The G-man and I are almost finished catching up on season 2 of Mad Men. In last night's episode, Larchmont was discussed at a dinner party. It's such an addictive show! You can now "Mad Men" yourself here: http://tinyurl.com/mktjkn. Above my avatar is enjoying a martini with that dapper "bad boy" Don Draper. Don't tell the G-man!
A Total Rush Folk singer Tom Rush will be strumming his guitar live at Watercolor Cafe this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. $35 per person. You can check out his music here: http://www.tomrush.com/
Shape Up! Eyebrows looking a little bushy? Rachel is scheduled to be at Pink on Palmer on August 3, 11, and 27. She'll get your brows back into shape. $60 and by appointment only.
Lee at Lincoln Center The Film Society of Lincoln Center is holding a complete retrospective of Ang Lee's film work on August 1-11. The Larchmont resident himself will be on hand August 10 to introduce and discuss Ride with the Devil. For ticket information, visit: http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/anglee.html.
And the Shots Keep Coming Last night The Daily Show did a hilarious piece on Timmy G and the problems that he's had selling his Larchmont home. http://tinyurl.com/lu5mx7
Pahk the Cah According to The Journal News, the new parking deck on Myrtle is getting rave reviews from the neighborhood. http://tinyurl.com/lzyxyc
A Round of Applause Congratulations to Larchmont Police Officers Mike Walsh and Rocco Grecco on receiving a Certificate of Exceptional Valor from Governor Patterson. http://tinyurl.com/n8vdll
A pair of shades missing a pair of eyes. Waiting to reconnect at Chatsworth Avenue School playground.
Lots of drama at Doggy Beach. First there was the issue over how much of the beach is actually Doggy Beach (Answer: it's just the left side. The far right is private property owned by the Larchmont Shore Club). Now there seems to be an issue regarding a VOL ordinance that requires dogs to be muzzled and insured. According to a notice posted at Doggy Beach, only certain breeds are required under state law to be muzzled and insured. Furthermore, the notice states that the state law can not be superceded by a local ordinance. Sounds like a legal battle is brewing.
The last rung was added to the Larchmont Library's fundraising thermometer. $2.7 million raised for the Children's Library renovation. Well done!
5:30 p.m. Palmer Avenue. Never a lack of interesting cars in Larchmont. Here we have a "Save the Whales and Fight Global Warming" mobile. And for those of you wondering, it's a hybrid (oh the delicious irony if it had been a gas guzzler!). It's a Chrysler Grand Voyager EV and the car was hand painted by an artist in Florida.
Donate Life Assemblyman Latimer signed up to be an organ donor today. He is encouraging other New Yorkers to do the same. http://www.news12.com/index.jsp?regionId=4
Who Ya Gonna Call? Here kitty, kitty. Efforts to trap several feral cats around Hommocks have failed. TOM extended the deadline and now Pet Rescue has until Thursday to trap the cats. After that, Ace Trapping will be called in to do the job. http://tinyurl.com/lnub8o
Botaxable Yet another tax to punish New Yorkers. Congress is considering a tax on botox to fund health care. http://tinyurl.com/mhdpss There are women all over Westchester screaming in protest. You just can't tell since their faces don't move! I never quite got the concept of injecting botulism into your face, but to each their own.
A Groovy Autumn Lesley over at Groove sent me the new fall schedule. Oh no! Is summer over already?! Anyhoo, for you planners out there, Groove's got Camp Groove, Yoga Bellies, Groovy Mama Yoga. Family Jam and Pajama Jam planned for September. Some classes require advanced registration. Click here for full schedule: http://tinyurl.com/lo9kcf
Under Construction When will Con Ed and Verizon be done digging up our streets? What a mess! I hope there are plans to pave the roads.
6:30 p.m. East River at 116th Street. I got caught in one scary hail storm this evening while driving into NYC. The hail pounded my window so hard that I thought at one point it was going to shatter. There was one bright spot...a rainbow over the East River.
12:30 p.m. Times Square. In case you haven't heard, the Naked Cowboy is running for Mayor of NYC. He gives new meaning to the term "transparency in government." I guess we already know the answer to the proverbial question, "Boxers or Briefs?"
Food Drive Coldwell Bank is accepting food donations for the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Task Force. Canned goods may be dropped off at their offices located at 140 Larchmont Avenue.
Staycations On Friday night, I had dinner at Encore. Most of the block from Anna Maria's to Palombo and across the street at Chat 19 was packed with people. I don't recall ever seeing such a crowd on a summer Friday in Larchmont. I guess staycations really are all the rage. For our staycation this year, the G-man bid at a charity silent auction and won a package of gift cards for a dozen restaurants all over Westchester. Last night we dined at a little hidden gem in Irvington called Mima Vinoteca http://www.mimarestaurant.com/about.html. This lively kitchen and wine bar sits on a hill that plunges into the Hudson River. As the name suggests, drinking wine is encouraged. There are many wonderful wines on their list that can be paired with a wide selection of meats and cheeses available for appetizers. We enjoyed making our own antipasti of prosciutto, sweet and hot sausage, parmesan cheese and some of the freshest ricotta that I've ever tasted. The homemade pasta was also exceptional. Definitely worth a visit if you ever find yourself on that side of the county.
Sweet Tooth Only a local dentist is more excited than a sugar junkie like myself over the soon to be opening candy store on Larchmont Avenue. And it now has a name...Sweet Teez.
Lookin Good Leave it to New Jersey to make our New York politicians look like angels. THAT takes some talent. http://tinyurl.com/kkwrzg
Swimming Badgers There's a nice piece in today's Journal News about the history of the Larchmont Badger Swim Club, which has been around since 1945. The story addresses a burning question....why name a swim team after an animal that doesn't swim. Good question! http://tinyurl.com/ksp6e8
To the Rescue Efforts by Pet Rescue volunteers to feed and care for feral cats in the Hommocks Conservation Area resulted in an unintended consequence....rats! TOM is giving Pet Rescue until the end of the week to trap the felines and remove them from the area. http://tinyurl.com/nmu5ab
The Castle Not too far from Larchmont is an extraordinary piece of property known as The Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown. It's home to a five star restaurant which gets rave reviews. Tonight I joined my friends for Havana Night, a well kept secret. Every Thursday evening during the summer, tapas and mojitos are served al fresco style by the pool. Fortunately the bar area is sheltered so even on a rainy night like tonight, you can still enjoy yourself. Whether it's a "Girls Night Out" or a date, this place is definitely worth a visit. Added plus, on a nice day there is a great view of the Hudson River. http://tinyurl.com/mgakdk
Foul Ball 91 year old Ernie Harwell, the one time voice of the Detroit Tigers was famous for his foul ball calls where he would call out a local city name. When in New York, it was Larchmont! http://tinyurl.com/m8snso
It's not often that I see fresh figs. I picked up some today at the Larchmont Meateria. Now what to do with them?! I found a recipe that I am going to try. Baked figs stuffed with goat cheese and almonds with a little honey and balsamic drizzled on top. Sounds interesting.
One click and I’m back. I figured I’d give a demonstration of my blog in privacy mode since no one seemed to take me seriously. I hope the rude and nasty posters enjoyed their timeout. You act like children, you get treated like children. Yes we enjoy freedom of speech in our great country, but freedom of speech is not a license to lie, slander and defame. You cowards think that you can hide behind an anonymous label. I’ve got news for you. Big Brother Blogger knows exactly who you are. Don’t be so foolish. While our Constitution allows us freedom of speech, it also affords us the right to assemble. This is my blog. I can hang out with whomever I want. Translation: I don’t have to put up with your crap. You got that MoMos? On a more cheery note, I admire the tenacity and resourcefulness of my readers. During the blackout, I received dozens of emails, tweets, calls and FB wall posts from readers showing signs of withdrawal and lobbying hard for invitations. Most amusing were the messages from my own indignant friends who demanded to know the secret password! Thank you all for being in touch, especially the former Larchmonters living out in Kansas. I appreciate your patience and am sorry that you had to be punished for the bad behavior of a few. Should LyndaLarch have to move underground, you’ll all be invited and we can rebuild from there. And we won’t be taking the nasty anonymi, drama queens and busybodies with us.
Now everyone, please behave in a civilized manner and try to stay on topic!
I'm off to deliver some food and cheer to a local family in crisis thanks to the organization "Larchmont Friends of the Family." Volunteers are welcome, and if you can't cook, there are plenty of other ways to help out. Visit their site at: http://tinyurl.com/m4lkxm.
With temperatures rising, Brando seeks refuge in the refrigerator at Larchmont Floral Designs.
12:30 p.m. Larchmont Floral Designs. Luscus stopped by to thank Brando for all the money and items he got donated for the troops in Iraq. A special thank you to those Larchmonters who supported the cause. The donation box will be available until Friday.
Put Down the Doughnut Senator Gillibrand released a report on obesity rates in New York. While the heftier crowd lives upstate (over 60%), Westchester residents (53%) may want to hit the treadmill to catch up to those skinny minnies in Manhattan (42.3%). Interestingly the Bronx, home to Arthur Avenue, waddled in at 62%! You can find the complete report here: http://tinyurl.com/nllv4l. Did I miss some weigh in? How do they arrive at these statistics anyway?!
Tow Job Be careful where you park your car. The TOM Board passed a new law to tow illegally parked cars. http://tinyurl.com/nyope2
Salon of the Month Congratulations to Gjoko Salon on being named "Salon of the Month" by Beauty Launchpad magazine.
Turtle Park Larchmont Dad Band "Turtle Park" rocks Flint Park this Thursday night at 7:15 p.m. Check out their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/172995474
The ribbon was cut today, and you can now park on the new Myrtle Boulevard parking deck. Of course you'll need to pay for a permit first.
Golden Boys Despite a dismal economy, Goldman Sachs reported record quarterly earnings last week. I've always viewed Goldman Sachs with a mixture of disdain for their arrogance (I was once dumped by a GS trader on Valentine's Day because he became "married" to the company. Not that I'm bitter or anything!) and awe at their impressive ability to be highly successful no matter what the economic conditions. Over the weekend, I read a much talked about article on Goldman Sachs in Rolling Stone magazine of all places. http://tinyurl.com/nehu5x It's not a flattering piece to say the least. The author accuses Goldman Sachs of exploiting loopholes in the law as far back as the Great Depression to advance their interests. Personally, I don't put the blame on Goldman for this. Loopholes are the result of poorly written laws and that blame falls squarely on the shoulders of policy makers. What I do find disturbing is the author's next charge against Goldman; one of rigging the system to their benefit. Goldman Sachs alums hold key positions of power throughout the government and banking system. The author suggests that these alums have set policies to specifically benefit Goldman Sachs. There is absolutely nothing free market about picking winners and losers. After watching our government bail out certain companies and let others fail (i.e. Lehman and Bear Stearns), this author may be on to something.
Christmas in July As I was getting off the train in Larchmont the other day, I heard the familiar sound of a Salvation Army bell ringer. Being 80 degrees and the middle of July, I thought this rather odd. A week earlier I saw another bell ringer at Stop & Shop. This time I was compelled to ask why. It turns out that the economy is so bad and the need so great, the Salvation Army is taking the unusual step of fundraising in July. If you happen to see a bell ringer in town, dig in your pockets and give what you can. Every little bit counts.
The bad economy continues to hit the town of Larchmont. Plaza Jeans is the latest store to shut its doors. Very sad.
Ab Buster With the exception of jumping out of an airplane, I'll try anything once. One recent evening while dining at Pascal's, Renee of Michou told me about a belly dancer from Zitoune who gives lessons in the basement of Gjoko (following all that?!). Shayna is her name, and let's just say that after 10 years of belly dancing, she's got a ridiculous body. Seriously, this woman looks about 15 to 20 younger than she is. Simply amazing. And anyone who thinks this isn't a workout, my screaming abs beg to differ! Tonight I took the one hour class ($15) and got to wrap one of those jingly things around my waist. The first 10 minutes was all about stretching followed by Shayna teaching a variety of dance moves that get pulled together for a 20 minute dance routine at the end of class. Yours truly is not so coordinated, but I still had a great deal of fun. Learn more about Shayna at http://www.shaynassolution.com/index.htm
Garden Party This Sunday's Garden Conservancy "Open Days" Tour includes a stop at 10 Pryor Lane in Larchmont. http://tinyurl.com/nnjnxh
8 p.m. Larchmont Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force volunteers pay tribute to President Carol Cauley. After 15 years of service, Carol is moving to Texas. One of her departing gifts....a New York pillow from Wendy Gee.
Smooth Sailing Lots of happy sailors this week at the Regatta. For once the weather conditions are perfect. http://tinyurl.com/kqlyu7
6:30 p.m., Gilder Street. Despite all the hysteria leading up to the event, Bastille Day went off without a hitch. The weather was beautiful, the food delicious and the crowd peaceful. Only half of Gilder was shutdown and traffic moved along without any problems. Mike Nappi, a local Larchmont musician kept everyone entertained.
Larchmont Yacht Club's 111th Race Week is underway and will run through July 19th. For a full schedule of events visit: http://tinyurl.com/my472d Great viewing from Manor Park or Eric Clapton's boat if you are lucky enough to be invited aboard.
8:45 p.m. Anna Maria's Restaurant Third Anniversary party. A very glamourous Anna Maria poses with singer Theresa Sareo. Great food and fun party!
Summer Sangria Espana Restaurant is featured in today's Journal News as one of Westchester's top places for Sangria. Espana serves three different types of Sangria; red, white or rose. http://tinyurl.com/lfb45p
Movie Night Get the popcorn and picnic blankets ready for next Friday, July 17th. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa http://www.madagascar-themovie.com/ will be playing on a big screen in Memorial Park. Show time begins at 8:45 p.m.
Berry Good Last weekend I bought some blueberries at the Farmers' Market. They were some of the best that the G-man and I have ever had. I went back for more today. Delicious! As for cheese, all you cheese hogs beat me to it. None left. Ray, the cheese guy is hookin' me up though. He's going to email me with his weekly cheese selections so I can order in advance. He'll set my cheese aside on Saturdays. Now that's service! Particularly since Ray drives all the way from Cooperstown each Saturday to deliver it!
That didn't take long! The new owners of the future gourmet deli put up a bright orange sign announcing their arrival. No word yet on when they plan to open.
There's no word on additional arrests being made in relation to the vandalism at Manor Park. Tonight I read a Larchmont Gazette article quoting Mayor Feld as saying that police work is being hampered by uncooperative parents. http://tinyurl.com/mjxgxo It appears their little "angels" have information that the parents are unwilling to let them share. If any such parents are reading this, shame on you! What happened at Manor Park was an absolute disgrace. While the damage is physically repaired, the scar on the community by these alleged teen gangsta-wannabes remains. Do the right thing and tell the police what you know.
New Deli The free enterprise system is alive and well in Larchmont. The zoning board approved a permit for a new Gourmet Deli on Chatsworth Avenue. I know my friends at The Catery and Kearns Deli are not happy about the decision, but in the end, we must not stifle competition. That said, if there is anybody out there in blogger land who is thinking about opening something in Larchmont, could you please, please, please open a store! We've got plenty of food. We need some diversity in this town and desperately need more places to shop.
It May Be Too Late Gardeners beware. Late Blight, the same fungus that caused the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s has struck Westchester. The cool, wet June is to blame. Late Blight is highly contagious. Check your tomatoes weekly and if you see signs of lesions or white spores, you will need to destroy the plant. For more information, read today's Journal News: http://tinyurl.com/m5l3ff.
Our neighbor Senator Espada, who lives in Mamaroneck and represents the Bronx, is back in the news today. After leading a coup against the Democrat-controlled State Senate, he switched teams again and now is the new Majority Leader for the Democrats. Who could possibly trust this guy?!
A summer twist for the popular tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad. The Larchmont Meateria has good mozzarella, but I like to use these mini mozzarella balls available at Balducci's. Mix with sliced grape tomatoes, chopped fresh basil (or arugula), and sea salt. Serve on a slice of watermelon with a drizzle of balsamic on top. It's very refreshing and perfect for summer.
Holiday Pics The Sound & Town Report posted pictures from Larchmont's Fourth of July races at Flint Park. http://tinyurl.com/m9yx4t
Softball Tourney The Stephen Spina Softball Classic will be held at Harbor Island Park on July 18th beginning at 9 a.m. The tournament is being held in memory of slain Larchmont postal carrier Stephen Spina. His murder remains unsolved and proceeds from the event will help establish a reward fund for information leading to a conviction in his killing. http://tinyurl.com/lmcz9f
Well, that was a humdinger of a storm last night. One of the Anons reports a tree down on the Boston Post Road. Anywhere else?
All "Larchmont Dog of the Year" contestants are invited to Doggy Beach on Sunday, July 12th at 10 a.m. Bella will be formerly crowned and there will be treat bags for all doggie contestants. Bella, Brando, and Luscus look forward to meeting you.
I hope to soon have a confirmed date for the "Larchmont Dog of the Year" celebration to take place at Doggy Beach. In the meantime, Brando is organizing a care package for Luscus' army buddies over in COB Speicher Iraq. Beginning tomorrow, there will be a donation box set up at Larchmont Floral Design. COB Speicher Iraq has a sweet tooth. They are requesting cookies, candy and protein bars. Donations of magazines, books, sunscreen, ChapStick, iced tea mix and snacks are also welcome. Brando will also be accepting cash contributions to cover packaging and shipping costs.
In Case You Were Curious... June 2009 was the eighth coldest on record and the coldest June since 1958 (average temperature: 67.5). It was also the second wettest June with 10.06 inches of rain recorded. Traces of rainfall were reported 23 out of 30 days. Only 23?!
Tonight at Sardegna I ran into Jeanne, a Larchmont entrepreneur who owns Dune Road Beachwear. Now that we actually have some beach weather, it's a good time to buy one of Jeanne's beach skirts. They are available online in a variety of solid, print and floral designs. http://www.duneroadbeachwear.com/
Hollywood celebrated the holiday weekend by driving around town in his Dad's old buick. What a classic! And speaking of cars, I saw some guy driving down Chatsworth Avenue in some old boat of a car. The light blue car had patriotic striping with two American flags in front and a great big dog in the backseat. What a great photo op. Unfortunately I didn't get to my camera in time.
Not only does Pascal make the best french soup in town, he's also quite handy with a hammer. This week he helped Renee Powell redesign her store Michou. The new look gives the home accents shop a more spacious feel.
Larchmont Lou Sports Illustrated features a story on former Larchmont resident, Lou Gehrig. Today marks the 70th anniversary of Gehrig's emotional speech to Yankee fans about his illness. http://tinyurl.com/lpquk4
There is conflicting information on the start time for the Rescuers' Exhibit Reception at the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild on July 11. The Loop is reporting 5 p.m., but this poster that I saw and The Larchmont Gazette are reporting a 4 p.m. start time. Unfortunately the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild's website is down and I can't confirm the time. I will double check or if someone "in the know" can confirm, I'd appreciate it.
Sammy, a Yorkie survived some tough times. He was rescued off the streets of South Carolina and then attacked by another dog. He is sight impaired, but makes his way around ok. Sammy is looking for a quiet home with an adult companion. Adopt him at PetRescue: http://www.ny-petrescue.org/dogs.php
Perhaps you've seen the life-sized photos of rescue workers popping up in storefronts all around town. They are advertising the upcoming exhibit, "First Responders of Larchmont and Mamaroneck: A Tribute" at the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild. The exhibit will run from July 7 through July 25. An opening reception will be held on July 12, 4 to 7 p.m.
Peace Man! The Voracious Reader is kicking off the "Summer of Love," a season full of fun events for children of all ages. This Friday at 2:30 p.m., there will be an "Independents" Day parade down Palmer Avenue and a reading of "Pippa at the Parade" by author Julie Fortenberry. On Thursday July 9th, stop by at 7 p.m. for a "Love-In." Local author Catherine Hiller will be on hand to sign her new book Woodstock Revisited. Adults and their children are invited for crafts and refreshments. And you may want to wear your tie dye and mood rings. All hippies receive a 10% discount.
Mac is Back There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but in Larchmont you can get a free hug. Mac Benson is a 12 year old living in Dubai and visiting his native Larchmont for the summer. Recently he's been spotted in front of the Larchmont Post Office dispensing free hugs. His efforts to spread hugs and happiness caught the attention of The Journal News: http://tinyurl.com/nchqhf
