North of the Noise Issue 6

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 foodie, former Westchester Magazine editor-in-chief, and now your neighborhood realtor. Each issue dishes on what’s new in the county dining scene, 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

Modern Italian, Deep Roots: Inside the New La Bocca

The Crocco family blends tradition and innovation, unveiling a modernized focused menu, refreshed dining room, and elevated wine program designed to take guests on a journey through Italy.

Downtown White Plains diners have a newly reimagined destination to explore. La Bocca Ristorante & Vineria, now under the ownership of husband-and-wife team AnnaMaria and Alessandro Crocco, has reopened with a renewed focus on modern Italian cooking, an updated wine program, and a deep respect for the restaurant’s family roots.

For Hartsdale resident Alessandro Crocco, a certified sommelier and former GM, the guiding philosophy is authenticity paired with refinement. The menu takes guests on a journey through Italy’s regions, offering modern interpretations of classic dishes. While a few Italian-American staples remain—chicken scarpariello, penne alla vodka, chicken parm—the heart of the menu is firmly rooted in Italy.

“So for example, instead of eggplant parm, we have a slow-cooked eggplant soufflé with burrata fonduta in a light tomato sauce,” Crocco says. Even the octopus dish takes a new direction: “Instead of the typical preparation grilled in olive oil and garlic, we do it marinated and served in a red pepper sauce with fennel, arugula, and capers.” All pasta and desserts are made in-house, and the kitchen highlights specialties like a fab Calabria-style pasta (fusilli with porcini mushroom, sweet sausage, and pancetta), seafood (Mediterranean Seabass baked with fresh herbs, white wine sauce, lemon, garlic, parsley, and EVOO), and inviting apps (saffron risotto- and pancetta-stuffed arancini, crispy polenta sticks with Bolognese dipping sauce).

Taking over a beloved restaurant came with its own hurdles. “The biggest challenge to taking over an established popular restaurant is people have expectations of what it used to be,” Crocco says. “But we want them to know there is a family legacy here—my wife AnnaMaria is the former owner’s daughter. Tony Spiritoso may not be here, but the family is. It’s the same soul and passion for Italian food.”

Try a house-made dessert: the pear tart wins you over with comfort and elegance in equal measure. The cake is soft, fragrant, and subtly sweet, letting the fruit shine without being heavy. Paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato, every bite gives you a balance of warmth and coolness, richness and lightness.

The refreshed dining room seats 65, with an additional 75-seat private event space and an intimate 12-seat wine room. The upgraded wine program now features 40 labels—and growing—including Amarone by the glass and Nebbiolo from Piedmont, ranging from $45 to $140.

For Westchester diners seeking true Italian cooking and warm, modern hospitality, La Bocca’s next chapter is a must-visit.

La Bocca Photos: JBT

 

 

When the Seven Fishes Feel Like Seven Too Many, There’s Frank Pepe’s

Not everyone has the will—or the kitchen stamina—to pull off a full Seven Fishes Christmas Eve spread. And not everyone has somewhere to go, either. If you’d rather keep things simple (and delicious), Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in Yonkers has you covered. The legendary New Haven–born pizzeria will be open Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1955 Central Park Ave., serving its coal-fired classics to families and anyone opting out of culinary chaos. Yes, there’s even a clam pie, if you still want to nod to tradition. Frank Pepe’s will be closed Christmas Day, but returns to regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. While the restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day, it will reopen for regular hours on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day—perfect for keeping the festivities going with a legendary slice.

Frank Pepe Photos: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        914 THINGS TO DO

Festive Adventures for the Family at Caramoor: Tours, Treats & Traditions

Looking for a holiday family-friendly outing close to home? Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah offers a trio of experiences that make the season feel special.

From December 10–21, Caramoor invites guests inside the storied Rosen House

for its annual Holiday Tours (advance ticket purchase required). The 1939 Mediterranean-style villa—filled with European art, antiques, and architectural treasures—is dressed in seasonal décor inspired by the Rosen family archive. Guests can explore appointed rooms, from a French 17th-century paneled library to a Venetian-influenced dining room and the celebrated Music Room with its Renaissance details. It’s a rare opportunity to experience this historic home in all its festive glory.

During the same period, Caramoor transforms its Summer Dining Room into a Holiday Gift Shop, featuring locally made artisan goods. Whether you’re shopping for a host gift or something handcrafted for someone special, it’s an easy way to support regional makers while enjoying the beauty of the estate.

Families won’t want to miss the Gingerbread Decorating Class on Saturday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m., created in partnership with Feeding Young Foodies. Designed for children ages 4 and up (with an adult), the workshop offers the essential to design a candy-covered gingerbread house—plus warm hot chocolate and time to stroll the decorated Rosen House for inspiration.

For tickets and information, visit Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah.

Caramoor Photos: Gabe Palacio 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step into the Glow at Untermyer Gardens

A month of dazzling lights, global holiday music, and a brand-new nightly Grand March brings fresh magic to this beloved–and free–winter tradition.

One of Westchester’s most beloved winter traditions is back: Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s Grand Holiday Illumination returned December 6 and runs through January 4. What began in 2015 has quickly grown into a magical, must-see event that draws thousands of visitors each year—and it’s completely free.

The Illumination kicked off on Saturday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. with a dramatic lighting ceremony that transformed the historic Walled Garden into a sparkling jewel box of more than 150,000 lights. Since, the garden has glowed nightly from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., including Christmas Eve and Day, as well as New Year’s Eve and Day. No reservations are required, making it an easy, spontaneous outing for families, friends, or out-of-town guests.

In addition to the classical music many associate with Christmas, the Illumination features a beautifully curated soundtrack reflecting the global traditions tied to Indo-Persian gardens and to Samuel Untermyer himself. Expect selections inspired by ancient Zoroastrian Persia, evolving Muslim musical traditions, Jewish music connected to Untermyer’s heritage and the Garden of Eden, and Hindu music reminiscent of the grand Mughal gardens of India.

New this year is the Grand March, a festive guided line dance held most evenings at 7:00 p.m. on the lower terrace lawn (weather permitting). Designed for all ages, the ten-minute dance adds warmth, movement, and camaraderie to the enchanting experience.

Untermyer Photos: John Jacano 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                       REAL ESTATE LISTING

$22,000,000

77 Oregon Road, Bedford Corners 

Perched atop a private hill in one of Bedford’s most exclusive enclaves, 77 Oregon Road spreads across nearly 64 gated acres like a landscape painting; it’s among the largest privately held estates in Westchester. Approached by a half-mile drive lined with mature maples and fruit trees, this 1927 brick Georgian mansion offers sweeping western views toward the Catskills and the sort of privacy and quiet that feel increasingly rare.

At roughly 10,000 square feet, the residence is grand yet graciously livable, with wide-board hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, six marble fireplaces, and rich wood-paneled rooms that speak of craftsmanship and history. The home includes eight bedrooms and eight baths, among them a lofty primary suite complete with a marble bath, fireplace, and a private balcony overlooking the estate.

Outside, the grounds unfold into a world of possibilities: a heated pool with a cabana (fireplace, bar, and changing rooms), a tennis court, a separate guest house, and landscaped lawns and woodland that border preserved parkland—ensuring long-term seclusion and a sense of timelessness. For those seeking a true retreat from city life—yet still a manageable 50-minute drive to Manhattan—this is more than a home: it’s a legacy estate, ready to write its next chapter.

77 Oregon Road Photos: Compass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        WINTER GETAWAY

The Mexican Riviera’s Newest Coastal Sanctuary 

Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres blends barefoot luxury, turquoise horizons, and adults-only tranquility on Cancun’s most pristine stretch of sand.

If you’re dreaming of a warm-weather escape this winter, the brand-new Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres—soft opening was December 1—is poised to be one of Mexico’s most exciting adults-only retreats. Set along the pristine northern beachfront of Cancun, this five-star resort sits between mangroves, tropical jungle, and white-sand shores with crystal-clear turquoise water. It offers easy access to downtown Cancun’s dining and nightlife, plus a quick ferry ride to Isla Mujeres.

The resort features 599 ocean-inspired rooms, sprawling pools (including a wave pool and lazy river), a romantic Balinese-bed zone, and 24-hour all-inclusive dining and cocktails. Guests can enjoy eight specialty restaurants, 10 bars, a full Despacio Spa Centre, and many entertainment options—from a bowling alley to live nightly shows.

For those seeking extra indulgence, the Privilege experience provides exclusive lounges, rooftop terraces, private beach and pool areas, premium spirits, and concierge service. Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres opens fully January 7, 2026—perfect timing for a mid-winter reset.

Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres Photo: Courtesy The Point PR