Page 8 – Westchester Magazine (2024)

• Restaurants

August 1, 2022

Adobe Stock/Wirestock Creators

Whether she’s your special GF or your BFF, here’s how to celebrate National Girlfriend’s Day (August 1) at some of our favorite spots in Westchester.

By Gabrielle Beechert, Samantha Richter, and Lindsey Smith

Bronxville

The quaint, picture-perfect village of Bronxville is the perfect location for a chic girlfriend’s evening. To set the mood, wear your longest and flowiest summer gown, but match it with comfortable (and still fashionable) sandals because this one-square radius town is walkable. A day in scenic Bronxville ought to start with a few glasses of wine and luxurious nibbles because, after all, you’re walking.

Head down to Ernie’s Wine Bar & Eats for an impeccable selection of drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that will tempt you to stay the whole night. Ask the friendly bartenders or servers for their wine recommendations and make sure to take advantage of the happy hour wine deal from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Order the burrata with black truffle, duck potstickers, and delectable charcuterie board to snack on as a group while you sip.

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Then, as the summer heat begins to fade, browse around The Fine Arts Gallery of Bronxville, located on the same street. The gallery specializes in American and European art from the 14th century to present, and is guaranteed to accentuate the sophisticated feel of the night.

The eclectic variety of local businesses on Pondfield Road and Palmer Avenue will make the hours go by fast. Before you go to dinner, make sure to stop by Candy Rox to purchase a square of fudge or bag of gummies for whoever is waiting for you back at home.

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End the night off just as elegantly as it started with authentic Italian cuisine in the outdoor courtyard of Scalini Osteria (also on Pondfield Road). The appetizers alone are too difficult to choose between. Grilled octopus with cauliflower puree, roasted fresh figs stuffed with gorgonzola and prosciutto, and spicy fried meatballs are just the tip of the iceberg. If you don’t accidentally order all of the appetizers and you have room for entrees, make sure to choose at least one of the pasta dishes and either the unique chamomile-crusted tuna with risotto or the parmesan-crusted chicken breast with lemon gnocchi. If you make it this far into the magnificent feast, you must stay for dessert! You will magically feel hungry again when it’s time to choose between a Sicilian zeppole with creamy ricotta and a Nutella pecan pie with gelato.

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Irvington

In Irvington, everything is about the beautiful views of the Hudson River. Start your evening off at Hudson Prime Steakhouse for an indulgent meal. Ask to sit on the outdoor patio to take in the gorgeous views.

Before ordering a delicious feast, try one of the extravagant co*cktails: Coffee and Cigarettes (bourbon, hazelnut liquor, coffee liquor, salt and pepper rim), The Zeta (vodka, crème de cassis, sweet vermouth, and Cointreau), and/or Gin and Rosés (gin, elderflower, lime juice, topped with rosé and soda).

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With such a large appetizer menu, you truly cannot go wrong with any of the options, but we will always recommend the burrata salad (arugula, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic glaze), sushi taco trio (crispy wonton taco shells, scallops, tuna, salmon, spicy chipotle mayo, and eel sauce), and the lump crab cakes with chipotle aioli. Order a lot of appetizers and split them with all of your girls!

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That said, could you really go to a steakhouse and not order steak? If you are ready to splurge, order the Japanese A-5 Waygu or the filet mignon as your entrée. Or maybe pair a steak with their toasted ricotta gnocchi in a truffle cream sauce for a true royal dinner.

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Now that you have eaten like queens, forget about the expensive tab you built up and walk over to Brrzaar for some sweet and boozy dessert. Pick up a Frosé Froyo (frozen yogurt topped with sparkling rose and edible glitter) or a Salted Caramel Boozy Sundae (sundae topped with Baileys Salted Caramel, sprinkles, caramel sauce, and sea salt dark chocolate). If you are done drinking for the night, try their classic café froyo (creamy vanilla frozen yogurt, cold brew coffee, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup) or a good ol’ frozen yogurt in a cup or cone.

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Once you have your froyo in hand, take a quick walk over to the scenic Hudson Park to watch the beautiful sunset with all of your girlfriends.

Larchmont

Leave your car behind and spend a walking evening with all of your girlfriends in Larchmont. Start off the night at Lincoln Glenn art gallery on Larchmont Avenue. Look out for the summer exhibition featuring pieces from the 19^th and 20^th century and named “The Inaugural Show.”

After taking a look at all of the beautiful pieces featured at Lincoln Glenn, take a mile walk through the town of Larchmont to your dinner spot, Billy & Pete’s Social.

On this beautiful summer night, make sure to request an outdoor table to sit on the beautifully decorated patio. Since the night is all about celebrating, order some of the original co*cktails: the Vanilla Pear Crush (watermelon mint vodka, triple sec, fresh watermelon juice, Jones Lemon Lime soda) or a Myrtle Margarita (espolon blanco, triple sec, jalapeño syrup, and fresh lime juice).

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Ready for some dinner? Order some of the delicious appetizers to share: skillet ricotta dip (creamy ricotta spinach blended with grilled Trapizzino), crispy cauliflower with a garlic aioli, and burrata salad (crispy potatoes, seasonal beans, charred tomatoes, Calabrian chilies, and basil aioli).

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After indulging on your co*cktails and drinks, be prepared to be amazed by the large entrée selection. Enjoy a Detroit slice? Order the Bad Honey: caramelized onions, fire roasted peppers, Calabrian chilies, spicy sausage, pepperoni, ghost pepper sauce, and bourbon honey. If you want more of a New York slice, order the Billy’s Burrata (roasted tomato sauce, garlic confit, basil oil, fresh basil, smoked Maldon salt, and aged balsamic).

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After dinner, take a half a mile walk back towards town for a Westchester classic, Longford’s. Try some of the unique flavors like Graham Slam (vanilla ice cream with graham cracker dough and chocolate-covered graham crackers), espresso nugget, or lemon pie.

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Ossining

If you’re heading to Ossining for your Girlfriend’s Day, prepare for travel — both figuratively and literally. Head all the way to Peru (while staying on Main Street) for dinner, and enjoy a post-dinner stroll to one of Ossining’s waterfront parks. And remember: it’s always important to pack the right things when you’re traveling. Make sure you bring a blanket so you and all your friends can sit in the park while enjoying your sweet treat and watching the sunset.

Begin the night with some Peruvian cuisine à la Aji Limo, a restaurant that honors traditional Peruvian food while nodding to Japanese, Spanish, Italian, African, and Chinese influences. In the spirit of friendship, split an order of ceviche or the calamari (served with Peruvian pico de gallo, yuca fries, and tartar sauce) and the causitas ricas (chicken, shrimp, and octopus that has been marinated in a house sauce on top of whipped Peruvian potatoes and aji). Or, opt for one of the chef’s specials, such as the tallarin verde con bisteck: grilled beef hearts placed on a bed of spaghetti with homemade Peruvian pesto sauce.

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After your Girlfriend’s Day dinner concludes, take about a three-quarter mile walk down Ossining’s Main Street, lined with charming vintage buildings, down to the riverfront Henry Gourdine Park. The park is home to Bigfoot Creamery, a gazebo-like stand that offers both year-round and seasonal flavors. Order a classic chocolate cone, or stay in the summer spirit and enjoy a scoop of lavender honey or a cone of matcha green tea ice cream. The creamery is allergy-friendly, providing multiple vegan and gluten-free options for customers. Some flavors change daily, so make sure to check out the creamery’s social media before heading over there for a sweet treat.

After everyone orders their favorite flavor, lay out your blanket and sit watch the sun go down over the Hudson River.

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Peekskill

Take advantage of Peekskill’s riverfront location as both an observer and an adventurer by enjoying classic American cuisine at a riverside restaurant followed by a trip to the Bear Mountain Bridge and back on a river cruise.

Begin your evening with an early dinner at the Peekskill Brewery. Keep the house-made beers on your mind when it’s time to order drinks. Try the Peekskill Skills Pils for a classic American Lager, or request a Peekskill Rhuberry Muffin, a sour ale with intense berry notes, if you’re in the mood for something different.

A shared order of the spinach and artichoke dip cannot be resisted, and neither can the Bavarian pretzel dipped in Valley Life beer mustard. Order a classic Kale Caesar salad if you’re in the mood for a lighter meal, or enjoy a satisfying buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, served with spicy honey, aioli, and a side of fries. And for something sweet on Girlfriend’s Day, indulge in some heavenly zeppole that’s topped with powdered sugar and ready to be dipped in Nutella.

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Evening Star, a former United States Coast Guard Buoy tender turned passenger boat that offers rides Thursday through Sunday on the Hudson River. Although National Girlfriend’s Day falls on a Monday this year, it’s never too early — or too late — to celebrate your girls. Hop aboard the Evening Star for a 7 p.m. sunset cruise and keep the party going with the boat’s co*cktail offerings. Take in the beauty of the Hudson while enjoying a rosé lemonade, a refreshing combination of Spirits Lab Vodka, rosé cider, and fresh-pressed lemonade. Sip on a Southside, made from East End Gin, fresh lime, organic agave nectar, and mint oil, while watching the sunset. Or, if your dinner has left you in the mood for beer, enjoy one of the four craft beers (Narragansett Lager, Victory Summer Love, Von Trapp Dunkel, and Sloop IPA) offered on board. Soda and seltzers are also available for those who decided to call it a night after dinner.

Tarrytown

A Girlfriend’s Day in Tarrytown is centered around the thriving hub of Main Street with a stunning conclusion of riverfront views. Main Street promises to satisfy the history buff, shopaholic, and foodie of your friend group, but, to be completely honest, they’re all there for the eats.

Prepare for a fun afternoon on Main Street with a gingerbread or turmeric latte from Muddy Water Coffee House. The Instagram-worthy lattes and cortados pair perfectly with the sweet scones, fresh muffins, and charming nooks of the cafe. Sink into the cozy leather couches to excitedly bring each other up to date on your lives as you nibble on the famed Nutella banana bread.

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After the caffeine hits, explore one of Main Street’s authentic antique shops for a bit of shopping during Girlfriend’s Day. At ShayLuLa Jewelry & Gifts, admire a glamorous collection of kimonos and scarves, take selfies in blocky sunglasses, or buy dainty matching bracelets to memorialize the day. Peek into endearing little boutiques like Flying Fingers Yarn Shop or ONA, an art gallery and gift store. ONA features the ceramics and jewelry of local artisans and is also home to crafts from around the world like colorful animals from Kenya made from repurposed soda cans.

Walking down Main Street will inevitably rebuild your appetite as the spicy flavors of bibimbap escape Bibilleand the Cuban aromas of The Cube Inn tickle your nose. When the movie-like bustle of spontaneous music performers and outdoor clothing racks has convinced you to never leave Tarrytown, it’s time to stop by Sweet Grass Grill for dinner.

The grill’s creative seasonal menu is dependent on the daily harvests of local farms. Snack on summery starters like Thai carrot soup or wood-fired celery root “wings” as you marvel at the drink menu. With names like Rhubarb Royale, Purple Rain, and Pomegranate Paloma, it’s a guarantee that nobody is leaving dinner without at least one co*cktail. If you’re feeling elegant, order the pappardelle with duck confit and red wine tomato sauce or the pan-seared salmon with parsnip puree for your entrée. Sweet Grass Grill is also a vegan’s dream with specials like the sweet potato quinoa burger, chickpea “cheese” burger, and Lion’s Mane mushroom “steak.”

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Finish off Girlfriend’s Day with a walk on the waterfront while holding a cup of homemade ice cream from Main Street Sweets. It’s impossible to visit Tarrytown without trying one of the unique flavors like Holy Soot (designed for the chocolate lover) or Fairy Dust (a cotton candy-flavored return to childhood).

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Related: A Foodie’s Guide to Dining in White Plains for a Day

• Restaurants

July 20, 2022

Photo by Andre Baranowski

An ocean’s bounty of real catches is waiting at these Westchester restaurants, where oysters, salmon, and other delights abound.

By Andrew Dominick and June Hersh

Saltaire Oyster Bar and Kitchen

Port Chester; saltaireoysterbar.com

No one would fault you for indulging in a Prime tomahawk rib-eye or wrapping both hands around a burger, but Saltaire’s sea bounty has been a “wow” to diners for more than seven years. Their fresh, fancy raw bar, while pricey, is a focal point, display-wise, in their always-busy bar area, and it’s likely your first order of business upon sitting down. Ice-cold jumbo shrimp, clams from Connecticut and Rhode Island, a rotating selection of just-shucked oysters, and chilled lobster are all available by the piece. If your whole seafood-loving entourage is down with ice-cold shellfish, you can all literally slurp in sync as you attack one of Saltaire’s multiperson seafood towers.

Steamers, seasonal catches (think pan-seared soft-shell crab in late spring); butter-poached lobster in a roll, Connecticut style; mussels fra diavolo with white wine broth; and a mixture of whole and filleted fish entrées should give you a good idea of what to expect. Oh, and make sure you order a co*cktail, as Saltaire’s bar program is a formidable complement to its ocean fare.

Dolphin Restaurant

Yonkers; dolphinrbl.com

Seafood linguine, red coconut curry Thai shrimp, and baked clams doused in butter sauce should tell you something about Dolphin. It’s a mash-up of Italian, Asian, French, and Mediterranean cuisines. A couple of American classics are thrown into the fray, like a fried chicken sandwich and a homey braised short rib. But make no mistake: This is a sea-based menu where you’ll see crispy flounder and Japanese-influenced salmon tartare dressed with eel sauce, tangerine miso, sesame seeds topped with creamy avocado and under a seaweed salad. If there is a signature dish, it’s Dolphin’s grilled whole branzino. “We clean it right away and infuse it with lemon, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil,” says owner and general manager Jimmy Rugova. “It only needs to be grilled at that point when ordered. It’s a labor of love to eat it with your hands and enjoy every piece of meat you suck off the bones.”

What Dolphin is all about, though, is freshness and sustainability. “We source from the Fulton Fish Market,” says Rugova. “We buy in small amounts that are delivered daily. We buy wild, sustainable fish as much as possible for quality and to make sure we will have fish in the future.”

Dive Oyster House

Briarcliff Manor; diveoysterhouse.com

Raw and cooked bivalves are at the forefront of one of Briarcliff’s latest culinary openings. Chilled East and West Coast oysters, classic crabmeat and shrimp co*cktail, and seafood combos made up of clams, oysters, meaty lobster, and shrimp are all a classy, tasty way to begin your dive into Dive’s menu.

Follow up all the refreshing raw bites with bacon-wrapped scallops, crab cakes, or grilled octopus. But if you’re sticking with the shelled seafood theme, there’s a bowl of mussels cooked in white wine and garlic (with crusty country bread for sopping-up purposes), plus baked clams topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and garlic sauce, though oyster fanatics may opt to try the grilled version, which get hit with lemon butter and basil.

Brothers Fish & Chips

Ossining; brothersfishandchips.com

One restaurant, two concepts — and a virtual tsunami of seafood. The takeout side of Elmer and Kevin Oliveros’ popular restaurant centers around their signature fish ’n’ chips. Choose bass, flounder, shrimp, whiting, or keep it classic with cod. The seasoning in the batter is a secret, but there’s something happening there that’s magic, aside from a light, crispy, fried coating. And the pile of salty, skin-on, hand-cut fries that come alongside it are so addicting, you’ll practically shovel them down by the handful. Other takeout here is all about bright, citrusy ceviches, a fish sandwich, Cali-style battered bass tacos, and crab cakes.

Brothers’ other side is a multicourse tasting priced at $120 per person. This is where the Oliveros brothers ditch the to-go boxes and display beautifully crafted seafood creations that look like they’re straight out of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. What you’ll get on a particular night is anyone’s guess, but being delightfully surprised is part of the fun.

Fin & Brew

Peekskill; finandbrew.com

Located inside The Factoria at Charles Point, along with River Outpost Brewing Co., is Fin & Brew, one of the finer dining experiences in Peekskill and in Westchester as a whole. Showcased here is seafood prepared with New American flair, with thoughtful, sophisticated takes on comfort food.

Some comforts from Chef Mike Anastacio’s menu include brown butter miso tare ramen with sea scallops, Venetian fish stew, and beer-steamed mussels with smoky bacon. Fin & Brew’s raw bar is a draw, too, with oysters from both coasts, littlenecks, and a bunch of hand-rolled sushi. Anastacio’s menu is also seasonal, and local ingredients are utilized whenever possible.

“The local bounty that comes from the world-renowned Hudson Valley just hits better!” he says. “It has always been easier for me to apply that philosophy to seafood. It’s second nature for me to enjoy soft-shell crabs beginning in the spring, then moving on to warm-weather fish, like mahi-mahi, that flourish in summer months, to toasting the best oysters during months that contain the letter ‘R.’ Nature provides the menu; we run with it!”

Aquario Restaurant

Harrison; aquariony.com

Set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, Aquario has long been a local go-to for fresh-fish dishes prepared Portuguese style. Owner Manuel Cabral and Head Chef Tony Correia’s menu is full of sautéed, baked, and broiled fillets, as well as strikingly presented whole-roasted branzini, dover sole, and imported Portuguese sardines — an Aquario mainstay — broiled and served with just roasted red peppers.

If that doesn’t remind Lisbon natives and travelers of the country’s capital city, Aquario makes a couple of classic soups that surely will. One is a rustic fisherman’s stew, chock-full of lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and rice to soak up the flavorful broth. The other is a mariscada, a popular soup along Portugal’s coast, that consists of mixed shellfish, tomatoes, and onions in a rich bouillabaisse.

Aquario makes a rustic fisherman’s stew, chock-full of lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

Eastchester Fish Group

Scarsdale; eastchesterfish.com

Those in the know casually refer to this trifecta of fish businesses as EFG, aka Eastchester Fish Group, an award-winning restaurant, a fish market, and a casual counter-service business. Locals have been purchasing the freshest fish and seafood for more than 40 years at the market, which straddles the Eastchester/Scarsdale border. In 1987, they added a seafood eatery, Eastchester Fish Gourmet, featuring everything from whole-grilled branzino to the freshest oysters and clams, as well as killer risotto and pasta. In 2019, they opened a takeout shop and casual-dining experience known as Go Fish, where you can enjoy a crispy crab cake, poke bowl, or the legendary fish ’n’ chips with hand-cut fries. So, whether you’re planning on cooking your own, grabbing and going, or enjoying a leisurely meal, you’ll be sure to find it at EFG.

Sea Flame Seafood & Steakhouse

Scarsdale; seaflamesteakhouse.com

A boatload of fresh-catch fare (raw, chilled, grilled, and broiled) dominates half the menu at this strip-mall standout that’s equally revered for its “proper dry-aged steaks found at the best steakhouses,” according to co-owner/general manager Peter Bicaj, who earned his chops as GM of NYC’s Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. A variety of fishes are represented, be it in the raw bar, the hot apps offerings (lump crab cakes, grilled octopus, lobster bisque), the signature chopped salad with shrimp, a whopper of a lobster (3 lbs!), or crabmeat-stuffed shrimp over risotto. Timeless steakhouse sides, like mac ’n’ cheese, pay homage to la mer, with hunks of fresh lobster swimming about the bowl.

Aberdeen Seafood & Dim Sum

White Plains; aberdeenwhiteplains.com

Aberdeen is aptly named for the famous fishing port and harbor in Hong Kong and represents that tradition of fresh seafood proudly, by providing what their owners say is “the finest selection of fresh seafood and authentic Cantonese cuisine.” Expect assorted dim sum; steamed fresh fish, hand-selected on-site; plus traditional vegetable, meat, and poultry dishes (the dim sum has been ranked by Westchester Magazine readers as best in the county for four years). Accessed through the Marriott White Plains lobby, be sure to dine in or take out favorites such as sizzling jumbo shrimp with ginger and scallions; scallop with black pepper sauce; salt and pepper soft-shell crab, or (for the more adventurous) squid with black bean sauce. You’ll be transported to Hong Kong, no passport necessary.

Kee Oyster House

White Plains; keeoysterhouse.com

You might not know, but long before New York was known for everything bagels and Nathan’s franks, it was the capital of oyster obsession. Kee Oyster House is bringing that 100-year-old tradition back in style with a menu that features both East and West Coast oysters, served on a sky-high tower, grilled to perfection, baked Italian style, topped with spinach, as in oysters Rockefeller, or done NOLA style in a po’ boy. If oysters are not your thing, fear not, as you can dip your calamari in chili aioli, smother your fish tacos in pico de gallo, or sip your clams in a rich chowder broth. If you prefer your “fish” with four legs, then try a double-cut pork chop or dry-rubbed Prime sirloin. Owner Elvi Hoxhaj says the goal is introduce “modern culinary trends while remaining true to history on the half shell.” History never tasted so good.

Purdy’s Farmer & The Fish/ Hudson Farmer & the Fish

North Salem/ Sleepy Hollow; farmerandthefish.com

Farmer & the Fish’s two restaurants are your quintessential farm-to-table (or perhaps, more accurately, fish-to-fork) neighborhood restaurant no matter where your actual neighborhood is. It is a collaboration between a fishmonger and a chef who studied agriculture, and the results speak volumes. Every menu prominently lists the greens and herbs that were picked that day and incorporated into their expertly prepared seasonal dishes. Owner Michael Kaphan feels the most important thing in a fish restaurant is “to provide great quality while focusing on sustainability and supporting your local fishermen.” If you’re lucky, you’ll savor a bacon rib the day it was smoked on-site or lick the bowl clean of the cheddar mashed potatoes that accompany the perfectly fried Amish chicken. A real treat is dining on the front porch in North Salem, viewing their tiered garden with a cold co*cktail to wash down the thickest, clammiest chowder you’ll ever taste. Or, enjoy a full raw bar overlooking the Hudson River at their Sleepy Hollow outpost. Be sure to close out the night with their divine bread pudding and salted caramel ice cream, worth every calorie.

Bread & Brine

Hastings-on-Hudson; breadandbrinehoh.com

Next time you find yourself enjoying the majestic views from MacEachron Waterfront Park, end your relaxing day with a seafood extravaganza at Bread & Brine. There you can go old school, with a chunky lobster roll, or try an ooey-gooey lobster grilled cheese. The vibe is casual comfort food, assuming you find straight-from-the-dock seafood comforting. Not to be ignored are the sidekicks, like blistered shish*to peppers or streetwise corn on the cob rolled in pecorino with a squeeze of lime. If you come super-hungry, be sure to sample the perfect-storm basket, filled to the brim with beer-battered shrimp, fried clams, calamari, and fries. Landlubbers can join in with the signature Korean Fried chicken sandwich. Both spicy and crunchy, it’s the real deal.

Ocean House Oyster Bar and Grill

Croton-on-Hudson; oceanhouseoysterbar.com

Ocean House is a true love story between owners Brian and Paula Galvin and their affinity for each other and delectable seafood. In 2004, they resurrected the 1920s historic Bixler Diner, which, Paula says, “needed some love, and we felt the neighborhood was conducive to the kind of restaurant we wanted to do.” This haven for New England Seafood is led in the kitchen by their talented chef/owner, who is reinventing classics like a cassoulet, melding shrimp with chorizo, beans, and copious amounts of garlic, or mac ’n’ cheese dreamily made with Maine crab and a drizzle of white truffle oil. Blackboard specials include the fresh oysters of the day as well as creative apps and sumptuous desserts. An excellent way to nab a table is to call after 4:30 p.m. for a same-day reservation, or if you’re on the go, you can order the Oh2Go beach boxes, perfect when you crave the waves.

Conte’s Fish Market and Restaurant

Mount Kisco; contesfish.com

If you are looking for your seafood dinner in a restaurant not much bigger than your kitchen, with your chef selecting your piece of fish right before your eyes from a display that rivals what you might find at The New Fulton Fish Market, then look no further than this 70-year-old Mount Kisco landmark. The Conte family have been fishmongers since 1894, so they know a thing or two (million) about how to select the freshest fish. A handful of tables dot the interior of this venerable fish market, where you can sit counter-side and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfectly prepared salmon filet or Florida red snapper. Feeling steamy? Try the steamers for two or the tomatoey cioppino. This is home cooking at its best, and when you’re a guest at Conte’s, you feel as if they are cooking just for you.

WHEN YOU’RE A GUEST AT CONTE’S YOU FEEL THEY ARE COOKING JUST FOR YOU.

Related: These Restaurants Serve a Slice of Portugal in Westchester

July 18, 2022

Adobe Stock |dragonstock

Grab The Viewcohost Sunny Hostin’s new page-turner or a Pelham author’s novel about friendship, womanhood, and the way people bond.

Summer on the Bluffs

By Sunny Hostin

From cohost of the ABC Daytime showThe Viewcomes this tale of true friendship, betrayal, love, secrets, and lust — set in New York City and picturesque Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard.

In the first of her new “Summer” trilogy, Purchase resident Sunny Hostin highlights issues such as race and identity as she intricately weaves the stories of four women: elegant Amelia “Ama” Vaux Tanner, a former Wall Street titan, and her three goddaughters: Esperanza “Perry” Soto (a guarded lawyer), Olivia Jones (a rational Wall Street analyst), and Billie Hayden (a free-spirited, marine biologist).

Ama enters the girls’ lives in their preteen years, as their “fairy godmother,” inviting them every summer to the cottage she and her husband Omar Tanner built on the Bluffs. For decades, the Tanners hosted, along with the three found sisters, cultural figures, American presidents, and Wall Street giants at Chateau Laveau.

This fated summer, Ama invites each of the 20-something women to spend the season at the estate, just like they did when they were young girls. Come fall, she would bestow the home upon one of them. Each girl desperately wants to inherit the house, as to them the house is more than a dwelling: It represents a safe haven where love flourished. However, as the summer progresses, the women make new ties and sever old ones, and they discover that while they may have something of their own to hide, so does Ama. Shared secrets forever alter the understanding of history, perception of the present, and vision for the future, in this page-turner that will leave readers anticipating the next installment. —Gina Valentino

William Morrow (2021); 385 pages (hrd)

Related: These 2 Books Offer a Dose of Fiction and Reality in Westchester

Summer on Dune Road

By Rachel Cullen

It is in times of adversity that we often find our true friends. This involving novel takes that maxim to the next level by inveigling a number of clever young women in a series of hi-jinks that wind up drawing them closer together. According to Pelham-based author Rachel Cullen, her new book,Summer on Dune Road, “is women’s fiction that tells the story of three women’s perfect summer getaway in the Hamptons that doesn’t go according to plan. It devolves into a series of duplicitous roommates, dreadful blind dates, and even a blackmailing ex-boyfriend — until the unlikely trio bands together.”

The novel features the well-to-do but lonely Nora, the recently single Courtney, and the smart and spunky Megan, who hails from several of Cullen’s prior books. Cullen states that there is no need to be familiar with her previous work to enjoySummer on Dune Road. “I brought Megan back for readers of the books who have loved her in the past,” says Cullen, “But there are enough hints and information about Megan’s past that you won’t feel lost.”

Above all,Summer on Dune Roadis a story about interpersonal bonds and the complexities of contemporary womanhood. “Its about women and friendships,” says Cullen. “In general, I enjoy talking about stronger female characters, their friendship dynamic, and how romantic relationships are not everything. There are other things in life, as well, such as the importance of finding yourself. So, I would characterize it as a fun, generally light book, but one with some deep connections to the characters about how they support each other, how they are there for each other, and how they find meaning.” —Paul Adler

Lime Street Press (2022); 324 pages (pbk, Kindle)

• 914INC.

July 4, 2022

By Ken Gabrielson

Westchester is moved and shaken by its business landscape. These leaders of industry, public service, and advocacy are making the biggest ripples across the county and beyond.

By Paul Adler, Cristiana Caruso, Jessica Jafet, and Wolfrantz Xhokaxhiu

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Leonard Schleifer
Founder, President & CEO

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

In 1988, Leonard S. Schleifer, MD, PhD, founded biotech giant Regeneron and has held a position as a director and the company’s president and CEO since its inception. He graduated from Cornell University and earned his MD and PhD in pharmacology from the University of Virginia. Dr. Schleifer also served as chairman of the board for Regeneron from 1990 through 1994.

Together with business partner and scientific founder Dr. George Yancopoulos, Dr. Schleifer has grown Regeneron from a tiny, scrappy startup into a roughly $50 billion market-cap company, with a unique, science-driven culture, triumphant drug discovery and development engine, and nine FDA-approved medicines to date. The company was also one of the first to begin trials for a COVID-19 treatment drug when the pandemic broke out in the early months of 2020. Dr. Schleifer has been recognized as one of Barron’s Best CEOs and as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. A licensed physician certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Schleifer worked as a practicing neurologist before founding Regeneron. —CC

NONPROFIT — GENERAL

Anahaita Kotval
Executive Director

Lifting Up Westchester

The poor and unhoused living in Westchester County could not have a better friend or advocate than Anahaita Kotval. Since becoming the CEO of Lifting Up Westchester (LUW) in 2017, she has addressed numerous crises, including guiding the organization and the people it serves through a pandemic. On top of growing LUW’s board of directors, Kotval has built productive working relationships throughout county and city governments.

Her most recent endeavor has been refining the organization’s mission and scope of work, which in turn has inspired the board to honor her persistence by giving generously and networking on behalf of the organization. She has recruited and retained a highly competent staff, improving working conditions and staff remuneration while spearheading inspirational, goal-focused development campaigns.

Kotval is a tireless generator for good. Colleagues describe her as “brilliant,” “personable,” “determined,” and obviously passionate about Lifting Up Westchester. As CEO, she has grown the organization to reach more people affected by poverty, elevating the voice and standing of LUW both within Westchester County and Albany. She generously gives her time and expertise to other nonprofit and volunteer organizations. —CC

NONPROFIT — HEALTHCARE

Michael Israel
President & CEO

WMCHealth

Innovation is a way of life for Michael Israel. As president and CEO of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), pioneering cutting-edge solutions for his network of hospitals is all in a day’s work. Israel has overseen the creation of the medical group’s virtual-medicine program, which works to provide care for patients in desperate need of remote options during a lengthy pandemic. In addition, Israel also spearheaded WMCHealth’s rollout of one of the country’s first post-COVID recovery programs and helped coordinate the distribution of more than 2.5 million doses to area vaccine sites. Made up of 10 Hudson Valley hospitals, WMCHealth benefits each day from Israel’s calm, confident, and forward-thinking leadership. —PA

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Alan Weissman
President

Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC

Since 1992, Alan Weissman has been helping to grow and manage the assets of Alfred Weissman Real Estate LLC, a company that provides services in areas such as commercial real estate investment and asset management and development.

Weissman leads a dynamic team that oversees a portfolio of hotels, office buildings, retail and industrial properties, and student housing — including the Hampton Inn & Suites in Yonkers, Heritage Resort & Conference Center in Southbury, CT, and the luxe St. Regis Residences, Rye.

The real estate attorney is a graduate of Colgate University, received his law degree from Hofstra University, and studied economics at Cambridge University. Beyond his interests in real estate, the Westchester resident has served on the board of directors of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce, Westchester Land Trust, the Community Planning Council, the Yonkers Library Foundation, and the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester (now the Leffell School). He is currently a board member of the Center for Entrepreneurial Jewish Philanthropy and Homrun Group, which helps Israeli companies sell innovative products abroad. —JJ

NONPROFIT – HEALTHCARE

Susan Fox
President & CEO

White Plains Hospital

Changing the face of healthcare in the county is no simple task, but Susan Fox makes it look easy. As president & CEO of White Plains Hospital, Fox has transformed her organization into a formidable force in regional healthcare by recruiting top clinical and administrative talent and forging strategic partnerships while making sure WPH is at the forefront of medical advancements. After joining the hospital in 2010 as senior VP of administration, Fox ascended to president in 2013 and CEO in 2015. Additionally, Fox is a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine and serves as a chairperson on the Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association’s board of directors. She also serves as the chair of the Westchester County Association (WCA) and the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board, in addition to serving on the board of the Healthcare Association of New York State and the Columbia University School of Nursing Board of Visitors. —PA

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Louis R. Cappelli
CEO

LRC Construction

For Louis R. Cappelli, the recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award this year, revitalization of the county he calls home is more than a business venture; it is a mission. As CEO and chairman of LRC Construction and Fuller Development Company, Cappelli has spearheaded the revitalization of several local downtown districts, including that of New Rochelle, White Plains, and Stamford. Cappelli has also pioneered the construction of White Plains’ City Center, Atlantic Station in Stamford, New Rochelle’s New Roc City and Trump Plaza, as well as the former Ritz-Carlton Westchester (now The Opus Westchester). In addition, the hardworking University of Notre Dame graduate is the founder of the Cappelli Organization, which has emerged as a leader in construction and real estate development in the Northeast. Cappelli has also striven to be a positive influence in his community by establishing the Louis R. Cappelli Foundation, which has provided millions of dollars in grants to organizations involved in education and social services. —PA

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Tim Jones
CEO

Robert Martin Company, LLC

The past couple of years have been challenging for many industries, including real estate. Tim Jones, the CEO of Robert Martin Company, has been riding the storm by continuing to execute the real estate company’s investment and growth strategy while overseeing the management of its existing assets. For 65 years, the company has been acquiring, developing, and managing land and commercial properties throughout the Tristate area and in Florida. The firm’s current portfolio has more than six million square feet of properties and 200 acres of developable land.

Jones, along with company president Greg Berger, has successfully led RMC, which is now regarded as a pioneer in the development of executive office parks across Westchester and Fairfield counties. The CEO earned his undergraduate degree at Yale University and received an MBA from Columbia University. In 2004, he returned to Robert Martin Company after having served as president of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation. Since that time, RMC has invested in transactions with a retail value in excess of $2 billion.

A resident of Rye, Jones currently serves as vice chair of economic development for the Business Council of Westchester and as first VP of the board of trustees at the Windward School in White Plains. —JJ

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Scott D. Hayworth
CEO

CareMount Health Solutions and Optum Tri-State

Guiding the organization through a nearly 15-fold expansion, Dr. Scott D. Hayworth has been at the helm of CareMount Medical Group for more than 20 years and continues his dedication to improving the organization’s patient experience. He joined in 1988 as an OB-GYN and has served as CEO since 1996.

In 2020, CareMount Medical Group (formerly Mount Kisco Medical Group) became part of Optum Care’s nationwide network, with Dr. Hayworth taking the helm of the Optum Tri-State Region, a merged entity serving 1.6 million patients across 630 locations. With consummate expertise in practice administration and multispecialty group management, along with invaluable know-how in adapting to the rapidly evolving healthcare environment, Dr. Hayworth now leads the largest independent multispecialty medical group in New York State. He has guided the establishment of relationships between CareMount and several important affiliates and partners, such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Northwell Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and nine regional hospitals.

A resident of Bedford, Dr. Hayward received a degree in biology from Princeton University before attending Cornell University Medical College. —JJ

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Michael Miebach
CEO

Mastercard

Michael Miebach is always pushing toward a brighter future. As CEO of Mastercard, Miebach has steadily guided the Purchase-based company from a consumer-card-centric business to a highly diversified payment platform, bolstering areas like open banking, digital identity, and real-time payments. Miebach has also pioneered several major acquisitions, including that of Finicity, Ekata, Vocalink, and Ciphertract. A company employee for more than 12 years, Miebach is also a member of Fannie Mae’s digital advisory council, as well as of the Accion board of directors, which works to aid two billion adults worldwide who lack access to financial services. Miebach also sits on the board of directors for the Metropolitan Opera; is a member of The Business Council, The Business Roundtable, and The International Business Council of the World Economic Forum; he is a board member at large for Ronald McDonald House New York. —PA

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Patrick Decker
President & CEO

Xylem, Inc.

With its global HQ in Rye Brook, Xylem, Inc. does business in more than 150 countries and is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and application of highly engineered technologies for the water industry. The firm’s mission is to find innovative solutions to meet the world’s water, wastewater, and energy needs while promoting environmental sustainability. President and CEO Patrick Decker has been at the helm since 2014 and serves as a board director.

Under Decker’s leadership, Xylem has expanded its portfolio after completing multiple acquisitions of smart-water infrastructure solutions and advanced data analytics capabilities.

Decker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance from Indiana University and serves on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Executive Council on Infrastructure, the Infrastructure Committee for the U.S. Business Roundtable, and the advisory council for the Dean of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, among other organizations. —JJ

GOVERNMENT

George Latimer
County Executive

Westchester County

George Latimer’s status as a native Westchesterite certainly pays dividends when it comes to successfully navigating his high-stress, multifaceted job as county executive. “Each day, when I walk through the doors of the Michaelian Office Building, I am reminded of the many tasks at hand,” says Latimer, who after a successful marketing career made the leap to public service. From his start on the Rye City Council, in 1987, to what is now his second term as county exec, Latimer has had an essential role in moving Westchester forward — even during the darkest of times. “I know we have made much progress over the years. Our county population hit over one million people; we’ve made significant infrastructure improvements to county parks and facilities, like Sprain Ridge Pool, the Miller House, and Playland; we’ve signed landmark legislation to combat hate crimes, help workers and women, protect members of the LGBTQ community, and create a language access program; and we created a memorial site for first responders that will be visited by generations to come. But I also know that our work here is not yet done.” Widely regarded for his bipartisanship, Latimer has worked with politicians from both sides of the aisle on groundbreaking legislation. He continues to lead Westchester into a new era of rebuilding, growth, and working toward the common goal of making life in Westchester better for all residents. —CC

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Ramon Laguarta
CEO

PepsiCo

Ramon Laguarta is a change-maker. A Barcelona native, Laguarta is a 25-year veteran of PepsiCo and was named CEO in 2018 and chairman of the board a year later. As CEO of PepsiCo, Laguarta has helped the company generate $79 billion in new revenue in 2021 alone and has pivoted PepsiCo toward building more sustainable food systems and mitigating the impacts of climate change with his Beyond the Bottle strategy, which focuses on developing sustainable packaging and practices.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Laguarta served as president of PepsiCo and as CEO of a company sector formerly known as Europe Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA). Laguarta also fills his schedule as a board member and director of Visa Inc. and serves as the co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s board of stewards for its Food Systems Initiative. —PA

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Joe Pepe
CEO

Pepe Auto Group

Joe Pepe is dedicated to carrying on his family’s legacy in Westchester County. Coming from a long line of businessmen (his grandfather owned a construction company and his father, Gene, started Pepe Auto Group), Pepe considers it imperative that his family name is synonymous with integrity. “I think it’s important to have a great reputation — not just good, but a great reputation in the place that you live,” he says. Growing up in the business, Pepe spent his summers as a child working and learning under his father until 1991, when he opened the family’s Infiniti dealership as general manager. In 1998, he transferred over to Mercedes-Benz of White Plains before becoming chief operating officer in 2011. In 2019, the responsibility of the entire operation shifted to Pepe in his new role as CEO. For Pepe, providing optimal customer service is the most rewarding part of the job. “This whole business is all about making sure our customers are comfortable and happy.” —CC

NONPROFIT — GENERAL

Joanne Dunn
Executive Director

Youth Shelter Program of Westchester

It takes a special soul to work as the executive director of a community not-for-profit. Joanne Dunn exemplifies that level of dedication, drive, and leadership, particularly when tasked with successfully navigating the difficulties faced during COVID-19. Dunn has not missed a beat, nor has she left any stone unturned in her fearless pursuit of securing unprecedented funding, expanding services for youth, and leading the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester in the purchase of a second facility. This past year, while many executives hunkered down by teleworking at home, Dunn spent many hours on-site at her facility, which serves as an alternative to incarceration for young men ages 16 to 21. A visionary for a better future, Dunn has also created the YouthCred Initiative, where young men are trained to serve as role models and facilitate discussions with other youth in danger of entering the juvenile justice system. Dunn’s work in the county is never done, as she has also expanded the organization’s visibility and partnership with the court system in Mount Vernon and collaborated with the Westchester DA’s office and the Westchester Youth Bureau on restorative justice programs and youth workforce development initiatives. —CC

NONPROFIT — GENERAL

Richard Nightingale
President & CEO

Westhab

Serving as Westhab’s president and CEO since 2014, Richard Nightingale has been at the forefront of advocating affordable housing and resources for underprivileged communities in Westchester County. He first discovered Westhab as a college intern at the Coachman Family Center 20 years ago. He fell in love with the organization and its mission of building communities and changing lives, officially joining Westhab in 2001. His early years on Westhab’s front lines led him to further pursue his passion for social justice and leading the charge to change lives with the advocacy organization. Nightingale also serves as the vice president of the board of directors of Nonprofit Westchester and serves on the College Council of SUNY Purchase. —CC

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Glenn Pacchiana
CEO

Thalle Industries

Construction is a family affair for Thalle Industries CEO Glenn Pacchiana. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him, learning every nook and cranny of the business as a Thalle employee for more than 30 years. As CEO, Pacchiana works hard to build his business while protecting the environment. Pacchiana has championed environmentally friendly policies at Thalle, including the construction of one of New York State’s first green quarries, in Fishkill, planting trees alongside the mining process. He also oversaw the establishment of the Elmsford Virtual Quarry. Pacchiana and his company were honored by the NY League of Conservation Voters for their environmental work — the first time the advocacy organization had ever conferred that honor to someone in the mining-and-construction industry. Pacchiana is also the recipient of the “Best Green Friend Award” by the Friends of Westchester County Parks. —PA

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Arvind Krishna
Chairman & CEO

IBM

Innovation is the name of the game for Arvind Krishna. As chairman and CEO of IBM, Krishna has navigated the Armonk-based business toward cutting-edge markets, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing.

A 30-year veteran of Big Blue, Krishna previously served as the company’s senior vice president of Cloud and Cognitive Software; he also headed the research division, where he pioneered work on emerging technologies. Krishna was selected by Wired as “one of 25 geniuses who are creating the future of business” for his work on blockchain.

Recently, Krishna headed the $34 billion purchase of Red Hat, IBM’s largest company acquisition ever. Krishna has served as both CEO of IBM and a member of its board of directors since April 2020. He was elected chairman of the board the following December. —PA

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Maggie Timoney
CEO

Heineken USA

There is more to Maggie Timoney than being the first-ever female CEO of Heineken USA. Hailing from County Mayo, Ireland, Timoney helped auction cattle and sheep when she was fresh out of high school. This experience led her to recognize the intrinsic value each person brings to a company, setting her down a path of astonishing success. Kicking off her career with Heineken in 1998, Timoney worked as a national sales planning manager before transferring to the Netherlands in 2001. In 2010, she returned to Heineken USA as senior vice president of human resources before taking up the helm of Heineken Ireland as CEO, smashing previous benchmarks of volume, revenue, market targets, and profit. She was named CEO of Heineken USA in 2018. Westchester has a special place in Timoney’s heart: She is a graduate of Iona College, where she received both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees. —CC

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Elizabeth Nunan
President & CEO

Houlihan Lawrence

Elizabeth Nunan is the president and CEO of Houlihan Lawrence, the top real estate brokerage serving New York City’s northern and eastern suburbs. As a licensed Realtor, Nunan has been on the board of directors of the National Association of Realtors since 2006 and served on the board of directors of the Hudson Gateway MLS from 2014 to 2017. In 2018, Nunan was appointed chief operating officer, empowering her to oversee all core functions of Houlihan Lawrence’s business and set a strategic plan for growing both agent and company productivity. Bringing significant experience to the role, Nunan’s unique perspective — a fusion of knowledge between brokerage management and operations — has enabled her to competently manage all aspects of Houlihan Lawrence’s operations, including the company’s residential and commercial brokerage divisions, comprising 32 offices and 1,450 agents.

Promoted to president and CEO in 2019, Nunan is the driving force that shapes Houlihan Lawrence’s strategy and operations. While focusing on growth, this CEO has maintained the fundamental values of her company by exceeding the expectations of both buyers and sellers. —WX

EDUCATION

Dr. Belinda Miles
President

Westchester Community College

For Dr. Belinda S. Miles, serving as president of the largest college in Westchester is as notable as it is trailblazing. Under Dr. Miles’ guidance since her arrival in 2015, the college educates and trains more than 26,000 students in credit and noncredit programs annually and is the State University of New York system’s first Hispanic Serving Institution. In her tenure, Miles has galvanized multiple teams to realign college structures, policies, and procedures to reflect an agile organization committed to more directed and supportive pathways for students. These reworkings have contributed to a 42% increase in Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) graduation rates; up to 20% more college readiness; and an 11% increase in retention for First-Year Experience cohorts. In tandem with her role as president, Miles also serves on several boards focused on workforce development, expanding mobility, and the impact of technology on the future of work. —CC

FOR-PROFIT COMPANIES

Robert Weisz
President

RPW Group

After moving to the United States from Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1977, Robert Weisz dove into a career in the furniture industry. Just two years later, Weisz bought his first warehouse, using it as the base of his furniture company. For many people, a successful launch into a desired career in such a short time would have been enough. But not for Weisz, who was intent on founding a commercial real estate business as well. By 1980, that aspiration had become a reality. Since then, Weisz has served as president and CEO of RPW Group, Inc. The company has seen tremendous growth since its nascency in the ’80s, in no small part to Weisz’s leadership, his team’s consistent dedication, and the rigorous integrity and customer-service model at the heart of RPW Group. Due to his stellar success, Weisz has become a highly sought-after expert and lecturer in commercial real estate and was awarded an honorary doctorate in commercial sciences by Mercy College in 2014. —WX

Related: These Wunderkinds Are Changing Westchester’s Business Scene in 2022

• Archive
• Restaurants

June 24, 2022

Adobe Stock /pavel siamionov

Can you guess which Westchester barEsquireranked among the top 25 best bars in America in 2022? Hint: It’s in Hastings-on-Hudson.

By Molly Khabie and Sabrina Sucato

Are you a foodie looking for a fun night out? According toEsquire, if a co*cktail and an elegant vibe is your idea of a good time, then Westchester — and one Westchester bar in particular — is the place to be.

In Esquire’s ranking of “The Best Bars in America” for 2022, it named Boro6 Wine Bar in Hastings-on-Hudson as one of its picks. Among the thriving nightlife in cities like Austin, Chicago, and Los Angeles, the Westchester County wine bar was reputed for feeling like an “extension of New York City.” (As the bar’s name suggests, Westchester is the unofficial sixth borough after all.)

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So what makes Boro6 the place to be? If you are tired of the usual bar food, this is the spot for you. As indicated in its name, Boro6 is not only praised for its location, but also for its hospitality and Mediterranean-leaning menu. Distinctively, Boro6 provides “Mediterranean small plates” as opposed to “stale co*cktail peanuts and a river of train-station G&Ts,”Esquirenotes.

Once seated at Boro6, it’s hard to leave the U-shaped marble bar and the large picture windows that overlook Warburton Avenue. The wine bar is only a five-minute walk from the Hastings-on-Hudson train station, which means it’s an excellent pick for after-work happy hours (or, you know, brunch on the weekends, because that’s a thing, too) in Westchester.

Related: Here’s How to Spend a Perfect Saturday in Hastings-on-Hudson

While the impressive co*cktail menu, which includes libations such as the expertly executed blush pink Cosmopolitan co*cktail and a selection of approximately 40 elegant wines, is hard to miss, don’t overlook the bar’s flavorful fare. The menu includes a showstopper of a burger which boasts a blend of house-ground chuck, brisket, and fine prosciutto that’s dressed with grilled onion, maitake mushrooms, and mustard aioli. Of course, if you prefer a good cheese and charcuterie spread or a simple sandwich and salad, Boro6 has that as well.

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The only thing better than the top-tier food and drinks is the hospitable atmosphere created by owners Paul Molakides and Jennifer Aaronson. Stemming from a concept that was born abroad, Boro6 was created “in the spirit of a European taverna” to which the owners were repeatedly drawn. The Boro6 website highlights the “combination of wines, small plates, and artisanal meats and cheeses” that are served in “intimate comfort” welcoming each and every guest.

So, text your friends, bring your appetite, and head over to Boro6 Wine Bar to discover the truth behind the hype in Hastings-on-Hudson.

• Archive
• Health

May 26, 2022

• Archive

May 26, 2022

adobe stock//luckybusiness

Who doesn’t love a food truck? Here’s a yummy roundup of mobile kitchens where you meet the chefs, enjoy affordable and unique food concepts, and have four-wheeled fun.

By Michelle Gillan Larkin and Duke Ratliff, with additional reporting by Lindsey Smith

– Sandwiches –

Walter’s Hot Dogs

Year (Truck) Founded: 2015
Signature Item: Hot Dogs
Location: Private events, weddings, festivals
Contact: truck@waltershotdogs.com

The Walter’s Hot Dogs truck creates community wherever it goes, with more than 100 years of tradition reflecting its iconic home base — a copper-topped pagoda in Mamaroneck. Of course, it’s known for beef-pork-veal-blend dogs topped with house-made mustard, but don’t miss the potato puffs, funnel cakes, and floats, made with house-made vanilla ice cream.

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The Bus at Salinger’s Orchards

Year Founded: 2020
Location: Salinger’s Orchard, Brewster
Signature Item: Sandwiches
Contact: www.toasttab.com/thebusatsalingers

Well-known Westchester chef David DiBari defied trends by actually opening a food business during the pandemic. He describes his food offerings — served from a stationary antique bus — as “fun, exciting, and cool.” And who would argue with sandwiches such as fried chicken with chili honey and porchetta with Salinger’s apple mustard?

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Road Grub Mobile

Year Founded:2012
Signature Items:Philly cheesesteak, lobster roll (seasonal)
Location:Public events (check their Instagram and Facebook for information) and private events
Contact:events@roadgrubmobile.com

Nine years ago, owner Alix Lajoie decided he’d had enough of restaurant work, after nearly two decades in the industry. He knew he’d rather be his own boss and opened a food truck serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and cheesesteaks. Whether you see him at private events or at his regular spot in Pound Ridge, don’t dare ask for French fries — Lajoie is a wizard with tater tots, offering five versions.

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Westchester Burger Co.

Year (Truck) Founded: 2018
Signature Item: Original WBC Burger
Location: Events
Contact: info@westchesterburger.com

With its former brick and mortars now closed, Westchester Burger Co. takes its award-winning specialty burgers on the road to private events. Since the pandemic, the company has been doing five-course dinners for small parties, as well as at neighborhood pop-ups and charity events.

Crafty ‘Cue BBQ

Year Founded:2017
Signature Item:North Carolina Pulled Pork
Location:By reservation and check their Instagram for updates on public events
Contact:craftycuebbq@gmail.com; 914.266.2426

Lifelong Mount Kisco resident Tim Bucolo did a stint in North Carolina, which left an indelible mark on his palate. Eventually, his Southern-food experience led to the Crafty ’Cue BBQ truck, featuring a broad menu based on the notion that “barbecue is super regional.” He explains: “North Carolina likes its pork and its vinegar-based barbecue sauces,” which are celebrated in his top-selling cherrywood-smoked North Carolina pulled-pork sammie. “Texas likes beef with just salt, pepper, and smoke”; hence, the popular brisket grilled cheese.

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Put Some Meat On Your Bones

Year Founded: 2014
Signature Item: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Location: Jefferson Valley Mall, Yorktown
Contact: lylepuente@optonline.net

Owner Lyle Puente serves up buttery, crispy, grilled cheese sandwiches of all kinds six days a week (closed Mondays), including jerk chicken, barbecue chicken, (and specials such as) smoked salmon, and muenster.

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Top 6 Fave Food-Truck Orders

Margherita

Pizza Vitale

Starting with a chewy, blistered crust made from Mulino Caputo flour from Naples and featuring tomatoes from the Sarno Valley, the Margherita screams of Italian authenticity and goodness.

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Jerk Chicken Grilled Cheese

Put Some Meat on Your Bones

Owner Lyle Puente fed himself through college with inexpensive grilled cheese sandwiches, and he’s perfected melty goodness with this Jamaican-inspired favorite.

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Lobster Roll (Seasonal)

Road Grub Mobile

The warmer temps bring blooming flowers, lazy beach days, and Road Grub’s buttery, flavorsome lobster roll.

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Eggplant Sandwiches

The Bus at Salinger’s Orchard

Featuring two crispy eggplant patties, lemon chili aioli, lettuce, and tomato, this well-sized sandwich is an instant classic. Pair with a side of beef-fat potato wedges, and the drive to Brewster becomes a full-on foodie adventure.

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Beef Gyro

Gyro Uno Food Truck

The authentic, fire-roasted, seasoned beef gyro from Mishel and Matt Spiri of Ossining “starts out in the traditional Greek way, reminiscent of what it should be, but we take it to the next level with potent and bold favors.” Piled into a warm pita are lettuce, tomatoes, thin-sliced red onion, and homemade tzatziki.

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White Beater

Abeetz

This pie reflects how Dave D’Amico takes the ordinary to another level, with goat cheese and spicy honey.

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– Global Grub –

Crafty Frites

Year Founded: 2019
Signature Item: Fries With Rooster Sauce
Location: By reservation
Contact: www.craftycuebbq.com/crafty-frites

From the cooks behind Crafty ’Cue BBQ (page 96), this artfully decorated trailer peddles gourmet French fries that share the spotlight with inventive, house-made sauces and toppings that transform the all-American side dish into an unforgettable main course. Skin-on and hand-cut, these golden beauties come in a cone with a built-in container for dips like the Rooster: a spicy Asian mayo with chopped chilis for texture.

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Crazy Taco-Mex

Year founded:2014
Signature Item:Tacos
Location: Check Facebook or call for location updates
Contact:914.565.6577

Led by at team boasting over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Crazy Taco-Mex dishes up a taste of Mexican cuisine throughout Westchester County and Connecticut. Mouths will water over the tempting carne asada tacos and carnitas quesadillas, not to mention the barbecue brisket burrito, the latter which is (unsurprisingly) one of Crazy Taco-Mex’s best-sellers.

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Wanna Empanada

Year founded:2020
Signature Item:Mac Daddy
Location:By reservation; Check their website for public events
Contact:wannaempanada@gmail.com

Combine a girl from the Dominican Republic, a husband who longed for a food truck, and his Italian mother, who rarely leaves the kitchen, and the result is more than 60 varieties of empanadas. “Everything we cook can go in an empanada,” says co-owner Kenelyn Gioio of Ossining. Imaginative fillings include sausage, broccoli rabe, and mozzarella; shrimp scampi; cookie dough; and the standout Mac Daddy, with, yup… special sauce.

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Leila’s Crepe Station

Year Founded: 2018
Signature Item: Nutella with Strawberries & Bananas
Location: By reservation; Hastings and Irvington Farmers’ Markets every other weekend
Contact: www.leilascrepestation.com

At home in a kitchen since she was a kid, Leila Zambrano started creating crêpes to satisfy her hubby’s passion for paper-thin Parisian pancakes and today offers a “locally sourced and crafted with love” array of sweet and savories, like the Very Berry (sweet cream cheese, fresh raspberry sauce, berries, shaved almonds); the BLT (crispy bacon, fresh spinach leaves and tomato, avocado, and house-made spicy mayo); and anything with Nutella.

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Superlicious Food Truck

Year Founded: 2016
Signature Item: Burgers & Fries With Irish fair
Location: By reservation.
Contact: www.superliciousnyc@gmail.com; 914.374.5096

Yonkers transplants Maggie Barrett and Yvonne O’Regan bring the classic favors of their native Ireland to the States by way of house-made Jameson-infused bacon relish and Guinness gravy atop juicy burgers on brioche buns. Their loaded, hand-cut fries also hit the high notes, blanketed with taco beef in an Irish-cheddar pink sauce or a garlic-mayo cheese sauce, “very popular in Ireland,” says Barrett.

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Year Founded: 2014
Signature Item: Neapolitan Pizza
Location: Saturdays at Bronxville Farmers’ Market; Thursdays at Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck
Contact: pizzavitale@gmail.com

“My menu is small,” says Pizza Vitale owner Francesco Vitale. “I prefer to do one thing and do it well.” Vitale’s pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven shipped from Napoli, feature tomatoes from Vitali’s hometown of Nocera Superiore in Campania, Italy.

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Doughnation

Year Founded: 2011
Signature Item: Margherita Pizza
Location: Sundays at Irvington Farmers Market; private events
Contact: party@doughnationpizza.com

Nine hundred degrees is the temperature the wood-fired pizza oven achieves to create perfect Neapolitan style, puffy-dough-type pies. Chef David DiBari’s DoughNation creates a fiery spectacle everywhere it goes. Pies include lemon, smoked scamorza, garlic, and chili; Brussels sprouts, bacon, stracchino, and Parmesan; and classic Margherita. DoughNation’s motto: “You book it; we’ll bake it.”

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Abeetz

Year Founded: 2017
Signature Item: White Pizza
Location: Private events
Contact: info@abeetzny.com

Named after his Sicilian grandparents’ pronunciation ofpizza, Abeetz fires up its gold-tiled wood-and-gas pizza oven (imported from Italy) to create a roster of fun and creative pies, including the Bae, with bacon, egg, and cheese, and the Sawzeech, featuring sweet sausage, pickled chiles, and cheese. They also make cinnamon rolls from pizza dough.

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– Ice Cream & Dessert –

Bona Bona Ice Cream

Year (Truck) Founded: 2015
Signature: Toasted Italian Meringue Topper
Location: By reservation
Contact: www.bonabonaicecream.com/catering

He competes on the Food Network (he won on Chopped) and owns a successful ice cream shop in Port Chester, but Nick DiBona says putting two ice cream trucks on the road is “one of the best things I’ve ever done. Trucks are awesome.” Known for topping cones of his handcrafted, all-natural, gourmet ice cream with toasted Italian meringue, “blow-torched right in front of you on the truck,” DiBona’s standout favors include Italian rainbow cookie and the bright-green mint chip, derived from fresh-picked mint.

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Jimmy’s Soft Serve

Year Founded: 2008
Signature Item: Vanilla & Chocolate Ice Cream
Location: By reservation
Contact: 914.703.1056

When you grow up in a family of restaurateurs and study the culinary arts, the idea of rolling around in an ice cream truck doesn’t seem all that likely, yet it “just popped into our heads,” says Jimmy Annicharico. He and wife Amy, both lifelong Rivertowns residents, swirl creamy, high-quality vanilla and chocolate soft serve with a choice of 50 toppings, from Oreos, peanut butter cups, and cookie dough to Pop Rocks and cereal. (Extra scoop: Hawaiian shaved ice is a hit with dairy-free indulgers.)

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Kisco Sweets & Treats

Year Founded: 2019
Signature Item: Spumoni Italian Ice
Location: By reservation
Contact: danuz2516@aol.com; 914.227.1181

Dad-buddies from the ballfields of Northern Westchester, shoe-repair-shop owner Raffaele Nuzzi teamed up with Anthony Sinapi (Sinapi’s Pizza Rustica, Bedford Hills) to scoop the restaurateur’s locally famous Italian ice out of a truck. “It’s great on the palate; it’s pleasing; it’s perfect,” says Nuzzi. Kids go for rainbow, but don’t miss the tricolor spumoni: vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio. In addition, a snow-cone machine churns out sweet and fun shaved ice.

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Longford’s Mobile Scoop Shop

Year Founded: 2015
Signature Item: Cookie Monster
Location: By reservation
Contact: longfordsmobile@aol.com; 914.804.6969

By day, Bobby Vita is a Port Chester public-works employee, but when his phone dings, he hits the road in his converted FedEx truck to deliver handmade, small-batch premium ice cream from this Sound Shore institution, owned by his sister. A dozen favors and two dairy-free sorbets are always aboard, with the tongue-staining blue Cookie Monster a kid fave; there’s coffee for their folks. Vita was born a brownies-and-cookies guy, so “I don’t eat the profits,” he laughs. “But I stand by this product, and I sneak a little from time to time.”

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Waffle Box

Year Founded: 2015
Signature Item: Loaded Nutella
Location: By reservation
Contact: waffleboxtruck@gmail.com

A plumber by trade, lifelong Yonkers resident Jeremy Sanz saw a need for a dessert truck in Westchester — and “who doesn’t like waffles?” But Sanz doesn’t bake typical Brussels-based Belgians: His dimpled darlings are authentic pearl-sugar waffles fashioned from brioche-like dough he imports from the city of Liège. Sweet treats, like the loaded Nutella with fresh fruit and whipped cream, stop traffic, but handheld chicken-and-waffle sammies satisfy, too.

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The Transformation of a Food Truck

Nate Perry of Dobbs Ferry and Charlie Fleisher of Manhattan, friends who met attending Whitman College, in Washington State, bought a breakfast-sandwich truck on www.usedvending.com in December 2020 for $70,000. They transformed the vehicle into Hand Held Kitchen.

Fryer

The left-side interior has all the truck’s appliances (save the fridge, which is on the front right side), starting with a fryer for crispy batches of fries.

Stove, Oven, Salamander Broiler

A six-burner stove with oven below and salamander broiler above. The latter has higher heat capabilities versus broilers located inside ovens. Salamanders are also convenient in a tight cookspace environment, since they allow broiling/finishing without taking up valuable oven space.

Grill

The flattop grill is 4-feet-wide by two-feet-deep and located across from the service window, so customers can see the chef in action.

Prep Station

The lowboy appliance duals as cold storage and sandwich prep.

Steamtable

A steamtable with storage under and above.

Hood Vent

This vent atop the truck filters out smoke, grease, and heat from the grill, stovetop, and fryer.

Graphics

A vinyl wrap from massive printers was glued to the exterior of the truck by KNAM Media in Brooklyn.

Propane Tank

Hidden away at the rear of the truck, propane tanks fuel the appliances.

Related: 7 Westchester Food Trucks You Need to Hunt Down Right Now

• Travel

May 25, 2022

Views of the Northern Lights above Hotel Rangá. Photo Courtesy of Hotel Rangá.

Want to plan an unforgettable vacation? These destinations dazzle with singular views, dreamy surrounds, and adventuresome exploration.

By Samantha Garbarini, Leslie Long, and Dave Zucker

Sorrento, Italy

The jumping-off point for the Amalfi Coast, the lemon-scented town is the gateway to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

From its location atop a cliff that drops straight down to the harbor, Sorrento’s elegant Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria (from $860; excelsiorvittoria.com/index.html) has a spectacular view. At golden hour, the variegated blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea turn a dreamy color as boats shuttle into port. The silhouette of Mount Vesuvius looms in the distance, but the tony guests sipping craft co*cktails on the hotel’s expansive terrace hardly seem to notice.

The hotel comprises three 19th-century buildings surrounded by lush gardens that conceal a Champagne bar, sleek pool, and restaurant serving perfect Neapolitan pizzas. (There’s also Michelin-starred fine dining on-site.) Beyond, the gates open onto Sorrento’s busy main square, where crowded lanes sell every type liqueur, soap, and souvenir made from the region’s famed lemons.

Sorrento is a popular home base for those visiting Italy’s adored Amalfi Coast. From the harbor, ships ferry visitors to the celeb-favorite isle of Capri and beyond. After perusing the many boutiques and lemon groves in town (and perhaps stopping for gelato at artisan Raki), any itinerary here requires getting out on the water. Access Italy (accessitaly.net) plans bespoke trips along the coast (and throughout the country) for high-profile clients, like Oprah and the Obamas. Charter a private cruise to have lunch at one of Nerano’s famed seafood spots and spend a few hours on the rocky beach at Positano — all with unscheduled stops en route to cool off with a dip in the sea. When you’ve had your fill of sunbathing, there’s more to discover. Day-trip to historic Naples and Pompeii; hike the Sorrentine Peninsula; go wine tasting on the slopes of Vesuvius; or find time to embrace the Italian ethos il dolce far niente, “the sweetness of doing nothing.”

Greenough, Montana

This 37,000-acre resort and working cattle ranch showcases exactly why Montana is called “Big Sky Country.”

If the great outdoors is what you’re after, The Resort at Paws Up (from $2,790 for a 4-night minimum stay; pawsup.com) has got it in spades, with unobstructed views of open landscape and purple mountains’ majesty in the distance in practically every direction.

The resort takes a luxury glamping approach to wilderness living, offering family-sized, heated, multiple-bedroom “tents” at campsites throughout a property roughly three times the size of Manhattan, each with its own lodge for recreation and dining (don’t worry, you can book waitstaff). If that’s still a bit too rustic for you, guests can opt for a “wilderness estate,” a furnished three-bedroom cabin complete with chef’s kitchen, full laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a courtesy vehicle to get around the massive resort. Opened in the summer of 2020, The Green O ramps the glamping angle up to an 11, with private two-person homes sporting modern architecture set amid a canopy of old-growth pines and a personal Lexus to get you to and from a private restaurant and your vacation activities.

Paws Up is a fully functional dude ranch, offering city-slicker guests a chance to meet herds of cattle and even bison on a cattle drive, ride horseback through miles of easy trails and across icy streams. Learn to shoot skeet at the resort’s dedicated firing range or take up archery, take a personal tour of the lands by ATV or electric bike, or hit the river for whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, boating, or a cookout on your own private island.

Recreate 18th-century explorer Meriweather Lewis’ legendary scaling of Sentinel Rock by rappelling down the very same iconic lookout. Later, refuel with a five-star dinner at the resort’s fine-dining affair, Pomp, and discover the freshest, richest bison steak available. Pretty soon, you may start thinking that Yellowstone’s John Dutton ain’t got nothin’ on you.

Hella, Iceland

For outdoor adventurers, this pastoral inn is the spot to take in Iceland’s otherworldly surroundings.

In the small town of Hella (HET-la), centrally located along Iceland’s southern coast, the Hotel Rangá (from $860; hotelranga.is) is a hub for explorers of a veritable greatest-hits list of the country’s most famous attractions. Less than 60 miles southeast of Reykjavík, hit up the Blue Lagoon on your way from the airport, then book a tour with South Coast Adventures to explore the glacial Katla Ice Caves, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, or the natural hot springs of the Landmannalaugar highlands.

More adventurous travelers will absolutely want to pilot a dune buggy through the volcanic lava fields of Hvolsvöllur, ride horseback through the hills at Icelandic Horseworld in Skeiðvellir, and hike the erupting Geldingadalir volcano outside of Reyjanes.

For a more relaxing experience, the south coast is home to dozens of breathtaking waterfalls that can be enjoyed from a distance or up close and personal. (We highly recommend refilling your water bottle — you’ll never find a purer source!)

The Caves of Hella, just minutes from the hotel, are a thousand-year-old, man-made wonder not to be missed. Also be sure to put in an “aurora wake-up call” to be notified of any northern lights activity, which can be viewed from the hotel’s small observatory. And if anyone offers you a taste of Björk (the birch liqueur, not the singer), take it. If they offer you fermented shark fin, don’t.

Guests can take in the rustic inn from their personal patios or balconies, or luxuriate in one of the hotel’s seven continent-themed deluxe suites before heading inside for co*cktails — featuring an array of local spirits — and a sumptuous fine-dining supper showcasing Icelandic delicacies, like lamb, herring, and even reindeer carpaccio.

County Donegal, Ireland

Walk on the Emerald Isle’s wild side, in one of its most dramatic, least-discovered corners.

Rainbows are a common occurrence in Donegal. The famously unpredictable Irish weather changes quickly, and when the clouds break, the colors arch over the dramatic landscape of overgrown moors, fishing villages, sheep farms, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline. Yet, this region is remarkably undiscovered. Ireland saw 11.3 million visitors in 2019, but only a tiny fraction of those visited County Donegal, along the country’s wild northwest coast. (About three hours from Dublin or two hours from Belfast, you’ll need a car to get there.)

The natural beauty of the region is the big draw — and the best way to see it is with a local. Michael and Marie Gallagher (toursdonegal.ie) chauffeur visitors through the countryside on private tours, stopping to see the fishing boats at the port of Killybegs and the scenic viewpoints overlooking beaches that draw surfers in summer. The culmination of any tour is Slieve League, Europe’s tallest sea cliffs, where you can hike along One Man’s Pass, perched on a narrow ridge above the green slopes and craggy coast. Every bit as beautiful as the more-famous Cliffs of Moher, they’re significantly less crowded. In shoulder season, it’s not impossible to find yourself alone on one of the bluffs.

Set on 43 acres, Lough Eske Castle (from $364; lougheskecastlehotel.com) is the place to pamper yourself after a day of hiking or shopping for tweed in Donegal town. Built in 1861, the castle has been transformed into a five-star hotel with guest rooms that have contemporary furnishings and spa bathrooms, complemented by common spaces that ooze old-world charm, from the drawing rooms set for Champagne tea to the pub with live Irish music. —SG

Bar Harbor, Maine

The perfect pairing: the charms of a New England seacoast village and the majesty of Acadia National Park.

There’s so much to love about Bar Harbor, Maine’s quintessential coastal village. With scenery galore and everything from local crafts and summery clothes to lobster rolls and artisan ice cream, it’s just a five-minute drive to Acadia National Park.

Established by Woodrow Wilson in 1916, Acadia encompasses more than 49,000 acres. The 27-mile Park Loop Drive takes you past oceanside cliffs and through lush forests and other attractions, like the famous Thunder Hole (where water rushes in with fury) and Sand Beach, where you can take an icy dip, stroll, or just revel in the beauty. And the scenic overlooks just keep on coming.

Acadia has 125 miles of interconnected hiking trails for all levels — gentle paths overlooking the rocky shoreline and steep mountain trails for the more experienced. There is also 45 miles of scenic, car-free carriage roads for biking and horse-drawn carriage rides amid spruce trees, pitch pine, and wild blueberries. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and a popular place to watch the sunrise. Be sure to reserve lunch or tea at the park’s Jordan Pond House, where popovers have prevailed since the 1870s.

Back in Bar Harbor, stroll the half-mile Shore Path. Known for its beach roses, you’ll see waves crashing on one side and gracious inns and homes on the other.

Shop for Maine’s indigenous watermelon tourmaline jewelry at Jack’s on Main Street. Or pick up a Maine-made birdhouse at In the Woods. Whatever you do, don’t miss the unforgettable ice cream at MDI. The ever-changing flavors include Blueberry Buttermilk, Maine Sea Salt Caramel, and Blue Basil. As for the best lobster roll in town? The Stadium seems to top every list.

The stylish West Street Hotel (theweststreethotel.com; from $579) puts you in the middle of all the Bar Harbor action. Just valet or self-park your car, and the town is yours to enjoy. Across from Frenchman’s Bay and the picturesque town dock, the hotel is steps from the many shops and restaurants.

Nautically inspired guestrooms feature blue/beige hues of water, sand, and sky. Nest amenities in Ocean Mist and Sea Salt add to the ambience. On every floor, you’ll find complimentary snacks and drinks.

Take a dip in the rooftop pool (Maine’s only one) or head over to The Bar Harbor Club, where West Street guests can enjoy the waterfront swimming pool, tennis courts, and spa.

Paddy’s serves up modern Irish fare from an all-day menu. Across the street and practically in the water is Stewman’s Lobster Pound, surfeit with all the Maine classics, including steamed lobsters and blueberry pie.

Related: Naples Is the Natural Escape in Florida You Need to Visit

May 24, 2022

Adobe Stock/ norikko

Sick of those tasteless energy bars? Those looking for some provisions to fuel their outdoor exploits will find lots to love in this list of local, trail-ready snacks.

By Paul Adler and Gina Valentino

Mast Market’s Organic Trail Mix With Chocolate

Brooklyn expat Mast Market offers a truly next-level trail mix, featuring walnuts, roasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and luxurious dark chocolate.

Mount Kisco; mastmarket.com; $10

The Kneaded Bread’s Granola

This beloved Port Chester bakery offers a hearty signature granola packed with sunflower seeds, rolled oats, dried cranberries, dried apricots, dates, sliced almonds, a touch of honey, and a hint of butter

Port Chester; kneadedbread.com; $5.50

Baked By Susan’s Granola

Take the great outdoors by storm, powered by this tasty combination of rolled oats, brown sugar, honey, canola oil, and a touch of vanilla, courtesy of one of the county’s best bakers.

Croton-on-Hudson; bakedbysusan.com; $12.50

Related: A Foodie’s Guide to Dining in White Plains for a Day

• Travel

May 22, 2022

The camping tips you need. Adobe Stock/ Nataliia Vyshneva

Think you’re all ready for that camping trip? Before you pack the car and hit the road, read up on these tips from a local expert.

By Paul Adler and Gina Valentino

Don’t head out on the trails without a bit of know-how first. In order to get our bearings, we asked Gennaro Ferraro, a conservation educator at Rye Nature Center, for some savvy hacks.

Inform Others

Always have a plan and let others know where you are going and when you are expected back home.

More Than a Knife

Bring a primary blade along with a backup pocketknife. Your primary knife should have a 5” blade made of a solid piece of metal. This helps with everything from cutting limbs and fire building to processing game.

Don’t Forget Fire

Bring multiple fire-starting devices. A Bic lighter is a safe bet, but bring other sources as well, such as a ferrocerium rod.

Clothing Matters

Pack at least two full sets of socks and undergarments, pants, and a shirt. When dressing for cold weather, always wear wool, as it stays warm when wet. For warmer months, microfiber synthetics are a great choice.

Sustain Yourself

Bring food that has both nutrition and calories. There are many great J.A.W. (just add water) foods, or consider trying overnight oats while you hike.

Related: Summer Barbecue Recipes From Westchester’s Top Women Chefs