Month: October 2016

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Returns! November 1-13th 2016. Great time to try a new restaurant!

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Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, presented by Valley Table Magazine is back again starting November 1nd through November 13th 2016. This event involves over 200 restaurants in the mid and lower Hudson Valley which offer diners special three-course price fixe dinner menus for $29.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). Many of these fine restaurants also offer 3-course price fixe lunches for $20.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity).

This year celebrates 10 years of Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.


This is an amazing opportunity to try new restaurants, or some old favorites at a reasonable price. There are no tickets to buy and the process is easy ! Go to the Valley Table website and scroll down and view the participating restaurants, then choose a restaurant (or more), call them to make a reservation and then enjoy!
You really should not miss this special time get out and dine at some of the fantastic restaurants we have here in the Hudson Valley.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week presented by Valley Table Magazine

https://www.valleytable.com/hvrw

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Greenwich Restaurant Week Returns November 11-20th

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November 11-20 2016 marks the return of Greenwich Restaurant Week presented by Moffly Media. Foodies have a fantastic opportunity to try over  30 different participating restaurants.  The restaurants will be having special promotions with many having special Price Fixe menus.  It is a fabulous opportunity to try a new restaurant or revisit one of your favorites.

Greenwich Restaurant Week kicks off with an Opening Night Party on Thursday November 10 from 6pm to 9pm at The J House in Greenwich.  The party will feature tasty tapas and bites from 30 different beverage and food sponsors.  In attendance will be Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian who will be signing his new cookbook, and Kathy Lee Gifford who will be showcases her Gifft line of wines by pairing them with dishes prepared by Chef Conor of J House .  Tickets to the party are $75.  Part of the proceeds benefits the ride service, TAG.

For restaurant week the participating restaurants from the area are:  Applausi Osteria, Aux Delices, Back 40 Kitchen, Beach House Cafe, Bella Nonna, Bistro V, Blackstones, Bistro 47, Char, Coast, East End, Elms Street Oyster House, Fortina, Gabrielle’s, Harvest, L’escale. Le Fat poodle, Le Penguin, Little Pub, Lugano,Mediterraneo,Meli-Melo, Old Greenwich Social Club, Polpo, Tarry Lodge, Terra, The Ginger Man, Tredici North, The National, The J House, Winfields and Wuji.

This week only comes once a year so check the website for deals for each participating restaurants.  See you there!

for tickets and more information

http://greenwichrestaurantweek.com/

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All of Me Medispa: Spa week specials Oct 24-31st in Mt Kisco

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All of Me Medispa is a that creates an oasis of rejuvenation and relaxation.  It offers a number of different spa services including facials, laser hair removal, laser genesis, and tru sculpt.  This is a great way to try out their services!  Check out their website and facebook page for more information.

 

All Of Me Medispa

37 Moore Ave 
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914)864-1661                             http://www.allofmegyn.com/
Instagram @allofmemedispa
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Hilltop Hanover farm: Pumpkin Day and Autumn Square dance on Saturday Oct. 22nd

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Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights, NY will be hosting  “Pumpkin Day” at the farm on Saturday October 22nd.  The farm stand will be open and there will be pumpkin picking from 10am to 4pm and tours of the farm from 10am to 2pm.  There will be a theatrical performance at 3pm called “Slightly Strange Fairy Tails”.

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Starting at 4:30 to 7 pm there will be a square dance at the farm (tickets required).  The farm host a square dance with the band The Resonators and live caller, Liz Slade.  The farm asks you to bring your own picnic dinner and have some fun.   There will be a cash bar and a bake sale as well.

Tickets for the Square dance:  $10 adults, Kids $5 (ages 5-18) .  Reservations are required for the square dance.

Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center is a working crop farm and environmental educational facility and acts as a educational center teaching the methods of sustainable farming.

Come on out and enjoy the day at this beautiful farm.

For tickets and information :   

 http://www.hilltophanoverfarm.org

Hanover Hilltop Farm

1271 Hanover Street Yorktown Heights NY         tel  914 962 2368

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Camelot: a fresh adaptation of the classic musical at Westport Country Playhouse

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The legendary musical “Camelot” featuring Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard is currently being staged at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport Ct.  The musical is based on the novel “The Once and Future King”by  T.H. White, which retells the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.  The musical Camelot which opened on Broadway in 1960 and written by Lerner and Lowe starred Richard Burton, Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet.   It was the recipient of four Tony Awards.

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The story involves King Arthur of England and his ascent to the throne.  There he wants to create a new society of men, where differences are not settled by battle and war, but by courts of law.  He wants to bring peace to the land and creates a brotherhood of Knights whose mission it is not to bring war but to spread out and do good and noble deeds. Camelot is born and with it is the idealism of a better world.  It is in this setting that King Arthur meets and weds Guinevere,  and later is joined by Sir Lancelot.  It is this relationship that becomes a love triangle and threatens the very foundation of Camelot.

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The current production is a fresh and innovative look at the classic musical.  The entire production has been streamlined from the original and the story moves along easily during the 2 hour performance.  I have seen other productions of Camelot which are heavier and slower paced.  This production seems lighter, fresh and breathes new life into this classic.  Almost all the Lerner and Lowe songs are present in the production.  As part of the thinning of  the story, some of the better known characters such as Merlin are absent.

The performances by the actors are superb!  Robert Sean Leonard as King Arthur is magnificent and it is no wonder he is the recipient of several Tony nominations  and a Tony Award.  He brings a bounty of emotion to the role which was felt by the audience especially at the end of Act 2.    Britney Coleman is delightful as Guinevere, as her acting and amazing vocal talents light up the stage.    Excellent performances were also given by the rest of the cast including Stephen Mark Lukas as Lancelot and Patrick Andrews as Mordred.   A wonderful job by David Lee who adapted the book, and Mark Lamos for his direction.  The cast was greeted by an enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance.

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Performances run through November 5th 2016.

for tickets and more information including videos:

http://www.westportplayhouse.org/

Westport Playhouse

25 Powers Court Westport Ct

 

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Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: A must see spectacular Hudson Valley event!

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This is a fantastic event that you must experience and will certainly get you in the Autumn spirit.  The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze has returned to historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton On Hudson.  This is one of the country’s most extensive displays of lit Jack O’Lanterns.

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The grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor are transformed into a Halloween fantasy landscape with over 7000 lit and carved Jack O’Lanterns. Each one is hand carved  It is an extraordinary sight.

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Upon entering under the lit arch you follow along the Pumpkin Promenade, and over the “Pumpkin Zee” Bridge, a lit marvel of craftsmanship.   Under the bridge is a sea of underwater creatures all carved into pumpkins.  Everywhere you look there is some new detail to admire.  You pass an amazing sea serpent and enter the amazing “Pumpkin Planetarium” with its constantly changing light show.

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Your path wanders through such great creations as the circus train, Headless Horsemen display, witches and their cauldron, spiders, skeletons and so much more.  The tour ends back near the Manor House itself which has been transformed into a dramatic backdrop for a constantly changing light show.  This is really amazing and you must experience this event.   See slide show below !!

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There is also a tent serving drinks and snacks and a tent filled with Blaze related gifts.

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Tickets:  In advance only !!   $20 adults ($25 Saturdays), $16 Children (3-17) ($20 on Saturdays) Under 3 free   TICKETS ARE FOR SPECIFIC TIMES.  See website (Below) for dates and time availability.

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Dates available:   Nov. 3-6, 10-13, 19-20, 25-26

http://www.hudsonvalley.org/

KEE OYSTER HOUSE: Old New York Dining Experience comes to White Plains

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There is a new restaurant in White Plains that brings to the local dining scene a touch of old New York City with an elegant and urban vibe.  Three Westchester natives opened KEE Oyster House to bring New York’s famed oyster history back to life by serving a dazzling array of seafood items as well other menu options from the land.  The food is all super fresh (no frozen food) and prepared simple and pure to allow the taste and the freshness of the  food to really stand out.  Everything we sampled was top quality with ample portions.

Upon entering you know you are in a special restaurant.  The interior design uses painted dark wood, high ceilings and large tall windows, black and white tile floor in the bar area and Edison bulb lighting.  The effect is to replicate the feel of a New York City restaurant in the early 20th Century.  A beautiful long marble bar serves top notch specialty cocktails as well as a large wine menu and 20 types of single malt scotches and craft beer flows from seven taps.  Guests can eat at the bar and I witnessed some enjoying large plates of fresh oysters with their drinks.

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I sampled the Pomegranate Martini as well at the Oyster House Amigo.  I highly recommend these cocktails. Also at the bar diners can enjoy a bag of freshly made potato chips.

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If you enjoy the seafood, this the place for you.  A delightful menu with an emphasis on favorites as well as some unique and fresh options.  There are hot or cold Seafood Towers which are loaded with clams, oysters, crab meat shrimp and lobster. Any of the items in the Seafood Tower can also be ordered separately.  There is nice range of starters with salad, Roasted beets, Chowder and even ribs are available.

Starters: I tried the grilled oysters which were delicious and had a pure and lovely essence of the sea.  I was transported briefly to a seaside cafe.  Also fantastic was the Oysters Rockefeller with a light crust and creamy spinach filling.  A comforting and satisfying way to start the meal.

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Grilled Oysters

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Oysters Rockefeller

The Shrimp with grits was another tasty choice and the grits provided a nice contrast to the fresh shrimp.  The Fried Calamari was a little spicy with its chili aioli and crusty coating, and again was very tasty.

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Shrimp with Grits

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Calamari

Main Course:  There are 6 seafood selections  and 5 meat selections on the entree menu.  My entree was a 2 1/2 pound steamed lobster (sizes are 2 to 3 1/2 pounds) which is split and deshelled for you table side.  You can really taste the freshness of this classic dish.  My dish was so large, it really can be shared.

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Lobster

Another mouthwatering and healthy entree is the Roasted Halibut with a grape tomato stew. The halibut was perfectly prepared, light and delicious.  No frozen seafood is used and fresh seafood is sourced daily and it makes a  big difference in taste.  All dishes are a la carte with side dishes available at additional cost. I sampled the scrumptious Grilled Asparagus and the Roasted Cauliflower with brie cheese.  A nice complement to the entree.

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Halibut in a grape tomato stew

Dessert:  Don’t leave without trying the homemade and classic desserts.  We sampled the Apple Cobbler and the Key Lime pie and both were a nice sweet way to round out our meal.

Apple Cobbler
Key Lime Pie

KEE Oyster House is a special restaurant with the feel, atmosphere and high quality of a top restaurant in Manhattan.   Not feeling the trip into Manhattan to dine?  Then KEE delivers the NYC dining experience right in the heart of White Plains. A warm and lovely atmosphere with top notch service and great food is why this new gem should be on your list of spots to dine.

Both Lunch and Dinner served.  Reservations are suggested.  Private dining room available.

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KEE OYSTER HOUSE

126-128 East Post Road White Plains New York   tel: 914 437 8535

http://www.keeoysterhouse.com/

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Hilltop Hanover Farm:Come to a special Farm to Table Dinner at the farm

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A very special evening awaits! On October 19th at 6pm to 10 pm, The Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights present a Farm to Table Dinner at the farm.    The evening will feature Westchester and area farmers and chefs in a rustic small plate Farm to Table dinner under a tent at Hilltop Hanover Farm.

Broken Bow Brewery of Tuckahoe N. Y. will be providing local craft beer and guests will be able to taste foods and small plates from the following restaurants and farms:

Farmer and The Fish, Peter Pratt’s Inn, Birdsall House, L’Inizio, Bella Cucina Maria, Ladle of Love, Cafe of Love, Suzanne’s Table, Sweet Grass Grill and Tomatillo, Pound Ridge Organics, The Mill, Red Barn Bakery, Baked By Susan, Campbell Meats, Hudson Milk Company,  Fishkill Farm, Glynwood Farm, Sprout Creek Farm Cheese, and Harvest Moon and Orchard. 

The proceeds from this event will support the Brett Alcaro farmer scholarship fund for young farmers trained at Hilltop Hanover  and a college fund for his two small children.  There will also be a silent auction.

So come out and have a great meal, a unique dining experience, and support a good cause.

Tickets are $75

for tickets and more information: 

 http://www.hilltophanoverfarm.org/event/brett-alcaro-memorial-farm-to-table-dinner/

or tickets can be purchased at the main office at the farm.

Hilltop Hanover Farm

1271 Hanover Street  Yorktown Heights, NY

 

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