Table Hopping with Morris Gut

A beautiful Technicolor harbinger of spring, the 20th annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs thru Sunday, April 23.  I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking thru the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This year’s theme: Artist/designer Lily Kwong’s ‘Healing Power of the Natural World’. (For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. So, where do we dine? Here are a few suggestions…

CONSTELLATION CULINARY GROUP at NYBG! 

They operate themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and a more formal dining room with waiter service called Hudson Garden Grill serving an eclectic American menu with locally sourced ingredients. Check it out online: www.nybg.org/visit/dining/the-hudson-garden-grill/ 

MARIO’S, 2342 ARTHUR AVE., BRONX 718-584-1188

A venerable Little Italy institution, Mario’s is marking over 100 years of operation. Regina Migliucci and her friendly staff run the show. To many, the flavorful sauces and gravies produced in this kitchen are the stuff of Italian ‘foodie heaven’. And for those in the know, the old-world menu also holds many surprises. For starters enjoy the palate pleasing lagniappe of marinated carrots, hot peppers, and good crusty Arthur Ave. bread as you survey the menu. Antipasti for 2, Spiedini, Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, Braciola, Osso Buco. www.mariosarthurave.com 

ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, 394 CITY ISLAND AVE., BRONX 718-885-9885

Owner Spiro Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several inviting dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Asian Sticky Buns; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Seafood Salad for two; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Combo platters. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too.  Craft beer selection. Open 7 days. Free parking. www.artiescityisland.com

JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN, 219 MAIN ST., EASTCHESTER 914-652-7650

Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew offer a good dose of Irish hospitality and dishes with pizzazz! Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include Double-Stacked Smash Burger; decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Jack’s Meatballs; Seared Scallops; Chicken Curry; Shroom Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Berkshire Pork Chop; and Grilled Lamb Sliders. www.jackseastchester.com 

MARIA, 11 HUGUENOT ST., NEW ROCHELLE 914-636-0006

Three-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been drawing patronage from all over for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Enjoy their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some favorite beverages and small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops. The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door.  www.marianewrochelle.com 

TRATTORIA VIVOLO, 301 HALSTEAD AVE., HARRISON 914-835-6199

Chef-owner Dean Vivolo and his friendly staff are on top of their game. His robust regional Italian cuisine is served out of a restored diner just across from Harrison’s Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; fresh old-fashioned Meatballs and Sausage; great Seafood Salad; Crostino di Polenta, topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Paglia e Fieno; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Italian Stir-Fry; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; occasional Roasted Porchetta. Good wine list. Sparkling lights evenings.  www.trattoriavivolo.com

TORCELLO RISTORANTE, 2382 BOSTON POST ROAD, LARCHMONT 914-833-1118

Imer Rraci and his veteran team have reimagined the former La Riserva, a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, Chef Avni turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Eggplant Rollatini; Rigatoni Bolognese in a meat sauce; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Veal Martini; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci has spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Free parking. www.torcellolarchmont.com 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)