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Summer Shape Up- MDW Waits for No One

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Since the weather is finally warm and sunny (for the most part), it’s time to seriously get fit for summer, if you haven’t been doing so already. Below are some tips for you- some obvious, some less-so. Remember, MDW (Memorial Day weekend) waits for no one.

1. Join a gym! We are fairly lucky in GC. There’s a plethora of high quality gyms right in our own backyard. Some of the bigger names are Healthtrax, NYSC, LA Fitness, Xsport and CrossFit and there’s also a number of smaller studios such as The Personal Training Studio, The Physical Fitness Center and Studio Strength- just to name a few.

2. Go to said gym. Womp womp, I know. But this is one thing that cannot be outsourced. You actually need to go. And exercise. Hey- at least most gyms are now set up so can actually watch TV while and exercising!

3. Just get outside and run or walk a few days a week. It’s not magic. You have to get out and move. Even if you work out regularly, an extra walk/run just a couple of times per week can be enough to get you out of a rut or over your plateau. If you’re a nature lover, head to the Garden City bird sanctuary.  If you’re a window shopper,  head to 7th Street. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is pulling a Bill Clinton and running to the local McDonalds (unless of course you’re running for office and want to secure a few more votes from “mainstream” America).

4. Get a trainer. Just joining a gym isn’t enough for some of us. You might find it more effective if you have someone to hold you accountable. Plus, you won’t get stuck in a workout rut. And hopefully you find one who’s fun to be around which makes going to the gym a social as well as a physical outlet.

5. Plan your meals and grocery shop in advance. I love http://www.cookinglight.com and http://www.extremelyfit.com for healthy, delicious recipes. Try making your week’s menu on a Saturday or Sunday so healthy meals are ready for the week. For an easier way out, swing by Food For Thought on Seventh Street and pick up a couple of meal’s worth of food. If you’re lucky, their amaaaazing carrot cake will be available that day.

6. Get a spray tan or try a self tanner. It may sound silly, but a little bit of bronze on your skin puts a little pep in your step. You may feel a little more ready to start wearing those tanks and short sleeve shirts with a little added color. Xsport actually offers this service in the gym, so you can grab a tan after your workout. Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray will give you color just a few hours after spraying it on. So no long wait for color to build-up. Beach Bum Tanning and Airbrush Salon has locations in Greenvale and East Meadow. It’s a lot healthier for your skin than going for a fake & bake or laying out in your backyard.

7. Try a juice cleanse (this is not for everyone) or just go a few days with an emphasis on the veggies, fruits and lots of water. A summer shape-up isn’t instantaneous but it’s possible with a little forethought!

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Mother’s Day at the Track

Posted on by insidegardencity

Gambling, alcohol, cigars, sports- the perfect ingredients for a typical Mother’s Day, right? Or you could look at it this way- an easy way to turn your children onto one of life’s many vices. If that reasoning still doesn’t appeal to you, how about thinking of it this way- you’re teaching your child the finer arts of statistics in a slightly unorthodox way- through horse betting.

All kidding aside, the horses were racing on Mother’s Day at Belmont Park and it was a great, albeit different (for me at least), way to spend Mother’s Day. The typical Mother’s Day brunch at a restaurant didn’t appeal to me this year but Belmont sounded exciting. Families came with packed coolers and picnic baskets. They staked out spots on the grassy grounds, whether at a table or right on the grass with blankets. The picnic grounds were totally alive with a petting zoo, pony rides, bubble stations, face painting, karaoke, a train ride around the park and more. All of this was free with admission btw. There were also concession stands selling hot dogs, burgers, fries, ice cream, snacks, beer & soda. 


The races can be viewed from the picnic grounds on large screen tvs placed all around the park (you might think that tvs placed up around the trees sounds a bit strange but surprisingly it works), or you could walk to the track and view them (actual betting makes the race viewing a little more fun in my opinion). Betting can be done inside or at betting windows outside.  

There was also Breakfast at Belmont on Mother’s Day from 7-10am. Participants enjoyed breakfast, a tour of Belmont and got to watch Thoroughbreds train prior to the races. Breakfast at Belmont happens most weekends in the spring and summer. Call Belmont or check their website for dates before you go. But this was too early for someone like me who enjoys sleeping in a bit on Mother’s Day. I will be sure to check it out on another weekend though. You can also attend any Sunday “Family Fun Days” at Belmont and don’t forget Father’s Day where the will be activities similar to what went down on Mother’s Day.

Belmont’s summer events page lists other upcoming festivities, like the Wing Festival on May 24th where you’ll get to sample wings from all over Long Island and vote for the best. And of course, the Belmont Stakes on June 7th – which could end up being very exciting this year if California Chrome is able to win the Preakness this weekend.
Stay tuned to find out if we’ll have a shot to see the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years at Belmont!
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Treat Your Tastebuds: Plancha Tapas & Wine Bar

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On Friday night, I had a longing to be in a trendy NYC restaurant with really good, eclectic food. Didn’t feel like hopping on the LIRR, so… where to go on short notice in Garden City? A friend had recently been to Plancha Tapas and Wine Bar on Franklin Ave in GC and told me it had what I was looking for. 


We sat at the bar (I would recommend sitting here when you go- if you’re just two or three people). We could have easily been in the West Village of NYC and after a couple of glasses of wine, maybe even Italy or Spain. We ordered some red wine and a Spanish board to share. On it were the most buttery olives I’ve ever eaten (even better than the farm fresh ones my dad smuggled through customs from Bari, Italy to NY on our last trip but that’s another story) plus cheese, meats, fruits, nuts, bread- So GOOD! 

The owner, Josh, was very gracious and helpful- explaining everything to us since it was our first time. He thoughtfully helped us choose our tapas plates as well as a fitting wine. Our tapas included croquettes, foie gras, cebada and smoked anchovies with mascarone on rustic bread- this in addition to our Spanish board. Check out Plancha’s Facebook page and see their awesome menu for yourself: Plancha Tapas and Wine Bar

They carried a nice selection of wines and the staff was happy to offer suggestions. You can also go there for brunch on Saturdays AND Sundays (I love when restaurants serve brunch on BOTH weekend days). Other nights, you may find live music or drink specials. If you’re looking for a place with a warm, trendy vibe and delicious food with some ethnic flair, go to Plancha. In my humble opinion, NYC has nothing on them. But you don’t have to take my word for it… Call and make a reservation or just sit at the bar. And enjoy.
516-246-9459. 931 Franklin Ave, GC.



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Inside Garden CIty: Weekend Events Guide 5/9/14

Posted on by insidegardencity

Here’s what’s happening in (and around) GC this weekend. Even though it’s Mother’s Day weekend, there is still a lot to do!

See the Movin’ Out Band at the Tilles Center on Friday May 9th at 7:30pm and 9:30 pm. Several members of Billy Joel’s own band (including the original “Piano Man”) will be performing in honor of Billy Joel’s 65th birthday, which is Saturday, May 10th. 516-299-3100

The Pineapple Ball will be held on Friday, May 9th, at the Garden City Hotel.

The Barnes Gallery at 2 Nass Blvd in GC South will be having their “NY to Athens” artists’ opening reception May 10th, Saturday from 5:30-7:30. Meet the artists glass of wine delicious food live music. 516-538-4503

On Saturday May 10th from 9am-2pm the Andy Foundation yard sale takes place at the St Paul’s field house. **Drop off for-sale items is on Friday May 9th from 10am-6pm. Call 516-873-0508 for more information. 

Visit the LI Children’s Museum on Saturday May 10th at 2pm to create a blooming bouquet of tissue paper flowers for Mother’s Day. Good for all ages. Free with museum admission. 

Shop the Block on Saturday May 10th from 9am-1pm at the Garden City Community Church. You can pick up a gift for mom- or yourself! There will be jewelry, handbags, wallets, scarves, accessories, stationery and much more! Whitehall and Nassau Blvds. 


On Sunday May 11th celebrate mom at the Mother’s Day Picnic at Belmont Park. Enjoy the playground, petting zoo, giant bubble stations and more! Gates open at 11am. $2 parking and $2 admission. 2150 Hempstead Turnpike.

The GC Roller Rink is now open. Spring hours: Sun 10am-1pm, Mon-Thur 3pm until dark, Fri- closed, Sat- noon until dark. GC residents only. Bring your helmet!

If you don’t have brunch or dinner plans yet, lots of Mother’s Day restaurant specials can be seen here. 

Enjoy the weekend!


Message us on FB to have your event/sale included in the IGC weekend events guide. 

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No Mother’s Day Plans Yet?

Posted on by insidegardencity

So you haven’t made any Mother’s Day plans yet and the clock is ticking. Well, you’re right there with the rest of us. Procrastinators unite! Below is a quick guide to some of the offerings around town on Mother’s Day. Support local business while making mom happy! 
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Garden City Hotel in the grand ballroom never disappoints. Seatings are at 11am & 3pm. Call 516-877-9385 to book a table and enjoy their fantastic menu.

Walk St on Seventh will be serving dinner from 12-6pm. Call 516-747-2592 for reservations.

For something different than your usual brunch, try Mother’s Day Tea at A New Leaf on 5/11. There will be three 75-min seatings: 10am, 11:30am & 1pm. Cost is $24 per person. Enjoy a choice of teas plus finger sandwiches, scones, cookies and petit fours. 152 Seventh St. 516-506-7575

Calogero’s at 919 Franklin between 9th&10th Streets is having Mother’s Day seatings on the hour from 2-8pm. Call 516-294-2922

Grimaldi’s at 980 Franklin Ave is offering a complimentary tartufo dessert with dinner for Mother’s Day. Call 516-294-6565

Revel has a Mother’s Day brunch with unlimited mimosas or bloody marys and a 3 course prix fixe menu for $39.95. Seatings are available in the morning, early afternoon and late afternoon. Also, a Mother’s Day dinner is planned with an al a carte menu from 4-8pm. 835 Franklin Ave. Call 516-246-9111
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Inside GC’s Weekend Events Guide 4/26

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It’s the weekend! See what’s happening around GC. The Inside GC Weekend Events Guide 4/26 edition is here:

1. Don’t miss the GC Race for a Cure at GC High School, Sat. 4/26. Timed race at 9am, untimed fun run/walk 9:15. Proceeds to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. There will also be a Family Kite fly. If you’ve procrastinating, don’t worry- you can register on race day! 

2. Trio Solisti at Adelphi University. 516-877-4000 Sat, 4/26 at 8pm.

3. West Hempstead Street Fair, Nassau Blvd adjacent to Halls Pond Park. Antiques, arts, crafts, food and more! www.showtiques.com631-724-5966
4. Sat., 4/26- The Waldorf School 225 Cambridge Ave, Garden City is hosting their summer camp open house from 11am-1pm for all ages.  Get all of your summer camp questions answered and meet the staff members. 516-742-3434

5. The GC Bird Sanctuary/Tanners Pond Environmental Center is holding it’s annual Benefit Yard Sale on Sat, 4/26 from 9am-3pm. Come and shop for a cause- antiques, furniture, household goods, sports equipment and more. 516-326-1720

6. Salon Imperiale on Franklin Ave will continue to offer $25 blowouts if you mention Inside Garden City. 516-747-1027
7. Family Center for Autism’s 2nd annual Bowling for Autism at Herrill Lanes in New Hyde Park at 7pm on Sat, 4/26.  Ages: all. 516-741-9000 ext. 336. $35 or adults. $25 for children.  Includes two games, food and shoes. Bowl with your friends or you family for a good cause!

8. LI Children’s Museum is holding “April Showers” on Sat, 4/26 from 2pm-4pm. Decorate a mini “umbrella”. Free with museum admission. All ages. 11 Davis Ave, Garden City.


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Ramona Lee- It’s a Wonderful Life

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Ramona Lee Pastry Shop on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square was recommended to me by a fellow GC resident. With no Italian bakery in the nabe, I checked it out back in March for St. Joseph’s Day Italian pastry- which were great. Then, as a self-declared procrastinator, I found myself scrambling on Easter Sunday when I realized I had forgotten about dessert! So I called Ramona’s.

Thankfully they were open and I dashed. Not only were they open on Easter Sunday afternoon but they had a surprisingly good amount of pastry and cakes on the shelves. It’s a good sign when a business brings it’s A game all the way to closing time… contrasted with a business that thinks it’s OK to close 5 minutes before their advertised closing time (a pet peeve). Of course, this usually happens on a day that you’re pulling into the parking lot 5 seconds before closing time after making a Dukes-of-Hazard-like effort to get there.

After selecting my pastry and cake, I was informed that they don’t take credit cards (small check for Ramona Lee in the negative column). Of course, I only had credit cards. When will I learn? Another customer stepped in and graciously offered to pay my $30 tab. I took her address to mail her a check, but Rose said she didn’t want me to pay her back. It was Easter after all and I should simply pay it forward.

I was touched by her generosity and texted Rose’s address to myself with a note to mail a check on Monday. Strangely enough on Monday morning, I mistakenly erased a ton of data in my phone. Of course I did. This couldn’t have had anything to do with user error, right??

After an hour on the phone with tech support, most of the data was restored except for all text messages I received on Sunday. Naturally. Sadly, Rose’s address was gone.

I called the bakery but they didn’t know her name. Facebook and Google turned up nothing. Where’s this internet-induced violation of privacy when you really need it? I only remembered the street and her first name. With that I drove to Franklin Square and asked the first person I saw on her street if she knew of Rose. Crazy enough, Rose happened to live in the house next door and was just getting home from work. With my debt paid and hugs and thank yous exchanged, I was off again.

While this doesn’t exactly qualify as the Easter version of  “It’s a Wonderful Life” this type of generosity did put me in the Easter spirit and provides another reason to keep Ramona Lee on the short list of bakeries near GC.

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A Local Gem- T&F Pork Store & Italian Deli

Posted on by insidegardencity

Here’s a recent find just in time for Easter: T&F Pork Store & Italian Deli on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square. It’s been family run since the ’70s and the steady flow of customers shows it’s still going strong.


When you walk into a deli and see various foods hanging from the ceiling- cheese, sausage, etc.., they’re usually fake. But at T&F Pork Store they’re real. There are bunches of homemade sausage and soppresata hanging everywhere and if you want one, they’ll just pull it down for you. They make their own right there in the store. We had a sample and it was delicious.


They also make their own homemade mozzarella cheese. When I asked John (one of the second generation owners) if he thought they’d run out on Easter, he said no way- they’ll be making over 200 of them! I’ll be sure to go back on Friday or Saturday for mine.

A traditional Italian Easter favorite that my dad sometimes makes is pizza rustica. This delicious pie is usually filled with eggs, ricotta cheese and diced meat. They carry it at T&F and it looked fantastic. I placed my order already so I’ll have one for Easter. As my dad says- a slice of pizza rustica with a glass of red wine makes a perfect meal. Pick one up for yourself, add a green salad and you’ve got dinner.


There’s also an array of Italian cookies, bread, olives, peppers, pasta, ravioli, tortellini, etc. You can just stop in there for a sandwich too. I ordered the “Fuhgeddaboudit” and let’s just say “forget about it”- it was awesome. 


T&F Pork Store is a rare gem. You might be able to find a place like this on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx, but Hoboken doesn’t even have a pork store/Italian deli like this anymore. And that’s saying something. I’ll certainly be adding this store to my list of local treasures. And you should too.

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A Masters Party

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I must admit, I’m not a huge golf fan, but I do enjoy southern food. What better excuse to throw a party and enjoy some cheese grits than the Masters Tournament?

Similar to a Super Bowl party, I knew I’d need a large flat screen (check), comfortable seating (check), beverages (Arnold Palmers happen to be one of my faves- check) and last but certainly not least- some good ‘ole southern cuisine (double check). The Masters is in Augusta after all!

I prepared a couple of pitchers of Arnold Palmers- virgin as well as spiked. The vodka spiked one was dubbed the Tipsy Arnold Palmer.  Both versions were very popular and it seemed my guests enjoyed the party’s golf theme.  If anyone needs a recipe for an Arnold Palmer you can find it here.


Continuing with the theme, I wanted a southern menu and asked Capo of Floral Park to get creative. Southern grub is far from their specialty (unless you’re talking about southern Italy) but Paul, the owner, did some research for me and came up with a very southern menu: 

pimento cheese sandwiches (always on the Masters’ menu at Augusta National), 
BBQ chicken with brandy peaches, 
kale sautéed with bacon, 
dijon roasted potato salad like none I’ve ever tasted, 
green salad with goats cheese and diced fruit (think banana chips) and 
a down-home southern staple– cheese grits (added bonus: they go great with eggs the next day for breakfast).

For the last course, I baked chocolate cupcakes with green frosting and white golf tees placed on top. Although we didn’t get to witness history (Jordan Spieth came up three strokes short of being the youngest Masters champion ever), my southern-theme food and drink menu was a pure hit.

I haven’t seen any azaleas blooming around Garden City just yet (although I have seen a bunch of daffodils and tulips which is pretty cool), this tournament has a nice way of making you feel that spring is in the air.


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Get Blown Out: Salon Imperiale

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Hey ladies- did you know GC has it’s own “blow dry bar”? Look no further for a fabulous blowout! I have found an excellent spot. Salon Imperiale at 668 Franklin Ave. When I arrived at the salon, Gino, the owner, was there. He greeted me and took my jacket. The friendly staff was very welcoming. There were clients coming in and out- a true sign of a good business.

My stylist, Nicole, did a great job of not getting water in my ears (a pet peeve!) and the water was a good temperature. Once my shampoo and conditioner was finished, I was offered a beverage. Yes, as a matter of fact, I will. Nicole asked me what I had in mind for my blowout. We discussed the details- bangs, the direction of my part, a wave at the bottom…  I asked her for something simple- just a casual blowout. I love that she probed and discussed my options. She really paid attention to the small details.

Nicole didn’t use any other hot tools aside from a blow dryer, which is great because the other tools can really damage hair. She also gave me some great tips on adding a little bit of volume at the top because the first day of a blowout (for me) can look a little flat. I learned how to properly and subtly tease at the crown so the hair will fall well. She even noticed a wayward curl above my ear that needed some extra attention and told me how to “train” it. Once again, her attention to detail was appreciated. We went light on the post-style products since I wanted the blowout to last a number of days. And it has.

So how did the blowout turn out? I was impressed but I’ll let you decide:

All blown out and ready to go!

I will definitely be back to this salon- GC’s own blow-dry bar if you will. And the even better news- right now you’ll receive a $30 blowout! Mention Inside Garden City when you call to book ; )
516-747-1027.

You can also purchase a blowout as a gift certificate. Mother’s Day is right around the corner…

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