Valerie Smaldone
Media Personality, Actress, Producer, Writer
Valerie Smaldone, a 5 time Billboard Magazine Award winner, is perhaps best known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 position in the New York radio market as the midday host of New York’s 106.7 FM. She ended her on air run with the station at the end of 2007. In addition, she was the co-creator, writer, producer and host of 'Spotlight On,' a nationally syndicated program that featured in-depth interviews with top recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting and Celine Dion, to name a few.
Presently, Valerie can be heard on NBC Network News promos and specialty shows and as the announcer for The Boomer Esiason Show on MSG. She writes a weekly nightlife column for TheThreeTomatoes.com, writes a theater column for Examiner.com, and has an interview program on the Italian American Network. She is an interviewer and feature reporter on Broadway for TonyAwards.com and hosts and produces celebrity portrait unveilings for Broadway stars at famed theater district eatery, Tony’s.
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Some great dining all around town.
Question: When do we get to play and do things that we don't normally do?
Answer: On our birthday.
Yes, when that one day a year comes around, it is an opportunity to do something we don't normally do. I.E., act silly, take a day off, have a decadent lunch, go shopping, get a manicure, see a movie in the afternoon, or just eat cake.
I think I did most of the above this year, and when you tell people, "it's my birthday!" they just smile with great understanding.
So, after doing my new online radio show this week, (Valerie's New York on www.wor710.com 11 am to noon), Rick picked me up and whisked me to my surprise lunch. We usually go to the river for lunch, but the weather was not so great and staying inside was probably a better choice.
Over to Varick Street we went, where City Winery is situated right near Van Dam. A pretty spectacular space there with a winery, private rooms, a place for music performance and so much more.
The food is unique: sort of North African, Middle Eastern, Eclectic. In other words, just my cup of tea.
The wine is fab, the place casual and the food is really delicious.
I look forward to going back to City Winery to hear music soon.
Now, over the weekend, we were in Westchester and headed to the River for a relaxing end of day drink and snack. The River I speak of is the Mighty Hudson. You know, it is right in our back yard, but it
truly is a spectacular place to enjoy. Sometimes, because it is part of our world, we don't make a fuss. But the Hudson is a beautiful part of our own landscape and some place to cherish.
There is a restaurant right on the banks of the Hudson with a view of New York City. Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry is a place you want to get to early, otherwise you will not get your table outside if you just want
drinks and a bar menu. The outside bar is called South Beach and once you go, you'll see why there is an endless stream of people making their way to this eatery.
It is a spot where you want to park yourself for a couple of hours to enjoy the refreshing breezes and watch the barges float by. If you look south, you'll see the skyline of New York City.
I had a beverage called, A Hudson which is Hendricks gin, muddled cucumber, lemon and soda spritz. Uniquely refreshing and perfect with appetizers from the bar menu.
It is a little slice of heaven and it's so easy to get to. Right up the Hudson in Dobbs Ferry. www.harvest2000.com
Off we go for the long holiday weekend...Have a good one!
