Pleasantville rocks in more ways than one

Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News
·4 min read

“Writer's block is a fancy term made up by whiners so they can have an excuse to drink alcohol," ― Steve Martin

I've always been a Pleasantville fan, way back before the Jacob Burns existed and way back before the train station restaurant trend was a thing (anyone else remember Iron Horse?). It helps that my friend (and editor) Karen Croke lives there and so knows more than I do about its history (anyone else remember Dragonfly?). What hasn't changed: It's always been a foodie town. And now even more so.

Matt and Christina Safarowic at Jay Street Cafe in Katonah. The two used to run that and The Whitlock, also in Katonah, but now have a new venture: a New American tavern called Freddy's that should open this summer in Pleasantville.
Matt and Christina Safarowic at Jay Street Cafe in Katonah. The two used to run that and The Whitlock, also in Katonah, but now have a new venture: a New American tavern called Freddy's that should open this summer in Pleasantville.

I'm beyond excited to report that two of my fave restaurant people — Christina Drake Safarowic and Chef Matt Safarowic (formerly of The Whitlock and Jay Street Cafe in Katonah) — are opening a new restaurant in the old Mission Taqueria space.

Freddy's, named after Matt's dad, will be a nod to old school New York establishments of decades past, featuring American comfort classics amid a lively and boisterous atmosphere. That means lots of leather, exposed brick and red and white checkered tablecloths as well as reimagined classic cocktails. Details are in my story below including news about other Pleasantville additions. (Also don't miss news about the return of the Pleasantville Music Festival, back after a two-year hiatus.)

I'm hard at work on what's new in Westchester and Rockland so if you have any leads, send them my way (email JRMuchnick@gannett.com).

Lohud Food & Dining Reporter Jeanne Muchnick at Greca in White Plains when alcohol to go was allowed again. • Frankie Rodriguez, the bartender at Greca will be competing in Westchester Magazine's Bartender Shakeoff June 8 and Muchnick, a cocktail fan, will be a judge.
Lohud Food & Dining Reporter Jeanne Muchnick at Greca in White Plains when alcohol to go was allowed again. • Frankie Rodriguez, the bartender at Greca will be competing in Westchester Magazine's Bartender Shakeoff June 8 and Muchnick, a cocktail fan, will be a judge.

Let's talk cocktails

If you follow me on Instagram you know I'm a big fan (and admirer) of cocktails. I love visiting tasting rooms, I love small batch artisans who are crafting drinks into cans and I love getting the behind-the-scenes action on the thought process of why this or that ingredient.

All of which is a long-winded way of saying a) look for a cocktail story coming up soon and b) get a ticket to Westchester Magazine's Party on the Pier June 8 where I'll be — for the third year in a row — a cocktail judge at their annual Bartender Shake-Off. This year features Giselle Burdiez of Smokehouse Tailgate Grill in New Rochelle, David Burgos of La Casa Bronxville in Bronxville, Colleen Cushman of Hudson Social, in Dobbs Ferry, Lisa Foster of Gleason’s in Peekskill and Frankie Rodriguez of Greca Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar in White Plains.

Bartenders will be using Tito’s Vodka, one of the event sponsors. Paige Donahoo of Stew Leonard’s Wines & Spirits of Yonkers, John Turiano, Westchester Magazine's editor and Emilio Ugarte, the three-time reigning champion from RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen in Tarrytown will also be judging. Wine educator Kevin Zraly and Kate Schlientz, CEO of digital media company IntoxiKate, will serve as emcees. Tickets are $60 in advance and can be purchased at westchestermagazine.com/winefood. Just keep in mind: the festival requires all attendees to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours upon entry.

Porterhouse at Sea Flame in Scarsdale. Photographed May 6, 2022.
Porterhouse at Sea Flame in Scarsdale. Photographed May 6, 2022.

Notable Bites

(Things I ate — and loved — this week)

  • Porterhouse for two at Sea Flame seafood & Steakhouse in Scarsdale. I'm a big meat eater and enjoyed the steakhouse atmosphere. I was especially happy when my plate came to the table nice and warm right before the steak was served so my meal stayed perfect throughout dinner.

  • Greek salad (with shrimp) at Nikko's Greek Taverna in White Plains. I love that they give you tons of lettuce in your salad (not all Greek salads have) and that there's ample outdoor space.

  • Latte at Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea Co. in Harrison. Owned by husband and wife Mike and Ali Nazzaro, this new cafe is cheery and bright and definitely a new gathering spot for locals. It also features a small sampling of gluten-free options in addition to pastries and muffins from Balthazar Bakery. Personally I love the ample outdoor seating in front, the dog bowls in front for your four-legged friends and the contemporary farmhouse feel. This may be my new away-from-home work space.

Latte from Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea in Harrison. Photographed May 11, 2022.
Latte from Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea in Harrison. Photographed May 11, 2022.

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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: More to love about Pleasantville plus meet me at the Party on the Pier