Another COVID Victim: Winston in Mt. Kisco

Another COVID Victim: Winston in Mt. Kisco: We’ve all been watching very carefully at the local restaurant scene – hoping our favorite eateries make it through the pandemic. Just when we thought all our fave raves had survived the storm we received the sad news that Winston in Mt. Kisco has decided to close permanently. A fantastic renovation with a decidedly Prohibition era vibe, a rooftop bar and jazz scene, theme nights, and an elevated bar menu gave Winston the only authentic urban vibe in our area. And Chef Michael Williams impeccable menu with French, Asian and Middle Eastern influences ranked with the best fine dining restaurants in Westchester.

Depending on your style or the occasion, Winston had a level for you. The gastropub on the first floor felt like you were stepping into a scene for The Sting. Here’s where you bellied up to the bar and ordered Margaritas and Crispy Spring Shrimp Rolls . The second floor had a Gramercy Tavern feeling. This was where you ate Moroccan Duck Breast, Scottish Salmon or a NY Strip on white table cloths and the Governor at the next table. And the third floor outdoor space was like a Tribeca rooftop party. Six years of class from Chef Michael Williams, formerly of The Perennial Chef in Bedford Hills. We’ve known him since 2006.

Here’s the letter he sent out on Friday.

We are writing you today with the sad news that we have made the decision to permanently close Winston. As many of you know and have personally felt, the pandemic has made a lasting change in the day-to-day reality for so many, not least of which for restaurants. As the county begins to reopen, we have tried to picture what that future would look like for Winston and, like so many in our industry, we just couldn’t picture a scenario in which reopening our dining room would be an operationally, financially, or otherwise viable option.

When we think back on the 6 years since we first opened on Main Street Mount Kisco, we are filled with gratitude towards our many guests, and remember warm evenings filled with live music and margaritas on our rooftop to nights spent with friends enjoying a bowl of fresh pappardelle and wine glass in hand.

Mount Kisco remains our home – most of us live right in the area! – and we look forward to continuing to support our community in other ways. We hope there will be a day when we can welcome you back to our table but until then, stay safe and best wishes from all of us at Winston.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Branigan, General Manager
Michael Williams, Executive Chef & Partner