Casa Del Sol is a unique and whimsical place to have a fun and enjoy a delicious Mexican meal.  Upon first entering the restaurant,located on Main Street in Nyack N.Y., I imagined the restaurant to be somewhat small.  Instead the space is quite large with a courtyard with fountain just inside the main door, a bar room, a party room and the spacious main dining room.  As you walk through there are numerous details from the Moorish inspired arches to the stone fountain situated in the courtyard entrance.  The entire restaurant was decorated for Halloween with pumpkins, skeletons and more as can be seen in the photos.

As it was a warm sunny day, many patrons were taking advantage of the fair weather to dine outside on the sidewalk.  We chose to dine instead in the main dining room with its tile floor and its heavy wooden chairs and colorful decor.  The new owner Tom Lynch has made some improvements to the space which inject an element of fun into this space.

Our table began with several appetizers to share.  The grilled chicken nacho chips with black beans, guacamole and cheese was a great (and large) way to start our meal.  The waiter Steve suggested the shrimp cocktail served in a glass which was more like a Cerviche with shrimp, sliced fish, lime and spices.  Delicious!

We also tried the Mexican Lollipops which consisted of homemade chorizo, pineapple and bacon and served with baked spinach in the center of the dish.  We all loved it as it was so fresh.

For a main entree I ordered the Chicken Burrito with rice and black beans (the entrees come with a choice of two sides).  The burrito was stuffed with beans, cheese and huge pieces of seasoned grilled chicken. Another member of my party ordered a chicken quesadilla with plantain and brown rice as side dishes.  Yet another ordered a Beef Brisket Burrito with Mexican corn and seasoned fries.The brisket was soft and tender and was perfectly prepared. Brisket is not typically found on a Mexican menu but it shows how the chef is attempting to inject new ideas as well as fresh ingredients into the menu. I will be ordering this myself on my next visit

For dessert we shared homemade churros with three dipping sauces, dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla bean.

This was so fresh and spot on. We also shared burrito stuffed with banana and chocolate which just melted in your mouth. It was quite the hit at our table.
There is also a nice bar area in the front of the restaurant which was quite busy the day we visited. I ordered one of the specialty drinks before my meal, the Cadillac Margarita with Cuervo Gold tequila and Grand Marnier and was great. There is live music on Friday and Saturdays and Thursday is open jam night.

I am so happy I stumbled on this exciting and fun restaurant. Casa Del Sol is funky and unique and fits in perfectly in the hip scene that typifies this rivertown.
The service was wonderful as our waiter Steve was eager to make suggestions and explain each dish to us. The new owner Tom Lynch has offerd the customer a fun and exciting place with a menu full of great food, expertly prepared with only fresh ingredients. You need to try Casa Del Sol. It’s Excellente !!

Casa Del Sol

104 Main Street Nyack N.Y.  phone: 845-353-9846

Web: http://www.casaofnyack.com

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The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Yonkers will be hosting a unique and fun event on Monday October 26, 2015. Just in time for Halloween, the Cinema will host Victoria Price the daughter of Vincent Price for a special presentation of the Vincent Price classic film, “The Abominable Dr. Phibes.” The film is a tale of love, madness and revenge with Vincent Price starting as Dr. Phibes. It is considered by some to be one of Price’s best roles. Interesting enough he does not utter a single word on screen. It is sure to put you in the Halloween spirit.

What I did not know was that Vincent Price and his wife were lovers of fine food and 50 years ago in 1965 published a cookbook called A Treasury of Great Recipes. The volume includes recipes that were collected by Vincent Price and his wife Mary from various restaurants around the world. The book is a favorite of foodies and has inspired numerous chefs and fans worldwide.
To celebrate the release of the 50th Anniversary of the publication of A Treasury of Great Recipes, Victoria Price will be teaming up with Alamo Drafthouse for a night of film, fun and food. Ms. Price will also be sharing stories of her family legacy with the audience.

Not only will ticket holders enjoy the film but will able to dine on a five course meal prepared and served by Alamo staff. Each course will be a recipe from the cookbook.

The Menu is as follows:
1. Soupe de L’Oignon
2. Chicken Salad and Dutch style Asparagus
3. Petite Crouque Monsieur
4. Stuffed Frankfurters and Boston Baked Beans
5. Pot de Creme Chocolat

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is located in Yonkers and was founded in Austin Texas in 1997. It now has 19 locations nationwide and gives theatre goers the unique opportunity to watch first run and classic movies and at the same time enjoy dinner and drinks.

This really sounds like a fun and unique cinema experience and just in time for Halloween!!
For more information :

http://drafthouse.com/movies/the-abominable-dr.-phibes-feast-with-victoria-price/nyc_area

For more on the cookbook:  https://www.facebook.com/TreasuryGreatRecipes50th

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 2548 Central Park Ave  Yonkers NY

914-226-3082    Web: https://drafthouse.com/theater/yonkers

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A must see musical has arrived at the Westchester Broadway Theatre and runs through January 31, 2016. This musical first produced in 1927, SHOW BOAT  is considered by theatre historians to be the first great Broadway musical. The music was written by Jerome Kern and the lyrics and book were penned by the Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical was based on a novel by Edna Ferber of the same name which follow the lives and loves of a traveling troupe of performers and workers on the Cotton Blossom, a riverboat theatre as it travels up and down the Mississippi.

The musical covers a period of 40 years from 1887 and 1927 and follows the arc of the lives of the river boat performers as well as the changing racial and social attitudes during this period. Its themes include racial prejudice and tragic, enduring love,as well as love found and lost.

The show has produced some very memorable songs which have stood the test of time, including “Ol Man River” “Make Believe: and “Cant Help Loving that Man”.
The show opened on Broadway in 1927 and has been revived on Broadway in 1932, 1946,1983 and 1994 and was the winner of a Tony for Best Musical Revival. It was also made in to a movie twice, first in 1936 and in 1951.

The current production at the Westchester Broadway Theater features direction and choreography by Richard Stafford who has worked extensively at WBT on a number of productions. Outside of the terrific cast, much praise must go to the Set and Costume designers Michael Bottari and Ronald Case. The set includes the one end of the river boat Cotton Blossom as well as other scenes including sets that rise up from under the stage. It is well done. Costume design is spot on for the era and the colorful costumes compliment the actors and their portrayals.

The very talented and experienced cast includes Michael James Leslie as Joe , whose deep and haunting version of “Ol Man River” is memorable. The cast is quite large and includes great performances from Sarah Hanlon as Julie Laverne, Bonnie Fraser as Magnolia Hawkes, Jamie Ross as Captain Andy, Karen Murphy as Parthy Hawks, John Preator as Gaylord Ravenal, Amanda Pulcini as Ellie May Shipley and Inga Ballard as Queenie, whose performance was a real crowd pleaser.
There is also a large ensemble cast who round out the show and they really add life to the overall performance.

The show runs from September 24, 2015 to November 29, 2015 then takes a hiatus for a month and returns on December 30th and runs through January 31, 2016.
Your ticket includes a three course dinner and a professionally produced show .

Parking is free

For Ticket information and prices

http://www.broadwaytheatre.com

Westchester Broadway Theatre
1 Broadway Plaza
Elmsford NY
914 592-2268

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Nestled in Central Park is one of New York City’s most iconic restaurants, Tavern on the Green. The structure built in 1870 originally served as a barn for the sheep that grazed in the nearby Sheep Meadow. In 1934 the building was converted to a restaurant and entertained visitors until its closure a few years ago. Happily, this landmark reopened in 2014 under new management, a new executive chef and with extensive renovations to the dining spaces.
We visited the restaurant , nestled in the park just off Central Park West on a beautiful fall afternoon for lunch. We were greeted at the door by the doorman who was dresses in top hat and riding clothes symbolizing an era of bygone elegance when horse drawn carriages were the preferred transport in New York. Upon entering the small but elegant lobby, there is a gift shop to your left and the main bar room to your right where the hostess was waiting.

The bar room has a rustic but elegant aura to it, with exposed wooden beams, a curved mahogany bar, stone fireplace and a line of couches along the windows creating intimate spaces to enjoy cocktails and socialize with friends.

The main dining room is the Central Park Room, which houses the glass “Crystal Room” has been also received a total renovation. The room is decorated in a palette of soft earth tones and off white.

There are both tables and couches for dining. One end of the room is a sleek glass atrium which looks out into the courtyard which allows for further dining space depending on the weather.
We were seated in the atrium section which was bright and delightful on a sunny Fall afternoon. Our attentive waiter promptly brought us menus and offered advice on selections. We started with a signature rum cocktail the “Staten Island” which was refreshing. Our appetizer selection was stuffed clams with bacon, which was delicious and figs with goat cheese which was a nice contrast to the clams.

Our entrees were Scottish Salmon served with in a bernaise aioli with potato latkes and lettuce greens.

We also enjoyed Pan seared scallops with brown butter in a Cauliflower puree.

Our side dish was squash with pomegranate. All these dishes were delightful.
We could not leave without sampling dessert, and so we ordered Pumpkin Cheese cake Mille  Feuille,with a Lingonberry Compote,cinnamon sugar crisp, and a mascarpone whipped Ganache and also the Chcocolate fudge cake with  rum & raisin ice cream, dark chocolate sauce.. Both desserts were a sweet conclusion to a perfect meal.

The new management and along with Executive Chef John Stephenson have breathed new life into a New York Landmark and if it is not on your dining list for the near future, I do encourage you to do so soon.

Tavern On the Green

67 Central Park West  New York, New York

Phone:  212-877-8684     web: http://www.tavernonthegreen.com

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Vendors from around the Hudson Valley will be preparing an assortment of culinary treats, drinks and samplings for the Best of Hudson Valley® Party 2015, the sister party to the Best of Westchester Party held every summer. The Party will be held October 15, 2015 in Poughkeepsie from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Presented by Hudson Valley Magazine, this annual event showcases the region’s best restaurants, wine and spirits, spas, stores, entertainment, and more!
Don’t miss the chance to be one of more than 1,500 guests who arrive at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel to be entertained, eat great food, taste delicious desserts, and take home gifts from the best local shops and markets.
The Best of Hudson Valley® Party showcases more than 100 winners in categories including: best new restaurant, steak, seafood, wine list, romantic dining, salon/spa, car dealer, radio station and many more. So, it will be a party like no other where the food, drink, entertainment. The winners are selected by readers via an online poll and by editors who do research on each entry in the category.

Your ticket will allow you to sample food and drink from all the winners of this years contest.
Ticket price: General Admission Party Access – $50

To Purchase Tickets: http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/Best-of-Hudson-Valley-Party/Tickets/

Thursday, October 15, 2015
The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and Conference Center
40 Civic Center Plaza Poughkeepsie N.Y.

The Ridgefield Theater Barn is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of bringing community theater to the area. The Theater’s latest production is certainly noteworthy and one you should not miss. The production is called “Calendar Girls”. The play is based on the 2003 movie with the same name starring Helen Mirren.
The story is based on true events and is set in Yorkshire England and involves a group of British housewives who are all members of a charitable women’s institute. When Annie Clarke, one of the women loses her husband to leukemia, the other women in the group decide they must raise money for the leukemia unit of the local hospital. Chris Harper, a friend of Annie’s takes charge of the fundraising effort and convinces the women that they can raise the most money by creating a tasteful calendar for sale in which the women pose nude performing activities such as gardening, playing piano, and baking.

The play is both funny and touching as we see these women bond together in sisterhood for the greater good of raising money for the hospital. There are some wonderful performances by Mindy Goff (Annie Clarke), Jody Bayer (Chris), Beth Brandon (Cora), Charlotte Camillos (Jessie), Rosemary Howard (Celia),Keli Solomon (Ruth), Mary Shuldman (Marie) and the rest of the talented cast. The conclusion is both heart warming and profound and includes participation by the audience which further adds to the appeal of the production.

The theater is quite small and only seats 70 so you have a great seat for a each performance. Seating is cabaret style and is at tables (both round and rectangular) . On the evening performance, the doors open at 7pm and guests bring their own dinner and I observed groups of friends sitting together and dining before the show. Spend a great time with your friends and family at the theater.

Tickets $24
Friday and Saturday at 8pm through October 3
Sunday Matinee September 27th at 5pm
Additional performance : Thursday October 1 at 8pm

Ridgefield Theater Barn
37 Halpin Lane
Ridgefield CT 06877

For information, call 203.431.9850
web http://ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/

Upon entering Limani you are immediately brought into a state of calmness and tranquility, surrounded by an all white setting and the contrasting and beautiful turquoise water feature in the center of the restaurant. It is quite the contrast from the busy city streets outside. The bar area to the side of the restaurant is soothing as it is bathed in soft blue lighting.

In the back of the restaurant is a fresh fish section where you can choose one of the many delicious and fresh catches of the day for your dinner.

I was seated in a table in the middle of the restaurant from where I could visually absorb the decor of the restaurant, with its white table cloths, white chairs, and even the curved booths wrapped in white leather. Above the water feature is a mobile or blue and white crystal shaped fish. It is certainly a unique setting in which to dine. Limani will be celebrating its one year anniversary in November and I feel this is a treasure of a dining experience you must experience.
The menu focus is on Greek and Mediterranean food with an emphasis on fresh grilled and baked seafood.

I began my meal with grilled Octopus which was marinated for four hours in white wine, lemon and olive oil.

The octopus is flown in from  far away Tunisia and the delectable taste was immediate. There were capers as well and a light white wine finishing broth. This octopus dish was soft and scrumptious. I cherished every bite and would highly recommend this appetizer as a delicious and healthy start to their meal.

I chose grilled lobster with asparagus for my main course. The lobster was butterflied and grilled to perfection and served with a side of melted butter.

The lobster was so expertly prepared I did not need the additional butter. There were many choices on the menu, but I do love my lobster and I was not disappointed.

I finished my meal with a walnut sponge cake accompanied by a scoop of lavender ice cream (Karidopita). The cake was light and airy and was a fine way to top off my meal.

I would certainly place Limani high on my list for a night out in New York City. It is located in Rockefeller Plaza and it is right in the heart of all the city has to offer. The service was impeccable from start to finish. The unique and serene interior coupled with the excellent menu will have you returning to dine again. Don’t miss this gem.

Limani
45 Rockefeller Plaza N.Y. N.Y
Phone: 212-858-9200

web:http://www.limani.com

Saturday September 19, 2015, the annual Taste of New Paltz will be held at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, N.Y.   The event is now in its 25th year and provides a venue for local restaurants, farm markets and wineries to show off their specialties.

Tickets are available in advance for $7 per person or at the venue on the day of the show for $10 per person.  Children under 12 are free.  Tickets are good for admission and attendees can then purchase small plate samples from local restaurants for $2 to $3 per sample.

Some of the local  New Paltz restaurants slated to appear this year are The Mohonk Mountain House, Neko Sushi,  P& Gs, McGillicuddys, Main Street Bistro, Moxie Cup, Henry’s at the Farm, Diego’s Taqueria, Tuthill House at the Mill, and more!

Also at the fest will be live music, kids expo, wine tasting from two local wineries, and several local farm markets.  Spend a day in beautiful Ulster County.

Hours :  11 am to 6 pm

Ulster County Fairgrounds

 249 Libertyville Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561

Website: http://www.tasteofnewpaltz.com

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Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival opens its gates this September 12th and 13th anticipating record attendees eager to taste, test and learn about award winning wines, state-of-the-art distilleries and New York State’s growing and trendy food producers. Wineries, distilleries, craft breweries and food artisans from all over New York State will present their wares while guests will enjoy wine tasting and food sampling as well as the demonstrations by well-known chefs. The atmosphere is enhanced by live music and the great surroundings of the fairgrounds itself. Founded 14 years ago by Hudson Valley-based Wineracks.com, the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest is held in the Dutchess County Fairgrounds Rhinebeck, New York, a beautiful historic town and area only 1hour from Westchester County by car. The Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest is designated as a “New York Farm Market,” which allows the participants to hold tastings and sell by the bottle which is an unusual opportunity for visitors to buy directly from the vintners themselves.

Food artisans and state-of-the-art distilleries enhance the focus of the event as visitors can purchase sampling tickets and really enjoy and taste what the companies have to offer. Every vendor from Crown Maple to Green Mountain Mustard has its own unique story and the festival is a great chance to mingle and linger with these successful entrepreneurs. Purveyors showcase their maple syrup, artisan cheeses, dry and jarred specialty dips and jams, cookies, ice creams, chutneys and apple butters. Distilleries, vineyards and craft beer vendors will have samples available for tasting and purchasing

2015 will be the 14th year for the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest that began at the Greig Farm in Red Hook, New York in 2001. Now taking place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, N.Y. The fest began as a small wine tasting event, with 22 wineries from across New York and a handful of food vendors has grown to host more than 75 wineries, 5 distilleries and even craft breweries from around New York as well as more than 100 gourmet specialty food, art, craft and home goods vendors. In 2007 the event added a feature area called the Restaurant Showcase that allows guests to sample specialty dishes from some of the region’s best restaurants. 2013 brought even more food with the addition of a Food Truck Corral, highlighted by gourmet food trucks from around the area.

Tickets:
Wine Tasting Ticket ($45 at the gate price)
Includes tasting glass and full access to both events and all wine tasting. Beer & Restaurant Showcase samples are an additional charge. (Age 21 and over )
Beer Tasting Ticket – ($45 at the Gate price)
Includes tasting glass, full access to both events all wine tasting and your first 5 Beer samples. Additional Beer & Restaurant Showcase samples are an additional charge.(Age 21 and over – ID required.)

Regular Admission – $25 at the Gate
Includes free water/soda all day, access to both events & souvenir tasting glass upon exit. THIS IS A NO ALCOHOL TICKET

Event Hours – Saturday 11am to 6pm / Sunday 11am to 5pm
Rain or Shine
Parking is Free
No Pets Permitted

Location:

Dutchess County Fairgrounds
6550 Spring Brook Avenue
Rhinebeck, NY 12572

For more information: http://www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com

THE 2015 SOWE (Southern Westchester) MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE Two STAGES, 15 TOP NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ARTISTS, BEER, WINE, FOOD TRUCKS, CARNIVAL RIDES, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE. THIS ANNUAL EVENT WILL BE HELD IN HARBOR ISLAND PARK, MAMARONECK, ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 AND WILL ATTRACT TEN THOUSAND MUSIC FANS, FAMILIES, RESIDENTS, AND FUN SEEKERS. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES MUSIC AND A GREAT TIME.

Some of the food trucks at the venue will be Salsa Fresca, Walter’s Hot Dogs, Artuso Bakery, Pow Burger, Longford Ice Cream, Good Humor, Yum Yum Noodle Bar and others.

There will be a Family Fun Zone with a photo booth, cooking classes, giveaways, games and programs.

Musical artists scheduled to perform are one of the biggest bands of the 1960s Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, ( “A Beautiful Morning”,”Good Lovin”, “Groovin” , “People got to be Free”), David Johansen former member of the 1970s band New York Dolls and solo artist (“Funky but Chic”, “We got get out of this Place”,”Personality Crises”, “Hot, Hot, Hot”.)
Other artists include Steve Forbert (“Romeo’s Tune), Marc Cohn (“Walking in Memphis”), Shawn Mullins (“Lullaby” and “All in My Head”), Willie Nile, Cheerleader, Kaleo, Anderson East, Andrew Belle, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Hey Daze, Thirdstory, East Love, and Karma Darwin (winners of a Local Battle of the Bands, curated by 107.1 The Peak)  See the website for times and which stage for the individual performances
.
The Peak airs The SOWE 2015 All Access Radio Hour each Sunday evening, 7pm

Tickets for this event as follows:
General Admission : $48 (kids under 12 free)
VIP Tickets : $85
For more information please visit:
Website: http://www.soweMusicFestival.com

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