Hudson Valley

Fishkill Farms: pick your own fruit, organic veggies, farmstand and fun events all in a beautiful setting

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With the cool air of autumn just around the corner, our thoughts here in the Hudson Valley turn to afternoons of fruit picking, hay rides, harvest dinners, and pumpkin picking.  The region is filled with wonderful farms where one can back in touch with nature even if it is only for a short time.   Fishkill Farms in East Fishkill NY is a special farm that you want to visit soon.  It is   a 30 minute drive from Northern Westchester and 45 minutes  from mid Westchester.

I was fortunate to visit Fishkill Farms a few weeks back when they held their Peachtopia Fest.   The farm has been a family farm in the Morgenthau family for more than 100 years and now run by 2nd and 3rd generation family members.  The farm was an apple orchard which has now expanded its operations to included fruit growing (peaches, nectarines, apples, pumpkins, blackberries, blueberries) , a wide range of  organic vegetables (pick your own or CSA), a full service farm stand, and cidery.  They also have pasture raised hens that provide the farm with fresh eggs.

The mission of the farm is to produce healthy farm products without the use of man made pesticides or fertilizers.  This is something we can all appreciate and should support.

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Pick Your Own organic vegetables and flowers

The farm itself is set in a valley and as you look out from the farm stand you see the fields gently roll out before you.  It is quite the idyllic scene.  You can pick your own fruits or vegetables, or shop at the fully stocked farm stand which features their own products, home made donuts, and locally made items.

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The farm also holds numerous events throughout the year.  I attended  “Peachtopia” which was a fun event. I was able to enjoy a hayride out to the peach tree orchard to pick peaches and nectarines (they were amazing!)   There was food for sale, a band playing with a picnic area, and a tent was set up for adults to enjoy samples of Treasury Cider.   The cider is named in honor of Henry Morgenthau Jr., the founder of Fishkill Farm and former  Secretary of the Treasury under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.   The cider is smooth, dry and very refreshing.

With its beautiful scenery, fun activities, and fresh produce, Fishkill Farms is a great place to spend  a Fall day, or any day.  It is easy to locate right off Interstate 84.   Check out their website for more info, picking information, and upcoming events.

Irene July Aug 526

Fishkill Farms

Fishkill Farm Road  Hopewell Junction NY 

tel. 845-897-4377

http://www.fishkillfarms.com

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Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Returns ! March 6-19th

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Hudson Valley Restaurant week, presented by Valley Table Magazine is back again! Starting Monday March 6, 2017 and it runs  through Sunday March 19,2017.   This event involves over 200 participating restaurants in the Hudson Valley which offer diners special three-course price fixe dinner menus for $32.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). Many of these fine restaurants also offer 3-course price fixe lunches for $22.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity).  There will be 115 restaurants participating in Westchester County alone.
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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Ramiro’s 954: An Authentic Latin Fusion eatery with a fresh innovative menu

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I visited Ramiro’s 954 restaurant as I was excited to try a Latin fusion eatery with a stellar reputation.  Located over the border of Northern Westchester in Mahopac NY, the restaurant is warm and inviting with bright colors and wood trim and ceiling beams that create the a Latin atmosphere. Ramiro’s 954 has a lovely menu with a contemporary of blend of cuisine from Spain and Latin America.

The bar offers a nice selection as well of cocktails and wine.  The White Sangria that I tried was one of the best I have ever had. Light, fruity and sweet and it made me feel like I was on vacation.  The classic Mojito is a perfect choice and was served in a tall glass with muddled mint leaves, lime, club soda and white rum and was delicious.

White Sangria
Mojito

Ramiro’s offers a large selection of appetizers and it is hard to choose which one.  We sampled several from the menu.  Standouts for me are the Empanadas de Picadillo, a crispy turnover filled with ground beef, garlic, onion, pepper, red wine and served in a sweet chipotle cream sauce.  Everyone at the table thought they were fresh and fantastic.

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Empandas

Another nice choice is the Platano Relleno, a great dish comprised of fried sweet plantain stuffed with chicken, peppers and served with a black bean puree, queso fresco, and avocado sauce. A real knockout dish and great to share with your fellow dinner guests.

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Platano Relleno

If you are a taco lover, try the Tacos Dorado, crispy corn tacos filled with BBQ pork, chipotle, mango salsa and queso fresco.  This was a big hit with the combo of BBQ and fresh ingredients.  There are 15 items alone on the appetizer menu.  Some of the appetizers are available in vegetarian form.

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Tacos Dorado

There is also a Ceviche menu and I highly recommend the trio tasting, which consists of Ceviche de Camaron: blanched shrimp, roasted tomato sauce and orange juice, onion, jalapeno pepper, avocado and cilantro. The other sample was Chifa de Atun, which is tuna in lime juice with seaweed salad, jalapenos and soy-habanero sauce.  The last of the ceviche trio was sliced salmon in lime juice with wasabi avocado sauce.  This innovative ceviche menu was delightful and was beautifully presented.

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trio of Ceviche

 

Main Course:  It was a challenge to narrow down our entree course as there is such a unique and interesting selection of dishes. There are 20 selections from which to choose.

The filled Mahi-Mahi (Dorado con Risotto) is a stellar pick.  Fresh grilled Mahi-Mahi is served with mushroom risotto, lime blackened sea salt butter in a sour orange reduction.  The fish was lightly grilled so that there was a perfect balance of grill flavor blended with the fresh tender fish.

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Mahi-Mahi

 

 

If Paella is your favorite (as it is mine), go for the delicious traditional Spanish dish with saffron rice, and a healthy portion of shrimp, scallops, mussels, chicken and chorizo.

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Paella

For shrimp lovers, try the Cameron Enchilado– seared shrimp served in a mild tomato sauce, diced grilled pineapple, rice and zucchini salad. This dish is a true masterpiece with a delectable blend of tastes and a nice presentation.

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Cameron Enchilado

The meat lover in our party was very happy with the Grilled Skirt Steak served over morita chiles sauce, carmelized onions, green beans, and white rice.  There are quite a few beef and chicken choices as well as dishes for vegetarians.

Dessert:  Save room for the homemade desserts!  A unique selection is the  Bananas Fritas, crispy bananas coated in cornmeal and cinnamon served with caramel sauce with cinnamon cookies.  Tasty and creative!    Chocolate lovers will find the Torta de Chocolate the correct choice.  A chocolate tart served Latin style with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce.  The chocolate chip cheesecake is light and creamy and the perfect ending to this great meal.

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Bananas Fritas

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Torta de Chocolate

 

I tried the Coconut Martini which can be enjoyed prior to you meal or as I did at the end.  The drink was cool and refreshing and gave me a taste of the tropics.

Ramiro’s is quite popular with the locals.  However, I felt that I was eating in a top Latin Bistro in New York City or Westchester.  Chef and owner Ramiro Jimenez has created a friendly, top quality restaurant, with great service, and an innovative and interesting menu with something for everyone.  He has also written a cookbook called the “Daily Feast Cookbook” and is passion for cooking is apparent.

So take the few extra minutes and cross over the Westchester border into Mahopac and taste the great menu at Ramiro’s 954

 

Ramiro’s 954

954 Route 6 Mahopac New York           tel: 845-621-3333

website :  http://www.ramiros954.com

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Christmas Inn: a musical to put you in the holiday spirit at the Westchester Broadway Theater

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A fun and light hearted holiday musical, “Christmas Inn” has come to the Westchester Broadway Theater for a limited engagement.   It is the story of a partnership and friendship of two entertainers who leave Ireland with the hopes of making it big in America.  The story fast forwards two generations to the grandsons of the two men who are also an musical entertainment act.  However the grandsons have split up and the only bond remaining is the fact that they both are partners in an inn in Sharon Connecticut called the Christmas Inn.

Bill Brewer (Kilty Reidy) arrives at the Inn with his son, Sam (Nick Varricchio) just before Christmas to stage the annual Christmas show at the Inn.  However the Inn has seen better days, and it is also about to host Buddy Baker (Jayson Elliot) the estranged partner of Bill.  The audience discovers that Buddy as majority partner has plans to sell the Inn to developers who intend to forever close its doors.   Will the Inn be saved and will the spirit of the holidays warm the heart of Buddy?

The cast includes Maxine the innkeeper (Ann-Ngaive Martin) who adds comedy to her scenes including her alcohol tinged performance of the “12 Daze of Christmas”.  Also impressive is Sara Cline (Linda Baker) who provides the evening with some of the best vocal performances.

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The rest of the talented ensemble of Holly Googe, Joel Pellini, Daniel Scott Walton and Gabriella Perez (prior on the WBT stage in Man of Lamancha and Showboat) sing and dance their way through the numerous Christmas songs that make up the musical.

The character of 10 year old Josie Evans (Molly Siena Culot/Ruby Griffin) is an important one in bridging the divide between the partners.  Her solo performance at the end of Act 1 was inspiring.

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The light hearted musical is filled with Christmas carols that are woven throughout the story.  At the finale, the cast invites the audience to sing a long in some Christmas tunes.

A fun evening and perfect to put you in the holiday spirit.

Ticket Prices Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers! The show is playing through December 23rd  2016

for more information  and tickets

Westchester Broadway Theater    

  tel  914 592-2222

One Broadway Plaza  Elmsford NY

http://www.broadwaytheatre.com

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Organic Vegetable baskets for Thanksgiving at Hilltop Hanover Farm

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Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights is offering organic vegetable baskets for your Thanksgiving dinner!  If you are looking for organic locally grown produce for your Thanksgiving feast, then look no further.  Hilltop Hanover farm is offering prepackaged baskets that include farm grown, seasonal, all organic vegetables.  All baskets will feed four to 8 people and include recipes.   Each basket will be available for pick up at the farm stand on November 22nd 2016 from 10am to 5pm.  The cost is $60 per basket.

The farm stand at Hilltop Hanover Farm also sells maple syrup, pies, gift baskets, pasta and more.   You can also pre order pies and turkeys as well from the farm.

Support your local farming community by shopping at the farm stand this Thanksgiving.

for more information:

http://www.hilltophanoverfarm.org/

Hilltop Hanover Farm

1271 Hanover Street  Yorktown Heights NY   tel 914-963-2368

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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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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/

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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Beekman Arms Inn: History lives at this charming historic inn

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There is something very unique about staying in a historic hotel or inn.  Each of these places are unique as they have hosted a part of our history. The Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck N.Y. is one of those special historic inns that has been a witness to the history of not only the Hudson Valley but America as well.

Located right on Rt 9 in the heart of Rhinebeck, the Beekman Arms has been in operation since 1766 and lays claim to the title of “America’s Oldest Inn”.   During the American Revolution the Inn hosted George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Benedict Arnold (who was a General in the Continental Army at the time).  In the 20th Century, President Franklin D. Roosevelt completed several of his major political campaigns with a speech from the front porch of the inn.

We recently had the opportunity to stay an evening in the inn while visiting the charming village of Rhinebeck.  Upon opening the door you know you are in a special place.  The ceilings are low, the floors are clad in wide plank hardwood  and the public rooms on the first floor are intimate.  There is the reception area and a comfortable parlor with fireplace and next to that is  a cozy room that looks part sitting room, part library with its wood paneling and wing back chairs.

The main floor also houses the Tap Room which is the original part of the inn  which dates back to its origins as a tavern.  The room is clad in wood paneling, wide plank wood floors, a long bar and wooden chairs and tables. The large hearth dates from 1704.  The Tap room is the meeting place in Rhinebeck for locals and visitors to enjoy an ale or a cocktail with friends.  The walls are adorned with historic photos and prints which remind one of the history that has taken place within these walls.

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The historic Tap Room

Also on the first floor is a several small dining areas, the main dining room, and the garden greenhouse where we enjoyed our continental breakfast. The greenhouse was a charming spot to enjoy coffee overlooking the garden.

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The Greenhouse overlooking the garden and front lawn

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Our room was on the second floor, up the charming but steep staircase.  The room was very charming, clean and comfortable. It had a poster bed with quilts,  2 chairs for sitting and reading, a small desk, a non working fireplace, a Keurig coffee maker, and a small television.  The ceiling is low at just about 7 feet which reminds you that you are in an antique building.  The bath was modern and updated.  The floors are over 200 years old and they will creak, but that is just part of the charm of the hotel.  The room was air conditioned. A decanter of sherry and two glasses are also provided.

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Down the street the Beekman Arms also owns the Delamater House and Conference center which is a collection of seven guest house buildings.  The Delamater House dates back to 1844 and was designed by the famous 19th century architect, Alexander Jackson Davis whose designs dot the Hudson Valley and was responsible for such famous buildings as Lyndhurst in Tarrytown.

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The beautiful Delamater House (1844)

The village of Rhinebeck has a charm of its own with its Antique barn, farmers market, cool shops and great restaurants.  It is also a great place to stay and explore this area of the Hudson Valley with its wineries, farms,  hiking, and historic venues.  If you love history and unique properties, than check out the Beekman Arms.

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Beekman Arms

Route 9 Rhinebeck NY       tel:  845-876-7080

http://beekmandelamaterinn.com

 

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You should be Dancing! Saturday Night Fever comes to the Westchester Broadway Theater stage

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Saturday Night Fever,the musical comes to the Westchester Broadway Theater stage.  This musical adaption of the 1977 movie which starred John Travolta was adapted for the stage and premiered in London in 1998 and on Broadway in 2000.  It has enjoyed numerous tours, and revivals around the world.  It now comes to Westchester and runs through January 29, 2017.

The story (inspired by  a 1975 article in New York Magazine by Nik Cohn) follows the life of 19 year old Tony Manero (Jacob Tischler) of Brooklyn, who lives with his family in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.  He is stuck in a job with no future and is caught up in the economic malaise that was the late 1970s.  With his father laid off from his job and his brother questioning his path into the priesthood, Tony and his friends turn to dancing as their escape.

We follow Tony’s exploits as he displays his talents on the floor of the 2001 Odyssey club where he absorbs the admiration of his fellow club goers.  Here he meets Stephanie Mangano (Alexandra Matteo) a 20 year old dancer who has moved away from the neighborhood to Manhattan where she is looking to transform herself.  Tony is intrigued by her dancing ability and her boldness in leaving Brooklyn and her old life behind.  They find as they practice for a dance contest that they have more in common then they originally thought.

 

Tony’s gang of friends and his family are all woven into the story as well as Tony discovers he really is “going nowhere” and must make decisions about his future.

The musical score including all the Bee Gees hits (“Staying Alive”, “Jive Talking”, “You should be Dancing”, Night Fever” ) are all here including songs not in the movie.  The arrangements of some of the songs have been changed which makes them fresh and more interesting and in some cases the lyrics have more impact in the context of the story.

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Set design by Michael Bottari makes full use of the WBT stage and included are a bridge which spans the back of the stage and frames the story, the Manero’s kitchen which appears from below and then disappears below stage, the disco, and other locals from the story.

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The cast is large with both main players and ensemble singer/dancers.  Michelle Dawson who last appeared in Man of La Mancha returns to the WBT stage  lends her vocal talents to several musical numbers including “Nights on Broadway”.  Lead actors Jacob Tischler and Alexandra Matteo are excellent in every aspect of their performance and the chemistry between them is quite convincing.  Directed by Richard Stafford who does an excellent job bring the characters to life.

All in all a fun musical that is family friendly and is a treat not just for fans of the film but anyone who enjoys a story of struggle,self discovery  and of course great dancing.

Get out your dancing shoes and boogie over to the Westchester Broadway Theater in Elmsford.

(all photos provided by Westchester Broadway Theater)

Tickets (includes dinner) run from $56 to $84 depending on performance date chosen.

For tickets:  

tel:  914 592-2222

http://www.broadwaytheater.com

Westchester Broadway Theater

One Broadway Plaza  Elmsford New York

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