Open Mic Night - Gnarly Vine Vocalists

501 Main Street New Rochelle, NY

 Get Gnarly tonight at the Gnarly Vine. If  the line for American Idol is too long to endure, take yourself down to the Gnarly Vine for open mic night. The room is dimly lit and the sound system is primo. Order a libation from the daily updated wine menu and rock out like Tina Turner. If you came with a date, perhaps turn it into the Ike and Tina revue. Whatever the case, the microphones will be cued up and ready promptly @ 8pm and they will be rockin into the night.  

 

While you are waiting for your turn on the mic, order the cheese plate. It is hands down the best around. As the room fills up, and it does quickly, you might mistake the room for the former hip haven CBGB. The Gnarly Vine, a grape escape!

La Cienega - Escape to Espana

In October of 2011 La Cienega opened its doors in New Rochelle to purveyors of upscale Latin cuisine.  Pedro Munoz and Vivian Torres the duo responsible for Luz in Fort Greene Brooklyn, decided to inject the aesthetic of cool up north.  La Cienega feels like the perfect first date restaurant. The walls are textured, tables varnished and lighting flattering to all complexions.

And just like a first date, some things just don't fit. While the food is good, the menu is an assortment of many Latin countries, with influences from Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Cuba. I cannot help but think that this good restaurant could be great if it focused on cuisine from one region. On Thursday evenings they have a live band which includes a Greek, Latino & African American keeping with the theme of harmonious melange. La Cienega is like passing through 4 countries on a quick trip to Espana: exciting, appetizing and a bit dizzying. 

Must: Any of the 4 Ceviches 

Bust: The restaurant is situated in dealership row

                                     www.cienegarestaurant.com