Where to Buy Thanksgiving Dinner
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With Thanksgiving a week away, you better start planning the menu –and deciding to cook and what to buy. Fortunately for us, we live in a town where there’s so much fresh, innovative and delicious prepared food available that you don’t need to travel far to secure the goods. We took a look at the Thanksgiving menus of several purveyors and here is a sampling of what we found:
Thanksgiving Dinner:
At Balducci’s on Palmer Avenue in Scarsdale you can buy an entire Thanksgiving for 6-8 people for $129.99 to $169.99 depending on your choice of menu. Choose from apricot glazed turkey breast or herb roasted turkey dinner and add on relish, breads, sweet potatoes, creamed spinach, butternut squash, pie and more. Order online at http://www.balduccis.com/catering/thanksgiving/custom_dinners or call 1-866-278-8866
Cooked and Co. on Garth Road is accepting orders until 11/16 – and they offer the works – including a 14 pound herb roasted turkey breast that serves 12 for $65. Also on the menu are roasted butternut squash soup and mushroom bisque, D’s sweet potato crunch, sauteed truffled mushrooms and light and airy popovers with gruyere. Check out their menu at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooked-and-co/ and call 914-205-3939. If you mention their Facebook post they will throw in a dozen of their famous mini Nutella crunch muffins for free with orders of $150 or more.
Lange’s on Spencer Place in Scarsdale is offering complete Thanksgiving dinners for 8 people, 15 people or 25 people. Dinner includes turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, rolls, cranberry compote and pies. If you don’t want the whole meal but want to supplement yours with sides from Lange’s they are offering soup, string beans almandine, creamed corn au gratin and more. Orders will be accepted until 6 pm on Tuesday November 20th – and Lange’s is even open for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day – so you can stop by to pick up your dinner and enjoy coffee and donuts before the parade. Lange’s – 914-472-0330.
Ruffled Feathers, Scarsdale’s poultry experts also offer the entire feast or separate components. A 14-16 pound turkey to feed 10-12 people is just $70.00 and you can add on soup and sides to please everyone at the table. On the menu are rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes, purees of butternut squash, creamless creamed spinach, roasted brussel sprouts with carrots and lots more. You can even get chopped chicken liver to eat before and apple crumb, pumpkin or pecan pie to end the feast. Call 725-6880 to order by November 17.
Bakeries:
Galloways in Scarsdale has been famous for their pies for as long as I have lived in Scarsdale. Rather than take orders, the bakery will be open from 7 am to 7 pm on Wednesday November 21 and they promise to be ”baking all day.” They are selling 9” deep dish pies in every flavor imaginable – apple, pecan, pumpkin, banana cream, chocolate cream, coconut cream and mincemeat to name a few. They will also have dinner rolls and cookies. You don’t need to plan ahead – just show up and line up at 69 Harney Road in Scarsdale on Wednesday and you’ll have dessert for your Thanksgiving table.
La Renaissance Patisserie Francaise at 9 Harwood Court has a special Thanksgiving menu – with traditional favorites like pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie and pumpkin cheesecake as well as a breads including traditional pumpkin loaf, plus pumpkin and corn muffins. They are taking orders until Sunday November 18. Take at look at the full menu at LRBakery.com or call 472-0702.
Lulu Cake Boutique at 40 Garth Road in Scarsdale has a special Thanksgiving menu with some novel creations such as Pumpkin Praline Mousse Dacquoise with Crunchy Nougatine Crust, Pecan Bourbon Tarte with Organic Pecans and Maker’s Mark and Pumpkin Caramel Spice Layer Cake that has pumpkin spice cake, salty caramel and browned butter frosting. I was tempted to order the Gigantic Deep Dish Organic Apple Torte filled with eight pounds of apples, plump raisins, walnuts and spiced cookie streusel in a Pate Sucree shell but stopped when I saw the $50 price tag. Call to order at 914-722-8300.
At Martines on East Parkway in Scarsdale, find a unique assortment of breads, cakes, cookies and quiches. Their Thanksgiving menu includes their signature Apple Wine Cake and Sicilian Orange Cake plus assorted flavors and colors of French macaroons that can be purchased in boxes to bring as gifts to your hosts. Their mushroom leek, broccoli and spinach and ham quiche make good hors d’oeuvres or can be serve to your guests at lunch the following day. Call 722-4949 to order no later than November 19.
If you have other local spots to order, share their names and information in the comments section below:
50 Shades of Seductive Wines
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Thanks to the Scarsdale Adult School, on Wednesday night, Vintology (10 Palmer Rd) was the scene of Shades of Grey, White and Red as they hosted "The Wines of Christian Grey". Christian was unable to attend, but 14 women were privileged to try his favorite wines. Although, as one woman commented, "I never really noticed the wines"! The sexy, steamy and controversial trilogy however was ripe with marvelous white and red wines that gave some insight into Christian. Elizabeth Miller, manager of Vintology, treated us not only to the history of the wines themselves, but a trivia contest related to the books. There was no doubt some of us were a bit embarrassed to admit we read closely enough to answer trivia questions. But guess we did. And those who answered correctly were treated to a prize of a mini bottle of rose found in the book. Husband beware, (or maybe get excited) we were coming home with Shades of Grey wine! Each wine was accompanied by the quote from the book they appeared in and more red faces ensued when Elizabeth asked for volunteers to read the quotes. Some were rather tame and there was definitely a bidding war to read those quotes as opposed to some of the more salacious ones. But everyone was good natured, and quickly got into the spirit of the evening. Christian would have been proud. And now for some of the wines. Included are the parts of the trilogy where you can find these wines. Feel free to buy them and reread the books while you drink each particular wine. Who knows what that will lead to.
"He leans down and kisses me, pouring a delicious, crisp liquid into my mouth as he does. It's so unexpected so hot though it's chilled and Chistian's lis are cool. Fifty Shades of Grey page 162. Okay...this is going to be a wine tasting like no other.
Flor Rose Prosecco NV, Valdobbiadene. $18. A wonderful aperitif or great to accompany a dessert. Christian and Anastasia drank this in Fifty Shades of Grey on page 268. This was one of those "tame" quotes that had many of the women volunteering to read aloud.
Conte Brandolini Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC 2011. $14. A lively and fruity white from NE Italy. Fifty Shades Darker, page 57. "Christian 
leans against the couch, with his tasseled hair, his long legs stretched out in front of him". Slightly fewer volunteers for this passage and some "nervous" laughter followed. We were starting to get this feeling we would need much more to drink to continue. Luckily more great wines to follow.
Vincent Vatan Pouilly Fume 2009. $22. a crisp, fruity 100% savignon blanc grade from the Loire Valley. Fifty Shades Freed, page 191. "You like the wine?" he whispers, his breath warm on my cheek. I'm bathes in his proximity, his vitality, the head radiating fro his body, even though he doesn't touch me". Oh my. It took a couple of minutes for one brave woman, her face redder than a Cabernet, to volunteer to read this aloud. The rest of us were just anxious to drink. And drink. And drink some more.
Gilbert Picq & ses Fils Chablis 2010. $24. Fifty Shades of Grey, page 250. This crisp, steely and edgy wine from Burgundy probably most personified Christian. Thank goodness the quote was tame. We had been drinking a lot of wine by this point. "Why thank you Miss Steele", he mummers. He sits beside me, holding a bottle of wine. "Chablis?"
"The Hedonist" Shiraz 2010, McLaren Vale, Australia. $26. The only red wine in the book, ridiculously aptly named and a elegant, feminine and delicate wine form the south central coast of Australia. "I know nothing about wine. You chose," I answer sullen buy chastened. "Two glasses of Shiraz, please" Christian chooses. Interesting he chose a light and delicate red wine. The major problem in reading this quote aloud was that we had been drinking for an hour and half by this point. But spirits remained high, laughter was constant and trust me, we were all BFFs. It's amazing how quickly you bond with strangers drinking and discussing what are essentially porn novels!
This was a wonderful night, the wines were excellent and Elizabeth did an amazing job putting it all together, researching the wines of the trilogy and explaining their characteristics. Being responsible adults, very few of us drove, so as we all staggered out to our pre-arranged rides, our minds were on wines, friends, new friends, and getting home, perhaps to re-read the trilogy.
Foodnotes
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Scarsdale’s own Cooked and Co. made it into the NY Times this month in an article called “Sinful Ways to Start the Day.” Author Alice Gabriel was taken with the Nutella Banana Crunch Muffin, which she called “A sizable molten core of Nutella, and lofty summit strewed with streusel and hazelnuts.” If you want to know more about the muffin click here to read what we published about it on Scarsdale10583 this summer.
But don’t bother to try and recreate it yourself, because lucky locals can stop by Cooked and Co. on Garth Road for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner to go.
For breakfast they bake a delicious array of creative muffins, and serve frittatas, breakfast wraps and oatmeal. Meet a friend for lunch and enjoy pizzas, soups, sandwiches or their salad bar at one of their tables by the window– and while you are there, pick out something fresh to take home for dinner – turkey meatballs, roasted fall vegetables, and chicken martini were just a few of the selections available this week.
Cooked and Co., 128 Garth Road, Scarsdale, (914) 205-3939
City Limits has reopened after a major renovation. The 50’s style diner is back and better, with a completely redesigned interior that’s 
reminiscent of the past but cleaner, brighter and modern. The restaurant includes an expanded bar in the front as well as a bakery that sells fresh breads and colorful cakes and farm fresh produce. The menu has been updated as well -- small plates include Greek and Chinese selections like keftedes (Greek meatballs) with tzaziki and lobster wontons – and there’s a Middle Eastern vegetarian sample plate as well as Mexican offerings including nachos and quesadillas. There’s a dizzying range of choices including sandwiches, ten different burgers, wraps, salads, pizzas, pastas and entrees like roast turkey with cranberry sauce, stuffing and giblet gravy. Can the kitchen do all of this well? We can’t say, but the turkey and brie sandwich on raisin walnut bread with arugula, tomato, honey Dijon mustard and field greens was yummy – and the two halves proved to be enough for lunch and dinner that night.
Loyal customers seem pleased that City Limits is back. The parking lot was full the day we visited and a traffic man was attempting to manage the chaos.
City Limits, 200 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY (914) 686-9000
On Sunday at the Newcomers Picnic in Chase Park in Scarsdale, we chatted with Zamir, owner of the Taiim Falafel Shack in Hastings-on-Hudson. He is busy with construction on Boniface Circle in Scarsdale Village where they are renovating the former site of Vaccaros Shoe Repair where he will operate a wine bar as soon as they can open. On Sunday, Zamir was offering samples of their famous spiced hummus including masabacha, fresh basil, spicy red pepper and fava bean. He explained that customers at the Scarsdale location will enjoy a wide selection of wines accompanied by falafel, dips and other Middle Eastern specialties. Can’t wait! For now, try them in Hastings-on-Hudson at 598 Warburton Avenue – (914) 478-0006.
Delectable Course Offerings from Scarsdale Adult School
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Just in from the Scarsdale Adult School, here are some delectable course offerings where you can explore wine, chocolate and even make your own caramel apples. SAS offers evening classes for the enophile on each of the next three Wednesdays. Vintology, at
Get into the spirit of Halloween with “The Art of Chocolate-Covered Caramel Apples” on Wednesday, Oct. 24, with Maria Valente of Chocolations at
Bake even more tasty treats in “Cooking Basics.” In this series of two-session themed classes, Heather Solomon of Schoolhouse Lunch focuses on simple
recipes for hungry families. Easy desserts are next up in the schedule on Friday, Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 from
Register at on the Scarsdale Adult School website
MP Taverna -- Mediterranean Fare on the Hudson
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There seem to be a lot of new Mediterranean restaurants in the area, but one we enjoyed was MP Taverna in Irvington. They are located in the former site of the Day Boat Cafe on the Hudson side of the railroad tracks. The dining room has kept a similar look from previous incarnations (I definitely have been to at least three different restaurants there … hope it’s not one of those cursed locations), with a sleek, elegant style. And though we went on a crowded Friday night you could actually hear your dining companions. The restaurant has a good cocktail menu and we tried one infused with cucumber vodka and elderflower liquer that was really special.
Chef Michael Psilakis hails from New York City, where he created Anthos after operating other restaurants including Kefi on the Upper West Side. This is his first venture in Westchester and we welcome him to the burbs. The thoroughly Greek menu has lots of choices in the appetizer department including traditional dips with lovely warm pitas, salads and a variety of meze including meatballs, calamari, sausages, octopus, mussels, ribs and a few other choices. I highly recommend the meatballs which were delicious and very hearty (served with fresh tomatoes and olives) and although we didn’t have the octopus (every party has a pooper and that was me!), it comes highly recommended. The eggplant was an unusual presentation of sliced eggplant with separate tomatoes and seasonings that at first glance disappointed us -- but blended together for a great taste. The mussels were also a different kind of preparation with “gigantes” large beans. We weren’t sure the dish needed the beans but the sauce and the mussels were great. The “meze” dishes are filling and you could certainly make a dinner of those with some side salads… but try to save room and try at least one entree.
Onto main courses where we shared a fresh grilled dorade and the Greek paella, Psilakis’ The chef’s take on traditional 
paella was made with orzo and lamb sausage, -- and though it was a little soupy it was an interesting variation. Everything was prepared to order and although we had to wait awhile, it was worth it. The food is well-spiced and carefully prepared. Some of the other choices include a pork chop, a lamb shank, mixed grill and fish options. Prices are on the reasonable side with most appetizers costing from $8-12 and mains ranging from $15-22. There’s an extensive wine list that unlike many other places gives you lots of choices and price points; you can order by the glass, half glass, bottle and half bottle. And for beer drinkers, there are over 20 brands including craft beers and ales.
We were full but had to sample desserts since the waiter reported they are made on site. Opting for the parsnip walnut cake with ice cream, we were not disappointed. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, were pleased to find an elegant restaurant with reasonable prices and plan to go back to MP Taverna soon.
MP Taverna
1 Bridge Street
Irvington, NY
914-231-7854
