GC Lifestyle

Best Pizza in Garden City 2014- The Results Are In!

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The First Annual Inside Garden City Pizza Showdown took place Sunday, October 26th and the results are in! Nine pizzerias delivered and 12 tasters judged. A more in-depth analysis of the competition will be published tomorrow. Here’s a quick synopsis of the results:


First Place: AVELLINO’S, 279 Nassau Blvd, GC South

Second Place: Rustica, 1 Nassau Blvd, GC 

Third Place: Grimaldi’s, 980 Franklin Ave, GC


SUBCATEGORY WINNERS:

Best Crust: Grimaldi’s

Best Sauce: Plum Tomatoes

Best Cheese: A tie between Calagero’s and Grimaldi’s

The competitors included:
Avellino’s
Calagero’s
Garden City Pizza
Gino’s
Grimaldi’s
Louie’s
Plum Tomatoes
Rustica
Umberto’s (GC South)

Four others were asked to participate but did not deliver a pie: Gallery Pizza, Giaccone’s, V.I.Pizza, Umberto’s of New Hyde Park. Stay tuned for a more in-depth analysis of the outcome. 

Congratulations to Avellino’s and thank you to all entrants!

Sur La Table? Yes, Please!

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Where can you get a fantastic meal, with fantastic wine, shared with a group of friends- cooked by… yourselves? {And trust me, it will still taste good.} Sur La Table in Manhasset!


Having never been before I didn’t know what to expect. Basically all I knew was we were to cook the meal ourselves. I was game. Tucked in next to Vera Wang in Americana Manhasset and underneath Sur La Table’s beautiful culinary store, hides a beautiful professional kitchen fully equipped with every cooking essential you can imagine. For the anti-chefs… have no fear because it’s also staffed with a few professionals to guide you along your culinary adventure.


We arrived at Sur La Table around 7:30pm and were greeted by Chef Jordan Carfagno, his assistants and an attractive table of tasty hors d’oeuvres to get us started. We supplied the wine and they supplied the glasses and everything else. 


First we were given a brief introduction of what we would be cooking- Spanish tapas tonight. No complaints here! We were then whisked over (pun intended) over to the professional grade work stations and stovetops which were already prepared and waiting for us with the proper pans, tools and ingredients for our meal. We cooked under the guidance of Chef Jordan and enjoyed our wine throughout the meal preparation. Of course, the chatting and drinking took over occasionally and our group had to get back on track, but all in all, I’d say we did a great job. Chef Jordan instructed us step by step but we did the majority of the work. Everyone was involved and excited. With a delicious menu planned, fresh ingredients set up and ready to go, the right environment and friends- how could you not have a good time?


On our menu included a delicious seafood, chicken and chorizo paella, garlic-seared shrimp with sherry, chorizo-stuffed baby red potatoes and my favorite- dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in Serrano ham and drizzled with a sherry reduction. Chef Jordan and his staff took care of setting out the prepared food when it was ready while we all headed upstairs to Sur La Table’s amazing cooking store that basically has everything you could ever want in your kitchen. After a little shopping came the best part. Having worked up an appetite, we were ready to sit back and enjoy the product of our labor! The meal was fabulous and there was plenty of it as well.


I highly recommend Sur La Table for a night out with friends or a birthday celebration. You will leave with some delicious recipes (perhaps some kitchen goodies if your shopping was successful), more cooking skills and knowledge than you came in with and the experience of turning out a delicious, professional quality meal with your friends. Food, wine and friends. Really- who could ask for more?


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Garden City Insider of the Month: Andrew Karen

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Inside Garden City is proud to present a new feature- Garden City Insider of the Month- where we will spotlight a different person each month who we deem to be a GC Insider and get their scoop on the town and what they do. This inaugural post features Andrew Karen, a familiar face to many of you. Be sure to tell Andrew you saw his Inside GC debut when you see him around town!

What is your job title? Recreation Attendant  
How long have you worked in this position? I started part time in September 2002 and went full time in October 2008. 
What are your general work duties? Run the Roller Hockey Program, Pee Wee Sports Sampler, as well as supervision of the parks and St Paul’s Recreation Complex. 
How did you end up doing what you are doing? When I graduated high school I had no idea (like so many young ones) what career path I wanted to take. So I decided to go to Nassau Community College where I focused on my basic core requirements while experimenting with different things from public speaking to acting. During this whole time I was working part time for Garden City Recreation having a good time, but it wasn’t until a very good friend of mine was like- ever think of making this your career? He then told me about a school out on the island (St Joseph College) where I could obtain my degree in Community Recreation and well, here I am today loving every minute of my job. 
What are your interests outside of work? When I am not working I enjoy running, as well going to Islanders Games (Go Islanders!) and of course spending time with my friends & family. 
What inspires you? What inspires me is the fact that the services I get to provide bring joy and laughter to all.
We couldn’t let Andrew get away without answering our Garden City Qs:
1. What is your favorite restaurant in Garden City? Wild Fig (If you haven’t visited it, you don’t know what your missing) Try the moussaka.
2. What is your favorite store in GC? TCBY Yogurt
3. What do you love most about GC? How the entire town is one big family.
4. What is your favorite thing to do in GC? Other then makes dreams come true through work….. go running
5. What is your favorite outdoor place to hang out in GC? The Roller Hockey Rink @ Community Park & St Paul’s Recreation Complex of course!
6. Where is your favorite place to go out for a drink in GC? Wild Fig once again. 
7. Do you have any advice for our readers? Enjoy all that Garden City has to offer!!!  

http://gardencityrecreation.org/Community_Park.php

Facebook message us or email insidegardencity@gmail.com if you want to nominate someone to be a Garden City Insider of the month. 

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Halloween 101

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A really good Halloween is something every great, family-focused town should have mastered. There are no presents to buy, relatives to visit, fancy dinners to host. Halloween is all about the kids and having fun and you could say the same thing about Garden City.

Therefore, I wasn’t surprised when I spent my first Halloween as a GC resident here last year and it pretty much rocked. For instance, I was given red wine (in my own real glass- not a plastic one!) on the trick or treat route. I never had that happen to me before. I’m looking forward to seeing what GC has to offer again this year, and the first stop on my list is the annual Halloween Bash. 

If you’re looking for some fun for the family, I recommend you bring your ghosts and goblins to the Welcoming Club of Garden City’s Spell-a-bration on Saturday, 10/18 from 11am-2pm. Inside Garden City chatted with the event’s chairperson, Joeleen Tepper, for the inside scoop on the festivities. 

Inside GC: I’ve been hearing a lot about this year’s upcoming Halloween party.
Ms. Tepper: It’s going to be great! This is an annual tradition in Garden City and the Family Committee of the Welcoming Club is excited to be organizing it. This year, we are expecting 100+ people. 

Inside GC: That’s a big crowd. Why should families make their way to the party this Halloween?
Ms. Tepper: There will be lots of fun surprises. To start, we’ll have dancing, a DJ to provide live entertainment (www.outrageousproductions.net) and there will be lots of games (like Candy Corn Bowling) and crafts (such as mask-making) for the kids. 

The Welcoming Club of GC’s Family Committee


There will be a special craft run by Kidville. We’ll also have raffles and even a character appearance. Like I said… lots of surprises! We will also have a photographer on hand, a story time area for little ones and of course… Halloween goodie bags.

Inside GC: What types of raffles will there be?
Ms. Tepper: Our raffle includes a semester free class at Kidville valued at $500, a $250 photography package to Alexis Hardy Photography, gift certificates to Saf-T-Swim, Lil’ Athletes, Gymboree and many more.

Inside GC: Please tell us the specifics of the event.
Ms. Tepper: It will be Sat., 10/18 from 11am-2pm. The cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members, $15 for kids and children under 2 are FREE. All proceeds are donated to the Pediatric Cancer Center at Winthrop Hospital. We chose the Nassau County Bar Association (near the Nassau Police Dept on the GC side of Old Country Rd) as the venue. It’s practically in Garden City. 


Inside GC: What made you choose that location? 
Ms. Tepper: The building has a quaint Tudor feel which will be perfect for Halloween with its vaulted ceilings and fireplaces. Our decorating committee has been working hard on creating a spooky, festive atmosphere inside complete with witches, pumpkins, spiders and ghouls! There will also be photo op stations set up throughout to allow partygoers to capture the excitement of the day. 

Inside GC: How about costumes?
Ms. Tepper: Children are encouraged to come in costume. They will play games to earn Halloween candy. All kids should come with their trick or treat bags handy and be ready for some serious fun!


Ms. Tepper reports that checks have been steadily coming in to reserve spots for the bash and space is limited! They do not want to have to turn people away at the door so please don’t delay. Believe it or not, Halloween is just two weeks away! Inside Garden City will definitely in attendance. 

Mail your check payable to Welcoming Club of Garden City and mail to Joeleen Tepper at 85 Kensington Road, Garden City. If you need additional information or would like to donate to the event, please contact Joeleen at joeleen_smith@yahoo.com.  



Nassau County Bar is located on the corner of 15th & West Streets in Mineola. For GPS – Use 1 West Street, Mineola as point of destination.


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Summer {in the Parks} Inside GC

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As summer officially ends and fall begins, Inside Garden City checked in with long-time resident and quintessential GC Insider, Maura Liberopoulis for some reflections on summer {in the parks} inside GC. 


School has started and it is a time to reflect on the great places where our kids spent their summer.  Garden City Park system at Edgemere Park administered by the famous Andrew Karen was definitely the highlight attraction of many Garden City kids this summer.  Andrew Karen along with his wonderful staff Gabby Delgado, Matt Haeffner, Zach Bostrom, Mike Lynch, Matteo Lattenzio, Brian Defliese, and Joe Tursi facilitated tons of ongoing fun activities for all the children at the park.  These activities engaged children four to thirteen.  Gabby Delgado began everyday with a great arts and craft activity.  Kids would come from all over on their bikes in all types of weather to find out what the activities would be.  Sometimes it would be world cup soccer, knock out basketball, softball, kick ball, dodge ball, Olympics, park against park softball, and the famous end of the summer scavenger hunt.  The camaraderie between kids of both sexes and all ages is amazing.  It is the classic old time fun.  Although the park opens at 9am, kids show up at any time of day and they go right into any activity that is going on.  Kids also make up games for their own fun and include anyone around. 


It is true old time neighborhood fun.  Mothers and fathers help out to provide lunches, waters and snacks for their kids and newfound friends.  Parents check in with kids periodically throughout the day.  Parents, park attendants and children bring the neighborhood together for free spirited play.  It’s not about making a team or being the best, its just about being a part of a whole bunch of activities and fun. This is truly bigger than the individual.  Doesn’t matter how many times you go, just that you participated and enjoyed!

The amazing thing is that the park system, whether you participate in Grove Park, Nassau Haven and/or Hemlock Park, it is free!  Yes, free!  You can drop and pick up kids at anytime.  This is not a babysitting service but a place where kids can go, be in a safe environment and have their parents check in on them throughout the day.  Activities not run by parents but by kids.


At the end of the summer there is a big party where all the park rats (kids that go to the park regularly) are given awards, created by their peers and the park attendants.  Kids get their neighborhood nicknames.  They may be sweaty, filled with dirt from head to toe, walk around with no shirt on and think they own the place.  At the end of the day you know that your kids learned how to interact with others, gain lifelong memories and friendships and have the summers they will never forget.


Thank you Garden City Recreation Department and Andrew Karen and staff for a wonderful summer!


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New{ish} Kid on the Block

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If you’ve been down Franklin Ave recently, chances are you’ve seen that it has become the home to a few hot {relatively} new openings- The Nail Boutique- which is under new management, a beautiful new Kidville and a boutique called Isabella’s- filled with women’s contemporary fashions. You might miss it nestled between Cecilia’s Hair and The Barber Shop, but Isabella’s is here, as well as  in Rockville Center, and worth a peek inside. 



Isabella’s is neatly laid out inside- clothes on either side of the store with jewelery-filled tables throughout. The clothing is fun and chic- my fave being this cool but casual look for fall:

There is also a assortment of jewelry that has a slight edgy vibe to it. Here’s one bracelet that I absolutely love- being modeled for us by a store employee:


I loved the mix of chic and trendy with casual. Besides clothes, there are also some cute bags in an assortment of colors and styles. Their summer sale is happening now so it’s a good time to stop in and check out the goods. 


Isabella’s is a lovely store (with a friendly staff) to peruse as you’re shopping along Seventh/Franklin. There are casual but hip clothes for a night on the town or a day out to lunch, plus accessories, bags and more. A perfect mix!


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Six Ways to Remember 9.11

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13 years ago today, Long Island lost 377 people to the World Trade Center attacks. 23 of those people were Garden City residents. 

Today there is a memorial service taking place on the Village Green in GC at 6:45pm. If you are unable to attend, or even if you do attend but still want to commemorate this day in a special way, think about volunteering somewhere in our community- for just a day or something more long term. You may even want to start an annual tradition- volunteer with a friend or with your children every year on or around September 11th.

Here are six ways to volunteer in remembrance of 9/11:

The Andy Foundation: 
http://theandyfoundation.org/how-to-help/
This fantastic charity was formed by a local GC family to honor the memory of Andrew Patrick Palmeri. Andy’s family, young friends and their parents have come together to help less fortunate children. They sponsor various annual events at which you may volunteer. Donations and hands-on assistance are given to worthwhile, child-bases organizations. 

Garden City Community Church Nursery School– 
http://www.gardencitycommunitychurch.org/volunteer/. This organization could use volunteers for office work, assisting with the Thursday senior luncheon group (drivers, hosts, etc), youth groups, church school duties and more. 

Garden City Bird Sanctuary– 
http://www.gcbirdsanctuary.org/volunteering. The Bird Sanctuary needs help in office support, gardening, trail maintenance, carpentry, research, special events and welcoming/docent.

The Garden City Fire Department– 
http://gcfdny.com. The GC Fire Department can always use additional Firefighters. What better way to help your community!

St. Ann’s Church– 
http://www.stannesgc.org/cms.cfm?category_id=1&content_id=225
They could use drivers, volunteers for weekly food drive and share-a-meal program and more. 

The Boys and Girls Club of Hempstead– 
http://www.hbgclub.org/volunteer.html. You can volunteer helping youth one time only or find an ongoing volunteer opportunity that suits your needs and schedule.


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Art Classes, Art Therapy For Kids

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Peggy Leder has been holding children’s art classes right here on Nassau Blvd in Garden City for four years. Peggy grew up in Garden City and now lives in Sag Harbor, splitting her time between Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Peggy holds a BA in art education from the University of Vermont and is also a registered clinical art therapist with an MA from LIU, CW Post. In addition to weekly art classes at the studio, she has a private art therapy practice allowing her to work privately in her clients’ homes conducting “hidden therapy with art.” Peggy believes that all children could benefit from art therapy, especially those facing anxiety, low self esteem, depression, anger management, learning disabilities, autism, trauma, eating disorders, divorce and much more.

Through the process of creating art, which in itself is therapeutic, Peggy notes that a lot is revealed to her that may be difficult for children to verbalize. She creates an atmosphere where children can release much more than they can with words. Peggy has fifteen years of experience working with children and teens and explains that every art therapy session is unique. Sessions are based on each child’s individual needs and capabilities. The focus is on the process rather than the finished product and Peggy always keeps it FUN!

Children’s Art Classes begin September 17th at 13 Nassau Blvd S., located at FOS Living, in Garden City. The studio is downstairs within FOS. 
6-10 year olds- Wednesdays 3:45-5:00pm, Thursdays 4:00-5:15pm.
3-5 year olds- Thursdays 3:00pm-3:55pm.
516-647-2862. pegleder@msn.com

Feel free to call or email Peggy and let her share her passion with you and your children!

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Anyone Up For a Run?

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Reporter: Why are you doing this?
Forrest Gump: I just felt like running.

With new work out trends popping up left and right, sometimes it feels good to go back to the basics- a good ol’ fashioned run. No equipment necessary (except sneakers of course). No gym membership required. No muscle heads to contend with at the gym. Sounds great, doesn’t it? 

Some runners especially like the feeling of accomplishment they get when the run is finished. Others speak of a runners high. I, for one, have never experienced this because I loathe running. I’m a fan of just about everything else- weights, spinning, squash, pilates, kickboxing (I’ve been too intimidated by CrossFit to try it yet) and more… but just don’t ask me to go for a run.

So you may wonder what explains my current love with the New York Running Company on Seventh Street? I can attribute it to three things:
-the staff is friendly, knowledgable and helpful.
-they have a good sneaker selection and cool workout clothes (I love new fitness gear!)
-they’re having a huge sale right now.

I visited the New York Running Company shortly after they opened in the fall and met a very pleasant manager, Karen. I hadn’t been back all winter (indicative of my waning winter workouts perhaps?) and was lured in again recently by the 50% off summer apparel sign in front. Plus, they’ve been open during the Seventh Street Friday night promenades which makes shopping super convenient.

The Seventh Street location is equipped with a treadmill on which the trained staff will perform a gait analysis on you. This feature seems to be a big draw for the store and makes for a great fitting process, fitting customers with the proper sneaker for their individual gait.

They also have a great collection of dry-fit shirts and tanks, running socks, sport bras and fun running gadgets, plus a good selection of sneakers- Brooks, Nike, Adidas and New Balance to name a few. I found some workout shirts and a fantastic zippered hoodie that they didn’t have in my size. They quickly contacted other stores and had it shipped from a Boston location in just two days. In other words, New York Running Company isn’t just for runners!

When I returned to pick up the hoodie, naturally I picked up a few more things. I’ve never been one to resist good sale. Note- a bunch of sneakers just got marked down as well so you may want to hurry in! My take away- New York Running Company has something for everyone, even those of us non-runners. While you’re there, check out their running programs and training groups too- a great way to find like-minded runners to keep up your motivation- but don’t ask me to join you.


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Drinking the GC Koolaid- Inside Garden City Celebrates One Year

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With July coming to a close, I’d like to mark its end with a post on the one year anniversary of my arrival in Garden City and the one year anniversary of www.InsideGardenCity.com. Initially, this blog was a vehicle for me to compare my old city life with my {yawn} suburban life and for me to poke fun at all things suburbia. I can’t say I came to the burbs kicking and screaming, but I didn’t have my running shoes on either.


Admittedly, buyer’s remorse set in as soon as I walked into the house on that first day and many rookie mistakes followed. You can read about those first few suburban experiences here, here and here. You can read my first post (I Moved to Garden City) here. I’ve come a long way since then. For instance, I used to think warehouse shopping was just a “suburban myth”. Now, not only am I a card carrying Costco member, but I shop there twice a month.

In my defense, I did hear some misconceptions about Garden City before moving here. I’ve outlined some below- with the facts next to them:

Fiction: There aren’t any good restaurants. Fact: Ok, it’s not NYC, but there are plenty of great restaurants and I haven’t even tried them all yet.

Fiction: There won’t be any food delivery. Fact: There’s so much delivery, it’s hard to choose (now if only Orchid would deliver. Are you reading this Orchid?). 

Fiction: You’ll need to drive everywhere. Fact: Well, technically I can walk almost everywhere, but I do drive most of the time. 

Fiction: The GC pool is awesome. Fact: The GC pool is wicked awesome. 

Fiction: Girls/Women don’t wear the same outfit twice. Fact: Girls/Womens’ fashion is on trend and smart, but not ridiculous. 

Fiction: The people are snooty. Fact: The vast majority of people I’ve met have been very welcoming, grounded people. 

Fiction: Everyone drives a Mercedes (or worse). Fact: Yes, there are plenty, but no one cares. It’s mostly about the kids, socializing, having a few laughs, having a few drinks and it’s all good. 

I’m thrilled that Inside Garden City has evolved from where it was one year ago. It’s mushroomed into a website and Facebook page that is now a place for people to check in on local events, local businesses, find out what’s happening at local restaurants, what the shops are carrying, what’s new and where to find it. I’m proud to support the wonderful local business and and restaurants in our town. Most importantly, I hope I can provide to others what I needed when I arrived here- a reliable source of local information (like where to go for the best pizza- still working on that one), both for people who are new to town and those whose families have been here for generations.

Before my move, I heard over and over again from people who lived in town that they “LOVE Garden City”. I figured they were just drinking the Koolaid. Now I know why so many people “love” it here and I’m drinking it right along with them. But I am still learning. I definitely picked the best town to gently ease into my transition from city to suburb. I am sure there are many more hidden gems to be discovered. Stay tuned.


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