First Look: 44 Tapas Lounge
-
- January
- 29
UPDATE: I called to confirm the phone number and it was disconnected. Is the restaurant still open, does anyone know? This meal was Jan. 10, but I delayed posting because of being sick…
I’m working on a tapas story for InTown Westchester, and so have had the occasion to try several of our small plates and Spanish restaurants, including 44 Tapas Lounge in Croton. This is the place that used to be Salsa, the Mexican restaurant, and, after that, Agave Azul, and you can still see that in its decor: wrought iron chandelier, tropical yellow paint on the wall, terra cotta-tiled bathrooms.
The lighting is comfortable and the vibe of the restaurant is easy.
You can tell people are having fun. We were, too.
The cheese and meat plate above was, unfortunately, rather average. A little too grocery store for me. When you can get execptional cured meats these days, why not go for it? The calamari, below, was nice and crispy and I liked the tang of the dipping sauce. But this ain’t tapas! It was large enough to be an entree!
The chorizo and fig plate (excuse the shabby photography) had a sweet and sour glaze that might not appeal to everyone. I think it’s good, but perhaps unnecessary. Chorizo and figs give a sweet-sour element to the dish on their own.
Patatas bravas. Wow! What a difference between these and the ones I’ve had at Espana and Peniche. They’re diced a lot smaller here. And again, huge portion. I didn’t find them that crispy, but nonetheless they were tasty.
(They like the orchids here, huh?)
The asparagus and tomato salad was more like the size I was expecting. The asparagus were cooked perfectly, but served a little too chilly. And the dish was overwhelmed by dill.
The gambas in garlic sauce. Delicious. And just the right size. (More orchids?)
The bean puree — also delicious. This would be a good way to open the meal.
Empanadas (and orchids):
My friend of Argentinian descent proclaimed them delicious, but would have preferred a bit more “other” filling, like raisins or pine nuts. And below (with the absolutely terrible photo, so sorry) is the lobster mac & cheese. Hardly a tapa. Hardly a small plate, even. But who cares. Rich, decadent and delicious. (Oh, look! An orchid!)
Have you been? What do you think?
44 Tapas Lounge, 44 Maple St., Croton-on-Hudson. 914-271-4999.
(70 votes, average: 4.64 out of 5)
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This entry was posted
on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pm by Liz Johnson.
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(4.07 out of 5)
Maybe they couldn't pay the phone bill because they've spent it all on orchids?
Try 914-271-2690-that works!
I went to this restaurant because I heard so many good reviews from my friends and co-workers; Wow! While the portions are much larger than most traditional tapas, the food was exceptional. The gambas dish I had was out of this world. I also ate a chillean sea bass prepared on special by the chefs which was quite excellent (I think it had a mango demiglaze or something like that). I don't mind the large portions, im sure most people wouldn't either. Either way, I will definately go back soon!!!
I'm glad you like it Michael! Did you rate it? It's a new feature on the blog… Above the comments….
The phone number is clearly stated on the website: guidetocroton.com as well as their take out menu and business cards displayed in the front of the restaurant. On my visit to the restaurant the waitress was more than happy to recommend dishes, put them in an enjoyable order which works well with the palette, and to explain any questions I had about the dishes and portion size as well.
I had the pleasure of dining for the first time at 44 Tapas Lounge last night. It was great! The atmosphere was friendly and comfortable. There were so many interesting options, it was hard to choose. We finally settled on 4 choices which were as delicious as they were beautifully presented. Some of the dishes did come adorned with orchids. The owner, Kyle, informed us that the orchids he uses are all edible. We found them to be fairly tasty. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a fun, comfortable place with great food. In fact, if I could meet the gorgeous lady in the 4th photograph, I'd eat there every night.
Hey I haven't see España restaurant in Larchmont ???. There is now one of the hottest restaurant in town. The food is EXCELENT !!!
Hi Ammy,
Here's my post to that review:
http://lizjohnson.lohudblogs.com/2008/01/03/first-look-espana-wine-tapas-bar/
Chef Mariano Aznar, makes the best tapas in Westchester. Without a doubt!!. His ample selection of tapas are unbeatable. He is now in España restaurant in Larchmont.
P.D: Try the Iberico Ham (Pata Negra) (firt time ever in the USA.
44 Tapas in Croton has fried goat cheese balls that are addicting. It's a toss up between an appetizer and a desert. They almost taste like little mini-cheese cake. And the new pineapple salsa that it drizzled over it them is amazing. Like all their tapas, the mixture of flavors go together so well that I just keep getting tapas and need to try the paella main entree one of these days. But I have to get over the goat cheese and pineapple addiction! But now that they have tapas specials outside the menu it's even harder to decide. I guess you can tell I love the food, not to mention the atmosphere!
I've been to a lot of Tapas restaurants and I find the food at this Tapas restaurant to be superb as is the ambience. Soft lighting. Fully stocked bar. As for the food—-the mac and cheese is to die for as well as the lobster bruschetta and tuna tartar. I could go on. Also, the owners come to greet each guest and make them feel very welcome.
BTW-Orchids are delicious. Who knew?
Fried goat cheese balls and everything! Wow!
Finally a place you can go and eat fantastic food with a staff that is second to none. The owners welcome you as you arrive and are ever present to help guide you through their dinning experience. There are several special martinis on hand (I recommend the Pear) along with an outstanding Sangria. As for the menu, you can’t go wrong with anything that is on there (I do see lots of the Lobster Mac and Cheese go out). After hours the place takes on a whole new vibe, great music, more great drinks and the patrons are all very nice and welcoming…Finally, a bit of lower county or even Manhattan nightlife in Upper Westchester. With gas at $4.59, I’ll take that savings from not having to drive down there and get an extra plate at 44 Tapas Lounge.
I have eaten at 44 a few times and really enjoyed the food. While i am not an expert on this type of cuisine, i found everything rather tasty. I agree the goat cheese balls are dee-lish and i love the mac and cheese. Might i mention that their drinks are phenomenal. As a drinker, more than an eater, I suggest the 44 Balls martini (as locals call it) garnished with melon, the Huckleberry martini, and their specialty margaritas. The staff is great and as a local barowner in croton it is one place i actually enjoy to get away from my own business.
The new chef, March Walker, has really kicked 44 Tapas up a notch. The olives are nicely marinated and served with crostini that actually are seasoned compared to the prior fare. The fried balls of goat cheese are delicious. If you really want to rock your palate, have the empanadas stuffed with nicely curried duck sometimes served over a bed of rhubarb compote and a drizzle of creme fraiche.
The wines are ever changing and the selection is nice. The pours are generous and the vibe is refreshing for the area. 44 is a great place to be.
This place sucked. The food was terrible. The shrimp
> (gambas) were like ones you find in a chinese restaurant.
> I expected 12 little shrimp in a clay pot like you find in
> Spain. The duck empananas, my father-in-law makes better
> ones. I do not know why you are raving @ this place. I
> wasted $60, luckily I had a $10 coupon.
>
I went to 44 this month on a friday. The food was horrible compared to the last time I was there 3 months ago who is this new chef the duck epenadas were bland in taste what is this rubarb compote no real flavor .Tasted like it came out of a jar of jelly .not only to my displeasement with the food,The owners came to my table and were very intoxicated.
through out the rest of the time i was there the owner kyle was makeing out with some drunk girl and they were falling all over the place ,this is a place of buisness for food, not a local hang out for the drunks sadly the owner was one of them tomake out and act like teenagers at some bar.this place was great before they got this new chef and the owner s didnt act like they did this last time . patric farly owner.apoilogized for his partner, butt he seem as big of an ass as the other one. iam a local chef from the city i am spreading the word not to eat ther ever service sucked food sucked i mean everything.place is a joke
I rate from 1 to 10 i give ((( 0ne ))))
i just wanted to let everyone know that the pictures of the food you see on this website are not of Chef Walker. If he is doing such a fabulous job maybe he should make up his OWN menu and get some pics of his OWN food rather then using the previous Chef's ideas and creations. You would think an executive Chef would want his food and ideas to shine and not take credit for those that were there before him.
Just wanted to let everyone know that the great food you taste are the creations and original receipies of the Chef that was there before him. Get some pride and do something of your own! Any Professional Chef who takes pride in his Culinary Career Would have already insisted on using his ideas and not someone elses. What a SHAME!!!
I want readers to know that "chef sal" and "truth" share the same IP address.
Chef Sal: Do you not realize that the menu has changed twice since Chef Walker has been there? Obviously these are not photos taken by chef Walker, this article by Liz was posted January 29th, why would these be photos of new food, that makes no sense. And why did your service suck? Every experience I have had there with their waitstaff has been nothing but friendly, fun, and excellent.
It's always amusing when you see what appears to be a disgruntled former employee take their anger out online.
Tapas is a great restaurant with wonderful food and a cozy atmosphere. But what really makes this place outstanding is KACIE, the cutest bartender I know!!!!!