Author Archives: GioHomes

Smart features that will take your home to the cutting edge of living

Several years ago, “smart features” for home were considered somewhat of a fad. However, in a survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, almost two-thirds of the company’s agents discovered that today’s home buyers are showing more interest in homes equipped with smart features, compared to two to five years ago.

Due to the increasing demand for smart homes, it’s also essential for buyers to figure out which smart features will really give them their money’s worth. Want to know what smart features most buyers are looking for today? Take a look at our list below:

Lutron Caseta Wireless

Designed by Pennsylvania-based Lutron Electronics, the Caseta Wireless is an automated lighting system that controls your home’s lighting, including shade position and temperature. The system can be controlled using an app downloadable on tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches.

Sengled Pulse Smart Bulb

Created by Chinese company Sengled, the Pulse Smart Bulb is both a functional lighting system and an entertainment device rolled into one. Each bulb also functions as a wireless speaker, allowing users to stream music from their smart devices into the bulb.

iSmart Alarms

The iSmart Alarm system allows homeowners to check on their homes just by using a smart device. The system comes with door and window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras connected wirelessly. The app used to control the system also gives users control over the home’s thermostat, lighting, and smoke detectors.

Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock

With the Kevo Smart Lock, there’s no longer a need for a set of keys – you can unlock every door in your house just by using your smartphone. With this system, homeowners can grant access to certain people (like neighbors or house cleaners) for a certain period of time, without the need to hand them an actual key.

For more helpful home tips, visit this page.

Dining in Bronxville

If you’re looking for the perfect restaurant to try in Bronxville, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best restaurants to try in the village:

Photo courtesy of Il Bacio Trattoria Facebook page.

Il Bacio Trattoria

1 Park Place, Bronxville, NY
914-337-4100

Opened in 2002, Il Bacio Trattoria is the place to go for delicious pizza, artisan gelato, and other traditional Italian favorites. The restaurant is very well-designed, with its interiors inspired by the elegant Roman-style homes in Frosinone, Italy. Besides their delicious pizzas, must-try menu items include their homemade lasagna di casa, gnocchi alla Bolognese, stuffed artichokes, and manicotti.

Elia Taverna

502 New Rochelle Road, Bronxville, NY
914-663-4976

Located in scenic Chester Heights just off the Hutchinson River Parkway, Elia Taverna prides itself in offering authentic, homemade Greek cuisine in a relaxing setting. Their menu includes a wide variety of authentic, expertly prepared Greek favorites like the classic gyro sandwich and the traditional moussaka. Their dishes are best enjoyed by pairing them with restaurant’s own selection of exclusive wines and beers. You’ll definitely be shouting “OPA!” after finishing your meal at Elia Taverna.

Rosie’s Bistro Italiano

10 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville, NY
914-793-2000

Rosie’s Bistro Italiano serves delicious, mouthwatering Italian and continental cuisine in a classy and welcoming ambiance. The place is very popular among Bronxville residents, so it’s likely you’ll need to call ahead and get a reservation. Their menu includes enticing dishes such as baked zucchini, spaghetti pomodoro, thin crust pizzas, lasagna, breaded veal tenderloin, and more.

Pondfield Cafe

3 Pondfield Road West, Bronxville, NY
914-337-5221

Located at the heart of Bronxville, Pondfille Café is a cozy café that serves classic American-style food at very affordable prices. The place is excellent particularly for breakfasts and brunches, and their daily specials are simply to die for.

To find out more about Westchester County’s great restaurants, visit this page.

The Best Eats in Eastchester

New Yorkers all share an intense love for good food, no matter where you are in the state. Take the locals of Eastchester for example – ask one of them and they’ll direct you to some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. If you don’t have time to ask people, however, use this quick guide for the best eats in Eastchester.

Polpettina
102 Fisher Ave, Eastchester, NY
Go here for: Signature meatballs and pizza.

Described as a real gem by many Eastchester locals, Polpettina serves Italian fare that remains true to its earthy and ancient roots. Some of the ingredients are locally sourced from the best producers, ensuring great quality that you can taste in the finished product. Aside from the food, Polpettina’s Eastchester joint is known for its exposed-brick walls and décor that makes this Italian bistro not just easy on the taste buds, but on the eyes as well. Check out their Larchmont branch where they serve up a full array of Prohibition-era cocktails.

Burrata Wood Fired Pizza
425 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY
Go here for: Neapolitan pizzas, cocktails, and gourmet Italian food.

Eastchester locals sure love their Italian food. If you’re craving for more Italian fare, drop by Burrata Wood Fired Pizza along White Plains Rd. This stylish restaurant shines their spotlight on their pizzas that are best described as simple, pure, and fresh. Did we mention their pies are cooked in wood fire? Start your course with some of their beloved antipasti and end your meal with the dessert of your choice. Nutella pizza and amaro affogato, anyone?

Piper’s Kilt
433 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY
Go here for: A variety of melt-in-your-mouth burgers and pub fare.

Situated on a dimly lit tavern, Piper’s Kilt is a favorite among locals for serving some of the best burgers and pub grub in town. Aside from their delectable and legendary half-pound burgers, Piper’s Kilt is known for having a beer, wine, and spirit selection that’s larger than life. What better way to enjoy your food than to pair it with a good wine that hits all the right spots. Piper’s Kilt also serves weekday brunches, so bring your friends and family for a nice get-together.

That’s just three of the best-loved dining establishments in Eastchester. Subscribe to our blog so you can keep yourself updated with all the latest Eastchester news. For more information about the community itself, check out our Community Profile.

5 tips to help you create your own office space at home

When you love, live, and breathe work, it’s of paramount importance to create a productive space in your home. Here are some tips to help you create a stylish, comfortable, and above all, functional home office.

1. Determine the type of work to be done. Not all of us work in the same industry, so it’s important to carve out a space in your home that will suit your work best. Those who do most of their work in a laptop can transform a nook into a functional office space, while those who require more equipment would do well with larger spaces. For example, Anne-Marie Kavulla, owner of Pirtti Handwoven and Westchester resident, has a home office with plenty of natural light and enough space to do her work as a weaver.

2. Stock on essential items. There are at least four must-have objects for every home office: a door, comfortable furniture, storage, and headphones. A door is important to create privacy, while you’ll need comfortable furniture especially if you’re going to work for long periods of time. Storage, like bookcases or vertical cabinets, are great for other items like printers, books, files, and such. And to make it clear you’re not to be disturbed, slap on a pair of headphones to cancel out the noise.

3. Hang an inspiration board. Use tape and tacks to hang important reminders, ideas, inspiration, and even pictures on your board. Not only does it personalize your office space and help you organize stuff (especially if you’re visually inclined), it also helps clear important surfaces for other items.

4. Personalize your office space. Just because it’s a home office doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. Hang pictures or posters of your favorite movies. If you like plants, you can add potted succulents as décor. Another way to personalize your home office is to pick a color palette that suits your taste.

5. De-clutter. It’s hard to work with so many items lying around. Once a while, take time to de-clutter and organize your things. You’ll soon notice you’re becoming more productive!

If you’re having trouble deciding on what you want your home office to look like, search the internet for inspiration. Pinterest always helps!

The Best Places to Grab Lunch in Scarsdale

Experts say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if you’re planning on lunching in Scarsdale, lunch will easily become your favorite food-centered affair. Treat yourself or invite your friends and loved ones for a lunch date at these restaurants.

Moscato Restaurant
874 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale, NY
Go here for: High-end Italian-Mediterranean fare served on a stylish platter.

Serving lunch, brunch, and dinner, this Italian Trattoria is a go-to for Scarsdale locals craving a wide range of Italian-Mediterranean offerings. Moscato’s lunch menu includes a variety of pizza, pasta, dry cured meats, mixed cheese, and fresh vegetables, among others. You can also opt for a pre-fixed three-course lunch that consists any appetizer, between course, and main course of your choice for less than $30.

The 808 Bistro
808 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale, NY
Go here for: A one-of-a-kind American-Italian menu, not to mention an impressive bar.

Famous for their Italian fusion cuisine, The 808 Bistro has consistently drawn a diverse crowd, making this Scarsdale hotspot a trendy, downtown hangout and lunch spot. The 808 Bistro’s lunch menu includes lobster and shrimp bisque, a variety of specialty salads, salmon, seared striped bass, grilled pork, chicken, an array of wraps, pasta, omelettes, and sandwiches. Pair your meal with a nice vintage from The 808 Bistro’s wine collection. It can get pretty crowded, so make sure to reserve a spot before you drop by.

Eastchester Fish Gourmet
837 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale, NY
Go here for: The freshest seafood in probably the whole of New York.

Founded in 1981, Eastchester Fish Gourmet has long been a Scarsdale landmark and institution. Known for its critically acclaimed market and fresh seafood offerings, it’s no wonder plenty of people have made the trip from their homes just to get a taste of how fresh the fish is. Get your fish for the weekend here, then stop by the restaurant for lunch. Eastchester Fish Gourmet’s menu is ever evolving, showcasing the finest catch of the season. The best part? You don’t need a reservation!

We also recommend these places:

Chat (1 Christie Pl) – All-American pub grub.
Siam Thai Restaurant (750 Central Park Ave) – Traditional Thai cuisine.
Meritage Restaurant (1505 Weaver St) – Seasonal American-Italian fare.
Kirari Sushi Inc (30 Garth Rd) – Sushi, teriyaki, bento boxes, and more.
Jade Spoon Asian Cuisine (1473 Weaver St) – All-time Chinese favorites.

For more information about Scarsdale, check out our community profile.

Stage your Home Using These 12 Tips

Before you sell your home it’s important to whip it up into shape. Follow these 12 tips and your property will be catching major attention for prospective home buyers.

Get rid of grime. Nobody likes grimy bathroom walls. To get rid of surface mold, mix one part water and one part bleach, then spray it on the walls. You can also do a minor upgrade and apply a fresh coat of paint for an updated look.

Paint your bathroom tiles. Instead of replacing your bathroom’s outdated tiles, a low-cost alternative would be to apply a coat of high-adhesion primer and brush a special ceramic epoxy covering.

Make your master bedroom gender neutral. It’s of paramount importance to appeal to both sexes when selling a home. Stick to a neutral paint color, and complement the walls with bedding that matches the color scheme. If there’s a his-and-hers closet, you can add items that are gender-specific.

Consider getting a pedestal sink. Vanities are bulky and take too much space. To show more square footage in your bathroom, invest in a pedestal sink.

Transform an outdated fireplace into a modern beauty. You don’t have to tear down your old, outdated fireplace. Turn it into a selling feature by getting rid of outdated elements like brass screens. Give it a good scrub, use a stone color enhancer, and polish the bricks until they shine as if they are brand new.

Stain old kitchen cabinets. Instead of replacing your outdated kitchen cabinets, give them a new look by staining them in even strokes. Add some stylish hardware for some pizzazz.

Invest on granite countertops. It can be expensive, but granite countertops are a great investment and a huge selling feature as they add character and depth to any kitchen.

Buy new kitchen equipment. According to recent studies, new appliances yield high investment returns from sellers. You don’t have to replace everything – replace key pieces that will instantly upgrade your old kitchen into a new one.

Add built-in bookshelves. Storage is one of the factors that can make or break a sale. Add built-in bookshelves and dress them up with neutral yet attractive items in clusters.

Improve your curb appeal. The best way to attract a potential home buyer’s attention is to stop some traffic. Give your home’s exterior walls a fresh coat of paint that will invite home buyers to check out your place. Flowers in bloom are a great addition as well.

Renovate your outdoor deck. Sand the wood of your outdoor deck and use a light-colored stain for a rustic yet updated look. Stage it with furnishings for entertaining, and you can easily hold an open house cum deck party.

Stage your home to show true potential. For an effective home-staging, pick pieces and furniture that will show off a space’s potential, including its functionality. That way, home buyers will easily envision themselves living in the property.

A few minor upgrades can easily boost your property and attract plenty of offers. Check out this link for more home selling tips.

Connecticut-based seafood market Fjord opens branch in Larchmont

Photo courtesy of Fjord Fish Market website, http://www.fjordfishmarket.com/home.

Seafood is a booming industry all across the globe that one might find it difficult to come across high quality seafood raised in conditions that mimic the wild.

If you live in Larchmont and you’ve got a taste for the marine, however, you won’t need to drive all the way to Connecticut for fresh, quality catch. Fjord Fish Market, which has several locations in Connecticut, recently opened a branch in Larchmont at 134 Chatsworth Avenue. Fresh, responsibly raised and quality fish, along with hand-rolled sushi and a variety of hot soups, are now just a short drive away.

Owned by the Fjord family, the Fjord Fish Market fills the gap in the seafood market by providing wild seafood in partnership with CleanFish. The company’s methods of raising seafood in almost wild conditions guarantee that every Fjord market customer gets to go home with high quality fish.

“There’s been a dramatic change to the retail food landscape over the past 20 years,” Jim Thistle, principal of Fjord Fish Market, told Westchester Magazine in an interview. “Large grocery stores and chains have turned seafood into a commodity – pushing for lower and lower prices to pass on to customers. That means the quality of seafood suffers as producers raise seafood that grows bigger, faster, and more resistant to disease.”

Fish sold in Fjord Fish Market are renowned to be raised with no antibiotics and artificial growth hormones used. Another method employed is to raise fish in open water and low-density pens, which help prevent the spread of disease.

Are you thinking of making the trip to the fish market? Some of the bounties you’ll find include lobsters (available in to-go varieties), littleneck clams, locally harvested bluepoint oysters, fresh and traditionally prepared clambakes, and PEI mussels. You can also find pop-ups in the market that sell shrimp boils, Hawaiian poke bowls, and seafood platters.

Fresh, high-quality, and ethical, Fjord Fish Market is definitely making its name in Westchester County as one of the best places to get seafood in the area. It’s also one of the great additions to Larchmont’s thriving market scene. For more information, check out their official website at http://fjordfishmarket.com. Meanwhile, you can read more about Larchmont here.

House-hunting by style

Westchester County real estate is characterized by diverse housing options, ideal for meeting different needs and preferences. To help you out in the home-buying process, here are some of the quintessential architectural styles you can find in Westchester County’s real estate market.

1. Modern – Modern homes are often characterized by its simplicity in form and design. Windows might occupy large sections of the walls, and some modern homes come with flat roofs. Inside, you’re greeted with an open living plan. Some Modern-style residences also connect indoor and outdoor spaces for a seamless living experience.

2. Victorian – Victorian-style homes are ornate as Modern homes are minimalist in design. Distinctive features of a Victorian home include decorative trims, wraparound porches, and different parlors. You can find most of Westchester County’s Victorian-style residences in the Rivertowns.

3. Tudor / Tudor Revival–This architectural style first became in the late 19th century and still remained in fashion until the first half of the 20th century. An import from Europe, Tudors and Tudor Revivals are usually made from a mix of materials, including stucco, bring, and wood. Asymmetric in design, features include detailed woodwork and masonry, steep gabled roofs, casement windows, and dormers.

4. Ranch –A classic American style, a Ranch home is defined by long, low rooflines, big picture windows, a built-in garage, and sliding doors which will lead you to a patio. Ranch homes, also called California ranches, are great for single level living and designed for that lifestyle. There are design variations, however, such as raised ranch and split-level. Ranch homes also often come with simple and open floor plans and occupy a larger footprint. Due to the latter, there aren’t a lot of Ranch homes in Westchester, but you can still find this style with the right real estate agent by your side.

5. Cape Cod – Cape Cods are often found in Long Island, but you can find this popular style in Westchester County as well. Cape Cods are usually straightforward and come with one or one-and-a-half stories. Its roofline, one its most distinctive features, often slants down to the first floor. Most Cape Cods are finished in shingles, and offer less space than other styles.

6. Colonial–Highly regarded as one of the most traditional home styles in the country, Colonials are prevalent in Westchester County. You can easily spot such a home as they rectangular in shape and very symmetrical in design. Double-hung windows are another feature, and are often made of brick and solid stone.

Looking for more information about home-buying in Westchester County? Check out our blog.

Harrison NY’s top-rated restaurants

Photo courtesy of Lago Facebook page.

Harrison is home to an exciting assortment of restaurants, offering an unforgettable culinary adventure for diners. Restaurants in Harrison serve an eclectic mix of flavors from around the world, including Italian, Asian, South American, Mediterranean, and many more.

Here are some of Harrison’s top-rated restaurants:

Hajime

267 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY
914-777-1543

No need to fly to Japan for quality Japanese food – Harrison’s very own Hajime serves the finest sushi and sashimi imported from Japan and prepared using traditional Japanese methods. The restaurant is run by a master sushi chef who grew up in Osaka and started studying the art of making sushi at age 15.

To complete the experience, the restaurant is decorated like a local Japanese restaurant, making diners feel like they’re actually eating sushi in the land of the rising sun. Definitely a must-try if you’re into authentic Japanese cuisine.

Lago Ristorante & Wine Bar

97 Harrison Boulevard, Harrison, NY
914-358-9180

Lago Ristorante & Wine Bar is an Italian restaurant that offers unique flavors from the historic region of Campania. Each dish gives diners a taste of Napoli, and is further enhanced by the restaurant’s impressive selection of wines from different parts of Italy.

Lago’s signature dish is the Pappardelle Lago Pasta, which consists of a variety of mushrooms combined with a light cream sauce, and flamed inside an 18-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano wheel.

Quenas

109 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY
914-630-4646

Quenas is known for serving authentic Peruvian cuisine. Each dish is expertly prepared by European chefs and infused with the distinct flavors of Peru.

Their menu includes dishes such as ceviche, tacu tacu encebolloado, lomo saltado, aguadito de mariscos, and other popular Peruvian dishes.

273 Kitchen

273 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY
914-732-3333

273 Kitchen is a delightful Mediterranean restaurant that offers a daily changing menu consisting of locally sourced, seasonal dishes. Run by expert chefs Constantine Kalandranis and Hichem Habbas, the restaurant serves an enticing selection of fresh and healthy dishes along with regionally produced wines and craft beers in a welcoming and intimate kitchen-inspired space.

Find out more about the town of Harrison, NY here.

Fun and Family-friendly Activities in Larchmont

Taking a day off to spend some quality time with family is always a top priority, especially in Larchmont, where there is a wealth of activities all members of the family will enjoy. Bring some sunblock and a picnic basket full of goodies for a day out with your family. Here are our top picks of family-friendly outings in Larchmont.

Enjoy the peace and quiet at Larchmont Manor Park & Beach. This gorgeous park on Park Ave is a family-friendly location for picnics and simple gatherings. Come by during the Fourth of July for unobstructed views of the yearly fireworks show. For more information about the Larchmont Manor Park & Beach, log on to http://larchmontmanorpark.org.

Enjoy music and arts classes with your kids at Groove Performing Arts. A family-friendly music and arts studio, Groove Performing Arts offers an array of educational programs kids and kids-at-heart will surely bond over, including the award-winning Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals. You can head over to http://findgroove.com for more information about their classes and events.

Frolic along the beach with your beloved four-legged friend. When it comes to family, let’s not forget our ever loyal and trustworthy furry friend. Head to Larchmont Dog Beach for a simple picnic and play with your dog to your heart’s content. Bring the kids as well – they’ll surely enjoy playing with Fido.

Glide like an award-winning figure skater at Hommocks Park Ice Rink. Located just behind Hommocks Middle School, Hommocks Park Ice Rink is a great facility where the whole family can learn how to skate and play hockey. Aside from skating lessons and hockey games, Hommocks Park Ice Rink can also be the venue of your next birthday celebration or family get-together. Check out this link for more information.

Sign your kids up for fun and interesting educational programs.The Larchmont Public Library is not only for adults, but for kids as well! The facility offers several programs for children that vary in scope and subject. Have your kids learn about music, create their own experiments, and make friends. Children as young as 3 years old can enroll in some of the programs.

Are you interested to know more about Larchmont? Check out our community profile for more information.