News Notes: Music, Food, and Nature

Sunday's New York Times had a number of reviews and articles about Northern Westchester:

New Tunes at Caramoor Festival: According to the Times, this year's festival is a major departure from those of the past and will feature a diverse array of performers and pieces. These changes are the fruit of efforts by Michael Barrett, Caramoor's chief executive officer, to shake up the festival. One of the more popular summer music festivals in the area, Caramoor presents 38 concerts over the course of the summer. SOURCE: Caramoor Festival Opens Up Its Tent

Mauro's Restaurant: The Ossining Italian establishment rates a "good" by the Times' reviewer, who notes that the restaurant offers both classic dishes and "some interesting variations." Dishes recommended by the Times include the orecchiette with sausage, gargenelli with mushrooms, and the chicken rustica. Mauro's Restaurant, SOURCE: Tradition, and a Number of Twists

Bloom's Kosher Delicatessen: The Yorktown Heights deli and restaurant gets a rave for it's Shabbat specials and it's daily fare, such as lox and bagels, pastrami on rye, and delicious pickles. Bloom's Kosher Delicatessen, SOURCE: Good (for) Shabbat

700 Acres in Cortlandt Preserved: The town of Cortlandt has reached an agreement with the owners of a huge tract of land on Furnace Dock Road to create the largest conservation easement in the county. The owner, A.V.R. Homebuilders, will construct 147 attached condo units on a small piece of the property, a fraction of the 500 houses originally planned. The rest of the nearly 700 acres will be preserved, with 46 acres to be managed by the Westchester Land Trust and open to the public for hiking and other uses. The land includes a 43 acre pond and Dickerson Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Westchester. SOURCE: After 10 Years, Tract Wins Protective Status