2 chefs, 9 bartenders and 1 winning sandwich
“Is butter a carb?” – Regina George (Rachel McAdams) in “Mean Girls”
Whelp. Thanksgiving is behind us and holiday shopping is at its fever pitch. Since we took a week off for the holiday, I have to point out my story on Bonnie Saran of Little Drunken Chef in White Plains who each year, hosts a free Thanksgiving to all.
This was her 10th year, and her second (due to the pandemic) of providing to-go dinners. The idea came out of her experience of feeling isolated and lonely come holiday time when she first immigrated to the States from India. It's a story that tugs at my heartstrings every time.
In other chef news, Matt Safarowic, founder of The Whitlock and Jay Street Cafe in Katonah, has joined The Bedford Playhouse in Bedford as a guest culinary artist. The cafe at The Playhouse opens Friday and Safarowic promises a small bite focused menu including theater classics and comfort food that work for everyone and every occasion.
Cheers to that. And cheers to National Bartender Day (also on Friday) where I'm celebrating by raising a glass to nine local mixologists — and finding out some fun info like the fact that Walter Burmer at Via Forno in Scarsdale is developing a startup company called InSong Greetings and that Ryan Mulholland of Nyack's Communal Kitchen has 150 houseplants.
Speaking of surprises: Did you know Bella Vita Deli & Catering has Rockland's best sandwich? The Congers eatery won our contest with 44.45% of the vote in our latest poll. The Italian Food Center in West Haverstraw, a 2017 winner (the last time we did a poll), was close behind with 30%.
Since I'm still recovering from my extra caloric T-day dinner, I'm all about getting out and about, perhaps taking a hike or "hiking" my way to a holiday pop-up market or into the City to see the tree or dine at a restaurant, don't miss my colleague Karen Croke's 2021 holiday bucket list. Life may not be "normal" quite yet, but it's definitely looking a whole lot different than last year.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Happy Hour plans, chef news and a winner of a sandwich spot
