Jay Leno- New Rochelle's Ultimate Chinwagger

 

James "Jay" Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1950. The Tonight Show host with Scottish and Italian ancestry, is known for his love of cars- he owns 100! As well as his motorcycle charity events benefiting muscular dystrophy research.  He has been married to Mavis Leno since 1980 and the pair don't have any children.The Above clip shows a young Leno during his first stand-up stint on the show he would later host as king of late night TV.  This TV host has kept "chins" wagging for decades and leading with his jaw has served him well.

Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show from 1962-1992. Jay took over in 1992 and is currently the host of the top rated nighttime talk show. He had a year off when NBC decided to be creative and replaced him with Conan O'Brien in the 2009-2010 season. Jay gladly returned to host with his massively mesmerizing mandible.

The Doctorow is in - Diagnosis Movie Success!

After completing his masterpiece the Book of Daniel, E.L. Doctorow sat around his home in New Rochelle and contemplated what to write next; the answer Ragtime. This 1975 novel is a work of historical fiction. It chronicles the lives of three American families in which the first family are upper class WASP's living in New Rochelle. The book was made into a film in 1981 staring Samuel Jackson, Jeff Daniels and Fran Drescher to name a few. Nominated for eight Oscars Ragtime, went home empty handed, just like Jack Nicholson who had a small part in the film, but did not have his name in the credits.

E.L. Doctorow did it again with Billy Bathgate. This 1989 novel was made into a film in 1991. Staring Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Bruce Willis. The story is told from the perspective of fifteen year old Billy Bathgate. Billy becomes an errand boy for mobster Dutch Shultz. He witnesses how sinister Dutch and the world of organized crime is first hand and begins to contemplate what to do next. You have to watch to find out how he managed his personal dilemma, but when you watch, don't say you heard it from me. If you do, you will be swimming with the classics.

Castle Biennial - 2 Years in the Waiting

Red Neck Gong by Michael Anthony Natiello

On June 17th, the Castle Gallery's "Westchester Biennial" will bid farewell to the 21 artists and their 40 works on display.  The artists themselves are as eclectic as the pieces they create. There is a former therapist, an autistic young man and a director of a Halloween extravaganza.  Ranging from their 20's thru 70's, and coming from Westchester and as far away as Japan and Slovenia, this showcase has an international feel. Created in 1998, this exhibit showcases recent works by emerging and established artists  currently living and working in the community. Now you understand why I call New Rochelle the Williamsburg of Westchester!

Really Stupid People by Elena Grajek

The Scream- reassembled golf bags by Charles McGill

  The 2012 "Westchester Biennial ” runs through June 17th at Castle Gallery, in Leland Castle on the campus of the College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle. Admission is free. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

                                     Westchester Biennial

New Rochelle's "Mr. Catch Me if You Can"on CNN Today

In my previous Reel to Real post, I talked about the life and crimes of Frank Abagnale, the former New Rochelle resident who was a master impersonator and conman which the film "Catch Me if You Can" staring Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank was based. Today Frank was on CNN's Red Chair  mini-interview session. He currently runs a fraud prevention company, Abagnale & Associates located in Washington D.C.just a stones trow from the FBI Headquarters. How's that for irony?

NoMa Social - It's a MOD MOD World

                                                 NoMaSocial

If you would like to take a trip into the future, save your money trying to nab a seat on the next SpaceX launch and take a short rocket ride to NoMa Social. The decor is funky and happening and the food is cool and clever. From the plush plum chairs to the zig-zag zebra rug, all the elements are right on!

This Austin Powers approved restaurant/lounge is so hip that you may forget to eat. The menu has tons of tapas and light fare as well as a more hearty menu which includes a cracked pepper ribeye and a wild mushroom risotto. On Friday & Saturday nights, the DJ spins radio hits  If you are looking for a dose of reality TV, The Real Housewives of New Jersey will be hosting the party on June 9th -10th from 7pm- Until (3am). Not certain if Bravo TV will be there, but it is sure to be Dancing with Reality TV Stars!

Farmers Market - Lettuce Entertain You

                                   www.communitymarkets.biz
On Friday June 22nd we welcome back the New Rochelle Farmers Market. This community outdoor market  started in 2009 and is brought to you by the City of New Rochelle. Located on the Library Green near Huguenot and Lawton avenue on Friday's from 8am- 3pm rain or shine.
                                                 

 The market vendors sell baked goods, fruits, herbs, vegetables and specialty foods. The community market website offers countless recipes for the healthy heart inclined. When is the last time you had  fresh turnips, radishes, beets, honey or cider? I suggest that you mark your calendar for the opening of Community Markets; It's either you will be there or you wilt. 

Hudson Park Beach Bar - Waterfront Watering Hole

Who needs to deal with the long lines and sunless Gotham City views at the Shake Shack when you can dine on burgers and fries with beach-side views at the Beach Bar at Hudson Park . Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, residents can save a few bucks on entry to the beach by purchasing an Omnicard.

 Hudson Park and Beach are located at the south end of New Rochelle on Hudson Park Road.  It features a grassy recreation area with a cameo playground, a music bandshell and seating area.  If you forgot your bathing-suit no worries, the park is pristine and has many benches ideal for boat watching or escaping into a good book. So, forget the trip to the Jersey Shore and have family friendly fun that makes for a more desirable "Situation".

                       Christopher Columbus Monument @ Hudson Park