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Kaitlyn De FotoLong Island is overshadowed by the bright lights and big happenings of New York City. Manhattan brings together a myriad of cultures and attractions to a relatively small geographic area; there is something unique happening on every street corner. For many, Long Island conjures images of beaches, malls and traffic, with not much else. However, Long Island has so much to offer, from thrilling trapeze exercises to authentic Asian cuisine to classical symphony orchestra performances and underrated sports players. These gems are challenging to find, so we have scoured The Island to bring them to you. We would like to thank our experts for revealing their secrets, risking that their favorite spots will become exploited and teeming with newcomers. We appreciate our sources who let us investigate, put up with last minute fact-checking calls and who posed for multiple photographs, from every angle. We would like to apologize to our roommates and family members, who we kept awake into the late hours with the tapping of our laptop keys. Most of all, we would like to thank our advertisers, who could not resist against our relentless sales pitches; without their contributions this edition of Pulse would not be in your hands.

Letter from the Editor

Pulse Fall 2010 StaffEditor in Chief Kaitlyn DeFoto Assigning Editor Denise McGuigan Managing Editor Max Sass Copy Chief Allison Klamkin Design Director Lisa DiCarlucci Photo Editor Sean M. Gates Web Editor Steve Rousseau Business Manager Rachel Gonzalez Circulation Manager Ashley Scorziello Designers Sean Gates, Allison Klamkin, Steve Rousseau Reporters Ashley Scorziello, Megan Tedeschi, Steve Rousseau, Ray Hofmeister Copy Editors Carissa Nasso, Steve Rousseau, Ashley Scorziello Ad Sales Victoria Vullo, Carissa Nasso Faculty Supervisor Daniel Van Benthuysen

Pulse Fall 2010 StaffHidden L.I. 2

Pulse Magazine is published every semester by Hofstra Universitys School of Communication Advanced Feature and Magazine writing class.

CONTENTS-From Trapeze to Ballroom, discover hidden workout technicques from around the Island. -Discover the best hidden spots for girls night, guys night and date night.

4 Fitness 7 Social

-DNA Museum -American Air Power Museum -The Custer Observatory

26 Museums

28 Sports-Two-time national Champions

28 C.W. Post Lacrosse 30 Bryan Dougher 33 Fishing

10 Dining-Kitchen A Trattoria, The Lake House and The Orient -Swyrl, International Delight Cafe and Cafe Barocco -Brickhouse Brewery, Southhampton Publick House and Blue Point Brewery

10 Dinner

-Stony Brooks rising basketball star -The best spots to get hooked out East -The most serious surf spots on the Island. -Roller Derby Girls and Kiteboarding

13 Dessert 14 Drinks

34 Surfing

35 Extreme Sports

15 Entertainment-Chesterfields Comedy Club -The Gateway Playhouse -Cinema Arts Theater -Acoustic Long Island -Long Island Baroque Ensemble

36 Beauty-The star treatment for much less.

16 Comedy 18 Theater 20 Film

36 New York Institute of Beauty

38 Community Service-Giving back to your community.

38 Family and Childrens AssociationCover Photo: Sean M. Gates /Pulse Magazine

22 Music

3 Pulse

Fitness

Get Physical

By Denise McGuigan

Sean M. Gates/ Pulse Magazine

Hidden L.I. 4

Fitness

orking out can be a drag, especially if going to the gym is not exactly your fort. Luckily, some Long Island fitness centers offer fun, exciting ways to work out - the trick is, you need to know where to look. From aerial yoga to salsa dancing to pole dancing, getting in shape no longer has to involve your local YMCA. These unique work outs are guaranteed to get you in shape, while being fun enough to keep you coming back for more. The way I feel is you have to find what works for you, physically and psychologically, says Dr. Steven Frierman, Sports Psychologist and Associate Professor at Hofstra University who recently wrote Commit to be Fit. According to Frierman, the level of excitement an activity creates, the more the person would want to work out. These work outs are more for adventurous people, says Frierman. Ive never even heard of a couple of these before looking over this article. We dont offer these classes at Hofstra, thats for sure!

W

later. Especially for women, its good knowing you can protect yourself. After the initial free class, each one is $15, or $80 for the month. For more information, go to their website at likravmaga.com.

I Fly TrapezeFor the adventure-seekers looking for a less typical kind of work out, trapeze is the perfect way to stay in shape. I Fly, a company located in Rockville Centre, offers classes for those interested in flying trapeze, whether recreationally or as a fun way to stay in shape. Trapeze offers a core work out you cant get from the gym, said Anthony Rosamilia, owner of I Fly. You use muscles you dont usually use. I would absolutely recommend it as a full-body work out. It takes commitment but you see results. The key is listening, not necessarily strength, said Leah Bank, a Hofstra University student who has been doing trapeze for eight years. You start off with a knee hang trick (hanging from the bar by your knees) and most students end with a catch (where an instructor hanging on another bar catches you). Bank added, When you make your first catch, the trick isnt over of course...but its this huge sense of accomplishment. Classes tend to run $50 for adults and $40 for children, though group rates are available. I Fly is only open April through October on days where the weather permits, and is the only one of its kind located on Long Island, though there are several similar companies located in NYC and Brooklyn. I Fly is more unique than the other places because it is located outdoors in a beautiful environment, said Bank. The instructors are so motivating and personable; they began in the hospitality industry. Most of our business is word of mouth. For a unique, seasonal business, there are a lot of hurdles to jump, said Rosamilia. But there is certainly room for expansion. Im addicted to this. It takes out your stress. You have so much fun up there, said Genesis Dawson, a frequent I Fly participant who has been going since Labor Day. Youre thinking about what youre doing up there, not about what else is going on in your life. For more information, go to their website at www.iflytrapeze.com.

Long Island Krav MagaRockville CenterWhile jiu jitsu or karate may be the first types of martial arts that come to mind, Krav Maga is the only one that is actually implemented by an army. Krav Maga is an ancient form of martial arts that has been employed by Israeli Defense Forces for hand-to-hand combat training. What makes Krav Maga unique is that it isnt like The Matrix, said Kevin Williams, an instructor at Long Island Krav Maga. Its real self-defense...we want you to be the person who survives and is able to tell the police what happened. Fitness is not necessarily your goal with Krav Maga, but it is an excellent side-effect. If you are seriously training, you can expect to see results very quickly, said Williams. Physically, it works everything.Youre gonna throw punches and kicks. We gotta make your heart stronger so you can fight back. Heart rate and stamina are crucial. Long Island Krav Maga is unlike any other studio on the island. These instructors, and their school, are exclusively authorized to teach Krav Maga by the Krav Maga Federation located in Manhattan. For this studio, the first class is free, so why not try it? I think we have many more benefits in the fitness aspect than just going to the gym, said Williams. Youre taking something with you that could help you

5 Pulse

FitnessThe Ballroom of HuntingtonDancing is no longer limited to the clubs, it can also be a great way to stay in shape. While Zumba may be the new fitness regimen everyones been talking about, Argentine tango and salsa dancing are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with the younger crowd. According to Denise DeFeo, seven-year owner of The Ballroom of Huntington, salsa is great for fitness. With its fast-moving beat, dancers are forced to constantly be moving. The great thing about salsa dancing is you can use this exercise and stay fit when you go out, not just in a gym class like with Zumba, said DeFeo. All of it is about exercise. While working your core muscles, you also get to meet new people. Whether you arrive for the class alone or with a partner, you rotate partners every song. For singles, it can be a fun way to meet new people, said DeFeo. For the older couples, its about getting to know your partner again. After having kids and careers, you tend to forget about the romance. This helps to bring it back. DeFeos studio is also conveniently located on New York Avenue in Huntington, allowing for the students to walk just two blocks to the bars. Restaurants such as Black and Blue and Honu play salsa music on Friday nights. I went to my first salsa dance class on a Friday night and absolutely loved it, said Kristie Curcio, a student at Nassau Community College. It was a lot of fun, a little confusing at first, but once I started feeling the music, I got the hang of it. Curcio added, I wasnt too sore afterwards, but I think this would be a fun way to work out. My friend and I even went to Honu afterwards for some martinis and to continue the dancing. Wednesday and Friday nights starting at 8:15 are walk-in classes, offering a variety of dances such as swing, salsa, Argentine tango, cha-cha, and samba. Belly dancing will also be coming to the studio soon. Classes generally sell in blocks of ten with the student rate running for $125 ($12.50 per class). However, if you just want to attend one, the going rate is $15. For more information, go to the studios web site at http://ballroomofhuntington.com/. to choose which areas you want to work on since it depends on the positioning of your body weight. Its huge right now. All NFL players are using it, said Geri Ainbinder, a personal trainer at Synergy in Merrick. Its a cheap, efficient tool that you cant get bored with since you can work any body part. The bands are transportable and allow you to get your heart rate up while working your core muscles. The TRX bands are now becoming integrated with kettle bells (cast iron weights resembling cannonballs with handles) for a more efficient work out combining cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training. This work out is also becoming popular with physical therapy. Physiologically, for permanent changes, you would need to do the work outs for three months, said Ainbinder. Attending classes is great to perfect your form. These bands allow for endless possibilities. Everything that keeps you structurally sound is being worked here. Speaking from experience, these classes are worth it if youre trying to work your core. I felt sore even two days after my first session. Synergy in Merrick offers TRX classes several days a week for lower prices than most other places, with classes ranging from $99 to $150 for six weeks.

Huntington

The Fitness LoftThe Fitness Loft, a recently renovated fitness center located in Manhasset, has opened its doors to many types of unique fitness Cynthia Conde, owner of The Fitness Loft and creator/producer of VH1s Bridal Bootcamp, has implemented unique classes including: aerial silks and yoga, an indoor military boot camp, pole dancing, static trapeze, barre burn and power pilates. Also, a hot room (a room maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees) is available featuring hot yoga, hot spinning, hot TRX, and hot kettle bell training. Im building my own personal playground, said Conde. This is a one-stop shop. Everything I think is fun in fitness is being offered here. While many of these new features may sound unfamiliar, the three to focus on are aerial yoga, pole dancing, and the boot camp. For aerial yoga, picture a hammock suspended in the air (about 3-4 feet off the ground). Youre doing the yoga positions in the hammock. This kind of yoga allows your body to more easily get into the positions while helping to decompress the spine and increase flexibility. If youre looking for a more cardio-oriented work out, pole dancing is ideal. This is a classier, more artistic form of pole dancing, said Conde. However, to get a full body work out that increases your stamina and is physically challenging, go for the boot camp. In terms of prices, Conde tries to keep her classes more moderately priced for the area of Manhasset. However, prices are likely to change since the Fitness Loft just opened at the time this article was written. For more information and to get a list of going rates, go to their website: www.thefitnessloft.org.

TRX TrainingTRX training, or Total Resistance Xercise, is an up-and-coming fitness routine, invented by a former Navy Seal, that completely works the core muscles from your shoulders to your hips and upper thigh muscles. However, the routine is entirely up to you with the bands dynamic capabilities. The work out consists of straps hanging from the ceiling, and allows you

Photo Courtesy of Ballroom of Huntington Dancers at the Ballroom of Huntington.

Hidden L.I. 6

Social

Night Lifettractions like The Nautical Mile in Freeport, The Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale and Boardy Barn in Hampton Bays draw thousands of visitors every year. They are staples of the Long Island bar and restaurant scene. But at some point, everybody needs something creative or unusual to mix things up. Because different occasions call for different atmospheres, I have sorted out a few unique spots to accommodate everyones nightlife needs. These hidden gems each offer something new and exciting, and guarantee a one of a kind experience.

A

By Ashley Scorziello

7 Pulse

Social

The Vine Wine Bar in Merrick has over 100 different kinds of wine from all around the World.

Ashley Scorziello/ Pulse Magazine

Date NightMany couples have their special spot that they go to time and time again; a favorite restaurant, bar, or maybe a music venue where their favorite local band plays. But there is a certain benefit to trying new things every once in a while. Maureen Tara Nelson, a successful matchmaker on Long Island sees a positive outcome for couples that do different things together. It is always good to step outside the box. If you just stay with what you know, youre never going to grow together and youre never going to experience new things, she said. Jackie Riellys, a bar and restaurant located on Hempstead Turnpike in Bethpage, is not new and is not exactly different for a night out, but Nelson pointed out that its not somewhere that couples necessarily think of for dates, but they definitely should. I think its a fantastic place to go on a date. Its private in the restaurant part but also really fun. And the owner is very nice. He walks around to every table and introduces himself. It makes people feel very comfortable, said Nelson. At Jackie Riellys dinner is served seven days a week, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. During the week they have specials such as, 2 for 1 Burger Night on Mondays and Buy One Dinner Special Entre and Get One Free on Wednesdays. Also on Wednesday is Karaoke Night, after 10 p.m., which could be a fun addition to your date night, where ladies drink for free until 2 a.m. They also have a Psychic Dinner Night on Tuesdays, when you can get a psychic reading along with your dinner. Strawberrys Bakery-Bar and Grill, a new bar and restaurant in Huntington, opened its doors a little less than a year ago. Strawberrys has a little something for everyone. They have a full dinner menu, a separate bar menu, a substantial beer list, and a list of specialty cocktails like the Strawberry Cheesecake Delight, made with Strawberry Stoli, Stoli

Bethpage. Levittown

Huntington

Van, Fragoli, cream, and a graham cracker rim, and the Strawberry Fizz, made with Crop Cucumber, St. Germain edlerflower liqueur, fresh strawberries and club soda. Strawberrys is an entertainment house as well as a bar and a restaurant. If youre a fan of Law & Order and CSI Miami, you and your significant other can make reservations for an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner. There is also a show called The Night Out on the Town Show, complete with live music and comedy, as well as a Sinatra Show, an Italian style dinner with live Sinatra covers. For those who would rather be the entertainers themselves, Tuesday night is Karaoke night at Strawberrys. Dates dont always have to be a nighttime activity, and they dont always have to include going out to dinner or to a bar. For dates that dont involve food or alcohol, Nelson also added that learning something together is always great for couples. Taking ballroom dancing or salsa dancing is perfect for established couples, she said. For dance lessons, you can check out Rhythm and Soul Dance Studio in Levittown. They have classes for ballroom dancing, salsa, the hustle, club style cha-cha and swing. The classes are ongoing, so you and your significant other can start at any time. Group classes are $15, or you can buy a series of sessions. Private lessons are also available.

Girls Night OutA long-standing tradition for women of all ages, girls night is a special time when ladies get together to have some fun without the men in their lives. The Vine Wine Bar, 2259 Merrick Road, Merrick, could be a perfect spot for you and your girlfriends to sit back, relax, and enjoy an extraordinary array of wine and snacks. This new establishment, which opened in Spring 2010, has over 100 types of wine from around the world. Glasses range from $8 to $20, and bottles go for anything from $13 to $325. The food menu features antipasto platters, cheese and crackers, hummus and white

Hidden L.I. 8

Socialbean dip. For after dinner treats they have desserts including red velvet cake, Smores, and chocolate covered cheesecake. The Vine Wine has specialty events like wine and cheese pairing nights, wine tastings, and wine and chocolate pairing classes where you can learn how to create the perfect wine and chocolate platter. The Vine Wine also hosts Sangria Sundays. This is the perfect excuse to get out of the house, or your dorm, and have some fun on Sundays instead of doing homework or getting ready for the workweek. From 4 p.m. on there are drink specials on red and white sangria. During the week, the bar only offers red sangria, but on Sunday, white sangria makes an appearance on the menu. mixes drinks during the party, plays music, and cleans up after.

Guys NightLets not forget about the men! Guys like to go out and blow off steam together just as much as women. Niko Krommydas, author of Long Island Pulse Magazines beer blog, Super Neat Beer Adventure, and their print column, The Red Zone, suggested a few of his favorite spots for gentlemens nights. The Good Life, a new English style restaurant and pub on 1039 Park Blvd. in Massapequa Park offers great outdoor seating and is good for dinner, a night out, or Sunday and Monday night football. They have a really solid list of beer, said Krommydas. And the owner is really on top of his game. They serve a whopping 99 beers, including 24 on tap, 70 bottles and three cans. Their beer ranges anywhere from $4 Budweisers to a $40, 25 oz. bottle of BFM Abbaye De St. Bon Chien 2007. They have a food menu with appetizers, lunch, dinner and late-late night food, including their wings, which, according to fans on The Good Lifes Facebook page, are a favorite among regulars. They are open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and 3 a.m. all other nights. As a part of a new agreement with the village of Massapequa Park, free cab rides are offered to and from The Good Life if you are going somewhere within the village. The Good Life holds beer dinners once or twice a month. For a set price, you get a dinner and a combination from their gigantic beer menu, and for a higher price you can get an open bar after dinner. They are usually themed dinners as well, like the Speakeasy, Mafia Style beer dinner on November 9. Another favorite of Krommydas is The Lark Pub & Grub on 93 Larkfield Road in East Northport. Like The Good Life, they have a wide range of beer, and outdoor seating. According to Krommydas, there is usually a diverse crowd as well. Youll have a section of people who drink really good beer, next to a table of seven or eight firefighters drinking Bud Light, said Krommydas. The BrickHouse Brewery & Restaurant in Patchogue brews their beer, which changes seasonally, in-house. They serve fresh seafood, steaks, pizza, and have 25-cent wings on Monday nights. Its a great place to go if you enjoy live music and hand-crafted beer that is made in front of you. Drinking beer and eating may be a popular pastime for a lot of guys, but sometimes enjoying the outdoors can be a real bonding experience. Shooting at each other with semi automatic paintball guns probably wouldnt be too bad either. Cousins Paintball has a facility in Coram that has 26 individual paintball fields spread across 88 acres of land. It is the only outdoor woods facility on Long Island. If you can opt for open play, where you will get a 6 hours session for $49.99 per person, or if you have ten or more people, you can schedule a private group session. All packages include 500 paintballs per person, a semi automatic gun, a 20 oz. Co2 air fill, goggles and a mask system. Whether youre on a date, or going out with your friends, these spots on Long Island will not fail to give you interesting and unforgettable nights.

This is the perfect excuse to get out of the house.I love going to Sangria Sundays with my friends, said Danielle DeLuca, 21, of Bellmore, NY. A lot of times I save Sundays for catching up on school work, or watching football with my boyfriend if there is a game on. Most of the time Im in sweatpants all day. Every once in a while its nice to get dressed up like its a Saturday night and go out for fun drinks with the girls. It makes me forget that Monday morning is almost here. Sangria Sundays will eventually just be a summer event said owner Lynn Mione. They were planning on ending it on Labor Day, but decided to extend it throughout the fall. For more of a late-night, dance club scene, try Sugar in Carle Place, which just opened in May 6, 2010. The new ultra-chic restaurant with a domed ceiling and hologram artwork on the walls, doubles as a nightclub. Executive chef Hok Chin serves multiethnic family-style dishes that you and your girlfriends can share while you sip on one of their 23 candythemed cocktails. The Black & White Cookie is made with Van Gogh Chocolate vodka, white Crme de Cacao, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, cream, and a swirl of dark chocolate. The Swedish Fish has Grey Goose, Black Haus, Peach Schnapps, and cranberry juice topped with Swedish Fish candy. They also have a wine list of 37 wines, and bottle services available. After dinner, get your dancing shoes on because as the restaurant transforms into a club, with DJs, neon lighting and smoke machines, dancing is encouraged not only on the dance floor, but on the tables and bars as well. After burning off your dinner from all the dancing, the kitchen at Sugar has got you covered. Their late night menu lets you choose from shrimp cocktail, shoestring fries, corn dogs, fried calamari, dim sum ice cream and many more. You dont always have to go out to have a good time with the girls. The party can come to you. Celebrity chef and spin master DJ CHEF Marc Weiss offers in-home cooking class and dinner parties. For his Girls Night Out parties he combines a cooking class, where he brings all the ingredients and teaches you to make a multi-course meal, a dinner party, and then a dance party. After the class he serves the meal,

Merrick, Massapequa Park

Patchougue

9 Pulse

Dining

Good EatsNBy Kaitlyn De Fotonate. Hunting for the gems is like hunting for truffles. A good clue is where chefs themselves choose to dine when their apron comes off. Joan Reminick, a Newsday restaurant critic for nearly 20 years, is not a chef but she spends just as much time in restaurants. Im obsessed with food but, I like to think, in a good way, Reminick admits. Even before she became a critic, she wrote reviews of everything she ate at restaurants in her head and kept a hefty stack of cookbooks on her nightstand. ew York City is the Mecca for foodies everywhere. Yet while Manhattan is filled with awardwinning restaurants headed by renowned chefs, Long Islands culinary reputation is underrated in the shadow of the citys skyline. There is a myriad of eateries on the Island that offer cuisine on par with the best New York City has to offer but without the portly price tag. However, Long Island is overloaded with restaurants, those both exquisite and unfortu-

For Reminick, food never gets tiresome. Every time I go out to eat, I get a rush, a sense of being on the threshold of a great discovery, said Reminick. She crossed that threshold when she stumbled upon Kitchen A Trattoria in St. James. During her first visit, Reminick reluctantly took a bite of a surprisingly pink beet risotto to find herself in the gustatory sphere she calls, The Zone. The rustic Italian restaurant dishes out more than it promises, making it one of Reminicks all-time favorites. Located at the end of a little hard-to-find shopping center, Kitchen A Trattoria, goes unseen by most who pass by. The inner workings of

the small kitchen can be seen though a window from the parking lot; the chefs are focused and use their space wisely. There is a rhythm to their movements; they seem to dance around one another. The chefs performance is a joy for diners who have front row seats to the action since the dining room is so small. The cramped space has no room for waiting, uneven floor boards and no tablecloths, but chef and owner Eric Lomando, 32, would have it no other way. Lomando has fashioned the restaurant to his own tastes. I try to provide the dining experience that I look for, said Lomando, who opened the restaurant in March 2009. I want

to hear interesting music and I want to be able to eat good food without having to get dressed up. I dont want all the fluff with white tablecloths and servers clearing my crumbs because that makes me uncomfortable, said Lomando, whose aim is to welcome everyone and make them feel like guests in his home. The same thinking is applied to the menu. The kitchen takes a minimalistic, unfussy approach to things and cooks with an intense respect for the ingredient. We cook the way we think a passionate Italian cook would cook here in America, said Lomando.

Hidden L.I. 10

Diningdelivering amazing dishes, said Lomando, whose favorite dish is the spring vegetable salad with a poached egg, asparagus and Humboldt Fog goat cheese. Connors grew up in Bayshore, just a few blocks from The Lake House. He cooked in Manhattan for 11 years, seven of which he served as chef de cuisine at the renown Veritas, before returning home to open The Lake House in March 2006. The small converted inn sits adjacent to Lawrence Lake on which gaggles of geese, ducks and swans buoy. The atmosphere is serene and calming. The restaurants three small rooms are washed in blues and pale greens, a fireplace and warm wood accents add comfort while the simple artwork lends an air of understated elegance. The only thing that outshines the atmosphere is the food. We are kind of a monopoly with the kind of food we are doing here on the South Shore, said Connors, whose menu reflects his well-rounded palette. After being classically trained in French cooking, Connors studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Manhattan and then cooked abroad in Italy for one year. The Lake Houses New American menu seamlessly blends local American food with more European and Asian techniques. Fresh Atlantic cod is accompanied by black rice, tempura zucchini and a spicy red curry broth while grain-fed veal is complimented by Mascarpone polenta and porcini black truffle sauce. Starters are priced in the low teens, while entrees range from $28 to $39, and desserts are $8. The menu is tweaked weekly depending on what seasonal ingredients are available. The restaurant belongs to a community shared farm, The Farm of St. Peters. We go down the road and hand pick the freshest ingredients. That is where our inspiration comes from, said Connors.

St. James

One of many delicious dessert offerings at the Lake House.

Photo Courtesy of the Lake House

Its really rustic, straightforward comfort food. Ive always said its really hard to get a good bowl of pasta on Long Island. Italian food has been exploited. Lomando has nothing against Italian-American dishes such as chicken Parmesan but he feels it is the cheap way out to do Italian. A great restaurant reflects a respect for ingredients in the simplicity of preparation, said Reminick, who affirms that the trattoria serves authentic Italian not Italian-American food. Simplicity does not mean unsophisticated or dull. The restaurant focuses on local and seasonal ingredients at the peak of their flavor. The menu is adjusted daily. It may include fresh bacon braised in red wine with a farm egg or butternut squash with shrimp risotto one day and slow roasted duck with Brussel sprouts and hazelnuts the next. The menu is ingredient driven which allows us the flexibility to be fluid and to move with the best products available, said Lomando, who uses as many of his own harvested vegetables in the restaurant as possible. Sometimes we just go to the market without any concept of what we will create, but we pick the best of whats available and get to the kitchen. In order to keep costs low, Kitchen A Trattoria accepts cash only, has a BYOB policy and only takes reservations for weekend dining. Appetizers are $7, pasta dishes are $20, entrees are $19, and desserts are $6; there is a three-course prix fixe for $32. Be aware that the restaurant shares its reservation service with Lomandos French restaurant, Kitchen A Bistro, also located in St. James. On my first attempt to dine, my reservation was sent to the wrong restaurant and my party could not be seated. The situation seemed commonplace according to the hostess unsurprised reaction. This system needs some work, but the system in the kitchen is Grade A. When Lomando takes off his chef coat, he chooses to dine at The Lake House in Bayshore. Matts cooking is very robust and soul satisfying but at the same time it is vey refined, said Lomando, of chef and owner Matt Connors, 36. Connorss skill is highlighted by his consistency in

11 Pulse

DiningThe farm, which harvests over 25 varieties of pesticide-free vegetables, in addition to herbs and flowers, is not open to the public, but is shared between 30 families. A representative from each family works 30 hours on the farm each season in exchange for a share of the harvest. Even with Connorss 14-hour-a-day, six-days-a-week work schedule, he finds time to eat out about once every two weeks. His food of choice is ethnic food, such as the Asian fare at The Orient in Bethpage. They serve really authentic dim sum, said Connors, of the restaurant whose Hong Kong style Chinese food compensates for the less than stellar surroundings. Looks can be deceiving. Owner Tommy Tan moved to the United States from Myanmar, the Southeast Asian country bordered by China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India, in 1980. Tan opened The Orient in 2002 with a menu reflecting the sort of Asian fusion he grew up eating. Americanized versions of Chinese cuisine, such as wonton soup and egg rolls, dot the menu, but for diners who want to travel through Asia using their fork, Tan will be delighted to oblige. Barbeque spare ribs are the only appetizer above $5; all entrees are kept well under $15, except for the $21 crispy fried flounder. Some unconventional choices are the spiced jellyfish and the salted fish patty which Tan has nicknamed the Chinese hamburger. People are willing to take chances, said Tan, who caters to a large Asian American clientele. The most important thing is to develop a good relationship with all of your customers so that they trust to give your suggestions a chance. If not so daring, even the seemingly mundane is elevated to delicious new heights. We eat this at home, said Tan of the simple chicken, spinach and egg soup, surely able to cure any cold. Shrimp and rice powder are the only ingredients necessary for the shellfish dumpling. Everything is best natural, said Tan, who discourages the use of the ginger soy dipping sauce. You dont want to disguise the flavor. This is how nature intended. These culinary gems seem to abide by this ideal. They keep dining environments simple, and are not overly concerned with the entertainment of the restaurant business. The focus is on the food, just how nature intended.

Bethpage

Gluten Free Italian FoodBy Ryan Sexton

- Hidden amongst the unending sprawl of

Hempstead turnpike is Frantonis, a true Italian gem doing gluten free pasta, pizza and panninis. Frantonis is nestled in a plaza that from the outside appears to have seen better days. In fact, many of the establishments surrounding Frantonis have seen better days. But opening the door reveals a spacious restaurant with glass cases housing fresh slices and take-out service, and plenty of seating. The staff is absurdly nice and the food easily passes for gluten full. Frantonis uses Still Riding gluten free crusts, a staple of the NY gluten free market.

-Caf Formaggio in Carle Place NY is an

upscale restaurant, serving gluten free pasta, entrees and desserts. Its on the upper end of the price range, but the service is top notch, and they operate two kitchens to ensure that

no cross-contamination with gluten oc-

curs. The pasta they use is unlike any on the market. A must, for any customer, is the gluten full or gluten free Nutella pizza. You wont find this desert anywhere else. If youre a celiac looking to feel like a normal restaurant-goer, Formaggio will likely do just that.

BAGELICIOUS2 EAST MEADOW LOCATIONS! 1864 Front Street 516-794-0052 487 Bellmore Ave. 516-565-3917

-Pizza Bistro in Massapequa is a unique establishment, serving regular and gluten free Italian, but also selling prepared dishes and frozen pizzas. Out of the three, Pizza Bistro feels the most like the local pizza joint rather than a true sit down restaurant. While the ambience may not impress a date, they make pure comfort food served in giant portions. The chicken or veal parmesan comes in an exorbitant serving, enough for more than two people, and tastes better than moms. Pizza Bistro is registered with GIG, the Gluten Intolerance Group, but out of the three, I felt the least safe regarding contamination. The staff didnt seem very concerned, nor did they talk about any measures they implemented to guard against cross-contamination.

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Hidden L.I. 12

Sweet TreatsBy Carissa Nassof you are looking for a hi- tech treat, try the new frozen yogurt shop Swyrl. Swyrl opened at the end of August and allows customers to enjoy their own unique self-serve yogurt creation. Customers select their flavors on computer screens, which display ingredients and nutrition information. Jason Lipset, owner of Swyrl, always thought it would be fun to own an oldfashioned-style ice cream parlor. He relized that a self-serve frozen yogurt store could be the modern-day version of his dream. The customer can have exactly what he or she wants, said Lipset. Adult customers can control their own portion size, and for the kids (or the kid in all of us) you get a true make your own sundae experience. Swyrl has a modern dcor, using a pink, silver and white color palette, lively music and hi-tech color changing walls along with video animations that are tailored to promote local communityhappenings. Swyrl offers eight flavorsat a time and about 40 fresh toppings. Unlike many frozen yogurt competitors, Swyrl has a wide variety of flavors ranging from strawberry & banana, cookies & cream, peanut butter, pistachio, red velvet cake, peach, cake batter, Italian coffee, white chocolate macadamia, Hawaiian pineapple, and island banana. Our flavors change frequently although some staples such as Vanilla, Chocolate and Original Tart, are available most of the time, said Lipset. Swyrl posts their flavors daily on their website at www.swyrl.com and announces new flavors on their Facebook page, where their fans and friends

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are encouraged to contribute ideas, recommendations and favorite flavors. Swyrls frozen yogurt also offers added health benefits over other dessert options. All of Swyrls flavors contain live, active cultures and natural probiotics, which help with digestion. Ninety-percent of Swyrls flavors are non-fat, along with some that have no sugar added. This extends Swyrls market to dietetic and diabetic consumers. For 40 cents an ounce, you can mix flavors, syrups and toppings to make your own original frozen yogurt creation.

Lynbrook

Swyrl Frozen Yogurt allows customers to make their own treat with a variety of toppings to choose from.

Carissa Nasso/ Pulse Magazine

For 40 cents an ounce, you can mix flavors, syrups and toppings to make your own original frozen yogurt creation.International Delight Caf

I like eating frozen yogurt over ice cream because it tastes virtually the same, if not better, and [Swyrls frozen yogurt] has far fewer calories, said Lipset. If you are in the mood for other desserts, say cheesecake, you can have non-fat, cheesecake-flavored frozen yogurt at Swyrl instead. Kristen Pastore, a Malverne resident and junior at the University of Delaware said she came home for the weekend when her friend said she just had to try Swyrl. I loved Swyrl so much, I took my parents there the next day, says Pastore. My parents thought it was so different and unique, she said. My mom and I love the red velvet flavor and my dad mixed the chocolate and peanut butter flavors together.

Caf BaroccoDo not let this Tapas Wine Bar fool you; it has a homemade dessert menu to satisfy the most the exquisite palate. Caf Barocco, in Garden City, has an extensive assortment of specialty desserts such as a napoleon puff pastry layered with a vanilla custard cream for $6. Caf Barocco is hidden by their sister store, La Bottega, but do not let that keep you away from their crepes! said Samantha Leonardi of Malverne NY.

When you first see a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at International Delight Caf in Rockville Centre, you would be surprised that they have a large dessert menu. International Delight Caf serves gelato, homemade Belgian waffle sundaes, milkshakes, sorbets, and assorted pies cakes and cookies. I think families would really love International Delight Caf in Rockville Center, said Nathalie Miranda of Elmont. It is less popular than the one in Bellmore, but equally delicious!

241 Sunrise Highway, RVC NY 11570

143 Nassau Blvd. Garden City South, NY 11552

13 Pulse

Dining

On TapLeft: Southampton IPA / Right: Southampton Pumpkin Ale

Sean M. Gates/ Pulse Magazine

By Sean Gates Patchogue, Southampton

he Long Island brewing culture is as stout as the beers it produces. For over 100 years, Long Island has been producing beers, but only in recent years have the beers won international awards while establishing the island as a mainstay in Americas brewing society. Despite having a robust and award-winning brewing industry, many of Long Islands residents are unaware of what lies in their backyard. Beginning in the late 1800s, German immigrants moved to Long Island for the soft water that seeped from the gravel and sand aquifers. Free from calcium and magnesium, the soft water made for a more enjoyable beer. During the first half of the 1900s the growth of microbreweries and larger scale breweries was stagnant on Long Island. It was not until the 1990s that America saw resurgence in the growth of small-scale brewing. Since then, Long Island has been turning out world-renowned, award-winning beer. Three of the best breweries on Long Island are all under 20 years old, but have established themselves as reputable producers of quality beer.

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Hidden L.I. 14

DiningThe Best BeersBrickhouseNitro Boom Stout A creamy Irish stout similar to Guiness, but with much more drinkability. This beer features a limited frothy head with a toasted malty smell and taste to match.The Birckhouse Brewery and Restaurant in Patchogue is one of the only microbreweries on the Island.

Sean M. Gates/ Pulse Magazine

Brickhouse BreweryBrickhouse Brewery and Restaurant, located in Patchogue, opened its doors in September 1994 as one of Long Islands few microbreweries. A microbrewery, by definition, produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer annually. The privately owned Brickhouse led the way in the resurgence of brewing on Long Island in the mid-1990s. Brickhouse is the oldest building in Patchogue after spending over $1 million renovating the former Shands dry goods store into the facility it is today. Shortly after its opening, four other microbreweries opened. Along with Brickhouse, Long Island Brewing Co. in Jericho, Atlantic Brewing in Island Park, Cobblestone Winery and Brewery in Huntington Station and Southampton Publick House in Southampton all began brewing operations in the same year. What makes Brickhouse unique is that it has operated as both a microbrewery and restaurant since the day it opened. Because of this, the crowd that Brickhouse attracts is a cross between the hardcore brewing connoisseurs and the less well-versed drinker. We are definitely known for our beer, said Teresea Lewando, four-year employee and bartender at Brickhouse. People come from all over the place to try our beer, because we are one of the hidden gems of Long Island, but we also have a great menu that draws people in on top of that.

attention across the globe. I think the Long Island community has done well, with ourselves and Southampton in getting national exposure and international press. And that has helped the view of the area and the local craft beer community. Said Burford, The strength of the craft beer community is the strength of the people themselves that are into it. Blue Point isnt exactly the best-kept secret on Long Island as those in the beer community rave about it. I just got back from a beer festival is Strasburg France and people had heard of Blue Point over there. Burford continued.

Hurricane Kitty Pale Ale: An American India Pale Ale (IPA) with a twist of citrus. This beer has a clean white froth complete with citrus and pine aftertaste. Oktoberfest Brickhouse would be remiss if it did not have an Oktoberfest beer in the fall. But this beer veers from the norm with a stronger wheat taste and less fall inspired fruit or sugar taste.

southampton puBlick houseSouthampton Indie Pale Ale This beer has the basic characteristics of a traditional IPA with a stronger flavor. This is an absolute must try for IPA fans, but may have too much of a hop taste for others. Southampton Double White Rooted in traditional Belgium-style white brewing, this beer takes it a step further with an infusion of coriander, orange and lemon. Another must-have for fans of this style of beer. Southampton Pumpkin Ale This beer alone is an excuse to make the drive to Southampton in the fall. This beer is in high demand for its rich, pumpkin spice flavor and addicting pumpkin pie aftertaste.

Southampton Publick HouseAccording to industry review powerhouse Beeradvocate.com Southampton Publick House is the best place to drink a beer in the state of New York as voted by visitors to the site. Despite being more than an hours drive from the Nassau/Suffolk county line, people flock to Southampton to enjoy this brewerys creations. Officially opened in 1994, the building that houses the brewery previously served as a restaurant, speakeasy and local watering hole sine the 1800s. The latest generation of proprietors got it right when they hired Connecticut native Phil Markowski as brewmaster. Markowski originally began brewing for the New England Brewing Company in Norwalk before moving to the Hamptons. His creations have won 14 medals at the Great American Beer Festival, as well as two bronze and two silver at the World Beer Cup. Besides producing some of the best beer on Long Island, Markowski has also published articles in such industry publications as American Brewer, Brewing Techniques, The New Brewer and Zymurgy magazine. His brewing style and expertise is what truly sets Southampton Publick House apart. I think its my passion for creating beer that people enjoy that keeps me at this, said Markowksi, But the best part of all of this, I guess, is that I get to have a hand in the whole process, from the idea to the tap.

Blue pointBlue Point Pale Ale This beer is an American Pale Ale (APA) featuring a classic golden appearance. The malted taste and reasonable bitterness make for a smooth drink. Blue Point Hoptical Illusion This is an American-style IPA with strong hoppy flavor. The malty and toasted flavor may drive some drinkers away, but makes for a powerful and flavorful beer. Blue Point Toasted Lager Voted best in the world at the World Beer Cup, this beer is a must try for anyone who enjoys lagers. The smooth, toasted flavor and beautiful burnt, amber appearance leaves out any questions as to why this is the best in the world.

Blue Point Brewing CompanyWith no restaurant, Blue Point Brewing Company, in Patchogue, is Long Islands only traditional microbrewery. Established in 1998, Blue Point has supplanted itself as Long Islands brewery. Co-founders Mark Burford and Petter Cotter acquired equipment from defunct breweries from across the country to create a unique business of their own. What sets Blue Point apart from the others is the use of a directfire brick brew kettle purchased from a brewery in Maryland and reassembled in Patchogue. This style insures for a more toasted taste to some of Blue Points creations. With its award winning history and unique approach, Blue Point and the Long Island brewing industry is receiving

15 Pulse

Comedy

Knee SlapperBy Ray Hofmeisterre you looking for something with a little more punch? Well, punch line that is. Long Island is not lacking when it comes to getting a few laughs. Being so close to New York City, it may be worth it for one to pay for the trip to see their favorite comedian. But there are places on Long Island where you can get some quality laughs. With names like Jerry Seinfeld from Massapequa, Rosie ODonnell from Commack, and Billy Crystal from Long Beach, Long Island should have a reputation for being funny. So wheres the laughs? As for the big names, Governors Comedy Club is known to locals to fill that void for the island. This is where the search begins. The club is located in Levittown and according to Justin Flanik, a bar critic from West Babylon Governors is probably the best comedy club on Long Island. This could be true because they host shows every Thursday through Sunday. Also, a variety of special event shows are held when the mainstream comedians perform at Governors. John Trusen, part of the management at Governors stated, Special event shows usually are what more people are eager to see. John Pinette is a headliner that is popular among the comedy crowd, and the special events featuring him book up weeks beforehand. Reservations are a must. A venue selling out their comedy shows was the prime place to begin a search for the hidden gem of comedy. To the comedy fans on Long Island, Governors is nothing new. After speaking with various comedy club go-ers, it was easy to pick out a hidden gem in their descriptions. Why is this hidden? Maybe the reason is that it isnt even considered a comedy club to begin with. Chesterfields of Huntington, is primarily known as a blues and jazz lounge, but this reputation is slowly expanding, thanks to Comedy to Go, Inc., a comedy promotions company for comedians. Comedy club enthusiast Andrea Gorman of Syosset stated Chesterfields is the best for comedy because they get local acts, as well as smaller acts that are not as well known. New comedians are always going there to practice sets, and I always get a good laugh from all the acts Ive

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Chesterfields Comedy Club is a hidden gem for the local acts it attracts to its Huntington location.

All Photos: Ray Hofmiester/ Pulse Magazine

Huntington

Hidden L.I. 16

ComedyChesterfields, she said. Co-Owner Michael Parenti explained that his business started in early two thousand nine with the intentions to make Long Island the new hotspot for comedy. Comedy to Go Inc also has the intentions of Putting the Fun back in Fundraiser. As they provide options for organizations to raise funds using a comedy show. They take the hassle out by taking care of the whole event. All the customer does is provide the audience, and distribute premade flyers. Co-owner Keith Godwin explained We have worked with over 70 comedians to make sure we can always provide a fitting comedy act for the target audience. With a comedy provider having so much passion for laughter it is no wonder they helped Chesterfields expand their reputation. Godwin added, We host multiple comedy events around Long Island, but Sundays at Chesterfields is always our time to work out new material. Every comedian needs to test his or her jokes, and at Chesterfields you get to be the guinea pig without a cover charge or minimum drink requirement. Comedy to Go Inc has the desire to bring laughs. They do just that every Sunday with their open mic night. The open mic night is the comedians exercise, and Chesterfields just happens to be the training grounds for the guys involved with Comedy to Go. New comedians are always going there to practice sets. Each open mic night is never the same, you can never tell who is going to show up. I always get a good laugh from the acts Ive seen at Chesterfields. stated comedy club enthusiast Andrea Gorman. Another comedic supporter Vince Zafonte from Huntington added, The difference with Chesterfields is that youre not paying to see a comedy show, as there is no cover charge. I find these shows to be more humorous because the comedians are comfortable as it is for practice and not for salary. A variety of comedians invest their time into Chesterfields open mic night. No matter the experience level of the comedian practice makes perfect, and this is something the guys at Comedy to Go Inc are aware of. Comics making a career out of humor will often be at the open mic nights practicing, just as a newcomer would. Since the open mic night is treated as practice, veteran comics at Chesterfields can be caught making some of the same mistakes as the rookies. Seasoned comedians thrown into a mix of rising acts and newcomers usually add to the hilarity when a mistake is made. A majority of the attendees at Chesterfields are comics

I always get a good laugh from the acts Ive seen at Chesterfields.

themselves, so banter is thrown around loosely between the personalities. stated Colleen Cisqa, a bartender at Chesterfields. The peanut gallery remarks from the other attending comedians makes open mic night much different from a regular comedy show. New jokes are tested frequently as performers often carry notepads with their latest material written down. While the appearance of multiple local comedians may be intimidating, it is still an open mic night, so anyone is welcome to go up to the mic and take a shot at making the audience laugh. We welcome anyone to come say some jokes at the open mic night, and encourage local comedians to book with us. We believe anyone can be the next great name in the comedy world, stated co-owner Michael Parenti. To be a successful comedian you need to get your name out there. Practicing at Chesterfields is a great way to start, according to Michael Parenti. Someone must have used this to his or her advantage. Upon asking Keith he informed me that before the days of Chesterfields, the venue was originally known as Cinnamons. The same building that Chesterfields is now is the place Eddie Murphy, and Kevin James were originally discovered. George Gallo, a popular comic at Chesterfields, stated, Eddie Murphy and Kevin James getting discovered in Huntington is not something people generally know, but for someone trying to make a career out of humor, it is inspirational to think that this is where one of my idols lives drastically changed for the better. While it may be a lot of work to make it big in comedy, the main goal of Comedy to Go Inc is quality laughter. Comedy to Go Inc can bring the laughs, so what does Chesterfields Lounge have to offer? Chesterfields is a very comfortable place.

It may get packed but the spacious setup allows there to be enough room to move around. On top of that there is a variety of leather couches and chair scattered all around for anyone to sit in. It seems as if each seat was overstuffed purposely so guests could sink in. If being a couch potato isnt your style theres always the bar to sit at. Though jazz and blues may seem to be the focus of Chesterfields, dont pass up the chance for some laughs. Chesterfields is a place to see rookie and veteran comedians a like. Sundays open mic nights provide a less tense atmosphere which adds to the overall comfort of Chesterfields. No cover charge, a comfortable setting, and a variety of comedians striving to hear you laugh. These are just the underlying characteristics of this comedy gem.

17 Pulse

Theater

Photo Courtesy of Gateway PlayhouseThe entrance of Gateway Playhouse, one of Long Islands three professional theaters, located in Bellport.

Thats Entertainment!riving into Bellport, NY, there isnt much to see other than lovely scenery, charming houses and long roads. But when you reach a certain bend on South Country Road, behind the tall bushes emerges what appears to be a large, well kept, barn and farmhouse. But its not, its the Gateway Playhouse, the most unassuming of Long Islands three professional theaters.

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By Lisa DiCarlucci

Bellport

For those who prefer a night at the theater without the hustle and bustle of Times Square or the commute into Manhattan, Gateway offers an experience that is comparable to the Great White Way. As a matter of fact, the Playhouse features actors whom are members of the Actors Equity Association, and in many cases, played their parts on Broadway. Its an understatement to say that when I visited Gateway for a production of Avenue Q I was pleasantly surprised. Completely blown away is a far more accurate description. In full disclosure, its important to say that my expectations were low coming in to a theater I had never heard of on Eastern Long Island. The rustic exterior and church-like interior, though extremely charming and beautiful, did little to heighten the anticipation of Broadway quality. But that is exactly what I got.

The lead actor in the production, Howie Michael Smith (Princeton/Rod), played the role on Broadway over 1,000 times before gracing the Gateway stage and now performs in the off-Broadway production. Avenue Q is technically a puppet show as the live actors perform with puppets in hand while acting and singing. The puppets for them were nearly identical to the ones used in the original show, though they were created exclusively for this production. The set followed in similar suit, giving the audience an experience as close to the original Broadway show as possible. Not to mention that the employees were beyond professional and friendly. Although the Gateway Playhouse is a hidden gem on Long Island, it is by no means new to the theater scene. Family owned and operated since 1941, Gateway holds a long-standing tradition of bringing high-quality productions to its patrons. What was originally a seven-acre farm is now a property that holds the Mainstage theater, Barn theater (for acting school classes and projects), scene shop, two rehearsal studios, three dorm-style housing units, a newly remodeled kitchen, costume shop, design office/studio, paint shop, box office, business office, various storage spaces, a recreation room and a large hedge-lined lawn with an outdoor swimming pool (which holds the distinction of being the first ever in-ground

Photo Courtesy of Gateway Playhouse

Actess Lisa Brescia performs Dont Cry for Me Argentina in Gateways 2005 production of Evita.

Hidden L.I. 18

Theaterswimming pool on Long Island), according to the Playhouses official history, which can be found on their website Aside from talent, service and vast facilities, what makes the Gateway Playhouse a true gem is the atmosphere it creates. Theater is meant to be an escape, and tucked away on the east end of Bellport, Gateway provides just that. This atmosphere is particularly refreshing in a time where Broadway has become so commercialized, Times Square is littered with advertisements and ticket prices have skyrocketed. At approximately $50 each, Gateways tickets offer a more affordable option for a comparable production. A newer aspect of Gateway is that they are now reaching out to college students, making their theater even more affordable for a younger crowd. Sarah Innes, a representative from Gateway Playhouse said that in the 61 years that the theater has been operating they have gained a substantial number of subscribers, but that crowd is getting older now. We know it is imperative to begin reaching out to a younger audience, producing a season that appeals to people of all ages. Weve tried to do so by putting up a balance of contemporary shows just off Broadway as well as timeless classics, Innes said, This season we found we were struggling in effectively reaching out to younger generations of theater-goers, and saw the consequential depletion in ticket sales. For Avenue Q, Gateway offered student tickets for $25 each with a valid I.D. which is an approximate 50% discount off the usually priced tickets. They also offer group rates when purchasing 25 tickets or more. Another unique aspect of Gateway is their Haunted House, which they have run for Halloween for the past two years in order to supplement seasonal ticket sales, since the theater only runs during the summer. Gateways mission is clear in the friendly faces of the staff members and the quaint and historic property. Back in 1952, Sally Pomeran, one of Gateways original owners, told the Christian Science Monitor, We found that working for a good production demanded that many people work together cooperatively to achieve a common purpose. When so many differences were dividing the world, we found unity in oneness. We realized moreover that theater possesses the influence and power to link larger groups of the worlds peoples. Thats the kind of theater that deserves recognition and support.

Gateway AlumniMany of these Broadway performers got their start at Gateway Playhouse!Katie Adams (Wicked) Titanic 1999 D.B. Bonds (Legally Blonde) Carousel 2004 Jared Bradshaw (Jersey Boys) Cabaret 2004 Lisa Brescia (Mamma Mia) Evita 2005 Bradley Dean (Man of La Mancha) Phantom 2003 Christina DeCicco (Wicked) Urinetown 2006 Jennifer Gambatese (All Shook Up) Godspell 2000 Kendra Kassebaum (Wicked) A Chorus Line 1999 Norm Lewis (Les Misrables) Once On This Island 1992 Mary Mossberg (Next to Normal) Miss Saigon 2009 Elizabeth Stanley (Cry-Baby) Aida 2005 Sarah Stiles (Avenue Q) Gypsy 2004 Donna Vivino (Les Misrables) Footloose 2001 Adam Wylie (Into the Woods) The Producers 2008 John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys) The Scarlet Pimpernel 2001

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19 Pulse

Film

Big ScreenThe Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington began in 1973 showing movies that were not brought to the bigger multiplexes.

Photo Courtesy of Cinema Arts Centre

By Allison Klamkin

Huntington

n 1973, with just a bed sheet, a film projector and a movie borrowed from the Huntington Public Library, Victor Skolnick and Charlotte Sky founded the New Community Cinema. They [Victor and Charlotte] had always loved movies, said Dylan Skolnick, co-director of Cinema Arts Centre. Movies had always been a big part of their lives, and back in 1973 there really werent any venues showing anything but the latest Hollywood blockbusters, he said. They could have just been kind of cranky about it, but they decided to do something. Renamed the Cinema Arts Centre, which is located in Huntington, began as a once-a-week film screening. The Cinema Arts Centre is now a full-time organization; and it has come a long way in 37 years. Now we have three state-of-the-art theatres that are running 365 days a year, showing a really wide range of films, Skolnick said. It just sort of grew organically from that original idea. It was really meant to be a community organization. Cinema Arts Centre has a membership base of approximately 8,000 people. Of that, 95% comes from Long Island, with the other 5% being from New York City and the Tri-State area. Suffolk County residents make up 80% of Long Island members, with the remaining 20% from Nassau County. We have members from all over Long Island, New York City and the Tri-State area, said Ren Bouchard, Director of Development at Cinema Arts Centre. Our largest concentration is in the immediate area. Although most members come from Long Island, Cinema Arts Centre tries to reach out to a larger community. Much of our publicity is word-of-mouth, Bouchard said. Our members bring in new people and share the Cinema story with their own contacts all over Long Island. We have a big social media presence, through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and MeetUp. Bouchard said that in 2009, the Cinema Arts Centre was featured almost 150 times in the New York Times, Newsday and other local Long Island publications and on television and radio as well. We are always looking for new ways to do

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outreach through partnerships with other organizations, through presence at festivals and expos, Bouchard said. Currently a group of member-volunteers (our Circle of Friends) is developing new outreach strategies. Cinema Arts has truly become an asset to the Long Island community. They often partner with local schools, universities and organizations to present films, lectures, discussions and talkbacks with filmmakers and creators. The cinema is designed to be a community center, Skolnick said, a place that draws people out of their homes and into a public place where theyre all together. We have a caf, a garden, concerts, films with speakers and discussions - all things designed to get people out into the community talking to each other and seeing each other. Mario Murillo, a professor in the Radio, Television and Film department at Hofstra University, has worked closely with Cinema Arts Centre many times, most recently in 2008 when he returned from research in Columbia. I was working with this really interesting media project in southern Colombia, and they had produced a series of documentaries and films about their work, about their community, and about what they were doing [about the situation in Colombia], Murillo explained. When I got back I was so eager to share that material with the folks in the community that one of the first persons I called was Vic Skolnick, he said. Murillo had brought back a documentary about the indigenous movements and struggles that had taken place in Colombia. He said, Send me the film, Murillo continued. He saw it and said, Lets show it and you can come and talk. They turned the screening into a big event, which brought in over 100 members of the community, on a Sunday morning, complete with a brunch, and raising about $3,000 to support the indigenous communities back in Colombia. Cinema Arts Centre does not just show documentaries. They also screen art films from the United States and several foreign countries that wouldnt necessarily be shown in a corporate cinema, and also host music concerts and film festivals.

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FilmWe dont have a single audience, talkbacks. After a screening of Genius Within: Dylan Skolnick said. The audience that comes The Inner Life of Glenn Gould, focusing on the for new hit films, for film art or horror movies, life of the pianist, the filmmakers will take part cult movies or silent movies or political docuin a post-show discussion with the audience live mentaries theres a lot of overlap. Each one of from Toronto, Canada via Skype. these draws specific groups who are interested in Limited-release movies presented each that subject. month, including the new films 127 Hours, We do a gay and lesbian film series, beginning November 19, and The Black Swan he said. We have a Latino film series, Africanon December 17. Each month includes a night American film series, Native of silent films accompanied by American film series, and live music. we also just try to spread Phil Katzman of the Radio, The ambiance is the word as widely as Television and Film Department possible through different at Hofstra University says that different from what media, he explained. art and independent cinema In really took off in the 1960s, just October we have an ongoyou would see in those a mere 10 years before Cinema ing thing where archivists Arts opened its doors. and collectors will come The 60s is when the baby megaplexes. down and bring down rare boomers started getting exposed films, says Skolnick. This to French cinema and new group called AV Geeks is wave cinema and a new interest bringing down a bunch of old educational films peaked, Katzman told Pulse. All of a sudden that were shown to high school students in the there was a lot more talk of films being brought 50s and 60s. There is also the Found Footage over from Europe and a lot more independent Festival, which features a collection of bizarre and art houses began to pop up. They were all over. hilarious feature films and old movies found at It started with the international films coming in, Goodwill, warehouses and garage sales. and then U.S. filmmakers started the same distriCinema Arts Centre often partners bution avenues. It was because there were people with other cultural locations on Long Island to that loved these art and independent films. They co-present programs and screenings. opened up the theatres and they started the Were doing this program on The distribution companies. Summer of Love a San Francisco rock band Cinema Arts Centre, and other indefrom 1967, Skolnick said. This [is] in conjuncpendent cinemas like it, differs from the typical tion with an exhibit of rock photography at the movie-going experience. Heckshcher Museum. If you come down you get The big multiplexes, they have 12 to see the show and go to the exhibit. movies on the screen all of them are the same, Cinema Arts is also partnering with the Long IsProfessor Murillo said. They have very little land Roller Rebels, a roller derby club, to present variation. You go into the places and they all the movie Brutal Beauty. smell and look the same. They play the same Itll be a whole bunch of people from commercials prior to the film and theres nothing the Long Island Roller Rebels, said Skolnick of unique or nothing authentic about it. It becomes the November 30 event. Theyll be here in pera superficial experience where you want to get son talking about why they got involved in roller out of there as soon as you can. In an independerby, whats involved, and all kinds of fun stuff. dent cinema like the Cinema Arts Centre, and Cinema Arts is also integrating new many of the others, the ambiance is different technologies into their group discussions and from what you would see in those megaplexes. It makes going to the movies worthwhile and enjoyable. Both Katzman and Murillo agree that the Cinema Arts Centre, and art theaters in general increase the artistic spirit within a community. Most of the art cinemas on Long Island opened up in towns where there was already some sort of artistic appreciation, Professor Katzman explained. Whether they had a museum, a legitimate theatre they had something where people were already appreciating art on other levels where they can potentially appreciate art cinema. They might have a small museum, a legitimate theatre, or some sort of art workshops and having an art theatre is just expanding that experience, he said. Although Cinema Arts Centre has been in existence for the past 37 years, it is still one of Long Islands hidden treasures. Its a space to get people together, said Murillo, of Cinema Arts Centre. Its a space where you go to the movies and you discuss the movie very often with the filmmaker or with someone connected to the film - and then get outside in the lobby and participate in a community discussion about the film, which is a different kind of experience. Its true to what it does and it has not strayed away and it has not sold out in terms of what its mission is, which is to provide alternative films to the community and bring people together. Cinema Arts Centre tries to reach their audiences in the broadest sense possible, through all sorts media, such as traditional newspaper advertisements and brochures, to their web site, and pages on Facebook and Twitter to appeal to younger audiences. Were really trying to present the widest range of programs possible and to be a resource for the widest possible amount of people here on Long Island, encourage people to come out, enjoy seeing these things on the big screen with hopefully a big crowd, Skolnick says. Our motto is Long Islands Film Window on the World, so its really designed to open people up to the wider world.

Victor Skolnick, Charlotte Sky and Dylan Skolnick opened the Cinema Arts Centre in 1973.

Photo Courtesy of Cinema Arts Centre, by Sheldon Pollack

21 Pulse

Music

Huck playing Acoustic Long Island.

Steve Rousseau/ Pulse Magazine

By Steve RousseauRows of wicker chairs are set up in one of the parlor rooms of Deepwells Mansion in St. James. They are all huddled around a Persian rug, a microphone stand, and two stage monitors. A red velvet curtain hangs from the wall behind the stage, which is bordered by two fireplaces sporting burning candles on their respective mantels. A set of purple and red lights give the stage a warm hue. The recording equipment, a MacBook Pro and a mixer, of Dave Dircks, host of Acoustic Long Island, sits in stark contrast to the 19th century dcor. St. James This is all there is to the setup of Acoustic Long Island, the monthly acoustic music series featured at the mansion. Tucked away off on a dark section of Route 25 in St. James, the Deepwells Mansion and its monthly acoustic music show is something hidden, both literally and figuratively speaking. Literally, the mansion itself can be hard to find on the Wednesday nights that the concerts take place. Apart from myself, one of the featured artists for October, Huck, showed up a few minutes late because he too had trouble finding it. I must have passed it five or six times, he told the audience that night. Built in 1845 for a descendent of Smithtown founder, Richard Smith, the Deepwells Mansion has seen a variety of owners including a New York City Mayor, William J. Gaynor; who coined the mansions name after

Tune Inits two 125-foot wells. Now owned by Suffolk County, the mansion is the venue for Acoustic Long Islands monthly shows. St. James was a place for people in New York City that were artists and musicians and opera singers to vacation, said Dave Dircks, host of Acoustic Long Island. This building once housed performers who put on little acts over the summer, he said, Were bringing it back to what it once was.Although Acoustic Long Island features the historic mansion, the two werent intertwined from the start. Five years ago, Dircks and his brother wanted to get involved with the then new concept of podcasting -- a web-based, program-driven, downloadable digital audio show. They started a weekly talk show style podcast, featuring a roundtable discussion of five people. It only took about a week or two before we realized this didnt have the energy we were looking for, he said. At the same time Dircks started his fledgling podcast, he was also frequenting the open mic scene in the area a combination which sparked the first iteration of Acoustic Long Island. It was just one of those serendipitous moments, he said, my brother and I were like why dont we just record an open mic? Initially dissatisfied with the energy of the open mics he was recording, Dircks got the idea to have a featured artist, chosen by him, at the end of every show. Even if the open mic stank, there was still something to look forward too, he said. Eventually the show grew again, this time transforming into a weekly concert featuring an acoustic artist at the local Cool Beans Caf. In 2007, while Dircks was working on his podcast, the

This building once housed performers who put on little acts over the summer, he said, Were bringing it back to what it once was.

Hidden L.I. 22

MusicDeepwells Mansion was in danger of being shut down by the town of St. James. They wanted to turn it into office space, said Dircks. However, with the help of Dircks, who is also on the Suffolk County Historical Society board, and the community, the mansion was spared a dull future filled with cubicles and office supplies. During the process of saving the mansion, Dircks suggested that he move his podcast to mansion. It just kinda happened at the same time we needed the space, he said. As Dircks featured more and more artists at the mansion, his podcast began to take off. The artists would tell their friends, and the word started spreading that this was a great venue to play. In addition to its location, Acoustic Long Island only features hidden talent. Initially when Dircks was first looking for featured performers, he would spend a couple hours each day scouring MySpace looking for artists who where kinda not making it yet, he said. Now he has to be a bit more selective. Theres a legacy now, he said, I have to handpick the ones that I think are distinctly different, and have something unique to share. Currently, there are around 300 artists waiting to play at the mansion, and they too recognize that it is a special place to play. Kat Mulvaney, a Brooklyn-native artist featured in October, told the audience in between songs, Its been kinda a dream of mine to play here. Mulvaneys confession to the crowd is an example of another great aspect of the mansion its intimacy. Its like a house concert on steroids, said Dircks. The room itself only holds about 50 people. The front row is just feet away from the performers, and the closed in spaces lends to banter to erupt between musician and listener. After Huck played his first song, a woman walked in. Just as she is about to take her seat he tells her jokingly, Hey you, thanks for showing up late. In between another song, another audience member comments on the profuse amount of sweat dripping off of Hucks face, I sweat so much because I love the music, he replies. Even though the mansions parlor seats so few, there were still a handful of empty seats to be found on Octobers show. For such a hidden and quality venue, featuring a great listening room, according to Dircks, with unknown talent one might feel they have to reach for their wallet for this kind of experience. Dont. Its free.

Sign at the back door of Deepwells Mansion.

Steve Rousseau/ Pulse Magazine

Deepwells Mansion in St. James was built in 1845. It is now home to concerts every Wednesday night.

Steve Rousseau/ Pulse Magazine

23 Pulse

Music

Strung

From left to right: Anca Nicolau, Aaron Brown, Myron Lutzke

Steve Rousseau/ Pulse Magazine

Out

By Steve Rousseau

SOyster Bay

onia Grib sits down at her harpsichord while violinists Anca Nicolau and Aaron Brown ready their instruments as Myron Lutzke sits down with his cello. After spending a few minutes getting in tune the ensemble pauses, then lifts into Locatellis Sonata in G Major. Lutzkes baroque cello, in tandem with Gribs harpsichord, fills the air with warm, yet somber tones, while Nicolau and Browns violins produce soaring melodies. However, this baroque performance didnt take place on a Saturday night in New York City. No, the Long Island Baroque Ensemble, headed by Grib, regularly performs at Christ Church in Oyster Bay on lazy Sunday afternoons. New York City is considered the center of classical music in the northeast, if not the entire nation. Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic, and the Julliard are all examples of its excellence. However, Grib and her baroque ensemble, along with Margaretha Maimones Ridotto and Naomi Drucker and Blanche Abrams American Chamber Ensemble, show that classical music can also take root in Long Island. These critically-acclaimed groups have been offering Long Islanders a chance to experience quality classical music close to home. Now in its 41st season, The Long Island Baroque Ensemble was started by Grib in 1969, in an effort to bring early music back into the public eye. She was, and still is, attracted to the the period, the style, and the wealth of material, she said. The ensemble performs works by famous composers such as Bach and

Vivaldi, but also makes a point to present some lesserknown pieces as well. LIBE was formed as a response to a large interest in live performances of these postrenaissance works. I was intrigued with performing on period instruments, she said, theyre very hard to play. According to Grib, the period instruments are tuned to the relative pitch of A415 Hz, instead of todays standard of A440 Hz this makes tuning a bit tricky. Formed around the same time as the Long Island Baroque Ensemble, the American Chamber Ensemble was started by pianist Blanche Abram and clarinetist Naomi Drucker in 1965; the group established a residency in 1978 at Hofstra in Hempstead. We were looking to make opportunities for more performances, she said, There really was no chamber music at the University being presented by professional groups. Since then the group has brought the sounds of Chopin, Dvorak, and Beethoven to Monroe Lecture Hall. However, the ensemble hasnt forgotten its roots. Drucker, born in Freeport and now a resident of Massapequa, is always trying to bring in local inspirations. One of our goals is to present, at every concert, the work of a Long Island composer, she said. This season, the chamber ensemble is presenting a composition by Long Island native and Hofstra music professor Herbert Deutsch entitled Woman in Darkness. Despite having its roots in Amsterdam, Ridotto, is the brainchild of Margaretha Maimone. The concerts with a touch of theatre, as the Dutch-

Hidden L.I. 24

Music

born director describes it, has found a home and a following in Long Island. Maimone, an accomplished violinist who performed with the Amsterdam Philiharmonic, started the first iteration of Ridotto in Amsterdam 26 years ago. Ridotto started in anger, she said, We just wanted to play. However, Maimone had to put Ridotto on hold when she made the hard decision to leave her music career behind and immigrate to the United States. I left many opportunities behind, she said, But Amsterdam was too dangerous. After completing a masters degree in theatre arts at Stony Brook University, Maimone finally revived Ridotto in 2000. I was well armed to start Ridotto, she said. Ridotto is more of a concert series than traditional chamber music ensemble, although she rarely plays in it now. Maimone, through an enormous amount of research, finds the pieces she wants performed, the artists to perform

Nurit Pacht playing the violin.

Steve Rousseau/ Pulse Magazine

them, and then stages the accompanying performances. She even does her own set design. I am Ridotto, she said. She has had marionette performances, flamenco dance, and even pantomime accompany her concerts. The touch of theatre is very telling of the music, she explains. In addition to the unique touch of theatre, Maimone is very accepting of her audience, and wants them to experience the music in their own way. She does not mind if they move their chairs around, read a book, or even fall asleep. To have people to fall asleep in her concerts is a compliment to her work. Thats trust, she said. She is also accepting of noise the nearby road makes during her productions. I love the HarleyDavidsons, she said, We need light, and music and Harley-Davidsons. To Maimone the outside ambience can only add to Ridotto. What makes these three groups special is the quality of their performances. Long Island Baroque Ensemble, American Chamber Ensemble, and Ridotto all feature accomplished talent. They each have their own respective Julliard graduate Misha Dichter performed a concert for Ridotto in October, Myron Lutzke plays cello in LIBE, and violinist Lois Martin performs with ACE. Also, Grib, Drucker, Abrams, and Maimone can, and have performed in the city. Grib isnt joking when she says that excellence comes from, Practice, practice, practice. Of course, the talent would be nothing if there wasnt an audience to listen. Over the years all three ensembles have established a devoted following. People who love this kind of music have come to the concerts, said Drucker, and that of course has grown and grown because we have existed for so long. Maimone knew she had gained the respect of her audience when one woman came up to her one day and asked, Margaret, what are you going to do today? The woman had just shown up blissfully ignorant of what Ridotto was going to feature. To be supported by the community is vital, said Patricia Berman, administrator of the Long Island Baroque Ensemble, and we are here for the community. These three groups arent outcasts of the city, but musicians who want to bring their art to their home communities. To have this available this close to home is a great thing, said Berman. Why shouldnt we be on Long Island? said Grib, Were no longer a stepchild of the city.

Huntington

25 Pulse

Museums

Learning ExperienceThree Long Island musems that explore the body, the country and the universe.

Megan Tedeschi/ Pulse MagazineAn evolution trail displayed at the DNA museum in Cold Spring Harbor.

By Megan Tedeschi

DNA MUSEUM

possible, said Gottlieb. For both visitors and Gottlieb, one of the most remarkable exhibits in the museum is The Genes We Share exhibit. With the help of the Museum of Natural History and the DNA Museum, you can step back in time through this decorative replica of a cave complete with cave drawings and fossil remains. The cave compares the skeletal structures of the first Neanderthal to todays current humans and chimpanzees. We have the very first Neanderthal that was ever put together. We worked with different museums around the world and as of 2001 we were one of two groups to have the full body, said Gottlieb. The Genes We Share exhibit contains three skeletons that are positioned so that they can be easily compared. You can see how DNA has changed throughout history through the differences in the skeletal structures. Here you will also find a cast of 60,000 year-old Neanderthal fossil that was originally found in Kebara Cave, Israel. The cave features a time line of replicated human skulls, which aids in the visualization of the

ver wonder how unique you really are? Or where your ancestors may have originated? Finding the answers to these questions may be easier than you think. Through interactive and informative exhibits, the DNA Museum, located in Cold Spring Harbor, makes understanding the complex concept of Cold Spring Harbor DNA fun and easy even if science isnt your expertise. The DNA Museum is the nations first science center dedicated entirely to genetics education. The museum, which is now directed by David Micklos, has been around for 20 years. According to Elina Gottlieb, an instructor at the museum, many Long Islanders arent aware that the museum is open to the public. Gottlieb describes the museum as the perfect place for all ages. We run a school here for DNA learning and students come from 8th grade through high school, said Gottlieb. Teachers come for training and we also have guided tours for people who come. The study of DNA has become quite important for many reasons. Although it has been studied for decades, advances in DNA research are starting to play a pivotal role in curing some of the worlds deadliest and most dangerous diseases, such as cancer or even Parkinsons disease. The DNA Museum is affiliated with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, which is well known for their treatments and studies in cancer and neurological diseases. The DNA Museum is also a learning center where classes are conducted to teach children about the different aspects of DNA research. The museum itself takes the complex structure of DNA and breaks it down in a simple way. The museum takes you through a timeline of the Earth to help you to better understand our genes and historic roots through different exhibits and interactive tools.

E

Megan Tedeschi/ Pulse Magazine We have a particular way in hitting the curriculum, we take this complicated structure of DNA and make it as simple as The Genes We Share Exhibit at the DNA museum.

Hidden L.I. 26

Museumsevolution of humans over the course of millions of years. One particular machine compares your face to one of a cave man with a mirror like effect. By sitting down in front of the replicated face, you can compare your skull to one of a cavemans. It helps you to better understand the differences and similarities between you and your 60,000,000 year-old ancestor. An interactive exhibit that helps both children and adults better understand DNA and genes is one that helps you figure out how unique you really are. At this exhibit, you can test your finger print, or see the exact colors that make up your eye. Your skin, eye and hair color, along with the shape of your eyes and hands are asked through a computer. Think youre one of a kind? Test out the program to see just how unique you really are compared to others who took the test. You might be surprised to see how common or uncommon your traits are. The museum is filled with information about the origin of humans and provides a great DNA model for people to view. Youll be surprised by how much you didnt know about yourself and where certain traits come from. Best of all, the museum is free, so its a great place to take the family to learn and interact while having fun. museum contains unique exhibits you may not find anywhere else. The museum maintains a fleet of World War II aircraft, which were all operational at some point in history. Just a few of the displayed planes are the Republic P47 Thunderbolt, the largest and heaviest single-seater, piston-engined fighter in history and the North American T6, which is the only trainer in history that was used by multiple countries. Larry Starr, the museums curator and assistant manager, wants visitors to learn from the museum and really appreciate what its all about. The point is to concentrate on the men who flew the planes and the women who built and flew them, said Starr. According to Starr, one of the most exciting things to do at the museum is to take part in an actual flight experience. For a $300 charitable membership donation you can wear the outfit of a World War II trooper and fly in the Douglas C-47, which was flown on D-Day. This is one of the most popular planes at the museum. The plane contains re-enactors dressed as combat to learn more about our nations history in a fun and interesting way. Its p