The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Play it Forward

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By Miriam Longobardi
Photo by John Apicelli

The idea of artists supporting other artists within the community is nothing new, so when local guitar player Marty Schechter passed away recently drummer Gary Schwartz organized Little Marty’s Big Blues Fest Volume 1 at Katie Mac’s in Mount Kisco to help the Schechter family with expenses. Schechter, a gifted guitar player, singer, and songwriter among his many other talents, died after battling cancer at age 60 in December. Family, friends, colleagues and fans were all eager to take part in the fund raiser that was also a tribute to the memory of this beloved member of the music community

[Read more…] about Play it Forward

AutoCorrect Me, Please!

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One of the punishments of living in the 21st century is having to deal with AutoCorrect. Our digital devices “know” better than us what we meant to say. Back in the pre-digital world, my father never permitted me to contradict him in public–yet everyday, completely unnoticed, my own digital surrogates contradict me, turning my words into swords–literally. [Read more…] about AutoCorrect Me, Please!

Beascakes Bakery: Sweeter Than Honey

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES: Five years ago, Julie came from Ohio to New York to attend The French Culinary School. After graduating, she worked for the famous chocolatier Jacques Torres. “Next, I browsed ads for my own bakery, found Beascakes, and realized I would not be returning to Ohio anytime soon!” Last year, Beascakes moved to a bigger location that allows Julie to take on larger projects and offer new products. The bakery prepares custom cakes, cupcakes, and cook- ies for any occasion; morning pastries, coffee cakes, fresh doughnuts every morning, daily soups, bagels, cookies, espresso, smoothies and frozen yogurt.

GREATEST STRENGTHS: Fearlessness in the face of challenge! “We make many custom one-of-a-kind cakes and cookies. Nothing pleases us more than to see your ideas come to life.” Assorted treats–chocolate chip cookies, scones, coffee cakes and pies–are available daily in the shop’s “Take & Bake” freezer.

Beascakes Bakery
PROPRIETOR:
Julie Dickens
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2004
www.beascakes.com

Eye Gallery: Cool Shades, Funky Frames and Great Service at a Manhattan Caliber Shop

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On a balmy January afternoon, post holiday season, Eye Gallery was bustling with customers, both residents and out of towners, checking out the latest styles in eyeglasses and sunglasses at this spacious and gracious South Greeley Avenue shop. There were also those simply dropping in to schedule an eye exam or contact fitting appointment with its owner, Chris Gentile, a working optometrist for almost 15 years.

Meanwhile, manager Celine Lewitt was engaging a vendor offering selections of designer eyeglass and sunglass wear to add to an ever growing inventory of fashionable selections for the discerning customer.

“Eyeglasses and sunglasses have emerged as perhaps the most important accessory in your wardrobe, “ notes Chris. “For awhile now, they’ve been about far more than helping you see better or protecting your eyes. Your face is the first thing people look at and it can’t hurt to be armed with the right fashion. The designers know that and are always coming up with interesting new frames for an interesting new look.”

Of late, larger eyeglasses with thicker, heavier plastic frames–to achieve a so called “nerd chic” look–are all the rage and Chris points to various fun, funky and stylish “big frame” selections by Oliver Peoples, Chanel and Tom Ford. “They are quite eye catching,” says Celine. “This larger look is a definite trend.” Eye Gallery also carries Salt, Barton Perreira, Robert Marc, Dita, Gold & Wood, among other high end brands. In the sunglass arena, Chris points out that aviator styles have retained their popularity. “They retain a classic look and the polarized lenses offer great protection.” 

The goal for awhile has been to bring a Manhattan style, high end optical shop to town. In its very first year in business, Eye Gallery won Best of Westchester. In the spring, Chris will be attending Vision Expo East, a major trade show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. “I’ll be working with great vendors to discover and acquire the newest looks for the spring, summer and beyond. We always want to be the go to place for finding the latest and most fashion forward styles,” states Chris.

But he emphasizes that above all it’s the friendly atmosphere at Eye Gallery that has produced a loyal and steadily growing clientele. “While our offerings are competitive with any city shop, there is still a small town feel here. In addition, everyone knows everyone. We are on a first name basis with our customers.”

Chris tells the story of regularly going above and beyond to serve customers in a crisis, one time overnighting a prescription pair of shades to a customer whose own pair was lost during a ski trip in Colorado.

Chris also takes pride in his work with the youngest clientele, fitting them for their first frames or patiently teaching them how to wear their contact lenses and take proper care of them.

“Ultimately,” says Chris, “We want to and plan to be here a very long time. We are hoping the downtown will continue to evolve, so that it’s a vibrant place for our customers here in town but also draws people in from other towns.”

Eye Gallery
PROPRIETOR: Dr. Chris Gentile
IN BUSINESS SINCE: 2007
eyegalleryny.com