Who's hungry for Asian American food? Or something gluten-free? What about a new spot for steak? A host of Rockland eateries have either just opened, changed ownerships or moved. And more are on the way, including a national crave-worthy coffee drive-thru and a family-friendly eatery with a focus on entertainment.
Seconda Vita, Pearl River
Eric Casey, the master behind Pan & Peel Pizza, has launched a focacceria/bakery with an emphasis on hand-mixed naturally leavened sourdough focaccia bread topped with a host of sweet and savory items. Softly opened since Sept. 10, it features hot and cold sandwiches along with focaccia pizza. Customers will also find soups and other goodies. The grand opening
is Oct. 7. Pan & Peel Pizza, which he operated for two years at Gentle Giant Brewing, has closed operations, but Casey hopes to reopen it at another location down the road. 137 N. Middletown Road, 845-920-1112, secondavitafocacceria.com.
Ape in the Kitchen, Pearl River
You haven't had fusion like this. So reads the copy on the website for Ape in the Kitchen, which specializes in in "first generation Asian-American cuisine for the next generation." Open since Aug. 1, chef/owner April "Apes" Camacho Keosky, a Culinary Institute of America grad who's worked in high-end kitchens in New York City, Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden, said it's always been her dream to open her own place, especially one that introduces folks to the Asian flair reminiscent of her life as the daughter of Filipino immigrants living in Rockland.
Her goal with the menu is to feature fusion that offers both Asian comfort food staples (like her Adobo Rice Bowl, Korean Short Rib Bowl, and Kare Kare Noodles) along with a twist on American classics (i.e. her Kong Smash Burger, Longganisa Chopped Cheese or Pho-Inspired Brisket Dip). With husband Chris Keosky (the two are high school sweethearts), they wanted to create a late-night hotspot for those looking for diverse food options. That means they're open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day but Sunday and Monday. 20 E Central Ave., 845-201-8036, apeinthekitchen.com.
BK Italian Kitchen, Orangeburg
What had been Cassie's has gotten a redo complete with a new name, expanded menu and new owner. David Ernst, who managed Cassie's for 21 years, took over in May and did some interior and exterior renovations. There's now a few more seats at the bar, new wall coverings, a fresher entrance (and bathrooms), along with spruced-up landscaping. He also brought in a new chef and upped the quality of their ingredients. Among some popular entrees are Grandma's spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parm, chicken Mama Mia (parmesean-crusted with breaded eggplant, sliced tomato with vodka sauce over gnocchi) and a host of salads.
The main event, however, are the signature coal-oven pizzas, which are available with an abundance of toppings. Another standout? Their gluten-free menu featuring sandwiches, salads, pastas and entrees. 203 NY-303; 845-359-8000, bkitaliankitchen.com.
Roost, Sparkill
Roost Restaurant, which Chef Kevin Reilly and his partner, Maria Santini, started in Sparkill in 2013 before moving to a larger space around the corner in 2015, is under new ownership as of late August. Run by Ken Helman and Tommy Greco, the latter of whom has more than 30 years' experience in the hospitality industry, the restaurant retains the same staff and menu. However, there are few tweaks including an upgrade to different meats and fishes. There's also live music on the second floor along with a new artist-in-residence and exhibits. 2 Union St., 845-359-6700, roostinsparkill.com.
Old World Market, Orangeburg
The second location of this popular Nyack supermarket opened Sept. 23. The new store, about half the size of its flagship, has the same wide variety, from shelf staples to gourmet goods as well as its same quirky decor (think a rowboat by the fishmonger to hand-crafted wrought iron chandeliers from Turkey). The Orangeburg store also has its own full kitchen, meaning the well-known prepared items will be made onsite. There are also lots of cheeses, another thing the store is known for, though it's a smaller display (250 to the 350 in Nyack). 1A Orangetown Shopping Center, 845-284-9200, oldworldfoodmarket.com.
Coming soon to Rockland County
Lugo Steakhouse, Tappan
Benny Castro, owner of Basque Tapas in Piermont and Tarrytownis opening a Spanish steakhouse in the former Il Portico space sometime in early to mid-October. The 130-seat space, named after Lugo, a Galician city in northwestern Spain, will feature prime cuts of beef along with tapas. 89 Main St., lugosteakhouse.com.
7 Brew Drive-thru Coffee, West Haverstraw
7 Brew, an Arkansas-based coffee sensation that's all over social media, is opening its first Rockland location sometime later this fall. The drive-thru-only spot, known for its high-energy service and extensive drink customizations, serves specialty coffee, proprietary energy drinks, flavored sparkling waters, teas, lemonades, smoothies and milkshakes. In general, expect over 20,000 flavor combinations made from a wide array of syrups, sauces, alternative milks and sugar-free options. 45 S Route 9W (in Samsondale Plaza), 7brew.com.
The Riff, Pearl River
What had been Gentle Giant Brewing is being turned into The Riff, with an opening set for mid-November. The staff remains the same, though there's a new chef offering scratch-made food (think more traditional bar food and barbecue). Owner John Rybacki, who's running the business with his son, Anakin (and hails from an entertainment background), wants to retain the family-friendly environment Gentle Giant was known for, but also add live music on weekends as well as offer open mic nights, karaoke and comedy. (A new stage is being built where the brewery equipment was.) Guests can expect lunch, dinner and a late-night menu. 7 North Main St.
-- Lohud's Nancy Cutler contributed to this report
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Changes to the Rockland dining scene include Asian fusion & focaccia
