Press Release: Cactus Cafe

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July 9, 2024

20 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 312-5678
Website: cactuscafetexmex.com

As someone that has been presenting stories about local restaurants for over three decades there is now seems to be a new world order as to what is now trendy with the food scene. Tex-Mex eateries are popping up everywhere. For the founders of Cactus Café, their passion and vision for creating authentic Mexican fare began over 25 years ago.

With five locations and one just getting ready to open soon, it is evident that the secret sauce to their success is working. Vibrant colors of green, yellow, blue, and red give you the feeling that Cactus café is just a fun and happy place to come in and dine with friends and family. The founders of Cactus café are proud to tell me that their food is prepared fresh daily, with all the Tex-Mex flavors that their following of loyal patrons have grown to love. Everything you could want that is Tex-Mex, Cactus Café of Smithtown will not disappoint.

From soft tacos and burritos to quesadillas and amazing daily specials, Cactus Café has everything you crave. With dining out becoming at times impossible to afford, Cactus Café offers great value to their loyal patrons. Every night of the week all Burritos are only $6.00. That’s about 50% off their regular prices any day of the week between 10pm and 12 midnight or Mondays come in a get two enchiladas for $13.00. With everything made fresh to order that is an amazing value. Try one of their most popular dishes on the menu that the entire family can enjoy. Their Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian rotisserie style chicken) For $29.95 it comes with rice, beans, French fries, corn bread or vegetables.

As someone that craves good fresh Mexican food here are some must try favs. The soft tacos are awesome. Typically, I’m all in for a variety of at least three. Carne Asada is made with marinated steak, sauteed onions, cilantro, and a lively lime sour cream. Their Crispy Chicken is irresistible, stuffed with lettuce, cheese with a ranch dressing offers the perfect coolness. Then there is the fish dish that I always seem to struggle over! Both the grilled Shrimp and the Fried Cod fish tacos offer a delightful freshness to the lineup.

Having a party? Cactus Café offers fantastic catering packages that will add a new twist to your next special occasion. For a guest count of at least 10 people, you can enjoy an array of party ideas like their Fajita Bar with your choice of either chicken, carne asada or shrimp all served with peppers, onions, rice, black beans, sour cream, Pico de Gallo, flour tortillas, chips and salsa with a bottle of yellow or green sauce. This is just one of the many creative themes you can create with Cactus Café.

Congratulations Cactus Café with much success as you continue to grow your brand.

Food & Drink: Al Fresco Dining

By

Joanna Adduci Reed

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July 9, 2024

There’s nothing like summer on Long Island. The weather is supreme, and the ocean is never too far away. When the sun starts shining, the only place I want to be is waterside, with a cold drink in my hand. A few of my local favorites include Rumba, Prime, Bodhi’s Beach Shack, Drift 82, Lakehouse and Salted. on the Harbor. These range in location and price-point, but they all offer al fresco dining and an immaculate vibe.

Rumba is off the beaten path and serves creative Caribbean food. Enjoy their beloved happy hour in a beach-inspired, bright setting, complete with water views (depending on location). Their reserve rum menu is worth checking out, and their seafood dishes and tacos don’t disappoint. My go-to order is the soy and sugar cane salmon – divine.

Prime is treasured by locals for their waterfront views, raw bar offerings and extensive drink menu. I’ve been enjoying Prime for years and am never disappointed with their approachable “power lunch” specials, pitchers of delectable cocktails and desserts (Briermere pie, anyone?). I would recommend making a reservation for this one, and if you can, during sunset hours!

Bodhi’s Beach Shack is everything you’re looking for in a beach bar & restaurant. Their slogan, “blue skies and right vibes” says it all. The menu is simple, and nostalgic: baked clams, coconut shrimp, mussels, fish, and chips and more. The Bodhi Burrito should not be overlooked, especially if you’re opting for fried fish or blackened shrimp.

If you are looking for live music, bookmark Drift 82. Here you can enjoy fresh, daily musicians, serving up tunes from 4-9PM. They offer a competitive happy hour, and reggae on Sundays. While you’re enjoying the live music, I’d recommend snacking on raw bar classics, or the fish tacos.

Lake House in Bay Shore is a great option for dinner with a view. The food is delicious; think tuna tartare, grilled oysters, truffled mushroom risotto, duck confit – the list goes on. They do a stellar job of serving up seasonally inspired entrees and offering picturesque views of the Great South Bay. Their cocktail menu is one of my favorites, and I’ll never leave before having a spicy ginger margarita (seriously, try it immediately).

Salted. On The Harbor catered my wedding at their nearby sister spot, Wine Cellar. Lindsay, the owner, does an incredible job of connecting with the community and serving up the best Mediterranean salmon salad within miles! They offer happy hour 3-6 pm on weekdays (at the bar only on Fridays) and switch out menu offerings to reflect seasonal availability and inspiration. They’re located on the water in Northport Village, with dockside views of the water.

The Baking Coach: No Bake Cheesecake

By

Lisa Basini

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July 9, 2024

YOU WILL NEED :

1 – 8- or 9-inch pie pan or 10-inch tart pan
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
(or approximately 10 sheets)
6 tablespoons butter
1 package 8-ounce brick cream cheese, softened
1 package of vanilla instant pudding mix
½ cup whole milk
½ pound freshly sliced strawberries to garnish
1 small container non-dairy whipped topping

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :

Using the resealable bag, crush graham crackers with a rolling pin, gently rolling and crushing the cookies into fine crumbs. Add butter to the bag, and using one hand, crush butter into cookie crumbs until well-combined. Press cookie and butter mixture into the base of your pan; set aside in fridge.

Using a hand- mixer on medium speed, beat together the cream cheese and vanilla pudding mixture; reduce spread and slowly add in the milk so as to not create lumps. Fold in 1 cup non-dairy whip topping, then spoon mixture into the pan. Chill for two-hours or overnight; top with sliced fruit, additional whipped topping, and serve.

Health & Wellness: The Gut Microbiome

By

Cheryl Taborsky

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July 9, 2024

The gut microbiome, it’s the new health buzz, but what actually is it? Well, all the microorganisms that live in your intestines, the flora and fauna and all the by-products that they produce create your gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome thrives on diversity of fiber, proteins, yeasts, molds (yes, what do you think is the blue in blue cheese?) and whatever else you put in your mouth. There are millions of bacteria that live inside you and when you feed them right, they do you good. A healthy gut reduces sugar cravings, promotes a more restful night’s sleep, lowers blood pressure and promotes the capture of free radicals thereby slowing the aging process and protecting the body from cancer. Choose organic foods when possible, wild caught fish and antibiotic free meat and poultry. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and avoid processed foods, especially white flour and sugar, as much as possible. Eat a large salad daily. Your gut loves fiber. Be sure to add legumes, chickpeas are a favorite of mine. Fermented foods are also necessary to optimize your gut health. Use apple cider vinegar with your salad dressings. Other fermented foods include kimchee, fermented pickles-found in the refrigerator aisle, kefir and yogurt. Love your gut and it will love you back. See your health care provider for more information.

Try out my favorite : Keifer berry parfait (see below)

Keifer Berry Parfait

YOU WILL NEED :

1/3 C blueberries frozen or fresh
1/3 C raspberries frozen or fresh
1 t ground flax seed
1 t ground chia seed
1/2 C Plain Keifer
1T raw almond butter

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :

Layer berries add flax and chia seed. Cover and shake lightly to disperse ground seed. Pour Keifer to cover berries. Chill for up to 2 days. Add almond butter before serving.

Serve Up a Summertime Spread

By

Art Department

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July 9, 2024

Up Your Grilling Game with Beloved Toppings

Hot dogs and brats are summer favorites for a reason: the delicious (and personalized) add-ons. Make sure your spread fits everyone’s taste buds with an assortment of tasty toppings like these:

Ketchup
Mustard
Relish
Hot sauce
Onions
Pickles
Sauerkraut
Cole slaw
Jalapeños
Diced tomatoes
Guacamole
Nacho cheese
Shredded cheese

Citrus Spring Mix Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes. Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 2

YOU WILL NEED :

FOR THE DRESSING

1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

FOR THE SALAD

1 package (5 ounces) Fresh Express Spring Mix
1 navel orange, peeled and sectioned
1 red grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :

To make salad: In large bowl, toss spring mix with salad dressing. Divide salad evenly among two plates. Top with oranges, grapefruit, avocado and onion.

#17054 Source: Family Features

Out & About: Summer is Here!

By

Gabriella Calderale

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July 9, 2024

The sun doesn’t set until 9pm and Long Islanders are ready to take advantage of the longer and warmer days!

In the cold months it’s easy to forget that we live on an island. There’s only 3 short months of pure bliss here, so Long Islanders are here to make it count.

This season is what we live for!

This is a guide to help my fellow Long Islanders have a fun loving, jam packed summer filled with good fun, a lot of laughs and great memories.

Did summer even happen if you didn’t make your way to Fire Island for a Zippy? Catch a ride on the ferry over to Ocean Beach and drink a Zippy at Housers. You can also enjoy a relaxing stroll down the boardwalk to the Fire Island lighthouse for an unforgettable Long Island sunset.

If the south shore of the island isn’t your cup of tea, switch your glass and drive up to the north fork to enjoy a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz on the vineyard. You can sit back and watch the fisherman and boaters or you can have a berry picking good time at Patty’s Berries and Bunches. You can pick your own strawberries and raspberries, the perfect family day.

If you’re looking for a little more live action try a Live After 5. Towns like Farmingdale and Patchogue shut down their Main Street and host a street fair for the community. They have live music, and local businesses set up shop in the street. Live After 5 is perfect for your Hot Girl Summer and a night out with your wife and kids. You can check the town websites for exact dates.

You can also check out the Italian Feast of St. Rocco in Glenn Cove from July 26-30th. It is the largest Italian Feast on Long Island! It has live music and incredible traditional Italian food. The festival runs from 6-11pm on weeknights, 3-11pm on Saturdays and 3-10 pm on Sundays!

Last but not least, nothing beats a classic Long Island Concert at our favorite Venue, The Jones Beach Amphitheater. 2024 is the summer to catch, we have artists like The Dave Matthews Band, Jason Aldean, Train, Earth Wind and Fire, Avril Lavigne and Dan and Shay with Jake Owen. Whether you have front row seats, nosebleed seats or you’re sitting on your lawn chair in the parking lot, I have yet to hear someone have a bad time there.

Fashion & Beauty : Subdued Summer Style

By

Tammy Severino

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July 9, 2024

Summer fashions are typically filled with flowy fabrics, lots of soft colors, and printed patterns galore. The exception to this rule is when national [or global] outlook is in question. Enter summer 2024. Months ago, as snow was in the forecast, designers gave us a first peak at a different summer aesthetic – one that reflects the economic and political uncertainty that is 2024.

This is the season of muted colors and minimalist design. Don’t expect a palette of pastels for this season’s wardrobe. Instead, anticipate flax, white, grey, and black. The bold color for summer from nearly every fashion house is vivid, blood red. Metallics, particularly gold, are in demand this season, with bold pieces, such as a chunky solid earring sitting on the lobe or an equally bold, yet simply designed bracelet to enhance your outfit. Dresses are long, lean, and cut on the bias – in metallic shades for special evenings out.

Designers are particularly taken with dramatic asymmetrical lines this season. Expect necklines or dress or skirt hems with one side significantly longer than its mate. Denim from head to toe is another popular style for the season, but don’t expect the look to be solely blue. White and black denim are options for this look. High rise trousers are quite on trend, typically paired with a cropped or fitted and tucked top. Suits are experiencing a 90s reboot with pencil skirts or high-waisted trousers and oversized blazers. White blouses, popular in their own right this summer, pair perfectly with one of these suits or a pair of summer capris.

For the season’s softer side, you’ll find crocheted designs in muted colors, but with beautiful, seemingly hand-woven details as well as flapper fringe on everything from dresses to jackets. Picture a simple, long white dress with fringe detail across the bottom. Each step flows like a summer breeze. The overall effect is both gentle and playful. Rose detail is another popular trend this season, from a simple applique on a blouse to a handbag with rose detail from front to back.

Accessories this season are timeless. Footwear favorites include low, open-styled, minimalist leather sandals with a European vibe. Butterfly sunglasses are a top style, paired with patterned scarves (among the only patterns to be found) worn in the hair or tied to a handbag strap. Mini handbags in very clean lines abound as do woven and raffia bags in flax, black, or white for those needing more room. Gold jewelry, as noted earlier, is very on-trend but choose only one piece for your ensemble. All in all, accessories are simple and harken to earlier decades. They will finish any outfit beautifully so long as you don’t overdo it. Keep it to one or two pieces with any ensemble.

No one knows when bursts of color will appear in the next fashion palette. Perhaps it will coincide with the nation’s mood. Let this season be the one to add pieces to your wardrobe that can stay with you for years to come. Enjoy the sunshine.