How excited would you be if you saw British actor Lucien Laviscount of “Emily In Paris” fame dining at Horsefeathers in Tarrytown? Or Drew Barrymore picking up a treat in Scarsdale? Or what about Actor Jacob Elordi of “Saltburn” grabbing coffee in Sparkill, Jon Hamm at Sunshine Coffee Roasters in Rye or former President Bill Clinton getting takeout Chinese in Pleasantville?
Celebrity spottings happen a lot in Westchester and Rockland, as many celebs live in the area, are from here, or are working here, if only for the length of a film or movie shoot. What follows is a sampling of cafes and restaurants where certain famous faces have been spotted recently. Know of more? Do tell.
Anyone who’s been to Martine’s knows the babka is to die for — Jerry Seinfeld was seen buying it in 2018. On a crispy November day, just days before Thanksgiving, Barrymore stopped by the Scarsdale location (there’s another one in Tuckahoe). She purchased a halva finger, their new vegan croissant sandwich and coffee. 48 East Pkwy, 914-722-4949, martinesfinebakeshoppe.com
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October is always crazy at Horsefeathers, where Halloween is on overload and the lines stretch out the door. Lucien Leon Laviscount, who’s in the Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” is one of those who waited in said line to eat there not long ago. So did actor Evan Peters, known for his roles in Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology series “American Horror Story” as well as on the HBO crime miniseries “Mare of Easttown.” 94 N Broadway, 914-631-6606, horsefeathersny.com
Local Rocklanders (and actors) Aidan Quinn and Mikhail Baryshnikov spent a late November evening at this new waterside spot where Greek food shines amidst the glittery backdrop of the Mario Cuomo/Tappan Zee bridge. 701 Piermont Ave., 845-398-2000, trataontheriver.com
Often, a nondescript take-out spot has the best food — and the best celebrity sightings. Spotted in late November at On’s: Former President Bill Clinton picking up a meal. My guess is as good as yours if it was chicken with broccoli (my go-to) or Moo Shu Pork. According to its website, the restaurant specializes in Szechuan, Hunan and Cantonese style food. 475 Bedford Road, 914-741-6277, onschinesekitchen
Former Yankees manager and catcher Joe Girardi enjoyed the view — and the food — at this waterfront spot in September, taking time to pose with Owner Sean Degnan. 238 Green St., 914-332-0517, thesailhousetarrytown.com
Rapper Mary J. Blige, often referred to as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” dined at this hopping New Rochelle spot in May. Other celeb diners have included actor Kevin Dillon and singer Brenda Starr. 1 Radisson Plaza, 914-576-4141, nomasocial.com
Don Draper returns to Westchester! Instead of visiting his fictional house in Ossining, “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm enjoyed coffee at Sunshine Coffee Roasters in April. The shop, which opened in February (there’s also a location in Larchmont) served both him and Amanda Peet, his co-star in a new Apple Plus series, “Your Friends & Neighbors.” The stars were also at Saigon Table next door. Plus, Sara Leland of The Snackery said Hamm used the office at her bakery for his dressing room during one of his filming days.
The show, which has already been renewed for a second season (meaning they may be back), airs April 11, 2025. It centers on a former hedge fund manager played by Hamm who turns to stealing from his wealthy neighbors after being fired and divorced. 12 Purdy Ave., 914-848-4774, sunshineroaster.com
Not only was The Snackery used as Jon Hamm’s dressing room when he was filming Apple’s new show, “Your Friends & Neighbors.” The sweet shop also recently had visits from Mexican singer-songwriter and actress Thalia in October and TV personality and TikToker Bethenny Frankel in September. Frankel raved over the cupcakes, cakes and banana bread. 64 Purchase St., 914-481-1636, snackerybakeshop.com
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Singer Mariah Carey could almost be called a regular at this popular steakhouse. She spent Mother’s Day there this past May and has been for Valentine’s Day over the last two years. Other fans include Rapper Fat Joe, baseball player Kyle Higashioka and basketball powerhouse Obi Toppin. 610 Hartsdale Road, 914-428-6868, benjaminsteakhouse.com/westchester
“Saltburn” actor Jacob Elordi, known for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the biographical film “Priscilla,” grabbed a coffee here earlier this year. This celebrity sighting, however, is not the cafe’s first brush with fame. Actor Richard Gere has also popped by, according to Owner Gina Sarwari, as have actors Tom Payne (from “The Walking Dead,”), Michael Sheen (“The Prodigal Son”) and Halston Sage (“The Prodigal Son”). Sarwari said the cafe has also been used as a backdrop in TV shows such as “America’s Most Wanted” and in a “Prodigal Son” episode. 641 Main St.
Vanessa Williams, Richard Gere and Brenda Starr, a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated singer, have all eaten at this Italian spot, with Williams here in September. Gere, who visited last December with his wife Alejandra Silva, came based on the recommendation of a friend. And, just like this lohud food reporter, he enjoyed the truffle green beans, a specialty of the house (and a “Best Thing I Ate” last year.)
The couple also enjoyed whole roasted eggplant, salmon tartare, burrata, delicata squash, octopus and branzino, among other dishes. Chef/owner Giovanni Cucullo couldn’t help himself and sent over a bunch of dishes; his restaurant, after all, is named after his mother, Maria, and feeding people is an expression of love. 11 Huguenot St., 914-636-0006, marianewrochelle.com
Indian actor and film producer Abhishek Bachchan, also known for being the son of famous parents (actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan) and the husband to a former Miss Universe, ate lunch at NH44 in May. 219 E Hartsdale Ave., 914-574-5262, nh44indian.com
Lots of famous Northern Westchester faces have graced this Mediterranean restaurant since it opened in 2022. It’s long been a regular spot for actress/singer Vanessa Williams, who often gets the branzino. Former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have also been spotted at the 90-seat space, which, come warm weather, has its front French doors open for a breezy al fresco ambiance. 415 King St., 914-861-2386, mentorssteakhouse.com
American television personality, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel gave Birdsall a 10 out of 10 on her TikTok in January, raving about the cauliflower bites, the smashburger, the homemade ketchup, the fries, the gryo and more. “Davoon,” she said multiple times while eating and “freaking out” over the food. “Run like you’re being paid to run to Birdsall House,” she said in her post. 970 Main St., 914-930-1880, birdsallhouse.net
Comedian Susie Essman, best known for her role as potty-mouthed Susie Greene on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” had dinner at the family-owned Italian restaurant in January. 15 Kings Hwy, 845-398-0200, il-fresco.com
There’s always someone famous popping by Alvin’s, where model/artist/Owner Alvin Clayton treats everyone like family. In the not so distant past, actress Viola Davis was here as was award-winning director Neema Barnett of Harlem Girl Productions. In February, journalist Joy Reid was at the Southern restaurant celebrating the publication of her book, “Medgar & Myrlie.” Also there: TV Host Sunny Hostin. And for Juneteenth, New York Gov. Kathie Hochul and New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker of the NYS Assembly Carl Heastie paid a visit. 14 Memorial Hwy, 914-654-6549, alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com
TV personality, singer and actress Adrienne Eliza Bailon-Houghton, a former member of the girl groups 3LW and The Cheetah Girls, is a regular at this homey spot known for its creative drink flights and killer brunch. 21 Campwoods Road, 914-762-4000, thetastytableny.com
When Yankees legend Joe Torre, a former player and manager, stops for bread you know it’s a home run. He came here last October for pumpkin bread. Aside from fresh loaves, The Kneaded Bread is also known for its soups, sweets, salads and more. 181 N Main St., 914-937-9489, thekneadedbread.com
Author James Patterson was at the Pleasantville restaurant last July with his wife and friends (and fellow co-authors Bill and Hillary Clinton). According to Owner Peter Lucaj, the four had been there before (though not always together). Patterson had the veal chop, his wife the chicken paillard, while Hillary Clinton enjoyed filet of sole and Bill had spaghetti carbonara.
The family-friendly Italian eatery has been on Marble Avenue since 2017. 160 Marble Ave., 914-579-2126, tesoroditaliany.com
It was last year but who’s counting? Actor and vocalist Ice-T, who’s long been a regular on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, was at Gigante last June. The rapper, who was his wife, Coco Austin, attended a birthday party. 660 White Plains Road, 914-961-1001, giganterestaurant.com
Have a celebrity tip?
Got news about celebrities or any filming in the area? Email JRMuchick@gannett.com.
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.