Dining/FoodHudson ValleyReal EstateTravelWestchesterWestchester County May 5, 2026

North of the Noise Issue 11

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

A Fresh Look for a Scarsdale Staple: KUMO Sushi Lounge

A decade-long Japanese dining staple trades its familiar look for a modern evolution. 

There is a certain rhythm to Scarsdale’s dining scene, and for the last decade, KUMO Sushi Lounge has been a steady beat at its heart. But this spring, the neighborhood staple is trading its familiar look for a surge of modern energy.

Following a swift transformation—completed in just under a week—the lounge has shed its former skin for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The vision comes from owners Chef Steve Chen and K Dong, the duo whose eye for detail has already made waves across the border in Greenwich with spots like MIKU and HINOKI. In the new space, “refined” is the keyword: think curated lighting that sets a moodier, more sophisticated tone and redesigned wall systems that give the room a clean, architectural edge.

While the atmosphere has shifted toward the modern, the soul of the kitchen remains unchanged. General Manager Tanya Huang views the refresh as a celebration of the restaurant’s ten-year journey within the community.

What to order

The menu continues to lean into the high-caliber Japanese fare that earned KUMO its loyal following.

  • The Classics: The miso black cod remains a masterclass in balance—rich, buttery, and perfectly caramelized.

  • The Fresh Cuts: For those who prefer the raw bar, the truffle salmon and yellowtail jalapeño offer bright, punchy starts to a meal.

  • The Experience: If you’re looking to fully lean into the new “elevated” vibe, the omakase selections allow the chefs to showcase the best of the season’s catch.

Whether you’re there for a quick weeknight roll or a full celebratory spread, the new KUMO feels less like a simple renovation and more like a well-deserved evolution.

The KUMO roll: White fish, asparagus, crab meat, eel inside and miso and spicy mayo outside

Gyoza, or traditional Chinese dumplings, come fried or steamed and filled with chicken or veggies.

The pineapple crush

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

914 THINGS TO DO

Historic Hudson Valley Welcomes a Storybook Summer in 2026

Storytelling, live performances, and seasonal celebrations return to Historic Hudson Valley—highlighted by a playful new journey through Washington Irving’s Sunnyside.

Photo: Courtesy Historic Hudson Valley

Historic Hudson Valley’s 2026 season opens May 8 with tours of Philipsburg Manor and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, followed by a season highlight: Rip Van Winkle’s Journey, debuting May 23 (also May 24, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 3, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26). This new immersive outdoor theater experience transforms Sunnyside’s enchanting grounds into a living retelling of Irving’s most famous tale with costumed actors, live music, interactive moments, and complimentary treats. Timed as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the production playfully connects Rip’s legendary slumber with the American Revolution.

Stained-glass windows by European masters, including the last commissioned work by Henri Matisse and nine windows by Marc Chagall, can be found at the Union Church at Pocantico Hills. Photo: Jaime Martorano

The spring and summer calendar also includes the return of An Audience with Poe (May 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27), pictured above, pairing classic storytelling with cocktails, the vibrant Pinkster Festival (May 23) honoring African American history, and a charming Mother’s Day Tea at Philipsburg Manor (May 10). From historic homes and stained glass to culture, literature, and scenic picnic spots, Historic Hudson Valley continues to be one of Westchester’s most enriching ways to experience the season. Tickets are now available at hudsonvalley.org.

 

At Philipsburg Manor, visitors can step into the working gristmill, walk through the manor house with period artifacts, and learn about the 23 enslaved individuals of African descent who lived on the provisioning plantation. Photo: Tom Nycz for Historic Hudson Valley

An outdoor theater experience that brings one of Washington Irving’s tales to life across the picturesque landscape of his Sunnyside estate. A cast of costumed performers guide visitors through the grounds in a playful retelling filled with live music, interactive moments, and complimentary beverages and treats. The production highlights Irving’s lasting influence as the nation nears its 250th anniversary—linking his legacy as the “Father of American Literature” with Rip’s famously long nap through the American Revolution. Photo: HJ Chow for Historic Hudson Valley

 

 

                                                                                                 

                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL

Waikiki Sunrise Surf, Sunset Spritz

From dawn patrol waves to golden‑hour dinners under the Hau Tree, Kaimana Beach Hotel is a refined basecamp for living Waikīkī’s Gold Coast at your own pace.

Tucked along Oahu’s storied Gold Coast, Kaimana Beach Hotel offers a refined escape where heritage, oceanfront adventure, and laid‑back luxury meet. Opened in 1963 on land once home to a historic seaside estate, the hotel sits just beyond the bustle of Waikiki—close enough to enjoy the energy, yet blissfully removed. Backed by Diamond Head and fronting the calm, swimmable waters of Kaimana Beach, this is a favorite base for couples and active travelers who value sunrise surf sessions, coastal runs, and post‑paddle breakfasts beneath the legendary Hau Tree.

Days unfold effortlessly with beachfront yoga, stand‑up paddleboarding, complimentary bike rides through Queen Kapi‘olani Park, snorkel sessions just offshore, and even weekly stargazing under Diamond Head’s glow. Guests enjoy thoughtful comforts including attentive concierge and pre‑arrival services, organic reef‑safe sunscreen, plush beach towels and chairs, and premium filtered Vivreau water refreshed daily. Cultural moments like introductory hula lessons offer a deeper connection to place.

Set within a historic neighborhood known for its preserved 1920s cottages and old‑Hawai‘i charm, evenings wind down with sunset cocktails beneath the Hau Tree—an effortless blend of movement, romance, and Waikīkī’s most authentic rhythm of life.

Kaimana Beach Hotel Photos: The Point PR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  

 

 

Riviera Chic: Sun-Drenched Days at Punta Mita

From the world’s only natural island green to the pink-hued shores of the new Cuevas Club de Playa, this private peninsula redefines the art of the Mexican escape.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when vintage Riviera aesthetics meet the rugged beauty of Mexico’s Pacific Coast. At Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, serene relaxation blends with high-end adventure, plus stunning casitas offer panoramic ocean views, private terraces, and plunge pools surrounded by lush, tropical landscapes.

The resort’s newly debuted Cuevas Club de Playa is the ultimate retreat, offers a chic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Whether you are lounging in pink-hued cabanas, enjoying curated beachside bites, or watching the sunset paint the Pacific, this is more than a getaway—it is an invitation to reconnect. Think scalloped umbrellas in dusty pinks and classic stripes that pop against the deep turquoise of the Pacific.

Beyond the beach, the lifestyle is defined by a slow, rhythmic charm. You might spend a morning teeing off at the Tail of the Whale—the only natural island green in existence—before retreating to the Apuane Spa for a tequila-stone massage. The resort’s Mexican casitas and expansive villas, such as the seven-bed, 10-bath Casa Tesoro, lend a front-row seat to the region’s legendary sunsets.

As golden hour descends upon this private, double-gated peninsula, the entire resort glows with a soft, cinematic light. Whether you’re enjoying fresh zarandeado at Bahía or exploring the nearby surf-chic streets of Sayulita, it’s a sophisticated escape that feels less like a hotel stay and more like a permanent summer.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Photos: The Point PR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

$1,950,000 North Salem

Comedian Pete Davidson’s Country Home For Sale

If you’ve been looking for a reason to explore the rolling hills of North Salem, this 1930s sophisticated country house at 258 Hardscrabble Road provides a pretty compelling one. Set on six acres, the property—recently listed by comedian Pete Davidson—is a masterclass in blending vintage character with a contemporary, airy aesthetic.

Known as Tamoset, the home sits at the end of a long, private drive, offering the kind of “paradise” stillness that’s hard to find within an hour of the city. The interior features vaulted ceilings and random-width pine floors, but the real showstopper is the Great Room, anchored by a dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

The layout is designed to bring the outdoors in, with walls of windows overlooking a picturesque pond and old stone walls. For those who prioritize wellness and recreation, the amenities are robust for a 2,300-square-foot home:

  • Wellness & Spa: A sauna, wine cellar, and a covered porch equipped with both a cold plunge and a hot tub.

  • The Aqua Factor: A covered lap pool with swim jets and a custom, massive fish tank that remains a signature feature of the Great Room.

  • Creative Space: A detached outbuilding currently houses a gym and a media room (where Davidson filmed his video podcast).

Whether it’s the primary suite’s private terraced garden or the dining area that opens directly onto two decks, the home feels like a true sanctuary. It’s a rare opportunity to see a 1930s build so thoughtfully renovated for a modern, “loft-like” lifestyle, all just moments away from the local apple orchards.

$8,000,000, Monticello

Modern Luxury Meets High-Octane Living

The ultimate high-tech sanctuary for the automotive enthusiast and modern connoisseur.

The stats on 97 Serenity Lane: 4 BR, 4 BA, 1 Half Bath, 7,825 Sq. Ft., 5.01 Acres. $24,392 Taxes

 

Tucked away on five private acres within the gated Motor Club Estates, 97 Serenity Lane represents a convergence of architectural sophistication and automotive passion. This nearly 8,000-square-foot residence is less of a traditional house and more of a curated sanctuary for those who appreciate world-class technology and precision engineering.

The interior sets a bold tone with Italian porcelain flooring and a 149-inch television wall, but the true centerpiece is a full-scale Alfa Romeo F1 Show Car display that integrates high-performance design into the living space. For the connoisseur, a climate-controlled 300-bottle glass wine cellar and a custom chef’s kitchen—with integrated wireless charging—make the home a hub for entertaining.

Beyond the aesthetics, the estate is a marvel of sustainability, powered by Tesla solar technology and geothermal climate control. For the serious collector, the professional-grade garage facility is unmatched, featuring an in-ground scissor lift and specialized workshop equipment. Complete with a Gold Membership to the Monticello Motor Club, this property offers a lifestyle defined by speed, comfort, and absolute privacy.

 

 

 

 

97 Serenity Lane Photos: Douglas Elliman

Heated stone lounge chairs