By Morris Gut

Bronx Voice

October 14, 2023

FOOD - Autumn has arrived! The air is crisp, apples are falling to the ground at area orchards just waiting to be picked. 

Trees are putting on their annual Technicolor light show along highways and byways. Area markets sell their late season harvest of cider, squash, apples, pumpkins, and hearty root vegetables. Restaurant kitchens are geared up with the best the season has to offer. There are many comforting flavors awaiting us right now…

FALL DRIVES TO FARMS AND MARKETS!

Want to pick your own or visit a farmstand? Take a flavorful fall foliage drive with the whole family. Here are some great destinations, and be sure to check ahead for hours and availability: 

Wilken’s Farm, 1313 Whitehall Road, Yorktown Heights. Marking their 106th year, visit the Farmers Market or pick your own apples, peaches, pumpkins, even Christmas Trees. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. thru mid-Dec. 914-245-5111 www.wilkensfarm.com 

Stuart’s Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs. This farm has been operating since 1828, strewn with old tractors and rural artifacts, you can pick your own fruit and produce or visit the farmers market for fresh cider donuts and pies. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 914-245-2784 www.stuartsfarm.com 

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem. Operated by first generation farmers since 2011, the farm store is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On-site kitchen Mon.-Fri. Get tickets online for apple picking. CSA membership available. 914-485-1210 www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com 

Hayfield’s, 1 Bloomer Road, North Salem. Owner Renea Dayton’s multi-faceted country market bustles daily inside and out. From the in-house kitchen: coffee, breakfast, lunch, soups, salads, ice cream. Colorful flowers, too. 914-669-8275 www.hayfieldsmarket.com 

Thompson’s Cider Mill, 335 Blinn Road, Croton-On-Hudson & Thompson’s Fable Farm, 1311 Kitchawan Road, Ossining. Local fall artisanal foods like cider, donuts and pies. Next to Teatown Lake Reservation. 914-409-3433 www.thompsonscidermill.com 

Outhouse Orchards, 139 Hardscrabble Road North Salem. Weekend  reservations required. 914-277-3188 www.outhouseorchardsny.com 

Muscoot Farmers Market, Route 100, Katonah, part of Muscoot Farm. Over 20 vendors. The farmers market operates every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. thru November. Free admission. For further info: 914-864-7283, or www.muscootfarm.org

BEST FALL BITES!

You’re taking a fall drive and you get hunger pangs. Here’s where to stop for a bite.

Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, Eastchester: 

Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew serve delicious finger foods and generously plated specialties. Out of Chef/partner Brandan Donohoe’s modern Irish American kitchen come great burgers, decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese, pizzas out of their woodfired oven; freshly made salads; Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich; Berkshire Pork Chops; Jack’s Lamb Shank. Their full Irish Breakfast at brunch is a winner. Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert is a must! Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com 

Freebird Kitchen, White Plains: 

There is a major expansion in the works at Freebird, and the popular rooftop bar and lounge are open. This kitchen serves up tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & Grits and Braised Short Ribs. You must check out Chef Evan’s special chicken. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com

Morris Park Inn, Thornwood: 

Proprietor Steve Poli and his crew serve an eclectic tavern menu to go along with their 15-tap craft beer bar. Poli, who also owns bustling Morris Park Inn in the Bronx, has completed a renovation of the new eatery. Large screen TVs, stressed brick walls, artsy tables, and an unusual treetop like ceiling overhead with contemporary lighting. There’s also Chopped Cobb Salad, hefty Burgers, wraps and sandwiches like the Cheese Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. A children’s menu is available. Morris Park Inn, 652 Columbus Ave., Thornwood, in the Rose Hill Shopping Center. 914-495-3004 www.morrisparkinn.com 

Jean-Jacques, Pleasantville: 

After a run through the bustling Pleasantville Farmers Market on a Saturday morning head over to nearby Jean-Jacques Culinary Creations. The display counters and blackboards are filled with tempting possibilities, from sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches to fresh breads and cakes. It’s been 22 years and the place is still working at full steam. There are two dining rooms, one counter side, and a separate more formal section. French classics include Quiche Lorraine with salad, and a Croque Madame Croissant, oozing with fried egg, cheese, and ham. Outdoor seating weather permitting. Jean-Jacques, 468 Bedford Road, Pleasantville. 914-747-8191 www.jean-jacques.com 

Wolf & Warrior Brewing, White Plains:

Owner/Brewmeister Michael Chiltern brought White Plains its first microbrewery. He has is now serving his brews and a new menu all afternoon and evening from noon, Tuesday through Sunday. The open-air backyard has been expanded with extra seating. A daily selection of brews is listed on a big colorful blackboard. Comforting new specialties include: Birria Tacos, Blazin’ Wings, Hand Cut Free Range Chicken Tenders, a variety of Brew House Burgers, and Slammin’ Sandwiches like the South Paw Philly Cheesesteak. Octoberfest beers will be on hand. Games for the kids. Wolf & Warrior Brewing, 195A E. Post Road, White Plains. 914-368-8617 www.wolfandwarrior.com

King Kone, Katonah. 

This retro fast food/dessert spot has been scooping it out for almost 70 years. The place is always popping with couples and families lining up out front. But it moves quickly. Share a large sundae with chocolate mint chip ice cream with plenty of fudge, topped with whipped cream and the ubiquitous Maraschino cherry. Enjoy the crowd from your picnic table. Menu items ranged from: Corn Fritters, Lobster Roll Platter, Burgers, and a Crab Cake Sandwich. King Kone, 109 Rt. 100, Katonah. Open daily in season. 914-232-0571 Open through mid-October. They are on Facebook.

(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 the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: [email protected])