Calling all pig lovers! 🐷

"Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water.," — W. C. Fields

I've had a fun week of pig pics, drinking at speakeasies and dining out for Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.

Let's start with the pigs. They're a big part of the decor at the newly opened Gordito in Rye. The restaurant, with an emphasis on tapas from Spain and Mexico, is brought to you by an Italian chef who wanted to step outside his comfort zone.

Raffaele Ronca, who also owns Rafele Rye in Rye and Bianca Restaurant & Bar in Greenwich, Conn., has spent his career opening Italian restaurants — he's been cooking for 23 years — but has always loved the flavors of Spain and Mexico. So, when the space adjacent to his opened up (it had been a women's fashion store), he took the leap, using his love for pigs as his decor incentive. The place is colorful and fun and I, for one am, already addicted to his Nacho Sundae, warm tortilla chips drizzled with chocolate sauce nestled next to vanilla gelato, topped with mixed berry coulis. I also love that you can get a personal size paella dish.

Meet me at a speakeasy

My week also included a visit to Whistling Rail in Bronxville where I tried the Almost Blue cocktail and cheese and charcuterie plate.

This is one of my new fave spots — it reminds me a bit of The Campbell at Grand Central (must be that train thing!): hidden and elegant with wonderfully original super refreshing drinks and a cozy vibe. The spot celebrates its annual anniversary with a Gatsby theme party (which I saw last year and it was incredible!) Tickets are on sale now for their event May 9 from 8 to 10 p.m.

Dining deals

Have you made your Hudson Valley Restaurant Week plans? I'm off to Apropos Restaurant at The Abbey Inn in Peekskill later this week and just dined at Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant in White Plains. I have to admit I went a bit off menu with the eatery's famous "A Bronx Tail." I couldn't resist as it includes my fave lobster tail with clams, mussels, and shrimp, sautéed in a light spicy tomato sauce, served with homemade fettuccine. A little kick but filling and satisfied my seafood craving.

Apropos, it should be mentioned, just got a "Recommended" by Michelin. The space has also been redone with a smart new look to the dining rooms (including artwork), uniforms, table linens, china, table lighting, and stemware. Also gotten an overhaul: The menus, event packages and wine list. Chef Peter X. Kelly of Xaviars on the Hudson fame, is now the culinary director and has hired executive chef Adrian Glaza.

Other deals include Nyack Feasts, which started Monday and goes until April 21. Look for deals and discounts at both merchants and restaurants.

Plus, White Plains Wing Walk is Saturday and Suds on the Sound, a craft beer event in Rye, is May 11 at The Barley Beach House. It's a busy time for food events, the return of farmers markets and sidewalk sales (need some shopping to pair with your food!)

Best Bites

(Things I ate — and loved — this week)

• Skirt steak special at Nova Kitchen in Blauvelt. The husband-and-wife owned restaurant (yes, they're in this story!) have outdone themselves with a moody, dark space (with a nice sized private room!) and terrific modern American cuisine. The menu is already quite robust but Chef Rogelio Rosas always has a long list of specials. I also had the coconut shrimp which was super tasty and a white peach cosmo. Pure yum!
• Chocolate mocha cake at Flours Pasta & Bakeshop in Haverstraw. Made with cold brew, it's super rich and chocolately. The place is really upping up its cake offerings with Co-Owner Alex Kasman whipping up specials on weekends like a matcha green tea creation with raspberry lemonade icing and strawberry compote filling and a blood orange cake with blood orange curd, Swiss meringue and vanilla buttercream. You can get by the slice or order a whole cake to go.

• A Bronx Tail at Chazz Palminteri in White Plains. I went off the Hudson Valley Restaurant Week menu for this seafood medley, but my friend got their $44.95 deal with salmon, salad and dessert and loved every bite.
• Almost Blue cocktail at Whistling Rail in Bronxville. Made with blueberry-infused vodka, lemon juice, almond syrup, Demerara, soda water and mint, it was super refreshing and light. Plus, I love the vibe!

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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.