Eating Rye is an occasional feature to meet the chefs and other professionals in the restaurant kitchens across Rye and neighboring communities. When you dine-in, pick-up or call for delivery, these are the folks working hard for you, your friends & family and your taste buds.
Today you will meet Renee Forsberg of Town House Kitchen + Drinks in New Rochelle. The restaurant is participating in New Rochelle’s Dine Downtown Week from Thursday, June 26 to Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Your Name: Renee Forsberg
Role: Creative Culinary Director
Restaurant: Town House Kitchen + Drinks (559 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801, 914- 278-9278, reservations)
MyRye.com: Describe yourself in one word.
Forsberg: Passionate
How long have you been the culinary director at Town House Kitchen + Drinks?
Forsberg: 1 year (since opening)
Previously, where did you work?
Forsberg: [I was] Culinary Director to Bobby Flay for over two decades.
What and when was your first paid job?
Forsberg: Restaurant related first job – Turtle Crossing, East Hampton, NY – front of the house server – 1999
Describe your path to becoming a chef.
Forsberg: Soon after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Florida State University, my career path took an unexpected turn into the hospitality industry. While working in the front of the house in East Hampton, a friend noticed my natural interest in the kitchen.Â
Shortly after 9/11, I decided to attend culinary school at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. The required externship brought me to Bolo, Bobby Flay’s second restaurant, which then led me to [become] his culinary director a few years later.
What are three attributes that make someone a good chef?Â
Forsberg: A successful chef must build a trusting staff to support the kitchen, know how to build layers of flavor when cooking and love what they do for a living.
Describe your restaurant’s clientele.
Forsberg: We’re proud to serve a diverse range of guests from the New Rochelle community. Our clientele includes everything from families with children who enjoy our warm, welcoming atmosphere and kid-friendly menu, to adults looking for a fun night out with friends—often joining us for cocktails, trivia nights, or a relaxed dinner. We also have the honor of hosting many memorable celebrations in our private event spaces, with guests toasting their important friend or family milestones with us.
Describe the atmosphere of your restaurant.
Forsberg: Town House Kitchen + Drinks offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where comfort meets creativity in a lively, three-story setting. The vibe is relaxed yet vibrant, with the hum of conversation infusing every corner with energy and charm. It’s a place where guests feel at home—whether they’re sharing a cozy meal, celebrating a milestone, or simply enjoying a glass of wine among friends.
Describe the physical attributes of your restaurant.
Forsberg: Town House Kitchen + Drinks is a striking three-story space that blends comfort with creativity in every detail. Each floor offers a unique experience, from cozy, intimate nooks perfect for a quiet meal to open, lively areas ideal for gatherings and celebrations. The walls are adorned with art inspired by the warmth and diversity of homes—adding a personal, welcoming touch that reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of community and connection.
Match a recommended meal with each season.
Warm summer evening – Forsberg: Mediterranean Market Catch with a fresca tomato sauce of kalamata olives, capers, chile and basil
Crisp fall afternoon – Forsberg: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage Pesto and pepitas
Cold winter day – Forsberg: Fettucine Bolognese
What is your favorite dish on the menu and why?Â
Forsberg: Lobster Bucatini! This dish is enjoyable year round with hints of tomato, basil and lemon. Topped with grated parmesan, it is a wonderfully satisfying entree.
What’s the most underrated day of the week and time of day to enjoy your restaurant?Â
Forsberg: Tuesday and Wednesday nights! We have great specials such as $1 sliders and wings!
Thanks Renee!
Congratulations to Renee Forsberg and the team at Town House Kitchen + Drinks on a well-deserved feature—and kudos to Amélie Coghlan for a thoughtful and well-written piece. Downtown New Rochelle is proud to have Town House as part of our growing culinary scene. We’re looking forward to Dine Downtown Week, June 26–July 2, as another opportunity to celebrate local talent.