North of the Noise Issue 8

Westchester Dining News, Real Estate, Things to Do, and More

From real estate to restaurants, and everything in between—discover Westchester each month through the eyes of a New York-based realtor, seasoned foodie, and former Westchester Magazine editor-in-chief. Each issue dishes on what’s new in the county dining scene, amazing properties and real estate market news, what to see and do, local getaways, and more. It’s your insider guide to living and dining well, north of the noise.

DINING SCENE NEWS

The Global Magic of OGGI Gelato

World-class, additive-free gelato melding Italian craftsmanship and Sicilian brioche traditions are worth a drive to Norwalk.

House-made waffles come out warm; above is topped with peanut butter gelato, peanuts, chocolate morsels, and house-made hard-shell chocolate. Photo: Andrew Dominick

Two scoops of gelato fill a Sicilian brioche bun. Photo: JBT

You usually don’t see six European cities and one South American capital mentioned in the same breath as Norwalk, but when it comes to master gelato maker Carmelo Chiaramida, this is perhaps the one time it applies. Since its much-anticipated debut in June 2024, OGGI Gelato at 250 Westport Avenue has transformed a local storefront into the brand’s first-ever American home—joining an elite roster that includes Rome, Barcelona, and Santiago.

Nestled between sister restaurants Romanacci and Osteria Romana, OGGI is the brainchild of a connection between Chiaramida and the Ricci brothers, Maurizio and Graziano. Together, they’ve created a vibrant Little Italy that prioritizes purity over shortcuts. While American ice cream is often heavy on cream and whipped with air, Chiaramida’s gelato is churned slowly with a higher milk-to-cream ratio, resulting in a denser, more intense flavor profile that is naturally lower in fat.

The experience is theatrical. Waffle cones are drizzled with molten liquid chocolate before being crowned with velvety scoops of salty pistachio, gianduja (hazelnut chocolate), or the refreshing Sicilian stracciatella. The menu balances timeless classics like tiramisu and dark chocolate with creative seasonal rotations such as cannoli cream, s’mores, and pumpkin spice. For those seeking dairy-free options, their vibrant sorbettos—ranging from lemon to fruits of the forest—offer a punch of pure fruit. For a taste of the Mediterranean, try the gelato sandwich—a warm, buttery sourdough brioche bun from Fatto a Mano in Westport stuffed with your favorite flavors.

The indulgence doesn’t stop at the cone. OGGI offers decadent gelato cakes (like their flourless chocolate Caprese) and a gourmet hot chocolate so thick it’s practically a dessert in itself—especially when ordered as an affogato hot chocolate, topped with a melting scoop of crema. Whether you’re stopping for a quick cup or grabbing a pre-packed jar for home, OGGI brings the authentic Italian dolce vita to Norwalk.

Photo: Andrew Dominick

Move over Carvel, the artisan gelato cake is here. Photo: JBT

The “Sangwheech” Heard ’Round the World: Giovanni’s Italian Deli

How a North White Plains deli turned a viral Joe Rogan special into Westchester’s ultimate sandwich pilgrimage.

The Joe Rogan with fried chicken cutlets, house-made mozzarella, arugula, Italian sun-dried peppers, pesto, and balsamic glaze

Giovanni’s Italian Deli has become a legendary destination for sandwich aficionados, known for its massive, flavor-packed “sangwheeches.” The deli gained viral attention for the Joe Rogan sandwich—a powerhouse creation featuring crispy fried chicken cutlets, fresh mozzarella, peppery arugula, sun-dried peppers, house-made pesto, and a signature balsamic glaze.

Owner Giovanni Paolo DiFuccia has brought a Bronx-style energy to White Plains, where the mozzarella is stretched fresh daily and the bread is sourced from Bronx bakeries like La Nicosia. While the Joe Rogan is the current star, the menu is a deep dive into Italian-American culture, featuring legendary builds like the Bronx Godfather (prosciutto, mortadella, soppressata, capocollo, arugula, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried peppers, balsamic glaze) and the That’s Amore (prosciutto, stracciatella, arugula, sun-dried peppers, balsamic glaze).

The generous portions and artisan bread make it a must-visit Westchester staple.

Even when owner Giovanni Paolo DiFuccia isn’t working, he’s there.

Giovanni’s Italian Deli Photos: JBT

914 THINGS TO DO

Howl with the Wolves in South Salem 🐺

Sunset hikes, wine by the fire, and junior keeper adventures—discover why winter is a magical time to visit the Wolf Conservation Center.

Rebecca Bose, Curator, Wolf Conservation Center Photos

Winter is the most magical time of year to visit our neighbors at South Salem’s Wolf Conservation Center. As the snow falls, the wolves are at their most active and majestic. Whether you’re looking for a unique date night or a family adventure, the center boasts an array of programming:

Mating & Dating (Adults 21+): Celebrate Valentine’s season by learning about “lobo love” and the center’s endangered breeding pairs. Enjoy wine and snacks before a sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Nikai, Silas, and Kinari. ($30/adult)

Winter Wolves (Family Friendly): Discover how wolf packs navigate the winter tundra. This is the best time to see the wolves in their element as the pups experience their first winter! ($15/adult, $12/children)
Junior Wolfkeeper for a Day: Have a middle schooler (grades 6-8) who loves animals? Let them experience a “day in the life” by assisting staff with diet prep, enrichment, and behavior checks. ($75/child)

Pro Tip: These events sell out quickly and pre-registration is required for all programs. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight for the evening sessions.

Find Your Zen at Purchase College

Discover the newest hidden gem for mindfulness—the first Westchester college campus meditation labyrinth designed to help you quiet the mind and find local serenity.

Looking for a peaceful escape? Purchase College just unveiled a beautiful new walking meditation labyrinth, the first of its kind on a Westchester college campus. Located behind the Dance Building near the Native Pollinator Garden, this space is designed specifically to help visitors quiet the mind, ease anxiety, and find fresh inspiration.

Unlike a confusing maze, this continuous circuit—inspired by France’s Chartres Cathedral—is a single path that guides you to a center point for reflection. Labyrinth designs are found across cultures—Native American, Celtic, and mystical Judaism, for example—from as far back as 5,000 years. It is free and open to the community, offering a unique way to practice mindfulness and ground yourself through the simple act of walking. Whether you’re a local resident or a student, it’s a perfect spot to breathe deep and restore your energy.

Location: 735 Anderson Road, Purchase, NY (Behind the Dance Building)
Cost: Free and open to the public

Photo: AI Generated

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

$7,950,000, Rye

A Peninsula of One’s Own

This reimagined waterfront Rye City home embraces nearly 270 degrees of views, creating a tranquil, year‑round escape.

The stats on 6 North Island: 4 BR, 4 full BA, 1 half BA, 5,261 sq. ft., 1.18 acres, $76,125 taxes

Set on the storied shores of Manursing Island, this waterfront retreat at 6 North Island feels less like a traditional home and more like a carefully composed coastal escape. Designed by local architect Paul Benowitz, the residence sits at the edge of its own peninsula, where nearly 270 degrees of open water create a constantly shifting canvas of light, sky, and tide. Sunrises drift in gently over morning coffee; evenings settle in with broad, cinematic sunsets reflected across the Sound.

Inside, the multilevel layout unfolds in airy, sun-washed spaces that invite lingering—rooms positioned with intention so the water is an ever-present companion. High ceilings and generous windows bring in a sense of calm movement throughout the day, while the surrounding landscape feels seamlessly integrated into the home’s experience.

Outdoors, a heated waterfront pool sits just steps from the shoreline, offering a resort-like rhythm to daily life. The expansive patio becomes a natural gathering place for everything from unhurried summer afternoons to barefoot, starlit dinners. A private walking path traces the curve of the peninsula, ideal for quiet morning strolls.

The result is a home that blends the ease of a coastal getaway with the comforts of year‑round living—a serene, sunlit haven shaped by water, light, and timeless design.

6 North Island Photos: Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty

$1.625,000, Garrison

The Hudson River, From a Castle’s Keep

Inside the storied walls of Dicks Castle, this one‑of‑a‑kind residence pairs Moorish architecture with sweeping river views and contemporary quietude.

The stats on 42 Dicks Castle Road: 3 BR, 3 BA, 2,700 sq, ft., 3.99 acres, $12,361 taxes

Rising above the Hudson Highlands, Dicks Castle remains one of the region’s most magnetic landmarks—a Moorish‑inspired stone fortress modeled after the Alhambra and set across wooded acres. Within its storied walls lies a 2,700‑square‑foot home distinguished by three full bedrooms and three full baths, making it the rarest of offerings in this historic enclave.

The interiors echo the drama of the exterior while introducing warmth and modern comfort. Radiant‑heated tile floors imported from India, soaring volumes of space, and thoughtful architectural moments create a rhythm that feels both timeless and contemporary. At its heart, a sweeping great room rises to 23 feet, anchored by an original Reynard fireplace. Two sets of floor‑to‑ceiling doors frame a panorama that stretches across the Hudson River Valley to the illuminated silhouette of West Point—views that shift from misty morning blues to vivid sunset gold.

Upstairs, a lofted primary suite overlooks the great room, while two generously scaled guest rooms each feature Jacuzzi baths. A private deck extends the living space outdoors, offering a quiet perch for stargazing or watching river traffic drift below.

A home that balances history, scale, and soul, it is a singular piece of Hudson Valley living.

42 Dicks Castle Road Photos: Coldwell Banker Katonah