chefscocktailseat + drinkentertainingholidaysavorysweetwestchester

#ShopLocal for Last-Minute Edible Gift Ideas in Westchester

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

Looking for last-minute gift ideas for the family and friends on your list? While gift certificates to local restaurants (and boutiques) are always a great way to #shoplocal and #supportlocal, these local business owners have gone above and beyond this year to create fun, innovative edible gift ideas in Westchester for that food lover on your list.

For the Carbaholic: Pasta Box for Two From L’inizio

$125 • Add a bottle of Montepulciano for $155

The Holiday Pasta Box for Two includes 12 oz of Home Made Dry Rigatoni, a 16-oz jar of the L’inizio Classic Marinara, one small bag of Red Pepper Flakes, one small bag of Oregano, Caramel Corn, L’inizio Bar Corn, four Home-Made Marshmallows, and a jar of Scott’s Special Preserved Lemon.
Order online: https://forms.gle/g6FrgBPyX9j1q38M8
*Because some items are made fresh, it may take 24 hours to be able to pick up your box!

L’inizio: 698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, 914-693-5400, liniziony.com

For the Home Cook: Feeding Westchester’s Holiday Recipe E-Book

Free, Donation Suggested

Feeding Westchester’s free holiday cookbook features recipes from some of the most talented Westchester County chefs! And while you are there, you can make a donation in your recipients name to help feed the one in five people in Westchester who are food insecure.
Download recipe book: https://info.feedingwestchester.org/the-feeding-westchester-holiday-recipe-book

For the Ice Cream Lover: Penny Lick Ice Cream of the Month Club

$87 or $132

Enjoy monthly infusions of Penny Lick Ice Cream, delivered straight to your recipient’s door! Simply select whether you would like three months delivered for the next three months (total of nine pints) or five pints delivered for the next three months (total of 15 pints). Each month, they will receive a best-selling flavor and a few surprise flavors, plus exclusive Club flavors. (Westchester and Fairfield only)
Sign up now: https://www.pennylickicecream.com/store/product/ice-cream-club/

Penny Lick Ice Cream: 580 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706, pennylickicecream.com

For the Bar Fly: Craft Cocktails from The Rare Bit

$35

The Rare Bit is bottling up some of their most popular cocktails—from the Purple Rain (gin) to the Brooklyn Rosé (tequila) to the Luccianna’s Spicy Dirty Martini (vodka). These mason jars offer four servings and sweet sips to remind you what it tasted like to enjoy your favorite cocktail at the bar. (Hopefully, we’ll return soon!)
Order now: https://the-rare-bit.square.site/?location=11eae65580b2fdb2a1f7ac1f6bbba828#14

The Rare Bit: 23 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522, therarebitdf.com

Artisanal Lover: Wood Fire Food’s Smoked Olives

$24

These signature smoked olives are marinated, seasoned, and slow-cooked over an open-wood-fire grill by local Chef Daniel Sabia. While they are a perfect snack on their own (these jars don’t last long in my house), the smoky flavor adds an upgrade to any dish!
Order now: https://www.woodfirefoodco.com/products/smoked-olives

For the Sweet Tooth: Gourmet Edible Cookie Dough by The Dessertist

$8-$10 per jar

Who hasn’t enjoyed licking the spoon while making cookies? Now you can indulge in a safer way with edible cookie dough from The Dessertist. Several varieties are available—Chocolate Chip, Sugar Cookie, The Munchies, and Brownie Batter—along with vegan and gluten free flavors.
Order now: https://www.thedessertist.com/shop

The Dessertist: 50 Maple Street, Croton on Hudson, NY, thedessertist.com

For the Cookie Monster: The Cookie Crate from Jane Bakes

$69

Speaking of cookies… Jane Bakes cookies pair all-natural ingredients made with GMO-free flours with fun flavor combinations like Amaretto Oatmeal (gluten free), Maple Pecan, and (IntoxiKate favorite) Whiskey Chocolate Chip. The crate of cookie sleeves is the perfect sampler, offering seven different types of cookies ready for sharing!
Order now: https://janebakes.com/collections/cookie-gifts/products/crate-of-cookie-sleeves

For the Kid Chef: Virtual Cooking Classes with Cooking Instructor Kate Sonders Solomon

Starting at $15

The COVID climate hasn’t slowed Kate down! And while she may be on pause hosting in-person events for a bit, she offers an incredible lineup of weekly virtual classes for the little cooks in your kitchen. Check out her website below for the full calendar and to learn more!
Sign up now: https://www.katesonders-solomon.com

For the Coffee Lover: Coffee World Tour “Ready to Wrap” Gift Box from Coffee Labs Roasters

$47.79

While you can certainly pick up a single bag of your favorite Coffee Labs Brew for the home barista on your list, I love the fact they’ve curated a special variety pack showcasing coffee from three different continents—Africa, Central America, and Oceania. Each bag is 12oz.
Order now: https://www.coffeelabs.com/collections/gift-boxes/products/coffee-world-tour-ready-to-wrap-gift-box

Coffee Labs Roasters: 7 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591, coffeelabs.com

For the Foodie: The Twisted Branch Oil & Vinegar Sampler Pack

$35 and up

I love the idea of mixing and matching my favorite infused olive oils, dark balsamic vinegars, and white balsamic vinegars. With over 40 varieties available, you can pair your way to unique gifts for everyone on your list!
Order now: https://www.thetwistedbranch.com/holidaygiftguide

The Twisted Branch: 24 Broadway, Valhalla, NY, thetwistedbranch.com

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cateringeat + drinkentertainingholidaywestchester

Christmas Takeout Dinners in Westchester

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

Like the many months since the COVID-19 pandemic, the holidays are going to look different this year. And while most of us are limiting our celebrations to our immediate families, local restaurants are baking a bit of magic into delicious Christmas Day and Christmas Eve menus, making the 2020 holiday season just that more special. Check out the options below.

Crabtree’s Kittle House, Chappaqua

The Kittle House is offering two ways to dine on their holiday menu—you can order their Christmas Eve Dinner to go for $65 per person, featuring menu items like Maine Lobster Bisque, Fillet of Florida Red Snapper, or Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs; OR you can indulge in their Christmas Feast To Go, which serves 6-8 guests, and features Roast Prime Rib of Beef or Salmon. To view the menu, click here.

Order by: December 22nd at 3:00 PM 
Pick up: December 23rd between 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM and December 24 between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
To order: 914-666-8044
Crabtree’s Kittle House: 11 Kittle Road, Chappaqua New York 10514, crabtreeskittlehouse.com

L’inizio, Ardsley

Christmas Eve
Feeds 4 • $100
7 Fishes Seafood Pappardelle including clams (out of the shell), shrimp, calamari, crab meat, crawfish, octopus, and scungilli.

Christmas Day
Feeds 4 • $225
• Black Pepper and Olive Oil Marinated Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction
• Potato, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Gratin
• Haricots Verts with Amandine
• Choose One: 9-inch NY Cheesecake with Raspberry Preserves and Fresh Raspberry OR Chocolate Fudge Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Toasted Hazelnuts (pictured below)

Order both dinners: $300 (SAVE $25)

Order by: December 17th at 5:00 PM 
Pick up: December 23rd from 12:00 PM on.
Order online: https://forms.gle/TyKtK1DPY5yZS86s5
L’inizio: 698 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, 914-693-5400, liniziony.com

Papi’, White Plains

Pick up a family-size authentic Italian lasagna from the White Plains fast casual hot spot. The options include:

• Homemade Lasagna loaded with bechamel sauce and melted mozzarella
• Veggie Lasagna offering gluten-free noodles, eggplant, zucchini, roasted peppers, and delicious béchamel sauce (pictured below)
• New! Porcini-Truffle Mushroom is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Order by: December 20
Pick up: December 23 (reheating instructions provided!)
Call to order: 914-328-6535
Papi: 19 Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606, papifood.com

Sonora, Port Chester

Holiday Dinner Package
Feeds 4-6 • $189

Includes:
• 1 Bottle of Rioja Reserva Wine
• Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
• Choice of Entrée: Seafood Paella with shrimp, mussels, clams, and chorizo OR Rotiesserie Chicken with yucca and sweet plaintains
• 3 Signature Sides: Saffron Mashed Potatoes, Tabbouleh Quinoa Salad, Brussels Sprouts and Caramelized Apples
• Chocolate Cake

Order by: December 22nd
Pick up: December 24th
Order online: https://www.sonorarestaurant.net/holiday-dinner-package
Sonora: 179 Rectory Street, Port Chester, NY 10573, sonorarestaurant.net

The Greekish, Harrison

7 Fishes Christmas Eve Dinner from The Greekish
$200/box • Feeds 4
This fun, meze (Greek small plates) dinner for four includes:
• Red Caviar Tarama & Pita
• Shellfish Ceviche
• Salmon Gravlax (pictured below)
• Tuna Tabbouleh
• White Anchovy Dolma
• Steamed Mussels and Orzo
• Grilled Branzino & Greens
• PLUS! A little bit of sweet on us!

Order by: December 22nd at 9:00 PM
Pick up: December 24th between 12:00-10:00 PM
Order online: https://forms.gle/XYmt61CpaDXKLuKP8
The Greekish Harrison: 273 Halstead Ave Harrison NY 10528, 914-732-3333, thegreekish.com
The Greekish Nyack: 8 N Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960, 845-353-1200, thegreekish.com

The Rare Bit, Dobbs Ferry

Customize Your Meal with Christmas Day and Eve To Go
All items below feed 4-6 people

Appetizers
• Shaved Cauliflower & Radicchio Salad with Aleppo pepper, orange vinaigrette, raisins, pistachio, and arugula ~ $30
• TRB Waldorf Salad with buttermilk dressing, walnuts, apples, sliced beets and winter greens ~ $30
• Roasted Beet Salad with mint, yogurt orange, and red onion ~ $30
• Arugula and Feta Salad with daily harvest vegetables and feta vinaigrette  ~ $30
• Shrimp Cocktail (16/20) ~ $40 per lb
• Baked Meatballs (about 25) ~ $50
• Stuffed Mushrooms (about 25) ~ $40
• Baked Clam Phyllo Cups (about 25) ~ $40

Entrées
• Beef Wellington ~ $150
• Prime Rib ~ $200 (pictured below)
• Fresh Baked Honey Glazed Ham ~ $75
• Vegan Eggplant Lasagna ~ $60
• Rigatoni & Meatballs ~ $60

Sides ~ $30
• Roasted Potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic and herbs
• Baked Sweet Potatoes with butter and sour cream
• Cheesy Grits
• Brussels Sprouts (Select Mustard Vin or Chili Maple)
• Harissa Roasted Carrots
• Broccoli in Garlic and Oil
• Mac’n’Cheese
• Chicken Strips

Dessert
• Christmas Cookie Platter (15 pcs) ~ $25
• Chocolate Covered Cannoli Platter (15 pcs) ~ $25
• Lemon Bars (15 pcs) ~ $25
• Whole Pumpkin Cheesecake ~ $35
• Whole Fruit Cake ~ $35

Cocktails ~ $35

Order by: December 20th
Pick up: December 24th between 12:00 -5:00 PM; December 25th between 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Order: Text or call 415-816-5833 or scott@therarebitdf.com
The Rare Bit: 23 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522. 914-693-8000, therarebitdf.com

The Whitlock, Katonah

Customize your holiday meal with The Whitlock’s menu (1/4 trays feed 2; 1/2 trays feed 4):

Entrées
• Prime Rib Roast (1/4 Tray) $55 (1/2 Tray) $115
• Stuffed Pork Loin stuffed with spinach & herbs (1/4 Tray) $40 (1/2 Tray) $85
• Stuffed Clams (1/4 Tray) $25 (1/2 Tray) $55
• Mussels with white wine, garlic, shallots (1/2 Tray) $40
• Seven Fish Linguiniwith mussels, scallops, shrimp, cod, calamari, clams, crab, spicy tomato (1/4 Tray) $50 (1/2 Tray) $105
• Maple Glazed Ham (1/4 Tray) $40 (1/2 Tray) $85

Sides
• Mashed Potatoes & Gravy (1/4 Tray) $20 (1/2 Tray) $45
• Creamed Spinach (1/4 Tray) $20 (1/2 Tray) $45
• Brussels Sprouts with pancetta, hot honey (1/4 Tray) $20 (1/2 Tray) $45
• Green Bean Casserole (1/4 Tray) $20 (1/2 Tray) $45
• Roasted Cauliflower Salad featuring arugula, radicchio, red onion, parmesan, pistachios, house vinaigrette (1/4 Tray) $20 (1/2 Tray) $45
• Biscuits by the piece $2.50

Dessert
• Peppermint Cheesecake with chocolate crust, candy cane dust $25.00

Order by: December 20th
Pick up: Christmas Eve between 12:00 -4:00 PM
Order: https://orders.cake.net/11080574
The Rare Bit: 17 Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY 10536, thewhitlockny.com

X20, Yonkers

Click here to see Peter Kelly’s takeout Christmas menu, which includes items like Grilled Cowboy Ribeye, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Roast Duckling, and more.

Order by: December 20th
Pick up: December 25th
To order: 914-965-1111
X20: 71 Water Grant St., Yonkers, NY 10701, xaviars.com

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eat + drinkrestaurant newssavorywestchester

IntoxiKate Travel Guide: Asian Cuisine in Westchester

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

The past few months have been very hard on us all, but if I have learned anything during quarantine it’s this—we’ve come out of it with stronger family values and an incredible sense of community. Oh, and enough banana bread to feed the entire country!

While the pandemic may keep us hopping on planes for a bit, spending several weeks in our homes only incited wanderlust. Luckily, we have no shortage of culture in our own backyard. And one of the easiest ways to explore a new culture is diving into its cuisine.

That’s why I’ve created these easy-to-use, new IntoxiKate Travel Guides. Focused on different cuisines and topics, these online, interactive magazines allow you to explore new restaurants, dishes, and more—all in your own backyard. First up? Asian cuisine in Westchester.

If you decide to explore alone or with the family, I’d love to see it! Join the conversation—simply use the hashtag #IntoxiKateTravel.

Here’s to spending a summer learning more about our world, enjoying new dishes, and living life deliciously!

To get started, simply click on the cover below.

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chefseat + drinkfarm to tablefor the kitchenorganicrestaurant newssavoryTakeoutwestchester

Kanopi At Home

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

Safety and sanitary protocols aside, if there’s anything we learned the past few months, is that our small business owners—especially restaurants—know how to pivot. Week after week, we watched social media posts and read news stories about different ways chefs were trying to serve our community. And serve us they did—from recreating their concepts to offer takeout, making meal after meal for workers on the front line, and popping up shops so we can purchase the items we love to cook at home.

Enter: Chef Anthony Gonçavles and his team at Kanopi.

Way up in the clouds—42 stories to be exact—atop the Ritz Carlton in White Plains, Gonçavles has a 360-degree view of Westchester. Not immune to the pandemic—Kanopi is a premier restaurant and catering space—he, like many in his industry, decided to switch things up to provide a service to his customers and support local purveyors.

Gonçavles created Kanopi at Home, sourcing top-quality ingredients, butchering organic meats, and preparing specialty items for delivery or curbside pickup. Last week, I found myself face-to-face with Colin Mead, event guru at Kanopi, at my front door, with a box full of goodies to try. (Spoiler alert: It was also a box I whole-heartedly enjoyed.)

What’s in the Box?

The quick answer—everything I could possibly need to put together three-or-four incredible, five-star restaurant-quality meals at home.

The fresh homemade pasta—Semolina Rigatoni and Thick Spaghetti to be exact—were enjoyed with the two sauces included; we paired the Rigatoni with the Cacio E Pepe and the Spaghetti with the Marcona Almond Pesto (which was my FAV).

The Elote (Mexican Street Corn) dressed with cotija cheese, lime mayo, and cayenne had a bit of a much needed kick. We easily reheated that on the grill in the metal tin they came in alongside the chicken sausage.

And while I loved the chicken sausage, I will 100% go back for the lamb sausage, which was an excellent surprise. Made front lamb shoulder and rack ends, the meat was encased with the perfect blend of smoked paprika, piri piri, coriander, and fennel seed for a flavorful, snappy sausage.

The box also included items I could use in my own recipes. The most beautiful brown and blue fresh eggs—with bright orange yolks—were fried over-easy for breakfast.

The Kanopi Honey Vinegar was drizzled over a green salad.

There are some things from the pandemic I really hope I don’t see again. But there are some things—like Kanopi at Home—that are here to stay. With all crazy events comes growth and innovation, and we have no shortage of that in Westchester. I thank Chef Anthony Gonçavles and his team for thinking of me, and providing me a sense of normalcy (and pure deliciousness) during this crazy time.

Ordering Kanopi at Home

Customize your Kanopi at Home experience. Orders will be fulfilled every Thursday & Friday.  Order deadline is 5pm the day prior to your pick up or delivery.  Curbside Pickup is available 3:00-5:00PM; and delivery from 1:00-5:00PM.

$35 Minimum order for Pickup. $85 Minimum order for Delivery + $15 Delivery fee. Delivery is available to much of Westchester & Fairfield counties. Please contact us directly if you encounter any trouble when entering your address for delivery.

Order for curbside pickup: https://bbot.menu/kanopipickup/

Order for delivery: https://bbot.menu/kanopidelivery/

P.S. You won’t want to miss a bit of White Plains nostalgia with the Trotters Pop Up to go. Offering some of the best items from the ‘good old days,’ this pop up is available for pickup Thursday and Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Order now: https://www.exploretock.com/kanopi/

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eat + drinkRENDEREDrestaurant newswestchester

RENDERED: David Kurdys on Restaurant Hospitality

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

Is hospitality a lost art? Did the pandemic put an end to traditional service? David Kurdys, manager and sommelier from L’inizio, and I dive into discussing these questions and more on the next episode of RENDERED.

As the restaurants open up—facing new safety protocols after a hiatus from in-house service—I challenge you to really listen to David’s perspective on his front of the house role during COVID-19. David has a great sense of humor but offers a somewhat painful perspective on what his work life has looked like for the past three months working in an essential business.

David says, “There’s something good that will come out of all this.” And you know what? There can be… We, as diners, can understand the Davids of the world a bit better, fully understanding WE are an intricate part of the interaction and responsible for our own experience. We can step into a restaurant now and be a bit more patient and forgiving, fully understanding what it takes to binging food to table.

About RENDERED

Rendered (verb): melt (fat or lard) in order to separate out impurities

RENDERED is dedicated to uncovering the spark of bringing food to table. The show focuses on the business of food—through interviews and visual storytelling via unfettered access, the show explores the ‘switch’ or focused passion that drove people to go to work in the food industry and the challenges they face making their way every single day in a highly competitive, and ever-changing business. (This concept has been registered with the Writers Guild of America East.)

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eat + drinkFood BusinessIntoxiKate

Taking Over: @TaraRosenblum on Instagram

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

HAPPENING NOW! News 12 reporter Tara Rosenblum has graciously given me full access to take over her Instagram account (@TaraRosenblum) today, so buckle up, because we’re about to live life deliciously!
{Thank you, Tara!} 

For the skinny on where to order from tonight, on Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and more check out my recommendations in Tara’s stories.

I’ll be sharing throughout the afternoon and into the evening, so check back for more! (And a BIG announcement!) 🎉

View the Takeout Tuesday Takeover

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brunchcocktailseat + drinkrestaurant newssavoryTakeout

Alvin & Friends Sunday Brunch now available for takeout

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

Breaking News: Alvin & Friends Sunday Brunch now available for take out!

Have you been missing Alvin & Friends’ famous Sunday Brunch? We’ve created a special take out menu of brunch favorites available for curbside pick up on Sundays ONLY from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Choose from an assortment of Eggs and Omelets, plus some of our best-loved dishes like Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits, Sweet Plantains Foster French Toast and our new Breakfast Burger (grilled andouille sausage,two eggs, jerk remoulade and cheddar cheese on a toasted English muffin). 

And because it’s not brunch without some Punch, we’re also offering bottles of Alvin’s famous (and my favorite!) Trini style Rum Punch as well as Sorrel (with or without Rum). Call 654-6549 to make your Brunch order!

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eat + drinkFood BusinessIntoxiKateRENDEREDrestaurant news

Introducing RENDERED with First Guest Constantine Kalandranis

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

Rendered (verb): melt (fat or lard) in order to separate out impurities

RENDERED is dedicated to uncovering the spark of bringing food to table. The show focuses on the business of food— through interviews and visual storytelling via unfettered access, the show explores the ‘switch’ or focused passion that drove people to go to work in the food industry and the challenges they face making their way every single day in a highly competitive, and ever-changing business.

Constantine Kalandranis, chef/owner of 273 Kitchen (Harrison, NY) and 8 North Broadway (Nyack, NY), talks about how his restaurants have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The small business owner also sheds light on the expenses of a typical restaurant, how those expenses look in the current environment, how he’s pivoted to a takeout model, and more.

This concept has been registered with the Writers Guild of America East.

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eat + drinkFood BusinessIntoxiKaterestaurant news

Covid-19 and the Restaurant Industry: Real Talk with Ellen Sledge of Penny Lick Ice Cream

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz

A very real conversation of the state of Westchester’s restaurant industry, the impact of Covid-19, and where we could be in a matter of months. Thank you to my first guest, Ellen Sledge of Penny Lick Ice Cream Company in Hastings-on-Hudson, who describes the current state of affairs at her company and the current reality for those in the food business.

For the list of restaurants who are currently offering takeout and delivery, please click here: https://intoxikate.com/westchester-restaurants-delivery-takeout/

Please note: The list is updated in realtime, so please check back and hit ‘refresh’ for the most up-to-date listing, organized by town.

If you are a restaurant owner or chef who would like to be added to the list, please click here: https://forms.gle/T6yJb89iZsJsmyvt8

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eat + drinkrestaurant news

Westchester Restaurants Offering Takeout & Delivery

by Katie Schlientz
written by Katie Schlientz
Westchester Restaurants takeout

For a full list of restaurants offering takeout and delivery under the current circumstances, please click here. This list will be updated in realtime and includes the restaurant name, details, and menus in one, easy-to-use list. All links are live, so feel free to click on them!

This list has been shared with local media, bloggers, and Instagrammers, so it is being used as a resource for media as well as the general public.

Please note: If you are a restauranteur or chef that would like to be included, please take 3 minutes to provide your information here.

For more ways to help local restaurants who are currently forced to close doors to in-service dining due to the COVID-19 virus, please share this information.

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