In the past year or so, the Jacob Burns Film Center completed a large refurbishment project which renovated three of its ground-floor theaters and launched a Cinema Studies program in collaboration with New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
As of mid-April, the nonprofit cultural institution announced the debut of Take 3 Wine Bar and Café to elevate the film center’s dining options. The 85-seat counter-service café, located on the third floor, has cheese & charcuterie plates, sandwiches, soup, three-cheese baked macaroni with cauliflower; and pretzels with beer cheese from Second Mouse Cheese Shop across the street.
Beverages also source local purveyors, including kombucha from Feel Good Booch (Peekskill), beer from Captain Lawrence Brewing Company (Elmsford) and Soul Brewing Company (Pleasantville), and cider from Thompson’s Cider Mill (Croton-on-Hudson).
There are myriad baked goods and sweets, including chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies, brownies, and muffins from Baked by Susan (Croton-on-Hudson), butter croissants, almond croissants, and cranberry and blueberry scones via SoHo’s Balthazar Bakery, and a rotating selection of outstanding chocolate-covered pretzels from Posh Pretzels (Tarrytown).
“[The café] provides a welcoming space for our patrons to gather, converse, and savor moments before or after enjoying a film.”
—Mary Jo Ziesel
The opening of Take 3 was made possible thanks to a generous gift from JBFC Board Member Ginny Gold, in honor of her husband Marty Gold, who passed away in 2017. Marty was a wine connoisseur and the President and CEO of Martin Scott Wines, Ltd., and a member of the JBGC Board of Directors for years.
“This exciting addition reaffirms JBFC’s commitment to being a dynamic cultural destination where art, community, and now a delightful selection of food and beverages come together. Our aim is to provide a welcoming space for our patrons to gather, converse, and savor moments before or after enjoying a film,” says Mary Jo Ziesel, JBFC’s Executive Director.
Filmgoers are encouraged to host a pre- or post-movie discussion over a glass of wine or creamy bowl of mac n’ cheese while admiring the venue’s new addition. JBFC board member Laureen Barber (co-owner and design director of Blue Hill at Stone Barns) designed the space. Architect James Coleman of Pleasantville also worked on the project. Next to Take 3 is the Jane Peck Gallery, featuring an exhibit showcasing renowned graphic designer Bill Gold’s iconic movie posters.
“This is the culmination of our theater refurbishment project,” says JBFC Executive Director Mary Jo Ziesel. “[The café] provides a welcoming space for our patrons to gather, converse, and savor moments before or after enjoying a film.”
The café is open to the public and ticket holders 4 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
With the welcoming of Take 3’s first customers, the final stage of the JBFC’s Refurbishment Project is complete. The project was made possible by the David Swope Fund, Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, Jon and Nancy Bauer, and many generous donors.
Looking ahead, the JBFC will host an array of summer events that would be the perfect excuse to stop by the bar and café. Think arthouse flicks and action-packed summer runs, like it’s upcoming “Big Trouble in Little Pleasantville” series in July and August. For anyone who adores international films, the JBFC Passport is the perfect way to experience them throughout the year.
Take 3 Wine Bar and Café at Jacob Burns Film Center
364 Manville Rd, Pleasantville; 914.773.7663
Related: S.I.C. Film School Creates Community Through Innovation