Vega - Hartsdale, NY

This is our second post for Mexican cuisine on Munching Westchester. For me, the difference between good Mexican food and bad Mexican food is the freshness of the ingredients and the execution. Because, let's face it -- The dishes are usually pretty basic and the ingredients are very similar, so a bland dish will pretty much ruin the meal.

I visited Vega in Hartsdale with a group of five friends and when we stepped into the front door, we all kind of smirked because it had the atmosphere of a club. There was a good crowd, the decor was modern and the music was louder than usual for a restaurant. Overall, a pretty good vibe for a large group.

The menu was what is to be expected at any other Mexican restaurant. It pretty much had all the classics with no twists. For drinks I tried a Mexican brew, Negra Modelo, and the rest of my party got a combination of different margaritas and a mojito. All the drinks were good and the ingredients for the mojito were fresh.

We got the usual guacamole to start on and for dinner we tried the burrito, steak and chicken Mexican salads and I went with one of their quesadillas.

I could tell you how each plate was individually, but you could've looked at all the empty dishes and figured out that we all enjoyed our meals very much. Like I was saying before, you're not going to have too many out-of-the-ordinary dishes, so it all comes to taste. My quesadilla was piping hot when it was set in front of me. The chicken was well-seasoned and juicy, and everything tasted great, with a nice balance of hotness that went with the guac and pico de gallo on the plate. Even the side dishes of rice and beans were not overlooked and went well with the meal. (I only mention that because I find a lot of places don't put much effort in side dishes like rice and it comes out either overcooked or inedible). I tried some of the steak salad and the skirt steak was very tasty, as well. Everyone was very happy with their food at the end of the meal.

While the food was definitely better than average, the prices were also a little higher as well. While your average entree will cost about $15-$25, when you start adding in drinks, it could get pricey. For a party of six, our bill came to about $200.  Again, not terrible, but for Mexican food, some people might not want to open their change purse.

Overall, if you're looking for a nice Mexican spot, take a trip to Hartsdale and check out Vega.

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Kibberia - Danbury, CT

Another Danbury spot, I guess I am the Fairfield County connection, haha.

Kibberia, located on Mill Plain Rd. on Danbury's west end is located in a small strip mall. Upon entering the atmosphere takes over. Striking colors reflecting the region in which the cuisine is based out of, beautiful landscape photography hangs from the walls in this clean new restaurant. The cuisine could be considered Arab, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, I just consider it fantastic.

If you don't know what Kibbeh are... you are missing out. (Not to be confused with kibble) Basically, they are fried little balls with STUFF inside of them. Good stuff... like ground beef, chicken, pumpkin, lentils, potatoes, etc. My dish was served with a nice side of tabbouleh (bright, fresh tasting salad made of parsley, tomato, lemon juice - very simple) also a healthy portion of fresh hummus and a pita. My only complaint is that the pita is a bit dry - not a big deal though.

This meal was delicious, incredibly filling and satisfying. Most people I have recommended this restaurant to have never tried anything resembling this type of cuisine. I was so stuffed afterwards but no regrets as always.

My rating 4.5 out of 5

Pho Vietnam - Danbury, CT

Tonight after a long day of cutting up trees that fell during the snow storm 2 weeks ago, I worked up quite a hunger. I decided to treat myself to a nice meal from one of my favorite restaurants in the area - Pho Vietnam.

If you have never had Vietnamese food, I strongly suggest it. Whenever I go here, I end up getting an assortment of appetizers and soup.

The appetizers in questions are as follows - fresh spring rolls, wrapped in rice paper with pork, shrimp, lettuce and mint. Crab wontons and Vietnamese egg rolls (nothing like Chinese eggrolls). I love this stuff, delicious finger food, not the healthiest but who cares. This assortment comes with three different dipping sauces, sweet, vinegary and sweet/spicy.. what these sauces are called I couldn't tell you, but I like the variety.

I also enjoyed a nice hot and sour soup. This soup is also nothing like it's Chinese counter part. The broth is delicious and complex tasting. Tons of veggies (sprouts, mushrooms, broccoli) shrimp and pineapple.

If you are ever in the area and want to try something a bit different I suggest you give this place a try, it is seriously delicious. I did not get it tonight, but I also recommend one of their Vermicelli noodle bowls, Lemongrass and Shrimp or Red Curry and Coconut Milk dishes.

My rating: 4 out of 5