We were in Westchester Country on Friday getting ready to head home after a quick day trip up and were delighted to find a wonderful spot(about 10 minutes from White Plains/Westchester Airport) called Sonora in an unassuming neighborhood of usually unremarkable Port Chester(about 10 minutes from where I grew up). We arrived at 530pm and the place was extremely quiet as our server Eduardo explained the menu and took our drink orders. I loved the beige stucco walls that were etched with copies of the Nazca lines images with cozy tables, nice linens, very comfy chairs and a banquette along the two walls. Will loved his Cucumber Mango Martini and I was brought back to recent trips to South America with a delicious Pisco Sour. Thick warm toasted sourdough bread arrived with a chimichurri sauce that was thick and tasty as we slathered it on the bread.
Samuel is a guacamole fiend, so we ordered the large size which was prepared tableside in a stone bowl. Eduardo asked how spicy we liked it and when we said medium to spicy he suggested a plate of extra chopped jalapenos to adjust our own servings, which I loved. The chips were superb and the guac was declared one of the best ever; move over Rosa Mexicana!!
Will and I ordered two tapas(fotos on FB) to share: Monfongo of Crispy oysters with fried sweet plantains and saffron mojito sauce were served in their shells in a deconstructed version that was delicious. Each dish indicates the Latin country of origin which was fun, Mofongo being Puerto Rico, Guacamole being Mexico and the Palomino Pulpo of Grilled octopus, fingerling potatoes, arugula, diced chorizo and chimichurri being from Portugal. Samuel chose the Eggplant Meatballs in Spanish tomato sauce which were two gigantic balls covered in a tasty sauce and grated cheese looking like a fresh snowfall.
For his main course, Samuel ordered, yes, another portion of guacamole, despite the large choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes as well.
We split a Lomo Saltido(Peru) with chorizo, onion, peppers, fries, and brown rice topped with a fried egg, and the dish would have been way too large for one person. The meat was tender and the fries were served like Quebecois poutine covered with the yummy sauce and oh so gooey. We ordered a bottle of wine which was sold out and Eduardo brought over the Tarima Monastrell 2015 from Alicante which was nice, especially with the meat.
A bass and trumpet duo had started playing in the entry hall to the restaurant and that was quite nice and we also got a visit from Chef Rafael Palomino (who hails from Colombia) and was checking with virtually every table to make sure everything was okay. The small place had filled up by 7-730pm and you could tell this was a very popular local spot for everyone as well as the Latino community!
We wanted to share a simple dessert and chose the churros with two sauces, Mora(berry) and Chocolate and they were indeed delish. I was surprised to see that churros originate from Venezuela and not Mexico!
If Samuel decides to head to school in Westchester next year, I am sure we will head back to Sonora!
