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Natural Awakenings Westchester / Putnam / Dutchess New York

A Foodie’s Guide to Great Local Eats: Sweet Grass Grill in Tarrytown and Tomatillo Restaurant in Dobbs Ferry, NY

Nov 03, 2012 09:59PM ● By Natasha Bernardez

Chef Iain Falconer at the Sweet Grass Grill

Sweet Grass Grill

24 Main St. Tarrytown, NY 10591
914.631.0000; SweetGrassGrill.com
Hours: Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. – ‘til, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - ‘til, and  brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tomatillo Restaurant

13 Cedar St. Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522  
914.478.2300; Mexchester.com
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (most nights); kitchen stays open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

Sweet Grass Grill and Tomatillo Restaurant are located in the heart of Southern Westchester and both are owned and operated by David Starkey. I stumbled upon Sweet Grass Grill one summer afternoon when I was searching for a great farm-to-table lunch option. Chefs Ian Falconer (Sweet Grass Grill) and Starkey (Tomatillo) are both dedicated to healthy, locally sourced foods and Starkey’s commitment is to ensure that his food is not only delicious, but also socially responsible. Many of the ingredients used at both restaurants come from nearby farms, such as Stone Barn in Pocantico Hills and Ryder Farm in Brewster. My favorite dish at Sweet Grass Grill is the free-range chicken, which is covered in an array of savory toppings according to the season.  

Sweet Grass Grill offers American-infused traditional comfort dishes with a healthy twist, while Tomatillo offers Mexican favorites with the same health consciousness (e.g., brown versus white rice). The menu items change seasonally according to the local foods used to create them. Sweet Grass Grill also offers Meatless Mondays, giving vegetarians a prix-fixe menu option. Their children’s menu items come with vegetables to provide a balanced meal and promote healthy habits. Many of the wines served are also local. One of their most popular Chardonnays comes from Red Tail Ridge Winery in the Finger Lakes region.  

Whether he’s buying garlic from California, shrimp from the Gulf Coast or pumpkin from the farm next door, Starkey seeks to make sure that his business boosts the American economy while staying on top of food trends. His restaurants are a great option for those seeking to enjoy a healthy, local and sustainable meal that is both delicious and reasonably priced.

Natasha Bernardez is the Executive Chef of Clean Plate Culinary Inc. Her team specializes in healthy food culinary services, including personal chef and other customized offerings. To book their services visit CleanPlateCulinary.com or call 347.644.8306 for a consultation.