About Us
Described by The New York Times as “a darling of downtown New Rochelle,” Alvin & Friends– selected by Westchester Magazine for its roundup of the “Best of Westchester” yet again in 2021 — serves contemporary cuisine with Southern and Caribbean flavors. Alvin & Friends – Zagat rated 26 for food, 26 for décor and 26 for service – combines urban sophistication with comfortable elegance: Wooden panels inset with glass windows carve the main room into cozy dining areas, while dramatic iron-and-hemp chandeliers accent the high ceilings and provide a counterpoint to the colorful artwork that covers the walls. Indeed, the dozens of stunning, Matisse-inspired oil paintings — created by owner Alvin Clayton — are part of the restaurant’s signature look.
But it’s not just the atmosphere, or the paintings — or the mouthwatering menu – that keep customers coming back to Alvin & Friends: Clayton is an engaging and genuine host. “The restaurant is really an extension of my home: I want people to feel welcome from the moment they step through that door. I know that people have choices, and I’m genuinely honored that they choose to be with us,” he says.
“You may not enter Alvin & Friends as one of the pals of the owner, Alvin Clayton, but by the time you leave you’re likely to feel that you’ve become one.” — The New York Times
“From the warm greeting to the upscale food, friendly service and welcoming ambiance, dining at Alvin & Friends truly gave me the feeling that I added to my circle of friends. I look forward to visiting the Claytons again soon.” — The Scarsdale Inquirer
About Chef Chris
Christopher Brown, known as Chef Chris, is a Jamaican-American chef specializing in Caribbean, American, and Asian cuisine. Born and raised in Jamaica, his passion for cooking began at a young age in the kitchen with his mother, who taught him the foundations of cooking and kitchen management; lessons that continue to shape his culinary journey today.
Chef Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in International Business, but his career path ultimately led him to the culinary world. After migrating to the United States, he began working in restaurants as a dishwasher, where mentors such as Chef Shaggy, Chef OnEil, Chef Randolph, and Chef Renford recognized his potential and helped guide his development in professional kitchens.
He gained valuable experience working in several restaurants throughout Brooklyn, including Bamana Boat in Flatbush and Milk River Restaurant, where he advanced from preparation cook to line cook while expanding his knowledge of both Caribbean and Asian cuisine. Over the years, he continued refining his skills at restaurants such as Caribbean Social and Suede, learning from respected mentors including Chef Paul and Chef Rayan.
Currently, Chef Chris is part of the culinary team at Alvin & Friends in New Rochelle, New York. Known for signature dishes such as oxtail, curry goat, jerk chicken, stew fish, cod fritters, and Asian-style fried rice, he blends authentic Caribbean traditions with global influences. Inspired by his mother’s legacy, Chef Chris remains committed to creating memorable dining experiences and delivering dishes that exceed expectations.
Our Friends
