Bedford, NY October 2023

THE Food & Drink ISSUE

2 BR/2 en-suite Bathrooms plus Den/Office Powder Room with marble floor

Gourmet Kitchen with Viking appliances

Spacious Great Room with fireplace Large walk-in closets with built-ins

In unit washer/dryer provided Security system/P/T Concierge service

Oversized walk out patios or balconies

Luxurious Grand Lobby and common areas

Fitness Center and Meeting/Game Room

2 secured parking spaces in heated garage

Professionally landscaped grounds

1800 to 2100 sq. ft. units - one level living

Starting at $999,000

The Food & Drink Issue

Welcome, fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means autumnal flavors and everything pumpkin! October is our most delectable issue of the year and one that I hold close to my heart. For the last twenty years or so (oh my!), my career has been in hospitality. I’ve operated and owned restaurants in NYC and locally, and have a true love for all things food and gathering.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephen Lewandowski, an incredibly talented chef and family man (as well as my esteemed partner on my last restaurant venture), whose experiences in and out of the kitchen are remarkably interesting. We also explored the authentic Italian cuisine at actor Chazz Palminteri’s restaurant. Delizioso!

Mira Vojinovic, Sommelier, will guide you through thoughtful wine gifting at a variety of price points that are also enjoyable for home, and Michele Zipper of The Well Center in Armonk shares a delicious seasonal soup recipe that will have you craving more. For the gentlemen, this issue offers cigar and drink recommendations from Aaron Accetta and Dean Marrazzo, two cigar enthusiasts from the podcast Cigar Talk with Aaron and Dean.

One of my favorite fall moments to date has always been the changing of the seasonal menu at my restaurants. Food brings us all together, and there’s nothing I love more than to be sitting around a dining table with friends and family, enjoying delicious food, wine, and conversation. Whether sharing a meal with people close to you or enjoying a night on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

Cheers to autumn!

DANA CIFONE, PUBLISHER @BEDFORD.CITYLIFESTYLE

Tag us or use hashtag #bedfordcitylifestyle on Instagram to be featured! Discover Bedford City Lifestyle in the towns of Armonk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Chappaqua, Katonah,

and Valhalla.

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Barbara Accetta | barbara.accetta@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mira Vojinovic, Michele Zipper, Sam Lage

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nicolette Martin, John Shyloski, Dana Cifone

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

Pound Ridge, Mount Kisco,

Photo by Fay Fox Studios. Hair and Makeup by Amanda Markoya.

FULL-SERVICE RESIDENTIAL +

Restoration, Cleaning & Reconstruction

As industry leaders in Restoration, Reconstruction and Cleaning– our vision is to continue providing strategic Consumer & Business Solutions while upholding our commitment to exemplary customer service and white glove workmanship. We work alongside our insurance partners as well as in the private sector to handle claims and home improvement projects. With our exclusive use of cutting-edge equipment and technology, our fully certified staff is capable of handling projects of any magnitude or complexity.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @bedford.citylifestyle

1: A recent festive ribbon cutting to officially open Bedford's new pickleball courts. 2: The Captain Lawrence food truck is always a local favorite. 3: Artist Vanessa Pineda Fox at Chroma Fine Art Gallery's closing exhibit for 'Glow.' 4: Bella's Bake Shop preps chocolate croissants for Muscoot Farm's market. 5: Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce enjoyed Septemberfest planning at Rochambeau Farm. 6: Flower arranging and tablescaping hosted by Shop Bentley Jane and Bloomcourt Farm. 7: Partygoers celebrated the opening of Our North women's apparel store with owner Casey Lynam (right).

@TOWNOFBEDFORD

@BELLASBAKESHOPNY

@SHOPBENTLEYJANE

@MTKISCOCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE

@MOUNTKISCOCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE

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@ARTBYVPF

business monthly

The Launch of Rose-Colored Glass Co.

After working as an attorney in the NYC real estate market for 30+ years, Paula Katz wanted to reinvent herself and follow a creative passion: creating glass artwork. Paula created one-of-a-kind pieces, but they began to stockpile across her home and she realized that this had become more than just a creative pastime. Thus, Rose-Colored Glass Co. came to fruition. A pandemic passion project became a business that's all about seeing the glass half full!

Scan to read more.

Photography @rosecoloredglasscompany

Prepare for Party Season with The Event Design Studio

The Event Design Studio provides unique tabletop decor, custom table linens, floral arrangements, lighting, tent & room decor, and many other party decor needs. The showroom is conveniently located within 20 minutes of New York City, in the heart of Westchester County. They service the greater New York area, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and will transform any room, venue, or outdoor area into another world. Are you ready to elevate your next gathering?

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Photography @eventdesignstudiony

Custom Designs are a Breeze with Kitchenique

Kitchenique’s artistic abilities and eye for new and unique designs allows its customers to feel collaborative as they merge new ideas and develop the hearts of their homes. Kitchenique prides itself on quality service including consultations, design services, measurements, and free estimates for both kitchens and baths. “We help guide our clients in the right direction and love a challenge," says the team. "Finding creative solutions for a space is our specialty.”

Scan to read more.

Photography @kitcheniquecabinetry

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A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Perfect Pour

Mira Vojinovic, Sommelier and award-winning blogger Vino Gal, shares wine selections to impress discerning giftees.

ARTICLE BY MIRA VOJINOVIC | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA ACCETTA

We know the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ The same principle applies to wine, yet many people choose wines based on the label design. While that’s not recommended, it’s challenging to select a wine if you’re not sure how. With more than 20 years of experience, from curating wine collections to consulting for hospitality leaders, I deeply understand wine and the people that enjoy it. I’ve paired my preferred autumn-inspired wines with four discerning recipients so that you can take the guesswork out of gifting to make a top tier impression. | Vinogal.com

Discover all the details behind Mira’s selections, from notes to finishes, at @bedford.citylifestyle

The Aficionado

Details count. This recipient desires rarity, family history, unique wine making skills, little known gems, and of course, mouthwatering taste.

White: 2002 Sine Qua Non Mr. K Strawman ($299, acker wines.com) Aficionados are drawn to its limited-production and highly-acclaimed wines. The 2002 Sine Qua Non Mr. K Strawman shows a luscious and complex profile, with aromas of honey, apricot, orange marmalade, and tropical fruits.

Red: Chateau Lynch Bages 2002 ($165, caskfinewine.com) Lynch Bages 2002 is known for its elegance and structure. On the palate, it displays a harmonious combination of fruit flavors, well-integrated tannins, and a long, lingering finish.

Steals: Crémant de Bourgogne, Dom. Collotte ($24.96) Made from the same varietals of grapes as Champagne. Brendan Stater-West Saumur Rouge 2021 ($32.00) Wine geeks love this under-the-radar bottle.

The Hostess

For a big party, I pick something “wine-friendly” for everyone to enjoy.  For a small gathering, I consider food pairing or standalone sipping.

White: Hatzidakis Skitali 2021 ($69.99, wine.com) Assyrtiko is known for its high acidity, which gives the wines a crisp and refreshing quality. It exhibits citrus flavors as well as mineral notes.

Red: CVNE 2014 Imperial Reserve (Magnum) ($105, caskfinewine.com)  This wine comes from an iconic winery in Spain and is renowned for its elegance, balance, and aging potential. It’s great for a large party because as a magnum bottle, it’s really two bottles in one vessel.

Steals: Pierre Martin “les culs de beaujeu” Sancerre ($39.99, caskfinewine.com) A  go-to for parties. Gehricke Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2020 ($29.99, wine.com) Always a crowd pleaser!

The Collector

Just as fashionistas instantly recognize designer names, wine enthusiasts hold top wine producers in high esteem.

White: Krug Brut 2006 ($499, wine.com) Krug is a world-famous Champagne house reputed for producing exceptional and age-worthy Champagnes. Krug Brut 2006 is loved for its complexity, depth, and aging potential. “King Krug” is an impressive feature in any collection.

Red: 2018 Dugat-Py Charmes Chambertin ($549, ackerwines. com) Charmes-Chambertin is a Grand Cru vineyard in the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy producing some of the finest Pinot Noir grapes in the world. This selection is complex, elegant, and should age well.

Steals: 2018 Domaine De Montille Bourgogne Blanc Le Clos Du Chateau ($39.99, ackerwines.com) Lopez de Heredia - Vina Tondonia Reserva 2011 ($47.99, suburbanwines.com) Both must-try stunners.

The Someone Special

They’ll love established labels with stellar reputations.

White: 2004 Comtes Lafon Meursault Desiree ($259, ackerwines.com) Chardonnay wines from Meursault are known for their richness, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.  Always a winner.

Red: Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($329, wine.com) Produced in Napa Valley — thousands of miles from its namesake — using exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The vineyard has unique characteristics which contribute to the distinctiveness of the wine. It showcases rich black fruit flavors, integrated tannins, and a persistent finish, and may also display notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and spices.

Steals: Grgich Hills Chardonnay Napa Valley 2019 ($46.99, suburbanwines.com) Creamy texture and vibrant acidity. Paolo Scavino “Cannubi” 2015 ($105, caskfinewine.com) Known for power, elegance, and aging potential.

The Practice of Eating Seasonally

Food-Conscious Tips (and a Recipe!) from a Leading Holistic Health Coach

Do you notice that when you eat food from a farmers market or a farm-to-table restaurant, it tastes amazing, like it was picked and put right on your plate? That’s because it probably was.

There are many reasons we should eat locally and in season. Fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients as soon as they’re picked. Locally grown produce means a shorter time between the harvest and your table, making it more beneficial for our bodies. The higher the nutrient value, the more essential vitamins and minerals you’ll consume for a healthy metabolism, immune system, gut function, and overall health.

Seasonal foods are also more sustainable and economical. It takes less energy to transport food short distances, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. And they are often less expensive because there is a greater supply at a given time. A win for everyone!

TIPS FOR SEASONAL EATING:

• Stick with recipes that contain seasonal fruits and vegetables.

• Chinese Medicine states if we eat foods that are similar to the external environment, we remain in harmony with the environment. So it helps our body to eat cold foods, like salad and smoothies, in spring and summer, and warmer dishes in the fall and winter.

• Grow your food!

• Get fresh produce delivered to home. If you're new to this, make small changes. You'll be surprised at how satisfying it is to eat seasonally!

EASY 1-POT APPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP (SERVES 6):

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 onions, chopped

• 4 cups butternut squash, chopped

• 4 cups gala apples, chopped

• 1 tbsp butter

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• ¼ tsp garlic

• ½ tsp salt for taste

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ½ tsp cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

01. Sauté chopped vegetables with butter until soft

02. Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil

03. Simmer 20 minutes

04. Blend until chunky

Michele Zipper is a Holistic Health Coach and Co-Founder of The Well Center in Armonk. thewellcenter.com

ARTICLE BY MICHELE ZIPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANA CIFONE

ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA

Chazz Palminteri Knows Good Food

The Bedford-based, Bronx-bred actor isn’t letting any talent go to waste.

If you haven’t been to Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant in White Plains, yous better get there pronto. From its namesake actor, who you’ll spot often with family or famous friends, to its authentic Italian cuisine, this old-schoolmeets-upscale restaurant is the real deal.

Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant debuted in Manhattan in 2015 to rave reviews, followed by a successful two-year run of A Bronx Tale: The Musical on Broadway and the opening of a second restaurant location in downtown White Plains in 2021. Chazz and his wife, Gianna, were instrumental in creating the menu alongside Chef Enko using recipes and techniques passed down from Gianna’s mother, Rose, of Campania, and Chazz’s

Gianna and Chazz Palminteri with friends Alan and Janis Menken

mother and grandmother, both of Sicily. An extension of Chazz and Gianna’s life and their home in Bedford (the risotto is Gianna’s specialty), the resulting dishes reflect old world Italian with a modern flare.

Chazz and Gianna dine at their establishment weekly despite busy schedules and nationwide tours, the latter of which Chazz recently departed on, performing A Bronx Tale: One Man Show to sold out audiences (don’t miss his Ridgefield show in Decemberit’s a must).  The restaurant has a stellar reputation for its homemade pastas, fresh seafoods, and cooked to perfection steaks. Dishes range from traditional to vegetarian and lighter fare, and are always prepared using high quality ingredients, “Chazz and I sometimes get the Chateaubriand for two,” says Gianna, “and we order it for the table when we’re dining with friends so they can enjoy it with us.”

Chazz’s favorite dish is the mushroom ravioli, and it’s no surprise that the most popular dinner item is A Bronx Tail,

a playful spin on the one man show and the 1993 film that made Chazz a household name. This perfectly plated dish features fresh lobster tail with clams, mussels, and shrimp sautéed in a light spicy tomato sauce served with fettuccine. It pairs beautifully with the Sicilian Martini, made with Chazz’s BiVi Vodka, the first Sicilian vodka and masterfully handcrafted at an artisan distillery in Sicily. “We feel at home when we’re at the restaurant except I’m not the one doing the cooking,” laughs Gianna. “Italians want everyone to feel like they’re family and that’s the vibe you get when you walk in.”

The restaurant is open 7 days a week offering valet and bookings for private parties, as well as special events including Chazz’s annual Cigar Night. Go for the five-star food, stay for the signature drinks (they rotate monthly), and experience the magic of Chazz Palminteri. Now yous can’t leave - it’s just that good.

chazzpalminterinyc.com | Discover A Bronx Tale’s One Man Show at chazzpalminteri.net.

SMOKES & SPIRITS

Multi-platinum selling record producer Aaron Accetta and SAG film & television actor Dean Marrazzo launched their YouTube podcast, Cigar Talk with Aaron and Dean, in 2021 as a way to connect with fellow cigar enthusiasts. “It was just for fun to have an excuse to smoke with a buddy,” says Dean, whose background in stage and movies makes him a natural in front of the camera. Aaron, known for being outgoing, took a minute to get comfortable being filmed. “I was coming off as scripted but now I’ve got the hang of it,” he laughs.

The premise of the podcast is simple: the two share a smoke and casual conversation, from entertainment and politics to sports and restaurants. I inquire about the latter with Dean, former owner of The Olde Stone Mill, and his stint on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. “It was terrible,” he laughs, “but it was completely contrived,” I ask why he did it. “For a ticket out,” he says.

The duo tends to light up at their favorite local cigar lounges: Tobacconist of Greenwich, Cigar Republic in Danbury, and Explorers Lounge in Harrison. “My everyday go-to cigar is an Illusione ECCJ Robusto Extra,” says Aaron. “When life calls for something special, I smoke a Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour Robusto.” Dean nods in agreement and adds two of his own - a Griffin for a casual smoke and a Davidoff Aniversario Double ‘R’ on occasion. “It’s phenomenal,” says Dean. “It’s a multi-layered blend and a 90 minute smoke.”

I ask if they smoke daily. “Every other day,” smiles Dean. “My dad smoked a pipe every night,” chimes in Aaron. “I  smoke in good company or if I’m relaxing, sometimes in the evening after my kids are in bed, or if I need to focus on a project...so I guess all the time,” he laughs.

For drink pairings, Dean suggests Johnnie Walker Black Label and Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon. “My daughter’s at University of Kentucky, so spending time visiting has educated my palate for bourbon,” he says. Aaron tells me that he prefers Macallan 12. “I’ve had a whiskey or a Pinot Noir with the Davidoff, which is a nice pairing because those are light to complement a bold cigar with notes of dark chocolate, fruit, dark coffee, and a bit of spice,” says Aaron.

Get to know Aaron and Dean on all new episodes of their podcast. “We love hearing from other cigar enthusiasts,” says Dean. “Pop in and share a smoke with us.”

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA ACCETTA

CIGAR TALK'S AARON AND DEAN ON THEIR TOP CIGARS, KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, AND KENTUCKY BOURBON.

AARON ACCETTA Multi-platinum record producer, songwriter, and partner in Dirty Canvas Music.

DEAN MARRAZZO  Actor, writer, and producer who’s appeared in feature films and OffBroadway productions.

MADE IN Manhattan

Tribeca Grill’s Former Chef Talks DeNiro, Dinner Parties, and his Famous Dishes

ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN SHYLOSKI

“I’m still trying to get my daughters tickets to Taylor Swift.” It’s a Friday afternoon and Chef Stephen Lewandowski and I are sitting in his restaurant lamenting over the crazed rush (and our subsequent letdown) of The Eras Tour ticket madness. I was waitlisted, I say. “I called everyone,” he admits. And if there’s anyone that knows everyone, it’s him.

Stephen landed his first post-culinary school role as Tournant Chef for Gotham Bar & Grill in Manhattan, working 14 hours a day, 6 days a week, because “that’s how it is,” he says. “It taught me to cook for 500 people every single night.” I tell him that I can barely keep 15 plates hot at the same time on Thanksgiving, and he laughs. “It’s a learned skill,” he says. Stephen’s culinary career quickly took off after Gotham, and at just the right time, Stephen got the call that changed his life. Michel Nischan, a celebrity chef and co-owner of Dressing Room in Westport with late actor Paul Newman, was the acting chef at Tribeca

Grill, Robert DeNiro and Drew Neiporent’s iconic restaurant. He was transitioning to a new establishment and Myriad Restaurant Group offered 27-year old Stephen the role of Executive Chef. He accepted; then September 11th happened.

“We shut down for two months but I was back at work the next day,” remembers Stephen, the mood now somber. “We fed the first responders  for 45 days.” The memories come flooding back and Stephen starts talking quickly from there. He tells me that a former celebrity chef and former U.S. President were the first two customers at the grill once it reopened, each bringing with them a group of 25. “They wanted to support downtown,” he says. “We also put on a fundraiser called Windows of Hope, named after the restaurant that was at the top of the World Trade Center.” Stephen worked alongside top chefs from all over Manhattan to pull in food and drink vendors. “We reached out to a ton of wineries in California, and only one declined to

donate,” he says. “I’ve never carried their wine in any of my restaurants since, and neither have any of the other chefs that coordinated that event.” Robert Parker, a famous wine critic, was the emcee, auctioning off items like a dinner with himself and Daniel Boulud for 6 in the winning bidders home; it went for $65,000 - twice. “We raised a million dollars that night.”  Stephen also has a million great stories, and we talk for hours about the ones that I can’t include in this piece. We’re both having a ball. Coolest person he’s cooked for?

“Nelson Mandela,” he says. He’s cooked for legendary celebrities including Oprah, Bono, Leonardo DiCaprio, President Clinton, Muhammad Ali, Desmond Tutu, and Paul McCartney, to name a few.  “I like being involved in creative things, and that’s what I loved about Tribeca,” he says, noting he was there for 12 years and there was “always something happening.” He tells me about the time that he cooked for Harvey Keitel’s wedding, held in DeNiro’s CONTINUED

STEPHEN’S COOKED FOR LEGENDARY CELEBRITIES

INCLUDING OPRAH, BONO, LEONARDO DICAPRIO, PRESIDENT CLINTON, MUHAMMAD ALI, DESMOND TUTU, AND PAUL MCCARTNEY.

apartment, which didn’t have a commercial kitchen. “So Bob brought me into his weight room, and I wasn’t sure it would work - we gotta move everything and bring in tables, hot boxes, staff - then he offered his bedroom. I chose the weight room,” laughs Stephen. They pulled it off. “We stuffed the vents in the room so that there was no cold air, we’re plating 140 dishes…..” Stephen trails off. “I love that feeling.”

The same need for excitement and creative freedom led Stephen and Tribeca Grill’s partner, Drew Neiporent, when creating The Daily Burger at Madison Square Garden (MSG). The duo conceptualized The Daily Burger, from the bun to the leak-free wrapper. Stephen and Drew worked backwards from what they hated about arena burgers to build one that they loved. “We ate so many burgers trying to make the best burger we could,” says Stephen. The Daily Burger became famous, selling up to 4,000 units each game.

It’s clear from speaking to him that Stephen loves food but moreso, loves what it represents: togetherness and creating experiences. Stephen muses about his admiration for Chef Daniel Boulud, who he calls the ultimate chef and nicest person. “He’s true to who he is and I love what he’s done,” says Stephen. “No matter who’s in the kitchen with

Daniel - Charlie Palmer, Daniel Humm, the best chefs - we all have so much respect for him.”

I ask Stephen if he ever caves in and eats fast food, perhaps on a road trip, and he shakes his head no. “I pack sandwiches,” he says, “and haven’t had fast food in at least 25 years.” Even his kids don’t like fast food, with the exception of one local fast-Mexican chain called Salsa Fresca. “My wife picks it up about every ten days and they love it,” he says. “It’s the only fast-style food we’ll have.”

We’re back on the subject of Tribeca Grill, mostly because it was a huge part of Stephen’s career, but also because I’m a longtime DeNiro fan and have more questions. “Bob is a sweet guy,” smiles Stephen. “He had so many famous friends coming into the restaurant - Michael Imperioli, James Gandolfini, Chazz Palminteri - all of those guys who you’d expect to be like their wise guy characters were so kind and great to everyone.”

To this day, Tribeca Grill has no computer for reservations. “You call and you’re gonna speak to Marty, he’s been there like, 40 years, and he’s gonna pencil you in,” laughs Stephen with a nod of appreciation. He looks beyond me, as if seeing his past in a new light. “I’m a suburbs guy now but I’ll always be a Manhattan chef.”

@chefstephenlewandowski

Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities

spook - tails

ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)

• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• fresh nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!

TOASTED MALLOW

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur

• graham crackers

• marshmallows

Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!

PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE

BY BARBARA ACCETTA

Oh So Bootiful!

A FUN AND FESTIVE PARTY BOARD IS THE ULTIMATE IN SPOOKY SOPHISTICATION.

Save the tricks and serve the treat! This show-stopping charcuterie board by graze New York is the perfect Halloween party centerpiece. Curated with offerings that reflect the season, just a few special touches of decor made this board extra bootiful! “The perfect combination of salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy is the base of every board,” says Shari, founder of graze New York. “From there, your food preferences and your imagination can be your guide.”

Shari’s Halloween Graze Board

• A caved aged blue cheese for the veining

• A port salut

• A toscana dipped in Syrah

• An aged Gouda

• A terracotta pot filled with a blue cheese spread (or try a mini cauldron!)

• Fresh figs, blackberries, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, green olives and cornichons, candied walnuts, and Concord grapes. Plus a pumpkin jam!

Shari’s DIY Tips:

Start with a circular center item, like a bowl or a round cheese, then work your way out. Include a jam or two that's in season, grapes, olives, dried fruit, and nuts. A mix of a soft cheese, a semi soft, and a hard is best, and a selection of meats. Enjoy!

Shari Ivler launched graze New York in 2017 after years in the fashion industry and a move to Westchester. Elevate your event (or your own evening!) with a graze board. grazenewyork.com @grazenewyork

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 4TH

Hope in a Blue Vest with BluePath Service Dogs

BEDFORD PLAYHOUSE | 6:30 PM

Follow a service dog’s journey in this documentary film about BluePath, the nonprofit providing service dogs to children with autism. A post-film Q&A includes BluePath founders Michelle Brier and Caroline McCabe-Sandler, Tony-award winning producer Ken Marsolais, service dog recipient Kate Petersen, and more. Wine & cheese will follow. Tickets start at $12 for children and seniors. bedfordplayhouse.org

OCTOBER 7TH

Harvest Festival

POUND RIDGE TOWN PARK | 1:00 PM

Continuing what has become a beloved Pound Ridge tradition, The Pound Ridge Partnership Harvest Festival draws people together to enjoy Oktoberfest style food, beverage gardens, award-winning music, and fun for children including face painting, games, and more. FREE ENTRY.

OCTOBER 14TH

Bedford Music Festival 2023

JOHN JAY HOMESTEAD | 3:00 PM

Fall fun at its best! Great local food, four local bands plus headliner The Wailers, shopping, and more. Hosted by Destination 39.3, an organization formed to create a greater sense of business vitality and community engagement for the three hamlets of the Town of Bedford. FREE.

OCTOBER 14TH

Great Bedford History Hunt

BEDFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY | 2:00 PM

A fun scavenger hunt through Bedford’s storied past! Search and solve clues as you weave your way around town to discover fun facts about our town culminating in cider and donuts. Children welcome! Visit Bedfordhistoricalsociety.org for info and tickets.

OCTOBER 14TH

Owl Walk

GORGE PARKING AREA, BEDFORD | 6:30 PM

Bring a flashlight and join owl expert and enthusiast, Chris Nagy, Ph.D., on an evening walk in the Gorge. Keep eyes (and ears!) open for the Eastern Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Barred Owl. You may also spot bats, flying squirrels, and other nocturnal creatures. FREE. Meet at the Gorge parking area across from 167 Mianus River Rd . RSVP to info@mianus.org or call (914) 234-3455.

OCTOBER 22ND

A Sunday Lunch at Blue Hill Stone Barns

BLUE HILL AT STONE BARNS, POCANTICO HILLS | 12:00 PM

Dan Barber is the highly-awarded chef and co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York. This experience includes a Fall-themed lunch prepared by Chef Dan Barber, alcoholic and zero-proof beverages, special programming, and a gift upon departure. Booking on Resy.com. Tickets $598 per person. Availability for party sizes of 2, 4, or 6. Bluehillfarm.com

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bedford

The autumn sweets we all love are in season and we're so ready for it.

DESSERT TO FALL FOR

It’s apple cider donut season and hot donuts are a favorite fall treat. Cakey, crumbly, a tad crispy and covered in cinnamon sugar, fresh made apple cider donuts are the musthave dessert at farmhouse bakeries and apple orchard markets. Whether apple picking or just picking up a bag (or two!) of donuts, we know you can’t resist eating one as soon as it’s in hand - and we’re guilty of the same. Donut lovers, now is your time!

ARTICLE

BY BARBARA ACCETTA