C-Bar - Queens Tribune

BAR & NIGHTLIFE
Page 2 July 14-20, 2016
Tribune bar & nightlife
Introduction:
Why go to Manhattan when you want a
night on the town? Your favorite bars and
nightlife spots are just steps away. Here’s a
look at some of the favorite bars and nightlife spots for Queens residents to frequent.
Bottoms up!
Table of Contents
LEAF ........................................................................ Page 4
Living Room/Vivaldi ................................................ Page 5
Monahan & Fitzgerald/C-Bar.................................. Page 6
Bourbon Street/Austin’s Ale House ........................ Page 7
Vetro/Ozone Diner .................................................. Page 8
Bohemian Beer Garden/Village Green ................... Page 10
Sol Bar....................................................................Page 12
Thai Rock................................................................Page 14
Wild Ginger/Tropix .................................................Page 15
July 14-20, 2016 Page 3
Tribune bar & nightlife
LEAF BAR
&
LO U N G E
E
FRE
Summer Sangria
with this AD
Expires: 8/31/2016
* Limited one glass per person. Please show this AD before paying.
Leaf reserves the right to terminate or modify the offer without notice.
This offer can not be exchanged for cash.
Available for
Private/Corporate Events
& Holiday Parties
Contact:
[email protected]
Page 4 July 14-20, 2016
Leaf Bar & Lounge
Tribune bar & nightlife
133-42 39th Avenue • Flushing
O
n the roof of Flushing’s Hyatt Place Hotel,
there’s a place to duck
away from the press of human
bodies, the street hawkers and
the car exhaust and horns that
make the city’s midday sun feel
that much hotter.
Leaf Bar & Lounge is an respite
from urban living in the heart of
urban Queens. Here, patrons sit
under trees on the rooftop patio,
with an open view in three directions; the most stunning vista
being toward the west, where
Citi Field looms large and the
miles-long Manhattan skyline sits
backlit by the setting sun.
Up here, the air is fresh and
there’s a cooling breeze. Dark
wood tables and blonde wood
floors are all in organic, natural
tones, and plants – leafy, grasslike, potted, dried – are the primary decorative motif, heightening
the sense that one has stumbled
upon an oasis.
The craft cocktail lounge is the
vision of co-owners Todd Leong
and Helen Lee. Having looked
at spaces in Manhattan, Leong
said his choice to go with the
space here in Flushing one year
todd Leong
Photo by Lynn Edmonds
ago was “a bit of a risk.” But he
took the leap, finding that there
was “more of a need for it” in this
neighborhood.
The botanically-inspired cocktails that Leong serves here match
the space in beauty and attention
to detail. They are made by real
mixologists and feature housemade syrups and fresh-squeezed
juices. The bar stocks rare and
quality liquors include Kavalan,
a Taiwanese single malt Whisky
that won the World Whisky
awards in 2015, and Yamazaki,
named as a best Whisky by Jim
Murray, author of the Whisky
Bible. Only 5,000 bottles were
ever made, and even fewer – only
1,500 – were brought to the
United States. House mixolo-
gists used these fresh and quality
ingredients to craft some of the
most complex, fresh and delicious
cocktails in town.
Owner Leong highlighted one
of theirs signature cocktails “Bai
Jiu, I Think She’s Got It,” for new
guests. The green drink features a
traditional Chinese liquor, Baijiu,
which is made from grains. The
alcohol is washed with Kefir lime,
and mixed with pomegranate
liqueur, arugula water, lemongrass
syrup and fresh lemon. The result
is a sophisticated cocktail that
hits many notes on the tongue
and gently warms the throat and
chest. Oh, and it’s strong.
Which is why a bite to eat
might be just the right thing. Taiwanese small plates are specialties
of the chefs, brothers Henry and
Jeff Lin. Henry’s beef noodle soup
is famous, while guests also love
the “Tiger Bites Pig” pork belly
bun or the refreshing cucumber
with chili herb oil.
Small plates range $6-$12
while cocktails are $12-$14.
Happy hour, from 5 to 8 p.m.,
brings the price of wine down to
$6 and beer to $3.50.
-Lynn Edmonds
July 14-20, 2016 Page 5
Tribune bar & nightlife
The Living Room
Vivaldi
432 N. WANTAGH AVENUE • BETHPAGE
J
en Colwell has been a bartender
for over 20 years, but has never had
more fun that at the Living Room
in Bethpage, LI.
Their website states, “An ultra Lounge
with gorgeous chandeliers, unique
couches, candles, ornate mirrors and a
place to call home.”
The nightclub, which opened in October and attracts an older crowd that love
Jameson and soda, or Jameson and ginger
and cosmopolitans, Colwell said.
She noted that when one of their
many live bands starts playing, everyone
starts dancing.
“This is a crowd that dances their
butts off non-stop,” she said.
Although Colwell has been a bartender for quite some time, the Living
Room has taught her a couple of new
drinks.
The first is called French Toast, which
is a Rumchata liquor and Fireball mixed
into shot glass.
The second is a drink that the bar created just after Prince died called Purple
Haze. They mixed Blue Curacao liquor
with vodka, cranberry juice and pineapple
juice. The result was a really tasty, fun purple
drink in Prince’s honor.
Colwell boasted, “The DJs here are
phenomenal.”
“They play a lot of old school classic
Jen Colwell
Photo by JoN CRoNIN
disco,” she added.
One of the owners, Michelle Licata, is a
premier booker for live bands. She works
with Resorts World Casino New York
City, the Westbury Theater, and Leonard’s
Palazzo in Great Neck.
“If you want to go out with a group of
girls and dance your heart out this is the
place to go,” she said.
She said although she has spent many
years as a bartender, she has had the most
fun working at the Living Room.
-Jon Cronin
201-10 CROSS ISLAND PKWY • BAYSIDE
J
ust south of the Throgs Neck Bridge it comes to cocktails, Vivaldi has a list that
is the elegant Italian restaurant and could make anyone’s mouth water. One of
bar Vivaldi. Opened three years ago, the most popular is “Eye of Youth” – yes,
the establishment is located inside the it’s named after of a Valentino movie,
house of former actor Rudolph Valentino. like their entire list. The drink features
High ceilings, wood paneling, thick white Belvedere Peach Vodka, Cranberry Juice
tablecloths and a stone fireplace create a and Orange Juice, Grand Marnier and
Lime. “It’s similar to
feeling of calm and
a Cosmo but kicked
retreat from hectic
Jeff Abdale
up about ten notches,”
city life, as does the
Schaffer explained,
outdoor patio. The fine
adding that the Grand
Italian food, cooked by
Marnier gives a tradia Sicilian chef, is top
tionally “girly” cocknotch.
tail a more masculine
But it’s a neighborflavor. Whether guests
hood restaurant, not
are sipping a glass
an exclusive one.
of Sterling Cabernet
“We like to treat
Sauvignon – the bareverybody as if they
tender’s favorite – or
are our family,” Gena mixed drink, they
eral Manager Emily
can also enjoy live
Schaffer said. Their
entertainment. Singer
portions are large and
hearty – so regulars
Photo by lyNN edmoNds Edie Sessa’s delightful
baritone croons to the
know they’ll leave not
just happy, but probably with a doggie likes of “Strangers in the Night” and other
Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter hits, while
bag too.
While Vivalidi has built a reputation Broadway songstress Susan Agin belts
around their food and friendly service, tunes on Tuesdays.
Vivaldi is open from 5 to 10 p.m.
their cocktails and wine list make the establishment stand out. Schaffer estimated Tues-Sat and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on
that they have well over 100 wine bottles Sundays.
-Lynn Edmonds
and 20 that are available by the glass. When
Page 6 July 14-20, 2016
Monahan & Fitzgerald
214-17 41st avenue • Bayside
B
Kaluah and Irish Whiskey, the drink has
the texture of a slushy but a far bolder flavor.
The strong coffee beans offset with sweet
and creamy ice cream to create the perfect
flavor blend – which is only enhanced by a
healthy splash of alcohol. During the hot
summer months, that frozen drink right
after work or on a weekend afternoon really hits the spot.
Monahan is friendly to a large range
of ages, from families with children to
adults young and old. They draw a crowd
for sports games, with flat-screen TVs
placed at regular intervals behind
the bar and around the room.
But Monahan isn’t all about the
testosterone. They also do catering
and frequently host baby showers
and other special occasions in their
event room. The American pub
with an Irish flair has comfort food
like burgers, chicken wings and
potatoes as well as lighter fare like
salads and chicken barley soup. But
they are perhaps best known for
their outstanding Shepherd’s Pie.
Open since 1987, this bar continues
to bring back loyal customers until
today. The temptation to come in
John bradley
from the heat and into the refreshing bar for a frozen Irish coffee is
not worth resisting.
–Lynn Edmonds
Photo by Lynn Edmonds
aysiders known Monahan &
Fitzgerald for their tasty pub food,
their perfectly poured Guinness and
a friendly staff that knows the regulars’
names and won’t let anybody’s glass stay
empty for long. John Bradley, who’s been
working there for over ten years, had a
smile on his face and a sense of humor
as he juggled requests from patrons and
posing for a photo shoot.
He made the bar’s signature summer
drink, Frozen Irish Coffee, for me to sample. Made of coffee beans, ice, ice cream,
Tribune bar & nightlife
C-Bar
87-22 LeFFeRts BLvd. • RiCHMOnd HiLL
C
-Bar in Richmond Hill
offers more than your
usual neighborhood bar.
Charlie Balmacoon, the owner,
has created all 15 cocktails and
seven margaritas with his two
bartending mixologists and offers
a full menu with a West Indian/
New American cuisine.
The drink menu also has three
different frozen drinks, red and
white sangria and 20 different
types of flavored vodka. C-Bar
also offers hookahs with tobacco
they get from a specialist the bar
employs from India. “They’re the
best,” said Balmacoon. They have
belly dancers and Brazilian dancers on Friday and Saturday then
Karaoke on Sunday.
Balmacoon managed many
bars and lounges in Manhattan
over the years that catered to
celebrities, fashionistas, and socialites. “We needed something
fancy here,” said Balmacoon.
One of his premiere bartenders is Stacey
Landers, who was born in Sri Lanka, but
grew up in Verona, Italy, which is where she
learned the art of mixology beginning at the
tender age of 16. “I started at a pub, [and]
learned all about wines and pairing.”
Landers said one of their most deli-
stacey Landers
cious and popular cocktails is the Passionate C.
• Three ounces of Ketel One Citron
• Splash of St. Germain
• Two ounces of passion fruit puree
• Prosecco
–Jon Cronin
July 14-20, 2016 Page 7
Tribune bar & nightlife
Bourbon Street
Austin’s Ale House
40-12 BELL BOULEVARD • BAYSIDE
B
ourbon Street, the
very first rooftop
bar in Bayside and
Queens’ little slice of New
Orleans, is not only home
to some of the best mixeddrinks, but they also are
home to some old and
newbie bartenders.
Ceceilia Orilia, who was
a waitress at Bourbon Street
for two years, has been a
bartender there for fouryears now.
“I like having a good time
with good people,” Orilia
said. “I love my customers
so much.”
Orilia’s favorite drink at
Bourbon Street is the Havana
Coconut Martini, a mixture
of Ciroc Coconut Vodka,
pink grapefruit juice and lime
juice served up or on the rocks.
However, nine-year bartender, Jimmy
Lynch, has only been at Bourbon Street
for three months.
“I love the atmosphere,” Lynch said.
“I love being in the service industry. It’s
my job to entertain, which is something
I’ve always loved to do. And I get to meet
lots of different people.”
Of all the drinks on the menu, Lynch’s
favorite to make is the Rooftop Sunset,
82-70 AUSTIN ST • KEW GARDENS
J
Ceceilia Orilia (Left) holding
a Havana Coconut Martini
and Jimmy Lynch (right)
holding a Rooftop Sunset.
PHOTO BY ARIEL HERNANDEZ
a mixture of stoli blueberi lemonade and
pomegranate juice, served over ice.
“It’s nice and sweet and really refreshing,” Lynch said. “It’s perfect for the
summer.”
Bourbon Street is located at 40-12 Bell
Blvd in Bayside.
For more information on Bourbon
Street, visit their website at bourbonstreetny.com
-Ariel Hernandez
ohanna Cassidy is an Irish-born bar- all become like a family. And it pays for
tender at Queens staple Austin’s Ale my shopping habit,” Cassidy joked.
Neighborhood-y is just the right word
House, located in the heart of Kew
Gardens. Austin’s Ale House is known to describe the surrounding areas of Austin
around the borough not only for its wide Ale House. Located next to the Kew Garselection of international drafts and deli- dens LIRR stop and next to the beautiful
cious bites, but its sense of hospitality homes of the Kew Gardens area, walking
to the bar is pleasshared by the bar’s
ant compared to the
veteran staff.
loud hustle and bus“I came to
tle that surrounds
America in 1994,”
many Brooklyn and
Cassidy, who hails
Manhattan bars.
from the small town
Cassidy said that
of Derry, said. “I
despite her skills bestarted working the
hind the bar making
Friday I arrived in
mixed drinks, she
America.”
finds herself recomCassidy told the
mending seasonal
Queens Tribune that
beer combinations.
she really enjoys her
This time of year,
job on a day-to-day
the refreshingly
basis. She explained
light Schöfferhofer
that the friendliness
cider with vanilla
of her co-workers
vodka is a real winand patrons are a
ner for people who
huge part of why
Johanna Cassidy
aren’t usually fond
coming to America
of traditional beers.
was a little easier
She also recommended the Irish staple
for her.
“It’s kind of cool because even though Guinness mixed in with a shot of raspI have no family here at all, the customers berry Chambord, a combo that this writer
become like family. There’s a lot of regulars can best describe as tasting like a slice of
and it’s very neighborhoody. I like the raspberry pie.
–Trone Dowd
environment, the staff, the customers, it’s
Page 8 July 14-20, 2016
Tribune bar & nightlife
Vetro
164-49 CROSS BAY BLVD. • HOWARD BEACH
V
etro Restaurant and Lounge
in Howard Beach is one of the
most elegant bar and lounge
experiences outside of Manhattan.
Vetro functions as four businesses in
one building, with a bar, restaurant,
catering hall, wine cellar and rooftop
lounge that offers beautiful vistas of
Jamaica Bay.
Vetro’s website states, “As a restaurant, lounge, and catering venue, Vetro
offers a modern, elegant setting for any
event or occasion. Most importantly,
you and your guests will be treated like
royalty throughout your visit from your
first moment of contact with one of our
experienced and capable servers.”
Their wine cellar carries 415 wines
from around the world and is perfect
for private parties or large groups.
Bartender Don Galzimski, who
learned the fine art of mixology, while
working at Russo’s on the Bay and Vetro’s
and has since added a few of his own
cocktails to the Vetro’s menu. Galzimski
said, he tours bars in Brooklyn, meets
with other bartenders and makes drinks
to see what tastes good.
On the Vetro cocktail menu, Galzimski boasts about his creation The
Valentina, “That’s my baby,” he said.
The recipe:
• Four or five cucumber slices, crush
Don
Galzimski
with pestle in glass
• Few leaves of mints gently massage
to release flavor
• A shot of simple syrup
• A shot of pomegranate juice
• Almond liqueur shot
• Two ounces of Hendricks gin
• An ounce of lime juice
• Then vigorously shake, then double
strain it and garnish with a slice of
cucumber.
–Jon Cronin
The Ozone Diner
113-35 79TH STREET • HOWARD BEACH
T
he Ozone Diner is a fairly new
establishment located in the neighborhood of Howard Beach. The
eatery has a classic American panache and
homey atmosphere that one would expect
from any neighborhood eatery.
Serving a large variety of Greek, Italian
and Mexican inspired dishes, the place
has become quite popular over the last
few months. In fact, this writer had to
wait weeks before he could speak to any
employees due to the restaurant’s constant
business. They have an expansive breakfast,
lunch and dinner menu including pancakes
and waffles, specialty sandwiches like the
classic monte cristo and reuben, paninis,
wraps, entrees like roast fresh turkey to
broiled New York cut sirloin steak and
gourmet burgers, and desserts that’ll make
any New Yorker’s taste buds salivate.
While the diner is not a traditional bar
per say, they do offer a number of drinks
and beers to customers ordering a filling
and hearty meal. In fact, the restaurant’s
bar is just three months old, opening in
late April. And though the bar is small
compared to most other spots around the
borough, it is fully stocked with everything
you’d come to expect.
Chris Sourgoutsis, one of the owners
and managers of Ozone Diner said that
since establishing the bar, there have been
clear stand outs that customers have taken
a liking to. While delicious staples like
margaritas and mimosas have been popular
especially during the summer, there are five
drinks in particular that have taken off.
There’s the Thug Passion which contains
Cognac and Alize Red. There’s the Absolut
Stress which contains Absolut Vodka,
Malibu Rum, Peach Schnapps, Pineapple
Juice, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice.There’s
the classic Bahama Mama which contains
Malibu Rum, Banana Liqueur, grenadine
and orange juice. For those looking for
something a bit more creamy, you may want
to check out the Chocolate Monkey. This
drink contains Banana Liqueur, chocolate
ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped
cream. Finally there’s the Southern Screw,
which contains vodka, Peach Liqueur and
orange juice over ice.
The bar opens at 7 a.m., the same time
as the diner.
–Trone Dowd
Tribune bar & nightlife
July 14-20, 2016 Page 9
Tribune bar & nightlife
Page 10 July 14-20, 2016
Bohemian Beer Garden
Village Green
29-19 24TH AvENUE • ASTORIA
L
ubas Dvorak is an eight-year
veteran of Astoria’s oldest and
most famous beer garden, the
Bohemian Beer Garden. He says
he’s proud to be part of the original.
“They all came after us and copied
our style,” he said.
Dvorak noted that their customers often don’t come for mixed
drinks.
“We’re a beer garden!” he exclaimed.
Dvorak said some of the best
beers they serve are the golden
lager Pilsner Urquell, Hoegaarden,
Lagunitas and, in the summer season, the grapefruit flavored shandy
Schöfferhofer.
Dvorak also boasts of a popular
liquor from his native Czech Republic that the beer garden serves (the
bar’s namesake, Bohemia, is a region
of that country), called Becherovka.
Dvorak said that the liquor is “not as
sweet as Jager.” He noted that not
many places in the U.S. serve it.
The beer garden, opened in 1919,
just in time for prohibition, and was part
of time when New York City had over
800 beer gardens. It was created by the
Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of
Astoria, Inc. and is still managed by them
today. In the evening the extraordinarily
14-17 150TH STREET • WHITESTONE
N
Lubas Dvorak
large outdoor setting with picnics tables is
filled with locals who love the bar’s extensive
beer selection. If some of the older patrons
would like to bring their family during the
day and on weekends they often have family
friendly events.
-Jon Cronin
estled mid-block on 150th Street- burgers from ground turkey. Don’t forget
Whitestone’s “Main Street,” the to try the tater tots!
Then there’s Laura, Village Green’s
Village Green is one of the newest additions to the Queens bar scene. It resident mixologist. Like a scientist in
opened in April and since then has become her lab, Laura enjoys coming up with all
kinds of crazy libations
one of the favorite
for her customers. She
traditional pubs in the
confesses that many of
area.
her customers are men
If the sports on the
who don’t drink “girly”
television and the clasor “fruity” drinks - they
sic rock on the radio
prefer the simple beer.
doesn’t give you the
But Laura likes to
feel of a traditional
surprise them with her
pub, perhaps the pool
favorite mixes, espetables and high stools
cially her shots.
will. But Village Green
She’s got an Orange
is not only a regular
Tic-Tac and perhaps
everyday pub. It’s also
her most popular shot,
a great place to have
the Cinnamon Toast
lunch, or brunch. Yes,
Crunch shot. A mix
I said brunch.
Laura
of Fireball cinnamon
Beginning this
whiskey and Rummonth, Village Green
Chada, it’s a sharp,
is offering brunch,
starting at 11 a.m. every Sunday. It is just spicy throwback to the favorite cereal,
one of many reasons to head down to the though I thought it tasted more like somenew watering hole, along with Saturday thing I’d do shots of on Christmas Eve
by the fire.
Karaoke and pool tournaments.
Find out what else Laura can make you
Steve, Village Green’s resident chef,
does not go easy on the menu. You’ll find behind the bar at Village Green, and don’t
no frozen hamburgers here - all the meat forget to order the tots and ask Laura what
comes from a butcher and Steve makes the they rhyme with.
-Domenick Rafter
hamburgers from ground beef and turkey
Tribune bar & nightlife
July 14-20, 2016 Page 11
Tribune bar & nightlife
Page 12 July 14-20, 2016
Sol Bar
40-09 BELL BOULEVARD • BAYSIDE
B
ringing in a Latin and cultural blend of a traditional American, English bar
to Bayside is Sol Bar & Grill, a two look to it.”
According to Viswanath, the mulevel bar and lounge, which opened
sic genres at Luna Lounge span from
late June of this year.
The concept of Sol was to create a place Latin music and mash-ups, to 80s and
that incorporates the different cultures and 90s throwbacks, to hip-hop, R&B and
house music.
backgrounds that Queens has to offer.
Sol brings in a DJ for special events
“Bayside is changing,” said Dev Viswanath, partner and general
and theme nights, which will
counsel at Sol. “It’s what I
Dev begin this month with a ladies
like to call, ‘Nuevo [new]
Viswanath night.
Queens’. The environment
“Our mission is to bring
we grew up in is now filled
people of different backwith Colombian children,
grounds to a place where they
Chinese children, West
can come and enjoy themselves,” Viswanath said.
Indian children and so
Aside from their mixture of
much more. These chilcultures, what makes Sol difdren eventually take on
ferent is the fact that they serve
our communities and it
tap wine, which according to
is because of that mixture
Viswanath, “people love.”
and blend of culture that
Sol is also home to Latin
those communities are
flavors with Korean and
changing.”
Indian influences, which can
The interior design captures the name of the lounge with down- be found in their tacos, tortas, guacamole,
stairs having lighter colors and appearing fried chicken and more. They also have
more inviting, like the day, and upstairs two sangrias, with white and red wine,
being darker with planetary lights, like Chardonnay and more.
“Our bartenders are all trained and
the night.
“It’s all about being inviting, which are not only from Bayside but are from
downstairs can attest to that and upstairs other Queens areas and more,” Viswanath
being more loungey with a sleek look,” said.
-Ariel Hernandez
Viswanath said. “Downstairs has more
Tribune bar & nightlife
July 14-20, 2016 Page 13
Page 14 July 14-20, 2016
Tribune bar & nightlife
Thai Rock
375 BEACH 92ND STREET • ROCKAWAY BEACH
A
fter a long stressful work
week, sometimes the best
way to relax is with a
serene view of the ocean as you
guzzle down a pint at the bar
and listen to some live music.
This is a scene that Thai Rock
bartender Mark Flynn is all too
familiar with.
Thai Rock, located in Far
Rockaway, is a Thai restaurant
that specializes in South Asian
cuisine. From Pad Thai to Pad
Kee Maow, the selection is just as
wide as the Atlantic Ocean.
For fans of nights out drinking,
this restaurant’s main attraction
is the deck by the water. With a
fully stocked bar, a television and
numerous tables to sit at, the spot
is ideal for a meetup with friends
and discovering new artists that
swing by to play their latest.
Flynn, who has been a bartender for just about a year, is actually transitioning into the role.
He spent five years as a waiter at
Thai Rock and says he enjoys the
role of serving drinks.
“Waiting tables, you pick up
a lot of the same people skills,”
Flynn said. “The ability to sort of
Mark Flynn
Photo by tRoNE DoWD
juggle things and multitask. But
as a bartender I have a lot more
freedom of expression. It’s less
strenuous.”
When it comes to drinks,
Flynn says that he doesn’t like
to recommend based on his own
tastes but rather the patron’s
preference.
“When people ask ‘what’s
your signature drink?’ or ‘what’s
the best drink you have here?’ I
usually judo it back to them and
ask them ‘what kind of flavors
do you like? Do you like light
beer, dark beer, an IPA, a pilsner
a lager?’”
Flynn said that the most
popular drinks as of late are
Lychee margaritas and the light
Belgian style wheat beer Ommegang Witte.
“Pad Kee Maow goes really
well with the Ommegang,” Flynn
said. “It’s a pretty great and filling
combination.”
They even have something for
people looking for more class
in their alcohol consumption.
Traditional parings are available
for patrons and can make for a
great night out over the ocean
with that special someone.
“We have a really great Pinot
noir by Bistra,” he said. “It’s a
french wine that I would recommend with one of our signature
dishes called the Crying Tiger.
So I guess in terms of traditional
pairing, a nice red wine with a
good piece of steak, that’s what
I could easily recommend to
almost anyone.”
–Trone Dowd
Summer Nights Live:
3 Ways To Get The Most Out of Your Summer
B
righter skies. Longer days.
Warmer nights. As summer sets in, the time is
right to make the most of every
sun-kissed day and embrace each
sizzling night through no-holdsbarred fun and good times all
season long.
From barbecues and trips
to the beach, to hanging out
poolside and going on bike rides,
there is no shortage of activities in
which to participate. Yet despite
the endless possibilities summer
brings, people are creatures of
habit and often slip into a rut,
going back, time and time again,
to tried-and-true activities.
Summer should be a time to
push the limits of fun with friends
and family by breaking out of the
comfort zone, trying new things
and making 2016 a summer to
remember. Make the most of the
season this year with these tips.
Find new places to kick back.
It’s patio season! As fun as it
might be to kick back in the yard
with the usual drinks, seize the
energy of summer though new
adventures in food and drink!
There’s no better time to gather
the crew, explore fresh seasonal
menus at local restaurants and
discover tantalizing summer
drinks and fare with friends.
“Patios were invented for
summer nights and are the perfect backdrop for kicking back
with some craft beers or trying
a new refreshing cocktail while
living it up with friends,” says
Mike Johnson, vice president of
operations at RA Sushi, which
has 27 locations across the U.S.
and is launching a new craft beer
menu this summer, featuring
local breweries.
Go for an experience. Whether learning to water-ski at the lake
a decade ago or watching an impromptu movie marathon under
the stars, the fondest memories
of summer usually include experiencing something new with
friends or family. Have you ever
painted while sampling wines or
learned to roll sushi while enjoying sake? It’s time to make new
memories by trying something
out of the ordinary.
Celebrate every day. There are
more than 90 days of summer and
each deserves to be celebrated to
the max. Whether it’s organizing
a sushi rolling class for friends at
RA Sushi on June 18 for International Sushi Day, or seizing a
spontaneous moment to live it up,
summer is the perfect time of year
to live life to the fullest.
Summertime is pure magic
and loaded with opportunities to indulge in passions, be
bold, embrace the unexpected,
discover new things and, most
importantly, live every minute
to the fullest.
-Brandpoint
ENJOY!
July 14-20, 2016 Page 15
Tribune bar & nightlife
Tropix Bar
395 Woodcleft Ave. • freeport
T
ropix is a lively outdoor bar at 395
Woodcleft Avenue, part of Freeport’s famed Nautical Mile. The
bar is right on the canal where guests sit
outside and eat, drink, listen to the DJ or
live band and enjoy the summer air.
sami miller
Sami Miller, a bartender at Tropix,
said they’re mostly an outdoor bar, with
an indoor portion for parties, with bands
and DJs throughout the week. The Nautical
mile is Woodcelft Avenue’s nickname. It
has a street electic fair atmosphere among a
wonderful motley crew of businesses,
boat rentals and fisheries. It has been
time a honored Long Island tradition
of breezy summer evenings on the mile
relaxing with friends and family.
Miller said the bar is opened seasonally and closes after Labor Day in
September. They are billed as, “The
hottest, nicest and classiest place on
the South Shore! Kick your feet up
in the sand daytime, kick your feet to
music dancing at night! South Beach
meets Vegas meets Nautical Mile!”
Miller said they have country nights
on Tuesdays with a band and mechanical bull to ride, if you dare!
One of the bar’s fan favorite drink
is called “The Jaws”:
In a 14 ounce cup, add:
• Half an ounce of Captain Morgan
• Half an ounce of Bicardi Limon
• A shot of half Grenadine and half
blue cursaw
Then fill the rest with Sprite.
–Jon Cronin
Wild Ginger
48 GreAt Neck roAd • GreAt Neck
W
ild Ginger incorporates flavors
like ginger and homemade
sauces to create vibrant food
inspired by Asian cuisines. Located in the
“Gardens” shopping center, it’s a favorite
among Great Neck residents, due to its
tasty food and drinks, friendly service and
beautiful ambiance.
Bartender Michael Tristano says he
has a lot of regulars “who come on a daily
basis,” for lunch or a drink. The crowd is a
mix of older and younger adults who come
to enjoy good food with family or friends,
as well as professionals who come in for a
business lunch or a drink after work.
One of the bar’s most popular drinks
is their signature Gingerbread Martini,
featuring pear vodka, ginger liquer, a slash
of simple syrup, a splash of lime juice and
splash of cranberry juice. The result, a
slightly tangy, slightly sweet drink with
a kick, is garnished with an edible orchid
and a piece of ginger candy.
They also have an extensive wine and
liquor list, for less adventures souls.
When it comes to food, customers
rave over the Honey Back Ribs and the
vegetable dumplings.
Outdoor seating is available in the
summer month, and Wild Ginger has a
small garden that surrounds the outdoor
dining area.
Indoors, dim lighting that imper-
michael tristano
Photo by Lynn Edmonds
ceptibly changes colors throughout the
night and candles nestled inside floral
arrangements provide an elegant but cozy
ambiance.
Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Sun-Thurs
and noon to 11 p.m. Fri-Sat.
–Lynn Edmonds
Page 16 July 14-20, 2016
Tribune bar & nightlife