Author Archives: GioHomes

Where to satisfy your Latin food cravings in Westchester County

Westchester County is a maze of wonderful culinary delights that will satisfy all your cravings – even your taste for Latin American cuisine! Whether you’re a die-hard lover or you’re a curious soul, we’ve rounded up the best Latin food dining destinations in Westchester County.

La Bella Havana
35 Main St, Yonkers

Set in an exposed-brick space, La Bella Havana is the home of delightful Cuban dishes, all of which remain true to its land of origin. Plenty of its offerings are noteworthy, including the beloved Cuban sandwich, the polloCubano in its garlic-y glory, and ropavieja. For desert, try out the classic Dulce de lechecortada or sweetened caramel milk curds. For drinks, head to La Bella Havana’s thatched-roof bar and order a nice glass of mojito.

Copacabana Steakhouse
29 N Main St, Port Chester

Copacabana Steakhouse is a great place to introduce the uninitiated to the world of Brazilian churrascaria. Located in Port Chester, this Brazilian all-you-can-eat restaurant features a wide selection of slow-roasted meats cut to perfection. Traditional site dishes and Copacabana’s salad bar complete the package. For must-try offerings, do have a taste of their pão de queijo and the Brazilian national dish, feijoada. For drinks, nothing beats a Caipirinha.

Sofrito
Northcourt Building, 175 Main St, White Plains

Sofrito offers New Yorkers a taste of Puerto Rico with its refined menu and wide range of cocktails, all served in a modern and trendy space. Diners flock to this White Plains institution for its “Latin sushi,” which can only be described as one of the finest examples of fusion cuisine in Westchester County. These sushi rolls are made with chicken, shrimp, and ribs, all doused in sofrito mayo. Other standouts include the Latin bouillabaisse, bacon-wrapped sweet plantain, and tresleches.

Don Coqui
White Plains: 107 Mamaroneck Ave
New Rochelle: 115 Cedar St

Another place to get a taste of Puerto Rico, Don Coqui has two branches in Westchester County—one in White Plains, and the other in New Rochelle. Regardless of which branch you’ll visit, Don Coqui will definitely serve a party on your mouth with their traditional Puerto Rican offerings, some of which feature braised oxtail, shrimp, clams, mussels, chicken, chorizo, and pork.

Sonora
179 Rectory St, Port Chester

Your search for the best Nuevo Latino restaurant in Westchester starts and ends with Sonora, owned by Colombian-born chef and cookbook author Rafael Palomino. Try out their grilled sourdough and sundried-tomato chimichurri, or Sonora’s flatbreads and arugula salad. Take your vegetable empanada to a whole new level with Sonora’s chocolate vinaigrette. When it comes to must-try dishes, Sonora has plenty to offer.

We’ve barely scratched the exciting Latin dining scene in Westchester County. For more suggestions, check out this article by Westchester Magazine. Interested in exploring more of Westchester’s revered dining establishments? Check out our blog.

Landscaping for Beginners

A beautifully landscaped lawn can do wonders for your property whether or not you’re thinking of selling your home. Here are some tips to beautify your surroundings and stopping traffic with your home’s curb appeal.

Determine what the space is for. Granted it’s your yard, but what is it for? Is it going to be a garden? Are you planning on installing an outdoor deck? Is it going to be a play space for your kids? Determining what the space is for will allow you to make rough sketches and a landscape design that fits your yard’s purpose.

Start small. As a beginner in landscaping, it’s best to start small to avoid any expensive mistakes. Take your time and live with the small changes you make so you can take note of necessary improvements and such. You can start with a small flowerbed and slowly transform your yard into an oasis.

Choose native plants. Plants have to adapt to the local climate and soil conditions – something native plants won’t have a hard time doing as they have already adapted. Native plants are important in the local biosphere, attracting native butterflies, birds, and other animals. Another perk of choosing native plants is you get to save water. Unlike common horticultural plants, you won’t need to have an irrigation system installed for your native plants – they’re perfectly content with normal rainfall.

Last but not the least, native plants require minimal maintenance. As they have already adapted to the local environment, you won’t have to shell out a fortune for tons of fertilizer, water, and pesticides. Most importantly, you’ll get to devote the time you’d spend pruning common horticultural plants on something you’d actually rather do.

For more information about plants native to New York, check out this link.

Save a patch of lawn from the lawnmower. Keep your garden and landscaping sustainable by leaving an area of your property a bit wilder than the rest. Basically, let this area grow long to attract pollinators. By leaving this space alone, you get to mow less area and even lessen your carbon footprint.

We’ve got more tips for homeowners like you who are interested in improving their outdoor space. Check out this link for ways to spruce up your yard without breaking the bank.

Tips for choosing the right home inspector

Whether you’re a home buyer or seller, the home inspection is one of the most important parts of the entire process.

For buyers, a home inspection will bring to light problems that you might not have noticed before. In some cases, a buyer can discover issues about the home that cause them to rethink their purchase.

For sellers, having your home inspected can show you what you need to fix before you put your home on the market, eliminating the need to haggle with potential buyers over the price.

Choosing the right home inspector is a crucial part to making the home inspection process run smoothly. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when choosing a home inspector:

It’s wise to try looking for a home inspector first even before looking for a home. When you’re already engaged in negotiations with a home seller, your time is limited, so you may feel pressured to go with the first home inspector you encounter.
Try asking your friends or relatives for recommendations. You can also look for local home inspectors on the American Society of Home inspectors website.
Remember to talk with prospective inspectors thoroughly. Ask them about their background, how long they’ve been in the business, how many successful inspections they’ve performed, and what type of report they can provide you.
Look for an inspector who will remain objective and independent throughout the process. An inspector should not be affiliated with the real estate agency in charge of selling the home.
Choose an inspector who specializes in the particular type of home you’re about to buy or sell. Each home is built differently and is made using different materials, thus there are different risks, signs, and symptoms to look out for.
Make sure your inspector can submit a complete report in a timely manner, so you can have plenty of time for review. Most inspectors can also provide you with an electronic copy, so you can share it to friends and relatives via e-mail if needed.

For more helpful tips, take a look at this page.

Must-visit farmers’ markets in Westchester

Visiting farmers’ markets has many great benefits – you get to support local farmers, encourage more sustainable practices, buy newly harvested produce, and feel a greater sense of community.

Westchester has a huge selection of farmers’ markets that range from compact and low-key to large ones with over 50 different vendors.

Here are a few top farmers’ markets to visit in Westchester:

Hastings

Photo courtesy of Hastings Farmers Market Facebook page

Hastings Library Parking Lot, 7 Maple Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson
8:30am to 1:30pm, Saturdays, June to November 28

Started in 1998, the Hastings market is one of Westchester’s first farmers’ markets. Today, the market has flourished into one of the county’s more popular markets, with over 2,000 shoppers every week. Hastings has a very festive atmosphere, with live performances from local bands, children visiting the library, and a gorgeous view of the Hudson. The market features an exciting mix of vendors, who sell everything from homemade jams, bee pollen, and locally grown produce.

Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow (TaSh)

Photo courtesy of Tarrytown Sleepy Hollow Farmer’s Market

Patriot’s Park, Rte. 9, Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow
8:30am to 2pm, starting mid-May

Originally one of Westchester’s smaller markets, the TaSh Farmers Market is slowly gaining traction, increasing its number of vendors to nearly three times compared to previous events. The market has a very friendly vibe, where shoppers can join in on picnics, engage in conversations, and enjoy live performances. The TaSh market vendors rotate every week, so shoppers get to enjoy a wide selection of prepared food and local goodies from growers around NY state.

Pleasantville Farmers Market

Photo courtesy of Pleasantville Farmers Market Facebook page.

Memorial Plaza by the Train Station, Pleasantville
8:30am to 1pm, Saturdays, May to November

The Pleasantville Farmers Market is perhaps the most popular market in the county, with more than 50 vendors, live music, tons of family-friendly activities, culinary demonstrations, and other enjoyable programs. The market draws thousands of visitors each Saturday, making it one of the largest farmers markets in Westchester County.

For other fun activities and events in Westchester, visit:
Fun-filled events in Westchester County
Golfing in and around Westchester County

How to Deal with Agents and Home Sellers

Most real estate agents will bend over backwards to accommodate their clients’ requests. Agents will comb through listings to pinpoint the home that closely matches their client’s specifications. Agents will also come up with options and solutions to bypass the bumps on the road that are sometimes part of the homebuying process. More often than not, sellers will adopt a similar attitude. They will inconvenience themselves to welcome potential buyers into their homes.

Meanwhile, the buyer can do well by keeping a few things in mind to make the process an even more positive experience.

Dealing with your agent

Resist the impulse to call your agent very late at night or early in the morning. An email is a more efficient way to communicate with your realtor during non-office hours.
Apply the same courtesy to sellers when you ask your agent to schedule home viewings.
Schedule meetings and viewings at a time that’s reasonably convenient for you. This way, you can be sure of being punctual to appointments.

Dealing with the homeowner

Let your agent contact the homeowner for you. No need to call the owners directly.
Be aware that certain homeowners have “shoe rules.” Before entering any listed house, ask if you need to take off your shoes or if you’ll need to wear surgical booties in the house.
Visit a listed home with your agent. Don’t do it alone. Once viewings are arranged, your agent will be on hand to assist you.
Find out ahead of time if you can take photos of the home. Ask your agent if it’s possible. Some homeowners prefer to maintain their privacy even if they’re selling their home.
Take the time to look around. Even if the house lacks curb appeal, you may be surprised at what lies within. Just follow the lead of your agent.
Make mental notes. Speak openly to your agent only after you’ve left the home. Airing your thoughts as you tour may compromise negotiations or lead to awkward situations, especially if there are things about the house you don’t like.

If you’re looking for homes in Westchester County, New York, contact us today.

Spring cleaning tips for homeowners

Look at it as a chance to de-clutter, organize, and make your house breathe again after a winter’s hibernation.

With the right strategy, tools, and an efficient system, your home will be fresh and ready for spring in no time.

Here are some of the best things you can do:

Start with the clutter
Start small by de-cluttering. Not only are you clearing up space in your house, you’re also getting rid of useless items. Sort and decide what you can keep, donate, or throw away.

Segment and conquer
This military strategy works particularly well in spring cleaning. Instead of cleaning the entire house’s floors, then wiping all the windows, etc., try tackling things room by room. This way, you focus your energy more effectively on each area of the house.

Arm yourself
Have the proper cleaning tools handy. A bucket full of soap and water, and a mop are your basic tools. Beef this up with an all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, rubber gloves, glass and carpet cleaners, feather duster, wiping cloths for glass, and so on.

Be slow but thorough
Go from corner to corner. And take your time. Progress may seem slow, but it’s the only way to get the best results. Begin from the farthest corner and slowly move towards the door.

Sweep through neglected areas
People tend to neglect certain areas of the home when cleaning. But walls, baseboards, shelves, and window screens also attract a lot of dust and dirt. Make sure you give them a thorough sweep and a good wash.

But the best thing anyone can do is to develop daily cleaning habits – from something as simple as putting things in their proper places to removing shoes before stepping on hard-to-clean surfaces. Every little bit helps.

Need more cleaning tips? Check out our previous post.

Saying goodbye to your well-loved home

For many of us, moving to a new home means a fresh start. It’s an exciting experience, especially when you think about the new adventures that lie ahead – new neighbors, new places go to, and a new home where you and your family will make new memories.

But what about the home you’re leaving behind?

Parting with your old home can be difficult, especially if you’ve lived there for quite sometime. It has become a part of your life, and has been with you and your family through the both the good times and the bad.

Before you get caught up in the hectic whirlwind of packing, planning, and moving, it’s a good idea to take at least some time out of your busy schedule to celebrate the home you’ll be leaving behind.

Here are some of the things you can do:

Take photos

Before you pack your belongings, take a picture of every area around your house, so you’ll have something to remember it by. You can also ask your kids to pose in memorable spots, like the wall they once doodled on.

If you want something better than photos, some smartphone apps like Google Street View have a special camera feature which you can use to capture 360-degree images. With these, you’ll always remember what it’s like standing right inside your old home.

Leave something behind

By this, we don’t mean your old junk! You can leave behind a simple note addressed to the new owners, telling them what you loved about living there. You can also consider leaving a time capsule filled with photos or other items in the attic or the basement, in honor of all the happy memories you’ve had in the home.

Organize a farewell party

Invite your friends, or just have a simple celebration with your family. It doesn’t even matter if you’ve already packed most of your things – all you really need are a few snacks and drinks, a couple of outdoor lights, some music, and you have a nice little party to celebrate all the good times you’ve shared in your home.

For more great tips about moving, take a look at this page

Explore the scenic Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is Westchester County’s largest state park, covering a total area of more than 4,300 acres. Known for its diverse hilly terrain and network of wooded trails, the park is a favorite outdoor destination for both residents and visitors, who come to enjoy different activities or to simply relax and take in the beauty of nature.

Once part of Cortlandt Manor, the park was originally called “Poundridge” until 1938, when it officially became county property. The name “Ward” was later on added in honor of William Lukens Ward, one of Westchester’s most notable leaders and the former County Parks Commissioner, serving from 1896 to 1933.

Facilities

Most of the park facilities are located along Reservation Road, which runs parallel to the Cross River. You can find the park office and most of the picnic areas situated along this road. The park’s Trailside Nature Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, educational exhibits, interactive displays, and nature-inspired artwork, is also located along Reservation Road.

Visitors looking for a more secluded atmosphere can head to the Michigan Road parking and picnic area to access the southern area of the park. Surrounded by open meadows, expansive wetlands, towering hardwoods, and bold rock outcroppings, this area is the perfect spot for those who want to soak in the park’s natural splendor.

Hiking trails

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation boasts a 42-mile network of trails that go through woodlands, marshes, granite-faced ridges, and pine-covered glens. Throughout the trails, hikers will be able to spot a few remnants of the park’s past, such as old farmhouses and low stonewalls that used to serve as dividers for farmlands.

More adventurous hikers can try one of the park’s many unmarked paths, which offers a more challenging experience. One of these trails lead to an overlook which rewards hikers with a truly breathtaking view of the Cross River Reservoir and the Catskills in the far distance.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is just one of the many attractions you can discover in the community of Pound Ridge. To know more about the area, visit this page.

Dog-friendly hiking trails in Westchester County

The hiking trails in Westchester County are some of the most scenic trails you’ll find in the entire region, offering enjoyable and unforgettable adventures for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

The best part is, many of these trails are also dog-friendly, perfect for hikers who want their canine buddy to tag along.

Here are a few of the best dog-friendly hiking trails to check out in the area:

Granite Knolls Park, Yorktown

3.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Granite Knolls Park’s 3.5-mile circuit loop hike takes about two hours to complete. The area is the site for small-scale quarry operations, so you’ll be able to see plenty of interesting boulders and rock formations throughout the trail. One of the trail’s highlights is an enormous glacier erratic nicknamed the “Giant Boulder.”

Bronx River Parkway Reservation, Bronxville

9.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Completed in 1925, Bronx River Parkway Reservation is one of Westchester County’s oldest parks, as well as one of the country’s first linear parks. The hiking trail runs mostly alongside a river, meandering through picturesque meadows, soaring woods, and a railroad underpass.

Hudson Highlands Gateway Park, Cortlandt

4.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Once a lookout site during the Revolotuionary War, Hudson Highlands Gateway Park is now a popular destination for outdoor lovers looking to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing. The hiking trail’s starting point can be located along the hillside, where it enters into a vast forested area before proceeding to a steep uphill climb. Hikers will be able to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view once they reach the viewpoint located at a stone fireplace.

Mountain Lakes County Park

5.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

This 5.5-mile circuit loop features majestic surroundings with unique rock outcrops, serene lakes, gently meandering streams, and enchanting hardwood forests. The park is the highest point in Westchester County – breathtaking views stretching beyond the horizon are in store for those planning an outdoor adventure.

For more great activities in Westchester County, visit this page.

Cleaning the dirtiest spots in your home

Germs and bacteria are unwelcome guests at our homes. We may not see them, yet they’re everywhere – on your doorknobs, your couch, your kitchen sink, your coffee maker – the list goes on and on.

Germs are not only nasty, they cause all sorts of problems as well, like allergies, illness and infection. The sad part is, no matter how often we clean our homes, a small amount of germs will always be present.

One of the best ways to significantly reduce the amount of germs however, is to target the most notorious breeding environments. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the dirtiest spots in our homes, and how we can effectively clean them.

Kitchens are the filthiest

A common misconception is that bathrooms are the filthiest areas in a home, but according to a study conducted by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International, kitchens harbor way more germs than bathrooms – which is definitely a cause for concern since this is where we keep, prepare and eat food.

NSF conducted tests on 22 different households, and found Coliform bacteria on more than 75% of the dish sponges or rags, 45% of kitchen sinks, and 32% of kitchen counter tops. Coliform bacteria is a type of bacteria that includes strains such as Salmonella and E. Coli, among others.

Eliminating the germs

Needless to say, if you want to keep your family safe from germs, the kitchen is definitely one area you should focus on.

Below are some of the dirtiest parts in our kitchens, as well as some effective tips from NSF on how to keep them germ-free:

Kitchen sinks – Wash and disinfect all sides and the bottom part of your kitchen sink once or twice a week. Use a solution of one teaspoon bleach, one quart water and pour it down the drain and disposal at least once a month.

Kitchen sponges or rags – Heat wet sponges or rags in your microwave (set to high) for two minutes everyday.

Countertops – You clean these every day, but there’s always a better way to clean them. NSF recommends using hot, soapy water, rinsing, and applying a mixture of bleach and water afterwards.

Faucet handles – Simply rinsing faucet handles with water and wiping them is not enough. Use disinfecting cleaner or wipes on your faucet handles daily.

Cutting boards – Place your cutting boards in the dishwasher after every use, or hand-wash them with hot, soapy water.

Take a look at more home improvement tips by visiting this page.