Caffe Latte

Dobbs Ferry NY
Basilio's shop on Cedar Street is a local favorite and has survived many competing cafe's in the village for two main reasons-the cappuccino is superb and the proprietor charming. The acquaintances one meets in visiting often have a casual ease about sharing in conversation I enjoy. For quiet moments, Caffe Latte is a great place to go for some peace time with a good book.
The Italian deserts are delicious and my personal favorite is the Berry Pie, Frutta di Bosco, which I buy whole and bring to my family on Christmas Eve.

Pizza at Pepe's

Yonkers New York,
(Also in New Haven, Fairfield, Manchester and Uncasville Connecticut)
It has been years since I have had pizza in my diet on any regular basis. The lack of options for salad or vegetables at the pizzeria and my wish to avoid mozzarella cheese were some reasons. Well, Frank Pepe's, located on Central Avenue, has brought me back. The restaurant itself has large informal booths, but watch out for weekend waits around 6:30.
The hot fired brick ovens cook a thin crusted "Napoletana"pizza which is served with a delicious sauce and only some romano unless you request the mozzarella. In addition, for the salad eaters, there is the option of a generous fresh greens salad with cherry tomatoes for $3.95. The white clam pizza is a specialty of the house and some of our friends love it. This is delicious with the mozzarella. Without it, the garlic was too strong for me.
My favorite so far is half white clam with mozzarella and half onion and pepper. The sausage and the chicken cutlet pizza is not far behind. Grazie, Frank Pepe!

Summer Home Feast

The silver lining to the endless heat of this summer has been the feast easily prepared at home thanks to the Stew Leonard's $3.99 per pound lobster. The sweet corn accompanying these 1 to 11/4 lb treats and a salad or green beans side make for a simple and delicious meal which is sure to bring a smile to everyone. The occasional splatter is part of the fun, and a deep bowl in the middle of the table is now a tradition of the meal. Since our own Long Island lobsters are struggling in their population it makes the taste of these Maine imports all the more enjoyable. Brought home still squirming in the bag, they are so fresh that salting the water is optional.

Harvest on Hudson

Hastings on Hudson New York
To begin discussion of the options here in the River Villages, I have to begin with a favorite. Harvest is a beautiful restaurant with Tuscan rustic character, and a delightful garden from which they gather fresh herbs for the meals. The view of the Hudson refreshes the spirit whether indoors or out, and the neighboring park and small boat club add to the scenery. For family gatherings there are large round booths and a room for parties with a fireplace. For an evening out with a friend, share a glass of wine over fig and goat cheese pizza or calamari salad. For anyone who needs to refresh, the Harvest garden should be on the list.

My Quest

This blog is the tale of my quest for home-made, low-salt, traditional, rustic and innovative cuisine. Special attention is given to restaurants and food suppliers in special locations, such as locally owned farms, farmer's markets, walkable people places, water view properties and to properties of notable architectural merit. Restaurants and inns are considered in light of sustainability efforts as well, and noted with a green apple for special efforts to conserve and sustain.