This month, we are hosting the Club at The Greekish in Harrison, a participating restaurant in IntoxiKate’s Eating for Orange campaign raising awareness for Feeding Westchester. Join us Thursday, September 27th, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
$40 per person* includes entry, tasting, light bites
$25 per person includes knowledge, fun, and light bites
Help Feed Westchester: As always, $5 from the purchase of every ticket will go to Feeding Westchester.
Go: 273 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY 10528, www.thegreekish.com
Help Feed Westchester: A portion of the sales for the evening will be donated to Feeding Westchester in addition to any tips collected.
See available flavors in advance: www.pennylickicecream.com/menus
Go: 580 Warburton Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
Help Feed Westchester: WSA will be donating a portion of the public skating cost to the organization. Skaters can also bring non-perishable items only; no fresh produce, prepared foods, refrigerated, or frozen items. Feeding Westchester’s most needed items are below.
Make sure to register in advance: skatewsa.com.
Go: 91 Fairview Park Dr, Elmsford, NY 10523
Let’s go orange! For the fifth year, IntoxiKate.com is teaming up with Feeding Westchester and area restaurants to “Go Orange” for Hunger Action Month this September. The goal? To raise awareness about those who are food insecure in Westchester County and educate the community about ways they can help support the county’s leading nonprofit hunger-relief organization.
Starting September 1st, over 30 restaurants from Yonkers to Chappaqua to Port Chester will participate in “IntoxiKate’s Eating for Orange.” Foodies can feast on a range of orange-inspired dishes whipped up by our area’s top chefs—from seasonal staples, to gluten-free and vegetarian options, in both sweet and savory categories. For a list of participating restaurants and dishes, please visit: IntoxiKate.com/EatingforOrange
IntoxiKate’s Eating for Orange was created in 2017 as a way to create awareness around ways we can all help Feeding Westchester with their many efforts. It was also a strategic, easy way restaurants could support their community.
Those hungry to help are asked to visit participating restaurants, try the orange-themed dishes, and help spread awareness by sharing their experience on social media using the following hashtags: #eatingfororange #intoxikate #feedingwestchester #hungeractionmonth
For every post tagged, Schlientz will donate $1 to the organization, up to $500. NEW THIS YEAR: Diners who participate will also be entered to win gift certificates from participating restaurants.
Saturday, September 10th: The public is invited to open skate at Westchester Skating Academy (WSA) in Elmsford from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. WSA will be donating a portion of the public skating cost to Feeding Westchester. Make sure to register in advance: skatewsa.com.
Wednesday, September 21st: Scoops for a Cause at Penny Lick Ice Cream in Hastings on Hudson from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Schlientz will be scooping ice cream to patrons along with LoHud Food & Dining Reporter Jeanne Muchnick. A portion of the sales with be donated to Feeding Westchester.
Thursday, September 27th: Join us for the IntoxiKate Cocktail Club at The Greekish in Harrison from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, where you’ll learn how to create an orange cocktail. $5 from all ticket sales will be donated to Feeding Westchester. Tickets are $35 per person and are on sale now.
All Month Long: Schlientz is partnering with One Hope Wines to raise funds for Feeding Westchester. Made from California’s finest grape growing regions, the wines give hope to the people and causes that matter most to you; 10% of every purchase is donated to Feeding Westchester. SHOP NOW
Last week presented another obstacle they didn’t expect. Hurricane Ida devastated physical locations, equipment, food, and more. But we have to be mindful—the real toll is on their mental capacity. The continuous rebuilding is tiresome, wearing them down.
In the meantime, we can offer what we can—we can donate our time to cleanup efforts, we can offer words of encouragement and support (trust me, that goes a long way), or you can lend financial support through one of the many GoFundMe accounts set up (in some cases, by supportive neighbors; in others, by the restaurants themselves).
The brewery was devastated by Hurricane Ida Wednesday when over five feet of water entered the facility. The funds will be used to restore tanks, the glycol system, and extensive electrical repairs needed in order to reopen.
Goal: $50,000
Donate Now
This Ardsley favorite recently received Michelin recognition, but the lower level of the restaurant was flooded floor to ceiling. Most of the restaurant equipment, including refrigeration, was damaged. A restaurant fan created the GoFundMe account to help owners Scott and Heather Fratangelo get back on their feet.
Goal: $25,000
Donate Now
The Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce is raising funds for the Mamaroneck business community critically impacted by Hurricane Ida. The extent of the damage in the Village is beyond comprehension. Many of the local businesses had four or more feet of water in their stores, which destroyed merchandise, equipment, and the property in general.
Goal: $100,000
Donate Now
This family-owned restaurant has been a Port Chester institution since 1983. They were hit extremely hard during Ida, and without help, we fear we may not be able to fully reopen. They need to rebuild their entire downstairs foundation, replace all equipment, and replace all products before they reopen.
Goal: $30,000
Donate Now
Hurricane Ida destroyed the Taco Shack. Mud and water filled the restaurant space, damaging equipment, and furniture. They lost everything and are hoping the community will help them rebuild the eatery.
Goal: $25,000
Donate Now
Community Resource Center is a 501 C 3 nonprofit social services and advocacy organization dedicated to empowering and integrating new immigrants in Westchester County, NY. The families and small businesses in their community experienced extensive damages and lost most of their belongings. The damages and trauma will take months to recover and heal from. Support them with direct emergency assistance by donating to CRC’s recovery fund.
Please email details or the GoFundMe link to [email protected].
Please note: all images were taken from the respective location’s Instagram pages.
Let’s go orange! For the third year, I am teaming up with Feeding Westchester and area restaurants to “Go Orange” for Hunger Action Month this September. The goal? To raise awareness about the 1 in 5 people in Westchester County are food insecure and educate the community about ways they can help support the county’s leading nonprofit hunger-relief organization.
Starting September 1st, over 50 restaurants from Yonkers to Katonah to Port Chester will participate in “IntoxiKate’s Eating for Orange.” Foodies can feast on a range of orange-inspired dishes whipped up by our area’s top chefs—from seasonal staples, to gluten-free and vegetarian options, in both sweet and savory categories. (Fatt Root’s Dan Dan Noodles pictured above.)
City Limits Diner’s Orange Lemon Waffle (White Plains)
Those hungry to help are asked to visit participating restaurants, try the orange-themed dishes, and help spread awareness by sharing their experience on social media using the following hashtags: #eatingfororange #intoxikate #feedingwestchester #hungeractionmonth
For every post tagged, Schlientz will donate $1 to the organization, up to $500.
For a list of participating restaurants and dishes, please visit: intoxikate.com/eatingfororange
Meeting at a different location each month, each IntoxiKate Cocktail Club class is dedicated to—
Whether you are someone who orders the same cocktail or entertains at home, drink outside the box! Expand your palate and try new recipes. Book now—limited to 35 spaces. 21 and over only!
*P.S. We eat, everyone eats. For every Club member ticket sale to an IntoxiKate event, $5 is donated to my heart charity, Feeding Westchester. There, the magicians and volunteers at work turn that money into $20 worth of meals to 1 in 5 people in Westchester County who are food insecure.
Flying Embers launched with the mission statement to create better for you alternatives in the alcohol space as well as support first responders around the country. All of our products are USDA organic and use no additional sugar to sweeten the brands. We’re the only live probiotic and shelf stable hard kombucha on the market which is a fun fact for people who are curious about probiotics and adaptogens. It’s also plant based, gluten free, and Keto friendly—so many great characteristics, but still tastes great. Learn more
Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester Party 2021 featured an amazing lineup of the best food, services, and business the county has to offer! Here are just a few photos—focusing on food, of course!—from the big event July 21st at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. Missed the event? Here’s a link to his year’s winners.
With shows like Bridgerton (say it isn’t so, Regé-Jean!), The Crown, and Downton Abbey trending the past few years, we’ve seen a resurgence of high teas. And, before the pandemic, an IntoxiKate High Tea was in the works. One, because I love tea. Seriously… It’s two cups of coffee in the morning followed by a variety of flavors pulled from a drawer full of loose teas and bags. And two, because I am drawn to traditional food gatherings were we press pause on the day, put all those technological distractions down, and truly connect with those around us.
Long, long before the iPhone, I think people really knew the importance of enjoying a sip—whether that be a stiff drink during happy hour or a delicate cup of tea—while they talk, collaborate, and brainstorm.
At the beginning of the pandemic, I had high hopes for a lot of things—one being a huge shift in our mindset. I was hoping everyone would dust off their quarantine clothes and emerge understanding just how important human connection—to our families, to our friends, to our communities—really is. Generally, that circles around food. And while I think there was definitely a lean in that direction, it seems while we relied on our technologies to connect us in the pandemic so much, the clutches of our devices will hang on a bit longer too, with people working much longer than their previous nine to five, five days per week. And that also means lunch is spent in front of the keyboard and iPads become part of the place setting at dinner.
So you can understand why I was so excited to see the restaurant Kanopi, which sits atop The Opus: Westchester Hotel, launch afternoon tea service Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Chef Anthony Goncalves pairs his delicious, Portuguese-Hudson Valley cuisine with a flavorful selection of Harney & Sons Teas, as well as the gorgeous view of Westchester County. The experience offers a five-course menu—which does change—for $59.
It was the perfect opportunity to grab one of my best friends to catch up. Never underestimate the power of good company, a beautiful view, incredible food, and tea! It was a truly soulful experience.
When seated, we were greeted with a menu that not only described the flavors of each tea, but also provide a brief history of tea both in the United Kingdom as well as Portugal. The afternoon provided incredible conversation about tea—not only did Danny, our guide, provide the tasting notes of all the teas, but he also described the process of how the teas were selected by Chef and the team. He also explained how they tested the steeping of each to ensure they calculated the optimum sipping time, now timed table side with hourglasses filled with blue sand.
Hint, hint! Reservations are open for Mother’s Day. When Kanopi was 42 The Restaurant (same chef), I treated my mother to a brunch she STILL talks about today.
We opted to start with the lightest flavors and move into more robust teas. Quick note—if you have not been to a tea tasting, it is fairly similar to a wine tasting. Tea making is an art can a variety of flavors combine on the palate. In addition to tasting notes (think rose hips, fruit, earthy), you will also note briskness, body, and aroma.
My top favorites include the African Autumn—a caffeine-free herbal blend featuring cranberry and citrus—and the Indigo Punch for its vibrant color and crisp, fruity flavor. Two flowering teas (which were a delight) are also available for a supplemental charge.
Dining with Goncalves never disappoints, and this particularly menu showcases how he artfully balances between the traditional and creative.
First Course: The Baked Basket with scones, everything croissant, clotted cream, and hibiscus preserves.
Second Course: Black Tea & Citrus Hamachi one a plate of pear avocado.
I know Instagram is littered with colorful concoctions and gianormous meals but, for me, the balance of flavors on this simple dish will outmatch the latter all day.
Third Course: Smoked Salmon Flower with poached egg, black truffles, and brioche.
This was my favorite course on the menu. A true showcase of Goncalves talent, this dish takes an elevated twist on the traditional egg-in-a-hole. Offering some serious yolk porn with a perfectly poached egg, every bit was mopped up with the brioche along with the black truffle.
Fourth Course: Snow Crab Grilled Cheese with gruyere on white pullman.
Fifth Course: Chicken Paillard with cucumber, chickpea, cauliflower, peppers, carrots, picked red onion, and mustard.
Chicken pounded thin, topped with a mosaic of colors, offering a delightful pickled crunch.
Sixth Course: Carrot Cake with a cream cheese mousse.
Honestly, the plating of this dish blew my mind; I don’t want to describe it too much to save the surprise as you dive in.
The Restaurant at Kanopi: 1 Renaissance Square, White Plains, NY; 914-761-4242; www.kanopievents.com
Is dining at Kanopi like dining at Blue Hill at Stone Barns?
Yes and no. While Kanopi offers set tasting menus—substitutions can be made for vegan/vegetarians—offering innovative dishes made with fresh ingredients, you will not be paying the same prices. Also, and I say this with love Blue Hill, you will feel full leaving Kanopi.
When is the best time to go?
For tea, Saturday afternoon. Dinner is currently offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:30 to 8:00 PM.
Do they take bigger parties?
Yes. Kanopi is also an event space. While you can book online for parties of two to six, I would suggest calling the team directly (914-761-4242) to book larger tables.
Would the high tea experience make a great baby shower experience?
Yes, and I LOVE the idea. (See the previous question on how to book)