Just in time for summer, a casual and fun restaurant has opened in the vibrant Harbor Point section of Stamford.  Salt Bar is a perfect fit for the growing dining scene of this water front locale.  Salt Bar’s space in the heart of Harbor Point  offers dining out doors when weather permits, as well as comfortable indoor dining and a large U shaped bar.

The theme is a beachy  yet modern Cape Cod type vibe which is perfect for its location so near Long Island Sound. The menu is simple but includes enough for everyone in your party with a raw bar, three salads,  and New England Clam chowder.  Small plates include steak skewers, a crab and artichoke dip and several seafood choices.  The large plates is more expansive with two chicken dishes,  a burger and several more fresh seafood options.

There is a nice assortment of craft cocktails ($15), as well as 15 different craft beers ($6-$11) with most varieties sourced from New England.   Wines abound with nearly 20 offerings by the glass ($7-$14).

For starters we enjoyed half a dozen fresh oysters from the raw bar.  Oyster choice changes daily and we sampled the Island Creek oyster harvested from  Duxbury, Mass.  A great choice, fresh and just enough salinity to allow you imagine you  are at an ocean resort.  Also from the raw bar was the Shrimp Cocktail, plump and succulent.

We stayed with the seafood theme for our large plates with the Boothbay Lobster Roll served cold with mayo and a side of fries.  A great choice on a warm summer evening.  The roll is also available warm with butter.

The Steamed Whole Lobster was our other choice and exceeded our expectations.  Fresh and steamed to perfection and  served with butter and a choice of side.   Both dishes were priced in the current market price range and at $28 for the whole lobster, we felt it was very good value.

The restaurant was filled the night we dined there with every seat inside and out occupied.  The wait staff despite the crowd was professional and attentive and both drinks and dishes arrived like clockwork. The diners were in all age groups with singles, couples, families and groups of friends easily meshing in the casual atmosphere of Salt Bar.

After dining make sure to take a stroll along the waterfront and catch a sunset.

Salt Bar

14 Harbor Point Road Stamford Ct 

tel. 203.870.2565

web> http://www.boothbaylobster.com

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We were thrilled to experience our first production at the Schoolhouse Theater in North Salem last evening.  Now on stage at this gem of a theater is “ The Dog in the Dressing Room” a romantic comedy written by  Deborah Savadge.  This comedy is a real audience pleaser with a funny fast moving script, sharp direction, and wonderful performances from the four person cast.

The play is set in the backstage of a theater that is preparing for opening night.  Here we meet our characters, The Mime (Nicola Iervasi ), who introduces the audience (silently) to the play, and appears at various times in the play to signal changes in the scene.   We also meet Kira (Estelle Bajou) the actress who has landed a major role in the play.  Her long time friend, party buddy and confidant Kevin (Jack Utrata ) and the Company Manager Joel (Gregory Perri) round out the cast.

As Kira rehearses for opening night she finds a strange dog in her dressing room.  She soon finds that the dog is a gift from the Company Manager, Joel whom she barely knows.  It seems he has been listening in on the stage intercom to the conversations between cast members.  He has become quite taken by Kira and when she tells a cast member she would love a house in the suburbs and a dog one day, Joel decides to buy her a dog.  Kira is perplexed by his gift and his intentions, and it is only complicated as the socially awkward Joel starts buying dog toys, food and shampoo for the dog and inviting himself over to her apartment to care for the dog.  Kevin who is Kira’s long time friend from high school does not like Joel and feels his behavior is driving a wedge between him and Kira.   The audience is drawn into the story which at points morphs into drama, and quickly back into a romantic comedy.  What will Kira do as opening night approaches and she learns more about the secretive Joel? Will she follow her heart or  listen to Kevin’s warnings? All is revealed  about the characters and their fate in the end when the play comes to its charming conclusion.

The direction of the play by Bram Lewis is first rate.  The pace of the play is swift, especially in the first half hour with short rapid scenes that quickly transition into the next scene.  The audience never gets to rest and is quickly drawn into the play. There is plenty of fast moving physical comedy as well.  We particularly liked a scene where Kira and Kevin leave the stage and continue their argument into the audience aisles. It really grabbed the attention of the house.  A very effective method of writing and direction.

Estelle Bajou as  Kira has credits as a Drama Desk nominated actor.  Her performance is wonderful.  Her eyes and face are full of expression as she moves through many different moods during the play.  She is really a strong actor who commands the stage.   Jack Utrata who has off Broadway and National Tour credits is hysterical as Kevin, Kira’s flamboyant friend.  His style of exuberant physical comedy had the audience laughing.  Gregory Perri does a fine job as the awkward Joel  and Nicola Iervasi  entertained us all as the Mime who meanders through the 85 minute performance.  There is one more cast member to meet, but we will leave that as a  surprise for the audience.

The Dog in the Dressing Room is a fun, fast moving and very entertaining play and playwright Deborah Savadge has done a great job bringing these interesting characters to life.  This is the World Premiere of this play, and we can only see more success for it in the future.

The production  runs through July 1st with performances in the 99 seat theater on Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Tickets are $38,  seniors at $35

Prior to the show make sure you browse the art gallery also housed in the Schoolhouse building. Free parking.

The Schoolhouse Theater

3 OWENS ROAD, NORTH SALEM,  NY 10560

tickets>>>>  https://www.schoolhousetheater.org/

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A fun restaurant has opened inside a historic railroad station in downtown Port Chester, NY.   Station House is the latest restaurant from the Our Restaurant Group which operates the successful Village Beer Garden next door, as well as Rye House Port Chester and Rye House Manhattan taverns.

Though a slightly different vibe from the Village Beer Garden, Station House assumes the role once served by  the rail station as being  the heart of the community.  Station House is a restaurant and tavern with a casual atmosphere which encourages friends and family to gather and enjoy good food, an exciting cocktail menu and variety of craft and international beers.

Situated on the busy New Haven commuter line, the station has been tastefully restored and many of its 19th century elements remain intact.  The tall ceilings and windows, millwork, brass lighting, and the even the original ticket office remain.   A refresh of the space which includes, bar, coal fired oven and open kitchen with bar side seating.  Deep red banquettes line one wall and form a great place for diners  to gather and enjoy the fare.

The menu focuses on food that is fun and friendly and the coal fired pizza is at the heart of the menu.  These thin crust delights are available 13 different ways  with something for everyone.  Little Neck Clam and Bacon was a hit,  as was the classic Four Cheese  featuring  fresh mozzarella, ricotta, fontina, parmesan, garlic and herbs.  There are options for the vegetarian in your party with the Spinach, Roasted Funghi, or the Sweet and Spicy filling their needs.  For those who like meat with their pizza,  there is the Carnivore and the Chicken Pesto.

Diners can also enjoy  Beacon Oysters (roasted Blue Point) , Whipped Ricotta with toast points, and the mouth watering Mama’s Meatballs.    There are seasonal salads with  total of 5 on the menu.  We sampled the wonderful Summer Asparagus salad with farro, feta, tomato,  in a dijon vinaigrette. Fresh and healthy.

 

 

Station House does have a entree menu with two pastas (including a delicious Mac and Cheese), one chicken and one seafood dish.  The menu is filled with many options that lend itself to sharing and enjoyment by everyone at the table.

Cocktails are part of the draw here, and the New Haven Bound with Tito’s vodka, lime juice, and fresh strawberries was the perfect summer evening drink.   There are 12 varieties of wine by the glass and 13 by the bottle.  Beer is available by can or on tap with 20 different refreshing options from which to choose.

Gather your friends and family and head to the Station House for an evening of fun. This is one train you do not want to miss.

Station House

3 Broad Street  Port Chester NY

Web>> https://stationhousepc.com

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A very special series of dinner events is coming to Space On Ryder Farm in Brewster NY. Taking place each month from June through August, SPACE’S annual Seasonal Suppers are a showcase for artistic talent and culinary talent as well.

Guests to this very special evening will take part in a wonderful and healthy dinner served outdoors on the farm.

The June supper will feature a performance from musician Celissse Henderson.   Celisse is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer and spoken word artist. Her deep and varied career has seen her on stage, from the recent revival of Godspell at Circle in the Square Theater ,on television, in PBS’s The Electric Company, 30 Rock, Rescue Meand more; and in concert, at venues ranging from the Beacon Theater, supporting Mariah Carey, Madison Square Garden supporting Kesha .  It should be a very special performance.

The June supper  will be a seasonally-curated menu from chef Rebecca Newman.  Ms. Newman is a currently a pastry chef and she has previously worked as the Executive Pastry Chef at Northern Spy Food Company, and in the pastry departments at The Waverly Inn, Barbuto, and l’apicio.  This promises to be an intimate evening of food and art celebrating the height of the Hudson Valley’s summer harvest This is a farm dinner experience you will remember long after you leave this special venue.   Menu items planned include many healthy and locally sourced items such as beet salad, cavatelli, roasted radishes, fire roasted chicken and concluding with a delicious sounding Yogurt Semifreddo.  It sounds delicious!

The entire event is held outdoors under the summer sky at the beautiful Ryder Farm located on the Brewster/North Salem border.

The supper is rain or shine. In the event of rain, the meal and performances will take place inside the historic buildings at Ryder Farm. Tickets are $135 per person.    If you cannot make this event, make sure to check back for more events to come this summer.

The next Seasonal Summer event takes place on July 21st and followed by another on August 25th. Both at SPACE at Ryder Farm.

Saturday July 28th  will feature an outdoor performance from the Cultural Arts Coalition’s Concerts Around the Corner ensemble and special guests, highlighting folk music traditions in both contemporary and classical music.

Sunday August 12th at 5pm will feature  The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in “The Sea Maids Music”. In this original clown show made in collaboration with the actors of HVSF’s Conservatory Company, a Mermaid is a source of inspiration for a young Will Shakespeare aching to break free from his small town life. Suitable for all ages. Pre-show farm tours are available, and picnic suppers are welcome.

September will showcase a Roving Dinner on September 15th at the farm and starts at 4:30pm  The evening features an eight-course curated dinner paired with excerpts of eight new plays and musicals developed by SPACE’s Working Farm writers group, served and performed at eight locations around Ryder Farm.

ABOUT SPACE ON RYDER FARM
Founded in 2011 by Emily Simoness and Susan Goodwillie, the Farm is a one-of-a-kind artist residency located on the grounds of a 223-year-old working organic farm in Brewster, NY, just an hour northof New York City. SPACE creates an environment singular in its ability to invigorate artists and innovators and their work.

For tickets and information:

https://www.spaceonryderfarm.org/space-calendar/2018/6/23/june-seasonal-supper

Space on Ryder Farm

406 Starr Ridge Rd.   Brewster, NY  10509

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A fun event for adults is coming June 21st at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Celebrate the summer solstice with sips and samples from some of the area’s top breweries, distillers and restaurants during the “Maritime with a Twist” adults-only evening event at the Aquarium!

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND RETAILERS INCLUDE: 

Asylum Distillery, Bandido Mexican Restaurant, Burger Bar & Bistro, Eder Brothers Wine
Evarito’s, Glenlivet Scotch, Harlan Publick, Killer B Burger, Knot Norm’s, La Dolce Italian Ice & Café, Local Kitchen & Beer Bar, Maikana Foods, Naked Turtle Rum, Our House SoNo
Public Wine Bar, Tablao, The Blind Rhino, The Cask Republic, Total Wine & More

Sample them all while enjoying the entire Aquarium for one price. There’s no extra cost for food and drink after your ticketed admission.

Weather permitting, the event will also be held outside at the Aquarium’s  riverfront courtyard. Enjoy food and drink samples on a warm June evening along the Norwalk River.   The Westport-based cover band Sinergy will provide live music.

Open to anyone age 21 and over. Tickets for the June 21 “Maritime with a Twist” are $50 ($45 for Aquarium members) with proceeds supporting The Maritime Aquarium. Event runs from 6-9pm.

For tickets and more information:

https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/events/event/1108815

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

10 North Water Street Norwalk Ct

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Westchester’s own Thompson’s Cider Mill formally launched its  Hard Ciders  at a special kick-off tasting at RiverMarket Bar and Kitchen in Tarrytown, the first restaurant to offer the hard ciders on tap and in bottles. The launch, which took place on June 13, coincides with Hudson Valley Cider Week.

At the gathering, Thompson’s Hard Ciders were paired with farm-to-table fare prepared by RiverMarket. The dry and semi-dry ciders are crafted in Westchester from heirloom and specialty apples from the Cider Mill’s own orchard as well as other Hudson Valley orchards with whom Thompson has long-time relationships.  The fresh juice is pressed and fermented in small batches at the Cider Mill founded 42 years ago in southwest Yorktown near Croton-on-Hudson.

Fifteen years ago, Thompson began experimenting with making apple wine which he still produces in limited quantities.  “I developed knowledge and skill, but not enough to be able to attain a consistent, high-quality finished product,” he says.   “When I started, virtually no one knew what I was talking about. But over the last five or six years, as craft brewing grew in popularity, hard cider caught on. When my long-time fresh cider customers began asking me why I didn’t offer hard cider, I realized that the time had come to get serious about what I had started all those years before.”   The key to moving forward came when he aligned with Dan O’Brien, a trained cider maker.

The cider will be available at RiverMarket Bar and Kitchen, and other restaurants in the near future as they ramp up production.

About Thompson’s Cider Mill

Thompson’s Cider Mill is situated on land that has been an apple orchard since the 1870s.  Geoff Thompson founded his cider mill in 1976 with the goal of restoring a 100-year-old orchard and preserving a piece of Westchester’s rich agricultural past.

for more information:

visit: thompsonscidermill.com

Thompson’s Cider Mill

335 Blinn Road Croton on Hudson NY

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The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean‑Georges is hosting a very special event on June 26th at 11:30 am. Chloe Coscarelli and Chef Neal Harden will be the guests at their June Literary Luncheon.

Chloe will be talking about her new book, Chloe Flavor and will partner with Chef Jean‑Georges and Chef Neal Harden of abcV ( a Jean-Georges restaurant with a plant based menu) to serve a family style vegan lunch.

Chloe Coscarelli is a vegan chef  and author. She became the first vegan to win a culinary competition on television and was named to the 2017 Class of 30 Under 30 by Forbes.    She has published several vegan cookbooks including  Chloe’s Kitchen, followed by Chloe’s Vegan Desserts in 2013 and Chloe’s Vegan Italian Kitchen in 2014.   Her latest cookbook  Chloe Flavor, has just been released and includes 125 new vegan recipes.  Books will be available for purchase at the event and can be signed by Chloe.

Do not miss this very special Literary Lunch at the Inn at Pound Ridge.  Seating is limited and you are encouraged to make a reservation in advance.
Tuesday, June 26th
11:30am
$108 per person (plus tax & gratuity)

Please call The Inn at Pound Ridge at 914-764-1400 to make a reservation.

The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges

258 Westchester Avenue Pound Ridge NY

web>  http://www.theinnatpoundridge.com
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A wonderful drama has come to the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport.  Flyin West by Pearl Cleage is a compelling drama about 4 African American women set in 1898  on the Kansas prairie.  Based on true historical events, the play draws its inspiration from the real settlement of Nicodemus, Kansas which was settled by former slaves and their children who wanted to escape the poverty and racism of the post Civil War South and create a new life in a new town populated only by African Americans.

The impressive stage design is of a rustic frontier cabin where we meet Miss Leah (Brenda Pressley) the old woman whose memories of slavery form a oral tradition she passes down to a new generation.  Sophie (Nikiya Mathis) the woman who owns the land and farmhouse and dreams of expanding Nicodemus into a thriving town and a sanctuary for African Americans.   Fannie Dove (Brittany Bradford) is Sophie’s  younger sister who looks to civilize the harsh frontier with fine china for the table, and to write  down for future generations the oral stories of Miss Leah.  We also meet Wil Parrish (Edward O’Blennis) the gentlemen neighbor who looks after the women as they prepare for the long winter ahead.

Into their lives come the youngest sister, Minnie Dove (Keona Welch) and her interracial husband, Frank Charles (Michael Chenevert) who turn the household upside down.  Frank we find is a poet and dreamer who lives in London where he looks to escape from the racism of the South.  His light skin allows him to pass as a white, and he has no taste for visiting his African American in laws on the prairie.   We find that Frank is an abusive husband, a poser, and a bit of a fortune hunter looking to live off the money of others to maintain his lifestyle.  What Frank does not expect in Nicodemus is the strong bonds of sisterhood, identity, freedom  and family that he cannot break.

As the play slowly unfolds the audience is drawn into the story and the lives of these women.  Brenda Pressley as Miss Leah gives a warm and authentic performance that makes the audience feel that you are in the cabin with them, not watching actors on a stage.  The performances of Brittany Bradford as Fannie is charming as she creates a real bond with her character.  Nikaya Mathis commands the stage as she moves to and fro reminding the audience of that this her land and she is a free woman.  A strong and compelling performance.

With wonderful lighting and the great set design you can expect from Westport Country Playhouse, Flyin West is a fantastic drama that moves the spirit .   The play runs through June 16th

Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Court Westport Ct

for more info and tickets

https://www.westportplayhouse.org

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The warmth of summertime is upon us and  our thoughts turn to days at the beach, time with family and friends and finding that perfect  seaside restaurant serving your favorite dishes.  If your schedule precludes you from running off to the beach, then I suggest you head to Armonk, the home of a fun new restaurant.   Tauk Kitchen and Bar (Montauk for short) is one of the newer entries into the growing restaurant scene in Northern Westchester, and is the perfect getaway for lunch or dinner.  We visited recently for lunch.

When first entering Tauk Kitchen and Bar, you feel instantly transported to a fine beach town.  One can imagine themselves in Montauk or even the Vineyard .  Great attention went into the design and construction of the interior to craft an environment that is instantly friendly and comfortable as your favorite beach restaurant.   Finely crafted wood moldings, shiplap, coffered ceilings, and artwork create an upscale yet casual feel.   Glass light fixtures wrapped in jute and bar seats that resemble chairs on a fishing vessel complete the imagery of a fine coastal eatery .

Owners Francis and Frank Leone who spent years in Montauk and grew to love the lifestyle of  freshly caught seafood, and locally grown produce have infused Tauk with that passion.

Menu items cover both land and sea, and there are vegetarian items and salads as well , so everyone in your dining party will find something they will enjoy.  Chips and salsa were brought to the table and we learned that both the salsa and the crispy tortillas were made in house.  The freshness  was apparent from the first bite.  We started with the Shishito Peppers ($9) which was a delight, a light crunch, and flavorful without overpowering the palate.

From the salad section we enjoyed the Grilled Wedge Salad ($12) made of lightly grilled romaine, bacon, blue cheese and cherry tomatoes.   The contrast of the lightly grilled and crunchy romaine and the soft cheese and tomato made for a pleasing and satisfying dish for one or could be shared.

 

For our main dish we returned to the sea with the Montauk Lobster Roll ($21), which exceeded our expectations. The classic dish was overflowing with fresh and delicious lobster meat over a lightly grilled bun served with a grilled lemon wedge and house cut French fries.  This is not the typical lobster roll with filler and globs of mayonnaise.  This was a lobster lover’s dream as the roll was all lobster and cooked to perfection.  One of best lobster rolls we have had in some time.

We also enjoyed the delicious  Montauk Tuna-Wich ,($18)  a satisfying  dish comprised of grilled tuna, cole slaw, tomato slice,and tartar sauce served on a fresh brioche bun with house cut fries.   The menu has more than just seafood with two different tacos available (veggie or beef), burgers, steak, salads and short rib. Seafood is fresh everyday and produce is sourced locally.

We would be remiss not to mention the bar run by  manager Sue Vitello.  There are craft beers including Montauk craft beers (one of our favorites), as well as some fun cocktails including “Main Beach” a fun blend of vodka, grapefruit, blood orange and lime.  There is an extensive beer list as well as wine by the glass and bottle.

Good weather? Then outside seating is available under the shade of the umbrellas out front.  Dreaming of the beach but cannot make it this weekend?  Tauk Kitchen and Bar has brought the seaside to  you.  See you there, and don’t forget your sunglasses!

Tauk Kitchen and Bar

402 Main Street Armonk, New York

914.730.1144

web>> https://www.taukkitchen.com

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The Westchester Wine and Food Festival presented by Westchester Magazine returns this weekend !   Foodies and friends can enjoy a variety of great food events right in the heart of Westchester County.

On Thursday June 7th, Kensico  Dam Plaza will be the site of the annual Burger Bash!  Burgers, beer, music, wine, spirits, food trucks and the best grilling in the County all come together at Westchester’s ultimate party! Top local chefs present their unique take on the all-American burger as they compete for the Best Burger Award.

Tickets for this fun event are $75 in advance and $80 at the door. There will be close to 30 restaurants competing and burgers will be available from all to sample. Just a short list of the participating restaurants are The Whitlock, Shake Shack, Mima Vinoteca, MP Taverna, North End Tavern, Piper’s Kilt, RiverMarket  Bar & Kitchen, Rye Roadhouse and so many more.

On Friday June 8th,  An Evening with The Tastemakers returns to the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains with top local chefs each preparing a course for attendees.  Jim Dangler, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester,  Glenn Vogt, RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen, Ron Gallo, Inn at Pound Ridge, Dave Dibari, The Cookery,  Peter Kelly, X20,  and Heather Fratangelo, L’Inizio are the top local chefs preparing a very special meal.

Tickets are $150 in advance only.

The signature event of the festival is the Grand Tasting Village at Kensico Dam Plaza on Saturday June 9th from 12-5pm.  The Grand Tasting Village features tastings from 50 plus local restaurants and more than 200 wines and spirits. There will also be chef demonstrations from top chefs including Peter Kelly of H2O, Siri Daly, NBC’s Today Show, Rafael Palomino of Sonora, Ethan Kostbar, Moderne Barn and more.  An event not to miss!

Tickets are $85 in advance, $90 at the door.

Sunday, June 10^th – ALL NEW- Brunch at Kanopi

Enjoy brunch in style at Kanopi, the beautiful penthouse atop the Ritz-Carlton New York, White Plains. You’ll be swept away by the views and the delicious cuisine of this multi course meal.  This special brunch is from 11 am to 3 pm and tickets are $150.

For more information , purchase tickets, and full list of participating restaurants, wineries and more please visit:

http://winefood.westchestermagazine.com

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Feeding Westchester and the Westchester Parks Foundation

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