Restaurant 121 In North Salem, NY - The Place To Be Seen In The Boonies

The one thing about living in New England is that some good things never change. Back in the day, I used to head out for a Sunday drive. There was no better prescription to change your brain chemistry than 'bliping the throttle' on each downshift on a twisty turny road.

My favorite stretch to unwind was Route 121 from Bedford to North Salem, NY.  Driving in the open air on a mid-summer's night or a crisp fall day as the world whizzed by was always exhilarating. The best part of the drive was that just before reaching Interstate-84, there was a great out-of-the-way place called Restaurant 121. It was in the middle of nowhere but, plenty of interesting people gathered there. The bar was standing room only. It was a cool place and I always looked forward to pitting there for some comfort food and a Johnny Walker Blue neat. 

Fast forward ten or so years and I'm back and restaurant hasn't changed a bit! It's exactly how I'd remembered it. It's the same old antique house and wrap-a-round porch. During the summer, it's a great place to sit and have lunch. Inside you'll find a casual relaxing atmosphere that guys can relate to. The dark wood, copper bar, stone wood burring fireplace and Western Americana art all add to the down home decor.

If comfort food is what you're seeking, then the menu at 121 will be sure to please. It's packed with creative selections like the Arancini Rirrotto Fritter with Porchini Truffles and Parmesan Dip - $8.00 and the amazing Goat Cheese with Caramelized Onion and Slice Tomato Pine Nut Pizza -  $14.00. It's wood fired and crafted from the highest quality Neapolitan flour by Capoto. This flour makes the most fluffy and perfectly baked pizza ever. The goat cheese melted in our mouths. Yum.

We especially like the creativity and visual presentation of the seasonal Watermelon Mozzarella Salad with Chopped Basil - $14.00. On a late summer day, sitting on the porch, it was delightful to relax and nibble on this dish!

If you really want to sit and chill for for a while then order  a glass of the Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blanc. - $15.00. It's an effervescent sparking wine made from Chardonnay. It paired well with the watermelon salad.

Appetizers: $6 to $10. Pizzas: $12.00 to $15.00. Entrees: $22.00 to $34. Desserts: $6 to $7. Hours:  Mondays, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturdays, 5 to 11 p.m. Sundays, 5 to 9 p.m. Open for Sunday brunch starting next month. 

121 Restaurant and Bar
Route 121 and Dingle Ridge Road
North Salem, NY
914-669-0121
www..121restaurantgroup.com/northsalem

Sipping Sparking Wine... Perfect!