A Sushi-Lovers Delight: Kumo Opens in Scarsdale
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Do we need another sushi restaurant near Scarsdale? Already home to Gyosai, Koko, Yamanoya, Azuma and Haiku – and the sushi counter in De Ciccos, I wonder just how many California rolls locals can consume? So I was a bit skeptical when I ventured into the newly-opened Kumo Sushi Lounge – in the Food Emporium shopping center-- in the space formerly occupied by Johnny Rockets.
I was surprised at the total revamp of the décor and the spacious room before me. Not only was there an impressive, fully-stocked bar area, but the room included scores of tables, inviting banquettes and plenty of space between the tables. Lit by decorative glowing orbs the room also included a long sushi bar where three industrious sushi chefs were busy creating artful sushi platters.
The eager staff gave us a warm greeting and quickly served us warm sake –welcome comfort on another frigid night.
The menu was another pleasant surprise. The colorful booklet looked more like a food magazine than a menu and revealed that in addition to their unique sushi platters, Kumo offers a full repertoire of hot foods including tempura, noodle dishes, entrees and "dinner" boxes.
It was a challenge for our table of four to settle on our selections. While nibbling edamame we decided on our appetizers: miso sea bass, a tuna pizza, roast duck wrap and rock shrimp tempura. We chose wisely because all four were delicious. The sea bass was served over asparagus in warm miso sauce and the crispy rock shrimp was accompanied by sweet and spicy mayonnaise. Both dishes appeared to be inspired by Nobu and were winners.
The tuna pizza is not be missed. Fresh raw tuna is sliced and served atop a tortilla with avocado, tobiko, eel and spicy sauce. I was happy that one of my dining companions does not eat raw fish – so I was able to down her portion as well as mine.
When it came time for our entrees, two at my table went for the "dinner boxes" that included quite an array at a very reasonable cost. With your choice of chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, lobster, duck or sushi you get shrimp, shumai, tempura, a California roll, rick and miso soup or salad all for just $18 to $26. Both of my friends gave high ratings to the dinner boxes and wondered how the restaurant could make a profit on these boxes. Another friend went for the seafood tempura udon – a large steaming bowl of broth, udon noodles, an egg and vegetables topped with a generous portion of seafood tempura. That dish alone looked like it could feed a family of four.
I couldn't resist the sushi. The menu features three pages of innovative sushi rolls with tuna, salmon, crab, lobster and eel plus spicy variations of tuna, yellowtail, crab coupled with crab, asparagus, mango and too many ingredients to list here. I chose the spicy girl roll – spicy salmon, tuna, yellowtail and avocado crunch inside, wrapped in pink soy paper and topped with tobiko and spicy mayo. As if that wasn't enough, it was presented on a plate with a glowing blue light tucked underneath strands of dried noodles. Yum – I plan on having another one of those soon.
And we didn't stop there. Who can resist green tea ice cream? We plunged four spoons in this green palate cleanser and washed it down with hot green tea.
I was impressed enough with my initial visit to return two nights later with a different crowd. While my first dinner was on a weeknight, I came back on a Saturday night and found that others had discovered Kumo too. Though the food was just as good – it was evident that the staff was struggling to keep up with the unexpectedly large crowd, who filled the restaurant.
So to respond to my initial question – do we need another sushi restaurant in town? If it's Kumo Sushi Lounge the answer is yes! I do recommend that you give them a try – especially on a weeknight. You're sure to find something you like.
Kumo Sushi Lounge
777 White Plains Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
www.kumoscarsdale.com
914-713-8899
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 11 am to 10 pm
Friday and Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Free delivery on orders of $15 or more
Missing Edgemont Teen Found in Manhattan Church
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Christine Ji Woo Kang, the Edgemont teen who has been missing for nine days, was found in a church in Manhattan on Sunday night January 11. Greenburgh Police Chief Chris McNerney announced that Kang was found at a church right near Grand Central Station.
According to the Edgemont Community Council, when Kang went to St. Agnes Church at 143 East 43rd Street to ask if she could stay there overnight someone recognized her from one of the "missing" flyers that was posted around the city and alerted police. At the time of the announcement, the Greenburgh Police were en route to the city to pick her up. McNerney gave credit to hundreds of volunteers from Edgemont who searched for Kang in Manhattan and New Jersey. Due to their efforts to spread the word, the missing girl was found.
Surveillance videotape showed Kang leaving Grand Central at 11 pm on January 2. She was located just blocks away from the station. It is not known at this time how she passed the intervening nine days.
After learning the Kang had been found, her parents issued the following statement: "Dear All Members of the Edgemont Family, Our family would like to express our whole-hearted thanks to all of the members of the Edgemont community. We have been, and still are, in great pain, but the tremendous outpouring of support for Christine and our family from the community have enormously helped us to keep strong and continue the pertinacious search for our daughter. We will never stop our efforts until we find her. All of your help and support has been beyond our family's imagination. We are so proud to be a part of this amazing community. Thank you all very much!"
Here is the press release from the Greenburgh Police:
"This department is pleased to announce that 16 year old Edgemont teen Christine (Ji Woo) Kang has been located in Manhattan at Saint Agnes Church 143 East 43rd Street. Christine is safe and in the custody of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department. Greenburgh Detectives are on their way to pick up Christine at this time. The combined effort of the Greenburgh Police, MTA police, members of the Edgemont Cares Community and the media resulted in an individual at Saint Agnes Church recognizing Christine from a "Missing Flyer" and contacting police. Over 200 individuals from the Edgemont community responded to Manhattan yesterday to post "Missing Flyers". This initiative was organized by Edgemont Cares Community representative Aubrey Graf-Daniels."
In an email to the Greenburgh Community from Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, he describes how the girls parents learned that their daughter was safe.
Feiner said, "A very happy ending to a stressful week. Greenburgh Police Chief Chris McNerney, Edgemont Cares Community representative Aubrey Graf-Daniels and the parents of missing teen Christine (Ji Woo) Kang and I were meeting to discuss strategies to enhance the chances of finding Christine early this evening. Toward the end of our meeting we received a phone call from one of the Greenburgh police detectives assigned to the case----Christine is safe. It's a moment one never forgets. The parents, Min Jong Kang and Hyeeun Rose Kwon- were overjoyed. Lots of hugging and tears of joy.
Christine was located in Manhattan at Saint Agnes Church 143 East 43rd Street. Christine is safe and is in the custody of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The Greenburgh Police Detectives assigned to this case are on their way to pick up Christine.
This was a combined effort of the Greenburgh Police, MTA police, members of the Edgemont Cares community and the media resulting in the an individual at Saint Agnes Church recognizing Christine from a "missing flyer" and contacting the police. Over 200 individuals from the Edgemont community responded to calls for help in Manhattan yesterday to post "Missing Flyers". Their efforts worked. This initiative was organized by Edgemont Cares community leader Aubrey Graf-Daniels, one of the real heroes in the effort to find Christine and bring her back to safety. Edgemont high school students also participated in the effort to locate Christine. I would also like to thank Chief Chris McNerney for giving this effort his highest priority attention. I am sure that I speak for all Greenburgh residents in thanking the hard working police department for their hard work, dedication and outstanding abilities."
Fire at Sprainbrook Nursery
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A fire and propane tank explosions struck Sprain Brook Nursery on Underhill Road at 10 pm on Sunday night December 21st. About 30 firefighters from Greenville, Fairview, Hartsdale, White Plains, Eastchester, Scarsdale and Yonkers all helped put out the blaze. About 10 propane tanks in a cement building set apart from the nursery caught on fire, and people a quarter of a mile away heard the tanks exploding.
Firefighters don't know how the fire started and said there was no indication at this time that it was suspicious. The owner of Sprainbrook, Al Krautter announced that the nursery was closing in August 2012 after 68 years as a family-run business. He later reopened the nursery but cut the staff and ran it with his wife and part-time employees.
Representatives from Shelbourne Assisted Living are considering building an assisted living facility on the site and according to Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, they will submit an application for an 85 to 98 bed facility in January. Rents will range from $3,000 to $6,000 per month.
Surveillance Video Shows Missing 16 Year-Old Edgemont Girl Boarding Metro North Train on Friday Night
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(Updated at 6 PM Monday) A surveillance video from Metro North shows the missing Edgemont student. Christine Jiwoo Kang, boarding a southbound Metro North train at 11:18 pm on Friday night January 2. Though police spent the weekend canvassing the area near Kang's home, it now appears that she may have left the area. Christine (Jiwoo) Kang, age 16, has been missing since Friday night January 2 at 8 pm when she left her home at 12 Robin Hill Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583, wearing a mint green flannel top with white flannel pajama pants that had a pink and mint green snowflake design. She was wearing tan UGG boots and no coat. Christine is an Asian female, approximately 5'6'' and 120lbs. with long black hair. She was wearing her pajamas and Ugg boots in the surveillance video.
Police report that Kang exited her home after a "brief argument" with her parents who say that she has left the house under similar circumstances in the past but always returned home within a short time. Commenting on her missing classmate, EHS Junior Amy Baumgarten said, "It actually makes me sick to my stomach to think about the fact that Christine isn't home and no one has any idea where she is. She is a quiet girl at school and kept to herself." Another student in Kang's Physics class remarked that she was "a really good student, and a very sweet girl too". She said that the mood around school is bleak, with "everyone just really worried and hoping for the best outcome."
During the weekend, police searched for her by going door-to-door asking for information and using a K9 team. They have now expanded their efforts with an aerial search with assistance from the Westchester County Police Aviation Unit.
Neighbors noted that police have been actively searching for Kang. Asked about what was being done, one said, "All I know is that police are on a search. They drive all over the neighborhoods at night with search lights and dogs. The whole community has been notified but no one ever got an amber alert. I haven't seen it on channel 12 news yet either...."
On Sunday evening Edgemont Schools Superintendent Victoria Kniewel and EHS Principal Devan Ganeshananthan sent an email to parents to ask for their help in finding the girl. In 
addition they said, "Please note that counselors, school psychologists, and administrators will be available to talk with students and parents throughout the course of the school day. We know that this is a difficult situation for our community, and we will work together to support our students and each other through this challenge."
Greenburgh Police Detectives are seeking information pertaining to her whereabouts. Anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts or information that can aid the investigation is asked to contact the Greenburgh Police Department at (914) 989-1700.
Holiday Wish List from Local Merchants
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Hanukkah and Christmas are upon us - what would you like to receive and what are you hoping to give? We asked a few of our local merchants for their holiday gift recommendations and below is what they have in store in for you.
What's on your personal wish list? Do you have your eye on something for Christmas? Note it in the comments sections below and hopefully the right person will notice!
The Eye Gallery in Scarsdale Village is the spot 
for glasses to see and be seen in. For this Christmas they are featuring some very arty sunglasses - a gift to be worn all year. Stop by and try these on for size:
Robert Marc (style 697-252) showcases a range of beautiful colors inspired by Venetian glass in their Art of Venetian Glass collection. Price: $499
The Dita Heartbreaker sunglasses are a modern, lightweight interpretation of the classic cat-eye style. Price: $525
Eye Gallery of Scarsdale
8 Spencer Place
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 472-2020
Current Home on Palmer Avenue is your source for great gifts you won't want to give away. Find the latest in tabletop items, home accessories, hostess and holiday gifts at Current Home.
Here are just two of the unque items you'll find at the shop: 
Kim Seybert deck of card coasters: This hand beaded coaster set makes for a perfect holiday gift. Retail price is $70.00
The hand polished lucite tray below, with a high resolution image taken from the lush colors of the Amethyst, adds the perfect glow to any living space. From Rablabs New York. Retail price is $285.00
Current Home
8 Palmer Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 723-2462
From Zachys on East Parkway: Holiday celebrations call for champagne and here is what Zachys recommends for your holiday party: Piper Heidsieck Brut NV Ltd. Edition Lightbox was Zachys' number one selling Champagne and gift last year and they know it will be #1 again in 2014! The iconic Champagne is packaged in a self-contained metallic 
gift box but also serves as a festive candle holder – all for just $42.00! Piper Heidsieck limited edition gift set is inspired by the headquarters of the champagne House, designed by renowned architect Jacques Ferrier. The mesh metallic design is a chiller using isotherm technology inside the box which keeps the Champagne cool a longer time after refrigerated.
Zachys Wine and Liquor
16 East Parkway
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 874-8000
Something sweet from Lulu Cake Boutique: Who can 
resist these Sarah Bernhardts from Lulu Cake Boutique in Scarsdale? From the ORIGINAL Jerperson's recipe made famous here in town, they are baked with Valrhona chocolate, local cream, fresh butter and Singing Dog Organic Vanilla. Price: $30 a pound
Lulu Cake Boutique
40 Garth Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 722-8300
Scarsdale Village Flower Shop: Look no further than 
Harwood Court for floral arrangements and greens to brighten your holiday home or to give as a gift. Stop in to find stunning orchids, poinsettias, holly berries and wreaths. Custom order your flower arrangements for your holiday table. Delivery is available.
Scarsdale Village Flower Shop
7 Harwood Court
Scarsdale NY 10583
(914) 723-0852
Hanukkah Tree Topper: Here's a new twist; if you celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas at your house, check out this Star of David that sits atop your Christmas tree to acknowledge and celebrate both faiths. The tree topper is produced by Kurt S. Adler, a leading manufacturer 
owned by Scarsdale residents. Find your Hannukah tree topper at Bed Bath and Beyond.
Friends of Music and the Arts Holiday Party and Boutique: Shopping for holiday gifts? There will be much to choose from at the Holiday Boutique to support the Friends of Music and the Arts on Thursday night December 11 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm at the home of Janice Starr at 65 Church Lane. Here's your chance to shop and support the arts in Scarsdale.
Vendors include:
3 Sisters - great clothes, fun jewelry, accessories and more plus great gifts for the holiday season
Ah!Dorned - hand adorned clutches, monogrammed bags, scarves & jewelry
Arlene's Boutique - a unique collection of designer handbags, belts, scarves, stretch belts and accessories
Catch All - decorative linens, tabletop, personal accessories
The Chintz Giraffe - unique and special giftware and home accessories
Matana Jewelry Design - jewelry handmade by Matana Ramati
Schulman Art - gifts for art and music lovers including cosmetic bags, mousepads, note cards and calendars; unique gifts for your child's music teacher or as a stocking stuffer designed by Scarsdale mom Miriam Schulman
The Pampered Chef - high quality stoneware, cookware, tools and bamboo serving pieces.
Simply Stunning - trendy, fashion-forward jewelry in all price ranges
Friends of Music and the Arts Holiday Boutique
Thursday, December 11th, from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
At the home of Janice Starr, 65 Church Lane, Scarsdale
Admission Free for Members and Scarsdale Teachers, $5 for Non-Members
Memberships available at the door
What's on your holiday wish list? Let us know in the comments section below.
