WPCNR WHITE PLAINS AFTER DARK. By John F. Bailey. October 23, 2003: With impeccable timing, 3 weeks before the movies open at City Center, Gus Manessis, owner of Splendid Coffee Shop, and his partner Dieter Busenhart opened their new venture in the Berkeley College Building on Church Street Wednesday evening, and the swankly appointed bistro-bar-oasis, "DG's" received high praise from Opening-Nighters. One young lady, with her equally beguiling companions all agreed the swank night and day spot was "something White Plains has needed for a long time. We'll definitely be back. It's a great after-the-movies-place."

DG's: A little bit of Rick's Cafe' Americaine, A little bit of Manhattan, A Little bit Diner, A little bit Bar, DG's is officially opened Wednesday evening. Doing the honors are City Council President, Benjamin Boykin, left, Co-Owner Dieter Busenhart, Mayor Joseph Delfino, and Gus Manessis. Looking on in glasses, is Mr. Mannessis' father. Photo by WPCNR StreetCam

Mayor Joseph Delfino and city luminaries dropped by to cut officially the opening night ribbon, and with plenty of parking across the street, DG's has something other restaurants do not, free parking, and an all-purpose grown-up-but-not-quite atmosphere

Open for lunch, dinner and snacks, from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M. with its two bars, one circular and intimate, the other casual and offering counter service, with two dining areas in an acoustically acceptable atmosphere, DG is a hybrid of bar, restaurant, conversation place, appealing to couples, families, and lazy reporter types. A definite cut-above the typical pub and sports bar atmosphere which dominates the White Plains Mamaroneck Avenue scene, it gives frequenters of Pearl, Coughlin's, Vintage, and Trotters a less socially demanding and economical venue for their hangout time.

With its creative lighting, sleek chrome tables and chairs on one wing and lacquer tables in its right wing, DG's delivers elegance without elitism, casuality without informality, and ambience without pretension. It's just the place make a statement here with a date, without putting a lot of pressure on either of you. You can bring a business associate for a quick tasty bite in a hurry and still show them respect without blowing the expense account or your bankroll. You can drop by with the family during shopping hours with plenty of space. There are a lot of waitresses, young and enthusiastic, and the seating is quite elegant, without overcrowding.

There is one menu for both lunch and dinner. Appetizers to $6.95, including the reporter's favorite, Fried Calamari, to the teen favorite, mozzarella sticks. There are 10 salads to $8.95. 7 Sandwiches up to $5.95, and pitas and wraps. For the big lunchers  you have choices of burgers under $6, 6 souvlakis, 3 pastas with 4 sauces. The most expensive lunch dishes are $10.95 (Eggplant Rollatini and Chicken Rollatini). There are 10 pizzas, Italian and Greek, and 18 desserts (to $3.95)