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Small Bites

Food Finds in the Lower Hudson Valley

Liz Johnson

Liz JohnsonWhen she was young, Liz Johnson hated lima beans, onions and liver. Despite growing up in Texas, spicy food took some getting used to, too. Time abroad in France taught her to love stinky cheese, and traveling through Asia and living in Mexico showed her the error of her non-spicy ways. Liz graduated from Clarkstown South High School and got her English degree at SUNY Oswego, where she mostly subsisted on pizza and beer. Since then, her culinary palate improved. (In fact there's nothing she won't taste at least once.) Since she began writing about food for The Journal News in 2000, she's covered restaurants, cooking trends and cocktails — winning two best feature-writing awards for the Association of Food Journalists along the way. She's now the food editor of The Journal News and LoHud.com, a television food correspondent for "The Hudson Valley's NewsCenter Now," on RNN, the Regional News Network, the editor of the annual Wine & Food magazine, a James Beard Foundation restaurant awards judge and a contributor to the food pages of national and regional magazines. She lives in Nyack with her husband on a tiny suburban lot they call their farm — with fruit trees, an herb garden, and a yardful of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, shallots, cucumbers, zucchini, radishes, cabbage, peppers, Brussels sprouts and carrots and four big blueberry bushes.

E-mail Liz Johnson at ewjohnson@lohud.com

Entries written by Liz Johnson

On March 24, a Passover Seder for Developmentally Disabled

March
20

From a press release:

WJCS Havorah Program, Temple Shaaray Tefila (TST) and Jewish Women International (JWI) will host its 23rd Annual Community Passover Seder for Persons with Developmental Disabilities on Wednesday, March 24 at 6:00 PM at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners. More than 185 guests are expected to hear the Passover story as told [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 20th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Sip & Twit Wine Tasting on March 23 at Pour Cafe & Wine Bar

March
19

There’s a mix of wine tasting and social media going on Tuesday at Pour Cafe. You pay $40, which includes food and the tasting, and you go around to different tables to taste wine. Tweet your tasting notes, and they’ll appear not only on Twitter, but on plasma screens throughout the room. All the info, [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 19th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Photos from the Day Boat Cafe in Irvington

March
19

Photographer Joe Larese went to the Day Boat Cafe this week to take photos for our new Sunday column, Open/Opening. It features anything that’s open or opening — including theater, concerts, shops and new restaurants! So here are 20 photos from the Day Boat, including interiors and plenty of food.

And the 411 on Day Boat [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 19th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Knife Sharpening at Chef Central

March
18

I got an email about this cool event March 20 and 21 at Chef Central. Bring 2 knives and they’ll sharpen them for free, and there are free seminars while you wait. Cool stuff!

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 18th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Today in the Food Section: Pub Crawl in Pearl River, Irish Recipes Using Beer, HVRW Updates

March
17

Today in print, correspondent Katherine Curry has a great story on an Irish pub crawl in Pearl River. We focused mainly on the places that specialize in food, too, but I can think of a bunch of other great stops you might like to put on your list, not the least of which is the [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 17th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

All You Can Eat at Hanlon’s in Mahopac

March
16

On March 17, an all-you-can-eat St. Patrick’s Day dinner will be held  at Hanlon’s Neighborhood Steakhouse to benefit Support Connection.

The 411 on Hanlon’s.

All the info, after the jump.

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 16th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

HVRW: Zuppa in Yonkers

March
16

Hey all — Liz here.

My Hudson Valley Restaurant Week got off to a great start at Zuppa in Yonkers. I’m going to say this up top, in case y’all are skimming all the reviews: if you haven’t yet decided where you’re going for HVRW, may I suggest you put Zuppa at the top of the [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 16th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

Local Links

March
15

Good morning and happy Monday. That was some storm over the weekend, wasn’t it? I know many of you are without power…. how awful. Somehow I escaped that, even though I saw transformers blow right next to my car and half of Nyack was without power.

I didn’t realize the extent of the storm when I [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 15th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Culinary Arts Students Will Host Public Dinners

March
15

Saunders Trades and Technical High School’s Academy of Culinary Arts Program is taking reservations for public dinners prepared and served by their students. Dinners are served at the Yonkers Education and Cultural Arts Center, 1109 North Broadway, Yonkers. Seating is at 6:00 p.m. on the following dates:

· Thursday, March 18, [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 15th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Lunch with Mario at Tarry Lodge in Port Chester

March
15

Mario Batali will be at Tarry Lodge for two just one lunch seating — at noon on Saturday April 17. He’ll be launching his new book, “Molto Gusto: Easy Italian Cooking,” and be talking about recipes from the book, sharing cooking tips and answering questions.

Ethan Bastianich, 7, serves celebrity chef Mario Batali Oct. 17, 2008 at [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 15th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week 2010 Starts Monday; $20 Lunches, $28 Dinners

March
12

From March 15 through 28, 140 participating restaurants serve three-course prix-fixe lunches for $20 and/or three-course dinners for $28 (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Plus, it’s a celebration of local. Chefs feature products from surrounding farms and artisanal producers and offer wines, spirits and beverages produced in the Hudson Valley.

Chef Eric Gabrynowicz of Tavern in [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | 12 Comments »

Last Chance for Cassoulet at Bistro Rollin in Pelham

March
12

Chef  Manny Lozano has made his last batch of cassoulet for the season, and it’s on the menu at Bistro Rollin in Pelham only for another 10 days or so. Seems like the perfect weekend to dig in, right?

The restaurant’s newsletter says:
Made with 5 different meats – duck confit, lamb shank, slab bacon, pork shoulder [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Chef David Regueiro Now in the Kitchen at Zanaro’s

March
12

Some of you may remember Regueiro from his time at Zuppa in Yonkers. He took over the kitchen at Zanaro’s in White Plains this winter. His bio, after the jump.

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

Getting Creative with Matzo

March
12

For an upcoming story, we’re looking for readers to share their recipes for sweet and savory dishes made with matzo. Do you have a great matzo brei recipe? Matzo pizza? Something else we’ve never thought of? Let us know below, or email me at ewjohnson@lohud.com.

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | 3 Comments »

St. Patrick’s Day Irish Dinner

March
12

From a press release:

There will be a St. Patrick’s Day dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 13 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley, New York.

The menu is the traditional corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and Irish soda bread. Dinner is served continuously from 5-7pm. The cost is $12, $11 for senior citizens, and [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Meet Farmer Jack Algiere at Stone Barns Center

March
12

There’s a monthly series at Stone Barns called Meet the Farmer, which gives adults the opportunity to meet farmers Jack Algiere or Craig Haney face-to-face and gain some in-depth knowledge about the products they nuture.

This month’s class will be dedicated to mushrooms. Here’s a description from Stone Barns:

Meet the Farmer: Mushrooms

April 3 from 1:00 [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Nyack Gourmet Changes Locations; Adds Salads and Latino Dishes

March
12

Nyack Gourmet, the takeout and catering shop that used to be in the historic Woolworth’s building on Main Street, has moved to the former San Juan Cafe location on North Broadway.

Owner Cris Spezial will continue his popular breakfasts, lunches and dinners to-go, including full breakfasts, soups, sandwiches and prepared foods, but he’s added two new [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Ed Levine Likes Tarry Lodge and Walter’s Hot Dogs

March
12

Looks like Ed Levine, food guru and founder of SeriousEats.com, has been in the neighborhood, and he likes what he tasted. Two recent tweets praise Walter’s Hot Dogs (he loves the pagoda) and the guanciale pizza at Tarry Lodge, which he calls the “definition of world class affordable dining.”

But we knew that already, right?

The 411 [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 12th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

5 at 5 at BLT Steak

March
11

Here’s a good deal. From 5 to 7 p.m. each night, each of the following items cost just $5 at BLT Steak in White Plains.

Kobe Beef Hot Dog with Spicy Mustard
Crispy Chicken Wings with Sriracha and Honey
Sesame Crusted Asparagus with Meyer Lemon Dipping Sauce
Steak Tartare with Olive Cornichon Mayo on Emmenthaler Sourdough Toast
BBQ Pulled Pork [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 11th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Westchester Wine Experience To Be Held March 27

March
11

The 10th Annual Westchester Wine Experience presented by the Rotary Club of Pleasantville, and benefiting the Food Bank and local charities, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at the Kessell Student Center at Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus. Aries Wine & Spirits will present wineries from all different regions of the world, and [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 11th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

The Price of Lobster and Other Financial Matters

March
11

On this post here about the Day Boat Cafe, I mentioned a $25 lobster roll. Lots of people commented on whether that was a fair price or not, and how much wholesale is, and whether restaurateurs are making money or just squeaking by. The conversation became about that, rather than the restaurant itself. So if [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 11th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Local Chef Competing for American Culinary Federation Northeast Region Chef of the Year

March
11

Michael Matarazzo, of Rye Brook, executive chef at Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain, will compete agains Rickford Foo of Sayreville, N.J.

All the details in a press release, after the jump.

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 11th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

NJ v. Philly Gravy War at Chef Central

March
11

From a press release:

Gravy (or Sauce) Competition & Meatball Demonstration at Chef Central

Does Philadelphia or New Jersey make the best sauce?

On Saturday, March 13, Author Lorraine Ranalli will travel north for a gravy competition with North Jersey Chef/Columnist Johnny DeCarlo. Lorraine and Johnny will face off not once but twice at Chef Central locations in Paramus, New Jersey [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 11th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Peekskill Brewery Will Be Featuring Local Ingredients and Hudson Valley Wine and Beer with its HVRW Menu

March
10

The Peekskill Brewery will be showcasing local ingredients on its HVRW menu, and offering local wine and beer as pairings.

Included on the menu are beers from The Peekskill Brewery, Keegan Ales (Kingston, NY), Defiant Brewing Co. (Pearl River, NY), Captain Lawerence Brewing Co., (Pleasantville, NY) and Ithaca Beer Co. (Ithaca, NY). Menu items will also be [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 10th, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Wings, Pizza and Burgers — and Plenty of TVs — at Liberty’s in Tappan

March
10

My husband and I took my grandmother to Liberty’s in Tappan a few weeks back. And as March Madness is about to come around, may I highly recommend Liberty as a great place where sports fanatics can watch the game and foodies can enjoy a good meal, too. Just look at all those TVs!

More TVs, [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 10th, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Food Lovers will Love Thursday at Bloomingdale’s: Chef Demo and Celebrities

March
10

Two great events are happening tomorrow at Bloomingdale’s in White Plains. First, Ellie Krieger, the New York Times bestselling author and host of the Food Network’s “Healthy Appetite” will sign copies of her new book, “So Easy: Luscious Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Week,” from 1 to 3 p.m. in the demo kitchen on the [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 10th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Chef Michael Cutney of Cafe of Love to Demo at the White Plains Farmers Market March 14

March
10

From a press release:

When the final farmers market of the season gets underway at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Sunday, March 14, guest Chef Michael Cutney from Café of Love in Mount Kisco will treat shoppers to a special cooking demonstration.

Having distinguished himself in the kitchens of Danny Meyers’ Union Square Cafe [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 10th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Who’s on Chopped?! Hannah Hopkins of Dish, for One

March
9

Chef owner Hannah Hopkins of Dish in Mahopac will be on Chopped! on the Food Network tonight. I’m setting my TiVo for sure.

I’ve also heard Brian Galvin of Ocean House in Croton-on-Hudson and John-Michael Hamlet of John Michael’s in North Salem will be on this season. Any one else got some tips on our local [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 9th, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Two Events at Don Coqui in New Ro: Cooking Party with Daisy Martinez and Mambo 4 Haiti Benefit

March
9

Two events, from press releases, after the jump.

The 411 on Don Coqui.

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 9th, 2010 | Post a Comment »

Nine New Additions to Hudson Valley Restaurant Week 2010

March
9

That makes 139 all together. What a coup!

From March 15 through 18, participating restaurants serve three-course prix-fixe lunches for $20 and/or three-course dinners for $28 (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Plus, it’s a celebration of local. Chefs feature products from surrounding farms and artisanal producers and offer wines, spirits and beverages produced in the Hudson [...]

Posted by Liz Johnson on March 9th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

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Food editor Liz Johnson writes about all things culinary in the Lower Hudson Valley, including restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, farms, and anywhere else you can get a bite — small or not.
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Liz JohnsonLiz Johnson When she was young, Liz Johnson hated lima beans, onions and liver. She grew out of that, and even before she began writing about food for The Journal News in 2000, she discovered she loves fricasse, French onion soup and foie gras. READ MORE

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