BLVD. 8/23/23 edition is published by Anton Media Group

JETHRO TULL: FAR FROM LIVING IN THE PAST

BY DAVE GIL DE RUBIO

Currently enjoying its seventh decade of an existence that finds the progfolk elder statesmen continuing to tour the globe and still releasing fulllength albums in the face of Spotify and iTunes (this year’s Rökflöte is the band’s 23rd studio album and follows on the heels of 2022’s Zealot Gene), Tull is making up for lost time coming out of the pandemic. Tours have been booked and re-booked (the band finally played Finland late last year after canceling three prior times. Some fans were using tickets purchased in 2019 for the originally scheduled shows) and ever since getting back on the road in August 2021, the current line-up, consisting of Dave Goodier (bass), John O’Hara (piano/keyboards/Hammond B-3 organ), Scott Hammond (drums) and Joe Parrish-James (electric and acoustic guitars/mandolin), has been criss-crossing Europe. Among the stops they’ve made are Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Iceland, Monaco, France, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Poland, Sweden, Portugal and Greece with dates in Ukraine and Russia being canceled for obvious reasons. For Anderson, maintaining momentum is crucial, whether it’s in the studio or on the road.

“My inspiration primarily these days, like everything I do when I wake up in the morning, is to pack it all in because I may not have long to go,” he said quite candidly. “And we often just get used to the idea that continuity is everything and it will be the same tomorrow as it was today and it will be the same next year as it was this year. I have to be realistic. So making a new album—and I have another new album in the works for 2024— that’s really just mostly a question of not letting things go by and finding yourself in a position where it’s too late. And the things you had planned to do, you can no longer do. That applies to booking tours, doing concerts and deciding where I’m going to have lunch tomorrow night when I get into a small German town at 10 o’clock at night. It’s that kind of thinking ahead, but realistically trying to take care of business as soon as you can.”

Ever the intellectual seeker, Anderson’s curiosity led to Tull’s latest albums being steeped in religion and mythology. And while The Zealot Gene features biblical references throughout and has each song starting with a passage from the Bible, Anderson turned his attention to Norse mythology for Rökflöte

It’s a creative turn he took quite seriously given the connections it’s had with fascist and far right movements in recent times.

“I thought it would be interesting to write something based on the texts about polytheistic beliefs,” he said. “I considered various Far Eastern beliefs and the possibility of Greek and Roman mythology. Then I thought, where did all that dissipate to? It was clear that it traveled through northwestern Europe and finally petered out in the

Norse religions—mostly around the eleventh and twelfth centuries when Christianity, which had been around for a while, supplanting the belief in the multitude of gods that in many cases do have some very close parallels in Roman and Greek mythology. It seemed like a fertile ground and something I would do with a light touch because Norse mythology has given rise to some dark fascinations by a number of people in not too-distant periods of history. Nowadays, it still holds a fascination for some Nordic heavy metal bands that fool around with that kind of a thing. But most worrisome, it was part of the inspiration in the dark and quite satanic activities of one Heinrich Himmler.”

“My inspiration primarily these days, like everything I do when I wake up in the morning, is to pack it all in because I may not have long to go. We often just get used to the idea that continuity is everything and it will be the same tomorrow as it was today and it will be the same next year as it was this year. I have to be realistic. So making a new album—and I have another new album in the works for 2024—that’s really just mostly a question of not letting things go by and finding yourself in a position where it’s too late.”

music of the church. Suddenly, I encountered the syncopated music of jazz, the flattened fifth and the scale, which was something which made a very easy attraction later as a teenager into black American folk music, which we call the blues.”

For Anderson, creatively pushing himself has been a constant dating back to early childhood memories of singing church hymns and folk songs in school. Yet it was not rock and roll that proved to be the musical disruptor for the young Anderson but rather the sway of his father’s own tastes.

“In terms of modern music and the days of pop music and rock and roll, the music that gave rise in its way to what eventually became the latter was what intrigued me,” he said. “It was the music of the big bands of the World War II era from people like Duke Ellington and so on who my father listened to and were the perpetrators of swing. It was far away from the very strict

In those early formative days, the now-septuagenarian rocker and classmates Jeffrey Hammond and John Evan started out as a five-piece blues and soul band, along with future Tull drummer Barriemore Barlow. The loose group evolved into becoming a blue-eyed soul sextet before eventually settling into the four-piece line-up that recorded the band’s 1968 debut This Was and was rounded out by guitarist Mick Abrahams (who left afterwards to form Blodwyn Pig), bassist Glenn Cornick and drummer Clive Bunker. Of course, part of Tull’s singularity is Anderson’s musical weapon of choice, a major pivot he made leading up to the band’s debut when he decided

Ian Anderson could have been a cop. Or a member of the Third Estate. This is what the erudite Scotsman would have you believe was his lot in life versus his current role as the longstanding frontman of Jethro Tull.

—Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson

Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson in the studio. (All photos courtesy of Anne Leighton unless otherwise noted)

Jethro Tull 2023

Jethro Tull live in Hamburg in 1973

(Photo by Heinrich Klaffs/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Ian Anderson performing with Jethro Tull at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada in March 1977

(Photo by Jean-Luc/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Continued from page 3B

to swap guitar for flute as his go-to instrument.

“I wanted to do something a bit more idiosyncratic,” he said.

“So in the summer of 1967, I quit playing electric guitar and exchanged my guitar for a flute and a Shure microphone made in Chicago.”

Fast forward to 2023 and Anderson is the sole founding member left. The current tour, “The Seven Decades,” marks the band’s return to American shores for the first time since 2019. Fans can expect a healthy cross-section from Jethro Tull’s extensive canon.

“The U.S. tour is very much pinned on the idea of how Jethro Tull have performed in seven decades,” Anderson said. “That doesn’t mean we’ve been playing for 70 years, but we started in the late ‘60s and now we’re in the 2020’s. We feature something from each one of those decades and there are a few songs that are among the heavy hitters that people will recognize. There are a few that our fans will know quite well. And there are a few that people won’t know because they are less well-visited, perhaps never played on stage before or in the case of the last two albums, two songs from Zealotry [The Zealot Gene] and two songs from Rökflöte, which is the new album. It’s a smattering really of this and that.”

With so much mileage under his belt, it’s hard to envision Anderson as being anything but the international rock star he jokingly refers to

himself as given how much music has always meant to him. It’s a mistress he counsels younger performers to always keep close.

“I’ve frequently said to young fiery musicians, particularly those in classical music, is to not ever be afraid to become an amateur musician because the word amateur comes from a Latin root that means ‘to love,’” he explained. “If you love music, it can be something that rewards you through your life, even if you’re not fortunate enough to be able to make a living out of it. So after a few years of study and learning to play the

While Anderson’s most known for singing and serenading fans with his flute playing as a member of Jethro Tull, he’s also been a longtime patron of smaller wild cats.

Ian Anderson playing with Jethro Tull in Jacksonville, FL circa 2007.

(Photo by Craig O’Neal/CC BY-SA 2.0)

IAN ANDERSON’SFAVE

SM A L L STAC

e are in the midst of the dog days of summer, everyone seeking refuge on the island’s pristine beaches and coastal areas, soaking up the sun and taking full advantage of the sights, sounds and good food that our region offers. We are fortunate to have the best of everything right here on Long Island, especially throughout Nassau County, the perfect blend of location and conditions for surfing, swimming, picnics and sightseeing; quite literally, something for everyone.

In this edition, we open with an exclusive interview with Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, perfectly crafted by award-winning writer Dave Gil de Rubio. Enjoy a late-summer cocktail with some delicious recipes from Cantera Negra Tequila.This year, Hicks Nurseries celebrates its anniversary. Take a walk through regional business history with the gardening mainstay.

One of our summer interns, Olivia Rainson, a St. John’s University English major, has compiled a visually appealing look at the latest in popular menswear fashion. Equally visually appealing, the Nassau County Museum of Art held its opening gala in honor of the newest exhibit, “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait”. Art lovers and donors gathered for the celebration.

In Section II of BLVD, TV chef Nick Stellino pays tribute to his mother in a heartfelt testament to his upbringing and inspiration. To follow in the heels of the noted chef, Anton’s Special Sections Managing Editor Christy Hinko recaps her recent dining experience at the long-time culinary gem, La Piccola Liguria in Port Washington. Christy recently had the chance to speak with Port Washington native Jeanine Tesori, the award-winning composer of the current Broadway smash hit, Kimberly Akimbo. Read about Jeanine’s musical journey and her newest achievement, a Tony award. And to round out the special, Christy also spoke with local artist Cori Forster, whose work is currently on display at the Barnes Gallery in Garden City.

Locals and tourists flock to renowned spots such as Jones Beach and Montauk for relaxation and cooling off. Ice cream parlors and seaside restaurants thrive during this time, offering sweet relief from the heat. Despite the recent hot weather, Long Island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture make it an inviting destination to savor the summer season to its fullest. And in the blink of an eye, we will soon be piling on the layers, enjoying soul-warming beverages and settling in with the brisk Long Island autumn.

Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT. Visit www.mohegunsun. com or call 888-226-7711 for more information. Tull will also be appearing on November 1 at the Beacon Theatre, @ the Beacon Theatre, 74th Street & Broadway, NYC. Visit www. beacontheatre.com or call 866858-0008 for more information. The Letter from the Publisher Published by Anton Media Group KARL V. ANTON, JR. Publisher, 1984-2000 Angela Susan Anton Editor and Publisher Frank A. Virga President Iris Picone Vice President of Operations/CFO Shari Egnasko Director of Sales Administration Christy Hinko Managing Editor, Special Sections Robin Carter Director of Production Alex Nuñez Creative Director Cathy Bongiorno Art Director Joy DiDonato Director of Circulation Linda Baccoli Director of Business Administration Contributing Writers Dave Gil de Rubio, Olivia Rainson, Eleni Roselli, Nick Stellino Advertising Sales Ally Deane, Sal Massa, Maria Pruyn, Jeryl Sletteland 132 East Second Street, Phone: 516-747-8282 Mineola, NY 11501 Fax: 516-742-5867 advertising inquiries advertising@antonmediagroup.com circulation inquiries subscribe@antonmediagroup.com editorial submissions specialsections@antonmediagroup.com Anton Media Group © 2023

With each new edition that our amazing BLVD editorial, advertising and design teams produce, the line up never ceases to amaze me with all the talent, richness and diversity of things that are happening right in our own backyard. I would be remiss if I did not mention the management and administrative sides of the house in their efforts toward all that we do at Anton Media Group also. It truly takes the whole team, every single person in our organization to devote their time, talents and experience to delivering amazing content, week after week, now for decades, all in the name of Anton. Community journalism continues to be a true gift. Karl would be proud. Be sure to catch our luxury issue of Gold Coast Magazine on October 12.

Angela Susan Anton Publisher

that is very arboreal. It has a very long tail. It’s a small, threatened species with big eyes. It’s like a smaller version of the ocelot. The margay is not limited to, but particularly found in South America in lush, relatively jungle environments.” (Photo courtesy of Anderson Christiano Hendgen/CC BY-SA 2.0) Caracal “The caracal is found from India through North Africa and the Middle East as an animal with a relatively short tail, but tufted ears, much bigger than a margay. It’s a savanna kind of cat. It’s a cat that lives in the

Serval “The serval is a short-tailed African small- to medium-sized wild cat that leaps into the air to catch birds particularly. For a savanna wild cat, a long tail is of no use because they don’t climb trees. They run through the grasslands.” (Photo courtesy of Big Cat Rescue/CC BY-SA 3.0) Margay

margay is a small wild cat species

hunts,

The Aqualung-era line-up of Jethro Tull.

Exceptional Experience, Extraordinary Resu s

As a luxury real estate broker, my goal is to provide you with exceptional guidance and expertise, ensuring that your property journey is not only successful but also an exquisite experience. Whether you’re seeking a lavish estate or your introductory home, I’m dedicated to helping you nd your dream property, and navigating the intricacies of the real estate market. A successful transaction relies on partnering with an expert who comprehends market dynamics, employs e ective marketing, and excels in negotiation. With a 20+ year track record, I have been delivering invaluable guidance and unmatched outcomes to my real estate clientele. Let’s have a productive conversation about your real estate goals.

SUMMER COCKTAILS

Still in time to round-out the summer, Cantera Negra Tequila is sharing new delicious cocktails. The premium Cantera Negra portfolio includes Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo and Café, with no additives (aside from the Café, of course) and with Reposado and Añejo aged longer than standard.

Approximately 40 years ago, Don Alberto Becherano began making tequila as a hobby, and he spent more than a decade perfecting his proprietary method for making what might be among the best tasting tequilas in the world.

Cantera Negra means “Black

Quarry,” inspired by the rich volcanic soil from where our agaves grow. Cantera Negra tequila is handcrafted in small-batch quantities using 100 percent fully mature Blue Weber agave.

The company does not believe in cutting corners and permits only time-honored tra-

ditional production methods, and unlike other brands, never adds sugars or colorings. Because of its proven approach, the outstanding quality of Cantera Negra’s all-natural product speaks for itself.

Check out these delicious cocktail recipes from Cantera Negra.

CANTERA SIESTA

Every sip of Cantera Siesta is a delicious escape into summer. This cocktail is a delightful blend of Campari, tangy grapefruit juice, and zesty lime juice, mixed with simple syrup for the perfect touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

1.5oz Cantera Negra Reposado Tequila

.75oz Fresh lime juice

.75oz Simple syrup

.5oz Fresh grapefruit juice

.25oz Campari

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish.

EL SOL

Let El Sol transport you to a sunny paradise. This drink has everything. A bit of sweetness, a bit of spiciness, and delicious fruit notes.

Ingredients:

1.5oz Cantera Negra Silver Tequila

.75oz Passion fruit liqueur

.75oz Fresh lime juice

.25oz Ancho chile liqueur

.25oz Agave syrup

Rim a chilled coupe glass with Tajín seasoning. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into prepped glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

NOCHE NEGRA

Let the Noche Negra take you to a world of sophisticated indulgence. The carefully balanced flavors of rich espresso and Cantera Negra Café Liqueur create a cocktail that is both bold and satisfying.

Ingredients:

1oz Cantera Negra Silver Tequila

1oz Espresso (or cold brew concentrate)

.75oz Cantera Negra Café

Coffee Liqueur

.25oz Simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. —Cantera Negra Tequila

El Sol—Cantera

A Remarkable Milestone

Get ready for the unveiling of a sensational transformation, Long Island. Hicks Nurseries, the region’s unrivaled haven for garden enthusiasts, has been busy this summer undergoing an extensive store renovation to mark its momentous 170th anniversary. Throughout this process, Hicks Nurseries remained fully operational, providing uninterrupted service to its loyal customers.

In a world where trends come and go, and businesses rise and fall, there are rare gems that stand the test of time. The journey for Hicks Nurseries began in 1853, when Isaac Hicks began selling trees to his neighbors in Westbury. Since that first sale, across each succeeding generation, Hicks Nurseries has maintained its reputation for top-quality while helping transform the landscape of Long Island through continuous innovation and evolution.

At the turn of the century, Hicks Nurseries invented and patented the equipment for moving big trees that were desired by Long Island’s new Gold Coast estate owners. Many of

those trees still flourish today on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion, JP Morgan Estate and Phipps Estate, which is currently Old Westbury Gardens. Photo and catalog archives from as early as 1900 can be viewed on the Hicks Nurseries website.

In another innovative move in the 1930s, Hicks Nurseries made pre-dug plants available for customers, marking the beginning of what is now called a retail garden center. After western Long Island shifted from a rural to a suburban community in the 1960s, they refocused the business in order to keep pace with the new generation of Long Island-

ers. Over the next ten years, the nursery was converted into a family-oriented retailing and growing operation that served hundreds of thousands of people each year. Seasonal experiences were introduced such as the Fall Festival and the Flower & Garden Show, which are now highly anticipated annual events. Today, the sixth-generation business is operated by siblings Stephen Hicks, president, and Karen Hicks Courts, vice president of human sesources. Hicks Nurseries has overcome many obstacles such as the Civil War, Great Depression, two World Wars and a global pandemic. It has been

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

YEARS OF HORTICULTURAL EXCELLENCE AND CONTINUED INNOVATION

able to not only survive but thrive.

“From the very beginning, we’ve built our reputation on offering the best products along with expert advice and service,” said Stephen Hicks. “We’ve also been committed to elevating our customers’ shopping experience and have continuously reinvested back into the business.

In 2018 we transformed the nursery yard with paved walkways, so our customers didn’t have to walk in mud to select trees and shrubs. Last year we added a newly expanded 20,000-square foot greenhouse for additional products and wider aisle space. And in this 170th milestone year, we are undergoing the most extensive renovation to date by creating an entirely new store experience. We continue to evolve and improve to ensure customer satisfaction and the future of the next generation.”

In fact, the stunning glass façade of the new storefront is a showstopper as you enter from Jericho Turnpike bringing a fresh, modern look to the legacy that is Hicks Nurseries. The revitalized interior will feature a seamless fl ow, making it easier than ever to explore their vast section of plants, fl owers, gardening tools, seasonal décor, and outdoor living essentials. Shoppers can also look forward to updated fi xtures, improved signage and lighting, and an all-new checkout for effi ciency and convenience. Amidst the modern transformations, a piece of history remains preserved. Behind one of the walls, the original storefront stands as a testament to the past, kept for posterity.

“We often hear from our customers that we are their happy place. We think that feeling will translate to an entirely new level of happiness once they come through the doors on opening day,” said Karen Hicks Courts. “As we embark on this new chapter in the history of Hicks Nurseries, we embrace the future knowing our legacy that began 170 years ago will continue to fl ourish for generations to come.”

—Written by Eleni Roselli, director of marketing for Hicks Nurseries.

Herbert L. Pratt estate, c. 1925, also known as the Braes, is currently the campus of the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Here, workers from Hicks Nurseries plant trees on the estate. (Photos courtesy of Hicks Nurseries)

Fashion

Trending Men’s Fashion

Top five summer fashion trends for men

New research reveals this summer’s most sought-after menswear items in America.

The study, conducted by clothing experts boohooMAN, analyzed Google search data to determine the most in-demand menswear items across the country.

Classic men’s fashion trends over the past few years have included distressed vintage T-shirts

and clean stylish sneakers. This summer, funky shorts to dress up a simple T-shirt and classic accessories are on the rise to add a bit of flare to the effortless look. Below are some examples of men’s fashion trends to try out this season.

—Compiled by Olivia Rainson

Bracelets

Men’s bracelets are the second most searched for menswear item. The accessory has 15,0893 average monthly searches across America. Illinois is searching for this item 6,567 times a month, New Jersey 5,708 times a month, and Pennsylvania 5,608 times a month. A simple chain bracelet is the perfect accessory for men of any age. (Men’s 7.2mm Solid Cuban Curb Chain Bracelet in Sterling Silver | $329 | Zales)

Men’s sunglasses are the third most in-demand menswear item, with 14,4597 average monthly searches nationally. Georgia, Michigan, and Arizona show some of the highest interest in men’s sunglasses—with 5,208 monthly searches in Georgia, 4,058 monthly searches in Michigan, and 3,050 monthly searches in Arizona. The hexagonal shape of these glasses is the new trending shape and the lenses come in 13 colors. (Hexagonal Flat Lenses, polished gold frame with blue lenses | $186 | Ray-Ban)

Sandals

Men’s sandals are the fifth most searched for menswear item. This summertime shoe has 10,2978 average monthly searches across America. Massachusetts, Washington, and Tennessee are among the states searching for men’s bracelets the most—with 2,773 monthly searches in Massachusetts, 2,050 monthly searches in Washington, and 1,992 monthly searches in Tennessee. Classic, velvety suede gives the laid-back look that every season, any style appeal. (Arizona, suede leather in taupe | $130 | Birkenstock)

Earrings

Men’s shorts have been named this summer’s most sought-after menswear item, with 17,7442 average monthly searches across the country. California, New York, and Florida are searching for men’s shorts the most—with 21,958 searches in California, 15,508 in New York, and 12,233 in Florida per month. Wear them with a patterned button-down for a cool warm-weather look.

(5 1/2” Corduroy Everywear Shorts | $75 | Madewell)

Men’s earrings are this summer’s fourth most sought-after menswear item. This accessory is searched for 13,9767 times per month. Among the states looking up men’s earrings the most, Ohio has 4,208 monthly searches, North Carolina has 4,067 monthly searches, and Virginia has 3,458 monthly searches. A simple hoop that sits close to the ear is subtle and stylish. (Hex Sterling Silver Hoop Earring | $39 | AllSaints)

1 2 3 4 5

Modigliani Blockbuster Opening

The champagne corks were flying (but not near the multi-million dollar paintings) and the live music was jumping as a select group of invitees celebrated the opening of Modigliani and the Modern Portrait, the spectacular new show on view at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn Harbor.

The stylish crowd, which included several prominent art world figures who had loaned their valuable works not just by Modigliani but Picasso, Matisse, Hockney and others, sipped cocktails and enjoyed a sumptuous spread. They were addressed by Angela Susan Anton as well as Juliana Terian, chairman of Rallye Motor Company, the exhibition sponsor.

Among the high-profile attendees were James Watson, who discovered DNA and loaned works from his art collection, as well as Rick Friedman, who runs the Hamptons Fine Art Fair and Carol Wolowitz, one of the premier art collectors in the nation.

The show, which is on view until Nov. 5, is a major coup for the museum, bringing together masterpieces by Modigliani, including one of Greta Garbo’s favorite paintings, on loan from her family.

— Nassau County Museum of Art

Lydia Duanmu, Charles Riley, Emma Liu, Cui Qiao

Museum president Angela Susan Anton and Charles Riley, director

Arthur and Arlene Levine, Juliana Terian of Rallye Motor Company, Jack Donohue and Charles Riley

Charles Riley, Trustee Harvey Manes and his Picasso, Meryl Dee

Maurice Sedaka, CJ Bennett and Jeryl Sletteland

Artist Marybeth Rothman and family toast her Nassau Museum debut.

Mark Simone and Angela Susan Anton

Natalie Comfort, Letitia Thayer, CJ and Fernanda Bennett, Deputy Director

Charles Riley with Arlene and Arthur Levine

Liana Xu, Kathy Yang, Keming Liu-Riley, Rita Castagna, Theresia Lian, Charles Riley

Rey Castillo, Kate Weseley-Jones, Alex Maccaro, Galen Deane and Fernanda Bennett

Nassau Museum hosted a gala preview party for Modigliani, showcasing

Rallye Motor cars anking the red carpet. Photos by Tab Hauser

Jasmine and Martin Rios

The Secret Ingredient To A Great Meal… Is In You!

BY NICK STELLINO

For more than three decades, Nick Stellino has been one of public television’s most popular celebrity chefs and is an accomplished cookbook author with an exciting new edition coming soon. Stellino’s secret ingredient? See below about the passion and encouragement he was raised with that you too can discover to help you prepare meals for your friends and loved ones to enjoy...a mother’s love and her zest for life.

Massimiliana, my mother, like my dad, came from a family of farmers. She met my father in Rome where he attended university, and she was pursuing fame and fortune with a modeling career.

My mom possessed an inherent elegance. She could make a dish rag look like a couture piece from Dior. She was adventurous and the fi ercest of warriors. She protected me and my brother Mario from all evils, and she groomed us into the men we are today.

I know that being a parent is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. I suspect being my parent was especially diffi cult. I was enthusiastic about life, unafraid and often irresponsible. To my mother’s chagrin, I seldom backed down from a fi ght. I always welcomed a tussle, no matter how physical it got. She might have looked like a refined star of the silver screen, but Massimiliana was no prima donna. She got things done; she was the glue that held the Stellino

family together and she did so looking like a goddess descending from a heavenly fashion runway.

My mother singlehandedly engineered the historic reunion of my dad and his father after years of being estranged over matters long since forgotten. She did it so gracefully and skillfully, to this very day it’s still regarded as a feat of logistics that are still considered legendary within the Stellino family.

She once told me I looked like my paternal grandfather, my namesake, which she confi rmed to be fi tting because I also inherited his attitude, resilience, and rebelliousness.

What I inherited from my mother was a love for food and a zest for life. She taught me how to peel potatoes and make pasta. She constantly had me in the kitchen with her because, unlike the other boys my age, the kitchen was way better than the football (soccer) fi eld. I’ve always honored my mother’s gifts because they remain with me to this very day, deep within my soul and all throughout my heart.

From Our Hearts To Your Kitchen

In my early years in business, through a series of missteps, I found myself in fi nancial trouble, worried and, even worse, discouraged. I was in my mid-twenties and on my knees crying like a little boy because I didn’t know what my next move was going to be. I lost all my money, I put myself and my wife Nanci at severe fi nancial risk, and even worse, I was ready to give up.

Of course, never the slouch, my mother’s approach was, simply, tough love. Massimiliana gave me a stern reminder of who I was and the promises I made to her when I begged to go to America to seek my fortune.

Yet, despite her steely resolve, instead of petting me like a baby, she sat me down and told me stories I had never heard. At the end of it all, she chose to punctuate it with such incredible encouragement. I’ll never forget her words to me:

“…and when you are dead, then it is over. You are young, strong and my son, this crying thing you are doing is not who we are. This is not what we do. You are a Stellino. Do you understand? There is a way, you will fi nd the purpose, and you will face up to whatever needs doing. If you run away from this now, you will always be running away. When trouble comes, you run right into it and fi ght. We do not cower, and we do not beg. Capisce?”

I take very little credit for my successes. This was my training—I just didn’t know it at the time. I suppose love

comes in many forms, some created as a result of making diffi cult choices. In her refusal to be pushed around, my mother always made the diffi cult choices. She was the general leading the charge—while decked out in a Dior dress.

I often wonder how I might’ve turned out had she not given me those stern reminders; if she had coddled me like a baby my entire life. What would I be today?

I am, first and foremost, the byproduct of my family who was instrumental in shaping my mindset, ultimately to become a far better version of myself.

One day, just like me, you’ll happen upon a dusty old box of old photographs. You’ll open it up and be transported back in time. Then you’ll realize how far you progressed despite your worries.

Don’t let today’s troubles trump your tomorrow. Give your mom a hug or a call. Do it today and tomorrow because the day will come when all you have left is a yellowed photo from a box and the wish that you had done more.

To all the mothers in the world—especially Massimiliana, my mom, I love you!

Old World Values Are Time-Tested Secret Of Port Restaurateur

Food and service done right at La Piccola Liguria

BY CHRISTY HINKO

Old-fashioned restaurant ownership and management hold significant value in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. These traditional approaches emphasize personalized customer service, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Owners actively engage with patrons, creating a sense of community and loyalty. Time-tested management styles prioritize quality and consistency in food and service, ensuring customer satisfaction. The personal touch and attention to detail set these establishments apart, attracting customers seeking genuine experiences.

All of this and more is what you will get at La Piccola Liguria Restaurant on the famed waterfront in Port Washington. Its intimate and unassuming, yet upscale locale packs a mighty punch, satisfying any true foodie.

The owner, Victor Raimondo, is originally from Liguria, in Northern Italy on the Riviera. La Piccola Liguria has been a mainstay in Port for 33 years. Many of the kitchen and waitstaff have been with the restaurant since it opened.

Start your experience off with refreshing Aperol, an Italian bitter apéritif, and Prosecco wine spritzer, or any cocktail of your choice. The polenta in a creamy tomato sauce is complimentary, but you should consider several of the appetizers to entice your taste buds.

Some of the appetizers are seasonal and on the specials menu, but are equally delicious, such as the ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers, tripe stew, antipasto and fresh

sardines. The soups are varied and satisfying, such as lobster bisque, gazpacho and asparagus cream.

The pasta doubles as a meal itself such as orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage; gnocchi with ricotta and spinach; tortellini with peas and prosciutto in a cream sauce; and pappardelle with wild mushrooms and grated summer truffles. You will be wowed with choices, but it does not stop at the pasta.

Choose from dinner specials such as the roasted leg of pork in a mushroom and au jus, whole, from the oven and sliced fresh to order. Some of the menu entree favorites

include veal osso buco, veal or chicken scaloppine, breast of chicken, cacciatore, soft shell crabs (seasonal), halibut with clams and mussels and roasted branzino.

You will already be dreaming of dessert before you finish your appetizer. Throughout the meal, as other guests are nearing the end of their meal, the dessert cart will be passed through the dining room, enticing you, leading you to a tougher choice to make than selecting an entree from the menu earlier.

On the cart, choose from cheesecake, fresh fruit, tarts, red velvet cake, lemon layer cake and gelato. It is dessert heaven. And no Italian meal would be complete without a refreshing shot of limoncello, Italian moonshine.

The dining room is calm, intimate and a little reminiscent of Northern Italy. The staff is impeccably attentive with oldschool service values. You will feel welcome and well-tend-

ed to from the moment you pass through the doors. Old-fashioned methods often embrace family recipes and culinary traditions, preserving cultural heritage. In an era of constant change, these restaurants offer a nostalgic and comforting haven, proving that timeless values remain vital in the hospitality industry.

Reservations are highly encouraged at La Piccola Liguria, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Regular hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays the restaurant is open from noon to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m.

La Piccola Liguria is located at 47 Shore Rd. in Port Washington. Valet service is available at the restaurant. Call 516-767-6490 for seating and more information.

Fresh mussels and clams in pesto sauce Photos by Christy Hinko

Tripe done right, in a creamy peas and carrot sauce

Polenta in a creamy tomato sauce Tender, fall-off-the-bone osso buco over mashed potatoes

The owner, Victor, shaves fresh truf es over the pasta.

Bringing Kimberly Akimbo To Life With Music

Composer Jeanine Tesori shares her journey

BY CHRISTY HINKO

Kimberly Akimbo is the newest musical from Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire and composer Jeanine Tesori that follows Kim, a bright and funny Jersey teen, who happens to look like a 72-year-old lady. And yet her aging disease may be the least of her problems. Forced to maneuver family secrets, borderline personalities, and possible felony charges, Kim is determined to find happiness in a world where not even time is on her side.

Jeanine Tesori, a graduate of Paul D. Schreiber High School, has written a diverse catalog for Broadway, opera, film, and television. Leading up to the Tony

nominations, which were to be announced on May 2, we had a chance to speak with Tesori about her musical journey with the show.

Q. What’s the process for developing music around a Broadway show?

“David [Lindsay-Abaire] and I had written another musical together; we wrote Shrek

the Musical. We meet all the time to come up with ideas. I suggested to him that we do one of his own plays. We knew Kimberly Akimbo was the one and immediately began writing the music for it.

“We [David and I] were inspired by our wonderful dysfunctional families, holiday dinners and everyone has an Aunt Deborah who says the wrong thing at the wrong time or has done some time in jail. We put all our ideas up on a giant board and we start planning, this scene and song might go together here and what would this song sound

like, it could go here.

“It takes years of meetings and then you have to put it before an audience, does anyone relate to this. Is it funny enough? Is it moving enough. Our first meeting for Kimberly Akimbo was in 2012. We opened in 2022.

“For me they take that long because I think it’s how you make something that lasts.

“My nona lived with us on Long Island. She was, forever for me, like a 12-year-old because that was the age she was pulled from school in Italy before she came here to the United States. She came here

when she was in her 20s. She always had this incredible twinkle in her eye and a playful spirit. She told me something once, she said she would look in the mirror and be so surprised to see someone in their 80s; she always thought she would see a 12-year-old looking back at her. That always stayed with me.

“When David and I were talking about things once, about how life is. Life can be short or long, but it has a timeline. You’re born, you live and the then you are no longer alive, and people go on after you, but the joy that

Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway

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you can be who you were even who you were as a kid even as you mature, you can keep that spirit alive even though the world sees you as an older person.”

Q. How do you create something that accurately complements a screenplay?

“I think I liken it to parenting a kid. The kid is born and then you think, huh…it doesn’t come with any operating instructions, let’s see what this kid needs. Oh, this kid is shy; this kid needs braces. What are the bones of this play? What is this play about? What has happened in our own lives that is like this?

“My job is to find out why they [the audience] are bored in that spot. Is it the cut? Is the song in the wrong place?”

My father was a doctor on Long Island; he was a scientist, so we used to talk about science a lot. It’s sort of the method of [deduction] and figuring things out. I listen for the queues that the audience is not connecting with the scene, shifting in their chairs, coughing, things like that.”

Q. How did you get involved in composing?

“I started playing piano when I was three. Long Island is a center for the arts. I studied with this incredible music teacher, Richard Benda (of Long Island). I did not even see a real musical until maybe high school, but certainly when I attended Weber. I went to Barnard to study science and medicine. I discovered theater by working at a theater camp.”

When she was 19, she answered an ad in the local newspaper for John Philip Sousa Elementary School for a musical director for the school’s play, Bye Bye Birdie. “I got the job. It paid $300. I thought my ship had come in. That started everything for me.”

Q. Who has influenced your career?

“There are two women that

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were incredible influences on my career as a musician.“ Joe Popoleo was my fifth and sixth grade music teacher at Flower Hill School (approximately 1971). She was a strong teacher. I did the Sound of Music with her and I remember that I didn’t like turning pages so I memorized the score; I had it in my head. Nick Denver wrote a review of Bye Bye Birdie for the Port Washington News back then (approximately 1981) and I remember him remarking about that. She said then it didn’t seem like such a big deal, but now in hindsight it confirms her talent for the craft.

“There was also another music teacher at Flower Hill who I would love to find. I cannot remember her name off the top of my head right now, but she was there around 1968 or 1969. [Lee] Aschenbrenner was the principal then. I would love to find her and acknowledge the gift that she gave me; she was one of the most gifted music teachers ever.”

Q. What’s the best part of composing?

“It’s a doorway, walking in the shoes of others. I don’t write words, that’s not my gift. Because of my training and it’s been passed down through my family, my grandfather was a composer. I love it to try to make people feel something. It sounds so simple minded. It’s one thing to read something and to have words with it; as soon as you put it to music you hear a chord and it makes you cry. There’s a scientific reason behind it. You can translate what’s happening in the world. As soon as you put strings underneath someone talking and you instantly feel sad. It’s very powerful.

“I did not know that you could do music for anything other than doing it just to do it.” It never occurred to her that you could make a living playing music, even as she began entering the career field.

“My dad said, ‘my gift to you is to is to graduate debt-free, but now you are on your own and you have to make your own way,’ and I did.”

Q. How are you feeling leading up to the Tony nominations?

“Awards are incredibly helpful, but they are not a reflection. It’s all very subjective, but the awards help us get the word out.

“I come from a family that values humility above all, and civic duty, decency, owning up to your own stuff.

“My dad used to say, ‘You look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and you have to reckon with that.’”

Jeanine credits her father’s work ethic to his upbringing and working for his father who owned a fruit store in Great Neck in the 1960s.

Q. What do you hope for in the audience take-away?

South Boston and comes from a working-class family. The characters reflect the people he knew. The story feels very true.”

Tesori is one of the first female composers commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera. Her musicals include Fun Home (Tony Award, Pulitzer finalist); Soft Power (Pulitzer finalist); Caroline, or Change (Olivier Award); Violet; Shrek; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Twelfth Night. Her operas include Blue (Libretto, Tazewell Thompson); A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck (Tony Kushner); The Lion, The Unicorn and Me (J.D. McClatchy); and the upcoming Grounded (George Brant).

In addition to her work as a composer, Tesori is the founding artistic director of New York City Center’s Encores! Off Center Series, a lecturer at Yale University, and most recently the supervising vocal producer for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story

“My parents were completely supportive of my decision to leave pre-med and pursue music.

Kimberly Akimbo is like the experience of having a great full meal; it’s great big belly laughs; it’s a cry; it’s a full experience.

“David is writing about what he knows. He grew up in

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Kimberly Akimbo opened in November and is playing at Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St. in Manhattan. The show runs

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FROM BLANK CANVAS EMERGES A WORLD OF IMAGINATION

BY CHRISTY HINKO

For many, like local artist Cori Forster, it is a lifelong devotion to creativity and self-expression. We recently had an opportunity to chat with Forster about her talent and creations. Here’s what she had to share.

Q. Describe your work.

A I mainly paint in oils, focusing on traditional representational techniques. I devote most of my time to painting landscapes, nature, still life and portraiture.

Q. What inspires your work?

A My passion for painting is greatly inspired by the world around me. When I am intrigued by an image, I feel compelled to express it on canvas. It may be to provoke an emotion, or it could be to capture a moment in time. I am fascinated with color, texture, and how shapes interact with each other. The subject matter is equally important to me; the composition and how light falls against the subject all play a role in my creative process. Whether I’m painting a landscape, still life, figure or portrait, I am always revealing the beauty and awe of nature.

Q. What makes your work unique?

A. My uniqueness is revealed by people who have appreciated my work over the years. Searching through my social media archives, I found testimonials that depict the individualism of my paintings.

“Your paintings are fantastic. You share your emotions funneled directly into your paintbrush. You speak a language of love and happiness.”

“Your eyes and your hand are like a camera. Absolutely amazing!”

“Looks like if you touch it, it will move. Unbelievable.”

“They make you feel like you are actually sitting right there.”

“It’s the way you catch the light. I have seen Monets in every country in Europe, and you catch the light the way he did, in the moment.”

“Many artists find inspiration by focusing on their memories and sense of values. Those personal statements can make an artist’s paintbrush paint something

serious and dramatic, but you paint beautiful, serene, sometimes playful, and fun scenes...a reflection of you.”

Q. Why do you create art?

A. Everyone is born with an innate talent. Getting in touch with that inner knowing and realizing that it is part of one’s purpose is where the magic happens.

Q. How did you get started creating?

A. I began my journey as an undergraduate student at Queens College, majoring in fine art. I then transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I majored in fashion Illustration, to complete my degree. Over the years I earned my living as a freelance artist, where I worked in various design houses and companies. Taking time off to raise a family, and a change of career, I eventually found my way back to my true love—art. Once moving to Long Island, I changed my focus from illustration to fine art. I have taken art classes all over Long Island, as well as workshops and Zoom classes with instructors internationally.

Q. Is art learned or instinct?

A. Art always comes from within. It starts off instinctually and then gets developed through learning and countless hours of doing.

Q. Where can we see more of your work?

A. My paintings have been juried and exhibited all over Long Island and New York City; The Salmagundi Club, NYC, The Art Guild of Port Washington, Huntington Arts Council, Mills Pond Gallery, Trapani Art, Planting Fields Arboretum, and featured in Newsday, and The Observer In 2019, I had my first solo exhibition at Yasha Gallery, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and this past May, a two woman show, at Barnes Gallery. Currently, you can view my work at Barnes Gallery, and the Firefly Artist Gallery, Northport. I am excited to announce that I just became a member of the prestigious Salmagundi Club. Forster is a member of the Art League of Nassau County, with work currently on display at Barnes Galley through August. The gallery is located at 2 Nassau Blvd. in Garden City South and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.barnesgalleryframing.com or call 516-538-4503 for details about the art show. Visit www.coriforsterart.com to check out more of Forster’s work or on her social media pages (@CoriForster_Art on Facebook and Instagram).

Being a painter is an exhilarating journey of pursuing a passion. With every brushstroke, emotions come alive and colors dance in harmony. The canvas becomes a sacred space where ideas flow freely, transcending boundaries.

Cori Forster