5 year anniv. in Westchester this Friday, help?

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Hi all,

My boyfriend and I (recent graduate school grads who just moved to Ossining) are celebrating our 5 year anniversary this Friday 9/1 (short notice, I know)... I've been perusing the boards for suggestions for special occasion dinner locales in Westchester. I have read a lot about Monteverde in Cortlandt Manor, but have not called as prices are not listed on the website... and Stoneleigh Creek in Croton Falls looks nice too... and I have also read about FISH in Port Chester, which is a drive for us but looks cute. Any personal experiences at these places?

My question is-- any other suggestions for a nicer-than-usual (to give you an idea, we usually go to City Limits, Michael's in Pleasantville, A'Mangiare in its various locations, Guadalajara, Patang in Yonkers, etc... it'd be nice to dress up a little) place for a 20 something couple to celebrate a special occasion on short notice? I am a big foodie so quality of food is important to me but I don't want a stuffy, very formal restaurant and cost should not be exorbitant ($50-60 pp would be ideal, but if there's good reason to we'd consider more). No French or Japanese. Preferably eclectic/creative American but we like mostly everything-- type of food is less important as long as the food is good. A view would be nice as well, but is not required. We will go almost anywhere in Westchester for this as we are pretty centrally located here in Ossining. I would love feedback on this! Thanks in advance!

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thanks again everyone for the great suggestions. I have such a long list of places to try now! I know I wrote that we were going to Zeph's, but I changed my mind at the last minute and made a reservation at FISH in Port Chester. I was in a seafood mood, and though the ambiance was not ideal for a romantic anniversary dinner, the food was OUTSTANDING. We enjoyed our meal (not the noisy party of 20 behind us that made conversation impossible) SO much-- from the tuna flatbread that someone on this post suggested, to my boyfriend's tuna mignon (unbelievable!), and my butterfish (waitress compared to chilean sea bass) special of the day served with mashed potatoes afloat in clam chowder. We'll go to Zeph's for my birthday in December :-)...

[mister_pj]

Living in and around Ossining, there are several places close by I can recommend.

Umami in Croton is an interesting place for a meal. If the weather is nice you can actually eat outside which is pleasant. I haven't been in a long time but I did enjoy the ambiance and the food. The prices weren't outrageous either.

In Briarcliff Manor there are two Italian selections. There is Amalfi's which is a nice place with good food. White table cloths and the like. Also, there is Orfino's which is a little less fancy but the food is good. Of the two Amalfi's is definitely the pricier.

If you take a run down to White Plains, there is always PF Changs which I've found pretty good as well. Plus you can always shop for your gift afterward!

[march33]

Missed your anniversary but for the next occasion try Monteverdes in Peekskill , on the way to the Bear Mt bridge. - beautiful view of the Hudson, fine service and good food. New owners for the past year - used to be the worst food in the world, They have completely redecorated and landscaped with a fine chef.

[jslmjl]

Lia's in Hartsdale is great! I would not automatically think of it as a 'special occasion' place since we practically live there, but it really can be one. Their appetizers are always superb. We usually share two or three and then split an entree. The entrees are also good, but usually huge portions. I have always been impressed with the wait staff, and Emre, the owner is always warm and welcoming. Make sure to leave room for dessert - especially the zeppole (either alone or mini as part of a dessert trio.)

Another thought is Cafe Mezze, also in Hartsdale. The outside is completely unimpressive, but once inside you are miles away from Central Avenue in some woodsy feeling cocoon. We have not been there in a while but were always happy with the food and found the prices reasonable.

Our Westchester special occasion place is Blue Hill. Now that their menu is more flexible and not solely prix fixe, it may be more in the price range you mentioned. It can sometimes feel a bit hushed and serious, but like any other "serious" restaurant, if you really love food and interract with the staff about the preparation and ingredients, you will have a great time. If you have not yet been there, go early enough to stroll through the garden before dinner.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

I made reservations for Zeph's on Friday... very excited. Thanks again for all the help!

[prufrock]

You can't go wrong with Iron Horse Grill in Pleasantville. We've been there several times, and it always ranks as one of my top meals in Westchester. Great food and very reasonably priced for such high quality (I think it's $46 for three-courses). Their wine list is also fairly priced. Very professional service, nice atmosphere, good mix of well-dressed fellow diners. No view to speak of though.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

I am a big fan of Pleasantville and will put this on my to-eat list! Thanks!

[bevoray]

One of my favorites is Ruby's Oyster Bar in Rye. FISH is really good too.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thank you for the feedback!

[momof3]

I totally agree with bevoray about Ruby's and F.I.S.H.
I would however, avoid RK at all costs.

[dinosala]

RK in Rye is an excellent place, great food and great ambience, Blue in White Plains is another place with creative dishes and great crowd, another new place in Mount Kisco is Coco Rumba, Nuevo Latino food, beautiful place it feels like you are in South Beach, if you like LAtin food you also have Sonora and Pacifico in Portchester, FISH has excellent food and if you go there you should try the spicy tuna flatbread as an appetizer good enough for two people

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions! I am going to have to invent some more special occasions so my boyfriend can take me out to them. :-) I think FISH will be my next choice...

[dolores]

i_eat, I love your name! So do I... :O)

I agree with Zeph's, the experience was wonderful. Service was spot on, the owners were there, and the food was excellent.

Just a suggestion, for a future dinner -- do you know Guida's in Ossining? I've had some of the best pasta carbonara I've ever eaten there.

Congrats on your anniversary.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thank you for the recommendation! Two votes for Zeph's-- I think I'll have to give a call later to see if they have a reservation for Friday! I'm a little indecisive though because all these places look so good!

On a recent stroll down Main Street, I glanced at the menu at Guida's and it is definitely on my list of Ossining eateries to try... along with Goldfish Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Wobble Cafe, Brasserie Swiss, and a few others. So much food, so little time... :-) Thanks again!

[chocolate chick]

121 Restaurant in North Salem is romantic yet young and chic. It has wonderful, creative New American food and is not off the charts expensive. One of the best in Westchester (IMO). Check out the wesite! However, there is no view...

http://www.121restaurant.com/

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Wow, this looks great too! Thank you so much!

[LaurainCT]

While it's great for a night out with friends, I would not recommend 121 for an anniversary dinner. The food is good (service not so much), but it's loud and crowded on a Friday night, and they don't take reservations for parties smaller than 6.

I haven't been to Monteverde since it changed hands, but it is a beautiful location, and I've heard good things about the food.

Good luck and happy anniversary!

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thanks for the info about 121! I definitely want to make reservations so the fact that they don't take reservations for small parties will bear on my decision.

[MRS]

What about Harvest in Hastings? At least it's on your side of the county. We've nothing but wonderful food and service there and, on a clear night, a seat by the window is romantic.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thanks for the suggestion! I have been here before and enjoyed it, but think I'll check out some new places before returning. Agreed about it being romantic, though!

[intrepid]

we are BIG fans of lia's in hartsdale, very good italian/medit/food, attractive place,not stuffy..one of our faves 914 725 8400..close to hartsdale train station...

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thank you for this suggestion... I lived in Hartsdale until recently and I must have been living with my head under a rock to have missed this!

[smoobie]

hi ice cream, for a special dinner with fabulous food, you can't go wrong with Zeph's in Peeskill.
Not cheap mind you, but absolutely one of the best places around. Only, maybe 12 tables, small, so make reservations in advance for a weekend dinner. Not an extensive menu, but quite eclectic; anything you get is memorable. Last time I was there I had a rib-eye steak with gorgonzola butter; to die for. Enjoy.

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

Thanks so much for the suggestion! Looks great!