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Which is why we went to the experts -- local food bloggers and Instagrammers who eat out for a living. What follows are their top picks of 2017 as well as where they're looking forward to sampling in 2018.
Caitlin Duggan, Westchester_Carbdashian
2017 Faves
- 808 Social, Scarsdale: This was my biggest find in 2017. A world could be said about the food, drinks and atmosphere of this place. I have never been disappointed in the food, whether I order in-house or via Uber Eats. Additionally, the service is always excellent. My best-ordered item has to be their wings with "Social" sauce. Crispy, sweet and savory all at once, these wings are a perfect appetizer or snack to go with your cocktail.
- Village Beer Garden, Port Chester: One of the new kids on the block, Village Beer Garden was a stand out of the summer. Their cool outdoor patio is complete with a fireplace for when the summer evenings take a cool turn and I enjoyed the ping pong table as well. A fun way to keep you occupied as you sip on their delicious punches and lemonade (their house drinks are divine). The best bite from here has to be their Crispy Chicken Schnitzel sandwich.
- Abeetz Food Truck: For my choice desert taste of the year, I have to go to Abeetz for their cannoli dessert pizza. I'm not one for the overly sweet, so I can promise you this dessert pizza hits all the right notes without leaving you in a sugar coma. The amount of flavor that comes out of this pizza truck will leave you speechless. Their other pizzas are excellent as well and I would keep an eye on them as a trend for Sweet 16s and weddings this year.
Hope to Eat in 2018
- The biggest thing on my radar has got to be the Pax Romana revival in White Plains. The rumors I've heard about their new menu combined with the longing I have for some of their classics has my anticipation at an all-time high.
Irene Young Wallace, I On the Valley
2017 Faves
- Kisco River Eatery Mount. Kisco: Dishes to try: Montauk Fish Soup, Eggplant Stack, great seafood, amazing innovative cocktails.
- The Winery at St George Restaurant and Lounge, Mohegan Lake: Great for tapas, pumpkin risotto, flatbreads An amazing venue inside a converted church with 40 wines by the glass and great live music and events. Unique setting that needs to be experienced.
- Vega, Hartsdale: Love the modern take on Mexican food in a contemporary setting. Delish fried Cancun Calamari with mango passion fruit sauce charred cauliflower and amazing cocktails are worth sampling.
- Tredici North, Purchase: Modern upscale Italian restaurant with a swanky decor. Dishes I love include angry lobster appetizer, house-made pasta, organic salmon. I also love the fun drinks like the Flaming Scorpion.
- Equus at the Castle, Tarrytown: An elegant space with a new chef and the new direction make this a must-try. Among my top picks: Coconut Curried Shrimp, Scallops a la Plancha and Grilled Octopus
Hope to Eat in 2018
- The Whitlock, Katonah
- Inn at Pound Ridge, Pound Ridge
Antonella Pomilla, Foodgetaboutit
2017 Faves
- Aqui es Santa Fe, Port Chester: The empanadas and arepas are a must for an authentic "homey" Colombian food experience. However, my absolute favorites include the Bethania entree (Grilled Steak with Santa Fe Salad, avocado slices, and a choice of arepa, tostones or rice), Arequipe dessert (warm corn cake with vanilla ice cream and dulce de leche) and the Sangria Casera which is ridiculously good.
- Boro 6, Hastings: Great wines, cheese, and meats, particularly a go-to for work lunch meetings.
- Tredici North, Purchase: Chef Giuseppe Fanelli straddles the line between traditional and elevated Italian, so I always look forward to trying something new from his menu.
Hope to Eat in 2018:
- The Whitlock, Katonah: This will be most likely a contender for best restaurant in 2018.
- Restaurant North, Armonk: A new chef and their recent addition of brunch really peaks my interest.
- Pax Romana, White Plains: I am 100 percent looking forward to the re-opening in their new location. No pasta, no party!
Erin Baker and Shawna Lubner, Emma Westchester
2017 Faves
- L’inizio, Ardsley: The perfect date night .
- City Perch. Dobbs Ferry: Ideal for families and large groups.
- Taco Project, Yonkers: Good fast food.
- H-Mart, White Plains or Yonkers: Best cheap eats.
- Mason Sandwich Co, Eastchester: Great for a basic quick meal.
- Beasecakes Bakery, Armonk: Great desserts.
- Scarsdale Metro Deli, Scarsdale: Love their healthy, egg white omelettes.
Hope to Eat in 2018
- Cooked and Co., Scarsdale: Looking forward for their revamp and reopening and dreaming of their BEC (bacon egg and cheese) is to die for. The only one of its kind that's worth the calories. It's served on a brioche bun.... amazing. Popovers, nutella muffins, salad bar and soups are great too.
- We also want to explore more north of 297/Tarrytown in the near year.
2017 Faves
- Crabtree's Kittle House, Chappaqua: Jay Lippin is my spirit animal. The chef not only has superb skills in the kitchen (I'll eat anything on that menu!), but he's also committed to making a real difference in the Hudson Valley, working with Slow Foods USA, the Chefs' Alliance, and Ark of Taste.
- X2O, Yonkers: Chef Peter Kelly's food is pretty Instagrammable. I took my best (delicious!) shot this year at the Dylan Bar. This grilled octopus tasted insanely good and holds a spot on the wall of the IntoxiKate office.
- Boro6, Hastings: Try the nutella latte. The nutella accentuates the flavor of the coffee, adding just the right amount of sweet. One sip and I bet you'll join in my addiction.
Hope to Eat in 2018
- I'm on the meatless kick and am really into veggie-based dishes with a wow factor—a pop of flavor that may be unexpected. It's interesting to see what plant-based proteins chefs are working into the kitchen.
Donna Monaco Olsen, DonnaDishes
2017 Faves
- My favorite thing I ate this year was during a knife skills class at Zwilling cooking studio in Pleasantville. We used all the latest products they offer. The demo is set in a magnificent test kitchen and dining space. What I loved: Squash soup in a Staub cast-iron pot. The best part was it had micro green onion seed shoots and toasted pumpkin seeds. Chef Bernard Janssen leads the cooking classes through WCC as well as on their own. Current schedule here.
Hope to Eat in 2018
- I'm looking forward to dining anywhere on the water as I'm always hunting for the best lobster roll. I'm hoping that the new Fin and Brew in Peekskill has a killer one to enjoy this summer.
Allen & Kristina, Foodie Pleasure
2017 Faves
- Bibillle, Tarrytown: Any combination of their bowls are delicious
- MP Taverna, Irvington: The octopus with chickpea salad. Haven't eaten a bad meal at MP Taverna.
- Carlo's Restaurant, Yonkers (location also in New Rochelle): Our go-to spot for Italian food. The chicken scarpariello and penne a la vodka are our favorites.
- Aberdeen Seafood & Dim Sum, White Plains: When we're in the mood for dim sum and Asian cuisine, we stop by here.
- Spice Village, Tuckahoe: We enjoy their lunch buffet as well as dinner options. Such flavorful dishes!
Hope to Eat in 2018
- Exit 4 Food Hall, Mount Kisco: A variety of options and a cool concept.
- Frank Pepe's Pizza, Yonkers
- The Parlor, Dobbs Ferry
- Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills
Tiffany Stacy, Breakfast at Tiffany
2017 Faves
- My top spot of 2017 wasn’t somewhere new but rather an old favorite: Saint George Bistro in Hastings. Paris is one of my favorite cities and I love having classic French dishes so well executed and accessible right here in Westchester.
Hope to Eat in 2018
- The Whitlock, Katonah
- Cooked & Co., Scarsdale
Where were some of your top spots? What you loved in 2017 and where you're hoping to try in 2018? Let us know in our Comments or on Facebook.
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