Our 100th Post! History in the Making!

When I started New Rochelle Now in April 2012, It was totally out of necessity.  I was relatively new to the Queen City, and struggled to find out what was happening on a day-to-day basis. I view NRN as my version of Time Out New Rochelle. To commemorate my 100th post, take a walk with me down memory lane and visit some of my favorite haunts and havens. You may even spot something you missed the first time. 

NoMa Social

Places to kick back
After a long day at the office, why not hit a local lounge?  New Rochelle has many to choose from - The Gnarly Vine is an intimate wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere and affable staff. If you want something slightly more upbeat try NoMa Social  the decor is futuristic and the food is fantastic. For those who want to dance the night away or watch others do so,  head to Don Coqui. Now if you need a space to crank out that thesis, head to R.Patisserie where silence is golden and the lattes are hot.

Don Coqui

Speak  Italian
New Rochelle is the prefect town to feed my Love for Italian food and Pizza. Posto 22  is sure to serve as your own personal kitchen. I make a trip once a week. At  Spadaro, the food is served family style and they don't have a menu so come hungry and ready for a taste of Italy! The guys at  Blackboard Pizza buy all their ingredients fresh daily and they know the the ABC's of  perfect pizza.

Castle Gallery

Become a voyeur
New Rochelle has a host of Gallery's and artist spaces and each one is different from the next. The Castle Gallery is a vast estate with rotating exhibits that will marvel you. If you want to simply pop in and see something by a local young artist head over to the Backstreet Gallery . For an all encompassing experience go over to this live/work gallery & Artist space at the  Media Loft. 

 Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friend's

Food that feeds the Soul
 Having the esteemed honor of one of the Best of Westchester has not gone to Alvin Clayton's head. He continues to churn out plates of love, peace and soul at his New Rochelle restaurant Alvin & Friends. How sweet it is. Sweet Potatoes has perfected the art of cooking for many and making it taste as if it was prepared just for you. Go in and get a taste of that down home soul food you have been missing up north.

La Ceniga

Latin flavor 
New Rochelle has a tremendous amount of Latin fare to choose from. For date night I would suggest
 La Ceniga! Once inside, you may feel as if you just entered the Meatpacking District with it's hip crowd and sumptuous food. My second pick is the Peruvian gallery style restaurant  Cholos Kitchen, plan to go there only if you are hungry, because you won't be able to resist trying several items off of the menu. 

Shop till you drop
Before you head to The Westchester for your next shopping spree, try heading  downtown to  Consign it on Main! They have everything you need for your home and then some. The Sweet preserves boutique located in the rear of the store is a treasure chest of luxury goods. Stop by and tell Amy that I sent you. For your seasonal home refreshers, go to the  The Curtain Shop.That place is not just curtains. The jewels at Just Funki are all handmade originals and each piece is like a work of art. Rhonda is a master jewelry maker her handmade chandelier is magnificent.

The Curtain Shop

Wide open spaces
Wildcliff  is an oasis in New Rochelle. This open air space has showcased many local talents as well as billboard hit-makers. I would go just for the view. When the weather permits, two words BEACH BAR! The Hudson Park Beach Bar's newly revamped tiki bar will make you want to go to Aruba-Jamaica..KeyLargo- Montego.. but, New Rochelle is a much shorter flight.

Wildcliff

Jazz Festival - Toot Your Own Horn

The third annual New Rochelle Jazz Festival returns to the Library Green in downtown New Rochelle on Saturday, July 14th  & Sunday, July 15th. You can bebop from noon until dust when the final note will sound. This year we celebrate the return of Grammy nominated guitarist Gil Parris (Video Below).  Flautist Bobbi Humphrey (Video)  and trumpeter Eddie Henderson will  bring their talents to the stage. local favorite Brian Carter and his Trio and will chime in with a tune or two to get your fingers snappin. Carter and his    friend, professional sound engineer Ross May Jr. are responsible for bringing the Blues to the Green.

 

Gil Parris 

 

 Bobbi Humphrey 

Bobbi Humphrey Barbra (Bobbi) Humphrey was born in Marlin, Texas and raised in Dallas has a whole lot of soul going on. This Flautist and singer has performed her classical jazz sound for audiences around the world. Her big break came from performing in New York's Apollo Theater on Amateur Night. She regularly whistled her way through the city and even played with the legendary Duke Ellington. 

In 1972 she was the first female instrumentalist to record under the Blue Note Jazz label. She has played with George Benson, Lee Morgan and Stevie Wonder just to make a few. In 1976 she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard.

Eddie Henderson

The festivities will begin with Jazz Night In New Rochelle on Friday July 13th At the Backstreet Gallery @ 43 Lawton Avenue.

Backstreet Gallery- All that Glitters

                                      www.backstreetgallery.com

Located on picturesque Lawton Avenue, is the Backstreet Gallery.  Ivar Hayden, the master framer with 35 years experience, has the perfect setting for a gallery. The intimate space has high ceilings and an artist mural on the exterior of the building. Enter and the neutral colored walls create the ideal canvas for an artist to showcase their work. Today Hilary Zelson was showing pieces from her  Dripping in Glitter collection.  For the pieces she used glitter on canvas in lieu of paint.

The room was abuzz with local art aficionados including New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson. While guests nibbled on gourmet appetizers and sipped champagne, Ivar worked the room engaging patrons in conversation. After 30 minutes one could easily forget that they are in New Rochelle and not SoHo.

                                   Hilary Zelson, Bubbles 2012 

Exterior Mural 

Jeff Schlager "Steal Away" 2008