This week’s Friday Fives is a really good one, for a few reasons. First of all, it’s f*cking Rob Thomas. No big deal, the guy has only written some of the biggest hit songs ever, won three Grammys and sold over eighty million albums between his solo career and Matchbox 20. Oh yeah and he was in an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which is amazing.
But what makes this one even more interesting is that Rob lives in Westchester and wanted to shine a light on some of his favorite places there, rather than in the city. Being that Steinthal grew up in Westchester and somehow knows no other restaurant other than the Candlelight Inn, we were more than happy to let Rob take us (and you) to school.
Check out Rob’s Westchester “Perfect For” picks below, and also click like on the Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20 Facebook pages so you can stay up to speed as he and the band work on their first new studio album in more than four years.
Rob’s “Perfect For” Picks
Neighborhood Hang
Le Jardin Du Roi (95 King St. Chappaqua, NY) – “Being that we come from the city and we travel the world, my wife and I are the first to be skeptical of any restaurant, much less a French one, but this small French café in Chappaqua is, to us, the best. It’s amazing any time of year but in the summer the outdoor patio makes you want to close the joint down.”
Good Vibes
Grappalo (76 King St. Chappaqua, NY) – “Great northern Italian in a comfortable setting. From the simplest dishes to some one of a kind dishes, they’ll accommodate whatever you like and if you’re lucky owner, Tom Cuomo, will drop off some of his amazing truffled French fries at your table.”
Raucous Party Atmosphere
Don Coqui (115 Cedar St. New Rochelle, NY) – “My wife is Puerto Rican. The best Puerto Rican food, in our opinion is her mother’s house but since we can’t invite all of you there, this place has insane Puerto Rican fare. It’s loud and feels like a party is going on but still feels comfortable.”
Friday/Saturday Drinks & Dinner
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar (230 Mill St. Greenwich, CT) – “Not your typical Mexican joint. The dishes are well thought out and a step above your average Mexican fare. The atmosphere is like a fun party. I particularly like the red and black décor with the red Murano chandeliers and the music is always great.”
Authentic Ethnic Eats
Guadalajara (2 Union St. Briarcliff Manor, NY) – “This is the best authentic Mexican food that I’ve had outside of Mexico (yes, city dwellers, I’ve tried every “but have you tried…..” Mexican in the city you can think of). Hop in your car, make the drive, thank me later. Get them to make the guacamole at your table. If you can, come on Saturday night to see the greatest mariachi band but get reservations cuz it’s always packed on the weekends.”
