Life Essentials - 50K Raised to Highlight a Love Supreme

Through a KickStarter program, with almost 400 backers, Life's Essentials raised their goal of $50K to create the cinematic story of the divine love of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.  I am eagerly awaiting the completion of this film which is sure to be a how-to for the relationship inclined and a history lesson for those of us who were too young to remember (or not even born) the tide of change during the civil rights era. 

Life's Essentials Video

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Bob Denver (Gilligan) New Rochelle Native

Robert "Bob" Denver was born in New Rochelle in 1935. Bob, or better know as his moniker "Gilligan" started out having a few supporting roles. His first recurring role was on the series The Many Loves Of Dobie Gillis.  Where he is credited as bringing the first beatnik character to television. His next staring role was the one that made him a household name- Gilligan's Island.  As the title character, this bumbling crewman who was not only naive, but accident prone as well, kept us laughing for 25 minutes each afternoon. The show ran for 3 seasons and had a total of 98 episodes which ended in 1967. 

Giligan's Island became a staple in American households through syndication in the 70's & 80's and breathed life into the long forgotten sitcom.  Denver set out for his final voyage in 2005 and it goes without saying that for this trip, he was finally the skipper.  

Modern Pizza- Same Taste, New Location Coming Soon

There was never more of an oxymoron than the name Modern Pizza. This incredibly traditional Italian pizzeria located on Russell Avenue looks like it would be a haunt for members of the Rat Pack when visiting Frank Sinatra's old neighborhood. They began tossing dough way back in the 1920's and the yeast continues to rise. Staying close to tradition works for this brick oven pizza perfecter.

 Modern Pizza is in the process of moving from Russell Avenue to a spacious location on Huguenot street in the next few months. We are keeping our fingers crossed that they can move their classic white oven to the new location (pic below). The new space will allow Modern's devotees to enjoy a larger slice of the pie.

12 Russell Avenue New Rochelle, NY  10801 914.633.9479

Green Market Glory- Verdant Vegetation

Yesterday I took a leisurely stroll to the New Rochelle Library and found a Green market on the Green. Friday was the first day of this organic oasis and it did not disappoint. The vendors were out in full force armed with ice and spray bottles to keep the watercress from wilting and the swiss chard from charing. Alex's Tomato Farm, Acevedo's Farm, Meredith's Bread, Dagele Brother's Produce and Tierra Farms brought a rainbow of healthy locally grown fruits and vegetables at incredibly low prices. 

Get your RDA the healthy way and stop by Community Markets every Friday from 8-3. Do not miss out, because just like the warm weather, it will be gone in November. 

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

Modern Paint - Lustful Lacquer

Since 1923 Modern Paint has been supplying New Rochelle with a splashes of color to awaken the most dismal of rooms. Today, Living Social  is featuring Modern Paint in the Westchester  Home Channel deal of the day section. Just in time for summer solstice, Modern paint is offering a two hour in home color consolation with Bejamin Moore Paints, three free Benjamin Moore paint color samples and tree foam brushes - a $224 value for just $85. 

Maura McCosker and her family do more than just paints they are a hardware store as well. With tasks as simple as cutting keys to plumbing, electrical and equipment rentals, Modern Paint is the pace to be. Just steps away from the Metro North in downtown New Rochelle, stop in and get the the right hue on Huguenot.

Modern Paint 316 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle NY  914-632-8060

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.