Polpettina Homestyle Pizza Kitchen

102 Fisher Avenue, Eastchester, NY 10709
(914) 961-0061

Eastchester is quite close to us and we visit the shopping center quite often but have not ventured there for food. Browsing online, I discovered that not far from the main center but close to a largely residential area of Fisher Avenue there is a Pizza place that specializes in 'non-soggy' pizzas made from local ingredients. Intrigued I put it on my list for a try.

So, on a Saturday afternoon, done with shopping and feeling ready for a quick bite, we drove there. Polpettina as it turns out means a 'little meat ball' that is their main attraction along with the Neopolitan pizza. On the simply designed menu they have small plates, salads, pastas, pizzas and desserts. All quite enticing. There is also an extensive menu of beer for the beer lovers.

To get my kids busy, we try to order something quick and often it is the fries on the menu. Here the sea salt fries we ordered were really very very tasty and I could have polished the full order if it were not for the recurring gym class visions while I was munching on them. They were finely made and served in a tin baking pan giving them a rustic touch. There was another variety of garlic chip and herb, that caught my eye and I made a mental note of it for a future visit.

 

I also ordered something that I usually have not tasted at a restaraunt. It was side plate of roasted Brussel Sprouts. I have made these at home often with a simple recipe that calls for a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper only. Here  they came with a breadlike crust and flavors of garlic, salt and other herbs all that lent it a wonderful taste. It was a decent serving size for two people.

 

 

Since this was out first visit here and we were with kids the pizza we selected was their signature Neopolitan pie. True to the reviews, the chef here has mastered the art of making a pizza without making it soggy from the center. It was well cooked, crisp tasting with a very nice dough base. The tomatoes and cheese was surely locally sourced and sweet tasting. Each slice came out perfectly. On the menu there are other signature pies also - Fig, Marinara that come with different toppings. Perhaps they will be good for another day.

 

Cheesecake Factory Brunch

 1 Maple Avenue White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 683-5253

 

Some years back when we were in Honolulu, we had been a bit pressed for finding vegetarian food. Not knowing the local area that much and also since we were exploring the natural surroundings more and returning to our hotel always late at night, we only wanted to walk a few blocks to find a good meal. It was then that Cheesecake Factory had come to our rescue.

  

And this past weekend we decided to re-live those moments but at the nearby location in White Plains right next to the Westchester Mall. On Sunday morning, there was not much of a crowd for the brunch time and we were promptly at our table looking at the full menu.

The Sunday brunch menu options are not available on their website, but were with a lot of selections. We had in mind to try some of the 'diner' kind of preparations and not the cheesecakes however tempting they looked in displays. The French toast with strawberries arrived dusted with sugar and fresh cut fruit on top. It tasted nice and I would say a bit like an upscale diner fare.

The blueberry pancakes came three to a plate. With the maple syrup and blueberries, these were well tackled quickly by the kids. Given the restaraunt chain type of feel that Cheesecake Factory has, the pancakes tasted quite fresh. The serving sizes here are on the larger side. The portions are good enough for two people and for a couple out for lunch, it would be convenient to order two dishes and share.

 

The omlette stuffed with bell pepers, onions and mushrooms came with a side of toast and potatoes. The potatoes were partially crisp but without much seasoning except salt and pepper. I have had better at other places.

 

To see a latte being served in a glass mug was a bit different feeling, but it was ok enough to close out the meal. The double esspresso could have been a bit stronger to my taste. In all, for a brunch menu at this place, there are several other options that will beat any higway diner fare in quality, taste and presentation. I also think that given the streamlined business they run you would find the same brunch menu at all locations.

 

Upma (Namkeen Sooji)

Upma is a very popular and simple breakfast dish which is made of semolina. You can add a variety of vegetables to it like carrots, peas, french beans, bell pepper or just onions. Here, I have made this dish with onions and peanuts.

Ingredients

2 tbsp Ghee

1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
7-8 Curry Leaves, roughly chopped
1-2 Red Chillies
1 tbsp Urad dal
1 cup Sooji (Samolina)
1 tbsp Vegetable oil
1/4 cup Peanuts/ Cashews
1/4 cup Raisins
1 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
1 1/2 cups Water
1 Banana, Sliced (optional)

Method

Heat the ghee in a large pan. When it is very hot then add the mustard seeds and let it crackle. You can cover the pan with a lid as the mustard seeds will spread everywhere. Now add chilies, curry leaves, urad dal and saute them till they are slightly brown. Mix the sooji to this mixture and roast it till it gets a nice light brown color.

In a small skillet heat the oil and saute the peanuts/ cashews till they are slightly brown. Then add the raisins and saute for 1 minute.

Add the roasted peanuts, raisins, sugar and salt to the sooji. Heat the water in the microwave for 2 minutes and slowly incorporate it into the sooji mixture by stirring it constantly. It will look lumpy and will not stick to the pan. Serve it warm with sliced bananas.