Taste of Forest Avenue Restaurant Stroll and Street Festival is this Sunday - May 20th

Anyone who attended last years "Taste of Forest Avenue Restaurant Stroll and Street Festival" knows that the event is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. If you missed it, I strongly suggest that you get your tickets today rather than wait for the day of because check in for pre-sale Eventbrite ticket holders begins at 1 PM - giving you a full hour jump start on eating your way down Forest Avenue.  Click here for tickets.

The street festival is hosted by our friends at the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District in partnership with NYC Weekend Walks. It kicks off this Sunday, May 20th at 2PM and runs to 5 PM so make sure that you are on time to taste all the delectable treats these Staten Island restaurateurs have to offer.

The restaurant stroll runs along Forest Avenue from Hart Blvd to Broadway, Staten Island.  The street festival runs from Hart Blvd to Bard Avenue. 

One ticket buys you tastings from over 15 Forest Avenue restaurants. Entertainment for the day
will feature balloon twisters, face painters, magicians, arts and crafts, live music, performances and more! All entertainment will be free and open to the public.

Attendees can exchange their ticket for a sampler’s card at the following locations:

Near Verizon Communications: 355 Forest Ave Staten Island, New York 10301 OR Near McDonalds 803 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310.

Attendees who wish to purchase sampler’s cards on the day of the event can go to the following locations on May 20th: Café Milano 401 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310 OR North Shore True Value Hardware 647 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310.

Participating Restaurants:

Beans and Leaves
Burrito Bar
The Kettle Black
Ho’Brah
Panini Grill
Fab Cup
Mar Mar Restaurant
Mustard Seed
Bruno’s Bakery and Restaurant
Project Brunch
Liberty Tavern Grill
Jody’s Club
Philly Pretzel Factory
Casa Franco
Jean’s Fine Wines & Spirits
Pastosa (From 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM only)
Santino’s Gourmet
Cafe Milano

Free Entertainment:

Trackless Train
Face Painters
Balloon Sculptors
Magicians
Children’s Games
Family Photo Booth
Live Music
NYPD Rock Wall (Anticipated)
DJ Team

Restaurant tastings tickets can be purchased at http://forestavenuebid.com/taste-of-forest-ave/. Follow the event page on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1748185388561286/.

Community can weigh in on proposed language immersion school

About the School - Hebrew Public Charter Schools for Global Citizens, a language immersion school that operates K-8 schools throughout New York City, has announced that they will be filing an application to open a school on Staten Island's North Shore in 2019.

Community Input - Aaron Listhaus, Executive Director and Valerie Khaytina, Vice President for External Affairs have made presentations to Community Board 1, St. George Civic, Stapleton and West Brighton area committees and others in an effort to gather community feedback about. Those interested in seeing how a language immersion school operates can join a group who will be touring Hebrew Language Academy Charter School located at 2186 Mill Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234 on May 22, 2018 at 9:30am.  For more information about the tour or to RSVP, email valerie@hebrewpublic.org or visit their Facebook page here.

Language Immersion - The above video discusses language immersion techniques and how they benefit children of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Similar to Chinese, Greek and Arabic language immersion schools located throughout New York City, Staten Island Hebrew Public will help students become proficient in the Hebrew Language and enhance their ability to learn other languages throughout their lifetime.

Take the Survey - The organization is asking for community input. Those interested can visit sihebrewpublic.org to take the survey or host a meeting by contacting kay@hebrewpublic.org. 

According to their website - "Hebrew Public Charter Schools use a proficiency-based approach to foreign language learning.  They assist students to develop at different rates in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students can often listen to and recognize Hebrew words long before they are able to use them in their own writing or speaking.

"Public schools across the country offer dual language programs in a wide range of languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic. These program, which have grown largely in response to demands from local communities, are a proven way of getting students more engaged in their studies, building literacy, raising academic achievement, and preparing children to live and thrive in a global, interdependent environment. The incorporation of an intensive focus on a foreign language in a school’s curriculum supports positive evidence-based learning and developmental outcomes in students.


HEBREW PUBLIC’S UNIQUE MODEL FOCUSES ON:

• Rigorous instruction in English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, social studies, Modern Hebrew language, music, art, dance, physical fitness, and chess.

• Immersive Modern Hebrew instruction, bringing Israel to life in the classroom.

• Individualized math and English language arts learning paths for each student.

• Advanced STEM curriculum, including technology integrated into the curriculum.

• Supportive services are available for English Language Learners and special education students.

• A curriculum designed to develop students’ attributes of global citizenship: empathy, cross cultural understanding, and inclusivity.

• Extended school day and year.

• After school options and yellow bus transportation available.

Seeking a Location - of the School officials are seeking to locate the school on Staten Island's north shore because it is Staten Island's most diverse community with many households speaking at least two languages. They will begin offering Kindergarten and 1st grade then add grades as the school enrollment grows.  Enrollment is open to all students and placement is done by lottery. 

Staten Island Hebrew Public is a public charter school teaching the Hebrew language. It is not a religious school. 

For more information visit their Facebook page or website.

 

#downtownSI shop helps owners restore beloved treasures or purchase gently loved antiques

If you are someone, like me, who becomes emotionally attached to items left to us by family members or jewelry given to us as children, you have experienced the heartache when that beautiful antique watch stops working, or the Hummel figurine gets chipped or damaged. You love it, but it winds up being put to the back of the shelf or hidden away in a drawer only to be enjoyed if you accidentally stumble upon it while searching for something else. Well be heartbroken no more because there is a new shop on Bay Street that can lovingly restore those items so that you can enjoy them again.

Love your furniture again is an aptly named restoration and antique shop serving the #DowntownSI area. Owner Yana Azbel has hit the ball out of the park with this much needed resource for Staten Island.

Love your furniture again fixes broken and damaged figurines and porcelain, fixes antique jewelry and watches, rewires antique lamps, reupholsters and refurbishes furniture and so much more. Ms. Azbel is an estate specialist so she can even organize your estate sale.

For collectors of vintage items, walking into Love your furniture again is equivalent to a child walking into a toy store. There are so many exquisite items on display, you don't know where to look first. From paintings to tapestry, from figurines to fine china, from watches to cameos and furniture of every kind, Ms. Azbel and her team have tastefully arranged the shop so that customers can browse comfortably until they find that perfect, must have item.

Love your furniture again is not your average vintage shop, it is a destination for anyone who appreciates fine objects. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and will happily tell you the story behind every item in the shop.  Perhaps more importantly, they can help you love the objects you already own but have not enjoyed due to damage, wear or because it no longer compliments a redecorated room in your home. 

Yana Azbel and her team 

Many of us face the dilemma of what to do with furniture that doesn't seem to fit into our new decorating scheme. The item is comfortable and familiar to us but perhaps the color isn't quite right or the upholstery clashes with the new colors we have chosen. Rather than purchase a new factory made item that might not be as sturdy or a custom made item that will take months to be delivered and lots of money to purchase, you could rework your loved item so it compliments your room without emptying your wallet.

That's where Ms. Azbel and her team at Love your furniture again come in. They can transform any item into a custom item that will fit perfectly into your decorating scheme. Not sure? Give her a call at (917) 525-6686 or visit her at 638 Bay Street and ask her for advice. She has a passion for her work and is happy to share her knowledge and expertise. 

Whether you have recently moved to #DowntownSI and are redoing an old Victorian in Tompkinsville or if you have recently purchased a new home in West Brighton or are renting an spacious old apartment in Rosebank, Love your furniture again can help you create a home environment that reflects your personality and makes your guests take notice. I highly recommend that you visit Ms. Azbel and her team regularly to peruse the regularly rotated inventory of treasures from around the world and around the corner.

Love your furniture again is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am - 8pm Saturday & Sunday 11am - 6pm.

Visit their FB page for more pictures and information.

BIN 5 - "ONE OF STATEN ISLAND'S TOP PLACES TO EAT" - NY TIMES

Downtown Staten Island is becoming known for many great things. The New York Wheel, Empire Outlets, Lighthouse Point, Urby, Makers' Space and so many more are part of a quickly changing landscape attracting millions of visitors from the Staten Island Ferry to the Bay Street Corridor via Staten Island Railroad or MTA bus.

While visitors are discovering amazing views, lush parks and captivating cultural institutions, they are also learning that Downtown SI is home to some of the greatest food in New York City - a fact that is supported by many New York City publications.  In fact, the New York Times called Downtown SI restaurant, Bin 5,located at 1233 Bay Street in Rosebank, "one of Staten Island's top places to eat," and they are absolutely right.

Bin 5 is a foodie's dream come true. A quaint, well appointed eatery located right along the Bay Street corridor just blocks away from Ft. Wadsworth, Bin 5's Executive Chef Stephen Lee and Bartender, Danny Ippolito, serve up impressive food and beverage options at a reasonable price.

Bin 5 is Michelin-Rated and is the recipient of the Staten Island Advance Readers' Choice Award for Best Restaurant of 2015 and Best Fancy Cocktails of 2016 and 2017. With credentials like that you know that your meal will be memorable.

What we like best about Bin 5 is the fact that seating is limited to just a few tables. Not only is the food fresh from the kitchen but the staff is attentive to your every need. It is also quiet enough to enjoy dinner conversation. 

In the warmer weather you can dine al fresco in the rear courtyard under a beautiful pergola surrounded by lush greenery.  Wrought iron chairs and tables covered in crisp linen cloth are perfectly placed upon level brick pavers in the outside dining area. No need to worry about ruining your Manolo Blahniks when you choose to dine outside because the owners paid attention to every detail when designing this lovely courtyard.

That same attention to detail is evident in the food. Every dish and beverage is created using local, fresh, seasonal produce, prime meats, craft spirits, and hand-selected wines.

The Bin 5 menu was assembled with care. You can choose small plates such as a Strawberry salad or lamb chops served over polenta or full entrees such as short ribs, stuffed pork chops or eggplant lasagna.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Bin 5 offers an extensive brunch menu which can be paired with their perfect weekend cocktail menu. Find out more by visiting their website.

Bin 5 is open: 

MONDAY
5 PM - 10 PM
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TUESDAY - THURSDAY
1 PM - 10 PM
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FRIDAY
1 PM - 11 PM
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SATURDAY
5 PM - 11 PM
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SUNDAY
4 PM - 9 PM
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BRUNCH:
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
11 AM - 3 PM

Due to the size of the restaurant, reservations are recommended.  Call (718) 448-7275 or email DannyIppolitoBin5@gmail.com

Sweet! You can have your cupcake and learn how to bake it too at Pastry Lover's Choice.

Staten Island's north shore is a little bit sweeter thanks to Chef Sahera - the owner of Pastry Lover's Choice located at 370 Van Duzer Street in Downtown Staten Island.

Pastry Lover's Choice is committed to providing their customers with fresh, delicious desserts and gourmet coffee in a pleasant relaxing atmosphere. Their mission statement puts that promise in writing and they certainly live up to it.

The outside of the shop is inviting with large windows adorned with pink and plum cupcakes leaving no mistake as to what lies within. Inside is a delight for the senses. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the sweet bouquet of chocolate, citrus and nuts makes your mouth water.

The interior decoration reminds you of a French bakery with clean wooden tables and round back bistro chairs. Clean white walls and blackboard menu provides the perfect compliment to the beauty of the baked goods which taste every bit as wonderful as they look.

What sets Pastry Lover's Choice apart from other bakeries in the area is the fact that they engage their customers twice a month in a baking class. That's right - not only does the bakery whip up delectable sweet treats, but they will teach you how to bake too!

Everyone is welcome at PLC's workshops so grab mom and the kids and head on down for a sweet experience.

Pastry Lover's Choice is open Wed- Sunday 10am - 6:30pm. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Click here to visit their website to learn about upcoming workshops.

Shop DowntownSI readers can enjoy this coupon.

Don't forget to download the Staten Island App to receive other exclusive discounts from Staten Island Merchants.

Spillin the tea, coffee and so much more at Duzer's Local

Yes Virginia, there is a great organic cafe on Staten Island and it's called Duzer's Local in Stapleton.

Anyone who has visited Staten Island knows that it is one of the best kept secrets of New York City - and that's just how some locals want it.

Since it became part of New York City in 1898, Staten Island has been a retreat for rich families such as the Vanderbilts who wanted a place to chillax close to home. They chose Staten Island because it contained acres of forest, miles of beaches and a plethora of nature trails. The perfect antidote for the hustle and bustle of life in Manhattan. 

Staten Island still contains more parkland and beaches than any other borough in New York City, earning it the moniker of "Borough of Parks". But amidst all that greenery are quaint little towns whose main streets are lined with businesses providing everything a visitor, vacationer or local will need.

Restaurants, live theater, museums and art galleries are scattered throughout the island but most are located on the north shore near to the St. George Ferry terminal which connects to all buses and the Staten Island railroad.

The Staten Island Ferry is a New York City icon providing riders a free 20 minute trip between lower Manhattan and St. George. Two railroad stops away from the ferry
is Stapleton, a town created by visionaries William Staples and Minthorne Tompkins who, in 1836, operated their own ferry between Stapleton and lower Manhattan.

Since then, Stapleton has been noted for having a thriving business district that services the stately homes located up in the hills. It's no wonder that Duzer's Local owner Annette Bruno chose Stapleton as the town to open a companion shop to her Henry's Local in Downtown Brooklyn.

Duzer's Local is located in a 1930's building containing high tin ceilings, hardwood floors and large glass windows looking out onto the street. The decor inside resembles a turn of the twentieth century general store with chalkboard menus, metal tins and large glass jars displaying baked goods.

The tasteful decor really compliments the architecture of the building, but the real "taste" is provided by the food. Duzer's Local menu of organic coffees, teas, muffins, waffles and bread pudding is beyond tasteful and it doesn't end there. Duzer's Local also has a savory menu serving up brilliant combinations such as goat cheese and figs on a croissant, hummus and sun dried tomato on a baguette and bacon and zucchini baked in a quiche. 

Prices at Duzer's Local are as friendly as the staff with the most expensive coffee running under $5 and menu items under $10.

Duzer's Local was opened in 2016 but it has already been woven into the fabric of the community. Most days the shop is filled with locals discussing everything from hiking to politics and all the subjects in between.

If you are tired of paying high prices for mediocre food offered by chain coffee shops, stop into Duzer's Local located at 387 Van Duzer Street just blocks away from the Stapleton train station between Beach and Wright Streets. Present this coupon for 10% off your next visit.

Download the Staten Island App for more unique discounts from Staten Island merchants.

Becoming a regular patron at El Patron

Known for it's outstanding food and 24 hour - 7 days a week service, El Patron has become a staple for diners, bar hoppers and brunch goers across Staten Island's north shore. Located at 520 Bay Street in Stapleton, El Patron offers authentic Mexican food at give-away prices. 

It is always breakfast time at El Patron - whether 7am or 7pm you can enjoy a hearty platter of Huevos with bacon, Spanish sausage, cheese or anything you like. If you prefer more traditional Mexican fare, try their pork tripe tacos or a steaming hot Mariscos (seafood soup).

Not feeling adventurous? El Patron makes great hamburgers topped with a variety of goodies and crispy french fries smothered in cheese, meat or naked with a side of ketchup.

El Patron's fully stocked bar is as beautiful to look at as it is tasty to imbibe.  In fact, throughout the restaurant, beautiful hand painted frescoes tell a picturesque story of the home country.

Food is served hot and quick.  The price point for dinner is $35 per couple so El Patron's prices are as friendly to your wallet as the wait staff is to customers. 

You can visit El Patron at 520 Bay Street, Stapleton, Staten Island 10304. Click here for their menu.