NY Foodie Family

Five on Friday {July 21, 2023}

Posted on July 21, 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!*

Happy Friday! The days are just flying by! I’m catching up on two weeks, since I just had no energy to get a post written up last Thursday. Today I’m running on fumes again, but it’s been a busy fun week! Here are five from this week.

1. Braces – Last Tuesday my son got braces. It’s been some time since my daughter had her braces, so it’s been a bit od adjustment with his pain management and finding foods that he can eat.

2. Reading – This week I finished It Goes. So. Fast. by Mary Louise Kelly. As a mom of a soon-to-be high school senior I could relate to several parts of this book.

I also read The No-Show by Beth O’Leary. This was an okay contemporary romance that I found to be a bit confusing to follow.

3. Cooking – Between the two weeks, not a lot of dinners were made. There was leftovers and a bunch of eating out. The dinners we made included Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad, Vegan Street Corn Tacos, Cajun Shrimp Alfredo (I omitted the chicken sausage), plus there were some quick dinners like Trader Joe’s Masala Burgers and Gardein Chik’n Sandwiches.

4. Birthday Dinner – Last Friday my son turned 15. We will be going out for sushi soon, which is his fave. But his teeth hurt from his braces so we had to postpone. He loves breakfast so we went to the Mount Kisco Diner and he enjoyed Banana Nutella Stuffed French Toast.

5. Trivia Night – Tuesday night my husband and I went to Trivia Night at DogHaus Mohegan Lake. This was our first time attending a trivia night there. It was also our first time playing trivia online on a phone. We were shocked that we came in first place!

6. Ice Cream – Homestyle Desserts in Peekskill has a $2 soft serve cone special on Tuesdays. My son and I went after I got home from work this week.

7. HV Shakespeare Festival – Wednesday night my husband and I were invited to attend the HV Shakespeare Festival. We saw a performance of Henry V and enjoyed it so much! A full post is coming soon. But this theatre group does modern interpretations of Shakespeare’s works. The actors and actresses were amazing!

We also enjoyed dinner at the Valley Table before the show. The three-course prix-fixe dinner started with this delicious vegetarian antipasto platter.

8. Driver’s License – In other exciting news, my daughter passed her driver’s test this week! I’m excited that she can now drive herself to and from work but this also adds a whole new level of anxiety for me!

9. Back at the gym – With my week off from work, I also took a week off from the gym. This turned into two and then three weeks that I didn’t go. I decided to get back into it on Monday with a Body Pump class. I was sore for three days after the class! Like, it hurt to walk up and down stairs sore, from all of the squats and lunges. That put a damper on my workout schedule, but I’m hoping to get back into my classes.

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Monday I posted a new, updated version of Westchester Weekly.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Westchester Weekly: July 17, 2023

Posted on July 17, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Welcome to the newly updated Westchester Weekly. There’s always so much going on in the local food and restaurant industry. Here you can find some of the highlights from Westchester County restaurants and businesses:

Restaurant Openings:

Check out some of these new restaurants that have recently opened. Since this is a new feature, I’ve listed some of the restaurants that have opened over the past month:

Cenadou opened in North Salem in June (721 Titicus Road). This is a French bistro serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. They are open Wednesday through Sunday.

Tutto Cream had their grand opening at the beginning of July. The bakery/dessert shop is located in Hawthorne (422 Commerce Street) and sells gelato, sorbet, cakes, tarts and more.

La Casa de Nina also opened in Hawthorne (415 Commerce Street) June 30th. They serve Peruvian and Greek food and are open daily 11 AM – 11 PM.

Bistro de Ville opened in Scarsdale (185 Summerfield Street). Enjoy French cuisine from the same team at Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish.

Benny’s Brown Bag opened in Peekskill (1100 Elm Street). The deli/sandwich shop is open 11 AM – 4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.

Doggology opened in Montrose (2081 Albany Post Road). This fast casual restaurant serves a variety of different hot dogs, fries, sides and treats. They are open Tuesday through Sunday (hours differ by day).

Deals and Specials:

These deals and specials were valid at the time of this post being published. Please contact the restaurant/business directly to confirm.

The Xavier Group has a Thursday Three Course dinner special at The Dylan Bar at X20 in Yonkers (71 Water Grant Street) and the Bully Boy Bar at Restaurant X (117 NY-303) in Congers. They do not take reservations and seating is in the bar and lounge area. The menus differ at each location.

Homestyle Desserts Bakery in Peekskill (24 South Water Street) and Homestyle Creamery in Cold Spring (351 Main Street) have weekly ice cream specials including Two-Dollar Tuesday ($2 small soft-serves) and BOGO Wednesday (BOGO soft-serve sundae).

To celebrate the release of the Barbie movie on July 21st, Wildly Cakes in Dobbs Ferry (218 Ashford Avenue) is selling Barbie themed desserts Friday and Saturday, while supplies last!

NH44 in Hartsdale (219 E. Hartsdale Ave.) is introducing Happy Hour starting July 18 with food and drink specials, Monday through Thursday from 3-6 PM.

Starting July 17th Red Hat on the River (One Bridge Street) is now open on Mondays beginning at 4 PM.

The Bedford Playhouse (633 Old Post Road, Bedford) is showing the new Barbie movie, which opens July 21st. They have a specialty cocktail “The Barbie Playhouse” available at the Bambi Bar. A non-alcoholic version of the drink is also available.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem) has popup midweek blueberry picking on Wednesday, July 19th. Tickets are on sale now.

If you liked reading this edition of Westchester Weekly, you may also enjoy reading:

July Events in Westchester County

Five on Friday {July 7, 2023}

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

Happy Friday! Summer is in full effect here! It’s been HOT! We spent last weekend through the Fourth of July at my parent’s house in Rhode Island. The weather was a mixed bag and we didn’t get to do everything that we wanted. We had planned to go out on a fishing boat, but the day we wanted to go out, they had cancelled their charters due to the strong winds. The neighborhood annual 4th of July parade was cancelled due to the pouring rains. But we made the most of our four days in Rhode Island as seen below. Here are five (+6) from this week.

1. Beach Days – We managed to squeeze in a couple of beach trips during our stay. Reading on the beach is my fave as well as watching the sunset and hunting for rocks and shells.

2. Reading – This week I finished Zero Days by Ruth Ware. It was an okay mystery suspense book.

3. Cooking – This week was a short week for cooking but included Peanut Noodles with Roasted Broccoli, Chili Crunch Tofu with Rice and homemade pizza tonight.

4. RISD– On one of the not-so great weather days we visited the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum. This Chihuly chandelier is one of my faves there!

5. Eating – Besides the meals my mom cooked for all of us, we enjoyed ice cream from Brickley’s.

New England Clam Chowder and Clam Cakes from Cap’n Jack’s.

Korean food for lunch at Den Den in Providence, which included Vegetable Kimbap.

6. Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge – Any other Bachelor Nation fans? This coffee shop and lounge is owned by Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti from Bachelor in Paradise. It’s only about a 10 minute drive from my parent’s house, so I made my husband stop in with me. Jared was actually working in the kitchen the day of our visit!

7. Threads – Yes, I hopped on the social media bandwagon and joined Threads. I linked my Instagram account which has a link to follow on Threads if you so wish!

8. Meme – This had me laughing since it’s so relatable!

9. Puzzle – During a time when the weather wasn’t great, a lot of the family worked on this puzzle and completed it in a couple of hours.

10. Game Night – We played Mexican Train and Cards Against Humanity during our visit.

11. Feeding Alpacas – Matunuck Alpaca has Open Farm Days one a month. We happened to be there for this month’s date and got to feed carrots to the alpacas!

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Five on Friday {June 30, 2023}

Posted on June 30, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Hello Friday! I cannot believe it’s the last day of June! It’s been a slow, lazy week for me since I was off from work. Here are five from this week.

1. Summer Fancy Food Show – Sunday I ventured into the city for the Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in NYC. It was a bit overwhelming with the number of food and beverage vendors. It was a long day with a lot of walking. I clocked 10 miles of walking!

2. Reading – This week I did a lot of reading and finished The True Love Experiment, which I loved! I also read the nonfiction book, The Power of Fun and the thriller It’s One of Us.

3. Cooking – This week’s menu included Coconut Braised Tofu, Cauliflower Fajitas, Peach and Goat Cheese Balsamic Flatbreads and Tacos.

4. Watching – My husband and I have been watching an episode of season two of The Bear (hulu) every night, when we can. I’ve had a lot of free time this week and have watched the first two seasons of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip (Peacock). The newest season of The Bachelorette also started this week, so I’ve been in reality television heaven!

5. NY Boulder Game – Last night my husband and I went to our first NY Boulders baseball game of the season. We enjoy watching these minor league games that are close to home.

6. Kitten Pic – I had to share this pic of Blackjack, who is now over a year old. I usually have a puzzle in progress on my dining room table and he LOVES to sit/sleep in the puzzle pieces box. This pic of him with the puzzle piece hanging from his mouth had me laughing. He had no idea it was there!

7. New purse – The zipper of my crossbody pocketbook broke and I needed a new purse before I headed into the city. I ended up finding this one at DSW. Except one of the cashiers and then later my daughter noted how it resembles Gucci. I am very much not into designer labels, so now I’m a little self-conscious wearing this Gucci knockoff bag.

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I shared July Events in Westchester County.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

July Events in Westchester County

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

Summer is in full swing! We have rounded up some of the July Events taking place in Westchester County (and the surrounding area) to help you make the most of all there is to do this month. 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 July. Upcoming shows include Janelle James (July 7-8), Molly Kearney (July 9), Andrew Schulz (July 14-15), Brian Simpson (July 20-22), Anthony Rodia (July July 27-29). *Check the site for the full lineup

Yonkers Comedy Club (Yonkers) Enjoy a night of laughs at the Yonkers Comedy Club. July shows include Chris Roach (July 13-15), Chris Monty (July 20-22) and Desi Johnson and Friends (July 27). *Check the site for the full lineup

July 8 (White Plains) Seth Rudetsky at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. 7:30 PM. Tickets: $47-$57
Afternoon host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s ON BROADWAY as well as the host of SETH SPEAKS on Sirius/XM Stars. Seth Rudetsky brings his 90-minute tour-de-force featuring his trademark “deconstructions,” in which he uses his amazing audio/video collection to break down brilliant performances from beloved Broadway divas (Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley) as well as showcasing mind-boggling videos like The Osmonds singing a medley from Fiddler on the Roof. Seriously. He does an entire section on Barbra Streisand, who actually came to the show in LA… and, boy, he’s got a story about that!

July 22 (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. The July 22 line-up features: Matt Goldich (writer for Late Night
with Seth Meyers), Dan Ventrano (NY Comedy Festival), and Ben Asher (Comedy Central).

July 22 (White Plains) Robert Klein at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. 7:30 PM. Tickets: $47-$57 For more than forty years, Robert Klein has entertained audiences with an acclaimed career in comedy, on Broadway, on television, and in film. Mr. Klein describes himself as an “uncomedian comedian, talking reality.” Uncomedy and reality must be pretty funny, because Klein, who attended the Yale University Drama School and was a member of The Second City comedy troupe, has been nominated for two Emmys, two Grammys and a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical, They’re Playing Our Song.

July 22 (Tarrytown) Hannah Berner at Tarrytown Music Hall. 7 PM. Hannah Berner was born in Brooklyn, New York and played competitive tennis for the University of Wisconsin. She emerged on the comedy scene by directing, editing, and acting in videos on Instagram and writing viral tweets. She has two podcasts, Giggly Squad and Berning In Hell, with over 20 million downloads. She was a cohost on Bravo’s Chat Room, as well as a member of Bravo’s Summer House for three seasons, and has over 1.4 million followers across her social media platforms. She currently performs standup in NYC and at clubs and theaters around the country. In 2022, she was named one of Just For Laughs “New Faces Of Comedy” in Montreal. Hannah is an advocate for mental health, animals, and napping. Tickets: $35-$49.

Date Night/Girls Night Out:

July 7 (Briarcliff Manor) Sip’n’Paint “Country Chic” Chip’n’Dip Party at A Maze in Pottery. BYOB! 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Ages 21+. Tickets: $52.90 +tax. Join us for this fun “Country Chic” CHIP & DIP serving set Class. This rustic, farmhouse-style blue and red design with floral patterns will bring a charming and cozy feel to your table. Our creative instructor will lead you through the process, so you can just relax while painting, sipping wine and having fun with other painters.You will learn a very cool pottery painting paper technique, sponging, taping, and masking!

July 7 (Mahopac) Freestyle Summer at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Featuring Coro, Safire & DJ Whiteboy KYS! Hosted by Fever Records Own Sal Abbatiello. Dance and sing the night away! This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Ticket includes buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $44 plus tax (online), $50 cash at the door

July 11 and July 18 (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+

July 19 (Rye) Sunset Paint and Sip at the Barley Beach House. Come join us on the Barley Beach Deck for our first Sunset Sip and Paint event!!! We will be setting up our art studio on the beach. You will be painting the beautiful long island sound at sunset. This event goes from 6:30-9:30, painting will be from 7-9pm. We will be providing you with your canvas and paints for the event, a GIANT Charcuterie board and wine. Seating is extremely limited so don’t want to hold your place… $65/person

Fairs and Festivals:

July 9 (Valhalla) Hispanic 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.

July 16 (Hartsdale) Irish-American Cultural Celebration at Ridge Road Park. 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. $5/adults, Free/children 14 and under

July 22 (Katonah) Jazz Festival at Caramoor. Caramoor’s Jazz Festival is back! This highly anticipated annual event of the summer is filled with the many facets of the jazz genre performed by phenomenal talent, amid lush gardens and distinctive venues throughout Caramoor’s expansive grounds. Bring the family for the day, and treat yourself to the headlining evening performance — three-time Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Cécile McLorin Salvant, a singer with, as the late Jessye Norman described her, “a voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.” Grounds open at 12:00pm, music starts at 12:30pm, headliner starts at 7:30pm. A detailed schedule of the day to come. We suggest bringing your own seating for the daytime performances, as none of the daytime sets have reserved seating. Day only tickets: $49/adults, $25/children, Full Festival Tickets: $74-$150/adults, $37-$150/children

July 23 (Valhalla) Italian 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. July classes include: Tarry Tavern (July 13), Apiary (#1) (July 18), Clocktower Grill (July 19), Maria Restaurant (July 22) and Tramonto Restaurant (July 26).

July 4 (Rye) July 4th Barley Beach Deck Celebration at the Barley Beach House. 7 PM – 10 PM. Tickets: $40/person + online fees. Come light up your 4th of July on the Barley Beach deck!!! Were having a BBQ Chicken Roast and bringing the Beers!! Bring your family, friends a beach chair, blanket and join us for the best firework show around. This is by far Westchesters most stunning firework show with the best seats. In addition you will be able to see fireworks across long island sound to NYC. Live music… Check, We got that to!!!

July 7, 14, 21, 28 (Rye) Sunset Beach Dinner & Firework Show at the Barley Beach House. 7 PM – 10 PM. Tickets: $35/person + online fees.This is one dinner party you cannot pass on. Every Friday night the Barley Beach House will be hosting their Sunset Buffet Dinner with live music and a firework show. Tickets admission get you exclusive beach access and our delicious Island buffet. Beach deck seating Is first come first serve. Beach chairs and blankets are encouraged so you can find your special spot In the sand for the firework show. Every last Friday of the month we will be swapping out our Island buffet for our BBQ pig Roast.

July 27 (Dobbs Ferry) Eating Wild at Bloomy Dobbs. 7 PM – 10 PM. Kayla Noble is a woodfired ceramic artist based in Newburgh, New York, whose pieces we are so proud to host at Bloomy. We are thrilled to announce a very special collaborative event: EATING WILD. Participants will engage with Kayla in an artist’s talk surrounded by her pieces while eating and drinking from vessels made just for this occasion, and have ample time to explore her work in an immersive gallery with pieces available for sale. Over the course of the evening, we’ll discuss the intersections between art, drink and food—all derived from the earth—and engage in a cheese tasting that explores the boundaries of terroir and environment, fermented foods, and wild-fermented wines. Ticket price includes all beverages and food, artist’s talk, guided cheese, wine and fermented food tasting, and bespoke drinking vessel and tasting plate to take home, made by Kayla just for this event. $155/ticket.

Classes & Workshops:

July 1, 2, 9, 15, 22, 23, 29, 30 (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

July 2 (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.

July 9 (Katonah) Midsummer Perennial Tour at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 11 AM – 12 PM. Join a free walking tour to see the bright colors of Lasdon’s mid-summer perennials. See your old favorites and maybe learn about a new one. The tour meets at the green entrance gate off of the upper level parking lot at 11:00 am. For more information call 845-864-7264.

Fitness:

July 5, 12, 19, 26 (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. 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.
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.

July 6, 13, 20, 27 (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.

July 9, 16, 23, 30 (Bronx River Parkway) Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway. 10 AM – 2 PM. During Bicycle Sundays, the parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers from Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. The round-trip distance is 13 miles. The road is closed to automobiles in that stretch of parkway. Admission is free and free parking will be available in the East Lot at the Westchester County Center.

July 9, 16, 23, 30 (Yonkers) Fitness in Parks at Tibbetts Brook Park. 8 AM. Ages 16+. The new fitness area includes seven pieces of equipment that can serve up to 16 people at one time. QR codes are included on each piece of equipment to provide instruction. The fitness class will be led by certified, personal/group fitness trainer, Gina Lee and will conclude with a walk in the park. Free admission and parking.

Family Fun:

July 1 – July 16 (Yonkers) Slide City Waterpark at Cross County Center. Ages 3+. $35/ticket, $5/spectator ticket. 10 AM or 3 PM (4 hour time slot). Featuring over 15 inflatable slides and 100 inflatable attractions, Slide City has something for everyone! All tickets include Slide City Water Shoes (which are required for all attractions). If you lose your shoes, you can re-purchase for $10. No other shoes will be allowed.

July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 (South Salem) Wolves of North America at the Wolf Conservation Center. Sessions at 11 AM – 12:30 PM AND/OR 2 PM – 3:30 PM, depending on the date. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the woodlands of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they care for their new pups! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Alawa and Nikai as well as potentially behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required. $15/adults, $12/children under 12.

July 1 (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.

July 8 (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.

July 8 (Briarcliff Manor) Taylor Swift Paint & Pizza Party at A Maze in Pottery. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Ages 8+. Tickets: $39.90 +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.

July 9 (Poughkeepsie) Antiques Car Show at Locust Grove Estate. 9 AM – 3 PM.
Marvel at hundreds of antique and classic cars on our historic property at this celebrated annual event! Hosted by Hudson Valley Auto Enthusiasts, food from Coppola’s available for purchase and DJ music throughout the day! $10/person cash, kids under 12 free.

July 12 (Katonah) Fairy Hollow Story Time at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 11:00 – 11:45 AM. Join us for an enchanted experience in Lasdon Garden’s newly opened Fairy Hollow. As we walk along the 1/4 mile trail children will listen to a story, spy miniature fairy homes and discover the wonders of a fairy forest. Each child will take home a special pine cone fairy for their own fairy garden. Children must be accompanied by an adult. We will meet at the entrance to Fairy Hollow. Please protect yourself with insect repellent and wear sneakers or other appropriate walking footwear. Ages 3 – 6 Rain date: Thursday, July 13 Registration is required. $5/person.

July 14 (Katonah) Cookie Decorating Workshop at Muscoot Farm.1:00 PM. Join Caitlin of CM Cookies for a fun workshop to learn all of the tips and tricks of cookie decorating. Caitlin will be teaching participants how to decorate summer on the farm themed cookies. Appropriate for all ages. Limited participation of 30. Cost is $30 per person. We will meet inside the activity building and workshop will begin promptly at 1:00 pm.

July 16 (Ossining) Discover Teatown at Teatown. 9 AM – 11:30 AM. Free, 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.

July 19 and July 22 (Yonkers) Cooking Together with Gather Culinary at Cross County Center. July 19: 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM, July 22: 11 AM – 12:15 PM. 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.)

July 22 (Katonah) Dino-mite Fun! at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 10 AM -2:30 PM PM. Children will find out how a real T-Rex and other dinosaur fossils feel along with petrified “dino poo!” This entertaining guided tour of the Lasdon Dinosaur Garden will teach children about the fascinating world of dinosaurs. Afterwards, children will create their very own 6″ wooden dinosaur “pet” to take home. $15/person.

July 25 (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:
July 25th: Monster Mini Golf

July 27 (Yonkers) Movie Night: Sonic the Hedgehog 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.

July 29 (Poughquag) 8th Annual Car Show at Barton Orchards. 12 PM – 4 PM. Free admission.
This is a FREE event for participants and customers!! Join us at Barton Orchards 8th Annual Car show and Touch a Truck on Saturday, July 29 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, with in cash prizes and trophies!! Enter your vehicle for a chance to win! Vehicles can be registered onsite the day of the show! We will find a spot for you, and there is no registration fee! Enjoy a great local music line up starting at 11:00 AM with Vito Petrocitto at the Tap Room. The Tonebenders hit the main stage from 1:30 to 5:30 PM. After that, stick around for The Christian Anthony Duo at the Tap Room from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission is FREE! We’ll have food available for purchase, twenty local breweries on tap at the Tap Room, Slip n’ Slide, playground, dog park, petting zoo and more!

July 29 – 30 (Kent) Putnam County Country Fest and 4-H Showcase at Putnam County Veteran’s Memorial Park. 10 AM – 3 PM. See horse demonstrations, watch a magic show, ride a pony, have fun with amusements, explore local artisans, tantalize your tastebuds with food trucks, get your face painted, sip a refreshing hand packed milkshake and check out the car show (weather permitting). Not to mention get up close and personal with oxen, goats, and sheep. For the existential learner come and explore the Cornell Cooperative Extension Expo. Inside you’ll learn about composting gardening beekeeping and 4-H as well as see exhibits from around Putnam County. Live music and entertainment will be under the pavilion from 1-3pm. Sunday kicks off with horse and dog demonstrations more amusements for the kids and ends with the whacky super quacky Duck Derby happening on site at 2pm. Live music and entertainment happens from 12noon-2pm and the car show folks will be there if they were rained out on Saturday. So grab the family sponsor some rubber ducks and be part of history at the Putnam County Country Fest and 4-H Showcase where there is literally something for everyone. The Fest happens rain or shine and is a collaboration between Putnam County Tourism Parks and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Check our website for more information www.putnam.cce.cornell.edu. Free admission.

Live Music & Performances:

The Capitol Theatre: (Port Chester) July’s lineup includes: Peter Frampton – Never Say Never Tour (July 23 and 25) Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (July 28). *Check the site for the full lineup.

Tarrytown Music Hall: (Tarrytown) July’s lineup includes: Real Ghost Stories with Adam Berry (July 8), Dave Mason – 2023 Endangered Species Tour (July 15) and Hannah Berner (July 22) *Check the site for the full lineup

July 7, 14, 21, 28 (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.
July Schedule:
July 7th: NY Dueling Pianos
July 14th: Seeing Red Band NY
July 21st: The Live Experience – Glorious
July 28th: Kali Rodrigues Pena Cuban Jazz Experience (ft. vocalist)

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.

July 7 (Bedford) First Fridays: Bruce T. Carroll at the Bedford Playhouse. 6:30 PM. Free Event. Over the span of six years, three albums, two singles, widespread airplay, and knockout reviews, Bruce T Carroll has established himself as an Americana artist with a social conscience and a deft lyrical touch. Using irony and imagery as tools in trade, Bruce’s work has been described by No Depression magazine as “devilishly brilliant”, “intensely beautiful”, and “a fine commentary on America’s past”. His signature songs When Two Worlds Collide, Fox in the Henhouse, and Lift Your Head Up continue to get good airplay worldwide, spotlighting the refugee crisis and political upheaval at home and abroad. His latest release, “First Bird To Sing” is an exploration of love and loss and “a brilliant album that attacks the dark side with a tac flashlight and hope”, solidifying Bruce’s reputation as a “singular talent that deserves admiration” (Midwest Record)…

July 7 (Brewster) Completely Unchained – Van Halen Tribute & Live Wire – A Tribute to AC/DC LIVE at Tilly Foster Farm. Come out and Rock the Night Away with Completely Unchained – Van Halen Tribute & Live Wire, a Tribute to AC/DC LIVE. Doors open 6:00 pm. Showtime Completely Unchained – Van Halen Tribute – 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Intermission. LIVE WIRE – AC/DC – 9:00 pm-10:30 pm. Concessions will be available to purchase food throughout the evening. Cash bar. $30 + tax/online, $40 at the door. $10/parking. It is recommend that you bring your own chairs and blankets. No outside food and beverages. Rain or shine event – no refunds.

July 8 (Brewster) Journey from the Heart, Tribute to Journey & Heart, LIVE at Tilly Foster Farm. Showtime 7:30 pm – Barracuda – America’s Heart Tribute. Intermission. Showtime 7:30 pm – Barracuda – America’s Heart Tribute. Concessions will be available to purchase food throughout the evening. Cash bar. $30 + tax/online, $40 at the door. $10/parking. It is recommend that you bring your own chairs and blankets. No outside food and beverages. Rain or shine event – no refunds.

July 8 (Peekskill) The Lords of 52nd Street -Legends of The Billy Joel Band at Paramount Hudson Valley – This legendary group, featuring Billy Joel band members Richie Cannata (saxophone), Liberty DeVitto (drums), and Russell Javors (rhythm guitar), are joined on stage by long time Lords band members Doug Kistner, Malcolm Gold, Dennis DelGaudio and Dan Orlando on vocals singing all of those amazing Billy Joel vocals! 8 PM. Tickets: $37.50-$49.50

July 8 (Tarrytown) Real Ghost Stories with Adam Berry at Tarrytown Music Hall. 7 PM. Spooky season comes early to the Tarrytown Music Hall on July 8, 2023 as ADAM BERRY, star of The Travel Channel’s hit TV program KINDRED SPIRITS comes to town to share REAL GHOST STORIES with audiences in a unique theatrical setting! VIP Ticket holders will be able to join Adam on a paranormal investigation following the performance! Tickets: $35-$85

June 9 (Ossining) Beginner’s Ear: Nature and Music at Teatown. 11 AM – 12 PM. Parker Ramsay is a performer, writer and public speaker. Equally at home on modern and period harps, he pursues his passions in tackling new and underperformed works and bringing his instrument to new audiences. In 2020, his recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations was praised as “remarkably special” (Gramophone), “nuanced and insightful” (BBC Music Magazine), “relentlessly beautiful” (WQXR), and “marked by a keen musical intelligence” (Wall Street Journal). His last album, released in October 2022, features The Street, a new concert-length work for solo harp and text by Nico Muhly and Alice Goodman. For the music meditation at Teatown Lake, Parker will perform old and new music for harp. The meditation is moderated by longtime New York Times contributing music critic and Beginner’s Ear founder Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim.

July 12 and 26 (Yonkers) Live Music on the Green at the Cross County Center. 6:30 PM – 8 PM. Free.
7/12: Willie Villegas Y Entre Amigos
7/26: Captain Jack

July 13, 14, 15 (Mamaroneck) Bye Bye Birdie: A Musical Comedy at the Emelin Theatre. 7 PM – July 13 an 14, 2 PM & 7 PM – July 15. Tickets: 27-$42 + fees. Teenagers, rock & roll and national television – Bye Bye Birdie captures the energy and excitement of the late 1950s with warmth, hilarity and an exuberant score. This inaugural production of the newly formed not-for-profit, Artistree Community Theater is produced by Heather Capelle, in partnership with At Home on the Sound. It is directed by Broadway veteran John Treacy Egan (member of the 2009 Broadway revival cast) and stars local performers of all ages! Join us for this truly community celebration of theater right here at the Emelin Theater.

July 14 (Peekskill) Larger Than Life – America’s #1 Boyband Experience at Paramount Hudson Valley. Larger Than Life is known as the #1 Boyband Experience In The Country. This the only act of its kind to have been on tour with *Nsync, O-town, 98 Degrees, LFO, TKA, and more! Featuring actual boyband style singing, dancing, and that iconic pop look. Larger Than Life will take you back in time with the biggest 90s Party since the Backstreet Boys shut down Times Square. This Not a jam band, not a musical parody, this is real nostalgic concert experience! 8 PM, Tickets: $25-$35

July 14 (Mahopac) The Nerds at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. They are back and better than ever! The Friday Night BBQ Live Entertainment Series at Putnam County Golf Course. Our Summer BBQ Series continues on Friday, July 14th with The Nerds!!! This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Ticket includes buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $34 plus tax (online), $40 cash at the door

July 15 (Brewster) Almost Queen at Tilly Foster Farm. A deliberate four-piece band, Almost Queen delivers a live performance showcasing signature four-part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the ultimate Queen experience. Doors open at 6 PM. Philadelphia Freedom a Tribute to Elton John will Open for Almost Queen from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Intermission. Almost Queen – 9:00 pm -10:30 pm. Concessions will be available to purchase food throughout the evening. Cash bar. $30 + tax/general admission, $75 + tax/VIP seating, no chairs needed. $10/parking. It is recommend that you bring your own chairs and blankets. No outside food and beverages. Rain or shine event – no refunds.

July 15 (Tarrytown) Dave Mason: Endangered Species Tour at Tarrytown Music Hall. 8 PM. Dave Mason left Traffic in 1969 to pursue a solo career in the U.S. Dave has penned over 100 songs, has 3 gold albums: Alone Together, Dave Mason, Mariposa De Oro, and platinum album Let It Flow, which contained the top-ten single “We Just Disagree”. In addition to cranking out hits, Dave has performed on, or contributed to, a number of famous albums, including: The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Paul McCartney and Wings’ Venus and Mars, and Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland. Mason is featured playing acoustic guitar in “All Along the Watchtower” on Electric Ladyland, a favorite in Dave’s live shows! Tickets: $55-$85.

July 15 (Bedford) Not Dead Yet at the Bedford Playhouse. 5 PM. Tickets: $25/adult, $20/senior and children, $21.25/adult – members, $17/senior and children – members. Playhouse Lawn.
The Playhouse Lawn Summer Stage welcomes back NOT DEAD YET, the premier Grateful Dead Tribute Band in the NY Tri-State area. NDY captures the true Grateful Dead live concert experience for both the true fans and those who are novice Deadheads. Bring a picnic or purchase movie concessions, soft drinks, wine and beer from the Playhouse.

July 19 (Mamaroneck) Concerts in the Park: Broadway on the Sound Showstoppers at Harbor Island Park. 7 PM, Lanza Field. Free. Food trucks on-site. This family friendly concert will include musical selections from Aladdin; Grease; The Phantom of the Opera; Six The Musical; Mamma Mia!; Jekyll and Hyde; The King and I; West Side Story; Gypsy; Les Misérables; Into the Woods; Ragtime and more!!!

July 21 (Mahopac) Friday Night Fever with The New York Bee Gees at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. You will get the chills as you go back in time listening to the Bee Gees songs you know and love. The New York Bee Gees is the most amazing show a Bee Gees fan will experience. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY UNDER THE STARS! The New York Bee Gees will sing all of the classic 70’s disco hits from Stayin’ Alive to Night Fever while embracing their early works such as To Love Somebody, I’ve Got To Get A Message To You, and Massachusetts. In addition to the Bee Gees favorites, The New York Bee Gees also plays disco classics. You’ll be dancing the night away! This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Ticket includes buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $44 plus tax (online), $50 cash at the door

July 22 (Mahopac) Italian Night Under the Stars with Sal the Voice Valentinetti at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Sal brings old-school class back to modern-day music when he performs songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & The Rat Pack. He is the definition of an old soul with an olive oil voice and Italian charm. This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Ticket includes an Italian buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $49 plus tax (online), $60 cash at the door

July 23 (Poughkeepsie) Music at the Grove! at Locust Grove Estate. 2 PM -4 PM. Free Music for everyone at Locust Grove Estate! Enjoy the sounds of RJ Storm and The Old School Bluegrass Band! This rain or shine music event is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schmeelk. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Inclement weather will bring the concert indoors. No Tickets Necessary.

July 25 (Peekskill) Summer Dance Fest – A Multicultural Celebration at Paramount Hudson Valley. Local dance studios and guests artists from the Greater New York City area take the stage to bring “A Multicultural Celebration” to Peekskill. Presented by Arts10566 in collaboration with The Dance Conservatory, Gateway Arts Collective’s Spring Dance Fest is destined to wow audiences of all ages and open the gateway to an array of cultural performances. 5 PM, Tickets: $15

July 28 (Mahopac) Celebrating the Music of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Rikki Nicks faithfully recreates Stevie Nicks’ live show with striking accuracy. Rikki Lee Wilson gives a stunning performance as Stevie Nicks with spot-on vocals and visuals that magically capture Nicks’ stage presence. Sing and Dance to the songs you know and love. This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Ticket includes a BBQ buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $34 plus tax (online), $40 cash at the door

July 29 (Bedford) Lady Capulet with Barefoot Shakespeare Company at Bedford Playhouse. 4 PM. Tickets: $30/adult, $25/senior and children, $25.50/ adult – members, $21.25/ senior and children – members. Playhouse Lawn.
Bring a picnic or purchase movie concessions, soft drinks, wine and beer from the Playhouse and enjoy this original prequel to Romeo & Juliet. What caused the feud between the Montagues and Capulets? Shakespeare doesn’t tell us, but Lady Capulet does. Nominated for “Most Memorable Modern Updates & Adaptations of 2020 and 2021” by New York Shakespeare, LADY CAPULET, a prequel to Romeo & Juliet, follows the journey of Rose from country girl to matriarch, navigating her repression and power in 16th century Verona when family, social status, and gender determine everything. LADY CAPULET, a Henley Rose Playwright Competition for Women 2017 Finalist, was written by Melissa Bell and is directed by Emily Gallagher, Founder and Artistic Director of Barefoot Shakespeare. With original recorded music by Graham Russell of Air Supply. Featuring Jianzi Colón-Soto, Preston Fox, Andrew Dunn, Emily Gallagher, and Jefferson Reardon.

July 29 (Brewster) ZBTB – A Tribute to the Zac Brown Band at Tilly Foster Farm. ZBTB is the first and most authentic tribute to Zac Brown Band’s recorded music and live show. Not only does ZBTB capture the sound and creativity of the Zac Brown Band but they bring a similar atmosphere of family to their shows while engaging the audience in a way that is all their own. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Showtime 8:00 pm – 10:30 PM. Concessions will be available to purchase food throughout the evening. Cash bar. $30 + tax/general admission, Children 12 and under are half price at the door. $10/parking. It is recommend that you bring your own chairs and blankets. No outside food and beverages. Rain or shine event – no refunds.

SHOP:

July 1 (Stormville) Family Yard Sale at the Stormville Flea Market. 9 AM – 3 PM. Free admission and parking. Rain or shine.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (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.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Peekskill) Peekskill Flea Market on Bank Street. 8 AM – 4 PM. Find antiques, used, collectible and handmade items.

Five on Friday {June 23, 2023}

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

Hello Friday! I’m so happy for the weekend! I am on vacation for the next week. I’m not going anywhere until next weekend but had some days that I needed to use. Here are five from this week.

1. Broken Collarbone Update – My son had surgery last Friday. They put a metal bar and screws into his collarbone so the bones are aligned correctly and will heal properly. Although the actual surgery was only an hour surgery, there was a lot of waiting. So, we spent most of the day at the hospital.

2. Reading – This week I finished The It Girl by Ruth Ware and I Will Find You by Harlan Coben. Both were enjoyable, quick suspense reads.

3. Cooking – This week’s menu included Crunchy Roll Bowls (a quick and easy favorite), salmon with roasted potatoes and veggies, 3-Ingredient Vegan Alphabet Soup and pierogies with roasted broccoli.

4. Watching – I finally watched Top Gun Maverick. It was really good! Season 2 of the The Bear came out last night on Hulu, so I’m excited about watching that as well!

5. Listening – The SmartLess podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes. I think I may have mentioned this podcast in a previous Friday post. I hadn’t listened to this in ages but recently got back into it. I’ve started from the beginning and am listening to the older episodes. These guys are so funny and have great chemistry. It’s an entertaining listen!

6. Six the Musical – Father’s Day we drove down to the Hershey Theatre to see Six the Musical. We were supposed to make a weekend of it and spend the night in Hershey. We had originally planned to visit Hersheypark on Monday. But then my son broke his collarbone and wouldn’t be able to go on any rides and my daughter’s girl scout troop were having their end-of-year celebration, so we ended up driving home after the show. It was a great show and I’m happy I was finally able to see it!

7. Father’s Day “Linner” – We ended up eating Linner near Hershey at Funck’s Restaurant. While the food wasn’t super impressive, service was good and we did devour this Half Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Joey G’s Nyack Food Tour

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Joey G’s Nyack Food Tour

Posted on June 22, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

The village of Nyack is one of Rockland County’s river towns. It lies just north of the Tappan Zee Bridge (Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) adjacent to the Hudson River. Although the village is only approximately 1.6 square miles, it is home to a surprising number of restaurants and shops. If you are looking to taste some local delicious food and learn more of the village’s history, I highly recommend a walking food tour with Joey G’s Nyack Food Tours. Tours take place April through September, so add a tour to your summer to-do list!

Although Joseph Garreffa grew up in Detroit, he spent several years living and working in NYC. He and his family moved to Nyack in 2017. With his background in education and experience as a pizza tour guide, starting his own food tour company seemed like a natural fit. Since March of 2021, he’s been leading food tours of Nyack.

Joey’s food tours are “… all about getting people together for some physical movement in the fresh air, fun and easy conversation, unexpected learning opportunities, and trying new and familiar foods.” The tours are limited to sixteen guests and are family-friendly. Joey makes introductions before the tour, where guests learn about him and their fellow guests.

My husband and I attended a Classic Culinary History and Tasting Tour of Nyack. This tour is offered on select alternating Saturdays April through September. It begins at 11:15 AM and lasts approximately 2.5 hours. The classic tour is $50 per person with the option of adding a wine or beer ticket for $25 a person.

The tour includes five or six stops with food samples varying in size. Based on our tour and Joey G’s Instagram account, stops on the food tour may include Scott & Joe Fine Cheese & Charcuterie, Rising Above Bakery, DPNB Pasta & Provisions, Karenderya, The Greekish, My Father’s House Southern Cuisine, El Cunao or the Piermont Creamery.

While I do not want to share too many details on the various restaurants, (we will leave that to Joey G and the chefs and owners on the tour) I can say that all of the samples that we ate on our tour were delicious!

As a vegetarian, we were able to alert Joey of our dietary preference prior to the tour. There were two stops that had meat dishes, where my husband and I were offered vegetarian options. There is a dessert stop at the end of the tour. While I didn’t feel stuffed on any part the tour, I left full.

Besides the classic Saturday tour, Joey G. offers several other fun events. He can organize and lead a private food tour for your group/organization. He also runs Murder Mystery Luncheons at the Nyack Grill & Bar and Murder Mystery dinners at the Hotel Nyack. Check out his website for all the details!

The Details:
Joey G’s Nyack Food Tour
website

Joey G’s Classic Saturday Tour – Select Saturdays, April through September
11:15 AM Tickets: $50/person with the option of adding a wine/beer ticket for $25/person

Parking – Paid street parking on Saturdays

Tips:
*Wear comfortable walking shoes
*Although water is provided at some of the stops, you may want to bring a water bottle with you
*Plan on spending some time after the tour exploring the shops in Nyack or take a hike/walk at Nyack Beach State Park

You may be interested in reading:

13 Things to Do at Bear Mountain State Park

Hudson Valley Summer Fun List

Follow NY Foodie Family on Instagram for more local recommendations!

Five on Friday {6-16-23}

Posted on June 16, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday! It’s been a week. Here are five (plus five) from this week.

1. Broken Collarbone – Friday, I thought I was going to be going to my son’s Freshman Awards Ceremony. Instead, I got a call from the school that he thought he broke his collarbone in physical education class. I raced over to the school, rode the ambulance with him to the hospital and we discovered that he was correct and did indeed break his collarbone. Unfortunately, you can’t really do much for a collarbone except let it heal on its own. So, he’s been taking Motrin for the pain and wearing a sling to immobilize his left side. Fortunately, he’s right handed and he broke his left collarbone, so he was able to take his finals and Regents exams this week.

We went to the orthopedist yesterday afternoon to discover that the bones shifted and he needed surgery ASAP. So, depending on when you are reading this, he is in surgery today getting hardware and screws put into his collarbone to realign the bones to ensure he heals properly. Not quite what we were expecting to hear at this appointment! Unfortunately, this had to happen right at the end of school/beginning of the summer. So he is going to have a very relaxed, laid-back summer.

2. Reading – This week I read Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This was a 2022 Goodreads nominee for historical fiction. It’s based on true events in the 1970’s when the government decided to take away the reproductive rights of poor, black women. It was a good read and was educational, as I wasn’t even aware that this happened.

3. Cooking – This week included a track team end-of-season dinner and a Boy Scout Court of Honor ceremony and cookout, so we didn’t do a ton of cooking. We did make Roasted Cauliflower with Maple Jalapeno Glaze, Trader Joe’s Vegan Bulgogi with Kimchi Pancakes (that my daughter cooked for us) and rice and Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake Mix (box mix) with vegan sausage for a breakfast for dinner meal. Tonight we are supposed to be making Lemon Flatbread Pizzas with Hot Honey but will probably end up with takeout after my son’s surgery!

4. Watching – We finished watching Jury Duty this week and I recommend it! It was a fun show. Other than that, it was a pretty busy week and I didn’t watch much of anything else.

5. Food Tour – Saturday, my husband and I went on Joey G’s Walking Food Tour. We enjoyed small bites from different restaurants and learned about the village of Nyack. It was a fun tour! Nyack is filled with so many different restaurants and shops and you need more than one visit to take advantage of everything. I’ll have a full post coming soon.

6. Memes – This made me laugh!

Anyone else remember these scratch and sniff stickers?!

7. Yoga Dogs – I finished this Yoga Dogs puzzle this week. I still haven’t found the missing puzzle piece though!

8. Playing – Connections. This new NYT game is about categorizing groups of four words that have something in common. I still play Wordle, but this is a fun new diversion for me.

9. Awards – Even though we didn’t make it to his awards ceremony, my son received the geometry, band and Presidential Excellence award. My daughter received the Presidential Excellence award as well at her junior class awards ceremony.

10. Rainbow – We saw this rainbow Wednesday night during the Boy Scout Court of Honor. This was the most complete rainbow I’ve ever seen. Both ends were visible!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I posted about Innisfree Garden in Millbrook.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Innisfree Garden {Millbrook, NY}

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

Nestled in the backroads of a suburban neighborhood in Millbrook, New York is the Innisfree Garden. As you drive through the black wrought-iron gate, you continue your journey down a one lane dirt road. Eventually, you descend upon the parking area. A small gazebo is the welcoming center for guests and where you pay the modest admission fee to enter the garden.

The Innisfree Garden comprises 185 acres of sprawling beauty. The gardens originated as the personal gardens of William Beck and his wife Marion Burt Beck. As a fan of Asian art, the Becks designed the Innisfree Garden, using the influence of Wang Wei, an 8th Century Chinese artist and garden designer.

The garden is characterized by a “cup garden” design, dubbed by Walter Beck to describe the place-making technique that Wei used in his garden design. With the help of landscape architect Lester Collins, they collaborated on the creation of this serene garden.

Tyrrel Lake is the focal point as you descend down the hill to the gardens. A 1.3 mile loop trail surrounds the lake. However, the gardens and all of its delights are predominantly scattered along the right side of the lake. The cup garden design has smaller defined gardens within the larger landscape.

There is no “right” way to visit the garden. Go wherever something captivates the eyes. You may be drawn to one of the several waterfalls or water features. Children were having fun running through the sprays of the Water Sculpture to cool off on the day of my visit. The water used in these features is collected rainwater.

You may want to take a closer look at the various flowers growing throughout the gardens. There are also a variety of trees and plants throughout the property.

One of the standouts of the garden is the Brick Terrace. Audible expressions of surprise and awe were heard as visitors came upon this structure.

The Terrace has multiple levels with several different areas to peruse. The Asian influence is most noticeable here with images of dragons and elephants etched in the walkways and stone wall panels.

The Channel Crossing Bridge enables guests to complete a loop walk around Tyrrel Lake. Keep your eyes open for fish and turtles that inhabit the lake.

Peppered throughout the gardens you will find Innisfree Chairs. These chairs are adaptations of Gerrit Rietveld’s Red Blue Chair. Furniture maker Dan Benarcik hand builds these chairs from cedar planks. Visitors can purchase a kit or a fully assembled chair that they can enjoy using in their own backyards or gardens.

The Innisfree Garden is a picturesque outdoor oasis. It’s a perfect place for a quiet and peaceful outing in the Hudson Valley.

The Details:
Innisfree Garden
362 Tyrrel Road
Millbrook, NY 12545
Website

Admission: $10/adult, $5/seniors (65+) and children (ages 5-15), Free/children 4 and under

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM and select holidays

Plan approximately 90 minutes to wander the garden.

The garden consists of uneven, rocky terrain, so sneakers are highly recommended. It is not wheelchair accessible.

The only restrooms available are a few port-a-potties adjacent to the parking lot.

Pack water/beverages and snacks. There is no food or drinks available for purchase. There are picnic tables to sit and enjoy any refreshments that you bring with you.

Restaurants nearby:
La Puerta Azul (2.1 miles) If you are looking for Mexican food, this is the place. The restaurant has been a Best of the Hudson Valley nominee and/or winner for multiple years.

Salt Point Market and Cafe (2.0 miles) If you are looking for a quick bite, stop here to grab a sandwich or slice of pizza.

Short Hills Restaurant & Diner (2.0 miles) Enjoy breakfast, burgers, pasta and more at this diner.

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (7.5 miles) Spend the day in the area. After a visit to the garden, stop at Millbrook Vineyards for a wine tasting and jazz concert. Read our post about the winery.

Five on Friday {6-9-23}

Posted on June 9, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday! The kids cannot wait for Monday, their last day of school. Then they go in only for their finals and Regents exams. I work during the summer….so there’s no count down for me! Here are five (plus 3) from this week.

1.Canadian Wildfires – If you’re in the northeast United States you’ve probably experienced or heard about the Canadian wildfires. This is a picture from NYC. Fortunately, we live about an hour outside the city and didn’t experience the smoke this bad. But we had a day or two of intense haze and strong smoke smells.

2. Game Night – Saturday we had a game night with my daughter’s boyfriend’s parents. We ordered takeout and then played Bananagrams and Sushi Go Party. We had a fun time!

3. Reading – This week I finished All the Dangerous Things by Stacey Willingham. This was an okay suspense read.

4. Cooking – This week’s menu included Garlic Sauce Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Shrimp (and lots of shredded cheese!), Kung Pao Cauliflower (without the hot peppers), Burst Tomato, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Quiche (we left out the prosciutto to make it vegetarian), chik’n sandwiches and fries and tonight we are having broccoli rabe calzones.

5. Watching – The Ted Lasso series finale. It was so good and had me in tears!

My husband and I have been watching Jury Duty on Amazon freevee. This is a mockumentary style show where everyone is an actor except one juror, Ronald Gladden. I’m so curious if there will be a big reveal at the end where he discovers it was all fake.

6. Eating – Sunday my husband and I went out for lunch at Birdsall House in Peekskill. We shared this Seitan “gyro” and cauliflower “wings”. Then we walked around Peekskill Open Studios where we got to see local artists showcasing their work.

7. New account to follow – @TraderJoesAirFry If you have an air fryer and shop at Trader Joe’s, this account is for you! They give air fryer cooking times and ratings of different TJ’s products.

8. Meme – This had me LOL! It’s funny how kids and adults see things so differently.

And I need to embrace this secret!

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!