Dining/FoodHudson ValleyReal EstateTravelWestchesterWestchester County April 7, 2026

North of the Noise Issue 10

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

Hartsdale’s Stylish Go-To: Urban Central

Thoughtful hospitality, crowd‑pleasing dishes, and a sultry bar make this neighborhood restaurant a bright addition to the local dining scene.

Left to Right: Coffee-candied bacon and red pearl onion marmalade make the Central burger a must-order; boneless fried chicken bites; tuna poke Napoleon

Hartsdale’s dining scene continues to shine with Urban Central Restaurant & Bar, a 45‑seat neighborhood relative newcomer at 10 Central Avenue, which opened in June of 2024. It’s part of a what’s become a foodie hub which includes Maska Indian, Fantasy Cuisine, and Matanzas Cuban Cafe within a short walk of one another at the long-stoplight Four Corners intersection.

Urban Central offers an elevated American menu—with a range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrées, and USDA Prime dry‑aged steaks and chops, plus a whimsical Kid’s Menu and gluten‑free options woven throughout the menu.

Guests can dig into local favorites such as ahi tuna tacos, a steak sandwich, mushroom flatbread, and beautifully prepared plates like lamb lollipops and grilled octopus.

The bar program is centered around a spacious 12‑seat full bar featuring specialty cocktails, 10 wines by the glass, and six draught beers. Two standout sips from the cocktail list include the blueberry Thai basil smash, made with blueberry vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, blueberries, and a sprig of basil, and the raspberry mint smash, a refreshing blend of Tito’s Vodka, fresh lemon juice, honey simple syrup, raspberries, and mint—both served over ice.

Urban Central Photos: JBT

Urban Central is the newest concept from seasoned Westchester restaurateurs Brian Angarola and Pedro Luis Sosa, the longtime duo behind The Urban Hamlet in Bronxville. Their decades of experience and warm, detail‑oriented approach to hospitality shape the polished yet welcoming atmosphere that has made the restaurant a neighborhood favorite.

With its versatile menu, inviting ambiance, and neighborhood‑centric vibe, Urban Central has become one of Hartsdale’s most appealing restaurants—a lifestyle perk for anyone considering a move to the area.

Left: Caramel flan

 

 

 

 

 

An Italian Gem Unearthed in Dobbs 

A wave of authentic Italian flavor has arrived in Dobbs Ferry with the January 6 opening of Abbiocco Salumeria & Focacceria.

Left to Right: Porchetta, broccoli rabe, and crumbled fennel taralli make up the Napoli; Nutella croissant, pistachio bombolone

Abbiocco Photos: JBT

This Italian sandwich shop, bakery, and market, owned by Elda and Vincenzo Adamo, specializes in imported meats, cheeses, and house-made staples like pastry, pasta and sauces.

 

                                       While many are familiar with the standard neighborhood deli, Abbiocco operates as a true salumeria. The distinction is in the craft: where a deli focuses on convenience and variety, a salumeria is a curated destination for high-end cured meats (salumi) and artisan cheeses thus the menu is short—a dozen or so sandwiches to chose from.

The sandwiches are served on fresh, house-made focaccia. Here are a few standouts:

  • The Zuzzus ($20.5): Featuring 22-month aged Prosciutto di Parma, shaved parmigiano, porcini, and truffle cream.

  • The Gabriel ($18): A rich blend of mortadella, smoked burrata, and pistachio pesto.

  • The Inferno ($17.5): For those seeking heat, this features schiacciata piccante, ‘nduja calabrese paste, caramelized onions, and honey.

  • The Mare & Monti ($20): A unique coastal-meets-mountain offering with octopus, pistachio pesto, arugula, and smoked sea salt.

Whether you’re stopping in for a pistachio cream-stuffed bombolone, a focaccia, or a quick Kimbo espresso, Abbiocco is a must-visit for any self-respecting 914 foodie.

 

Farm-Fresh Finds in Valhalla

The Farm Café brings feel‑good flavors, homemade comfort, and health‑forward fast dining to the neighborhood—offering a cozy new stop for breakfast, lunch, and everything in between.
     
Valhalla welcomed a new addition in late 2025 with the opening of The Farm Café, a farm‑to‑table spot designed for locals who want quick, wholesome meals without compromising quality. Owner and New Rochelle resident Gianna Giampia—a functional nutritionist with deep roots in both food and hospitality—created the café to fill a gap she felt as a busy commuter: fast, health‑forward breakfast and lunch options that still feel homemade.

 

The 19‑seat, homestead‑chic café serves both dine‑in comfort and grab‑and‑go convenience, with an emphasis on vegan, vegetarian, and gluten‑free choices. Guests can expect breakfast options such as lemon‑ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote and the Coop Classic (crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, white cheddar, arugula, sundried tomato aioli on a butter croissant) plus the Barnyard Blaze BLT, the Feather and Fig (grilled chicken, fig jam, goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, and fig balsamic glaze on a toasted baguette), and an elote chicken bowl (mojo-marinated chicken thighs, grilled corn, lime crema, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cilantro lime rice, cotija and cilantro). Rustic sides—including maple sriracha cauliflower and Moo & Mac—round out the menu.

Thoughtful, warm, and accessible, The Farm Café has become a Valhalla favorite.

 

 

914 THINGS TO DO

PickleRage Brings Year-Round Pickleball Energy to New Rochelle  

Westchester’s largest dedicated pickleball club arrives in the Queen City, offering a vibrant new hub for active living.

Photo Courtesy PickleRage

Westchester’s pickleball scene is getting a major boost with the opening of PickleRage, the county’s largest dedicated indoor pickleball venue. Located at 173 Huguenot Street, the expansive 42,000‑square‑foot club offers 13 CushionX courts, smart‑court technology, and a lineup of leagues, clinics, and lessons led by seasoned coach Geoffrey Jagdfeld. Members can enjoy priority court access, exclusive events, and unwind in the players’ lounge or try the Full Swing golf simulators. With its community‑oriented atmosphere, PickleRage adds another exciting lifestyle amenity to New Rochelle’s changing downtown.

 

 

 

Spring in Full Bloom: Flower House Weekend Returns to Lyndhurst, Apr 18–19

Celebrate the season at Lyndhurst’s Flower House Weekend, where lush floral displays, artisan markets, and family‑friendly fun showcase the charm of Westchester living.

Liflander Photography

One of the Hudson Valley’s most enchanting spring traditions is back. On April 18th and 19th, Lyndhurst opens its doors for Flower House Weekend, inviting guests to explore the iconic Gilded Age mansion as it’s transformed into an immersive floral wonderland. More than 20 acclaimed florists will reimagine three floors of the historic estate with over‑the‑top botanical installations, creating a vivid celebration of spring that’s perfect for families, friends, and anyone seeking a dose of seasonal inspiration.

Beyond the mansion, visitors can enjoy an expanded Flower House Market featuring 30+ artisan vendors offering botanical décor, handmade ceramics, gourmet foods, garden accents, and unique gifts ideal for refreshing your home for the season. Food trucks, pop‑up cafés, craft beverages, and family‑friendly activities—from puppet shows to whimsical face painting—make this a full‑day experience worth savoring.

For residents and future homeowners, Flower House Weekend showcases the charm, culture, and community spirit that make living in Westchester so special. With scenic grounds, historic architecture, and creative events like this woven into the local lifestyle, it’s easy to see why the region remains one of the most desirable places to call home.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

REAL ESTATE LISTING

$2,995,000, Pound Ridge

Scandinavian Serenity on Six Acres

From its quartz‑clad chef’s kitchen to its resort‑style pool and spa‑level main suite, this modern haven delivers crafted spaces, sweeping views, and seamless indoor‑outdoor living define this stunning retreat.

Set on nearly six acres of natural beauty, 21 Black Spring Road is a reimagined modern retreat—turn‑key and ready for summer by the pool. Flooded with light from floor‑to‑ceiling mahogany windows and doors, the home opens onto an expansive deck overlooking wildflower gardens, stone walls, and rolling lawns. Newly installed rift‑sawn wide‑plank oak floors and refinished ceilings bring warmth and texture to the streamlined, Scandinavian‑inspired design.

The open main level centers around a quartz‑clad chef’s kitchen with dining area, breakfast nook, and chic den, flowing into a stunning living room with a Moroccan‑tiled gas fireplace. A private main‑level suite provides flexible use as a guest room or primary. Upstairs, two serene bedrooms share a beautifully finished bath, while the primary suite features a custom designer closet and spa‑level bathroom with freestanding tub and dual‑head shower.

The entry level—finished with heated polished concrete—offers a gym/yoga room with infrared sauna, full bath, and lounge. A brand‑new garage and sun‑drenched pool complete this rare, modern sanctuary. Minutes to Bedford Village, Katonah, trails, and top-rated Katonah‑Lewisboro schools, it’s the best of privacy and convenience—about an hour from NYC.

 

 

 

 

21 Black Spring Road Photos: Corcoran Legends Realty