{Contributing writer: Jeanne Muchnick}
When my friend Stacey tells me I have to try a new place…I have to try it. Like me, she enjoys good food, a nice ambiance, and a caring staff that makes you feel special. Which is how I ended up spending a summer Friday (alas, the last!) at the Rose Room in Mount Kisco.
First of all, the room is gorgeous. Stunning chandeliers, gray padding on the walls (to cut down the noise factor), two dancing fireplaces, a black tin ceiling, and an overall eclectic, yet elegantly comfortable vibe that is the perfect mixture of restaurant and lounge.
Owner Michael Lubic, an adorable Syracuse grad (like me and also Miss IntoxiKate!) who runs the place with his mom, Lisa (the two also own Traditions 118 Restaurant in Granite Springs), says he wanted to create a mixture of modern and retro. And indeed, he seems to have succeeded. The front area features a few photos of ‘Ole Blue Eyes next to Elvis and Michael Jackson, while the back showcases a large black and white photo of Grandma Rose, for whom the restaurant is named. Her meatballs – they were sold out the day I was there –is just one of many homages to her on the menu. (For the record they are made with ricotta, broccoli rabe and shaved parmesan).
In general, expect a nice combination of heavy and light dishes with lots of small plates like pulled pork sliders (made with a plum marinade and served on a garlic roll), flatbreads (I loved the white truffle with ricotta spinach, mushrooms and white truffle oil which I paired with a glass of Riesling) and The “Room’s” chicken, served with sweet and hot cherry peppers and polenta.
What’s proving popular so far – as the room tends to have that romantic, feminine ambiance – is the assortment of salads, everything from a rainbow beet to a chopped American to what I found super refreshing: Strawberry Apple, served with mesclun greens, strawberries, apples, gorgonzola, caramelized walnuts and a strawberry vinaigrette.
Another don’t miss—though hurry before this “American Summer Classic” is taken off the menu—the lobster roll, served with avocado, a toasted brioche bun, frizzled onions and fresh cut fries. What also caught my eye: Plum BBQ ribs, something my husband would adore. In fact there were many items I was drawn to but alas, I only had a certain amount of time—and dare I say, “room.”
Scott Jagr, who formerly worked at Crabtree Kittle House among other venues, is the chef and his creative eye is a master at mixing ingredients and bringing fresh flavors to the table. In fact, who knew? But this chef also bakes. Whatever you do, don’t leave without tasting his nutella brownie, homemade on the premises.
{IntoxiKate Tip}
Park in the back, not on the street, though Michael and his staff have been known to put quarters in your meter out front.
Are you a nurse, hairdresser, teacher or work in a spa? Then come by for “Industry Night” on Wednesdays when you can get Happy Hour prices from 3 pm to close. For the rest of you, Happy Hour is Tuesday-Friday 4 to 7 p.m., and features $5 small plates appetizers, $5 wines, $4 drafts and $5 Van Gogh vodka cocktails.
{Rose Room: 222 East Main St., Mount Kisco, 914- 218-3876, roseroomny.com}
Local author and writer Jeanne Muchnick is a contributor to IntoxiKate.com. The self-proclaimed “not-a-foodie-foodie” lives in Larchmont with her family. To read more about Jeanne, visit the contributors page.
