List Magazine is a community life style magazine of the Great South Bay area. It is published five times per year incorporating all four seasons plus a holiday issue. Most of our distribution is mailed from Babylon to Great River, south of Montauk Highway and all of Brightwaters. In addition, our magazines are available for pick up in shops along Montauk highway and in our coastal towns.
I am so proud and honored to highlight some of the best local businesses to you in every issue of our lifestyle magazine.
You may recognize the beautiful house on our front cover with its spectacular reflection in Argyle Lake. This photograph was taken by Vicki Jauron, a local resident and talented photographer, who is the eyes behind the camera for our cover shots of the List. She is a travel, portrait, and landscape photographer, who, on occasion, focuses her lens on Argyle Lake to capture the beauty of the seasons. So fortunate are those who live in the towns nestled beside the Great South Bay, as there are so many gorgeous views in all of our neighboring communities.
We made our List, checked it twice, and are confident you'll find our Holiday Guide a great source to help you prepare for this holiday season.
Take a stroll through the magazine, formatted by town, to help you plan your
holiday shopping, dining, and celebrating. Our What’s Happening calendar and gift card check list can be useful as well.
I always get nostalgic as the year comes to a close. I want to say thank you to my readers and our sponsors, who love the vibe of our seasonal print magazine, and those who follow us on our social platforms. We are looking forward to building a brand-new website so that we can engage with you more frequently.
I love my production team…I couldn’t do this without you…and thank you to all the contributors who help make our magazine inspire you to love where you live.
Lastly, I want to say Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate the birth of Christ, and Happy Holidays to all faiths. May we always share a common goal of love and compassion, allowing our world to shine and sparkle. May
Subscribe to our email list and receive special offers from our partners, discounts to the best restaurants, updates on new restaurants, local events, and more! TheListMagazine.com
The quaintness of this historic village, with its inviting shops, excellent pubs & restaurants, and plenty of festive family events make this friendly town a great place to visit this holiday season.
Old Fashioned Christmas FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 • 5:00-9:00PM
Enjoy lots of holiday festivities and entertainment, courtesy of your local merchants. Listen to holiday music as you stroll through the village and wait for Santa to arrive on a horse drawn carriage! Activities for the kids and holiday shopping specials make it a fun night for all.
A Dickens Winter Wonderland FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
A Night of Holiday Fun and Activities in Babylon Village. A great evening for the entire family. Annual Gingerbread Contest Stores open late.
THINGS WE LOVE j
Everything! The restaurants, gift shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, bakeries, and more!
While shopping in Babylon Village, stop at The Greek Garden restaurant. I love to pick up a tray of their kourabiedes, Greek butter cookies they bring in daily from Astoria. These powdered butter cookies with fine almonds are delightful. I always arrange to meet a friend and have dinner in the village.
If you're holiday shopping in Babylon Village, make a point to stop at Roomors, Healthy Alternatives or Realm Home Furnishing for some unique gift ideas!
Photo
Shabby to Chic Décor MOVING SALE
Children
Night Life
HAPPY HOUR Monday-Friday, 4-7pm
FRIDAYS Live Music • Two for One Drink Specials
FRIDAY & SATURDAY DJ and Dance After 10
Dining
Classic American Cuisine
Steaks • Chops • Seafood
PRIME RIB SUNDAYS $24.95
THURSDAY PRIX FIXE • 4-10PM
$27.95 and $12.95 all you can drink wine (dining only)
Now Taking Reservations for Christmas Eve Dinner New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing
After a grueling 20 weeks of training, some local south shore residents are all smiles as they shine at the NYC Marathon. It’s not about the race but the training, commitment, and kinship that makes it a wonderful experience.
LI Beauty Ball was a stellar success! Mondays at Racine Cancer Care Foundation surpassed its goals and raised over 250K to continue to expand its services and support the needs of those living with cancer.
sponsor
Best wishes to Diane Iannaccone of East Islip on beginning your new chapter!
Dynamic Duo!! Kaleigh and Mikie have teamed up to raise money for JDRF to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes. Kaleigh was diagnosed in 2011, and, ironically, Mikie this past September. The young couple have been together for a year, and their relationship has helped them manage their lives with diabetes. They recently became ambassadors for JDRF, which will provide them with the opportunity to help other kids adapt to being diabetics as well as engage their community in advocacy, fundraising efforts, volunteering, and interacting with the media to successfully communicate the messages of JDRF to the community.
Left - Right Above; Rachel DeMolfetto, Carol Silva, Cynthia Sansone, Karla Waldron, Anthony Sevdinoglou.
Left; Presenting
Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca from NY Cancer & Blood Specialists at the LI Beauty Ball.
Some local marathon runners of the 2017 NYC Marathon. A shout out to Jonathan Sorto, owner of Empowered Training at World Gym Bay Shore, for being an inspiration to his small fitness groups to get fit and shine.
Getting in the Holiday Spirit!
Dogma
Dear Readers,
Thank you for your congratulatory letters and emails about my new digs at The List. The food is great, but the company is even better. They even set up a 401K-9 for me! How lucky am I?
In keeping with my new position, I’d like to share a letter from a patient...
Dear Dr. Mil,
In dogs years I’m 15. As fate would have it, there’s a young male in my den who’s the same age. Humans call him a teenager. Here’s the rub. He gets fed on demand! Then, right after dinner, he sniffs through cupboards and digs up buried food. When I tried it, I got a swat on the behind. The 15 year old doesn’t even know how to sit, stay, or roll over, and doesn’t respond well to commands. He howls when things don’t go his way, and the only thing he’s mastered is begging. Why does he get rewarded with extra food?
Hungry Hound
Dear HH,
Sounds like your humans toss food at the teenager to keep him quiet. Howling might work for him because he’s done it since birth, but chances are that it won’t work for you. Try soft whining and make use of those hound dog eyes!
Cheer up! It’s the holiday season! Your humans will have friends and family over for dinner more often. They’ll pack extra food in their cheeks to prepare for winter, and because they’re the only species that talks while it eats, scraps will fall. Get under the table! Stay close to small humans who still have the wisdom to walk on all fours, or any large humans who are especially loud and thirsty. Trust me; it will be a watershed moment. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a midnight snack, check underneath your teenage human’s bed.
You're welcome, Dr. Mil
Montessori
•
Say “Goodbye” to the Daily Eyebrow Routine
Introducing Microblading
This Cutting-Edge Technique Transforms Any Brow into Amazing, Fuller Eyebrows.
WHAT IS MICROBLADING?
Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup designed to partially or fully camouflage missing eyebrow hair. This manual procedure of implanting cosmetic tattoo pigment into the skin in the form of hair-like strokes creates the look of fuller eyebrows. Microblading can create or improve eyebrow definition, cover gaps of lost brow hair, extend the eyebrows, or even be used to fully reconstruct the brows if there is little or no brow hair. Each microblading stroke is applied individually, allowing for complete control of the shape, color and density of the completed eyebrows.
About Our Brow Experts at Village Salon & Spa
Our professional brow experts at Village Salon & Spa have worked in this field for over 20 years, gaining advanced knowledge and experience in mastering the art of brow shaping and design. Our technicians are certified by Suffolk County Department of Health to perform cosmetic tattoo artistry.
Additional Brow Bar services include Brow Design and Tinting, Waxing, Microblading and Eyebrow Extensions
Microblading, when done by a brow expert, can recreate full brows with beautiful results. Come in for a complementary consultation.
Brows by Master Technician, Anda
Natural Remedies
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR COLDS AND FLU
While the winter months bring holiday cheer, catching a case of the common cold or flu can quickly bring your spirits down. Luckily, there are many essential oils for colds and flu symptoms that can just as quickly bring your spirits back up by providing soothing relief and support healing. The following blend helps build the body’s natural resistance. These essential oils fight infections with amazing effectiveness, killing off bacteria by disrupting their lifestyle.
Essential oils enter the body’s tissues and cells that harbor the infection, then target the bacteria that is attacking the body, killing its microorganisms and treating the ailment naturally.
Basic Immune-Boosting Essential Oil Blend
Written by Peggy Nenos, Aromatherapist and owner of SOS Natural Products
TO 2 OZ. OF A CARRIER OIL, ADD:
3 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of tee tree oil
2 drops of bergamot oil
2 drops of ravensara oil
2 drops of eucalyptus oil
Use a few drops daily as a massage or body oil, lotion, or room diffuser.
Personal Pharmacy Service Has Returned To Babylon Village!
At Village Pharmacy, we can easily transfer your prescriptions with just one phone call. You pay the exact same insurance co-pay as you would at any of the big chain drugstores.
At Village Pharmacy & Surgical, we take pride in our ability to serve all your needs.
Rochelle Schaeffer
Rene Naber
Nick Yaniskowsky Professional Fitness Consultant
Ciara Shea Nutritional Therapist
Jacqueline Morrison Spiritual Direction
Kate Finnick N.D., Reiki Master
A
Very Special Thanks
to all of our Great South Bay Local Restaurants, Bakeries, Florist’s, Wineries, Breweries, and all those who participated in the 7th Annual Taste of Education. Our Students are Truly Blessed.
• A Fresh Approach
• Americano Pie Bar
• Anheuser Busch
• Arooga's Grille House and Sports Bar
• Audrey's Fine Baked Goods
• Babylon Village Meat Market, Inc.
• Bayport Flower House
• Besito Mexican Restaurant
• Buenos Angie's
• Café Europa
• Captain Bill's
• Caroline's Flower Shoppe
• Crown 1 Enterprises
• Del Fuego
• Dulce de Leche Cake Shop NY
• Emilia's Bakehouse Café
• Frank & Maria's Italian Pork Store
• Gemelli's Ristorante
• H2O Sushi & Seafood
• Henley's Village Tavern
• Irish Coffee Pub
• Kilwins
• Kitchen Kabaret Fine Foods
• la Tavola Trattoria
• LaCasa Pizza & Pasta
• Mannino's
• Maxwell's
• Nicky's on the Bay
• Ocean Janitorial Supply, Inc.
• Post Office Café
• Primi Italian Steakhouse
• Ruvo Kitchen & Wine Bar
• Shandon Court
• SJB Culinary Club
• SJB/Pepsi
• Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
• Southside
• Sub Zero Ice Cream
• Swell Taco
• The Amazing Olive
• The Brixton
• The Original Amore
• The Riverhead Cider House
• T's Cookout
• Variety Florist
• Verde Kitchen & Cocktails (Coastal)
• View • Villa Monaco
• Vittorios
• West Islip Wines & Liquor
Getting ready can be therapeutic. The routine is comforting and it feels good to devote some time entirely to you. Some mornings, the lure of the snooze button is too strong to resist, and we find ourselves scrambling to get out the door. With many back to back holiday parties, sometimes we don’t have that luxury time to prepare and pamper ourselves. Here are some helpful tips to speed up your primping process and create the perfect look in minutes.
Use Multi-tasking Products.
Save time and money by opting for multi-tasking products. BB and CC creams are perfect time-savers in the morning or when you have to get ready in a pinch. They perform multiple functions, like moisturizing your face, evening out your skin tone, and protecting your skin with SPF. Makeup tints work well on cheeks, lips and eyes, are easy to use, and convenient to throw in your bag for quick touchups throughout the day.
Use Dry Shampoo and Dry Conditioner.
When you don’t have time to hit the shower, opt for dry shampoo and conditioner. Dry shampoo is a miracle product for when you are too busy to wash and style your hair. Dry shampoo is great for soaking up excess oil and adding volume. It also adds fresh fragrance to your hair and can lengthen the life of a perfect blowout. Dry conditioner works wonders on ends that feel like straw after a long day or night. Quality hair products and dry shampoos are available at local dry shampoo bars.
Get your hair blown out professionally at a salon. A really good blow out will last a few days or longer, so you won’t have to spend time on your hair except for maintenance touchups here and there. Not only is this a time-saver, your hair will look great for all those parties.
Use Lip Colors that Pop.
If you don’t have time for a full face of makeup, a quick swipe of brightly colored lipstick instantly pulls your whole look together, leaving you feeling great and looking polished. Corals, pinks and reds freshen up your face and never go out of style. Many of our local retailers and salons carry makeup lines for you to sample and purchase. Be sure to stop in and sample some this holiday season. Visit these local retailers to see their complete line of makeup. East Islip: Beauty Mark Spa & Bridal; Islip: Racine Salon & Spa; Bay Shore: Drew Patrick Spa and Willy Nilly Trading; West Islip: Village
Prepare.
Take five minutes the night before to choose what you’re going to wear and store everything in an easy to reach place for the following morning. Organize your makeup and beauty products and streamline your routine so that you know where everything is and aren’t spending extra time trying to locate things in the morning.
Love Yourself.
Remember…while outfits, makeup and hairstyles make you feel good, they don’t determine your beauty. Signs of aging or stress won’t change who you are inside; embrace your naturally beautiful self, smile and shine.
Salon; Babylon Village: Healthy Alternatives.
Nest Fine Fragrances & Candles
Lemon Scarves, Socks, & Accessories
Olivina Skincare for Men
Julie Vos Jewelry
Beatriz Ball Gifts & Serving Pieces
Fish Hippie Menswear
LOCAL HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 • 5-9PM
Old Fashioned Christmas and Shopping in Babylon Village. Sponsored by the Babylon Chamber of Commerce. Babylon Village gets transformed into a winter wonderland! Music, entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus! Stroll the Village and enjoy holiday specials. Many stores open late. Visit babylonvillagechamber.org for more info.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 • 11AM-3PM
Amityville Holiday Homes Tour. Tickets $20.00. Tour beautifully decorated homes and enjoy refreshments at historic St. Mary’s Church. Visit amityvillejuniorleague.com for ticket information.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 • 5PM
Islip Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. Parade begins at Ocean Avenue and finishes at Town Hall.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 • 12-5PM
24th Annual Holiday House Tour. Presented by the Historical Society of Islip. Tickets available through their website and also at Nook & Cranny, Main St., Islip
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 • 8PM
Eileen Ivers Joyful Christmas. YMCA Boulton Center, 37 W. Main Street, Bay Shore. Tickets $45-$50. For more info 631.969.1101
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 • 5-9PM
A Dickens Winter Wonderland in Babylon Village; Gingerbread Contest. Sponsored by the Babylon Chamber of Commerce. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Stroll the Village and enjoy holiday specials. Many stores open late. You may hear a “Bah, humbug!” from old Scrooge himself.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 • 4-7PM
‘Tis the Season at LI Maritime Museum. LI Maritime Museum, 88 West Ave., West Sayville. Holiday entertainment for all ages.
SAT-SUN, DECEMBER 9-10 • 11AM-4PM
Christmas at Sagtikos Manor. Sagtikos Manor, 677 Montauk Highway, Bay Shore. Adults $25; Seniors & Students $20; Children (5-12) $8. Call for reservations 631.661.5169 or register online.
SAT, DECEMBER 9 • 11:30AM-12:30PM 15th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa. Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park. Free Admission – Come early! For more info 631.661.4876
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 • 5PM
Bay Shore/Brightwaters
Light the Night. Sponsored by Beautification Society. Visit their website for more information.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 • 6PM
East Islip Chamber of Commerce Annual Tree Lighting. Memorial Park, Islip Terrace. Performances by East Islip Jazz Chorus, RCK Chorus, Dance Art Studio and Santa!
FRIDAY-MONDAY, DECEMBER 15-18
The Nutcracker Presented by Seiskaya Ballet. Staller Center for the Arts, Stony Brook University. The Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker has become a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island for the entire family. Tickets $34.00$40.00; Show times vary. Visit nutcrackerballet.com for more info.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15-27
A Christmas Story, the Musical. The Gateway Performing Arts Center, Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. A holiday delight for children and grown-ups alike. Ticket prices vary. Buy online or call 631.207.1313
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 • 10:45AM
Great South Bay/Bayard Arboretum Hike. Heckscher State Park, East Islip. Hike to a fantastic view of the GSB in Heckscher State Park, drop out after 6 miles or continue to explore the beautiful Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Rain or snow cancels. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Great River LIRR station, park on south side. Joint hike with NHOC.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17
Mooseltoe the Musical. The Gateway Playhouse, 215 South Country Rd., Bellport. Times and ticket prices vary.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 • 7-10PM
Ugly Sweater Party at La Famiglia, Babylon. Top Shelf Open Bar, Buffet and DJ, $50pp.Ugliest Sweater wins Grand Prize.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 • 10AM-4PM
Snowflake Sale and Visit from St. Nicholas. Bay Shore Historical Society, 22 Maple Ave., Bay Shore. Santa, holiday decorations, bake sale and more.
MAKE HOLIDAY SHOPPING EASIER WITH OUR
GIFT CARD CHECK LIST!
We've put together a list of some favorite restaurants, retailers and service professionals that sell Gift Cards or Certificates! From stocking stuffers and "think outside the box" ideas to big wishes fufilled, use our Check List for all the very special people on your Holiday Shopping List. (Some even come with a special bonus gift card for you!)
RESTAURANTS
☐ Argyle Grill & Tavern, Babylon P4
☐ Babylon Carriage House, Babylon P7
☐ Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar, Babylon P4
☐ Bay Shore Bean, Bay Shore P21
☐ Babylon Bean, Babylon P21
☐ The Bean in Patchogue, Patchogure P21
☐ The Greek Garden, Babylon P4
☐ Henley's Village Tavern, Brightwaters P18
☐ La Famiglia, Bay Shore P5
☐ Any Lessing's Restaurant, lessings.com P21
☐ Mary Carroll's, Babylon P8
☐ Molto Vino & Cheese Osteria, Babylon P9
☐ Primi, West Islip P16
☐ Sea Levels, Brightwaters P18
Gift Cards are the Perfect Fit Every Time!
RETAIL
☐ Drew Patrick Home, Bay Shore P17
☐ Healthy Alternatives, Babylon P5
☐ East End Coffee Roasters, Patchogue P21
☐ Realm, Babylon BC
☐ Shabby to Chic Décor, Babylon P5
☐ South Shore Paddle, Babylon P9
☐ The Vicious Cycle, West Islip P11
☐ Willy Nilly Trading, Bay Shore P15
HAIR, BEAUTY & SPA
☐ Blow Chic, Bay Shore P16
☐ Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore P17
☐ Village Salon & Spa, West Islip P12
SPECIALTY MARKETS
☐ Caroline's Flower Shoppe, Islip P22
☐ Manhattan Bakery, Islip P23
☐ White Cap Fish Market, Islip P22
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
☐ Doggie U, Bay Shore P10
☐ Eyes on Main, Islip P22
☐ Healthcare Wellness, Bay Shore P13
☐ Gemaginations, Brightwaters P18
☐ Land & Cruise Vacations, P19
☐ Village Pharmacy, Babylon P13
FILL IN YOUR OWN!
Seeing is Believing
Forgiveness A
Gift You Give Yourself.
Almost everyone has been hurt by the words or actions of another. The longer the situation goes unreconciled, the deeper the wounds become from these lasting feelings of anger and resentment. When you let yourself dwell on these emotions, a grudge can easily take root, making you enslaved to the person that hurt you. Sadly, you are the one that becomes the victim.
It has taken me a lifetime to realize that the people you never thought could hurt you, sometimes do. From these experiences, I have learned that if we change our perception, we have the ability to forgive. By doing this we prevent the bitterness from taking over, and release ourselves from the hold
that person has over us. It is not an easy thing to do and it is a process that may take some time and inner strength, but researchers are now finding a powerful connection between forgiving others and our own well-being. For those who may need help letting go, there are many books written about learning how to forgive, or it may even be worth talking to a counselor or therapist.
Forgiveness does not minimize, justify or excuse the wrong that was done to you. However, when we forgive, it is the healing gift we give ourselves. Inner peace and true freedom are attainable once we choose to forgive and let go.
JL
HOLIDAY COOKIE SWAP!
ENJOY THESE FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREATS THAT WERE CONTRIBUTED BY LONG ISLANDERS
Pecan “Teacup” Cookies
A holiday favorite from Barbara DeVivo, Medford, NY Any hot beverage would be the perfect accompaniment for these nutty and chewy tartlets perfect for a cookie swap or any holiday gathering.
RECIPE YIELDS 40
Ingredients
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups of flour
• Dash of salt
Directions
• 2 eggs- well beaten
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Tartlets: Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add flour and salt. Mix well. Put mixture in mini cupcake tin pan cups, ungreased. Press dough in. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Filling: Beat the eggs and gradually add the pecans, vanilla, and brown sugar (one cup at a time). Put a teaspoon of filling in each of the mini pan dough cups. Bake for 30 minutes. Makes about 40 tartlets.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups shortening
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/4 cup special dark
cocoa
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. fine pink Himalayan salt
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 4 cups gluten free baking flour or regular white flour
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
I love these Raspberry Thumbprint cookies. They taste so good and are fun for the kids to make!
Ingredients
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• Raspberry jam
• 2 1/8 cups of all-purpose flour
• Confectioners’ sugar
1. Beat the butter in a large bowl or stand mixer until creamy (a minute or more). Mix in the sugar, vanilla and almond extracts. Add the flour and mix on low until a dough is formed. Take the mixture out of the bowl and form into a ball, then cover with saran wrap. Chill the dough for a minimum of 3 hours until hard.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Take half of the dough out and leave the other half in the fridge to work later (the dough must be cold when put in the oven so the cookies don’t spread). Roll 1 tblspn of dough into same size balls, then press your thumb down in the middle to form a divot. You can smooth out any imperfections with your finger, though it’s not necessary. Fill each cookie with 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Bake on parchment lined cookie sheets for 13-15 minutes, until the edges get slightly brown. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a baking rack. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar to your liking.
Copycat "Nabisco" Chocolate Snap Cookies
Contributed by Rich Fisher, East Islip. Follow Rich on his food blog definitelydelish.com Everybody loves cookies. If you’re like me, then having a cookie takes you back to the good old days and can be a special pleasure. I made this nostalgic recipe of mine gluten free, but it will work just as well with regular flour. So, if you remember that tiny rectangular box with the tiger face drawn on the cookie from the 70's and 80's, then you will fall in love with these simple, plain, wafer-ish cookies.
RECIPE YIELDS ABOUT 100 COOKIES
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cream 1 1/2 cup shortening, 1 1/2 cup light brown sugar and 1 cup white sugar. Add 2 eggs and beat.
3. Add 3/4 cup cocoa, 1/3 cup milk and 3 tsp. vanilla and beat.
4. Add remaining ingredients of 2 tsp. baking powder, 2 tsp. of Himalayan
salt, cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. soda and 4 cups of gluten free baking flour.
5. Form balls the size of a walnut and place about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake 12 minutes. Smash flat when they come out of the oven while still warm. Makes about 100 cookies, depending on how big you make them.
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Submitted by Pat Thomas, Brightwaters
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
10 Best Wines Under $20
Favorites from wine connoisseurs and wine lovers.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
1. In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In separate large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase speed to high; beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low; beat in eggs and vanilla until mixed, then beat in flour mixture just until blended, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; flatten each piece into a disk. Wrap each disk with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove 1 piece of dough from refrigerator. On lightly floured surface, with floured rolling pin, roll dough until slightly less than 1/4 inch thick. With floured 3-inch to 4-inch cookie cutters, cut dough into as many cookies as possible; reserve trimmings. Place cookies, 1 inch apart, on 2 large ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake until edges are golden, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating cookie sheets between upper and lower oven racks halfway through. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.
Kendall Jackson Reserve Chardonnay (California) $14
Relax Riesling (Germany) $18
Robert Mondavi Napa Fume Blanc (California) $16
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) $15
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients and mix together. Pour in the wet ingredients and mix well.
3. Mix together the coating spices and sugar in a bowl. Take ~1 tbsp of the dough, form it into a ball, and roll it around in the mixture. Place the ball on a baking tray that's been sprayed with cooking oil. Repeat until the batter is gone.
4. Bake for 8-9 minutes if you'd like soft cookies; 10 minutes for slightly crispier cookies. They may seem underdone after the time is up, but trust me, you don't want to over cook them.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
If you have a favorite wine you would like to share or if you tried one of ours and would like to comment, please email us at connect@thelistmagazine.com.
REDS
foodie
noun food·ie \ ˈfü-dē \ : a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads
LI FOODIE PICKS: SPOTLIGHT ON THE GREAT SOUTH BAY AND BEYOND
By: Adriana Pallaci
In keeping with the tradition of being on trend and in-the-know, The List has connected with some of the best foodies Long Island has to offer. From food trucks to steakhouses, our foodies have made getting to know the gastronomic side of Long Island their business, and they are bringing that knowledge to you. Here you will find a few of their top restaurant picks that highlight some of the fabulous eateries from our Great South Bay area and beyond.
VIBE: Stylish and lively BAR: Full bar; Happy hour TIPS: Ask for seating in their working greenhouse!
@long_island_eats
H2O SEAFOOD AND SUSHI
166 W Main St, East Islip, NY 11730 www.h2oseafoodsushi.com
VIBE: Trendy and casual BAR: Full bar, Happy hour specials TIPS: Check for their daily specials and seasonal seafood specialties!
THE REVIEW: This location has just undergone a full renovation. The sleek and modern design really sets you up for a fantastic dining experience. I am obsessed with the sushi menu at H2O Seafood & Sushi! I tend to lean toward rolls with lobster and crab, but you really cannot go wrong their fresh menu. My favorite is the Miso Brûlée roll with lobster, avocado, hamachi, tuna, and honey miso. Doesn’t that just sound like something you have to try? If sushi isn’t your thing, try their seared scallops, chicken and steak options. Chef Wayne has got this menu down to a culinary science, and all we have to do is sit back and enjoy the creations. Nothing wrong with that!
@long_island_eats
TULA KITCHEN
41 E Main St, Bay Shore, NY 11706 www.tulakitchen.com
VIBE: Trendy and casual BAR: Full bar TIPS: Tula’s is closed on Mondays, so keep that in mind when planning.
THE REVIEW: Walking into Tula’s in Bay Shore is a treat in itself. The rusticchic design is so clean and fresh, which
is a direct reflection of their cuisine. Tula's deliciously eclectic menu can get anyone excited about sitting down to a health-conscious meal. To keep the focus on health and balance, you won't find anything fried at Tula's, but you will find plenty of flavor. My favorite is the Tula Greek Bowl, because I'm a sucker for tzatziki and dill. Chicken, lentil burgers, salmon, and shrimp all play a role in making Tula’s a place that all can enjoy. Check them out and eat guilt-free!
@long_island_eats
BISTRO CASSIS
55 Wall Street, Huntington, NY 11743 www.bistrocassis.com
VIBE: Trendy and casual BAR: Full bar, Happy hour specials TIPS: Plan your trip by keeping an eye on their daily specials.
THE REVIEW: Dinner at Bistro Cassis left me with the inability to suck in my stomach. I literally couldn’t do it. I started with the mussels, and their spectacular calamari. I've had a lot of calamari over the years, and this is right up at the top. The honeyraspberry glaze adds the perfect complimentary flavor to the amazing crunch of each piece. The fresh greens and carrots bring it all together. I could quite literally eat these endlessly. You cannot go wrong with the Coq au Vin or Macaroni au Gratin for your entrée, but, honestly, any choice is a good choice. I genuinely recommend the Mille-Feuille, which is a French pastry with fresh raspberries and custard. It is even more magical than it sounds!
Check out Adriana’s food blog at www.longislandshortcake.com. You can also follow Adriana on Instagram @long_island_eats, and on Twitter @long island_eats.
399 Montauk Hwy, West Islip, NY 11795
www.besitomexican.com
VIBE: Stylish and lively BAR: Full bar, Happy hour specials TIPS: Save room for dessert! They have a great dessert menu, and even send you home with some churros.
THE REVIEW: When Besito opened its 3rd Long Island restaurant last month, I had the opportunity to attend their pre-Grand Opening event at their new West Islip location. The drinks included traditional cocktails with unique twists that could have just about any diner intrigued. The real star of the evening, however, was of course the food. I recommend ordering the Queso Fundido to start – a delicious baked queso Chihuahua with rajas, chorizo, cilantro and white onion served with warm corn tortillas and presented piping hot in the skillet it was cooked in. Other dishes I suggest trying include the roasted sweet potato tacos with corn, spicy pumpkin seeds, queso asado, and Serrano toreados salsa. For the main course I have to push for the Shrimp Jalisco served over mashed boniato with a tequila chipotle glaze. Overall, this restaurant is one of the best on the south shore and is not to be missed!
70 E Main St, Bay Shore, NY 11706 www.verdekitchen.com
THE REVIEW: Verde is one of my alltime favorite Long Island restaurants and go-to dinner spots! It is no secret that Bay Shore houses some tough competition when it comes to the culinary scene, but the food at Verde is incomparable. Verde’s dining room is one of the most unique that I’ve encountered on the South Shore - a live greenhouse where they grow their own herbs and garnishes. Their cocktail list hosts a wide range of seasonal margaritas, my favorite being the blueberry! To start, I always recommend the ceviche of the day, always fresh and always mindblowingly delicious. Street Tacos are a must and any of their many options will do, but be sure to save room for the main attraction – the oaxacan style carne asada. This incredible dish includes marinated skirt steak, charred onions and chiles, fried plantains, avocado relish, toasted garlic rice and warm tortillas. Overall, this is a top notch spot and you will be impressed no matter what you order.
Follow Missy on Instagram as LI Eats: @lieats
GREEKRAVE
9 Bay Shore Rd, Deer Park, NY 11729 www.greekrave.com
VIBE: Relaxed counter service BAR: No bar except the one where you place your food order. TIPS: Try their homemade Greek desserts!
THE REVIEW: I always rave about Greekrave! My undying love for Greek food was elevated the day I found out about this holy gem of an establishment. Serving up a twist on classic Greek cuisine, let me stop beating around the bush, THEY HAVE A GREEK BURRITO!! It's my favorite. I think about it at night before I go to sleep. Crispy pork gyro, savory spinach rice, and one of their greatest creations:
BESITO
VERDE
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SPICY. FETA. SAUCE. So get what you krave and let your Greek freak flag fly. Greekrave is waiting for you!
LEFT COAST KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS
1810 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566 www.lckny.com
VIBE: Lively and low-key BAR: Full bar; Happy hour specials TIPS: They have live music on the weekends!
THE REVIEW: Strap on your hiking boots because Left Coast Kitchen & Cocktails takes your taste buds on a journey. Inspired by multiple regions of the world, LCK is a melting pot that serves up everything from Argentina Red Shrimp n' Grits (my favorite) to "Jack in a Bowl" Ramen (also my favorite). Although the food is outstanding, I would be lying if I didn't say my favorite part about this restaurant was having a few of their specialty cocktails while talking to the delightful staff. I'd warn you that after eating here, you may want to quit work and travel the world, but you probably won't because you’ll be too full and sleepy.
Follow Ryan on Instagram as The Fare Bear: @thefarebear
Stephanie's Picks
HENLEY’S VILLAGE TAVERN
184 Orinoco Dr, Brightwaters, NY 11718 www.henleysvillagetavern.com
VIBE: Casual and trendy BAR: Full bar and craft cocktails TIPS: Try the Scratch Kitchen Menu and enjoy live music on Friday nights!
THE REVIEW: Henley’s Village Tavern
is a new and impressive addition to Brightwaters. They offer a Scratch Kitchen Menu and Craft Cocktails that show off their high quality and seasonal menu items. Pictured above is their Ultimate Brownie. This decadent brownie is topped off with chocolate gelato, bourbon syrup and walnuts. Their menu items change with the season and always showcase local ingredients. Make sure to check out this new location!
SEAFOOD AND SUSHI BAR
INLET SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
541 East Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954 www.inletseafood.com
VIBE: Casual and waterfront BAR: Full bar and cocktail menu. TIPS: Get a table outside during the sunset for a gorgeous view!
THE REVIEW: The Inlet Seafood Restaurant is a must try when visiting Montauk! From the gorgeous views to the incredible seafood, this will be a highlight of your trip. Make sure to get a table outside during the sunset over the water, it makes the meal even more spectacular! Pictured above is the Shrimp and Scallops Penne Pasta. It Includes shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, asparagus and a basil pesto cream sauce. Make sure to put The Inlet Seafood Restaurant on your list the next time you visit Montauk!!
Check out Stephanie’s food blog at www.baniandchai.com. You can also follow Stephanie on Instagram as Bani and Chai: @baniandchai
Get ready for even more recommendations, hot spots, and extraordinary dishes. Keep an eye out for our next issue to read about which new set of restaurants have made The List!
DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW OUR FOODIES ON INSTAGRAM:
Adriana @long_island_eats
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RAGING GRACEFULLY
By Anne Niland
In anticipation of the holiday season, I asked some friends to complete a sentence. They were instructed to avoid the answer, “to be jolly.” As expected, many of the responses were heartwarming. ‘Tis the season to… “be with family,” “celebrate life,” and “help others less fortunate.” Hallmark moments, but I was hoping for funny.
Family members who saw me coming, and couldn’t get out of the way in time, were directed to be witty. I sweetened the deal with chocolate and gave them time to think so their responses would be spontaneous. ‘Tis the season to…”rob another bank,” and “free Santa’s elves from a life of servitude,” were smile worthy. “Not shop online at Zappos after taking an Ambien”…cringe worthy.
At lunch, I held a co-worker captive. Again, chocolate came in handy. She had no qualms about stating, “Tis the season to PIG OUT!” Hmmm…food for thought. But, if we oink in excess during the holidays we can expect to go toe to toe with a scale that judges harshly. Can we handle the truth? Why not aim for balancing the scales instead of tipping them? Eat, drink, and be merry, but make a game plan:
» Try a cup of hot water and lemon juice before a meal. It’s a natural appetite suppressant and the ritual paves the way for mindful munching.
» Have a power snack before going to a party or restaurant. A handful of almonds with a piece of cheese or dried fruit can help tame an unruly appetite, and allows us to make better choices.
» At a buffet table, walk around it before getting on line. Spot the dishes that look dangerous. Proceed with caution.
» Protein….go for it.
» Bread…..a gateway drug. Get a sponsor.
» Water. Drink it. Now. Want more bubbly? Try filling a wineglass with seltzer. Lather, rinse, repeat.
» Dessert. Have your cake and it too, but downsize the portion, or better yet, split it with a friend. That sweet tooth won’t ache as much after eating enough fat and protein. Stop shaking your head.
» Don’t break up with the gym! Long term relationships might be tested this time of year, so renew your vows!
» Bulk up! Go for the crudité and salad first. Don’t be afraid of the blue cheese dressing, the higher fat content will help curb craving for carbs.
This holiday season, I’ve decided to lighten up on my diet and go heavier on pleasure. As a fitness instructor, all year long I make wise choices when it comes to food, which means I’m not always eating what I really want. My husband always catches me stealing food off his plate because his is usually yummier. He simply chooses what he likes, and doesn’t get preoccupied by glycemic indexes, carbohydrate grams, and calories. So, as a gift to myself, next time I’m in my favorite restaurant, I won’t say good-bye to Fettuccini Alfredo which always had me at “hello”. And, at the next holiday party, I’m going to stalk an old love. I’ll press that much missed pig in a blanket to my lips and whisper, “You complete me.” Holy guacamole! I’m already in a better mood. Happy Holidays!
About Annie. If you spend any amount of time with Annie, it's likely that you’ll walk away with a chuckle or two, on her best days maybe three. But underneath her comedic one-liners lies astute social commentary. By her own admission, she views the world through two lenses, funny and funnier. Humor is her drug of choice. She starting writing her column, Raging Gracefully because she’s committed to the idea that regardless of how old one becomes, raging as opposed to simply aging is the new paradigm for stalling Father Time. But it takes a boatload of humor. If we all get behind her ideology maybe Mother Nature will agree. We are counting on that.
