Weekend Events Guide: August 21st Edition

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With Hurricane Danny bringing us some rain on Friday, soak up whatever rays you can this weekend. Here’s our weekend events guide to help you make the most of yours in and around Garden City!


Friday- The Garden City Friday Night Promenade continues this Friday night from 6pm-10pm. Come down and meet your neighbors, dine al fresco, enjoy live music and partake in fun activities for the kids! This week’s theme is Disney Fantasy so come dressed as your favorite Disney character. 

Friday- Catch ABBA Mania and Stayin’ Alive- a Bee Gees Tribute Band at Eisenhower Park. Bring blankets and chairs. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. Cost: free. 7pm. 

Saturday- Enjoy a free craft for kids at Lakeshore Learning Store. stop by anytime between 11am and 3pm. Cost: free. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park. 

Saturday- CBS FM presents Saturday in the Park starring Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. Bring chairs and blankets. Cost: free. 7pm. 

Saturday and Sunday- The Music Man has its final shows this weekend at BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont. Don’t miss it before they pack it up! Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2:30pm. Click here for tickets. 700 Hempstead Tpke, Elmont. 

Saturday and Sunday- The Long Island Children’s Museum will show Mary Poppins on Saturday and Sunday. Click here for showtimes. 

Sunday- It’s 80s Day at the GC Pool! Join the dance party starting at 2pm. 


Have a great weekend and thanks for reading InsideGardenCity.com. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram!

Weekend Events Guide: August 14th Edition

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Here’s your weekend events guide for what’s happening in and around Garden City. There’s just a few more summer weekends remaining. Since Saturday is National Relaxation Day, you may choose to just sit around and not do much of anything or choose an event from the list below. Whatever you do, enjoy the weekend!



Friday- Catch one of Garden City’s Friday Night Promenades. Seventh St will be closed off to traffic and the event will run from 6pm-10pm. Enjoy live music, al fresco dining, give aways for the kids, face painting, balloon animals and more!

Friday- It’s Family Night at the Garden City Pool! Bingo starts at 7pm and Glow in the Dark Mini Golf starts at 7:30pm. Normal fees apply. Also, enjoy the Ice Cream Social at the snack bar with unlimited toppings. Come for some family fun and ice cream! 

Friday- Eisenhower Park will hold an Oldies Concert starring Jimmy Gallagher and The Passions. Cost: free. 7pm. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.  

Saturday- Watch a Cosmos game at Hofstra as they take on the San Antonio Scorpions. Click here for tickets. 7pm. James Shuart Stadium. Hofstra University. 

Saturday and Sunday- The LICM hosts Mary Poppins. 11:30 and 2pm showtimes on both weekend days. 11 Davis Ave, Garden City.

Sunday- Live music at the Garden City Pool. The band “Magic of Amore” will perform a magic chow starting at 2pm. 

Sunday- Celebrate American Armenian Night at Eisenhower Park. Cost: free. 7pm. Lakeside Theatre. 

Now through September 22, head to Adelphi to see their newest exhibit entitled Richmond Lewis: Paintings. Richmond Lewis’s recent egg tempera paintings evoke a sense of animation through interwoven shapes, delicate line, and richly complex color. Click here for more information. Ruth S. Harley University Center Gallery. Adelphi University. 


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Sally Hansen Miracle Gel- next post

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I love a gel manicure. I love the clean way my nails look (and my life feels) when they’re polished. And I really love not having to worry about chips and dings. But I also have paper-thin nails. And although scientists aren’t quite sure why, gel manicures wreck them. After two weeks of nail heaven, I’m left with onion-skin nubs that peel, break, split and take months to re-grow normally. Usually, I’ll take a breather, get sucked back in, and start the cycle again.
Which is a long way of saying I’ve tried a lot of alternatives to gel manicures. I’ve tried the at-home versions that come with polishes, top coats and a UV-light. They work—but IMHO, they’re tedious, and they still destroyed my nails. I’ve tried the top coats that say they’ll give you that cushiony finish and 14-days of wear (they don’t). And then I tried Sally Hansen Miracle Gel ($10), the nail skies parted, and I haven’t used another product since.
What It Is
The collection launched last September and consists of 61 shades (above, the most popular 5) and a top coat. Here’s how it works: You paint your nails. Then you wait five minutes. Then you add the top coat. Then you parade around for two weeks with nails that look and act like they’ve been gel manicured. When you’re ready to take it all off, any acetone-based remover will do. (No scratching, soaking, or scraping like salon gel manis.) Even better? Your nails aren’t ruined. Like at all.
How It Works
Both the polish and the top coat contain a polymer which gives the manicure that rounded, voluminous look. And the top coat also contains a photoinitiator that’s activated by natural light to enhance the bond between the color and the top coat. Over time, the formula continues to cure, which means the manicure actually gets more durable the longer you wear it.
At the risk of sounding like LeVar Burton on Reading Rainbow, you don’t have to take my word for it. I saw an editor friend wearing the perfect red/orange mix, Redgy, and went to the drugstore to try it out. Sold out. So I went to the drugstore three blocks away. Also sold out. That’s when I emailed the PR girls and asked for my own set. They also told me that, according to IRI, a data collection firm, Miracle Gel is the biggest launch in color cosmetics recordable history, with sales exceeding $100 million dollars in the first year alone.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel is the closest thing I’ve encountered to an actual manicure miracle. If you’re intrigued, give it a try. If, that is, you can find it in stock.

Weekend Events Guide: August 7th Edition

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There’s only a few summer weekends left, so let’s make the most of it! Here’s what’s happening in and around Garden City:


Friday- The Garden City Friday Night Promenade kicks off at 6pm tonight on 7th St. Come for live music, face painting, balloon artists, al fresco dining, give aways for the kids and more. “The Beach Boys” is the night’s theme. 

Friday- The GC Pool hosts Friday Family Night. Don’t miss the Silly Swim Race starting at 7pm.

Friday- Celebrate Creole history at Eisenhower Park’s Creole Family Night. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. 5pm-9:30pm. Cost: free. Located near parking field 6 and 6A.

Friday- Kick it with Marty McFLy and enjoy a showing of Back to the Future at Eisenhower Park. 7pm. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. 

Saturday- Robert Davi returns to Eisenhower Park for Davi Sings Sinatra. Visit Robert Davi’s website here. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. 7pm

Saturday- Head to Lakeshore Learning Store for a free craft for kids! This Saturday the craft is a door knob hanger. 11am-3pm. 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park. 

Saturday and Sunday- Don’t miss the production of Mary Poppins at the Long Island Children’s Museum this weekend. Ages 5 and up. Saturday and Sunday showtimes: 11:30am and 2pm. 11 Davis Ave, Garden City. 

Saturday and Sunday- See The Music Man at BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont. Showtimes: Saturday @ 8pm, Sunday @ 2:30pm. Cost: $14-$28. Click here for information and tickets. 

Sunday- Steel Drum Mania will perform live at the GC Pool and provide us with the perfect poolside music. Check out this band’s website for a sneak peek into their sound by clicking here. Show starts at 1pm.

Have a great weekend Insiders and remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

GC Insider of the Month: Nelson DeMille

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Inside Garden City is beyond excited to have Garden City resident and NY Times Bestselling Author, Nelson DeMille, as our next GC Insider of the Month! 
Mr. DeMille has written a plethora of books, The Gold Coast being one that has many locals fans, as it is set in our small corner of the world. Personally, Plum Island is one of my all time favorite books. Mr DeMille’s newest book, Radiant Angel, is yet another that should not be missed. But amidst his busy schedule of book tours, appearances and signings, Mr. DeMillle was gracious enough to serve as our GC Insider of the Month. Of course, we were thrilled and asked him our Garden City Qs.


1-What inspires you?  
Mostly I’m inspired by the thousands of fan letters I receive from people who have enjoyed my books.  I’m also inspired by fans who come to my booksignings and who tell me how my books have impacted on their lives. 

2-Has Garden City been the inspiration for any characters or places in your books? I’ve used Garden City as the locale in my book Word of Honor, published in 1985.  But I’ve never directly based any of my characters on anyone I knew in Garden City.  My characters are usually composites of people I’ve known all over the country and the world. 

3-How long have you lived in Garden City? I’m celebrating my 40th year here in October.  I moved in 1975 into a small Tudor in the Franklin Court section.  I paid $64,500 for it, and my friends and family said I overpaid.  

4-What do you love most about the town?  The people.  I have friends I’ve made since I first moved here, and my wife and I continue to make new friends.  

5-Favorite store in Garden City?   I like all the small businesses along 7th Street and Franklin Avenue, especially all the food shops where I can get lunch, or dinner if I’m working late.  I enjoy the convenience and friendliness of downtown shopping, and I like the personal service.  

6-Favorite thing to do in Garden City? My wife and I enjoy going to events at the Garden City Hotel – charitable fundraisers, weddings, and other happy occasions. 

7-Favorite outdoor place in Garden City? I have an eight-year-old son and I spend a lot of time at St. Paul’s Fields and all the other parks where he plays various sports. 

8-Favorite restaurant in Garden City? We patronize all the restaurants but we mostly go to La Nonna Bella, Walk Street, Leo’s, B.K. Sweeney’s Uptown Grill, and also the Polo Lounge and Polo Steakhouse at the Garden City Hotel for special occasions. 

9-Favorite place to have a drink in Garden City?Any place that has a bar. 

10-What would you change about Garden City? I’d like to see fewer banks on 7th Street – there are six now.  We need a hardware store again, and like most people I miss Riesterer’s Bakery. 

11-Do you have any advice for Inside Garden City readers? Shop locally, eat and drink locally.  Patronize everything in town, including our great library.  Get involved in community and church affairs and organizations.  Volunteerism has always been strong in Garden City and we all need to give something back to the community.  

Click here to visit Mr DeMille’s website where you can learn about his books, including Radiant Angel, plus view photos, read FAQs and more. A big Thank You to Nelson DeMille for sharing his Garden City views with us and for being our latest GC Insider of the Month! 
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Calogero’s- A Review

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I dined at Calogero’s on Franklin Ave last night and was able to sample a few items on the menu. I know there are a lot of Calogero fans out there and I count myself as one of them.

We were greeted by pleasant and friendly staff. The staff is one thing this restaurant consistently has going for them. Each staff member is always pleasant, friendly, smiling. Not necessarily a given these days when you go… well, just about anywhere. Our waitress couldn’t have been nicer.

Outside seating was “eh”. Don’t get me wrong- it’s definitely pleasant out back. Their set-up almost makes you forget that you are adjacent to a parking lot. Unfortunately, the bugs make you remember. There were lots of tiny black gnats flying all around us and our food. A few citronella candles back there may improve things in that department. But hey, aren’t bugs just part of the charm of dining outside? I have to admit, al fresco dining is one of those things that often sounds great in theory, but may involve a gnat flying up your nose in practice. But I digress… 

The small garden salad was just right with a light vinaigrette and the Funghi Portobello Napoleon appetizer was perfect: fresh mozzarella, prosciutto di parma, tomato, basil, olive oil and balsamic reduction. It’s presentation was as superb as its taste. I would definitely recommend this if you haven’t tried it yet.

Funghi Portobello Napoleon


The small Neapolitan pizza was delicious with a great sauce, yummy cheese and cooked to perfection. Chicken Parmigiano with pasta is a classic Italian dish that almost never disappoints and Calogero’s did a fine job with that as well. The Salmone e Basilico was a bit disappointing thanks to a number of small bones and vegetable risotto that was nothing to write home about. Calogero’s quickly recovered on the Salmon dish by comping us on dessert so all’s well that…

I will definitely be back to Calogero’s. Next time I may try the Gamberi Shrimp. In the meantime, I’ll continue to have their pizza delivered on the reg. Have you been to Calogero’s? What’s your favorite dish?


Thank you for reading InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Weekend Events Guide: July 31st Edition

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As July comes to a close (can you believe it??), we bring you the Weekend Events Guide. Have an amazing one!



Friday- The Friday Night Promenade will take place on Seventh St in Garden City tonight from 6pm-10pm. Tonight’s theme is Firefighter’s Night. Be prepared for lots of fun, such as themed give-aways for the kids, face painting, balloon animals, al fresco dining, live music and more. Come out and socialize with your friends and neighbors!

Friday- See a production of West Side Story at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater. Bring chairs and blankets. 7pm. Cost: free. Near parking fields 6 and 6A. 

Saturday- Free craft for kids at Lakeshore Learning Store. Make a different craft every weekend. 11am-3pm. 2079 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park

Saturday- Join the celebration at Eisenhower Park’s Salute to Veterans with Tony Orlando and USO Liberty Bells. 6:30pm. Cost: free. Lakeside Theater. 

Sunday- It’s Family Fun Day at the GC Pool (GC residents only). Come by for an inflatable obstacle course, a jumpy house, dunk tank and more! 1-4pm


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V Spa: Back to the Basics

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I’ve been experimenting with gel manicures lately as many of you know. Post gel mani, my nails weren’t in the greatest of shape. This is partly my fault because I decided to remove the gel polish on my own (warning: DO NOT attempt to dismantle a gel mani at home) which wasn’t the best idea. 

After my experience with a couple of gel manicures, I can say that I am steering clear of them for a while. Although it was great to not have my nail polish chip and to actually have it looking good for about two whole weeks (aaaamazing!), I don’t think it’s the mani for me on a regular basis. I’ll save it for special occasions or vacation. Admittedly, my nails weren’t in great shape before the gel mani but it definitely didn’t help. So today I decided to go back to the basics and get a good ol’ fashioned manicure. 


I tried V Spa on Franklin Ave for my no-frills mani. They took me immediately (even though the salon was somewhat busy for a Thursday morning) and every tool they used was either out-of-the-package new or sanitized, which is awesome. I was treated to a great mini shoulder/upper back massage during the mani, which I love. Too often nail salons forget this little perk. The massage was a teeny bit painful at times, but maybe that’s a good thing. I’m sure there were a few knots back there (tension much?) anyway. The cute animal ring holders on the manicure tables were a fun touch.  

My manicurist, Tess, was very nice and seemed well informed. I told her about the current condition of my nails (chipping, peeling, overall weakness) and she recommended a specific nail hardener for me and advised me against using any colored polish today. 

The hardener was only an additional $1 and I went sans color. Tess told me to monitor my nails’ condition over the next few days to see if things are improving. So I don’t have a fun summer color on my fingers today, but I’m happy that they look clean and healthy.  

I will go back to V Spa again for a mani and maybe sample some other services. Have you been to V Spa? What did you think?


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Style on Seventh

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With all of the great boutiques and fashionistas in Garden City, we would be remiss if we didn’t include fashion as a regular part of this site. When I walk about town, I always see plenty of well dressed women (and men too!) who deserve a little kudos for their style efforts. Since there’s an abundance of style right here at our fingertips, Inside Garden City will be tracking down the most fashionable of the fashionites walking around Seventh Street (and beyond)… which brings me to a famous quote from the wise Carrie Bradshaw: “I like my money right where I can see it… hanging in my closet.”

This week, we started off by style stalking Lisa, our first fashionista. Here’s what we learned: 

1. Pants: Coquette
2. Top: Coquette
3. Bandeau: Coquette
4. Bag: Coquette (love the stud detail)
5. Earrings: Coquette
6. Bracelets: Coquette


We couldn’t have planned this better if we tried. Turns out, all of Lisa’s fashion items were recently purchased at Coquette, a cute Seventh Street boutique. So if you’d like to pick up anything that’s featured here, head to Coquette while they’re still in stock. 

Stay tuned and stay fashionable Insiders! You may be the next fashion subject featured on Style on Seventh. Thanks for reading InsideGardenCity.com. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

The PAC Wraps Up

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The Pac (Performance Athletic Club) wrapped up another triumphant week last Thursday. The Club, run by Peter LeSueur and Tim Goettelmann, local lacrosse legends, was deemed a success by parents and players alike.

It started on Monday with individual and group photos, t-shirts and an all around intro. The boys and girls got right into the action after that and it continued all week.

 Day one- getting acquainted. 

The coaches were very enthusiastic as they led the players through various drills and skills. The no-equipment rule was a welcome one during the hot July week. Coaches LeSueur and Goettelmann were also on hand all day, every day lending their knowledge and expertise to the players.

On the last day, all participants were treated to a host of surprises- from pinatas in the nets to a dance party to Italian Ices and more. 

Piñata time!

How’s Your Aim? 

Closing Dance Party

And that’s a wrap. See you again next summer!


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