The New White Plains Restaurant Guide Just choose a restaurant category and click "Go": Asian Coffee Shop/Diner New American Deli/Markets Fast Food Greek Ice Cream Indian Italian Latin Mexican/Spanish Seafood SteakHouse Taverns/Pubs/Bars

White Plains has been in need of a late night eatery that offers something other than bar food (burgers, fries, etc.) for some time now and I think that Turkish Cuisine is the answer. The restaurant stays open until 3am Thursday through Saturday and offers contemporary Turkish cuisine including falafel, sis kebab, babaganush, and more. My personal favorite is the lamb shuarma(doner in Turkish), perfect for soaking up alcohol when you have the late night beer munchies (and makes a great lunch too). Not familiar with shuarma? It is very similar to a Greek Gyro. In fact, the Gyro is a derivation of the Turkish Doner Kebab. The only difference is in the type of pita used and some regional spice differences. Gyro fans; you must try the shuarma at Turkish Cuisine; you will be blown away by the great flavor. In addition to the great food, this is also a great place to eat for less. With the economy taking its toll on all of our wallets, it’s great to find a place where you can have a full meal for $10 to $20. The soups are flavorful, the salads are delicious and fresh, and the entrée’s are unique and a break from the normal Westchester fare. I hope that this place lasts because it is certainly the best restaurant to occupy this space in a very long time.

White Plains is home to well over 25 different Italian restaurants, so when Zanaro’s Italian came into the downtown area almost five years ago it was not really a big deal. Back then Zanaro’s was part of a chain of lackluster Italian eateries that one could equate to the Chili’s or Red Lobster of Italian food. The food was always ok but never at the “wow" level and it was obvious from their service staff that no one was really excited about what they were serving.

Fast forward to the present and be prepared to be “wowed!" World renowned chef and restaurateur Joe DiMaggio Jr. has come onto the Zanaro’s scene and literally transformed the place. The proof is in the staff (and the fabulous food as well but we’ll get back to that a little later). The first thing that I noticed upon entering the “new" Zanaro’s was all of the smiles on the service staffs faces. Having worked in the industry for close to a decade myself, I know that server smiles are few and far between. When I asked my server about it she told me that everyone was just really excited about the new menu. I asked for a recommendation and was quickly guaranteed that anything I chose would be delicious. Normally I would have issues with this kind of response but so far I have not had anything at Zanaro’s that I would not order again so; issue resolved.

Now lets move on to the driving force behind the changes at Zanaro’s: Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr. Chef DiMaggio started his career early in life cleaning pots and pans at his family’s hotel Biaggi in Bologna, Italy when he was still just a child. Over the next three decades Chef DiMaggio honed his skills under the tutelage of many master chefs around the world including Michelin Star recipient Jacque Maximan in France and Kumagai Kihachi in Japan. In addition to his culinary training, he also studied architectural design for a year in Florence, Italy. His passion for art extends beyond his culinary prowess; Chef DiMaggio is also an accomplished designer and artist. Throughout his career, he has designed over 500 restaurants of all types (he is proficient in cuisine of 28 different countries). Additionally, he has personally prepared food for former presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton and was a personal chef for Frank Sinatra. With all of this under his belt many people may wonder, why the sudden move to Zanaro’s?

Sitting down with Chef DiMaggio I was able to get some insight as to why a longtime restaurant designer and concept creator would suddenly sign on to go the long hall with a pre-existing restaurant. He was originally approached by Zane Tankel and Roy Raeburn (the chairman and president respectively of Apple Metro Corp who owns Zanaro’s) as a possible executive chef. “Over three days I provided them with 22 courses…after the third day they offered me a position as managing partner". Chef DiMaggio went on to say that he wouldn’t have done it if not for the character of the Apple Metro representatives. “They have a vision" he said. “They understood that the restaurant was headed in the wrong direction…and they gave me carte blanche to do what I want." The next logical question, of course, was: what do you want to do with Zanaro’s? “I want to give it a more hip, Bohemian, true villa feeling. What you would get in an Umbrian restaurant in Europe."

Well, my friend; you’ve certainly hit the mark. The food is terrific! Try the White bean and Sicilian tuna Bruschetta or the Stuffed hot peppers for an appetizer. As far as entrées go, you can’t go wrong with the Chicken Scarpariello (perfectly seasoned) or my personal favorite, Grandma’s Spaghettini and Meatballs. To say that the spaghettini was perfectly “al dente" would be an understatement. Chef DiMaggio knows his Italian food. When I asked him what his influences for the new menu were he replied, “My grandmothers. Eighty percent of the menu is from both of my grandmothers. The other twenty percent is my interpretation." Both of Chef DiMaggio’s grandmothers are from Italy, one from Milan and one from Sicily.

So what does the future hold for Zanaro’s? It turns out that there are plans for expansion. Years ago there were a number of Zanaro’s locations but now the only one left standing is the White Plains store. According to Chef DiMaggio they want to expand on the “new" Zanaro’s concept. The idea is to get this location running like a well oiled machine and then use it as a template for new restaurants. “We want to open in Manhattan but that’s a good six months away." In the short term, Chef DiMaggio is looking for ways to get people in the door for the new experience. “We’re working on a new happy hour menu." I was fortunate enough to see what the new happy hour menu looks like and I’m really excited to try all of Chef DiMaggio’s newest creations. The menu has not been finalized yet but when it rolls out there will also be great drink specials to accompany it. Don’t be surprised if you see half off on premium liquors and cocktails.

In summation, Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr. has completely changed Zanaro’s for the better. It would be cliché to say that he hit this one out of the park but if the saying works, use it. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a great casual dining experience. Happy eating!

The wait is finally over!! Iannelli’s pizza and pasta (formerly A’mangare) on Mamaroneck Avenue has completed their renovations and the restaurant looks great. The new upstairs dining section features a full bar along with seating for up to 70 patrons. An outdoor rooftop terrace is also in the works but that will not open until spring 09’. Longtime fans of the popular restaurant need not worry about all of the changes going on at Iannelli’s. While the second floor is a completely new dining experience, the original space on the lower level will remain exactly the same as it has always been (with some of the best specialty pizza in Westchester). That being said, there is a buzz of excitement surrounding the new addition. Owner Mario Iannelli has been showing off the new floor to regular patrons and the responses have been overwhelmingly good. The atmosphere in the new space has more of a relaxing and bucolic feel to it, promoting a more serene dining environment. Patrons are invited to dine in a space free from the hustle and bustle of the ever expanding city that is White Plains. The intent is to create a setting that any family can enjoy.

Besides the overall look and feel of the second floor, the main difference is going to be the food. Regardless of where you eat (upstairs or down), the quality of ingredients is set to a very high standard. Chef Edgar Alonso has been working diligently to create a new menu that will set the new floor apart from the old; the idea is to create a modern contemporary Italian eatery. Diners can expect to see items such as Carpaccio and fine meats and cheeses along with a proposed raw bar on weekends. Home-made desserts are also in the works as the Iannelli’s are looking for a pastry chef. Another exciting addition to the restaurant’s enticing repertoire will be wine paired dinners. Iannelli’s has partnered with Southern Wine & Spirits as well as Perrier Jouet to develop specially paired dinning events in which a pre fix menu will be accompanied with different, expertly paired wines during each course.

At the very least, all of White Plains is excited about this one. Iannelli’s has been a staple for great Italian food in White Plains for some time now and this just kicks it up a notch. In addition to being a great place to dine out, Iannelli’s also has a flourishing catering business that is quite successful. Add to the catering business the opportunity to host parties of up to 60 people on the new level and you have a winning combination. The beautiful new floor will have to hold us all over until spring 2009 when the outdoor lounge opens, but considering their past, I don’t think that the folks at Iannelli’s will have a problem achieving that.

It’s back!!! With the influx of high end luxury restaurants catering to the super wealthy in White Plains, seeing Karamba Café reopen is an affordably fabulous sight. Recently we’ve been highlighting some of White Plains’ most affordable restaurants. Karamba Café had been excluded due to renovations but now that it’s back, it is a definite part of that list! Daily specials range from $6.50 to $10.95 and all of them deliver great flavor along with great value. The roast pork served with black beans and rice is heavenly and unbeatable for the price. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner; you’ll find some real menu gems. Quick service from a polite, smiling staff gives those affordable dishes that extra punch. It’s been a rough couple of months without Karamba. The restaurant has undergone some major renovations and is literally transformed. What used to be a slightly dated café with great food and prices is now a Manhattanesque hot spot featuring six wall mounted LCD’s, a new bar in the back, and floor to ceiling windows in the front providing great lighting for the space. Karamba Café is located on Main Street, right in the heart of downtown White Plains.

If you happen to be a fan of Chinese food then Bao’s Chinese Cuisine in the White Plains mall is definitely the place for you. Offering a wide range of traditional dishes, Bao’s has some of the best Chinese food in White Plains. The quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place to have a business lunch and the prices can’t be beat. Lunch specials range from $5.95 to $8.95 and include choice of soup with white rice, brown rice, or chicken fried rice. The chicken with garlic sauce is unquestionably the best in town sautéed with fresh vegetables in a lightly spiced sauce. Other favorites include the hot and spicy beef ($14.95 dinner portion serves w/rice) and Lo Mein dishes (starting at $6.95 for dinner).

The Atlanta Bread Company is a great place for a quick bite that won’t kill your pocket. The most expensive thing you’ll find here is the pizza and at $12.99 for a full pie it’s still a bargain. Atlanta also offers up free Wi-Fi so it’s a great place to go if you have to surf the net while you eat. Service is quick and the food is pretty good, for a simple lunch you really can’t go wrong.

For the sports nut trying to save a buck nothing beats the Sports Page Pub located in the White Plains mall. There is not a single area in the entire restaurant that does not have a TV gracing the wall, 45 in all (with 10 in high def). The staff is always friendly and attentive and the food is a notch above most bar fare. The French Onion soup is by far the best in town ($4.95 served w/melted Swiss and Jack cheeses). To accompany the soup why not try a delicious sandwich, the Balboa is exceptional, perfectly seasoned flank steak over garlic bread with melted Swiss and tasty fries. All sandwiches are priced between $8.95 and $10.95. GOOOOAAALLLL!!

Local Italian favorite A’mangiare recently renovated and added a rooftop dinning area. Additionally they changed the name to Iannelli’s Pizza & Pasta. Food, staff, and owner are all the same which means that this is still a perfect place to go for a really good meal at a really good price. The entrees are good and the plain pizza ranks pretty high against the myriad of competition but the standout food here is the specialty pizza. Enjoy a filling lunch consisting of some specialty slices and a soda for under ten bucks and leave satisfied. Even one slice can be a meal. The Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Scarpariello slices are worth checking out but variety is the spice of life so head on over and decide which slice works for you.

More great deals to come. Check back over the next few weeks to find out more.

The cost of living in America is on the rise. The dollar is getting weaker, gas is getting more expensive, and this is only the beginning. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

White Plains has a few hidden treasures when it comes to inexpensive culinary delights.

So here are a few places to try out where the most expensive part of the meal may be the drive over. More will come in the weeks to follow.

If fresh pasta is what you crave then head on down to Brooklyn’s Famous located at 51 Court St. in the heart of downtown White Plains. All of the pasta is fresh and homemade but that fact is not reflected in the price. Build your own dish with a choice of pastas ranging from penne and rigatoni to wild mushroom ravioli or gnocchi. Add in your choice of sauce and extras like fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, meatballs, shrimp, and more. Pasta dishes start at $7.95. The rest of the menu is also priced well for the frugal diner and everything here delivers. Brooklyn’s also happens to be a great place to bring the kids; the atmosphere is fun and inviting and owner Vikki is a ray of sunshine who always does everything possible to make sure you enjoy your meal.

For the sushi lover in you, look no further than Season’s Japanese Bistro for some great lunch specials. The sushi & sashimi combo comes with 4 pieces of sushi, 7 pieces of sashimi and a California roll all for $13.95. If raw fare doesn’t do it for you Season’s also offers a good selection of teriyaki and tempura dishes all priced between $7.95 and $9.95 (all lunch specials include soup and salad as well). The food is fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed and this is also a quite enough restaurant to have a small business meeting in.

Tighe’s Tavern is a small bar and restaurant located next to the post office on Martine Avenue. The mood is mellow and inviting and the décor gives you a little taste of the Irish countryside with lovely pictures adorning the walls. The prices here are absolutely great. The most expensive item on the lunch menu is only $11.95 (Tavern Sampler: fried shrimp, mozzarella sticks, buffalo bites, and chicken fingers) but don’t let that fool you. The quality of the food is right up there with other restaurants that charge much, much more. The grilled chicken sandwich with Montreal seasoning for $7.95 is a real crowd pleaser (comes w/ff and slaw).

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich then mosey on down to the Fair Deal Café where great sandwiches are expertly crafted by the friendly employees. Fair Deal offers up all of your traditional deli fare but takes things a step further; offering great hot specials daily and a full menu in the café in the back. For a great meal try the half chicken special (1/2 a chicken served with 2 sides of your choice for only $6.95). Fair Deal is located at 253 Mamaroneck Ave just a few blocks from downtown. P.S., this place makes a great sandwich.

For more tips on where to eat without emptying your pockets check back next week for four more restaurants that are light on the wallet and heavy on quality.