Superbowl New Rochelle Style

Super Bowl Sunday- Ravens vs. 49ers @ 6:30pm

This Superbowl Sunday, focus on having fun instead of spending hours in the kitchen whipping up wings, chilli and burgers. Dine-in or take-out at one of New Rochelle's celebrated tailgate food restaurants.
Watch the Ravens and 49ers go head to head without the headache of having to cleanup after your uproarious guests.

33 LeCount Place

Buffalo Wild Wings
With too many jumbo sized flat screens televisions to count, BWW has a keen eye on every play-by-play you may have missed during your bathroom break. Get there early because seating typically fills up quickly on "Any Given Sunday". Try the super hot buffalo sauce and I guarantee you will be yelling for "The Waterboy".

310 Huguenot Street

Modern Pizza
If you have not had a chance to visit New Rochelle's newest hot spot, do so on Sunday. This cavernous space has a special viewing room complete with a gigantic television for you and 30 or so of your closest friends to crowd around. If the viewing room is not to your liking, grab a table or sit at the bar and take in the the LCD TV's hanging trough out the restaurant. From apps to primo beers on tap, Modern Pizza goes "The Longest Yard" for you.

22 Division Street

Posto 22
This neighborhood favorite where everyone knows your name, has one of the most coveted bars in town. If you have ever walked down Division Street and saw a crowd gathering, it must be 6pm @ Posto 22. Joe runs this elegant Italian restaurant like his personal kitchen and greets everyone with a familiar  "Good to see ya". Get there early so you don't get "Blind Sided" by the long lines.

19 LeCount Place

Fun Fusion 
Sunday, 5 p.m. . All ages welcome to watch Superbowl. Bring your "Little Giants" out for a day of family fun.

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

AOC Wines- Grapes of Wrath

One third of the AOC wine franchise located in  Greenwich and Columbus Circle; this AOC  location could use a drink.  Despite being located on the busy corner of Huguenot and Division, this shop is typically empty most evenings. The tinted glass could give one the impression that they are not open to the public.  Or maybe it's the simplistic warehouse design that deters browsing or impulse purchases.  Whist the stock is adequate, an oenophile may find the selection meager. There are several organic wines that are a good value and worth a try. The store manager was helpful but, did not make any suggestions outside of the vintage I requested.
AOC offers wine paring suggestions and free classes once a month. While I think the location is perfect, they need to work on making the experience one that is fine like wine.

Must: There are many $20 palate pleasing wines
Bust:  The shop is unwelcoming and has a warehouse feel

Alvin & Friends - Where everybody knows your name

A taste of the Islands in New Rochelle. Enter this Southern/Caribbean escape and the smells will intoxicate you.  Sit back and relax in this  upscale restaurant/ gallery where the walls are adorned with artwork by none other than the proprietor Alvin Clayton. When you go, order the fried chicken and save room for his take on pineapple upside down cake made with rum and toffee. The room is intimate and the host affable. On the night I visited there were many self-described regulars in the elegant dining room. As I got up to leave Alvin thanked me for coming and addressed me by name. I could not help but think of the Cheers theme song. The only thing missing was Sam and Diane. 

Must: The fried chicken
Bust: In contrast It would be nice to have lighter/calorie conscious  fare on the menu

                                  www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com