Kitchen 273: New American cuisine comes to Armonk

March 25, 2019March 26, 2019 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

kitchen-273

Kitchen 273 Restaurant and Bar is a recent addition to the dining scene in Armonk. The newly remodeled space is warm and inviting with warm tones from the wood ship lap walls, exposed brick, wood floors, and the white cloth covered tables. This comfortable dining space can be described as ‘modern farmhouse’ as the design makes the guest feel instantly at home.

The menu is New American with Italian influences as seen in the variety of flatbread pizzas, seafood and pasta dishes. The food is all fresh and all sauces are made in house to ensure they are filled with flavor.

The cocktail menu is first rate, and we really loved the Blood Orange Cosmo , a fine concoction of Ketel One botanical vodka, blood orange liquor, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and cranberry juice.

Blood Orange Cosmo

The dinner menu offers something for everyone with plenty of appetizers available either to share or enjoy alone. The Eggplant Stack ($12) was shared and it features crispy breaded eggplant slices stacked with tomato and fresh mozzarella.

The Shrimp Dumplings a la Plancha ($15) was an interesting variation of the Asian classic with dumplings that were lightly grilled on the stove and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce. We were happy with the preparation and presentation.

Shrimp Dumplings a la Plancha

A real favorite was the Sesame Crusted Tuna, ($16). Fresh rare tuna with a coating of lightly toasted sesame seeds and served with sriracha, wasabi mayo, ginger, and teriyaki sauce. I could eat this as an app or would make a great main dish as well. A very nice presentation by the chef.

Sesame Crusted Tuna

There are six flatbread pizzas on the menu and we sampled the Margherita ($13), the classic pie with fresh mozzerella, house made tomato sauce and fresh basil leaves. A nice dish to share at your table, or a perfect size for one. The menu also offers seven different salads ($9-$12) for the healthy eater or vegetarian in your party.

Flatbread Pizza

There are no lack of main dishes to choose from with a wide selection of burgers and six different pasta dishes as well as meat and seafood offerings. Among the dishes we chose was the classic Chicken Parmigiano($20). This Italian restaurant staple was served with pasta.

Chicken Parm

The Shrimp and Polenta($22) was an interesting dish, with sauteed shrimp served over house made polenta with chorizo and San Marzano tomatoes. The San Marzano tomatoes were really a sauce which overwhelmed the dish. If ordering this dish in the future I would skip the sauce (or have it on the side) and enjoy the shrimp with the polenta on its own so those flavors would be allowed to stand out.

The Jumbo Sea Scallops($28) were delightful. A filling portion of lightly sauteed fresh scallops were served over a bed of butternut squash risotto, shaved parmigiana cheese, and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. This dish is an example of a blend of New American cuisine with traditional Italian influences. Highly recommended

Jumbo Sea Scallops over butternut squash risotto

Pastas and pizzas can be ordered gluten free.

Kitchen 273 Restaurant and Bar is an excellent addition to the list of restaurants in Westchester. If you are looking for some place new with a wide variety of menu items, then this eatery should be on your short list.

Kitchen 273 Restaurant and Bar

111 Bedford Road Armonk New York

tel. 914.273.7909

web https://kitchen273.com

Like I on The Valley on facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

Join our 10,000 followers on instagram for food, events,and more: i_on_the_valley

Clive Davis: a special screening event of “Soundtrack of Our Lives” at the Bedford Playhouse

March 25, 2019March 25, 2019 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Clive Davis and Janis Joplin

On March 21, 2019, the Bedford Playhouse was host to a very special evening. The theater screened the documentary, “Clive Davis, The Soundtrack of our Lives” about the legendary music executive and Bedford resident, Clive Davis.

Attendees to the event were in for a unique event as the cafe of the Playhouse hosted a pre-screening party for the guests. In attendance was none other than Clive Davis himself and well as singer/songwriter Rob Thomas. Mr. Thomas is well known as an accomplished musician and the front man of the band Matchbox Twenty. He also wrote the hit song “Smooth” which he recorded with Carlos Santana.

Prior to the screening guests mingled in main floor cafe space enjoying cocktails from the Playhouse bar, tasting appetizers and listening to sounds of a pianist playing on the baby grand piano. Attendees also had great photo opportunities and a chance to meet Clive Davis and Rob Thomas.

Mr. Davis has enjoyed a decades long career as one of the most famous executives in the music industry. Starting in the 1960s at Columbia Records and later at Arista Records. He has signed such famous recording acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Santana, Chicago, Billy Joel, Blood Sweat and Tears, Earth Wind and Fire and Aerosmith. Later he would bring to his label such acts as Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys. This is just a partial list.

1450

The two hour documentary directed by Chris Perkle spans his five decade long career in the recording industry and his tremendous influence on modern popular music. As well Davis is a multi Grammy award winner and was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall in Fame in 2000 in the non-performers category. The film is a fascinating look at the rich career of a icon in the music business. Bedford resident and musician, Rob Thomas joined Davis on stage following the screening for a Q & A session. The audience was treated to interesting stories and insights into this fascinating man.

clive davis event-John-Farr-Rob-Thomas-Irene-Wallace-Clive-Davis-Nicole-Gardner

John Farr (Playhouse Founder), Rob Thomas, Irene Young Wallace (I On the Valley), Clive Davis, Nicole Gardner (Executive Director)

This was certainly an exciting evening for those who attended. The Bedford Playhouse is more than just a movie theater, it is a mecca for film, music, the arts and important and unique cultural events such as this. Make sure you follow us and the Playhouse for upcoming movies, events and music. See you at the Bedford Playhouse!.

Bedford Playhouse

633 Old Post Road Bedford, New York

tel. 914.234.6704 web for info and tickets >> https://bedfordplayhouse.org

Like I On the Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

Join our 10,000 plus followers on Instagram ! i_on_the_valley

Savor Local: a fun new food event comes to Norwalk on Sunday March 24th

March 15, 2019 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

savor local 2

A fun food event is coming on March 24th. From TownVibe, the company who brought you Taste of Fairfield and WinterFest, comes a brand-new food-lovers festival celebrating even more local restaurants and businesses, in a day of tastings and entertainment at the newly renovated Lakota Oaks, 32 Weed Avenue in Norwalk. The event takes place Sunday, March 24 from 1 PM to 4 PM, with a special VIP Experience Preview entry ticket from noon to 1 PM. Tickets can be purchased at savorlocal.org

TownVibe has joined forces with Norwalk Now (norwalknow.org), a collaborative marketing group comprised of Norwalk’s urban core businesses who, like TownVibe with its stable of six magazines and several culinary events, believe that great things happen when people work together. “Norwalk Now is excited to bring our neighborhood of restaurants to Savor Local,” says Norwalk Now Director Linda Kavanagh. “Here, you will be able to experience Norwalk’s vibrant dining scene, from quintessential New England fare and locally sourced seafood, to low-country cuisine, prime steaks, Italian favorites, Mexican eats, and high-spirited drinking wells.”

Over 25 restaurants and businesses will bring their tastes and sips to share with the Savor Local guests that day. A complete list of participants and sponsors is available at TownVibe.com. In addition to the great food and drink, there will be a DJ and live entertainment by Lakeside Productions, a 95.9 Fox crew, comedians from the Fairfield Comedy Club, a kids’ craft area, and pop-up shops featuring Connecticut-based entrepreneurs.

savor local 1

The event benefits Family & Children’s Agency of Norwalk (familyandchildrensagency.org) through a “Chances to Win” table with terrific prizes including fine jewelry, hotel stays, and spa visits, and a donate link when tickets are purchased at savorlocal.org.

We have been to other Town Vibe and Norwalk Now events and can report that they are fun and a great way to learn about great places to dine. We are excited to take part in this brand new event and hope to see you there.

Savor Local presented by Town Vibe

for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savor-local-tickets-52617966755

TownVibe is the leading publisher of six award-winning high-quality lifestyle magazines and digital products for the nation’s most sophisticated, savvy, and sensible readers. The magazines, the website TownVibe.com, and multiple social media platforms are cherished by 245,000 regular readers

like I On The Valley on facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram https://www.instagram.com/i_on_the_valley/

Harlan Publick: a SoNo favorite is great for brunch too

March 13, 2019March 14, 2019 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Harlan Publick is well known as a mainstay in the dynamic dining and nightlife scene in SoNo (South Norwalk Ct.). We were pleased to discover that Harlan also serves brunch on Sunday and we more than happy to sample some of their offerings.

Harlan Publick is tucked away in a little cul-de-sac right off Washington Street in vibrant SoNo . It is steps away from the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium. The restaurant and bar is a fine spot for brunch as we discovered on a late winter afternoon. The large wall of windows fills the space with warm sunlight. The decor is a mix of modern elements mixed with traditional materials such as shiplap wood siding and wooden tables. The menu too mixes traditional dishes with more modern offerings.

We shared a Bread Basket ($10) which was a fine selection of fresh baked cornbread, monkey bread, croissant , and biscuits. A nice and homey way to start the meal.

Bread Basket

House Smoked Salmon($13) , a traditional brunch offering was delicious and was served with garnish and toasted challah points.

House Smoked Salmon

The Local Burrata ($14) was a ball of soft fresh burrata cheese served over a bed of arugula, prosciutto, tomato fondue, and drizzled with a delicious aged balsamic. A fine dish to enjoy alone or share.

Local Buratta

For the vegetarian in your party, or healthy eater, the Beet, Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad ($14) is a light refreshing choice and something you may not expect at lunch. This tasty dish is prepared with Asian Pear, almonds and sherry vinaigrette. For more taste, you may add chicken, shrimp or salmon.

Looking for something more hearty, try the Southern staple, Country Fried Chicken and Waffle ($17) which includes several pieces of fried chicken drenched in a smoked maple syrup glaze and served on a waffle.

Country Fried Chicken and Waffle

The Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes was another hearty dish and served with celery root, apple slaw, chips and a spicy Cajun remoulade. A very satisfying selection and not one we usually see at brunch. For the mainstream diner, have no fear, as French Toast, omelettes, and steak and eggs also grace the menu.

What would Sunday Brunch be without cocktails and Mimosas, Bellinis, and the Harlan Bloody Mary are also available either by the glass or as part of a bottomless brunch (add $18 per diner). There is an extensive wine list as well as several local craft brews on tap.

If you are looking for a new brunch experience, head out to SoNo in Norwalk and enjoy a fun meal at Harlan Publick. We hope to return soon as the warm weather will also mean Harlan we reopen their outdoor space.

Harlan Publick

127 Washington Street Norwalk, Ct

web>> http://harlanpublick.com/

Like I On the Valley on facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram i_on_the_valley

Joe & Joe Nyack: traditional Italian menu with a modern twist

March 6, 2019March 6, 2019 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

The original Joe & Joe in the Bronx

There are so many exciting restaurants in our area and new eateries joining the dining scene each month. Joe & Joe Nyack is a new dining destination that has deep family roots. The original Joe and Joe was a mainstay on Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx from its opening in 1940. The menu of Italian kitchen favorites and family tradition continued with the opening of Joe and Joe Pearl River 18 years ago. Now brothers, Anthony and Joe Longobardo have opened a restaurant which blends the traditional favorites with more modern dishes you would not expect.

The eatery is modern and airy with several distinct spaces. There is the elegant bar and the brick pizza oven, the large main dining room, another dining room which can handle overflow or a private party, as well as a outdoor dining space. Wall art features a wonderful blend of family photos dating back decades as well as a large modern art painting of a woman enjoying a slice of pizza.

A touch of modern art at Joe & Joe

Some of the food we sampled from the menu was Hollander Mussels from Maine served in a red tomato sauce. These had to be some of the plumpest and tastiest mussels we have ever sampled.

Hollander Mussels

Classic Burrata Caprese was infused with fresh and a light twist. The orange caprese was served with sun kissed blueberries, raw honey, sweet pistachio, baby arugula, orange, and fresh basil and mint. A wonderful dish to have as a starter.

Burrata Caprese

Another interesting dish and certainly something we did not expect was the Feisty Fritto Shrimp which includes nicely grilled shrimp in a housemade spicy hot sauce. A really nice and unique appetizer.

The “Impossible Meatballs” Parmagiana is a modern take on the Italian kitchen classic. These meatless meatballs taste just like real meat, and are topped with fresh marinara sauce, mozzarella, pecorino, and fresh basil. A fantastic dish for anyone in your party and perfect for vegetarians. It can be served with a side of spaghetti squash or penne.

Impossible Meatballs

The pizza oven on site offers a number of favorites but we opted to try something new. Gluten-Free, Low Carb Cauliflower Crust Pizza was fantastic and is topped with shredded baby spinanch, heirloom tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, evoo and chili flakes. It was topped with an edible flower and made for a beautiful presentation. This non traditional pizza was delicious as it was healthy and low carb.

Joe & Joe’s “Famous” Shrimp a la Anthony is a house favorite. This dish features stuffed jumbo shrimp. prosciutto di parma, fresh mozzarella, fresh seasonal veggies, Joe& Joe crispy croquettes in a white wine sauce. One bite of this dish and we understood why it is such a standout on the menu.

Lasagna, “Famous” Shrimp a la Anthony, Fresh Market Special and more

Joe & Joe Nyack has brought to our area a menu that is a fantastic fusion of Italian favorites, along with some very innovative and modern dishes. The inclusion of gluten free and vegetarian options is a great way of allowing all guests to come and enjoy the warm family atmosphere of this fine new restaurant. History and tradition are important. When you take those values and blend new culinary ideas, you have the makings of a very special dining experience.

Rich in family history, Joe & Joe celebrates its roots

Joe & Joe Nyack

173 Main Street Nyack NY tel. 845-535-3888

web https://joejoenyack.business.site/

like I On the Valley on facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram ! 10 thousand followers!! i_on_the_valley

Hot Flash! Menopause the Musical now at the Westchester Broadway Theater

March 2, 2019March 4, 2019 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Menopause-the-Musical_med

Now on stage at the Westchester Broadway Theater in Elmsford is a musical comedy with an unusual topic. Menopause the Musical is a 90 minute hilarious comedy that covers such topics as hot flashes, sleeping issues, short term memory loss, mood swings, loss of libido and weight gain. Who would think these topics would make for a night of laughs? Jeanie Linders did and 20 years ago as she stood in front of her open freezer door and sang “Hot Flash” to the melody of Rod Stewart’s “Hot Legs”, she knew she was on to something and thus was born this show.

The musical takes place in Bloomingdales department store in New York City where we meet four women over 40, the Professional Woman (Donna J. Huntley), Soap Star (Debby Rosenthal), Earth Mother (Megan Cavanagh) and Iowa housewife (Roberta B. Wall). The four over 40 women cross paths by accident in the store and begin to learn about each other and their struggles with “the Change”.

menopause 4

Each musical number is based on an actual song from the 1960s, 70s and 80s with the lyrics changed to embrace the play’s topic. The familiarity of the songs allows the audience to instantly embrace the music. As the four women bond and make their way through the department stores floors, they belt out one musical number after another. Famous songs like “Chain of Fools” becomes “Change, Change, Change“, “Stayin Alive” becomes “Stayin Awake/Night Sweats”, and “My Guy” becomes the very funny “My Thighs”. This is just a sampling of the creative way that existing songs have been adapted to this comedy.

menopause 3

The 90 minute show with no intermission rolls along as the ladies belt out one hit after the other. The opening night audience appreciated the comedic timing and talented vocals of the cast. The show allows women to bond over their common experience. The cast at the finale, invites women in the audience to join them on stage for the last number.

The actors, all member of Actors Equity Association, have numerous stage credits to their names. Megan Cavanagh (Earth Mother) has appeared in such films as ” A League of their Own” and “Robin Hood Men in Tights”. She has been performed in this show since 2004. Donna Huntley (Professional Woman) has Broadway, off Broadway, and television credits. Debby Rosenthal (Soap Star) has performed in numerous regional theater productions and television. Roberta B. Wall (Iowa Housewife) has appeared on Broadway in Sister Act, and Leap of Faith. Her numerous credits include regional theater.

This play is great for a girls night out, though the numerous men in the audience appeared to fully enjoy the show as well. The show runs through Sunday March 24th.

for tickets and information: https://www.broadwaytheatre.com/

Westchester Broadway Theater

One Broadway Plaza Elmsford New York

like I On the Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley