Dining Out On Father's Day!

Wondering where to take dad for a good Father's Day meal? There are quite a few fine options around our area, from the stereotypical meat-and-potatoes dinner to an easygoing lunch or brunch.

Frankie & Johnnie's, 77 Purchase Street, Rye 914-925-3900

If dad is a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, for the past few years area beef aficionados have claimed their benchmark to be this upscale steakhouse in Rye. It is part of the Frankie and Johnnie's group which has been operating steakhouses in Manhattan and Hoboken, N.J. since 1926. Housed in a former Rye Trust bank building, this tri-level 130-seat restaurant -- with sweeping ceilings, classic bustling bar/lounge, giant mural, mosaic glass, booth seating on the main level and an inviting second tier above -- certainly creates a dramatic setting for putting down a hefty hunk of high-end prime aged steak. What to order? The USDA prime dry aged New York Sirloin ($42) is a good cut. For starters surround it with fresh Tuna Tartare ($18 with a side order of wasabi), and a half-dozen Blue Point Oysters ($14). A good special Arugula & Endive Salad with gravy trays of tasty aged balsamic and gorgonzola cheese ($12) always makes my palate long for more. The big steak will arrive in all its 2-inch thick 24 oz. glory exactly as ordered. Each cut of beef is meaty and delicious with slight char on the outside and pink inside. On the side try a requisite bowl of creamed spinach ($9) or a platter of sauteed mushrooms and onions ($9). The house steak sauce has a wonderful spicy edge to it. And try a good bottle of Saint-Esprit Cotes du Rhone 2007 ($40) to complement your feast. As an indulgence go for the 'Fresh Fruit Basket', strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries for dessert 'mit schlag', a good dose of fresh whipped cream ($10.).  www.frankieandjohnnies.com

Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison 914-835-6199

Chef/owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across the street from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: fresh summer salads; Crostino di Polenta, topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola and tomato sauce; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Grilled Quails; a good Veal Chop Martini with Triple Sec, orange and ginger sauce with spicy peppers; and fresh made Zabaglione with fresh fruit for dessert. Price range at dinner: main courses $11.95 to $25.95. If the name Vivolo sounds familiar, Dean's dad Michael Vivolo is owner of the venerable La Riserva in Larchmont. The restaurant takes on a special glitter evenings. Good wine list. Party facilities. Open 7 days. Free parking. www.trattoriavivolo.com

Murphy's Law Irish Pub, 110 Halstead Ave., Harrison 914-630-2760

Owners Tim Murphy and Jim Morganthaler serve up hearty Irish/American specialties along with a good dose of conviviality. Generous fresh entree salads are available throughout the day including the popular Cobb and their signature Harrison Salad, a mountain or mixed greens with bleu cheese, tomato, shredded chicken, pickled onions and bacon bits. Build your own burgers with a variety of toppings; there's house made Meatloaf with onion gravy; a hefty open faced Reuben; the whopping big Husky Burger; and tender braised lamb shank. Sundays starting at 5 pm there is an all-you-can-eat BBQ here that Dad might enjoy with burgers, hotdogs, sausages, BBQ chicken and ribs for a reasonable $17. per person; with unlimited beer or wine, $25. Kids under 10 eat free! And there's live entertainment. The open and enclosed decks are now open for business too.

Al Dente, 60 Halstead Ave., Harrison 914-835-3100

Chef/owner Anthony Delfino had previously been associated with  Alex & Henry's Restaurant and Caterers in Eastchester. He is currently marking 6 years in Harrison with a variety of  classic specialties that Dad can get into:  Caesar Salad; Linguini with white clams sauce; rustic Chicken Scarpariello, with sausage and garlic in a white wine and lemon sauce; Grilled Prime Pork Chop with caramelized onions in a porn wine reduction; gold old-fashioned Veal Parmigiana; Black Angus Shell Steak, charbroiled and topped with toasted onions; and a good sized Veal Chop. There's also a big juicy burger on hand and Flat Iron Steak. Sunday certain vintages from the wine list are half off; a fine complement to your Father's Day meal. Main courses at dinner: $15.95 to $28.95. Bar menu available all day. www.makeitaldente.com

Emilio Restaurant, 1 Colonial Place, Harrison 914-835-3100

The Brasesco family, with second generation Chef Sergio Brasesco currently at the helm, is nearing 30 years in this vintage century old colonial house serving what many Italian food aficionados praise as some of the best regional Italian cooking in the area. An arresting antipasti selection, fresh house made pastas, and a seasonal menu to boot. Check out such house specialties as: Veal Tonnato, topped with a decadent creamy tuna/caper/mayo sauce; Pappardelle al Pesto, with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmigiano (half orders of pasta are available); Panzerotti Salsa Noci, handmade ricotta and Swiss chard  filled pillows served in a walnut cream sauce; Arrosto di Pollo, tender roasted half chicken with olive oil, fresh rosemary, garlic and lemon served over spinach; and their signature Scottaditta alla Toscana, a trio of pork medallions, breast of chicken and filet mignon marinated with wine and herbs, flash grilled with fresh rosemary, whole garlic and a drizzle of Tuscan BBQ sauce. Extensive wine list too. Main courses at dinner: $18.95 to $32. www.emilioristorante.com

(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant for former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the dining scene in greater Westchester for more than 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)