Looking back at a fabulous week at Westchester Food and Wine Week

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June 8th-12 was a great time for foodies in our area.  Westchester Magazine’s  Wine and Food Week was a smashing success.    Events held at Bloomingdales in White Plains, Kensico Dam Park in Valhalla and at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains were all well attended and featured fabulous food wine and beer.

Thursday June 9th was the Burger and Beer Blast with burger offerings from 30 different local restaurants competing for the title of best burger in Westchester.  Also served was beer, wine and spirits.  Food trucks with pizza, hot dogs and soft serve ice cream were also on hand.

Friday June 10th was a special night at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains as 20 of the best chefs from the county served up food for guests at this special event.  There was plenty of  wine available for tasting as well.

Saturday rounded out the week at the Grand Tasting Village at Kensico Dam in Valhalla.  Here there were chef cooking demonstrations and two large tents filled with  tastings from 43 restauants.  More than 100 wines were available for tasting as well as samples of gin, whisky, tequila and vodka.

Here  are some scenes from the parties.  The next big event for Westchester Magazine will be its annual Best Of Westchester Party to be held on July 27th at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle. Don’t miss it !

Scenes from Burger and Beer Blast:

 

Evening with the Tastemakers:

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Celebrity Chefs from top restaurants

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Grand Tasting Village:

 

See you next June at the Westchester Wine and Food Week 2017 events.   For more information and tickets to the Best of Westchester Party coming in July please see:

http://www.westchestermagazine.com

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Fantastic weekend of film wraps up at The Greenwich International Film Festival

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This past weekend June 9-12  was a memorable one for the Greenwich International Film Festival.  I On the Valley  was thrilled to help promote such a great local event.   The week end was filled with over 50 films, parties and guest panel discussions .

This event is more than just a collection of films to be shown in one weekend.  It is  a series of films that not only entertain, but raise social awareness on such diverse issues as  human rights, racial injustice, self help, the environment,gun control, religion, disabilities and much more.  There were documentaries, short films and independent films as well as narratives.   There were also comedies, thrillers and family films so that there was a movie for everyone.   Part of the mission of the Festival is to raise money for charity as well as social awareness. The charity partners this year included The Rainforest Fund, National Coalition against Domestic Violence and Community Access.

There were so many great films and among the movies I was able to see included the independent film and thriller, “Claire In Motion” which was the closing film of the festival.

Congratulations  and  much thanks to Festival founders Wendy Reyes, Colleen De Veer, Carina Crain and their dedicated staff for putting together such a fantastic festival.

Stayed tune to I On The Valley for updates throughout the year on future events involving GIFF.  See you at the movies!

http://www.greenwichfilm.org

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: an evening of laughs and music at the Ridgefield Theater Barn

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A hilarious musical play has landed at the Ridgefield Theater Barn in Ridgefield Ct.  Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a musical that first premiered on Broadway in 2005 and ran for over 600 performances.  The play is based on the  1988 movie with the same name starring Michael Caine, Steve Martin and Glenn Headley.

This musical production comes to the Theater Barn and the audience on opening night  was treated to an evening of non stop laughs and great music provided by a talented  cast who really worked well together and fantastic  direction by Jocelyn Beard.

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The story opens on the Riviera where we meet  Lawrence Jameson, a highly polished con man  with fine taste and an English accent. His partner in crime, Andre Thibault is also the local police chief and feeds him information with regards to the rich women coming to vacation in  town.  Lawrence is skilled at meeting and romancing wealthy women and convincing them that he is a prince and needs to fund his army against a revolution in his country.  The women are more than happy to fund his plans.

Lawrence’s con is  going along great until he meets up with Freddy Benson (played by Steve Martin in the movie) who is a poor bumbling American con man looking to set up shop in the same town.  Lawrence is eager to run him out of his turf, but they form an unlikely  partnership when Lawrence cannot escape the clutches of one of the women who plans on marrying him.   Lawrence then helps Freddy polish up his act and refine his con with the promise that he leave town.  This plan is turned on its head when Christine Colgate (the American “Soap Queen”) comes to town.  While working their separate cons on her, both men fall for her and the story heads for one hysterical twist after another.

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The evening is filled with wonderful performances from Edmound Fitzpatrick of Actors Equity Assoc. as Lawrence Jameson.  He is very witty and his years of theatre and opera experience really shine.  Duane Latham as Freddy is really funny and brings physical comedy and great comedic timing to his role.  The rest of the cast of Paulette Layton (Muriel Eubanks), Anya Caravella (Christine Colgate-the Soap Queen),  David Fritsch (Andre Thibault)  and the rest  of the cast are very funny and performed  great together. The audience is also treated to 20 different songs that are woven throughout the musical.   The sold out opening night crowd was laughing the entire performance.

Note:there are some adult topics and language that may not be appropriate for minors.

The Ridgefield Theater Barn is an intimate theater experience and guests can bring their own food and drink to eat prior to the performance.   Seating is cabaret style with round or rectangular tables.

The play runs through July 2nd so don’t miss out !    Tickets are $26 for adults.

For more information and tickets:

http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org

 Ridgefield Theater Barn

37 Halpin Lane Ridgefield Ct.

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Greenwich Concours d’Elegance car show returns June 3-5th

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Greenwich Concours d’ Elegance celebrates its 20th anniversary at Roger Sherman Park on June 3rd, 4th and 5th.   The event described as “A Festival of Speed and Style”  includes two days of collector car,motorcycle and boat displays and as well Bonhams auction house will be holding its collector car auction on  Sunday June 5th at the Concours.

The festival  events are as follows:

Friday June 3rd– Concours entered vehicles will participate in a grand tour parade down Greenwich Avenue at 4pm.

Saturday June 4th–  The Greenwich Concours Americana– will feature American cars and motorcycles with a special display honoring Ford performance cars including the Ford GT 40 which celebrates its famous win over Ferrari at the 24 hours of Le Mans race back in 1966.    There is also a preview of the cars to be sold at the Bonhams auction. Saturday’s show will also highlight Brass Era cars, prewar classics, rare muscle cars, incredible Corvettes, fabulous 1950s cars and early Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Sunday – The Greenwich Concours International – will feature a field of foreign makes from 1900 to the present.  There will be a special circle of historic BMW s including a 1937 BMW 328 MM Bügelfalte, as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary.   Ferraris starring on Sunday include a 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet, 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 1961 Ferrari 250 TRi/61 Spider, 1958 Ferrari 180 Testa Rossa Pontoon-Fender Children’s Car, 1949 Ferrari 166S Coupe and 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Coupe fresh from receiving a platinum award at this year’s Cavallino Classic.

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Bonhams will host its Greenwich Concours Auction on Sunday, June 5th, 12:00pm. Viewings are on Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 9am-12:00pm. A Concours ticket and purchase of a Bonhams sale catalog are required for admission to the Sunday auction.

This year’s Grand Marshal of the will be Connecticut’s own Wayne Carini, car restorer, collector and host of Velocity Channel’s “Chasing Classic Cars”.

Admission:  $40 for one day, $60 for both days.  Hours 10 am to 5 pm

Where:  Roger Sherman Baldwin Park  100 Arch Street Greenwich, Ct

For more information:

http://www.greenwichconcours.com

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Lightscapes an adventure in light at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton

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Looking for a unique experience?   You should visit Lightscapes, a magical and incredible nighttime display of lights at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton on Hudson.   Lightscapes is an outdoor walk through the grounds of this historic property which has been transformed into a fantasy filled light garden.

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Walk through the tunnel of light that changes color, pass the fairy garden of lights and mushrooms,  more.   You cross the bridge over the river of light and enter the Colorwheel castle, then exit  to fields of lighted butterflies, a praying mantis, ladybugs and other fantastic lighted creations.  It is quite the marvel.

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The tour winds it way through the grounds of the Manor until it reaches the manor house itself which is lit in an amazing display of light that is synchronized to music.  Outside the manor is a fantastic field of lit tulips truly amazes.

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This is an event not to miss, and if you have been to the Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze (also held here) you will know the level of quality and creativity that is involved in hosting these events.

 

 

LIGHTSCAPES takes place rain or shine and admission is by timed ticket only. Remaining dates are May 27- 30, June 3-5, and June 10-12.

Online tickets are $20 for adults ($25 Saturdays), $16 for children 3-17 ($20 Saturdays), and free for children under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members. Tickets are $2 more when purchased on site or over the phone.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Ave. in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, just off Route 9.

Tickets and info: 914-366-6900, www.hudsonvalley.org.

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Greenwich International Film Festival June9-12 announces special events to its schedule

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The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) announced today additional special events for its second edition, as well as its jury members for competition films. GIFF will be hosting special events such as “LOL: The Big Business of Comedy” and “Children’s Acting Workshop.” The festival will also be honoring John Turturro at a conversation series entitled “Spotlight On.”

Comprised of directors, producers, writers, and actors, “LOL: The Big Business of Comedy” is a conversation  guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Panelists include Richard Brener (President of Production of New Line Cinema), Chris Bender (Producer of We’re The Millers, Vacation, Horrible Bosses), Peter Principato (Head of Principato-Young – Talent Manager; Producer of Wet Hot American Summer), Stuart Cornfeld (Partners with Ben Stiller; Producer of Dodgeball, Zoolander, Tropic Thunder), & comedian Will Arnett (Arrested Development). Moderated by Deadline Hollywood’s New York Editor Mike Fleming, this event will take place on Saturday, June 11th at 8:00PM and will be followed by an after party.

“Children’s Acting Workshop” reveals secrets from the pros on how to make it in the entertainment industry.  Acting Coach, Matt Newton, Casting Director, Adrienne Stern, and Moderator and Acting Coach, David Gideon, along with some of Hollywood’s bright young stars including The Jungle Book’s Neel Sethi and actress Peyton List (of Disney Channel’s Bunk’d) will be participating in this engaging workshop on Saturday, June 11th at 1:00PM. The festival previously announced it will screen The Jungle Book on Friday, June 10th at 4:00PM.

The Greenwich International Film Festival will take place June 9th ‐ 12th, 2016. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase at http://www.greenwichfilm.org/2016-box-office/  or at the festival’s box office.

 About The Greenwich International Film Festival

Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that hosts a world-class film festival in Greenwich, CT. The goal of the festival is to bridge the worlds of film, finance and philanthropy. The second annual festival will take place June 9th to 12th, 2016, and will support important human rights initiatives, as part of its social impact focus.  The four-day event will feature a star-studded Opening Night Party, film premieres, educational panels, a Children’s Acting Workshop, an honoree gala, and more.  For additional information, and a full list of films at the Festival, please visit:

www.greenwichfilm.org.

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Dan Rooney’s Cafe and Bar: Eat, drink and catch a game

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I  was attending an event  held at Empire City Casino in Yonkers which gave me the perfect opportunity to check out Dan Rooney’s Cafe and Bar.   The atmosphere is one of sports pub blended with an Irish-American pub with tavern food, a large selection of beers and an Irish whiskey menu.  The room is trimmed in dark wood, and  more than 40 flat screen TVs ensure that patrons do not miss a second of action.

For a cocktail I tried the Coconut and Raspberry mojito  as suggested by our waiter, John.    A  great selection that was very refreshing and complimented the menu items I would be sampling.rooneys 4

There are many appetizers from which to choose.  My table picked a number of items including  BBQ Pork Sliders, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Loaded Nachos and homemade Soft Pretzels.  All were great picks and my favorite was the pretzels with the side of beer/cheese sauce and the delicious sliders.  The wings were good but could have been prepared with a little less hot sauce.

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BBQ Pork Sliders

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Soft Pretzels

For our main course selections we chose the Dan Rooney Burger, 8 ounces of beef with brie, water cress, onions  and honey mustard on a brioche roll.  Very tasty.   It was served with fries.

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Dan Rooney Burger

 

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Blackened Salmon

My selection  was the Blackened Salmon  with glazed carrots in a herb sauce.  A nicely prepared and delicious dish.   This was a healthy selection and very enjoyable.  Another selection was the rib eye steak which was excellent and cooked to perfection.

My waiter told us we had to try some of the homemade desserts.  I was surprised how interesting  and unique they were.    We all shared a home made peanut and chocolate Candy Bar (wow!), and amazing Brownie Sundae with ice cream made with a hint of Guinness stout, walnuts and whipped cream.  Unique and decadent.

Dan Rooney’s was an unexpected treat and if you find yourself at Empire City Casino, or in the area it is a great place to have a cocktail and grab a bite.  And of course, with plenty of TVs, catch a game.

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Dan Rooney’s Cafe and Bar

810 Yonkers Ave  Yonkers, New York   (at Empire City Casino)

http://www.danrooneyscafeandbar.com

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Happy Days are here again at the Westchester Broadway Theater

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The classic 1970s TV  hit Happy Days comes to the Westchester Broadway Theatre as a fun and family friendly musical.  The musical has been adapted from the long running and iconic TV sitcom that takes place in the  1950s and 1960s, which ran for 11 seasons from 1974 to 1984 and was one of the highest rated television shows of that time.   Creator Garry Marshall has written the book for the musical and music and lyrics are by Paul Williams.

Though the show was not on Broadway it debuted at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut in 2007 and later was produced on National Tours and European tours.  It has now arrived here in Westchester at the WBT and all the favorite faces from the TV show are here, including Fonzi, Richie Cunningham and his family, Chachi, Ralph Malph, Potsie and Arnold!

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The story is set in 1959 in   Milwaukee and the plot involves the fact that the property on which Arnold’s (the gang’s favorite hangout)  has been sold to developers who intend to demolish the  building.  In fear of losing their favorite eatery, Richie and his friends devise a plan (and with the help of his father ) to host a fund raiser to save Arnold’s from the wrecking ball.  Even returning to the scene is Pinky Tuscadero  (Fonzie’s girlfriend) who had a limited part in the TV show but has a larger role in this production.

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Pinky and The Fonz

This light hearted musical features the theme song to the TV series, as well as 21 songs which are woven through the show that remind us we are in a late 1950s to early 1960s setting.  There are fine performances from Herb Porter(Richie), Lori Hammel as Mrs. Cunningham, Nic Varricchio as Fonzi and  Maria Logan as Pinky.  The rest of the cast does a fine job.   The sets include Arnold’s diner, the Cunningham’s kitchen and the Cunningham’s yard which all featured prominently in the TV show. The performers do not try to imitate the original sitcom cast but give performances in the spirit of those characters.

Jonathan Stahl directed the performance and he has years of theater experience in directing, stage management and choreography.

So come and be happy !  Come see Happy Days at the Westchester Broadway Theater.   Dinner is included in your ticket price and is served prior to the performance.

Show runs May 5th to  July 17 2016

Westchester Broadway Theater

One Broadway Plaza  Elmsford NY    914  592-2222

http://www.broadwaytheater.com

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Calling all Foodies ! Westchester Wine and Food Week is back June 8-12

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Food and wine lovers in Westchester County have reason to celebrate as the annual Westchester Magazine Food and Wine Festival returns  June 8th-12th  for its 6th annual celebration.   This celebration is considered to be one of the premier food and wine events in the Northeast.  The event is spread over several days with unique events in several locations Some of the highlights are:

Thursday June 9th –Burger and Beer Blast–at the Kensico Dam Plaza park in Valhalla.  Attendees will sample burgers from 30 different local restaurants, with beer, wine and spirits served.  You can vote for your favorite burger in the competition. Live music will make the evening a festival for all.  New this year will be the Empire Casino Tent with five gaming tables, and cocktails and food from some of the Casinos restaurants. 

Time 6pm to 10pm .  Cost : $75

 

Friday June 10th –An evening with Westchester’s Tastemakers– now in its 2nd year, it takes place at the Ritz-Carleton in White Plains.  Twenty of  the County’s top Chef’s will prepare two of their own dishes each  for an exclusive gathering.  Each dish will be paired with top wines from around the globe.  Some of the chefs who will be there will be Peter Kelly (Xaviers), Bobby Will (Saltaire),  Jay Lippin (Crabtree), Michael White (Bedford Post),  Leo Pablo (Inn at Pound Ridge) and many more !

Time: 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm  Cost: $125

Saturday June 11th- Grand Tasting Village – at Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla NY.  This incredible event which  grows in popularity each year and will return for a 2nd year  to Kensico Dam Park. The event is  located outdoors under white tents concentrating on Farm to Table cuisine.  Considered to be the “Worlds Fair” of the Wine and Food Festival.  There will be 43 local restaurants serving tastings of their specialty dishes.   For wine lovers you can sample 100 different wines from the many wine growing regions of the world.  There will be celebrity chefs demos  local craft beers and wine. An event not to be missed!.

Time 12 pm to 5 pm   Cost: $75         Connoisseurs Ticket: $125 (access to Connoisseurs Tent for exclusive Tastings.)

The event helps support two not for profit organizations, The Food Bank For Westchester and The Friends of Westchester County Parks  There will be other events as well so check the website below for more information and updates as the event draws closer.

For more information, the full list of restaurants and tickets westchestermagazine.com/winefood

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Classic family Italian dining: Frank Guido’s Little Italy

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“Chi Mangia bene,vive bene”  or ” he who eats well, lives well” is the motto of Frank Guido’s Little Italy a wonderful  Italian restaurant . Located in the Hudson Valley town of Kingston, it could easily be found in the heart of New York City.   This is the perfect place to go for a  traditional Italian meal  and to enjoy  “family style” , which is large plates meant to be shared with your family or friends.

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The interior space is a lovely dining room with brick walls, tables covered in white table cloths and Italian themed paintings.   One wall is covered in family photos spanning generations which emphasizes the family feel.  Another wall is covered in photos of famous people who have dined at the restaurant including Yankees Phil Rizzuto, Joe Torre, and actor James Gandolfini  (The Sopranos) just to name a few.

With so many choices on the menu we decided to start with Eggplant Papettas which was like a veggie meatball with a soft texture served with marinara sauce.  It was delicious.   Another pick was the classic stuffed artichoke  which was fresh and light ans served with  seasoned breadcrumbs inside and an olive oil base.

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Eggplant Papettas

For our main course selection we chose the Chicken Parmigiana (how could one not choose this classic?).  We had to try this house specialty and we were not dissapointed.  It was fantastic with fresh mozzarella and pecorino romano cheese and “Mama’s” tomato sauce.  The portion was huge!

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Chicken Parm

I also wanted seafood so the waiter suggested  Penne Angelina which consisted of pasta with jumbo shrimp , scallops, lobster meat, served in a white clam sauce ( I substituted the sauce of tomato sauce).  This mouth watering dish was a hit and  there was plenty to take home for another meal.

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Penne Angelina

 

Penne Ala Vodka was  a nice side choice  and was a perfect blend of marinara sauce, vodka and a touch of cream.  Very tasty.

Dessert:  I shared the Guidomisu, their take on Tiramisu and the Bomba which was vanilla and chocolate gelato with a  cherry and almond center finished with a chocolate coating.  A great way to end the meal.  The last sweet was a the Chocolate Mousse Cake, composed of white and dark chocolate  mousse between chocolate cake and served with whipped cream. Nice !

 

If you are in the Kingston NY area, Frank Guido’s Little Italy is the perfect choice for great old school Italian comfort food.  With great service and comfortable interior, you will feel right at home.

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Frank Guido’s Little Italy

14 Thomas Street Kingston New York

845-340-1682                 http://www.frankguidoslittleitaly.com

 

 

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