By Karen Talbot

Oct. 7, 2015:  Fresh and creative seafood dishes in a bistro atmosphere have finally come to our town, and the restaurant is conveniently located across from the Bronxville train station.

Wayne Chessler, the owner of this restaurant, who travels regularly to New York City to track the latest culinary trends and ideas, recently added seafood to the menu and has effectively re-opened Park 143 Bistro under the "Park 143 Bistro & Fish" new name. 

Wayne wanted to offer a casual neighborhood restaurant where you can have fresh seafood and other bistro items at medium prices. He has succeeded! The new chef, Andrew Hopkins, who is from Bronxville, turns out delicious, creative choices for your dining experience.

The restaurant is very attractive, with black tables and chairs on a black floor with medium blue walls and brown and tan zebra-striped banquettes. Directional track lighting and wall sconces all make for a very atmospheric and modern feeling. The great bar is in the same place as it was when the restaurant was known as Bob's Cup & Saucer--many years ago--otherwise the entire restaurant was remodeled. Featured on the walls are colorful and creative artwork of fish by Manhattan artist Nick Stavrides, which are for sale by contacting the artist.

Appetizers:  Try the jumbo lump crab cakes, which have no bread in them and are served with diced peppers, scallions, and a yummy basil scallion dip. The arugula and beet salad features red and yellow baby beets with divine goat cheese croquettes in a tarragon vinaigrette dressing. I loved the fish tacos with grilled mahi-mahi, Asian slaw, tarragon remoulade, and chipotle aioli. They had a kick to them, but the slight spiciness was paired perfectly with the coolness of the slaw.

Main courses:  I ordered gnocci, at Wayne's suggestion, and it was outstanding. It is made fresh daily with the chef's choice of ingredients, such as cream, sausage, and fresh herbs--surprisingly delicious and light. The B&G (braised and glazed) short rib with chanterelle, asparagus, potato puree, and red wine sauce was very flavorful and cooked to perfection. The meal ended with a trio of very tasty cooling sorbets--blood orange, lemon, and black raspberry.

Another very popular feature of Park 143 & Fish is its brunch/lunch menu, which includes a house omelet (the "Park Omelet"); huevos rancheros; a rustic frittata; and lunch favorites such as a "chicken fried chicken sandwich"; seafood salad; and a chicken quesadilla. Regular lunch specials include a BLT made with smoked trout, shrimp & grits, and a seafood burger.

Other dinner choices include mussels or steamers "in the pot," a variety of creative burgers, and even a Park Bistro po-boy. They also have many specialty cocktails, such as "passion," made with fresh basil, mink, ginger vodka, and passion fruit.

Go there on Friday nights, and you will find R&B with Keith Robinson, plus two other bands that play classic rock, and a DJ for disco once a month. I can't wait to go back to the new Park 143 Bistro & Fish and try so many other menu choices.

Park 143 Bistro & Fish
143 Parkway Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-5100

Pictured here:  The interior of 143 Park Bistro & Fish.

Photo courtesy Park 143 Bistro & Fish