Learn how to grow a garden during hot months. Adobe Stock / Vera Kuttelvaserova
Landscape and garden design pro Valerio Morano Sagliocco shares his tips for creating a stunning garden even in the hot months of summer and fall.
With over 16 years growing his family landscaping-and-garden-design business, Valerio Morano Sagliocco knows gardens. Who better to turn to about plants that will survive the summer heat and what to plant for the fall?
“Summer months come with heat, lack of rain, and most plants do not like that,” says Sagliocco. “Plants that require a lot of water should be curbed from the garden. Excessive watering to keep up with the heat of summer can be costly, time consuming, and overall water should be conserved at all costs and used only when necessary.”
He suggests planting the right plants early, that will last. “Around Mother’s Day through Memorial Day and early June is the peak time to plant summer-loving annuals,” says Sagliocco. “You plant a season in advance. You’re not going to go shopping for summer clothes in August, you’re going to be thinking about fall and winter.”
To gear up for next summer, some of his favorite plants that produce in the hotter months include colorful and beautiful annuals like lantana, cosmos, marigolds, verbena. For perennials, he likes succulents like sedum but also salvia and echinacea, Russian sage, and Agastache.
Echinacea. Adobe Stock / Vera Kuttelvaserova
He adds it’s nice to have an 80/20 ratio of perennials and annuals as the low layer of the plant bed.
“Annuals provide the best color as they stretch from Mother’s Day until approximately Thanksgiving and give a consistent and plentiful show,” he says.
If you have plants that have come and gone throughout the summer, what should you do to keep your garden growing? To keep blooms popping Sagliocco prefers perennials over annuals. “Once their bloom cycle has passed, you can just cut them back and they are ready to either flush out a new bloom for the season or they conserve their bloom for the following year, and you only have to pay once for a plant,” he says. “Unlike annuals, once they are done blooming, they become organic waste and you have to purchase new annuals every year.”
Marigolds. Adobe Stock / TSL Photography
He adds there are pros and cons to every plant no matter what time of year you are planning for. “There is no perfect plant, you just need to weigh them out to make sense for your garden.”
Moving into the fall, he says the season is synonymous with chrysanthemums. “It is a perennial which is most commonly used as an annual because of its short bloom life,” says Sagliocco. “It has the most full and glorious bloom showing its beautiful fall colors, but it does have a short bloom life of a few weeks.”
“Not all plants work in all areas of the property; listen to the property and listen to the plants and they will show you what they like and what they don’t.” —Valerio Morano Sagliocco
He also suggests planting any of the following for the fall:
Callicarpa — “An American beauty berry, [this] is one of my favorites, and has beautiful purple berries that look like flowers.”
Hydrangea quercifolia — This oakleaf hydrangea has a great reddish leaf color.
Witch hazel — “It has the most interesting tricolor autumn leaf: orange, red, and yellow.”
No matter what you plant and whether it’s for the summer or fall, his biggest tip is to “plan ahead and start off on the right foot.”
“Put plants that require sun in sunny areas, and those that require shade in the shady areas,” he says. “Not all plants work in all areas of the property; listen to the property and listen to the plants and they will show you what they like and what they don’t.”
The team behind this Armonk project created the ultimate indoor/outdoor entertaining space in Westchester County.
Part of a larger home expansion and renovation, the homeowners of this Armonk house wanted to create the ultimate entertainment space in their backyard. Although the 40’ × 20’ pool was already there, living in the home for several years informed the owners of exactly what they wanted to add.
The family like to entertain, and they love to cook, so it was essential to have areas to accommodate large and small gatherings, an outdoor kitchen, and indoor/outdoor spaces that flow seamlessly into one another. “Our work at the terrace level focused on creating new indoor/outdoor entertaining spaces, including a full kitchen,” says Scott Hirshson, AIA of Hirshson Architecture + Design. “Above, we expanded the kitchen, created a new great room with a wall of glass overlooking the pool, a new deck, and a stair connecting the multiple levels.”
On the first floor, an indoor/outdoor living room was created with a wood-burning fireplace, screens that retract into the ceiling, heaters to supplement comfort during cooler evenings, and plenty of room for relaxing and eating.
And what better way to fully entertain than with an outdoor kitchen with multiple seating areas? “The outdoor kitchen was designed for multiple chefs, as the family of five love to cook and entertain,” says Hirshson. “The client had a clear vision of family and friends sitting at the counter while he cooks looking at the pool.”
Hirshson says that when designing an outdoor kitchen, it is imperative to use cabinets with weather sealing. “[They] make a tremendous difference for the storage of towels, sunscreens, beverages, and pool toys,” says Hirshson. “The custom cabinets in our kitchen are set up on stainless-steel feet. This enables the homeowner to easily hose down the patio should one need to clean after entertaining.”
A large table provides ample seating for a sit-down dinner, while a sectional sofa centers on the fireplace with a TV above. Café tables lining the pool are perfect for parents to enjoy a drink or for the kids hopping out of the pool. “This has a more casual feel compared to the formal table set under the covered patio, and seating for 12 easily accommodates their family with room for guests,” says Hirshson.
A full outdoor kitchen looks out at the pool and lounge area so the chef and guests can interact seamlessly.
For the patio itself, porcelain and stone paving was used. “Thermal bluestone makes for a beautiful pool coping, but many new porcelain products offer a nice balance of color and heat reflectivity, making them comfortable on the hottest summer days,” he says.
One of the top concerns for the homeowners during this project was how to make the lower level feel like an extension of the style and finishes of the main living space. “We achieved this through the detailing of the steps and the railing connecting the upper deck to the outdoor kitchen below,” says Hirshson. “Concealed lighting, wire rails, wood caps, shiplap, and stacked stone speak to the juxtaposition of modern and traditional architectural details.”
Summer style at its finest.
“The outdoor kitchen was designed for multiple chefs, as the family of five love to cook and entertain.” —Scott Hirshson
The Team
Interior Design and Architecture: Hirshson Architecture + Design General Contractor: Dominik Imrich, New Dimension Custom Homes Slab Fabrication: Precision Marble and Stone Metal Cabinetry: Thomas Outdoor Kitchens
This compound was completely recrafted in 1995 by Elliott Rosenblum, who was the prominent NYC architect for Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys. The main house is 4,889 square feet, with a 2,158-square-foot cottage. Both homes take advantage of the waterfront view, with French doors opening onto bluestone patios, for a mix of indoor/outdoor living. Millwork, high ceilings, and architectural details come together to bring tons of character. The main house features a stunning wraparound porch, and myriad windows offer extensive natural light inside. The sizeable lawn opens to the Premium River, offering water sports and breathtaking views. Only 45 minutes from Manhattan, you can have the best of both city life and scenic vistas.
Listed by Cary Sleeper and Carey Federspiel, William Pitt Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Reality
Wait until you see this Tudor home’s backyard. Photos by Mike Van Tassell
Thanks to a Bedford-based architecture and design firm, an unused yard gets a new life and use with the addition of a beautiful pool, spa, and cabana.
Where there is now a beautiful pool and spa, attached cabana, outdoor bar, and dining terrace was a side yard that was unused by this family of six. The small, corner lot of this Tudor home was transformed thanks to the team headed up by Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors into a true outdoor oasis.
Challenges
Like any pool project, it came with challenges. For this one, there were four large hurdles the team had to face and resolve.
The Tudor design of the home dates to the 20th century, and the original bricks on the existing house were handmade and no longer available. The team had to research the origin of the brick and stone and gather multiple samples to create a seamless connection between the existing home and the new pool pavilion. “To create a unified and visual aesthetic between the existing and the new, keen attention was paid to the unique architectural elements of the original home,” says Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID. This included pattern, scale, and texture as well as mortar color and joint details. “Mock-ups were presented for detailed review and approvals, ultimately achieving a seamless design thread while infusing a modern approach to the transitional style,” she adds.
Being that this was a side yard, the team wanted to create an enclosure for privacy and safety reasons, but not feel enclosed. “The lot line and streetscape are planted with lush evergreens, which will eventually conceal the fencing as the plantings mature,” says Kurth. “The rest of the fencing is tied into corners of the home, tucked amidst plantings.”
The area they were working with was also on the smaller side, but with design ingenuity and thoughtfulness, the team was able to incorporate multiple areas that serve different purposes. “The creative challenge on a small site is to be able to create an experience of outdoor rooms and vignettes that can serve multiple purposes, from relaxation to entertaining on a large scale,” says Kurth. “I love how we mixed historic details with modern sensibility to bring a new dynamic personality to the project and the reimagining of the yard areas to create a more functional outdoor lifestyle for [this] family.”
Finally, this home is situated in a beautiful enclave of Tudor homes on a corner lot; therefore, the approval process was challenging. “It was a difficult approval process to get a pool situated on the side of the prior lawn area, in this neighborhood, on this property,” says Kurth. But they did it and made the overall yard more functional.
Access
There are two entry points to the new and improved yard, pool, and spa, which also tie the home fluidly into the new amenities. Guests and the family can of course access the pool through the house, as there is an exterior door that leads you to the outdoors. And by the garage and parking area, there are stone steps that lead up to the landing and pool portal gate, as Kurth refers to it. “The arrival moment to the newly designed pool and cabana area is through an elegant gate (pool compliant) flanked on one side by a decorated pier and planter on the other, connected to the new cabana, thus integrating fencing for safety,” says Kurth.
Amenities
Built-in technology allows touch control of the pool and spa functions as well as a multi-hued LED lighting system. With the touch of a button, you can change the colors in the pool and the spa lighting array.
A myriad of seating areas was designed for larger gatherings or dining alfresco. The covered cabana features a bar, kitchenette, and TV and is easily accessible to the changing area, shower, and bathroom.
In the pool, there is a sunken hot tub detailed in bluestone that sits adjacent to the tanning ledge, with special attention paid to the interior slope of the pool to accommodate sports in the pool and laps. “The sun-ledge area is perfect to pull up your chair in the water, relax, and get your feet wet, but you can also swim laps and play volleyball,” says Kurth. There is something for everyone, and this new yard definitely gets more use.
Pool Tips
Do call a design professional.
“Engage a team to masterplan and develop the design concepts from inception to completion,” says Carol Kurth. “There are many logistical as well as zoning aspects involved with a pool design, and with an investment of this magnitude on your property, you want to be sure that the design is aesthetically [pleasing] as well as functional. It is an investment in your enjoyment as well as your real estate value!”
A Tudor home with a pristine pool? Yes, please!
Think creatively and be realistic.
Come up with a wish list but also be realistic about what you can accomplish within your budget. “Each project is one of a kind and on a unique property that has its own aspects that can define and determine both limitations and investments,” says Kurth. “Landscaping, outdoor art, and furnishings should all be contemplated and budgeted along with the pool.”
Don’t think it can happen overnight.
“Plan ahead,” advises Kurth. “Between design, selections, approvals, and construction, a great project takes time!”
The Team
Architecture: Carol Kurth FAIA, ASID and Sely Quispe Gandarillas, Carol Kurth Architecture Décor: Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID and Tina Schwab, Carol Kurth Interiors Contractor: H&Y Construction Landscape Design: Michael Oliveri, Michael and Sons Nurseries Pool: Wagner Pools
An influx of urbanites has bolstered its offerings, including a bustling farmers’ market, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
By Samantha Garbarini and Anthony Tornatore
In 2013, The New York Times dubbed Hastings-on-Hudson “Hipsturbia,” a suburb in transformation because of priced-out Brooklynites who were relocating to the Rivertown. As of 2023, we’d be hesitant to call Hastings the most hipster village in Westchester, but the influx of urbanites has bolstered its offerings, including a bustling farmers’ market, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Because of that, it’s an ideal location for a day trip in Westchester. Here’s how to plan your outing:
Like any former Brooklynite, Hastings residents love a strong cup of locally roasted coffee. On a Saturday morning, you’ll likely find them at Antoinette’s Patisserie (417 Warburton Ave.; 914.478.7200), a cute but chic café that pairs Hastings-based GiacoBean coffees with flaky croissants.
The Hastings Farmers’ Market (131 Southside Ave.) assembles a destination-worthy assortment of vendors. Stock up on Hudson River Apiaries honey, artful chocolates, Hudson Valley-produced cheeses, buttery La Petite Occasion small-batch caramels, Larchmont Charcuterie (summer only), break, and even vodka made from potatoes.
Get to Saint George (155 Southside Ave.; 914.478.1671) on the later side for brunch. The menu is dedicated to French classics, including a thick-cut croque monsieur with jambon and bubbly Gruyere; simple, well-executed omelets; and a made-fresh-to-order Bloody Mary.
Hike trails past stone walls, stately trees, and ponds at Hillside Woods (Edgewood Ave). Stroll a section of the Old Croton Aqueduct, stopping to admire the 100-foot stone arch at Rowley’s Bridge. Or lounge on the grass — that counts as stretching, right? — at MacEachron Waterfront Park (100 River St) for the town’s best views of the Hudson River.
Continue down Warburton until you reach Main Street, where you’ll find Suburban Renewal (1 Main St.; 914.478.9421), a two-level antique shop with plenty of hidden gems, like vintage teapots and Midcentury Modern furniture. Across the street is Chelsea Dry Goods (2 Main St.; 914.478.3553), a general store that stocks a little bit of everything, from stylish home goods and printed tees to kids’ toys and sassy birthday cards. Pop into the airy exhibit space at artists-run Upstream Gallery (8 Main St.; 914.674.8548). Established in 1991, the gallery’s rotating shows are curated and/or created by its cooperative of painters, sculptors, photographers, and printmakers.
5 p.m. – Savor happy hour and dinner in Hastings-on-Hudson
Happy hour runs until 6 p.m. at Boro6 Wine Bar (549 Warburton Ave.; 914.231.9200), with select bottles of wine and cocktails deeply discounted, meaning you’ll have cash leftover for cheese and charcuterie. Or splurge on the lobster, shrimp, clams, and oysters at Bread & Brine (19 Main St.; 914.479.5243). Come hungry because you are bound to leave full.
Pick up a sweet treat on Warburton Avenue. At Penny Lick Ice Cream Company (580 Warburton Ave.; 914.525.1580), all of owner Ellen Sledge’s small-batch scoops are made with Hudson Valley dairy, including the Aloha coffee. However, if you are in the mood for something simple with a twist, may we recommend the maple salted caramel (maple ice cream with bits of salted caramel)?
Located a few miles north of Hastings-on-Hudson, this four-star hotel embodies elegance reminiscent of America’s Gilded Age. Overlooking the Hudson River, the Tarrytown House Estate (49 E Sunnyside Ln; 914.591.8200) is a haven for recreation and relaxation. Hit the racquetball court, ride the gym’s Peloton bikes, or take a dip in the pool. When you are done with that, enjoy a fantastic meal at Goosefeather, one of 2020’s top 20 restaurants in the U.S., as rated by Esquire.
How stunning is this Chappaqua home? Photos courtesy of Compass Real Estate
The new-construction property in Chappaqua offers up turnkey style made for families and outdoors lovers alike.
$2,600,000
4 BD | 5 BA | 5,868 sq ft | 2.26 acres | Taxes N/A*
Upon entering, you are greeted by an open floor plan featuring soaring 10-foot ceilings, including a family room, covered patio, and kitchen with eat-in breakfast area. Every detail is impeccably and uniquely designed, from the accent walls to the fixtures chosen for the baths and color in the kitchen. The home boasts four bedrooms, including a private primary wing with a large dressing room and a spa-like en-suite bath featuring dual vanities, a walk-in marble shower, and a separate soaking tub. There is a fully finished basement and two-car garage — all of which are close to schools, highways, the train, and only 50 minutes from NYC.
Listed by Brian Milton and Giorgina Martino, Compass
Ranking among the premier farmers’ markets in the region, the Pleasantville Farmers Market is known for its breadth and quality of vendors, including those offering alcohol.
On a rotating basis, an array of wine, spirits, and cider offerings from Hudson Valley merchants can be found scattered among the produce purveyors and food vendors at the year-round Saturday Pleasantville Farmers’ Market.
Using undisclosed recipes, Bo DiBuono produces unique blends of small-batch fruity sangria with New York State Pinot Noir as a base — available in Mason jars of 375ml or 750ml.
Under the direction of Sophie Newsome, this Hudson distillery, in what was once the Van Rensselaer carriage house, offers seasonal, small-batch spirits ranging from cacao maple vodka to mulled peach whiskey to smoked maple bourbon, all made using New York State ingredients.
Since 2013 Matthew Spaccarelli and Casey Erdmann craft a range of estate wines, with offerings currently running the gamut, from a dry Riesling to an Albarino and Chardonnay to a rich, flavorful Cabernet Franc.
Located across from Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in Newburgh, this new distillery produces an array of spirits using New York State grains and botanicals and offers small-batch blends from international artisan producers.
From the Grizzanti Family and Jeremy Kidde comes an ever-expanding range of wares, like a rich Chardonnay, premium cordials, a citrus-scented gin, and an assortment of ciders.
From the site of a Victorian building that housed a general store, Christine Sisler, Dan O’Brien, and their crew fashion locally sourced hard ciders and offer them in dry, semidry, and “reserve” versions.
Working closely with Cornell University, owners Michael Migliore, Yancey Stanforth-Migliore, and Brad Martz produce and offer an eclectic range of over a dozen red and white wines, including the very popular Awosting White, named after the nearby falls.
With more focus on sustainability here in New York, passive homes may be the wave of the future in Westchester.
What is a passive house? Also known as a high-performance home, it is a residence that is either newly built or remodeled and meets these five criteria: no thermal bridging, superior windows, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, quality insulation, and airtight construction.
In layman’s terms, it essentially means that it is an energy-efficient home that is healthier for the environment and the homeowners who reside there.
The innovative concepts behind the passive-house movement started in the Unites States and Canada in the ’70s, during the oil embargo. But in the ’90s, as the U.S. started to move away from energy conservation, Germany picked up the reins. German physicist Wolfgang Feist refined passive-house design and founded Passivhaus Institute (PHI). This was around the same time local architect Andreas Benzing was going to school for architecture in Germany and started working for the well-known architect Hans Kollhoff, who became his mentor.
But when people hear the terms passive homes and high-performance homes, they may not equate them with beauty and functionality. But as evidenced by his designs, Benzing proves you can have both beauty and sustainability.
“A [passive house] is the experience of the finished product, the beauty, and the sense of well-being, in addition to the extreme energy efficiency, which really creates love for this innovation and architectural design,” says Benzing. “We believe that soon, designs based on the science of passive house will be the standard for all new construction.”
Benzing’s firm, A.M. Benzing Architects, has been designing passive houses since 2008 and designed the first certified passive house retrofit in Westchester. It was a redesign of a split-level home in Mamaroneck that was turned into a high-performance passive house and received the Urban Green EBie award for the most energy-efficient retrofit. Since then, he has become synonymous with passive design in our area.
As reflected in this project from A.M. Benzing Architects, houses can be high-performing and stylish.
“In order to achieve ultimate performance for the house, we have to rethink the wall-to-window ratios, orientation, and placement of windows,” says Benzing. “The passive house is a revolutionary, world-altering invention — one that is also open source and available for use by all architects who are trained to implement it.”
He goes on to say that any materials can be used in passive houses, but his firm concentrates on using materials that are not harmful to humans or the environment. Benzing says they use a specific blown-in cellulose insulation, which is fire-resistant, has very low embodied carbon, and is nontoxic. He also integrates solar energy and storage systems in his designs and uses natural, less-processed materials.
“We believe that soon, designs based on the science of passive house will be the standard for all new construction.” —Andreas Benzing
“The key is a good understanding of materials and providing careful detailing on how to construct a house,” says Benzing.
Houses are not the only buildings that can be high performance. Any building, of any size, whether it’s new construction or a remodel, can be transformed into a high-performance building.
New York is moving toward more regulations related to sustainability and energy efficiency for buildings. In 2019, NYC enacted local law 97 to drive deep emissions cuts in buildings. In 2022, the NY State Assembly passed Bill 8431, an “all-electric building act that prohibits infrastructure, building systems, or equipment used for the combustion of fossil fuels in new construction after December 31, 2023, if the building is less than seven stories and July 1, 2027, if the building is taller.”
“As the climate becomes more unpredictable and costs for heating and cooling rise, this discipline will become more and more useful and necessary,” says Benzing. “We create the most comfortable and healthy homes for our clients.” A win-win for the homeowners and the environment.
Photo by Raisa Zwart Photography / Courtesy of Mer-Sea. Photos courtesy of their respective companies unless otherwise noted
“Seas” the day by heading to the beach with all our favorite summer essentials, available at boutiques and shops throughout the 914.
By Cristiana Caruso and Gina Valentino
Ready for your next trip to the beach? Whether you’re making a local jaunt over to the county’s sandy shores or looking further afield, make sure you’re fashionably prepped for your summertime outing. These are our hottest finds and biggest must-haves to keep you stylish and sun-tanned from brunch to beach in Westchester County. (Because you know you’ll be taking a photo or two while you’re lounging under the sun!)
Beachy Accessories
Photo by Ken Gabrielsen
Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, $42; Farida Skin Care Studio, White Plains; faridastudio.com
GrandeLIPS Hydrate Lip Plumper Gloss, $27; Ulta, Port Chester; grandecosmetics.com
“Nina” Necklace and Watch Chain, $130; Cosenza, White Plains; cosenzanyc.com
Sarong in “Petran,” $85; Sunzi, White Plains; sunzisilks.com
San Juan Flip Flops in Gold Metallic, $40; Very Lovely Soles, Bedford; verylovelysoles.com
Hollywood Rocks Insulated Tumbler, $25; My Bevi; mybevi.com
Bartaco does outdoor dining right in Port Chester. Photo by Manny Vargas
Reserve a table under the sky and indulge in a hearty helping of fresh air, with a side of sunshine or starlight.
By Cristiana Caruso and Michelle Gillan Larkin
It’s that wonderful time of year when the sun takes on that warm, long-awaited golden hue and foodies everywhere morph into the outdoors type in search of their next, best, sky-topped meal. Whether it’s at a restaurant with a hopping patio, deck, or tougher-to-score porch or blossoming garden (reserve early if there’s a water view), all thoughts turn to unsheltered dining on sunny days and cool, breezy nights. Our restaurant scene offers open-air options as vast and dazzling as the heavens (well, almost), and we combed the county, both north and south, from the Sound Shore to the Rivertowns, and everything in between, to bring you this curated guide to eating, drinking, and enjoying all that Westchester offers en plein air.
Chiseled fountains, sculptures, and stone benches almost bellow “garden!” yet the scene is oh-so serene and civilized with fine Croatian cuisine providing a borrowed portal to the loved and longed-for homeland of the proprietors’ youth. The soul-soothing aromas of simply prepared fresh, grilled whole fish and succulent roasts waft through the space, adding to the gently tugging sensation that you’ve been secretly transported to the European countryside.
Outdoor dining at Dubrovnik. Courtesy of Dubrovnik
The place to be and be seen at lunchtime (or, really, anytime), the nautical-themed deck at this upscale waterside taco heaven is perennially packed and endlessly overflowing with upbeat, positive vibes. Feast on fresh-made guac and chips, tacos, and rice bowls at a sun-soaked table along the calmly rippling Byram River or settle in atop a shaded, blue-and-white outdoor sofa where you won’t feel the least bit out of step sipping a zippy marg while munching a signature ice cream cone.
Outdoor dining at bartaco in Port Chester. Photo by Manny Vargas
Just picture it: a tiki drink in your hand, toes in the sand, someone delivering snacks to your beach chair… in Rye. That is correct, folks; you get to have a beach-dining experience that doesn’t require a plane ticket or beach club membership. From frozen cocktails to lobster rolls, the good times keep coming as live music from 107.1 The Peak rolls in all summer long. So now, when the group chat blows up with the question: “I want to drink near water; where do we go?” — you’ve got your answer.
Don’t let this hidden gem’s location fool you: While Lunello is a part of Imperial Yacht Club, it’s open to the public and nonmembers. Dine yacht-side on an expansive menu of Italian comfort food and myriad salads, exceptionally crisp and light after a day on the water. (Disclaimer: Westchester Magazine is not responsible for financial decisions made after a bottle of wine while perched next to dozens of yachts.)
On the spacious elevated deck overlooking the Byram River, the only big decision here is bottles or pitchers and whether or not to top your classic bar pie (with that legendary cracker-thin crust) with the signature hot oil that put this Irish pub on the map. No matter how you slice it, the open-air setting is a safe sunny-day bet for outdoorsy diners who enjoys easy eats paired with lively surrounds and liquid vistas.
Occupying the former La Panetière space, Ocean Blue Prime is adding “rooftop dining” to its repertoire. Now offering elevated eats, literally, diners can feel sublime breezes off Long Island Sound while swan diving into dishes like fluke crudo, Prime, dry-aged steaks, and lobster spaghetti. Save room for one of the award-winning wines in stock.
Westchester’s only Sultan tent — with retractable sides that offer a warm swaddle on cooler nights — may have put this exquisite Moroccan establishment on the map, but the simmering aromatics of signature tagines and kebabs bouncing upon the breeze prove just as alluring. For a fully open-air experience, an intimate stone patio and grassy garden (complete with a toasty firepit and hookah space) shine equally bright.
Outdoor dining at Argana. Photo courtesy of Argana Restaurant
The Hudson River can’t get much closer here, considering you’re free to rise from your seat in the sophisticated, sheltered patio and stroll acrosss the lawn right to it. Back at the table, your dining mates will be dipping into elevated, highly shareable plates of grilled shishito peppers and sushi that tease the palate and pave the way for entrées of branzino, filet mignon, and risotto; all of which complement — even compete — with unbeatable, almost touchable, watery vistas.
Outdoor dining at 3 Westerly. Courtesy of 3 Westerly
When trolling for a hip locale with in-the-know clientele, this chic gathering spot meets all your needs. With tables so close to the water you’d think you’re dining with whitecaps and a view of New York City, this modish restaurant serves top-tier pizza and features a lounge and 15-seat bar that fills up. Swing by for happy hour — Mondays through Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. — with a youthful (and thirsty) multitude enjoying $2 oysters, $7 craft beers, and $10 cocktails.
Outdoor dining at Half Moon. Courtesy of Half Moon
Bridge View Tavern does some heavy lifting for the culinary scene: a classic pub offering a multitude of beers on tap and everyone’s favorite bar grub while dotting the menu with upscale and out-of-the-box dishes (do not gloss over the elk burger). Head out to the beer garden for an Oktoberfest feel with just as much endless beer.
In a carved out miniature forest, caressed by cool Hudson River breezes and the intoxicating fragrance of seasonal blooms, open-air dining (or, simply, effortless nibbling) occurs on an unparalleled scale. Rabbit scarpariello is a staple of the Italian-dominant menu that’s speckled with satisfying pastas and brick-oven pizzas, cheese plates, and a raw bar, all perfectly paired with a wide-array of wines and an inspired line-up of craft cocktails. (Secure a spot in the spectacular, new greenhouse and let us know how it is!)
The cool waters of the Hudson River in view won’t illicit shivers reminiscent of the off-season when you’re lounging by the firepit on the cozy patio of this American bistro that’s artfully ensconced within the historic Dobbs Ferry Metro-North train station. Craft cocktails, shareable apps, salads, sandwiches, and mains of roasted spaghetti squash and slow-roasted brisket delight and warm from the inside out.
It may seem like nothing could be finer than the lush green lawns of the Tarrytown House Estate’s King Mansion — with bedazzling string lights and louge seating in front and a patio, garden tables, and glowing firepits out back — but the fairytaleesque setting is decidedly second to chef Dale Talde’s fancified spin on classic Cantonese fare. Must-eats from this highly creative, fun-loving James Beard-nominated chef are dry-aged beef potstickers, fall-off-the-bone Kung Pao chicken wings, and every noodle and fried-rice incarnation under the stars.
Reminiscent of dining on the bow of a ship, the second-story deck of this brick-faced bastion of innovative Thai and Malay cooking attracts river gazers and scene seekers like sirens to sailors (but with a better ending). Here, all the exotic and alluring favorites are covered, from myriad curries and noodle dishes (try the one called Drunkman) to such house specialties as the roasted Penang duck, Thai coconut mussels, and jackfruit-and-potato curry.
Outdoor dining at Sambal Thai & Malay. Courtesy of Sambal Thai & Malay
The blue-stone patio nuzzles right up onto the illustrious Riverwalk with gorgeous views from every point on the compass. A showcase of the restaurant’s northern farm is the use of fresh seafood and produce that crosshatch a New England feel with a Westchester locale. The charred chili prawns, whole-roasted branzino, and crab “BLT” are some can’t-miss options when dining on some of the most innovative menu items this side of the Hudson.
The hidden patio behind Harper’s is one of the county’s not-so-secret secret spaces where locals pack the house most nights for dinner in the shadow of one of the original Croton Aqueduct walls, surrounded by potted herbs, flowers, and climbing ivy. The casual comfort of a local bistro is charming, but if you’d like to bubble and sip on the extensive bar programs, do yourself a favor and make a reservation.
Rustic, welcoming, and warmed by firepit, locals and regulars concur: A cold one or a warming whiskey go down easy on the patio of this neighborly gastropub known for its beer list and eclectic, regionally sourced fare. No doubt they’d recommend the simple pleasure of a burger that packs a powerful punch with house-blended seasoned brisket on a puffy brioche bun, or the more outside-the-box serving of succulent grilled lamb sliders with tzatziki and tomato jam.
A hot scene and mentally cooling Hudson River views illuminate the sweeping patio at this Tarrytown mainstay where Best of Westchester-winning handcrafted cocktails tango with artisanal wood-fired pizzas and the standout, locally sourced cheese plate that blooms via Hudson Valley farms. Pasture-raised lamb meatballs are another no-brainer pick and so easy to pop while gazing at the boats that go sailing by.
As the sun dips into the River, savvy diners in-the-know snag a prime spot on the patio aside this 1910 red-brick restored-factory hotspot and dig into elegantly prepared modern American entrées (consider the seared scallops with fava beans) or French-inspired bistro staples of moules frites, steak frites (hangar or 16 oz bone-in dry-aged NY strip), or a signature burger. (Just in case, there’s a view from almost every seat in the house too.)
Outdoor dining at Red Hat on the River. Courtesy of Red Hat on the River
Brews and views are on the agenda at this Hudson hotspot. From pilsners to IPAs, all craft bevvies are brewed on location and feature seasonal specials. For nibbles, barbecue platters and appetizers like popcorn shrimp and Irish nachos provide a good coat for the stomach (a good drinker is a good eater, as the saying goes). Sip as the sun goes down, and don’t be surprised when that pint glass becomes a six-pack.
Dine at a piece of Tarrytown maritime history. Started by village residents who wanted to boat for sport in the Hudson, the boat club has transformed into the ideal gathering place for alfresco evenings on the waterfront. Recently under new ownership, enjoy the likes of steak frites, Buffalo calamari, and the mouthwatering crab cake po’boy, with front-row seats to a stunning summer sunset.
Perch under the pergola for stunning views of the Hudson in the garden courtyard of this renovated abbey along the river. Dining from a menu that’s thoughtfully curated with ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors (Barolo-braised short rib or local burrata, anyone?), Apropos offers up an idyllic Hudson Valley day for the books.
Outdoor dining is luxurious at Apropos. Courtesy of Apropos Restaurant
Secreted away from the village’s log-jammed main thoroughfare and reminiscent of a quaint Tuscan enclave, this county staple boasts not only a patio, but also a secluded storybook courtyard where just a handful of petite tables are tucked amid climbing ivy, flowering plants, and the melodic chirping of birds. Regionally inspired, fine Italian cuisine is highlighted by house-made pastas, local produce and imported specialty ingredients, and a hard-to-miss hint of romance in the air.
At this modern interpretation of a traditional wood-fired pizza joint and wine bar, Sunday brunch comes with a side of live jazz on the patio, which also happens to be a perfect spot on all other days (or nights) of the week for crisp, crusty pizza, an array of tummy-tempting pastas, blossoming pressed paninis, and people watching along always bustling Garth Road. Don’t be ashamed to do so while hoisting a lightly blackened slice in one hand with a coup glass in the other.
Outdoor dining at Via Forno. Courtesy of Via Forno
Ever see a canopy of bistro lights from the Saw Mill and wondered, What’s over there? The answer is La Lanterna. But don’t let the parkway-adjacent location deter you: The wine garden is quite charming, with tall, light-filled trees and cozy iron tables. If you’re dining outside on a temperate summer night, you’ll be treated to the stunning fireplace, amping up to a cozy factor that’s almost as good as a hug from Nonna.
Outdoor dining at La Lanterna. Courtesy of La Lanterna
Encircled by vibrant greens and blooming plants, the outdoor option at Donjito feels like you should be sipping on afternoon tea and not a watermelon full of tequila (which we highly recommend, btw). This Latin-fusion favorite not only dishes out mouthwatering meals, like the lomo saltado and roasted pernil (and Latin sushi, if you’re feeling adventurous), but the tropically themed and well-dressed cocktails level up the experience.
For an alfresco meal like no other in Westchester (really, no other), grab a table on the pool deck at Lake Isle Country Club, then sit back and watch how glowing firepits kill any chill while ushering in a chic vibe with every ripple on the water. The menu is varied and made for sampling with small plates of grilled octopus and short-rib arancini, but for heartier appetites, there’s the whopping Wagyu burger and a lineup of Prime steaks and chops.
From the street, the red-brick façade denotes a hip, urban den (which, no doubt, it is), but ‘round back, tall trees and lush greenery envelope an intimate patio illuminated by string lights, tiki torches, and the heady aroma of house-made pastas, inventive yet unfussy Italian entrées (don’t miss the butternut squash cutlet parmigiana), and fresh-baked, knock-your-socks-off bomboloni.
Mainly an outdoor venue, as most of the eatery’s seating populates an expansive patio that sprawls smack-dab at River’s edge, this is one of lower Westchester’s prime spots for lounging about and chowing down en plein air along the Hudson. The vibe is cool and laidback with a menu to match, dominated by tacos (order the slow-cooked birria and poached shrimp), salads, and transcendent sights and sounds.
This Tuscan-farmhouse-style eatery has been a fixture in the well-heeled hamlet for four decades, and its expansive terrazzo is a sizzling outdoor draw for old-school bowls of pasta, crisp artisan pizzas (the sauce, fresh mozz, and dough are all scratch-made), and Italian classics of tangy chicken scarp and zuppa de pesce. It’s a memorable meal indoors, too, but somehow it tastes even better under the grapevine-strewn pergola amid thriving tomato plants, leafy greenery, and a rushing stream.
Homey vegetable gardens and lush landscaping separate the 50-person patio from the road at La Vista. Outside seating comes with the same old-world pomp as inside, including tableside presentations, a roving dessert cart, and generous pours of homemade grappa. Below the swaying Edison bulbs, dine on favorites like veal scaloppini and grilled octopus — and peep the produce on your plate, as you may just be dining adjacent to where it was picked mere hours earlier.
Behind the indoor dining space, a peaceful patio awaits, facing a petite interior garden dotted with flowering trees and a gurgling fountain that’s made for leisure and lingering, perhaps over a splash of red and a plate of luscious burrata. Expect that plus all the Italian comfort classics under the sun, along with elevated specials and the warm graciousness that permeates the air of a family owned and operated neighborhood fave.
There are some who believe there’s no garden like a beer garden, and in this case, they’re entirely correct. Traditional German specialties, cooked with family pride and kissed with a hint of French flair, are complemented by beer, wine, cocktails, and Austrian schnapps and liqueurs, to be savored on traditional picnic-style set-ups and regular tables and chairs.
The wraparound porch is a head turner that draws diners in from the road, but the inventive, New American dishes of duck confit dumplings, truffle mac ’n’ cheese, and cauliflower steak with edamame purée turn them into regulars on the spot. Burgers and steaks, craft cocktails, and beer and wine round out the experience and make for an all-around good time.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle and settled into the serenity of the neighboring lake, this gastropub has the perfect nibbles for an afternoon in the open air. Philly cheesesteak spring rolls and Buffalo cauliflower are at your disposal — unless you’re opting for something a little lighter, that is, like the tuna crudo or a dozen fresh Blue Point oysters. Whatever your stomach is telling you, the result is set to be satisfying.
A festive, friendly patio decked out with faux-ivy walls and hand-painted murals celebrating Mexican culture feels just right for a sky-dive into traditional Latin/Mexican fare that tempts, satisfies, and sways decidedly gourmet. Authentic street tacos and rice bowls share menu space with entrées of steak and shrimp ranchero, all complemented by more than 100 tequilas and mezcals behind the bar.
Enjoy genuine Italian fare on Ristorante Lucia’s outdoor patio, bursting with lush greenery on all fronts. The sweeping canopy of vines and twinkling lights feels right out of the Amalfi Coast, while the ample menu of pasta, fish, meat, and vegetable dishes require little to no convincing that you’ve left the country. With a spritz in your hand, we dare you to spot the difference.
For a taste of what is arguably Westchester’s most unique alfresco dining setting, snag a coveted seat (there are only about two dozen) at one of the quaint, rustic picnic tables perched atop the front porch of this 1776 farmhouse, which boasts a rustically refined foodie vibe and four acres of terraced farmland under cultivation. No matter the season, hyper-fresh produce appears on every plate (thanks to a stocked root cellar), with mains of beef, poultry, and fish sourced from ethically minded family farms and co-ops.
It may not be the south of France, but a broad patio adorned with cascading vines, perennial gardens, and the shade of a grand, old maple tree is a pretty sweet spot to revel in some classic je ne sais quoi in the heart of one of the county’s most picturesque hamlets. Don’t be alarmed if a whiff of the American South is in the air — among the quiches, Nicoise and ratatouille salads, mussels, and sautéed sole is some smokin’-hot barbecue; namely, the St. Louis ribs.
Outdoor dining at Le Jardin Du Roi. Courtesy Le Jardin Du Roi
Courtesy of brand[/caption]
