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Hello, Upper Westchester!
As the crisp autumn air settles in, we’re excited to bring you an October issue that’s rich in both flavor and creativity. This month, we’re diving into stories that showcase the incredible talent and innovation right here in our community.

We begin with an inspiring feature on the Westchester murals created by talented artists Jasmin Otero and Christopher Rios. Their vibrant work brings our streets to life, adding color and culture to our neighborhoods. It's a celebration of art that reflects the diverse and dynamic spirit of Upper Westchester.
For those who love a culinary adventure, we have a mouthwatering feature on Purdy’s, The Farmer and The Fish. This local gem is pushing the boundaries of farmto-table dining, offering innovative dishes that are as fresh as they are flavorful.
We also highlight the stunning Tango House by Carol Kurth Architecture. This architectural masterpiece blends modern design with natural beauty, creating a home that’s both functional and breathtaking.
And for those looking to escape the everyday, our Autumn Rhode Island Escape feature provides the perfect getaway inspiration. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this guide will transport you to the cozy charm of a New England autumn.
As you explore this issue, we hope you find inspiration in every story, whether it’s through the arts, architecture, or culinary delights. Don’t forget to share your favorite fall moments with us on social media!
Here’s to a season of discovery and delicious experiences!

Our community focused publication services the areas of Armonk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Chappaqua, Katonah, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge and Valhalla.
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Dana Cifone | dana.cifone@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christina Weiss, Kristin Burnell, Kimberly Thomas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katie Tuzmen, Brook Road Photography, John Shyloski, Abby Cole Photography, Kimberly Thomas, Christina Weiss
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman


Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.


RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL
+ Mold Damage
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. (914) 787-9559 office@rainbowwestchester.com www.RBWWestchester.com


























Open: The Spice & Tea Exchange of New Canaan
Visit The Spice & Tea Exchange of New Canaan, offering a variety of fine spices, handcrafted seasonings, loose-leaf teas, salts, sugars, gifts, and more! Explore some of the best New Canaan gifts and accessories in town. Whether you're new to the culinary scene, own your own food service business, or are simply looking to add a bit of spice to your life, their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect menu additions! Visit them at 118 Main Street, New Canaan or online at www.spiceandtea.com









We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
LMNOP Bakery lmnopbakery.com | 914.603.5420
L'Anjou Patisserie Francaise lanjoupatisserie.com | 914.242.4929
La Tulipe Desserts latulipedesserts.com | 914.242.4555
Bedford Village Pastry bedfordvillagepastry.com | 914.234.9555
Beascakes Bakery & Breads beascakesbakery.com | 914.273.3612
Prospero Winery & Home Winemaker Depot prosperowinery.com | 914.769.6252
Soul Brewing Company soulbrewingco.com | 914.800.7685
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Wolf & Warrior Brewing Co. wolfandwarrior.com | 914.368.8617
Sing Sing Kill Brewery singsingkillbrewery.com | 914.502.0577
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company captainlawrencebrewing.com | 914.741.2337
G.E. Brown Fine Food & Provisions gebrown.com | 914.234.3185
Bedford Gourmet bedfordgourmet.com | 914.234.9409
Amore amorearmonk.com | 914.273.3535
Thomas Fox Catering thomasfoxcatering.com | 914.214.7218
Susan Lawrence Catering susanlawrence.com | 914.238.8833
The Market at Pound Ridge Square poundridgemarket.com | 914.764.5736
Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace uncleg.com | 914.243.9100
Green’s Natural Foods greensnaturalfoods.com | 914.864.1274
DeCicco & Sons Armonk deciccoandsons.com | 914.499.1100
Key Food Marketplace Pleasantville keyfood.com | 914.747.1104
Bluestone Lane Armonk Café bluestonelane.com | 718.374.6858
Mimi's Coffee House mimiscoffeehouse.net | 914.864.1646
The Black Cow Coffee Company blackcow.com | 914.495.3153
The Farmer's Grind farmersgrind.com | 914.533.7139
Araras Coffee & More ararascoffee.com | 914.831.5439

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA WEISS
Tucked away in Westchester County, a unique culinary duo is reshaping the farmto-table dining experience, combining their passion for sustainable agriculture with decades of experience in the restaurant industry.
Edward Taylor and Michael Kaphan, the co-founders of Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish, have built a reputation that extends far beyond the rustic charm of their North Salem farm.
Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish seamlessly blends the art of farming with culinary innovation, creating a dining experience that’s deeply rooted in the land. Through careful stewardship of their North Salem farm, Taylor and Kaphan deliver dishes that reflect the essence of the seasons, redefining what it means to eat locally and sustainably.
Edward Taylor, the "Fish" of the duo, brings a rich background rooted in the seafood industry. His journey began humbly, selling clams from the back of a van to New York City restaurants. Over the years, he transformed that small operation into Downeast Seafood Co. and a successful wholesale seafood distribution company based in New York. Today, Taylor’s influence extends across the entire supply chain, from ocean to plate, ensuring that the seafood served at their restaurants is of the highest quality and sourced sustainably.
While Taylor’s expertise lies in the ocean, his partner, Michael Kaphan, brings the "Farmer" aspect to life. Raised in Staten Island, Kaphan’s love for cooking started at an early age. His culinary journey took him through some of New York City’s most esteemed kitchens, eventually leading him to the Institute of Culinary Education. However, his growing interest in sustainable agriculture prompted him to enroll in a baccalaureate program for agriculture at SUNY Cobleskill, where he learned the intricacies of farming that would later become the backbone of their restaurant’s ethos.
The partnership between Taylor and Kaphan is rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision, though Kaphan admits that he was initially hesitant when Taylor first approached him about opening another restaurant. “I’m a farmer—I was done with restaurants,” Kaphan recalls.
But Taylor had a different idea. “I’ve got another restaurant that you're gonna like…it has a farm—we could build a farm,” Taylor explained, and that was all it took to reel Kaphan back in. The farm component aligned perfectly with Kaphan’s evolving interests, and Farmer & the Fish was born.
CONTINUED >

Their shared love for sustainability and agriculture has blossomed into a quartet of restaurants across the county, with Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish being the first. They also own Br’ers, Hudson Farmer & the Fish, and Bistro de Ville, each offering a unique dining experience while staying true to their farm-to-table roots.
Taylor’s commitment to sustainability is evident not only in his seafood sourcing but also in his environmental practices, which earned him an Environmental Quality Award. This innovative approach to business is a reflection of Taylor’s broader philosophy: that responsible practices in the kitchen should extend to every part of the operation, from sourcing to serving.

Kaphan, on the other hand, takes an organic approach to his farming practices and his dishes are a celebration of the seasons, with ingredients harvested at their peak to ensure the freshest flavors. He has applied his knowledge from both his formal education and years as a chef to create magic in the kitchen.
That magic is evident at Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish, where the farm-to-table concept isn’t just a tagline—it’s the foundation of the entire operation. The farm, located directly behind their restaurant in North Salem, NY, spans five acres and includes a large greenhouse, a hoop house, and a root cellar for year-round production. The produce grown here supplies their restaurants, as well as

their farm stand at their Purdy’s location, along with a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program.
The duo’s dedication to sustainability extends to the farm itself, where they employ practices designed to extend the growing season and reduce waste. “[The goal is to] try and get as far into the winter as we can without buying anything,” Kaphan explains. This commitment to self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship is a
cornerstone of their approach, ensuring that every dish served at their restaurants is as fresh and sustainable as possible.
With four restaurants and a thriving farm, the future looks bright for this duo. “Every day is an adventure here,” Taylor reflects. They remain open to new possibilities, always seeking ways to expand and improve while staying true to their core values. The community they’ve built around their restaurants is a testament to their success, attracting diners who appreciate the connection between the food on their plates and the land it came from.
In an industry that’s always chasing the next big thing, Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish stands out by staying true to a simple, powerful idea: the best meals are those that tell a story—one that begins on the farm and ends on the plate.

We have been working in Westchester since 2015 but have officially launched Westchester Murals in 2024 with our partner, Daniel Giuntini. We have completed murals in many residential homes for baby rooms, basements, bedrooms, dining rooms, garages, and more. We’ve also completed many commercial projects in gyms, restaurants, offices, etc. One of our largest murals is at the JFK Marina in Yonkers where we painted 3 large walls and included people of the community to be a part of the painting process.
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND CLIENTS DO BEFORE THEY START THE PROJECT?
Start by defining your vision, and have a clear idea of what you want as far as the overall mood, theme, and colors. Gathering inspiration from photos is very helpful in this process. Choose the right artist for your style. Research and have conversations with the artist to help you choose. You can also openly
discuss your budget with the artist to ensure they can work within your financial limits. One fun tip we like to recommend is to involve your family or the community in your mural. Having a small section that they can paint with the artists makes it that much more fun and personal!
We love the community! There are so many outdoor activities and beautiful places to visit. It has a high quality of life, with clean, safe neighborhoods, and well-maintained infrastructure. The area’s natural beauty, coupled with modern amenities, makes it a great place to call home. We love the diverse dining options from farmto-table restaurants to international cuisines. We created Westchester Murals to continue the strong sense of community we feel around us. We have found something we love to do and have turned it into a successful business and we want to inspire the younger artists to do the same.


ARTICLE BY SARAH BAMFORD
Owners at Westchester Murals Inc












Savor wine and cheese on the porch as you take in the serene river views
EXPERIENCE THE TIMELESS CHARM AND COZY ELEGANCE OF MARGIN STREET INN—YOUR
PERFECT RIVERSIDE RETREAT IN SOUTH COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND

Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Pawcatuck River in Westerly, Rhode Island, Margin Street Inn epitomizes the quintessential New England escape. This historic bed and breakfast, with its elegant charm and picturesque surroundings, invites guests to experience the understated luxury and warm hospitality that define South County living. It’s no wonder the inn was voted Rhode Island’s Best Hotel/Inn by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine.
Owned and operated by Sarah and Chris Cooper, Margin Street Inn offers a personal touch that sets it apart. Sarah’s frittata breakfasts have become a guest favorite, offering a delicious start to each day. The couple’s dedication to their guests is evident in every detail, from the impeccably reimagined estate to the personalized service that ensures a memorable stay.
The inn, comprising two beautifully restored houses, offers ten uniquely decorated guest rooms, each with an en-suite bath. With over six acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, designed by the famed landscape architect Warren Manning, and the gentle river flowing nearby, Margin Street Inn is more than just a place to stay—it’s a sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with nature, unwind, and savor the slower pace of coastal life.
Originally built in the early 19th century, the two houses that form the Margin Street Inn have been meticulously renovated to blend modern comforts with historical charm. The rooms are elegantly appointed, featuring antique furnishings, luxurious Matouk linens, and serene views of the river or gardens. Guests can relax in the expansive common areas, enjoy a peaceful moment on the porch, or explore the lush grounds that include outbuildings and river docks, perfect for a quiet morning by the water.



Beyond the comforts of the inn, South County beckons with its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community. This region, known for its pristine beaches, charming villages, and lush landscapes, offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Start your exploration in Watch Hill, a coastal village known for its elegant homes, historic landmarks, and sweeping ocean views. Visit the Watch Hill Lighthouse or take a ride on the Flying Horse Carousel, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States. For beach lovers, both East Beach and Napatree Point provide a serene setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
In nearby Charlestown, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, where you can hike trails that wind through salt marshes, coastal ponds, and upland forests. The refuge is also a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during the migratory season.
The charm of South County is especially magical in the fall. As the leaves change color, the region transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. Take a scenic drive along Route 1, stopping at local farm stands to pick up fresh apples, pumpkins, and homemade pies. The fall season also brings a host of festivals and events, offering a perfect blend of local culture and community spirit.
One of the must-attend events is the Cocktail Classes at The Café in downtown Westerly. These classes, held throughout the fall, allow participants to learn the art of crafting the perfect autumn-inspired cocktails. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned mixologist, these classes offer a fun and engaging way to spend an afternoon, and they pair perfectly with a cozy stay at Margin Street Inn. Imagine returning to the inn after a class to enjoy your newly crafted cocktail on the porch, surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage.


“Margin Street Inn is the perfect place to plan your cozy fall escape”

For those seeking more local experiences, consider visiting Clyde's Cider Mill in nearby Mystic, where you can watch cider being made the old-fashioned way and enjoy seasonal treats. If you're in the mood for some Halloween fun, Mystic Seaport offers ghost tours that bring the area’s maritime history to life with a spooky twist. The Misquamicut Fall Fest, a beloved local tradition, offers everything from rides to live music, creating a fun atmosphere for all ages. And for a more refined evening, head to Jonathan Edwards Winery for their fall music series, where you can sip wine while enjoying live performances amidst the beautiful vineyard setting.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a peaceful retreat, South County has something for everyone. And at the heart of it all is Margin Street Inn, offering a luxurious yet intimate base from which to explore this captivating region. From the cozy comforts of the inn, like Sarah’s delightful frittata breakfasts, to the vibrant fall events that define the season, you’re sure to fall in love with South County, Rhode Island.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA

THE HIDDEN GEM JUST OFF GREENWICH'S BEATEN PATH— WHERE SOPHISTICATION MEETS EVERYDAY COMFORT

“Townhouse is more than just an event venue—it’s the place to be.”


Discover this go-to spot in town where chic sophistication meets casual comfort! Townhouse is more than just an event venue—it's the place to be. Whether you're gathering with friends for a laid-back lunch, a stylish dinner, or enjoying one of the delicious, crafted cocktails, you'll love the new inventive, fresh, and seasonal menu that keeps things exciting year-round. And yes, there is both parking and valet—making your visit effortless!
1. Pork belly bao bun, cucumber, cilantro, pineapple relish, spicy mayo, soy sauce reduction, toasted sesame seeds
2 .Strüdel star anise, cinnamon infused apples, hennessy & madagascar vanilla cream, creme anglaise
3 . Pan-seared duck honey roasted rainbow carrots, red wine reduction, yogurt sauce
4 . Beets spice infused red beets, pomegranate seeds, citrus, strawberries, mint, drunken goat cheese


Art has a way of bringing people together in various forms. In this case, it was through dance, where Svetlana and Alan met and with their love of the 'Tango' they were able to bring a home of their dreams to life. Titled, 'Tango House,' the homeowners say it was a project years in the making. Beauty of course takes time, but their vision was brought to life with various designers involved in the process.
"Watching this home grow from a blurry concept to the dream house we wake up to each morning has been one of the most exciting processes I’ve been involved with. It involved weekly team meetings for five years," said Svetlana.
ELEGANCE MEETS SUSTAINABILITY AT THIS UNIQUE GREENWICH PROPERTY
ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE

One of the firms brought on board to make that vision possible was Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors, an award-winning integrated full-service architecture and interior design firm located in Bedford, New York. Their role in bringing Tango House to life was the architect for the design of the project, and architect of record. The project consisted of a main home, pool house, pool, vegetable garden, chicken dome and many specialty spaces throughout such as the Tango studio and indoor pool, to highlight a few.
"A farm-to-table lifestyle was a thoughtful aspect to the project. Our client is an avid naturalist, as well as a fabulous cook, and combining her love of gardening with a passion for the outdoors was a fun and exciting design parameter," said Kurth. A mix of architecture can be seen throughout the property
but ties together in a breathtaking way, creating a personal oasis for the homeowners. That was critical in the design process.
"We set out to achieve an indoor/outdoor sanctuary focused on connectivity to nature and the site, and create a symbiotic relationship with the architecture and the landscape," explained Kurth. One of their exciting challenges was creating an eco-friendly home, something imperative for the homeowners. The team had to conduct extensive research to make this all possible. “Research included extensive exploration beyond reading, travel to see examples of products in use and attending lectures at the Audubon Society to learn more about birds and bird glass, as well as having samples of materials made to see their interaction with the environment over time,” Kurth told us.
“WATCHING THIS HOME GROW FROM A BLURRY
TO THE DREAM HOUSE WE WAKE UP TO EACH MORNING HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PROCESSES.”
"I asked our landscape architect for a design with minimal lawn and a diversity of native plants that could support insects and birds throughout the year. Our talented landscape design team brought this vision to life in the most delightful way, and I never tire of being outside to admire their work," homeowner Svetlana shared, "Greenwich has some great resources for those interested in learning how to garden in a way that’s healthier for the planet and for you. Check out the annual native plant sale at Greenwich Land Trust, and be sure to get there early! Waste Free Greenwich has great resources for learning about backyard composting."

Landscape Architect, Eric D. Groft was also a key asset in making Tango House become a reality. Through his team, research was conducted including learning about the history of the property.
"This area had been pasture for most of the 19th and first half of the 20th century, in fact, there are remnant farm fieldstone walls that we rebuilt and gave us the inspiration for the stone pool wall. The agrarian roots of this site also gave us inspiration for the plant palette of native plants composed in a “design meadow” concept for the garden rooms around the house," said Groft.
Extensive plantings surrounding the home are hues of green, focused on texture

and form. Substantial thought was given by Eric Groft, to create successive waves of seasonal blooms, white crocus in early spring, followed by white daffodils, and white wood asters in the fall creating a visual delight with the change of season. Dramatic color changes in the plantings reflect the seasons. The organic vegetable garden, geodesic dome chicken coop are connected by tree lined pathways and easy access to the greenhouse and main house, to maximize efficiency for farm-to-table living.
"The vegetable garden was a strong desire of Svetlana and fell neatly into an area that was close to the kitchen, the utilitarian part of the property and had adequate sunlight on the west side of the property. We also thinned out the high oak canopy trees to let more light in on the south side," explained Groft.
The garden proved to be symbolic for not just the homeowners, but also the numerous team members who came together to work on this project. "We all thrived from the experience of designing and building together and all of us are so proud to be part of the Tango Team," said Kurth.
FIRM: CAROL KURTH
ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS
Design Team: Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID and John Rapetti, Assoc. AIA (914) 234-2595
carolkurtharchitects.com
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Eric D. Groft, FASLA | Director/CEO OEHME, van SWEDEN | OvS Landscape Architecture 202.546.7575 ext. 131 | ovsla.com
OCTOBER 5TH
Pound Ridge Harvest Festival
Pound Ridge Town Park | 1:00 PM
Continuing what has become a beloved Pound Ridge tradition, the Harvest Festival draws people together to enjoy Oktoberfest-style food, beverage gardens, award-winning music, and great fun for children. This event highlights local merchants and specialty food purveyors who select their most enticing dishes to serve. The kids' pavilion features a root beer garden, face painting, fun games, contests and more!
OCTOBER 5TH
The Windmill Club | 8:00 AM
Stayin’ Alive, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 charity that supports the First Responders of Northern Westchester, New York. They combine funds raised through an annual 5K Fun Run, grants, and donations from individuals to provide equipment to emergency responders that is not covered in their annual budget.
OCTOBER 13TH
Lasdon Park, Katonah, NY | 11:00 AM
Join one of the gardeners at Lasdon Park for an October walk through the park! See what’s still in bloom. Fall fruits and berries are among the many beautiful and interesting sights to see during fall. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and meet at the entrance kiosk next to the parking lot.
OCTOBER 13TH
Muscoot Farm | 10:30 AM
Visit Muscoot Farm for their annual pumpkin picking fundraiser! Enjoy a day of fall fun with pumpkins, hayrides and more; available for purchase to benefit the Friends of Muscoot Farm. Come for the pumpkins, stay for the memories!
OCTOBER 16TH-19TH AND 23RD-26TH
Hulda’s Night
Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Sleepy Hollow, NY | 6:00 PM
Hulda’s Night at Rockefeller State Park Preserve is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Step back in time on this very special night in the woods of Sleepy Hollow! As you trek down to the Witch’s Spring trail, the magical fairy lights tell you that you are nearing Hulda’s Hut and the witch of Sleepy Hollow awaits you!
OCTOBER 19TH
Bedford Village | 11:30 AM
Join in on The Bedford Historical Society's scavenger hunt through our storied past! Search, solve and discover in historic Bedford Village! Start your hunt at The Bedford Store, 612 Old Post Road, then follow the clues and finish at a nearby top secret location for cider, doughnuts and tours.




ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
JANIE JONES
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.






INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or alternatively, 1 stick butter)
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

This classic tomato basil soup is easy and quick to make and is the perfect way to get the rustic, tangy and savory flavors of this italian dish.
DIRECTIONS:
Toss the butter or olive oil in the pan. Add onion, and saute until the onion is translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer. Transfer to a blender, and puree until smooth. Add the fresh basil and heavy cream. Transfer mixture back to the pan to thoroughly heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parmesan and chopped basil, and serve with toasted italian bread.





