This is a summary of replies to my question about fancy restuarants
in the Westchester area.  Enjoy!


(original message)

Hi!

  Can anyone recommend a *very* nice restaurant where one can have the
finest 3 hour dinner around?  A few criteria:

  1a. within 45 minutes of White Plains, in a large house/mansion setting
         (I've heard of the Beekman Arms, and also heard of Maison <something>
          around Briarcliff Manor / Ossining)
  1b. or in Manhattan

  2. should offer at least a few vegetarian or fish (not shellfish) entrees.

  3. first-class food & service! Price not a consideration

Thanks in advance,

-=$>Dave<$=-

From: rob
there's a place called Xavier's in piedmont that's supposed to be about the
finest restaurant outside of manhattan (according to zagat survey) in this
area.

rob

From: jvc 

Dave,

just to add my 2 restaurants' worth to the many other replies:

White Plains: Mulino's (19 Court Street)

Manhattan: Petrossian (somewhere on 57TH Street)

Enjoy!

From: dina

There is a very nice rest. in Cold Springs (off Rt 22) called 
le Chateau. Very nice old mansion and grounds, 
excelent wine list and perfect
service. 

From: selvin 

There's a place called Harald's in Stormville (near Taconic)
that's supposed to be a 5* place.

From: mamone 

Thats Maison Lafitte in Ossining. Very nice and very fancy.

From: marty 

Try the Chart(e) House. It's right on the river in Irvington. South of
the Tappan Zee bridge, easily accessible from 9A. Extensive menu, good
food, view of river traffic, nice atmosphere, etc. Not cheap!

From: Lana Stoyenko 

Sure, if you got plenty of $$$.

1. La Camelia in Mt. Kisco

2. Mason .... in Rye

Sorry, I forgot the exact name of the restaurant, it has been awhile since
I dined in those places. 


From: Gwen 

Here it is:

La Panetiere 
Milton Road
#967-8140

From: strebler

Harold's in Stormville is one of only two 5-star restaurants in the state of 
New York.  Very pricey.  In a converted house.  Often difficult to get 
reservations.  

From: Tal 

The one in Briarcliff Manor is called Maison Lafitte (sp?), is in a mansion
like place located in a residential neighbourhood, and from what I have
heard is quite fancy. There is an Indonesian place in Greenwich called
Bali, also in a large house setting, though it might be less fancy
than what you are looking for.

From: lab 

Box Tree, North Salem
La Europe, South Salem
Inn at Pound Ridge, Pound Ridge
and a place in Armonk/N. Greenwich whose name escapes me
  but John Berres knows

From: lazarus 

I've been to Kittle House - it's pretty good, but not in the class of many
restaurants in NYC.  In Westchester you can try Maxime's in Granite Springs 
for fine Belgian food in a beautiful old mansion - I am not sure what their 
fish/vegetarian dishes are like though.  

I just went to a great seafood restaurant in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago 
called Oceana at 54th and Madison.  And, of course, there are many other great restaurants in Manhattan that I could recommend.

From: flamholz 

L'Espinasse on E. 50-something is a 4* (NYT) restaurant with a
vegetarian tasting menu, as well as non-vegy stuff.

From: bethg

Let's see:

Crabtree's Kittle House in Chappaqua, NY - This is a lovely historic
inn that serves fine food in a "fine, country inn" atmosphere.
I've never eaten dinner there, but I did have their Sunday
brunch which was a wonderful, elegant buffet.  Best to look
at the place, since it has a particular style and look of its own
that may or may not be what you're looking for (it's off rte 117).

There's a very nice italian restaurant in Elmsford - I think the name
is something like Tony's La Stazione, off 9A.  I remember it had 
excellent food and had valet parking.  I don't think the atmosphere 
was quite as nice as the Kittle House, but it's the best italian 
I've had around here (and I'm picky).

Another very nice German/American restaurant is Traveler's Rest in
the Somers/Cross River area.  We've gone there several times - it
has a German rustic-but-elegant feel inside and excellent food.  There
are also lit gardens in the back which make for a nice stroll after
dinner.

There's always the Chart House in Greenwich, CT - very nice, definitely
plenty of fish entrees.  It's beautiful inside and sits right on the water.
Since it's a chain, some people don't think of it as so special, but 
I think it offers an elegant, delicious meal, lovely atmosphere, 
and good service.  I think there's another one in Westchester - maybe
Port Chester?

I doubt that any of these rival the finest Manhattan restaurants which
will be much more fancy-shmancy, but they would all provide a lovely
dinner and atmosphere.  (In Manhattan I can think of La Reserve,
Windows on the World, probably a bunch of others.  My husband may
know of more if you need more Manhattan suggestions - although I'm
sure you'll get inundated). 

From: flamholz 

Also, Le Bernardin is another 4* place with a lot of shell-less fish.

From: gkrog 

My very favorite restaurant in NYC is Aquavit.
It is located at 13 W 54th Street, and the
number is 212-307-7311.

It is my understanding that the building was
once owned by Nelson Rockefeller (used as his
"offices") -- it has an indoor waterfall
(very romantic). If you make reservations,
get a table near "the falls."

The food is so excellent my mouth is watering
just thinking about it (some people get so
worked up just TALKING about food...)

The cuisine is swedish and they have wonderful
seafood (I loved the Turbot with browned butter
and grated ginger), foul (exotic stuff like
pheasant), reindeer, etc. (yes I know it sounds
weird but it's so good!)

My favorite appetizer is the gravlax (cured
salmon) with a mustard dill sauce.

The desserts are to die for (royal dessert
with merinques, ice cream, raspberry sauce, etc.).

It's been ages since I've been there, so be
sure to call and get the scoop. The last time I was
there they had a fixed price menu ($60 per person for
3 courses -- appetizer, entree, and dessert, with 
some items costing an additional $5 to 10).

They also "specialize" in aquavit -- the "water of life."
These drinks are extremely strong, straight alcohol
(served like shots) with unusual flavors. Not really 
my cup of tea, (I'm not much of a drinker) but some 
people love them.

By the way, the old inn you mentioned in your e-mail
is also wonderful. I think you might be referring
to the place in Reinbeck, NY, which I understand is
one of or THE oldest still-operating inn in the US. 
I ate there with Kathy Gittel once. The prices were 
not outrageous and the food was wonderful. Definitely
a very cozy, quaint atmosphere.

From: Gen 

I hope this is for a romantic interlude... and not for
business!  There's a fantastic French resaturant 
called La Cremaillere (I think) in Banksville, CT,
about 1/2 hr from here.  This is ABSOLUTELY the best
you can do short of NYC. 

From: fox

	Hi,
	I have had a very pleasant experience with the
	West Lane Inn (Ridgefield)  Truly a first class
	restaurant in every sense.  Although a slight
	bit further than your note SEEMS to indicate
	may be well worth it.  If I were entertaining
	an 'important' person, this would be my first
	choice - and I live in Queens.

	Another (evenings only) which comes to mind is
	the Auberge Maximes (Salem Center)  Probably 
	pricier than the Inn.  Have never been there
	myself, but have heard only good things about
	it.

	Looking over your message again, I must add that
	neither of these meets the 'large setting' requirement.
	To me part of the attraction at the 'Inn' is the
	feeling of privacy you get there.

From: Lauren 

Forgot this. How about the Bird and Bottle in in Garrison?

From: helen 

I am not sure of the type of food on the menu, but we had the best
meal EVER at the Arch in Brewster - 45 minutes of White Plains.  It
is an old, beautiful mansion.  The service was wonderful and the meal
the BEST.  Price was no object (it IS EXPENSIVE) - we were being
treated.

From: Pat 
   dave, the bully boy chop house is an excellent rest. it has all that your 
looking for lg.old restored home, lg windows that overlooks a pond with ducks 
it is off the ny thruway exit 12 this is second exit after the tap.zee bridge 
on rt.303 north 5miles from the exit. 914-268-6555. 

From: jrs 

I know of a number of restaurants in Manhattan that would fit the bill.
Call me if you're still interested. One idea off the top of my head
is "One if by Land" in the West Village.

From: Jim 

In South Salem NY (directions gladly provided on request)
is a VERY fine French Restaurant, exactly as you specified.
As I've dined there, I know the food and service to be
superb and it does have the house/mansion atmosphere you are looking
for.  The only item that I cannot confirm is whether it has the
vegetarian entre you need. 

The Restaurant is 'Le Chateau' on Route 35 East, off exit #6
of route 684.  Phone number is: 1-800-286-6911