Imagine a white sand beach, waves breaking on the shore, and palm trees gently swaying in the ocean breeze. It is so easy to  believe you are in the Caribbean.  This slice of paradise awaits you at Kokimo’s in nearby Old Lyme, Ct.

This restaurant is the perfect destination as Kokimo’s sits directly on the beach facing the waters of Long Island Sound.   Go for lunch, dinner or you can enjoy the entire day.  Kokimo’s has three distinct areas, the cozy inside dining/bar room, the semi enclosed bar with large windows looking out over the water, and the beach itself. The beach area includes tables and umbrellas for dining as well as chairs around  a fire pit.    Closer to the water are several cabanas ( for rent and reservation only) which are shaded from the sun and are furnished with comfy couches and a coffee table.  Perfect for enjoying cocktails and taking in the beach vibe.  There are also lounge chairs (also for rent) that directly face the water. Palm trees have been planted in the sand which complete the Caribbean feel.  Cocktail service is available from the attentive and friendly staff.   We made sure to reserve a  cabana which enhanced our experience at Kokimo’s. 

The cocktail program at Kokimo’s is as impressive as they are delicious.  Taking inspiration from the lyrics of the iconic Beach Boys hit, “Kokimo”, the menu includes such creative libations as “Off the Florida Keys”, “Jamaica” “Bahamas” and “That Monserrat Mystique.  Some other of our island favorites include the Hartford Hurricane, The Koko Mojito, and the Soundview Rum Punch.  

Dining selections are perfect for seaside dining.  Salads, small plates and sandwiches are all available.  Consistent with Kokimo’s theme is menu stocked with plenty of seafood selections.   We ordered from the raw bar which served up a delicious platter of jumbo shrimp and lobster meat over ice.  Local oysters were a must order and we sampled three local varieties, “Moonstone, “Mystic” and “Nectar”.  These local oysters were fresh, delicious, and had the requisite hint of brine.

The lobster roll was tasty and the soft buttery roll was filled with fresh lobster claw meat.  Perfect choice.  The Tuna Steak was expertly prepared and the was the perfect entrée for a lunch on the beach. There are plenty of other options, and for the vegetarian in your party, there is salad and a delicious veggie burger.

After lunch a dip in the water was needed and the sand is soft and not rocky like some Sound beaches.  After a walk down the beach searching for that perfect sea shell, we returned to our cabana for a late afternoon treat of a basket of fried clams and French fries.  Another round of tropical cocktails were also in order.

The island vibe you crave is just a car drive away.  No plane ticket, no airport, and no passport needed. Escape to the white sand, palm trees, and cool breezes at Kokimo’s and get your island vibe going.  Kokimo’s is open all year.   Check their website for fun daily specials. 

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Kokimo’s Restaurant and Beach Bar

88 Hartford Ave Old Lyme Ct. 

Website>>>  https://kokomosrestaurant.com/

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The Greenwich International Film Festival has been providing our area with fantastic original films for years. From shorts, to indie films to documentaries, GIFF has screened terrific content with something for everyone. Now GIFF is havinga special screening of the ADHD documentary, THE DISRUPTORS, on Monday, September, 13th at 7 p.m. at the historic Avon Theatre. The event includes a film presentation and Q&A with producer Nancy Armstrong, and subjects Tim Armstrong and Tom Scott, moderated by GIFF Chairwoman, Wendy Stapleton.

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed-and widely misunderstood-neurological conditions in the world today, affecting nearly 10% of kids and a rising number of adults. THE DISRUPTORS takes an immersive look at our approach to ADHD that debunks the most harmful myths, and examines the flip side of this trait that ultimately offers a revelatory understanding of the diagnosis, and real hope for millions of kids, families and adults living with ADHD.

Note on Covid Precautions:

*In light of the persistent and growing danger posed by the coronavirus, the Avon Theatre Film Center will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination along with a photo identification for attendance at all screenings and events occurring in our historic theatre beginning Friday, September 3, 2021. This decision was made after a great deal of thought and reflects our unbending commitment to do all that we can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our valued patrons and employees. The Avon will continue to require masks in all areas of the building, which may only be removed while seated in the theatre. We will also continue to follow social distancing, sanitation, and HEPA air filtration procedures. Children, who are not yet eligible for vaccinations, may attend our screenings along with vaccinated adults while wearing masks.

For more information about the Greenwich International Film Festival and membership:

www.greenwichfilm.org

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A must visit event each year, the New York International Auto Show has been cancelled.  The show made the following announcement:  “It is with great disappointment that the upcoming 2021 New York International Automobile Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has been cancelled due to the growing incidences of the Covid-19 Delta variant and the increased measures announced recently by State and local officials to stop its spread.”

The show which was also cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 is scheduled to return to its traditional dates in April 2022. While we are disappointed to me missing such a great yearly event, we can certainly appreciate the decision to cancel the show.

Some of the auto debuts that were planned for this show were the 2023 Nissan Z, the seventh generation of the famous Z car, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru WRX and the updated 2022 Lincoln Navigator.

Auto enthusiasts can check for updates on the show by going to NYIAS website at:

https://www.autoshowny.com/

Summer brings not only warm weather and sunshine, it also means the return of outdoor farmers markets.  Recently we visited the outdoor farmers market at the Ridge Hill Shopping Center in Yonkers. Ridge Hill is a unique outdoor shopping experience that draws patrons from all over.  The center is conveniently located between the Sprain Brook Parkway and the  New York State Thruway.

The farmers market will feature fresh food and drink from Sasha’s Seafood, Wave Hill Breads,  and many more.  Live music adds to the fun atmosphere of the market.

As a bonus after shopping at the market you can visit and shop at stores such as Apple, H&M, L.L. Bean, Orvis, Whole Foods, just to name a few.

Ridge Hill also has a variety of dining options including Public Pizza, Lefteris Gyro, and more.

The market starts June 4^th and is held every Friday 11 am to 5pm

Ridge Hill Shopping Center

One Ridge Hill Blvd  Yonkers New York

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Live music is back !  After a year of experiencing no live music due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, it is great to see concert venues like the  Wall Street Theater open for business.   The theater is a true architectural landmark that was built in 1914 and opened as “The Regent” theater.  It hosted live acts as well as movies.  Over the many decades the theater has gone through numerous owners and name changes.  Currently this beautiful event space is owned by a 501c3  non profit organization and features live concerts and shows, cinema and more. 

Recently we traveled to the theater to enjoy one of its Summer Concert Series performances.  These concerts are held outside in the parking lot behind the theater.  We enjoyed a concert from Tusk, one of the premier Fleetwood Mac tribute bands in the country.  The band was excellent and the two hour show included many songs from  Fleetwood Mac’s deep catalog of songs.  The band accurately performed many hits from Rumors, as well as reached back into the early days of the band to deliver a blues medley.  The outdoor setting of a warm May evening with the sun setting over Norwalk added to the overall experience. The current calendar of concerts and events is on their website and will feature both outdoor and indoor performances.  Live music is back and it’s time to get out to the Wall Street Theater in Norwalk.

http://www.wallstreettheater..com

Wall Street Theater

71 Wall Street Norwalk Ct.

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Hudson Valley Restaurant week, presented by Valley Table Magazine is back again! Starting Monday May 10, 2021 and it runs  through Sunday May 23, 2021. This event involves over 100 participating restaurants in the Hudson Valley which offer diners special three-course price fixe dinner menus for $35.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). Many of these fine restaurants also offer 3-course price fixe lunches for $25.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). 

There will be man fine restaurants participating in Westchester County alone including The Cookery,Gigante, Goosefeathers, Moderne Barn, The Greekish and so many more.

This is an amazing opportunity to try new restaurants, or revisit 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 the restaurant 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.
Website   http://www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com

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Cape May, New Jersey is on of the most unique beach towns you will ever visit on the east coast. Cape May is the location of the largest concentration of Victorian era seaside architecture in the country. The elaborate details and colors of these homes, many of which have been converted to inns and B & B’s allow the visitor to enjoy a totally unique beach holiday.

A recent visit to this wonderful town included a two night stay at the Casablanca B &B. From the moment we stepped on to the inviting front porch, we felt instantly at home. History, hospitality and luxury are all apparent here at Casablanca.

There are a wide variety of beautifully appointed rooms at Casablanca and they will exceed your expectations. There are 10 different unique rooms from which to choose with either king or queen size beds. Rooms differ but do offer private baths, air conditioning, comfortable beds with upscale bedding, luxury toiletries and more. Of course high speed internet and wifi is included.

We stayed in the beautiful Paradise Cottage at Casablanca. This two level suite was the ultimate in upscale and modern luxury beach accommodation. At 600 square feet, the cottage features a bedroom loft with jacuzzi tub, gas fireplace and bathroom. Downstairs your needs for relaxing are met with a comfy living area with sofa, flat screen tv, and wet bar with a fridge and microwave. Included are teas, coffee and beverages. Also on this level is a full bath.

Many B& B’s and inns at Cape May have adopted the traditional Victorian interior decor to match the Victorian history of Cape May. The Paradise Cottage however had its own decor that is sophisticated, modern, upscale, but still beachy.

Also available to guests are beach towels, chairs and the use of bikes. The Casablanca is perfectly situated in Cape May with just a short two block walk to the beach (beach pass required) and steps from dining and great shopping in the Washington Street Mall. Bikes are a great way to get out and explore Cape May and admire not only the architecture but the seaside scenery.

Breakfast is included with your stay and was delicious each morning with ample fresh options. Afternoon tea was also included and is a nice touch as you can linger on the porch and enjoy the late afternoon.

The owners of Casablanca have other inns in Cape May with a wide variety of beautiful rooms from which to choose. They also operate The Harrison, The Pharos at the Harrison and the Ashley Rose. Each are beautiful and unique properties and we encourage you to visit there website for details and photos.

Our visit went too fast, but the memories of Casablanca will linger for a very long time. We plan to return again very soon.

Casablanca

709 Columbia Avenue
Cape May, New Jersey 08204

web https://casablancacapemay.com/

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One of our very favorite events that we look forward to each year is the Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF).  This amazing festival brings to our area a slate of original and unique narrative films, documentaries and short film.  These are thought provoking films you will not see anywhere else.  As well the festival each year hosts panel discussions with filmmakers and actors, the Changemaker Gala and so much more.  The festival also awards money each year to filmmakers and as well has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to its charity partners.

We all know that the Covid-19 health crises has changed our world, and Governor Lamont of Connecticut  recently issued a  State of Emergency Declaration in response to the crises. GIFF has made the decision to continue with the festival, but in a very different way.  Instead of viewing films at the different venues in Greenwich, GIFF 2020 will now be a virtual festival.   From May 1st to 3rd 2020 attendees will be able to view the festival online.

According to Ginger Stickel, Executive Director of the Festival, “Out of concern for public safety and the well-being of our community of supporters, filmmakers, staff and health care professionals, we have moved the Greenwich International Film Festival to an online experience. We remain committed to providing an effective platform for filmmakers to showcase their films, as well as to supporting them with cash awards. Our team has worked incredibly hard to launch the inaugural virtual festival and we can’t wait to share it with audience members, both near and far.

The virtual festival is sponsored by Betteridge, Maison d’Alexandre, JP Morgan, The Nature Conservancy, Nichols MD, Brightline, ICON, CAIS, Richards, Ashforth, Volvo, and Compass. The rest of the events around the annual festival, including the Changemaker Gala, and in-person screenings and panels, will be postponed until Fall 2020.

This virtual three-day event will include an exciting selection of Narrative & Documentary Features, the Connecticut Shorts Program, exclusive interviews with film talent, acknowledgments, and a chance to Vote for the JP Morgan Chase Audience Award. It will also feature the Best Social Impact Film Award, presented by the Bill & Ann Bresnan Foundation, and the Best Connecticut Shorts Award, presented by the Connecticut Office of Film, Television & Digital Media.  In the past 5 years we always enjoyed the vast array of fine and original programming available at the festival.  The mission of GIFF to make a “social impact” remains unchanged even though the festival has moved online.

For those who always supported the festival by attending the special programming events such as the Changemaker Gala, GIFF has announced that this fall it intends to host a special slate of events including the Gala, a selection of films and panel discussions.

For information on the list of films and the festival program:

http://www.greenwichfilm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/official-program-2020-4-16-20.pdf

For information and to purchase tickets for the festival :  go to “Purchase a Pass” and hit the “Virtual Pass” button at:

http://www.greenwichfilm.org/

Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) is a non-profit organization that hosts a world class film festival each year, and supporting events throughout the year. It was founded to bridge the worlds of film, finance, and philanthropy. The Festival’s mission is to provide filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their work with the goal of finding financing for future projects. Additionally, GIFF harnesses the power of film to serve the greater good by supporting charity partners with festival proceeds.

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