By Madeline Oden, BXV for BXV Stronger Together
Ladle of Love
Leslie Lampert. Photo by Ladle of Love
Sep. 30, 2020: Leslie Lampert, founder of Ladle of Love, is inspirational. After 27 years in journalism, Leslie catapulted into an "accidental career." Wanting to help after 9/11, she delivered daily bowls of homemade soup to 9/11 firefighters. The soup was a hit. In 2003 Café of Love opened in Mt. Kisco. Daughter-in-law Jennifer, who runs the BXV storefront, and son Alex are partners in the business.
Leslie describes her offerings as contemplative food, food that has consciously been thought about in terms of who grows it, how it is grown, and how it is prepared. Working with Jill Brooke, organic crops are grown at Love Garden in Bedford Hills. A professional commissary kitchen is located in the Mt. Kisco Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester. There budding chefs are trained, and food is prepared for catering and on-line orders. The chefs also prepare 1,500 free healthy meals a week for the Boys and Girls Club, and a line of vegan food for Fresh Direct. Leslie was honored to receive the Boys and Girls Club 2016 Humanitarian Award.
Leslie believes, "It matters who you are and how you are." Wanting more time for community-centered impact work and a bit of leisure, she closed Café of Love and had a hip replacement. For these past six months, in partnership with donors, Leslie provided free healthy meals for healthcare workers at multiple hospitals. Named to the Foundation Board of the Westchester Medical Center, Leslie focuses on the Food for Life initiative. You will enjoy her recent article I'm New At Getting Old at https://westchesterseniorvoice.com/author/leslie-lampert.
Mother of three and grandmother of three, "family is the best medicine for me. It's how I inhale and exhale".
For a quick taste of love, pop into the BXV storefront where there's a small kitchen or order at www.ladleoflove.com.
Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop
Bob Krause. Photo by M. Oden
In 1990 Bob Krause took over Mrs. Morgan’s Flower Shop from his father, who purchased the business in the 1950s from Mrs. Morgan, a woman of some means who lived in Armour Villa and enjoyed her small flower shop. When a floral designer left, Bob’s father recruited his son to help out. After a year as an auto mechanic and finding he didn’t like greasy hands, Bob came into the business full time.
Bob has designed countless local weddings and events. Loyal clients have requested his help at weddings around the country. The décor at both Bronxville clubs is Bob’s work, as is the lovely floral décor spreading out along the sidewalk in front of his shop. Bob’s staff of seven have been with him for 25 years and “can do anything I can do.” Holidays are hectic, but they bring Bob special joy. Get your orders in early.
An example of Bob at his classic best is his work for David Rockefeller’s 100th birthday held at Pocantico Hills. He borrowed Persian rugs from the mansion for the outdoor tent and made ample use of the trees and flowers in bloom on the estate. The tent he put up at the Field Club to accommodate outdoor, socially distanced dining is a garden delight.
For relaxation, Bob lays back and tours on his Harley Davidson. If you can catch him, ask him about the history of the West side. He’ll start with his own shop whose swinging front panels date back to its beginnings as a Chrysler showroom.
The supportive relationship between BXV merchants and the friendships Bob’s developed with customers could only happen in BXV. “Part of my salary,” Bob says, is the gratification he gets from calls after an event thanking him “the wonderful job you did.”
Gillard's
John McGowen and Tim Patel. Photo by M. Oden
Brothers Tim and Bob Patel took over Gillard's Stationery in 2010 from long-time owner Robert Abele who bought the store in 1975 from a man named Gillard.
Over the years, the brothers have owned Hallmark franchises, and while you can still pick up a card at Gillard's, with the advent of e-cards, the greeting card business is not as robust as it once was.
Tim has diversified the business but has made a conscious decision not to compete with neighboring stores. You can still count on being able to pick up a lottery ticket as Gillard's robust business in various NYS games of chance continues. You can now find your favorite brand of beer at Gillard's, and a new addition is BXV sweatshirts in multiple sizes and colors.
Born in Gujarat, India, Tim Patel came to the US when he was 10. He and his wife Vicky, who is on the front lines recently in her work as a respiratory therapist, are justifiably proud of their two sons. Jeet, 22, is finishing his Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has already lined up a job for July 2021. Kushal, 25, is a medical student at SUNY Upstate. In his little spare time, Tim enjoys reading action thrillers. He's currently devouring James Paterson's latest.
The familiar face you see next to Tim in the photo is John McGowan, who has opened the store every morning at 5 am for over 40 years.
With advice from the former owner's son Robert Abele III , it gives Tim pleasure to carry on the Gillard tradition of featuring the work of local artists in the front windows. It's a coveted spot sought after by many artists and changes monthly.
Other Spotlight Features
If you'd like to read about other businesses in town, click on these links for other Spotlight Features.
Spotlight on Found Herbal, Mossy Fern, and Provisions for Pets
Spotlight on Booskerdoo, Bronxville Jewelers 90 and Station Plaza Wine
Spotlight on Bronxville Fitness Club, Fabio's Hair Studio & Wild Vine & Liquors
Spotlight on Adrian East, Bronxville Furriers and Beer Noggin
Spotlight on Chantilly Patisserie and Bakeshop, Enrico Gargano Hair & Hickey's Del
Photo at top: A.Warner
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
