NY Foodie Family

Westchester Weekly {August 14, 2023}

Posted on August 14, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Here are some highlights from Westchester County restaurants and businesses this week. Have some news you’d like shared? Email NYFoodieFamily@gmail.com.

Business News:

The Pelham Art Center (155 Fifth Avenue) has a new public art installation “Garden Poppies” by Leigh Taylor Mickelson in the courtyard.

In a recent Instagram post, Argonne Rose Brewing Company in Mohegan Lake (1715 E. Main Street) announced they were parting ways with their Brewmaster Peter Martine, over personal and creative differences. New developments are in the works and the brewery will continue to operate.

Restaurant News:

Gleason’s in Peekskill moved from South Street to a bigger location at 23 South Division Street.

This past weekend Noble Pies opened its second location in Tarrytown (38 Main Street).

Goosefeather in Tarrytown (49 E. Sunnyside Lane) is hosting an Italian Wine Dinner on August 23rd. Tickets are $195 each. Menu and wines are posted on their Instagram page. This event has been added to the August Events in Westchester County post.

Patsy’s Pizzeria in New Rochelle (2 Pelham Road) has added a Prix Fixe lunch menu. Available Monday through Friday, 11:30 AM to 3 PM, enjoy a choice of appetizer, entree and dessert or drink for $29.99 + tax.

Town House in New Rochelle (559 Main Street) is closed August 13 – August 20. They will reopen on August 23rd.

Check out:

August Events in Westchester County

A Taste of Westchester Cooking Demonstrations

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Five on Friday {August 11, 2023}

Posted on August 11, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog!*

Hooray for Friday! My daughter is having a blast in Portugal. We check in daily via WhatsApp and she is enjoying her trip. The five hour time difference took some getting used to, but it’s so nice to hear what a great time she’s having! Here are five from this week.

1. Dave & Buster’s – Over the weekend, with our daughter away we asked our son what he wanted to do. He requested we go to Dave & Buster’s so we went to the one at the Palisades Center. We hadn’t been there in ages! I’m not a huge arcade person so my son and husband mostly played the games. My son was really good at this Pop the Lock game and even won the jackpot bonus.

2. Reading – This week I finished reading The Celebrants by Steven Rowley. It was a slow start for me, but got better later on. It’s very different from The Guncle!

3. Cooking – This week we made Salmon Bowls with rice and roasted broccoli, Gardein chikn sandwiches with fries, Trader Joe’s Beefless Bulgogi with rice and bagels with cream cheese and lox. It was a week of quick and easy dinners!

4. Puzzle – Last week I finished this “It’s Showtime” puzzle. I actually bought this puzzle for my mom for Christmas one year. Since she also enjoys doing puzzles, we like to trade when we finish them.

5. Watching – Over the past couple of weeks my husband and I watched Secret Chef (Hulu). I’ve been watching The Bachelorette (Hulu) and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Real Housewives of New York.

6. Boulder Game – since we were in Rockland County Sunday, we went to another Boulders game. This game was more exciting than the last game we went to!

7. Eating – We had a late lunch/early dinner Sunday at Little Buddha in the Palisades Center mall. My son had a salmon poke bowl and my husband and I shared a bunch of appetizers. We enjoyed these vegetarian lettuce wraps.

We had some bananas that were too ripe for eating so we had our son make some banana chocolate chip muffins. It’s nice to have teens who can follow a recipe and cook/bake!

I’ve been taking this salad for lunch every day to work this week. Peaches are so good right now and I looked forward to lunch every day!

8. HV Shakespeare Festival – Wednesday, my husband and I visited the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival again. This time we saw their production of Love’s Labors Lost. They put on such a great show! There was music and comedy. And we got a seat upgrade! We originally purchased side seats, the second row back. However, they had ASL interpreters the night of our visit and removed our seats. So, we got upgraded to the center, front row.

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Monday I posted Westchester Weekly.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

You may want to check out:

Westchester Weekly {August 7, 2023}

Posted on August 7, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Here are some highlights from Westchester County restaurants and businesses this week. Have some news you’d like shared? Email NYFoodieFamily@gmail.com:

Business News:

123Dough Bakery in Pound Ridge (78 Westchester Ave.) will be closed for vacation August 6 though August 16.

Chocolations in Mamaroneck (607 East Boston Post Road) will be closed August 19th through September 5th.

Restaurant News:

Westbrook Brick Oven Pizzeria (2 Westbrook Drive) in Cortlandt Manor has announced weekly special offers:
Monday – Any chicken dinner for only $11.95 + TAX Served with pasta or salad
Tuesday– pizza day Large pizza for only $10.95 + TAX Any topping additional charge
Wednesday pasta night -$8.95 + TAX

Sundays from 9 AM – 1 PM visit the new Scarsdale Farmer’s Market in Scarsdale (29 Chase Road). Shop from local farmers, bakers and creators.

Coffee Labs Roasters opened a new shop in Eastchester (483 New Rochelle Road, Bronxville) last week. This is in addition to their shop in Tarrytown.

Donjito in Mamaroneck (122 Mamaroneck Avenue) reopened last Thursday. They have been closed since May 21 due to an expired special use permit. The Zoning Board unanimously approved the new permits that allowed them to reopen.

After being temporarily closed for renovations, the Peekskill coffee House is reopening August 9th.

Jaipore Xpress opened a second location in Briarcliff Manor (1116 Pleasantville Road). Their original location is in Ridgefield, CT.

T-Swirl Crepe is now open at the Cross County Center in Yonkers (8000 Mall Walk).

Five on Friday {August 4, 2023}

Posted on August 4, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday! I can’t believe August is here already! It’s been a little busy over here. My daughter is leaving tomorrow to go to Portugal for eleven days with her boyfriend and his family. We’ve been trying to make sure she is all set. Here are five from this week.

1. 15th birthday celebration – Saturday we were finally able to celebrate my son’s 15th birthday with family. Breakfast is his favorite meal so we did a brunch. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole was a hit!

2. Reading – This week I finished the historical fiction book The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. I’ve also read one of her other books, Yellow Wife, and really liked it as well.

3. Cooking – This week we made Penne Vodka with Caesar salad, cauliflower steaks with Chimichurri sauce, mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, Cauliflower Fajitas, Roasted Eggplant Curry with Chickpeas, Trader Joe’s Chickenless Orange Chicken with rice and Cheese Calzones.

4. Puzzle – Last weekend I finally finished this “The Secret Garden” puzzle. It’s 2,000 pieces and was challenging! I had purchased it at Savers, a thrift shop in Danbury. I can’t tell if the two pieces missing were from the original owner or if my kitten lost them.

He really likes sleeping in the puzzle box and sometimes pieces would stick to him or he’d knock them out of the box. Regardless, I ended up getting rid of the puzzle once I completed it.

5. Boulders Game – Last Friday night we went to another NY boulders game. It wasn’t a great game and the best thing about it was this funnel cake! LOL! The Boulders lost 7-3 and it was just a slow and unexciting game.

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Monday I posted Westchester Weekly.

Wednesday I posted about “A Taste of Westchester” Cooking Demonstrations.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Check out August Events in Westchester County.

A Taste of Westchester Cooking Demonstrations

Posted on August 2, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

If you’ve ever received the SUNY Westchester Community College Workforce Development & Community Education catalog in your mailbox, don’t toss it in the recycling bin! There are some tasty surprises hiding in there. If you enjoy dining out in Westchester County, make sure to take a look at the “A Taste of Westchester” courses being offered. These cooking demonstrations have been offered for many years. There is likely to be a restaurant demonstration on the list that you will want to attend.

The SUNY Westchester classes are curated by coordinator Donna Monaco (@donnadishes on social media). Each semester she selects and sets up the restaurants that will be featured.

“A Taste of Westchester” are cooking demonstrations. There seems to be a misunderstanding by some that they are attending a cooking class and cooking their own meal. However, unless specifically noted in the restaurant description that the class is “hands-on”, the majority of these classes are demonstrations only.

While some chefs regularly open their restaurants for these demonstrations, and are on the schedule every semester, they change the menu so that attendees can visit multiple times. As a pescatarian, I’ve been able to find several pescatarian or vegetarian-friendly restaurant options offered each semester.

Each chef offers his/her own spin on the demonstration, so no two courses will be alike. Although I wish I could attend ALL of the classes, so far I’ve only been able to attend two. The first class I attended was at Meraki Taverna in Armonk with Chef Michalakis Sarris. In this class, he had a makeshift kitchen setup in the front of the restaurant and demonstrated how he made the specific dishes on the demonstration menu.

The second class I attended was Maria Restaurant in New Rochelle. At this class Chef Giovanni Cucullo spoke to the class and talked about how he makes the dishes and where he sources the ingredients. This class wasn’t a demonstration, but more of a verbal description of the dishes he presented. Moreso, he shared the history of the restaurant and his inspirations. It was more like enjoying a fine meal with a gracious host.

We were able to enjoy the items from the class menu, which this session was pescatarian-themed. The photo above is of Shrimp Francese over back squid ink pasta and it was delicious! There were a ton of amazing and unexpected courses and we left stuffed. Chef Gio was super generous and hospitable.

As you can see, these classes were very different from each other. However, they were both interesting, informative and delicious. A Taste of Westchester classes lets you get up close with local chefs and try many of their delicious dishes, all at a super reasonable price. Each course has a $21 course fee as well as a sampling fee, usually priced between $25 to $30. The sampling fee is paid in cash at the restaurant when you arrive on the day of the course. Several restaurants also offer an optional wine pairing for an additional cost.

The fall SUNY Westchester Community College Workforce Development & Community Education catalog was recently delivered. This semester, Donna has curated over 25 different “A Taste of Westchester” sessions! I am looking forward to attending at least a couple more this fall. Hopefully, I’ll see you there!

Westchester Weekly {July 31, 2023}

Posted on July 31, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Here are some highlights from Westchester County restaurants and businesses this week. Have some news you’d like shared? Email NYFoodieFamily@gmail.com.:

Business News:

Beer Noggin in Bronxville (102 Kraft Avenue) is closing. Today (7/31) is their last day of business.

Although no official announcement has been made on social media, the Ossining Bakery in Ossining (50 N. Highland Avenue) appears to be closed.

Sweat New York opens August 1 in Pleasantville (2 Jackson Street). The studio offers hot vinyasa flow yoga and sKulpt classes. Check their website for schedules.

Last Thursday Backyard Butchers opened in Yorktown Heights at the Jefferson Valley (near Macy’s). The pop-up offers restaurant quality meat at near wholesale pricing.

Restaurant News:

Every Tuesday Dubrovnik Restaurant in New Rochelle (721 Main Street) offers a whole Branzino for $20. Grilled over charcoaled wood, it is served whole and fileted tableside.

Saltaire Oyster Bar in Port Chester (55 Abendroth Ave.) has introduced “Saltaire Supper.” Join us every Tuesday & Wednesday in The Chart Room from 4-9PM for Saltaire Supper. This 3 Course “Off the Hook ” dinner features Saltaire favorites – all accompanied by our famous Corn Bread & Salted Honey Butter. $40per person. This offer is limited to up to groups of 6 and is not offered at the bar.

The Cube Inn in Tarrytown (22 Main Street) is now serving The Flamingo drink with a free flamingo floatie, while supplies last.

Ofori’s World Cuisine in Peekskill (982 Main Street) debuted a $10 lunch menu. Served 12-3 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Starting last week, Goosefeather in Tarrytown (49 East Sunnyside Lane) is offering guests 1/2 off bottles of rosé at the Lawn Bar, with the purchase of food from the lawn menu on Thursdays only. The Lawn Bar is open Thursday through Sunday from 6PM to 10:30PM. This deal is available on the lawn only (not in the restaurant or on the patio/garden).

You may also want to check out:

August Events in Westchester County

Trivia Nights in Westchester County

Five on Friday {July 28, 2023}

Posted on July 28, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

And it’s Friday again! It’s looking to be another busy, hot summer weekend. Here are five from this week:

1. Goodbye Salem – Saturday we had to say goodbye to one of our cats, Salem. He was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which we got under control with medication. But when he started not eating again we knew something else was going on. A visit to the vet revealed liver and gallbladder issues that may or may not be helped with surgery. It would require an emergency surgery, an extensive stay in the hospital and ultimately a quality of life issue. So we made the difficult decision to put him down. It was heartbreaking for us all.

2. Reading – This week I finished reading Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. It was a good romance book and I loved the behind the scenes of a sketch comedy show remind Saturday Night Live.

3. Cooking – This week’s dinners included broccoli rabe calzones, Tortellini w/Spinach in a Lemon Cream sauce, Summer Corn Chowder and pierogies. The tortellini recipe is the first recipe that I’ve found on “TikTok” and made. I discovered that I’m not a big fan of trying to follow a video and that even with the printed recipe in the caption, it’s annoying listening to the video play over and over. The recipe itself wasn’t bad, but when I google Tortellini with Lemon Cream Sauce, I find a bunch of online recipes that would have worked just fine.

4. WCC Cooking Demo – Saturday afternoon my husband and I attended a WCC Taste of Westchester Cooking Demo at Maria Restaurant in New Rochelle. We love this restaurant and it was nice getting to meet Chef Gio and hearing how he makes some of our favorite dishes, like these Eggplant Fries.

5. Lunch – Monday I had an appointment in White Plains. My husband drove me and we had lunch before heading home. White Plains has SO many dining options! We opted to share a falafel pita from Falafel Place. These are some of our favorite falafel!

We also shared a Tofu Banh Mi from the Banh Mi Shop that was very good!

6. Memes: Parenting two teens, one of whom just got her license, these were very relatable!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Monday I posted Westchester Weekly.

Thursday I shared August Events in Westchester County.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

August Events in Westchester County

Posted on July 27, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

We have rounded up some of the August Events taking place in Westchester County (and the surrounding area). There is lots to do as we soak up the last few weeks of summer! Plan some summer family fun or a date night out this month!

Comedy:

Levity Live (Palisade Center – West Nyack) Enjoy a comedy show at Levity Live in August. Upcoming shows include Hans Kim (August 4-6), Finesse Mitchell (August 11-13), Ben Brainard (August 17), Adele Givens (August 18-20), Steve Byrne (August 24-26) and David Lucas (August 27). *Check the site for the full lineup

Yonkers Comedy Club (Yonkers) Enjoy a comedy show at the Yonkers Comedy Club. August shows include Yonkers Comedy Showcase (August 4-5), JJ Ramirez (August 11-13) Mark Viera (August 17-19), and Desi Johnson and Friends Summer Chronicles (August 31).

August 12 (Peekskill) Paula Poundstone at the Paramount Hudson Valley. 8 PM. Tickets: $37.50-$55.00. Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and legendary spontaneous wit. Paula is the star of several HBO specials, including Cats, Cops and Stuff, and Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard. Paula is a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! She is heard weekly on her successful comedy podcast. Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.

August 17 (Port Chester) Ilana Glazer Live! at The Capitol Theatre. Doors open 7 PM, show starts at 8 PM. Tickets: $35-$65. llana Glazer is a creator and comedian who co-created and co-starred in the critically acclaimed series BROAD CITY. Her debut stand-up comedy special, THE PLANET IS BURNING is on Amazon Prime, and her film FALSE POSITIVE which she co-wrote and starred in, was produced by A24 and available on Hulu. Most recently, you can see her in THE AFTERPARTY for Apple TV+. Ilana is also the co-founder of the non-profit Generator Collective, which was founded in 2016. Generator Collective defines minimal civic engagement and aims to humanize policy through people-powered stories on social media.

August 26 (Larchmont) Comedy from Scratch at The Idea Kitchen. Comedy From Scratch is where you go in Westchester County to hear top comics from TV and NYC’s major clubs performing long sets on an intimate stage. Past performers include comedians from HBO, Netlfix, Colbert, SNL, the Daily Show, Letterman, the Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and more. Every month, Ben Asher’s presents comedy that reaches up into your brain with the force of a fist through the nose. Seating at 7 PM, show begins at 8 PM. $20 admission. Bring your own food and drink.

Date Night/Girls Night Out:

August 4 (Briarcliff Manor) Sip’n’Paint Japanese Bamboo Serving Bowl at A Maze in Pottery. BYOB! 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Ages 21+. Tickets: $62.90 +tax. Join us for this fun JAPANESE BAMBOO SERVING BOWL Class. Learn paper cut-out & sgraffito techniques as well as combine matte and glossy surfaces of pottery glazes. Our creative instructor will lead you through the process, so you can relax while painting, sipping wine, and having fun with other painters.

August 6 (Dobbs Ferry) 80’s Murder Mystery Party at Climbing Wolf. 5:30 PM. It’s the 80’s again, and all of the big names are here for a big concert. Tensions run rampant as backstage secrets spill out into the spotlight with like, totally tragic results! This isn’t an episode of Miami Vice! This is like…murder. It’s up to you to bust it like a ghost, for sure! Peg your jeans, slouch your socks, flash some neon, put on way too much eyeliner and get that hair up! You are going to solve this crime in style. No time to be Too Shy! You are a Smooth Operator, and you know to listen to those Careless Whispers. It’s time to put on your Sunglasses at Night and Relax. Time after time…You will solve the case. Included in the ticket price is a 2 hour immersive murder mystery experience – “interact with the fellow guests, play your role as you see fit, make deals to get clues, and solve the crime before the killer gets away” and 2 draft beers. Tickets: $75/person

August 8 (Yonkers) Sip & Paint Night at the Cross County. 6:30-7:30 PM. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. CLICK HERE! The event includes live music, wine and painting a canvas to take home! $25/person. Ages 21+

Fairs and Festivals:

August 6 (Valhalla) India Cultural Celebration at Kensico Dam. 12 PM-6 PM. Experience a multitude of cultures this summer without ever leaving the country. Gather your family and friends, leave your passport at home and enjoy traditions from around the world. All festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free.

August 20 (Valhalla) Jewish Cultural Celebration at Kensico Dam. 12 PM-6 PM. Experience a multitude of cultures this summer without ever leaving the country. Gather your family and friends, leave your passport at home and enjoy traditions from around the world. All festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free.

August 22 – 27 (Rhinebeck) Dutchess County Fair at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. It’s the 177th year of the fair. See animals, ride the rides, enjoy entertainment and tasty eats, shop from vendors and more. Admission: $13.50, Children under 11 admitted free. All-day ride wristband $30

August 27 (Valhalla) Muslim Heritage Cultural Celebration at Kensico Dam. 12 PM-6 PM. Experience a multitude of cultures this summer without ever leaving the country. Gather your family and friends, leave your passport at home and enjoy traditions from around the world. All festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free.

Eat & Drink:

Taste of Westchester Cooking Demo Classes: (restaurants throughout Westchester County) Enjoy cooking demos from local chefs and then sample their creations. August classes include: Milton Point Provisions (August 2), Chutney Masala Indian Bistro (August 5), Apiary (August 8), AJ’s (August 15), Albano’s (August 17), Meraki Taverna – class #2 (August 19), Saltaire Oyster Bar (August 22) and Meraki Taverna – class #1 (August 23).

August 5 (New Paltz) Hudson Valley Craft Beer Festival at Twin Star Orchards. We will be hosting over 20 producers of cider, wine, beer, spirits and mead. Enjoy a two hour session of tastings of craft beverages and support small businesses and small-batch producers by shopping directly from the makers. We’ll have live music all day, and we’ll be serving up wood-fired pizza, burgers and barbecue. LIVE MUSIC: 12-6:00 No ticket required to enter farm. Family-friendly event. Must be 21+ to participate in tastings and purchase alcoholic beverages. VIP Entry: 12:00-1:00 First Session: 1:00-3:00 Second Session: 3:30-5:30 Ticket Pricing: Online Tickets: $20 At-door Tickets: $25 VIP Tickets: $55 (online) Ticketed entry includes a souvenir tasting glass.

August 5 and August 19 (Elmsford and Mount Kisco) Summer Seafood Boil at Captain Lawrence. August 5th in Elmsford, August 19th in Mt. Kisco. Enjoy live music, food and lots of fun. Free to attend.

August 5-6 (Brewster) Putnam County Wine and Food Festival at Wells Park. Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM. Grab your blanket and chairs and celebrate with us at our 12th anniversary of Putnam County Wine & Food Fest, which will take place August 5-6, 2023, Wells Park, 98 Oak Street, Brewster, NY. This is a family fun-filled fest that highlights the abundance of food and spirits available in the Hudson Valley and beyond. It provides an ideal day in the country for anyone who loves the farm to table and artisanal lifestyle. You can sip wine, spirits, cider, and, if you like what you have tasted, you can purchase either by the bottle or the case. Listen to live music, while you shop from additional vendors including honey, olive oil, fine crafts, specialty foods, food vendors including the beer tent which are available to purchase during the event. It also features cooking and mixology demonstrations and various activities for everyone including the kiddies. Pickleball, food and beer are not included in the admission price. Tickets are Non-refundable. Rain or Shine. Children ages fifteen and under are admitted free. Tasting Ticket: $25 in advance/$30 at the gate, Designated Driver Ticket: $10

August 10 (Poughkeepsie) Sunset Sensations at Locus Grove. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Enjoy delicious culinary samples from a local star caterer, paired with three fine tastes of wine and a wine presentation by Viscount Wines and Liquor. Round out the gorgeous evening with a tour of our heirloom kitchen garden that inspires our celebrated local chef! $35/person.

August 12-13 (Marlboro) Sangria Festival at Benmarl Winery. 11 AM – 8 PM. Drinking Ticket – $35/ person includes: -Souvenir wine glass engraved with Benmarl’s signature logo, Tastings of our Six homemade, fresh fruit sangria’s: Peach Sangria, Tropical Sangria, Lemonade Sangria, Strawberry Mojito Sangria, Berry Sangria, Classic Sangria. Non-Drinkers 16+ – $10/person, water bottle included. Children 15 and under are FREE. Wine club members receive 1 free drinking ticket. All tickets are non-refundable and must be purchased prior to the event. Tickets are limited. The event is rain or shine! We will have our kitchen open with plenty of food available for purchase. (Brick oven pizza, BBQ, non-alcohol drinks). Food is cash only (ATM on site).

August 13 (Peekskill) Luau at Peekskill Brewery. 4 PM – 8 PM. Live Luau entertainment, specialty cocktails, all you can eat Hawaiian buffet and a beer release. Three different ticket prices range from $60-$115/ticket plus tax and fees. Kids tickets: $25 plus tax and fees.

August 23 (Tarrytown) Italian Wine Dinner at Goosefeather. 6:30 PM. Enjoy an evening of Italian food and wine pairings. Tickets $195 each available on Resy.

Classes & Workshops:

August 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 (Ossining) Wildflower Island Guided Tour at Teatown. 10 AM -11 AM or 1 PM – 2 PM, depending on the date. Visit the Jewel of Teatown: Wildflower Island is a jewel afloat in Teatown Lake. More than 200 native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs come into bloom throughout the season. Join experienced guides for a tour, providing an in-depth look at the unique ecology of this sanctuary. $10/members, $15/non-members

August 6 (Katonah) Morning Farm Chores: For Adults at Muscoot Farm. 8:30 AM – 10 AM. Become a farmer for a day and join our staff as you feed, clean, and care for our animals! Pre-registration is required; $25 for a group of two; available to everyone ages 15+. Participants will meet at Muscoot’s Reception Center with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

August 13 (Katonah) Mini Terrarium Workshop at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 10 AM – 12 PM or 1 PM – 3 PM. Get ready to learn all about creating your own little ecosystem with this engaging hands-on workshop. Enjoy time with friends or make some new ones as you follow along with one of our Lasdon staff building your own mini terrarium. Everything you need is here to bring your own mini garden to life.
Light refreshments will be served. $35/person.

Fitness:

August 3, 10 (Yonkers) Zumba at the Cross County Center. 6:15 PM – 7 PM. Come to The Green lawn, in the center of Cross County Center for FREE Zumba Classes this summer! Instructor Guillermo Ruiz is back for another amazing year of dance excitement! Our Zumba classes are for men, women & kids, and all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Free.

August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Yonkers) Yoga On the Hill at Ridge Hill. Take your yoga routine outdoors and enjoy a complimentary, weekly session on the Town Square lawn. Experience yoga every Wednesday from May to September. Event Information: No reservations and/or ticketing required. Guests must provide their own yoga mat. Check-in starts 15 minutes prior to the event start. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website. Loyalty Program: Don’t forget to receive a stamp at each class. Attend 5 classes to complete your loyalty card and redeem for a Ridge Hill swag item.

August 8 (Valhalla) Westchester County Parks Zumba Class at Kensico Dam Plaza. 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Free admission and parking. Led by Steve and Annia Jones.

Family Fun:

August 1 – 6 (New Paltz) Ulster County Fair at Ulster County Fairgrounds. Wednesday and Thursday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Sunday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Rides, animals, horse shows, entertainment, food and more. Pay One Price Admission (includes rides): $20.00, online – $18.00.

August 2 & August 12 (Yonkers) Cooking Together with Gather Culinary at Cross County Center. 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM (8/2), 11 AM – 12:15 PM (8/12). Cross County Center and Chef Melanie Underwood from Gather Culinary, are hosting Summer Fest Family Cooking Workshops, on The Green, in the middle of Cross County Center. Workshops are fun, interactive and educational for families and children ages 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kids will have a blast, develop autonomy, and gain essential life skills while bonding with the family. These hands-on 45-minute sessions will inspire children to explore new ingredients and flavors and develop a lifelong healthy relationship with food. Each session will be geared to a different no-bake/cook theme. The class will teach kitchen safety, cooking techniques, how to read a recipe, as well as table setting and etiquette. Price is $30 per person and includes all supplies. Pre-registration is required. (Parents must accompany children – no drop-offs, please.)

August 4, 11, 18 and 25 (Yonkers) Feel Good Fridays at the Hudson River Museum. 5 PM – 7 PM. Join us for Feel Good Fridays, with free general admission every Friday evening, 5–7pm, from July 7 through August 25. Experience the exhibitions currently on view, grab a drink, and enjoy the outdoor courtyard with games for all ages. Catch an out-of-this-world planetarium show at 6pm (ticketed). Cash bar.

August 5 (New Rochelle) Family Fun Day Sand Art Competition at Glen Island Beach. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date August 6. Admission and parking rules apply.

August 5 (Katonah) Morning Farm Chores at Muscoot Farm. 8:30 AM – 10 AM. Become a farmer for a day and join our staff as you feed, clean, and care for our animals! Pre-registration is required; $25 for a group of two; available to children ages 6 – 14. Participants will meet at Muscoot’s Reception Center with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

August 5 (Rye) Neon Beach Bash at Playland Beach. 6 PM – 10 PM. Wear your brightest neon outfit and come ready to dance, eat, drink and celebrate summer!! The brighter the better! We’ll bring the glow swag, you bring the energy! Food Trucks (Melt Mobile and Westchester Burger), Drinks by Tiki Beach, DJ, LED Band, Glow Props, and more! Food and drink not included in ticket price. No refunds available. Tickets: $5/each

August 6 (North Salem) Caribbean Night on the Farm at Harvest Moon Orchard. 4 PM – 7 PM. Enjoy music by Caribbean Vibes Steel Drum Band! They’ll be jamming out a variation of reggae, calypso, soca, children’s music and more! We’ll have three Caribbean food trucks: Jerry’s Jerk, Matrix on the Go, and American Swirl, along with our house-made, brick-oven pizza. On tap we’ll be slinging our own hard cider and local craft beer, and serving up specialty cocktails and mocktails! $10 admission, Free/children under 5

August 7 -10 (Valhalla) Park and Read at Kensico Dam Plaza. 11 AM – 11:45 AM. A captivating summer read-aloud program aimed at fostering a love for reading in young children, is set to take place in picturesque Westchester County Parks. This engaging initiative, organized by Westchester County Director of Programs and Policies, Childcare & Education Roseanne Finizio in collaboration with the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. The program will take place Monday through Thursday from July 10 through August 10 and feature interactive storytelling sessions in both English and Spanish. Experienced and noteworthy storytellers will bring stories to life, creating a vibrant and immersive environment for children and families to enjoy. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Admission is free. Pre-registration not required. Westchester County residency rules apply.

August 10, August 11, August 25 (Croton-on-Hudson/Valhalla/New Rochelle) White Plains Hospital Screening Under the Stars. Gates open at 5:30 PM, movie begins at sundown. Event is rain or shine. Moviegoers should bring blankets, folding chairs and a picnic. Refreshments will be available for sale. Movies may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Free admission and free parking.
August 10: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, 2022 (PG) Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson
August 11: The Rise of Gru, 2022 (PG) Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla (rescheduled from July 14)
August 25: The Bad Guys, 2022 (PG) Glen Island Park, New Rochelle, Westchester residency required.

August 11 – August 15 (Yorktown Heights) Flip Circus at the Jefferson Valley Mall. Monday – Friday, 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM. Enjoy, “”thrilling acts, mesmerizing performances, and unforgettable moments” under the big tent. Tickets: $30-$80.

August 12 (Katonah) Animal Interactions at Muscoot Farm. 10-11 AM. Enter one of Muscoot Farm’s enclosures where you will see, touch, and learn more about an animal of the farmer’s choice! Pre-registration is required; tickets are $25 per person; for ages 8+. Please meet at the Reception Center upon arrival with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

August 12 (Croton-on-Hudson) Family Fun Day at Croton Point Beach. Noon to 4 p.m. Rain date August 13. Admission and parking rules apply.

August 12 (Briarcliff Manor) Taylor Swift Paint & Pizza Party at A Maze in Pottery. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Ages 8+. Tickets: $44.90 +tax. Join us for a delightful evening of creativity, music, and fun at the Taylor Swift Pottery Painting Night for Kids! This unique event, inspired by the talented artist and musician Taylor Swift, is designed to provide an exciting experience for children who love pottery and her music. Activities: Pottery Painting: Kids will have the opportunity to paint their pottery Taylor Swift Mug using a variety of vibrant colors and artistic techniques. Art supplies and pottery pieces will be provided. Taylor Swift Music: We will play a curated playlist of Taylor Swift’s famous songs throughout the event, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees. Pizza Party: We’ll serve delicious pizza to satisfy the hungry artists. Photo Booth: Capture the memories of this special night at our photo booth. Strike a pose with Taylor Swift-themed props. Snacks and Refreshments: Besides the pizza, light snacks, and refreshments will be available to energize and engage young artists.

August 13 (Ossining) Discover Teatown at Teatown. 9 AM – 11:30 AM. Free, $7 paid parking. This monthly, bilingual hike series is perfect for anyone who is new to Teatown and/or to the outdoors! We will explore a new area of Teatown each outing. Our goal is for you to come away with sufficient knowledge and confidence to visit Teatown on your own. Perfect for families with children 5 and older.

August 18 and August 25 (Scarsdale) Movie Nights at the Greenburgh Nature Center. This summer we will be hosting a series of movie screenings on our Great Lawn. Sit amongst the stars and watch some of our favorite Pixar movies with your family. Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on and snack on a wide selection of concessions offered for sale. These family friendly events are free to the public, however, we appreciate your donations in support of the Nature Center.

August 19 (Katonah) Let’s Go Bug Hunting at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. This entertaining and educational program takes children on a real life bug hunt! What a great way to explore the world of nature and practice science at the same time! Children will have the hands-on opportunity to hunt, capture and observe insects while learning how they live and survive in nature. Insect nets will be used to capture various bugs and magnifier boxes for enhanced viewing. This is an outdoor program. Send your child in comfortable clothing, along with water, sunscreen and bug spray. Ages: 7 – 9 years. $15/person.

August 26 (Katonah) Farm Apothecary at Muscoot Farm. 2 PM – 3 PM. Come learn about how agriculture can be used to make sustainable cosmetics and other goods while creating your own product to take home! This class will be held in Muscoot’s Activity building and is open to adults and children ages 6+; $15 per person.

August 26 & 27 (Katonah) Civil War Soldier Experience at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 10 AM – 3:30 PM. Battery “B” First Rhode Island Light Artillery is returns to Lasdon Park to run the Civil War Soldier Experience. Each 2 hour session will consist of a number of fun filled, yet educational activities, demonstrations and ending with the firing a real civil war cannon. Children will witness living history while learning about the life of civil war soldiers and their families. NEW THIS YEAR! Children will create and take home their very own “thaumatrope” also known as a spinning wonder. A 19th century optical illusion toy that is an early form of animation. All materials will be included.

Suggested for children ages 7 – 12. This program will be located out of doors, so children will need to come prepared to stay outside during the camp. Participants should bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothing for outside activities. All children participating will receive a personalized certificate and Friends of Lasdon embroidered patch. $35/child.

SELECT ONE OF 4 SESSIONS:
Saturday, August 27
10 a.m. – 12 noon
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 27
10 a.m. – 12 noon
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

August 29 (Yonkers) Ridge Kids at Ridge Hill. Parents, mark your calendars for this monthly playdate experience designed to help kids expand their imaginations while engaging in themed games & more! Ridge Kids will take place the last Tuesday of each month from May to September and tickets will be required for each event.
Events take place 10 AM -12 PM.
Schedule and ticket information:
August 29th: LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Entertainment that will feature displays, LEGO building, a new 4D film and more!

August 31 (Yonkers) Movie Night: Thor: Love and Thunder at Ridge Hill. Kick back, relax and enjoy a movie night in the Town Square lawn! Film classics will be shown on our jumbo screen starting at sunset on the last Thursdays of the month from May to September. Seating is first come, first serve. Lawn chairs are prohibited on the Town Square grass area but attendees are encouraged to bring additional blankets for seating. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.

Live Music & Performances:

The Capitol Theatre: (Port Chester) August’s lineup includes: Diana Krall (August 5). *Check the site for the full lineup.

Paramount Hudson Valley: (Peekskill) August’s lineup includes: Yacht Rock Gold! (August 5), Laurel Canyon – A Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Celebration (August 19). *Check the site for the full lineup

Tarrytown Music Hall: (Tarrytown) The August lineup includes: Krishna Das Benefit Concert for Tibetan Home of Hope (August 10). *Check the site for the full lineup

August 4 (Bedford) First Fridays: Cross Purpose at the Bedford Playhouse. 6:30 PM. Free Event. CROSS PURPOSE is a four-piece rock and blues band formed in 2005 and play a variety of styles that range from straight ahead rock to high-energy ballads to even 12 bar blues. With a sound that relies on a solid rhythmic foundation, strong vocals, and impressive lead guitar, they uniquely combine mostly original material, powerful arrangements, and contemporary lyrics that go beyond the typical. Their first CD, “Sum Of The Parts”, with 12 original songs was released in 2007. Their second album, “Live At The Upper Room” came out in 2011. “These Men You’ve Made”, with another 12 original tunes, became available in 2013. “The Extent Of What We Know” with 14 original songs dropped in 2018. Their latest offering is “More To Do”, available as of June 2023. Cross Purpose is Bob Stanhope / Vocals and rhythm guitar, Roy Ellingsen / Vocals and lead guitar, Doug Bolin / Vocals and bass and Moisés García / Drums.

August 4 (Mahopac) Freestyle Summer at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Featuring Noel, Alisha, Lisette Melendez, & DJ Whiteboy KYS! HOSTED BY FEVER RECORDS OWN SAL ABBATIELLO! Dance and sing the night away! Ticket includes buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show starts at 9:00 PM. This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Tickets: $44 plus tax, $50 at door (cash).

August, 4, 11, 18, 25 (Yonkers) Music on the Hill at Ridge Hill. Start your weekends unwinding with live musical performances in the Fountain Plaza every Friday from May to September. Seating is first come, first served. Guests are encouraged to bring additional chairs. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.
August Schedule:
August 4th: Yacht Lobsters
August 11th: Seeing Red Band NY
August 18th: The Westchester Center for Jazz
August 25th: Cocomama All Female Salsa Band

August 9 (Mamaroneck) Emelin Concerts in the Park at Lanza Field at Harbor Island Park by the beach. Tramps Like Us. 7 PM. Free admission. Food Trucks On-Site – Bring your own seats/food/drinks. Free parking at Harbor Island Park after 4:30 pm on concert days. Tramps Like Us brings 32 years of road-tested musicianship that have won this band the hard-earned distinction of the planet’s most revered Bruce Springsteen Tribute band. Given high praise by dozens of publications, radio stations, music industry personnel, and the ONLY tribute band to be endorsed by members of “The Springsteen Camp” such as former producer and manager Mike Appel and the official Springsteen Radio Station: E Street Radio/Sirius XM.

August 9 and 16 (Yonkers) Live Music on the Green at the Cross County Center. 6:30 PM – 8 PM. Free.
8/9: The Sidecar Tribute Experience
8/16: Gentlemen of Soul

August 11 (Mahopac) Tribute to Bon Jovi and The Cars Live at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
1 WILD NIGHT has been wowing Bon Jovi fans and building a loyal following in the New York Tri-State area since 2013. At the 1 WILD NIGHT show, you’ll hear all the classics spanning Bon Jovi’s remarkable 30-year career, from their break out single, “Runaway” to mega-hits “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer” and more. The Side Cars deliver the very best authentic interpretation of the look, style, and sound that led The Cars to the top of the billboard charts, selling millions of records throughout their career, and pioneering new wave and power pop, and Music Video during the early years of MTV, and ultimately being inducted into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of fame.

This is an outdoor event. Ticket includes BBQ buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:00 PM. Please bring blankets and chairs. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $34+tax online, $40 at the door (cash only).

August 12 (Mahopac) The Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM. No two shows are ever the same, and every show features a rotating roster of the most sought-after performers in the country, hailing from Broadway to Vegas. Whether you like Billy Joel or Beyoncé, Johnny Cash or Katy Perry, Sinatra or Metallica, they’ve got it covered. To make it even more exciting, Putnam County Golf Course added drums to the mix! Ticket includes buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show starts at 7:30 PM. This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Tickets: $42.26.

August 12 (Bedford) Katonah Classic Stage Film Festival at the Bedford Playhouse. 8 PM. The 4th Annual KCSFF takes place on Saturday, August 12th on the Playhouse Lawn. Bring a picnic or purchase movie concessions, soft drinks, wine and beer from the Playhouse for an evening showcasing short films from all over the world. Tickets: $25 Adult/$20 Senior/Child Members: $21.25 Adult/$17 Senior/Child

August 17 and August 31 (Valhalla) Robison Summer Concert Series at Kensico Dam Plaza. Thursdays at 7 p.m., Admission and parking are free. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs for general seating and coolers are permitted.
August 17: Zac n’ Fried – A Zach Brown Tribute Band
August 31: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

August 18 (Mahopac) All Revved Up: A Tribute to Meatloaf at Putnam County Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. All Revved Up Is The Ultimate Meatloaf Tribute Band with the Look, Sound, and Fantastic Stage Show with Choreography, Props, Stage Design, and Costume Changes that will Take You on An Epic Journey! Want to feel like are witnessing the towering stage presence and operatic vocals of Meatloaf in person? Then join us for the All Revved Up Meatloaf Tribute. When John Doboe and the band will give a spot on tribute show that is loaded with authenticity and will leave you spellbound! Ticket includes buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show starts at 8:00 PM. This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Tickets: $36.85.

August 27 (Bedford) Broadway in Bedford: Disney on Broadway at the Bedford Playhouse. 5 PM.
Your favorite songs from your favorite Disney shows, presented on the Playhouse Lawn. A great event for the whole family, featuring stars from the stages of New York City conducted by music director Dan Micciche from Wicked! Bring a picnic or purchase movie concessions, soft drinks, wine and beer from the Playhouse. Tickets: $40 Adult/$30 Senior/Child Members: $34 Adult/$25.50 Senior/Child

SHOP:

August 5 (White Plains) Woman’s Club of White Plains Pop-Up Sale at the C.V. Rich Mansion. 9 AM – 12 PM. Clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, home décor and more.

August 6, 13 20, 27 (Katonah) Muscoot Farm’s Farmers Market – 9:30 AM -2:30 PM Muscoot’s weekly Farmers Market supports farmers and sustainable efforts in our area, featuring over 20 local vendors each week. Every Sunday until November 19th.

August 12 -13 (Cold Spring) Modern Makers Market at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Over 50 artisans, designers, and makers will be showcasing their handcrafted items. 11 AM – 5 PM. Free admission. Rain or shine event.

Check out Trivia Nights in Westchester County

5 Family-Friendly Loop Hikes

Westchester Weekly {July 24, 2023}

Posted on July 24, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Here are some highlights from Westchester County restaurants and businesses this week. Have some news you’d like shared? Email NYFoodieFamily@gmail.com.:

Business News:

Lile Boutique Spa in Peekskill (12 N. Division Street, 2nd floor) is now offering Reiki. Massage therapist, Alexa, is taking reiki energy clients.

Farida Skincare Studio in White Plains (120 Bloomingdale Road) has new meditation/yoga classes at the Farida Studio. Instructor Deanna leads the classes on Wednesday at 9:30 AM or 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 9:00 AM.

Visit the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers (Warburton Avenue) for Feel Good Fridays. They are offering free admission 5-7 PM through August 25th.

Restaurant News

July 22 – Wanna Empanada, known for their empanada food truck, just opened a storefront this past weekend in Ossining (238 North Highland Avenue).

July 27 Freddy’s Pleasantville celebrates their one year anniversary. The Pleasantville restaurant (472 Bedford Road) is also a Jacob Burns Film Center (364 Manville Road) partner. During blockbuster movie week, from July 20-July 27, they are offering patrons 10% off their Freddy’s bill when you show your Jacob Burns ticket stub. Plus, Jacob Burns members receive a 10% discount all year round.

Baked By Susan in Croton on Hudson (379 S. Riverside Ave.) now serves afternoon tea. The teas from Brooklyn Tea Company can be accompanied by an assortment of homemade tea sandwiches, scones, muffins, cookies and more.

The Tee Bar and Grille in Shrub Oak (795 Route 6) recently opened. The modern American bistro is on the property at The Links at Valley Field golf course.

Due to the recent heavy rain and floods, Bob-B-Q’s in Shrub Oak (958 E. Main Street) had to close for some time. The restaurant is now open again and can use the support.

Rosa’s La Scarbitta in Mamaroneck will be reopening as Rosa’s Cucina Italiana at their new Mamaroneck location (410 W Boston Post Road). The soft opening is July 26th.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Posted on July 23, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

*Thank you to the HV Shakespeare Festival for hosting NY Foodie Family. As always, all opinions are our own.*

Poet and playwright William Shakespeare left a legacy of works that continue to resonate across time. High school students continue to read his plays and so many movies have been based on his writing. Since 1987, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has been wowing audiences with their productions. They have performed noteworthy classics like Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet to Othello and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and everything in between.

This summer the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has three major productions: Henry V, Love’s Labor’s Lost and Penelope. Henry V and Love’s Labor’s Lost are being performed now through September. Performances of Penelope will run September 3 through 17.

For years, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival performed at Boscobel House and Gardens. However, the company was gifted land of 98-acres by philanthropist Chris Davis, and now has a permanent home in Garrison. Since 2022 they have been performing on these grounds. Plans are currently in the works for the building of a permanent open-air theatre, with a projected completion date of summer 2025.

I recently attended my first Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival performance to see Henry V. Not being familiar with this Shakespeare work, I was grateful that the company has a short preamble video on their site to familiarize the audience with the story. I have to admit that I also read through some online summaries to help give me more background.

The July 19th performance was one of the special Family Night events. I was happy to see children of all ages in attendance. While they may not fully understand the storyline, I think that the play is entertaining enough to keep their attention. Full disclosure, my husband and I may have gotten a little lost with the storyline too!

While I am a Broadway musical fan, I have not seen many plays. In my humble opinion, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival actors create a Broadway-caliber performance. There are 18 actors in Henry V that each play multiple roles throughout the performance. It was amazing to realize that these same performers are also performing Love’s Labor’s Lost during the same week as Henry V. I am not sure how the actors remembered all of the lines from this one play, let alone two different concurrent plays! There were no line flubs or pauses. It was a flawless performance!

I really enjoyed the modern interpretation the director took in adapting Henry V. The costumes, props and scenes made the play feel more present day, but the language still kept the Shakespearean form.

The open air theatre seats 479 – 533 guests, depending on the production. However, the theater in the round seating arrangement of Henry V gives it a more intimate feel. The performers interact with the audience throughout the play. Whether they sit/stand in the audience, give a handshake or even have a prop pickup or pass-off, there are many moments when you feel like you are part of the performance.

Before the performance, I highly recommend enjoying dinner on the property. There are plenty of groomed picnic areas with beautiful, scenic views. Bring a blanket or chairs and dine al fresco before the show. The parking lot is a short walk from the picnic areas and theatre. If you don’t want to make the trek back to your car, there is a storage area to keep your chairs and coolers during the performance.

If you are unable to or don’t want to pack your own picnic dinner, you can preorder a picnic meal from the onsite restaurant, Valley Restaurant. Preordered picnic dinners can be picked up at the concession tent and enjoyed on the grounds. Salads, grain bowls, sandwiches and even entrees are available.

We had the pleasure of dining at Valley Restaurant prior to the show. This onsite restaurant sits adjacent to the theatre. They have a $55 3-course prix-fixe menu. The first course is a vegetarian antipasto platter consisting of a variety of vegetables and dips and focaccia to dip them in.

For entrees my husband and I shared the black sea bass and the grilled eggplant. Dessert options are strawberry shortcake and the Jane’s ice cream flavor of the day. On our visit the flavors of the day were Coconut Almond Joy ice cream or raspberry sorbet.

Everything was fresh and delicious! Our server Maggie was very friendly and attentive. Visitors are welcome to dine at the restaurant any time it is open. However, your server will ask if you are attending the performance and will keep the meal progressing so you finish in time for the show. Maggie even offered us our coffee in to-go cups to drink at the show, since we were running short on time.

There is an outdoor concession stand that sells grab & go salads, sandwiches and more. They also serve beverages and have snacks like popcorn and ice cream that can be brought into the tent and enjoyed during the show.

I look forward to returning to the HV Shakespeare Festival later this summer. I already purchased my tickets for Love’s Labor’s Lost and am looking forward to the musical adaptation of the comedy.

I highly recommend seeing a performance at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival for an entertaining night out!

The Details:

HV Shakespeare Festival
2015 Route 9
Garrison, NY 10524
website

Dates:
Henry V
Select Dates now through -August 21

Love’s Labor Lost
Select dates now through-August 27

Penelope
Preview September 2, September 3-17

Parking:
Free onsite parking. There are a limited number of handicap parking spots near the Valley Restaurant.

The parking lot is a short walk from the theatre but they have a golf cart that will transport guests down to the theatre.

Tickets:
Prices vary by date and seat location. $10-$100/ticket. Senior and children pricing available for most seats.

Tips:
*Each night there is a short 6 PM tour of the grounds with details of the upcoming construction of the new, permanent theatre.

*The Theatre is open so it can get buggy. They have a table with bug spray available that guests can apply.

*Similarly, since it’s an outdoor performance you may want to bring a jacket for later in the evening when it tends to cool down.

*The grounds open at 4:30 PM for picnicking

*If you plan on dining at The Valley before the show, reservations between 6 PM and 6:15 PM or earlier are recommended.

*The tent opens at 7 PM for the 7:30 PM show.

*Henry V runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 10 minute intermission.

*Love’s Labor Lost runs approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a 10 minute intermission.

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