How To Bring Joy Into A Move For The New School Year

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September 4, 2016

Lisa Navarra M.A. Special Education
offers Workshops, Professional Development and Support Groups teaching how to manage challenging behaviors in school and at home. With over 20 years of experience, Lisa is the Founder/President of Child Behavior Consulting, LLC. For more information, log onto www.childbehaviorconsulting.com, email Lisa@ChildBehaviorConsulting.com, or Verizon Fios Push Pause LI Parenting: Setting Limits.

Are you like Riley from the movie Inside Out and had to move to a different house and make new friends? Riley had to leave her friends, school, house and her hockey team too. Riley felt many different emotions about having to move. There were times that she felt angry, disgust, joy, fear and sadness. In the end, Riley learned that it was normal to feel all of these emotions when there are big changes being made. She also learned how to make a new life in a whole new state a really happy one. If you're moving to a new state or town, let's see if these suggestions can help you!

For the Kids:

1- Poke a hole in a small box and pack your very favorite toy in it to take with you on your ride or flight to your new home. You could have your favorite stuffed animal's head popping out the top of the box for easy access so you can play with it. You can even add games like tic tac toe on the side of the box to play if you get bored.

2- Draw a map of where you want to put your furniture and toys in your new room.

3- Take new pictures with your friends and the activities that you are involved in and make a collage to hang up in your new room.

4- Talk with your mom or dad about what sport or activity you would like to do and ask him/her to find out where he/she can sign you up before you even get there. This will give you something to look forward to.

5- Share your thoughts and fears with your mom or dad. They maybe feeling the same way!

For Your Parents:

1- Encourage your child to speak to you about his/her concerns, needs and wants. Even if their perception of the move is totally different than yours just listen and validate his/her feelings so they feel understood.

2- As a family, make an outline of the first couple of days so the your child has some predictability.

3- Offer a list of tasks (or even better if your child makes his/her own suggestions) for your child to choose from to complete when you arrive at the new home. This will give your child a sense of purpose and feel part of the family unit.

4- Facilitate closure for your child. Saying "I'll see you soon" or "Good-bye" is hard to do, but your child may have some last minute things he/she wants to share with his/her friends.

Focus on what makes you feel good and talk about your fears and concerns. Your mom or dad might be feeling the same exact way as you! You may be surprised and make some very special core memories just like Riley!

Back To School Trend Report

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August 21, 2016

Rachael Severino is an incoming 10th grade student at Sachem North High School in Sachem School District. This aspiring writer has a knack for the written word. She has penned short stories, poetry and is developing an impressive body of work.

With summer drawing a close, stores have trendy new styles for back to school out on the racks in full force. Here are a few must haves and staples that will help make your closet complete.
   As with all fashion seasons, there are basics you simply must have. Having a few of these in your closet will be helpful. It only takes a few of these classic pieces for you to build a killer outfit. Ripped jeans and leggings are comfortable and go with everything. You can dress them up or down and still look good. For another cute staple, try a skater skirt to create an attractive, flirty outfit. It can be worn with just about anything from sweaters to flirty little tops. Flannel shirts are still just as important now as they were in the nineties. They come in different shades, styles, and sizes. They work no matter the weather and always look good. And as the chilly temperatures roll in, sweaters and cardigans, particularly on the chunky side, are an absolute must have. You can wear them with any bottom – from jeans to leggings to skirts -and will have you looking sharp while feeling comfortable.
   To build on your staples, try some statement pieces. This year, several fashion trends have emerged that cater to a variety of personalities. Bomber jackets are all the rage (for guys as well as girls). They are replacing military jackets which have been popular for several years. Bombers come in solids or patterns and even offer logos from popular shows. High cut booties are being shown everywhere. These cute and comfortable shoes work with pants, skirts and dresses and complete every look.
   Accessories are vital statement pieces again this year. Scarves! Scarves are in demand even more than they were last year. Keep cozy and get some fashion pow with oversized, dramatic scarves and simple infinity (circle) scarves. From the runway to your school, expect to see scarves. Jewelry, as always, is an important element in any girl’s outfit. Chokers, gold and floral in particular, are being sold in nearly every store catering to women. They can add flare and pop to any outfit. Long necklaces are in high demand. They’re often paired with a sweater or solid color dress. Some fashion vloggers are hyping up wild, chunky necklaces, a popular runway statement piece. They believe these will be the big trend this autumn. We’ll have to wait and see!
   As always, men have comfortable, yet stylish trends for all seasons. This year, designers have kept old favorites – think oxford shirts, dark dye jeans, performance wear and high top sneakers – that are both flattering and comfortable. Designers have kept the new looks clean and simple. Much like styles for girls, plaid/flannel button downs and solid colors are key to this year’s fashions for guys.
   Dress with confidence this new school year!

Mussel Your Way Through Summer

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August 21, 2016

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport
Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licenced agent at Signature Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

I am still enjoying the beautiful days of summer and hope you are too! There’s nothing more delightful to me than eating outdoors on my porch with a one pot meal of mussels steamed in a delicious marinara sauce. Savor the delicious flavors of summertime fresh~ from the Sea and farms. Mussels are in season, full, sweet, and all protein, making this a low calorie meal…unless of course you can’t stop soaking up the tasty liquid with that crusty baguette bread! You can prepare mussels in so many different ways~ in fish dishes, with pasta, grilled, cold as seafood salad. My favorite way is steamed in a light wine marinara. So whether you’re picking shells at the beach, or soaking up the summer sun, there’s nothing better than these shells in a pot! Buy them at your local fish market and rinse well. You can use farm fresh tomatoes and all the fresh herbs that are growing in your yard. A word of caution~you will end up needing a bib and wet cloth for those fingers, you can try and use a spoon…but slurping the mussel up out of the shell with the sauce is the best! The empty shell becomes the spoon. Don’t forget that glass of wine and a grilled crusty loaf of bread. Mussel away! Enjoy! Xo Denise

As a Main Meal for 4

6-7 lbs. of fresh cleaned mussels
2 cans of hand smashed San Marzano tomatoes (or use farm fresh chopped)
1 large Vidalia onion diced
6-7 fresh garlic cloves minced
½ cup fresh parsley chopped
1 cup Italian diced pancetta or 3 links chorizo sausage diced
2 cups dry white wine
2 bottles of clam juice
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2T butter
2 t kosher salt
2 t fresh ground black pepper
1 t red pepper flakes

In a large pot heat oil and butter and sauté onion until soft and transparent. Add garlic and sauté for 3 minutes, add pancetta or chorizo for a few minutes until cooked. Add tomatoes and cook for 20 minutes. Add wine and clam broth and all herbs and spices. Now taste for seasoning. Add mussels for 10 minutes or so with a covered lid, stir from bottom. When mussels open you’re done. Scoop into bowls and top with fresh herbs.

Grilling and Chilling

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August 21, 2016

Arianna Johnson has A Bachelors Degree in English/Creative Writing from Dowling College. She is very passionate about writing and cooking and her goal is to become a food writer and cookbook author. Arianna can be reached at arianna.ruth.johnson@gmail.com

In past articles I have written about how great of a tool the barbeque is. It keeps the house from getting hot, and imparts a unique flavor that only a grill can deliver.
   The great thing about the grill, there is virtually no clean up. With a plethora of grilling options, how do you choose? You could get creative and grill romaine lettuce for salad or dough for pizza. I tend to stick with the tried-and-true, All–American Burger.
   I love burgers, any day or time. Let’s face it, summer time is burger time and all of the accoutrements that go with it.
   The burger possibilities are endless. Traditional beef with cheese is a given, but what seems to be growing in popularity is the meatless or vegetarian options. When I am looking for a healthier option for a burger I usually go for ground turkey because it has great flavor and moisture. Also, ground turkey won’t give you that greasy, bloated feeling that you can sometimes get after eating a beef burger.
   I do have a few favorite combinations depending on what kind of ground meat I am using. If beef is my meat of choice I like to sauté crimini mushrooms, caramelize onions and melt Swiss cheese over the top. With ground turkey, I like to go lighter by preparing a chunky guacamole with garlic and cilantro and topping it off with a slice of ripe tomato. If we are talking about the bun, the new fad is the pretzel bun, that offers a little more texture and flavor over the traditional potato roll.
   Now, there is some controversy whether or not a burger is better cooked in a skillet or on the grill because the skillet gives the burgers a crust, while the grill chars it more. But, let’s put that argument aside for the sake of this article and say that grilling is the better choice. So, for your next gathering around the grill, maybe try a build-your-own-burger bar or just pass mini sliders around for a bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.

Bullying Signs For The School Year

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August 21, 2016

Rick Kaufman is the Owner and Chief Instructor at Traditional Martial Arts
Centers, 631-828-8710 PAL sanctioned Anti Bullying Instructor/ 5th Degree Black Belt with over 23 years experience NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

First and foremost it’s important to be able to recognize significant changes in the behavior or demeanor of your child. Issues such as unexplained bruises, an increase in the desire to stay home from school with feigned illnesses or the ongoing loss of property, money or lunch are just a few examples of behaviors that can give parents that all important “ Heads-Up” that something is awry. Of course in more severe cases, parents may notice social isolation on the part of the child, a sense of depression and hopelessness or behaviors that are self destructive. Children that take on the role of the bully may begin to act more aggressive, generally socialize with others that bully, are avoidant of responsibility and will tend to blame others for their actions.
   Part of the reason this is such a critical issue is that while bullying can have such a devastating effect on a child, and tragically can lead to suicide, it often goes unreported. According to a 2010 study reported by the National Bullying Center, 64% of children who were bullied did not report it. Our children are frightened, feeling isolated or ashamed and confused. They are at a loss to handle the overload of emotions that accompany these behaviors. They may be experiencing physical violence, social isolation, cyber bullying or verbal abuse and sadly, these are not mutually exclusive. All too frequently, the child will experience any number of these types of bullying creating a sense of helplessness and hopelessness that is all too often devastating in both the short and long term.
   The good news is that parents, teachers, coaches, siblings and friends can be the antidote. Paying attention to our children’s ever evolving or changing behaviors, attitudes and social trends is so very important. Being able to validate the feelings of our children will help to ease their burden and encourage them to share their feelings with the appropriate adults in their life to address the issue. Fighting the temptation to write off a child’s changing attitudes to a “phase” or period of “growing pains” will help a parent. Children can then learn who to tell about their problem, how to approach the bully or bullies and what steps to take to put an end to the problem.
   At Traditional Martial Arts Centers of Smithtown, we address the issue of bullying in almost all of our classes. By recognizing the positive effects of confidence, focused attention, awareness and particular skill sets, our school aged children gain experiences, in a non-threatening and safe environment that provide valuable tools to deal with this truly difficult issue. They learn the ABC’s of bullying, how to use their voice to de-escalate a frightening situation, who to tell about their problem and how to act so as to minimize the chances of being bullied.
   Approximately 160,000 children miss some portion of school, every day, because they feel freightened, picked on or bullied by others.
   Parents and the involved adults in a child’s life can be the game changers. Help your child to be a hero in his or her own life……talk to them about bullying and all the associated behaviors.

Creative School Ideas

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August 21, 2016

Michelle Pierre is a freelance writer and Registered Dietitian. Michelle writes comedic essays from a mother’s point of view at www.betweenthecushions.com. She has been designing crafts and party planning for many years. Some of her creations can be seen on her Facebook site, Lucia Grace Bowtique. She can be reached at
designsbymichellepierre@gmail.com

Getting your children ready for a new school year is a tradition for many. New clothes, shoes, backpack. Some may have toddlers going off to pre-school, teenagers starting high school or maybe going off to college.
If you are the type for making memories you will want to capture those first day moments. A DIY frame to use year after year is perfect. Purchase a large frame with wide enough edging so you can write on it. Paint the entire frame white then paint two coats of your favorite color chalkboard paint on the bottom. Buy wooden letters at a craft store to spell out "First Day Of" and paint in a coordinating color. Hot glue the letters on top of the frame and you are done. If you are a sentimental fool like me you can even lug it to their college dorm and amidst rolled eyes snap one last shot before they are off on their own.
Some kids may be bursting at the seams to move out and start on their new adventure and others may need a little coaxing. The transition to college life can be a tough one on both of you. In addition to the essential package of highlighters, send them off with a warm and comfy bathrobe, fuzzy socks, and a throw blanket.
Ideas for decorating their new living space may include hanging a colorful tapestry on the wall and or a set of string lights to create a fun vibe. A little DIY item that is very popular right now is a decorated initial. You can paint it or hot glue tiny flowers on the letter.
In case your freshman is feeling a bit homesick the first month away send them a "Box of Sunshine" (see picture). It will be a welcome surprise. All things bright and cheery go in the box. As the semester goes on you can create different themed care packages for every holiday. It's a fun and easy thing to do to let them know you’re thinking of them. Or if you haven’t heard from your son or daughter in a while then you can always embroider a pillow with the words CALL MOM on it.
This fall, make sure www.mabelslabels.com Mabel's Labels is on the back-to-school checklist. With a brand-new selection of personalized waterproof and durable labels designed for students from little kids to tweens and beyond, keep school supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, sports gear, and other belongings organized – and out of the lost and found! Also new for back-to-school 2016, Mabel’s Labels makes it easy for families to keep all the memories and achievements in just one spot, and look back on them for years to come, with the debut of a customizable keepsake book.

De-Stress Before Its Back To School

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August 21, 2016

Dr. Paulette Nadel, Ed.D. is a professional academic counselor with a private
practice specializing in school stress and test anxiety. You can visit her website at www.TestStressHelp.com or reach her at
DrPaulette@aol.com or 516-445-2104.

It’s almost time for back to school. This can be both an exciting time and a stressful time for both parents and kids. The new school year brings change, new opportunities, new friendships, and adventures. As with most change preparation and organization is paramount. Planning ahead is a necessity.
   There are things parents can do well before school even starts. Towards the end of summer is a great time to shop early for all school supplies. Advantages are that stores are not as crowded and school supplies are usually well stocked. Sometimes teachers will provide lists to parents of what supplies students will need in the coming school year. Buying notebooks, pens, pencils, calendars, etc. and having them ready for students well before the start of school is a great plan. Helping your kids to set up their notebooks with dividers, folders, and labels will not only keep them organized but will also help them feel excited and prepared for the new school year.
   Organizing study areas for kids is also a great summer project. Survey your kids study areas. Are their desks and chairs comfortable? Are desktops cleared of last year’s papers, notebooks and clutter?
   Are study areas well lighted and void of possible distractions? Many stores have back to school sales on computers and laptops towards the end of summer as well.
   Planning as much in advance as possible for such things as babysitting arrangements, car pools, after school activities, will also help parents to avoid the stress once crunch time arrives. Having things in place ahead of time can bring peace of mind and is really a great feeling.
   While planning and preparing ahead of time will certainly help parents and students to be organized and ready, sometimes both may still feel some anxiety and stress as the big day approaches. This is a great time to de-stress together. Late summer is often a low key, casual fun time. Set aside a half hour to forty-five minutes several times a week to sit together in a comfortable setting and do some deep breathing exercises. Close your eyes, relax, and allow yourselves to think of fun activities you may have shared together over the summer. Additionally, coloring has become a popular relaxation activity for both adults and kids. Plan a coloring session where you can sit together and color without distractions. All of these activities can become fun bonding times for parents and kids to spend time together while de-stressing before the hectic busy school days ahead!

The Loose Change Game: A Fun Way To Teach Kids To Save

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August 21, 2016

Stasie Tillman is a writer & an investment and personal finance analyst. She oversaw the Analytics department for a prominent Long Island bond brokerage firm for many years. She’s the founder of AStoicLife.com a faith and lifestyle website. Contact her at astoiclife.com/work-with-me-pr-friendly/

Summer!! I had this summer all planned. This being my first summer working from home and fully able to enjoy doing summer activities with my kids. More so than just the usual one week vacation, we’d have 2 whole months of daily time together. I didn’t want their brains to turn to mush, as is typical from lots of TV and the lazy-hazy summer days, so I planned a few daily learning activities along with the fun stuff!
With the kids being home all day, every day now, I had to adjust to a few unexpected things, like the increase in the grocery bill, the added mess, and the whining of I’m bored. A twenty-thirty minute cleaning session became part of our daily routine. There was no way I could tackle all of this along with nursing a 7 month old, cooking, and working too.
While I was cleaning I noticed loose change scattered everywhere, as much as dollars’ worth of change thrown on the floor of my son’s closet once. It became clear to me that my kids had no real value for money. How do I get my kids to learn this important life lesson and like it? Turn it into a game, of course! The Loose Change Initiative! This game would do the following:

•   Encourage kids to save.
•   Teach an important life lesson.
•   Develop a necessary money habit.
•   Get the kids focused on a long-term goal
•   One must have the most savings by the end of August to win.
•   The winner gets epic bragging rights
•   And a wad of Back to School cash ($25 in singles is a sizable wad, I think).

I called the game to order, starting with a finding frenzy! I declared that all loose change was up for grabs until it’s safely deposited into an individual piggy bank. That meant change held in hand was fair game. Of course, a few fights ensued as is typical with any competitive games with my kids, but all in good fun. What surprised me was how well they took to the game, even continuing their efforts without me prompting them. I often found them snatching their dad’s change right off the dresser, and laughing to themselves at their good fortune.
August is nearing its end and along with the Back-to-School preparations of getting school supplies and the like, my kids are looking forward to who will emerge as the champion of the Loose Change Competition! There are no loser here, they’ll both start the school year with far more money last year. I’m thinking about keeping it going throughout the school year to encourage them to stay money conscious!

Summer Driving and Improving Your MPG

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August 21, 2016

Bill Lauto is an Environmental Scientist and Energy Consultant who has been teaching how we can save our money, energy, environment, and health, since 1982. Mr. Lauto operates GoingTrueGreen.com and his work has been published in magazines such as: Consumer Report, Kiplinger's
Financial and Business Ethics.

For all of us that cannot afford an electric car, let's look at what we can do to save money, gas, and our environment.

"Poor Gas Mileage," costs us money and lots of it, because this slow extraction of our dollars paid per gallon is rarely noticed. If your car is only getting 17 miles per gallon and you should be getting a maximum of 32, something is wrong.

1) Tune Up:
When was the last time you had your car checked by a Double R car mechanic? Someone who is Reliable and Reputable.

2) Oil Change:
Your Tune Up must include an Oil Change and new Oil Filter as well as a possible new air filter, spark plugs, and cleaning your fuel injector.

3) Trunk Transfer:
We have all seen this, open a car trunk and there is no empty space. All the deadweight destroys your miles per gallon.

4) Wash The Car:
Yes, a car covered with layers of dirt will destroy the aerodynamics of your car.

5) Windows, Open or Closed:
a) When you are driving around town open your windows and enjoy the FREE air and breeze.
b) When you start to increase speed, above 40 mph and will be driving at this rate for some time, the air conditioner in your car is more fuel efficient.

6) Coasting:
This is Physics. Get your foot off the gas when going downhill.

7) Big Mac Containers:
Look up on the roof, is that a ski rack? Whatever you have on your car roof, if the roof rack, ski rack, or enclosed container, is not being used, then take it off.

8) Bird's Eye View and the Internet:
All trips can have traffic. Use your Internet connection to get a bird's eye view of the roads and the traffic situation.

9) Got Gas:
Review the type of gas you buy and what is best for your car's engine. Also never buy gas at a station that just had a delivery. Wait until tomorrow so all the sediments and dirt settles.

10) Early Bird Gets More Gas:
Try to always fill up your gas tank early in the morning! All petroleum has more density under colder temperatures and that tank in the ground is coldest early in the morning. All gas station pumps deliver gasoline based on flow rate, so if one gallon is provided within 10 seconds, you will receive more fuel in that 10 seconds when under cold morning ground temperatures compared to the afternoon. If the morning ground temperature is 59 degrees compared to a hot summer afternoon when the ground temperature may reach 95 degrees, you will receive about 2.5% more gasoline for the same money.

11) Bill Of Goods:
Don't be sold a Bill of Goods when it comes to all the magic pills, liquids, and contraptions, to INCREASE fuel efficiency.

12) Beautiful Colors:
When buying or renting a car, pick a light color interior. The less your car's air conditioner has to work, better gas mileage.

13) Check Pressure:
We all should know this one, how much air should be in your tires and check the air pressure often!

So when the rubber hits the road with all of the above in mind, you should have up to 15% better miles per gallon.

Summer Fashion – Mid-Season Must Haves

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August 7, 2016

Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

Summer is here and, as usual, is flying by way too fast. If you are finding time fleeting and have yet to add to your summer wardrobe, the time is now to pick up the top trends before they disappear from the stores. If you missed Fashion Week and the latest issues of Vogue are nowhere to be found, fear not! These are my picks for a few must-have items to freshen up your summer threads.
   Dresses…summer dresses are light and lovely. This season, a simple slip dress is the one you must have in your closet. Go dark or light, but a little slip dress in a light, summer fabric (think linens and sheers) is the first item to scoop up. Flowered prairie dresses or ruffle dresses are also extremely popular and are available in every store and online shop. Maxi dresses are the still going strong as they have been for a number of years. This year’s versions take a page from each of the top styles, with long chiffon slip dresses, prairie looks and ruffled versions twinning with their much shorter sisters.
   Denim is a big hit this season as well, with mini-skirts and frayed shorts appearing in stores here, there and everywhere. Paired with a slip-style top or frilly tank top, your style will be spot on. Staying with casual styling, logo T-shirts are a top look for both men and women. Grab a shirt with your favorite saying and you will be both stylish and sporting a phrase that makes you smile.
   Off the shoulder is, perhaps, one of the biggest trends of the season. Whether a dress or a top, bare some shoulder when you head out this summer. You’ll find off the shoulder looks with handkerchief hems, ruffles, lace and other effects – choose the one you like best.
   Footwear and handbags are fun for the summer, as are sunglasses. Gladiator sandals with straps galore are the top trend, with all kinds of flats – pointy toed, patterned, ankle strapped and more – getting almost as much attention. For those preferring a heel, wedges and platforms are your perfect purchase to wear until the boots come back out. Mini backpacks are a best choice for summer pocketbooks along with large straw or woven totes. Each will do the trick for packing up your beach gear on these glorious, sunny days. Sunglasses are large and wide, with bright white rims or deep dark black. Whatever color you choose, the look will say summer glam.
   There are still lots of days to go before we all feel a chill in the air. Make the most of the summer season with a few strong summer fashion choices. With just a few new pieces, you will feel like your wardrobe has been refreshed and you are ready to take on the season.

Montauk Clam Chowder “THE END!”

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August 7, 2016

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport
Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licenced agent at Signature Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

Tis’ the season of endless sunny days and sparkling starry nights. We recently ventured out to The End…of Long Island’s fabulous Montauk for some R&R. It was great to have such extremely talented chefs cook for me. It was time to slow down from the extremely busy real estate market that spring brought. I needed to spend time with my “Family” relaxing oceanfront with an array of fabulous restaurants at my fingertips. What an excuse to really just make some fun new memories with my grandson’s. Of course Montauk is noted for it’s fresh seafood, lobster rolls and clam chowders. I enjoyed the taste of one that really enticed my culinary senses, determined to break it down, I found myself taking notes of the flavors and ingredients that I was enjoying so that I could recreate it myself at home. Well I sure think I did… DO IT! Individually these are both my favorite chowders combined; This is where New England meets…Manhattan. Creating creamy, red delicious Chowder, Yum! Now dine outdoors, grill a French baguette and do pour that glass of wine, hmm…white? or red? Enjoy! Happy Summer! xo Dishing’ with.. “Denise”!

A Large Pot (feeds 8-10)
2 Quarts of fresh-shucked clams (and juice)
8 cipolini chopped onions or 2 Vidalia onions chopped
1 lb of bacon diced (uncooked)
I large handful chopped fresh parsley
1T of fresh oregano or dried
1 T of herbs de Provence
1 qt chopped fresh cherry tomatoes (yellow, if you find)
Fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste
6 red potatoes peeled and diced
10 stalks, (including green leaves) of celery diced
1 small bag of baby carrots diced
3 bags frozen white corn
1 bag frozen petite peas
1 lb of fresh strings beans, cut into pieces
¾ cup white wine
1 qt of ½ and ½
½ stick butter
½ cup olive oil
2 bottles fresh clam juice
1 can san marzano tomatoes (pureed in blender)
1 can of low fat chicken broth

In olive oil and butter sauté onions, bacon, potatoes, carrots, celery until soft. Add tomatoes, white wine, clam broth, tomato puree and simmer until vegetables are soft. Then add spices, seasonings, frozen vegetables and clams. Cook for approx 7 minutes and shut down. Taste for salt and pepper and add ½ and ½. Fini!

Savory Eats – Cebu Bar & Bistro

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August 7, 2016

Joe Alicata is a 2009 graduate of Northport High School, he has his B.A. in Public Administration from the University at Albany. Joe works in the insurance industry, is a member of the Advisory Board for the Northport High School Academy of Finance (AOF) program, and is a Director for Northport Students Mean Business. He can be reached at
etrestaurants@gmail.com

   When you move to a new area as a foodie, one of the first things you want to do is to explore the local cuisine. Thankfully, I have a tour guide in my roommate. He recently recommended Cebu Bistro as a stop on our tour through Bay Ridge.
   The interior of Cebu is reminiscent of Prohibition-era America. Dimly lit with Edison bulbs hanging above a long oak bar which finds itself situated above art-deco style tile floors. The ambiance is wonderful, and that is where the wheels come off the bus on this tale of dining. Upon being seated, we were presented with the drink menu, which offered a satisfying array of unique cocktails. As a gin drinker, my personal choice was the “Modern Love”, comprised of Dorothy Parker gin, elderflower liqueur, lavender honey syrup and lemon juice. I have had many a gin cocktail, but this is by far my favorite. This is an important piece to the story, as you will find out shortly. My roommate opted for the “Double Crossed”, featuring bourbon, aperol, amaro and antica formula. An equally impressive drink, it is clear the bar staff at Cebu has their wits about them.
   Moving along to appetizers, we decided on a plate of Thai mussels to share. For those of you who have read my prior columns, I am a big fan of mussels, and these did not disappoint. Served in a cast iron vessel, swimming in a bright and savory ginger broth, these mussels were well cooked, plump and all around delicious. The ginger broth was a star all its own, necessitating numerous pieces of bread to attempt to dispose of the leftovers from the mussels.
   We selected our dinner, my roommate ordered the lamb burger, and I the seafood paella (sticking with the seafood theme). About ten minutes after we finished our appetizer, our waiter appeared and apologized for a delay with our meal due to a large group in the other room, he offered us another round of drinks on the house, which we happily accepted. Fast forward another twenty minutes and still, no dinner. But, we were given another round of free drinks. All the while we were offered free drinks, we were not given any more bread with which to offset the alcohol, or offered any food of any kind, so by the time our dinner arrived, we were…well…farther along in our alcohol consumption than planned or desired.
   When dinner arrived, the lamb burger was well cooked and seasoned. Tender and juicy, it is definitely a solid go to menu item. My paella on the other hand, left me Googling cookware to see if anyone had ever served rice and/or seafood in copper before. My dish was served on a copper plate, with a bed of saffron rice and adorned with clams, shrimp, mussels and calamari. The only problem is, every single bite tasted like the copper it was served on. Our waiter was very apologetic, however at that point we had had too many free cocktails to care. I would recommend Cebu as a pass through, grab a quick bite and a cocktail as you walk through Bay Ridge. If you decide to stay for dinner, just make sure there are no large tables.

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ET Week Media Group

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O Sole Mio

Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks

La Piazza

Rincon Criollo

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