Elements in White Plains. Great Restaurant or Great Nightlife? Yes.

If Elements were a car, it would definitely be a hybrid. The late night younger crowd is definitely drawn to the stylish setting, but for those of us on the early shift, Elements is also a great choice for your next nice dinner out. Chef Rick Krebs, well known in the Boston restaurant circuit, turns out delicious dishes, featuring new takes on classic favorites. And, yes, also makes a mean set of wings. So, it’s time for foodies, who may have thought Elements was just a hip bar scene, to take a second look.

We’ve all heard the saying “you can’t please everyone.” Well, clearly they haven’t seen Chef Rick’s extensive menu. Those looking for a lighter meal can enjoy options like the “soup of the moment,” beautiful salads—like the poached pear salad with arugula, brandy poached pears, almonds, bleu cheese with agave ginger vinaigrette — and the small plates menu which includes Korean beef lettuce wraps, five spice short ribs, and even panko crusted macaroni and cheese.

Those out for a true dining experience will want to turn their attention to the main entrees section of the menu. There are vegetarian dishes like carnival squash risotto, with spinach and candied hazelnuts plus other options like French cut chicken with apple cranberry chicken sausage in a cranberry demi-glace, with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli or the mouth-watering roasted bourbon glazed salmon with rice pilaf and seasonal mixed vegetables.

And the “create your own” section is a carnivore’s dream come true. Choose from five cuts of meat (or grilled chicken breast), two side dishes and finish it with your favorite sauce. I thoroughly enjoyed my flat iron steak in a red wine sauce, with mashed potatoes and seasonal mixed vegetables. It was perfectly balanced, with no one flavor overpowering another. Oh, and did I mention nothing on the menu is over $28.

If you have any room for dessert check out the strawberry yogurt cake, French apple tart or chocolate mousse.

The multiple personalities of Elements is what makes it the perfect choice for a date night with your spouse, a “girls’ night out,” with friends, or even a larger family event. The sleek, long, main room has banquet seating, with raised tables, along one side and additional tables in the front where you can enjoy the cozy view of the elevated fireplace.

For a larger group, book the back room, which is sectioned off with a beautiful beaded entry. Or, if you are looking to throw a real blow out party (birthdays, surprise parties, even Bar/Bat Mitzvahs) the enormous, more casual, rooftop with its own bar, is a funky and festive option. Chef Rick is as comfortable catering a big event as he is making a special meal for two.

So go ahead, book the babysitter and head over to Elements in White Plains. Just don't be surprised if she’s heading over there herself once you get home.

Elements Food and Spirits
161 Mamaroneck Ave.
White Plains, NY
(914) 358-4930
www.elementswhiteplains.com

You can book reservations on OpenTable.com