz! So good!
My only other complaint was that we had a long wait for our wine. We ordered a bottle and one glass of red, and we didn’t get either until we were almost finished with our appetizers. I blame the women, though. No offense, ladies, but it’s got to be tough to wait on two tables of 10. You’re going to tend to forget some of the other guests.
Before dessert, I had one more chance to talk to a table. And I was glad I did. They had some really nice things to say about 121.
Cynthia Bell and her husband, Paul Bucha:
They told me that 121 is “a family restaurant in a hip setting,” and that that owners Michele and Joe treat their customers like family. “They make a point of knowing their clientele.” Paul, for example, likes ice in his wine (OK Paul). They bring it to him as soon as he sits down. James, the manager, shows customers photos of his kids.
“It’s really good food, wonderful specials, an eclectic mix,” they said. “I’ve never had a bad meal.” Paul also mentioned that chef Stephen Braganti could cook a very formal French menu.
“There’s no pretense here,” said Cynthia. “But a menu that would satisfy the most pretentious customers.” “Like my wife,” laughed Paul.
They put me in a wonderful mood to enjoy my dessert: Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta.
Lovely. The texture was dense enough so you had to use the side of your spoon to cut, but soft enough that it melted in your mouth. There was a hint of citrus, too.
I had a terrific meal at 121, and I’m sure all you up in horse country are mighty glad to have it. I sure wish it were near my house. And that’s just the point, isn’t it?
121 Restaurant, 2-4 Dingle Ridge Road (corner of Route 121), North Salem. 914-669-0121. 121restaurant.comÂ
Photo Caption: 20080313r12101.JPG
So what did you think of 121 — or any other HVRW restaurant?
Tell me here in the comments field. I’ll choose my five favorite comments and give the authors each a free pair of tickets to the Greater New York Wine&Food Festival on April 4, 5, and 6 at the DoubleTree Hotel Tarrytown.
Thanks for posting the 121 menu. I’d emailed them last week for their menu when the HVRW person suggested I check it out. They wrote back and told me they did not have it yet, so I wrote back on Monday and asked them, and they responded simply that their specials were posted on the website by 4:30 every day. Well, thanks alot. I went to their website and as of Wednesday the specials were still from Saturday. Maybe they’re really not into this whole HVRW thing, as your comment about them hiding the menu suggests. Oh well, their loss, I made a reservation somewhere else. Just as well, since after reading the menu you posted, I wouldn’t have gone there anyway.
Ate at home tonight. Equus tomorrow.
PS I just checked and the specials on their website are STILL from Saturday.
It was good to meet you at the 121 last night! We knew that 121 was part of the HVRW which is why so we organized dinner there for Somers Newcomers Club members. As we were such a big group we were served family style rather than ordering individually from the HVRW menu. This was the restaurant’s decision and it suited us very well. The food just kept coming and all of it was delicious. They first served us two types of perfect thin crust pizza, foccacia and calamari for appetizers. Caesar salad and Bok Choy salads followed – both delicious. We then had two pasta dishes and a spicy chicken dish. We were served 4 different desserts -ones to share, all lovely, especially the creme brulee although I was disappointed that the ice cream accompanying the hot chocolate cake was minty as it dominated everything else.The atmosphere in the restaurant was great, and it wasn’t as busy or as noisy as I have seen it on other nights, so perfect for socialising.In all we had a great time at the 121 and apologize if we hogged the wine waiter!
Yes, Liz, 121’s bar is comfortable, so comfortable that you will have to get there early if you expect to settle in – it’s usually very crowded. If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, try their portabello mushroom entree… it comes over mashed potatoes and is covered with carmelized onions and asparagus… delicious!
i have been to 121 4 times in the last year. every time i go i can’t wait to go back again the food,service and atmostphere is pecfect. the pricining of the food is very reasonable and very full portions. i think its the best restaurtant in all of westcester. thank you 121
been there 4 times in the last year always excellent and reasonable priced. can’t wait to go back
I was told that there is a new 121 Restaurant in South Berry CT. Does any one know if this is the same group? And has any one ever been?
Yes, Pat, says so on the bottom of web site. (The link is at the end of my post.) It’s actually Oxford, CT: 203-262-0121.
Liz,
Pleasure to meet you on Thursday night. Glad you enjoyed the Bruce Wayne Syrah.
121 is indeed a very special place—sophisticated yet congenial and, from wine purveyor’s perspective, always willing to give a cutting edge, exciting product the exposure it deserves!
Joern Tittel
CEO
Monarchia Matt International
RELISH
We definitely ‘Relish’ed our time there!
Last night four of us had the pleasure of experiencing HV Restaurant Week in Rockland’s Relish restaurant. This is a charming, unpretentious restaurant with a warm, welcoming staff. There were numerous selections for each course and all that we ordered were terrific. Appetizers: the beet salad consisted of perfectly sized, cubed, juicy beets garnished with nuts and a small wedge of cheese. The taste combo was excellent. The salad and salt cod (really a high end and interesting take on fish sticks) were stand outs for their genre.
Entrees: generous portion of gnocchi was plump, yet tender and delicately sauced. Short rib succulent and moist on bed of great mashed potatoes. Ditto the flat iron steak. Three thin, small trout fillets on a bed of beans were tasty.
Desserts: Chocolate cake with ice cream was good. Could have been cooked a little less so exterior was not as hard and interior more liquid. Maybe they were not going for that still popular version. Crème Brule in spite of the weird name ‘Earl Grey Creme Brulee’ (we thought we would taste tea) was a top rendition of a traditional version.
While the restaurant was full and service a tad slow, the staff was charming and worked extremely hard to make our experience a positive one. The great food and the goodwill will definitely have us returning again.
We had dinner at Jean-Michaels at Purdy’s Homestead on Friday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a damp and rainy night, but upon entering the bar area of the restaurant on our way to one of the two dining rooms, we were immediately warmed by the fire in the fireplace. We were seated immediately and given HVRW menus, the only option available. There were 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 3 desert choices available. We ordered 2 glasses of wine and looked over the menu. A few minutes after our wine had come, one of the owners came over and told us she was paying for the wine because of the delay in bringing bread to our table. We had not even noticed a delay, but were grateful for her offer. We both had the parsnip soup, something we had never tried before and of which we were a little apprehenive. But it was delicious. I would go back just to have this soup again! My breast of chicken entree had a red wine sauce and was accomanied by swiss chard, wild mushrooms and gnocci nuggets – all very good. The chicken was cooked perfectly, moist and tender. My husband had the beet risotto. The texture of the risoto was creamy and was complemented by the slight crunchiness of the beets. He would have liked the portion size to have been a little larger. For dessert we had the espresso pot de creme, which was okay and the vanilla chocolate mousse which was very good. It was accompanied by strawberries and a chocolate truffle. The truffle was a semi-sweet ganache with a dark shell surrounding it that cracked when you bit into it. The ganache melted in your mouth. A perfect ending to a great meal. We asked to see the regular menu because we would definitely go back. All the items on the HVRW menu were from the regular menu and with the chicken entree at 25.00 on the regular menu, this was quite a bargain. The staff was friendly and made us feel very welcome.
So given that your comment about the salad was “It doesn’t look like much, I know”, why did it end up on the cover of Line? Sure the soup, or something from another restaurant, would have been more justified for the cover.
This was the first time visiting this quaint, and delightful restaurant. When we first sat at the bar I noticed the bar top, very unique. The fireplace made it very cozy and comfortable. The food was mouth watering to say the least. One of my fellow diners and I shared everything because we were so undecided on what we wanted. I chose the short ribs, he chose the fish, what a great choice, both dishes just melted in your mouth. We complimented this with a bottle of Bruce Wayne Sryah, a great pairing indeed. When it came to the dessert, I always go for the creme brulee, I was not disappointed, it was truly a sweet ending. I can’t wait to return and sample some of the other dishes!!
I was reading comments attached to your blog on 121 Restaurant for HVRW and was shocked to see that there were 2 coments listed by a Joe Allegro, I then clicked his name and was brought to a web site that listed a company with the same address as 121 restaurant. It is embarrassing to see the owners of there own restaurant commenting in there favor. Especially about the good value and it being there favorite place to dine. If your going to be so shallow at least be smart enough not to list your website with the same address as your own restaurant. It ruins the integrity of what your blog is trying to accomplish.
Hi Ethan. I don’t see that? When I click on Joe’s name it takes me to a Web site for a construction company? I’m not positive, but I think the owners of 121 are named Michele Savino and Peter DeVito.
Under the contact information 1 Dingle Ridge Road is listed as well as there CT restaurant address. If I am wrong, my apologies. The constuction address is listed as one of the restaurant addresses as well. It just doesn’t add up!I have always enjoyed the restaurant and my dinning expirience there, but find it dishonest if owners blog there own restaurant.
Ah, I see. Well, if it’s true, shilling is silly. You’ll always be found out.
Ethan—great detective work. The Oxford restaurant at 7 Juliano Dr also matches one of the construction company’s addresses.
Ha. What a Joke 121 is. Blogging your own restaurant. Times must be tough. 121 has not been the same since GM Jeff M. left. Although they got smart and took back James Brown it lost it’s edge when it lost Jeff. The menu hasn’t changed much in 6 years. Personally it’s always way to noisy and crowded to ever truly enjoy a Friday or Saturday night meal. Constantly feels like it’s the same people sitting in the same seats. Those North Salem folks don’t like to venture to far I guess. I offer “Pour” a wine bar in Mt.Kisco as a perfect little place to enjoy some good wine and cheeses. Very unique and worth stopping in.
OH HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN——-
When you have one of the most successfull restaurants in Westchester for over 7 years, it seems silly to change what is clearly already working. I can’t begin to explain how downhill Restaurant 121 has gone since the loss of Jeff M. and his dashingly charasmatic right hand man, Sean Maloney. Both of which were to be replaced by some half dead looking fool, who I believe was some sort of soul singer in the 70’s.
I followed 121 to Connecticut because I had always enjoyed their fare. It seems to me however, that the move to Connecticut has strangled the life out of the North Salem flagship. Times must be getting really tough over there as it appears their longtime staff, whom have provided myself and my family countless great meals and memories over the years, are leaving in a mass exodus.
We find ourselves running fast and in large numbers to the growing and never disappointing Croton Creek only a few short miles down the road, where it is a pleasure to be greeted by an American Idol once again (first being Sean Maloney).
It is obvious that these shennanigans have got to come to an end. Somebody has got to put their foot down and that foot is ME!
p.s. great detective work to Ethan, KUDOS!!
Cool, someone said something good about Croton Creek! Everything I’ve read until now has been awful, especially about the staff. Could you be an employee, Mr. Stonewall??