Gold Coast Living 4/24/24 edition is published by Anton Media Group.

Threatened Treasures

Stepping Stones Lighthouse and Mill Pond House make list of endangered historic places

BY JENNIFER CORR AND JULIE PRISCO

Earlier this year, Preservation Long Island released its 2023 Endangered Historic Places List. e list features seven nominated sites on Long Island, from historic homesteads to a former mental health campus, all of which highlight the historical richness of the region.

According to Preservation Long Island, “The Preservation Long Island (PLI) Endangered Historic Places Program (EHPP) is designed to identify, highlight, and address the imminent threats faced by significant historical sites and structures across Long Island. The properties are nominated to the list by concerned citizens and groups on Long

The Mill Pond House in Oyster Bay is one of the oldest surviving dwellings in Oyster Bay. Built in 1720, before the American Revolution, it has been vacant since 2008, deteriorating since.

“Mill Pond House is interesting because this is the first year that it’s on the list,” explained Preservation Long Island Director Tara Cubie. “But if you look back through our newsletters, [Mill Pond House] has been something we’ve been aware of for a very long time and working towards trying to help. It’s one of these sites, and there’s a few of them out there, it seems like something is going to happen, and then nothing ever does.”

For example, in 2021, the Oyster Bay Town Board approved the hiring of Nassau Suffolk Engineering & Architecture PLLC, a Hauppauge-based company, to assess the structure’s condition. The firm estimated a cost of $1.3 million to restore it.

Since then, the town has been waiting for a private buyer who would agree to preserve the building.

According to Preservation Long Island, the Mill Pond House was constructed on land granted to Henry Townsend in 1661 for the construction of Oyster Bay’s inaugural grist mill. It was then passed down to his son, “Mill John” Townsend, who maintained the milling operation

Island. The program aims to raise public awareness about the endangered status of these historical places. PLI engages in advocacy efforts to garner support from the local community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.”

Preservation Long Island’s Director of Preservation and Advocacy, Tara Cubie,

until his passing in 1705.

“We believe it was built by that son’s wife,” Cubie said. “Her name was Esther… she was a businesswoman. She was known for selling her cider and she managed a trading business. From the beginning, the house was more than a house, it was an important part of the history of Oyster Bay.”

The house stayed in the family until 1929. It then had multiple uses, including a private residence and a gift shop.

“If you talk to people around town, they remember that,” Cubie said. “A lot of people remember that it was a place where they’d go and buy souvenirs.”

The Town of Oyster Bay recognized the building as a landmark in 1976 and acquired it in 2008 with the Save Our Environmental Assets Fund, but it has stood vacant ever since.

“Unfortunately, that’s one of the worst things that can happen for a building,” Cubie said.

In 2014, two fires damaged the 20th-century additions to the home, but the 18th-century part of the home remains unharmed.

The fate of the Mill Pond House remains unclear.

“It’s a very useful building, so if [the town] could sell it, there’s a way to put covenants in place that would make sure whoever bought the building would take care of it, not destroy it, and keep the historic importance of it,” Cubie said.

shared that the list has been released every other year since 2010. It is informed by nominations from community groups and individuals, as well as a group of experts in architecture and history.

Below is the Preservation Long Island 2023 Endangered Historic Places List:

• Eliphalet Whitman House (c. 1736), Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown (part of Caleb Smith State Park)

• Perkins Electric Generating Plant (Riverhead Electric Co), West Main Street, Riverhead

• Stepping Stones Lighthouse, Long Island Sound, off Kings Point and South of City

Mill Pond House

Island (owned by the Town of North Hempstead)

• King’s Park Psychiatric Center, Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park

• Coindre Hall Boathouse, Town of Huntington

• Shutt House, Town of Islip

• Mill Pond House, Town of Oyster Bay

Two of the seven endangered historical places identified by Preservation Long Island are on the North Shore: the Stepping Stones Lighthouse and the Mill Pond House. Both sites are long-standing historical properties that contribute to the North Shore’s vast history.

Historic photos of Mill Pond House (Photos courtesy Preservation Long Island)

LONG ISLAND on page 6B

Current conditions of Mill Pond House

Oyster Bay: A Golden Gem Oakcliff builds leaders through Gold Coast sailing

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Sailing on the North Shore of Long Island o ers a remarkable experience, where the blue waters of Long Island Sound meet the green coastline. Sailors glide gracefully along the gentle breezes, navigating past historic lighthouses and charming seaside villages. e coastline’s rugged beauty provides a picturesque backdrop as seafarers revel in the tranquility of the open waters.

Oakcliff Sailing Center in Oyster Bay has been capitalizing on this appeal since 2010 with two missions: to fill Oyster Bay with sails and to build leaders through sailing. I spoke with Dawn Riley, executive director at Oakcliff about this amazing opportunity. Here is what she had to share.

CH: Tell me about Oakcliff Sailing Center.

DR: There is nothing like Oakcliff or Oyster Bay sailing in the world; Oyster Bay is truly a golden gem on the Gold Coast. Oakcliff serves anybody who knows how to sail, on up to Olympicand America’s Cup-level sailors.

CH: Who are your students and what makes a good sailor?

DR: We actively recruit through multiple scholarship funds, specifically at community sailing centers around the country. We are also looking for those who are interested in sailing but are from underserved communities. Interestingly, a lot of our students tend to come in clusters, like Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Southern California, usually by way of young people and word-of-mouth. Sailors are athletes; we work out regularly and sailing requires different skills for different types of sailing, but in general, sailors are fit and flexible; that is key. More than 50 percent of our graduates are in the marine industry, building

boats, sailing in the America’s Cup and going on to the Olympics.

CH: What are people more surprised to learn about sailing?

DR: Younger sailors are surprised when they fall in love with the sport; they are teens and it helps them focus on one thing; they discover the wide breadth of opportunities that there are. Students love learning about how we train, how all the parts of the boat work, and managing the sails. They often leave with a completely different idea and career path.

CH: Describe sailing on the Long Island Sound.

DR: Some days are civilized and some days, like today [nor’easter on Wednesday, April 3], are wild and wooly. I went out to the beach this morning and it’s like the Southern Ocean [Antartic Ocean]. When you get a good nor’easter, it’s wild. You need two different skill sets to sail the Long Island Sound. You end up with two different [weather] masses, the north shore of Long Island versus the south shore of Connecticut. The sea breeze is quite tricky. Sailing Long Island Sound requires you to believe the unbelievable in terms of what the wind is doing, or could potentially do; this is a pretty good training ground for the finesse of the sport of sailing.

CH: Do you train with the students in this weather?

DR: If this weather was happening during the regatta, we would be sailing in it, so yes, no matter what the weather is doing. Last fall, it was blowing 30 knots and we sent students out knowing that it was going to be way past some of their limits. We train past the limits; we train on the schedule that we will compete on. Billie Jean King is a friend of mine and she talks about that when she speaks about “The Battle of the Sexes.” That’s exactly what we do. We train on the race schedule.

Riley is a renowned figure in the world of sailing, celebrated for her pioneering spirit and remarkable achievements. As one of the few women to break barriers in professional sailing, Riley has left an indelible mark on the sport. She is a member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame, the International America’s Cup Hall of Fame and the State of Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. She is the only person to achieve this.

Her impressive résumé includes four America’s Cup campaigns and two Whitbread Round the World races, making her one of the most experienced sailors globally. Beyond her competitive prowess, Riley is also a dedicated advocate for gender equality in sailing, empowering women to pursue their passions on the water. With her fearless determination and leadership, she continues to inspire countless individuals to chase their dreams and navigate uncharted waters.

Riley is the past president of the Woman’s Sports Foundation and is a much sought-after motivational speaker.

Oakcliff offers unique programs from corporate teambuilding to a tuition based residential program for athletes who want a career in the marine industry. Through these programs, Oakcliff is helping America regain its leadership position in the sport and “Building American Leaders Through Sailing.”

Oakcliff Sailing Center is located at 4 South Street in Oyster Bay. Visit www.oakcliffsailing.org to learn more.

Oakcliff workshop

Oakcliff Sailing Center in Oyster Bay opened in 2010.

Oakcliff sailors on the sound

(Photos courtesy of Oakcliff)

PRESERVATION LONG ISLAND from page 3B

Stepping Stones Lighthouse has been in poor condition and has needed repairs for many years. As an important landmark and part of Great Neck’s history, its restoration has been a concern for many involved parties and residents.

The Stepping Stones Lighthouse was built in 1876 to help ships navigate the Long Island Sound waters and rocky reefs and guard the approach to New York City’s East River.

The U.S. government enacted the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, which gives away dozens of lighthouses every year to groups willing to preserve them and turn them into public attractions like museums. The lighthouse was offered at no cost to eligible entities, including federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit corporations, and educational organizations. In 2008, the lighthouse was transferred to the Town of North Hempstead.

Since the Town of North Hempstead gained stewardship of the lighthouse 14 years ago, not much has been done to restore or maintain it.

In 2014, North Hempstead partnered with the Great Neck Historical Society and the Great Neck Parks District to raise funds and awareness for the lighthouse. Since Stepping Stones Park is the closest land to the lighthouse, the Park District offered staff and facilities to take people back and forth to the lighthouse.

“The Historical Society was pushing the town to restore the lighthouse. We helped raise a considerable amount of money from the community to restore the lighthouse. And we also helped the town get major grants to restore it,” said Marc Katz, vice president of

Stepping Stones Lighthouse

Great Neck Historical Society.

While a lot of money was raised and received in grants, it wasn’t enough. The historical society has met with the town to get the project going and encourage working together to raise the necessary balance of money to restore the lighthouse, but nothing has happened.

The historical society became frustrated with the lack of

progress and publicly. Its members stated that since nothing has happened with the lighthouse restoration, maybe the federal government should take it back. The historical society began looking for other options for assistance.

Preservation Long Island has detailed some ways the Stepping Stones Lighthouse can be preserved, such as pursuing more funding and continuing efforts to raise public awareness and support.

The historical society is working on forming a nonprofit organization for the lighthouse. According to Preservation Long Island, “Their mission is to accomplish the physical rehabilitation of the structure and to create educational programs to promote its history as well as the environmental significance of western Long Island Sound.”

Since 2010, 44 buildings have been listed on the Endangered Historic Places List, and only three of those have been demolished.

“We’ve found [the list] to be a really good tool for advocacy,” Cubie said. “It lets people know that these buildings are there and it helps raise awareness. It’s used to create connections and build momentum for a lot of these sites.”

Visit www.preservationlongisland.org/ehp2023 for more information about Preservation Long Island and the Endangered Historic Places List. In-person events are planned for the Spring of 2024 that include site tours, and panel discussions open to the public.

—Original press release from Preservation Long Island

An up-close image of the lighthouse conditions (Photo from steppingstoneslight.com)

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Gatto Pups and Friends

A comedian’s dog rescue in Glen Head

BY JENNIFER CORR specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

You may know Joe Gatto from Impractical Jokers, where he joined three longtime friends in pranking unsuspecting people in the tri-state area. He left the show at the end of 2021.

But you may not know Gatto’s efforts to put older, adoptable dogs in loving homes.

In the fall of 2022, Gatto and his wife Bessy formed Gatto Pups and Friends to rescue senior and unwanted dogs, opening a storefront in Glen Head the following year.

“Gatto Pups and Friends is our rescue out here in Glen Head, and we have spent a lot of time with rescue and supporting other organizations in collecting a bunch of old dogs,” Gatto said. “We felt that we could do better if we take this off in a big way and launch a non-profit, so that’s what we’ve done and it’s really great.”

Gatto said it’s been fun to have the physical space in Glen Head

where people can come to see the dogs, whether they are walk-ins or come in by appointment.

“We have a minivan, the Gatto Pups Mobile,” Gatto said. “It’s really fun to take it to the next level. It’s been really great, the support of the community and my fans. People just love puppies and want to help them find some homes. It’s just been really rewarding work.”

The Gatto family currently has nine dogs, known as the “Gatto Pups.” The “friends” of the “Gatto “Pups” that are up for adoption range in age from 12 to 20 years old.

“[Rescue dogs] are the kindest things in the world,” Gatto said. “It’s just something about a rescue dog and the way they appreciate being helped. They give back, too. They’re so appreciative and so cute.”

It was the Gattos’ first dog they had purchased that opened them up to the world of puppy mills, which the Humane Society of the United States describes as an inhumane commercial dog breeding facility that sells puppies in pet stores, online or directly to the public.

“We got into rescue back about 10 years after I rescued my first dog, Biscotti,” Gatto said.

Gatto has enjoyed living on Long Island and operating Gatto Pups and Friends here

as someone who attended Long Island University (in Brookville).

“I live in this neighborhood now and my kids go to these schools,” Gatto said. “It’s just filled with great people who are very supportive. And I support a lot of local businesses out here as well; Glen Head is just a great neighborhood filled with a lot of people who want to do good.” Visit www.gattopupsandfriends.com to see the dogs up for adoption or to learn more.

Welcome to our springtime edition of Gold Coast Living. Springtime on the North Shore of Long Island heralds a magnificent transformation as nature awakens from its winter slumber. This region, characterized by its stunning coastal landscapes, affluent communities and historic landmarks, becomes a symphony of colors and scents during the spring season.

The arrival of spring brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and vitality to the communities along the coast. Locals emerge from their winter hibernation, eager to embrace the warmer weather and engage in outdoor activities. Along the shores, fishermen cast their lines into the sparkling waters of Long Island Sound, hoping for a bountiful catch of striped bass, while sailors unfurl their sails, taking advantage of the gentle spring breezes.

One of the hallmarks of spring on the North Shore is the vibrant display of flowers that adorn the meticulously landscaped gardens of historic estates such as Old Westbury Gardens. Visitors flock to our opulent estates to marvel at the riot of colors created by tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, and to stroll along manicured pathways lined with blossoming cherry trees.

The staff at Anton Media Group has prepared another exciting edition of North

Shore wonders and excitement. Check out our feature story about sailing on the Sound. Special sections managing editor Christy Hinko spoke with Dawn Riley, Olympic sailor and director of the elite instructional center, Oakcliff Sailing Center, about the fascinating and rugged sailing opportunities on the North Shore. The lead bartender at The Union, the newly opened dining venue in Eisenhower Park, shares some of its bestselling cocktails, particularly for the trending Thursday night happy hour crowd at the multi-venue establishment. We would be remiss if this edition did not include history, something that all of Long Island is rich in. Managing editor Julie Prisco and community editor Jennifer Corr dive into Preservation Long Island’s 2023 Endangered Historic Places on Long Island, including Stepping Stones Lighthouse, just off the coast of Kings Point on the Great Neck peninsula, and Mill Pond House in Oyster Bay. Jennifer also had a chance to speak with Joe Gatto, of Impractical Jokers fame, about his efforts to rescue dogs in Glen Head. This is one of Jennifer’s final features as an Anton community editor, as she is following her career path, onto a new adventure. The Nassau County Museum of Art is always good for some exciting news and shares its newest exhibit. Somewhat unexpected, but in true delight, Christy Hinko had a chance to document Dr. Jane Goodall about her continued conservation efforts during the celebration of her 90th birthday at

The Beacon Theatre in Manhattan earlier this month. And to round out this very special edition, community editor Lauren Feldman speaks with Evan Pappas, creative director at The Argyle Theatre, about his roster of amazing productions because of the partnership with the theater’s owners. Anton Media Group’s own bittersweet organizational announcement comes as the company bids adieu to its steadfast president, Frank Virga, upon his retirement. This will be Frank’s final guidance

on the company’s Gold Coast edition as our president. Our gratitude fills the air. His leadership steered our organization through triumphs and challenges alike, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy. With heartfelt thanks, colleagues share in my honoring of his dedication, wisdom and commitment to excellence.

Be sure to catch our luxury issue of Design & Decor Magazine on June 12.

Angela Susan Anton Publisher

Joe Gatto rescues senior and unwanted dogs through the nonprofit he founded with his wife Bessy, Gatto Pups and Friends. (Photo courtesy of Joe Gatto)

Traci Conway Clinton is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.

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The Pioneering Primatologist

Jane Goodall has shaped our understanding of chimpanzees and conservation

BY CHRISTY HINKO

Dr. Jane Goodall, born on April 3, 1934, in London, embarked on a groundbreaking journey to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania at 26, with no formal scientific training. Under the mentorship of anthropologist Louis Leakey, she began her intimate study of chimpanzees, revealing their complex social behaviors and emotional depth. Her observations challenged previous scientific beliefs, proving that chimpanzees make and use tools, a trait once thought to be uniquely human. Goodall’s work transcended research; she became a global icon of conservation and animal welfare. Founding the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, she has inspired generations to respect and protect the natural world, embodying a lifelong commitment to conservation and empathy towards all living beings.

On April 1, hundreds of fans, conservationists, colleagues and donors took their seats at The Beacon Theatre in Manhattan to attentively glean wisdom from the legendary Dr. Goodall. The ticketed event was, in addition to a celebration of her 90th birthday, an insightful perspective on why it is critical for people to make conservation efforts a priority to cherish this spinning rock we call earth.

Goodall, born just before World War II began, shared some of her earliest memories of her lifelong love of animals.

“Some of you know, I was born loving animals, all animals,” Goodall said. “My

mother nurtured this love of animals that I had. When I was just one and a half years old, I don’t remember this, but she told me, and she said, ‘Well, you know, I came into your room to say goodnight to you and there were all these earthworms in your bed; you were watching them so intently. I think you must have been wondering how did they walk without legs.’ Anyway, she just simply said they might die if we didn’t take them back into the garden so, that’s what we did. I spent hours and hours out in the garden, watching insects and birds and squirrels, and anything that I could find.”

Goodall was five when the war began. Books were her source of entertainment.

“I remember the first book that really, really made an impression on me; it was The Story of Doctor Dolittle (1920) when he took animals from the circus and released them back into Africa,” Goodall said. “I was fascinated by Africa and islands and things like that.”

She remembers when she was 10 years old, crawling around on the floor of a secondhand bookshop in England on Saturdays to devour books.

“I found this little cheap edition of Tarzan of the Apes (1912); I read a couple of paragraphs and I had saved up just enough money to buy it,” Goodall said. “I took it up into my favorite tree in my grandmother’s garden. I fell passionately in love with this glorious lord of the jungle. And what did he do? He married the wrong Jane.” The audience roared with laughter and applauded in delight.

“That’s where my dream began,” Goodall

said. “I will go to Africa live with wild animals to write books about them.” Goodall is the author of numerous books including her most recent hardcovers, Local Voices, Local Choices: The Tacare Approach to Community-Led Conservation and The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times . Her life is the subject of numerous television and film projects, including the IMAX film Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope , which is currently playing in select theaters across North America. She is the inspiration behind the Emmy-winning children’s series JANE, which is streaming on Apple+, and National Geographic Society’s immersive museum exhibit “Becoming Jane.” Visit www.janegoodall.org to learn more about Goodall and the foundation or to make a donation.

Dr. Jane Goodall (Fernando Turmo)

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Dr. Jane Goodall at The Beacon Theatre

(Courtesy of MSG)

From Subway Cars To Gallery Walls

Art museum exhibit celebrates the rise of 1980s street art

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

e 1980s downtown NYC art and street art scene was a vibrant, transformative period, marked by an explosion of creativity against a backdrop of urban decay. is era saw the emergence of pioneering street artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf, who moved from subway cars and city walls into galleries, blurring the lines between high art and street art. Amidst economic hardship, the Lower East Side became a canvas for expressing social and political discontent, with gra ti becoming a powerful medium for voice and identity. is period was characterized by its raw, anarchic energy, a melting pot of music, art, and cultural rebellion, fostering an innovative community that reshaped the art world’s boundaries.

Nassau County Museum of Art has announced its newest installation, Urban Art Evolution, a large-scale, in-depth exhibition surveying the 1980s downtown NYC art/street art scene, guest curated by the esteemed art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey.

“Urban Art Evolution is an exciting and sweeping exhibition focused on the numerous artists connected to rich artistic history of the 1980s downtown art scene,” Pusey said. “Many Long Islanders are familiar with the more famous artist names such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf and Keith Haring, but there were hundreds of other important and influential talents that comprised the creative fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods.”

The show opened on March 23 and runs through July 7.

“My vision for the Urban Art Evolution exhibition was to highlight these other artists as well and to create specific rooms, with an immersive environment for museum goers, all within the historic setting of this landmark mansion,” Pusey said. “Between both floors of the museum there are more than 135 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and ephemeral items that provide a vibrant and educational experience of this exciting time in New York City.”

Urban Art Evolution is a comprehensive installation focused heavily on pieces from 1980s downtown NYC (alongside some from 1990s to now), a

diverse range of compositions by creators who were based in the rough and tumble area of NYC known as Loisaida/LES/East Village (and surrounding neighborhoods): period photography, sculpture, paintings, performance works, films, and important ephemera from many influential artists during this pivotal time in art history (many with strong LI connections/have been exhibited at museum over the years, indicated by *). Included will be Jean-Michel Basquiat*, Mike Bidlo, Linus Coraggio, Ronnie Cutrone, Al Diaz, Dondi*, Chris “DAZE” Ellis*, Judy Glantzman (born on Long Island), Rodney Greenblatt, Richard Hambleton*, Keith Haring*, Eric Haze, Mark Kostabi* (solo exhibited at museum multiple times), Angel Ortiz/ LA2, Rick Prol, Judy Rifka (raised on Long Island), Walter Robinson, James Romberger (born on Long Island), Kenny Scharf* (solo exhibited at museum multiple times/in permanent collection), and David Wojnarowicz.

The catalyst for the exhibition is the current moment at which urban art and the music scene are enjoying within the cultural Zeitgeist like the 50th anniversary of the birth of HipHop music and the recent 40th anniversary of the release of the seminal film on the graffiti art movement, Wild Style, making 2024 a perfect time to exhibit the works of the pioneering visual artists that were on the cutting edge of urban inspired contemporary art.

The timeline for the curation goes back to the early 1980s where Pusey was a young art dealer witnessing the confluence of these

genres with film, music, and art cross pollinating and influencing each other in immeasurable ways. Rounding out the artist roster for the exhibition are Christopher Hart Chambers, Tseng Kwong Chi, Martha Cooper, Jane Dickson, Fab Five Freddy, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Ken Hiratsuka, Stephen Lack, John “CRASH” Matos, Hank O’Neal, Lee Quiñones*, and Martin Wong.

The exhibit will include weekend film viewings, guest lectures and historian partnerships.

Nassau County Museum of Art is located at 1 Museum Dr., in Roslyn (on the 145-acre property of the former Frick “Clayton” Estate). Visit www.nassaumuseum.org for details.

Untitled by Kenny Scharf

Untitled (Fun Fridge)

Robodozer by Rodney Alan Greenblat

The Daily Balance by Rodney Alan Greenblat

Untitled by Angel “LA2” Ortiz

Untitled by Kenny Scharf (All photos courtesy of Nassau County Museum of Art)

Untitled by Keith Haring and Angel “LA2” Ortiz

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Shaken And Stirred To Success

The Union’s premier cocktail menu is its secret ingredient

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

In the competitive landscape of upscale dining, the importance of a quality cocktail menu cannot be overstated. For a new upscale restaurant, it serves not just as an extension of its culinary o erings, but as a vital component of the overall dining experience. A thoughtfully curated cocktail menu can signi cantly enhance customer satisfaction, create a unique brand identity, and drive pro tability.

Aquality cocktail menu adds depth to the dining experience.

In an era where dining out is as much about the experience as it is about the food, cocktails offer a multifaceted sensory experience. They act as a prelude to the meal, setting the tone with their visual appeal, aroma, and taste. A well-crafted cocktail can complement and elevate the flavors of the dishes served, creating a harmonious dining experience that lingers in the memory of the patrons.

We met with The Union’s experienced mixologist, Juan Lopez, to chat

about some of the venue’s new cocktail specials as well as some of their standard concoctions to find out what it takes to satisfy a crowd expecting to be wowed by the opening of the multi-establishment at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.

“We have had a great response to the bar and to the restaurant with new people coming in every day to see what we have done with the place,” Lopez said. “We already have a lot of repeat and regular customers, even though we are still in the infant stage, four or five months now; Thursdays are quickly becoming the busiest happy hour.”

The Union’s delicious specialty cocktails (Christy Hinko)

Lopez arrived in New York from El Salvador when he was 13 years old. He has been in the hospitality business, literally since birth.

“My mother owned a restaurant back home; she made everything from scratch; the whole menu was a la carte,” Lopez said. “When we arrived in New York, she sent my sister to culinary school to become an executive chef; she wanted me to go too, but this is my passion. I am doing what I love to do behind the bar.”

Lopez shared two of the seasonal specialty cocktails that are not on the regular menu, Tee Party and The Gigi, both incredible combinations with equal fans of both, but for different reasons.

The Tee Party is a smooth, goingdown-easy gin-based summer treat. It’s a blend of gin, lemon juice and specialty Earl Grey syrup that will be a perfect thirst quencher on the venue’s new patio overlooking the golf course. The Gigi is the chef’s creation, a margarita-like delight with mezcal tequila, lime and blood orange juices, in a Tajin-rimmed glass. The flavor really stays with you on this one and it’s beautifully presented.

“We are always working on new cocktails for the season with fun and exciting ingredients, something sweet, something spicy,” Lopez said. “We are experimenting now for our summer menu already.”

OTHER COCKTAILS ON THE MENU INCLUDE:

Bee Sting— local honey, Milagro reposado, sweet vermouth and fresh lemon

Smoked Old Fashion— Hudson Lights bourbon, Angostura bitters, orange peel, demerara sugar and cedar smoke

Wagon Train— Aviation gin, Rocky’s botanical, Fever Tree tonic and lemon

Elderflower Spritz— Nue vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, Fever Tree tonic and club soda

Side Rye-Der —Sazerac rye, lemon, maple syrup, and orange bitters

Pink Rose— Tito’s vodka, rosemary syrup, grapefruit juice and prosecco Negroni— Gracias A Dios gin, Campari, sweet vermouth and orange

In the age of social media, where visual appeal can significantly impact a restaurant’s popularity, cocktails offer a visually stunning component to the dining experience. Innovative presentations, unique glassware, and garnishes not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also encourage patrons to share their experiences online, effectively serving as free marketing for the restaurant.

A unique cocktail menu helps in establishing a distinct brand identity. In a market saturated with dining options, a creative and distinctive cocktail menu can set a restaurant apart from its competitors. It reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality, attention to detail, and creativity, resonating with a

clientele that seeks not just a meal, but an experience that is unique and memorable.

Cocktails have a higher profit margin compared to other menu items, making them an important driver of profitability for upscale restaurants. By offering a selection of exclusive, high-quality cocktails, a restaurant can significantly boost its average per-customer revenue. This is particularly important in the initial stages of a restaurant’s life cycle, where establishing a strong financial foundation is crucial for long-term success.

A quality cocktail menu can also enhance customer engagement and loyalty. Offering seasonal or limited-edition cocktails, for example, encourages repeat visits, as patrons are eager to try new offerings. Engaging customers in the story behind each cocktail, whether it’s the inspiration, the ingredients, or the method of preparation, can enhance their connection to the dining experience, turning casual diners into loyal patrons.

For a new upscale restaurant, investing in a quality cocktail menu is not merely an addition to its beverage offerings but a strategic business decision that impacts customer experience, brand identity, marketing, profitability, and customer loyalty. It is a critical element that can differentiate a restaurant in a crowded market, creating memorable experiences that draw patrons back time and again.

The Union is located at 1899 Park Blvd. within Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Visit www.theunion.restaurant or call 516-684-9106 for hours, menus and reservations.

Pull up a seat with Juan Lopez at The Union. (Christy Hinko)

Long Island Theatre Giving Broadway A Run For Its Money

LAUREN FELDMAN lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

For decades, Long Islanders seeking the créme-de-la-créme of theatre would make the journey into Manhattan, tolerating the interesting smells of the LIRR— or braving the nightmare that is city parking—to reach Broadway, a caliber of performance which did not seem to nd challengers anywhere else in the country.

Well, this is no longer the case, thanks to the emerging powerhouse, Babylon’s Argyle Theatre. The Theatre is Long Island’s newest and largest year-round equity theater. Complete with orchestra pit, balcony, state-of-the-art lighting, sound, rigging systems and a full-service bar. The Argyle is a destination for Broadwaycaliber musical theater, plays, comedy, and concerts—without ever having to leave Long Island. Its excellence speaks for itself in the caliber of directors and staff who have happily come aboard in support of the project, including Artistic Director Evan Pappas.

Pappas, San Francisco-born, was called to the world of theatre from a young age. He was a singer, like his mother, and was cast in Beach Blanket Babylon, the world’s longest-running musical revue and a staple in San Francisco at the time. While playing the role of Tony in West Side Story, Pappas took note of the dancers and knew he’d need to learn if he wanted to make it in New York. “If you’re going to go to New York, you need to be as well-rounded as you can,” he said. At the age of 19, Pappas was taking 13 dance classes a week, voice lessons and an acting class, while also working for his father at the family business.

Pappas was able to find success as an actor in New York, which was—and still is—a brutal industry. Part of his success stemmed from his ability to be, as he described, a chameleon. “As an actor, I was considered something of a chameleon playing the good guy, the antihero, the comic, the villain, the buddy, the romantic,” he explained. “It

was a position in which I reveled, as I got to play roles more varied and interesting than other, more easily categorized actors.” Throughout his career, Pappas worked with some of the most talented directors of the past 30 years, including Harold Prince, Graciela Daniele, Mike Ockrent, Mark Lamos, Jack Hofsiss, Michael Bennet, Bob Avian, Jerry Mitchell, and Susan Stroman, among many others. But the actor had another aspiration—to direct.

Following a near-fatal car accident in the mid-aughts, Pappas was forced to re-evaluate acting. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do eight shows a week anymore. It’s thrilling but also so exhausting.” This was when he committed to a pivot towards directing. His background as an actor only helped Pappas to thrive in this new role. “As a director,

I take great pride in bringing what I learned as an observant chameleon to my productions. I love actors and I love to invent. Directing is, for me, the ultimate creative outlet. I am invigorated to challenge my imaginative limits and to ignite creativity in others.”

Pappas has enjoyed the director’s role of having a hand in every pot. “What I love about directing is taking care of everything and everybody,” Pappas said. “I love mentoring. I love passing on what I had to learn the hard way. I love creating work for people. I love that family unit.”

Does he miss acting? Sometimes. “When I see great actors on stage, I have the desire to get up there and spar with them,” Pappas said. But director-hood suits him well. His directorial credits include Liberty (Theatre 80 and 42West); Wonderful Town and Du Barry Was a Lady (both for Musicals Tonight!); Evita, West Side Story, Kiss Me Kate and The Daughter of the Regiment for Opera North; The Color Purple and Sister Act for Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Lucky Stiff (Arizona Broadway Theatre); Murder for Two (Depot Theatre); and Funny Girl and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for San Francisco’s Broadway By the Bay. Both of these last productions garnered Pappas a Best Director nomination from the Bay Area Theatre Critics, with Seven Brides winning the award for Best Production. Pappas was a perfect fit for the Argyle, a theatre committed to Broadway-level excellence with a Long Island zip code.

The Argyle Theatre has a rich history of entertainment reaching back to 1921 when a newspaper article announced plans for a “$100,000 Theatre for Main Street.” With a 1,500-seat capacity, the new Capitol Theatre was expected to be “the finest theatre on the South Side.” The new entertainment venue would

not only benefit residents, but it would also help Babylon become a more attractive summer resort for vacationers. In 1925, the Suffolk County theatre reopened under new ownership as the Babylon Theatre, delighting audiences with its many modern improvements including a flashy electric marquis. An advertising campaign to surrounding communities was so successful that 500 people had to be turned away on opening night. It was obvious that the Babylon Theatre was poised for success. Throughout the following decades, the Babylon Theatre survived two fires and several different owners as it continued operating as a modern cinema house until 2014.

The newly renovated and historic Argyle Theatre on Main Street in the Village of Babylon opened in Spring 2018 with Guys and Dolls. The much-anticipated performance venue has been brought back to life by Mark and Dylan Perlman, a father-son duo behind the $4-million project. Seaford residents Mark Perlman and Dylan Perlman have long dreamed of bringing high-quality live theatre to Long Island’s South Shore. The theatre offers six annual main stage productions featuring performers from Actors Equity Association, the union for professional stage actors.

The Argyle recently wrapped up A Chorus Line, a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition, captured by an emotive and enthusiastic cast. Next on the docket for the 2023-2024 season is A Bronx Tale, which will run from April 25 to June 16. Based on the critically acclaimed play that inspired the now classic film, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Visit www.argyletheatre.com to learn more.

Evan Pappas (Photo credit Shirin Tinati)

The cast of Argyle Theater’s A Chorus Line (Photo credit Richard Termine)