After graduating college, moving to a new apartment and starting a new job all within a few weeks’ time (#adulting), all I wanted to do when I came back home for a few days was hit my regular spots with my parents and enjoy the time off. For example, it’s a requirement to go to Old Stone Trattoria for their Zucchini Fritti (a personal favorite) and if we are hosting family and friends, Le Jardin du roi BBQ catering never fails. And Bobo’s Cafe, the relative newcomer at the train station, has become a place where I simply can’t enter to get a smoothie without seeing at least five people I know.
Between those three, and Little Thai Kitchen and Waka for my occasional fried rice and spring roll cravings, and of course, Lange’s for my fiesta salad and chicken cutlet hankerings, I’m usually all set for the few days I’m home.
To my surprise, however, there were also some exciting new restaurants and several new shops which opened up since the last time I was home. But for now, let’s focus on the main event (or in this case, main course)–the food!
Sure, the sunshine brings people out of their homes and into town a little bit more and a little bit later than other times of the year. But, it was nice to drive through town on a Saturday night and see restaurants, new and old, busy!
Tables at Basso, a new Italian dining establishment who moved from midtown to Chappaqua in the late spring, were filled to the brim, with eager eaters and conversation overflowing onto the King Street sidewalk.
Meanwhile, the very newest addition, Mentor’s Mediterranean Steakhouse, had its floor-to-ceiling window doors wide open, letting in air and intriguing curious customers. A drive by alone will have you dazzled by the sleek and beautiful décor. But don’t just gawk please. A number of rave reviews about its creative menu with plenty of options for every palate (in case you are not a steak lover) have appeared on social media pages, including one from this very publisher. Needless to say, these two new spots have been added to my go to list for the next time I’m home.
Ice cream and frozen yogurt lovers of all ages are also grateful for Frannie’s which had families pouring in for an after-dinner treat, ranging in all ages. It has been years since I was in middle school and went to get frozen yogurt at Frannie’s after seeing the Lego movie or Frozen at the movie theater in Mount Kisco. Even though my stomach was always full with buttery popcorn and blue raspberry slushies, everyone knows that there is always room for dessert.
And that still rings true. After eating dinner my parents and grandma and I went to satisfy our sweet tooth–it runs in the family. Sitting outside on a bench eating my frozen concoction (which consisted of more toppings than yogurt) was peaceful and I realized there was nowhere else I would rather be on a Saturday night than right there.
I saw someone I went to high school with there with his family along with much younger families who I hope continue to get ice cream together as the years pass. After all, you’re never too old for ice cream (or family time). Here’s to the new bustling downtown scene for the 914 food lovers!
Chappaqua based restaurants mentioned who are also 2022 Inside Press Sponsors:
Le Jardin du Roi
lejardinchappaqua.com
Mentor’s Mediterranean Steakhouse
mentorssteakhouse.com
Old Stone Trattoria
oldstonetrattoria.com
We can keep these stories coming thanks to merchant and reader support. Please visit ‘Advertise’ or ‘Subscribe’ at insidepress.com
–Grace Bennett, Publisher & Editor
