Comment from the Village Manager: Police Will Help Promote a Safe Vigil in Scarsdale
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A vigil for George Floyd is planned for Chase Park on Friday night June 5, 2020 at 6 pm. The organizers say, “Let us memorialize George Floyd and countless other victims of police brutality, including those in Westchester County. It is time to come together at a social distance and listen in the spirit of justice and solidarity. We encourage you to wear black and bring a sign. Please wear a face mask and stand six feet apart. The date is Friday June 5 at 6 pm at Chase Park and the rain date is Sunday, June 7, from 6-7:30pm.""
We wondered if the event had been sanctioned by the Village and if the protesters had a permit. Will extra police be in the area?
We asked Deputy Village Manager Rob Cole for a comment, and here is his response:
"For the protection of event participants and in the interest of successful events, all special events require a permit. With respect to any upcoming vigil, we are unable to approve any permit due to public gathering restrictions imposed by the State of New York. However, Governor Cuomo has also acknowledged that vigils have been conducted throughout the state, as well as nationally. In his acknowledgment, he emphasized the needs to maintain social distancing and wear a face covering, as COVID-19 remains a significant public health concern. Peaceful vigils have thus been provided for under the NYS guidance.
In view of the foregoing, we recognize that a local vigil may occur. As organizers of such events contact Village officials, we relate that we are unable to issue a permit, educate them on topics that are typically of concern in the permit review process, and let them know that we intend to provide police presence to help promote a safe and successful event. This approach is consistent with how many other Westchester communities are handling requests for vigils.
We are partners in listening to and supporting peaceful voices in opposing instances of excessive police force and are partners in pursuit of substantive progress in establishing Scarsdale as a Westchester community known for its continuous efforts to support diversity and inclusion. As a local government and caring community, we will work together to reaffirm our commitments in this regard and pursue even higher levels of achievement."
Country Club Provides Innovative Service to Members, Despite Strict Regulations
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The COVID epidemic presented unique challenges to area country clubs who were poised to open just as the shutdown began. What was most frustrating was that suddenly most of the members found themselves at home with time to use the club’s facilities – if only they were allowed.
We wrote to five country clubs in our area to inquire about how they were responding to the crisis and only heard back from Scarsdale Golf Club who had lots to communicate about meeting members’ needs while complying with local laws.
Here is what they shared: First they were permitted to open the golf course in March, and though members had to walk rather than drive golf carts, the club reports that usage was unprecedented. In mid-May the driving range opened and members were again permitted to use golf carts, with restrictions. Golfers have been enjoying the course which looks even more beautiful this spring.
The tennis courts were next. The club was able to observe social distancing rules by allowing the use of alternate courts and requiring members to bring their own balls and wear gloves. At the start, players were only permitted to play with other members of their households. Then singles were permitted and this week doubles were given the okay as well. There are still no benches or tables around the courts, which limits socializing, but members are happy to be back on the courts. The regular team seasons were all cancelled as a result.
What about the kids? The club is happy to report that they still plan to hold their popular day camp if they can get the necessary approvals from the Westchester County Department of Health.
Timing for the balance of the re-opening is dependent on the Governor. With Westchester County opening today, the club anticipates that they will open the dining room and snack bar on June 23, but in the interim they came up with a novel and popular program to feed members during the crisis. Since many members were having difficulty food shopping, and also have a required annual food minimum to eat up at the club, Scarsdale Golf Club is offering their own weekly Pop Up Food Market. Each week members can order meat, fish, steak, dairy and produce from the club. The food is procured from the same providers that supply food for its dining room so members are enjoying quality meats and fish at a time when these can be difficult to procure.
Once a week, members can drive up to the club with their car and their order is dropped into their car trunks at curbside pick-up. The club reports that this program is very popular and has received rave reviews.
The club also offered virtual events for their members to enjoy at home including Happy Hour, Trivia Happy Hour, food and beverage recipes, low and high impact fitness work outs and golf and tennis instruction tips. All the virtual activities were created by their management team and sports professionals.
As the weather gets warmer, the club is hopeful that the pool and fitness center will be permitted to open in the beginning of July – but that remains to be seen. In the meantime, the membership is using and enjoying as much of the facility as possible and members are grateful to have this refuge in difficult days.
The club is welcoming new members to their 14-week Summer Guest Program and has many applicants for new members. Learn more at https://www.scarsdalegolfclub.org
UJA Delivers Dinners From Cancelled Gala to Quarantined Families
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Here is a letter from UJA’s CEO Eric S. Goldstein about the cancellation of their winter celebration – and the mitzvah they did for the Jewish community.
The Friday before Purim would usually be the time for a lighthearted message. But while preparing to celebrate one of the happiest holidays in the Jewish calendar, we must acknowledge the anxiety surrounding coronavirus and all that comes with it.
In Westchester’s Jewish community, families are coping with sick loved ones, several schools and synagogues are closed, and many hundreds of people are living under quarantine. More broadly, across the New York area, many people — particularly the elderly and those with underlying health issues — are understandably fearful.
On one hand, it’s uncharted territory. On the other hand, we’re facing this challenge the same way we have other challenges past and present — as a community made stronger because we’re in this together.
Somewhat paradoxically, this might be the one time coming together as a community means keeping a healthy distance from one another. Which is why, very regretfully, we decided yesterday afternoon to postpone our much-anticipated Westchester Celebration, scheduled for last night. Over 400 people were set to attend and pay tribute to two wonderful couples, Rikki and Barry Kaplan and Allison and Ben Friedland, for their incredible contributions to UJA and the Jewish community.
But our disappointment in canceling the event was tempered by an unexpected silver lining.
We asked Foremost, our caterer, if it might be possible to distribute the food from the event to the families in Westchester under quarantine. Foremost staff immediately volunteered to divide and repackage the food, putting together 600 kosher Shabbat meals. Those meals were all delivered this morning by our Westchester office staff and volunteers to families from the Young Israel of New Rochelle under quarantine. (The volunteers left the packages at the front door, without going into the house.)
And so, while the mitzvah on Purim of delivering mishloach manot (food packages) to friends and neighbors doesn’t formally begin until the start of the holiday this Monday evening, many in our community got a beautiful head start today.
On a parallel track, UJA’s staff has been actively planning for different scenarios and evolving needs. For example, knowing that the elderly are more vulnerable to the coronavirus and may be self-quarantining, we’re contingency planning with our partners to support the home delivery of food to those who normally rely on our pantries and community centers for meals.
Our government relations team has also been in constant touch with state, city, and county leadership and public health officials to get the most relevant information and share it with our nonprofit partners. Yesterday, we hosted a webinar for 140 nonprofit professionals to provide the best available information and steer people to appropriate resources.
Similarly, to support day schools (including those that have already faced closures), we helped organize a conference call for 220 school leaders on Tuesday featuring medical and trauma experts.
As Governor Cuomo noted in his press conference earlier this week, the general risk remains low in New York and it’s important that facts outweigh fear. At the same time, we need to be cautious and prepare to meet developing needs in our community and beyond.
One of the central concepts of Purim is v’nahafoch hu — “it was turned upside down.” Purim is such a joyful holiday because tragedy is averted; instead of the Jews being destroyed, as was Haman’s plan, v’nahafoch hu, it was turned upside down, and the Jews are allowed to fight back and defeat their enemies. Dread gives way to celebration. On a very small scale, this reversal is what happened when a canceled event was turned upside down and became 600 meals. And while we ready ourselves for what might come next, we pray and hope for another v’nahafoch hu, one that will transform this painfully uncertain moment into a period of peace, calm, and swift recovery for all.
Shabbat shalom and Purim sameach.
The List: Local Restaurants Who Deliver or Offer Curbside Pick-up
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(Updated 4-21) Quarantine is lasting far longer than anyone could have anticipated and everyone is hungry. To that end we have expanded our list of restaurants offering pick-up and deliever and shops offering groceries.
In addition to enjoying local fare, by ordering, you will help to keep these local businesses open and busy during a most difficult time.
So eat in, enjoy and support our local economy by ordering in from these restaurants:
Ths list was updated this week. If you have restaurants or stores to add, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.
Amore Pizza offers delivery of their medium, large and extra-large pizzas., salads, pastas and dinners. Click here to see the menu.
Amore Pizza, 1479 Weaver Street, Scarsdale (914) 725-9000
Azuma Sushi offers their Tokyo-style sushi and sashimi for takeout.
Azuma Sushi, 219 E. Hartsdale Ave. Hartsdale, NY (914) 725-0660
Bango Bowls offers pick-up or delivery via door dash. Go to their website here to order: Bango Bowls is also offering catering for front-line healthcare workers; for more information about catering, call (914) 240-2840.
Bango Bowls, 16 Harwood Court, Scarsdale (914) 725-0555
Bistro 808: Enjoy their food at home by ordering on Grub Hub, UberEats and Door Dash. If you prefer curbside pick-up, call them and they will have your order taken to your car.
The 808 Bistro, 808 Scarsdale Avenue Scarsdale 914-722-0808
Bosphorous Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant is cooking up fresh, healthy and tasty fare. It's easy to order online here: https://bosrest.com/menu/dinner/
Bosphorous, 215 East Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, NY, 914-722-2000
Chat American Grill: It’s easy to order your meal for takeout or delivery on the Chat website here: https://chatamericangrill.com
Chat American Grill, 1 Christie Place, Scarsdale, 914-722-4000
City Limits Diner delivers via uber eats and it is simple to order online here https://www.citylimitsdiner.com Enjoy their Greek Lenten menu from now until April 18.
City Limits, 200 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 914-686-9000
Copper Kettle Cafe: Check out their menu online here: https://www.copperkettlecafe.com and call them to order your meal for pick-up:
Copper Kettle Cafe, 201 E. Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, 914-723-1065
Eastchester Fish Gourmet is offering take out and curbside pick-up. Find their menu here: www.eastchesterfish.com. Their fish market has a full array of fresh fish and prepared foods including fish, vegetables and grain. Go Fish is cooked to order take out and is open MOnday to Saturday from 11am to 6 pm.
Eastchester Fish, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale, 914-725-3450
Frank and Joes Deli for deli sandwiches, hot meals and more. Full menu, Daily Specials . Curbside pick up/ delivery
Frank and Joes Deli, 702 Central Avenue, Scarsdale NY, 914-723-5454
Golden Wok Cafe (Rite-Aid shopping Center) in Ardsley is open for call-in takeout orders. Curbside pickup is available. Updated hours are listed on their FB page at www.facebook.com/goldenwokcafe. They also have an extensive dedicated Gluten-Free menu!
Golden Wok Cafe, 875 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley 914-693-2110
Granita Cucina and Bar is offering a free bottle of wine with pick-up and delivery orders of $50 or more. Try their delicious pastas, entrees and pizzas.
Granita Cucina and Bar, 202 East Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, (914) 725-8420
Haiku Scarsdale/Eastchester offers an Asian fusion limited take out menu for pick-up. Check out the menu here:
Haiku, 717 White Plains Road, Scarsdale, 914-722-4200
Hartsdale House of Pizza - for pizza, paninis, soups and much more. Free delivery on Seamless.
Hartsdale House of Pizza, 203 East Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, NY (914) 491-5710
India Cafe: Delicious Indian take-out available, pick-up or order via GrubHub. Check out their menu and order here.
India Café, 98 East Post Road, (914) 997-6268
Jackie B’s is also offering easy ordering and delivery via seamless. Find burgers, sliders, salads, entrees and slikes, all at reasonable prices here.
Jackie B’s, 28 Garth Road, Scarsdale (914) 874-5328
Little Thai Kitchen offers online ordering and delivery via GrubHub. When you’re looking for something different for dinner, click here:
Little Thai Kitchen, 13 Popham Road, Scarsdale, (914) 472-6600
Lulu Cake Boutique is dropping off complimentary baked goods to those in quarantine, the elderly or immune compromised. Go to their Facebook page at Lulu Cake Boutique to send info on those who can use some good cheer.
Lulu Cake Boutique, 40 Garth Road, Scarsdale (914) 722-8300
Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe is now offering free delivery. Order their delicious pasties, sandwiches, soups and more by called 914-346-8650.
Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe, 48 East Parkway, Scarsdale NY (914) 722-4949
Meritage: Order your dinner to enjoy at home from Meritage. There’s a wide array of choices and their famous roast free range chicken that can be ordered through uber eats. See the menu here:
Meritage, 1505 Weaver Street, Scarsdale, NY 914-472-8484
Metro Deli: Order breakfast, lunch and dinner from Scarsdale’s Metro Deli on seamless https://www.seamless.com/menu/metro-deli-4-palmer-ave-scarsdale/588934 Open seven days a week.
Metro Deli, 4 Palmer Avenue, Scarsdale (914) 472-4760
Moscato: Now you can have your great meal at home. Order online at https://moscatorestaurant.com or by phone for pick up or complimentary delivery.
Moscato 874 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale NY 914.723.5700
Nikos Taverna: Go Greek! Nikos is offering delivery on UberEats, Grubhub and Seamless. Try gyros, falafel, salads, sandwiches and more.
Nikos, 287 Central Avenue, White Plains, 914-686-6456
O Mandarin Chinese Cuisine has dumplings, soups, cold and hot appetizers, Sichuan entrees, Peking duck, hot pot, rice, noodles and chef’s signature meals. Curbside pick-up or delivery within 10 miles. Click here for their dine-in menu:
O Mandarin, 361 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY 914-437-9168
Polpettina in Eastchester and Larchmont are offering thier pizzas, pastas, fries, salads and meatballs for pick-up or delivery.
Polpettina, 102 Fisher Avenue, Eastchester, NY 914-961-0061
Polpettina, 147 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY 914-341-1460
It’s easy to order your Popojito MedMex Kitchen tacos, ceviche, quesadillas, enchiladas and more for pick or delivery. Just click here to get started:
Popojito, 46 Christie Place, Scarsdale, (914) 713-8946
Ruffled Feathers is offering their delicious chicken, duck, soups, entrees and sides. Call to order for curbside pick up and delivery. Ruffled Feathers Gourmet, 75 Garth Rd, Scarsdale, NY (914) 725-6880
http://www.ruffledfeathersgourmet.com/
Sal’s Pizza in Mamaroneck is famous for their award-winning pizza. Click here for their menu:
Sal’s 316 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck NY 10543 (914) 381-2022
Slice of Scarsdale for world renowned pizza. Either pick-up or have it delivered. Order online here:
Slice of Scarsdale, 58 Garth Road, Scarsdale, 914-472-9725
Único: Check out their menu online here: https://www.unicony.com and call them to order your meal for pick-up:
Único, 10 North Central Park Avenue, Hartsdale, 914-607-3363
Vega Mexican in Hartsdale is offering a 15% discount for delivery and curbside pick-up. Visit their website for details.
Vega Mexican Cuisine, 189 East Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale. (914) 723-0010
Via Forno is now delivering seven days a week. Just click here https://viafornopizza.com to order your pizza, panini, pasta and more.
Via Forno, 2 Garth Road, Scarsdale (914) 556-6464
Vietnam Central offers traditional Vietnamese cuisine and free delivery within a three mile radius. See their menu here. Call to place an order: (914)-723-7222 . Text to place an order: (917)-318-1262 (include name and any allergies)
Vietnam Central 694 Central Park Ave. Scarsdale, NY
Westchester Burger Co. has a variation on the burger for every night of the week. See their menu here and call for pick-up.
Westchester Burger Co, 56 Garth Road, Scarsdale (914) 205-5900
Wood and Fire Pizza offers pizza and other traditional Neapolitan dishes for takeout and delivery. https://woodandfirepizza.com/
Wood and Fire Pizza, 118 Brook St, Scarsdale, NY (914) 722-4854
Grocery Delivery
Balducci’s is happy to deliver your order to your home. Simply go online here, https://www.balduccis.com/delivers, place your order and you can pick it up or have it delivered.
Balducci’s, 15 Palmer Avenue, Scarsdale, NY (914) 722-0200
DeCicco Family Market
All DeCicco & Sons locations will allow just senior citizens, ages 65 and older, and families with immunocompromised members to shop between 8 and 8:30 a.m. each day without worry, as there will be limited access to the store.
58 East Parkway, Scarsdale, NY, (914) 725-3807
Fresh Market
Fresh Market has designating special shopping hours for seniors and other individuals most at risk. These hours are between 8 AM and 9 AM, Monday–Friday
723 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale, NY, (914) 723-6600
Stop and Shop
Beginning Thursday, March 19, all Stop & Shop grocery stores will open earlier in order to service only customers who are age 60 and over from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. daily.
420 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY, (914) 337-6670
Westchester Greenhouse and Farms on West Hartsdale Avenue is open and well stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, You can also enjoy their muffins and cakes.
Westchester Greenhouse and Farms, 322 West Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, 914-949-9403, Senior hours: 8 am - 9 pm. Open seven days a week from 8 am to 7 pm.
Whole Foods Market, Amazon Prime members can shop Whole Foods Market on Amazon.com for grocery pickup on https://primenow.amazon.com/. The only store that offers pickup in Westchester is the one in Port Chester at 575 Boston Post Road, Port Chester, NY (914) 708-1985
If you want to add other restaurants or stores to the list above, please email scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.
Copper House …. An Italian Inspired American Eatery
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- Written by Judie Dweck
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The Culinary Institute of America was the starting point for many renowned chefs. That is where the start began for three students, who met there, became friends and soon introduced our county to their style of restaurant management by becoming partners and opening Copper House, providing locally crafted comforts in Westchester. The team of Alex Avellino, Joe Engongoro and Joey D’Angelo redesigned the space that was formerly Trevi Ristorante in West Harrison. The free standing cream colored brick building with brown awnings has its own adjoining parking lot. Enter through the atrium with several cocktail tables and shelves filled with country style memorabilia. Step up to the bar area and there is a warm glow on your right. It is the wood burning pizza oven with the kitchen beyond.
Dining area accommodates about 85 guests and is divided into two sections. In warm weather the patio offers seating for about 40. I was seated in the dining room, and my eyes were focused on the country style décor. Dried flower displays, vintage pots and pans, utensils, antique clocks, barn doors, old signs and rustic artifacts line the walls. Lacquered wood table tops add to the country style.
Alex Avellino, the Director of Hospitality and host said, “We chose West Harrison since it is an ideal location and easy to get to from so many communities in Westchester and Connecticut. We are a casual modern restaurant with good food, good quality and good value. Our restaurant has a vibrant feel. We welcome families as well as adult diners. Accessible describes Copper House. We have families with young children dining early and couples enjoying a late evening out. Our menu is New American with touches of Italian. Some of our most popular dishes are Copper short ribs, our pizzas and chicken scarpariello. It is hard to make everyone happy but we try our best to see that our guests realize that we are working for them. Our menu changes to accommodate the seasons and market availability. We take great pride in our challenging job.”
Joe Engongoro is the executive chef and works well with his kitchen staff. “It is important to have an open mind and hear people out without having a knee jerk reaction to criticism. If I could invite a group of guests to dine at Copper House, I might include Jean George Vongerichten, Alain Ducasse, Eric Ripert and Massimo Bottura, some truly admired chefs. If I were dining at Copper House I might start with wood fired octopus, followed by Copper House short ribs over polenta and complete my meal with wood fired oven apple crisp “
To complete the trio of restauranteurs is Joey D’Angelo, the owner and chef at Hartsdale’s successful Copper Kettle, where he cooks his innovative dishes.
The extensive menu offers about 15 starters and small plates. It will take several visits to sample the many 
enticing choices. The cauliflower fritter was so good. It rested on a thin slice of prosciutto. It was battered and sautéed and drizzled with lemon aioli for a delicious result. Eggplant meatballs were another tasty beginning. Here, the eggplant was roasted and pureed {no meat involved} formed into meatballs, battered and sautéed. A perfect choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, alike. I especially loved the grilled jumbo shrimp paired with a beautifully flavored caponata and arugula. Among the small plates waiting to be sampled are octopus tacos, goat cheese with beet and pistachio pesto, and whipped ricotta dip with homemade bread.
If you wish to enjoy a salad, the choices are inventive. Add chicken, shrimp or salmon to make your salad a complete meal. Appealing is the Tuscan kale salad with toasted kale, butternut squash, pecans and ricotta salata and the quinoa and farro with avocado, cucumber, scallions and cherry tomatoes . Chopped salad and classic Caesar salads are offered, as well.
The wood fired pizza oven offers many choices. There is ‘shrooms with mixed mushrooms and truffled pecorino, the goat with black currants, honey, goat cheese and pistachios, homemade fennel sausage, as well as classic Margherita . Gluten free pizza crusted pies are available upon request.
We moved on to the pasta choices. To me, a classic Bolognese sauce is always a welcome treat. At Copper House paccheri pasta, those larger than rigatoni pastas were the perfect noodle to be enveloped by the pork and beef ragu. The long cooking of the sauce assured the rich flavor of this dish. Another popular pasta here is the spaghetti carbonara. Here, the al dente strands of pasta arrive tossed with pancetta, black pepper and pecorino cheese, just awaiting for the egg that sits atop the dish to be mixed with the spaghetti. The result is a creamy rich bowlful. I look forward to trying the garganelli with fennel sausage, peas, tomato and cream, and the ricotta gnocchi with crushed tomato, arugula and mozzarella. Gluten free pastas are available upon request.
The main courses include dishes for every taste. We loved the Copper short rib. The meat was so tender, 
that a fork was the only utensil needed. It rested on a mound of soft polenta. The natural juices from the meat permeated the polenta in this lovely dish. I look forward to sampling the wood fired pork chop with vinegar peppers, seafood paella, lamb shank with toasted quinoa, mint and raisins, chicken pot pie and parmigiana crusted sole with arugula pesto.
For me, a meal must end with something sweet. The wood fired oven apple crisp was prepared with a variety of apples, both sweet and tart, and it arrived in a cast iron skillet topped with vanilla whipped cream. A miniature butterscotch baby was in a mini mason jar filled with butterscotch custard, salted caramel and whipped cream. They were a sweet ending to a very pleasant meal at Copper House.
Copper House offers on and off premises catering, as well. On Tuesday through Friday from 4-7 enjoy Copper Hour for drinks and comfort bites. Thursday evening is Ladies Night.
At Copper House, you can savor the creative, beautifully prepared dishes, and a capable professional staff in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Add their own private parking lot, and you have the ingredients for a very pleasant dining experience.
Copper House
11 Taylor Square
West Harrison
914 949 5810
