Mangoville - A Jerk You Will Love!

www.mangovillesoul.com

We are in the midst of Spring Break and as I watch  my friends post pictures of their Caribbean vacations, I begin to crave sun, sand and that delicious Island  food that pleases the palate as well as the soul. If you are like me and don't have a trip to the Islands scheduled, then get your sunlamp, lawn chair and  umbrella laden drink; and fetch a delicious plate of island cuisine from Mangoville. Don't leave without trying the Jerk Chicken. It will make you want to shout Ya-Mon!

Since  2010, Mangoville has offered the best Caribbean cuisine in Westchester county. As a family-owned restaurant, they keep all dishes traditional just like back in the islands. So keep it IRIE and bring a little island spice to your dinner table tonight.

Located@ 134 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY (914) 365-1032

Spooks in Store - Halloween Pop-up Shop

Pop-Up Halloween Store @ 245 North Avenue

Thanks to a story in the New Rochelle Patch, I uncovered a treasure trove of tricks- A Halloween Pop-Up store on North Avenue. Located at 245 North Avenue, this pop-up store will be open for the month of October. I spied two creepy costumes at shockingly low prices which will soon be in my clutches. They also have a hauntingly good amount of adult masks to bring out the Franken fiend in you. Get there soon because before you know it, the best costumes will be ghost.

Twin Donut - Confectionary Circumference

Over the past few months, the space at 471 Main street @ the corner of North Avenue, has been a buzz with construction workers doing facade improvements and renovations. Then it seemed to happen overnight- the unveiling of a shiny Twin Donut sign. Yes, Twin Donut! If you thought that perhaps there was a Twin Donut at this location previously, you would be correct. Previously occupied by a Twin Donut & Blimpie Sandwich Shop, the restaurant now has a core focus: spherical, sugary, satisfaction for your salivation.  I have not ben yet, but can't wait to grab a beignet.

AJ's Burgers - Hail to the Beef

                                             www.ajsburgers.com

Located in the area that I like to call pep-rally parkway, also know as North Avenue near Iona College, sits AJ's Burgers.  Alan J Cohen (AJ) honed his chops @ The Davenport Country Club and several other notable Westchester restaurants before opening this moniker laden establishment. This burger joint has the feel of a town diner without the waitresses in hairnets.  

As sponsors of  "Picnic in the Park” at Hudson Park on Memorial Day, you can feast on goodies from AJ's Burgers from a special menu where every item is priced at $1. So, come and chow down at the picnic because before you know it, this Memorial Day special will be a just a Memory.

SmokeHouse Tailgate Grill - Gridiron Grub

 

www.smokehousechili.com

What better way to have the food of football season last all year round than to start your own restaurant. That is exactly what the tailgate loving duo Michael and Justin did with Smokehouse Tailgate Grill in 2007.  The menu reads like a love letter to Doug Heffernan with ribs, wings, burgers, chili, steak, hot dogs and sandwiches. With a revamped beer menu that includes over a dozen options on tap as well as 30 bottle options, you have more choices than you can stock in any post-tailgate cooler. 

 The atmosphere is indicative to most eateries in the college corridor- lively and a bit boisterous during sporting events.  Patrons park themselves in prime TV viewing spaces early so if watching the game is a priority, you should plan ahead.  For your next tailgate party, instead of loading up the SUV, take a trip to Smokehouse for the game winning touchdown.

Sweet Potatoes - A Taste of the South Up North

                                          www.sweetpotatoesnr.com

They call it soul food not because it makes you dance, but because it comes from deep within the SOUL. When Sean Eggleston watched his grandfather, the best chef in South Carolina, create masterpieces in the kitchen, he  was in awe. It was not until he tasted his grandmothers sweet potato pie that he found his calling. At Sweet Potatoes there is a sprinkle of history every dish. 

 

Located on North Avenue, Sweet Potatoes feels like a cozy dining room in the heart of the Carolina's. The yellow and red hues create the right atmosphere for chowing down.  On the menu are the usual suspects of southern fried chicken and mac n' cheese, but for a true taste of the south you must order the catfish with sweet potato fries.

Must: The catfish

Bust:  The cornbread is more like a cake than a bread