Five Things to Do During Memorial Day Weekend

Ah, Memorial Day. The old summer kick-off. Weather permitting -you never know how it’s going to be lately here on Long Island-there are a bunch of things you can do to get in the summer spirit as well as honor those who sacrificed themselves for our country.

Here are five fun ideas:

* Brookhaven Fair
•When: May 22 through June 7
•Where: Bald Hill in Farmingville
•What: Rides, attractions, games, circus, fireworks and more

For More Info: www.brookhavenfair.com or call 631-732-4011

* Memorial Day Weekend Festival
• When: May 21 through May 25
•Where: behind the Tri-County Flea Market in Levittown
•What: carnival rides and games. Insider tip: half-price wristbands can be purchased in advance at Astoria Federal Bank branches, at Levittown Lanes Bowling Alleys and at Fatty Malone’s Bar in Levittown

For More Info: call 516-520-8000

* Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show
•When: May 23 and May 24
•Where: Jones Beach
•What: Civilian and military air performances. Headlining this year will be the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and new to the show will be the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. A representative from the Long Island State Parks Department added there would be food and merchandise vendors and displays, and that the best fields to park at are Fields 4 and 5.

For More Info: www.jonesbeachairshow.com or call 631-321-3510

* Memorial Day Parades
•When: May 25
•Where: Hicksville, East Meadow, Centereach, Holbrook and Smithtown to name a few towns holding their annual parades.
•What: Traditional marching parades

For More Info: Contact your local Chamber of Commerce

* Long Island Museum’s “Growing Up on Long Island” Exhibit
•When: Now through October 25
•Where: Long Island Museum, Main Street in Stony Brook
•What: Photographs, artifacts and interviews of Long Islanders from all walks of life; from celebrities to everyday folks about their childhoods on Long Island.

For More Info: www.longislandmuseum.org or call 631-751-0066

Green Stuff to Do – Celebrate Earth Day

I recently received an email from Gail Roca, owner of The Kids Kloset in West Islip, describing her company. “Our goals are to help people earn money in these tough economic times, recycle goods they would otherwise fill the landfills with, and promote the cause to resell, reuse, and recycle”, she says.

With the current state of our economy and in the spirit of Earth Day (Wednesday April 22), her three “R’s” are right on the money. The Kids Kloset holds consignment sales where gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, furniture and more are sold for a fraction of the retail cost.

To sell items, consigners sign up online at the Kids Kloset website (www.thekidskloset.com), print out bar coded price tags for each item, attach the tags on their stuff and drop it all off to be sold. The Kids Kloset folks (and their many volunteers!) sell the merchandise and give the consigners a check. “Earn some extra cash while helping recycle at the same time!”

Check it out the Kids Kloset Spring/Summer Sale, and other Earth Day events, happening all around Long Island:

April 19

Mount Sinai Heritage Trust’s “Earth Day Celebration”
The Heritage Trust and Sierra Club will be giving presentations and tours of the (green) heritage building, discussing alternative ways to use energy. The kids will love playing at the adjoining North Shore Heritage Park a/k/a “The Wedge”-two huge playgrounds with a surrounding walking/cycling path.
(631) 509-0882
www.msheritagetrust.org

Riverhead’s “Earth Day Festival”
This event will be held from 10 am till 4 pm at Indian Island County Park, Route 105 in Riverhead. According to Emily Laurie, Community Relations Director of Suffolk County Parks, the 3rd annual festival has free admission and free parking, and there will be “fly-fishing and kayaking demonstrations, build-your-own pine cone bird feeders, great hands-on exhibits and face painting.”
(631) 854-4949
www.suffolkparksfoundation.org

Long Island Game Farm’s “Grand Opening and Earth Day Celebration”
Learn about the environment, enjoy earth-friendly activities, and visit your favorite animals as the Game Farm’s 39th season begins.
(631) 878-6644
www.longislandgamefarm.com

April 25

Tanger Outlets at The Arches in Deer Park “Tanger Style for a Greener World”
From 10 am till 2 pm learn tips to save energy and water; first 500 shoppers to visit the Piazza will receive a free tree to plant at home; beginning April 20 shoppers who spend at least $175 will receive a free tote-bag (while supplies last).
(631) 242-0239
www.tangeroutlet.com/deerpark

April 25 – 26

The Kids Kloset Spring/Summer Sale
Event will be held at Deer Park Community Center, 41 Homer Avenue, Deer Park
Admission is free.
For more information call (631) 838-7914
www.thekidskloset.com

April 25 – 26

“Heckscher State Park Spring Festival”
This festival is “a celebration of Earth Day with pony rides, environmental crafts, inflatable slides, free seed-planting and displays from various environmental organizations” says a representative from the LI State Parks Department.
11 am till 4 pm
Heckscher State Park
East Islip
(631) 321-3510
www.nysparks.state.ny.us

May 2

Town of Islip’s “Annual Earth Day Celebration”
Festival features live music, educational demonstrations, clowns and animal exhibits.
11 am till 4 pm at Gillette Park, 115 Gillette Avenue, Islip
(631) 224-5485

Eggs and Bunnies and Festivals Oh My

Easter is right around the corner and spring is (sort of) in the air…have you taken your kids on any egg hunts yet? Visited the Easter Bunny?

There’s a lot to do around Long Island to celebrate the season, so, as the ol’ rabbit would say, hop to it!

•What: Patchogue’s 10th Annual Bunny Run and Egg Hunt
• Where: Father Tortora Park, Central Avenue & Third Street in Patchogue
•When: Saturday April 11 at 2 pm
• Who: Kids ages 4-10
• How Much: Free
• Why: To hunt for eggs, of course. Kids can also win prizes and first 100 get goody bags.
• More Info: Patchogue Parks & Recreation Department (631) 475-4302
www.patchoguevillage.org

• What: Bagels With the Bunny
• Where: Patchogue Fire Department
• When: Saturday April 11 from 9 to 11 am
• Who: All ages welcome
• How Much: $5 each
• Why: To share bagels, donuts and juice with the Easter Bunny (BYOC—Bring your own camera), win mystery prizes inside eggs ($1 per egg), and support fundraising efforts for new handicapped-accessible playground at Shorefront Park. Lu-Ann Ladigano of Patchogue Parks & Recreation Department reminds us to make reservations ahead of time, as space for this popular breakfast is limited!
• More Info: Patchogue Parks & Recreation Department (631) 475-4302
www.patchoguevillage.org

•What: Bideawee Eggstravaganza and Photos with the Easter Bunny
• Where: 118 Old Country Road, Westhampton
• When: Saturday April 11 from 11 am to 3 pm
• Who: Families and PETS of all ages welcome
• How Much: Free (donations welcome!)
• Why: To egg hunt and take pictures with the bunny! Egg hunt begins at 11; person with the most eggs collected wins a Bideawee Easter Basket. Photo session begins at 12; pets must be on leash or in a carrier.
• More Info: (631) 325-0200 x118 www.bideawee.org

•What: Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival
• Where: Tanger Outlets at the Arches, Deer Park
• When: Saturday April 11 from 9 am to 2 pm
• Who: All ages welcome
• How Much: Free
• Why: Egg hunt begins promptly at 9 at the center piazza fountain. Then enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and “golden eggs” with prizes inside.
• More Info: (631) 667-0600 www.tangeroutlet.com

•What: Photos with the Easter Bunny
• Where: Simon Malls-Smith Haven, Roosevelt Field, The Source and Walt Whitman Malls
• When: Now through April 11
• Who: All ages welcome
• How Much: Visits are free; picture prices vary depending on package chosen
• Why: Get a remembrance photo of your child’s Easter Bunny visit!
• More Info: www.simon.com

•What: Bunny Breakfast
• Where: Vanderbilt Planetarium, Centerport
• When: Saturday April 11 at 9 am; special planetarium show at 10:15
• Who: All ages
• How Much: Adults: $30; Children: $18
• Why: Enjoy an egg hunt, decorating contests and pictures with Bunny and Lil’ Chick. Seating limited; advance reservations required by phone or email.
• More Info: (631) 854-5579 www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

•What: Easter Egg Spectacular
• Where: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Rd, Melville
• When: Sunday April 5 and Saturday April 11 from 11 am to 4:30 pm (egg hunts every 45 minutes) and Sunday April 12 till 3 pm
• Who: All ages
• How Much: $8 admission fee ($2 coupons on website) Craft prices additional (see website)
• Why: Visit with the bunny, cookie and (super sized!) egg crafts, plus all of the other cool stuff to do at White Post-pony and train rides and animals galore.
• More Info: (631) 351-9373 www.whitepostfarms.com

Better Late Than Never… Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Oops…I missed St. Patrick’s Day.

Well, it wasn’t really an oversight; while everyone else was enjoying corned beef and cabbage and green beer, I was fighting off the end of the flu. So, the next day, I set out to find some good old fashioned Irish food and drink. It seems that there are still plenty of Irish-spirited things to do during the rest of March. If you haven’t gotten your fill of all-things-Irish, here are some ideas:

Eat and Drink:

Lily Flanagans Pub
345 Deer Park Ave
Babylon, NY
(631) 539 0816
www.lilyflanaganspub.com

Along with traditional Irish dishes and beer, Monday thru Friday Happy Hours and a Sunday Brunch, Flanagan’s has live Irish music on Friday’s from 7-10 and Sundays from 5-8.

Irish Coffee Pub 

131 Carleton Avenue
East Islip, NY
(631) 277-0007
www.irishcoffeepub.com

From their famed Cream of Potato Soup to corned beef and cabbage and fish-and-chips, the Irish Coffee Pub has something for everyone. On Friday nights, Martin Flynn plays Irish music.

Paddy’s Loft
1286 Hicksville Road
Massapequa, NY
(516) 798-7660
www.paddysloft.com

Brunch, lunch and dinner specials, seafood, burgers, steaks and traditional Irish fare abound at Paddy’s. Add in nightly bagpipe shows and 13 satellite televisions and you’re all set for a great time.

Go To One More Parade:

14th Annual Patchogue St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday March 29 at 2 pm

Parade starts at Route 112 and East Main Street and continues west down Main Street

The parade will kick off with the 1k “Family Fun Run” and the “May the Road Rise to Meet Ye” 5k run.

According to Lu-Ann Lategano of the Patchogue Parks and Recreation Department, the parade line up includes seven pipe bands, various dance and brownie troops, fire trucks and floats.

For more information, call (631) 207-1000 or go to www.patchoguevillage.org

Other Irish-Inspired Things To Do:

“Luck of the Irish” Theme Night
Cantiague Skating Rink
1 West John Street
Hicksville, NY
(516) 571-7052
www.nassaucountyny.gov

March 27 from 9-11 pm; skaters encouraged to wear their favorite green attire while skating to popular music.

Irish Elegance
119 Main Street
Stony Brook, NY
(631) 751-1491
www.irishelegance.com

This more-than-just-a-gift shop, which was a popular store in Smithtown for over 20 years, recently moved to Stony Brook Village. Irish Elegance sells Irish and religious gifts, home décor, Irish sweaters, and licensed Guinness merchandise. Irish Elegance even has an extensive wedding line including rings, jewelry, invitations and favors. Many items can be ordered online at their website.

The Cheesecake Factory & Grand Lux Café — Have You Tried Them Yet?

Sure, we all know someone who raves about the “new” restaurant they “discovered” in some obscure part of town. But when I want good reliable food with a large variety of choices, take me to The Cheesecake Factory or Grand Lux Café.

Both are chain restaurants, but not found at every exit off the LIE; Cheesecake has just three locations on Long Island and Grand Lux only one. To me, eating at Cheesecake or Grand Lux gives me a different kind of experience and ambience then just eating out at another chain restaurant; they feel a little fancier, maybe even a little more upscale, but still o.k. to bring my three children.

The Cheesecake Factory

I often get asked why I like The Cheesecake Factory so much. Hey, I even eat there in different states when I am on vacation! For starters, whether I am in the mood for a burger, an omelet, pasta, a salad, or just dessert, there is always something that satisfies. Secondly, the portions are huge. Either stuffing my face on site, or bringing home a doggie bag, I always feel like I get my money’s worth.

My favorite dish (of the moment, anyway) is the Vegetable Chopped Salad. Cheesecake calls it a “smaller salad” but it is pretty filling nonetheless. Sometimes I get it plain, sometimes with grilled chicken, sometimes with the dressing on the side; any way it is great.

The Grilled Chicken and Avocado Club is always a winner with me. In an effort to eat (somewhat!) healthy I usually ask for it on wheat toast sans the mayo.

Some new faves of mine are on the “Small Plates & Snacks” menu just rolled out in February. Those Corn Fritters could be addicting and the Shrimp Crustini-like a miniature serving of shrimp scampi-is the perfect size.

Whenever I go for brunch (Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm) the Giant Belgian Waffle is always a hit with my kids. It is light yet crispy and has a tiny bit of sweetness (vanilla?) to it.

Oh yeah…the cheesecake. As far as desserts go… where to begin… My general go-to cheesecake when I can’t decide among the thirty plus cakes is the Chocolate Tuxedo Cream. With its layers of fudge cake, chocolate cheesecake and vanilla mascarpone mousse, this one, let’s just say, takes the cake. The 30th Anniversary Chocolate Cake Cheesecake is just ridiculously rich. A new discovery on my part is the Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake; if you are a fan of coconut custard, this one is for you. When (and IF ha ha) I want to share with my kids, we get the Factory Mud Pie. Unbelievably rich blackout cake, vanilla and coffee ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and nuts, it is like a big, messy, chocolaty ice cream sundae.

Cheesecake Factory has three locations on Long Island; all have “Curbside-To-Go” and “Catering” available:

Smith Haven Mall

Lake Grove
(631) 361-6600

Walt Whitman Mall
160 Walt Whitman Road
Huntington
(631) 271-8200

Source Mall
1504 Old Country Road
Westbury
(516) 222-5500

Grand Lux Café

Founded by the same owners of The Cheesecake Factory, I first discovered this restaurant in 1999 in the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Grand Lux has a similar, but a little more eclectic menu as The Cheesecake, featuring over 150 dishes from around the world and fresh, made-to-order desserts.

Among my favorite lunch items are the Spicy Flatbread Chicken Sandwich, the Tuna “Nicoise” Melt and the Grand Cobb Salad.

The Madeira Chicken and Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Jambalaya are always winners for dinner.

Desserts can take up to 30 minutes to prepare and are suggested upon ordering the entrée. The New Orleans Beignets are light and served with three sauces. The Key Lime Pie is one of their best desserts. But, a visit to Grand Lux would not be complete without ordering the Box of Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies. Start the dozen with your coffee and bring the rest home!

Roosevelt Field Mall
630 Old Country Road
Garden City
(516) 741-0096

Hey Kids…Let’s Party!

Kiddie birthday parties…love ‘em or dread ‘em, most parents must deal with ‘em eventually. Costing anywhere from $11 to over $70 per child, children parties are big business. So if a shindig for your child, from toddler to teen, is in your near future, here are some ideas worth considering:

PARTY THEME: FOOD

McNulty’s Ice Cream Parlor
Make your own ice cream sundae, play games, and get those little hands and faces painted. Two party packages available; $10.95 per child for the ice cream, a juice box, a favor and a balloon; add in pizza and it’s $13.95. A relative bargain in the Long Island birthday business.

McNulty’s Ice Cream Parlor
153 North Country Road
Miller Place, New York 11764
(631) 474-3543

Young Chefs Academy
If you want a cooking party, Young Chefs is the place to do it. Make-your-own pizza and decorate-your-own-cupcake for ages 4 and up; learn to cook brunch and ethnic dishes for older party goers. For a group of 15, prices range from $350 to $450.

Themes and offerings vary; contact your location for more information.

Young Chefs Academy
Commack: (631) 486-4355
Merrick: (516) 665-3949
www.youngchefsacademy.com

Dylan’s Candy Bar
Bring your sweet tooth to this one. Recommended for ages 4 and over, your child’s 90 minute customized celebration will be loaded with candy. Parties include candy invitations, a candy craft activity, games with- you guessed it- candy prizes, and a candy-covered birthday cake. Add-ons include the chocolate fountain, popcorn machine and cotton candy maker. Price for Dylan’s is $499 for up to 13 guests; $25 for each additional child. Pizza can be added for $20 per pie or chicken nuggets and fries for $5.50 per person.

Dylan’s Candy Bar
Roosevelt Field Mall-630 Old Country Road
Garden City, New York 11530
(516) 877-7062
www.dylanscandybar.com

PARTY THEME: ART

Studio E
Whether your child is interested in puppet making, cartooning, painting or sculpting, Studio E has these party themes and a ton more. The two hour event includes the art project of your choice, pizza, soda and a cupcake. Parties are held on Saturdays at 12:30 and are $175 for up to ten children; $15 per additional child.

Studio E
565 Route 25A
Miller Place, New York 11764
(631) 744-4001
www.studioeartclasses.com

Plasterkraze
Paint, decorate a t-shirt or tote bag, make your own candy or teddy bear, and when you’re done, get crazy in the disco-lighted party room with music, dancing and games. Also included in the party package is a choice of bagels or pizza, dessert, drinks, a party host, and invitations. Formerly in Stony Brook, Plasterkraze recently moved to a larger location in Selden’s Liberty Plaza.

Parties cost $16.45 per guest with a minimum of 12 children.

Plasterkraze, Inc.
1310 Middle Country Road
Selden, New York 11784
(631) 689-5231
www.plasterkraze.com

PARTY THEME: PLAY

Jump
During their two hour party, kids can bounce and play on giant inflatable slides, obstacle courses and rockwalls, enjoy the video arcade/game room and then kick back in the party room for pizza or bagels and drinks. Parents can join their child on the giant slide and then relax in the quiet of the WiFi lounge.

Packages are for 12 kids with birthday child free.
•$349 Monday-Thursday parties
• $429 Friday-Sunday, and holiday and vacation week parties.
• $14.95 each additional child.

Jump
151 Dominion Blvd
Ronkonkoma, New York 11779
(631) 585-JUMP
www.jumpparties.com

The Little Gym
Parties are 90 minutes and include invitations addressed, stamped and mailed, set up and clean up of party room, a birthday leader and an assistant. The Tumble Trak bounce mat, which according to a Little Gym representative is “like an inflatable, safer trampoline” is also available for use during the parties. Price is $299 for 12 children; $8 for each additional child; add in $50 for pizza and juice. Prices and features may vary among the twenty-plus Little Gym locations; check your local one for specifics.

The Little Gym
138 East Main Street
Smithtown, New York 11787
(631) 360-7777
www.thelittlegym.com

PARTY THEME: GLAMOUR

The Little Ladies Club
From their “Princess” to “Teen Queen” parties, the birthday bashes here are sure to wow your girls. And, don’t worry if you invite some boys…they will have just as much fun dressing up as a superhero with funky hair and body tattoos. Two hour parties include hair styles, manicures, a tea party and dancing in the disco room. Prices range from $355 to $445 for 10 guests; birthday child free; $23 for each additional child.

The Little Ladies Club
246 Unit 3 West Old Country Road
Hicksville, New York 11801
(516) 939-CLUB
www.thelittleladiesclub.com

A Girl’s Gotta Spa!
From the “Pampered Party Girl” package that includes a manicure, hair-do and eye and lip makeup to the “Deluxe Indulgence” package with mani/pedi, chocolate facial, make-up and deluxe hair style, your teen will love bringing her BFF’s to this chic, pink, girly-girl salon in downtown Patchogue. And she won’t have to worry about being seen in a “Mom-type” salon; A Girl’s Gotta Spa is only for beauty fiends under 18. Prices range from $480 to $725 for the birthday girl and 10 guests.

A Girl’s Gotta Spa!
240 East Main Street
Patchogue, New York 11772
(631) 569-2012
www.girlsgottaspa.com

Disney in New York

Now that my daughters are at ages where they can (sort of!) sit still in a movie theater-yes, with bribery in the form of candy, popcorn and the usually forbidden soda- I decided to scope out some local plays they may be interested in seeing. It appears that Disney productions-from “Peter Pan” to “The Aristocats”- are the hot tickets these days. So, now, in addition to watching Disney’s “Enchanted” at home, which seems to be on a continuous loop in my DVD player, we can go out to see a princess-y, sing-song-y, let’s-talk-to-the- animals-show in real life, too.

Here are some popular Disney productions now appearing in Long Island and Manhattan theaters:

“Beauty & the Beast” 

When: Now through January 25
Where: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main Street, Smithtown
Tickets: Adults: $26-$30; Children: $18; Thurs Matinees: $16
For More Info: 631-724-3700
www.smithtownpac.org

“The Aristocats”
When: Now through February 7
Where: Broad Hollow Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
Tickets: $10 “Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the theatre, but reserving ahead of time definitely gets you better seats”, according to Glen J. Beck, Associate Artistic Director of Broadhollow.
For More Info: 516-775-4420
www.broadhollow.org

“Peter Pan & Wendy”
When: Now through January 31
Where: Bay Way Arts Center, 265 East Main Street, East Islip
Tickets: $10
For More Info: 631-581-2700
www.broadhollow.org

“Cinderella”
When: January 10 through February 14
Where: Studio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst
Tickets: $8
For More Info: 631-581-2700
www.broadhollow.org

“Sleeping Beauty”
When: February 14 through March 14
Where: Broadhollow Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
Tickets: $10
For More Info: 516-775-4420
www.broadhollow.org

If a trip to Manhattan is in your plans, “The Little Mermaid”, “Mary Poppins” and “The Lion King” are all currently playing on Broadway.

For more info:
Disney on Broadway
www.disney.go.com/theatre/

Holiday Giving… On a Budget

Let’s face it: times are tough and giving to your favorite charity just may not be in the budget this year. But, for those of us that still want to make a difference without making a huge dent in our wallets, here are some great local charities where every dollar goes a long way:

Charity: Girl Scouts
How to Give: Drive through the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show and your $12 admission fee is your donation. “All proceeds benefit our Girl Scout Outreach programs and services” says Christine Terzella, Communications Manager for Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “Our newest display-a big castle-is making its debut this year. It is really beautiful and elaborate,” she adds. The light show, the only 3-D one on Long Island, is open daily from 5 to 9 pm now through December 23.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
1500 Lakeview Avenue, Bayport
www.holidaylightshow.org

Charity: Long Island Cares, Inc. – “The 16th Annual Check-Out Hunger Campaign” which runs now through January 1, 2009

How to Give: At your local Fairway, Food Emporium, Foodtown, Kings, ShopRite, King Kullen, Wild By Nature, Pathmark and Waldbaums supermarkets. When you are checking out your groceries, look for the “Check-Out Hunger” donation slips in $1, $3 and $5 denominations; the cashier will scan the ticket and add the amount to your bill. “Check-Out Hunger is a wonderful campaign that generates between $80,000 and $90,000 annually”, says Robin Amato, Director of Development at Long Island Cares. “It is a unique partnership between the area supermarkets, Long Island Cares, the shoppers and our over 80 volunteers”, she adds. In addition to donating money at a store, those interested in giving to Long Island Cares can donate directly on their website. Another popular way to give to this charity, especially during holiday time, is to make a donation as a gift in honor of a loved one; Long Island Cares will send a card to the honored individual on the donator’s behalf.

Long Island Cares, Inc.-The Harry Chapin Food Bank
10 Davids Drive
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 582-FOOD
www.licares.org

Charity: New York City Rescue Mission
How to Give: Charity accepts online donations and checks mailed to their New York City location.

Local businesses, such as Marchand’s School of Dance in Miller Place, have chosen NYC Rescue as their charity of choice for this holiday season. Owners Marjorie and Sommer Marchand have a goal of “feeding 500 people” with their students’ donations. To entice the students to give, the studio “sells” raffle tickets for $2 each (to represent the $1.94 average meal cost the charity boasts) and uses the tickets to raffle off a “surprise gift” at the end of the holiday season. “We have the money to feed over 320 people so far! It is great to see even the littlest dancers understanding our dream; we are receiving a lot of the students’ own money!”

NY City Rescue Mission
90 Lafayette Street
NY, NY 10013
(212) 226-6214
www.nycrescue.org

An Interview with Award-Winning Celebrity Chef and Author Bobby Flay

Have a craving for a delicious, juicy burger? Maybe one with bleu cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato? Then you MUST go to Bobby’s Burger Palace.

Are you a “foodie”? Want to get one of Bobby Flay’s new cookbooks personally autographed?Then you MUST go to Bobby’s Burger Palace.

On November 23, you can do both.

Chef Bobby Flay will be signing his newest books at his restaurant, Bobby’s Burger Palace, at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove. Barnes & Noble will begin selling books at Bobby’s Burger Palace at 12:00 PM and people can line up at that time. People can come at any time during the event to purchase the books at the Burger Palace and find a place in the signing line. Books, of course, are always available at Barnes & Noble as well.

•The Restaurant

Bobby’s Burger Palace, located in the Smith Haven Mall, opened this past summer. Owned by award-winning celebrity chef and author Bobby Flay -catch him on the Food Network’s “Throwdown With Bobby Flay” and the “Iron Chef of America”. BBP serves some of the best burgers, onion rings and milkshakes around. Each burger can be made with their Certified Angus Beef, ground turkey, chicken breast or “topless”-on a bed of lettuce sans the bun. On a recent visit I tried the “Dallas” burger—awesome with coleslaw, Monterey jack cheese, barbeque sauce and pickles. And I can’t forget to mention the onion rings—big but tender, fried but not greasy, they are the perfect side with a burger. Each menu item, i.e. the “Dallas”, “Miami”, and “L.A.” burgers are inspired by Bobby’s travels throughout the United States.

And don’t forget to “crunchify” your burger with a topping of (free of charge) potato chips.

Finish off your meal with a delicious milkshake or malted—the dark chocolate is my favorite.

New service: food is now available “to go”—check out the menu on the website, call in your order, and pick it up in fifteen minutes!

Bobby’s Burger Palace

355 Smith Haven Mall
Lake Grove, New York 11755
www.bobbysburgerpalace.com

• The Books

Chef Bobby Flay has two books he is promoting at the November 23 signing: Grill It! and The Mesa Grill Cookbook.

Grill It! is full of basic grill recipes, most with Bobby’s signature southwest flavorings thrown in. There are great ideas for steaks, shrimp, and of course, burgers, but also for grilling fruit and vegetables.

The Mesa Grill Cookbook is full of recipes from the kitchen of his famed Mesa Grill. There are over 150 recipes for salads, desserts, entrees, drinks and brunch dishes and a guide to tequila as well.

• The Interview

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Chef Bobby Flay. Just as personable and friendly as he is on television!

LI Exchange: BBP in Lake Grove is always hopping; what made you choose this location as your very first “Burger Palace”?

BOBBY FLAY: We were researching where we wanted to put our first burger place and wanted it to be someplace that is not in NYC, per se, which is where I have lived my whole life. We wanted to reach people outside of the city as well. Just going around, looking at real estate, we felt this was the perfect place to start.

LI Exchange: The desserts at your other restaurants, for example, Mesa, are wonderful…any plans for some sweets at BBP?

BOBBY FLAY: I was going to do a couple of desserts but basically what we found is that people use the shakes as dessert—11 oz of ice cream in each shake—and we have a pretty extensive list of flavors for our shakes.

LI Exchange: OK, what’s up with the “burger crunchification”—where did this come from?

BOBBY FLAY: I remember as a kid always enjoying when my French fries and potato chips got the melted cheese from the burger. Then I started actually putting potato chips on my burger. I am a person who really thinks about flavor of course, but also textures of food, so if you put the potato chips on the burger, it just adds this great crunch to it—it’s way more food to eat!

LI Exchange: Your book, Grill It! is full of great grilling recipes and tips. If you had to give one crucial grilling tip for the perfect burger or steak, what would it be?

BOBBY FLAY: Be patient! Meaning, people who are not very good at a grill, or don’t have a lot of experience at a grill, the first thing they do after they put something on the grill is they check to see if it’s sticking. I always tell people to stay away from it; you have to actually let the food cook for awhile before it will come away from the grill. If you are just patient, you will have a lot of success.

LI Exchange: You have said your favorite food to eat is a cheeseburger. What is your favorite food to prepare?

BOBBY FLAY: I cook everyday of my life and it changes often, but if I had to categorize it, probably shellfish. Lobster, crab, these are the ingredients I reach for first.

LI Exchange: When did you realize you wanted to become a chef?

BOBBY FLAY: I started cooking professionally at 17; dropped out of high school, got my GED and started culinary school.

LI Exchange: Do you have any pet peeves in the kitchen?

BOBBY FLAY: Not really any pet peeves, but I really try to instill really good work habits. I always tell people in my kitchens that good habits make good food.

LI Exchange: Any ideas for a recipe to “wow” my family at Thanksgiving?

BOBBY FLAY: I like Thanksgiving at my house every year. I think the best thing to do at Thanksgiving is to take things people will recognize, but put some twists on them. I make a dish with sweet potatoes and chipotles and I make Brussels sprouts with pomegranates and walnuts.

Just in Time for Halloween… Long Island’s “Haunted” Hang-Outs

While attending a baby shower at The Country House Restaurant in Stony Brook, I learned some very un-baby-showerish information about the place…legend has it that a ghost resides there. Hmm… with Halloween just around the corner, it seemed only fitting that I investigate this tale…

According to the staff, unexplained voices and sightings of a woman have been observed. Supposedly, the ghost of Annette Williamson, murdered there during the American Revolution, haunts this historical house. When I approached owner Bob Willemstyn to verify this, he told me that his restaurant has in fact been investigated for paranormal activity and is featured in NY Times Bestseller Ghosts of Long Island: Stories of the Paranormal, by Kerriann Flanagan Brosky. Country House is also in the pilot teaser for a potential new television show about haunted Long Island locations. (Check out www.ghostsoflongisland.com for more info.)

So, this popular, quaint, beautifully decorated restaurant (with fabulous food, I should add!) could be haunted. This got me thinking: are there more local scary-spots I don’t know about? I called upon Long Island Paranormal Investigators www.liparanormalinvestigators.com for more info. LIPI is a group who, using scientific equipment, investigates the sites of urban legends on Long Island to determine if, in fact, they are haunted.

So, if you thought the only claim-to-haunted-house fame Long Island has is the Amityville Horror, think again. Here are some supposed hot-spots for Long Island paranormal activity. Visit if you dare…

Katie’s Bar-Smithtown: Patrons and employees report seeing the ghost of Charlie Klein, a bartender who committed suicide in the 1920’s, glasses flying off the racks, and unexplained footsteps in the bar.

Pizza Hut-Centereach: Employees maintain dishes and pots fall off of the shelves and whispers are heard, all as a result of the ghost of a person who died in the bathroom.

Montauk Manor: This hotel is located next to a cemetery that was once a burial ground for Native Americans; claims of beating drums and chanting have been reported.

If, however, the “real” houses of ghosts and spirits are not for you, and a guaranteed scary experience is what you are looking for, get a few goose bumps at these spooky places:

For adults only:

Mills Pond House of Horrors: Advertised as “definitely not for young children or the faint of heart”, this 5000 square foot adventure features pitch black and claustrophobic hallways, a haunted trail and a haunted art gallery.

Route 25A, St. James
www.stacarts.org

Darkside Haunted House: An indoor/outdoor attraction with daily and nightly shows. Night shows not recommended for children under 12 and daytime ones discouraged for those under 10. All ages, however, can visit the village.

Route 25A, Wading River
www.darksideproductions.com

Bayville Scream Park: a Halloween-themed amusement park featuring five scary attractions including “Bloodworth Manor” Haunted House and the “Funhouse of Fear”. The park also has a cafe, miniature golf and rock climbing. Scary for adults; kids can enjoy a tamer version on the “Not So Scary Days” which is held from 11am till 6pm on weekends.

Bayville Avenue, Bayville
www.bayvillescreampark.com

North Babylon Fire Department Haunted House: Captain Jimmy Kemming says their house is “intense, scary and NOT for children! It is targeted for teenagers 13-16 years old; they all say it’s the best around!” Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Halloween.

Wallace Court, North Babylon
www.a1hauntedhouse.com

Probably o.k. for kids at least 10 and over, but check out their websites for more info:

Mulford Farm:
•October 25: Halloween Fun Weekend featuring jack-o-lantern displays, a contest for the best scarecrow (kids bring your favorite one) and a pumpkin carving demonstration (bring your own hallowed out pumpkin)
•October 28 & 29: “Lantern Tour”-flashlights will be provided for this tour of an “old burial ground”.

James Lane & Montauk Hwy, East Hampton
www.easthamptonhistory.org

Haunted Hangars at the Cradle of Aviation Museum: Open only evenings of 10/24 and 10/25; interactive experience through the museum’s old airplane hangars.

Charles Lindbergh Blvd, East Garden City
www.cradleofaviation.org

For a full list of additional Haunted Houses and Pumpkin Farms click here.