Hudson Valley Restaurant Week (#HVRW) is the perfect opportunity to try new restaurants in and around Westchester. The event runs through this weekend, so make sure to make those reservations to take advantage of the deal—$32.95 for a three-course dinner and $22.95 for a three-course lunch.* At the beginning of two-week-long event, I offered my tips on where to go this year, and mentioned I was checking out a restaurant that’s been on MY list for quite some time.
The interior is small but very cozy. Upon collecting my valet ticket (thank goodness for that in this area of New Rochelle), I entered the eatery to find myself in front of a pretty large bar. The dining room is off to the left, and I loved all of the details—arches, tile work, and contrast of the orange-red roses on every table.
Last night, I visited Dubrovnik in New Rochelle. The eatery, dedicated to Croatian cuisine, was one of the best meals I’ve had in Westchester. Fresh, ingredients were incorporated into flavor-forward dishes, cooked to perfection. Dubrovnik is one of those locations I’ve heard great things about, and didn’t disappoint.
I started off with the seafood option for my first course, selecting the Grilled Shrimp and Calamari with White Cabbage Salad. The appetizer turned out to be my favorite course of the meal—the shrimp and calamari were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The garlic and citrus flavors paired perfectly with the cabbage salad, which had a strong (but delicious) vinegar-based dressing.
While I went with lighter fare, my fellow foodie friend had a vivacious appetite (I’m guessing it was the post-snowapocalse fever), and ordered the “Skradinski” Risotto—a slow cooked veal risotto that was nothing short of incredible comfort food.
I happen to love branzino, so when they friendly waitstaff presented this option as the Catch of the Day, I didn’t hesitate. I was rewarded with one of the freshest, sweetest fish dishes in memory, topped with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. I wasn’t crazy over the cabbage and potato side salad, but I think I indulged on too much cabbage during the first course.
Usually, I don’t order chicken at restaurants (I eat enough of it at home!), but I was glad my dining partner did. The wild mushroom sauce and truffle oil on the Chicken ‘Tetka Nikica’ with the mashed potatoes was fragrant and rich.
Although both of my dishes were on the lighter side, we were sharing plates, so by the time we were asked about dessert, I didn’t think I could fit anymore. But when our server described the Palačinke (the Croatian-style crêpes with fruit jam), I couldn’t say no. The crêpe was light and airy; the lemon filling was light, and not too sweet. It was the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
I had checked into the restaurant on Facebook, so a lot of people asked about my experience (they couldn’t wait until the post!). I’ll tell you what I told them—this was one of my top dining experiences in Westchester, and one of the best Hudson Valley Restaurant Week meals I’ve had. In short? Head to Dubrovnik.
{Dubrovnik: 721 Main Street, New Rochelle, 914-637-3777, www.dubrovnikny.com}
*Prices exclude beverages, tax, and tip.
