Local Chef Adds Spice to Seasonal Ingredients
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Award winning cookbook author, teacher and Westchester resident Rinku Bhattacharya writes the blog, Spice Chronicles and is the author of two cookbooks, The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons, Simple, Sustainable Indian Flavors.
She lives in Westchester in a small and rather chaotic home surrounded by a leafy backyard where she shares her food capers with her gardener husband, two young children and a foodie cat named Benji. Rinku and her family lead a simple and sustainable lifestyle.
Rinku's practical approach to seasonal Indian cooking is showcased on her blog, "Spice Chronicles." As a working soccer mom, Rinku intimately understands the challenges of getting dinner on the table with limited time to do so: a scenario that inspires recipes that are practical, foolproof and healthy.
Since 2006, Rinku has taught culinary classes that focus on Indian food, seasonal living and the essentials of spices from her home-based cooking school. She offers courses at Westchester Community College; Hilltop Hannover Farm; and the Hudson Valley Hospital Center. During the summer, she is often found in farmers' markets, doing demonstrations and learning from local farmers.
If you're thinking about adding some Indian spice to your holiday table, check out her recipe for sweet potatoes with shallots, coriander and garam masala and her cranberry and clementine chutney.
Click here to see a video of Rinku making curried chick peas with bell peppers in a film made by Scarsdale's Amy Stern.
The recipe can be found here.
Follow Rinku on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
Edgemont Grads Develop a Better Commuter App
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Two Edgemont grads, brothers Sam and Andrew Drozdov, have designed an app for the Metro North train schedule that they claim is faster, easier to use, and an overall better experience than all the alternatives. Since they launched it in late August, they have grown to over 1,000 monthly active users with a 5 star rating in the App Store.
The app, called Passenger-Commute can be downloaded here:
The two brothers have spent many hours commuting to and from the city and after a long time of searching for a friendly train schedule, they decided that they should just build their own.
Andrew graduated from Edgemont in 2009, studied computer science at the University of Michigan, and now is in grad school at NYU for computer science with a focus in artificial intelligence. At Passenger, he focuses on making it easy for the team to scale to new platforms and railroads.
Sam graduated from Edgemont in 2013 and is now a sophomore at the University of Maryland studying computer science. Last year he took the year off to study in Silicon Valley in a program called Make School. There he focused on the design of Passenger and making sure that users have an excellent experience every time they use Passenger. He also assists in software development.
Right now Passenger is a mobile app that make it easy to lookup the train schedule for people commuting on Metro North Railway. They are expanding to other platforms (web, Android) and other train stations (LIRR is coming soon). They believe commuting doesn't have to be something people dread doing everyday. They want to help and right now and think they can improve the daily experience by helping people decide what train to take.
Passenger offers a quick and easy way to look up the train schedule. There are many little details that make Passenger enjoyable, such as automatic switching of stations based on time of day and alarms that you can configure to go off before your train departs or arrives. You can also see the weather in the app and if you tap the weather, you get a daily inspirational quote.
They also offer 24/7 customer service and have a feature that lets users "Chat With Us" directly from within the app. Users often will offer feedback, feature requests, point out bugs, or even ask for directions while getting around the city (this really happened).
So far the brothers have gotten a great response from users. Download the free app on your iphone today (here) and see what you think or visit their website here.
Open Houses Sunday November 15th
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There's a nice array of houses in all price ranges on view this Sunday. Take a look!
17 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday November 15 from 2 – 4 pm
Elegant and stately new custom built colonial on almost 3/4 of an acre of incredible land with room for a pool. Over 9000 square feet of an amazing floor plan ideal for entertaining indoor and outdoors. There are three patios including a covered porch with outdoor fireplace and a three car garage that enters into a gracious mud room. There is also a library and second butler's pantry on the first floor. The second floor has five bedrooms all en suite and a huge playroom with back staircase and laundry. The lower level can be anything you want with potential for a game room, wine storage, gym, playroom, maids' room and full bath. This home is being built by one of Scarsdale's finest custom home builders who will work with a
buyer to make this home truly unique by customizing all interior finishes. This home is also ideally located close to five corners shopping, recreational facilities and houses of worship. For more information click here.
List Price: $4,995,000
2 Kelwynne Road, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday November 15 from 2 – 4 pm
Gracious sun-filled Colonial in the Heathcote Estate Area of Scarsdale with two private guest suites on first floor perfect for extended family and guests! Well loved and immaculate home with great potential for expansion. Home is on .84 acres of gorgeous park-like land in a prestigious, central location. Circular driveway. 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, with large bonus room for entertaining, large guest bedrooms on east and west wings of first floor, and spacious 3 car garage with floored attic storage above. Automatic transfer generator system. Ideally located close to shopping, schools, parks and fields. Short drive to train. The perfect combination of prestige, location and convenience! Just waiting for a new family to fall in love. For more information, click here:
List Price: $2,398,000
18 Coralyn Road, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday November 15 from 2 – 4 pm.
Brand new 5 bedroom, 4.5 Bath Colonial to be built with ideal open floor plan perfect for entertaining, with dream eat-in-kitchen, large family room with fireplace, formal dining room, living room and garage with mudroom. Hardwood floors, beautiful moldings and quality craftsmanship throughout. 2nd floor features fabulous master bedroom suite with trey ceiling, large walk-in closet, and luxurious spa bath, plus 3 additional bedrooms. 2nd floor laundry. Finished lower level with bedroom, playroom/exercise room and full bath. Enjoy outdoor entertaining on your stone patio overlooking the lovely level backyard. This brand new home is located in the world-renown Scarsdale school district with free bus to schools, walk to commuter bus to train, and beautiful parks nearby. Move right in and enjoy all the wonderful things that Scarsdale has to offer! Still time to pick your finishes. Ready for spring 2015. For more information click here:
List Price: $2,150,000
10, 14, and 16 Manor Lane, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday, November 15th Noon-4pm
Exceptional new luxury homes at Heathcote manor, an enclave of single-family homes sharing a private cul-de-sac 5000+ square feet of customizable space. Four/five bedrooms and four and-a-half baths. Features include an open plan kitchen/family room with fireplace and French doors to patio/yard, spacious formal 
entertaining spaces, a 
luxurious master suite with fireplace and an expansive lower level rec room. Elevator optional. Walk to all. For more information, click here.
List Price: $1,698,000
324 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday November 15 from 2 – 4 pm.
Newly reduced price! Watch the sunset from your private balcony overlooking more than a half of an acre of level property in the heart of Heathcote. This home has a perfect blend of old world charm and modern amenities with an open kitchen/family room that leads to idyllic screened in porch. There is a two car garage that enters into the kitchen, a butler's pantry that leads to formal dining room with beautiful moldings and built ins. Enjoy easy entertaining in the living room with beamed ceilings and a wood burning fireplace with French doors that connect to a family room. There are hardwood floors throughout. The second floor enjoys a master suite plus 3 family bedrooms with two updated baths. There is also access to a roof top deck with breathtaking views of this expansive property. This home has been meticulously maintained with a new slate roof, new leaded glass windows and new roof deck. Walk to Heathcote elementary school, shopping and houses of worship. For more information click here:
List Price: $1,698,000
20 Taunton Road, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday, November 15th Noon-3pm
Stately, brick Colonial in a cul-de-sac location in the desirable and sought-after Crane Berkeley neighborhood. Two-story entry foyer, granite and stainless dine-in kitchen, large rooms for entertaining. Many period details and charm in the home. There are three wood-burning fireplaces, sweeping center hall staircase and hardwood floors throughout.
Large casement windows highlight the wrap-around bluestone patio and let the sun shine in. Large playroom. Master suite has private dressing room, and a modern bathroom with shower and tub. Two additional bedrooms share a bath and the fourth is its own private suite.Steps to the elementary school, playground and less than a mile to the Metro North station. Short 29 minute commute to Grand Central Station. Taxes with basic star $33,830. For more information, click here.
List Price: $1,525,000
304 Winding Road, Ardsley
Open House: Sunday November 15 from 2 – 4 pm.
Double the pleasure double the fun on this over sized lot with free form Gunite Pool. This beautiful home offers new hard wood floors, new crown and base moldings. A spacious and open floor plan with Sub Zero refrigerator, Wolf Range, new windows and sky lights let the sun in all year round. A home built for fun, and entertaining! Possible subdivision. For more information click here:
List Price: $925,000
Open Houses Sunday, November 8, 2015
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Open Houses:
17 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH: 2:00-4:00PM
Elegant and stately new custom built Colonial on almost 3/4 of an acre of incredible land with room for a pool. Over 9000 square feet of an amazing floor plan ideal for entertaining indoor and outdoors. There are three patios including a covered porch with outdoor fireplace and a three car garage that enters into a gracious mud room. There is also a library and second butler's pantry on the first floor. The second floor has five bedrooms all en suite and a huge playroom with back staircase and laundry. The lower level can be anything you want with potential for a game room, wine storage, gym, playroom, maids' room and full bath. This home is being built by one of Scarsdale's finest custom home builders who will work with a buyer to make this home truly unique by customizing all interior finishes. This home is also ideally located close to five corners shopping, recreational facilities and houses of worship. For more information, click here.
List Price: $4,995,000
18 Coralyn Road, Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH: 2:00-4:00PM
Brand new 5 bedroom, 4.5 Bath Colonial to be built with ideal open floor plan perfect for entertaining, with dream eat-in-kitchen, large family room with fireplace, formal dining room, living room and garage with mudroom. Hardwood floors, beautiful moldings and quality craftsmanship throughout. 2nd floor features fabulous master bedroom suite with trey ceiling, large walk-in closet, and luxurious spa bath, plus 3 additional bedrooms. 2nd floor laundry. Finished lower level with bedroom, playroom/exercise room and full bath. Enjoy outdoor entertaining on your stone patio overlooking the lovely level backyard. This brand new home is located in the world-renown Scarsdale school district with free bus to schools, walk to commuter bus to train, and beautiful parks nearby. Move right in and enjoy all the wonderful things that Scarsdale has to offer! Still time to pick your finishes. Ready for spring 2015. For more information, click here.
List Price: $2,150,000
324 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH: 2:00-4:00PM
Watch the sunset from your private balcony overlooking more than a half of an acre of level property in the heart of Heathcote. This home has a perfect blend of old world charm and modern amenities with an open kitchen/family room that leads to idyllic screened in porch. There is a two car garage that enters into the kitchen, a butler's pantry that leads to formal dining room with beautiful moldings and built ins. Enjoy easy entertaining in the living room with beamed ceilings and a wood burning fireplace with French doors that connect to a family room. There are hardwood floors throughout. The second floor enjoys a master suite plus 3 family bedrooms with two updated baths. There is also access to a roof top deck with breathtaking views of this expansive property. This home has been meticulously maintained with a new slate roof, new leaded glass windows and new roof deck. Walk to Heathcote elementary school, shopping and houses of worship. For more information, click here.
List Price: $1,798,000
37 Harvard Drive, Hartsdale
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH: 2:00-4:00PM
This Sunny and Spacious Cape has it all! Generous sized rooms, open floor plan with large kitchen open to family room and sliding doors to expansive blue-stone patio with pergola highlight a picturesque setting with mature landscaping and fully fenced in flat yard. First floor master and full bath with dual sinks complete the first floor. Additional 2 family bedrooms plus home office and full bath on 2nd floor. Easy 1 mile walk to Hartsdale or White Plains Train Station. Walk to shops, Trader Joes, playground, school and Beeline bus. For more information, click here.
List Price: $629,000
12 Saddletree Lane, Harrison
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH: 2:00-4:00PM
Move right into this spacious and beautifully renovated contemporary colonial! The large renovated kitchen is filled with top of the line appliances and flows perfectly into the family room with custom built-ins around the onyx fireplace. Stunning brand new hardwood floors line the first floor. The recently renovated all stone master bathroom boasts a large double head shower, jacuzzi bathtub and custom lighting. The basement is finished as a large playroom with a full bathroom including a steam shower. Gorgeous pool complete with a waterfall and misters and an outdoor built in wet bar are two of many remarkable features of the fine landscaped property. Do not miss this one-of-a-kind house set at the end of a cul-de-sac! For more information, click here.
List Price: $1,299,000
Open Houses: Sunday November 1st
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Two open houses in Scarsdale on Sunday, November 1st:
2 Kelwynne Road, Scarsdale
Open House, Sunday November 1st: 2 – 4 PM
Gracious Sun-Filled Colonial in the Heathcote Estate Area of Scarsdale with two private guest suites on first floor perfect for extended family and guests! Well loved and immaculate home with great potential for expansion. Home is on .84 acres of gorgeous park-like land in a prestigious, central location. Circular driveway. 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, with large bonus room for entertaining, large guest bedrooms on east and west wings of first floor, and spacious 3 car garage with floored attic storage above. 
Automatic transfer generator system. Ideally located close to shopping, schools, parks and fields. Short drive to train. The perfect combination of prestige, location and convenience! Just waiting for a new family to fall in love. For more information, click here.
List Price: $2,398,000
1195 Old White Plains Road, Scarsdale, New York
Open House: Sunday, November 1st: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Fabulous 19th Century Colonial set on a level park-like .46 acre property with beautiful trees and specimen plantings. This wonderful home features wide plank wood floors recently restored to their natural luster, a state-of-the art kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, granite counters and door that leads to a private patio. The first level also boasts a living room, formal dining room with stone
fireplace, a large office/den, a paneled family room, renovated powder room and laundry. Upstairs leads to a master bedroom with dressing area and adjacent hall bath, three additional bedrooms, an office/nursery and another hall bath. Stairs to walk-up attic. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,075,000
