Thursday, December 27, 2012

Manhattan News: WHERE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE!

Manhattan News: WHERE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE!: CULINARY ROAD  By Morris Gut BRONX, NEW YORK, December 27- Ready or not, here it comes! 2013 is upon us, so whether you’ve been na...

WHERE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE!

CULINARY ROAD 
By Morris Gut
BRONX, NEW YORK, December 27- Ready or not, here it comes! 2013 is upon us, so whether you’ve been naughty or nice its time to make plans with friends and family. If you are planning to go out, here are some dining suggestions for every palate, each offering a good dose of New Year’s cheer…
MULINO’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION!
It is over-the-top during the holidays and it begins with the bright lights and smell of chestnuts roasting at the entranceway. Take home a bag of them. The annual Christmas Holiday Fest at Mulino’s, White Plains, lasts right thru the season and it’s a sight to behold! The fountain garden is beautiful as is the lavish dining room and bar/ lounge. General Manager Gimmy Cavagna and his staff are keeping the premises spiffy as ever: gesticulating Christmas decorations galore, holiday carolers, life size toy soldiers, the bursting colorful floral displays, the sparkling grappa and glassware collection, the handsome multilevel seating area. The Cold Seafood Platter is a wonder and fine to share as is their decadent version of Linguine Carbonara; plump tender Rack of Lamb served on the long bone; delicate Dover Sole finished off in the dining room; and perhaps for dessert have the wait staff whip up warm Zabaglione with fresh ripe berries tableside. And, oh that smooth Italian cheesecake. Open 7 days thru the Holiday Fest. Bring the whole family. The place sparkles! Valet parking. Reservations advised. Mulino’s of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains 914-761-1818  www.mulinosny.com
DINE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE SOUND!
Lou and Rose Promuto have re-opened The Marina Grille Waterfront Restaurant & Bar located at Wright Island Marina in New Rochelle surrounded by boat clubs and L.I. Sound. It had formerly been The Sea Breeze. The Promutos also own Valentino’s Cucina Italiana and Sunset Grille both in Norwalk, CT. Chef is seasoned Sergio Dechiara, a graduate of the New York Restaurant School, who is not bound by culinary borders. His menu offers such comforting dishes as: New England Clam Chowder; Artichoke Crab Dip; Coconut Shrimp; a massive Paella Valenciana, served with mixed seafood with chorizo-chicken rice; Buttermilk Fried Chicken served with broccoli, mashed potatoes and brown gravy; Porterhouse for two; and an occasional tender hunk of Short Rib on the bone with all its delicious juices. Complete Dinners served Monday thru Thursday: $18.95. Daily happy hours in the bar/lounge. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday thru Sunday. Ample free parking. The Marina Grille, 290 Drake Ave., New Rochelle. 914-365-1860.
DINE AMONGST VINTAGE PHOTOS OF ITALY!
Proprietor Michael Vivolo and his wife Margaret of La Riserva, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont (914-834-5584), have been serving ‘the Italian classics’ here for 34 years and the refreshing atmosphere and friendly ambiance keep it a treat. Be seated in the lovely refurbished dining room, now part vintage photo gallery, and let veteran manager Ellie Cucino suggest such specialties as: flavorful Polenta al Gorgonzola with shrimp; Angel Hair Abissi Marini, thin egg noodles in a light cream sauce with shrimp and mushrooms; Veal Chop alla Griglia, with mushrooms and roasted potatoes; or the Branzino Mediterraneo. Michael’s son Dean operates Trattoria Vivolo in Harrison. Private party facilities. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Free parking. www.lariservarestaurant.com
TITILLATING PASTA AND CANNOLI!
Chef Anna Catalano of Agostino’s, 336 Pelham Road, New Rochelle (914-235-6019), prepares everything in her regional Italian kitchen from scratch: her sauces, the pastas, right down to the fresh cannoli shells and desserts. Be seated and let Anna, her husband Antonio and brother Gasperino Di Fabio serve you such home style favorites as: Portobello e Polenta alla Griglia con Gorgonzola; Spaghetti alla Chitarra alla Pescarese con Frutti di Mare,  seafood in a light marinara sauce; homemade Ravioli di Aragosta in Salsa Rosa, with lobster in a light cream sauce with touch of tomato; classic Zuppa di Pesce all Mamma Lucia, with clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, scallops, octopus and fish of the day with linguini; Pollo alla Scarpariello prepared here on the bone sautéed with garlic in a white wine sauce; or Involtini di Anna alla Fantasia, stuffed with provolone and shitake mushrooms. And, oh those wonderful cannolis! Fresh pasta for take home by advanced order. Cozy bar/cocktails. Open 7 days a week. Free parking. Valet evenings. www.agostinositalianristorante.org
THE QUARRY’S COMFORTING FARE!
Owner Dominic Cesarini of The Quarry, 106 Main Street, Tuckahoe (914-337-0311), has settled into new larger quarters in downtown Tuckahoe, a handsomely renovated bi-level 70-seat dining room and bustling bar/lounge that is always engaged in spirited networking. There are artsy exposed pipes and vents on the ceiling. A lovely area rug and acoustics temper the noise level. Handsome brown wood and clay tone walls, warm lighting fixtures and modern sturdy dark brown butcher block type chairs and tables highlight the floor with large picture windows with seating spilling out onto Main. The staff here is most friendly, efficient and eager to please. Cesarini, a ‘local grill man’ himself whose family owned and operated several cafes and grills in the Bronx-Tuckahoe-Eastchester area, has kicked it up a notch with a good mix of reasonably priced American tavern comfort fare with a good dose of broccoli rabe to go around. Good salads, burgers, Prime Rib and Short Ribs on weekends. Open 7 days. www.thequarryrestaurantandlounge.com
CELEBRATE BIG AT CHIANTI!
Here’s a big guy who likes to cook big! Chef/proprietor Paul Caputo of Chianti, 174 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe (914-346-8844), opened a bustling ode to Italian-American cuisine served in generous style. He previously operated Gina Marie’s Bella Vita in Mt. Vernon and the former Bella Vita in Mahopac. Over the years he has worked for a storied cast of kitchens from Rigoletto’s and Amici’s on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx to the original Valentino’s in Yonkers to the former Gregory’s in White Plains. Over on one wall in the dining room is inscribed: “chi mangia bene, viva bene” (if you eat well, you live well), and that’s the overriding philosophy here. Chef Caputo has a history of serving big portions of fresh made-to-order food; ‘family style’ some call it. Check out such specialties as: Spiedini ala Romana; his amazing Garlic Bread Paoliccimo with chopped broccoli rabe; Zuppa Di Pesce over Capellini; Steak Compagniola; or giant Veal Chop De Benedictis. Don’t worry; there are always plenty of doggie bags on hand for take home. Complete lunch and dinners available daily. On and off-premise catering.
(Morris Gut, restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor, has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester area for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Riverdale News: Holiday Train Show

Riverdale News: Holiday Train Show

Parkchester News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Parkchester News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Fordham News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Fordham News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Co-op City News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Co-op City News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Westchester Square News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Westchester Square News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Manhattan News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Manhattan News: Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Model Train Show at NYC Transit Museum

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Phony lawyer sentenced for bilking clients out of $53K

 
BRONX, NEW YORK, November 29- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced a 49-year-old woman has been sentenced to up to nine years imprisonment for grand larceny and practicing law without a license.
Acting State Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus sentenced Kehinde Jobi, of Crotona Avenue, 3 to 9 years imprisonment and ordered restitution for the victims. The jury convicted Jobi last month on two counts of grand larceny in the third degree, one count of grand larceny in the fourth degree and eight counts of judicially disbarred attorney practicing law, after deliberating for less than one day.
On October 23, 2008, the defendant was suspended from practicing law in New York State however she continued to represent herself as an attorney. Jobi stole more than $53,000 from 10 people and represented clients in other proceedings involving a divorce, a bankruptcy and one case involving the guardianship of an elderly woman.
All of the crimes occurred at the defendant’s law office located at 95 East 161st Street, in the Bronx.  
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Nicholas Lewis and Stephanie Taylor of the Arson/Auto/Economic Crimes Bureau.
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Pols Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Albanian Independence

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 29- Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj were the honored guests of the Albanian-American Society Foundation and the Sons and Daughters of Albania in America in their celebration of 100th anniversary of Albanian Independence. A billboard in Times Square was illuminated to commemorate the occasion.  
The celebration honored several groups and individuals who have given back to their community or have made significant contributions to Albania’s independence, including Dr. Elez Biberaj; Voice of America; The League of Prizren; Ismail Qemali (in memoriam); Adem Jashari (in memoriam) and Tahir Sinani (in memoriam).
Borough President Stringer took time to honor each of these distinguished leaders by issuing a special proclamation declaring an official “day of celebration in the borough of Manhattan.”
“Albanian-Americans are defined by a strong commitment to ethnic diversity, religious pluralism, and liberty and freedom for all,” said Borough President Stringer. “Almost 40 percent of New Yorkers are foreign-born--and Albanians are a vital part of that diverse tapestry.”
“I am proud to stand today with my friends in the Albanian community and beyond to celebrate this important milestone, the 100th anniversary of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. The Albanian community of the Bronx continues to grow and prosper, and their success is good for the Bronx and the entire City. The Bronx is home to the largest Albanian population in New York City, and on this day of great celebration we renew our commitment to working with the Albanian community of our borough to build and strengthen the entire Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
We live in the greatest country in the world, a country that allows you to celebrate your heritage and culture while becoming a productive member of American society,” said Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj. “On this momentous day, I wish Albanians throughout the world a happy celebration of this 100th anniversary. This is a proud day for Albanian Americans and Albanians worldwide.”
“What a historic, landmark day for the Albanian community. Albanian-Americans have contributed so much to our vibrant city, and it is fitting that New Yorkers are celebrating 100 years of Albanian independence by marking the special place that they have in our neighborhoods. Their small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit has helped grow our economy and their sense of civic duty and acts of kindness have made tremendous impact on countless lives. It is my privilege to join you in celebrating this auspicious occasion,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.
“On this momentous occasion, the 100th anniversary of the independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire – the largest event so far in the proud history of Albania – Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer has again opened the doors of Broadway and turned on the lights of Times Square, the cross-roads of the world, for all Albanians,” said Esad Rizai, Founder of Albanian American Society Foundation. “This celebration will be watched with joy and honor by Albanians everywhere, both here in the United States and around in the world.  Scott M. Stinger has again shown his dedication to the Albanian peoples, and we know he proudly stands beside us as we celebrate this great day.  In the spirit of Besa and our fore-fathers, here in America, Albania and all around the world, we express our sincere gratitude and thanks.”
“On this day, Albanians in Albania and everywhere in the world celebrate with joy and pride the Centenary of the Declaration of Independence,” said His Honor Mr. Ferit Hoxha, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, New York. “Independence was the result of sustained efforts by the best among us and the genuine support by friendly nation, in the first place this blessed country of United States America. I am particularly grateful to President Scott Stringer and his team, for the diligence in co-organising this event, in this mythical world place. I consider this event in the City of Lights, in a Place of Splendour, a special and delicate present he made to us, Albanians."
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Monday, November 12, 2012

Honoring Those Who Served

(Photos by Seitu Oronde)
NEW YORK, NY, November 12- An American military veteran from every conflict dating back to World War II joined hundreds of their brother and sister veterans, members of the Armed Services and fellow New Yorkers on the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to officially announce the first-ever Veterans Week NYC, officially scheduled for November 7 - 14, 2012 and encompassing events and special offers for veterans that run the entire month.
With the New York City Veteran’s Day Parade as its centerpiece, Veterans Week NYC 2012 is the first time that both newly-developed and time-honored events, all devoted to celebrating, thanking and honoring our nation’s veterans and active duty military personnel, have been organized under one comprehensive banner, including seminars, forums, concerts, tours, screenings, symposiums and special benefit galas.
Veterans Week NYC Events that will be open to the public include:
93rd Annual Veterans Day Parade and “Patriots Row” Street Fair
“Band of Pride” Concert in Times Square
“Reflections” Festival of the Arts featuring the work of veteran and military artists
Wreath Laying Ceremony in Madison Square Park
Special tours of Intrepid and the Space Shuttle Enterprise
Events that will be sponsored specifically for Veterans and their families include:
Veterans Advantage Jobs and Career Symposium at Citi
Wounded Warrior Employment & Technology Day at Google
Bob Woodruff Foundation’s “Stand Up For Heroes” Concert at the Beacon Theater, with a live stream on YouTube
Savings at events and discounts at participating retailers with the free VetRewards Card
Veterans Advantage "Heroes Meet Heroes" reception at the New York Athletic Club
Patriots Tour of Monuments
A special Veterans Week Screening of “Happy New Year” at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which tells the story of Sgt. Cole Lewis (Michael Cuomo), who is finds humanity, compassion and friendship while healing from wounds suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan. Directed by Award-winning writer/director K. Lorrel Manning. Film opens in NY on November 16, 2012.
Special performance of the Big Apple Circus with live stream on Google+ Hangout
For the most updated calendar of Veterans Week NYC 2012 events, please visit http://www.veteransweeknyc.org.
Veterans Week NYC is a result of a collaborative effort of veterans-related organizations and entities led by Chairman Gerry Byrne, Vice Chairman of Penske Media, owners of Variety, Movieline, Deadline Hollywood and Hollywood Life.
“New York City sets the pace for so much of the rest of our nation, in business, entertainment, government and social programs, and so we are thrilled to again create a new model that we hope will be emulated nationwide,” said Byrne. “With Veterans Week NYC 2012, we demonstrate in a concrete way our appreciation for the veterans who have given so much of themselves to protect our freedom and way of life. We seek to see their service be recognized and honored throughout the year, not just every November.”
General Electric is serving as the presenting sponsor for the first-ever Veterans Week NYC.
“GE is honored to recognize veterans during this important week as part of our long-standing commitment to support them," said GE Chief Security Officer and Brigadier General (ret.) Frank Taylor. "We launched the Get Skills to Work program this week, a coalition of business, digital, academic and not-for-profit partners that aims to train military veterans for jobs in advanced manufacturing, bolster the talent pipeline and enhance American competitiveness. GE has over 10,000 U.S. military veterans in the company and set a goal of hiring 1,000 veterans each year for the next five years. Through our partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, GE has hired over 800 veterans in 2012 and has supported over thirty Hiring Our Heroes transition workshops, coaching over 2,000 veterans. GE is also an active member of and donor to several leading national military and veteran support organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Medal of Honor Foundation, among others."
The 93rd Annual Veterans Day Parade, produced by the United War Veterans Council, is the our nation’s largest tribute to America’s veterans, military service members and their families, drawing more than 600,000 spectators and provides partners, sponsors and participants with an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate support for our veterans and military while reaching an audience of millions. Visit vetsday.org for Parade information.
“General George Washington said ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war , no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars are treated and appreciated by our Nation,’ said Vince McGowan, Chairman, NYC Veteran's Advisory Board and President of the United War Veterans Council. “NYC, the Capitol of the World, is celebrating our 93rd consecutive Veterans Day Parade and launching the Nation’s first "Veteran's Week" celebration displaying all the opportunity and attention that have been focused through public & private partnerships that end up honoring our citizens’ service in the US Military.”
Citi, Google, Veterans Advantage and the USO serve as Founding Sponsors of Veterans Week NYC 2012.
“Through our Citi Salutes initiative, Citi has a long record supporting our nation’s military veterans and their families with career opportunities, professional mentoring, financial skills assistance, and banking products and services that meet their unique needs,” said Suni Harford, Citi’s Regional Head of Markets for North America. “New York City has been Citi’s hometown for 200 years, and we’re deeply proud to open our doors and join the other organizations supporting Veterans Week NYC in expressing our solemn thanks to the men and women who’ve worn our nation’s uniform.”
“Google is a proud supporter of the U.S. military veteran community and thrilled to share in this historic week for the City of New York. We remain deeply committed to helping all service members and military spouses make a successful transition to civilian life,” said Carrie Laureno, Google’s Audience Evangelist and founder of the Google Veterans Network. “Our Google for Veterans and Families toolkit, Chrome for Wounded, Ill and Injured Warriors, resume and mentoring workshops, and hiring programs, are some of the many ways we are helping veterans and military families around the world pursue their goals.”
Veterans Week NYC also features an exclusive Veterans Advantage Rewards Card which grants veterans and their family members access to a variety of benefits, including discounts with major brands like Verizon Wireless, Apple, Amtrak, Greyhound, Foot Locker, Champs, Wendy’s, Ford and all major car rental companies. There is also access to online savings from partners such as Dell, United Airlines, and various NYC entertainment, dining and sports venues. This special thirty-day VetRewards Card, valid for the month of November, is provided by Veterans Advantage, the nation’s leading veterans benefits program, and is designated as the “Official Card of Veterans Week.”
“As an Army Veteran, and on behalf of Veterans Advantage, I am pleased our VetRewards Card has been chosen as ‘The Official Card of Veterans Week NYC 2012,” said Scott Higgins, CEO and Founder of Veterans Advantage. "The Free VetRewards Card makes it easy for Veterans and their family members to get local New York City discounts and reduced or free admission during the Week,” Higgins added. “Veterans can go to http://www.VeteransWeekNYC.org and enroll for the free card underwritten by our sponsors, including GE, Google, Citi, Foot Locker, Tudor Group, Penn Mutual, Avis/Budget, HBO, For, CUNY AND 1-800-Flowers, and get special savings on travel, shopping and entertainment for over 2,000 events and discounts in the New York City area.”
The Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival will present its annual “Stand Up For Heroes” benefit at the Beacon Theater, featuring Bruce Springsteen.
“The Bob Woodruff Foundation is honored to be a part of the inaugural Veterans Week. We are committed to ensuring injured service members and their families successfully reintegrate and thrive. Events like Stand Up for Heroes and Veterans Week generate critical support and awareness. We will spread the momentum into communities across the country by investing in innovative solutions to the needs of our returning veterans like to suicide prevention and barriers to employment,” said, Anne Marie Dougherty, executive director, Bob Woodruff Foundation.
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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Helping Hurricane Victims

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 1- Many millions of Americans living on the Atlantic coast had their lives disrupted, if not much worse, by the power of Hurricane Sandy during the past few days. Double figures of lives were lost, homes were demolished, large numbers of people were stranded in their homes, millions lost power, public transportation in the tri--state area could not run.

Those fortunate to have power have watched the mesmerizing story of the unwelcome visit on TV or look at the photos on this website or in this week’s Bronx News.
First responders who work in the metropolitan area, members of the National Guard and volunteers from other sections of the nation are working to better the lives of local residents and repair the damaged infrastructure.
Individuals and organizations make also being looking for ways to aid the relief effort. Those who do can follow the example of the New York Yankees. The Bronx sports franchise donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross, which is trying to assist the victims of the super storm.
The Yankees Managing Partner Hal Steinbrenner made a statement regarding the natural disaster, “The damage and destruction to the Tri-State area caused by Hurricane Sandy is daunting, but we have seen the great resiliency of this region before. As a neighbor and community member, the Yankees embrace our role of stepping forward and assisting the American Red Cross, which comes to the aid of so many people through their tireless efforts.”
This is not the first time the Yankees under the Steinbrenner ownership have become involved in charitable undertakings. The organization as a unit as well as individual players has formed foundations to aid a variety of causes. The organization today is setting an example that hopefully that hopefully will be followed by other sports organizations and businesses of all types.
The easiest way to donate $10 to the Red Cross is texting RedCross to 90999. The money will be used to benefit, family, friends and neighbors in a time of need.
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Picking up the pieces from Hurricane Sandy

How have you 
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