Dec. 18, 2013:  Ongoing: Special Chamber Holiday Offerings!

The Bronxville Chamber of Commerce is infusing some added holiday spirit in town this year! Don't miss any of it!

• Don't forget the Buy Bronxville Holiday Coupon & Free-Parking Raffle! Through December 24, dine at a participating restaurant and collect this coupon, redeemable for 10% off the shopper's one-time total purchase at any of the 21 participating Bronxville stores (valid December 1-24, 2013). Participating restaurants: Kraft Bistro, Haiku Asian Bistro, Station House, Ernie's Wine Bar + EATS, Park 143 Bistro, Underhills Crossing, J.C. Fogarty's, Il Bacio, Pete's Tavern, Blue Moon Mexican Café, Wild Ginger, Harry's of Hartsdale, BURRATA Wood Fired Pizza, and An American Bistro.

• Free-Parking Day--On Saturday, December 21, from noon to 6:00 pm there will be free parking in the following locations: Garden Avenue lot, Kraft Avenue lot, and the Avalon lot, as well as metered spaces on Pondfield Road, Studio Arcade, Parkway Road, and Palmer Avenue. Many thanks to the Village of Bronxville for this wonderful Christmas gift! Meter covers produced by The Nella Company.

• Saturday, December 21, 4:00-4:15 pm--Concordia Carolers, trained at the Concordia Conservatory, will be serenading shoppers along Park Place, starting at the corner of Park Place & Kraft Avenue!

Why Buy Local: Virtue #7

With one week left before Christmas (!), it's time to remind the community of the many virtues of buying locally. Each week, we'll highlight a different incentive. Please keep all of these in mind as you make your buying decisions.

Virtue #7: Customer Service--Nowhere can you get the same personal attention than you do here in town. Store owners take great pride in helping you identify the perfect item, special-order what you want, grant discounts because you're a valued customer, adjust their hours to accommodate your schedule, have your gifts wrapped and ready for pickup, deliver locally, and more. In this one-square-mile village, our business owners go the extra mile.

Holiday Roundup

J&G Italian Deli has its holiday catering menu available. Appetizer selections include homemade stuffed mushrooms, seafood salad, clams oreganata, and eggplant rollatini; pasta dishes include lasagna (meat or vegetable) and linguini with clam sauce (red or white); and main dishes include chicken rollatini, filet mignon with portobello mushrooms and roasted potatoes, veal portobello, stuffed calamari, and shrimp parmigiana, oreganata, or scampi. Christmas Eve hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. 914-664-3475.

The holiday menu at Lange's Deli includes shrimp and roasted corn bisque, honey-glazed baked Virginia ham, penne a la vodka, chicken cordon bleu, green bean amandine, assorted quiches and platters, tiramisu, and bread pudding. Orders must be picked up by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 24. 914-337-3354.

Have a Feast of the 7 Fishes on Tuesday, December 24, from 4:00 to 11:00 pm at Underhills Crossing. Their culinary team will prepare a spectacular array of seafood entrees, bringing this very special Christmas Eve tradition to Underhills, along with their regular dinner menu. If you are planning to view the live nativity scene at The Reformed Church or to attend midnight mass at St. Joseph's, join them for dinner or just stop in to say hello and happy holiday and enjoy a complimentary glass of eggnog. 74.5 Pondfield Rd.

Ernie's Wine Bar + EATS is taking reservations for holiday parties. They can provide the cellar room for up to 10 people or the whole space for up to 40. 7 Pondfield Rd.

Let A'Mangiare cater your holiday party! Call 914-793-9224. 26 Palmer Ave

Chantilly Patisserie's bûche de Noël was just featured in the Journal News! The celebrated patisserie has posted their Christmas menu of delectable treats--including bûche de Noël in two different flavors, pies, gingerbread men, cookie tins, breakfast pastries, dinner rolls, and more! Orders must be placed by Friday, December 20, and can be picked up December 23-24. 135 Parkway Rd.

Mini's Prime Meats & Specialties has a two-page holiday menu available for pickup at the store on Park Place. Appetizer selections include four cheese/roasted garlic puffs, smoked Swiss and bacon tartlet, and mushroom truffle risotto; Italian specialties from Arthur Avenue; store-made pasta dishes such as stuffed shells, manicotti, and baked ziti; side dishes including over-stuffed mushrooms with sausage and bread stuffing and Italian stuffed artichokes; and 36 different main course offerings like filet mignon, prime veal stew, pork tenderloin, Long Island duckling, and even fresh goose. 914-779-1948. 15 Park Pl.

Scarborough Fair Catering's Christmas menu is available on its website and includes hors d'oeuvres and appetizers including French brie & raspberries in phyllo, chicken & chestnuts roasted with bacon, and holiday torta; entrees including roasted beef tenderloin with red zinfandel wine reduction, classic beef Wellington with béarnaise sauce, and Vermont goat cheese stuffed chicken with cranberry port wine sauce; an assortment of side dishes and breads; desserts including old-fashioned chocolate cake with candy canes, holiday cookies, and peppermint and eggnog ice creams; and pastries and quiches for Christmas morning. 914-337-2735.

Let Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese dispatch their expert cheesemongers to help you host your business or organization's holiday party. They'll spread good cheer by supplying a crowd-pleasing array of cheeses, crackers, cured meats, pâtés, nuts, and other superlative D&B delicacies. Call them at 914-361-1770.

Hurry and get your holiday prosecco from Station Plaza Wine & Spirits--it's almost gone! 102 Kraft Ave.

'Tis the season to enjoy peppermint bark ice cream at Häagen-Dazs! Try their cones, shakes, and Dazzler sundaes! 28 Park Pl.

Cooking? Womrath Bookshop has the cookbooks to inspire your best holiday menu, including titles such as Holiday Cupcakes and Cookies, A Taste of Home Christmas, Betty Crocker's Christmas Cookies, The Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays, and Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything: Holiday Cooking.

Uncommon holiday paper goods and place cards are available at Mano A Mano, Kensington Paper, and Womrath Bookshop.

Gifting

Womrath Bookshop will special-order titles that aren't in stock, and arrival time can be less than a week. Try them first: 914-337-0199. 76 Pondfield Rd.

Great stocking stuffers and teacher gifts are available at Topps Bakery. They have great choices of premium holiday chocolates, hot cocoas, candy, and more! View the Chamber's Facebook photo album for some sample ideas. 106 Pondfield Rd.

Trapp Opticians offers a large selection of sunglasses, which make a unique Christmas gift. Their year-end promo is 20% off Tag Heuer sunglasses (in stock only). Pondfield Rd.

Topps Wine & Liquor has a section in its store on Pondfield Road devoted to gift ideas, including stemware and candy shot glasses.

Mano A Mano has an eclectic selection of gift items at all price points--from fragrant soaps to beautiful bangles and purses to tea sets and tiered serving trays and even chandeliers. 81 Pondfield Rd.

Spruce Home & Garden has festive dinnerware, incense, beautiful jewelry, and more--many of which are already giftwrapped for your convenience. Pondfield Rd.

I Train With Juan is offering the 12 Sales of Christmas--one special each day, valid for 24 hours. Examples include 50% off a personal training session, valid for a year after time of purchase. Sign up for their e-newsletter to receive these announcements.

J.McLaughlin has great gifts for the men in your life, including cashmere sweaters and whimsical ties they'll love. Pondfield Rd.

Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary is offering a special on their total body wellness service:  custom nutrition consultation, private yoga & meditation, 2 hours, $230 ($30 savings). Call to book: 914-337-9356.

What better gift for our parents or other older relatives than a membership in Gramatan Village? Call 914-337-1338.

It's hard to get more one-of-a-kind than antiques. View the Chamber's photo album for images of unique items available at Robert's Restoration Gallery on Parkway Road.

Check out the new Rina Limor designs and India Hicks sterling silver love letter at LaGravinese Jewelers. 115 Pondfield Rd.

J. Pocker Bespoke Frames and Prints since 1926: This month's issue of House Beautiful features The Amazing List, a compilation of the best finds around in the design world. J. Pocker is very excited to be featured in The Amazing List with their Bunny Williams for J. Pocker Collection. Fully framed sets of art that combine the wall grouping expertise of Bunny Williams and the framing expertise of J. Pocker. 65 Pondfield Rd.

Bronxville Jewelers is offering 30% off to all their Facebook family and friends. Better like their page to take advantage! Kraft Ave.

Mano A Mano's Nutcracker snow globe salt & pepper shakers make a fun holiday gift! $35. 81 Pondfield Rd.

In addition to carrying dog and cat Christmas toys, Provisions for Pets will have special Christmas cookies, and for the outdoor birds and wild bird lovers, handmade red cedar bird houses ($25.00). They will also have "Dog Gone Smart" beds at 10% off. Kraft Ave.

Bronxville Running Company is offering buy-3-get-1-free on all Feetures socks. 52 Pondfield Rd.

Dobbs & Bishop offers gift baskets that can be shipped throughout the country (free local delivery within five miles of Bronxville), plus their Cheese of the Month Club, for the gift that keeps on giving. For orders by phone: 914-361-1770.

If you shopped at Breezeway recently, don't be fooled into thinking you've already seen all their merchandise. New fashion accessories have been arriving continually, and there's something for every taste and price point--jewelry, purses, hats, scarves, watches, and more. View the Chamber's photo albums for sample images. Kraft Ave.

Who doesn't love a photo gift? Arista Camera has discounted picture frames and photo albums by 15%. They also offer a variety of customized photo gifts. Inquire about the lead time needed for Christmas. Pondfield Rd.

Stop by Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary for some great Christmas gifts for sale including Hylunia skin care products and soothing eye pillows. 14 Studio Arcade.

For the Children

Fierson's announces their first-ever storewide pre-holiday sale: Take 20-50% off everything in the store on items including holiday velvets, smocked dresses and longalls, tartan and black watch plaids; patent leather shoes, holiday booties; Madeline and Babar toys, books, plush; and winter apparel such as tunics and leggings, long-sleeved corduroys, pants, and holiday ties. Kraft Ave.

Bronxville Stationers has Frozen character dolls and figurines, as well as an impressive selection of Barbie, Lego (including Star Wars), Hello Kitty, Matchbox, and rubber bands for Rainbow Loom. Pondfield Rd.

Womrath Bookshop has quite the collection of Christmas merchandise for children, including story versions of the Nutcracker, Christmas Beanie Boos (yup), snowman stuffed animals, and other tantalizing selections for all ages, some of which can be browsed in the Chamber's photo album. Their expanded children's section offers even more selections of toys, as well.

The A&P is selling gingerbread house kits and of course festive candy and cupcakes. Cedar St.

Spruce Home & Garden has animal winter hats in store on Pondfield Rd.

Gift Cards

Still not sure what to get for everyone on your list? Many Bronxville-area merchants offer gift cards! In addition to those mentioned above, these include Haiku Asian Bistro, Kraft Bistro, Underhills Crossing, J. Pocker, Il Bacio Trattoria, Blue Moon Mexican Café, Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary, Weezie D., Value Drugs, Ernie's Wine Bar + EATS, Fabio's Hair Studio, and Lange's Deli of Bronxville, to name a few.

Give the gift of writing this season: A Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute gift certificate for a spring or summer class makes a wonderful present for the aspiring writers in your life. You may purchase one through December 19. For details: 914-395-2205.

Bow Tie Cinemas has gift certificates available for purchase at the box office or online. Who wouldn't love a gift of the movies?

Polpettina--Homestyle Pizza Kitchen has announced a gift card special: With every gift card purchase, get an additional card worth 10% of the value (buy a $50 card and get one worth $5; $100/$10; $200/$20, etc.).

Throughout December, I Train With Juan is offering a 10% discount off all gift certificate purchases!

At Blue Moon Mexican Café, purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a bonus $10 gift card for free! Sale ends Monday, December 23.

Extended Store Hours

Many Bronxville stores offer extended hours for added convenience. Here's a sampling: J.McLaughlin: Saturday, December 14--10:00 am to 7:00 pm; Thursday, December 19, through Monday, December 23--9:00 am to 8:00 pm; Christmas Eve--9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pondfield Rd.

Citrine: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday--11:00 am to 5:00 pm; Thursday--11:00 am to 7:00 pm; Friday, Saturday--10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday--1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The store will be open on Christmas Eve from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 22 Park Pl. 

The Out-of-Towners

Don't forget The UPS Store can take care of all your shipping needs for those gifts and cookie tins for those outside of town. It's a one-stop shop--bubble wrap, packing tape, packaging, and more. They make it easy so it's one less thing you have to think about. 81 Pondfield Rd.

Traveling for the holidays? Arrange your pooch's holiday with Maros Pet Care or Paws and Play Pet Resort. Then buy a thank-you gift at Topps Bakery, which has tins of treats that say thanks for watching my pet.

For your own excursions, book your airport transit with Pondfield Trip Service or Eastchester Trip Service.

Primping

Fabio's Hair Studio is offering a December special: Pre-book your next appointment today and get a surprise gift from their Christmas stocking! Valid until December 31, 2013. Limit one per customer. Parkway Rd.

Also: Check out the following holiday deals at Fabio's Hair Studio: get a free conditioning treatment with the purchase of a ready-to-give product set; get 10% off with purchases of 3 products, 20% off with purchases of 4 products, and a free haircut with purchases of 5 or more (min. purchase $50); get a free conditioning treatment with the purchase of $50-$99 value gift cards and a free treatment and product set with the purchase of $100 plus value gift cards. Offers expire Tuesday, December 31. For more info: 914-337-1482.

Take advantage of the Glam it Up Special: When you book a Restore & Renew Package (75-min. massage with reflexology + 45-min. facial) at Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary (for only $180; originally $200), receive 10% off any blowout, Tues.-Sun., at Blow & Beyond! Offer ends December 31, 2013.

In case you're lacking glitz, sparkly fashion accessories in Bronxville abound! View the Chamber's photo album for some razzle-dazzle evening bags and more from Lisa Jones, Breezeway, Petticoat Lane, Weezie D., Mano A Mano, and more.

Decor

Must see: The holiday décor items at Mano A Mano are simply OMG. See the Chamber's photo album. 81 Pondfield Rd.

Spruce Home & Garden is offering ornaments at 30% off. See the Chamber's photo album. Pondfield Rd.

Tryforos and Pernice Florist not only has beautiful holiday wreaths, swags, and more, but the items on display in their window are for sale too. Stop by and see. Pondfield Rd.

Value Drugs has assorted décor items for indoors and out--even a car costume. Yes, your vehicle can look like a snowman. Pondfield Rd.

The Silk Road has assorted tabletop décor items, glassware, and tree ornaments. Especially if you like elephants, this is a worthwhile stop. 101 Pondfield Rd.

The A&P has a selection of tabletop Christmas trees. Cedar St.

Take 20% off uncommon Christmas ornaments at Savanna at Home! View the Chamber's photo album for samples. Pondfield Rd.

Fabulous wreaths and holiday décor items are beautifully on display at Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop on Parkway Rd. Walk into the store and you'll want your home to look like it does there!

A fabulous assortment of holiday décor, tabletop, and gift items can be found at Kensington Paper. Check the Chamber's photo album for images. 82 Kraft Ave.

Announcements

Open a 15-month Plus CD at People's United Bank and enjoy a high rate of 1.10% APY. Offer available in all New York branches. Limited time offer. Contact Stephanie Weston for more info: 914-771-4123. 111 Kraft Ave.

Spruce Home & Garden is offering free shipping during their December furniture event. 48 Pondfield Rd.

Chantilly Patisserie is in the midst of doing a "28 Days of Giving" program: Every day, they're updating their Facebook and will give away goodies all month long--everything from cupcakes to gift certificates, macarons, bûche de Noël, and more! Be sure to "like" their Facebook page!

Events

The Chamber is hosting added festivities to brighten your holiday shopping season! See Young at Arts carolers on 12/19 and Concordia Carolers on 12/21! See above.

Here's the lineup for the piano bar at Underhills Crossing this week: Wednesday, December 18, 7:00-10:00 pm--Alexis Cole; Thursday, December 19, 7:00-11:00 pm--Alon Tayar; Friday, December 20, 8:00 pm to midnight--Mike LaMassa; Saturday, December 21, 8:00 pm to midnight--Jarod Kashkin; Sunday, December 22, 5:00-9:00 pm--Katya Grineva. 74.5 Pondfield Rd.

Thursday, December 19, 6:30-7:30 pm--Young at Arts performers will be caroling throughout the Bronxville business district! Brought to you by the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce.

Studio One Hair Design will host live accordion music on Thursday, December 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, featuring Carl Gessman, accordionist. 102 Pondfield Rd.

Don't miss an opportunity to view Ray Griffiths's delicate collection of 18-karat gold crown work gems at Citrine on Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21. 22 Park Pl.

Saturday, December 21, 4:00-4:15 pm--Concordia Carolers, trained at the Concordia Conservatory, will be serenading shoppers along Park Place, starting at the corner of Kraft Avenue! Brought to you by the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday, December 21, Noon to 6:00 pm--Free parking in select areas--see above.

Join Park 143 Bistro this Friday, December 20, at 9:00 pm for live music with special musical guests Susan and Anthony playing acoustic rock. Make it a date night out and join them for dinner or their special small plates! Info: 914-337-5100. 143 Parkway Rd.

All are invited to attend the 99th Annual Bronxville Village Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve at 5:30 pm on the hillside of The Reformed Church of Bronxville at the corner of Pondfield Road and Midland Avenue. A community tradition since 1914, the Bronxville Village Christmas Pageant involves all local churches and ministers and a host of volunteers and is supported completely by donations from the community.

Book your sessions at Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary for Reiki Sunday on December 29. Reiki is a non-invasive, clothes-on modality using light touch on or above the body to focus energy. Benefits include physical, mental, and emotional balancing. 914-337-9356.

The next Chamber Chatter will focus on New Year's plans and resolutions--don't miss it!

Be Loyal—Buy Bronxville!

Susan Miele