Ring in the Holidays with Sparkling Dining and Eats

By Morris Gut

Bronx Voice

November 29, 2024

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NEW YORK - The 4th annual New Rochelle Holiday Market 2024 at the New Rochelle Train Station will run Nov. 29 through Dec.22, 4-8 pm weekdays, and 12-8 pm weekends. There are 60 vendors, an ice-skating rink, live music, and food trucks. For info: www.newrochelleny.com/1842/NRNY-Holiday-Market-2024 

The 11th  glittering season of ‘Winter Wonderland’ will run from November 23rd  through December 31st  at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. This drive-thru event draws thousands for a big dose of Holiday Cheer. It is sponsored by Westchester Medical Center, and a partnership between the Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester Parks Department. The 1.2-mile drive begins at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends and is chocked full of festive seasonal attractions. Tickets are $37 per car. For additional info and reservations: 914-231-4600, or visit www.wwinterwonderland.com 

The White Plains Holiday Market brought to us by White Plains BID, returns December 6th through the 17th with 40 regional craft and food vendors. It takes place on Court St. between Main & Martine St. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday; to 7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. For info: https://wpbid.com/events/holiday-market/ 

If all this makes you hungry, here are some nearby dining suggestions for everyone in the family…

MULINO’S HOLIDAY FEST!

It is over-the-top at Mulino’s of Westchester in White Plains during the holidays, and it begins with the bright glittering lights at the entranceway. The annual Christmas Holiday Fest at Mulino’s has been extended through January 2025, and it’s a sight to behold for the whole family! The fountain garden is beautiful as is the lavish dining room and bar/lounge. General Manager Gimmy Cavagna and his staff are keeping the premises spiffy as ever: gesticulating Christmas decorations galore, life size toy soldiers, bursting colorful floral displays, the handsome multilevel seating area. A special holiday menu is served. Open 7 days.  Valet parking. Reservations advised. Mulino’s of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains 914-761-1818  www.mulinosny.com

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR!

Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & 

Grits and Braised Short Ribs. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com

IRISH AMERICAN PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR!

Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew serve delicious finger foods and generously plated specialties. Chef/partner Brandan Donohoe’s modern Irish American kitchen come great burgers, decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese, crusty pizzas out of their woodfired oven; freshly made salads; Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich; Berkshire Pork Chops; Jack’s Lamb Shank. Their full Irish Breakfast at brunch is a winner. Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert is a must!  The same group own Jill’s in Mamaroneck. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com

MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND!

When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true, albeit with a sprinkling of contemporary taste. There are private and semi-private party facilities for up to 100 guests and catering packages to suit your needs. Robust Italian/American specialties include fresh made Manicotti, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. Rabbit Cacciatore, too.  Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. New woodburning pizza oven. Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com

TORCELLO RISTORANTE, LARCHMONT

Imer Rraci and his veteran team reimagined the former La Riserva into a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, this kitchen turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Veal Chop Parmigiana; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci had spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Happy hours Wed. through Fri.  3:30-6 pm. Outdoor patio. Free parking. Torcello, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www.torcellolarchmont.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. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)