AM Pit Stops
Where to grab your coffee and carb of choice on your morning commute
Giny Deli/Grocery
“Forget the breakfast burrito,” says Westchester Magazine food writer Rachel Mariani-Canzonieri. “The breakfast tamale packs so much more flavor. I love the no-frills traditional Mexican dishes here, like the arroz con leche—rice with milk—which is lighter than the tamale, but still filling.” 25 Croton Ave (914) 432-7027
Others You Might Consider:
Ossining Bakery
This 2013 Best of Westchester winner is easily overlooked by drivers-by, but you won’t want to miss the sweet and buttery (but surprisingly light) donuts, which, at $9 for a baker’s dozen, will have the whole office singing your praises. 50 N Highland Ave (914) 941-2654
Landmark Diner
This classic-style diner offers quick, down-home service and food. It’s open most likely before you get up and after you go to bed, and they deliver, too. 265 S Highland Ave (914) 762-7700, lmdny.com
One-Hour Lunch Spots
When fast food simply won’t do
Los Abuelos
“The guacamole with cojita cheese served in a molcajete is a meal in itself,” says Mariani-Canzonieri. “The chicken mole is fragrant and spicy, and topped with a crisp iceberg-tomato slaw. The giant portions of quality ingredients will ensure a full belly for the rest of the workday.” 38 N Highland Ave (914) 488-5874
Keenan House
“This modern gastropub does not believe in modest bar food,” says Mariani-Canzonieri. “The buttermilk fried chicken is gorge-worthy, if it isn’t sold out. Then there are the steamed mussels in Thai curry, steeped in coconut milk and spiked with pungent lemongrass, ginger, and coriander. And there’s a great gourmet pizza: shrimp fra diavolo with pesto and grated Grana Padano—an uncomplicated, satisfying light nosh.” 199 Main St (914) 236-3393, thekeenanhouse.com
Others You Might Consider:
Wobble Café
Another Best of Westchester honoree, Wobble offers a large menu with plenty of vegetarian options, a family-friendly atmosphere, and own-made desserts. 21 Campwoods Rd (914) 762-3459, wobblecafe.com
Goldfish Restaurant
Lunch is served until 4 pm at this Italian-inflected, seafood-heavy eatery lauded for its weekday prix-fixe menu: $16 for starter/salad, entrée, and dessert. We recommend circling back for Happy Hour, too. 6 Rockledge Ave (914) 762-0051, goldfishdining.com
Your Lunch-Hour Best Bets to…
Fix a flat/ get your car checked:
Cappello’s Auto Repair
This locally owned shop has a reputation for keeping costs low and giving customers a reliable time frame for service. 184 S Highland Ave (914) 762-0022, cappellostire.com
Martone Auto Collision
Whether you drive a just-off-the-lot 2014 model or a classic dragster, Martone offers fender-bender repairs, full restorations, and a specialized paint shop for your needs. 179 N Highland Ave (914) 941-9372, martoneautocollision.com
Buy a card/gift:
Del Sol Bakery
With 13 fillings to chose from, you’ll want to order a custom-made cake and eat it, too. Work with the pastry chef to craft a design and flavor profile to please your spouse, child, coworker, or boss. 26 S Highland Ave (914) 488-5505, delsolsweetbakery.com
The Art Barn
This recently relocated custom framing shop will take the time to make your photo or art piece look just right. It also stocks works from local and regional artists, art supplies, and small gifts and accessories. 325 N Highland Ave (914) 762-4997, theartbarn.net
Work out:
Lizzfitness
This boutique women’s studio assigns personal fitness experts to guide clients through boot camp, personal training, and class options (like kettlebell and TRX workouts). Packages are flexible, and extras include Reiki and massage therapy and group challenges. 95 Main St (914) 502-0119; lizzfitness.com
Joseph G. Caputo Community Center Pool
A 25-meter pool allows you to swim away work stress year-round. Usually with two to three lanes dedicated to lap-swimming, it’s open six days a week from 6 to 9 am and 7 to 8 pm. Yearly cost for village residents is $260; for town residents, $360; and $500 for non-residents. 95 Broadway (914) 941-3189
Have your shoes repaired:
Tony’s Shoe Repair
When you need to clinch that next contract or nail tomorrow’s presentation, get your best pair shined, resoled, or re-heeled promptly and properly at Tony’s. 226 N Highland Ave (914) 941-9548
Get a haircut:
Ossining Barber Shop
Start your week off right with a hot-towel shave, or impress your boss with a new cut from this classic barbershop that’s welcoming to old-timers and newcomers alike. 103 Croton Ave #1 (914) 762-2048
Shine Salon & Spa
This perennial award-winner can accommodate a quick trim or a whole-day, color-cut-mani-pedi-wax-et-cetera experience. Owned by one of 914INC.’s very own Great Leaders, Shine Salon is sure to relax your on-the-clock worries away. 161 Main St (914) 762-6675; shine-salon-spa.com
Drop off dry cleaning:
Phil’s Cleaners
Phil’s takes the “work” out of your work clothes—and doesn’t nickel-and-dime over every wrinkle and stain. 222 S Highland Ave (914) 762-2799
PM Pit Stops
Where to grab dinner-to-go after work
Capri Pizza & Pasta
“Everybody loves a nice pie, but from Capri Pizza, I love the salmon with lemony sautéed spinach,” Mariani-Canzonieri says. “They also do a great escarole-and-bean soup. I like to eat that with some focaccia pizza, which is doughier than regular pizza and is topped with fresh basil and tomatoes.” 228 S Highland Ave (914) 944-8000, capripizzaossining.com
Brasserie Swiss
“Don’t be afraid to try the Weinerschnitzel,” Mariani-Canzonieri says. “Brasserie Swiss pairs the common-overseas dish with traditional pickled cabbage.” Also, “Easy to bring home and very filling is the roestizza barnese, a potato pancake topped with sausage, apples, and mozzarella cheese.” 118 Croton Ave (914) 941-0319, brasserieswiss.com
El Tambo
“Every so often, I crave Peruvian rotisserie chicken,” says Mariani-Canzonieri. “I love the use of spices and the salsa verde on the side that I use to drench the drumsticks. Here, the best way to get it is whole-roasted with french fries. They also make a whole fried red snapper that is crispy and succulent, the best option if bringing home to share.” 57 Croton Ave (914) 432-7493; el-tambo.com
Another You Might Consider:
Ossining Pizzeria & Restaurant
Inside, you’ll find not only a classic selection of takeout-ready New York pizza, but also house-made gelato—a perfect solo, dessert-first treat while you wait. 181 Croton Ave (914) 762-1455, ossiningpizza.com
Where to Play Hooky
Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park
Take the afternoon off and venture through this 26-mile linear park (a water source for New York City from 1842 to 1965). The scenic path above the underground aqueduct is perfect for walking and running, and (in parts) horseback riding, biking, and snow sports. A highlight of the park is the Double Arch, a “bridge-within-a-bridge,” located just behind the community center, which has an exhibit on the aquedect’s history. Bridge located between Main St and Ann St (914) 693-5259; nysparks.com/parks/96
Where to Celebrate That Promotion
The Boathouse Restaurant
“Pick your poison at sunset,” says Mariani-Canzonieri about this casual-classy dock-perched restaurant (prime for sunset-watching). “Go to their boat bar for cocktails and a great view across the Hudson. Snack on apps like the sweet-potato tempura shrimp—sweet and savory with maple-Dijon sauce—or the Boathouse clams casino with bacon and roasted peppers. They make a tuna burger, too, with ginger and wasabi, and Asian slaw.” 46 Westerly Rd (914) 923-6466, ossiningboathouse.com
The City’s Best-Kept Secrets
The historic headquarters and training complex of The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers organization—including an Asian-inspired Seminary Building—is located on Ryder Road; non-profit Maryknoll sends US Catholic Missionaries to 27 countries around the world. The complex has its own zip code, and the Census reports it has a population of 141, with a median age of 79.3.
• Ossining is also home to the global training center of General Electric (known for its hire-from-within mentality and training programs), Crotonville, which has been called the “epicenter of GE culture” and hosts thousands of employees on its 59-acre campus each year.
And BTW…
Likely, you’re at least nominally familiar with one of the most prime pieces of riverfront real estate in town—occupied by 1,700 inmates of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, the maximum-security state prison complex that once housed infamous mob boss Lucky Luciano, and was the execution site of convicted WWII spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. While the facility continues to operate today, plans are underway for the creation of a Sing Sing Historic Prison Museum.
Vital Stats
The 411 on where you’re putting in 40+
Village Population: 25,266
Mayor: William Hanauer (D)
Average price of commercial space: “General range for leasing industrial space is $8 to $10 per square foot. Retail, between $18 and $25, and office space, typically between $22 to $30—but there is a lot of it out there,” says Christy Gendalia of Rand Commercial Services.
Unemployment: 5.9% (as of July 2013)
Largest Employer: Sing Sing Correctional Facility (approx 800 employees)
ATTENTION
Work in New Rochelle? Send your recommendations for nearby coworkers on where to dine, shop, etc. to 914INC@westchestermagazine.com.
