How to Play Your Best on the Best Golf Course Holes in Westchester

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GlenArbor GC hole 4. Photos by John Fortunato

How do you score on the best holes in Westchester County? We asked the experts who know just how to approach them.

Golf requires multiple skills, both mental and physical. The wonderful courses in Westchester call for them all, so we chose 18 holes to make up a Skills Tester Course that demonstrates the full gamut of techniques you’d need, then asked the PGA pros who play those holes for a living how to put a par or better on your scorecard.

HOLE 1

Fenway GC #18
Scarsdale
512 yards // Par 5

Our round starts with making choices — hopefully smart ones. The uphill finishing hole at Fenway brings water, sand, and out-of-bounds into play, so the first step to scoring par is to engage your brain. “If you hit a good tee shot, you can go for the green in two,” says head pro Tyler Jaramillo, “but it’s a hard ‘go-for-it’ because the green has out-of-bounds all around, and you’re probably not hitting off a level lie. The tee shot doesn’t need to be long, but it must be straight, because there are deep bunkers on the left and the creek on the right. If you lay up off the tee to the bottom of the road, though, and then lay up short of the road at the top of the hill, you’ve got an easy 120-yard shot to the green.”

HOLE 2

GlenArbor GC #4
Bedford Hills
415 yards // Par 4

The drive determines your likely success on the #1 handicap hole at GlenArbor. Long matters a lot, but straight may matter more, since there’s trouble both left and right. Head pro David Gagnon says the most important step is the first one you take, walking up to the tee box. That’s when you should mentally visualize a positive picture of a long, straight drive. “Then just let go,” he says. “Forget all those technical swing thoughts and swing free.”

Pound Ridge Hole 2
Pound Ridge GC, Hole 2

HOLE 3

Bonnie Briar CC #11
Larchmont
453 yards // Par 4

This dogleg right may play downhill, but it’s still a long, long journey from tee to green. The best line to the green is from the right side of the fairway, but beware the bunker just off the short grass that’s within reach of a solid drive. The second shot is long, too (and blind, to boot), but at least the green isn’t surrounded by sand. Check your approach line before you swing and aim for the left side of the green, which tilts right.

HOLE 4

Century CC #13
Purchase
140 yards // Par 3

“Just don’t think about the water,” says head pro Nelson Long, who retired from Century last year after nearly five decades at the club. “It’s a short hole without a lot of depth to the green, so pick the right club for the distance, relax your grip, and take a couple of practice swings to build a smooth tempo.” Long’s buttery-smooth swing is a great one to emulate — it qualified him to play in two USGA championships, 45 years apart: the U.S. Junior in 1968 and the U.S. Senior Open in 2013.

golf green
GlenArbor GC Hole 4

HOLE 5

Anglebrook GC #13
Lincolndale
582 yards // Par 5

It may be one of the most intimidating par fives in the county, but head pro AJ Berglund says par is very, very possible. “It’s all about giving yourself the best third shot,” he says. “Off the tee, you have more room to the right than you think, and your ball will funnel left to the center of the fairway on both your tee shot and second shot. The second shot is really the key. With a good one down to the flat before the water, you’ve got a much better chance at putting the ball on the proper tier on the huge green. People get scared by the length of the hole, but it’s not a hard par if you play it smart.”

HOLE 6

Wykagyl CC #15
New Rochelle
341 yards // Par 4

“The 15th hole at Wykagyl may be short, but it is no walk in the park,” says director of instruction Anna Ausanio. “When I step onto the tee, I play a conservative shot, using either a hybrid or fairway wood to give me comfortable yardage to the green. My most crucial move while making that swing is to allow my arms to start first from the top of the backswing back down to the ball. This produces a nice, high, baby draw. My worst mistake is trying to overpower my shot and not being patient, causing me to come over the top.” She points out that the hole’s green is very tricky, too, with multiple tiers and a false front, so choose a layup distance where you can hit a wedge you believe in.

HOLE 7

Pelham CC #2
Pelham
210 yards // Par 3

One of the finest par 3s in Westchester, Pelham’s second hole gives you a lot to think about on the tee box, but proper club selection is absolutely paramount. The hole is long but plays downhill. The green is large, but so is the bunker guarding it on the left. Long and right may be safe, but you’ll be left with a dangerous flop shot from a downhill lie in long rough to a green that’s sloping away from you. Short is safe only if your ball lands in a narrow flat on the right front of the green, otherwise it may well slide down to the bunker. So pick the right club and aim for the center of the green.

HOLE 8

Knollwood CC #6
Elmsford
432 yards // Par 4

The #1 handicap hole at Knollwood is named Tribulation for more than one reason. The tee shot needs to land in the left half of the fairway to avoid being blocked by trees on the right. Your second must carry two intimidating high-lipped cross bunkers 60 yards from the green. Just to top it off, the green has three convoluted tiers and more than one edge where a poorly judged putt can run off into more trouble.

HOLE 9

Leewood CC #15
Eastchester
464 yards // Par 4

You’ll need a good drive and an even better second shot to reach the green on this par 4, which played as a par 5 until the course was renovated a few years ago. Many mere mortals will hit a fairway wood into the green, and head pro Dean Johnson says setting up for one makes a big difference. “The ball should be just inside your front heel,” Johnson says. “The only time you play it further back in your stance is if you want a lower ball flight.” For solid contact, Johnson adds, “The swing should have a sweeping motion, not a downward strike like with an iron.”

HOLE 10

Pound Ridge GC #2
Pound Ridge
451 yards // Par 4

A pond protects the green on the excruciatingly hard 2nd hole at Pound Ridge, so second-shot layups are the norm rather than the exception. You can still get your par, though, if you chip or pitch your approach shot with finesse. Head pro Brad Worthington says preparation for the shot is essential. He asks himself: Is the ball sitting up or down in the grass? “If it’s sitting down, I’ll play the ball back in my stance and account for more run.” Also, where do I want the ball to land, on an upslope or a downslope? When it comes to technique, he says, “I set up with 80 percent of my weight on my lead leg. For the backswing, I simply lift the club with my trail elbow, and for the downswing, I pivot toward the target and extend my arms. Since my arms are not over-accelerating relative to my body, each pitch comes out high and lands softly. A successful shot rolls slowly and finishes close to the pin.”

HOLE 11

Golf Club of Purchase #16
Purchase
435 yards // Par 4

Jack Nicklaus says he was inspired by the 11th hole at Augusta when he designed this hole. A lake protects the left side of the green, and, depending on your tee shot, you’re challenging it with an approach shot that may need to fly 200 yards. There is a bailout on the right side of the green, but it will leave you with a pitch back toward the lake. Director of golf Carl Alexander says, “The key to playing this hole is to keep your ball out of the penalty areas, right off the tee and left by the green. If you’re out of position on the tee ball, playing short of the green is always an excellent choice to save par and avoid making more than bogey. Par is well earned and often appreciated.”

HOLE 12

Quaker Ridge GC #17
Scarsdale
344 yards // Par 4

After two demanding par 4s to start the back nine, it seems like a relief to play a short one. But don’t count your par until the ball is in the cup. Hitting this tiny green is the challenge, according to head pro Mario Guerra, who cautions that a good sand game will come in handy if you miss. His formula for blasting up and out of the bunker with confidence? “Forget hitting two inches behind the ball. Take a steep backswing and aim to hit down and under the ball. Be sure to follow thru without trying to scoop the ball, and it will pop up onto the green.”

HOLE 13

Salem GC #2
Salem
198 yards // Par 3

Head pro Kevin Breen points out that this fine par 3 plays downhill, but you should note where the pin is located, since the green is long enough to call for different clubs if it’s cut in the back or front. The green also has two tiers, and reaching the back one can be difficult if you don’t have the right club for the distance.

Hole 13 golf green
Century CC, Hole 13

HOLE 14

Sunningdale GC #16
Scarsdale
560 yards // Par 5

Head pro Christopher Toulson says every shot counts on this long par 5. “The ideal tee shot is down the right-hand side of the fairway, but Underhill Road and out-of-bounds lurk right. If you drive conservatively to the left, your next shot becomes more challenging, since it will be played into an area that is gradually narrowed by a creek on the right and a penalty area on the left. You can avoid this trouble by laying back, but then you will be faced with a third shot from a tricky downhill lie. Because the green is small and elevated and usually firm, having a shorter third shot from a level lie increases your chances of holding the green. But in order to access this level area, you’ll have to play a bold second shot with a longer club. The 16th green is spectacular. It cants gently from left to right with a subtle spine running through its center. If you mishit your approach shot, the green’s fierce false front will sweep your ball back, leaving you with an exacting uphill chip. The golfer will want a shorter approach into this demanding green, which in turn puts a premium on a well-played drive and second shot.”

HOLE 15

Sleepy Hollow #18
Scarborough
426 yards // Par 4

Hole 15
Wykagyl CC, Hole 15

Few golf clubs generate more mishits by average players than mid or long irons, yet that’s just the club necessary to reach the elevated green on the finishing hole at Sleepy Hollow. Head pro David Young, who retired after 20 years at the club last year, says it’s not a hard shot to hit as long as you let the club do the work. “Take plenty of club and position the back of the ball in the midpoint of your stance,” he says, “then concentrate on a smooth, slow tempo. Don’t rush your swing, and don’t try to lift the ball; it will go farther and higher than you think.”

 Leewood hole 15 golf green
Leewood CC, Hole 15

HOLE 16

Westchester Hills GC #7
White Plains
344 yards // Par 4

A driver may not be the best choice from the tee on this short-but-tricky par 4. The best club, in fact, is the one you never, ever hit to the right, since out-of-bounds hugs the right side of the fairway from tee to green, relieved only grudgingly by a bunker that can be almost as punishing. Hit a club that’s long enough to put you within short-iron range, though, because the approach shot to the small well-bunkered green needs to fly high and land softly.

HOLE 17

Apawamis Club #16
Rye
186 yards // Par 3

An often overlooked but quite valid strategy for this uphill par 3 is to lay up in front of the green, then chip to leave yourself a makeable par putt. The shot is known as a “Patroni” at Apawamis, named for the former head pro who used it consistently to avoid the three deadly misses on the hole. Right or left leaves you at best with a bunker shot and at worst with a flop out of long rough, while any shot long and over the green is simply dead on arrival.

hole 17
Quaker Ridge GC, Hole 17

Of course, you can aim to hit the narrow, sloping green, but what are the odds?

HOLE 18

Westchester CC West #3
Rye
460 yards // Par 5

Our finishing hole offers a multitude of challenges and opportunities. It’s a short par 5, but the scorecard doesn’t begin to tell the real story. “Off the tee,” director of golf Ben Hoffhine explains, “the fairway is generous but flanked by bunkers. About 230 yards from the green, the fairway pitches downhill, which can give your drive a big kick. Regardless of whether you get that advantage or not, you then have a decision to make. The green and approach are perched on top of a hill that’s covered in thick rough from 90 yards in. In other words, short is not good, so think twice before swinging for the fences. A layup to the 100-yard marker is safe, but it leaves a third shot severely up hill to a blind green. Once on the green, you have to navigate a ridge that plays havoc with many putts.” After you hole out, Hoffhine says, “Look back down the fairway and over to the fourth hole — one of many great vistas on the golf course.”

hole 18 golf green
Sleepy Hollow, Hole 18

Putt for Dough

The one club you need on every hole is your putter. We asked Bill Smittle, a PGA professional with special insights into the art and science of the flat stick, what he teaches his students about how to roll their rocks most effectively.

“Putting is all about geometry,” he says. “You have to read the line, get your ball started on that line, and control the ball’s speed.”

competitive golf hole

After coaching hundreds of good golfers over the years, Smittle concludes that most of us think we’re good at reading greens, but we’re not. Especially on Westchester’s slick carpets, most players under-read the breaks. He says we should follow these steps:

  1. Look for the general slope of the green in the surrounding landscape as you walk up to it.
  2. Find the best line from behind your ball.
  3. Step up and straddle the line to check your read with your feet.
  4. Go to the low side of the line to confirm.

“Then forget that nonsense about the three-foot circle. You want to make every single putt.”

skills tester scorecard

10 Burritos to Take You From Breakfast to Dinner in Westchester

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The local love for burritos knows no bounds, with breakfast wraps, vegan versions, and deconstructed bowls on Westchester menus.

By Michelle Gillan Larkin and Hannah Teligades, with additional reporting by Niomi Nunez

In the mood for a superb, stuffed-to-the-brim burrito? Whether you’re looking for breakfast, a vegan option, or a burrito bowl, these Westchester spots have something for everyone.

Gran Rodeo

390 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.633.9211

For this New Rochelle flavor hub, the question isn’t “does pineapple belong on pizza?” Instead, it is “does pineapple belong in a burrito?” You won’t have to ponder for long because, after one bite of the burrito al pastor, you will know that pineapple does, in fact, belong in a burrito. Made with marinated pork and pineapple, this burrito has the perfect sweet and savory blend and is neatly wrapped in a warm tortilla, ready to be devoured.

 

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La Hacienda Meat & Grocery Market

1727 Central Park Ave, Yonkers; 914.685.3242

At this sparkling, one-stop shop for all things Latin, American, and otherwise, burritos are a reliable staple — and not to be missed. Brimming with fresh, home-cooked ingredients by the skilled hands of the Magana brothers, who believe that “food should be created with tradition in every flavor,” you’ll get a taste of the seasonings and spices they enjoyed as kids in Jalisco — and you’ll walk away happy, satisfied, and full of authentic homegrown nourishment and warm family vibes.

Mister Taco

619 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.632.9352

Scouring the Westchester map for some of the burrito OGs? Look no further because Mister Taco is New Rochelle’s hidden Mexican restaurant, owned and operated by the same family since 1981. Nothing beats the burrito classics at this family-owned affair. For just $3.75, you can buy the burrito de chorizo, served with beans, cheese, cilantro, and onion. Considering the delicious flavors (and inexpensive price), you won’t hesitate to get seconds.

Mount Kisco Diner

252 E Main St, Mt Kisco; 914.666.5676

Already have dinner plans? Start the day off right with a breakfast burrito jam-packed with scrambled eggs, peppers, cheese, and black beans wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla and served with sour cream and salsa or go a little spicier with chorizo and pepper jack with pico de gallo. (Heads up: Breakfast tacos are on the menu, too, and National Taco Day is in October, so plan accordingly.)

 

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The Shop Ardsley

711 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley; 914.591.4321

This friendly mom-and-pop in the heart of downtown is not a Mexican restaurant, but it sure does Mexican favorites just right when the mood hits. Case in point: The roasted pulled pork burrito that’s stuffed with, white beans, basmati rice, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, jalapeño, red onion, ranch, and spicy green avocado sauce. Muy bueno, babies!

 

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Sundance Kitchen & Cantina

208 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.946.2300

Breakfast in a tube is on the menu here, featuring scrambled eggs, tomato, onions, jalapenos, chorizo, home fries, and cheese, along with a more classic burritos stuffed with choice of meat, all the fixings, and served in a tortilla or deconstructed style in a bowl. The crowd-pleaser is the mojado burrito, filled with meat, rice, beans, and cheese and topped with salsa roja or verde, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Tomatillo

13 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry; 914.478.2300

Boasting “farm-to-taco” ingredients sourced from Hudson Valley farmers, the same holds true for the dozen burritos in the lineup, including vegan and brunch-time brekkie types. However, “if you wrap all those wonderful ingredients in a rubbery, bleached tortilla, you might as well throw it away,” says owner David Starkey, who uses flaky, flavorful orbs of dough made with organic wheat, cassava root, water, avocado oil, and nothing more. He says his top burrito pick is the La Flor, which hugs roasted cauliflower, spinach, guac, cilantro pesto, jalapeno, and rice and beans because “when you slice it in half, you see all these beautiful colors,” with taste to match.

 

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Truck

391 Old Post Rd, Bedford; 914.234.8900

Fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients fill the burritos at this former truck stop with a rustic-vintage vibe, where the Albuquerque-bred chef Nancy Roper and Mexico’s Fidel Garcia offer a bounty of burritos, including the one filled with grass-fed brisket that’s been drizzled with house-made barbecue sauce, piquant horseradish crema, and a spoon of the house-made guajillo sauce before being swaddled in an organic whole wheat tortilla. It’s then topped with TRUCK slaw and beluga lentils and served with organic cilantro rice and NYS-grown organic black beans.

VEGA

189 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale; 914.723.0010

Any protein and/or veggie you crave can be tucked into one of Jeevan Pullan’s burritos, but the one not to miss is the birria beauty. A self-professed “lover of all things Mexican,” Pullan calls upon the spices of his native India, infusing ginger into the marinade, which lends a unique flavor to the shredded steak, as opposed to the more common brisket, short rib, or goat meat that usually comprises birria.

 

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Westchester Taco Grill

712 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.278.9865

A staple for Iona students, the choices for burritos here are staggering, from the classic La Fresca burrito with battered fried chicken and bacon to the California burrito stuffed steak and fries. The Veggin’ Out is pretty much exactly as it sounds (with quinoa adding a bit of bulk), but for something completely different, consider the Cheeseburger ‘Rito with ground beef, cheddar, and spicy sriracha ketchup. And for dessert, don’t miss the fried cheesecake burrito that’s served with ice cream. (Food for thought: Pair your rolled-up fave with a half-priced margarita or sangria Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and take National Burrito Day to a whole ‘nother place.)

Related: 7 Wild and Wacky Egg Rolls You Need to Try in Westchester

Easter and Passover Menus to Savor in Westchester County

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With Passover and Easter just around the corner, we sought out the top places and best menus so you can enjoy your holiday.

By Julia Mallon and Hannah Teligades

Whether you’re looking for the perfect all-around prix-fixe meal, a catering service with endless options, or dinner with the Easter Bunny, Westchester has something for every Passover and Easter celebration.

Passover – April 5 to 13

By The Way Bakery

574 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson; 914.478.0555

By The Way Bakery has a variety of cakes, tortes, and cookies perfect for a sweet treat during Passover. All baked goods are wheat-free, dairy-free, and kosher pareve. The holiday menu is consistent with the Sephardic tradition of using kitniyot (rice and corn) during Passover. Desserts include Safta’s seven-layer cake, hazelnut crème torte, cinnamon streusel coffee cake, coconut macaroons, and more. (The deadline to order in time for Passover is March 31.)

 

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Epstein’s of Hartsdale

387 N Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.428.5320

Epstein’s offers an extensive catering menu for Passover, with a choice between a holiday dinner and a classic Seder dinner. The traditional holiday dinner includes soup, an entrée, two sides, matzo, and gravy ($25.99 per person), and the five-course Seder dinner ($30.99 per person) featuring an appetizer, soup, entrée, two sides, and gravy, plus cranberry compote or Tsimmis dessert and matzo. Choices include chopped liver, stuffed cabbage, souffles, kugels, and cakes. Epstein’s also has a broader menu of trays available if you plan on feeding a larger number of guests.

Moderne Barn

430 Bedford Rd, Armonk; 914.730.0001

For $72 a person on April 5, Moderne Barn is serving a three-course Passover menu featuring renditions of traditional Seder dishes. Notable entrées include the grilled Atlantic salmon with Moroccan black lentils, garlic spinach, and eggplant chutney, and the red wine braised beef brisket with green beans, mashed potatoes, and fried shoestring onions. There is also an abbreviated version of the menu available for takeout.

Seasons

1104 Wilmot Rd, Scarsdale; 914.472.2240

This seasoned Kosher grocery store has everything you need for a feast and no less. The extensive Passover menu includes a variety of meat dishes from braised short rib to Moroccan lamb shanks, schnitzels, salmon, kugels, Mediterranean platters, and a matzo lasagna. It also has Seder packages for six or 12 people. Place your orders by the end of day March 29. All orders are pickup only.

Seth Greenberg’s Just Desserts

1887 Palmer Ave, Larchmont; 914.630.1897

There’s no shortage of treats here — with almond or coconut macaroons (by the half pound), lemon, cocoa, or charoset burst cakes, as well as flourless cheesecake, Passover brownies, or espresso, chocolate, and grand Marnier pots de crème. (Orders must be placed by phone before April 2.)

Susan Lawrence

26 N Greeley Ave, Chappaqua; 914.238.8833

Looking to serve show-stopping dishes at your own Passover celebration? Susan Lawrence boutique catering makes hosting easy with its gorgeous presentations. A traditional favorite is the Gefilte fish, updated with delicate julienne vegetables, garden fresh dill aspic, fresh flower petals, and a pink horseradish sauce. This dairy-free first course comes in packages of six, and entrées can range in serving four to 10 guests. There are full cakes available for dessert, including a Passover strawberry shortcake and Passover crème brulée cheesecake. (Orders must be placed by Saturday, April 1 at 4 p.m. Pickup is on April 5.)

Passover | Photo Courtesy of Susan Lawrence
Passover | Photo Courtesy of Susan Lawrence

Yalla Matzah Pizza

405 Bedford Rd, Armonk; 914.730.0003

During Passover, pick up a matzah pizza pie complete with Kosher toppings from Nick’s Pizza and Ice Cream. The Yalla Matzah Pizza pop-up was started by nine-year-old Armonk resident Hudson Greenstein. Call in to place your order. The pop-up offers full pies and personal pies throughout Passover.

Easter – April 9

Benjamin Steakhouse

610 Hartsdale Rd, White Plains; 914.428.6868

If you’re looking to splurge on a classic but delicious steakhouse dinner for Easter, Benjamin Steakhouse is doing an appetizer, entrée, side, and dessert for $89.95 per person. The menu features choices of Blue Point oysters, lobster bisque, bone-in ribeye, chicken parmesan, and chocolate mousse cake. And now for the surprise guest…the Easter Bunny will be available for complimentary photos from 12-4 p.m., and dinner will go until 10 p.m.

 

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Fogo De Chao

235 Main St, White Plains; 914.697.8600

The Brazilian steakhouse will be open all day Easter Sunday for family brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 2-9 p.m. There will be fixed dinner pricing all day. There is also a Brazilian-inspired Easter to-go package available for pickup or delivery on April 8 and April 9, featuring a choice of fire-roasted meats, tasty Brazilian sides, Pão de Queijo, and cocoa fudge brownies.

Goosefeather

49 E Sunnyside Ln, Tarrytown; 914.829.5454

If you’re looking to dine out this Easter Sunday, head over to Goosefeather, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. In addition to the regular menu, a few specials will be available. Look for the tuna tartare tacos with avocado, pineapple, and Thai chili, along with braised lamb ribs with pho flavors, ginger-garlic crème, and papaya salad.

 

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La Crémaillère

46 Bedford-Banksville Rd; 914.234.9647

This modern French spot is serving up a half rack of Colorado lamb all Easter Sunday. Enjoy a prix fixe, three-course menu for $125 or a four-course version for $165. Other dinner menu highlights include Maine diver scallops, medallions of veal tenderloin, and a sautéed foie gras with house-made brioche.

Moderne Barn

430 Bedford Rd, Armonk; 914.730.0001

Prefer an Easter brunch over dinner? From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Moderne Barn will serve a curated list of holiday brunch specials. The chef special of the day will be grilled leg of lamb with Greek salad and mustard onions for $42. The standard dinner menu will also be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Seth Greenberg’s Just Desserts

1887 Palmer Ave, Larchmont; 914.630.1897

Seth’s will also be offering an Easter dessert menu. There’s a six-inch whipped cream cakes that serves about six people for $49, as well as cheesecakes in an assortment of flavors, apple tart, coffee cakes, sticky bun loafs, and an assortment of butter cookies. Place your order by April 2.

Susan Lawrence

26 N Greeley Ave, Chappaqua; 914.238.8833

Nothing says Easter dessert like cakes shaped as Easter eggs so elaborate you won’t want to cut into them. Susan Lawrence’s Fabergé Easter egg cakes are made of white cake with dark chocolate and white chocolate ganache filling, and yes, they are shaped like eggs. Other Easter dinner specials for catering include the spiral sliced ham with honey-mustard glaze, garlic shrimp, asparagus soup, quiche Lorraine, and key lime coconut cream pie with macadamia nut and coconut crust. (Orders must be placed by Tuesday, April 4, at 4 p.m. Pickup is April 8.)

Related: 11 Easter Egg Hunts in Westchester to Delight Your Little Ones

Balaboste Does Eco-Friendly Organizing in Westchester

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Gal Yaguri. Photo courtesy of Balaboste

A company in Hastings-on-Hudson brings therapy and sustainability to the forefront of home organization.

With the celebration of Earth Day in April, we wanted to introduce you to a local business that takes organizing to a whole new level — a green level! Balaboste was started in 2021 by Gal Yaguri, who has 20 years of professional experience in global business operations and an interior design certificate from the Parsons School of Design but decided to make a change in her career.

“My last job was with a leadership development company,” says Yaguri. “There, I gained professional language and skills that enhanced critical thinking as well as an ability to communicate more thoughtfully and hold space for others, which are critical aspects in the work of space organization.”

She loves HGTV shows, home design, and was always the friend who gave tips and advice to help them organize. “Balaboste is the perfect culmination of my studies and professional experience combined into one offering,” she says.

Balaboste is a Yiddish word that means “good homemaker.” But Yaguri finds that being a good homemaker like her grandmother and many women before us is not just someone who cleans, cooks, and keeps things tidy, it is a lifestyle and a practice.

Her organizing philosophy is two-fold, wellness in the space (therapeutic) and a deep focus on sustainability and zero waste.

“I have been exploring somatic and mindfulness theories, which I thoughtfully weave into everyday practice,” says Yaguri. “This informs the work I do with a heightened focus on the impact of energy in a physical space.”

She says objects hold energy and with too many objects in a space we can feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. People who are downsizing, which makes up about 50 percent of her overall clientele, may go through a range of emotions during the editing process. This is where the therapeutic approach comes in. She meets the client where they are and they work through the process together. Then comes the inevitable question: What do you do with all that stuff?

Gal Yaguri
Gal Yaguri. Photo courtesy of Balaboste.

“I have been exploring somatic and mindfulness theories, which I thoughtfully weave into daily practice”
—Gal Yaguri

Yaguri has innovated the space organization field by offering sustainable solutions for the removal and management of unused goods. Currently, she has more than 20 organizations where she donates items so they don’t go to waste. She is also spearheading a Take It or Leave It garage, a reuse space in Hastings on Hudson.

As for her organization, services are offered as three options:

My Space, which is a full project-management service that supports big life events, such as downsizing, renovations, partings, or new beginnings.

My Self, which is a space-organizing service helping to declutter, sort, and repurpose.

Finally, there is One Step at a Time, which can begin with a small project, like a drawer or a cabinet. This service is offered virtually or in-person.

Balaboste
Hastings-on-Hudson
balaboste.com

Related: Spring Cleaning Guide: How to Get Rid of Anything in Westchester

Where to Dine Meat-Free in Westchester During Lent

Adobe Stock/borisimple

Check out these Westchester restaurants that offer delicious meat-free options for those participating in Lent.

By Niomi Nunez and Anaya Rojas

As much as we all love pizza, it can start to feel repetitive if you’re sticking to no-meat Fridays during Lent. Step outside the slice at these restaurants that offer just as tempting and satisfying vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options that will make you forget all about your usual meat-lovers pie. And you can always have that slice for lunch on Saturday. Win win!

Bridge View Tavern

226 Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow; 914.332.0078

In the mood for comfort food? Visit Bridge View Tavern for homey-inspired vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. From the three-grain veggie burger (made with bulgur wheat and quinoa paired with tasty toppings) to the Mexican-seasoned shrimp tacos enveloped in soft corn tortillas, these healthy and classic plates will leave you fantastically full on Fridays.

 

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Falafel Taco

30 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville; 914.579.2526

Introducing the flavors of Israeli cuisine to traditional Mexican dishes, Falafel Taco fuses the best of two cultures to create an all-encompassing menu with plenty of Good Friday-friendly dishes to enjoy. Offering a plethora of so-called Mex-raeli cuisine, the restaurant dishes up a Mexighanoush taco made with black bean falafel, eggplant baba ghanoush, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo. Did we mention it’s entirely plant-based?

 

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Grass Roots Kitchen

124 Wildey St, Tarrytown; 914.909.5588

Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or a quick smoothie to go, “put some roots down” at Grass Roots Kitchen. Focused on providing delectable meals, this kitchen cooks with organic and high-quality ingredients. Pick from a vast menu of veggie-friendly delicacies, from the cilantro-lime seared salmon bowl to a falafel burger. And don’t be shy about pairing either with a refreshing juice.

Jackie B’s

28 Garth Rd, Scardsdale; 914.874.5328

The appetizers on this American bar and grill’s menu are called “snacks,” and the majority of them are vegan and pescatarian-friendly. From the turmeric-battered, General-Tso-coated cauliflower snack to the lightly breaded fried calamari served with marinara sauce, Jackie B’s has quite a list of accommodating, delicious appetizers. After savoring one of the “snacks,” move onto the California burger. It’s a homemade black bean burger topped with avocado, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and siracha aioli, served on a fluffy brioche bun.

 

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Kishuya Ramen Noodle Bar

163 S Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.949.0600

Who said ramen can’t be meat-free? Stop by Kishuya Ramen Noodle Bar for a flavor-filled vegetarian ramen perfect for a Friday food fest. Made with the kitchen’s original broth and topped with grilled atu-aged tofu, this Lent-friendly meal will warm you up and tempt your taste buds. Consider the fluffy tofu or shrimp bao buns for the perfect appetizer.

The Little Beet

125 Westchester Ave, White Plains; 914.620.1166

Created with all-natural ingredients, The Little Beet brings a wellness-driven counter food service to Westchester. Packed with plenty of organic options, the menu allows patrons to customize their bowls. From basmati rice or quinoa as a base to salmon poke or sweet ‘n’ spicy tofu as a main protein, along with an array of savory toppings, this “make your own” dish allows customers to creatively satisfy their stomachs.

Masala Kraft Cafe

206 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale; 914.722.4300

Specializing in Indian cuisine, Chef and Owner Jasumati Vaghji is constantly re-inventing her predominantly plant-based menu to keep up with popular health trends. Stop by this Hartsdale café to try the vegan- and gluten-friendly masala mini idli consisting of steamed rice idli, stir fry veggies, and a blend of spices in coconut oil. Sip on a refreshing lassi while enjoying any of the flavor-packed, plant-based dishes.

 

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Root2Rise

359 Manville Rd, Pleasantville; 914.769.8460

This full-service café rises to the occasion with the gamut of gluten-free and 100% plant-based ingredients. Centered around offering fully vegan and Indian-inspired meals, the menu is packed with delicious options like masala grilled cheese, falafel burger, and black lentil soup. From the baked goods to the salads, Root2Rise has mouthwatering eats for any day, but especially during Lent.

 

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Sweet Grass Grill

24 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.631.0000

During Lent, Friday nights can still be burger nights at this Tarrytown restaurant. Sink your teeth into the vegan chickpea “cheese burger” to savor tahini Buffalo sauce and vegan-friendly cheddar, or try a quinoa-sweet potato burger and soak up the harissa aioli. On top of these flavor-packed vegan burgers, Sweet Grass Grill’s menu offers a variety of Lent-friendly meals that are made with daily harvests from local farms.

The Urban Hamlet

124 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.652.7407

“To eat well or not to eat well” is not a question at The Urban Hamlet. With an expansive menu of vegan and pescatarian dishes, a trip to this bar and grill will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. If you’re hoping to stay away from your carnivorous habits, you’re going to want to try the polenta and quinoa burger, served on tomato and herb-crusted focaccia bread. You should also try the crispy-skin salmon, sautéed in kale lemon cream vinaigrette. The only thing tragic about this “Hamlet” is that the food doesn’t stay on your plate forever.

Related: 6 Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Spots to Try in Westchester

How to Create a Playroom Your Kids Will Love in Westchester

Photos by Jane Beiles

In just a few key steps, you can create the play space of your children’s dreams. In Westchester, Smart Playrooms is here to help.

Functional Storage + Engaging Stations + Modern, Crisp Color Palette = A Perfect Playroom

Karri Bowen-Poole founded Smart Playrooms and she has been creating award winning educational playrooms for over 12 years. The company’s goal: to create play spaces that parents and kids alike love.

home play space

Play Zones

This project, designed by Bowen-Pool and Smart Playrooms for a 1- and 3-year-old, was new construction, so the team was lucky to work with a completely blank slate. But Bowen-Pool says the size of the space doesn’t matter as much as the layout, storage, and choice of activity zones. “If the space is small, it’s always better to do two zones really well rather than try to fit six activity zones scrunched in a small space,” she advises.

play room

This space had about 1,000 square feet, so they were able to include all the activity zones needed, including an art studio, basketball/sport zone, climbing and swinging/ gymnastic zone, a TV-and-storage area, a playhouse and pretend play zone, and a reading nook with book storage.

Cool Colors

The inspiration for this space was the artist peel-and-stick murals sold through projectplayroom.com. The rest of the palette was drawn from that for the storage, carpet, bins, and furnishings. “We used the mural in the physical play zone and turned it into a climbing wall, so it had both beauty and functionality,” says Bowen-Pool.

At Smart Playrooms, Bowen-Pool says she loves to use gender-neutral colors that are not typical primary colors and that impact how the children in the space play. “We always think very carefully about palette and how our choices will affect the kids,” says Bowen-Pool. “Colors that support quiet play, focus, and creativity are various shades of blues and teals. Whites make children feel calm and open; pinks help kids feel love and kindness; greens encourage children to feel renewed, tranquil, and refreshed.”

a playroom reading nook

The Chill Zone

Not only are there zones in which to monkey around in the space; there are also quiet zones, like the custom SMART circular reading nook. “This space encourages kids to read and think, but it’s also a fun way for them to snuggle into a cozy area to relax,” says Bowen-Pool. “Kids are so overscheduled these days, so a nook that focuses on daydreaming, reading, and storytelling is a win-win for them.”

Bowen-Pool also always thinks about the longevity of the play spaces she designs — not only what the children will use it for now but also what they will use it for in the future. “All of the zones here and in all our spaces are focused on what we want kids to learn now, what we want kids to spend more of their time doing, and what we want the kids to be doing in the future,” she adds. “I want kids to be creative and be problem-solvers, so every activity focuses on how to build these skills in kids.”

Children's playroom

No matter how much room you have, there is always an opportunity to build a space the kids can call their own, and it’s so important, according to Bowen-Pool.

“Having a dedicated playroom that kids know is a space just for them can make them feel confident and valued,” says Bowen-Pool. “When the kids love being in the space and feel like it was made just for them, they will want to spend more time in there and invite friends to come over and play more often.”

This Rye Entryway Offers a Springtime Welcome

Photo by Lo Austin

This beautiful entryway in Rye welcomes not only guests but also the arrival of a new season in Westchester County.

Nothing says spring like fresh flowers and light colors and accessories to brighten up a space. That’s why we adore this Rye entryway designed by Emily Meszkat of Emily Meszkat Interiors, who describes this space as “traditional with a twist.”

The house, which originally belonged to the homeowner’s parents, had a lot of memories inside. The designer and the daughter/current homeowner wanted to make the space “feel different than the home she grew up in yet keep the good bones,” says Meszkat.

Emily Meszkat Interiors
By Lo Austin

To do this, they incorporated some new items, including fresh patterns (featuring the Schumacher wallpaper called Fern Tree), personality, and bright colors. Then, they added some vintage touches, like a settee that originally belonged to the client’s grandmother but was re-covered in a beautiful, colorful fabric, ultimately becoming Meszkat’s favorite part of the design.

Topped off with beautiful accessories that welcome in the spring, and voila! You have a marvelous springtime greeting.

Related: This Farmhouse Entryway Offers a Warm Welcome in Greenburgh

How to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring in Westchester

Maksim Kostenko | Adobe Stock

Sean Jancski, principal of Sean Jancski Landscape Architects in Rye, shares his tips for whipping your flower and garden beds into shape.

Westchester may have just seen a heavy snowfall, and a certain little rodent out in Puxsatawney may believe that winter is still here, but spring is on the way! With the warmer season right around the corner, Sean Jancski, of Sean Jancski Landscape Architects, tells us what you’ll need to know to get your home garden in shape for the big thaw.

Garden
Maksim Kostenko | Adobe Stock

What should you do first to get your flower and garden beds ready for spring?

Debris removal and weeding are the top priorities, says Jancski. “Cleaning up the beds and removing the debris that rain, wind, and winter conditions may have left in your garden” is key, he explains. “Removing weeds will allow for the healthy growth of the plants, minimizing the possibility of an invasive weed taking over your garden.”

“The second step is pruning and removing dead branches, to allow for new growth and healthier plants,” adds Jancski.

“The third thing you should do is de-compact the soil and add mulch,” he says, noting that compacted soils will restrict root growth. “Once the earth is thawed out and the soil is not too wet and soggy, moving around the top layer of soil will loosen any compacted areas in your garden. After turning the soils, adding mulch will allow the soil to retain moisture and suppress the weeds while making it look more attractive.”

What are some of the gardening mistakes people make in the spring?

Being impatient is the worst thing you can do in spring, Jancski says. “Impatience can lead to over-planting, over-watering and/or unnecessary removals,” he explains. “Some plants, such as ornamental grasses, do not fill in until late summer/fall, and the garden may seem bare early on in the spring.” It’s best, Jancski says, to see how your garden is faring in the late spring before you assess whether you need to plant more in order to cover those bare areas. “It is also important to know what plants the garden has already and when the plants will be in bloom,” he adds.

 

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You mentioned mulch. Should it be added every year, and what kind do you recommend?

“Mulch is beneficial in a garden and can be added multiple times throughout the gardening season, depending on the conditions of the site and whether the mulch remains in place,” says Jancski. After the winter, Jancski recommends adding about 1–2 inches of mulch — too much depth can cause rot, and too little depth will not suppress the weeds. “We have been using Sweet Peet mulch in our projects lately. It’s organic and also aesthetically pleasing.”

What should you prune and when?

“The best time to prune is during the late winter/early spring, although it varies for different plant species and their flowering habits,” says Jancski. “For instance, flowering shrubs such as roses may be pruned after first bloom to avoid pruning any new blooms. It is also best to hold off on pruning roses until mid-April or after the chance of a late freeze. Summer-blooming plants should be pruned in the late winter before spring growth.”

What can you start planting right away in March?

Plants that are early bloomers should be planted in early spring to take full advantage of the bloom time, according to Jancski. (Some of his picks include Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, Star Magnolia, Flowering Quince, Spiraea, Creeping Phlox, Bergenia, and Heartleaf Brunnera.) “It is important to think about the overall design of the garden and how the garden will look throughout the garden season,” Jancski says, adding that as soon as the ground has thawed and is no longer saturated or soggy, it is fine to plant trees, shrubs, or perennials.

 

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Read More: This Westchester Home Hides an Aquatic Oasis in Its Backyard

The Spring Fashions You Need for Rainy Days in Westchester

Shop these spring fashions in Westchester. Photos courtesy of respective companies

Meet those March and April showers in style with this selection of up-to-the-minute outerwear and accessories.

By Paul Adler and Sabrina Sucato

Spring is a fickle season. In Westchester, it could bring anything from wonderfully sunny days to smatterings of snow. Without a doubt, though, there’s bound to be rain. In advance of the rainy days sure to come our way, here are the fashions you need to handle those spring showers in style.

 

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Barbour Walker Umbrella in Tartan
$70
J. Crew, White Plains
jcrew.com

Why bother with a simple black umbrella when you can upgrade to this chic tartan one? Plus, the wooden handle adds an extra touch of classic elegance.

 

leather gloves

Cashmere and Leather Gloves
$670
Salvatore Ferragamo, White Plains
ferragamo.com

Cashmere and leather meet in perfect harmony in the form of these Salvatore Ferragamo gloves. Not only will they keep your hands warm, but they look effortlessly elegant with everything from a winter jacket to a trench coat.

 

rain boot

Montaigne PVC Rain Boot
$110
Michael Kors, Yonkers
michaelkors.com

These are not your average rain boots, and that’s precisely what’s so great about them. From the chic maroon color to the edgy design, these will upgrade your rainy day fashion instantly.

 

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Hunter Original Tall Rain Boot
$175
Nordstrom, White Plains
nordstrom.com

It’s impossible to go wrong with a pair of Hunter rain boots. If you want a shoe that will match with every one of your ensembles, stick with black and go for the tall cut. Rain drops won’t stand a chance.

 

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Mid-Length Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat
$2,490
Burberry, White Plains
us.burberry.com

The Burberry trench is an OG for a reason. The coat is incredibly flattering and can easily be dressed up or down. Pair it with rain boots for a drizzly day, or use it as the final touch for a dressy look during your next night out.

Related: Here’s How to Give Your Westchester Closet a Springtime Redesign

This Westchester Home Received a Star-Studded Design

Photos by Lisa Russman Photography

TV-star friends Reshma Shetty and Noel Gatts took on a builder-grade home and filled it with personality and color in Westchester.

When friends and TV stars Reshma Shetty and Noel Gatts came together to design Shetty’s new Westchester home during the pandemic, it was a match made for TV.

The two have known each other since college, but their careers went in different directions. Shetty became an actress, starring in such shows as Royal Pains, Monarch, and most recently the Hallmark Channel’s A Jolly Good Christmas, while Gatts launched an interior design company, beam&bloom, but also ended up in TV, cohosting the HGTV show Home Inspector Joe, with Joe Mazza.

The two kept in touch over the years, and when Shetty and her family (including her husband, young daughter, and two cats), who were living in Manhattan, decided they wanted more square footage and outdoor space during the pandemic, they purchased and moved into a builder-grade home in Westchester, enlisting Gatts to take on the design upgrades they wanted.

Shetty dining table

“I didn’t want the formality of interviewing and hiring someone, because it was crazy times; I wanted to pick up the phone and say, ‘What do you think of this?’” says Shetty. She automatically had that with Gatts.

“We are a nice, little support for each other in this crazy world of TV,” says Gatts. “[Designers] push people out of their comfort zones, but we gave each other more leniency, where I might push other clients more. We were a little forgiving of each other during the process, which is fun.”

The 7,000-square-foot house was built as a modern farmhouse, with a ton of windows and builder-grade finishes. The challenge, according to Gatts, was infusing the house with some glam, character, warmth, and color, but on a fair budget.

“I wanted it to feel as if I were in a really airy, not too formal, just comfortable home,” says Shetty of the original concept.

“Reshma loved NYC lounges and hotel lounges with a more high-end contemporary feel,” says Gatts. “She loves jewel tones, but more natural hues, and it was funny how much her cats came into play. She said, ‘I can’t have real plants or draperies,’ but [without these,] how can we add life and character?”

They agree that new builds give homeowners a chance to come in and inject their own styles, which is what they did here, but it was not without its own set of challenges.

Shetty living room

Because of supply-chain issues and some convincing by Gatts, the furniture was ordered first, and the finishing touches were added afterward, like the colors on the walls and the wallpaper choices. “We furnished the house before she agreed to color,” says Gatts. “I would normally never recommend that; I would normally want to do everything together. But once she knew she really wanted to invest in the colors and the textures, we were then able to pull from the rugs, furniture, and art.”

Shetty’s husband loves blue, so they went with varying shades in the piano room and dining room, and while the den was his domain, the main bedroom was hers to design.

“My favorite color is dark green,” says Shetty of the main bedroom’s palette. “Noel found these two awesome green swivel chairs, and I put a dark-green-and-gold wallpaper behind them, and it just makes me very happy.”

Shetty bedroom

In the breakfast nook, Shetty originally bought a rectangular table and ended up giving in to Gatts’ idea of a circular table. The rectangular one is now in storage and has been replaced by a circular marble table with which both are happier.

“The breakfast nook is my favorite spot. The circular table adds movement and flow. And with all the windows and the subtle Schumacher wallpaper, which adds character but doesn’t compete, and the light fixture, which is big but not overwhelming…,” says Gatts before Shetty injects: “It’s so much more social.”

What the project ultimately reveals is how much can be done with a simple base. “It is the power of decorating,” says Gatts. “You can really elevate something builder-grade with color and imagination.”

And the homeowners’ personalities really shine through. “When I walk into my home, I feel like I’m home,” says Shetty. “There are little corners in each space that I can sit in, and it feels like me.” What homeowner wouldn’t want that?

Related: Westchester Designers Share Easy Upgrades for Your Home

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Our Best of Westchester Elimination Ballot is open through March 6!

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