Spring Dining Guide 5/01/24 edition is published by Anton Media Group.

Dining at The Union Making cookies Brunch ideas

The Union at Eisenhower Park (Trahanas Hospitality Group)

Delicious food meets great company at Eisenhower Park.

We believe that food has the power to bring people together. at’s why we’ve created a menu that unites avors from all over the world, with dishes that are both familiar and exciting.

Experience the magic for yourself. Reserve a table or contact us to plan your next event.

Epicurean Powerhouse

The Union trailblazing area dining as part of premier multiplex

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

Say, “ e Union” to any foodie on Long Island and they are mostly likely already familiar with Chef Tom Gloster’s continued track record at his newest success inside Eisenhower Park. e Union and its Trahanas Hospitality team, headed by Gloster, are quickly establishing their venue with solid legs, removing the need to refer to the complex as it was formerly known, e Carltun.

Gloster, of Huntington, is the former executive chef at Rustic Root in Woodbury, winner of Food Network’s Chopped (2015) and former executive chef at Opus Steakhouse, the Harbor Club at Prime in Huntington and Rothmann’s Steakhouse in East Norwich. He graduated from Long Island Culinary Institute in 2006.

The Lannin, The Union and The General are three individual properties under one roof at the site of the former Carltun on the Park, which closed last year. The renovations to the property total more than $6.5 million and include full interior renovations, a new kitchen and a roof deck that overlooks the putting green at the Eisenhower Golf Course and a newly renovated dining patio. Together they comprise a 35,000 sq. ft. facility that also includes an indoor/outdoor wedding ceremony space and fully renovated bridal suites.

Stepping into the shoes of a successful predecessor in the restaurant industry can be a daunting task for any new restaurateur. The challenge is not only to maintain the loyal customer base but also to enhance it while infusing the establishment with their unique flair. This transition period is critical as it sets the tone for future business and can significantly impact the new owner’s long-term success.

Consistency is key. Regular patrons will have expectations based on their previous experiences. It’s crucial for the new owner to understand what made the restaurant successful in the first place. Whether it was the quality of the food, the ambiance, or exceptional service, maintaining these core attributes should be a priority, something that the Trahanas Group pays close attention to with each decision.

With Gloster’s expert leadership, the team knows the reputation of a restaurant travels fast in the foodie community. Gloster knows how critical it is for a smooth transition, which has been

reassuring to his customers that expect him to exceed his benchmark standards they have come to know and love, which is essential for sustaining the business’s reputation. Positive word-of-mouth continues to be one of The Union’s most effective allies, especially in Long Island’s critical and highly competitive hospitality industry.

Gloster knows how vital it is to keep the essence of what has made each of his previous establishments so successful. He is already bringing fresh ideas to the table at The Union—literally and figuratively, with new food creations, seasonal ingredients and special cocktail menus.

“Our vision is to honor the tradition of the park and honor Eisenhower with the naming of everything,” Gloster said. “When you think of modern American, you think of a melting pot of ingredients and diversity. One of the coolest things about that is that it doesn’t hold us to any confines, not [strictly] to Italian, Mediterranean or Asian; so one night you might come and be able to order a classic pot roast and another night you might come and be able to order a great seafood bouillabaisse.

There is an abundance of parking, immediately at the venue, suitable to accommodate multiple events happening at the venue and adjacent golf course. Valet parking is also available for The Union.

Mother’s Day brunch spots are available for booking. Reservations are highly encouraged, especially during prime dinner hours Thursday through Sunday.

Trahanas Hospitality Group also operates the concessions at Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park under contract with the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation.

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.

Attention to design is key at the venue. (Trahanas)

Trahanas Hospitality Group owner Elias Trahanas and Chef Tom Gloster (Christy Hinko)

The Union’s menu has something for everyone. (Trahanas)

Mother’s Day Brunch Menu

SEATING:

ASSORTED BREADS & BREAKFAST PASTRIES

Croissants

Muffins

Bagels

Assorted Breads

Sweet Butter

Assorted Preserves

BREAKFAST DISPLAY

Scrambled Farm Fresh Eggs

French Toast

Sausage

Bacon

Home Fries

SEAFOOD STATION

Smoked Salmon

Smoked Whitefish

Seafood Pasta

ASIAN STATION

Bang Bang Shrimp

Bourbon Orange Chicken

Pork Short Ribs

Vegetable Fried Rice

SALAD BAR

Asian Caesar Salad

Cherry Tomatoes & Mozzarella Cheese

Mixed Green Salad

HOT ENTRÉES

Penne Alla Sake

Chicken Teriyaki

Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes

String Beans with Sweet Onions

CARVING STATION

Roasted Prime Rib

CHEF’S

Celebrate So oatLuna

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Mother’s Day Treat

TTuesday

Wednesday

Grilled Salmon Dijon or Flounder Francese

Thursday Penne alla Vodka or Zucchini Spaghetti Marinara with Meatballs (Beef, Chicken or Eggplant)

hese simple yet delicious chocolate chip cookies are sure to bring a smile to your mom’s face and show her just how much you appreciate her on Mother’s Day. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet treats with your loved ones.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. This should take about two to three minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, serve these classic chocolate chip cookies to your mom on Mother’s Day with a glass of milk or a cup of her favorite hot beverage.

—Christy Hinko

Photo Getty Images

From Couch To Kitchen

Savoring convenience with food delivery

Shopping for a food delivery subscription can be an exciting and convenient way to streamline meal planning and grocery shopping. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose a service that aligns with your preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a food delivery subscription:

1

Dietary preferences and restrictions

One of the first things to consider when selecting a food delivery subscription is your dietary preferences and any restrictions you may have. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific food allergies, it’s essential to choose a service that offers options tailored to your needs. Look for subscriptions that provide customizable menus or offer specialized meal plans to accommodate your dietary requirements.

2

Menu variety and flexibility

Another important factor to consider is the variety and flexibility of the menu offered by the food delivery service. You’ll want a subscription that offers a diverse selection of recipes and rotates its menu regularly to keep things interesting. Look for services that allow you to customize

your meal selections, swap out ingredients, or skip weeks when needed to accommodate your schedule and preferences.

3Quality of ingredients

The quality of ingredients used by the food delivery service is crucial to the taste and nutritional value of the meals you receive. Look for subscriptions that prioritize sourcing high-quality, fresh, and seasonal ingredients from trusted suppliers and local producers whenever possible. Consider whether the service offers organic or sustainably sourced ingredients if these factors are important to you.

4

Cooking skill level

Consider your cooking skill level when choosing a food delivery subscription. Some services cater to experienced home cooks who enjoy experimenting with new recipes and techniques, while others are

geared towards beginners or individuals with limited time for meal preparation. Look for services that provide detailed recipe instructions, cooking tips, and preportioned ingredients to make the cooking process as easy and enjoyable.

5

Cost and value

Cost is another important consideration when shopping for a subscription. Compare the pricing plans of different services and consider factors such as the number of meals per week, portion sizes, and any additional fees for shipping or customization options. While some subscriptions may appear more expensive upfront, they may offer greater value in terms of convenience, quality, and time saved compared to purchasing ingredients separately.

6Delivery schedule and logistics

Take into account the delivery schedule and logistics of the food delivery service. Consider whether they deliver to your area and if their delivery days and times align with your schedule. Look for services that offer flexible delivery options, such as the ability to choose your delivery day or time window, to ensure you receive your meals when it’s most convenient for you.

7reviews and reputation

Before committing to a food delivery subscription, take the time to read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reputation of the service. Look for feedback on the quality of the meals, customer service, delivery experience, and overall satisfaction with the subscription. Consider seeking recommendations from friends, family, or online communities who have tried the service firsthand.

8Trial period or sample offerings

Many food delivery services offer trial periods or sample offerings that allow you to test out their meals before committing to a subscription. Take advantage of these opportunities to experience the quality, taste, and variety of the meals offered by the service and determine if it meets your expectations and preferences.

—Compiled by Christy Hinko

Photo Getty Images

This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a delightful surprise with a gin-based cocktail crafted just for her. With its botanical notes and refreshing flavors, gin adds a sophisticated twist to any celebration. Whether she prefers a classic gin and tonic garnished with fresh herbs or a floral gin fizz kissed with elderflower liqueur, there’s a cocktail to suit every taste. Served in beautiful glassware and accompanied by a heartfelt toast, Mom is sure to feel cherished and appreciated as she indulges in this elegant libation made especially for her special day.

Co-founder and CMO of Gray Whale Gin Jan Mokhtari is an award-winning creative director and filmmaker. In 2018, she founded Gray Whale Gin, the fastest growing gin that is all about giving back through the brand’s mission of ocean conservation and partnership with Oceana. In less than five years, Gray Whale Gin has helped make legislative change, permanently protecting the oceans. Gray Whale Gin was founded on the principle that a consciously crafted spirit can bring us together for good times while doing some good in the world.

Check out some refreshing gin-based cocktails while doing good for the environment.

—Gray

Sip And Celebrate

Indulge mom with deliciously fun cocktails

Frozen Whale Hello There

1 ½ parts Gray Whale Gin

1 ¼ parts simple syrup

½ part lemon juice

¼ part lime juice

1 ½ scoops ice

Garnish: lemon twist or mint leaf

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend for 30 seconds. Garnish with lemon twist or mint leaf and serve immediately.

Ruby Fizz

2 parts Gray Whale Gin

5 parts blood orange juice

Shake with ice. Strain over ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with blood orange slices

Big Sur Sunset

2 parts Gray Whale Gin

1 part lemon juice

¾ part raspberry syrup

½ part orgeat

1 egg white (optional)

Garnish: mint leaf and fresh raspberry

If making with egg white, add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with no ice, add ice, and shake again. If making with no egg white, add all ingredients into cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Fine strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with raspberries and mint leaves. *Raspberry Syrup can be store-bought or homemade. If making the syrup, combine 4 oz berries, ½ cup sugar, and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the berries have disintegrated into seeds. Muddle if needed. Fine strain syrup to remove seeds and berries. Let cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in a refrigerator. Keeps for two weeks.

Oceanside

2 parts Gray Whale Gin

¾ part salted simple syrup

¾ part fresh lime juice

soda water

5 mint leaves

Garnish: mint sprig

To make Salted Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside Cocktail, add all ingredients except soda water into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3-4 seconds. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint sprig.

Whale Gin

Ruby Fizz (Gray Whale)

Frozen Whale Hello There (Gray Whale)