RocklandCast.com

Loads of baseball tips for your Little Leaguer.

Go Pearl River Knights !

Piermont, NY:  The OUTSIDE IN will exhibit works from the series of Black and Still Life oil-on-board paintings by Eleanor Grace Miller this spring.  There will be an opening reception on March 7, 2010 from 2-5PM.  Both Miller’s Black and Still Life works have strong color, design, and assembly elements that were influenced by early Aboriginal, African, and Mid-Eastern cultures, incorporating graphic elements reminiscent of Albertus Seba’s Cabinet of Natural Curiosities, and Kurosawa.

The works are dominated by brilliant reds and gold within the architecture of a flattened black.  So dark and rich are Miller’s colors, that there is an almost surreal sense of depth that infuses each carefully arranged scene.  Although realistic and fully representational, it is not about rendering reality here but rather deliberate construction.  The still life subjects are extravagant fabrics that weave complex landscapes of saturated undulating colors.  Their abundant folds are mitigated by the sharp lines and abrupt edges of ornate pottery, fruit, or fields of black.  The painter often appears to be suspended above the scene.

Actually, in Eleanor Grace Miller’s still life paintings both our position and subjects are fabrications that do not exist in ordinary life - they were created by the painter.  Her still life is not a collection of cultural fossils interpreted by the artist, but instead an original, crisp and insightful vision generated by the artist herself.     Miller engages the still life with a “constant internal discourse on balance, complexity, rhythm, mood, nuance, pattern, flow, inflection, and color…the sound.”  The Black and Still Life works are composed of stunning images abounding in a strangely beautiful world; compressed, symbolic, the vestigial remains of a civilization. The end result is brilliant - a golden view of her apparently simple world.

Eleanor Grace Miller resides in the lower Hudson Valley region and has been a painter for over 40 years.  Initially a figurative painter, she advanced toward still life, both traditional and non-traditional, after she realized she predominately attended to color, shape, and reflection when approaching the subject.  Ms. Miller is the recipient of numerous awards, among them, “Best in Show” from the Museum of Fine

Arts in Springfield, MA, and the “Anna Hyatt Huntington Medal” from the National Arts

Club in New York.  She has exhibited nationally and extensively throughout the Metropolitan area.  Her paintings are in public, foundation and private collections.  She teaches painting at the Pelham Art Center, Rockland Center for the Arts and Saint Thomas Aquinas College.

The OUTSIDE IN is an extraordinarily unique and uncommon gallery of artifacts nestled along the Sparkill Creek in Piermont, NY, just over the NJ border in the lower Hudson River Valley.  The OUTSIDE IN specializes in handmade items for the inside and out; including fine art and crafts, furniture, lighting, found objects…  The focus is on, but far from limited to, showcasing lower Hudson Valley artists and artisans.

###

If you’d like more information about this topic, please call Bill Walsh at (845)/398-0706 or e-mail him at evyl@verizon.net.

The OUTSIDE IN Piermont249 Ferdon AvenuePiermont, NY 10968(845) 398-0706Hours: THU-SUN 11:00am - 6:00pm

Premium Electronic Cigarettes - Smoke Enjoyably without Tobacco - Great Flavors to Choose From!

Looking for the perfect place for Valentine’s Day? Check out these places right in and around Rockland.
Baluvelt
Milano Ristorante in Blauvelt has been feeding the people of Rockland for more than 20 years. Everything you come to expect from an Italian restaurant in the Hudson Valley. Italian. $$$ 589 E. Route 303 Blauvelt, NY 359-0608

Fiesta Mexico -Without a doubt one of the most authentic and favorite restaurants in Rockland County. Long time and proud owners deliver consistency and style with every meal. Enjoy the great strolling Mariachi Players who will serenade you as you dine on Friday - Sunday. Frozen drinks made with real fresh fruit and just an all around great experience. Located on Route 303, Orangeburg 845-359-8309

Congers
Grande Centrale Restaurant- a long time favorite of RocklandCast and solid choice for all the Italian classics. Veal Chop Grande Centrale is one meal you might want to check out. Continental Italian. $$$ 17 N Rockland Ave Congers 267-3442 www.grandecentrale.com

Restaurant X and Bully Boy Bar - Over the top interior with wood beams and cracklin’ fireplace make this Iron Chef -Peter Kelly place a sure winner with the people for Rockland and beyond. New American. $$$$$ 117 N Route 303 Congers 268-6555 www.xaviers.com

Nyack
Lanterna Tuscan Bistro is a fun and inviting place to dine, with a great Nyack vibe. Dine in style without breaking the bank. Italian. $$$ 353-8361 www.lanternausa.com

Wasabi - We have visited Wasabi in the past and were blown away by this places vibe and attenbtion to detail. This is a unique kind of place in Rockland County. A sure shot winner. Japanese $$$ 110 Main St Nyack 358-7977. See what readers have to say about Wasabi.

Pearl River
Louie’s On The Avenue- intimate and classic. This restaurant offers a huge selection of entree’s and a solid wine list and decadent deserts. American. $$$  160 E Central Ave. Pearl River 735-4344

Quinta Steakhouse is another of our favorite places to dine. Offering a great atmosphere and great menu, Quinta is a solid choice in Pearl River for Steak to Pork to Chicken. Great flavored coffees to chose form as well. Steakhouse $$$ 24 E. Central Ave Pearl River 735-5565

Piermont
Freelance Cafe and Wine Bar is a cozy and intimate bistro and wine bar. Great atmosphere and decorated with local artisans work from all over the Hudson Valley. Service is impeccable. The fella who waited on us recently- Matt, is a true professional and added to the experience. New American $$$$ 506 Piermont Ave Piermont 365-3250.

Xaviers in Piermont is the place to eat, but if you don’t already have a reservation for this weekend, go find another restaurant because Xaviers is one of the most demanded restaurants int he Tri-State area for sure. Piermont $$$$$ 359-7007

Tappan
76′ House one of America’s oldest taverns and one with a great Revolutionary War past. Dine here and you can be part of the Benedict Arnold story. Visit the restaurant to learn more. American $$$ 110 Main St Tappan 359-5476 www.76house.com

Giulios of Tappan a long time benchmark for all restaurants in Rockland, offers romance, quality service, fine foods and drink in a romantic Victorian setting. Italian $$$ 359-3657

See our complete listing of Restaurants in Rockland County, NY

There were four reasons I continue to visit the Nanuet Mall on a regular basis- Macy’s because I know where everything is and most of the folks that work there.  Sears because its the closest one and very well run, Kids Cuts because my kids will sit for the haircut without screaming and Unisex Palace where Judy or Lucy have been cutting my hair for close to 1o years now.

Now there is a fifth reason to visit the Nanuet Mall and it’s called Banchetto Feast.

I have been passing the Banchetto Feast restaurant for close to five years now on my way to Kids Cuts- right next door to Banchetto Feast at the Nanuet Mall.  The past few times that I was there,  I noticed a billboard in front of the restaurant promoting a new $2 bar menu.

Today there was a play date scheduled at my home and I was already working on an empty stomach for the past 2 hours so I made the trip.

Banchetto Feast is very well appointed with a fresh bakery section upfront, nicely painted and textured walls, great lighting and sound system,  nice seating and nice tile floors. All kept very clean and orderly.  I sat at the bar and looked for a few items to order from the $2 Bar Menu- There was a very good selection of food and drink.  I decided to go with a Guinness along with fried zucchini sticks, fried calamari and chicken fingers- all from the $2 menu.  Soon after, I gave my order and I was promptly served a nice fresh pint of Guinness.

About 5 minutes later, the food portion of my order arrived and I dug in. First up fried zucchini sticks served with marinara sauce and lemon. Shoelace style I found them to be light and delicate and very good tasting over all. Because of the delicate nature of zucchini maybe a tad bit thicker so I can stuff them in mouth faster without any falling from my fork. Excellent! Next up fried calamari. Wow is a good way to describe them. Same light breading and very delicious with the lemon and red sauce provided. You should know that fried calamari is one of my favorite foods ever, and I am quick to defend the honor of fried squid- my favorite is from Buon Gusto of Closter, NJ - also one the areas best restaurants. The Banchetto Feast fried calamari was delicious, light and fresh just like the fried zucchini- and such a generous portion for $2.

Next up chicken sticks. My original thought for eating at Banchetto Feast was if the chicken fingers were good, this place could be a great place to dine with the family for lunch or dinner- especially with access to the mall for a family walk afterwards- Walking the Mall, my 6th reason to visit the Nanuet Mall.

I am happy to report that not only are the chicken sticks worthy but also made with real chicken, with a decent breading that can easily be peeled away if you want less fat. The portion was about the size of 1.5  very large chicken breasts cut into good size chunks- with dipping sauce. This was very good and was served with a Honey Mustard dipping sauce that was not overbearing. As chicken fingers go, these were very good and nicely cooked- your kids will love them.

My total for all this food, service and a cold pint was only $8.67 plus tip.  Service- it was pretty great.

The food quality was excellent, the atmosphere very nice and comfortable- I really liked the Make Believe Ballroom like music with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs playing in the background. Looking forward to visiting Banchetto Feast for a full dinner soon.  Yep, glad I stopped by today and suggest you do so too. This place is an exceptionally good tasting value.

Located inside the Nanuet Mall at 75 w Route 59 Nanuet, NY 10954.

845 624 3070  fax 845 624 1983

Banchettofeast.com

$2 Bar Menu

Great Take Out Is Available Too!

MORE ROCKLAND RESTAURANT CHOICES

new restaurant, airmont eats, in airmont, ny was awarded 1st place for best food at the 3rd annual “taste of ramapo”.  “we are so proud and honored to have won 1st prize for best food”, says david diamond (co-owner).  “thank you to everyone who voted for us and we hope to see you soon at airmont eats”, added ilan nifco (co-owner).

other participants included the waterwheel, starbucks of airmont, pomona chophouse, ravi, hog heaven, purple pear, a cook in my kitchen, friendly’s, international winery outlet, blue ribbon tavern, chubby’s deli, auntie els, ole ole, cafe dolce, irelands 32, pasta cucina, and cicero’s pizza.  awards were given based on a public vote.

airmont eats opened on september 1, 2009.  owners david diamond and ilan nifco both worked in the diamond business before opening ae.  their passion for great, affordable food inspired them to create a relaxed, family friendly restaurant.  airmont eats is opened for lunch and dinner from 10:30am - 8pm monday thru saturday for dine in and take out and delivery is coming soon.  catering is available as well.

airmont eats is a traditional deli at the heart of the business, but offers so much more.  in addition to sandwiches made with boar’s head meats and homemade deli salads, there is a full salad bar with more than 20 toppings and 4 soups that change daily.  the deli case includes italian specialties like eggplant parmesan, pasta salads, and lasagna. airmont eats also has a full grill with burgers, shish kabobs, cheese steaks and boardwalk style fries.  there are dozens of varieties of made to order pizzas and focaccia breads baked in a custom wood burning pizza oven.  the bakery features a menu of treats that includes cupcakes, coffee cakes, whoopie pies, and famous banana pudding, all homemade at airmont eats.   they also feature gourmet grocery items and seasonal gift baskets.

airmont eats
211 route 59
airmont, ny 10901

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who have lost jobs during this recession, finding a way to keep employer-provided health benefits is probably a top priority. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 could make that much easier, reducing your cost in most cases by almost two-thirds.

Under a 1986 federal law commonly known as COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), an employer with 20 or more employees must offer full-time employees the option to continue group health insurance coverage following a “qualifying event.” (Other employers may volunteer to provide COBRA coverage.) If that event is a termination or reduction in hours, you’re eligible for 18 months of extended coverage, which could be extended to 29 months if you’ve suffered a disability or 36 months if you’re a spouse or dependent facing loss of health coverage because of an employee’s death, divorce, or legal separation. Although a company has to let you keep your insurance under those circumstances, it doesn’t have to pay for it. You’ll generally be on the hook for the full cost of coverage plus a 2% administrative fee.

Under the Recovery Act, your former employer may have to share that burden. Anyone who is involuntarily terminated from employment during a 16-month period—from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009—can elect to pay only 35% of the cost of continued health insurance coverage for up to nine months. The employer is responsible for the other 65%, though it can offset that obligation through a payroll tax credit, reduced withholding, or both.

There are income limits, however. If, during the year you claim the new COBRA benefits, you still earn $125,000 in modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for single filers or $250,000 if filing jointly, you’ll get only a partial benefit, and you’ll get no help if your MAGI exceeds $145,000 for single filers or $290,000 for joint filers. If you received the reduced premium and then exceed the income ceilings, you’ll have to pay back the money when you file your taxes. The IRS is also expected to provide further guidance on the definition of “involuntary termination.” It’s likely to cover layoffs or job eliminations but not firings with cause.

Finally, the new COBRA relief can be combined with another tax break if you lose your job. This year’s recovery law allows you to avoid income tax on up to $2,400 of unemployment benefits in 2009. For more information about the COBRA premium reduction, go to http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-cobra-premiumreductionEE.html or call 866-444-3272.

Speak to a real pro in Financial Services- Kolinsky Hill

Live Christmas Trees grow with the memories of Christmas Past and are a great way to celebrate and recognize the spirit of each Christmas.  You can also feel better about planting a tree as opposed to cutting one down. The thing about Live trees is they require advance planning and flawless execution. You may have figured out this year that purchasing a live tree is a bit more difficult than one would expect without proper planning. The weight of the tree alone requires a great deal from a logistics point of view, then there is a stand and what to do after Christmas- how to migrate the live tree to the outside and keep it, well- alive.

This is where the the folks at 2010 Live Christmas Trees come in.  You can place your order now for a Live Christmas Tree either 1-3, 3-5 or 5-7 feet. Your 2010 Live Christmas Tree will be delivered and set up in your home within Bergen, Rockland and Westchester County, NY. We can also prep and plant the tree for you.

Yes, it is this simple. We will deliver a live tree,  set it up, take it down and plant it for you.

Contact 2010 Live Christmas Tree today.

Are you looking for the funnest thing to do in Rockland County this New Year’s Eve 2009? Seriously, a great time with live music, great food and a room full of wonderful people ready to ring in the New Year ? Then you must come to The Old Fashioned Restaurant in Nyack, NY this New Years Eve for a celebration to remember.

Live music includes local talented artists  - David Budway, Bobby Belfry and Michael Klopp. These artists are all true entertainers and multi-talented.

 

 Online Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download