Armonk Square

Chic and the ‘TAUK of the Town’ in Armonk

June 1, 2018 by Grace Bennett

A new Armonk Square establishment is earning this designation–delivering a beachy, chic vibe–its walls adorned with local art. Serving now: New American food with a twist that is local, farm-fresh and fresh caught. Creative cocktails and outdoor dining are all part of the fun. This publisher stopped in during a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration to sample a few specials. At the friendly bar, I sipped on a tart, refreshing Blood Orange Margarita and savored a most satisfying salmon chowder, perfectly spiced with just the right touch of crème and teeming with fish. To reserve, call: 914-730-1144 — Grace Bennett

Additional background about Tauk:

The Chef

Tauk offers an inspired menu of New-American cuisine, emphasizing locally caught Montauk seafood, reputably sourced meats, local produce, craft cocktails and beers. The restaurant’s chef, Sean Fitzgerald, who hails from previous stints at Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish and Xaviers X20, combines his classic technique with a passion for street fare and a modern twist.

The Menu

The eclectic menu offers something for everyone, with options ranging from salads and sandwiches, to off-the-boat seafood, to hand-blended burgers, to steaks. Lobster rolls, wings three ways and mini tacos, along with ever-changing offerings, are always fresh, with a unique flair. The emphasis is on local, healthy, sustainable and seasonal ingredients, along with gluten-free, vegan and allergy-sensitive options, all at a reasonable price.

Creative Cocktails

In addition to the restaurant’s great food, the bar at Tauk, operated by General Manager Sue Vitello (previously from Armonk’s Moderne Barn) offers inventive and exotic cocktails, a selection of local craft beers and selectively chosen wines. Creative pairing with the chef’s selections and ingredients adds another level of gastronomic pleasure.

The Owner

With influences from his childhood vacations in Montauk, Leone envisioned and designed this restaurant to combine the best of land and sea. Its beachy interior and casual-chic flair create a relaxed, coastal-American theme. Says Leone, “I wanted to bring my own expression of Montauk’s vibe to Armonk for everyone to enjoy.”

Visit www.taukkitchen.com for special announcements or follow them on Facebook!

The Vibe

Food can be enjoyed surrounded by the driftwood finishings and local art, or if you prefer to dine at home, you can order to go or have it delivered. In the warmer months, outdoor seating in beautiful Armonk Square will be available.

Tauk kitchen + bar

402 Main St., Armonk NY 10504

(914) 730-1144

Elegant Aerial Performances Charmed and Dazzled on a Final ‘Third Thursday’

August 20, 2017 by Inside Press

Story & Top Photos By Molly Alexander

The final Third Thursday on August 17 in Armonk was the first of its kind: a unique circus extravaganza featuring immensely talented and expertly trained performers. Armonk Square was the setting for an event with a distinct town fair feeling as cheerful, hard working Westchester Circus Arts staff spent hours engaging hundreds of residents and visitors alike–bringing to the Square magicians, performers on stilts, and most mesmerizing of all, the main event: the company’s highly elegant and sometimes gasp-producing aerial performances.

Attendees also enjoyed a tightrope walking workshop, a chance to watch jugglers and generally to experience pure magic as kids and grown-ups eutger danced near Main Street too at the front of the Square while humming or singing along to a festive lineup of 80s, 90s and contemporary favorites by the three-member band, Vinyl Countdown.

From their Tarrytown, N.Y. location, Westchester Circus Arts has five awesome instructors and teaches classes to the general public. Inside the Square, WCA staff used a hoop, trapeze, silks, and more to capture their audience’s imagination and attention! With the trapeze hanging from four sturdy posts, attendees applauded and cheered as Westchester Circus Arts’ best performers and instructors quite simply, wowed the crowd.

The intricate moves were flawless and had some viewers staying on or returning back to the Square to catch additional performances. Each performer showed off her best routines for about five minutes, with shows starting at 5:30 and continuing every half hour or so.

Each Third Thursday has been a true success each with its own unique charms and offerings, according to Robby Morris, one of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce’s organizers of the event. “It’s really amazing how much the whole community gets involved, and how there’s a dedicated community working within the community.”

Indeed, walking into the small Square in downtown Armonk on a Third Thursday has started to feel like entering a circus tent, as live music carries cheerful vibes into the air and the sounds of laughter and a community coming together is heard and celebrated.

Families have ventured out for a chalk art contest, a chili cook-off and a classic car show through the streets of Armonk, all hosted by the Chamber. Stacy Wilder, the Director of Communications, said Third Thursday is a town favorite and attendance peaked thanks to the wonderful street performers adding to an impressive grand finale on a ‘final Third Thursday’ night in Armonk.

The reviews for Third Thursday attendees have been uniformly positive. Offered Armonk resident Michelle Savage, who has attended several of the events: “From the live music, to the balloons and to the face painting, this is why we love living here.” Get excited for the coming events this fall and winter! To keep up with what’s planned, visit armonkchamberofcommerce.com

Molly Alexander, a rising Senior in the LIFE School at Horace Greeley High School, is an intern for Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk Magazines.

Additional Photos to the left and below by Grace Bennett/Inside Press

(L-R) Armonk’s James Shelly, Chamber’s Stacy Wilder and Friend

Representing the North Castle Historical Society

Chalk Art Dazzles during Chamber’s ‘First Thursday’ Contest

May 6, 2016 by Inside Press

“Two bands added to the festive vibe: a high school band ‘Gilbert’ captivated the audience for the first hour and a half. Next up was ‘Powderfinger” which kept the audience singing along to their familiar rock tunes.” Robby Morris, Armonk Chamber of Commerce

Armonk, May 5– Despite the raw weather, Byram Hills students showed their talent and grit at a first chalk art competition in town, just one of many festivities that helped kick off First Thursday in downtown Armonk.

Stated Morris: “The Chalk Art Contest, fueled by dedicated high school artists, turned out some amazing works that we were able to preserve and display for all those who didn’t venture out to see the creation process. The five pieces, 4’x4′ squares, are being displayed on Main Street!”

The students’ work took place in Armonk Square. The pictures will be decorating the windows at Framings, Douglas Elliman, and Hickory and Tweed into next week.

“A big WOW to a talented group of Byram Hills High School who braved the cold and wind to create some fabulous chalk art,” said Stacy Wilder, director of communications for the Chamber.

First, second and third place winners are displayed in Framings’ windows. There are two fourth place winners: one is in the window at Douglas Elliman, and another one is at Hickory and Tweed. “Congrats to the artists, and thank you to the merchants!”

3rd place team: Caroline Weiss, Stephanie Spruck, Brianna Mcartle

Wilder said that “First Thursday,” sponsored by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce, has brought a renewed energy and lots of excitement to downtown Armonk. “Residents and visitors get to enjoy great music and art, partake in wine tastings, children’s activities, food specials and sales offered around town,” she said. “It’s a win-win for everyone!”

The retail shops and restaurants all opened their doors with specials to entice the crowds to stay for awhile and enjoy what they have to offer. Downtown really comes alive as more and more people find their way to the excitement of Armonk’s First Thursdays. The next date is June 9th

For regular updates to plans for First Thursday go to armonkchamberofcommerce.com