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.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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Toney Toni & The Gang
Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our 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
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
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Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a 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.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
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Rain Natural Skin Care
Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year.
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Trapp Opticians
Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.
M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM
42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Framebridge
All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls. At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece.
Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer. Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.
We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs. Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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The Silk Road
We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing. We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others. Gift wrapping is available.
Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 60-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!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
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Bacione Pasta Shop
Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor. Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.
You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal. Add-ons include: chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.
Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home. Dessert offerings are: tiramisu, flan and panna cotta. Drink choices are Italian sodas.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.
Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections. (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
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