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By Lilian Peña

Having just celebrated her 20th anniversary of Meritage (pronounced like the word Heritage), Jamie Steinthal has successfully run this stunning restaurant in Scarsdale, humbled by the wonderfully supportive neighborhood she calls family. She credits much of her success to an extremely caring family that helps her juggle being a wife, mom and business owner. 

I asked Jamie how the restaurant has evolved over the past twenty years and she explained that for most of us, twenty years is similar to a life. The restaurant has a life of its own, with all its ups and downs, twists and turns. Through it all, Jamie has maintained her persistance and perserverance. Even as a child, she remembered there was a class she was really passionate about being involved in, but was not chosen to be a part of. Her mother encouraged her to pursue what she felt so strongly about and speak to the school, leading her to be accepted into the class. Recently, Jamie’s mother asked her if she still had that perserverance, and the proof is twenty years of taking special care of a beautiful restaurant that is beloved by Scarsdale and beyond. 

“Our community is so supportive of us,” Jamie stated. Through absolutely everything, the surrounding community has always been there for Jamie, her staff and the restaurant as a whole. There is a collaboration that is very female-centered within the community that was unexpected. They understand the relationship between the restaurant and the patrons in order to make it successful, which makes Scarsdale so special. She reminisced about the days during COVID when Scarsdale rallied around Meritage in order to keep it going. “I love people and taking good care of them while they spend time at the restaurant.” Jamie mentioned how much her father loves the restaurant and people connect with him. She said that they think of him as “dad”. In addition, Jamie feels strongly about the positive connection that has been made through the Scarsdale Business Alliance and the community. 

Over the years, Meritage has created a sincere neighborhood vibe that translates through the locally-sourced, mouth-watering menu. Her staff shares her passion and are attentive and caring. Jamie complimented her chef, Fernando Camacho, “who loves to cook, feed people, in all the good ways you would want your chef to be. He really cares.”

The menu at Meritage for the most part stays consistent. Locally-sourced, seasonal vegetables may change with the protein in order to keep things fresh. Regular patrons have come to love their “go-to” items on the menu and look forward to the vibrant offerings that each season holds.

The Roasted Beets with red endive, orange, époisses brie, pistachios, and rose vinaigrette started off our evening in the most spectacular way. The Brussel Sprout Leaves with a beautifully poached egg, guanciale, pecorino, and crispy panko garnish was both light and decadent at the same time. Our entrees included Pan Roasted Free Range Chicken served with brussel sprouts, butternut squash, baby carrots, roasted onions that was fresh, succulent and superbly prepared. Finally, we thoroughly enjoyed the Organic Pan Seared Salmon with apple, fennel, arugula, pomegranate, and Meyer lemon vinaigrette. The Chocolate Bread Pudding consisted of vanilla ice cream, a luscious creme anglaise, chocolate sauce. Meritage offers an impressive selection of wine, beer and handcrafted cocktails that are expertly finessed. 

The combination of modern culinary selections and comfortable elegance makes Meritage a distinctive dining experience that will keep guests coming back for another twenty years.

Meritage Restaurant
1505 Weaver St, Scarsdale, NY 10583|
(914) 472-8484   
www.eatatmeritage.com
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