New Rochelle Now

Everything New and Noteworthy in New Rochelle!

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Spadaro- No Menu No Problem

Spadaro - No Menu No Problem

Situated in a nondescript strip plaza on Main Street is a restaurant where Rome meets New Rochelle. Spadaro, a forty seat Italian dining room with photos of family,friends and favorite places adorning the wall, is simply belesimo. Rena and her sister had a restaurant in Rome before opening Spadaro in New Rochelle and it shows. The food is fit for Fellini!

What makes Spadaro exceptional is that they are confident enough to have a "NO MENU" policy and  pull it off. The servers recite the daily specials with such accuracy you wonder if they underwent a bootcamp training course in the Spadaro culinary army.  I adoro the antipasto. The branzino is bravo and you must mangia the marinara.  

Since they operate sans menu, you will not find out the pricing until the end of the meal. And I must tell you, you won't go broke when you eat baroque.

Spadaro 211 E.Main Street New Rochelle, NY 10801 914.235.4595

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Modern Pizza - Same Taste, New Location Coming Soon

There was never more of an oxymoron than the name Modern Pizza. This incredibly traditional Italian pizzeria located on Russell Avenue looks like it would be a haunt for members of the Rat Pack when visiting Frank Sinatra's old neighborhood. They began tossing dough way back in the 1920's and the yeast continues to rise. Staying close to tradition works for this brick oven pizza perfecter.

 Modern Pizza is in the process of moving from Russell Avenue to a spacious location on Huguenot street in the next few months. We are keeping our fingers crossed that they can move their classic white oven to the new location (pic below). The new space will allow Modern's devotees to enjoy a larger slice of the pie. 

12 Russell Avenue New Rochelle, NY  10801 914.633.9479

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College Town USA - A Triad of Tutelage

Bring on the Books! New Rochelle has another reason celebrate-boasting 3 colleges, New Rochelle get's an A for Academia! Iona College - Founded in 1940, Iona College is a private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of American Catholic higher education. The college currently has a $49.7 million dollar endowment.  The university is divided into two main academic units: a school of arts and sciences, and a business school. Iona offers degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, marketing, and management. The school also has a fast track MBA program, which is geared toward people who want to gain an edge in their chosen field in 10 months. The Iona Men's basketball team (Gales) is something to cheer about. The Gaels compiled the most victories of any MAAC team since the founding of the conference and have won a league record seven MAAC titles. During their history, the Gaels have participated in eight NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championships compiling a record of 1-8.

The College of New Rochelle - A private Catholic College founded in 1904 with a $17.1 million dollar endowment. . Originally called The College of St. Angela, this first Catholic women's college in New York state in 1904, a time when women were generally excluded from higher education. The name was changed to the College of New Rochelle in 1910. Building on its original commitment to women, the college reaches out to those who have not previously had access to higher education. It places particular emphasis on the concept of lifelong learning.

Monroe College - With campuses in New Rochelle, the Bronx and St. Lucia, this proprietary college founded in 1933 was named after our fifth president James Monroe. The college’s New Rochelle campus features dormitory living, an award-winning culinary arts teaching facility, other unique learning environments, and an athletic center. It took only two years for the women's volleyball team to make the playoffs for the first time and in 2004 they finished 21-4 and played all the way to the Region XV Championship game. The women's softball team made the Region XV Championship game in just their second year of varsity play. In Men's soccer, the Mustangs have made two appearances in the Region Championship game.

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New Rochelle Opera- Miss Chrysalis

Broadway comes to New Rochelle! More specifically the Ursuline School's Frank J. Auriana Theater & Mooney -Hancock Arts Center. For four nights, June 21st-24th, you can enjoy  Giacomo Puccini's masterful opera. If  you have never been to the opera, use Madama Butterfly as your introduction to operatic odeum. Tickets are as low as $25 if you pay in advance ($35 the day of) with special senior and group rates. This story of an American Navy Lieutenant and his arranged marriage to his young "Butterfly" is one that will resonate with  you long after the final curtain call.

Based on the short story by American writer John Luther Long, it was first published in Century Magazine in 1898, So, put on your Broadway best and head to the Opera in New Rochelle, for this memoir of a metamorphosized geisha.  Stage: Camile Coppola Orchestra and Chorus Conductor: Gregory Ortega The Ursuline School:  1354 North Avenue New Rochelle, New York 10804 For tickets call: 914.576.1617 or 914.576.0365

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Beanberry's - Weightless Delights

                                      www.beanberrys.com Just few a steps from the New Rochelle Metro North Station, on the corner of Huguenot Street, you will find Beanberrys. If the name is any indication, this coffee/yogurt shop has the best of both worlds.  With yogurt in tantalizing flavors like, cake batter, alpine vanilla, pomegranate and raspberry, you can still eat kosher and calorie friendly. Since everything is weighed before you pay, you actually get what you pay for. The coffee drinks are simply delightful. Just try the iced macchiato and I am sure you will say bravo!

This Internet cafe has comfortable seating, FREE Wi-Fi and a view of the Library Green which serves as New Rochelle's personal concert hall. Stop in on Live Music Saturday nights and sip a smoothie while tapping your toes to the sounds of New Rochelle's finest. This is one Berrylicous cafe which used its Bean to do Berrything right.

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Downtown Digs - New Rochelle vs. Willilamsburg Apt.'s

 175 Huguenot Street  Trump Plaza (above)  This 1200sq ft 2 bed 2& 1/2 bathroom apartment is in the Luxurious Trump Plaza in downtown New Rochelle. $438K

 You don't have to be a quantitative analyst to calculate the delta between New Rochelle & Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In New Rochelle, 1200sq ft will run you a megar $438K in the desirable downtown area. While over in Williamsburg, a little over 1000sq ft will run you about a cool mill. Both communities have an abundance of galleries, restaurants, farmers markets, landmarks and artist lofts. However, New Rochelle is clearly under the radar, making it the best kept secret in New York.  Evenly matched with a 30 minute commute via public transportation, The Trump has more of what matters- amenities and space! Boasting a screening room that Woody Allen would envy as well as a billiards room and indoor parking; the Trump trumps them all.

58 Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this 1082sqr ft.  2 bdrm 2 bathroom $989K

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Young Professionals Networking - Rooftop (ad)Vantage Point

The Young Professionals of Southern Westchester; in partnership with The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a poolside networking event that all  young professionals should attend: at the Residence Inn by Marriott on June 14th. The core of YPSW's message is mentoring. By providing an unbiased environment where young professionals have access to industry leaders, they can test their interview skills, refine career objectives and align themselves with like-minded young professionals in the area.

This rooftop event will provide spectacular views of New Rochelle 

$25 in advance/$30 at the door

6:30pm-8:30pm Catering by New Rochelle's own Blackboard Pizza 

Register here: Young Professionals - Networking Event

 The guest speaker for the evening is esteemed author and business professional Ron Volper.  Ron has provided his expertize to countless television stations including Bloomberg Television, FOX, CNBC, MSNBC as well as various radio programs. He is also a fixture on Butler on Business in Atlanta.

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Jay Leno- New Rochelle's Ultimate Chinwagger

  James "Jay" Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1950. The Tonight Show host with Scottish and Italian ancestry, is known for his love of cars- he owns 100! As well as his motorcycle charity events benefiting muscular dystrophy research.  He has been married to Mavis Leno since 1980 and the pair don't have any children.The Above clip shows a young Leno during his first stand-up stint on the show he would later host as king of late night TV.  This TV host has kept "chins" wagging for decades and leading with his jaw has served him well.

Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show from 1962-1992. Jay took over in 1992 and is currently the host of the top rated nighttime talk show. He had a year off when NBC decided to be creative and replaced him with Conan O'Brien in the 2009-2010 season. Jay gladly returned to host with his massively mesmerizing mandible.

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The Doctorow is in - Diagnosis Movie Success!

After completing his masterpiece the Book of Daniel, E.L. Doctorow sat around his home in New Rochelle and contemplated what to write next; the answer Ragtime. This 1975 novel is a work of historical fiction. It chronicles the lives of three American families in which the first family are upper class WASP's living in New Rochelle. The book was made into a film in 1981 staring Samuel Jackson, Jeff Daniels and Fran Drescher to name a few. Nominated for eight Oscars Ragtime, went home empty handed, just like Jack Nicholson who had a small part in the film, but did not have his name in the credits.

E.L. Doctorow did it again with Billy Bathgate. This 1989 novel was made into a film in 1991. Staring Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Bruce Willis. The story is told from the perspective of fifteen year old Billy Bathgate. Billy becomes an errand boy for mobster Dutch Shultz. He witnesses how sinister Dutch and the world of organized crime is first hand and begins to contemplate what to do next. You have to watch to find out how he managed his personal dilemma, but when you watch, don't say you heard it from me. If you do, you will be swimming with the classics.

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Castle Biennial - 2 Years in the Waiting

Red Neck Gong by Michael Anthony Natiello

On June 17th, the Castle Gallery's "Westchester Biennial" will bid farewell to the 21 artists and their 40 works on display.  The artists themselves are as eclectic as the pieces they create. There is a former therapist, an autistic young man and a director of a Halloween extravaganza.  Ranging from their 20's thru 70's, and coming from Westchester and as far away as Japan and Slovenia, this showcase has an international feel. Created in 1998, this exhibit showcases recent works by emerging and established artists  currently living and working in the community. Now you understand why I call New Rochelle the Williamsburg of Westchester!

Really Stupid People by Elena Grajek

The Scream- reassembled golf bags by Charles McGill

  The 2012 "Westchester Biennial ” runs through June 17th at Castle Gallery, in Leland Castle on the campus of the College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle. Admission is free. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

                                     Westchester Biennial

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New Rochelle's "Mr. Catch Me if You Can"on CNN Today

In my previous Reel to Real post, I talked about the life and crimes of Frank Abagnale, the former New Rochelle resident who was a master impersonator and conman which the film "Catch Me if You Can" staring Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank was based. Today Frank was on CNN's Red Chair  mini-interview session. He currently runs a fraud prevention company, Abagnale & Associates located in Washington D.C.just a stones trow from the FBI Headquarters. How's that for irony?

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NoMa Social - It's a MOD MOD World

                                                 NoMaSocial If you would like to take a trip into the future, save your money trying to nab a seat on the next SpaceX launch and take a short rocket ride to NoMa Social. The decor is funky and happening and the food is cool and clever. From the plush plum chairs to the zig-zag zebra rug, all the elements are right on!

This Austin Powers approved restaurant/lounge is so hip that you may forget to eat. The menu has tons of tapas and light fare as well as a more hearty menu which includes a cracked pepper ribeye and a wild mushroom risotto. On Friday & Saturday nights, the DJ spins radio hits  If you are looking for a dose of reality TV, The Real Housewives of New Jersey will be hosting the party on June 9th -10th from 7pm- Until (3am). Not certain if Bravo TV will be there, but it is sure to be Dancing with Reality TV Stars!

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Farmers Market - Lettuce Entertain You

                                   www.communitymarkets.biz On Friday June 22nd we welcome back the New Rochelle Farmers Market. This community outdoor market  started in 2009 and is brought to you by the City of New Rochelle. Located on the Library Green near Huguenot and Lawton avenue on Friday's from 8am- 3pm rain or shine.                                                  

 The market vendors sell baked goods, fruits, herbs, vegetables and specialty foods. The community market website offers countless recipes for the healthy heart inclined. When is the last time you had  fresh turnips, radishes, beets, honey or cider? I suggest that you mark your calendar for the opening of Community Markets; It's either you will be there or you wilt. 

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Hudson Park Beach Bar - Waterfront Watering Hole

Who needs to deal with the long lines and sunless Gotham City views at the Shake Shack when you can dine on burgers and fries with beach-side views at the Beach Bar at Hudson Park . Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, residents can save a few bucks on entry to the beach by purchasing an Omnicard.

 Hudson Park and Beach are located at the south end of New Rochelle on Hudson Park Road.  It features a grassy recreation area with a cameo playground, a music bandshell and seating area.  If you forgot your bathing-suit no worries, the park is pristine and has many benches ideal for boat watching or escaping into a good book. So, forget the trip to the Jersey Shore and have family friendly fun that makes for a more desirable "Situation".

                       Christopher Columbus Monument @ Hudson Park

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Get down Downtown- Sidewalk Sale Success

There were a few bright spots during yesterdays intermittent shower session and one of them was the Sidewalk Sale in downtown New Rochelle.  The Curtain Shop, IB Cohen & Sons, Just Funki, Liebman's and the Four Seasons Fine Apparel all showcased their goods for foot bound bargain hunters.

Juggles the Clown was on hand to provide giggles for the kiddies while parents laughed all the way to the bank, with bags full of money saving deals. 

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AJ's Burgers - Hail to the Beef

                                             www.ajsburgers.com Located in the area that I like to call pep-rally parkway, also know as North Avenue near Iona College, sits AJ's Burgers.  Alan J Cohen (AJ) honed his chops @ The Davenport Country Club and several other notable Westchester restaurants before opening this moniker laden establishment. This burger joint has the feel of a town diner without the waitresses in hairnets.  

As sponsors of  "Picnic in the Park” at Hudson Park on Memorial Day, you can feast on goodies from AJ's Burgers from a special menu where every item is priced at $1. So, come and chow down at the picnic because before you know it, this Memorial Day special will be a just a Memory.

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Incoming Tide - A "Shore" Thing

 Unfurling X  -David Boyajian

                                  David Boyajian with Friends @ Wildcliff If you missed last weeks installation @ Wildcliff with acclaimed sculptor David Boyajian, you can  make it up to yourself by attending this weekend. The sculpture garden will be sprinkled with artworks from David as well as B.A. D'Alessandro, Bernard Rowan, Jodi Carlson  and Denis Fol.

                                          For your ear-joyment Patti Rothberg will  sing a song of sixpence promptly @ 6pm. This New York City native began playing the piano at the age of 3 and penning songs by 15. She released 4 studio albums and even had a single reach number 25 on  Billboard's Alternative Song Chart.  RSVP 

Eric Woodlin installed the sculpture garden at Wildcliff. Installation season runs from May to September and is open to the public from 11-4 on Saturdays. He is the Owner/Producer of Incoming Tide Entertainment LLC, a New York based special event/production company. Incoming Tide produces concerts, comedy shows and art exhibits. Eric can also be hired to manage your special event. The only reason to miss this weekends event is if you were swept out to sea. Located @ 44 Wildcliff Road New Rochelle, New York