Food for Thought in Hard Times: Food and Beverage Options Available in Our Area

By Linda Viertel

 

The coronavirus has immeasurably altered our lives, and we are all suffering in various ways too numerous to articulate. But we all need to eat, and as healthily as possible, in order to keep up our mental and physical strengths. Many of us are responsible for children now at home needing lunches and snacks, elderly friends and parents, as well as those with disabilities.

In this ever-changing world, our staff at The Hudson Independent is building a compilation of rivertown venues that are open either for delivery or take-out or both. In an effort to help residents and restaurants survive during this difficult time, we are endeavoring to give our readers food-related information.  That said, the list of food and drink establishments is constantly evolving and we will be updating and adding new information regularly.

If you have anything you wish to add to our ongoing reporting, please send it to: editor@thehudsonindependent.com.

Whatever you plan to do or whichever businesses you plan to patronize, remember to call ahead.  Many businesses are sharing special menus, changing hours, and services on their Facebook and Instagram pages.  Most have specific pick-up and delivery instructions in order to ensure that health safety practices are being strictly observed.  Some are offering special wine, beer, and liquor options for pick-up and delivery (you may want to ask if you call in an order).  Many businesses have gift certificates for sale which can be used in the future while helping to support them now.  Also, please check the news, as our various governments are issuing announcements constantly that may change what is offered below.

In addition, we will be reporting on accessing food at local pantries and through Feeding Westchester, as well as food distribution to schools. We will post additional information as we learn about any food-related issues from County Executive George Latimer, State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti and State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Stay well everyone, and don’t forget to get some exercise, take a walk outside, and be mindful of physical distancing. We will make it through these hard times together.

GROCERY STORES:

C-Town in Tarrytown has Seniors Only Hours: 7:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m., 7 days. Regular business hours are 7:00 a.m. (7:30 a.m. on Sunday) through 7:00 p.m., 7 days. Orders can be taken for delivery or pick-up. Extremely strict social-distancing throughout the store with new arrows on floor indicating direction of customer flow in the aisles. Please read the signs and follow the arrows at all times. Nobody will be permitted to enter the store without some type of face covering and gloves (provided outside of the entrance). No longer accepting returns; all sales are final. For ordering process, please email: TarrytownFoodMarket@gmail.com. (914-332-7400)

DeCicco & Sons supermarket in Ardsley is reserving the first hour of the day, from 7:30 am to 8:30 a.m., for anyone 65 and older or who suffers from immunity health issues. Please note: Beginning on April 19th, DiCicco’s will be CLOSED ON SUNDAYS throughout the month of April. In addition to other strict social distancing measures, the market is letting customers inside in small increments to keep the store from crowding. They are also handing out rubber gloves to everyone who enters. (914-813-2009)

Food Town Supermarket in Hastings-on-Hudson is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Special hours for Seniors and immunity-deficient shoppers from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. (914-274-8787)

Geordanes in Irvington is currently open as usual (7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays; 7 a.m. to 6 p. m. Saturdays; and 7 a.m. to 4 p. m. Sundays), with delivery as always. (914-591-6911)

Harvest Field Market at 350 South Broadway in Tarrytown is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers free grocery delivery; for more information and to order via email, write: harvestfieldmarket350@gmail.com.  (914-333-8407)

Stop & Shop, with locations in Dobbs Ferry and Tarrytown, will open an hour early (6 a.m.) and be available until 7:30 a.m. for seniors, those with disabilities and patrons with suppressed immune systems.

Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers will open an hour early each day to allow  seniors and those with vulnerable immune systems to shop in a less crowded environment. Senior Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Open 7 days.  If you are under 60 or in good health, please wait until regular store opening times before coming to shop. (914-375-4700)

 

RESTAURANTS

Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow:

Bella’s Restaurant: Take-out and delivery available.  (914-332-0444),  https://www.ezcater.com/catering/pvt/bellas-restaurant-west-chester?fcv=1

Bibillé: Open 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Open 7 days. Curbside pick-up and delivery. (914-372-7677), www.bibille.com

BISTRO Z at Doubletree by Hilton: Open 6:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. for pick-up at Front Desk and 6:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. for delivery. (914-524-6410), www.ubereats.com

Bistro 12: Normally open for dinner, is offering take-out Thursday through Saturday 3-8 p.m. (914-999-2770), http://www.bistro12.net/

Bridge View Tavern (Sleepy Hollow): Now closed, but check website for updates. Food distribution initiatives via ON THE LINE. *  (914-332-0078), bridgeviewtavern.com

Capri Pizza & Pasta: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days. Curbside pick-up and delivery. (914-631-5400), gotpizza.com

ChuChok Thai: Homestyle Thai take-out. Check website for hours. (914-909-5390), https://www.chuchokthai.com/

Coffee Labs: Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take-out service. (914-332-1479), https://www.coffeelabs.com/

Dominic’s Delicatessen: Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mon.– Sat. (914-524-0505), https://www.facebook.com/DominicsDelicatessen/

Goosefeather: Take-out and delivery, noon – 9 p.m. daily.   (914-829-5454), https://www.goosefeatherny.com/.  Gift certificates available by emailing info@goosefeatherny.com.

Horsefeathers: Open Tuesday through Thursday,  3-8 p.m; Friday and Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Please allow phone to ring longer than usual. Curbside pick-up. (914-631-6006), www.HorsefeathersNY.com

The Hudson Anchor (Sleepy Hollow): Open 12 noon to 8 p.m. (call to confirm). Take-out and free delivery. (914-600-8123); special menu: https://www.hudsonanchorseafood.com/covid-19-take-out-delivery-menu 

J & G Deli (Sleepy Hollow):  Take-out and delivery available.  6 a.m. – 4 p.m. (914-332-5321), https://www.instagram.com/jg_deli/

J.P.Doyle’s (Sleepy Hollow): Menu and alcohol items are available for curbside pick-up. Call between noon and 9 p.m. (914-631-3015), https://www.jpdoyles.com/

Kensi-go Kitchen (Sleepy Hollow):  Free delivery, take-out, and curbside pick-up. (914-909-2981), https://www.facebook.com/Kensi-go-Kitchen-1432124580259534/

La Perla Poblanita:  Open 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., 7 days. Take-out and deliveries available. (914-909-2710), https://www.laperlapoblanita.com/

Lefteris Gyro: Open 11:00 a.m. – 8 p.m. 7 Days. Curbside Pick-up and delivery. (914-524-9687), lefterisgyro.com

Los Andes Bakery (Sleepy Hollow): Open 6 a.m to 8 p.m. Call ahead to order. (914-631-3256), https://www.instagram.com/losandesbakery/

Main Street Pizza: Pick-up and Delivery. (914-631-3300), https://mainstreetpizzatarrytown.com/

Main Street Sweets: Call ahead. (914-332-5757), https://www.tarrytownicecream.com/

My Tokyo: Call for take-out, curbside and/or delivery (914-909-4451), https://mytokyo-tarrytown.com/menu

No Place Like Home (Personal Chef Services): Call for information. Weekly food delivery on Tuesdays. (646-734- 6479/646-337-5855), https://www.nplhchef.com/

Osaka: Take-out available. (914-631-8888), http://www.osakatarrytown.com/

Pastry Chef: Open Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Curbside pick-up. (914-631-6556), https://www.instagram.com/ttownpastrychef/

Pik Nik: Reopening on April 30. Open every day except Mondays. Noon-8pm. Call ahead. Curbside pickup and delivery. Look for new menu on Facebook, Google, OpenTable and Yelp. (914-631-5600), https://www.facebook.com/PikNikBBQ/

Rini’s Restaurant (12 West Main Street, Elmsford): Open for take-out and local delivery, Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays. (914-592-6799 or 914-649-8910), www.rinisrestaurant.com

RiverMarket: Lunch 12-4 p.m. / dinner: 4-7 p.m. (curbside pick-up and free delivery in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow). Wine and beer selections also available for pick-up or delivery. (Call 914-631-3100), http://www.rivermarketbarandkitchen.com/

Samosa Shack: Doing delivery: 15 miles from Main St Tarrytown, no minimum, beyond 15 miles, $25 minimum. (914-907-4345)
email: namaste@samosashackny.com
http://www.samosashackny.com/take-out-menu/ 

Santorini Greek Restaurant (175 Valley St., Sleepy Hollow): Open 11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 10% all take out orders. (814-631-4300), santorinigreekrestaurant.com

Sweet Ambateno Bakery: Call for hours. (914-909-2473), https://www.facebook.com/sweetambateno

Sweetgrass and Grass Roots Kitchen (GRK): Delivery, take-out and curbside pick-up from 12-8 p.m. Sweet Grass menu items are being prepared at Grass Roots. So if you order from Sweet Grass, please pick up at GRK. Breakfast menu also available 9-12 at Grass Roots. (914-909-5588), https://www.erlhospitality.comSweet

The Taco Project:  Temporarily offering local delivery with $20 purchase. (914-909-4455), https://www.facebook.com/TheTacoProject.Tarrytown/

Tarry Tavern:  Curbside pick-up and delivery. (914-631-7227), www.tarrytavern.com. EATARRY: Curbside pick-up. (914-909-5212), eatarry.com. Wine and beer se­lec­tions are also avail­able for pick-up and de­liv­ery.

The Twisted Oak: Open 5-9 pm, offering take-out and and curbside pickup. (914-332-1992), https://www.instagram.com/thetwistedoakny/

Victor’s Pizza: Call for take-out, curbside and/or delivery. (914-909-5552), https://www.victorspizzapasta.com/

Irvington: 

Black Cat Cafe/Dexter’s Den:  Both now closed until further notice.

Brrzaar: Online ordering; pick-up hours – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (914-274-8118), https://www.brrzaar.com/

Chutney Masala: Pick-up orders, Wednesdays through Sundays, 4 to 8 p.m. Currently no telephone orders; online orders are encouraged anytime during the day. Visit website for menu and more information. To make process entirely seamless and contactless, no cash payments. (914-591-5500),  www.chutneymasalatogo.com

GoSu: Open for delivery and take-out /curbside pick-up. (914-479-5898), EatGoSu.com

Irvington Pizza:  Open from 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Curbside pick-up or delivery.  (914-479-5959), http://www.irvingtonpizza.com/

La Chinita Poblana: Open 12 to 8:00 p.m. Take-out and delivery (via Grubhub, Ubereats). Offering food, drinks, and desserts. (914-231-9398), www.chinitapoblanany.com

Mima Vinoteca: Take-out and local delivery limited menu including small plates and family-style pasta and entree options, Monday through Saturday 3 to 8 p.m.; special wine list, beers, and mixed drinks available for take-out. (914-591-1300), www.mimarestaurant.com

M.P. Taverna: No-contact curbside pick-up daily from 5 to 9 p.m. Check website for daily specials including new selections and cocktails. (914-213-7854). Only accepting orders online at: www.mptaverna.com

New China:  Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Call first to confirm hours.) Pick-up and delivery.  Menu available online. (914) 591-5050),  http://gonewchina.com/

Red Barn Bakery: will be at the Pleasantville Farmers’ Market: redbarn-bakery.com

River City Grill: Updated take-out and delivery menu. (914-591-2023), https://rivercitygrille.com/menus/dinner-restaurant-irvington-ny/

Sambal Thai and Malaysian:  Open for take-out and delivery Tuesday through Sunday from 12:30 to 8.30 p.m. Full menu, wine, and six-packs of beer available. (914-478-2200), https://www.sambalny.com/

Suzanne’s Table:  Curbside pick-up from 12 to 4 p.m.  Call to order and check Instagram for menu.  (914-231-9055), suzannestable.com.

Tony’s Pizzeria: Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Take-out and delivery of regular menu.  (914-274-8630), https://www.tonyspizzairvington.com/

Dobbs Ferry:

Battaglia’s Deli and Meat Market: Regular hours: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm. Curbside pick-up and delivery ($20 minimum). Prepared dinners to go; groceries. Call to place order. (914-693-1114), https://www.facebook.com/JoeNoviell/

Campbell Meats Butchery and Charcuterie: Modified Hours. Phone Orders:  Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m.; Pre-order order pick-up: Fridays from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (914-231-5133), https://www.campbellmeats.com/

Dobbs Dawg House: Order online for pick-up. (914-693-5555), https://dobbsdawghouse.com/

Doubleday’s Restaurant and Bar: Full menu available. Take-out/ pick-up curbside. (914-693-9793), Doubleday’s/Facebook

Fusion Wok: Open 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily (except Monday) for pick-up and delivery.  914-274-8191, www.fusionwokny.com

Hudson Social:  Open Monday – Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Curb-side pick-up and delivery to Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Hastings and Greystone.  New Hudson Market: Add grocery items to your pick-up or delivery order, and they will get them for you. (914-478-3634), www..hudsonsocial.com

Piccola Trattoria:  Curbside pickup Tuesday through Sunday from 1-7 pm. Call to order. 914-674-8427, https://www.piccolany.com/menu

The Rare Bit: Wednesday- Sunday 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Friday: Cocktail and wine curbside pick-up. Text Scott 414-816-5833. Food curbside pick-up and delivery to Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Ardsley, and Irvington. (914-693-8000). www.therarebitdf.com

Sam’s Italian Ristorante: Open 7 Days; 11:00 a.m.-10 p.m. Curbside pick-up. ( 914-693-2008), www.samsofdobbsferry.com

Sushi Mike’s: Pick-up and Delivery, Tuesday through Sunday. (914-591-0054), www.sushimikes.com

Sweet and Savory: Open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday with breakfast items as well as a complete lunch menu. Follow on Instagram @swtnsvry for news, offers, and specials.  25% off orders for all first responders and hospital workers. (914-479-5555), https://sweetandsavory.cafe/

The Parlor:  Launching “DOUGH 4 DOUGH,” to feed and serve local communities affected by COVID-19, The Parlor’s mission is to provide a safe way to supply as many local hospitality industry workers, families, school children and organizations in need with as much love, pizza and healthy vegetables as possible. Their goal is to donate 150 pizzas per day (750+ per week).Tomatillo: Curbside or pick-up with SMS notifications for social distancing. (914-478-2300), http://ordr.us/tomatillo

–Here’s how you can help: Donate at least one $13 pizza with your take-out order. For every pizza donated, The Parlor will donate another, doubling the number of pizzas donated per day.

-Curb-side pick-up and delivery is at 4 p.m. with a daily menu including wood-fired pizzas, veggies, salads and pre-batched cocktails, beer and wine. Orders can be placed starting at 2 p.m. (914-478-8200), https://theparlordf.com/

-All donated pizzas will be baked and distributed the following day. Hospitality workers can pick-up curbside between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Parlour will deliver any time to any organization in need.

Harper’s:  To provide re­lief for the com­mu­nity dur­ing the COVID-19 out­break, Harper’s will be selling pre-packaged ‘heat and serve’ meals, beer, and wine. Prices are suggested. Patrons are encourage to pay what they can and maybe pay a little more to cover a meal for someone in need. Service industry employees are welcome to pick up a free meal on Harper’s. All payments are considered donations, and will go towards providing relief funds to staff as well as buy more food to sustain our community for as long as possible.  Open from 3:00 p.m. until sold out.

– To order: Call ahead at 914-693-2306; pick-up curbside (venmo: kitchenhelpers). View the ‘heat and serve’ takeout menu plus discounted wine and beer menu at: harpersonmain.com

Ardsley:

Ardsley Diner:  Free curbside pick-up and contactless delivery available Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; weekends 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (914-693-0601), https://ardsleydiner.com/

Bella’s Trattoria:   Delivery and curbside pick-up; call directly.  (914-924-8794), https://bellastrattoria.com

Calcutta Wrap and Roll:  Pick-up and delivery. Order online or by phone.  (914-591-2222), http://calcuttawrapandroll.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CWR_Menu.pdf

L’Inzio:  Tuesday-Sunday, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Curbside pick-up and neighborhood delivery. (914-693-5400), www.liniziony.com

La Catena: Delivery and pick-up available. (914-231-9260 or 347-203-5814), Www.lacatenaardsley.com

Saw Mill Tavern: Curbside and delivery service available. Also donating meals and resources to neighbors in the area who are in need. Call for more information. (914-479-5370), ⁠www.smtavern.com

Unami Sushi: Delivery and pick-up.  (914-231-9443), http://umamisushibar.com/

Hastings-on-Hudson:

Antoinette’s Patisserie: Monday-Tuesday, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 7 am. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Take-out only; order in store or by phone. (914-478-7200), https://www.giacobean.com

boro6winebar: Call for curbside pick-up or delivery, Wednesday through Friday, 12-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-to 4 p.m. Updated menu including full list of cocktails, beer and wine. (914-231-9200),  http://www.boro6winebar.com/

Bread and Brine: 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Curbside pick-up. (914-479-5243), www.breadandbrinehoh.com

By The Way Bakery:  Offering take-out. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.  (914-478-0555), www.btwbakery.com

Center Restaurant: Pick-up and Delivery, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (914-478-3610), https://hastings-center-restaurantdiner.business.site/

Divino Cucina Italiano:  Temporary curbside pick-up and delivery; offering food, wine, and liquor. Half trays available serving 6-8 people.  Providing free meals to elderly neighbors in Hastings-on-Hudson. Call to order. (914-274-8501), https://www.divinohastings.com/

Four Seasons Marketplace: Prepared foods, sandwiches, salads, groceries. Regular hours; pick-up and delivery available. (914-478-2392). 

Food for Thought: Open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m; Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Curbside pick-up and delivery available. (914-478-3600), https://www.foodforthoughtorganicmarket.com/

The Good Witch Coffee Bar: Open for pre-orders and take-out with curbside pick-up every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (914-920-4077), www.goodwitchcoffeebar.com

Harvest on Hudson: Prepared food to go, meal kits to cook at home, and Harvest Marketplace including paper goods and sanitizer. Orders can be called in between 2-8 p.m.; or order online anytime (menu on website). Pick-up: 4-8 p.m.; orders brought to your car. (914-478-2800), www.harvesthudson.com

Maud’s Tavern: Open 7 days a week, 12 noon – 8:30 p.m. Take-out and home delivery.  Daily specials will be posted to website whenever they change.  (914-478 2326), https://www.maudstavern.com/

Penny Lick Ice Cream: Open 3-7 p.m. Curbside pick-up available, or swing by for take away. Gift cards available on website.  Call for daily updates. (914-525-1580), https://www.pennylickicecream.com/

Saint George Bistro: Reopening on Saturday, April 25th with curbside pick-up and delivery. In addition to the dinner menu, Saint George will also be offering a wine pickup and delivery program. (914-478-1671), www.saintgeorgebistro.com

Slices: Take-out, curbside pick-up, and all-day delivery; Saturday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; , Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Regular menu available including desserts and gluten-free pizza, penne and cheese ravioli. Easter Baskets and pizza-making kits available too. (914-478-5600), www.sliceshastings.com

Tacos on Hudson: Pick-up and delivery, Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (914-231-7610), www.tacosonhudson.com

Taiim Falafel Shack: Pick-up and delivery, Monday – Thursday,  9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (914-478-0006), www.taiimfalafelshack.com

 

RIVERTOWN LIQUOR STORES

(Many offer curbside pick-up and/or delivery; please call for hours and more information.)

Rochambeau Wines & Liquors (914-693- 0034) – Dobbs Ferry

Irvington Wine & Liquor (914-591-8181) – Irvington

Grape Expectations (914-332- 0294) – Tarrytown

Village Wine & Spirits Shoppe (914-631-0822) – Sleepy Hollow

Captain’s Wine & Spirits (914-478-9463) – Ardsley

Hastings Wine & Liquor (914-478-1112) – Hastings-on-Hudson

River View Wines & Spirits (914-631- 9349) – Tarrytown

Tarrytown Bottle Shop (914-332-0337) – Tarrytown

My Sherry &more Inc. (914-941-1536) – Irvington

Rockwood & Perry Fine Wine and Spirits (1-800-281- 0260) – Hastings

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company – (Elmsford): Curbside pickup and delivery of food platters, beer, and spirits.  (914-741-BEER/2337); Menu and instructions: https://www.captainlawrencebrewing.com/order-online/

 

* Information About ON THE LINE Organization:

Utilizing the Out-of-Work Service Industry to Cook for Food-Insecure Communities During the COVID-19 Outbreak

(Founded by Saint George Bistro, Harper’s Restaurant, and Michelle Adams Events, in partnership with local community organizer, Anne Richards)

The food-safety trained restaurant industry is uniquely positioned to help feed at-risk neighbors, including their own staff, who find themselves suddenly unemployed with little to no government assistance.  Click Here to learn more and make a donation.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY INITIATIVES  AND INFORMATION

FEEDING WESTCHESTER: (feedingwestchester.org) Please check to see availability at local food pantries:

Community Food Pantry of Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown: 43 South Broadway, 914-560-6080, second Thursday of the month, 9:30-10:30 a.m., 7-8 p.m.

Tarrytown Community Opportunity Food Pantry, 105 Wildey St., 914-631-7340, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon. Call for emergency bag pick-up: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY SCHOOLS FOOD DISTRIBUTION PLAN

 Westchester County has developed its food distribution plan in consultation with local school districts, the Westchester Child Care Council and our community based organizations for children who already receive lunch at school. Below is information for Westchester residents.

• Greenburgh – North Castle: Kenneth B. Clark Academy from 11:00 am–1:00 pm
• Mount Pleasant: Westlake Elementary School lobby from 9:30 am-11:00 am

o   Grimes School

• Ossining: Park Elementary School and/or Ossining High School between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Tarrytown: Sleepy Hollow Middle School, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Irvington Public School District will be distributing Grab and Go breakfast and lunch bags at each student’s home school from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY RESOURCES:

    The Million Gallon Challenge

   Chefs Challenge Food Service Industry to Fight Coronavirus by Making a Million Gallons of Soup

On Wednesday March 18^th, 2020, a coalition of Westchester-based chefs and restauranteurs  came together at Captain Lawrence Brewery in Elmsford to support their workers and communities, in response to the coronavirus crisis. They are recruiting chefs, raising money, accepting corporate donations of food and supplies, and mobilizing to assist in providing meals to thousands of people in our area.

As we all grapple with the rapidly evolving news, many businesses, people and organizations are making the shift from planning for business continuity to instead dealing with a public health crisis and an economic crisis.

Restaurants and food service businesses have been among the first and hardest hit by coronavirus. The implications for the industry and individual businesses are as unknown as the duration and severity of the measures being put into place to combat the virus’ spread.

The implications for thousands, even millions of food service workers are more certain however, and the news isn’t good. In an industry with so many subsistence wage earners, living hand-to-mouth, as layoffs and furloughs begin en-mass, workers will be without wages, and in need, in very short order.

Unwilling to sit idle, led by chef Eric Korn and restaurateur Louie Lanza, a growing group of chefs, restaurant owners and businesses from Westchester County, NY and beyond are rising to meet this challenge. Their goal is to provide food security for their communities, and especially for restaurant and food service workers.

“When there’s an emergency, when there’s a disaster, we cook, this is what we do,” shared Korn, “when 9/11 happened, when Katrina happened, when Sandy happened, we ran in, and we cooked. We want to mobilize our brothers and sisters, and give them purpose, and help them with the tools to assist their own people, and everyone who is going to be in need.”

The goal of the initiative is to get chefs in their local area, and elsewhere, to take food in their restaurants, and food from suppliers, and cook soup to fill the food need for people that will shortly be hit by the economic blowback of this health crisis.

Korn and Lanza are challenging the food service industry to begin now, to prepare for the need that is just around the corner, by cooking one million gallons of soup. “We’ve begun to cook soup, it makes sense for so many reasons” explained Korn, “it’s safe, we boil soup, and freeze and store it in quart containers. It makes logistic sense, it’s easy to store and move, it makes health sense, it can be boiled to be reheated, so we know it will be safe to eat, and besides, when someone is sick, you give them soup. I know it makes sense because it’s a tradition as old as grandmothers.”

Louie Lanza, owner of a group of restaurants in Northern Westchester, has committed $100,000 from the Lanza Family Foundation, and donations of money, food and supplies are beginning to pour in.

“We are going to come through this together.  We reached out to Feeding Westchester right off the bat, because we knew we would benefit from their logistics experience, getting food to people. In addition to all their expertise, they immediately came back and offered product, they have made bulk ingredients available.  we’re getting started right now,” Lanza went on, “we’re already hearing from people in need, as well as people who want to help.”

The organization has quickly gained support from local chefs and businesses, including chefs such as Mogan Anthony, Michael Anastacio, Scott Frantagelo, Navjot Aurora, and JJ Johnson; restaurateurs Demetri Vourliotis, Arlene Perrot, Joe Bueti, Captain Lawrence Brewing Co, and so many more.

To register to help, to make donations, and for more information visit www.milliongallons.com

 

TaSH (Tarrytown Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market) UPDATE

The TaSH is actively having conversations with vendors and farmers to determine the safest ways for food to be distributed in the near future. They are also keeping their ears to the ground on what’s happening at the state and local level regarding the safety of food distribution as well as what’s permissible.

On Thursday, March 19, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets shared that the state’s agriculture and food industries remain OPEN at this time. In addition, Governor Cuomo’s latest Executive Order to put New York State on PAUSE has included farmers markets on the list of “Essential Businesses” that can stay open at this time.

Many of The TaSH’s vendors and farmers have expanded their business to offer delivery services and special menus to the community which will be shared with the public as soon as possible.

 

Westchester County and Yonkers Officials Discuss Increased Demands Due to Coronavirus at Grocery Stores 

On March 18, 2020, Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, and Yonkers Mayor, Mike Spano, held a press conference to discuss increased demand at grocery stores due to the coronavirus and reassure residents that the supply of meats, dairy, produce, and other groceries. Residents have been hoarding items out of fear that the supply of groceries will run out. There has been a 500% increase in traffic at local food stores and groceries according to local merchants. Residents purchasing enough food for several months have led to scarcity of paper goods and other products like sanitizers. While residents should remain cautious and refrain from visiting public places, unfounded fears of food shortages should not cause hysteria among consumers. (View County Executive’s statements on YouTube.)

 

 

 

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