Are you hungry on move-in day and hoping to have one last meal with your parents? Or are you a parent who wants to make sure your new adult (cue wistful tear) has one last balanced meal before saying goodbye? These spots near Westchester colleges and universities are great restaurants to try before the school year starts.
For parents who have made the long journey and lugged bags and boxes all day, a full-service farewell dinner is a great way to reward themselves before heading back on the road.
Iona University: AJ’s Burgers
542 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.235.3009
Just down the street from Iona University and in the heart of New Rochelle is this Italian-American joint that serves much more than just burgers. After you move into your dorm, stop by AJ’s with your parents for the award-winning shrimp bisque dinner (over linguini) or the No. 1 chicken sandwich (grilled chicken, garlic-sautéed turnip greens, provolone, and hot cherry peppers on a homemade bun), and don’t miss the delicious chicken parmigiana.
The comfort food is helmed by chef Alan Jay Cohen of the restaurant of the same name. Of course, AJ’s offers a selection of burgers, like the bacon mac burger and the fresh mozzarella burger, but there’s also seafood, like Mariano Rivera’s favorite Positano shrimp and salmon from the Faroe Islands. AJ’s is the perfect place for an upscale family dinner and traditional Italian cuisine, as well as thick milkshakes. “AJ’s is unique because we cook with passion and love. We serve our customers like our favorite relatives,” says Cohen, who is also the owner and operator.
Pace University: Sushi
8 Pleasantville Rd, Pleasantville; 914.769.0638
Looking for an upscale Japanese restaurant right by Pace University? Look no further than Dai Sushi. From the popular Wagyu beef tataki to the Toro Rosa roll (fried toro, mixed greens, fried shallots, and spicy gochujang miso sauce), there’s something tasty for everyone in the family who made the commute (voluntarily or not). Dai Sushi’s menu is extensive and includes sashimi and sushi plates, noodle dishes, fried rice, and other sides and specialties. Try the Yellow Mango Roll to enjoy crispy, spicy yellowtail with tuna, mango, jalapeño, and chili sauce. This sushi spot is the perfect place for lunch or dinner on move-in day.
Purchase College and Manhattanville College: Three North
578 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase; 914.997.4113
Located practically between Purchase College and the Manhattanville campus, Tredici NORTH is a four-time Best of Westchester award winner and serves classic Italian dishes with a modern twist under the direction of Chef Giuseppe Fanelli. For starters, try the inside-out meatballs, which are a blend of beef, pork and veal, stuffed with fresh mozzarella, ricotta and fontina cheese, breaded and deep-fried, and topped with house-made sauce made from crushed plum tomatoes.
Or try the salmon tartare appetizer, which involves biting into sushi salmon slices, avocado, chopped and roasted jalapeños, mustard seeds, soy sauce and sour cream, garnished with micro cilantro and finished with wasabi oil. Then choose from a selection of pastas and main dishes, such as Kobe beef ravioli with caramelized onions, black truffle and Fontina di Valdosta in a brown butter and thyme sauce or traditional veal chop parmigiana. Tredici North is a little more expensive, but a great choice if you want to enjoy a fancy dinner with your parents before classes start and the college meal plan kicks in.
Sarah Lawrence College: The Taco Project
65 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.356.8226
This inviting little taco canteen on the corner of Pondfield Road and Garden Avenue is an ideal place for Sarah Lawrence College students and their parents to grab dinner before or after they move in this fall. Located 10 minutes from campus in the heart of Bronxville Village, Taco Project is a welcome stop for handhelds of real flavor. All tacos here are served two at a time on yellow corn tortillas. The menu also includes birria, burritos, quesadillas, and even special kids’ menus (in case your younger sibling happens to be coming along).
Each month there is a special taco or similar dish available for a limited time. (In August it’s poke tuna tostadas.) You can also expect a variety of daily specials. A meal from The Taco Project is guaranteed to fill you up and is a great way to start the school year.
Related: Assembly line sushi rolls to Scarsdale
