For some of us, brunch is an all-you-can-buffet, while others expect a leisurely meal served by wait staff. Some of us want to get all dressed up, while others are happy to go out in jeans and sneakers. Whatever your appetite, there is a brunch for you, from a Southern-style Gospel brunch to a three-course French menu served in a former estate. Here is a sampling to consider.
Where to brunch in Westchester
Stuff yourself silly
Karen Croke
Special to MetromixOctober 13, 2009
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Chiboust
14 Main St. - Tarrytown914-703-6550
f you're looking for special surroundings that aren't stuffy, head for Chiboust, where owner Jill Rose has created the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel special - even if you're not dressed up. The cuisine is French-Mediterranean bistro, with a long list of brunch possibilities, beginning with such entrees as brioche French Toast with berries, poached eggs served with Gravlax on a croissant, or an omelet.
Olde Stone Mill, The
2 Scarsdale Road - Tuckahoe914-771-7661
This place is mostly known as the restaurant celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay made over on his show, "Hell's Kitchen," but don't go just for that. Go for the good steakhouse fare, the a la carte brunch and a beautiful flagstone patio. With about a dozen, umbrella-shaded tables (and heaters if there is a nip in the air), it's a quiet spot tucked back off busy Scarsdale Road.
Wobble Cafe
21 Campwoods Road - Ossining914-762-3459
Cozy cafe owned by husband and wife team that treat everyone that comes in like family. The furniture is a hodgepodge of flea market finds and the food a healthy mixture of American cuisine, with a nod towards Vermont farmhouse. Ask for the Vermonster panino or try the migas, a Tex-Mex brunch specialty.
City Limits Diner
125 Westchester Ave. - White Plains914-761-1111
Even though there is no set brunch menu, we must make the case for City Limits. The atmosphere is engaging and the food is great, drawing inspiration from a wide swath of cuisines. But at breakfast, which is served all day, you'll find an orange-lemon waffle that's served with fresh berries. There are, of course, eggs - this is a diner after all, even if it's been glammed up.
Zitoune
1127 W. Boston Post Road - Mamaroneck914-835-8350
Bright textiles and tiles, crafts from the owner's travels, a tented ceiling, belly dancers - well, not at brunch - signal that you're in for a good time, and that goes for brunch, too, which starts with a glass of wine, orange juice or a Mimosa. Then choose a goat cheese salad or Zitoune Salad (mesclun, olives, lemon confit, toasted almonds and fresh mint) and move right into the entrees.
Barn at Bedford Post, The
954 Old Post Road (Route 121) - Bedford914-234-7800
Sunday brunch is popular in horse country, even with those who actually ride their steeds to this upscale cafe in the woods of northern Westchester. Native stone, wooden beams and a wood-burning fireplace and a nice outdoor terrace give this smallish room real appeal. The only thing more eye-catching is the berry-stuffed brioche French toast. The menu is short and delicious, with an egg sandwich, eggs Benedict and a handful of salads, all made, as much as possible, with local ingredients by chef Brian Lewis.
Red Hat on the River
1 Bridge St. -
Irvington
914-591-5888
Let's just say that if the weekend weather calls for early afternoon sunshine and warm spring breezes, it's going to be tough to get a table on the outdoor terrace at this Irvington hot spot, but give it a try. Then order from the Sunday Xtras menu ($14 to $17), which is short and sweet. There is an omelet du jour; a croque Cubano; a classic salad Nicoise; a grilled, French-cut chicken breast; and a seasonal cheese plate.
Kraft Bistro
104 Kraft Ave. -
Bronxville
914-337-4545
We love the Kraft Bistro for its laid-back Mediterranean charm. Maybe it's the twinkling candles on the tables or the wedges of fresh lime or orange in the glass of water. Or maybe it's the brunch. The a la carte menu is extensive, with egg dishes, salads, Afghan flat breads, sandwiches, even pasta.
Flying Pig on Lexington, The
251 Lexington Ave. - Mount Kisco914-666-7445
This restaurant, helmed by Chef Leslie Sutter, is known for its farm-to-table sensibilities. Meaning most of what you'll find on the menu is locally produced, including the bacon, eggs and vegetables, which come from nearby Cabbage Hill Farm. The buffet is set up in the first-floor dining room and everything is replenished all the time, so don't worry if the Cabbage Hill Farm bacon is gone - there will be more. The buffet has a good selection of eggs, French toast, bread pudding, pancakes and waffles; omelets are made to order. There is also really good pulled pork, along with bagels and assorted pastries and fresh fruit.
Crabtree's Kittle House
11 Kittle Road - Chappaqua914-666-8044
The buffet at the Kittle House - an inn built in 1789 - is housed in a small room off the first-floor entrance and is every bit as elegant and upscale as the restaurant's regular menus. (Note: The freshly baked muffins, bagels and croissants are tempting, but save room for the quiche instead.) The groaning board continues with king crab legs, oysters, shrimp, a Charcuterie Board with duck prosciutto, prosciutto di parma and cured pork loin. There are several carving stations with duck, wood-planked salmon, an entrecote of beef and a ham. Desserts are served at the table, and you have a choice among many sweets. The Three-Chocolate Terrine will make you happy you skipped the croissants.
Le Chateau
Junction of routes 35 and 123 -
South Salem
914-533-6631
This is a very traditionally served brunch in gracious surroundings in a former estate. You can opt for traditional snails with garlic butter, for instance, or try the French onion soup. Entrees include eggs, omelets, waffles and French toast, as well as a Minute Steak Bernaise, salmon, chicken and couscous. For dessert, it's the Chef's Selection of the Day.'
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
630 Bedford Road - Pocantico Hills914-366-9600
lue Hill might be too steep for your evening dining budget, but this four-course tasting lunch, at $68 per person, is the next best thing. You get the same gorgeous dining room, the same inventive cuisine (there are no set menus, by the way), composed mostly of goods that were grown or raised at the Stone Barns Center for Agriculture, but at a more affordable price. After brunch, roam the grounds of the Rockefeller Estate.
Ruby's Oyster Bar & Bistro
45 Purchase St. -
Rye
914-921-4166
If you're looking to celebrate that birthday, anniversary or promotion, what better way to do it than sipping champagne and enjoying oysters on the half shell? Catch a Sunday brunch that includes eggs Benedict prepared with a slice of filet mignon (instead of the typical Canadian bacon) and served with rock shrimp and home fries.
Sunset Cove
238 Green St. -
Tarrytown
914-366-7889
You can't get much closer to the Hudson than the waterfront patio at this popular Continental restaurant. Check out the Sunday brunch buffet. You can get smoked ham or turkey breast from the carving station or have pancakes prepared to your liking. There's a breakfast bar with eggs, bacon and fruit, and a separate lunch bar with pasta, salads, chicken and seasonal fish dishes.
Beehive
30 Old Route 22 - Armonk914-765-0688
The moussaka is one of the most popular dishes at this family-friendly New American eatery, where Greek specialities such as souvlaki pepper the extended-American menu. For brunch, take a seat at one of the seven tables in the more casual front of the restaurant - the back dining room, lit by chandelier, is a little more formal - and dig into the Bavarian French toast, stuffed with jam and cream cheese or the banana-Macadamia nut pancakes.
