Build your own progressive dinner

By Cathy Deutsch, Gia Miller & Carmela Ruggiero

Photography by Justin Negard

Summer is upon us, which makes it a great time to graze the multicultural restaurants unique to Mount Kisco, all within walking distance of one another. Similar to progressive dinner parties that go house-to-house for each course, we’ve designed three different options that allow you to go restaurant-to-restaurant, exploring the wonderful and diverse offerings in what many call the restaurant hub of northern Westchester. 

So, make a plan, gather some friends and have a little fun exploring these eateries, course by course. We’ve done the homework for you, but there’s nothing wrong with using our recommendations as inspiration to design your own special tasting menu. 

We do have one request: take some photos of your newly discovered favorite dishes and tag us on Instagram. We’d love to see what you’ve discovered. 

Go the traditional route

A traditional dinner out often includes some drinks, an appetizer, a main course and a dessert (or two!). Here, your longest walk will be about 10 minutes, going from your drinks to your appetizers.

Cocktails at Monarca restaurant & Bar 

An American-Italian-Latin fusion restaurant that opened in August 2021, Monarca is the perfect place to begin your culinary adventure. They take their cocktails seriously, updating their menu each season. We’re told this summer’s favorites include the sweet-yet-spicy mango chili margarita made with La Puerta Negra tequila reposado and a Diplomático rum, the Campari-based Jungle Bird craft cocktail and the Texas Peach martini, consisting of peach vodka, lime and pineapple juices, peach puree and jalapeño. But we personally recommend the blackberry margarita, made with Milagro tequila, orange Curaçao, blackberry puree and lime juice.

Appetizers at Lefteris Gyro II

The appetizers at Lefteris Gyro II offer a small bite into its diverse Greek cuisine. Options are endless here, with plenty of  hot and cold dishes to choose from. Order the tender grilled octopus drizzled with olive oil—you can’t go wrong. Pair it with the traditional spanakopita that is made with a spinach and feta filling and flaky layers of phyllo —it will turn even the anti-spinach crowd into fans (trust us). And to round it out, get “The Foursome,” featuring four traditional Greek dips: skordalia (garlic and potato), hummus, tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber) and taramosalata (fish roe). All ingredients here are fresh, of the highest quality and won’t weigh you down as you head to your next stop.

Diner’s choice: A main course at Las Americas BBQ or Little Kebab Station

Next up is your main course, and we’re giving you two options, depending on what you’re in the mood for (or how far you wish to walk). 

The menu at Las Americas BBQ is simple yet flavorful. They manage to turn what sounds like a mundane plate of protein (shrimp, pork, chicken), rice and beans into a hardy and succulent dinner. Try each with a side of avocado and fried plantains for the full Las Americas experience. 

Or if you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine, head to Little Kebab Station. Traditional dishes like chicken tikka masala are creamy and bursting with flavor. But if you’re looking for something spicy, go for the pork or chicken vindaloo, a bold Indian curry with perfectly tender bites of meat. And a side of butter naan and/or basmati rice is a must. Up next is your dessert, and if you chose to dine at Little Kebab Station, you won’t have to get up—just ask for the menu of the Little next door.

Dessert at Little Crepe Street

Now for dessert at Little Crepe Street. Their large selection of sweet crepes may leave you conflicted on which to choose, so we’re here to help. One of their best sellers is their Romeo & Juliet crepe with vanilla cream, sliced bananas, strawberries, chocolate sauce and Chantilly cream. Kids love the Campfire crepe for its fluffy marshmallow filling and crunchy graham crackers, which is topped with a decadent chocolate sauce.  But if you’d prefer something simpler to complete this diverse and progressive meal, try the Just Nutella crepe. Although some might consider it “plain,” this crepe has much to offer. You can also add fresh strawberries and/or bananas if you’re still looking for something more—but we bet you won’t be. 

Experience more with a variety of small plates

If your goal is to experience as many international cuisines as possible, then a variety of small plates is really the way to go. Luckily, Mount Kisco offers this in spades. From tacos and Turkish dips to sushi and Chinese food, you’ll visit a variety of continents before wrapping up the evening with a beer at a new(ish) British pub. 

Start your evening with a crunchy bite at Nolvis Loco Taco

Nolvis Taco Loco is something of a hidden gem. Although its location is somewhat difficult to see from the street, the tacos are something you won’t want to miss. This restaurant is tiny, and there is no need to make a reservation—just show up, order your favorite taco (there are two to an order) and enjoy. You can go basic with a regular chicken or carne asada taco, or try one of the more adventurous items on the menu, like buche (pork stomach) or tripa (small intestine). Every taco is dressed with cilantro, onions, radish, lemon, cucumber, jalapeno and scallions, and no matter which taco you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Follow it up with some small plates at The Turk

Head across the street to The Turk (use the crosswalk, please; it’s a busy road) and order a mixed appetizer platter or two. The cold appetizer platter is served with delicious pita bread and features lebni (a thick, spreadable cheese), eggplant with sauce, eggplant salad, feta spread, baba ganoush (eggplant dip), spicy ezme (veggie dip) and hummus. The hot appetizer platter, which can be enjoyed regardless of the temperature outside, includes zucchini pancakes, sigara borek (feta and scallion in a pastry roll), falafel and spinach pie. While you’re there, be sure to take a few minutes to say hello to the owner, Sinan Maden. If you’re lucky, he may just serenade you on his lute, which we always enjoy.

Roll on over to Oishii Bistro for your next few bites

Next, it’s time for another meal meant to be shared: sushi. Oishii is just down the block (again, please use the crosswalk) and the perfect third destination for your indulgent evening out. While it might be tempting to order one of each, remember that you have another small meal ahead of you, so try to pace yourself. If you’d like something light, try the kani salad (crab) or some tuna nigiri. To appease any picky eaters in your group, there’s always the California roll or its cousin, the Alaska roll, which swaps crab for salmon. 

Settle in with some asian fusion at 5 Spice Tea House & Restaurant 

Head back to where you began the evening and take a few more steps to land at 5 Spice and share a dish or two. The menu is full of plates to share, both spicy (indicated by a small red pepper) and mild. Consider sharing their steamed soupy buns or pork dumplings from the starter menu and then splitting a main dish or two, depending on the size of your group. Crowd pleasers include the crispy sesame chicken, General Tso’s chicken, crispy shredded beef, and the Malaysian red curry and black bean sauce. End your meal with a bubble tea or go around the corner for a nightcap at the recently-opened British pub.

End with a beer (and maybe some new friends) at Ambleside Pub

A relative newcomer to the neighborhood, Ambleside Pub is a traditional British watering hole that features a variety of specialty beers. They even partnered with Old Glenham Brewery in Beacon to create a house ale, Ambleside Best Bitter, that’s always on tap. If you’re not a beer drinker, Ambleside also offers an impressive lineup of gin, scotch and bourbon, as well as Grand Marnier and wine. And while it’s a sports bar by day, in the evenings, people come to socialize, not to yell at the TV or scroll through their phone, making it a great spot to wrap up your night.

Immerse in an evening of international indulgence

You ate light throughout the day in preparation for a true international feast, and now it’s finally here. We’re taking you on an indulgent journey with some classics you know (margaritas, anyone?) and some truly eclectic dishes you won’t find in other restaurants around. No spot is more than about 10 minutes away from another (by foot), and you’ll be thankful for the break between courses.

Kick off your evening with a margarita at Azteca Mexican Restaurant 

Nothing beats the heat like a margarita from Azteca Mexican Restaurant. Go for the classic, which is fresh and tangy with just the right amount of lime, or sample one of their flavors (we’re partial to their blood orange)—better yet, get a pitcher. Whatever your pleasure, this Mexican classic is a great way to start your walk around town.

Stroll over to Badageoni for their baked breads

Check out Georgian restaurant (and we mean the Georgia in Eastern Europe, not the American South) Badageoni to indulge in the national dish of cheese-filled bread. The styles vary by region, but they’re all considered a savory way to welcome guests to your table. While delicious, they are a bit rich, so we recommend sharing this appetizer with others in your group. There are five to choose from: the signature adjaruli boat with a sunny side egg, a rounded imeruli with cheese, the megruli with double cheese, the lobiani with smashed beans and the kubdari with spiced minced meat.

Enjoy a “first main course” at Melike

Melike is a family-run newcomer featuring Turkish cuisine; its chef/owner Edral Nehir says he fell in love with cooking while watching his father and grandmother in the kitchen as a child. After learning alongside his father, he headed to Dubai for more training before making his way to America. While all their food is delicious, we suggest you keep it light (remember, you have another main course and dessert to go) by sharing either a fish or a kebab plate. We’re fans of their grilled trout, which is perfectly cooked and served with a delicious fresh salad. When it comes to their main dishes, you can’t go wrong with any of their kebabs, thanks to the flavorful chicken or meat and the equally flavorful rice. Once complete, we recommend you take a leisurely stroll to your next destination so you can rebuild your appetite.

Take a stroll to Rincon Santaneco for your “second main course” 

El Salvadorian restaurant Rincon Santaneco’s most popular dishes are their house-made pupusas, thick corn or wheat griddle cakes stuffed with your choice of cheese, meats or vegetables. Topped with a cilantro-infused red sauce alongside rice, beans and fried sweet plantains, it’s a clear local favorite. Fun fact: In El Salvador, pupusas are the “national dish,” and there’s even a day dedicated to celebrating them. Lucky for us, they are available on the daily right here in Mount Kisco. 

Head back to the main drag for dessert (or head home if you’ve prepared in advance) 

We’re torn: On the one hand, Melike and Badageoni offer truly unique desserts that we highly recommend. On the other hand, there’s something to be said for picking up a few pastries ahead of time at one of Mount Kisco’s French bakeries and heading home, where you can relax, loosen your pants and have an after-dinner drink without the worry of driving. So, we’re going to leave this one up to you. 

But before we go, here’s why you might want to consider returning to one of your earlier spots for dessert.

Melike’s chef/owner proudly offers a traditional family favorite called kunefe. It’s a warm dessert of soft, creamy cheese ensconced in shredded pastry dough, generously soaked in simple syrup and topped with ground pistachio nuts; he says it’s a house favorite (we understand why!). If you don’t see it on the menu, just ask—although it’s often a special, it’s usually available.

Badageoni offers a traditional honey cake, which is a family recipe. This light and fluffy layer cake features ground walnuts, slow-cooked caramelized sweet milk, cocoa and its namesake ingredient, honey. Each layer has a light pastry cream—just enough to keep the airy texture and exotic honey and walnut base. This regular menu item is a customer favorite.

Now it’s your turn

No matter which option you choose, once your international tour is complete, it’s time to start planning your next one. Whether you opt for a different path from this article or make plans to visit each restaurant you sampled for a full meal, we’d like to leave you with a challenge: try one new-to-you menu item the next time (and each time) you dine out. You can choose a food or beverage, but do give it a try; it’s quite satisfying to go outside your culinary comfort zone, even if you’re close to home.

Bon Appétit!

This article was published in the July/August 2024 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.