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Published: 09 January 2013

Created: 09 January 2013

Last Updated: 09 January 2013

Hits: 7169

When a survey of Scarsdale residents on Scarsdale10583 showed that you wanted more places to eat downtown, Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce President Carolyn Stevens made it her business to seek out restauranteurs who might want to come to the Village. She headed over to her favorite falafel shop in Hastings and asked owner Zamir Iosepovici to take a look at our town. Born in Israel and a lawyer by trade, Iosepovici opened his famed falafel shop in Hastings in 2010 and after a visit to Scarsdale planned a second venture that would be more upscale and sophisticated but offer some of the same great fare.

Now two years later, Taiim Cellar has opened in the space formerly occupied by Vaccaros Shoes and is off to a great start. Zamir and his partners did a wonderful job of building out the space into an inviting and warm wine bar with decorative touches from the Middle East. If you remember the rabbit's warren of shelves and shoes at Vaccaros, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the transformation.

The scene is lit with Moroccan lanterns, the bar features the Middle Eastern arch and there's seating on comfy Turkish ottomans. There's even a mellow Middle Eastern soundtrack playing and you can sip a Middle Eastern infused cocktail, specially formulated by a mixologist for Taiim Cellar. With names like "Arabian Night Moves" including Arak Razzouk, lemon juice, lime syrup and coriander and a "Forty Thieves Sour" with whiskey, simple syrup, lime juice and bitters, it will be tough to decide which one to try first.

Every dish on the menu hails from the Middle East and is either made at Taiim Cellar or sourced from carefully selected purveyors. The twelve varieties of hummus are cooked fresh daily, and so far, the most popular choices are the classic, basil, and truffle oil though I can't wait to try the preserved lemon, spiced cilantro and Masabacha (an Israeli hummus with lemon-spiked tahini and whole chickpeas)

Hummus selections are accompanied by Arabian pita – and Taiim also stocks fresh-baked ciabatta for sandwiches and to be served with the tempting array of salads and sides. The all-vegetarian menu features falafel, chopped Israeli salad, tabbluleh, quinoa, beet salad and more.

Another option is the cheese platter of Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cheeses shown here. On the cheese list are Labneh, a strained yogurt cheese from Lebanon, goat and sheep's milk Halloumi, Mahon, a cow's milk cheese from Mallorca and Fioretto di Sardegna, sheep's milk cheese from Sardinia. The attractive cheese platter comes with fig jam, rose petal jam, Greek olive oil, whole figs and almonds and walnuts. What fun to meet a friend for a glass of wine from Taiim's extensive collection and munch on Middle Eastern cheeses.

There are heartier meal selections as well and Taiim offers ten innovative sandwiches accompanied by Israeli chopped salad. Here are descriptions of just a few on the list:

The Falafel: Falafel with classic hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, turnips and tahini

The Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower with classic hummus and simmered tomatoes, red peppers, onions and garlic.

The Butternut Squash: Roasted butter squash, Fioretto di Sardegna and fig jam

For dessert or a snack there's baklava and cardamon tea. What else could you ask for?

Taiim Cellar is foremost a wine bar that offers an extensive array of red, white, sparking and dessert wines by the glass and some novel selections of Israeli, Italian, Greek and even Moroccan wines by the bottle. Oenophiles will have a field day sampling the international collection of wines – and for those who like the hard stuff, the bar stocks a full array of top-shelf liquors.

All this is on the menu at very reasonable prices and you can easily have a meal at Taiim Cellar for under $20. Sandwiches are priced at $12 - $13, salads from $6- $9 and a cheese platter with a choice of three cheeses is just $15. Wines by the glass range in price from $8 - $12 and you'd be hard pressed to find food at these prices in an equally elegant setting.

Taiim Cellar is open for lunch, dinner, snacks, dessert or an aperitif from Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are below. Visit soon, before everyone else discovers this great find.

Bet-eh-avon! (Enjoy your food in Hebrew)

Taiim Cellar
Middle Eastern Wine Bar
11 Boniface Circle
Scarsdale, NY
914-723-6900
http://taiimcellar.com/

Open:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 11:30 am – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to midnight
Sunday from 1:30 – 5 pm
Closed on Mondays

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Published: 28 January 2013

Created: 28 January 2013

Last Updated: 28 January 2013

Hits: 4617

Chilly temps call for hearty fare -- and we found two great options this weekend for winter dining in the Rivertowns. At Juniper in Hastings on Hudson, the chefs were hard at work in an open kitchen creating home cooked meals – only better. Chef and owner Alex Sze was moving quickly over the oven and did an impressive job of serving dinner to a roomful of customers in a very timely manner. Similar to dinner at home, the meal is served in seatings, and we arrived at 8:15 for the second one of the night.

Though the restaurant has been open since 2009, they don't have a liquor license so it's BYOB, which keeps the cost of dinner down and also allows you to choose your favorite wine.

Juniper offers a regular menu of popular appetizers and entrees along with a full array of daily specials. We were hard pressed to settle on our appetizers as there were many good options.

Especially delicious was the daily bruschetta, with ricotta, blood oranges, grilled fennel and shaved celery. Also good was the endive watercress salad with Asian pears, blue cheese, candied walnuts, and radishes in a ginger dressing. And yet another twist on a pre-dinner salad was the Caesar with kale, soft-boiled egg, parmesan, boquerones (sardines) and crispy bread tuile.

The choice of entrees leaned toward the meaty side, so I wouldn't recommend Juniper to vegetarians. But for those who enjoy a good cut of beef, pork, duck or beef, there are some savory options. We heard that the brisket burger was not to be missed – and ended up ordering two, even though it meant passing on some other very appealing entrees. The burger was large, juicy, tender and tasty, and arrived with gruyere, a roasted tomato, grilled onions, bibb lettuce, and mustard aioli – a delectable indulgence. Though I resolved to eat only half the burger, I found myself downing the entire patty. Also on the menu on Saturday were braised veal cheeks with cannellini beans, pearl onions, tomatoes and rosemary, a roasted duck breast, and pork served with savoy cabbage, pancetta, pearl onions and apples. Juniper also offers a whole roast chicken for two with truffle potato parsnip gratin and a fish of the day with potatoes, mushrooms, leeks, bacon, sun choke veloute and hazelnut oil. One of my companions had the tilefish and said it was great. The special menu also featured a roast pig's head for two with cheddar cheese grits, coleslaw and buttermilk biscuits. We didn't have the guts to go for it, but some brave medical students at the next table said it was out of this world.

Needless to say, dinner was rich and we couldn't handle dessert – but when I go back I would love to try a few from their heavenly suggestions. I was sorry to pass on the bread pudding with chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and caramelized bananas and the hazelnut brown butter cake with shortbread, banana sorbet, crème fraise and chocolate flake. Next time ......

So – if you're looking for some serious cooking nearby, I suggest you give Juniper a call to see if they can fit you in. You'll probably find that they are offering more imaginative selections on the night you go. If you do try it, please send us a full report on your meal.

Juniper
575 Warburton Avenue
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
914.478.2542
http://www.juniperhastings.com/index.html
[email protected]

Buoyed by dinner at Juniper on Saturday we set out for Italian Kitchen on Saw Mill River Road in Ardsley for an early dinner on Sunday night. What a find! The space, occupied by Giuseppe's since 1968, has been redesigned into two warm, inviting dining rooms where both couples and kids will feel comfortable. The restaurant is run by Edgemont native and celebrity chef Shea Gallante who trained at the CIA in Hyde Park, interned at Pino Luongo and rose to Chef to Cuisine at Bouley.

There's a nice list of red and white Italian wines sold by the glass or the bottle to accompany the fare that is more rustic than haute. The brown paper menu features an appealing array of antipasto, appetizers, grilled pizzas, pastas and "secondi" and I wished I could order one of each. After pulling out our flashlight app to study the menu in the dimly lit room, we decided to start by sharing a grilled pizza bread with tomato, basil, parmigiano and garlic. The other pizza, topped by robiola fresca, speck and arugula and was also tempting. From the antipasti menu of roasted vegetables and olives, we ordered the fried cauliflower and pecorino salad, and we would love to have that recipe to recreate it at home. There are eight pastas on the menu, and most are available in half and full portions. I went for the Siamese Ravioli, which were scored down the center and filled with squash on one side and marscapone cheese on the other. My husband had the Papardelle with Bolognese Bianco (white Bolognese sauce) and though he planned to take half of it home, it quickly disappeared. Our dining companion opted for the filet of black sea bass with celery root, leeks, white bean and Alfonso olive sauce, another great dish.

For dessert, we all plunged our spoons into a single serving of buttermilk panna cotta covered with tart blackberry compote, a sweet, light and refreshing end to our dinner.

Though the restaurant only opened this summer, service is courteous but efficient and we were surprised when the meal arrived in time to have us home by nine in time for Downton Abbey.

We've heard it's hard to get a table on Friday and Saturday nights – but we were welcomed at 6 pm on Sunday and you can also give them a try for brunch or lunch on Wednesdays through Sundays. To make it easy, they take reservations on Open Table.

Italian Kitchen
698 Saw Mill River Road Ardsley
(914) 693-5400
http://www.ik-ny.com/
For reservations: http://www.ik-ny.com/reservations/

For those who think you need to drive to Manhattan to find sophisticated cuisine, think again. We are fortunate to have these two great chefs on call for us just off the Saw Mill Parkway.

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Published: 12 December 2012

Created: 12 December 2012

Last Updated: 14 December 2012

Hits: 5029

Hannukah is here and Christmas is only two weeks away. If you're looking for some creative gift ideas, consider these offers from your local merchants: Visit the Eye Gallery in Scarsdale for the most stylish eyewear and sunglasses available anywhere. Drs. Jay and Michael Rosen have been helping their customers to see and look their best since the practice first opened in 1979. They offer designer frames from Chanel, Chloe, Face a Face, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Prada Robert Marc and more. Stop in to the Eye Gallery on Spencer Place in Scarsdale from now until Christmas, mention Scarsdale10583 and receive a 15% discount off any sunglasses or prescription glasses. Eye Gallery, 8 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, NY 10583, 914-472-2020

Massage Envy: Tis the season for stress relief and savings! Save 50% on selected holiday gift packages at Massage Envy Spa on Central Park Avenue in Scarsdale. Choose from exclusive Gift Memberships (3, 6 and 12 months) and Gift Packages featuring a romantic Couples Massage, or a stress relieving Massage & Facial Combo, or a 60-minute Massage Session combined with Deep Muscle Therapy, a signature Massage Envy enhancement that provides deep muscle relief from injuries and chronic conditions. Just call (914) 422-ENVY (3689) for more information or visit us at 365 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale near California Pizza Kitchen.

Looking for that perfect wine gift...who doesn't appreciate Champagne? Zachys is loaded with Champagne in all price points, colors and styles. Plus we have made sure to have over 20 selections already to go in gift boxes and specialty packages.
From the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Champagne pick Piper Heidsieck ($34.95), the classic Veuve Clicquot ($49.95) to the 98 point Bollinger Grande Annee 2002 ($98). We have you covered and more. Happy Holidays! Zachys Wine and Liquor, 16 East Parkway, Scarsdale, NY
914.874.8000

Imagine Candy is the place to find those perfect gifts for family, friends and business. Just a few of our many special gifts... Artisan Chocolates and hand- painted Chocolate Dominoes, Giant Chocolate Santas, Snowmen and Menorahs, rich Hot Chocolate and S'mores gift sets, Honey Tea- Spoons that will make those cold winter nights cozy. Bacon Lollipops, Gummy Bear Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Overnight Bags, Stuffed Animals, Gummy Lights, luscious Candy Blankets, Broadway Butter Crunch, chocolate Buddhas and delights from Italy, Chocaholic Wine Glasses, the World's largest edible Gummy Bear, wood-packaged Peppermint Bark, award- winning Fudge cakes and caramels. This sampling of our gift selection will make your holiday gifting a breeze! Don't forget about Imagine Candy's fabulous Belgian Chocolates and Chocolate covered pretzels, available in special holiday gift boxes, platters or trays to sweeten any Holiday gathering. Imagine Candy ships anywhere your friends, family and business associates live. Imagine Candy, 22 Harwood Court, Scarsdale, New York 10583, 914.723.7887

Here are gifts for the fashionista from designer boutique Pamela Robbins in Scarsdale Village: Colorful Sandals from K. Jacques. Each pair takes an average of 60 minutes of work, 46 different operations, with up to 123 elements to assemble. Created and manufactured in St. Tropez, France, K. Jacques gives the wearer the feel of being carted off to a far away isle. Made from high quality leather, comfortable cork and leather soles they are beautifully stitched with linen thread.
Givenchy Nightingale Shopper: this stamped leather confection comes with a pop of contrast lining for a "classic with a twist," interest. Givenchy upholds the greatest standards of excellence in design. Classic, chic, and subtle but strong; everything your next handbag should be. Celine Window Mule: This luxurious treat offers a chic way to wear next to nothing on your foot. The PVC window tricks the eye into believing you are magically without shoes, while the leather strap adds a striking line to your foot and finishes off any dress or outfit in the most divine way. All available at Pamela Robbins, 10 Chase Road, Scarsdale, (914) 472-9033

This holiday season give the gift of The Digital Arts Experience! We've got special class packages that make the perfect gift for your son, daughter, sister, brother, mother, father and anyone else! With classes ranging from the absolute basics of using your smartphone to learning to use Photoshop or using social media to market your business or product, The Digital Arts Experience has a program for anyone of any age or skill level. Give us a call at 914-644-8100 to learn about our special holiday packages and to set up a free tour. There is no better gift than The DAE!
The Digital Arts Experience, 170 Hamilton Ave Suite 100, White Plains, NY 10601, Email: [email protected] or call (914) 644 – 8100, www.thedae.com

All Good Things: Hoping to indulge that sweet tooth? Look no further than All Good Things in Scarsdale, with its good vibes and bountiful bevy of treats — more than 200 different kinds of candy, world-famous Emack and Bolio ice cream and the best fat-free frozen yogurt in Westchester — plus a wide variety of kosher candies and ice creams. Family friendly, comfortable and fun, AGT is the community oriented gathering spot throughout Scarsdale and beyond. There's an unbelievable candy assortment — including more than 50 Jelly Belly flavors and 20 different M&Ms — perfect for parties or yummy snacks. Adults and kids of all ages come to All Good Things to celebrate any kind of big day in a trendy setting with treats to keep everyone happy. It's that simple!
-Holiday baskets and other fun & funky gift ideas available
-Have All Good Things at your next event
Hours: Open seven days a week. Sunday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday to 11 p.m. All Good Things, Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center, Wilmot Road, Scarsdale 914-472-1793