#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.

          

History of the North American Indian Monument/the National American Indian Memorial Association.

On June 26, 1909, wealthy textile merchant, Rodman Wanamaker, sent a letter to President WilliamH. Taft proposing to erect a monument to a dying race, “the North American Indian”.

Rodman Wanamaker and Indian Chiefs at Ft. Wadsworth 1913

Wanamaker enlisted the help of notable personalities such as Joseph H. Choate, Dr. Joseph Kossuth Dixon and J.P. Morgan to persuade congress to place the monument at Fort Wadsworth (as stated in the official program for the 1913 groundbreaking) “…upon the highest hillcrest in the harbor, as a witness to the passing race to all the nations of the world as they come to our shores...

On December 8, 1911, Congress adopted an act which read: “Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that there be erected, without expense to the ‘United States Government’ by Mr. Wanamaker of New York and others, on a United States reservation, a suitable memorial to the memory of the North American Indian.” It was signed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate pro tempore.

On April 27, 1912, the Federal Commission of Fine Arts approved a design that included a sixty foot bronze Indian figure with his left hand containing a bow and arrow hanging at full length, while the right hand was uplifted palm facing forward with two fingers extended to the sky signifying the Indians universal sign for peace.  The statue stood on top of a seventy foot high pedestal. The pedestal stood on top of the thirty five foot tall museum located at the upper most rampart of Fort Wadsworth. Thus rising over 300 feet from the water. This would have been higher than the Statue of Liberty.

On February 22nd 1913 President Taft, 32 Chiefs from many tribes and other dignitaries broke ground at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, New York and laid down a brass plaque to mark the spot upon which the monument would be erected.

Mr. Wanamaker and Mr. Dixon then set out on an expedition to visit various Indian nations. Their goal was to record through photographs and film, North American Indians in order to memorialize their way of life. They carried with them the flag that was flown during the groundbreaking ceremony in Fort Wadsworth and a document titled “Declaration of Allegiance”. Leaders of the various nations were asked to sign the declaration and salute the flag as a sign of peace and mutual respect between the United States government and the Indian Nations.

In December of 2013, the flag that was hoisted in all of the nations was returned to Fort Wadsworth and flown once again.

In the months following, America’s attention shifted from North American Indian nations to enemy nations overseas. Daniel Chester French, the designer of the monument, departed to work on the Panama Canal. Rodman Wanamaker and members of the National American Indian Memorial Association diverted money to support the war. A member of the Commission of Fine Arts called the monument, “…an ungainly Indian on the roof of a Greek Temple,” eroding the public’s passion for the project. The monument was never built. 

One hundred years later – in May of 2012, Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe and NYS Senator Andrew J. Lanza embarked on a mission to resurrect interest in the monument, however their efforts were thwarted when the National Parks Service refused to acknowledge the 1911 Act of Congress that provided the land upon which the monument would rest.

Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe

Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe will not relent in their mission to see the monument built.  Staten Island artist, Gregory Perillo has designed a new, less costly and smaller monument to be built at Fort Wadsworth overlooking the New York Harbor.

Red Storm Drum & Dance Troupe has now partnered with Native American Indian musician, Jeff Harrell and the Bayview Community Council, Inc. dba Staten Island Downtown Alliance, to raise the funds needed to build the monument. The first step will be the initiation of a law suit to force the National Park Service to turn over the land that was dedicated for the monument in 1913. 

To make a donation to the NAIM please click here. Every dollar counts.

Craft House Downtown Staten Island - Where Foodies go to be wowed

This week Biz Buzz is featuring a restaurant that feeds your body and your soul.

Craft House, located at 60 Van Duzer Street in Downtown Staten Island, was born when Rocco DiSpirito, host of Food Network's "Restaurant Divided", came to Staten Island to issue a his challenge. 

This neighborhood eatery was formerly known as "Against Da Grill" until it was literally split down the middle so that neighborhood customers could vote on which menu and ambience they preferred - the original menu and decor created by beloved owners Vinny and Kuron, or the new fare and decor created by DiSpirito and his crew.

The decision wasn't even close. Diners preferred the new look and menu provided by DiSpirito and hence, Craft House was established.

Today, Craft House is a neighborhood attraction for anyone who appreciates great "down home" barbeque and award winning craft beer brewed right on the premises.

With 69 varieties of beer and cider to choose from, in cans, bottles and on tap, you can rest assured that you can find a libation that will keep you coming back for more.  We like the Thirsty Dog Bourbon Barrel-Aged Siberian Night which is described in Craft House's Beer Menu as: "Dark chocolate malt yields a milk chocolate flavor that blends perfectly with the vanilla flavor from the barrel. The bourbon aroma adds the finishing touch.  

The food menu is just as magnificient, featuring the "chicken & waffles" dish that swayed the neighborhood guests who appeared on the television show to make "Against Da Grill" a thing of the past.

Prices for food items hover around $12 per item, with the most costly dish being $25 for a full pound of pulled pork.  Beer prices start at $4 and climb to $27 for a 64oz mug of Left Hand Bittersweet Imperial Coffee Milk Stout Nitro.

You can choose to eat inside the well appointed brick and wood trimmed dining room/bar or in warmer months you can be served in the outside yard on one of several wooden picnic tables.  No matter where you choose to sit, you will be served by friendly, well informed staff who can answer your questions about everything on the menu including the several dipping sauces contained in the clear plastic squeeze bottles set out on every table.  

So if you thought you could only find good barbeque on the back roads of South Carolina, think again.  Craft House is the place to go if your craving down home country cooking. Best of all, it's just a short walk away from the Tompkinsville stop on the Staten Island Railroad which is only one stop away from the St. George Ferry station.

Craft House opens Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. onward. The restaurant can be reached at 718-442-3433.