Tasty Summer drives for foodies

Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of the summer season. Time to plan some road trips with good food in mind. Here are some suggestions within a 40-mile radius of the Bronx…

SOUTHERN COMFORT AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR!

The popular rooftop bar and lounge are open. Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves up tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & Grits and Braised Short Ribs. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: freebirdkitchenandbar.com

Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.

ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A

DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!

Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Grilled Lamb Chops; Braised Lamb Shanks; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Spaghetti a la Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. The outdoor patio is now open. Free parking.

Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com

ON THE LAKE AT

PRIME PUB, SOMERS

It’s a charming town to visit. Dynamic proprietor Simi Polozani, founder of Prime Pub gastropubs in Somers and Danbury, CT., opened his latest on Rt. 202 at the entrance to Heritage Hills. Walk in and you notice the extraordinary airy setting: the freestanding building sits right at the edge of a big pond which can be seen thru large picture windows, a seasonal fireplace highlighted with wood and stone, an attractive dining room with well-spaced tables and contemporary lighting, and a semi-enclosed bar/lounge area for schmoozing and munching. Outdoor seating. Best of all, the staff are all about hospitality from the moment you enter. Check out such menu specialties as: Honey Goat Cheese Flatbread, a great Chef’s Salad, their blast from the past Beef Stroganoff, Braised Short Ribs, and decadent Burrata Burger. Located across from DeCicco’s Market. Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Kid’s menu. Craft beer menu. Prime Pub, 249 US-202,

Somers. 914-617-9818 www. primepubgroup.com

CLASSICS AT ALEX’S BAR & GRILLE, N. WHITE PLAINS! Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj offers tasty surprises. The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with white tablecloths, colorful deVelleneuve impressionist paintings, and warming sconces. Mediterranean clay-colored banquets and chairs complement wooden walls and plush beige curtained windows. Out of Chef Nick Deimant’s kitchen come such specialties as: Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alla Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal Parmigiana, grilled Filet Mignon, NY Sirloin Steak, a hefty Rib Eye, or the Pork Chops. The house made smooth Ricotta Cheesecake (available for take-home) is top notch, as are the Cannoli. Bar/lounge. Seasonal outdoor patio. Alex’s Bar & Grille, 577 N. Broadway, N. White Plains. 914-358-1444 www.alex577. com

BIRRIA AT CANTINA

TACO & TEQUILA BAR

Owner, host, and actor John Solo, of bustling Cantina Taco & Tequila in White Plains, is offering a 3-taco lunch for $9.95, or you can choose one of their tasty 3-cheese quesadillas with steak, chicken, shrimp, or a big Burrito. The special Birria Tacos are a knockout! A Street Bowl is available with a choice of protein, for $8.95. Might be a good time for one of their frozen drinks, too. Cantina is a playful, colorful restaurant. A bright aqua pastel façade attracts along Mamaroneck Ave. They serve a bouncy menu of reason- ably priced south-of-the-border fare. Try the new Cheeseburger Tacos, and such ongoing house specialties as: Carnitas, Chicken Mole, Garlic Shrimp, and Steak Fajita. Cantina Taco & Tequila, 166 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. Open 7 days. Bustling Happy Hours. Cantina, 166 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-461-3959. www. cantinawhiteplains.com

BRONX NIGHT MAR-

KET 6TH ANNIVERSARY!

The popular Bronx Night Market is back starting May 27th, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Upcoming dates: 6/24, 7/29, 8/26, 9/30, 10/28. Tickets must be reserved thru the website. There are scores of Bronx-based vendors and food trucks including Crabmeat Mike, Empanada Papa, Fried Lasagna Mama, Hungarian Hotspot, Mixto Tacos, and Island Love Cake all selling food, drink, crafts, and live entertainment. It all takes place at: Fordham Plaza, East Fordham Road and Webster Ave. Belmont, The Bronx. For more info: https://www.maschospitalitygroup.com/bronxnightmarket , or Bronx Night Market on Facebook.

The Farmers Market at New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is open Wednesdays starting May 31st. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will run thru Oct. 25th. Admission and parking are free. Enter the market at the Mosholu Gate. www.nybg.org/event/ farmers-market/

(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)