Win a gift basket like no (M)other!

Inside Garden City presents:

                                                  THE MOTHERLOAD

Who needs a crowded Walmart or shopping mall when you’ve got great shopping right at your doorstep? GC's many locally owned restaurants, boutiques, delis, cafés, salons, etc. are at the heart of our community. I'm happy to support them in any way I can, in addition to frequenting them often! They're a crucial component of our local economy as well as a convenient alternative to braving the traffic of Old Country Road.

When we patronize our local businesses, we give money back to our community. A successful local business generates higher revenue and pays higher taxes. This tax revenue helps pay for many of the things we all love about Garden City.

While our local businesses may be the heart of GC, I'm sure many would agree that our mothers are the soul. In honor of Mother's Day, a number of local businesses have made generous donations to enable Inside Garden City to create a Mother's Day gift basket like no (m)other. Actually, this gift basket has grown so much in the past few days, that we are now calling it "The Motherload"!

How to enter:
1) Be a mother, have a mother, or know a mother  
2) Like Inside Garden City's Facebook page (if you haven't already) AND
3) Like or comment on any FB post which mentions "The Motherload" raffle.

Your name will then be entered into a raffle for the Motherload and one lucky winner will be randomly chosen on Mother's Day night!

Sneak peeks will be given… such as which of our amazing local businesses will be featured in "the Motherload".       

Please visit us on Facebook & at www.InsideGardenCity.com

Inside GC's Weekend Events Guide 4/26

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.com 631-724-5966

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 2^nd 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

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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Earth Day- Do Your Part

Earth Day is a great time to think about our planet and what we will be leaving behind for future generations. We can all take steps to improve upon our "green" behavior and encourage others to do the same. There are so many ways to make our world greener and many take very little effort. Here are some easy tips to reduce, reuse, recycle:

1. I like adding the words "refuse" and "rethink" to the green motto mentioned above. One easy thing you can do is refuse plastic shopping bags in the grocery store, or any other store for that matter. Bring your own reusable cloth bags or reuse the plastic ones you have at home. I know I'm not the only one with a plastic bag filled with plastic bags in my cabinet!

2. Try not to throw away the plastic bags that you don't need. Drop them in a bag recycling bin found at CVS, ShopRite and most other grocery stores. These bins will also usually accept plastic dry cleaning bags, plastic bread bags, etc.

3. While most of us are pretty good at acquiring "stuff", we are probably not as good at discarding things. There are many options to recycle our no longer needed goods to someone else who could use them. Craigslist has a free section. Freecycle is a great website that makes it easy to turn one man's trash into another man's treasure. Donate to a thrift store, Salvation Army or consignment store (if you want to make some cash on your goods).

4. Another option is to donate your goods to a local cause like the annual GC Andy Foundation Yard Sale or the upcoming Benefit Yard Sale this Sat, 4/26, at the Tanners Pond Environmental Center in GC. Call 516-326-1720 for more information about donating.

5. Walk more/drive less: With spring upon us it's a great time to reduce some of your car trips. Do whatever errands you can by foot to reduce air pollution. Visit Big City Bicycle on Nassau Blvd to give your bike a tune-up or to buy one (better yet- try Craigslist, a yard sale or Freecycle for a used bike). And when it's time for a new car, think fuel-efficient!

6. Eat local/healthy foods. Patronize local restaurants that support local farmers. I may as well mention the local wineries here too. There are plenty of great wines produced on Long Island's North Fork that we can be proud of!

7. Use a reusable coffee cup and save the cardboard. Hint: this only works if you actually bring the cup with you to your local coffee shop! Definitely refuse styrofoam cups. Tsk Tsk... Dunkin Donuts.

8. And the easiest one of all that we do we every day… unplug appliances and chargers when not in use. How simple is that?

It's really not that difficult to go the green way. Visit www.earthday.org for more tips and ideas. Happy Earth Day!


Please visit us on Facebook and at www.InsideGardenCity.com

FENG SHUI ADVICE-Being a Helpful Person Matters…

InsideGardenCity has recently been opening up the IGC blogosphere to guest bloggers. If you haven't read any of them yet, you probably should because they're quite good. Today on the blog, Laura Cerrano of Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island is back with an inspiring and informative post. Read on and find out more about Ms. Cerrano at http://fengshuimanhattan.com 

Emotional Feng Shui Insights

A powerful area on the Ba-gua map for Feng Shui that many tend to overlook is called “helpful People.” What does this mean? The area of Helpful people connects you to those who step into your life to help teach you lessons and offer guidance when needed.  Let that be family, friends, “strangers-earth angels” and more.  Yet, you too can be a helpful person and one simply way is by donating items and objects that you no longer need, use or love.

Another way to contribute to the flow of helpful people in others lives is by saying “thank you” and giving gratitude to those who have helped you during your life’s journey.

This week, I have made it a point to reach out to past teachers from my high school who I felt truly helped ignite a certain point of awakening during that period of time in my life.  In particular my guidance counselor/Softball coach and Art teacher.

Each had a different approach in how they helped me and what was interesting when I said thank you, they didn’t really understand how they helped. I knew how and wanted to share that insight and also show that how they treat students (people) really and truly does impact them in a positive way. So the message to them was to keep doing what they’re doing and encourage that continuation of being a helpful person because it matters.

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

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

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

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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Weekend Events Guide 4/4/14 edition

Another GC Weekend Events Guide is here- just in time for the weekend! See what's happening 'round GC.

Little League Parade- Saturday, April 5th, 9:00am. Will head south on Franklin Ave. to 7th St, ending at the Village Green. 

Catch March Madness on Saturday April 6th on BK Sweeney's large flat screen TVs. Games at 6pm and 8:50pm. 

Salon Imperiale's Blow Dry Bar is offering $30 blowouts! Franklin Ave. 516-747-1027

You Wrote a Book, Now What- Saturday April 5th, 1-3pm at the GC Public Library. 516-742-8405

St. Joe's Food Drive- Saturday, April 5th. Call for more information. 516-747-3535 

EarthFest Run- Sunday, April 6th, 9am-3pm at the GC Bird Sanctuary. Timed 5K run at 10am and obstacle course geared for kids at 11:30am.

Blood Drive- Sunday April 6th, 7:45am-1pm in the St Joseph's School gymnasium. 

LI Children's Museum- Sunday April 6th at 3pm. Explore backyard terrariums and make your own. 

Enjoy the weekend!


Please visit our website www.InsideGardenCity.com 

Painting and Pinot at Revel

It has been said that "talent writes with coffee; genius writes with wine." I was hoping the same could be said in regards to painting...

Recently, Revel on Franklin Ave hosted a ladies night painting party. $65 bought you drinks, hors d'oeuvres, paints and brushes, an easel, canvas and most importantly (for me anyway)- the instruction of the art teachers from PaintNite.- where the motto is to "drink creatively."

Not a painter or artist in any sense of the word, but always up for something new, I gathered up a few friends and took the painting plunge. It was advertised as "No Experience Necessary" so I thought this was perfect for me. Plus, I figured a drink or two could probably only improve my painting skills. Revel looked great on this Wednesday night. The front of the restaurant was busy and there was a good bar scene too- a NYC-esque crowd, as usual. The "painters" were gathered in the back where the paints and (delish) hors d'oeuvres were freely flowing.

After some mingling, it was down to business. Tables had been set up with easels, smocks and canvases. It looked very well organized- so far so good. Then the instruction and the painting began. It started off quite well- but as the night progressed, one could start to see a difference in the talent that was in the room that night. Some of the women were quite good and others were clearly there for the social part of the evening only. I fell into the latter category. My excuse was that I could not hear the instructor very well over the din of the socializing, which was true but probably not the main reason why my painting won't be hanging over the fireplace.

The instructors from PaintNite were very friendly and helpful. They ran a well organized event. Keep them in mind next time you're looking for an alternative to the traditional party. They do birthdays, fundraisers, corporate events, etc... You can find them at www.paintnite.com.

Overall, I would definitely sign up for another painting party like this and I recommend you catch it next time if you missed this one. I made new friends, hung out with old friends and realized that painting is pretty fun. I might even take a trip to Michael's for some art supplies and "brush up" on my painting. Next time I'll be ready and may actually bring home a wall-worthy painting!



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