The New York International Auto Show 2017 is at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan through April 23rd.  The center is once again filled with cars from every major manufacturer and even some smaller names.  On display for your inspection are new models, future models and even fabulous concept cars.

There is something for everyone even if you are not a car person.  There are interactive displays, racing simulations, a Star Wars themed video dance simulator and more!.   On the main level there are fantastic car   displays from all the major manufacturers.  On the lower level there are trucks and SUVs.  The lower level even displays an impressive display of vintage New York City Police Department vehicles and outside make sure to check out the Camp Jeep event!

In the North Wing there are more cars and even a display of mobile Tiny Houses!

Under the glass at the Javits Center there is even  a display of vintage automobiles.   Some of the highlights of the event are the impressive Ford GT supercar, the incredible Dodge Challenger Demon with 840 horsepower, the Volvo exhibit with its mixture of historic models and its latest offerings.  The Subaru display even has a model of the first Subaru imported to the United States back in 1968.

If you are coming from the northern suburbs or from Connecticut by train, getting to the show is easier than ever.  Take Metro North to Grand Central Terminal and then go downstairs and take the 7 Train to the new Hudson Yards Station.  The Javits center is only one half block from the station.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for children under 12.

The Auto Show runs through  April 23rd  Monday-Saturday 10am-10 pm   Sunday 10am-7 pm

The New York International Auto Show

Javits Convention Center

755 West 34th Street New York,N.Y. 

web;      http://www.autoshowny.com/

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The charming town of Ridgefield Ct. is home to a new and classic restaurant and bar serving elevated tavern fare and craft cocktails.  The Village Tavern opened in January 2017.   The 19th Century facade of the Main Street building invites the patron into a warm and instantly comfortable interior space.  A handsome dark wood bar, leather seating, exposed brick walls, extensive wood trim and white and black tile floor create a space that is both familiar yet modern. A large mural of the “abondanza” woman reminds you of the Italian influence of the menu and pays homage to a former tenant of the space, Brunetti’s Market.   There are intimate spaces upfront, the main dining room in the rear and a smaller dining room up 1/2 flight from the main floor.  There will be outdoor dining during warm weather.

The menu is described as American with a “kiss of Italian”.  Chef  Germano Minin is a winner on the Food Networks hit show “Chopped”.   He has worked at restaurants from Washington D.C. to Scottsdale, Arizona and was partner in a restaurant in Santa Monica California.  He now his brings his talents and Italian roots to Main Street in Ridgefield.

Recently we were able to sample some of the delicious from the menu.  There is really something for everyone.  The King Napolean was unique dish with king crab meat, herbed cheese and crisps beurre blanc.  An interesting blend of soft crab and crispy wonton, that was  tasty and an interesting presentation.

Salads were creative and delicious.  “In the Tin” is bibb and iceberg lettuce, tomato, avocado, bacon, blue crumbles and herb dressing is presented in a metal can which the server then slowly raises to reveal the delicious contents.

The “Ribbons” is another salad dish that is unique and colorful. It is composed of shaved cucumber, carrot , fennel, radish, in a parsnip vinaigrette.  Each veggie has been thinly sliced into long ribbons and make a healthy dish for everyone.

The Gnocchi was a fantastic dish served with Maine Lobster in a zucchini busera sauce.  The gnocchi which was filled with potato was soft, and melted in your mouth.  A great choice

The VT Burger is great for the burger lover in your party and is served on a wooden board that is the shape of the State of Connecticut. Very creative.  The large burger is served with aged cheddar, and a compliment of other toppings on the board so you can load up your burger as you wish.

The menu also offers such items NY Strip, Fish and Chips, Root Beer Lamb Shank, and Black Cod Fillet. There is something for everyone.   The bar serves some creative cocktails which you should investigate.

Prices are as follows:  Appetizers-$11-15, Salads- $11-$12, Main course-$16-$33.

The Village Tavern is a much needed addition to the dining scene in Ridgefield Ct. and with its ambiance and great food it should be a success.

The VillageTavern

378 Main Street Ridgefield Ct

tel.  202.403.3400

web.   http://www.vtridgefield.com

 

Mamma Mia! the long running Broadway and international musical hit has opened at the Westchester Broadway Theater.   The musical based on the songs by the famous 1970s European pop group ABBA, was written by British playwright Catherine Johnson and opened in London in 1999 where it was a huge hit.  The musical opened on Broadway in 2001 where it ran for an astonishing 14 years making it the 8th longest running production in Broadway history.  The Broadway production earned numerous Tony and Drama Desk awards.   The current production is fun, upbeat and lively and the audience was singing and swaying  to the music during the performance.  This is the 200th Main stage performance at the Westchester Broadway Theater.

The story:  Mamma Mia! takes place on a Greek island where we meet Donna Sheridan (Michelle Dawson) who runs a taverna and lives with her daughter Sophie (Mariah McFarland) who is about to get married to her fiance Sky (Nathan Cockroft).  Sophie plans to leave her mother and the island behind and start  a new life.  To celebrate the wedding , Donna invites her old friends  Tanya and Rosie who were part of her back band “Donna and the Dynamos” back when they were young.

Sophie who has never known who her father is, finds her mother’s diary and discovers the names of three men who could be her father.  She secretly invites all of them to her wedding to finally find  the truth. As the guests arrive and the story further unfolds, the cast learns more about each other, lost loves and lost opportunities.  In all this chaos, the bride-to-be Sophie finds she has some thinking to do in light of all these revelations.  The pop infused and catchy songs keep the story light and the evening moves effortlessly to its concert like conclusion.

The cast is excellent with Michelle Dawson returning again to the WBT stage as Donna.  We really loved her performance last year as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha.  Other WBT vets include Xander Chauncey (Sam) and Kilty Reidy (Harry Bright) who we last enjoyed on stage in Christmas Inn this past December at the WBT.  The cast is large with 20 cast members filling the stage.   Other notable performances were by Elise Kinnon (Tanya), Jennifer Swiderski (Rosie),and  Brent Batemen (Bill Austin).  Directed by Mark Martino.

If you are looking for a fun night out with dinner and a great show performed by accomplished actors (many who are members of Actors Equity), then by all means see Mamma Mia!   The show runs through June 25th 2017.

Tickets:  $56 to $84 plus tax (price depends on performance time) includes dinner. Luxury boxes for groups  are also available.  Discounts for children, students and seniors.  For information:

The Westchester Broadway Theater

1 Broadway Plaza Elmsford New York     tel.   914.592.2222

http://www.broadwaytheatre.com/

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I had to pleasure to recently dine at Madison Kitchen in Larchmont.  The restaurant is owned by Nick Di Bona, a young, energetic and creative chef who was a winner on the Food Network’ s TV show “Chopped”.    The restaurant menu  can be best described as New American  small plates with Italian influences.  The menu changes seasonally. Dishes are carefully and imaginatively crafted using only fresh  ingredients, many of which  Mr. Di Bona sources himself from local farms and purveyors.

The emphasis of the restaurant is on small plates which allow the diner to choose from many wonderful selections and you can share them with family and friends.  This allows for an intimate and friendly dining experience as members of your table can all partake in the interesting dishes available.  The front of the restaurant is a small lounge where guests can mingle and enjoy from a selection of wines, craft beers and some interesting cocktails.  We sampled two of the creative drinks including the colorful Sangria Sunset, and the fresh fruit infused Strawberry Bliss.

The dining room  is  small but comfortable space with a soft earth tone color scheme, wood tables and leather back chairs. The look is comfortable,modern and hip.  A key spot in the dining room is the curved banquette of leather in the back of the restaurant  and perfect for our party of four.

For starters we dove into the  Beet and Goat Cheese salad served in a metal bowl with beets, goat cheese, macadamia nuts, baby greens in a passionfruit vinaigrette.  Beet salads are showing up on more menus we have noticed and this was one of our favorites.  We also sampled the fresh Kale salad a healthy blend of kale, black quinoa, butternut squash ,pomegranate seeds in a maple-apple cider vinaigrette.

We moved on to the Ricotta Crostini, though a small dish was full of flavor with house made focaccia and ricotta that melted in your mouth.     The Polenta Fries, served like a stack of Jenga pieces were prepared  with honey, parmesan and pistachio and was a sweet variation of polenta.     Perhaps one of our favorite dishes at the table was the Eggplant Meatballs, a great veggie dish of roasted eggplant “meatballs” in  a house made red sauce which was just fantastic and spoiled us for regular meatballs.

 

For cheese lovers we recommend the Truffle Gnocchi and Cheese featuring a mouth watering blend of gnocchi, parmesan cream sauce and crispy panko crumbs.  So good!.  The Chicken and Waffle Skewers seemed interesting so we decided to give it a try.  The chicken served with hot sauce (Buffalo style) and the blue cheese Belgian waffle was an interesting take on the famous Western  New York favorite.   For you meat lovers, try pairing a craft beer with the Sir Madison Burger Sliders featuring 30 day aged beef, cheddar, bacon onion jam and MK sauce on a soft pretzel bun.  Great to have on its own, or to share.

Seafood fans are not overlooked as we sampled the Grilled Octopus with salad, squid ink black hummus, and a lemon vinaigrette.    The octopus was nicely grilled and the rest of the ingredients were a perfect compliment.    The Pan Seared Salmon was another favorite, though small it packed flavor with house made honey mustard sauce.  A nice presentation as well.

There are two pastas on the menu which are not on the small plates menu and are quite large by comparison and great for sharing.  We sampled the Roasted Red Beet Pesto pasta  with walnuts, lemon and parmesan.  A filling dish for sure.  I can honestly say I have never had Red Beet pasta before, and it was an interesting and creative dish that we all enjoyed.

With some room left, we would be remiss if we did not sample the ice cream.  Chef Di Bona is becoming known for his home made ice cream and his desserts inspired by his own ice cream truck, Bona Bona.  We sampled some amazing flavors including Cadbury egg (wow), pistachio, nutella and a chocolate sorbet.  The  mint was truly fresh and was a blend of fresh spearmint and peppermint.    Their milkshakes  are really fun and we had to sample the Over-The Rainbow Milk Shake which featured  rainbow cookie ice cream, house made frosting and whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles and rainbow cookies.   This was very creative, unique and a perfect way to cap off a great dining experience.

Tapas:  $7-$16     Desserts: $8 and up   Table Pastas $22

Madison Kitchen

7 Madison Avenue  Larchmont New York      tel.  914.732.3024  web  http://www.mklarchmont.com

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If you are seeking classic and authentic Roman style cuisine, then a visit to Cotto in hip downtown Stamford Ct. is a must.   Designed as a tapas style wine bar with both small and communal style tables, this trendy eatery features an exposed brick wall, vaulted ceiling of wood, and a wall covered with vintage photos of the owner’s mother, Simonetta Simeoni  who was a actress and model in Italy in the 1960s.  The photos and the communal tables as well as the tapas theme strongly reinforce the tradition of eating together as a family.    There is a relaxed and comfortable vibe at Cotto.

 

There are 400 wines from which to choose and many are from Italy, and there is a selection of domestic and International varieties as well.  The master mixologist behind the bar at Cotto serves up some creative and interesting cocktails featuring fresh ingredients and the finest spirits.  You can ask for suggestions from the sommelier or the bartender for the correct pairing with your meal.  We sampled the Blackberry Crosta with cognac, Grand Marnier, blackberry in a orange garnished glass, and the Thyme of the Season a concoction of thyme infused gin, pear nutmeg compote and ginger beer.  Very creative and tasty.

The dining options for dinner are large and wide. There is traditional antipasto, and a mozzarella bar to start your meal.   Menu selections range from pizza, tapas, fantastic house made pasta,  fresh fish, salads, and of course meat selections including chicken, lamb, and beef.  There is something for everyone.  Below are some of the items we sampled. All were delicious.

If you are seeking an great food and wine in an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel you have escaped to a wine bar in a side street of Rome, then you must stop in and enjoy the wine and food at Cotto.   Ciao!

Cotto

51 Bank Street  Stamford Ct.     tel.  (203) 914-1400

web:  http://cottowinebar.com/

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The 19th Annual Hudson Valley Food and Wine Experience returns on April 5th 2017 from 6 to 9 pm.   The event is a special  event  with food and wine tasting, silent auction and a raffle drawing.   You are invited to enjoy tasting from restaurants, wineries, and artisan food providers from the Hudson Valley.   All proceeds from the event benefit the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center.

Some of the restaurants participating will be Char Steakhouse, Clock Tower Grill, Crabtree Kittle House, The Dessertist,  Dream Cakes Bakery, Freight House Cafe, Hardscrabble Cider, Traditions 118 Restaurant, Peter Pratt’s Inn,  White Cliff Winery, Brotherhood Winery,  Warwick Valley Winery and many more.   Music will be provided by the Westchester/Putnam  Youth Symphony.

The event is  to benefit the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center.  The center provides education, advocacy and services to the community in order to provide a safe environment that works to eliminate violence and promote gender equality.

So plan to come out and support a great cause and enjoy wine and food from local Hudson Valley restaurants and providers.

The event will be held at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor,  466 Route 6, Mahopac, New York .  Cost is $75 per ticket and is tax deductable.

 

For tickets and information:

Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center      tel.   845.628.9284

http://www.pnwwrc.org  or email   info@ pnwwrc.org

 

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Sunday Brunch is a great meal and a good way to spend quality time with family, friends of that special someone.  While there are many restaurants offering fine Sunday Brunch options, I had to pleasure recently to enjoy a fabulous brunch under the palm trees, market umbrellas and tropical plants at Winfield’s located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Greenwich.

Atmosphere can really set the mood for a meal and the sunlit atrium at the Hyatt is perfect.  Lush gardens with tropical plants, soaring tall palm trees, and a running stream with a waterfall is the perfect oasis for a special brunch.

The assortment of menu options is many and there is something for everyone.  We started with mimosas which really whet our appetite for the meal ahead.  Bloody Mary cocktails are also available.

 

There are several manned stations where you can select from a carving board, an omelet  station, and even a crepe station where I chose for a refreshing and light fruit filled crepe.

Of course all the favorites are there including eggs, sausauge, bacon and more.  To my delight was a wonderful  seafood bar of clams, oysters, and cooked shrimp which were nicely displayed in metal boats.  There is also sushi, a salad bar and a selection of breads, rolls and muffins.

If you have room there is a nice dessert selection including fruit, cakes and a chocolate fountain.

Winfield’s at the Hyatt Regency is not just another place for  Sunday Brunch.  It is a very special atmosphere that is not just for special occasions, but for any Sunday.  Brunch for adults is $59.  Please inquire with the restaurant for holiday prices.

 

Winfield’s at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich

1800   East Putnam Ave (US Route 1)  Old Greenwich, Ct.           tel. (203) 637-1234

web:  https://greenwich.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/winfields.html

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Do you love music, dessert and chocolate?  Then there is a great event coming up on March 31st  at 7pm and for a good cause as well.  The Ninth Annual Pacific House Dessert and Chocolate Lover’s Tasting event will be held at the beautiful  Hyatt Regency Greenwich hotel.    Guests to the event will be able to sample and enjoy  in desserts and chocolates from over 50 of the area’s best bake shops, chocolatiers and restaurants.

Guests to this special event will also enjoy not only sweets but they will be entertained by live music as Pacific House kicks off its very first benefit concert, “To Each His Home“.  The concert will be a collection of young talented musicians from area high schools.  The evening of music and delicious desserts is a fundraiser for Pacific House Young Adult Program.   The proceeds of the evening will go to assist and end young adult homelessness.

For more information and Tickets which begin at $50 and are available in advance at : 

 http://pacifichouse.org/support-our-work/dessert-and-music-event

See you there !

About Pacific House:

The Pacific House Young Adult Program aims to get the 200-300 homeless young adults in lower Fairfield County on track for a brighter future. We find these young people housing, and connect them with employment, education, and support services that prepare them for adulthood. We’ve hired a specialized case manager, initiated new programs, and created a dedicated living space at our emergency shelter.

Hyatt Regency Greenwich

1800 East Putnam Avenue  Old Greenwich Ct.

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There are few restaurants you can visit in the area that can be described as a “hidden treasure”.  The Winery  at St. George in Northern Westchester is just one of those special places.  This unique space inside a restored decades old stone church is a restaurant, wine bar and musical venue. The warm colors and  decor give the place a special and inviting aura that makes one instantly comfortable.  It is so special and so very different, it will be a location you will want to return to again and again.

From the moment you walk through the heavy wooden arched doors and into the main room you know you are in a special place. High ceilings with arching wood trusses,  stained glass windows, a belfry,  and a warm color palette greet you.  The space has tables for dining,  couches and chairs for gathering with friends, a fireplace, and a long bar that serves wine and beer.   At the end of the main hall where the altar once stood is the stage that is the home for some fabulous and unique entertainment.

The Winery at St. George combines a number of qualities that will make you want to visit.  It has a unique atmosphere like no other in the area, a fantastic wine selection (40 wines by the glass), great food  and service and it serves as a  showcase for fantastic  entertainment .

The evening I visited was a real treat as appearing on stage was Andrea McArdle, who originated the role of Annie in the Broadway musical of Annie back in 1977.  Ms. McArdle gave a wonderful performance as she sang both songs from Broadway as well her own personal favorites.  During the performance she spoke to the audience and shared stories from her long career.  It was a real intimate evening of music in this special venue.    The sound and acoustics of St George are  well balanced and clear.

The bar serves a wide selection of white and red wines which are available by the glass and by the bottle. The menu also features a wine and chocolate pairing which looked interesting and we hope to try on a future visit.  Champagne by the bottle is also offered.  There are also 7 different types of beer available.

The food was excellent. There are tapas, entrees and desserts on the menu.  Wine pairings are thoughtfully suggested on the menu with each dish to assist in your selection.   We decided  to sample some tapas from the extensive tapas menu.

We started with the Southwestern Style Chicken Spring rolls served with a black bean paste.  The rolls were light and crunchy with a hint of spice but not too hot.

We moved on to the Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna with pickled ginger, wakame salad, and wasabi aioli.  This was a wonderful dish and the presentation on a long glass plate was quite pleasing.

Our next tapas was the Maryland Style Crabcake with jumbo lump crab meat, southern mirepoix and lemon farm to table sage aioli.  The crabcake was quite large and would be great for one or to share and the mixture of ingredients was delightful .    We followed that up with  Butternut Squash Ravioli  in a almondine cream sauce topped with toasted almonds that was fresh, nutty and very tasty.  A good vegetarian dish.

Our last dish was the Vegetarian Flat Bread with Fresh mozzarella, bruschetta, farm to table fresh basil and balsamic reduction.  A filling selection filled with flavor that is great to share.  The tapas run from $!0 to $15 with one dish at $20.

There is dessert available and  we sampled the Sweet Potato Maple Layered Cheesecake which was a fine way to round out our meal.

With its combination of fine food, wine selection , attentive service and an atmosphere like no other in the area, The Winery at St. George is the place to go.  It is great for date night, hanging out with friends, and of course enjoying the great entertainment.  Check the website for upcoming events and bands performing at St. George.

A very special event is coming to the Winery at St George.  ANNIE TURNS 40 – The Broadway Musical Annie Turns 40 in April. On April 30th 2017  for an unprecedented event that, for the first time, unites the original Broadway cast of orphans and Annies as they reminisce with untold stories, music and more. Scheduled to appear – Andrea McArdle, Shelley Bruce, Sarah Jessica Parker, Allison Smith & Alyson Kirk. See the website for more details and ticket information to this very special event.

The Winery at St.George

1715  East Main Street Mohegan Lake NY    tel  914.455.4272

website>>  http://www.thewineryatstgeorge.com/

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