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Press Release: The James of Babylon: A Culinary Dream Realized by Longtime Friends and Restuarateurs

By
Jackie Holzmaier
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1 Fire Island Ave, Babylon, NY 11702
(631) 975-2637 • www.thejamesli.com

Long Island restaurateurs Andrew “James” Affa and Steve “James” Squitiro, best friends and business partners, are thrilled to welcome guests to their latest venture, The James, in the historic Babylon Carriage House. This 226-person, multi-level restaurant is already transforming the local culinary scene with its unique blend of modern American brasserie cuisine and a nod to French culinary traditions. The James has quickly caught the attention of diners who yearn to break free from mainstream hotspots.

The duo, known for their successful transformation of the Venetian Yacht Club into The Piermont, the Crestwood Manor into Arlo, thus forming The Standard Hospitality Group, have done it again. This time, they completely renovated the iconic carriage house and breathed new life into the cherished building that has been a part of the community since the post-Civil War era. Nestled in the heart of Babylon Village, The James features a semi-open kitchen, an impressive bar, and a magnificent outdoor patio, all meticulously planned by Affa, Squitiro and interior designer Beth Donner, to create an extraordinary atmosphere.

“Happy Birthday, Brother, I love you!” Steve shouts to Andrew as he embraces him in the ultimate bro hug, displaying how palpable their bond is. “It’s been a hell of ride, a long 7 years and Covid did not help, but we have always had each other to lean on. We have established strong roots in Babylon, and we love it here.”
The James boasts an exquisite menu crafted by Executive Chef Walter Huezos, focusing on the finest meats and ingredients. Guests can expect a diverse array of offerings, from fresh raw bar selections and gourmet appetizers to prime dry-aged steaks and homemade pastas. When ordering at The James, make sure to try the Beef Wellington, Lobster Thermidor or Steak Frites. Complementing the culinary delights, The James features an extensive wine selection with hundreds of bottles and options by the glass, an impressive cocktail menu designed by top mixologists on Long Island and Wine Down Mondays, with 50% off any bottle of wine over $150.

Andrew “James” Affa and Steve “James” Squitiro

The walls are adorned with a stunning collection of artwork, each piece carefully curated by Affa and Squitiro from a local art dealer. It feels as if you’re strolling through the Museum of Modern Art, where every selection is designed to inspire and engage. The latest installation—a breathtaking 10 by 14-foot piece generated by artificial intelligence—pays homage to technology and contemporary life. Its mesmerizing, larger-than-life size captivates the imagination. Other details of the restaurant are meticulously crafted, from the black and white mosaic flooring to the bathrooms that transport you to a whimsical world reminiscent of Alice Through The Looking Glass, each room uniquely themed with enrapturing wallpaper.

The James is not just a restaurant; it’s a venue for life’s milestones. Whether planning a wedding, corporate event, or an intimate gathering, The James is dedicated to offering personalized service. Squirito expressed, “One of the most rewarding aspects of owning The Standard Hospitality Group is witnessing the children of couples we married in our venues return for their own celebrations. It’s a joy to remain connected with these families through the years. Affa added, “And seeing our vision come to life—transforming a dream into reality—it’s incredibly fulfilling. The positive feedback from our guests, who are delighted by the unique and comforting flavor profiles we offer, truly validates our passion for creating remarkable dishes and moments.” From start to finish, The James offers more than just a meal; it’s an unforgettable experience.
Andrew and Steve invite you to be part of their shared vision, where every dish embodies the story of their shared culinary journey. Come savor their passion on every plate!

Jaclyn Holzmaier

Upclose: Smithtown Ninja Academy – Empowering Inner Ninjas of all Ages

By
Jackie Holzmaier
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62 Lake Ave. Nesconset, NY  631-228-3533
SmithtownNinjaAcademy.com   smithtownninja@gmail.com

Chances are, if you ask kids what superhero they want to be, many might say, “A ninja, so I can fly through the air!” Thanks to local resident Kathryn Gawrych, that dream can become a reality at Smithtown Ninja Academy. This vibrant hub for fitness, fun, and personal growth invites participants of all skill levels to dive into the exhilarating world of ninja warrior training. With obstacles inspired by the popular show American Ninja Warrior, each visit promises new challenges, skill development, and a strong sense of community.

Students can embark on a journey that enhances strength, agility, balance, and confidence. The academy caters to a wide range of participants, from kids aged 5-14 who want to learn fundamental parkour skills to adults aged 14-66 seeking to improve their fitness. “We provide a supportive space for everyone, regardless of experience,” Kathryn explains. “Our mission is to teach students to embrace challenges and learn from failures, building resilience that extends beyond the academy.” With over 150 different obstacle variations—including the Warped Wall and Jumping Spider—each session feels fresh and engaging. Kathryn emphasizes that “it’s not just about physical training; it’s about personal transformation.”

While the academy prepares individuals for competitions, most of the staff are dedicated to working with children, setting positive examples, and fostering successful futures. “Teaching them that failure is okay is crucial,” Kathryn notes. “You will fail, but it’s about how you get past that failure and turn it into victory.”

In addition to regular classes, Smithtown Ninja Academy is the perfect venue for unforgettable birthday parties. Kids can enjoy an hour of obstacle training led by professional staff, followed by time for food and celebration. For those seeking a more personalized approach, private lessons offer tailored training focused on specific skills or competition preparation.

Kathryn became the first franchisee to open a Ninja Academy in Freeport in 2020, followed by the Smithtown location in 2022. Since then, she has faced significant challenges, including closures due to the pandemic. While the Freeport location has sprung back stronger than ever, the Smithtown Academy is still working hard to regain its footing. “It’s been phenomenal to see our Freeport community grow,” she reflects. “I truly hope to see the Smithtown Academy come back to life; it breaks my heart knowing how many lives we can touch.”

For Kathryn, success has taken on new meaning. “Now, it means being happy and making others happy, making a difference in the lives of over the 300 children we serve,” she states. The academy’s motto, “Together, we will overcome all obstacles,” captures its spirit of resilience and the idea that the skills learned here extend far beyond the training floor.

Smithtown Ninja Academy is more than just a training facility; it’s a place where friendships flourish and confidence grows. Whether you’re preparing for American Ninja Warrior, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking to have fun while getting fit, the academy welcomes everyone to join its thriving ninja family. Embrace the challenge, discover your inner ninja, and transform your life through the excitement of ninja warrior training!

For more details, visit SmithtownNinjaAcademy.com and embark on your journey to conquer new adventures today!

By Jaclyn Holzmaier

Il Tosano

By
Art Department
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Branzinos

By
Art Department
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The Baking Coach: Dutch Apple Pie Pop Tarts

By
Lisa Basini
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Dutch Apple Pie Pop Tarts

Prep Time: 40 minutes – Servings: 12

YOU WILL NEED :

Pie Dough:

  • 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter or 1 stick unsalted butter + ½ cup vegetable shortening, chilled.
  • 6 – 8 tablespoons ice cold water or orange juice (up to 8, depending on weather)
  • 1 3” x 4” rectangle template (made of parchment or wax paper)

2 cookie sheets, line with parchment paper

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon water

Filling:

  • 1 large apple peeled, cored and chopped into tiny pieces
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (if you like cinnamon make it a teaspoon)

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :

In a medium bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Using your hands (fingertips only), crumble the ingredients together until the mixture turns slightly pale yellow and still has some larger chunks of butter/vegetable shortening. Make a well in the center of the flour/butter mixture and add 6 tablespoons of ice water or orange juice. Now gently mix (using fingertips only). Continue to add water, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft (but not sticky) dough is formed. Now using both hands work dough until smooth. Divide dough equally and roll it into 2 balls. Flatten balls into disks and wrap each in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This an excellent time to make the filling and glaze!

Filling: In a small bowl, toss apple pieces in lemon juice. This will prevent apples from turning brown. Remove excess liquid. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cold butter and cinnamon. Mix (using fingertips only) into a crumb mixture. Add chopped apples and stir to combine. Place in fridge until you are ready to fill your pop tarts.

Glaze: In a small bowl combine, powdered sugar, water and extract. Cover and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut a 3” x 4” rectangle template using a piece of parchment or wax paper.

Remove one disk from the fridge. On a lightly- floured flat surface, roll out dough to a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Using template, cut dough into 9 rectangles. Place all 9 pieces, 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Place 2 tablespoons of filling into the center of each crust. Make sure to leave at least ½ inch around the edges to seal your tarts.

Remove the remaining disk from the fridge. Roll out and cut as before. Once all 9 rectangles have been cut out, set aside. Make egg wash.

Brush each non-filled rectangle with egg wash, and place egg side down on top of the dough with filling. Using your finger, press edges together and finish gently with the tines of the fork. Repeat this process for the remaining pop tarts. Brush the tops with remaining egg wash, fork the top of pop tart 3 times with a fork to make vent holes, and bake in the oven for 22- 25 minutes.

Cool completely and drizzle glaze with a fork over the top of your pop tart. Let dry and enjoy.

Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

The Ritz Cafe

By
Art Department
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Enter To Win

By
Art Department
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Chop Shop Bar & Grill

By
Art Department
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Home & Garden: Clutter Control and Organization

By
Natalie Weinstein
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HAPPY FALL, EVERYONE

My dance card is already filling up with the busy season ahead. In September, I was asked to give a seminar at the Over 50 Fair at the Huntington Hilton (so by now you think you have guessed my age, but that requirement didn’t apply to speakers, only attendees!) It was on Clutter Control and Organization and the seating capacity was 34, but that topic brought me “standing room only”, as well. It was great fun and I even re-connected with a former member of the Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club I started a couple of decades ago.

The autumn season leading into major holiday celebrations, starting with the Jewish New Year just celebrated, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Kwanza is, eerily, not that far away – and when people begin to acknowledge this (if not necessarily doing anything about it) – the condition of their homes and – the clutter in it – become uppermost and yet another stressor in already busy lives.

So instead of writing about decluttering and organizing, I am going to offer all 112,000 of my Smithtown township neighbors and all of Long Island (less the 40+ attendees) a special gift. It is given with love – and not finger-pointing at the ”Oscar’s” in your home, while there is still time before the happy, crazy, overwhelming holiday season. It is a fun booklet that can be downloaded upon request and is filled with quick tips on how to approach your personal clutter demon. It may even help the one or two “Felix’s”, as well.

So here’s your chance to get my advice without “the jokes, folks”. All I ask is that you let me know if it helped you get a leg up on the projects that got promises thrown at them and never actually brought results. Thanks, guys.

P.S. – That former member of the Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club got me thinking. In the loads of free time I have, should I bring back the Natalie Weinstein Home Decoration Club with seminars, sources and tips for those of you who would like to share your learning experience with others interested in interior design?

Let me know your thoughts.

info@natalieweinstein.com

La Porta of Northport

By
Art Department
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Upclose: Serrant Cadillac of Farmingdale

By
Marc Piperno
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4339 Hempstead Turnpike, Farmingdale, NY
(877) 212-1682 www.sarantcadillac.com

Today, Cadillac is a symbol of wealth and luxury around the world. Anyone seen driving a Cadillac is immediately understood to have “made it.” Let’s explore how the brand got there.

Cadillac’s roots can be traced back to 1701, when a group of French explorers led by Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac (fancy, we know) established a city called Ville d’Etroit. In time, the city became known as Detroit and flourished as an industrial powerhouse full of car plants and foundries.

In the world of Cadillac dealerships, Sarant Cadillac stands tall as the epitome of excellence, offering a unique blend of luxury, commitment to customer satisfaction, and an unmatched automotive experience. Here’s why choosing Sarant Cadillac sets you on a journey towards automotive satisfaction like no other. Sarant Cadillac boasts a curated collection of Cadillac vehicles that redefine luxury and performance. From sleek sedans to commanding SUVs, their showroom presents an array of models adorned with cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design. The commitment to offering the latest and finest from Cadillac’s lineup ensures that customers have access to the epitome of automotive innovation.

What sets Sarant Cadillac apart is not just the quality of their vehicles but the excellence of their service. The team at Sarant is dedicated to providing a personalized and seamless customer experience. From knowledgeable sales associates to skilled service technicians, the staff at Sarant Cadillac is committed to ensuring your journey with them is marked by satisfaction at every turn.

Transparency is the cornerstone of Sarant Cadillac’s ethos. When you step into their dealership, you can expect straightforward and fair dealings. Whether it’s discussing financing options, trade-ins, or understanding the features of your chosen Cadillac model, Sarant prioritizes open communication to build trust and lasting relationships with their customers. Sarant Cadillac is not just a dealership; it’s an integral part of the community. The dealership is involved in various community initiatives, reflecting a commitment to giving back. Choosing Sarant Cadillac is not only a choice for a premium automotive experience but also a nod to supporting a dealership that values community engagement and social responsibility.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Sarant Cadillac dealership is not just a place to buy a car; it’s an automotive haven. The facilities are designed to offer a comfortable and sophisticated environment, reflecting the luxury that Cadillac represents. From a welcoming showroom to a service center equipped with cutting-edge technology, every aspect of Sarant Cadillac’s infrastructure contributes to an elevated customer experience.

Choosing Sarant Cadillac over other dealerships is choosing a transcendent automotive experience. With an exquisite vehicle lineup, exceptional customer service, transparent dealings, community engagement, and state-of-the-art facilities, Sarant Cadillac sets the bar high in the world of Cadillac dealerships. Elevate your automotive journey by selecting Sarant Cadillac – where luxury meets unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Sarant Cadillac would like to be known as your “local Cadillac dealer,” and welcome a visit from you to inspect our latest generation of cars.

Dix Hills November 2024

By
Art Department
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