North of the Noise Issue 9

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 Sweetest Tradition: St. Joseph’s Pastries

Exploring the history, lore, and area bakeries that serve the zeppole di San Giuseppe specialty.

March 19 marks the Feast of St. Joseph, and in Westchester, that means one thing: Zeppole di San Giuseppe. These elegant choux pastry rings—either deep-fried or baked—are filled with rich vanilla custard or sweetened ricotta (my favorite) and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a maraschino cherry.

The tradition is rooted in deep history. Some trace it back to the Roman festival of Liberalia, while others credit 19th-century Neapolitan nobility. However, the most popular lore links the pastry to St. Joseph’s time in Egypt, where he reportedly sold cakes to support his family. Even the name zeppole may stem from zeppa—the wooden wedges Joseph used as a carpenter. Today, these “carpenter’s cakes” are the essential treat for St. Joseph’s Day, which also doubles as Father’s Day in Italy.

Where to Find Them Locally

We are spoiled for choices in Westchester. Artuso Pastry Shop in Thornwood and Fleetwood Bakery in Mount Vernon and Pleasantville are heavy hitters for authentic Italian flair, while Sweet Delights in Somers is a fantastic local stop for those in Northern Westchester. If you find yourself crossing the line into Putnam, General Bakeshop in Brewster is well worth the trip. These seasonal favorites vanish quickly, so grab a dozen before they’re gone until next year.

Photos: JBT

914 THINGS TO DO

A Global Lens on Jewish Life

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) returns with its premier showcase of international cinema, featuring over 20 programs that explore the resilience, complexity, and heart of the Jewish experience.

Shoah (1985) A definitive, nine-hour masterpiece of oral history that foregoes archival footage to document the Holocaust through the searing testimonies of survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators across 14 nations.

This year’s Jewish Film Festival, running March 24–31 and April 3–6, offers a journey through history and personal storytelling. The curated 24th edition selection spans the gamut of the Jewish experience, juxtaposing high-stakes espionage and landmark hate-speech litigation against New York comedies and experimental Yiddish classics. Beyond the screenings, the festival fosters critical dialogue through a series of deep-dive Q&A sessions with filmmakers and scholars, while the Take 3 Wine Bar & Cafe offers a nod to nostalgic New York culture with its signature egg creams.

The 2026 Festival Lineup:

- My Underground Mother (Opening Night, March 24): A poignant investigation into a mother’s clandestine survival within Nazi forced labor camps. Includes filmmaker Q&A and reception.
- Fantasy Life (March 25 & April 3): Amanda Peet leads this sharply observed New York comedy centered on an actress navigating professional stagnation and an unlikely bond. Includes filmmaker Q&A.
- Frontier (March 25): A gripping narrative following Spanish villagers who risked everything to guide Jewish refugees across the Pyrenees.
- Sapiro vs. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford (March 26 & April 3): A scholarly recount of the 1927 defamation suit that serves as a foundational moment in the history of American hate-speech trials. Includes filmmaker Q&A.

Mazel Tov (2025) An Argentine comedy-drama where a son learns his estranged father has died just as he’s about to travel back to Argentina for his sister’s wedding.

- A Letter to David (March 26 & 31): A harrowing documentary that bridges the events of October 7th with archival footage captured by a victim a decade prior.
- Full Support + Ilana Goor: Woman Against the Wind (March 27): A double-bill celebrating formidable Israeli women, from avant-garde sculptors to the matriarchs of local commerce.
- Neshoma (March 27 & April 6): A meticulously restored archival portrait capturing the vibrant spirit of Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter in the interwar period.
- Once Upon My Mother (March 27): A moving cinematic adaptation of Roland Perez’s memoir, detailing a mother’s fierce advocacy for her disabled son.
- The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz + The Street (March 28): A rare 35mm presentation of the Richard Dreyfuss classic, complemented by an award-winning animated short.
- Our Children (March 28): This landmark 1948 Yiddish production features child survivors utilizing performance as a vehicle for collective catharsis.
- Death & Taxes (March 28): A candid familial documentary that examines the American Dream through the lens of a patriarch’s fixation on estate litigation. Includes subject Q&A

My Underground Mother (2025) A documentary that traces a daughter’s epic search for her late mother’s hidden Holocaust past in a WWII labor camp.

- The Last Spy (March 28 & April 4): An extraordinary biographical account of Peter Sichel, a German-Jewish refugee who rose to become a master of American espionage. Includes filmmaker Q&A.
- The Fleischer Brothers’ Betty Boop Cartoons (March 29): A retrospective of restored jazz-age animation highlighting the innovative Jewish duo behind a global icon.
- A Three Course Meal: Three Food Films (March 29 & April 4): A triptych of shorts exploring the intersection of culinary tradition and community, from Tel Aviv to the Lower East Side.
- His Wife’s Lover + Orchard Street (March 29): A 1931 Yiddish musical comedy presented on 35mm, paired with Ken Jacobs’ experimental street photography. Includes critic Q&A.
- When Caesar Was King: How Sid Caesar Invented Comedy (March 29): An illustrated lecture and book signing exploring the tectonic shift Caesar caused in the landscape of American humor.
- All I Had Was Nothingness + Night and Fog (March 30 & April 6): A rigorous examination of the editorial process behind the epic Shoah, paired with Alain Resnais’ quintessential Holocaust short. Includes curator Q&A.
- Mazel Tov (March 31 & April 3): A contemporary exploration of the rituals and celebrations that define modern Jewish identity.
- Shoah (April 5): A monumental screening of Claude Lanzmann’s nine-hour cinematic landmark, presented in its entirety.

Jewish Film Festival Photos: Jacob Burns Film Center

TRAVEL

A Peak-Bloom Escape Worth Planning Your Spring Around

This thoughtfully composed two‑night getaway pairs design‑driven comfort with spa innovation, Sakura Club exclusivity, and a guided look at DC’s most storied spring tradition.

Presidential Suite Living Room

Photos: Conrad Washington, DC

Looking for a unforgettable spring retreat? This year’s Cherry Blossom season reaches new heights of luxury with a two‑night experience at the Conrad Washington, DC—crafted for travelers who crave beauty, wellness, and bespoke service.

Guests are welcomed with a custom Cherry Blossom amenity, featuring official memorabilia from the National Cherry Blossom Foundation and a limited‑edition, cherry‑inspired candle. Rooms are thoughtfully accented with seasonal décor, bringing the magic of peak bloom indoors.

Unwind with two 60‑minute Aescape robotic massages, an innovative, AI‑powered spa experience that melts away tension—followed by cherry‑themed cocktails and sweets. Each stay also includes monogrammed Conrad plush robes to take home.

The package unlocks exclusive access to the Sakura Club, where travelers enjoy elevated breakfasts, evening dishes, and a premium Japanese whisky tasting, all with sweeping city views. The highlight: a chauffeured tour of the Tidal Basin and DC’s iconic monuments, complete with a chef‑curated picnic.

Bookable through April 30, 2026, this limited‑edition experience starts at $3,900 for a two‑night stay (excluding tax and fees), based on availability.

A Taste of Peru at the Foot of Machu Picchu

From Andean‑inspired desserts to ingredient‑driven snacks and a traditional Pachamanca demonstration, Sumaq Machu Picchu unveils a refreshed culinary program rooted in heritage and sustainability.

Photos: Courtesy of Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Sitting at the base of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and long revered as one of Peru’s most authentic luxury retreats, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is deepening its connection to place with a new collection of food and beverage experiences that celebrate the country’s diverse landscapes, ancestral traditions, and local communities. The 62‑key boutique property—known for its blend of contemporary Andean design, personalized service, and deep cultural programming—continues to evolve its culinary identity while honoring Peru’s millenary heritage.

A Virtuoso‑designated hotel, Sumaq invites guests into a purposeful journey where nature, culture, and conscious luxury converge. Its location at the foot of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary provides not only unmatched proximity to the ancient citadel, but also a spiritual setting for immersive encounters with Andean culture—from shaman‑guided excursions to symbolic ceremonies that honor the mystical legacy of the region.

A New Dessert Menu Inspired by Andean Landscapes

At Qunuq, the hotel’s signature restaurant, a new dessert menu brings the geography of Peru to life through modern pastry artistry. Each creation draws from native ingredients and visual narratives that evoke the mountains, valleys, and jungles of the Andes.

Highlights include:

Sumaq Bonbons – a refined tribute to raisins and algarrobina, two ingredients deeply tied to Peruvian tradition.
Lucuma Roll Cake – reimagined with the ancestral Andean fruit, Chuncho cocoa from the valley, and locally sourced coffee.
Amazonian Cheesecake – lush, aromatic, and reflective of the biodiversity of the Peruvian jungle.
Andean Stuffed Potato – a playful dessert filled with molten chocolate and finished with crunchy quinoa for texture and depth.

A Contemporary Take on Andean Snacking

Sumaq’s new Snack Menu elevates local ingredients through refined culinary techniques. Cured alpaca, freshwater valley trout, and cushuro—a rare, nutrient‑rich Andean superfood harvested from high‑altitude wetlands—take center stage.

Signature items include:

Alpaca Steak Tartare, cured in Andean herbs and paired with a velvety pachamanca‑inspired emulsion.
Sweet Potato Brioche Shrimp Rolls, topped with cushuro for a bright, fresh finish.
Vegetarian Selections like panko‑quinoa‑crusted eggplant and aromatic vegetable skewers sourced from the hotel’s own garden.

All ingredients are responsibly sourced from regional producers, reinforcing Sumaq’s commitment to sustainability and to celebrating the authentic flavors of the Andes.

Cheesecake Amazonico

Alpaca Steak Tartare

A Culinary Homage to Mother Earth

One of the hotel’s signature cultural offerings, the Pachamanca Culinary Demonstration, continues to anchor the culinary program. Guests witness the traditional earth‑oven preparation of Pachamanca—one of Peru’s most ancient and symbolic dishes—made as an act of gratitude to Mother Earth. The experience culminates in a Pachamanca feast, accompanied by chicha de jora, the traditional fermented corn beverage.

More Ways to Taste Peru

Beyond the new menus, Sumaq offers tasting menus, hands‑on cooking classes, mixology workshops, and a range of interactive experiences that bring guests into the heart of Peru’s gastronomic history. Each is designed to deepen cultural connection and highlight the country’s remarkable culinary diversity.

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

$4,585,000, Armonk

Quiet Sophistication on Sarles Street

A 2023 reimagining of a classic estate, where seven acres of privacy meet the art of modern entertaining.

The stats on 55 Sarles Street: 4 BD, 5 Full BA, 2 Half Bath, 7,289 Sq. Ft., 6.95 Acres, $52,870 Taxes

There is a specific kind of stillness that only comes with a property like 55 Sarles Street. Set on nearly seven private acres in one of Armonk’s most coveted corridors, this isn’t just a residence; it’s a retreat that manages to feel both grand and intimate.

Originally built in 2006 and reimagined through a comprehensive 2023 renovation, the home balances traditional Colonial architecture with a contemporary, organic aesthetic. Inside, the scale is the first thing to notice—soaring ceilings and a dramatic two-story family room that serves as the home’s heartbeat. The new chef’s kitchen is a masterclass in modern design, featuring custom white oak cabinetry and an oversized island that naturally draws guests in.

The lifestyle here extends beyond the 7,200 square feet of interior space. The walk-out lower level is a wellness and entertainment hub—home to a private gym, wine cellar, and professional-grade movie theater.

However, the true magic of the estate lies outdoors. The grounds are manicured but lush, featuring a heated pool and spa. The standout is the covered outdoor living room—a year-round sanctuary complete with its own kitchen, fireplace, and lounge area. For those who crave a connection to nature, the property sits adjacent to the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Nature Preserve, offering 250 acres of pristine hiking trails right at your doorstep.

It is a rare find: a private sanctuary that remains just moments from Armonk Village (including a top bakery for doughnuts and cookies, Beascakes Bakery) and a 50-minute commute to Manhattan.

55 Sarles Photos: Compass

$4,895,000, Rye

A Tuscan Inspired Masterpiece Above the Sound

The stats on 7 Rockledge Road: 7 BR, 8 Full BA, 2 Half BA, 13,923 Sq. Ft., 5.21 Acres, $102, 329 Taxes

High on a tree-lined rise just minutes from the Sound Shore in Rye, this estate offers a rare sense of arrival. It isn’t just the 5.2 acres of manicured grounds or the distant, shimmering views of the Long Island Sound; it is the immediate feeling of being transported to a private villa in the Tuscan countryside.

The heart of the home is a cinematic, 40-foot central atrium, where a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a suspended walkway create a sculptural interplay of light and glass. While the scale is magnificent, the design remains intentional—four levels of sun-drenched living spaces that transition gracefully from a stately library and executive office to a Great Room built for the art of the cocktail hour.

Outside the infinity pool appears to drop off into the horizon, complemented by a dedicated pool house, a clay tennis court, and an indoor-outdoor jacuzzi for crisp Westchester evenings. For the enthusiast, the amenities are comprehensive: a private bowling alley, a professional gym, a wine cellar, and a seven-car gallery.

The primary suite serves as a sanctuary within a sanctuary, featuring a private sundeck, dual marble ensuites, and a suite of boutique-style dressing rooms. With a heated driveway for seamless winters and an elevator servicing every floor, the estate is as functional as it is formidable. Located moments from downtown Rye and the Metro-North, it offers a world-class retreat within easy reach of the city.