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!


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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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5 Simple Steps to Hosting a Bunco Party

Last week I hosted my very first "Bunco Night." For those of you who don't know, bunco is basically the woman's alternative to poker night- it's a fast paced dice game. (Actually, it's really just a thinly-veiled excuse to go out, hang out and chill out.) Right now it's a hot suburban trend, but it isn't something new. Bunco has been around for years and it's a great game that gets everyone involved- if your group actually plays, that is. 

I'd say my first time hosting bunco was a success. It didn't take much time to plan. Below, I've outlined my bunco party planning in 5 simple steps:

1. Invite your group- pick a date about a month in advance and get your email invites out. 
2. Plan your Menu- my group goes with a light dinner menu, others may only do apps. Up to you. 
3. Buy some alcohol- very important.
4. Have a clean house- cleaning woman made a special trip this week : )
5. Buy some more alcohol- can never have too much!

For food, I went with Capo in Floral Park (my go-to for catering and fab panini) and it was a hit. I served an assortment of bruschetta (my fave was the portobello mushroom with walnuts, goat cheese and arugula),  a variety of panini (yes, they're better than La Bottega), grilled asparagus and a green salad with pears and gorgonzola. Yum. My guests had seconds… and thirds… and some maybe even fourths but I'm not mentioning names… always a good sign! I kept it simple with dessert- fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and strawberries with cream.

Of course, the alcohol was flowing and that always helps at any party. I had plenty of red, white and white zin on hand and also served sangria for something different. I take the fifth on how many bottles were opened, but let's just say it was a fun night! 

This should be enough to motivate you to try your hand at bunco. If you don't have a group to join, start one! You only need four people to start (or any number divisible by four), although the traditional number is 12. In some groups… ahem… it doesn't even matter how many people you have because you may be having too much fun to actually play any bunco! Truth be told, I don't even own a bunco set ; )

Inside GC Disclaimer: This article is used for informational and entertainment purposes only. Inside GC provides this information to the public and does not condone drinking and driving or excessive alcohol consumption. You must be 21 to consume alcoholic beverages.

The Scoop on the GC Real Estate Market

Kathy Lucchesi adores her home town of Garden City. Both she and her husband Chuck grew up in town and raised three children here. Her obvious love of Garden City goes hand in hand with her career in real estate. Recently, she partnered up with The Donnelly Group's Steve Baymack, fellow long-time resident and die-hard GC fan. Seeing as Kathy is a true GC Insider, I thought it would be fitting for her to guest blog today and provide us with the inside scoop on the current GC real estate market. 

Hello all! We are very pleased to be offered an opportunity to contribute to “Inside Garden City” where we can chat about all things Real Estate in Garden City. Lots of excitement surrounds the Garden City real estate market right now!

First of all, the inventory of homes in Garden City is currently at a historical low. This is wonderful news for sellers. Low inventory means more buyers fighting for your home. Sellers should know that if you are considering selling your home, seriously consider it right now. 

The market is better than ever with buyers looking to take advantage of low interest rates. We have many serious pre-qualified clients looking to buy in every area of Garden City.  Houses have been selling in record speed, and with multiple offers at very close to asking price and many times actually over the asking price. With the Spring market right around the corner, we have buyers popping up every day looking for homes in all different price ranges in town.

We would be thrilled to offer a complimentary, confidential meeting to discuss the current value of your home or to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have in regard to your home. Please pass this offer on to any friends, family members or neighbors who you feel we could be of assistance to in any way at all.

Thanks everybody!

Best regards,

 Kathy Lucchesi, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

The Donnelly Group

516-741-4333

KathyL@TheDonnellyGroup.com

  


Steve Baymack, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker 

The Donnelly Group

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