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Happy Friday! The temps are rising to the 40’s and the sun has been out this week. I can see signs that spring is finally on its way! Now that the temps are getting warmer I’d really like to do something outside this weekend. But it looks like it will be rainy both days. My daughter is volunteering at a Girl Scout event Saturday so we have to stay in the area. Otherwise, not sure yet what our weekend plans are. Here are five from the past week:
1.5 Wits- With all of the bad weather hopefully behind us, we had to get the kids out of the house. Last weekend we took the kids to 5 Wits at the Palisades Center Mall. We chose the “Tomb” adventure and were tasked with trying to find a long forgotten Pharoah’s burial chamber and set his spirit free. My daughter is the only one in our family who had been to 5 Wits before. There are three different adventures and Tomb was the only one that she hadn’t done, which is why we chose it. We ended up with a score of 95/99 in 27 minutes! It was a lot of fun and my 12 and almost 15 year old were the perfect ages to do this. We enjoyed this more than the escape the mystery room that we’ve done in the past.
2. Reading – This week I finished The Home Edit by Clea and Joanna. I watched and loved the Netflix show. The book had beautiful pictures but overall, I didn’t find it super helpful. However, it did inspire some major cleaning and purging, which was much needed. I’ve also started reading Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman. My daughter watched the movie and read the book and recommended that I read it. So far, it’s not my thing, but I’m trying to finish it since she recommended it.
3. Watching – This weekend we had a family pizza/movie night and watched Over the Moon on Netflix. It’s a Golden Globe nominee for animated film but none of us were impressed.
4. Cooking – This week one of our favorite meals were these Sun-Dried Tomato Quesadillas with White Beans and Broccoli which I served with a side of roasted broccoli.
5. Sledding – Earlier this week my son met up with a friend to go sledding. We went snow tubing earlier this year, but he has not been sledding in years. A couple of years ago, we got him a foam sled similar to this one that has been gathering dust in our basement. He finally got to test it out this week, before all the snow melts this weekend! It was very fast! All the other kids sledding had similar sleds or snow tubes. I guess the flying saucers and plastic sleds are out?? He had a great time and I’m glad he finally got to use the sled!
I love to cook, but some days, even I need a night off! However, feeding a family of four, including two teens can get pricey. There are several restaurants in Westchester County that offer family dinner deals. Most of these deals feed a family of four and are available for takeout. As always, please check directly with the restaurant for the most up-to-date information and prices.
Crabtree’s Kittle House: (Chappaqua) Crabtree’s Kittle House has different family dinner deals, depending on the day. Each feeds 4-6 people and it appears the menus change weekly, so be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information. For this week’s menu click here. Sunday Family Meal ($79), Tuesday and Wednesday Family Comfort Meal ($89), Thursday Takeout Taco Kit ($59), Thursday Family Meal ($85), Saturday Surf & Turf Family Dinner ($155).
Gosu: (Irvington) Gosu is an Asian fusion restaurant featuring many Korean dishes. They have family trays including Chicken Katsu ($75), Chicken Teriyaki ($75), Spicy Pork ($80). They have vegetarian trays including Yaki Udon ($65) and Bibimbop ($75). Each family meal includes a choice of Miso soup or house salad and a bottle of red wine, white wine or a bottle of Soju (Korean alcohol).
The Greekish: (Harrison) This Greek restaurant has a family meal box that feeds four. There are four different entree options (Fish of the Moment ($85), Mediterranean Mixed Grill ($65), Baked Shrimp Santorini ($55), or the Greek.ish Gyro Box ($65)). Plus you also get pita, hummus, Tzatziki, seasonal salad, dressing, stuffed grape leaves and a, “tiny bit of sweet.”
Jean-Jacques’: (Pleasantville) Jean-Jacques’ in Pleasantville has a “Complete Dinners For One Or More” menu. Dinner includes 1 appetizer, 1 main, 2 sides and a dessert for $25/person. When ordering for 4 or more, the food is packaged family-style.
OKO: (Rye) OKO is a Japanese restaurant with locations in Rye and Westport, CT. OKO has a to-go Family Box Set that serves 4 (2 adults, 2 kids). For $49, the box set includes sticky ribs, a choice of Bigeye Tuna Poke or Marinated King Salmon Poke and 2 fried chicken bao buns. It also includes 2 kids bento boxes with a choice of Teriyaki chicken thighs, Teriyaki King Salmon or Wagyu Hanger Steak and miso soup, rice, vegetable tempura and edamame.
The Rail House 10803: (Pelham) This “eclectic American restaurant” has 5 different family dinner packs-to-go. Priced from $45-$65 there dinner packs include a burger night, a pasta night, a fish night, a chicken night and a party night (sliders, flatbreads, wings and calamari).
Sergio’s Valhalla: (Valhalla) This Mediterranean-Italian restaurant has a Family Style Menu that serves 4. You have a choice of house salad, Caesar salad, pasta in marinara sauce or pasta in garlic & oil plus Chicken ($50) or Veal $55) Francese, Marsala, Parmigiana, Picatta, or Martini. 1/2 trays of Baked Ziti, Rigatoni Bolognese, Penne Vodka or Penne Primavera are available for $30.
Sofia’s Pizzeria & Restaurant: (Harrison) Sofia’s has a pre-fixed family dinner deal that includes salad, pasta (w/tomato sauce or vodka sauce), chicken (Parmigiana, a la Sofia, or Scarpariello) and a Carvel cake. This deal is $55 for 4 people, $70 for 6 people or $80 for 8 people.
Southern Table: (Pleasantville) This Southern cuisine restaurant has a Family Style takeout menu for $23/person, minimum of 2 people. Choose 1 starter and 1 entrée and family size portions will be provided for the number of people in the order. Complimentary mac and cheese and cornbread are provided with every order.
Taormina Trattoria: (Peekskill) This Italian restaurant has a dinner pack for 4 to go for $40 with many different entrée options. It includes a small pizza or Stromboli, house salad and bread, a choice of 1/2 a tray of stuffed Rigatoni Marinara with Meatballs and Sausage (4 of each), Manicotti and Stuffed Shells combo, seafood Scampi, Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Francese, Chicken Martini, Chicken Stacey, Chicken Marsala, Chicken Scarpariello, Veal Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana or Pork Medallions Taormina and a choice of two desserts (Cannoli, Cheesecake or Carrot Cake).
Trattoria Vivolo: (Harrison) This Italian restaurant has 3 different family dinner packages priced between $120 – $160 plus tax. These meals feed 6 people and are available Tuesday – Sunday for pickup or delivery (to Harrison, Rye, Mamaroneck and Larchmont only). Package #1 ($120 plus tax) includes Pollo Parmigiana, Penne Vodka, vegetable of the day, Strawberry Shortcake & mini cannoli. Package #2 ($160 plus tax) includes Sole Francese, Linguini with garlic and oil, vegetable of the day, Strawberry Shortcake & mini cannoli. Package #3 ($130 plus tax) includes sauteed sweet & spicy sausage and peppers, penne limone, vegetable of the day, Strawberry Shortcake & mini cannoli.
Vela Kitchen: (Pleasantville) Vela Kitchen has a Sunday Family Dinner to-go special. You choose an entrée and two sides. House salad, garlic bread and dessert are included for $25/person.
Vintage 1891 Kitchen: (Larchmont) This contemporary American restaurant offers a family dinner to go for $40/person. There are 3 mains to choose from (salmon, short rib or organic chicken breast). Then you choose two sides (mashed potatoes, french fries, Black Thai rice, sticky rice Risotto, green vegetables). A house salad, dessert and garlic bread are also included. There is a kids menu for $15/person and a bottle of wine can be added for $25.
Wood & Fire: (Pleasantville & Scarsdale) This Italian restaurant has three different family style takeout options. There are 3 different price points ($18/person, $22/person, $26/person) with a minimum of 2 people. Each comes with a choice of starter, a pasta or pizza and a main dish.
If you know of any restaurants that should be added to this post please email NYFoodieFamily@gmail.com.
Westchester County has so many amazing restaurants, with new places opening every month. I enjoy dining out, however, with a family of four, it can get very expensive! Fortunately, many restaurants throughout Westchester offer special dinner deals throughout the week. Whether you’re in the mood for a burger or a fancy three-course meal, there are restaurants throughout Westchester that cover it all! (Updated February 2021)
**Please confirm the details with the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
Tuesday: Fat Tuesdays All-You-Can-Eat Specials $20.99 (Jambalaya, Catch O’Day, Pasta O’Day & Chops O’Day) Wednesday: Voodoo Night – $4 Abita Turbo Dog, $4 Amber Draft or Purple Haze, $5 Voodoo Wings (Readings are available from Angela for $20)
Bread and Brine 19 Main Street Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 (914) 479-5243
Steamed Maine Lobster Dinners: Available Wednesday through Sunday. 1 1/2 lb. steamed Maine lobster, cup of New England Clam Chowder, boiled potato, corn-on-the-cob, cole slaw and grilled corn bread for $55.
Mondays: Buy one burger, get the second one 50% off (equal or lesser value with purchase of a beverage) Tuesdays: 5 Tacos for $10 (w/purchase of a beverage)
The Greekish 273 Halstead Avenue Harrison, NY 10528 (914) 732-3333
The Greekish has two different dinner deals: Tasting of the Greekish is available Wednesday through Sunday from 4 PM – 8 PM. Enjoy 1 dip, 2 Meze, 1 entrée (land or sea) and dessert for $55. The Greek-Style Meze Special is available Wednesday through Sunday from 4 PM – 9 PM. Enjoy 1 dip and pita plus any 3 Meze for $30.
The Hudson Room 23 South Division Street Peekskill, NY 10566 (914) 788-FOOD
The Hudson Room offers a 3 course Prix Fixe meal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $32.95 (appetizer, main, dessert)
Monday Pasta Party – (4 PM to close) $9 Penne Vodka, Angel Hair & Broccoli, Rigatoni Alla Norma or Fettuccini Alfredo Tuesday Pizza Party – (4 PM to close) 50% off all individual pizzas (excluding seafood pizzas)
Risotto offers a Prezzo Fisso to go menu for $25 which includes a select Antipasti, Secondi and dessert.
Rye Roadhouse 12 High Street Rye, NY 10580 (914) 925-2668
Mondays: Build Your Own Quesadillas starting at $6.95 Tuesdays: Taco Tuesday – 5 PM – 9 PM, Cajun Nachos, Tacos, Burritos and $5 margaritas Wednesdays: Fried Chicken Night – Four piece chicken dinner with two sides for $12.95 (in house only) Thursdays: Burger Night – 5 PM – 9 PM half-price burgers (in house only)
Wellington’s Grill 110 Halstead Avenue Harrison, NY 10528 (914) 315-1532
Tuesdays: Lobster Night $25 includes a 1 1/2 lb. steamed lobster served with New England Clam Chowder, cole slaw and corn on the cob Wednesdays: Prime Rib Night $28 includes a thick slice of slow roasted prime rib served with frizzled onions, cup of soup and a baked potato Thursdays: $10 Burger Night
If you know of any other dinner deals in Westchester County, please email me (NYFoodieFamily@gmail.com) and I will add it to this list!
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Hello Friday! It’s been another week of crazy weather here. I had Monday off but we stayed home because the weather wasn’t great. Even though schools are closed this week, District office staff still have to work. But because of another snow storm, I got a snow day yesterday.
New York is used to snowy winters, so fortunately we are not experiencing what Texas is currently going through. My thoughts are with everyone without power and heat. I see posts of people with burst pipes and the state not being equipped to deal with the weather. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before (ha!), but I can’t wait for spring to arrive!
I am hoping to be able to get the kids out of the house this weekend. Since they are off they have been staying up super late. They both got up around 2 pm on Tuesday!! Here are five from the past week:
1.Valentine’s Day – We don’t go crazy on Valentine’s Day. But we did order a breakable chocolate heart from Jane Street Sweets for the kids. It was fun to break open and had lots of tasty treats inside. You can watch the Instagram reel of us breaking it here.
My daughter went to a friend’s Valentine’s Day gathering. She brought some snacks but I also bought a pink rose grape juice and cherry 7 Up (pink bubbly drinks). I sent her with enough champagne flutes for her and all her friends to enjoy their drinks in.
2. Reading – I am about halfway through The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Kline. It’s a fantasy book which I’m enjoying more than I thought I would!
Photo Credit: Netflix
3. Watching – This week I started watching Tiny Pretty Things on Netflix. It’s a YA drama about a ballet academy. It’s alright and keeping me interested enough and again, based on a book! Yesterday, I also watched the Mars Rover Perseverance land on Mars. It was exciting to see it happen live.
4. Cooking – Last night I made the famous TikTok Feta Pasta. It was pretty good and so easy to make. Although the family decided that they like the Gigi Hadid TikTok pasta more.
I also made Pinch of Yum’s No-Knead bread to go with it because #carblover!
5. Puzzle Time – My parents stopped by last weekend and my mom dropped off 4 more puzzles for me. So with the day off Monday and a snow day yesterday, I’ve started this one.
6. Eureka Crate – My son got his last Eureka Crate last week. He spent some time Wednesday working on the project – a pinball machine! He did it entirely on his own and it works!
The city of Beacon is one of my favorite places to visit in the Hudson Valley. It’s only a little over a 30 minute drive from northern Westchester County and there’s so much to see and do. You can spend the day wandering Main Street, which is filled with tons of restaurants and shops. But there’s a lot more off Main Street. There’s really too much to see and do in a day, but fortunately, it’s close enough to make many day trips!
We are by no means calling ourselves experts and I know that we have not covered all of the great attractions, restaurants and shops in Beacon. However, we offer this guide as a starting off point for you and we will be updating it as we continue to explore this lovely city.
To Do:
For the Art Lover:
Dia: Beacon – (3 Beekman Street) Dia: Beacon is housed in the former Nabisco box printing factory. It houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum is open currently to guests by advanced registration only. Read our post about the museum.
For the History Lover:
Bannerman Island– (Beacon Institute Floating Dock) Bannerman Island, officially Pollepel Island, is a historical site that was once an arsenal warehouse. Tours to Bannerman Island are not currently running. However, in the spring, summer and fall, walking tours and self-guided tours are available (though this may have changed in times of COVID) via a boat ride to the island. There are also kayak tours from Cornwall. Read our post about Bannerman Island.
For the Outdoor Lover:
Madam Brett Park – (560 South Avenue) This Scenic Hudson Park is a great place for both history and outdoor lovers to visit. Ruins of the former Tioronda Hat Works are visible on the property. The main attraction is the waterfall on the creek. This is an easy, photogenic hike. Read our post about this park.
Mount Beacon Park – (788 Wolcott Avenue) This is another Scenic Hudson Park, but is a more challenging hike. The hike is worth the views from the top! If you hike up to the Casino Overlook, which is what we did, it’s a 2.4 mile round trip. You can continue up to the fire tower if you want to add an additional 2 miles to your hike. There is a decent sized parking lot. However, this is a very popular hiking spot and gets crowded!
Eat & Drink:
Beer:
Hudson Valley Brewery – (7 East Main Street) This local brewery specializes in sour beers. They have some of the prettiest beer cans I’ve seen. The tasting room is currently closed and they are open for curbside pickup only. The beer menu changed weekly, so check out their pickup page to see what is currently available. However, with both indoor and outdoor drinking space, this is worth a stop once they reopen for tastings. Read our post all about the brewery.
Cocktails:
Dennings Point Distillery – (10 N. Chestnut Street) Dennings Point Distillery uses local grains to produce its handcrafted spirits. Tours are currently on hold but they are open for tastings, cocktails and shopping. Read our post all about the distillery.
Coffee:
Vegan Whoopie Pie
Kitchen & Coffee – (420 Main Street) Kitchen & Coffee is a café that serves fair-trade coffee and teas as well as a 100% vegetarian menu. They also have homemade breads and baked goods. There is both indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
Food:
Momos from Momo Valley
Hudson Valley Food Hall – (288 Main Street) Housed in the former Roosevelt Theater, Hudson Valley Food Hall hosts a variety of food vendors. They have both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. We have dined from Bombay Wraps, Momo Valley and the Roosevelt Bar. Read our post about Hudson Valley Food Hall.
Portonini Wrap
Vegetalien – (504 Main Street) Vegetalien is a locally sourced plant-based cafe and juice bar. It’s rare to find a restaurant that only serves vegan food! We’ve only tried the Portonini sandwich, but the other sandwiches on their menu and the Buddha Bowls all sound delicious!
Treats:
Coffee and Chocolate Donuts vegan ice cream cone
The Chocolate Studio – (496 Main Street) The Chocolate Studio is an ice cream and treat shop. They have a large menu of vegan ice cream, which is made in-house.
Chocolate glaze, graham cracker topping, marshmallow drizzle = Smores donut
Glazed Over Donuts– (315 Main Street) Stop in at Glazed Over for customized donuts. You are given a menu where you choose the glaze, topping and drizzle of your choice. Then you can watch your donut(s) being made through the kitchen window.
Shop
Beacon Bath & Bubble – (458 Main Street) Beacon Bath & Bubble is a bath and body shop. You can purchase soap, bath bombs, lotions, bubble bath and more that are all handmade on the premise. Plus, they have an old fashioned soda and candy shop where they stock over 65 different bottles of soda and a variety of old-fashioned candy.
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January was a great reading month for me! I read ten books and most were 4 and 5 star reads! This will hopefully be a preview of the rest of my reading year! I read several YA books, written by authors of color, that are doing a great job of showcasing social justice issues. I am trying to be more educated on issues of race and I know there is always more to learn. As always, I’m sharing my book reviews with Steph and Jana’s Show Us Your Books linkup! Check out my January reads:
4 stars:
Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From by Jennifer DeLeon – (August 2020, YA/Social Justice) A teen from the inner-city is accepted into a minority program at a wealthy school in the suburbs, where she is one of a handful of students of color. At the same time that she is struggling to adjust to her new school, her father is deported back to Guatemala. This book touches on many current issues of immigration and racism. My daughter is currently reading this book.
Family For Beginnersby Sarah Morgan – (May 2020, Contemporary Romance) A lonely, single woman working at a flower shop meets a recent widow. The two hit it off, but he has two children, one a teen who does not want a replacement mom. This book does a great job of showcasing the intricacies in family relationships.
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth – (April 2021, Thriller/Mystery) I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Twin sisters, who are complete opposites, are super close to each other. Raised by a single mother who had mental issues, the sisters have kept a secret from childhood. One sister is desperate to have a child and will do anything to do so. Told from alternating points of view, this book has several plot twists and surprises. It had me engaged and wanting to keep reading. I have read all but one of Hepworth’s books and have yet to be disappointed.
Insignificant Events In The Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling – (September 2017, Middle Grade Fiction) A young girl born with no arms, moves with to a western theme park that her parents will operate. She has to navigate her new life and ends up trying to solve a mystery. Aven is a spunky, likable character. This is a well written book about children with disabilities.
Rickby Alex Gino – (April 2020, Middle Grade Fiction) A middle school student explores his identity and deals with a toxic friendship. Our family did a read-aloud of George together by the same author many years ago and enjoyed it. While I didn’t love this book as much, I think it has some great messages for kids and introduces them to the LGBTQIAP+ community.
The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler – (May 2020, Contemporary Romance) A girl goes on her dream trip to Alaska, which turns out anything like she envisioned. While there, she is introduced to the man who runs a local food joint, “The Tourist Trap.” His one rule is to not get involved with tourists. This was a fun read and Graham and Zoey made such a cute couple. There’s a second book in the series that I’m putting off reading until November/December, since it’s a Christmas themed read.
5 stars:
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah – (February 2008, Contemporary Fiction) Two girls meet in the summer of 1974 and become fast friends. The book follows their friendship from the teenage years to adulthood. This was a reread for me. I read it when it was first published back in 2008 but wanted to read it again before the show came to Netflix. I have watched several episodes of the show now and think it’s okay, but really loved the book.
The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib – (February 2019, Contemporary Fiction) A former professional dancer is admitted to a residential home for women with eating disorders. Not everyone will enjoy this book. However, I found it interesting to see the realities and struggles that individuals with eating disorders endure.
Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam – (September 2020, YA/Poetry) This is a YA novel told in verse, reminiscent of Ellen Hopkins. A teen is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and is sent to prison. He ends up finding refuge in his art. I read this book before watching When They See Us on Netflix. The show tells the story of the Central Park jogger case and the five boys who were falsely accused and imprisoned for the crime. One of those boys was Yusef Salaam, the co-author of this book.
This Is My America by Kim Johnson – (July 2020, YA/Social Justice) A teen has been writing letters to Innocence X, trying to help her father, an innocent black man on death row, with less than a year to live. When her older brother is arrested and accused of murdering a white teen, Innocence X decides to help her case. In the meantime, she tries to figure out what really happened on both those nights that her family members were falsely accused of crimes.
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Happy Friday! What a week it has been! We got hit with our first major snowstorm of 2021 Sunday evening. I think we got over 18 inches of snow and had snow days both Monday and Tuesday. I love me a snow day but shoveling all that snow was definitely NOT fun! So there wasn’t a whole lot going on here this past week. I know the Super Bowl is this Sunday, but I couldn’t tell you who’s playing! We are not football fans. But I do love snack food, so we may have to do something fun for dinner! Here are five from the past week:
1.Eating – Saturday we picked up cupcakes I had preordered from Nicole at Baked To Perfection. I ordered Cookies and Cream, S’mores and Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookie. You can’t tell from the picture and we didn’t discover until we cut into them that 2 of them were filled!
Since we were in White Plains we stopped at Papi’ for lunch takeout. These fried ravioli were so good!
2. Reading – With all of the snow I’ve been reading a lot! I recently finished Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam. He is one of the exonerated Central Park 5 (see below). This is a YA poetry book and it is really good. My daughter is currently reading it now. I’m currently reading The Daydream Cabin by Carolyn Brown. It’s contemporary fiction/romance and is a good change from the other books I’ve been reading.
3. Watching – I might have spent a good amount of time these past few days in front of the TV! I finally finished Bridgerton which I really enjoyed. I watched 3 of the four episodes of When They See Us. It’s a mini series on Netflix based on the events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case. I also started Firefly Lane after rereading the book. I have to say there are some major differences from the book. I’m also not a huge fan of the constant time frame changes. However, I’m going to watch the whole series since I loved the book both times I read it!
4. Cooking – We didn’t do a lot of recipe cooking this week. The grocery stores were crazy pre-storm and I didn’t want to deal with crowds and lines. So we made do with what we had in the house. We made it to the store Tuesday night and I made Saucy Coconut Curry Rice Noodles with Garden Vegetables from Half Baked Harvest which we all enjoyed.
5. Snow Fun – Since we only have 3 shovels, during one of my shoveling breaks I made a snowman family! Meanwhile, the kids were throwing snowballs at me!
And Monday when I was out shoveling by myself, my daughter made me this mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce!
Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to see where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week.
Please note, this will be the last edition of Westchester Weekly. Follow our Instagram account to stay up to date on where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County!
Eat
Sunday, February 7th: (Harrison) Quenas Restaurant in Harrison is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The Peruvian restaurant will be serving a special tasting menu from 2 PM – 9 PM for $55/person. Reservations are recommended.
Wednesday, February 10th: (Mamaroneck) Boleria Brazilian Bakery in Mamaroneck is reopening after a 2 month closure.
Ongoing:
Let’s Eat for Port Chester Restaurant Relief: (Port Chester) After a 10 week shutdown, Port Chester restaurants are back open for indoor dining. For the month of February, select Port Chester restaurants are offering specials. Use code EAT4PC and help support these local restaurants.
Shop
Branches of Beauty: (Scarsdale) The skin care and beauty boutique has Valentine’s Day Specials for the entire month of February including 15% off all gift cards, a special facial of the month and beauty packages.
The Katonah Reading Room: (Katonah) The Katonah Reading Room is opening this week after a remodel of the space. Shop the bookstore and enjoy a cup of coffee and lunch in the coffee bar.
Ongoing:
Saturdays: (Hastings) Shop the winter season Hastings Farmers Market at the Zinsser Commuter Lot on the first and third Saturdays of the month. The market opens at 9:30 AM and it is recommended that you pre-order.
Saturdays: (Mamaroneck) Shop the Mamaroneck Winter Farmers Marketat Harbor Island Park from 9 AM – 1 PM. There will also be a textile recycling collection at this week’s farmers market.
Wednesdays: (Yorktown Heights) Winter Farmers Market at the Jefferson Valley MallJanuary 6 – April 7 at the Jefferson Valley Mall on the upper level near the food court. The market will take place from 1:30 – 5:30 PM every Wednesday through April 7.
Play
(Through February 7): Teatown Hudson River EagleFest – This year there will be no festival at Croton Point Park. Instead, there are both virtual and limited attendance in-person events taking place January 30th – February 7th. Registration is now open for the various programs.
Saturday, February 6th: (Harrison) The Westchester Children’s Museum in partnership with Life Time Fitness is offering an in-person Smart Tennis Workshop from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM. This workshop is for children ages 5-8 to introduce them to the fundamentals of tennis. Please bring a tennis racquet and wear non-marking sneakers. $18/member, $20, non-member – pre-registration is required.
Saturday, February 6th: (Yorktown Heights) Bestie Bash Hearts & Craftsat Pizzazzles in the Jefferson Valley Mall. This free event takes place from 11 AM – 12:30 PM and includes a DJ, crafts, prizes and fun. (SOLD OUT!)
Saturday, February 6th: (Katonah) The Katonah Museum of Art reopens on Saturday, February 6th with the Young Arts exhibition. The public opening of this exhibit begins February 9th.
Saturday, February 6th: (Rye) Make a Polar Bear with polymer clay workshop at The Rye Arts Center. Ages 5-8, 2 PM – 3 PM, ages 9-12, 3 – 4 PM. $20/participant (members receive a discount).
Saturday, February 6th: (Katonah) Tapping The Trees at Muscoot Farm. 10 AM – 2:30 PM, 30-minute timeslots, $20/family
Ongoing:
Wednesdays: (White Plains) BINGO Night at Wolf and Warrior Brewing. 6:30 PM every Wednesday, hosted by Ashley and Mouse.
Every Other Thursday: (Mamaroneck) Modern On The Rails is hosts a Trivia Night every other Thursday at 7 PM.
Fridays: (Katonah) Trivia Night 7 PM every Friday night at Jay Street Cafe.
(January 30 – February 7): Teatown Hudson River EagleFest – This year there will be no festival at Croton Point Park. Instead, there are both virtual and limited attendance in-person events taking place January 30th – February 7th. Registration is now open for the various programs.
February 7 – March 21st: (Katonah) Maple Sugaring at Muscoot Farm 10 AM – 2:30 PM, 30-minute time slots, $20/family
Yoga Classes: (Yorktown Heights) FREE yoga classes are offered at the Jefferson Valley Mall on Mondays at 10 AM, Thursdays at 10 AM, Wednesdays at 5:30 PM and Saturdays at 10 AM. Classes are held on the bottom floor in the former Gap store, across from Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Remember to bring a yoga mat and wear a mask.
In The Area:
Saturday, February 6th: (Garrison) Enjoy eagle viewing at Boscobel House and Gardens with Constitution Marsh Audubon and Putnam Highlands Audubon. Two hour time slots are available from 9 AM – 2 PM. Admission is $12/adult, $10/senior, $6/children (age 5-18), Free/children under 5. Advance registration is required. All participants must bring their own viewing equipment (binoculars, scopes, etc.) Masks are required.
Upcoming:
Thursday, February 11th: (Rye) Valentine’s Day Workshop: Laser Cutting with Glowforge at The Rye Arts Center. Ages 9-12, 4:30 PM – 6 PM. Students will use CAD to create a Valentine’s themed pendant or pin that will then be laser cut and engraved. All supplies included. $25/participant (members receive a discount).
Thursday, February 11th: (Rye) The Rye Arts Center is partnering with the Greenwich Library to present a virtual night of live theater. Love Notes: One-Act Plays with Play With Your Food will be presented virtually from 7 PM – 8 PM by professional actors from JIB Productions. Register with the Greenwich Library to receive the Zoom link and password. This event is free.
Saturday, February 13th: (Yorktown Heights) Valentine’s Day Eve Party at Pizzazzles in the Jefferson Valley Mall. This is a drop off event where kids will dance to a DJ, enjoy a spaghetti and meatball dinner, sip on sparkling punch, decorate cupcakes, paint, play games and more. 6:15 PM – 9:00 PM, $45/child.
Saturday, February 13th: (Rye) The Westchester Children’s Museum is holding an in-person Cupid’s Color Lab from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM. This workshop is for children ages 4-8 and is half chemistry, half art as they create colorful, unique Valentine cards. $9/participant (members), $10/participant (non-members). Pre-registration required.
Saturday, February 13th: (Rye) The Rye Arts Center is holding a Valentine’s Day Pop Up Cards Workshop. The workshop is from 10 AM – 12 PM for ages 10 and up. Bring a picture of a special person or animal. Materials will be provided to make 3 cards. $25/participant (members receive a discount).
(Saturdays) February 13th – March 13th: (Yonkers) Sugar Maple Tree Tapping at Lenoir Preserve. Saturdays from February 13 – March 13, families can learn how they tap the maple trees at the preserve. $20/session (30 minute time slots). Program is by reservation only. Please call (914) 968-5851 to reserve your spot.
Charcuterie boards are not new to the party and appetizer scene. However, they have recently seen a surge in popularity. Not only are they visually appealing, but the combinations of the components on the boards are almost limitless. I discovered that Westchester County has several local, small businesses that can create charcuterie boards for you. Today’s charcuterie boards consist of much more than meats and cheeses. These small businesses rise to the occasion; offering nuts, fruit, olives and more. Each can customize a board that fits your needs. Some even create dessert and hot cocoa charcuterie! Check out and support these Charcuterie Board small businesses in Westchester County.
All Aboard, started by Francesca Martilotta, has been in business for two months. She creates boards for all kinds of events, holidays and special occasions. During the winter, All Aboard offered a s’mores box that came completed with a bonfire from City Bonfires! She is currently creating seasonal holiday sweet treat boards. There is a St. Patrick’s Day Board and will be featuring an Easter board soon.
All Aboard prides themselves on working with local businesses. Francesca features delicious and creative treats from Westchester County businesses. She takes pride in customizing boards to her client’s interests.
Location: All Aboard is located in Mamaroneck. They offer free delivery within a 5 mile radius.
Price: Holiday boards start at $100 and traditional savory charcuterie boards start at $125. Everything comes on boards.
How to Order: Orders are taken via Direct Message on Instagram.
Boards By Bean is a new business that just began in February of 2021. Christina Scumaci enjoyed making charcuterie boards for small gatherings. After numerous friends and family encouraged her to start a side business, she finally took the plunge and started Boards By Bean. She loves taking a variety of foods and making them come to life on one board.
Photo c/o Boards By Bean
Christina makes holiday themed boxes and boards and is currently working on adding brunch boards and dessert boxes to her menu.
Photo c/o Boards By Bean
Location: Boards By Bean is based in Mount Kisco. Pick ups are preferred but she does deliver.
Photo c/o Boards By Bean
Price: Prices range from $25 to $85 and can feed between 1 – 12 people depending on the board you choose. Every board or box includes meats, cheeses, nuts, assorted fruits and accompaniments. However, she is happy to customize any type of board to fit your needs.
How to order: Orders can be made via Direct Message on Instagram.
Boxed and Board was launched by Kayleigh in January 2021. Besides traditional meat and cheese charcuterie boards, Boxed and Board also has a signature waffle brunch box. They make all kinds of boards for holidays, birthdays or even an intimate get together. Kayleigh can make vegetarian boards upon request.
Photo c/o Boxed and Board
Location: Boxed and Board is located in Somers and offers both pickup and delivery.
Photo c/o Boxed and Board
Price: Charcuterie boards and boxes range from $55 -$150.
How to Order: Orders are taken via Direct Message on Instagram, Facebook or email (kayleigh@boxedandboard.com). A website is coming soon.
Charcutebri creates custom charcuterie boards for any occasion. Although Briann made her first cheeseboard in 2019 for a Christmas Eve family gathering, she didn’t officially go into business until June of 2020. As she says, “[It’s] my version of a pandemic baby!”
Briann gets many requests for and happily offers gluten-free and nut-free boards. She enjoys incorporating cheeses that the regular person wouldn’t pick up or might not be familiar with, like Sweet Fire Mango Jack by Kindred Creamery. She also likes to add sweet treats to her board and often partners with local bakers and other small businesses. In the past she’s worked with G’POP SHOP, Sweets By Cari and Sweets By Smooches.
Location: Briann is located in Yorktown Heights but also operates out of Middletown, New York for those living in/near Orange County New York. She likes to make it easy for everyone and offers pick up and delivery.
Price: Single boxes start at $20. Briann is happy to customize any board and will work with you to create something for your particular needs and budget.
How to Order: Orders are taken via DM on Instagram or email (charcutebri@gmail.com).
Laura started Charcuterie Collection in May of 2020. She creates charcuterie gift boxes and platters for any occasion. Laura is able to accommodate all dietary restrictions. Besides Chef’s selections of meat and cheese, Charcuterie Collection gift boxes include different combinations of jams, honey, olives, fresh and dried fruit, crackers, mixed nuts and chocolates. They also provide a separate packet with utensils like bamboo tongs, wooden picks, jam spreaders and more.
Charcuterie Collection loves the holidays and is currently offering special Valentine themed boxes. They can personalize boxes with logos for corporate events and customize the contents of their boxes. They also do residential setups and love using kitchen islands for displays. Please note that Charcuterie Collection does not use wooden boards. The charcuterie is packaged in gift boxes.
Location: Charcuterie Collection is online based and serves Westchester County. There is a delivery team that hand delivers all orders.
Price: The “Classic Meats and Cheese” line comes in three sizes, Small through Large and starts at $45.
The Cheese Enthusiast was started in August 2020 by Ali Weinig. The company prides itself on supporting local, “by serving rare and luxury cheeses from local farms.”
The Cheese Enthusiast curates cheese boards for all occasions. All of the cheese, meat, produce, jam, honey and breads used on their boards are locally sourced from local farms and vendors. They make vegetarian and even dairy-free boards.
Location: The Cheese Enthusiast serves Westchester County and and the surrounding areas. They usually deliver their cheese boards, but there is a pickup option in Pleasantville.
Price: Price varies based on the size of the board, with individual boards starting at $25 to $95 for extra large boards that serve 10-12. If you need a larger board for a catered event, they can do that as well.
How to Order: Orders are taken through their website, by emailing (info@thecheeseenthusiast.com) or via DM on Instagram.
The Cheesy Charcuterie was started in November 2020 by Michelle Romano. Born into a large Italian American family, Sunday dinners have always been routine. Michelle always loves starting off these dinners with her favorite course: a cheese and charcuterie plate. As she noted, “with the last name Romano, how can I not be a lover of cheese and expand this delicious fun?” Michelle works full time as journalist for News 12. The Cheesy Charcuterie has become her passion project turned side business.
Photo c/o The Cheesy Charcuterie
To make the perfect bite, Michelle likes to add cheese accompaniments and a wine pairing to custom orders. Each box is decorated in bright color palettes and, “wrapped with love.”
Photo c/o The Cheesy Charcuterie
She is currently taking orders for Valentine’s Day but she also creates orders for all occasions: date night, birthdays, bridal/baby showers, rehearsal dinners, holidays or, “any excuse to get together and make memories while eating cheese!”
Photo c/o The Cheesy Charcuterie
Location: The Cheesy Charcuterie serves lower Westchester County and Long Island. Orders can be picked up or delivered.
Price: Price varies per order based on cheese selection and size of box/platter. Reach out directly to Michelle to work on a customized box for your budget and needs.
How to Order: Orders are taken via DM on Instagram or via email (thecheesycharcuterie@gmail.com).
Christina started Christina’s Charcuterie in the summer of 2020. She is a big wine and cheese lover and has always had a passion for food styling and entertaining. After creating a themed board for the Fourth of July for a family gathering, she decided to take her hobby to the next level and Christina’s Charcuterie was launched.
Christina’s Charcuterie boards contain an array of gourmet cheeses, cured meat, fresh fruit, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, honey, fig spread, and garnish. Although crackers are not included in the board, Christina assures, “you will be receiving quality food as opposed to “fillers.”” Boards can be customized for any special occasion. Christina loves adding special touches wherever possible and recently put together a fun board for a Casamigos and bourbon themed birthday. She can also accommodate boards for dietary needs, including vegetarian boards.
Photo c/o Christina’s Charcuterie
Location: Christina’s Charcuterie is based out of Westchester County, NY. Pickup or delivery within the tri-state area is available for an additional fee.
Price: Charcuterie boxes range in price from $35 to $120. Christina can make grazing tables and can customize options at varying prices.
Tina Tompkins started Gather + Graze just before Thanksgiving of 2020. Although the idea had been in the works for the past year, it finally came together. She wants to help take the stress out of entertaining by creating delicious and impressive-looking boards for your guests.
Photo c/o Gather + Graze
Gather + Graze boards are curated specifically for your gathering and includes charcuterie, cheese, crackers and accompaniments. Tina can create vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free boards upon request. She also does holiday themed boards, dessert boards, wedding boards, crudités and more. She currently has a $45 Sunday football box and a Heartcuterie special for Valentine’s Day. A wine pairing option is available for boards at an additional cost.
Photo c/o Gather + Graze
Location: Gather +Graze is based in White Plains but Tina delivers to Westchester for free.
Price: Boards that can feed 2-4 people start at $60 and can be customized from there.
How to Order: Orders are taken through the website.
Founded in 2017 by Shari, graze New York is one of the first Westchester County charcuterie board companies. They are also a 2019 Best of Westchester winner.
Besides traditional charcuterie boards, graze New York creates specialty items like seasonal goodie bags and graze boxes. They can also create vegetarian boards and offer gluten free options. They love to work with seasonal ingredients, so current boards may have passion fruit, blood oranges and/or goose berries for pops of color.
Location: graze NY is located Bedford. They offer both pick up and delivery throughout Westchester County, NYC and the surrounding areas.
Price: Prices start at $25 for individual graze boxes and up to $185 for 2 feet long large boards. However, Shari and her team love to work with clients to customize boards.
How to Order: Orders can be made via the graze New York website, Direct Message on Instagram or by email (Shari@grazenewyork.com).
Gusto Goodies was started by Laureen and her fiancé Jonathan in December 2020, right before the holiday season.
Gusto Goodies charcuterie boards come with multiple types of meat and cheese so customers can be introduced to new varieties. They can make vegetarian or vegan boards and can accommodate almost any diet or preference upon request. They also offer dessert boards. To help personalize boards, they almost always have letter-shaped cheese cutouts featuring a name or word. They can also add flowers, notes and other customizable features.
Location: Gusto Goodies is based in Ossining. They deliver but also offer pickup.
Price: Boards are currently priced from $15-$90, depending on the size.
How to Order: Orders are taken via DM on Instagram.
Amanda Welch of I’ve Got The Board, has been making charcuterie boards for approximately two years. However, she only turned it into a local small business this past November. She works a full time job and creates charcuterie boards as, “a creative escape to make sure I don’t lose that in my more technical world at work.”
Photo c/o of I’ve Got The Board
Amanda can make vegetarian boards (pictured above) as well as nut and gluten-free boards to accommodate all diets. She enjoys playing with different fillers for her boards depending on the occasion. For example, she may use pink covered chocolate items for a girl birthday or baby shower themed board or heart shaped items for Valentine’s Day.
And speaking of Valentine’s Day, if you’d like to order for that weekend she has some time slots available.
Location: I’ve Got The Board is based in Stamford, CT but serves both Westchester and Fairfield County. Pickup is available, but if you live within 15 miles of Stamford, delivery is included in the price of the boards.
Price: Most boards start at $65 but everything is completely customizable depending on her client’s needs. With a quick consultation, she can create a board that fits your size and budget.
How to Order: Orders are currently taken via DM on Instagram or email (ivegottheboard@gmail.com).
Overboard Grazing launched at the end of February 2021 by Lindsay Forschner. During COVID, Lindsay enjoyed making charcuterie boards as a hobby. She only recently decided to turn it into a business. Her company believes, “it’s always necessary to go overboard.”
Photo c/o Overboard Grazing
Lindsay likes to combine sweet and salty items on her boards. She also likes to make sure there are a variety of textures and colors, but ultimately taste is her priority. Frequent items on her board included chocolate covered pretzels, a pastry of some sort, cheese, crackers and nuts. She can customize boards based on allergies and strong dislikes.
Photo c/o Overboard Grazing
Location: Overboard Grazing is located in Scarsdale. There is free delivery for Scarsdale orders. Delivery outside of Scarsdale has a small fee.
Photo c/o Overboard Grazing
Price: Prices of boards range from $35 – $250, depending on the size. However, boards can be customized to the client’s needs and wants.
How to Order: Orders can be placed via Direct Message on Instagram, the website, or by emailing Lindsay at overboardgrazing@gmail.com.
ROC Boards was started by Stephanie in May of 2020, “as a way to bring out my creative side in the form of charcuterie….” Her goal is to bring people together to enjoy great conversations while they enjoy her delicious boards.
Photo c/o ROC Boards
Stephanie creates charcuterie boards in all sizes from extra small to large. She also makes brunch boards and dessert boards. She has a list of cheese, meat and accompaniments on her site so clients can customize exactly what they want. ROC Boards is all about supporting local and small businesses. Stephanie uses gourmet nuts on her board from Nuts Nuts, an upstate NY business. Many of the cheeses that she uses on her boards come from local vendors as well, including one of her favorites “Torio” from The Cheese Guy based in Yonkers, NY.
Photo c/o ROC Boards
ROC Boards can accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions and can create vegetarian, gluten-free, nut free and even vegan boards upon request.
Location: ROC Boards is based in Yorktown Heights but delivers to Westchester and the surrounding areas.
Price: Prices for boards depend on the size. There are four different sized boards, XS to Large. The XS starts at $40 but feeds 2-4 people. Stephanie recently started offering mini “charcuterie boxes” that start at $35.
How to Order: Orders are taken via the order form on the ROC Board website or DM via Instagram or Facebook.
Boards by Soph is a local business started by Sophie Dippolito. She graduated from the University of Miami in May 2020. As a way to combine her passions and skills, she turned her hobby of making cheese boards into a small business.
Sophie is currently focusing on school and is only offering boards on select weekends, for holidays and special occasions. Check her Instagram account to stay up-to-date.
