The Bread Factory - Sun Rises in the Yeast

 

30 Grove Avenue 914-637-9514

Around since 2000 the Bread Factory has what it takes to keep rising to the top. The bakery is located on Grove avenue and juxtaposed amongst single family homes which makes it feel like an extension of ones kitchen.  The dough masters enter at the crack of dawn to begin making the scrumptious carbohydrate laden delights.

The Bread Factory makes gluten free products cookies, croissants, nut breads and rolls. They accept special orders so feel free to let your creative juices flow. On Thursdays after 4:30 you can snag a loaf for half price; at those rates you will be saving yourself a lot of dough.

Empty Hand Zen Center- The Den of Zen

                                          www.emptyhandzen.org
This former trolley car repair station kept New Rochelle connected  in the early 1900's. Today, this Lawton avenue building continues to  provide connectivity through enlightenment,wisdom and meditation. The Empty Hand Zen Center is here to teach the art of Buddhism. During my visit, Susan Ji-on Postal  showed me a work of art in which the word NIN (patience) was written in bold letters. Throughout the studio various works of art that remained from a showing the previous week. As I thanked her for the tour and rushed out leaving my parcel behind; I realized that it takes more than a ten (minutes) to become Zen.

 

Susan Ji-on Postal, teacher and founder of the Empty Hand Zen Center, entered Buddhist practice in 1970. Originally learning from a teacher of Dzogchen in the Tibetan tradition, she began Zen studies with Glassman Roshi at the Zen Community of New York in 1980. In 1987 she continued under the guidance of Maurine Myo-on Stuart who ordained her as Zen Priest at the Rye Meeting House in 1988. Prior to Maurine’s death in 1990, Susan received the encouragement and blessing of her teacher to continue guiding practice for the growing Sangha in Rye. Since 2000, Susan has been studying with Darlene Cohen, Zen Teacher of the Russian River Zendo. On January 18, 2008, Susan received Dharma Transmission in the Soto Lineage of Suzuki Roshi from her teacher in Guerneville, California.  Michael Wenger, Dean of Buddhist Studies of the San Francisco Zen Center and Darlene's teacher, served as guiding instructor for this moving eight day Ceremony of Entrustment which marks the completion of training.

                                               Not So Secret Garden

The Curtain Shop- Beyond Bed and Bath

                                             www.curtainshop.com
 In 1976 the curtain shop opened its doors to throws of Main Street shoppers as their go-to destination for all things home. Louis Vacarro joined in 1989 and is currently the co-owner of this community staple. He marvels at the present day transformation of Main Street and after a facade improvement hopes that the shoppers understand The Curtain Shop's dedication to the community.

 

A quick tour of the shop and you understand why his business has transcended in the age of point and click shopping, The Curtain Shop provides the personal touch that is missing from those chain those store behemoths. The website is easy to navigate for the more technologically inclined and phone calls inquires are never a problem. This incredibly organized store stocks the obvious items such as curtains, blinds and window treatments, as well as bathmats, tea kettles and comforters. Perhaps the name should read "The Curtain Shop, for all your home needs and more." But the Curtain Shop will suffice for now.

Don't miss the Sidewalk Sale this May 23rd-28th

 

   

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

Boxing - A TKO in New RO

                                       www.mainstreetboxing.com

A few weekends ago I was getting in my car and noticed three attractive women gathering infront of what I thought was just another gym. The item that caught my attention was that they were wearing boots typically reserved for the boxing ring. As I watched them enter the fitness center, I realized it was indeed a boxing facility. Boxing- the new cardiovascular craze had women kicking off their stilettos for lace-up boxing boots at Main Street Boxing.

The climate is cool with the faint smell of rubber and Gatorade in the air. The private training sessions have varying hourly rates and instructors. There is a nutritionist to assist you with your dietary needs to become the next heavyweight champ. I am channeling my inner Hillary Swank, working my way to becoming not a million dollars baby, but a million dollar babe. 

Blackboard Pizza- From Alpha to Omega

www.blackboardpizzashop.com

What happens when four friends pool their resources and collegiate attainments to create the ideal college hangout?  The writing is on the wall or shall I say Blackboard. This Iona college hot-spot for the nouveau  cuisine inclined feels like an upscale pizzeria in the heart of the city. The glass doors that open when weather permits, act as a maître d which invites passers by to come right in.

The cool thing about Blackboard, is that it's youthful demographic does not take away from the quality of the food. With a thin crust, the Neapolitan pizza is balanced and the sauce is fresh and light. The rice balls with marinara sauce are an appetizing appetizer.  For those not counting calories, try the fried nutella oreo's or Reese's pizza. Blackboard Pizza has an intriguing syllabus, lets hope they continue to be the most popular course next semester.

Glen Island Park - Here on Gilligan's Isle

This 105 acre park connected to New Rochelle by a wondrous drawbridge; is a deserted island worth living on.  The Harbor Club, which was the Glen Island casino in the 1930's had many famous faces at the card tables on a given night. Ozzie Nelson was known to spend an afternoon at the casino. The casino closed in 1978 and reopened in 1983. Shortly after the Harbor Club was opened. The Harbor club is now a luxurious space that accommodates weddings and special events. 

The Glen Island Castle, was built in Germany and reassembled on Glen Island in the late 1800's. During WW2 bands would play and patrons would stroll the grounds of the castle. Cannons and mounted rocks are strategically situated on the grounds. The island offers picnic grounds, boat launchings and pathways. I suggest you stay for longer than a three hour tour.