Eat, Drink and Be Merry at 121 Restaurant & Bar

William Shakespeare penned in his Comedy of Errors, “Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.” This phrase appropriately sums up what one can expect upon entering Restaurant 121 in North Salem.

In the heart of North Salem's idyllic horse country, this handsome converted-farmhouse restaurant makes the drive worthwhile with its genial hospitality and consistently flavorful cuisine.

Over the past month, I visited Restaurant 121 several times, each time greeted warmly and provided with friendly yet knowledgeable and professional service, even during their busiest periods.  I never once landed one of the prized fireside tables, but no seat could be considered inferior here—most have lovely views and all have ambient lighting and conversation-capable acoustics.

And the food? Skillfully cooked yet unpretentious American fare with an occasional foray into Italy or the Far East. Burgers and chicken wings share the page with wood-fired pizzas, homemade fresh-pastas and several Japanese and Thai-influenced dishes.

Favorites included a starter “Shrimp & Grits” which featured masterfully grilled jumbo shrimp atop savory and extra-creamy grits that got a kick from roasted chiles and chili oil drizzled over the dish.  Excellent.

Pappardelle Ragu Bolognese was a hit with the kids and grown-ups alike with it’s rich, meaty sauce coating wide strips of freshly-made pasta, topped with shaved parmigiano. 

I tried several of the imaginative pizzas, including an unusual version with Littleneck clams, chorizo and jalepeño.  The clams worked well with the smoky chorizo and spice from the pepper.  All the pizzas were thin and crisp, delivered hot each time, and immediately gobbled by my companions. Pizzas are large enough to share for a first course, or will suffice as main course for one.

A jumbo-lump crabcake was absolutely fresh and delicious, served over baby greens and a flavorful horseradish mustard aioli.  And a raw yellow-fin tuna starter, wrapped around a mound of zesty avocado, topped with tiny bright red fish roe, and surrounded by a drizzle of a wasabi vinaigrette was bright and lively, though missing its advertised “Tempura Crunch.”  The added texture from the “crunch” might have improved it even further. 

This is my new “go-to” place for burgers when the mood hits; preferably eaten at the bar while watching football—they're precisely cooked and served on a soft brioche roll, alongside well-seasoned steak fries.  Make it even better by ordering the additional apple-smoked bacon topping and a side of crisp onion rings.

The extensive wine menu has many options by the glass and by the half-bottle, as well as full bottles touching every price range.  We did well by an elegant 2007 David Bruce Pinot Noir from Sonoma priced at $60.  This medium-bodied wine actually paired nicely with both meat and fish dishes at the table. 

Only two misses were encountered during my visits.  One, an entrée of perfectly seared yet sadly over-salted diver scallops.   They are served with a medley of sautéed spinach and wild mushrooms, alongside a delicate creamy lemon sauce.  The second, a flavorful yet unevenly cooked hanger steak ordered by a companion—mostly medium in temperature as ordered, but with two rare slices included. 

Desserts were all delicious if not particularly innovative.  Warm chocolate lava cake served with a chocolate-chip mint ice cream delivered as promised for the chocolate-lovers at my table.  I smiled contentedly over my caramel-rich bread pudding.  And a good-humored fight broke out after I hijacked the warm, exquisitely-creamy crème brulee from my husband.

Hmm… I guess we will just have to return for another one, or two.  I’m sure Shakespeare would concur.

121 Restaurant is located at 2 Dingle Ridge Road in North Salem. Reservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more. Call 914-669-0121 or email: info@121restaurant.com.