How to Eat, Pray and Love—Locally!

In the movie adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia," Julia Roberts plays Gilbert, a recently divorced woman who takes a year-long trip to rediscover her 'appetite for life.'

While it may not measure up to the quaint cobbled streets of Naples or the turquoise waters of Bali you see on the big screen, you can rediscover your appetite for life right in your own backyard. Indulge in a rich meal without counting calories. Take time each day to meditate or pray. Look for the love you deserve—or celebrate the love you already have. 

We asked moviegoers where they eat, pray and love right here at home. Here are their answers, along with a few suggestions of our own:

EAT

"I eat at Chat 19 in Larchmont." – Andi, New Rochelle

"I eat at Andy's Pure Food on Purchase Street in Rye, which has vegan food." –Jody Bach, Rye

"I go to Il Castello or Stanz," – Mary Jo, Larchmont

Sal's

If you're looking to 'have a relationship with your pizza,' but not the long-distance relationship that traveling to Eat, Pray Love's Naples would require, travel no further than Sal's Pizzeria and Restaurant on Mamaroneck Avenue. It's a local staple for classic thin-crust pies, Sicilian slices, or the popular salad pizza. There's also an adjoining gelato shop, if you're feeling extra indulgent.

Cooking Classes 

Larchmont & Mamaroneck Continuing Education is offering several fall classes in Italian cooking. A third-generation Italian cook will teach you how to make marinara, alfredo, bolognese and carbonara (which was featured in Eat, Pray, Love). There are also three Classic Italian Cooking classes, one for pasta, one for meats & vegetables, and one for desserts. Check out the schedules or sign up at http://lmcce.org/.

PRAY

"I pray at Community Synagogue on Forest Avenue in Rye" – Jody Bach, Rye

"I pray at Saints John and Paul in Larchmont." – Mary Jo, Larchmont

"I pray at the Westchester Jewish Center in Mamaroneck" – Marcia, Larchmont

"I pray at Saint Ann's Church in Yonkers," – Gail, Yonkers.

Jewish Spiritual Healing Center

Located in White Plains, the Jewish Spiritual Healing Center was founded to provide "opportunities that foster health and healing for the mind, body and spirit within a Jewish context," according to its Web site. Upcoming spiritual workshops include: "Finding Forgiveness: a Yom Kippur Celebration," "Meditation and Middot" and "A Chants Encounter," with outdoor meditative chanting. Email Rabbi Pamela Wax at pwax@wjcs.com for more information.

Bikram Yoga Larchmont

Bikram Yoga on Boston Post Road in Larchmont offers "hot yoga" classes, with a teacher guiding the class through a series of postures in a room heated to over 100 degrees. The heat, according to Bikram Yoga's Web site, "allows the body to become more warm, pliable and relaxed" and the class will "stimulate the organs, glands, and nerves" and "increase in your flexibility, strength and stamina." The temperature will also allow you to pretend you're in India or Bali when there's three feet of snow outside this winter. To check out the schedule of 90-minute classes, visit: www.bikramyogalarchmont.com.

LOVE

"I just moved to Rye after a year of traveling to be closer to my 7-year-old grandson, Sam Bach. I love him so much."- Jody Bach, Rye

"I will be married fifty years this Saturday. I love at home." – Marcia, Larchmont

Meetup.com

In Eat, Pray, Love, Felipe informs Liz: "You don't need a man-- you need a champion." What Felipe and Liz really share are passions like traveling and discovering natural beauty. To find someone local who shares your passions, try meetup.com. On Meetup, groups with common interests such as hiking, kayaking, or literature schedule events for local members. There are also several singles groups, such as "The Westchester Singles Group," "Today's Black Singles," and "Jewish Speed Dating." 

Manor Park

Don't expect Javier Bardem to be waiting with an outstretched arm and a speedboat, but Manor Park is a great place for romance. Whether it's a first date, a proposal, or a day with the kids who have become the loves of your life, Larchmont's Manor Park is a great place to take in scenic views of the Long Island Sound. As you stroll around the gazebo and watch the boats below, you will realize you don't have to travel the world to find beauty, peace, or love.