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Food
Review: Umami Most Briarcliff students venture south to White Plains or Manhattan when looking for quality restaurants and a good time. However, many delicious options can be found just ten to fifteen minutes north in Croton-on-Hudson. Umami Cafe, easily located just off route 129, is an eclectic pan-Asian restaurant. Jon Robins describes Umami as having a "Spartan, border-line East Asian atmosphere, which is accentuated by low lighting and bamboo curtains." Kelsey Sundberg adds that Umami's "deep blue walls with accents of gold' truly set off the chic and bohemian mood. Umami's menu could be seen as somewhat sparse compared to other restaurants, such as The Cheesecake Factory that prides itself in having 364 different menu options, but the variety of flavorful dishes and appetizers based on the restaurant's signature taste satisfy every diner's likes. Umami, pronounced oo-ma-me, is "The fifth primary taste-after sweet, bitter, sour and salty," and is described as a "flavor sensation that triggers a craving response." Based on our satisfying main courses and delicious desserts, we agree. The first thing one will notice about all of Umami's dishes is the impressive Asian-inspired presentation. The actual taste will further impress you. Jon Robins aptly ordered an Evil Jungle Prince ($14) which was a spicy chicken and coconut soup that he described as "smooth." Instead of a main course, Kelsey chose two appetizers: the Umami Salad ($5) and the Peking Duck Quesadilla ($7), both very delicious. Shelly also dined on the Uzu Salmon ($14), whose soy sauce dressing perfectly complemented the fish and was almost additively yummy. And if you don't trust our tastes alone, the famous Vegetarian Coconut Lime Soup ($5), prepared by the restaurant's innovative chef John Pratt, has been praised by The New York Times. For dessert we all shared the Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Lava Cake. A slight touch into the moist chocolate cake yielded an orgasmic explosion of warm, gooey chocolate. The Key Lime Pie was tangy and creamy and the crumbly, moist crust was sweet and tasty. The overall mood is relaxing yet chic, and co-owner Craig Purdy's friendliness added to the inviting atmosphere. Two other Croton hot-spots are the Black Cow, a laid-back coffee shop, and the Blue Pig. We recommend the child's size hot chocolate at the Black Cow (just $1!) served with delicious whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or any ice cream at the Blue Pig (which happens to be where Umami buys their ice cream!) Umami is located on 325 South Riverside Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. Umami Cafe is open every day for dinner, Sunday through Thursday from 5:30-10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5:30-11 PM. No reservations are taken. For more information you can call (914) 271-5555 or go online to! |
