Celebrating New Orleans in New York
A Shrimp Po Boy served at Rye Roadhouse.
By Morris Gut
Bronx Voice
February 20, 2023
FOOD - ‘LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER’! Let the good times roll! This year, Carnival season begins on Friday, February 17th culminating on Fat Tuesday, February 21st. Here are some local suggestions…
NEW ORLEANS & SOUTHERN STYLE MARDI GRAS VENUES!
Proprietor Peter Van Cott of The Bayou Restaurant, 580 Gramatan Ave., Mount Vernon, has been serving up the spirited sounds and flavors of Cajun country since 1991, and the place is still funky and enjoyable. So, if you can’t make it to New Orleans, this is the spot to revel to authentic blues and zydeco music while hunkering down to an overstuffed Po’ Boy or such house specialties as: Voodoo Wings, overstuffed Muffulettas, Southern Fried Chicken, Grilled Peppered Catfish, Tender Pork Ribs Smothered in BBQ Sauce, Jazzy Jumpin’ Jambalaya served with Louisiana Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, and Crawfish Tails Smothered in rich Creole Gravy. Their Annual Mardi Gras Bash will be held on Fat Tuesday featuring live entertainment. Reservations are suggested. Phone: 914-668-2634. www.bayourestaurantny.com
Owner Nick Fusco at Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves a Southern-themed menu that includes such specialties as: Shrimp Po-Boy Sandwich; Fried Green Tomatoes; Cajun Pasta; Shrimp & Grits; and a darn good Pimento Cheeseburger. Look for a swarm of artsy flying birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room. Open for dinner at 4 p.m. weekdays; from 2 p.m., Fridays; from 11 a.m., Sat. & Sun. Great Happy Hours 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend brunch. Phone: 914-607-2476. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
Owners Greg & Jon DeMarco and Kevin Campbell of Rye Roadhouse, 12 High Street, Rye, will be marking Fat Tuesday all day. The fun starts with specialty cocktails, authentic New Orleans Cajun/Creole dishes and traditional Zydeco music. Try their tasty Shrimp Po’ Boy or mixed bowl of Jambalaya with meats and seafood including Andouille sausage and crawfish tails. The sweet potato fries served with remoulade are great. Beads and giveaways are also promised.
Reservations a must. Phone: 914-925-2668. www.ryeroadhouse.com
Multi-talented artist, model, and consummate host Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friends, 14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle serves up solid doses of American Soul Food, Southern favorites, a taste of the Caribbean, spirited jazz sessions and art. Alvin & Friends Restaurant has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe. Check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Burgers and Mac & Cheese, too. Combine your visit with some live music. Love their Friday night jazz featuring local talent. Saturdays, too. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is a winning combination as well. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 914-654-6549 www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com
Owner Spiros Chagares of Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island in the Bronx, does a wonderful job with his American Shellfish Jambalaya. It is on the menu, and it is loaded with the flavors of the New Orleans. It can be easily shared, as so many of their other big combo platters. Good craft beer selection and cocktails. Phone: 718-885-9885. www.artiescityisland.com
The people behind Hook & Reel, 200 Baychester Ave., Bronx, serve a menu which allows you to select your favorite meat, seafood & vegetables and they will prepare a New Orleans-style meal. There are Crayfish Boils, Po’ Boys. Take-out & delivery. Phone: 917-507-7052. Also located at 2375 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. 914-355-7739 www.hookreel.com
Bo Bo’s Crab Shack, 2450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, near Fordham Road & 691 Co-Op City Blvd., CO-OP City, offer a daily selection of Cajun/Creole Hushpuppies, Gumbo, Crawfish, and Fried Gator Bites. 347-275-9180 www.boboscrabshack.com
Southern Table Kitchen & Bar, 39 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, offers a big dose of Southern hospitality along with such open kitchen house specialties as: Fried Green Tomatoes, Cheddar Biscuits, Grit Bowls, Cajun-style Seafood Boils, and Chicken & Waffles. Good Fried Chicken, too. Open daily. Phone: 914-618-3355. www.southern-table.com
Ekren and Elvi, owners of Kee Oyster House in White Plains, serve a delightful seafood-rich menu in a contemporary, white-tiled setting. Their version of a Po Boy is a winner. Kee also serves a pristine selection of East/West oysters with all the trimmings. An indulgent platter of Oysters Rockefeller is a specialty. Their version of Fried Calamari teases my palate. While a taste of their Pan-Seared Scallops with seafood risotto and brown butter sends me into foodie heaven. There are dramatic Hot or Cold Seafood Towers, too. Open Mon-Sat. KEE, 126 E. Post Road. White Plains. 914-437-8535 www.keeoysterhouse.com
Holy Crab, 32 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves fresh Cajun-style seafood as you would see in New Orleans. It is a long sprawling space with bustling bar/lounge. Open daily. Check out such specialties as: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Po’ Boys, Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs and Jambalaya Shrimp. Phone: 914-948-3888. www.holycrabny.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
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