It's Been Too Long Without An Update

It's been a while and this blog has been languishing a bit--too long. So I was deleting other blogs of mine and figured before I deleted this one, I'd resuscitate it a bit, and see what happens. 

There have been some closures in the White Plains (and surrounding) area:

Manna Foods (I'm heartbroken, to be honest)

Tango Grill
Espana (Larchmont)

Some businesses have changed hands:

Siam Orchid (Scarsdale) is now something else--but still a Thai restaurant--I should have looked closer at the awning.

Rekka's (White Plains) appears to now be I-Thai

Raasa (Elmsford) They used to have a great buffet during the week, and their south Indian items were our favorites; it seems they changed hands and changed their format and menu (and perhaps their cooks too). Every time we drive past this place (every day), it makes us sad. The food is good, don't get me wrong, but the things we enjoyed were different than what is available elsewhere. Now it's like any other nice Indian place. Nice, but not unique.  This place used to be Malabar Hill, which was then bought out by the people who owned Jaipore (located in northern Westchester somewhere); then it was bought out by the people who own Kokum in NYC. But I could almost tell when there was a change in management based on the lack of buffet and the change in the food.

Some businesses have moved locations:

Chutney Masala is now located on Main Street in Irvington. 

There have been quite a few openings, too:

Sambal (they took over the former location of Chutney Masala; tasty Malaysian & Thai food!) 

T-Swirl Crepe (White Plains)


Places that have opened in the last (GULP!) six years since my last update:

Noodle+  (Good food, small place, long wait, annoying to phone in orders.)

Iron Tomato (Good Italian style deli sandwiches and bakery items. Pricey, but big sandwiches.)

Red Plum ("Pan Asian," something here for everyone, nice sushi, great entrees, nice location.)

MP Taverna (Greek taverna, great food, lovely drinks, attentive service, nice ambiance, ample parking.)   

Coriander (White Plains;  Indian, something special for date nights, great take out too, interesting/innovative menu items.)

India Cafe (White Plains; Indian, small place, good for take out, some interesting south Indian items not found in other local Indian restaurants.)

Alex's Bar and Grille, White Plains. (Italian/Continental)


COMING SOON:

Banh Mi Shop, White Plains (when will they open?)
 

For Those Keeping Track: Full Moon Thai, White Plains

I'm still avoiding this place.

Post-Mortem: Tango Grill, White Plains

As if the broken windows weren't bad enough...

Niko's Taverna, White Plains

Niko's Taverna, White Plains

Niko's came highly recommended from a friend, who also recommended Nemea Taverna in Mamaroneck, and if memory serves me correctly, Nemea is owned by the same family or the kids of the same family that own Niko's.

I've been on a bit of an octopus "kick" lately, even going so far as to attempt to learn to prepare octopus myself. I found a local fish shop that sells octopus, and I've tried twice to do it myself, and I just wish I knew what the folks at Niko's do! Their octopus is so tender and soft. Delicious. Simply and deliciously made:) Here's what remained of my meal from last night. I had the village salad and the octopus appetizer as my entree, meanwhile the husband had the hummus as a starter and had a chicken gyro.

We lucked out and got prime parking in the front of the taverna, and despite the lovely weather, we sat inside for dinner.

Food was freshly prepared, vibrant, smelling and tasting fresh and delicious.

Pricing was good, not exorbitant.

Service was acceptable, basic level of attentiveness. Yet we went without refills on our drinks. No biggie, but still noticeable.

Decor inside, could be defined as "meh" lackluster, but basic and clean. The menu had plenty of great things to try.

Niko's strikes me as the great little local gem, one you visit again and again, working your way thru their entire repertoire until you decide on which dish is your favorite. I suspect, that in time, I'll find everything on their menu is a favorite.

I'll definitely be returning.

Note to self: Check and see if Niko's or Nemea are participating on Open Table.

Over Due For a Visit: Espana, Larchmont

Espana Tapas, Larchmont

Love this place. Been there about a dozen times since January.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place.

So it baffles me as to how or why I haven't popped up a review here.

The 3 Jalapenos, Mamaroneck

Was there a few weeks ago. Exact details escape me at this point as to what exactly was ordered, tho to be honest, both the husband and I started with a soup (I had the chicken, and he had the black bean) and both were delicious, as were our entrees.

We need to make another trip back there... SOONISH!

Longer, detailed review/commentary to follow.

EVENTUALLY.

Nearby Farmers Markets

This listing will be updated periodically with the most up to date information I find on farmers markets in the White Plains vicinity.

Dear Reader, if you happen to notice that a farmers market is not listed (i.e. West Harrison, Elmsford, Mt. Pleasant, Mamaroneck, for instance), please feel free to list all the details in the comments section, and it'll be added to this modest compilation. Thanks!

TUESDAY:

Farmer's Market Pepsico
800 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY
9:30 a.m.
5/24 5/31 6/7 6/14 6/21
For more details:
http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-market-pepsico-purchase-M41292

WEDNESDAY:

White Plains International Open Air Farmers Market
Court St (nr.Renaissance Plaza)
White Plains, NY
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FRIDAY:

Dobbs Ferry Farmers Market
Cedar & Main Sts.
Dobbs Ferry, NY
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.am - 4pm
June 25 - October 29

SATURDAY:

Hartsdale Farmers Market
Hartsdale Train Station
East Hartsdale Avenue
Hartsdale, NY
9:00 a.m.
6/4 6/11 6/18 7/2
For more details:
http://www.greenburghny.com

Larchmont Farmers Market
Metro North upper lot # 3
Chatsworth Ave.
Larchmont, NY
8:30 a.m. to 1p.m.
May 29 - December 18