The Buzz Around Town with Suzie Q

 

January 2020

Welcome 2020!

This year is off to an amazing start – A new year, with a new me! This year, I aim to be the best version of myself, which means opening my eyes to new experiences, trying new foods and learning more about the history of my favorite place – Stony Brook Village (there are some things that just won’t ever change!).

The weather has been warm for January, but that’s fine by me – it’s perfect for nice long walks around the most enchanting Village that Long Island has to offer! As I passed by Chocolate Works, I saw the most adorable chocolate dog! Speaking of chocolate, Blue Salon and Spa has an absolutely delightful chocolate covered strawberry facial masque that left my skin feeling so soft and smelling so delicious! I almost got one of their unbelievably relaxing massages, but was a little short on time for my brunch reservation.

While enjoying my Sunday Brunch at Pentimento, I overheard a couple talking about their plans for early February. Apparently the Education and Cultural Center is hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration on Sunday, February 2nd. From the hours of 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, there will be demonstrations of Chinese Lion Dancing and Kung Fu, dancing, singing and even a craft for the kiddies!

Later on in the month, on Friday, February 21st at 7pm, folks of all ages are welcome to experience the riveting interactive theatrical performance of Running Scared, Running Free. A drama that encapsulates the strength of the human spirit along the Underground Railroad. This is so exciting because right around our very village, it is believed that the Underground Railroad was active – the very inspiration for the play! The Education and Cultural Center is currently taking reservations at (631) 689-5888 – I need to make sure I get tickets for myself and my family for both events!

Speaking of fun experiences for children – As I was walking around town, I saw that there will be two Winter Break Workshops from February 18th to the February 20th. Liz Joyce, an acclaimed artist and puppeteer, will be hosting a Puppet Making Workshop for children aged 6 to 11. I must tell my sister about the other workshop – Music Mornings with Johnny Cuomo, it’s just perfect for her 3 year old and her 5 year old!

As I walked by the Village Florist, I was reminded of the rapidly approaching holiday of love – Valentine’s Day! All of the soft teddy bears and the arrangements with colorful roses and lilies make you feel like love is in the air! Actually now that I think of it, a lot of the shops have taken to celebrating romance – even the Premiere Pastry had adorable love-inspired French macrons, heart-shaped sweets and stunning cakes. Madison’s Niche is also bringing a lot of love to Stony Brook Village! They have the most adorable mugs, beautiful ring holders and romantic wall décor!

I’ve been having trouble deciding what to get for the love of my life…do I get him a new tie and socks or a shirt from Jos. A Bank? I heard this year the folks at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization added two new experiences to the Discovery Wetlands Cruises Birding Cruises and a Sunset Cruises…perhaps he’d like new binoculars from Camera Concepts and Telescope Solutions and tickets to board the pontoon boat in May, when the season opens? My husband is always late and Rocky Point Jewelers has exquisite watches – they were really striking! Plus they also have the most beautiful necklaces and earrings – I should let my husband know about all of their sparkles!

This year we –my husband and I – are treating ourselves. The Three Village Inn has a special Sweathearts Package – one overnight stay, plus a bottle of a signature sparkling wine (made for the Three Village Inn specially!), chocolate covered strawberries and truffles. So we are dropping the kids off at my mother’s house in pajamas with a few Valentine’s Day storybooks I got at Cottontails. We are starting our romantic adventure with dinner at the Country House – their menu is themed after famous couples!

The next day, we are going to Brew Cheese for their Fondue for Two! Bread, pickles, apples and your choice of traditional, buffalo or truffle fondue (try the truffle – it’s our favorite!) and a tasty beer sounds so good! That evening we’ll be returning to the Mirabelle Tavern for their Valentine’s Day prix fixe for an elegant and romantic dinner for two. The Jazz Loft will be hosting two (one at 6 pm and one at 8:30 pm) special Valentine’s Day performances of “Here’s to the Ladies”, including a glass of champagne and chocolates from Chocolate Works!

Making our reservations reminded me of another event I already got my tickets for – A Taste of Stony Brook Village! This year, the event will take place at the Three Village Inn from 6 pm to 9 pm! A lot of Stony Brook Village’s shops and merchants will be have a bunch of giveaways, food sample, demonstrations and raffles! Plus there will be live music by Roberta Fabiano, dancing performances and a fashion show by Chico’s! The best part of the event is that you have all of this fun and you feel good about it because all proceeds go to Stony Brook Medicine for breast cancer research. You can get your tickets by clicking this link: https://www.stonybrookvillage.com/tsbv/.

I’d really like to get a new outfit for both of the occasions – something to make my husband say “wow”! Mint and Chico’s each have such a colorful variety of beautiful dresses, gorgeous warm and cozy sweaters, chic blouses and comfortable but stylish pants…and Loft even has darling heart shaped jewelry!

I know I’ll find the perfect gifts for all of the people that I love in my life. It’s almost magical how Stony Brook Village has everything I need, whenever I need it!

Happy New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ciao for now,

XOXO Suzie Q