Love is a Two Way Street in Downtown New Rochelle

Lawton Street becomes Two-Way beginning 10/2

A long overdue change has come to Downtown New Rochelle. The City (Council member Ivar Hayden) listened to our cries and has added a change in direction- of Lawton and part of Church street- they are now two way. For those of you who've had the misfortune of driving downtown which I equate with the sensibility of trying to veer right on the Roundabout outside of the Vatican - you'll agree that it was an exercise  in skill, patience and endurance. You can now put your driving gloves away and fall in love with this two way street(s).

Liquid Kitchen- Sip Your Way To Satisfaction

Liquid Kitchen 583 Main Street  914.365.2700

The new restaurants just keep on coming to Downtown New Rochelle. The newest arrival, Liquid Kitchen, comes bubbling in and the garnet hued walls make this spot hot-hot-hot!  This tapas hangout has clever cocktails and lovely libations. Tuesday-Friday stop in for Happy Hour from 4-7pm. On Wednesday, Karaoke Nights bring out the inner rock star in you.

If you have not yet secured your Valentine's Day plans, LK has a special Valentine's Day menu that will bring out the lover in you. At $70pp, this four course meal is one that will make your sweeties heart flutter. With Lobster Bisque, Smoked Salmon Salad and Chilean Sea Bass to get you started; the Mixed Berry Creme Brulee' seals the night with a kiss.

You can get $40 worth of food/drink for $20
 by using the Living Social deal below:

Liquid Kitchen - Living Social

 

Holiday Shopping In New Rochelle

 

The Curtain Shop

With exactly 7 days before Christmas, the desperation gift shopping is about commence. Don't get caught scrounging the Malls for nicely decorated junk. Why not do your shopping in the Tony Community of New Rochelle?  Here are my picks for best places to shop for quality holiday goods in New Rochelle:

The Curtain Shop-
Located on 541 Main Street, this shop du jour has the perfect gifts for the home at great prices. Stop in and trust me the service and selection are unbeatable. Make sure to go upstairs and investigate what I call a homeowners haven.

Just Funki-
For the woman/man who is into adorning their body in precious stones, Just Funki is the place to be. Each handmade piece is a work of art. If you are looking for something unique look no further. As a bonus, the girts are wrapped free of charge in the most decorative box with a satin ribbon.

Just Funki 37 Division Street 

Alvin Clayton Artiste - 
As the owner of Alvin & Friends, Alvin Clayton holds court in his richly decorated restaurant on Lawton avenue. The food is spectacular and the art adorning the walls is featured in several galleries and you can take a piece home with our after you dine- for a fee of course.

Alvin Clayton 

Sweet Preserves-
Why pay 5th Avenue prices if you don't have to? Sweet Preserves everything you need for that high end hunger. Furs, handbags, jewelery and designer goods. All of the items are in the best condition and the prices can't be beat!

Valentino Cuff - Sweet Preserves 

Curry up and go! Rangoli - New Delhi Comes to New Ro

615 Main Street New Rochelle, NY

Translated as the "Festival of Colors",  Rangoli warms the heart and stimulates the pallet. The room is vibrant and vivid and acts as a tasty temple up north. From the elegant dining room to the comfortable lounge you can covet your curry at Rangoli!

As a featured restaurant in the best of Westchester, this restaurant/bar/lounge defies the odds of how many good things it can be at once. Try the Grilled Lamb Chops, Goan Fish Curry, Malai Kofta, Daal Tadk and I am certain you will be hooked. Then grab a partner and belly dance the night away in this sari ridden sanctuary tucked away on Main street. 

Twin Donut - Confectionary Circumference

Over the past few months, the space at 471 Main street @ the corner of North Avenue, has been a buzz with construction workers doing facade improvements and renovations. Then it seemed to happen overnight- the unveiling of a shiny Twin Donut sign. Yes, Twin Donut! If you thought that perhaps there was a Twin Donut at this location previously, you would be correct. Previously occupied by a Twin Donut & Blimpie Sandwich Shop, the restaurant now has a core focus: spherical, sugary, satisfaction for your salivation.  I have not ben yet, but can't wait to grab a beignet.

Spadaro - No Menu No Problem

Situated in a nondescript strip plaza on Main Street is a restaurant where Rome meets New Rochelle. Spadaro, a forty seat Italian dining room with photos of family,friends and favorite places adorning the wall, is simply belesimo. Rena and her sister had a restaurant in Rome before opening Spadaro in New Rochelle and it shows. The food is fit for Fellini!

What makes Spadaro exceptional is that they are confident enough to have a "NO MENU" policy and  pull it off. The servers recite the daily specials with such accuracy you wonder if they underwent a bootcamp training course in the Spadaro culinary army.  I adoro the antipasto. The branzino is bravo and you must mangia the marinara.  

Since they operate sans menu, you will not find out the pricing until the end of the meal. And I must tell you, you won't go broke when you eat baroque.

Spadaro 211 E.Main Street New Rochelle, NY 10801 914.235.4595

Cholo's Kitchen - Sí Sea See

www.choloskitchen.com

Take a stroll down Main street and make a quick left on Lawton avenue for trip to Peru. The owner, Gino, is like a Peruvian Ricardo Montalban. Slide into one of the garnet colored chairs an escape to  fantasy island for epicurean tastes.  From his accent to the inflection in his voice Gino lives and breathes Peru. He does not stray far from the food of his youth. His mother  Elizabeth, is toiling away in the kitchen just as she did when Gino was a boy.

 Wall art is a staple in Downtown New Rochelle restaurants an Cholo's is no exception. The Peruvian art reflects the different regions of his beloved country which plays as a photo-book of sorts. When you go, and I know you will; ask for a recommendation or soup of the day. The fish is fresh (sea) The art is sublime (see) And every thing on the menu is a thumbs up (sí)

                               Chicha Morada - A drink made with purple corn                                      

                             Tostones con Pollo- Plantains with Chicken

Consign it- Shop like Jackie O

                                    www.consignitonmain.com

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to shop at Jackie O's yard sale? Now is your chance at ConsignIt on Main. In existence since 2008, this 5000 square foot store has exactly what you need to give your home that finishing touch. From, oriental rugs, chandlers, chaise lounges, china, paintings and objects de art, ConsignIt has something for you. Candice Denslow and Dom Cioffoletti are there to assist with your selection as well as your interior design needs.

In addition to home furnishings, ConsignIt has a new designer boutique, Sweet Preserves in the rear of the store.  Amy Coleman has over 20 years in the haute clothing space. She commutes from Rye because she views New Rochelle as the ideal place to market her  high end goods. She has an impressive collection of designer brands including Gucci, Kate Spade, Pucci, Jones New York and Ferragamo.  Most impressive is an enviable collection of jewelry that was miraculously supplied by one owner.

Norman Rockwell- The New Rochelle Years

For 25 years Norman Rockwell called New Rochelle his home. His studio was on 360 North Avenue, he banked at New Rochelle Trust on Main Street and rented an apartment on Prospect Street. The work above Deadline was created in 1938, just one year before he moved to Arlington, VT. The reason this Manhattan born iconic artist spent; as he would later put it "the happiest years of his life" in New Rochelle, is simple. New Rochelle is special.

All of the works featured in this blog were created during his time in New Rochelle.

 No Swimming: June 4, 1921 - Features the son of a friend, Franklin Lischke (Middle boy)

 

Doctor and Doll: March 29, 1929 - This was Rockwell's 114th Cover of the Saturday Evening Post

The Gnarly Vine- A Main Street Hideaway

A little after 10pm on Saturday I walked into the Gnarly Vine. The crowd was lively and considering it was a holiday weekend still reasonably crowded. I ordered a cheese plate and a glass  Sauvignon Blanc. The owner said that they typically have live music on Saturday and I must come back. No bother, I was content listening to the dance-worthy tunes streaming throughout the space. After 2 hours, and a few glasses of wine (not telling you how many) I left feeling like I just discovered a neighborhood gem.

Must: Try the cheese plate.
Bust: The space is quite dim and unnoticeable- you may walk past it.

                                            www.thegnarlyvine.com