Dining Out with Karen Talbot: Fantasy Cuisine Best Chinese Restaurant in Area
Written by Karen Talbot
Restaurant: Fantasy Cuisine, 20 N. Central Ave., Hartsdale, NY 10580; 914-358-9046
Jan. 28, 2015: "Fantasy" can mean imagination and invention, and that is exactly what this welcome addition to the Chinese restaurants in our area is! Our son-in-law, who was visiting from London, called it a "welcome alternative to typical cookie-cutter Chinese food."
The restaurant opened this summer in the former premises of Café Meze, to give you an idea where it is located in Hartsdale. I suggest that you go on a weeknight or earlier or later on a weekend night. Frank, the host, makes you feel right at home and is very adept at watching who is getting ready to order, pay, and leave.
He has a list and it is best to sign in the moment you arrive. The walls are a combination of white paint and medium wood floor planking with a simulated waterfall in the front bar area room and a simulated fire pit in the back dining room.
We started our dinner with our daughter and her husband with two hot dumpling choices: steamed crab and pork soup dumplings and steamed shrimp and pork shumai. Both were excellent in flavor and both had lots of filling in them and did not have a lot of dough, which you usually get in Chinese restaurants.
Fantasy Cuisine specializes in Sichuan dishes that are conveniently listed on the menu as mild, medium spicy, and spicy, which is very helpful when ordering.
For our main courses, we had kung pao-style shrimp, which had peanuts, green and red peppers, chili peppers, and scallions. It came with lots of chili peppers, and I made the mistake of eating one and could not speak for at least a minute. Another main dish was dry pot style with chicken, which was served in a sizzling mini wok and cooked in a spicy hot pot sauce with mushrooms, green and red peppers, onions, black tree mushrooms, and lotus root. This dish made the tongue tingle, as it was the spicier of these two dishes. Fantasy Cuisine accommodated my husband's request for chicken with Chinese cabbage and peppers in a vinegar sauce.
All three of these main courses were very flavorful, creative, and delicious! They offer nine other mains, which include General Tao's chicken or beef, chicken with broccoli (which our daughter had), beef or fish filet with broccoli, and sesame chicken or beef. We accompanied these dishes with an order of sautéed string beans (the best all of us had ever had) and house special fried rice; both were enough for four people. Chinese beers and cold sake (served in small ice buckets) were enjoyed by all of us.
All portions were generous, and medium prices make this a favorite restaurant to keep going back to. The owner, Auston Chu, also owns Dumpling & Noodle at 26 Palmer Avenue in Bronxville, which you also should try if you haven't already. All of the waiters were very friendly and most anxious to find out how we liked everything.
All in all, I think this is the best Chinese restaurant in our area.
Pictured here: Food critic for MyhometownBronxville, Karen Talbot.
Photo by A. Warner
Restaurant & Food Guide
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Irish Gastro Pub with wood-fired pizza. It also has a Cocktail Menu.
219 Main Street, Eastchester
914-752-7650
Article about summer dining that includes Jack's
One Pier Steakhouse
One Pier Steakhouse is located on the banks of the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, N.Y. right in the middle of the Yonkers renaissance. The restaurant offers a beautifully designed dining room featuring private banquette seating; an upstairs private room for sit-down or cocktail events; an inviting large bar and outdoor seating.
The menu offers a mix of traditional cuts of steak: Porterhouse for two, Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Ribeye and Skirt. There is also a variety of fresh fish offerings: Whole Branzino, Colossal Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Tails, Chilean Sea Bass, Sushi Grade Tuna, Salmon and a Raw Bar. Also included are Soups & Salads, Appetizers and Signature Dishes of Coffee BBQ bone-in Short Ribs, Lamb Shank and a 1/2 Roasted Chicken, along with a Pasta Station.
The bar features craft cocktails and a wide ranging wine list. The vibe is a softly lite romantic setting with up-tempo jazz.
Drink* Eat* Gather
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Haiku
Pan Asian
56 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-5601
Chinese cuisine. Stylish setting with classic decor.
361 N Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY
Wild Ginger
Pan Asian
10 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Underhill’s Crossing
For over thirty years, Underhills Crossing Restaurant in Bronxville has had the privilege of offering guests a diverse menu of French-American cuisine. Whether for a light bite with a friend, a celebration of family, or a special occasion, join us in our elegant dining room or enjoy al fresco dining in our beautifully decorated outdoor dining area.
Underhills Crossing Restaurant brings the Manhattan dining experience to Bronxville. Enjoy our raw bar, full caviar service, extensive wine list, and by-the-glass Coravin program, along with seasonal specials, which complement the lunch, dinner, and brunch menus.
Please let us know your thoughts.
5 Pondfield Rd 74., Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-1200
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lange's of Bronxville
Lange's of Bronxville is a homestyle delicatessen nestled in Bronxville. For over 3 decades, Lange's has proudly offered an authentic deli and catering experience, serving freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites that keep our customers coming back for more.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Opa Opa Fresh Greek.
New casual and friendly Greek restaurant serving fresh homemade specialties in a light and airy setting. Order for Take-Out…call 914-600-8129 for delivery on Uber Eats or Door Dash.
116 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-600-8129
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Serves Noteworthy Italian food and Brick Oven Pizza with outdoor seating available.
914-779-7944
Ciao
5-7 Albanese Place
Eastchester, NY
914-779-4646
An Italian Bistro in the heart of Scarsdale.
808 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale
914-722-0808
Instagram: 808bistrony
Delicious Italian food prepared with great care and served in a vibrant, modern Italian setting. Do private events. Best of Westchester “Best New Restaurant” in 2019. It was also awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Award in 2020.
11 Huguenot St,
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 636-0006
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Italian restaurant with the charm of a real Italian Trattoria
Mon., Tues. and Wed. from 5 to 10pm
Thurs. Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 11pm
10 Palmer Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-2000
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sapori of Scarsdale
A handsome new restaurant serving unique and interesting authentic flavors of Italy, with a new lunch, bar and children’s menu that has both indoor and outdoor café dining.
Mediterranean
2 Chase Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-874-5316
Scalini's mission is to serve classic yet innovative regional cuisine that highlights the culinary diversity of the country, including tasty homemade pasta and daily seafood specials. The food and beverages are skillfully curated under the direction of owners Angelo and Elio DiRosa of Abruzzo, Italy.
Scalini carries uniquely Italian microbrews and has a seasonal craft cocktail program and an extensive wine and spirits list. With a patio and secluded courtyard that mirrors a quintessential Tuscan village, their outdoor dining experience is available year-round and offers a perfect venue for all types of events and engagements.
65 Pondfield Road
Bronxville
914-337-4935
https://www.scaliniosteria.com
Tredici Social
Italian
Tredici Social serves contemporary Italian food with a modern flair. Outdoor Dining Available
104 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-1313
Roberto Paciullo's hometown of Salerno is transported to the streets of Tuckahoe. Zero Otto Nove Trattoria is the fourth outpost of his famous restaurants from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. From the atmosphere to the food, stopping by Zero Otto Nove is taking a quick trip to Italy.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Marigold is a vibrant tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and timeless traditions. The menu proudly presents Chef Hemant Mathur's iconic creations, skillfully layered with a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy elements, all expertly woven together with fresh, high-quality ingredients and imaginative flair.
Each dish is a labor of love, meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients and authentic spices, resulting in an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. You will embark on an unparalleled culinary journey through the heart of India.
434 White Plains Rd. Eastchester, NY 10709
(914) 202 9455
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love dishes out delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, wraps, hand crafted meals and rotating daily specials. They also have a Meal Plan Program that is personalized for individuals or families, offering daily or weekly meals which can be customized to dietary preferences and needs.
18 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville
914.346-8883 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese
Owned by Bronxville's own Ruth Walter and Kevin McNeill, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese carries traditional varieties of cheese such as manchego, camembert and Irish Cheddar as well as other varieties from a half dozen countries. They also sell specialty breads, baguettes, scones, croissants, olive rye batard and other varieties provided by French baker, Balthazar. Gift baskets and party platters are available to order. It is also a go to destination for lunch for the school children offering the mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches on white or multi-grain bread and yummy lemonade.
107 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-361-1770
Irish Gastro Pub with wood-fired pizza. It also has a Cocktail Menu.
219 Main Street, Eastchester
914-752-7650
Article about summer dining that includes Jack's
One Pier Steakhouse
One Pier Steakhouse is located on the banks of the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, N.Y. right in the middle of the Yonkers renaissance. The restaurant offers a beautifully designed dining room featuring private banquette seating; an upstairs private room for sit-down or cocktail events; an inviting large bar and outdoor seating.
The menu offers a mix of traditional cuts of steak: Porterhouse for two, Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Ribeye and Skirt. There is also a variety of fresh fish offerings: Whole Branzino, Colossal Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Tails, Chilean Sea Bass, Sushi Grade Tuna, Salmon and a Raw Bar. Also included are Soups & Salads, Appetizers and Signature Dishes of Coffee BBQ bone-in Short Ribs, Lamb Shank and a 1/2 Roasted Chicken, along with a Pasta Station.
The bar features craft cocktails and a wide ranging wine list. The vibe is a softly lite romantic setting with up-tempo jazz.
Drink* Eat* Gather
Haiku
Pan Asian
56 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-5601
Chinese cuisine. Stylish setting with classic decor.
361 N Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY
Wild Ginger
Pan Asian
10 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
Underhill’s Crossing
For over thirty years, Underhills Crossing Restaurant in Bronxville has had the privilege of offering guests a diverse menu of French-American cuisine. Whether for a light bite with a friend, a celebration of family, or a special occasion, join us in our elegant dining room or enjoy al fresco dining in our beautifully decorated outdoor dining area.
Underhills Crossing Restaurant brings the Manhattan dining experience to Bronxville. Enjoy our raw bar, full caviar service, extensive wine list, and by-the-glass Coravin program, along with seasonal specials, which complement the lunch, dinner, and brunch menus.
Please let us know your thoughts.
5 Pondfield Rd 74., Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-1200
Lange's of Bronxville
Lange's of Bronxville is a homestyle delicatessen nestled in Bronxville. For over 3 decades, Lange's has proudly offered an authentic deli and catering experience, serving freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites that keep our customers coming back for more.
Opa Opa Fresh Greek.
New casual and friendly Greek restaurant serving fresh homemade specialties in a light and airy setting. Order for Take-Out…call 914-600-8129 for delivery on Uber Eats or Door Dash.
116 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-600-8129
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Serves Noteworthy Italian food and Brick Oven Pizza with outdoor seating available.
914-779-7944
Ciao
5-7 Albanese Place
Eastchester, NY
914-779-4646
An Italian Bistro in the heart of Scarsdale.
808 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale
914-722-0808
Instagram: 808bistrony
Delicious Italian food prepared with great care and served in a vibrant, modern Italian setting. Do private events. Best of Westchester “Best New Restaurant” in 2019. It was also awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Award in 2020.
11 Huguenot St,
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 636-0006
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Italian restaurant with the charm of a real Italian Trattoria
Mon., Tues. and Wed. from 5 to 10pm
Thurs. Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 11pm
10 Palmer Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-2000
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sapori of Scarsdale
A handsome new restaurant serving unique and interesting authentic flavors of Italy, with a new lunch, bar and children’s menu that has both indoor and outdoor café dining.
Mediterranean
2 Chase Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-874-5316
Scalini's mission is to serve classic yet innovative regional cuisine that highlights the culinary diversity of the country, including tasty homemade pasta and daily seafood specials. The food and beverages are skillfully curated under the direction of owners Angelo and Elio DiRosa of Abruzzo, Italy.
Scalini carries uniquely Italian microbrews and has a seasonal craft cocktail program and an extensive wine and spirits list. With a patio and secluded courtyard that mirrors a quintessential Tuscan village, their outdoor dining experience is available year-round and offers a perfect venue for all types of events and engagements.
65 Pondfield Road
Bronxville
914-337-4935
https://www.scaliniosteria.com
Tredici Social
Italian
Tredici Social serves contemporary Italian food with a modern flair. Outdoor Dining Available
104 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-1313
Roberto Paciullo's hometown of Salerno is transported to the streets of Tuckahoe. Zero Otto Nove Trattoria is the fourth outpost of his famous restaurants from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. From the atmosphere to the food, stopping by Zero Otto Nove is taking a quick trip to Italy.
Marigold is a vibrant tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and timeless traditions. The menu proudly presents Chef Hemant Mathur's iconic creations, skillfully layered with a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy elements, all expertly woven together with fresh, high-quality ingredients and imaginative flair.
Each dish is a labor of love, meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients and authentic spices, resulting in an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. You will embark on an unparalleled culinary journey through the heart of India.
434 White Plains Rd. Eastchester, NY 10709
(914) 202 9455
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love dishes out delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, wraps, hand crafted meals and rotating daily specials. They also have a Meal Plan Program that is personalized for individuals or families, offering daily or weekly meals which can be customized to dietary preferences and needs.
18 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville
914.346-8883 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese
Owned by Bronxville's own Ruth Walter and Kevin McNeill, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese carries traditional varieties of cheese such as manchego, camembert and Irish Cheddar as well as other varieties from a half dozen countries. They also sell specialty breads, baguettes, scones, croissants, olive rye batard and other varieties provided by French baker, Balthazar. Gift baskets and party platters are available to order. It is also a go to destination for lunch for the school children offering the mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches on white or multi-grain bread and yummy lemonade.
107 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-361-1770
Would you like to join our directory? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese
Owned by Bronxville's own Ruth Walter and Kevin McNeill, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese carries traditional varieties of cheese such as manchego, camembert and Irish Cheddar as well as other varieties from a half dozen countries. They also sell specialty breads, baguettes, scones, croissants, olive rye batard and other varieties provided by French baker, Balthazar. Gift baskets and party platters are available to order. It is also a go to destination for lunch for the school children offering the mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches on white or multi-grain bread and yummy lemonade.
107 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-361-1770
Restaurant Reviews: Thirty Most Recent
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.