I recently ate at Madison Kitchen Restaurant and Bar Lounge, in Larchmont with some good friends that I roped into trying out a new place. I figured I should start checking out some places out of Armonk that I here, are “worth the drive.” You may or may not know this, the young (under 30) Chef/owner, Nick Di Bona is a Chopped winner, which is always a good sign. For those Northern Westchester diners, he was formerly with Peter Pratt’s Inn before he went out on his own.

Madison Kitchen has the coziest, hippest atmosphere, which matched perfectly with the cold weather outside. There’s some lounge seating, and the perfect size bar, with a double-sided fireplace to the bartender’s back that is seen and felt in the dining part of the restaurant.

Before I went, I read the New York Times review, which raved about the food! I was psyched. I ordered the recommended tuna tarter, which was beyond delish! And the lobster risotto was so fresh and great as well! Some other mentioned dishes were not on the menu, but they did have comparable options.

For dessert we had the apple crisp with homemade vanilla ice cream, totally died and went to heaven on that dessert. The times review said a must-have is the chicken and waffle appetizer. I couldn’t get any takers at my table, so when you go, convince someone to get that dish!

Looking forward to a re-run!