Bronx Local News: Holiday Foodies! Dining Out Ideas After Taking in the Sights of the Holidays
Where to Dine after Holiday Shows This Season
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JILL'S HEARTY SUNDAY ROAST BEEF DINNER
By Morris Gut
Bronx Voice
November 25, 2025
The 5th annual New Rochelle Holiday Market 2025 at New Roc City, 29 LeCount Place, will run Nov. 28 through Dec.14th., 4-8 pm weekdays, and 12-8 pm weekends. There are holiday vendors and fun for all. For info: www.newrochelleny.gov/1842/NRNY-Holiday-Market
The 12th glittering season of ‘Winter Wonderland’ will run 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.
For additional info and reservations 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, WHITE PLAINS
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
ALEX’S BAR & GRILLE, NORTH WHITE PLAINS
The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with Mediterranean clay-colored banquets and plush beige curtained windows. Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj offers big cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generously served Northern Italian/Continental fare. Check out such specialties as: Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alle Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal Parmigiana, grilled Filet Mignon, NY Sirloin Steak, a hefty Rib Eye, or the Pork Chops. Alex’s Bar & Grille, 577 N. Broadway, N. White Plains. 914-358-1444 www.alex577.com
FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR, WHITE PLAINS
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. Great 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
TRATTORIA VIVOLO, HARRISON
Cited by Forbes Magazine, Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Linguini Nere with bay scallops; Grilled Lamb Chops; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Spaghetti a la Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. Seasonal outdoor patio. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com
JILL’S, MAMARONECK
Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, proprietors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. There’s also Truffle Parm Fries, Chili Roasted Cauliflower, Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl. Hearty Sunday Roast. Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com
JACK’S BAR & RESTAURANT, EASTCHESTER
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
(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)
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