My Neighborhood: Armonk

When it comes to cuisine, Lorena Livanos and her family are experts. Among the award-winning eateries owned by the Livanos Restaurant Group are NYC’s Oceana, Molyvos, Ousia, and Oceana Poke, as well as City Limits Diner in White Plains. They’re also experts on the town of Armonk, home of Moderne Barn, another acclaimed restaurant in their collection. In fact, the close-knit extended family owns five houses in Armonk—all on the same block, just two miles from Moderne Barn. “We all love it here,” says Livanos of the Westchester County hamlet. “All” includes her immediate family, her sister and four children, her brother-in-law and four children, her sister-in-law and two children, and her in-laws. Armonk has served as HQ for the family since late 2001. Livanos calls it the perfect “small town America” setting in which to raise a family. “We’ll stay here forever,” she predicts. “I love seeing the 40-foot-tall metal eagle sculpture as you drive into town on Main Street. That and the flagpole behind it tell me instantly that I’m home.” —Greg Dutter AH IN ARMONK “There are lots of open spaces, and I enjoy walking with friends along the many paths in town. I also love the nearby Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem and the IBM Learning Center right in town. It’s stunning. You can rent rowboats in Wampus Pond Park, where there are beautiful trees all around.” SHOP LOCAL “I love the boutique Tru Grace. The owner carries amazing things. She has a cult following, and it’s like shopping at home in a cozy little lounge. I also love Framings . My house has long hallways, and I have a gazillion framed photos of my children through the years. Another favorite of mine is Joseph Richard Florals . They have an entrance of cascading flowers.” SPICE OF LIFE “When it comes to restaurants, there’s tons of variety, and they’re all good, so I hit them all: Zero Otto Nove , Fortina , The Beehive , Broadway North Pizzeria , Kira Asian Bistro , Amore Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen . I go to Tazza Café to get my cup of coffee.” SCHOOL SPIRIT “The Byram Hills Central School District is incredible. My children and my nieces and nephews have all gone to great colleges because of Byram Hills High School. I love going to the pep rallies during the fall, when the whole community comes out. There’s a big bonfire, they serve hot cocoa, and the school band plays. It’s a great feeling of hometown U.S.A.” Find your dream home in Armonk.