Castle Hotel and Spa at Tarrytown is a very unique and special place in Westchester County and houses within its stone walls, Equus Restaurant.   The restaurant has operated for years and was once known for its upscale classic French cuisine.   The restaurant is now under the direction of a new Chef de Cuisine, Keith Suarino.  Chef  Suarino is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, and sharpened his culinary skills in Italy working at La Madia.  He draws his diverse culinary experience from positions at restaurants such as Eataly in NYC, Spigolo and Rubirosa.

The menu is focused on Mediterranean fare with  Italian and Spanish influences, with an emphasis on light, healthy dishes made only with the freshest ingredients and locally sourced when possible.  The new direction for the menu is a welcome and should attract a wider audience to Equus.

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Equus and were joined by Chef Suarino who spent time explaining each course and his experiences and hisculinary philosophy.  If you have not been to the Castle, it is a magnificent place.  A stone castle that was once a private home sitting high on a hill in Tarrytown with views of the Hudson River Valley below.  The long drive way leads you up to the impressive entrance which serves as the entry way both to the restaurant and the hotel.

The restaurant is divided into several spaces, the intimate bar room (where we dined), the sun filled conservatory, and the elegant Oak room with its massive stone fireplace.  There is also dining on the stone deck overlooking the garden and the valley in the distance.  This is a very special place.

For lunch we started with the Grilled Octopus, served with purple and sweet fingerling potatoes, gigante beans, peperonata, and black olive puree.  The octopus was perfectly prepped and grilled to perfection and this was a perfect way to start the meal.

Also enjoyed (from the special menu) was the Coconut Curried Shrimp, which was very tasty, not breaded and fried , but  was light and flavorful.  A good choice, and could be a regular menu item.

There was a Spiced Pumpkin Bisque soup on the menu which is prepared with aleppo, toasted marshmallow, and sage.  It looked wonderful but we did not indulge as we wanted to save room for the main course.

Our main course was the Broiled Black Cod, served with a soy yuzu marinade, picked turnips and a wild mushroom shiso broth.  This was a departure from the Mediterranean  menu, as the dish picked up Asian tastes with the marinade, but it was light, healthy and delicious.  Well done.

The other dish we enjoyed was the Butternut Squash Risotto, a delicious and filling bowl of risotto with pomegranate, melted shallots, baby kale and candied bacon.  The fusion of flavors in this dish was so interesting and was perfect for lunch on a fall afternoon.

We shared a dessert and chose the S’mores Cheesecake.  A marshmallow cheese cake with graham cracker and chocolate sauce.  The filling unlike many cheese cakes was light and airy and was a great way to top off our lunch.  A pleasant presentation as well.

Equus at the Castle is a wonderful restaurant in a unique and fantastic setting.  It should be on your list of  places to dine.  Chef Keith Suarino  has infused new energy into this classic restaurant with a menu of innovative dishes. Menu changes seasonal.  Price fixe menus also available.

Equus Restaurant

at Castle Hotel and Spa

400 Benedict Avenue Tarrytown

tel.914.631.3646

web: https://castlehotelandspa.com/attraction/equus-restaurant/

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A wonderful event is coming to Hilltop Hanover Farm on Thursday October 5, 2017 from 6 to 9 pm.  The Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center cordially invite you and guests to a Farm-to-Table dinner in honor of Brett Alcaro. The evening will feature seasonal, small plates created by local chefs, paired with wine, local beer and cider.  I had the pleasure to attend last year and had a great time at this special dinner at the farm.

The evening was filled with great dishes, wine, cider and music all in under the tents and the stars at this beautiful farm and environmental center in Yorktown Heights.

 

Each year Hilltop Hanover celebrates the life of farmer Brett Alcaro who passed away at the age of 37. The dinner honors his commitment to farming and to feeding the community. Proceeds benefit a farm scholarship fund in his name and a donation of 25% towards a college fund for his two young sons.

Join Hilltop Hanover Farm for an evening featuring fresh local food from our farm, local farms, chefs, restaurants and artisans including: Broken Bow Brewery, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, Suburban Wines, Ladle of Love, Cafe of Love, Bella Cucina Maria, Sweet Grass Grill, Tomatillo, Red Zebra, Hudson Milk Co, Spices & Seasons, Simply Hailee, Pound Ridge Organics, The Ardent Homesteader and The Blue Pig and more!

Flowers provided by Heather Maguire Floral Design.

Exciting silent auction including a gift certificate to test drive a Tesla for 24 hours!
2 Tickets to Broadway’s Hamilton!
Private Dinner for 8 in the farms Historic House hosted by Chef Maria Reina from Bella Cucina Maria & Hilltop Hanover Farm!  And much more.

Re/Max Ace Realty who will offer hot air balloon rides (weather permitting and at additional cost).

Hilltop Hanover Farm

1271 Hanover Street  Yorktown Heights NY 10598

tel 914.962.2368

Tickets and information : 

https://hilltophanoverfarmorg.presencehost.net/news-events/event-calendar.html/event/2017/10/05/farm-to-table-dinner/151924

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Looking for a really fun and unique event?  Then go grape stomping at Robibero Family Vinyards at their annual Grape Stomping Festival.  This years festival will take place on Saturday September 30th and Sunday October 1 2017 .  The winery is open from 11 am to 6 pm.

At the event you will be able to take off your shoes and climb into a barrel filled with grapes and stomp away.  It is a great photo opportunity and something you will always remember.  No worries as there will be a station to wash off your feet after your stomping.

Your ticket price in addition to the stomping includes a wine tasting of their fabulous wines in the beautiful   tasting room or you may choose instead of the tasting to have a glass of wine and take home one logo glass.

Robibero produces premium artisan wines right in the Hudson Valley that are handcrafted in small batches.  Some of the wines available are Chardonnay, Reisling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and some delightful hybrid blends.  All the wine is made on site.  Bottles or cases are available for sale at the tasting room.

There will be live music from 2pm to 5 pm both days.   Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the winery, but space is limited.

Enjoy a beautiful day in the Hudson Valley and after the winery check out the shops and great restaurants in downtown New Paltz.

See you there!

Robibero Family Winery

714 Albany Post Road  New Paltz New York           tel:  845-255-9463

http://www.robiberofamilyvineyards.com

 

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The 1946 Broadway classic musical Annie Get Your Gun has opened at the Westchester  Broadway Theater (WBT).   The award winning musical written by Dorothy and Herbert Fields and features the music and lyrics of American legendary songwriter, Irving Berlin.  The show has been revived numerous times on Broadway since its original run, and its light story and memorable songs are testament to its quality and longevity.

The story is a fictionalized version of the life of Old West icon, Annie Oakley who became famous for her expert marksmanship, and as a show act during the 19th Century as part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.    Annie Oakley is a rough around the edges young woman with an uncanny talent for sharpshooting with a rifle.  She enters a shooting competition at a hotel in Cincinnati where she beats the national champion, the handsome and womanizing Frank Butler.   Annie is smitten by him, and she is invited to partner with him in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West tour.   Frank too finds he is falling for the simple, yet genuine Annie.

As the competition for who is the best shot and showman heats up, so does their love interest.  Annie however becomes the biggest draw of the show as it tours across the country. She becomes a star and legend in her own right.  Feeling eclipsed by Annie, Frank Butler leaves the tour and joins a competing show run by Pawnee Bill.  Though Frank and Annie separate, their paths will cross again in the future as the audience will discover.

The role of Annie Oakley is played by the talented Devon Perry, who was a standout member of the ensemble cast in Godspell at WBT in 2016. This is a big role as the character of Annie Oakley  carries the musical.  Ms. Perry shows that she is up to the challenge in a role played in the past by such stars as Ethel Merman, Mary Martin (television production) and Bernadette Peters.  She charms the audience with her folksy and likable rendition of Annie.  But when she sings, Perry lights up the stage and fills the theater with her powerful and versatile vocal performance that not only thrilled the audience, but lifted the energy of the wonderful cast on stage.  As I watched, I wondered to myself was I witnessing the emergence of a future star of the theater?

The score by Irving Berlin includes some very famous and memorable songs, such as “No Business Like Show Business”, “The Girl that I Marry”,  “I Got the Sun in the Morning” and the playful “Anything You Can Do ( I Can Do Better)”.  The wonderful score blended with fine acting as well as dancing allow the two hour performance to move along effortlessly.

The direction and choreography by Richard Stafford is first rate.  Of note is the wonderful dance scenes featuring the ensemble, which include intricate tap dance steps which were well synchronized and complimented the entire performance.  Well done. The costume design by Kara Branch captured the western look of the characters as well as the correct late 19th century dress depicted in later scenes.

Adam Kemmerer as Frank Butler is a solid compliment to Annie  and his duet with Devon Perry in “Anything  You Can Do” was memorable and fun.  Kilty Reidy a wonderful actor and  a veteran of WBT (last seen this past spring  in Mamma Mia!)  and national tours, takes on the role of tour manager Charlie Davenport. Sarah Cline (Christmas Inn 2016 at WBT)  gives a comedic perfomance as  Dolly Tate.   The rest of the excellent and talented cast in the ensemble help create a musical that will have you smiling, and singing the songs long after the theater lights go up.

The show runs through November 26th,  then runs again from December 28th to January 28th 2018.

Dinner is served prior to the performance and is included in your ticket price.

Come see Broadway talent right in the heart of Westchester!

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

Westchester Broadway Theater

One Broadway Plaza  Elmsford, New York

tel. 914.592.2222

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There are places you visit or dine that  instantly become one of your favorite destinations.  The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood is that kind of place.  Located in Rowayton Ct, just south of Norwalk, this town has a wonderful New England seaside atmosphere.   Rowayton is nestled between three bodies of water including the Long Island Sound and the 5 Mile River where the restaurant is situated.  The restaurant is housed in a grey shingle style building that makes one feel they are in Cape Cod or perhaps Martha’s Vineyard.  Next door and sharing the property is Rowayton Seafood Market , which once was the oldest lobster co-op on Long Island Sound, and where the restaurant obtains the fresh seafood it serves.

The setting on the 5 Mile River is perfect for a seafood restaurant.  From the large bank of windows in the restaurant the patron can look out and see the river, the boats tied up in the marina, and the water birds circling the docks.  The windows face west and if you time it right as we did, you will be fortunate to watch the sun set slowly into the west and over the water.

The restaurant has an upscale yet casual nautical design with a bar, outdoor dining and two separate indoor dining areas.  One dining area is intimate with the wide board wood floors, white painted wainscoting, and fireplace.  The larger area has floors that resemble the planks of a fine sailing ship, sails that serve as blinds, vintage lighting, large picture windows and more.

The outdoor dining deck is separate from the restaurant and sits directly overlooking the water.

 

We arrived for a late lunch and found a number of fine dishes from which to choose.  I started with a cocktail from the bar, the Pom Pom,  a delicious concoction of Tito’s vodka, lime simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and topped with champagne.  A fine cocktail and perfect way to start the meal

.

For starters we ordered the Lobster Spring Rolls. The rolls were filled with lobster and soy wilted veggies and served with a sweet chile dipping sauce.  The rolls were light and crispy and not at all greasy.  Certainly a nice way to start the meal without filling up before your entree.

We also enjoyed the Shrimp and Bay Scallop Cerviche.  This dish with fresh seafood was served in a small glass bowl with avocado puree, cilantro, tomato and citrus.  Unlike some cerviches I have had with little chunks of seafood, this dish was filled with full shrimp, and full bay scallops. The preparation was fantastic and a highly recommended dish.

For our main course we naturally stayed with seafood.  The Lobster Roll is served with fresh lobster meat, celery, mayo, and lemon on a buttered brioche roll.  I have had lobster rolls from New Jersey to Maine and can honestly say this lobster roll rates as one of the best.  The soft fresh lobster contrasted with the crisp taste of the buttered brioche roll was a real delight.  No wonder this restaurant consistently wins awards.

The most outstanding dish for me was the Maine Lobster served Lazy Man Style.  A full one and half pound lobster is steamed and then carefully removed from the shell, and then reassembled on the plate.  It was culinary artistry.  It was served with drawn butter and lemon, and a side.  The taste as you can imagine was wonderful, and being next to the seafood market really makes an amazing difference in the taste and freshness of the seafood.

If seafood is not your favorite, have no worry.  The menu contains steaks, chicken , grilled flatbreads and 6 different salads. There are also 12 different  side dishes as well.  Your dining party is well covered.

There is a complete raw bar available with oysters, little necks, clams and shrimp available.  And of course you know it will be fresh.  I sampled some of the raw bar and can proclaim it to be fantastic.  Fried seafood is also on the menu featuring calamari, oysters, and even a sampler.

We had a little room to sample a dessert. We were having such a wonderful time overlooking the water that we needed to linger a little longer.  Keeping with the seaside theme, we ordered the Key Lime Pie which was light and refreshing.  The Molten Chocolate cake was decadent and served with berries and Tahitian vanilla ice cream.  Delicious.

Our visit to The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood was an escape for a few hours.  We felt that we had been transported to the coast of Maine or perhaps Nantucket.  Sitting in this special place and enjoying wonderfully prepared  fresh food while enjoying peaceful scenery is something that will linger with me for a long time.

No wonder Yankee Magazine, the periodical of all things New England proclaimed this restaurant  “Best Seafood” in their Best of New England issue. I agree.

The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood

89 Rowayton Ave   Rowayton Ct

tel. 203.866.4488

web> http://rowaytonseafood.com/#waterfront-dining

 

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Cask Republic is one of the cornerstone dining spots on the hip and lively block of Washington Street in South Norwalk Ct.  If you have not been to Washington Street in SoNo, then you are missing a great experience.   The block is lined with many 19th century brick buildings which retain the charm and character of the street, and today they host  galleries, shops, bars, and restaurants. The vibe is very special.

We had heard good news about Cask Republic and were excited to spend what would be a fun evening there.   The restaurant is housed in a former bank building which is evident from the carved stone eagle over the door and the large bank vault in the back of the restaurant (which also serves as a special and intimate dining space).

The dining areas are divided between the finely crafted yet casual indoor space and the relaxed outdoor area on the side of the building.   The interior creates the feeling of an upscale tavern experience, yet it is still friendly and inviting.  There are tables for two and more, as well as a nice tall communal table at the front of the restaurant with views out to the active street scene.   It was interesting to see a mix of ages from 20s and up, as well as couples, singles, and groups of friends enjoying the food and drink on a warm Saturday evening.    The wooden bar is long and hosts a large number of taps that provide beer from its extensive beer list, wine, as well as house prepared cocktails that are freshly made, kegged and easily served.  There is also a cozy lounge area of four comfortable chairs in which to gather with friends or family and enjoy drinks.

We decided to sample a list of items from the dinner  menu as well as some of the cocktails.  We tried a flight of the Cocktails On Tap, which contained four different cocktails.  All tasted fresh and the Cool Breeze and The Brooklyn were favorites.  The Guava Chili Margarita was spicy and full of taste, is a good libation for the spice lover in your party. Our waitress Hannah was happy to provide suggestions and descriptions for us.

Other  cocktails we just had to try (full size) were the fun Popstyle with sparkling rose served with a flavored popsicle.  The Pink Panther (a sangria on tap) featured a refreshing blend of rose, riesling wine, strawberry, kiwi, cantaloupe, coconut rum, orange vodka, campari, and pineapple.  A fruity and tropical twist on the Spanish classic.  Very refreshing.   We also tried the Strawberry Rhubarb Mojito, a fresh and fruity version of the Cuban Classic.

Our party decided we should share some of the Small Plates which make up the majority of the menu.  Although Cask Republic  is an upscale American tavern, its food is not typical tavern fare and features some interesting choices.You can create your own Cheese board which is a great way to start.  You can pick from 3 cheeses and meats and it is served with rustic bread, housemade jam, mustard, dried fruit and nuts.  A real nice plate to share and kick off the meal.     A perfect dish for the Vegetarian or healthy eater in your party is the Roasted Vegetable Flatbread with onions, 12 hour roasted tomatoes, a goat cheese/cauilflower puree and salsa verde.  Very fresh, and flavorful.  The flatbread is small, so it can be enjoyed by one, or shared.

We followed  with more tavern like fare with the Crispy Zucchini Fries.  Breaded and cooked in a flavor packed garlic oil, it was served with toasted sesame seed aioli.

Though I usually do not order fried food much when dining, this dish was really a delight and great to share.   The Korean BBQ wings was next and kept in the tradition of tavern fare, but the Korean sauce made for a tangy flavor that was not hot and had satisfying flavor.

Also from the Small Plates came the Short Rib Meatballs, served in a mini skillet with IPA BBQ glaze and crumbled blue cheese.  The short rib meat gave the meatballs a unique taste that was quite satisfying.  The Shrimp And Grits was a real favorite and a real comfort food. This Southern classic served with  Tiger shrimp, cotija cheese grits, and Andouille sausage vinaigrette was the stand out dish of the evening.

There are three salads on the menu which can be ordered as a side of as an Entree.   We ordered the very healthy and satisfying Quinoa Salad with baby greens, cranberries , feta, toasted walnuts, and drizzled with an interesting charred lemon vinaigrette.  Super healthy and a welcome item on the menu for the health conscious diner.  We finished with the Smokey Chicken Quesadilla (Small plate) which was an interesting variation of this Mexican standard, and served with a cilantro sour creme.  Happily it was not heavy like many Mexican dishes, and it is large enough to enjoy alone or share.

 

The Cask Republic Burger is not to be missed. Winner of the Best Burger at the  2016 Greenwich Wine and Food Festival, it is a flavorful  burger and worthy of its trophy.  The meat is a blend of brisket, short rib, and sirloin, that you can taste on the first bite.  Served with maple wood smoked bacon and onion jam,  this is a selection  that should satisfy burger fans.

There are many items on the menu we did not get to in our visit. There is even a raw bar with oysters and shrimp.  I would encourage the chef to perhaps add  a few more seafood selections to the menu.   There are 25 items on the menu, hand crafted with fresh ingredients, so there is something for everyone.

One could write an entire article just on the bar at Cask Republic.  There is an impressive list of over 20 beers and ciders on tap, buckets of beer,  as well as flights of beer and pitchers.   There are 45 beers domestic and imported and available in cans and bottles.  Very impressive and it is clear their wish to provide a wide choice to their customers.

 

Wine lovers are not left out as there is white and red wines on tap, and an impressive list of red, white and sparkling wines from California, Italy, Spain, and France are available by glass and  by bottle.  Flights of wine are also offered.  Bourbon, scotch and whiskey fans will be impressed by the long list available including a large number of single malt scotches.

There are  happy hours (see website for details) with drink specials. There is an Octoberfest special running currently as well as specials during football games.

Cask Republic is a warm and comfortable place to dine and drink with good friends, family or for a fun date night.  Thanks to Marissa Mayo, General Manager for her tour and creating such a warm and inviting atmosphere for her guests.

Cask Republic  has two other locations in Stamford,Ct. and New Haven Ct. as well.

Cask Republic

99 Washington Street  Norwalk, Ct   (in the heart of SoNo)

tel. 203.354.0163

web>>  http://caskrepublic.com/norwalk

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A fun event is coming to the Westchester County Center in White Plains.  The Westchester Wine and Chocolate Festival  opens its doors Saturday October 21st from 2pm to 5pm and then from 6pm until 9pm.

Attendees for this fun event can sample wine, spirits and cider from regional producers.  As of this writing there are 18 vendors with more surely to be added.  You can also purchase bottles of your favorite drink at special event prices.

Also on hand will be cheese, chocolate and other food vendors with items to sample as well as to purchase.  There will be a mini boutique of items for sale including jewelry, handbags and more.

So grab some friends and spend some time sampling wine, cheese, chocolate and more !  Sounds fun!

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets in advance:

http://wineandchocolatefestivals.com/events/westchester/

Westchester Wine and Chocolate Festival

Westchester County Center

198 Central Avenue White Plains NY

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Sample signature dishes from Putnam County’s  best restaurants, enjoy great wines and microbrew beers at the newly renovated Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac New York.

This is more than just a culinary event – you will be supporting United Way programs in Putnam County such as the  United2Read program, affordable nonprofit training and the 2-1-1 helpline. So come out and enjoy food, wine and beer and help a good cause.

Cost: $60
For more information, please contact Peter West at 914.997.6700 x 732.

Some of the Participating Restaurants and vendors:

Arturos Tavern, Aversanos, Brotherhood Winery,Captain Lawrence Brewery, Country Kitchen and Cafe, Curry House, Doral Arrowwood, Fitstop Delivers,Florrie Kaye’s Tea room, Freight House Cafe, Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, The Hummingbird, Iron and Wine Restaurant, Laguna Cocina, Mezzaluna, Noteworthy Chocolates Peach Lake Market, Penny Lick Ice Cream, Putnam Ridge,Rincon Latino,Rosemary’s Basil,The Stadium, Zoup !

United Ways Putnam Best Chefs and Wine Event

Monday September 18th   6pm to 8pm

Putnam County Golf Course

187 Hill Street Mahopac NY

http://www.uwwp.org/bestchefs.shtml

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A  cool event is coming just in time for Autumn!   Taste of Litchfield is the culinary event of the year for Litchfield County Ct.  Restaurants, specialty markets, winemakers, craft brewers, and others will fill the white barn and 90-acre property at South Farms in Morris Ct. to serve their signature cuisine and craft cocktails and beverages to foodies and those who want to enjoy a great day outdoors in beautiful Litchfield County. There will be music, fun, and roving entertainment.

Taste of Litchfield  is the culinary event of the year for the county.  The area’s finest restaurants, gourmet food purveyors, craft beer specialists, wine makers, and more present their wares .  There will be two live bands, magicians and a special VIP area as well.

An event not to miss !

Sunday, September 10, 2017, 1 pm to 4 pm

21 Higbie Road  Morris Ct.   at South Farms

Tickets $50 in advance, $60 at door, VIP additional

For Tickets >>>>   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-litchfield-tickets-33363508151

Taste of Litchfield

Presented by Town Vibe /Litchfield Magazine