Page 79 - Westchester Magazine - January 2011

artists and producers, has been here, thanks in part to co-owner Philip Maniatty’s connections (he’s a 20-year vet of the music industry). We have to admit we’re suck- ers for the inspirational quotes that are stenciled on the walls, including lines from Jimi Hendrix (“Knowledge speaks but wisdom listens”); Bono (“America is an idea, as well as a country”); and Walt Disney (“It’s fun to try to do the impossible”). We’re also blown away by the acoustics, which make the place rock (pun intended). The whole ef- fect is warm and intimate with walls that look like leather, hand-blown glass chandeliers over the bar, and a woodsy interior à la a Vermont country corner. We like, too, that the staff bends over backwards to accommodate you, ever mindful of maintaining the right balance of volume to conversation. If you’re lucky, you’ll be here on a night when Ten Feet Deep (a local Pound Ridge band Maniatty feels strongly would be a “big deal,” if discovered) is play- ing. Also worth journeying out to see: singer/songwriter Andrew Bourdeaux.
“Maybe I should put in a webcam at North Star and broadcast the concerts,” quips Maniatty of his star play- ers. Generally, Wednesdays are acoustic nights with a singer/ songwriter; Thursdays are full-band nights (mean- ing the place rocks!), and Sundays feature Dennis Collins. Plus, don’t forget that mac and cheese (a decadent com- bination of fontina, cheddar, and Swiss cheese) and the soy-glazed Chilean sea bass. Luckily, thanks to the ener- getic music, you can order both and dance it off later.
COVER: None. HIGH NOTES: The venue is the occa- sional host of CD release parties. BEAT IT: 85 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge (914) 764-0200; northstarny.com. Reservations are necessary for dinner and music. On Wednesdays, the music starts 8 or 8:30 pm; Thursdays, 9 pm; Sundays, 6:30 pm.
Don’t let the nondescript décor fool you. Once in- side The Rye Roadhouse, you’ll be snapping your fingers and tapping your toes and wondering why the heck you haven’t been here before. The answer:
this hideaway is not your typical Rye restaurant. In fact, many who finally find it—some of whom have lived in the area for years—are surprised it even exists. “We’re sort of a neighborhood secret,” says Greg DeMarco who, along with partners Jon DeMarco, Kevin Campbell, and Tom Codispoti, took over what had been called The High Street Roadhouse in October ’07. What had previously been a dive (written with love) still retains its honky- tonk charm while also catering to families, singles, and music lovers with a (pardon the pun) beat all its own. The New Orleans-style eatery has been spruced up and renovated, while keeping its down-home ambience. Set on one of Rye’s oldest streets, it has the feel of what life in Rye was like before its high-end boutiques and bras- series. Come on a Friday or Saturday night usually for Southern rock and blues. Music often starts at 10:30 pm, after the dinner rush, with many people reserving a table at 9 or 9:30 pm so they can chow down on steak fajitas or blackened red snapper and then still have a good seat come showtime (there’s also a limited bar menu until 1
(Top): Ten Feet Deep plays
at North Star Restaurant—
until they get discovered; (above): Barbecue ribs from The Rye Roadhouse go great with Southern rock music.
NORTH STAR RESTAURANT PHOTO BY PHILIP MANIATTY
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