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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 13 October 2026

Created: 13 October 2026

Last Updated: 13 October 2026

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The managers of Scarsdale’s newest Italian restaurant, Capretta, have hit the ground running. The opening was long anticipated, and shoppers watched for months as the space formerly occupied by Japanese restaurant Akai underwent its transformation.

When Capretta finally opened in late September, diners were greeted by a colorful tile floor, a long bar, a large wood-burning oven, and a façade of windows that open onto the Spencer Place sidewalk. Even better, the proprietors, Z Hospitality Group, are experienced restaurateurs who operate well-known spots such as Terra and Mediterraneo in Greenwich and Aurora in Rye. They have the know-how to bring first-class food and hospitality to Scarsdale’s discerning but welcoming clientele. Capretta has been an instant hit.

We were invited to dine on a Monday, and the restaurant was already packed and lively. If this was what Monday night looked like, we could only imagine the scene on a Saturday!

Despite the crowd, we had plenty of space and could easily hear our companions over the buzz of conversation.

A look at the menu revealed so many appealing options that choosing was no easy task. Fortunately, we were attending a tasting and had the opportunity to sample a wide range of dishes.

First, the libations. Recognizing that some diners prefer lower-alcohol or alcohol-free options, the drink menu is divided into several categories. There are proprietary cocktails featuring creative combinations, classic cocktails, and four fruity spritzes made with nonalcoholic prosecco. A collection of aptly named “Placebo” drinks offers alcohol-free alternatives that look just as enticing as their spirited counterparts. There is also a pleasing selection of red and white wines, along with beers to suit a variety of tastes.

The food menu has something for everyone, including vegetarians, pizza aficionados, pasta lovers, and those seeking a satisfying main course. Choices range from chicken and fish to steak, pork chops, and even braised short ribs.

With so many tempting dishes, it was difficult to know how much to eat—or how to save room for what was coming next!

We began with an endive and chicory salad tossed with Black Mission figs, walnuts, and cheese in a white balsamic dressing. It earned rave reviews around the table. Other starters included veal meatballs in tomato butter and zucchini flowers stuffed with shrimp and mascarpone, served with a tomato marinade.

Needless to say, I was already feeling full before two irresistible pizzas emerged from the wood-burning oven.

The first was topped with San Marzano tomatoes, wild oregano, and pecorino cheese. Its crust was crisp, with just the slightest char, and the pizza was delicious enough to stand on its own as a meal. Next came “The Detroit,” a deep-dish pie topped with pepperoni, cherry peppers, and garlic, then finished with spicy honey.

Need I say more?

Another standout came from the pasta menu. The agnolotti—half-moon-shaped stuffed pasta pockets—were filled with roasted chicken and served with chanterelle mushrooms in a rich brown sauce. Delicious!

Next time, I’ll pace myself, skip a few appetizers, and save room for the main courses. The Parmesan-crusted halibut, served with zucchini noodles in a beurre blanc sauce, was voted the group’s favorite. The Chicken Scarpariello, accompanied by sweet sausage, roasted potatoes, and cherry peppers, was another hit. We rounded out the savory courses with rich, braised short ribs served with potato pavé and a mascarpone-horseradish sauce.

My companions ordered dessert, and everything looked delicious. Sadly, by that point, I simply couldn’t manage another bite!

It was truly a feast, and Capretta delivered on every level: an appealing setting, a lively atmosphere, and a menu that offers something for every taste. I’ll be returning to this happening spot as soon as I can reserve on Open Table.

Buon appetito, Scarsdale!

Capretta
57 Spencer Place
Scarsdale
(914) 202 6900

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 05 October 2026

Created: 05 October 2026

Last Updated: 05 October 2026

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The members of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library are excited to announce that Anna Quindlen will visit our community on Wednesday, October 21, to discuss her latest novel, More Than Enough. This best-seller has been praised by NPR for its emotional sophistication and authenticity: More simply put, it’s a great read, and you will find yourself thinking about the characters long after putting the book down.

What’s more, the conversation (no major spoilers!) between Anna, as all her fans like to call her, and interviewer Sarah Lyall, who holds the unique title of Writer at Large at the New York Times, is sure to be a warm and lively exchange. Sarah has written about everything from dog shows to London book shops, and has worked on virtually every desk at the paper; she appears frequently on the NYT Book Review podcast, and pens a column about thrillers every month.

Before Quindlen started writing novels, she was the first woman to do a lot of things at the New York Times. Back in the day when newspapers were only printed, her many followers looked forward to reading her “About New York” columns, and later, the immensely popular “Life in the Thirties” as soon as the paper was delivered. In 1990, the Times asked Quindlen to become the third woman ever to write for its influential Op-Ed page; her subsequent column, called “Public and Private” took on tough issues related to culture, education, health care, work-life balance and social justice, winning a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. Soon after, when offered a top editing position, Quindlen opted to prioritize her time with her three children, declined the post and turned to novel writing as a new, and more flexible, challenge.

Thirteen of Quindlen’s books, including eight novels, have appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Three of her novels have been made into movies, including One True Thing, a semi-autobiographical story about a college student who takes a year off to care for her dying mother. The movie starred Meryl Streep, Renee Zellweger and William Hurt, with Streep receiving an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Quindlen’s wise and witty A Short Guide to a Happy Life has become a popular college graduation gift, selling well over a million copies. Let’s hope that Quindlen, who is so well known for her ability to blend humor, empathy and sharp insight, will share some life lessons while she tells us about the process of writing More Than Enough, and maybe gives us the scoop on her next project.

Please join the Friends of the Scarsdale Library for wine, light bites and lively conversation at Scarsdale Golf Club on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm. For tickets please register here. We are grateful to our leading sponsors: New York Presbyterian, Zach and Heather Harrison, and the Laura Miller Team at Houlihan Lawrence.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 15 September 2026

Created: 15 September 2026

Last Updated: 15 September 2026

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The Scarsdale Woman's Club is gearing up for a new year full of entertaining and informative programs and social activities. Members hail from all over Westchester and beyond.

Everyone is invited to an open house and membership fair Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1-4 pm at the historic clubhouse, 37 Drake Road, Scarsdale. Members of club sections on art, literature and film, music, world culture and travel, home and garden, education, personal investing, pottery and food and dining will showcase their activities and answer questions. Attendees can learn about trips to theaters, museums, gardens and other places of interest; special events, and the club’s support of local philanthropies.

Fall programs are up and running. Here’s what’s on tap, open to the public free of charge: Alll programs are at 2 pm except as noted.

Sept. 23, Literature & Film, 2 pm: Meghan Covington on “Theater as a Vehicle for Social Change”

Sept. 24, World Cultures: “Into the Wild”: Sy Schreiber leads a safari to Tanzania

Sept. 30, Art: Page Knox on “The Art of ‘Mona’s Eyes’”

Oct. 7, Music: “A Musical Celebration of American History” with Mauro Contrastano and Donna Cribani

Oct. 14, Education: “The Life and Work of Luigi DelBianco, Carver of Mount Rushmore”

Oct. 17 and 18: Tag & Book Sale, Saturday, 9 am-3:30 pm; Sunday, 11 am-3 pm

Oct. 21, Literature & Film: “The Black Experience in American Cinema” with Joseph Sgammato

Oct. 22, Pottery, Play with Clay, call for details

Oct. 28, Food & Dining:.”Transforming Puff Pastry” demonstration by Tina Baccardi

Nov. 12, Thursday, 7 pm: Wine Tasting and Silent Auction

Nov. 18, Education: Robert Groban on “The History of Immigration in the USA.”

For more information, go to scarsdalewomansclub.org.

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Written by: Cynthia Samwick

Published: 01 September 2026

Created: 01 September 2026

Last Updated: 01 September 2026

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At a time when many Jewish families are thinking more deeply about what it means to be Jewish, a new initiative at Westchester Reform Temple is offering a simple but powerful answer: bring more Jewish joy into everyday life.

The newly reimagined JShop at Westchester Reform Temple is more than a place to purchase Judaica, gifts, jewelry and home décor. It is an invitation to bring beauty, meaning, tradition and joy into our homes and to share those moments with the people we love.

For me, however, the JShop is also deeply personal.

I am the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. My father survived one of the darkest chapters in human history and spent his life building a family and a future. He died several years ago, but the lessons of his life remain with me every day.

Now, as a grandmother, I find myself thinking even more about what we pass from one generation to the next.

We often speak about the importance of remembering the past. And we must remember. But I do not believe Jewish identity can be built only on what has happened to us. Our children and grandchildren deserve to inherit not only the memory of Jewish suffering, but also the extraordinary beauty of Jewish life.

Especially in today’s climate, when antisemitism has once again made many Jews feel vulnerable, it feels more important than ever that we do not allow fear or hatred to define who we are.

As Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said, “A Jewish story may begin with tears, but it always ends with hope.”

That idea has become central to my own sense of mission. The answer to hatred cannot simply be fear. It must also be to live Jewish life more fully - to celebrate Shabbat, gather around holiday tables, give Jewish gifts, mark our milestones and fill our homes with reminders of who we are and what we cherish.

Judaism also teaches us something important about the word pride. In Jewish thought, pride can suggest arrogance or taking personal credit for gifts we did not earn. We can take pride in the work we do and the choices we make, but perhaps an even more meaningful response is gratitude - for the gift of Jewish life, for the traditions passed down to us, and for the opportunity to pass them forward.

That spirit is at the heart of the JShop.

The shop has been thoughtfully reimagined as a modern Judaica and gift boutique for today’s Jewish families. Its collection includes Judaica, home décor, jewelry, baby and holiday gifts, and other unique items designed to make Jewish living feel beautiful, accessible and relevant.

Whether a family is welcoming Shabbat, celebrating a simcha, preparing for a holiday or simply looking for a meaningful gift, the JShop offers ways to make those moments feel special.

The project is a collaborative effort led by Lauren Birnbaum, Fran Frydman, Robyn Levitt, Rachel Schmerin and me - women who share a commitment to creating a welcoming and vibrant space for the WRT community and beyond.

The JShop is also a not-for-profit initiative. All proceeds from the shop will be reinvested to support programs and initiatives at Westchester Reform Temple, in the broader community and in Israel. Every purchase, therefore, helps contribute to something larger than the item itself.

The JShop’s Grand Opening will take place on Thursday, September 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Westchester Reform Temple, featuring pop-up vendors, new merchandise and festive surprises.

For me, this is about more than opening a store.

It is about honoring where we have come from without allowing the darkest chapters of our history to have the final word. It is about looking at our children and grandchildren and asking what kind of Jewish inheritance we want to give them.

My father survived. His generation rebuilt. Our generation now has the privilege and the responsibility to make sure that what we pass forward is not only memory, but also joy.

The JShop is one small expression of that larger mission: to make Jewish life visible, beautiful and meaningful in our everyday lives and to ensure that the story we pass to the next generation is one of resilience, gratitude, hope and joy.