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Susan Miele: New Store Playa Bowls Bronxville Offers Juices, Smoothies, and Bowls

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By Susan Miele

Jul. 11, 2018: On the heels of the opening of Root & Vine Juice Bar comes Playa Bowls Bronxville, a similar dining establishment offering bowls, juices, and smoothies. The shop assumed the storefront previously occupied by Candyland.

Close to thirty Playa Bowls locations have opened up and down the East Coast, with its roots on the Jersey Shore. The brainchild of serious surfers Abby Taylor and Rob Giuliani, Playa Bowls brings to the residents of suburbia the nourishment they frequently enjoyed in their travels to Costa Rica, Panama, and other locales where they got hooked on blended bowls using acai and pitaya fruits. The Bronxville outpost represents Playa Bowls's second foray into Westchester, the first store having opened in Pleasantville about seven months ago.

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Both acai bowls and pitaya bowls are offered with various fruit and granola toppings, along with less common ingredients like goji berries, vanilla protein, and coconut shavings. There are also green bowls using kale, banana, pineapple, and coconut milk as a base for creativity; coconut bowls featuring raw coconut, banana, agave, and coconut milk plus assorted toppings; and banana bowls, which start with banana, honey, and almond milk. Additionally, oatmeal bowls, made from steel-cut organic oatmeal, allow for assorted toppings as well, including peanut butter, Nutella, raw cacao nibs, and figs, to name a few. Additional toppings can be added to any bowl for a dollar each, making the bowl permutations considerable.

Indeed, summer specials are on the chalkboard, including the "Summer Boost" blends banana with peanut butter and cashew milk, with toppings of fruit, almond butter, and bee pollen.

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Seven juices are on the menu, including "Mermaid Fuel" (kale, pineapple, apple, and mint), and eleven choices of smoothies include traditional combinations like strawberry banana and more inventive varieties like "The Dang," which features banana, wheat-grass powder, peanut butter, cinnamon, and almond milk, and "Matcha," made from matcha green tea, banana, pineapple, and coconut milk.

Ready for dessert? Chia pudding bowls are sweetened with agave and come in five varieties. Among these are the "Trailblazer," with granola, chocolate protein, banana, raw cacao, and peanut butter as toppings, and "Oh Mega," topped with banana, blueberry, hemp seeds, and agave nectar.

Bowls range in price from $8 to $11; juices (available in three sizes) range from $5.99 to $7.99; and smoothies (available in two sizes) cost $6.99 and $7.99. Committed to eco-friendliness, the shop avoids the use of plastic, instead relying on plant-based bowls, straws, cups, and spoons.

Hours are 8:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Online orders are accepted. There is limited seating available.

Playa Bowls Bronxville
15 Park Place
914-652-7181
http://playabowls.com/
Instagram: @playabowlsbronxville

Photo at top by N. Bower; photos in text by S. Miele

Upstairs Downtown: Smart Moves Pilates, New Business in Bronxville

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By Susan Miele

Jul. 4, 2018: While day-to-day meanderings around the Bronxville business district allow for the ease of spotting boutiques and restaurants, there are many less-visible businesses worthy of a gander. Looming above the storefronts are hundreds of facilities representing a variety of business types from service providers to non-profit organizations. We'll take a peek inside some of these hidden gems, starting with Smart Moves Pilates, located on Park Place.

Smart Moves Pilates owner Mary Siegel believes that "exercise is the medicine of the new millennium."

Siegel studied Pilates at the Kane School of Core Integration in New York City and Thai Yoga bodywork with Jonas Wresting. After a serious accident that left her with several herniated discs and chronic pain--plus a diagnosis of fibromyalgia--Siegel found relief of pain and stiffness in the Pilates method, which also offered the added benefit of breathing techniques that helped with the associated stress and anxiety. She began teaching the technique in 2000.

Located at 15 Park Place since November of 2017, Smart Moves moved to Bronxville from Oak Avenue in Tuckahoe. This is the studio's second foray in town, as Siegel previously sublet space from a chiropractor at 85 Pondfield Road until that lease expired.

Both mat and equipment classes are available, and props include Physioball, BOSU, and foam rollers. According to Siegel, instruction maintains the standard Kane School emphasis on proper biomechanics and muscular awareness.

A one-woman operation, Siegel values maintaining a close and personal relationship with her clients. She specializes in one-on-one training but anticipates forming small groups in the near future. Classes are offered by appointment Monday through Saturday beginning at 6:00 am most days. Evening appointments are also available.

First-timers can take advantage of Siegel's one-time introductory offer of three 50-minute private sessions with equipment for $200 (the second and third sessions expire three weeks after the first class). Savings are also afforded via the purchase of multi-class cards. Regular rates, which vary depending on the type of class and the number of participants (private vs. semi-private), can be found on the studio's website. Visa and MasterCard are accepted; personal checks are not.

"I'm totally invested in helping my clients understand their bodies, observe themselves, and learn to correct themselves while they work and exercise to avoid injuries," Siegel said. "I'm interested in them becoming their own advocate and applying what I teach to their everyday life because I've learned most injuries happen because of bad posture and repetitive faulty movements. And aging gracefully requires an erect, strong posture."

Smart Moves Pilates
15 Park Place
917-862-5227
CLOAKING
http://www.smartmoves-pilates.net/home.html

Pictured here: Smart Moves Pilates.

Photo by N. Bower

Bronxville Life & Style: Special Beauty & Wellness Edition

By Karen Talbot

May 14, 2018: Spring is a time for renewal and growth. It’s a time when we want to spend more time in the outdoors being active and enjoying the beauty around us! Below are some local companies than can help you look and feel great inside and out!

Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary

Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary has been serving the Bronxville community for 7 years.

Massage * Facials * Healing * Retreats

They build on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Their clients experience an increase in well being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops

Schedule your appointment online

Purchase a gift certificate online

Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary

14 Studio Arcade

Bronxville, NY 10708

914-337-9356

CLOAKING

www.bronxvillewellness.com

Continental 109

Continental 109 has a 50-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.

Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.

Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.

Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!

Continental 109

109 Pondfield Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

914.793.4198

CLOAKING

www.continental109.com

POSH Beauty Boutique

Introducing POSH Beauty Boutique,Bronxville's new luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.

POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.

POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.

POSH Beauty Boutique

118 Pondfield Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

914-361-1277

CLOAKING

www.poshbronxville.com

Panache Hair Salon

Panache Hair Salon celebrates its 29th year serving the Bronxville area with a whole new look. The salon specializes in the latest styles including the new lob haircut, updos for proms and weddings, and all the current men's cuts.

Panache also offers new highlighting and coloring techniques, including balayage, a natural-looking painted effect. We are a fully-trained Wella Salon and we are getting great results with a new Italian color line, Davines.

Panache is dedicated to customer satisfaction, uses high quality products and offers competitive pricing.

Stop by for a free consultation and discover the best hair trends for 2018. Monthly specials are also posted on the website. The salon is open from 9:00am until 6:00pm Tuesday through Friday and 8:30am until 5:00pm on Saturday.

Panache Hair Salon

52 Pondfield Rd. W.

Bronxville, NY 10708

(914) 779-4758

CLOAKING

www.bronxvillehairsalon.com

Zen Spa

Zen Spa has been in Bronxville for twenty years and is owned and operated by the mother and daughter team of Grace and Na Ko. It is located by the Metro North railroad station, and walk-ins are welcome.

They specialize in regular and gel manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, waxing and reflexology (foot massage). They use special organic products for their spa manicures and pedicures. They offer chair massage or a two hour pampering session which includes an hour room massage or deep cleanse facial, with manicure and pedicure. They also offer eyelash and eyebrow tinting and the newer concept of eyelash extensions

The atmosphere is relaxing. All of the staff have expertise in all aspects of the spa and most of them have been working there for over ten years.

Private parties are popular, especially little girls birthday parties, and of course bridal showers and wedding parties. They sell gift certificates and packages designed by you. Finally, they offer a Membership where you can buy ten deep tissue massages and then get one free. They are open seven days: Mon. to Sat. 9:30am to 7:30pm and Sun. 9:30 am to 6:30pm.

Zen Spa

25 Pondfield Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

914.771-5056

CLOAKING

www.instagram.com/zenspabxv

Fabio's Hair Studio

Fabio's Hair Studio has been serving the Bronxville community for the past 17 years. Fabio's is a full service hair salon for women, men, and children. They have an experienced team that specializes in haircuts, color and keratin treatments.

Their services for women and girls include cut & styling along with color, highlights and texture services. They are a great place for young women to go for a fun blow-out or hair style before a big event! Their services for men include cut & style, color for men, grey blending and hair and scalp treatments.

Let their salon professionals custom prescribe a deep conditioning treatment that is right for your hair.

Fabio's often shows its appreciation to the community by participating in local school events, and by offering fun promotions throughout the year. Other services include private parties for children. They are open 7 days a week. Contact: 914-337-1482.

Fabio's Hair Studio

137 Parkway Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

914.337-1482

CLOAKING

www.fabioshairstudios.com

Photos: Top photo by Evgeny Bakharev, Shutterstock; Other photos provided by participating companies

Note: This content is sponsored by the participating companies.

Popping Up in Bronxville: The New Pop-Up Shop on Pondfield Road

By Susan Miele

Mar. 14, 2018: Last fall, the office of Coldwell Banker Carlson Real Estate vacated its space at 105 Pondfield Road and joined forces with ERA Insite Realty on Kraft Avenue. But before the community could utter "not another empty storefront," the space was scooped up by Kevin McNeill and Ruth Walter, mom-and-pop owners of the adjacent Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese. The rest is both history and future.

Since then, 105 Pondfield has been home to rotating business interests. Initially, the space served as campaign headquarters for Walter’s bid for county legislature. Since the November election, the space has hosted assorted pop-up shops—stores that commit to occupancy for only a brief period of time. The first taker was Dobbs & Bishop, which used the space as an annex to house holiday offerings like gift baskets. Another stint was had by Elizabeth Ackerman, a local fashion designer who set up a millinery with an emphasis on hats that offered protection from the sun.

“As small-business owners, we know how hard it is to make the rent while dealing with staff and inventory,” said Walter. “During my campaign, I learned that one-third of the county budget comes from sales taxes, and anyone can see downtowns are suffering. Every vacant store takes sales tax away from things like flood mitigation, sewers, and police, and keeps pressure on property taxes.”

One of Walter’s campaign issues was a call for a small-business incubator where new ideas can be tested and, hopefully, flourish. “That's a hard thing to get off the ground, so we decided to try one right in Bronxville.”

The pop-up concept allows business owners to test a market for an eventual lease or to establish a customer base before making a long-term commitment.

Ackerman, for one, valued this concept. “Having a pop-up on Pondfield Road was a great way for me to create brand awareness for my clothing line, get customer feedback, and test the retail market. I had a successful week and really loved the experience.”

On the heels of both a political campaign and a busy holiday season, plans for the new space are not yet firmed up, but Walter and O’Neill are exploring different options for its eventual use.

Pictured here: Storefront of a recent pop-up shop in Bronxville.

Photo by Susan Miele

Root & Vine Juice Bar Now Open in Bronxville

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By Susan Miele, Staff Reporter

Feb. 28, 2018: A slew of new businesses have been opening up in Bronxville, and the latest is already giving Cedar Street a boost. Introducing: Root & Vine Juice Bar.

Having opened on Valentine’s Day, Root & Vine has transformed the space once occupied by Stipo Opticians into a lively spot to grab a takeout or linger over cold-pressed juice. The shop also offers juice shots, custom smoothies, bowls, baked goods, parfaits, and bars. Smoothie names are as inventive as the combination of their ingredients. “You Had Me at Aloe” combines kale, spinach, dates, beets, ginger, aloe vera, and apple juice, while “Açai What You Did There” mashes up berries with açai and apple juice.

Family-owned and operated, the shop is a labor of love, conceived by two generations from Tuckahoe whose passion for health and fitness led them to venture into the juice-bar arena. “We feel that health is a lifestyle and are striving to provide the community with great-tasting organic juices, smoothies, and snacks,” said co-owner Cristina.

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While some of the non-liquid offerings are more straightforward, such as lemon muffins and hot oatmeal with dried cranberries, seeds, and honey, some of the more provocative selections include “Avocado Goji Key Lime Pie” parfait and “Coffee Protein Overnight Oats.” Equally intriguing are sweet-potato brownies, chocolate-avocado cookies, and bacon granola. Kombucha and cold brew are offered with exotic add-ins ranging from maca root to bee pollen.

The shop accommodates assorted dietary lifestyles, including gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free, and vegan. Ingredients are all-natural and organic.

“Just in a little over a week, we have seen how supportive all the locals are and knew that we made the right decision to call Bronxville our home.” Located on the same block as Pure Barre and around the corner from SoulCycle, those taking fitness classes might be especially pleased that Root & Vine chose Bronxville, too.

Smoothies range from $7 to $8.50; bowls are $10; cold-pressed juice, $9; fresh juices are $7; and juice shots are $3.50.

Root & Vine Juice Bar is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Root & Vine Juice Bar
4 Cedar Street
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-779-2905
CLOAKING

Photos by N. Bower

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