Just in time for the Holidays! “Tim and Scrooge” at the Westchester Broadway Theatre

December 7, 2015December 8, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

tim scrooge 2
Tim and Scrooge is a continuation of the story of “ A Christmas Carol” and this production is a musical sequel to the famous Charles Dickens story. In this tale, 12 years have elapsed since Ebenezer Scrooge underwent his transformation from a horrible miserly man to the kindly and generous benefactor Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family. The story opens with Scrooge taking on a new role. Now he is a ghost and has left his fortune and accounting business to Tim (now 20 years old). Tim is now attending University where he is following his passion to become a teacher and has fallen love with Allison.
The story is set during the 19th century around Christmas time. We follow Tim as he is caught in the dilemma of following in his father’s footsteps at the accounting firm and, pleasing his family or follow his passion for teaching and his love for Allison. Tim is terribly conflicted by his choices, and ironically it is the ghost of Scrooge who comes to guide him in the right direction. It is a wonderful story of love, family, and the choices we make that influence the direction of our lives.
The play was composed by Neil Berg and lyrics by Nick Meglin. The musical premiered at the NYMF festival in New York City and garnered rave reviews. It was staged in London and has toured the U.S. for 5 years. It now comes to Westchester and it a perfect show for the holiday season.
The fantastic cast includes George Lee Andrews as Scrooge (credits include original cast member of Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, Sweeney Todd (2014) and Evita (2012) also on Broadway and many other credits). There were so many excellent performers in this production but special mention should be noted for Justin Scott Brown as Tim who was cast in the National Tour of Les Miserables, and has numerous theatrical credits. Rita Harvey shines as Allison and has appeared on Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera and the National Tour or Phantom. Her vocal performances are not to be missed
Tim and Scrooge is a great holiday show and will be at the Westchester Broadway Theater in Elmsford through December 27. Dinner is included with the price of your ticket and you eat right before the show. There is an intermission of one half hour between Act One and Two.

Parking is free.
For more information on this great show
Westchester Broadway Theatre
One Broadway Plaza Elmsford, New York 914-592-2222
http://www.broadwaytheatre.com

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Two events to get you in the holiday spirit

December 3, 2015December 8, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

greenwich holiday stroll

That time of year is here again, and if you are looking for something to get you into the Holiday spirit, then two events are coming up this weekend in nearby Connecticut.
Starting Friday evening December 4th from 6pm to 10pm is the 16th annual Ridgefield Holiday Stroll which takes place on Main Street in downtown Ridgefield Ct. The downtown is transformed with live ice sculptures, singing and strolling Toy soldiers, strolling carolers, music, a magic show (at town hall) and free horse drawn carriage rides. The stores will all be open for shopping and many will serving refreshments. A fun night and really sets the tone for the holiday season. The fun continues on Saturday December 5th from 10-4 pm with many of the same events and breakfast and photos with Santa at the Ridgefield Boys and Girls club from 8am to noon. Of course this gives you the opportunity to check out the many merchants in town.

Greenwich Connecticut will be hosting its 7th Annual Holiday Stroll on Saturday December 5th from 10-6pm and Sunday December from 12-5 pm on Greenwich Avenue in downtown Greenwich. There will be 100 merchants participating in the event as well as live music, letter writing to Santa, live Nativity scene, free horse drawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, photo with Santa and live reindeer!
These are nice events to get you out of the mall and outside in the fresh air and enjoy some Holiday fun.
for more information :

http://www.downtownridgefield.com

http://www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com

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Support the Wolf Conservation Center at the Annual Wine and Wolves event

November 26, 2015December 8, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

wine-and-wolves

On Thursday December 3, 2015 at 7pm to 10pm the Wolf Conservation Center will be hosting its annual Wine and Wolves Holiday Celebration. This years celebration will be held at the Waccabuc Country Club (Carriage House) located at 90 Mead Street, Waccabuc New York . The Wolf Conservation Center of South Salem will be celebrating its 16th year of educating and the conservation of wolves.

The center, founded by world-famous concert pianist Helene Grimaud, conducts environmental education programs, shelters and breeds two species of endangered wolves.
The Wine and Wolves event involves local restaurants and merchants from northern Westchester and Fairfield counties, who come together to help raise money for the center by providing food, wine, gifts for sale or auction and entertainment.
To purchase tickets,please visit http://www.nywolf.org to see the events calendar and register. Tickets are $100, and attendance is limited to 130 persons. In the past this event has sold out. For more information, call 914-763-2373.
Ambassador wolf Atka will be making a special appearance to welcome guests! Please come out for this special event and show your support. See you there!

for more information: http://www.nywolf.org

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Brothers Trattoria: A classic family Italian eatery in the heart of Beacon

November 23, 2015December 8, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Beacon NY on the Hudson River in Dutchess County is a hip town which has been undergoing a renaissance in the last decade or so. With a train station on Metro North’s Hudson line, and close proximity to Interstate 84 and NY Rt 9, the town has become a destination stop for people from New York City and the Hudson Valley seeking a great place to spend the day. Main Street in Beacon is an oasis of shops, antiques, art galleries, coffee houses, and restaurants all located in an architecturally interesting street of late 19th century brick buildings.

After an afternoon of exploring Main Street and its many attractions, we decided to dine at Brothers Trattoria located in a beautiful brick building built in 1889. The restaurant has three separate dining areas, the casual front dining room (great for pizza with the family), the more formal main dining room with its white table cloths and soft warm colors which create an elegant atmosphere, and the comfortable tavern room with its

Main Dining room

fireplace, brick walls, tables with couches and intimate bar. No televisions in this bar as this room is for dining and conversation with family and friends.

Tavern room

Being in such a warm and inviting space we eagerly awaited the to dine. The menu is traditional Italian, with a large variety of dishes and daily specials. For appetizer we ordered Pasta Fagioli soup which was warm, delicious and tasted so fresh. I was told all soups are made to order and not prepared hours in advance.

Pasta Fagioli

My husband ordered Shrimp pesto gnocchi in a creamy basil sauce . This gnocchi was fresh, and full of flavor and could make a wonderful entree of its own.

Gnocchi

For our entree I ordered the Frutta di Mare which included shrimp, clams, scallops and muscles in a garlic white wine sauce. On the side I had a dish of broccoli rabe but pasta is what the dish normally is prepared. The portion was large, fresh and fantastic.

Frutta di mare

My husband ordered Chicken Darden which is a delightful dish of chicken breast and shrimp sauteed with sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms in a garlic white wine sauce. The dish was excellent and the portion was large and very filling. My husband decided to take the rest home for another meal. A generous salad is also provided with each meal, which is a nice touch and is missing in so many restaurants today which charge you extra for a salad. Service was amazing from start to finish.

Chicken Darden

We were so full from our great meal that we unfortunately had to miss dessert. We did cap off our meal with a cappuccino which like the rest of our meal was great. Brothers Trattoria is a family owned business with several members of the same family led by owner Ken Barisha working together to create a warm family atmosphere with great Italian food. This is a place you will want to bring your family to dine and enjoy all that Beacon has to offer. We will be returning and after this meal, we truly feel like we are part of the family.

Brothers Trattoria

465 Main Street Beacon New York 845-838-3300

web: http://www.brotherstrattoria.com

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Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen: Farm to Table dining in a rustic chic setting

November 11, 2015December 8, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

The rivertowns of Westchester County have been undergoing a revival in recent years and part of that renaissance is the exciting new restaurants opening in the villages lining the riverfront. It was my pleasure to dine at Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen in Tarrytown. Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen is located in the Hudson Harbor development between the Tarrytown rail station and the Hudson River, a beautiful parcel of land with sweeping views of the river. The restaurant is situated on the first floor of a building known as the Stonehouse, the building reminds one of a fine mountain lodge with its extensive use of stone and wood timbers. Upon entering the restaurant that natural feel is continued with extensive use of natural and reclaimed materials. Indeed much of the wood used in the flooring and bar was reclaimed from an old building in Albany.
The natural environment is part of the overall kitchen philosophy of the restaurant , which strongly believes in sourcing fresh ingredients from farmers who grow and raise their products in a natural, humane, and sustainable fashion. This is indeed the core of the farm to table movement which Rivermarket does so well. There is also a small market near the entrance which sells many New York State products from local farmers and producers. Rivermarket is a 2014 Best of Westchester winner for best new restaurant.

Market featuring local products

We came for lunch during Hudson Valley Restaurant week and our meal included three courses. We ordered for our first course the Puree of Butternut Squash which was prepared with a spiced local apple compote and creme fraiche which was rich and delicious. Perfect for a fall day. We also ordered the Gnocchi prepared with local grass fed beef and mushrooms. The taste was delightful.

Butternut Squash soup

Gnocchi

Since the restaurant has a wood fired brick oven, we deviated from the menu to taste one of their fresh pizzas which came hot from the oven and was fantastic. It would make a great appetizer on its own or as a main course.

Wood fired brick oven pizza

Our main courses were the Chicken Sandwich which was cooked with locally sourced chicken, bacon, avocado on a potato roll which was fresh and filling. It was served with fries. I opted for the Pan Roasted Salmon with wilted local spinach, french lentils in a beurre blanc . It was excellent. The presentation of the dishes as well as the service from our waitress was first rate.

Amazing selection of wine

Chicken Sandwich

Pan seared Salmon

We rounded out our meal with a Panna Cotta which was prepared as a special pumpkin mousse, white chocolate foam and pumpkin chips. A perfect dessert on a sunny late fall afternoon. We also shared a Chocolate mousse with a cocoa nib crumble, caramel gelee and milk sourbet. The presentation of the dish was as nice as the dessert itself.

Panna Cotta

Chocolate Mousse

There is also a nice bar in the restaurant with 12 beers and cider on tap, and another 25 or more available in bottles. The wine list is quite extensive with close to 150 selections of wine and sparkling wine available

Beers on Tap

Co-owner and manager, Glenn Vogt has done a wonderful job transforming this space into an inviting restaurant to dine. The message of fresh local and sustainable products even extends to their logo “Naturally Raised”.
If you are a fan of fresh locally produced ingredients, expertly prepared and served, then Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen must be on your list of restaurants to try.

Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen

127 West Main Street Tarrytown, New York 914-631-3100

Website: http://rivermarketbarandkitchen.com

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Greenwich Ct. kicks off Greenwich Restaurant Week November 12-18th

November 10, 2015November 10, 2015 / I On The Valley / 1 Comment

Greenwich Ct. will be the site of the 2nd Annual Greenwich Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants in Greenwich will be offering specials to entice diners to come to their restaurants and partake in their many offerings. Restaurant week kicks off on November 12th and runs through November 18th 2015. There will be close to 30 restaurants participating in the event, so you have plenty of options.

Some of the restaurants participating include Bella Nonna, Blackstones, Char, Delamar Hotel, Elm Street Oyster House, Harvest, Le Penguin, Mediterraneo and many more. Some of the restaurants will be offering a price fixe menu, some will offer other specials.This is a great way to try new restaurants in Greenwich.

For more information on this event please go their website:http://www.greenwichrestaurantweek.com
To see what each restaurant is offering click the “Deals and Specials” page on their website.

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Dolphin Restaurant: Classic cuisine with an amazing waterfront setting

November 5, 2015December 8, 2015 / I On The Valley / 1 Comment

Dolphin Restaurant on the Hudson River waterfront is a restaurant I have been eager to try for some time. There is a cool hip vibe as you first arrive at the beautiful river front location of Dolphin in Yonkers. The parking valet is right out front and is waiting so there is no need to concern yourself with trying to find a parking spot.
If you are lucky enough to arrive at Dolphin in the daylight you will notice its spectacular spot, situated on the banks of the Hudson River with a view of the Palisades cliffs across the river.

Looking down river you can see the George Washington Bridge and the twinkling lights of Manhattan. It is quite a site and on warm days there are tables outside for diners to take in the million dollar view.

Dolphin is a family owned business and I learned that the father of the family originally owned a restaurant in Manhattan with the same name. I would categorize the food as traditional classic with an emphasis on seafood which is perfect considering its waterfront location. There are menu options including steak, chicken and pasta outside of the numerous seafood offerings. There is also a wonderful metro chic bar with fun and interesting drink choices .
This casual fine dining spot could not have been a better choice for a dinner out with friends on a lovely warm Autumn evening. We all admired the cool, fun atmosphere and the modern edge of the interior decor of Dolphin. The large round windows reminded me of being on a ship.
We began our meal with a round of appetizers. The large portion of baked clams were perfectly seasoned with garlic herbs and breadcrumbs.

Baked Clams

We all enjoyed this tasty start to our meal. A wonderful and not to be missed dish is the Lobster Mac and Cheese with three cheeses, creamy lobster béchamel and large chunks of fresh lobster meat.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

We also shared fried calamari served with a smoked tomato dipping sauce . We also shared the Fish Tacos which were fantastic with a topping of house cole slaw.

Fish Tacos

For my entree I ordered the Shrimp stuffed Crab. The dish was so tasty with lump crab and shrimp oven baked over saffron rice . I really loved this dish. I also enjoyed a side of roasted root vegetables which complemented my main dish.

Shrimp Stuffed Crab

Another dish enjoyed at our table was the paella with mussels, clams and jumbo shrimp, chorizo, saffron rice, peas and olives in a tomato comfit.

Paella with Mussels

I was told this was an amazing entree. My other friend picked the Argentinean skirt steak with fries served in a chimachurra pesto sauce. The last entree at our table was Shrimp with grits. The Shrimp as sautéed in a spicy Louisiana entoufee sauce with creamy parmesean grits. This was a unique dish that combined classic ingredients to create a wonderful taste.

After this filling and wonderful meal we saved a little room for dessert. A sweet bourbon bread pudding and pumpkin cheesecake were ordered and both were fresh and made for an excellent conclusion to our meal.

Pumpkin cheesecake

I found Dolphin to be a great place to dine with classic dishes, great service and located on a fantastic spot overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades. Please do your self a favor and put Dolphin on your list of restaurants to try.

Dolphin Restaurant

1 Van Der Donck St Yonkers NY

914-751-8270 website:http://www.dolphinrbl.com

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Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Returns! November 2nd-15th

November 2, 2015November 2, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Hudson Valley Restaurant week, presented by Valley Table Magazine is back again starting November 2nd through November 15th 2015. This event involves over 200 restaurants in the 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 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.
Website http://www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com

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Madava Farms- Maple syrup, lunch and a great day in the outdoors !

October 28, 2015October 28, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Madava Farms in Dover Plains NY (Duchess County) is the perfect place to go on a fall afternoon for a day of fun and for something a little different. This beautiful property is home to Crown Maple Products and is a great stop to take their one hour tour of the facility.

The tour takes place in a gorgeous building known as the Sugar House

Sugar House

and there you will learn all about the maple syrup process from tapping of the thousands of maple trees on the property to the production of some of the finest syrup you will taste anywhere.
The tour also includes tastings of their products in the Tasting room . Here in this wood paneled room that looks like a bar in a fine inn, you will sample maple sugar and four of their different syrups, Amber, Dark , Extra Dark and a syrup that is aged in bourbon casks for a special taste. Crown Maple Syrup is one of the finest and cleanest tasting syrups I have ever had the pleasure to taste, and they are recognized as being one of the finest maple syrups produced in the world!

And it is locally made right here in the Hudson Valley. Pour some on your pancakes and believe me you will taste the difference.

Tasting Room

Upon entering the Sugar House you find yourself in the lobby which reminds me of fine ski lodge with its stone floor, stone walls and timbered ceiling. Here you will find a gift shop where you can purchase not only products from the farm, but numerous products produced locally and in New York State.

Samples in the Tasting Room

There is also a cafe in the Sugar House where I had the pleasure to dine. There is seating inside and out on the stone deck in front of the building. I started with a home made soup, mushroom barley which was delicious and warming on a cool fall afternoon. Many of the entrees use maple syrup in the recipe to give them a unique taste. I had the chicken wrap with pesto, NY State cheddar cheese, sun dried tomatoes and maple syrup. My friend loved the grilled cheddar foccacia panini with drizzled maples syrup. Both dished came with a side salad with a homemade maple balsamic dressing. I really loved my lunch and it was all served in delightful ceramic pottery.
Outside the Sugar House is a fire pit and a fire was roaring on the day of my visit and the sweet smell of maple smoke wafted through the fall air. There were sticks and marshmallows for the guest to toast and apple cider with maple syrup was served.

The grounds of the farm are beautiful with meadows, ponds, and of course forests filled with maple trees. The grounds include a network of hiking trails and a map can be picked up at the Sugar House. With a little advice from the friendly staff, you can find the trail head and take a nice hike through the woods. We took a hike of approximately 1 1/2 miles on the Pond Trail

Hiking along the Pond trail

which takes you past several ponds and through a nice stretch of forest to an overlook with views of the Taconic hills. Another trail was the Overlook Trail which was a bit steeper but its payoff was a wonderful view west toward the Catskill Mountains on the other side of the Hudson River.
This is a great place to go for a interesting and unique learning experience. Tours are $10 and include the tasting. Do make sure to purchase some of the great products for yourself or to give as a special gift.

Mural of the farm as seen on the tour

There are also recipe cards for different dishes and cocktails using Crown Maple Syrup. I cant wait to try a few!

Madava Farms -Crown Maple Syrup

47 McCourt Road Dover Plains New York 845-877-0640

http://www.crownmaple.com

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The Nyack Halloween Parade: Fun for everyone

October 23, 2015October 23, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

This Saturday October 24, 2015 the Village of Nyack will be hosting its annual Nyack Halloween Parade. The event is the largest of its kind outside of New York City. Each year the parade draws more visitors event.
Costumed participants in the parade and floats assemble in Memorial Park prior to the parade which marches down Main Street and Broadway. The parade kicks off at 5:30 pm. Before or after the parade there are plenty of great shops and restaurants in Nyack to explore. After the parade you can keep the party spirit going by checking out one of the bar/restaurants lining the route. A great place to check out is Casa Del Sol which I just reviewed and is a great place keep the Halloween spirit going.

For more info:

http://nyackchamber.org/nyack-halloween-parade/
Casa Del Sol

http://casaofnyack.com

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I On The Valley

A tour of the exciting events, places to see and dining in the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, New York City and beyond

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