Small Bites

“Feel like a kid again” is the slogan of newly opened Uncle Louie G’s Homemade Gourmet Italian Ices and Ice Cream, which specializes in cold summer treats, including blended frozen coffees, smoothies, milkshakes, sundaes and, of course, ice cream and Italian ices.

Ernie Aiello and his wife, Melissa, opened Uncle Louie G’s in Yonkers last May and had such a successful year, they decided to focus on another neighborhood. The product, which incidentally is also kosher, is part of a franchise. It is produced in Staten Island and sent to the store within 24 hours of the Aiellos placing an order. Popular flavors include cappuccino chunk, Brooklyn cheesecake, vanilla Snickers, and apple pie ice cream, along with canola, chocolate Oreo, mudslide, rainbow and watermelon ices. They also make old-fashioned egg creams, root beer floats and hot brownie sundaes. Limited indoor seating; this is mostly a get-and-go establishment.

Details: 439 White Plains Road, 914-346-5962, www.unclelouiegee.com. Open daily.

— Story and photo by Jeanne Muchnick

Hi folks: I’m looking for help! I want to make some recommendations for back-to-school recipes — but not for lunch boxes. I’m talking dinners on busy weeknights that you can get on the table in 15 to 20 minutes.

A few of my ideas:

Sauteed or grilled sausage over salad

Sauteed or grilled chicken breast with steamed fresh vegetables (green beans, broccoli)

Pasta with quick tomato sauce

Turkey burgers

Roasted vegetables over steamed rice

Pita pizzas

Tacos or burritos

I know these are pretty boring, but they’re just the first ones that came to my mind. Do you have some better suggestions? Let me know below and we might use them in an upcoming story.

The beloved 50s-style diner, known for its locations across the globe, has officially opened in the Shoppes at Eastchester.

The chain is known for its hamburgers, fries, sandwiches and ice cream, but also features a host of salads and starters, all with the calories listed on the menu. No reservations at the moment, except for large parties, though this policy will change down the road.

Details: 777 White Plains Road, 914-723-3303, www.johnnyrockets.com. Open daily.

— Jeanne Muchnick

To enjoy an elegant anniversary or just a casual dinner, consider the new outside terrace at 2 Spear Street, where you can look out onto the Hudson River from your table. Owner Angelo Rubino wanted to keep it “intimate and simple” with a “combination of New York City and New England feel.”

Submitted photo.

He improved the space by installing French doors to lead onto the terrace, where guests can sit at tables that face the river. This small restaurant offers a diverse menu for every appetite, including porterhouse steak, Chilean sea bass and half-roasted chicken.

Details: 2 Spear St. www.2spearstreet.com. 845-353-7733. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday and?Sunday brunch.

— Jennifer Kessman

I went to Chop’t, the choose-your-own salad spot in Rye Brook, for lunch today. I really like Chop’t. There are a ton of choices between lettuce, mix-ins and dressings, and even though there’s a line, it usually moves fast.

Usually.

Today, I got in the line — I was about as far as this photo, which was taken in June — and three women were standing off to my left a little. They slithered in in front of me, which I ignored, since they were kind of there to start with anyway.

Then they saw their friend at the door. “Over here!” they started waving. Then two teenagers arrive. They waved for them, too. Now there were 6 people in front of me.

The line moved forward a little and another teenager arrived. Then a man in Madras shorts came. The two women behind me and I looked at each other in disbelief. We got to the front of the line, and I was just about to order my salad when — yes, you guessed it: another woman arrived at the front of the line.

I’m not usually one to say anything, but I couldn’t keep my mouth shut any longer.

“Will there be anyone else joining you for lunch today?” I asked, with as much as sweet sarcasm as possible.

And do you know what they said? Not “Sorry.” No. They said: “Oh, just one more.”

As I was about to order my salad, I looked across the crowd standing in front of the counter, watching their salads get chopped (or “chop’t,” if you will) and every single person was someone who had cut the line.

I believe it was the worst line-cutting I’ve ever experienced. So that brings me to ….

What was yours? Do share. Vent.

And let’s hope that some line-cutters might (just might) see our grievances and have a little less entitlement next time!

UPDATE:

One of my friends just sent me the link to Larry David’s Chat and Cut! Here you go folks!

The River Club in Nyack is not only known for its seafood dishes but also for its gorgeous view of the Hudson River.

Recently, the restaurant was renovated inside and created a 28-seat bar for customers to watch the river as they enjoy their meal. Owner Michael Hekker says the new relaxed setting makes the restaurant perfect for an older crowd. What better way to look out onto the Hudson than with one of its most popular dishes, Black and Tan Burger or Lobster Rolls, while sipping a frozen drink?

Details: 11 Burd St, www.nyackriverclub.net. 845-358-0220. Open for dinner Monday, for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

Story by Jennifer Kessman; photo by Seth Harrison/TJN

When you walk through the door of the new Bread Factory Café, you know immediately why you came. The bounty of breads, bagels, muffins, croissants, Danish, cookies and pastries are eye popping, and “everything is fresh” says owner Nick Panagioulakis.

Though they are a chain (there are about seven outlets), the bakery items are all made in-house. You’re sure to find a loaf that suits your fancy among the shelves of raisin walnut, semolina, seven-grain, challah, sourdough, ciabatta, rye and baguette varieties. The cherry Danish, apple turnovers and peach muffins look fabulous, and if sweet is your thing, they have a huge selection of fruit tarts and cakes, rugelach, biscotti and other cookies. Trying to stay away from carbs? The menu also has eggs, omelets, and a create-your-own salad bar with mix-ins like grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, and Kalamata olives. They’ve got sandwiches, soups, paninis, pizzas and a kids menu chock full of choices for $5.95.

Details: 265 N. Central Ave., 914-949-2900. Open daily.

— Story and photo by Jessica Rao

Hot summer days call for cool nights — and the recently redesigned PUB at Doral Arrowwood fits that bill, with 20 specialty ales, a new wrap-around bar, rustic living room space, 14 flat screen TVs, a 538-gallon salt water tank boasting more than 15 exotic fish, and a new list of food and drink options.

Submitted photo.

Getting most attention is the revamped cocktail menu, which features an extensive selection of wines, martinis, signature and seasonal drinks, as well as that aforementioned expanded beer selection. Visitors can also enjoy specials throughout the week, such as Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring half-price appetizers, buy-one-get-one well drinks and $3 selected draft beers. There’s also music, entertainment and dancing every Friday and Saturday night and game day specials. And if that’s not enough, there’s foosball and darts.

Details: 975 Anderson Hill Road, 914-939-5500, www.DoralArrowwood.com. Hours: 2:30 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday, 2:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

— Jeanne Muchnick

It’s been the buzz for months: What was going to fit in the large space vacated by the Rye Ridge movie theater? And then: how the heck will that work? The answer: A gorgeous, red-hued space that is now the Asian bistro Buddha with Hibachi-style tables on one side; regular seating and a sushi station on the other — and food available on both sides.

Submitted photo (forgive the red border).

The menu — like the eatery itself — is huge and varied, with sections devoted to “kitchen beginnings” (Thai crab cake, cold sesame noodles, edamame), “Wok & Grill,” “Sushi Bar Entrees,” “South East Asia, “Hibachi,” “Steamed Health Food,” “House Designed Special Roll” and more. Of particular note: the reasonably priced lunch special: two sushi rolls for $8.50 (three for $11), along with $8 and $9 Wok & Grill specials. A 4 to 6 p.m. Happy Hour was being planned with a special bar menu and discounted drinks.

Details: 1 & 1A Rye Ridge Plaza, 914-481-4651. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

— Jeanne Muchnick

We know — golf isn’t about food. But everyone has to eat, right??

If you’re at the 2011 Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship at Westchester Country?Club in Harrison this week and hunger pangs hit, there are four spots to go. The main concession, next to the 18th fairway and called the Michelob Ultra Grove, has tables with umbrellas, scoreboards and video boards so you won’t miss a moment while you’re lunching on cheeseburgers, turkey clubs and hot dogs. The three other spots — at the 1st tee, the 11th tee/12th green and the 16th green — are more grab-and-go.

But for a nice lunch or dinner nearby??We have a few suggestions for you, like Le Provencal in Mamaroneck, right, and I’ve arranged them from least expensive to most — plus a 19th hole if you’re really in the mood to splurge. The list, after the jump.

Bon Chon chicken in Nanuet specializes in made-to-order, fresh (never frozen) crispy chicken wings — Korean style.

(Here’s a meal I had with takeout last summer — delishy!)

With a choice of two special sauces –– the popular (and more mild)?soy garlic and the hot and spicy –– you’ll love this Asian twist on wings. And with Bon Chon’s special double-frying method, we bet this will be about the crunchiest chicken you’ve ever tasted. The restaurant is celebrating its first anniversary with food and drink specials, Karaoke Thursdays and Music Fridays with DJ J-Roc. And unlike many Bon Chon locations, this one has plasma TVs throughout the restaurant and a full-service bar to catch up on sports with friends.

Submitted photo.

Details: 45 Rockland Center, 845-623-5494. Open daily.

Do you have a grandparent (or great-grandparent) who has been making your traditional holiday meals for generations? We’d like to talk to her (or him!) to possibly include in an upcoming story. E-mail Linda Lombroso at llombros@lohud.com.

Though the name means lunch in Italian, Pranzi, the new restaurant on the ground floor of Trump Tower at City Center, offers midday fare, dinner and a bar, too. The sleek ristorante, which opened on May 23, is the handiwork of Robert Luiso, who also owns Churrascaria Copacabana in Port Chester.

Manager Christopher Rifilato says “the back dining room is for clientele who want to enjoy great wine and a great meal,” while the Euro-style counter up front offers panini, salads and Italian sodas What’s on the menu? Chef Carmine Paglia is serving several signature dishes. For starters, try the Insalata Di Moscardino — baby octopus salad with peppers, olives, celery, parsley, olive oil and lemon, for $12. The Mediterranean black bass comes with shrimp, scallops and clams for $26.

Details: 8 City Center, White Plains. 914-328-4000, www.pranzirestaurant.com. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

— Story and photo by Jessica Rao

The results of the 2010-2011 New York State Associated Press Association awards were just announced, and I’m pleased to tell you that Small Bites has won first place for Blogging!

Here’s the link: 2010-11 NYSAPA Contest Results.

I know part of the reason is all the fabulous contributors we had helping out during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, so I want to take this post to thank them again. I also want to thank our contributors, including Latoya West, Jessica Rao, Jeanne Muchnick, Joy Weinrich, Jenny Kessman, Patrice Costa and Katherine Curry.  (And I hope I haven’t left anyone out, but if I did, thanks to you, too!)

Most of all, I want to thank you all, readers. Thanks for reading, commenting, sharing and being a part of the food community that meets here!

Who says nothing in life is free? At Fig & Olive’s new Aperitivo Happy Hour, which runs nightly from 4.30 to 7 p.m. — and then again from 9 p.m. to closing — guests are offered light bites when they order a cocktail.

Michael Gardner

The complimentary menu includes, as shown above, crudités, bruschetta, dips, roasted vegetables, and seasonal focaccia. The cocktail list has such seasonal special drinks as Piscine (sparking wine served on ice with fresh strawberries), Blood Orange Rossellini (passionfruit vodka, blood orange purée, and fresh citrus juices, served straight up with an orange twist) and Fraises Sauvages (gin with muddled strawberries, orgeat, and freshly squeezed lemon juice topped with sparking wine). Plus, if you come on a Thursday evening, you can also get a free glass of rosé from a different winery in Provence each week — a great way to learn about the region.

Details:?696 White Plains Road, 914-725-2900, figandolive.com.

— Jeanne Muchnick

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but we always seem to have an excuse why we don’t have time to eat it. Which is one reason why S & B Bagels and Deli is offering a food challenge called the “Goliath Breakfast Burrito Challenge.”

Submitted photo

The burrito contains 12 scrambled eggs, six slices of bacon, six slices of ham, three sausage patties, three slices of cheese, and a full order of home fries, all of which are wrapped in three tortillas and topped with three more slices of cheese, ketchup, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

Owners Monte and Ben Bruckenthal got the idea from the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” where the host travels all over the country to diners, restaurants and delis, attempting to complete food challenges that the establishment offers. Monte and Ben simply see this as a fun way to engage the community and introduce them to their store, which also sells more manageable meals, such as assorted bagel flavors, egg sandwiches (with one egg), muffins, deli sandwiches and daily hot food specials.

So far, one brave soul attempted — but failed — to consume the 3.64-pound massive burrito. Those who participate, be they victors or losers, will have their picture taken and hung up in the store for all to see. Winners will receive a certificate stating they have completed the challenge and are entitled to one free breakfast sandwich or wrap of their choice along with claiming the title of “King David.” Winners also do not have to pay for the $26.99 (plus tax) burrito. Losers, on the other hand, must pay, but are allowed to take the rest home.

Details: 847 Bronx River Road, 914- 237-4666. Open daily.

— Jeanne Muchnick

A beer garden has sprung up in Peekskill. Birdsall House, the city’s popular bar and restaurant, made good use of some unused outdoor space this summer when it added a fence, patio seating, outdoor lights and a bit of shrubbery to create a pleasant patio space. They call it the beer garden, which makes perfect sense for a local hotspot known for serving craft beers, including taps from regional breweries such as Captain Lawrence in Pleasantville.

Now patrons can enjoy the summer weather while sipping on something from the bar — or nibbling on dishes from the restaurant’s extensive menu, which is prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The beer garden, which is open daily during business hours, seems to be a hit with patrons so far. “Had dinner out there last night and it was awesome,” one delighted diner wrote on Birdsall House’s Facebook page.

Details: 970 Main St, Peekskill, 914-930-1880, www.birdsallhouse.net. Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday, 12 p.m.-midnight Monday to Wednesday, 12 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.

— Story by Latoya West; photo by Mark Vergari

Tanya Wenman Steel, who lives in Port Chester, is featured in this edition of The New York Diet on Grub Street today. She tells the Web site she loves to cook, shares what’s in her freezer and talks about some local restaurants, too.

Here’s the link: Epicurious Editor-in-Chief Tanya Steel Wakes Up to Her Husband’s ‘Perfect’ Lattes, Keeps Chocolate Sauce on Hand for Churros.

The Patio Restaurant in Briarcliff Manor has cooked up something big: a new location in Peekskill. The Patio Restaurant II, which opened last month — that’s manager Byron Abzun in the photo — offers the same menu items as the original Patio, from hot-off-the griddle pancakes for breakfast, to deluxe burgers for lunch, to traditional pastas for dinner.

The cozy eatery has small-diner feel with its booth-style seating and casual atmosphere. In addition to the seafood, pasta and chicken choices available on the dinner menu, you can also choose from Mediterranean specialties like Melon Con Jamon (spiced melon wrapped in arugula and Serrano ham) and Mexican favorites like quesadillas and fajitas. And what about the prices? You probably won’t pay more than $10 for breakfast or lunch, while dinner entrees go up to $20.

Details: 1 Bank St., 914-930-8050. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Story and photo by Latoya West

Elegance is a word that always comes to mind when we think of Le Chateau in South Salem. The restaurant, with its French-inspired cuisine, is housed at a classically styled, historical manor that boasts formal gardens and sunset views.

But with the recent opening of JP’s Lounge on the second floor, now you can add casual to describe the vibe at the restaurant’s newest space. JP’s Lounge serves smaller plates — from minute steak with french fries to sautéed frog legs. Items on the menu cost from $6 to $22. There’s also a wine and cocktail bar in the lounge, which has dark wood floors , a fireplace and a cozy feel, more rustic than elegant. The room is decorated with caricature artwork of financial baron J.P. Morgan, who first built the estate in 1907.

Details: 1410 Route 35, 914-533-6631, lechateauny.com. Closed Monday.

Story and photo by Latoya West

The prime location at the corner of the block with the Ritz-Carlton has been taken up by a fitting hot spot. Earlier this year, Serafina, the nouveau Italian with locations in Manhattan, East Hampton and Brazil, moved in on the corner of Main and Court streets.

photos by Matthew Brown/TJN

The restaurant is light and airy, and balances nicely between formal and casual: it has white tablecloth, but also playful, colorful murals of sunshine, wine and food. The Italian menu courts the same balance, with comfort-food pastas like mama used to make (rigatoni alla bolognese) and haute dishes like a thin-crust pizza with robiola and fontina cheeses and a healthy serving of black truffles.

(Yes. It is incredibly rich and as delicious as it sounds.)

I met one of the owners, Vittorio Assaf, for a tasting of a few menu items around the time the restaurant opened back in May. (Yes, I’ve been that remiss in blogging. My apologies!) So after the jump, a look at several dishes at Serafina.

How many times have you stood at the deli counter, reciting specific instructions for how you want your sandwich made, perhaps slightly annoyed that you have to explain it again for the umpteenth time?

LaMonica’s Salumeria in Croton-on-Hudson, owned by Andrew Cartella, above, wants to eliminate this deli-counter moment for their Internet-savvy customers. The Italian-style deli now offers online ordering. Customers may order online Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for delivery. Pickup orders can be placed online until an hour before closing. You will only need to customize your favorite sandwiches once at LaMonica’s website. Then save them to your favorites for the next time you’re placing an order. “Extra mayo, light mustard, cut it in four pieces…Get it just how you like it every time,” the website says.

Details: 358 S. Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson. 914-271-3946, www.lamonicasdeli.com. Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

Story and photo by Latoya West

If you’ve ever picked a ripe tomato from its vine, smelled its leaves and bitten into it right there in the garden, you know there’s nothing like it: slightly sweet, a tad tangy and extraordinarily flavorful. The tasteless tomatoes you find year-round in the supermarket will never measure up.

Fortunately, our farmers markets and farm stands, even our backyards, are about to be loaded with these beauties. Their color and shape make them one of the most gorgeous fruits to look at, but they are also extremely versatile and easy to cook with, whether sliced and tossed in a salad, tucked in a sandwich, or slowly simmered into a deep sauce.

But tomatoes are not all alike, not even locally grown ones. The beefsteak tomato, with its voluptuous curves, is always a showstopper; but what about the multicolored, odd-shaped, yet mesmerizing heirlooms? Each has its own different flavor.

Here are three simple, classic recipes — a gazpacho, an insalata caprese (Italy’s famous tomato and mozzarella salad), and a summery cold pasta. Dress them up with different colorful heirlooms, and you’ll find each recipe highlights the unique taste of its special tomato.

But all are beautiful, gourmet dishes you’ll want to make all season long.

Story and photos by Viviane Bauquet Farre | For The Journal News. Find her blog at foodandstyle.com.

Recipes:

Yellow Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with Lime Oil and Fresh Mint
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Bocconcini
Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Zucchini, Fresh Corn and Goat-Milk Feta

Also: How to Peel and Seed Fresh Tomatoes

Some tomato tips from Journal News contributor Viviane Bauquet Farre. You can find her blog at foodandstyle.com.

Step 1: Bring 4 to 6 quarts of water to a boil, depending on how many tomatoes you need to peel. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare a large bowl of cold water and set aside.

Then, with a paring knife, make an incision in the shape of a cross around the entire surface of each tomato.

Here’s a recipe for Yellow Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with Lime Oil and Fresh Mint  from Journal News contributor Viviane Bauquet Farre. You can peruse her blog at foodandstyle.com.

Photo by Viviane Bauquet Farre.

Did you know? Yellow heirloom tomatoes — like the Yellow Taxi, Golden Jubilee, Amana Orange, Yellow Brandywine or Bicolor Mortgage Lifter — are slightly sweet, juicy and fleshy. They also have very few seeds, making them perfect candidates for gazpacho. The lime-infused oil drizzled just before serving brings out the tomatoes’ flavor even more.

The recipe, after the jump.

Here’s a recipe for Heirloom Tomato Salad with Bocconcini from Journal News contributor Viviane Bauquet Farre. You can peruse her blog at foodandstyle.com.

Photo by Viviane Bauquet Farre.

Here’s a recipe for Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Zucchini, Fresh Corn and Goat-Milk Feta from Journal News contributor Viviane Bauquet Farre. You can peruse her blog at foodandstyle.com.

Photo by Viviane Bauquet Farre.

Did you know? This cold pasta is a summer festival in a bowl: delicious, crunchy sweet corn, earthy pan-roasted zucchini, refreshing fresh herbs, salty feta cheese — and most of all, the flavorful heirlooms. The Black Russian, Pruden’s Purple or any red heirloom beefsteak tomatoes will be marvelous in this dish.

The recipe, after the jump.