Alvin & Friends Feeds Body and Soul

You might have heard the buzz about Alvin & Friends already, the restaurant that occupies a prime location in New Rochelle across from the library. After all, Channel 7 reporter Lauren Glassberg, and Sade Baderinwa made a visit, and Alvin and his friends have graced the pages of Westchester Magazine. New Ro Patch’s own Michael Woyton covered the opening preparations in a video. My taste buds tell me that all this praise is well deserved. Alvin serves up a menu that is creative and original, while being steeped in two well-blended culinary traditions.  At Alvin’s, Caribbean island cuisine meets the American south. But the island influence is not simply Caribbean. He’s from Trinidad, an island that is already a mix of diversity, and the flavors of Indian spices tell this tale, especially in the curried chowder. Alvin’s interpretations of Southern cooking are fresh and light, and often served over stone-ground grits like you’ve never tasted before.

I often judge a restaurant by its vegetable plate. I’m an omnivore, but in my book veggies are as temperamental as they are essential. Alvin’s were fresh, colorful, tasty and expertly textured. Another cuisine fundamental for me is the sauce. So many can be over spiced or too thick or too thin - you know the drawbacks. The Lemon Grass Remoulade that topped my catfish was as good as any I’ve had in the French Quarter of the Big Easy. I want to try the House Burger just for the Calypso Ketchup!

Walking into Alvin & Friends is entering an intriguing atmosphere that is friendly and happening at the same time. I tried to put my finger on exactly what it is that creates this welcoming impression. Again, it’s a unique intermingling of elements that coalesce into an ambiance of pure pleasure: the impressionist paintings that cover the walls, the design that creates a sense of space as well as intimacy, and the acoustics of the place.  Alvin is an artist, and as we sat surrounded by his paintings he spoke enthusiastically about his love of Matisse. While we chatted he adjusted the sound system with his cell phone, altering the volume and changing the music. The demi-walls and glass front entrance that evoke the feeling of open seclusion are also his design. Alvin could easily be called a “polymath,” but such talented people don’t usually become restaurateurs. All I can say is that I’m glad he likes food and people and is willing to transport his guests into a unique culinary experience. It’s no wonder that he has attracted the attention of writers and journalists and created a cultural buzz around dinning in New Rochelle. His “friends,” as he likes to call his customers, are willing to come from Long Island and the far reaches of Westchester. I’m glad I live in New Rochelle!