Dining preview: Casual, neighborhood restaurants are on tap this fall(8)
Thornwood Ale House: The Sisto family — Karla Sisto, Mark Sisto, John Sisto and Danielle Noga-Sisto — have renovated the former Johnny's in Thornwood, changing the color scheme to brick red and golden brown, but keeping those two great patios. The restaurant serves a late-night menu and a big selection of beers sometime next week. There are 60 bottled brews and eight beers on tap, including craft beers such as Captain Lawrence and Defiant. The menu, by chef Denis Viera, who formerly cooked at Harpoon Bay in Warwick, N.Y., includes twists on classic pub food. His spinach dip has white truffle and Mexican cheese, and his chili is made with venison and black beans. Don't worry, the menu also has straightforward food, like sliders, hand-cut fries and even milkshakes. $$. American. 665 Commerce St., Thornwood. 914-263-1537. Find the Web page on Facebook by searching Thornwood Ale House.
Rockland
Baumgart's: Chinese food and homemade ice cream might seem to make for strange bedfellows, but the Wu and Wang family have had a hit on their hands since they first took over a Baumgart's luncheonette and soda fountain in Englewood, N.J. in 1988. For the Nyack location, their fifth, they completely renovated the former Nyack Grand, adding an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor and a restaurant-bar. Signature dishes include Chicken and Pine Nut wraps, Baby Back Ribs, Chunky Chicken Salad Sandwich, Sesame Chicken and Jumbo Shrimp with Walnuts. $$. Asian and American. 65 Main St., Nyack. 845-353-3318, baumgartscafe.com.
Chickpeace: Yes, the name is a play on the main ingredient in hummus: chick peas. Max Miara, his two nephews (one of whom owned a restaurant in Israel) and his sister (a former caterer who worked from home in Monsey) are cooking up a storm at this glatt Kosher restaurant, where the specialty is falafel, served with hummus, parsley and spices. Another favorite dish here is shawarma, which is chicken in Mediterranean spices cooked slowly on a spinning skewer over a low heat. And the salad bar is sure to become famous. Order at the counter and pick out a drink from the coolers against the far wall. The atmosphere is spare, but clean and comfortable. $$. Mediterranean and Kosher. 83 S. Main St., New City. 845-499-2400 or 845-499-2500, www.chickpeace83.com.
Jose O'Brien's: Here's a spot to watch a sporting event and enjoy a great margarita at the same time. Jose O'Brien's has 11 televisions, and a drinks list with choice of 20 different draft beers. The menu includes the Two-Fisted Burritos, which are packed with not only flavor, but a lot of ingredients. Other popular choices include fish and chips, chicken, steak, shrimp, or vegetable tacos — and you can choose what type of shell and sauce you want. Owner Caroline Torres says she wants to "not only cater to everyone's needs but to provide a comfortable atmosphere." Perhaps the coolest (or should that be hottest?) part about the new Jose O'Brien is its own hot sauce, which is homemade and made from a secret recipe of four to five different chiles. $$$. Mexican. 1 Spring Valley Market Place, Spring Valley. 845-517-5001. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
