Seasons 52- Sweet Tooth Satisfied

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I’ve been told that the desserts at Seasons 52 were pretty scrumptious. I had the chance to sample some at Lord and Taylor’s “A Taste of Garden City” event. They enticed me enough that I made it a point to visit the restaurant to sample some other dishes. I had the opportunity to eat there this week and, in a nutshell, the other menu options I tried did not fall {too} short of the desserts’ reputation. 

The restaurant is located in the busy area of Roosevelt Field Mall but is enough on the outskirts that you don’t feel like you are “at the mall.” There’s a large, welcoming bar and live music. The Piano Man who was playing when I was there actually resembled Billy Joel and played a good variety of tunes. 

My dinner dates and I started out with some wine- each of us choosing something different. The waiter brought each bottle to our table and we tasted our selections before we committed to the glass. We were all pleased with our first choice and decided to stick with them. I tried a South African wine that I enjoyed so much, I will likely order some online. 

I love how Seasons 52 puts an emphasis on seasonally inspired ingredients. Each dish is less than 475 calories so you don’t have to feel too bad about dining out. We decided to taste a few things instead of ordering separate entrees. The blackened steak and blue cheese flatbreads were decent but I would try a different one next time. The warm California golden beets salad was so delicious that we housed three of them. Carmelized brussel sprouts with crispy bacon did not disappoint. I would skip the lump crab, roasted shrimp and spinach stuffed mushrooms next time around.

The dessert menu was more of a dessert showcase. Rather than presenting us with a paper menu, our {smart} waiter brought over the actual desserts- not fair at all. Resistance was futile at this point with the desserts staring us right in the face- there for the taking. Each looked fab and tasted as good as it looked. They were in small glasses resembling little dessert “shots.” High points for presentation. Equally high for taste. We tried almost every one and concluded that meeting here one day just for dessert wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Do you think the 475 caloric limit is null and void when you consume almost every dessert on the menu?



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16 Handles- Nicely Handled?

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I popped into 16 Handles at 3 Nassau Blvd today. It was my third time there since it opened in the fall of 2014. For those who haven’t yet been, 16 Handles is a self-serve froyo shop with an emphasis on being “green”.



The location is very clean and bright. The bold colors really give it some kick. The staff is friendly and offers tastings of any flavor you’d like to try before committing to it with a big cup. One cool feature is the screens posted above the flavors which contain the nutritional information of each yogurt. That’s something they’ve got over TCBY. The froyo has been pretty good each time I’ve been and there’s a nice variety of toppings.


As I was on my way out, separating my trash from my recyclables (because the trash canisters are divided into separate trash and recycle sections), I noticed that the actual canister below was one big trash bin. In other words, it appears that 16 Handles is separating and recycling, but the reality is that it all goes into the same trash can underneath. This alone wouldn’t be a big catastrophe- many restaurants don’t recycle- but I’m not a fan of these deceptive trash bins. I spoke with an employee there who confirmed that they do not recycle, they just use the recycle bins.



Take a look next time you visit 16 Handles. Tsk Tsk.

Weekend Events Guide: January 10th Edition

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Brrr… It’s cold outside! This looks like a slow weekend for social events. Could be a good time to stay inside, watch football and perfect your chili receipe for the 2015 Super Chili Bowl. Enjoy the weekend!  

Eisenhower Park’s skating rink, Twin Rinks Ice Center, is now open. It’s not as busy as Iceland yet so it’s a good time to head over if you want to check it out. Click here for directions, hours and cost.

Saturday- Lakeshore Learning holds a craft for kids every weekend. This Saturday, January 10th, they’ll be making “Sweet Dream Catchers.” Drop in between 11am and 3pm for this activity. 2709 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park. 516-616-9360. Visit LakeshoreLearning.com

Saturday- Head to Doc O’Grady’s for some live music. Mike Volpe, Mike Spieler and friends will be playing live at 9pm. While you’re there, raise a glass to congratulate Mike Volpe as new partner of the bar/restaurant. Mike is a graduate of Wesleyan University and GC High School and co-owner of CrossFit Garden City.

Saturday- Catch William Shatner’s fun-filled performance in Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It. 8pm at the Tilles Center http://tillescenter.org/event/shatners-world-we-just-live-in-it/

Sunday- Join in the fun at Family Fun Time at St. Paul’s gym. From 3pm until 5:45, families can enjoy various sports and gym activities. 

Sunday- See “The Adventures of Perseus” with a mix of puppetry and live actors at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Ages 5 and up. 

Weekday events aren’t usually included in the Weekend Events Guide, but I thought this one deserved mention for our football fans: 

Monday- Head over to Doc O’Grady’s for the Ohio State University vs Oregon Game. The Mens Association is hosting! $30 for TMA directors and $40 for all guests. Appetizers starting at 7:30pm, box pool, 50/50 raffle and more.  



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Road To The Chili Bowl 2015

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Ready to get your chili on?? You know there’s a big event coming up on Sunday, February 1st… SUPERBOWL XLIX. But did you know there’s an even bigger event happening {close by} on Saturday, January 31st? Get ready for the… SUPER CHILI BOWL 2015!

Save the date folks. Gather your friends. Sharpen your tastebuds. Not only will YOU be tasting some of the most phenomenal chili you’ve ever had, but YOU (the tasters) will also be judging the contest. This will be one fun event you won’t want to miss! Plus, proceeds from this event will benefit the Hance Family Foundation. 

Here are some basic deets:

TO ENTER: We are now accepting chili entries. If you would like to enter your own chili in the Super Chili Bowl, just FB message or email us at InsideGardenCity@gmail.com with your contact information. 

 TO TASTE: If you want to show your support for a great cause and come out for some awesome chili {plus beer or wine}, save the date! $10 per adult to taste, $5 per child. $5 additional for unlimited wine, beer or soda. 

WHEN: Saturday, January 31st. 1-3pm. Chili entrants arrive at 12:30.

WHERE: Capo Ristorante on Covert Ave., Floral Park (one block south of Matty’s Toys). 

More details to follow. Be there or be…

Garden City’s Best Decked Houses

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The beautiful houses in Garden City always light up the night, but they were extra sparkly this holiday season! Many of the houses were adorned in simple, classic white lights. They were so beautifully and tastefully decorated that I decided to wrap up the holidays with a photo essay depicting some of the lights around town this year. Here are a few of my faves- in no particular order: 

 Let it shine!


Beautiful and simple. 


 Completely classic. 


 They know how to string a few lights here. 


The tall lit trees looked fabulous.

 Tastefully done color. 


 Sometimes simplicity is all you need. 


There are plenty of more lights and beautiful decorations around town. These are just a few. Take a drive or walk around town and admire them- especially while this 50 degree weather keeps up. Well done Garden City!


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Keep the Holidays Going

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Since we usually focus on Garden City-related stuff, this season we thought it fitting to provide you with a NYC holiday hit list. With NYC being a mere 35 minute train ride away, why not spend some vacation time enjoy a few NYC holiday hot spots that you may never have experienced before, in addition to the traditional faves of course. After all, what are the holidays without a little NYC tossed in? 

Most of us have ice skated at Wollman Rink or Rock Center, but have you tried South Street Seaport’s Ice Rink? With a beautiful tree to skate beneath and plenty of great places to enjoy post-skating food or drinks (and lots of fantastic shopping), this may be THE place to skate. They’re open seven days a week. Click here for details and hours. 

South Street Seaport Ice Rink

Rolf’s at 281 Third Ave is just about the most Christmas-y bar/restaurant you could visit. Not only can you get some good wiener schnitzel here {the lamb shank is awesome too btw so bring your appetite}, you will see Christmas decorations unlike anything you’ve seen before. This room is right up there with the 21 Club in terms of unique decor. 

Rolf’s


Winter Village at Bryant Park is another don’t-miss holiday spot. There are over 100 boutique style holiday shops, a beautiful 55′ Norway Spruce, plus an ice rink and Ice Bites, which offers plenty of comfort foods and hot drinks. Open daily from 7am-10pm until January 5th. Click here for more info.

Winter Village

If you haven’t been before, visit the ultra-cool Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History. If you’d prefer to see dinos over decorations while at the Museum, they also have two 19 food barosaurs lit up for the holidays. Their tree comes down on January 11th. 

Origami Tree


Hit The Plaza for their special Snowflake Tea. Take in their beautiful decorations and holiday tree in the Fifth Ave Foyer. Of special interest are the tree’s snowflake ornaments curated by Saks Fifth Ave especially for The Plaza. Snowflake Tea: $60 per adult. Fifth Ave at Central Park South. 

Try to spend some time in NYC this holiday season. A few things listed here are slightly off the beaten path- i.e., not within viewing distance of “the tree” at Rockefeller Center. But in NYC, it’s all good, especially during the holidays. This may just be the best place to enjoy the season!


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Weekend Events Guide: December 19th Edition

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‘Tis the season for fun and cheer and stress and… Try to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit a bit this weekend by taking part in one of the festive events going on in or around Garden City.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday catch Annie, Jr. at the Broadhollow Theatre at Elmont. Friday- 7pm, Saturday 4pm, Sunday 2:30pm. Buy tickets here. 

Friday and repeating every night through January 4th- The Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach (west end). Over 2.5 miles of beautiful holiday scenes. There will also be pictures with Santa, a make your own S’mores station, refreshments, live performances by local school choirs, holiday music and more! 5pm to 10pm. Mon-Thur $20 per car. Friday-Sunday and Holidays $25 per car. Get more information here. Be sure to check the schedule before you go. 


Friday, Saturday, Sunday and every day until Christmas- enjoy the animated Christmas Holiday Story at Hicks Nurseries in Westbury. Meet Santa on Saturday and Sunday during these hours: 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm.

Friday, Saturday and every day until December 23rd, see Santa at the Roosevelt Field Mall. Click here for more information on dates and times and to schedule your appointment with Santa. Even Santa has an appointment calendar these days!  

Saturday- Have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Garden City Hotel. Seatings at 8:30am and 11:30am. Reservations required. Call 516-747-3000.

Saturday- Get your song on at Doc O’Grady’s at 273 Nassau Blvd South. Karaoke from 8pm until 2am.

Saturday and Sunday- See Frosty the Snowman at the Broadhollow Theatre at Elmont. Show starts at 2pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday. Click here to buy tickets.  

Saturday and Sunday- Head to the Lakeshore Learning Center between 11am and 3pm for a different craft every Saturday. Click here to see what crafts are being made on specific dates. 2709 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park. 516-616-9360. 

Saturday- The Nutcracker Ballet by New York Dance Theater at Hofstra University’s Adams Playhouse. Friday- 2pm and 7pm. Saturday- 12noon and 5pm. Sunday- 12noon and 5pm. Cost $20-$40. Click here for more information. 

Sunday- Gingerbread house making at Capo Ristorante for kids. Includes your own gingerbread house, pasta or panini and a drink. $15 per child. Reservations required. 516-216-5177. 49 Covert Ave. 

Sunday- Max and Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite. NYCB Theatre at Westbury. 960 Brush Hollow Road. 1:00pm. Find more information here.

Thank you for reading http://www.InsideGardenCity.com. Please like us on Facebook. Enjoy the weekend!

A Local {Crowds Not Included} Holiday Gift Guide

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With Christmas exactly one week away, Inside Garden City is happy to help you cross off those last few gifts from your list, all while keeping it local- our favorite ways to shop. You’ll find an array of perfect presents below, each one local and available to you same day- no waiting for UPS to arrive. We created this gift guide featuring local businesses in hopes of alleviating some of your stress and also to show you the many gift options that are basically right on your doorstep (no crowded mall and no long lines- woo hoo!). Now maybe you’ll have some extra time to grab a cup of holiday cheer.


The Pear Tree Shoppe at 169 7th St. is filled with treasures that are bound to please. I was so happy to see my fave black and gold horse bracelet. There’s even an elephant one too now. I also love the initial totes- I will be buying one of these for someone on my list. So many unique earrings too.  Fur wrist wraps are perfect for adding a little something to a sweater or jacket. Price ranges vary so there’s something for everyone here. 




Honestly Delicious at 61 New Hyde Park Road sells a fantastic gingerbread house that is already assembled and includes everything you need for decorating- including chocolate! This makes a great gift at $25. Throw in some gingerbread men (or ladies) and you’re all set. They also have gift certificates which would make just about anyone happy.  




Madison’s Niche at 186 7th St has something for everyone. For the guys on your list- gloves, the Bar Book, fancy bottle opener and other man cave-ish ideas. For the women- I loved the cozy slippers, this fab bracelet and more. For the hostess- cutting boards, hand towels, picture frames- like this cool tree frame below. You can add more picture frames to it as you like. In addition, their entire stock of Lysee Tops, Skirts and Dresses is 25% off!

 



A New Leaf Tea at 152 7th St is just the place to shop for the tea lover! The tea cups with built-in steepers make a great gift, as do the travel mugs. I love this red tea pot below.  




Envie 182 7th St. You’ll find something here that will outshine the tree topper. Grab a sparkly bag or a statement necklace for a friend (or yourself- no judgement here). I love the gold cuff bracelets and check out those cute little skirts- oh wait- they’re actually the most adorable aprons you’ve ever seen! There’s no shortage of WOW gifts at Envie- they may just make you want to behave for Santa. Plus, all ponchos, wraps and sweaters are 25% off. Everything else in the store is 20% off through Sunday!



Coquette 173 7th St carries a number of hot clutches that come in an assortment of colors- good for any woman of any age. They also have some fab jewelry pieces- such as this necklace below that I just may return for tomorrow. 


New York Running Company 191 7th St. carries OOFOS clogs and flip flops. Will these become the new Crocs next summer? Unlike most flip flops, they have great arch support and are super comfy. The vests will keep your runner warm and styling’ and you can always find great stocking stuffers here- like quality running socks or hats. 

 

  

Garden City Fine Wines and Spirits 166 7th St. Instead of the traditional Bailey’s this year, try a pumpkin pie cream liquor or if someone on your list needs to chill, a bottle of Relax wine will do the trick and make a cute gift too ; )

 



Sunflower Fine Art at 172 7th St will have just what you’re looking for if you want to show up with something a little bit different this holiday. There’s something to fit most budgets here. Of course, I spotted this pineapple immediately. And Santa’s sleigh would make the perfect hostess gift.




Salon Imperiale at 668 Franklin Ave is ready to fill your stockings with gift certificates and hair products. They’re offering a Rusk Hydrate duo pack- usually $30, now only $20 but just until Christmas.  




Beauty Kiss at 679 Franklin Ave has some delicious stocking stuffers for you- like their new lip scrubs, luxurious hand cream and cool soaps. 



You don’t have much time to get your shopping done, but if you shop local, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll have a much more enjoyable, personal experience. And chances are there will be some pretty unique gifts under the tree this year. Happy Shopping!


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Walking Through A Feldis Wonderland

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Have you been inside Feldis Florist recently on Seventh St.? It really feels like you have stepped into a mini winter wonderland of Christmas. 

Ed and Janine are there, as usual, welcoming and serving local customers. They always make me smile when I go in there to shop. Speaking of, Ed is very enthused about the food bank they are running and wants to get the word out. See picture below. When you have a few extra minutes, be sure to drop by and drop off some non-perishable food to help fight hunger this holiday season. Ed is committed to collecting a ton of food this year and encourages all to participate.


As far as the holiday season goes, Feldis is filled to the brim with goodies- flowers, wreaths, trees and gifts galore. You can’t walk out without feeling like you just got a little more Christmas spirit in you! I’ll let these photos do the talking:
 


This adorable shop is located at 160 Seventh St. Try to stop in- even if it’s just to catch a glimpse of the beautiful wonderland the Feldis crew has created. Happy Holidays! 

Phone: 516-747-3330



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Garden City Insider of the Month: Vinny Muldoon

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We’re excited to introduce our next Garden City Insider of the Month!

When you think of beautiful homes throughout Garden City or perhaps doing a construction project in your own house, the name that probably comes to mind is: Vinny Muldoon.


For the few of you who may not know the name, Vinny Muldoon is an expert contractor and owner of Old World Quality Corp–a Garden City based full service construction company. In 1986 he left Ireland (where he grew up on a farm as the youngest of ten children) for Boston, MA. In Boston, he fell in love with his wife, Dina {and also with the U.S.A.}. They moved to Long Island and lived in Franklin Square before settling in Garden City. Soon after moving to Long Island, Vinny started his own contracting business and the rest as they say… is history.

Of course we asked Vinny our regular Insider of the Month Qs and he was very happy to oblige.

What inspires you? Two things inspire me. The first is the ambition that I inherited from my parents. My work ethic comes from growing up on a farm; it builds character. The second is that I want to be known as the number two guy in Garden City- the first being AT Stewart. AT Stewart developed the most spectacular town and paid a lot of attention to detail. I would like to make a huge impact on the town as well, in regards to construction and development. I am also a very detailed person and I want to continue enhancing this beautiful town.

What is your favorite Garden City restaurant? There are so many great restaurants in our town. I support them all. I love steak, burgers, sushi. I like a lot of variety so I share the wealth.

What is your favorite Garden City store? I love to support all of the local stores. We should all do that. My wife is more of the shopper. I’m task-oriented, like the typical male. I’m in and out of a store in 30 secs.

What do you love most about Garden City? The people. The people here are phenomenal. They are quality, genuine, hard working people. This is a great place to raise kids and it’s a town with a lot of architectural beauty. Also, there is no better combination of phenomenal schools and sports programs anywhere in the country. Our schools and sports combined are second to none.

What is your favorite thing to do in Garden City? I love to hang out with my wife and kids. I’m a sports nut. I love to follow my kids in their sports events. I also enjoy playing golf.

What would you change about Garden City? We need to move St. Paul’s forward. There’s been too much politics and bickering when we really need to advance the ball. The structure is filled with spectacular architectural pieces inside and out. It is an unbelievable architectural gem on Long Island and in New York State. I believe that it represents all that’s good about Garden City and this town wouldn’t be the same without it. It’s so unique and special. At the very least, we should make an effort to preserve it as an architectural gem. It’s a shame that it hasn’t been preserved as of yet because it represents the history of this great town.

Do you have any advice for Inside Garden City readers? Help as many people and neighbors as you can. Give as much back to the community as you can. This means sacrificing your time, effort and money to do so. The key to being successful is your ability to help other people and make this world and this community a better place.

Vinny will be honored at this year’s Pineapple Ball as “Citizen of the Year” for the many services his company has performed throughout Garden City and beyond. You can visit Vinny’s website here.


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