DARE TO VENTURE ACROSS THE RIVER..OR BEYOND
Nyack
Kantina Kita in Nyack plays with your expectations in the best way. The menu feels inventive but grounded, the kind that makes you curious without making you work too hard. Every dish arrives with intention, quietly confident, clearly thought through by someone who loves flavor and isn’t afraid to have a little fun with it.
The handrolls are the headliners. Fresh, generous, and beautifully balanced, especially the lobster handroll, which manages to feel both indulgent and restrained. It is rich without being heavy, the textures spot on, the kind of bite that makes conversation pause for a second. The sweet potato dumpling is another standout. Comforting, creative, and unexpectedly elegant, it tastes like a chef flexing without showing off.
That makes sense once you know the chef is a Chopped champion. The pedigree is there, but the vibe stays relaxed and welcoming. Kantina Kita feels like a place that wants you to eat well, be surprised, and leave happy. Nyack is lucky to have it.
Piermont
Trata on the River has quickly become a must-visit destination for food lovers and waterfront enthusiasts alike. Located along the scenic riverfront, this new restaurant offers an upscale yet approachable dining with a mixed crowd and vibe similar to fan favorites like Kyma. Food is great, service feels a bit rushed and look out for after hour burlesque shows and dancing.
Sparkill
Kantina: Hard to find unless you are searching for it Kantina feels like the kind of place you stumble into on a Hudson Valley afternoon and immediately text friends about. It is casual but intentional. We loved the smash burger and lobster tacos but there was honestly so much more to explore on their creative menu. We will certainly be back here again.
Connecticut
The Cottage: Perfectly positioned on Greenwich avenue in Greenwich CT, The Cottage offers a refined yet cozy dining experience that feels like an extension of a chef’s personal kitchen. Helmed by Chef Brian Lewis, the restaurant blends New England charm with inventive, ingredient-driven cuisine and several James Beard nominations. The menu highlights seasonal flavors with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, offering dishes that are both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
Must try dish: The Wagyu Brisket Bao
Bianca: Walk into Bianca on Greenwich Avenue and you’re greeted by modern Italian energy wrapped in Fairfield County polish.
Inside, light wood and warm lighting set a relaxed yet confident tone. Behind the scenes the pasta machine hums, sauces bubble gently, and the bar pours Aperol Spritzes with the sort of pride you’d expect in Naples. One glance around and you realize you’re not in Manhattan anymore — you’re in Connecticut, but the menu has ambitions.
Start with something crisp like the artichoke salad, and then dive into the pasta or meat dishes.
You’ll find Bianca perfect when you’re not chasing hype but simply chasing good cooking done well. Think: the kind of place you discover in transit, bookmark for your next visit, and leave with a subtle smile. Once you have had your after meal espresso, head out to Greenwich Avenue to indulge in some of the local shops.
