Table Hopping with Morris Gut: Where to Dine After the Spring Orchid Show at NYBG
A beautiful Technicolor harbinger of spring, the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs through April 27TH. After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are a few suggestions along the way…
DINING AT NYBG — There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/. This year visitors can also enjoy ‘Orchid Evenings’ filled with entertainment, dancing, cocktails and snacks. These special evening events will take place: March 8,15,22,29; April 5, 12, 19, 25, 26. Must be over 21. Evening hours: 7-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested.
DINING WITH A VIEW AT THE SEA SHORE — Just a short drive from NYBG. Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew on City Island serve abundant platters of seafood at this sprawling 94-year-old institution: Oysters Rockefeller, daily Raw Bar, Lobsters galore, Surf & Turf, Italian specialties, too. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. Multiple seating areas. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-0300 www.seashorerestaurant.com
LIEBMAN’S TRADITIONAL DELICATESSEN — Liebman’s original kosher Jewish delicatessen in Riverdale, the Bronx, has been serving their traditional larder since 1953. And now, for all you corned beef and pastrami mavens, owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have premiered a much anticipated new location at Addyman Square in Ardsley. Liebman’s serves a wide selection of old-world favorites including matzo ball soup; frankfurters with mustard & sauerkraut; knishes; smoked fish and appetizing; overstuffed sandwiches; stuffed cabbage; Hungarian goulash; and chicken in the pot with all the fixings. Dine in. Take out. Delivery. Liebman’s original deli is located at 552 W. 235 Street, Riverdale, Bronx. 718-548-4534 Liebman’s Ardsley, 472 Ashford Ave. 914-231-6222 www.liebmansdeli.com
BASILICO GLOBAL — This lovely dining room and bar opened 6 months ago by hospitality veterans Nick Demaliaj and Jetmir Arifaj. It is a global mix of Mediterranean/Italian/American specialties. Chef Leonardo Pavia offers such dishes as Spaghetti Bolognese, Squid Ink Linguine, Braised Short Ribs, Zuppa di Pesce, a surprising Coq au Vin, even a big juicy Wagyu Truffle Burger. Nick & Jetonir had worked previously worked at the iconic Russian Tea Room in Manhattan. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch. Prix fixe lunches available. Basilico Restaurant, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914-740-5900 www.basilicopelham.com
A CRAVING FOR DUMPLINGS AT MISTER CHEN — Mister Chen in Mamaroneck and Scarsdale serves a modernized Chinese menu espousing popular traditional regional dishes. it is carving out a place all its own thanks to owner Paul Chen and his mom who is head chef. I was excited about the dumpling station where you can watch the cooks prepare a variety of Chinese dumplings from scratch. Take a careful bite and suck up that delicious warm broth, then savor the delicious pork or shrimp filling. Also enjoyed their Pork Belly Sandwich, meaty Spareribs, General Tsao’s Chicken, spicy Kung Pao Chicken, and Jumbo Prawns with garlic sauce. There’s even old fashioned Chow Mein. Mister Chen, 265 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-777-1212, or 96 Garth Road, Scarsdale. 914-574-6098 www.misterchenny.com www.misterchenseafood.com
A TASTE OF FRANCE AT CAFÉ DEUX — Sisters Carrie and Charlotte Denoyer premiered Café Deux in Harrison last year, an all-day café and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Highlights include a decadent bowl of soft scrambled eggs melded with gruyere and chives served with crusty sourdough bread. Classic French bistro fair: fresh pastries, sandwiches, entrees, and sweets including their signature ‘cupped desserts’ as complement their daily selection of curated coffees and teas. Cocktails, too. Jean Denoyer, their father, opened the original La Goulue in Manhattan over 50 years ago. Café Deux, 307 Halstead Ave., Harrison. The café will be open 7 days a week. 914-920-4110 www.cafedeuxny.com