Dining Out with Karen Talbot: VEGA, Authentic Mexican Restaurant
By Karen Talbot
VEGA Mexican Cuisine
187-189 East Hartsdale Avenue
Hartsdale, NY
914-723-0010
Dec. 21, 2016: VEGA is an authentic Mexican restaurant, one of the few in this area, and the best we have found. By "authentic" we refer to the homemade tortillas, excellent salsas, and friendly staff, which remind us of some of our many experiences in our favorite vacation spot in the mountains of near Guadalajara that we visit each year.
Vega is festively decorated with colorful orange banquettes, creative lighting effects, lit-up trees, and contemporary wall decorations. Vega has one main room as well as a large bar area with ample seating separated by a transparent wall, complete with a flowing water effect. Nice touches include the large square white porcelain plates on which each entrée and accompaniments are served.
I would suggest starting with the guacamole, which is made tableside and can be customized to your liking--usually built around the standard ingredients, which include perfectly ripened avocados, onion, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Your decision at this point ranges from medium to extra hot. We ordered a communal choice of medium and enjoyed eating it with excellent homemade tortilla chips. By the way, the Mexican classic called pico de gallo (salsa fresca) was not served automatically (chopped tomato, onion, coriander leaves, fresh serranos, salt, and key lime juice), but once it came, it was delicious and was ordered repeatedly as the meal progressed.
We ordered four entrees. Cochinita pibil, achiote-marinated and slow roasted pork, and carnitas, succulent slow-roasted citrus pork with salsa verde, pineapple, and orange, were both tender and very flavorful, of course with a stack of warm tortillas on the side. Portions tend to be ample and we found that some of the pork dishes could be split. The chef, Enzo Di Vitto, who has been with the restaurant for two years, knows how to cook both of these dishes to perfection.
We also ordered as a main course shrimp diabla, plump, juicy, large shrimp in adobo spices, cilantro, onion, garlic, and fresh jalapenos, served in a bowl. The sauce was delicious just to eat with a spoon as you would with soup. The classic tacos, with ground beef, soft corn tortillas, rice, refried beans, and tomatillo salsa rounded up our entrees. Al dente and flavorful rice and refried beans came with both the pork and shrimp.
The owner is Jeevan Pullan and the manager, Ruben Ochoadr, who has been there for only two weeks but is highly experienced and seems to have everything under control. Most of the staff are Mexican, and the waiters wear black shirts and pants with rep stripe black and gray ties. The waiters are very attentive, and the service is very good. The restaurant serves up a very good straight-up margarita, sangria, and tequila drinks.
For dessert, we strongly recommend the excellent sopaipilla, fried dough dipped in honey and served on top of vanilla ice cream, accompanied by little containers of caramel and chocolate sauce. Four of us shared one--perhaps two next time.
Pictured here (from top down): Karen Talbot; a margarita at VEGA; chips with avocado sauce at VEGA.
Photo courtesy Karen Talbot
Restaurant & Food Guide
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Irish Gastro Pub with wood-fired pizza. It also has a Cocktail Menu.
219 Main Street, Eastchester
914-752-7650
Article about summer dining that includes Jack's
One Pier Steakhouse
One Pier Steakhouse is located on the banks of the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, N.Y. right in the middle of the Yonkers renaissance. The restaurant offers a beautifully designed dining room featuring private banquette seating; an upstairs private room for sit-down or cocktail events; an inviting large bar and outdoor seating.
The menu offers a mix of traditional cuts of steak: Porterhouse for two, Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Ribeye and Skirt. There is also a variety of fresh fish offerings: Whole Branzino, Colossal Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Tails, Chilean Sea Bass, Sushi Grade Tuna, Salmon and a Raw Bar. Also included are Soups & Salads, Appetizers and Signature Dishes of Coffee BBQ bone-in Short Ribs, Lamb Shank and a 1/2 Roasted Chicken, along with a Pasta Station.
The bar features craft cocktails and a wide ranging wine list. The vibe is a softly lite romantic setting with up-tempo jazz.
Drink* Eat* Gather
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Haiku
Pan Asian
56 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-5601
Chinese cuisine. Stylish setting with classic decor.
361 N Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY
Wild Ginger
Pan Asian
10 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Underhill’s Crossing
For over thirty years, Underhills Crossing Restaurant in Bronxville has had the privilege of offering guests a diverse menu of French-American cuisine. Whether for a light bite with a friend, a celebration of family, or a special occasion, join us in our elegant dining room or enjoy al fresco dining in our beautifully decorated outdoor dining area.
Underhills Crossing Restaurant brings the Manhattan dining experience to Bronxville. Enjoy our raw bar, full caviar service, extensive wine list, and by-the-glass Coravin program, along with seasonal specials, which complement the lunch, dinner, and brunch menus.
Please let us know your thoughts.
5 Pondfield Rd 74., Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-1200
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lange's of Bronxville
Lange's of Bronxville is a homestyle delicatessen nestled in Bronxville. For over 3 decades, Lange's has proudly offered an authentic deli and catering experience, serving freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites that keep our customers coming back for more.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Opa Opa Fresh Greek.
New casual and friendly Greek restaurant serving fresh homemade specialties in a light and airy setting. Order for Take-Out…call 914-600-8129 for delivery on Uber Eats or Door Dash.
116 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-600-8129
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Serves Noteworthy Italian food and Brick Oven Pizza with outdoor seating available.
914-779-7944
Ciao
5-7 Albanese Place
Eastchester, NY
914-779-4646
An Italian Bistro in the heart of Scarsdale.
808 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale
914-722-0808
Instagram: 808bistrony
Delicious Italian food prepared with great care and served in a vibrant, modern Italian setting. Do private events. Best of Westchester “Best New Restaurant” in 2019. It was also awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Award in 2020.
11 Huguenot St,
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 636-0006
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Italian restaurant with the charm of a real Italian Trattoria
Mon., Tues. and Wed. from 5 to 10pm
Thurs. Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 11pm
10 Palmer Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-2000
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sapori of Scarsdale
A handsome new restaurant serving unique and interesting authentic flavors of Italy, with a new lunch, bar and children’s menu that has both indoor and outdoor café dining.
Mediterranean
2 Chase Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-874-5316
Scalini's mission is to serve classic yet innovative regional cuisine that highlights the culinary diversity of the country, including tasty homemade pasta and daily seafood specials. The food and beverages are skillfully curated under the direction of owners Angelo and Elio DiRosa of Abruzzo, Italy.
Scalini carries uniquely Italian microbrews and has a seasonal craft cocktail program and an extensive wine and spirits list. With a patio and secluded courtyard that mirrors a quintessential Tuscan village, their outdoor dining experience is available year-round and offers a perfect venue for all types of events and engagements.
65 Pondfield Road
Bronxville
914-337-4935
https://www.scaliniosteria.com
Tredici Social
Italian
Tredici Social serves contemporary Italian food with a modern flair. Outdoor Dining Available
104 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-1313
Roberto Paciullo's hometown of Salerno is transported to the streets of Tuckahoe. Zero Otto Nove Trattoria is the fourth outpost of his famous restaurants from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. From the atmosphere to the food, stopping by Zero Otto Nove is taking a quick trip to Italy.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Marigold is a vibrant tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and timeless traditions. The menu proudly presents Chef Hemant Mathur's iconic creations, skillfully layered with a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy elements, all expertly woven together with fresh, high-quality ingredients and imaginative flair.
Each dish is a labor of love, meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients and authentic spices, resulting in an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. You will embark on an unparalleled culinary journey through the heart of India.
434 White Plains Rd. Eastchester, NY 10709
(914) 202 9455
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love dishes out delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, wraps, hand crafted meals and rotating daily specials. They also have a Meal Plan Program that is personalized for individuals or families, offering daily or weekly meals which can be customized to dietary preferences and needs.
18 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville
914.346-8883 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese
Owned by Bronxville's own Ruth Walter and Kevin McNeill, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese carries traditional varieties of cheese such as manchego, camembert and Irish Cheddar as well as other varieties from a half dozen countries. They also sell specialty breads, baguettes, scones, croissants, olive rye batard and other varieties provided by French baker, Balthazar. Gift baskets and party platters are available to order. It is also a go to destination for lunch for the school children offering the mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches on white or multi-grain bread and yummy lemonade.
107 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-361-1770
Restaurant Reviews: Thirty Most Recent
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.