"Excellent" Global Fusion

If there is any type of restaurant that our area has too much of, it is Asian fusion. So I wasn't too thrilled when I heard about the new Neo World Bistro and Sushi Bar in Mt. Kisco. But the review in last week's New York Times gave me hope. The reviewer gave the new venture an "excellent" rating and said that the menu includes "outstanding" compilations such as a sushi tortilla, avocado sashimi tartare, and spicy sushi poppers. The offerings boast a large array of sushi and sashimi, as well as dishes spanning the globe. Located in what the Times called a "serene space" in town, this new addition to the local scene sounds worth checking out. Neo World Bistro and Sushi Bar
Image: The New York Times

On Vacation

This spot at Muscoot Farm is one of my favorite places to chill. But, as glorious as our area is, sometimes it is nice to get away. Which is what I'm doing for the next 10 days. Have fun!
Image: Muscoot Farm by JMS2

On the Mianus River

Year Built: 1920

Square Feet: 2,000

Bedrooms: 4

Property: 1.1 acres

Location: Bedford, on the Mianus River (close to the amazing Mianus River Gorge Preseve).

Best features: From the river frontage to the charming porch, the property and exterior are almost picture-perfect. Inside, the house has some lovely details and country charm.

Downside: It is hard to get a read on the main spaces from the photos. The kitchen renovation is too standard for my taste.

Taxes: $12,436

Asking Price: $650,000

Pricing History: Last sold in 2004 for $679,000
Agency: Keller Williams Realty
Maps: Google Map, bing Map

High and Low Condos in Ossining

Last week's North County News reported that two condominium developments in downtown Ossining will go on the market this fall. The Ossining Trust Bank building on Main Street will have 12 affordable apartments. Eligible buyers must have incomes of less than $59,000 for singles and $84,200 for families of four. The apartments are expected to be listed at starting prices of $173,000 for one-bedroom units and $212,000 for two-bedroom units, according to the North County News. Prices will be markedly higher at The Orchid Condominiums, a new development at 73 Spring Street. The 26 apartments (above right) are expected to be listed at prices starting at $350,000 for a one bedroom and going up to $699,000 for a three bedroom unit with river views. The apartments will have the standard "luxury" must-haves and the building will boast a fitness center and parking garage.

Homes of the Artists

The exhibition "Home on the Hudson: Women and Men Painting Landscapes 1825-1875" explores the Hudson River School by focusing on the residences of painters. Works of 20 artists are on display, including Thomas P. Rossiter's House on the Hudson (above). Through September 7. Boscobel

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Fine Arts and Crafts Fair Over 90 regionally and nationally known artists share their traditional and alternative crafts at the Garrison Landing Riverfront Park. Take free rides upon the sloop Woody Guthrie and enjoy regional food and live music. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Garrison Arts Center

History Under the Stars Bring a tent, a picnic, and your flashlight, and join us for colonial crafts, a campfire, and an overnight camping experience. Saturday, 6:00 pm. John Jay Homestead

Hike Tour Join farm staff and hike the farm's beautiful woodland trails. Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hilltop Hanover Farm

Pop Goes the Weasel! Learn about weasel adaptations, native members of the weasel family, and reasons they are so important to the balance of nature. Saturday, 11:00 am. Teatown Lake Reservation

Evening Howl Enjoy a sunset hike to howl with the wolves. Saturday, 7:00 pm. Wolf Conservation Center

Swinging Set Jazz Ensemble Enjoy the sounds of Christine Sotmary, Craig Purpura, John Digiulio, and Bert Rechtschaffer outdoors near Jan Peek Gazebo. Saturday, 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Downtown Peekskill

In the Loop A laugh-out-loud political satire on diplomatic misunderstandings and behind-the-scenes power plays. Saturday and Sunday, multiple showings. Jacob Burns Film Center

The Mojomatics Creators of authentic Chicago-style Blues, the Mojomatics deliver an explosive array of originals and covers from their CD, "My Kind of Crazy." Saturday, 9:30 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Harvest Day Join the farm's master gardener as she harvests the vegetables. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Muscoot Farm

Canoe the Croton Join a guide and paddle up the Croton River against the tide and current and through scenic high cliffs. Sunday, check for time. Teatown Lake Reservation

Camp Cooking Extravaganza Join us in the fine art of cooking over an open fire! Help with the preparations, cooking, and consuming of yummy camp foods. Sunday, 3:30 pm. Westmoreland Sanctuary

An Evening with Mas Masumoto Third-generation organic farmer and award-winning author David Mas Masumoto joins the farm staff for hors d’oeuvres and a four-course tasting menu. Sunday, 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Turn of the Century Style

Year Built: 1904

Square Feet: 4,000

Bedrooms: 6

Property: 6.6 acres

Location: Montrose, on bucolic and storied College Hill Road

Best features: This spacious and stately home has gorgeous woodwork, beamed ceilings, and loads of other original details. The property is lovely and very private and boasts a pool. The taxes are quite reasonable.

Downside: I'm not loving the kitchen, but that's taste-specific (as they say).

Taxes: $14,451

Asking Price: $975,000

Agency: Coldwell Banker

Maps: Google Map, bing map

Planet Noir

The series "International Noir" is a look at film noir as a global movement and an instantly recognizable style. Films include well-known fare such as Double Indemnity, M, and The Third Man, as well as films such as Branded to Kill from Japan (above left), Heatwave from Australia, and Ossessione from Italy (above top right). Through September 3. Jacob Burns Film Center

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Mohegan Colony Storytelling & Music Festival An enchanting afternoon of stories and music for families and adults. The event culminates with a "ghost story concert" at 7:30 pm. Saturday, 1:00 to 10:00 pm. Mohegan Colony Storytelling and Music Festival

Open Studios The Brown Street Studios in Peekskill marks their opening and invites the public to come see the resident artists' paintings, woodcuts, digital art, sculpture, and more. Saturday, 11:30 am to 5:00 pm. Brown Street Studios

Shades of Green Take a leisurely walk with a naturalist to discover the diverse collection of trees, shapes of leaves, and textures of bark. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

Preserving the Harvest Learn how to preserve the harvest from a seasoned canning expert. Saturday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Hilltop Hanover Farm

Shakespeare on the Green The Hudson Valley Shakespeare company performs "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)," a humorous production featuring 37 plays in 97 minutes. Sunday, 2:00 pm. The Ridgefield Playhouse

Peekskill Jazz and Blues Festival This year's festival features performances by Fred Smith and John Basile, Johnny Feds and Da Bluez Boyz, David Amram and Friends, Duchess Di and the Distractions, and the Mahavishnu Project. Saturday, 5:00 to 10:00 pm. City of Peekskill, Downtown Peekskill

Barter for Art Bring any object to offer artists in exchange for their art. Come prepared: wine, jewelry, gift certificates, books, even chocolate may be accepted. Saturday, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Katonah Museum of Art

Mario Cantone Best known as Charlotte's wedding planner on Sex and the City, Mario Cantone performs his Broadway show "Laugh Whore." Saturday, 8:00 pm. Paramount Center of the Arts

Create a Wildlife Refuge Learn the fundamentals of creating a habitat garden, including plant suggestions, how to grow them, and sources for materials. Sunday, 10:00 am. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

River Day Test drive a kayak or take a boat ride. Hands-on activities include fishing, hearth cooking, brick making, and modern boat building. Sunday, 12:00 to 6:00 pm. Van Cortlandt Manor

Babe The classic movie about the pig with a big heart. Sunday, 3:00 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts

Poetry and Music An evening of readings by Sophia Quintero and Elisha Miranda followed by poetry, music, and storytelling by David Gonzalez. Sunday, 4:30 pm. Hudson Valley Writers Center

Image: 2008 Peekskill Jazz and Blues Festival, by neatnessdotcom

July Sales & Deals

The spring bounce appears to be continuing into summer, with the number of contracts signed in July in the towns this blog covers remaining relatively high. Of the four previously-featured hot properties that found interested suitors, the Tudor in Montrose was on the market for about a month while the colonial in Katonah was first listed back in 2007. And five hot properties made it all the way to the alter in July.

Contracts signed on single-family homes:
June: 88
July: 86

Hot Properties that went to contract:

Location: Montrose
Featured: June 16, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $525,000
Last Asking Price: $525,000


Location: Ossining
Featured: March 17, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $225,000
Last Asking Price: $215,000


Location: Mt. Kisco
Featured: March 3, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $929,000
Last Asking Price: $899,00


Location: Katonah
Featured: October 30, 2007
Asking Price When Featured: $979,000
Last Asking Price: $849,900


Hot Properties that closed:

Location: Mt. Kisco
Featured: May 26, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $579,000
Last Asking Price: $579,000
Sold for: $560,000

Location: Somers
Featured: May 19 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $257,000
Last Asking Price: $227,000
Sold for: $223,500

Location: Mt. Kisco
Featured: April 23, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $829,000
Last Asking Price: $829,00
Sold for: $790,000

Location: Mt. Kisco
Featured: January 29, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $965,000
Last Asking Price: $899,000
Sold for: $900,000

Location: Montrose
Featured: January 22, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $1,599,000
Last Asking Price: $1,599,000
Sold for: $1,450,000

Best of Barbecue

The August issue of Westchester Magazine includes a round-up of their six picks for the best barbecue joints in the county—and three local venues made the cut. Memphis Mae's in Croton got top honors for "best ribs," Bob B-Q's in Shrub Oak was honored for "best pork," and the Q Bar and Restaurant in Mt. Kisco got noted for "best sides." Personally, I'm not that big on barbecue, but I've often enjoyed the delicious southern fare—and Whale's Tale Pale Ale—at Memphis Mae's.

Girl, Animated

Animator Charlie White created "OMG BFF LOL" after a two-year "study of the behavior of an actual American teenage girl." The animation features Tara and Blakey, two characters who—as the cartoon's theme song says—"love to shop." Through September 20. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester:

Wildlife Management Area Hike Discover the floodplain at the Mianus River, a 200-year-old cemetery, and other areas usually closed to the public. Saturday, 9:00 am. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Compass Quest Learn the basics of this wilderness skill in this fun, family activity. Saturday, 10:00 to 11:30 am. Teatown Lake Reservation

Midsmmer Night Music The outdoor concert series concludes with “Light Classics,” featuring pieces by composers ranging from Brahms and Rossini to Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra. Saturday, 6:00 pm. Lasdon Park

Prints and Paintings Tour Join the curator for an up-close look at many of the prints and paintings in the Merestead collection. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Merestead

Pond Study Learn what creatures live in and around the farm pond. Sunday 1:00 pm. Muscoot Farm

Slithering Snakes Kids can get up close to some snakes and learn all about these slithering creatures. Sunday, 11:00 am. Teatown Lake Reservation

Harvesting Seeds Learn how to determine if seeds are ready for harvesting and the best method for storing them. Sunday 2:00 pm. Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

Turtle Monitoring Each spring and summer we trap and release water turtles as part of our on-going turtle monitoring project. Learn about and take part in our effort to collect data from the painted and snapping turtles. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Kathleen Pemble Winner of The New York City Song Slam, Kathleen Pemble sings tunes from her new CD, "Learning to Listen Again." Sunday, 6:30 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

M. Ward On his seventh album, M. Ward cements his reputation as one of America’s most unique talents. Sunday, 8:00 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts

Meet the Artist Catherine Cat Chow discusses her career and share her images with the audience. Sunday, 5:30 pm. Katonah Museum of Art

Katonah Contempo

Year Built: 1960
Square Feet: 2,722
Bedrooms: 4
Property: 7.3 acres
Location: Katonah, on a lovely road a bit east of the village.
Best features: The mod house boasts soaring ceilings, big rooms, and loads of windows overlooking the serene setting. Outside, there's a big pool and a bigger pond.
Downside: The interior needs some spiffing up, and I really don't care for the kitchen. The taxes are taxing.
Taxes: $28,295
Pricing History: Last sold in September 2005 for $1,450,000; the current asking price was recently cut by $95,000
Asking Price: $1,199,999
Agency: Houlihan Lawrence
Maps: Google Map, bing Map

Sculptures in the Garden

The exhibition "Current Without" displays sculpture by 8 artists on the glorious grounds of Boscobel. Works include "Larry Fox" (above top), a collaborative piece by Matt Rink and Bland Hoke, "True Blue" by Wendy Lehman (above center), and "Life Size Sitter" by Joy Brown (above bottom). Through September 8. Garrison Art Center

Images by AuntLN

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester:

Folk Arts Day Music, demonstrations and crafts. Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden

King of the Meadow Trek into the meadow, equipped with nets and patience, in search of Monarch butterflies. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

Peter and the Wolf Conductor Michael Barrett and the Orchestra of St. Luke's perform Prokofiev’s masterpiece of music and storytelling. Saturday, 4:00 pm. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Midsummer Night Music The outdoor concert series continues with “Fanfare and Superman,” featuring pieces by Copland, Bach, and Bernstein. Saturday, 6:00 pm. Lasdon Park

Bangalore Breakdown The cross cultural Jazz ensemble Bangalore Breakdown features internationally acclaimed composer and arranger Premik Russell Tubbs. Saturday, 7:30 pm. Beanrunner Cafe

Tap Kids Showcase Over 60 amazing young American Tap Dancers showcase their skills. Saturday, 7:30 pm. Tarrytown Music Hall

200 Motels Guitar player Frank Zappa also made several wacked-out movies. 200 Motels features Zappa's band, The Mothers of Invention, along with Ringo Starr, Theodore Bikel, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Saturday, 10:00 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Farm To Table: Spring Honey Harvest greens and vegetables in the field. Then cook everything up using spring honey and other seasonal foods. Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Stone Barns Center For Food and Agriculture

Fashion Drawing Workshop Karen Dietshe, Professor of Fashion Illustration at the Parsons School of Design, leads an informative class in fashion drawing. Sunday, 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Katonah Museum of Art

Life in a Flash Search for those quick and beautiful fly-bys, dragonflies and butterflies. Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. Croton Point Nature Center

Steve Chizmadia Enjoy the folk sounds of guitarist Steve Chizmadia. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Peekskill Coffee House

Sean Kelly Lecture Listen to Sean Kelly, founder of the Sean Kelly Gallery in Chelsea, which is known for diverse, intellectually driven, and unconventional exhibitions. Sunday, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art

Singer/Songwriter Showcase An acoustic invitational jam session includes Mishti Roy, Mani Cregan, and others. Sunday, 6:00 to 9:00 pm. 12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar

Vintage Advantage

Year Built: 1854
Square Feet: 2,053
Bedrooms: 5
Property: 0.15 of an acre
Location: Ossining village, within walking distance to all.
Best features: The house is dripping with details and vintage charm, all in good condition. The front porch is perfect.
Downside: A second kitchen is to be removed by the seller prior to closing, and at least one of the bedrooms appears to be in the basement
Taxes: $11,458
Asking Price: $419,222
Agency: Mark Seiden Real Estate
Maps: Google Map, bing Map

Taking Time to Chill

While relaxing at one of my favorite spots at the Teatown Lake Reservation (above), I realized that I'm feeling far more stressed than usual. This is mostly due to my employer's efforts to reduce redundancies and maximize growth (otherwise known as firing people), which has of course resulted in maximizing my workload and creating constant anxiety. Whatever the cause, it's summer and I'm spending far too much of it in front of a computer. So I'll be relaxing my usually stringent post-a-day rule and cutting myself some slack. You may find 5 new posts a week, or you may find 2. But keep coming to check!

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester:

Summer Hike Join the staff and hike the farm’s beautiful woodland trails. Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hilltop Hanover Farm

Modern Times In his masterpiece, Charlie Chaplin executes some of his most famous (and funniest) slapstick routines, sings, falls in love—and wins our hearts as a tramp struggling to survive in modern industrial society. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

Wildsenses Children can heighten their senses while learning how different animals use theirs. Saturday, 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

Midsummer Night Music The outdoor music series continues with “Broadway and Hollywood Favorites,” featuring Tony Award-winning sooprano Debbie Gravitte. Saturday, 6:00 pm. Lasdon Park

Classical Rock Violinist Praised by Time Out New York as a “Sublimely gifted musician,” Daisy Jopling will return to the BeanRunner Café to strut her stuff. Saturday, 7:30 pm. BeanRunner Café

L'Elisir D'amore This production of Donizetti's heartwarming comedy features alternative music the composer inserted into later revivals of the opera. Saturday, 8:00 pm. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

The Christopher Dean Band Playing blues from their most recent CD, "Three Times A Fool," The Christopher Dean Band rocks the house. Saturday, 9:30 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Dress Codes: Clothing as Metaphor Meet author Judi Barrett and illustrator Ron Barrett, whose book Animals should definitely not wear clothing is featured in the Learning Center. Explore the exhibition Dress Codes and enjoy hands-on art activitiesay. Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Katonah Museum of Art

Canoe the Croton Join a guide and paddle up the Croton River against the tide and current and through scenic high cliffs. Sunda. Teatown Lake Reservation

Artist Tour Artist Kate Clark and curator Mónica Ramírez–Montagut discuss the artist's work. Sunday, 2:30 pm. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Wildflower Hike Join the farm staff and discover the wildflowers that grow in the surrounding forest. Sunday 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Muscoot Farm

Check the Turtle Traps Take a hike to look for tracks, buck rubs, and bird nests and check the turtle traps in Bechtel Lake. Sunday, 3:00 pm. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Robert Cray Band Multi Grammy award winner and blues great, Robert Cray draws from R&B, rock, pop, and jazz. Sunday, 7:00 pm. Tarrytown Music Hall

Crow Hill Colonial, Redux

This lovely home was for sale (and featured) back in October, 2007. As I recall, it was quickly taken off of the market after just a month or two. Now it is back on. Things have clearly changed since 2007, and the old asking price of $1,295,000 has been cut by just over 30%. Located on bucolic Crow Hill Road in Yorktown (with a Mt. Kisco address and Yorktown schools), the 1726 farm house has 2,500 square feet and 3 bedrooms. The house features exposed beams, multiple fireplaces, and lots of original charm. The 5 plus acre property is beautiful and well landscaped, with a nice pool and sweet views. There's even a guest cottage. At $21,498, the annual taxes seem a little high for the size, but I like it—and I would guess that the price is about right. $895,000

Ginnel Real Estate, Google Map, bing Map