I’ve written about the people and places of Williston Park every week for the past year and have uncovered some of the secret treasures hidden away in Our Town. So as a year-end celebration I want to start an annual Best of Williston Park Award. Here are the year’s best picks for 2013.
No. 10. La Marmite: La Marmite has been a landmark in Williston Park for forty years. I love everything about it. The building is the old Collin country manor and it reminds of all things good about the past. I love the driveway that takes you under the awning. I love the little sign with the pot in front. I love the classy service and I love the food. This place is a gem.
No. 9. LISMA: The Long Island School of Music is run by Min Sun Kim. The school is as beautiful as she is. Ms .Kim is a Julliard graduate and opened LISMA in Williston Park back in 1992 and it’s been going strong ever since. When I interviewed her I got to meet and listen to some of the world’s elite musical talent right here at 1125 Willis Avenue. Thank you Ms. Kim for bringing beauty to our town.
No. 8. Arthur Murray Dance Studio: Who doesn’t like pretty dancers? These folks have got to be the sweetest and most generous bunch I have met in a longtime. The studio is owned by Safwat Gerges and his staff of beautiful creatures include Leslie,, Pavel, Anna, Adam and Lori. So if you want to be held by a gorgeous dancer go take a dance lesson. They’re right across the street from the post office.
No. 7. Stolis the Filmmaker: One of the best surprises of the year was when I learned that harry of Harry’s deli had a son who was in the film business for the last ten years. Stolis told me he has his dad’s optimism and that is what carries him through. I always tell his dad that I want to be invited to the Oscar’s when one of Stolis’s films gets nominated.
No. 6. Framing Mantis: James Barry and Aiden McGrath are the owners of Framing Mantis on Hillside Avenue. Not only did they give the place a cool name but the work they do is all about preserving good memories. I love the old photos of Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn they display in the window. Good guys and good service.
No. 5. Luigi Suppa: Luigi Suppa was one of the first people I interviewed. I have used him for many years and always sells me fine men’s clothes at good prices. He brings to Williston Park the Italian flair for fashion.
No. 4. Minuteman Press: I like the staff there and I like the owner Stephan Parmett. Stephan has the secret to success. He likes people and is a natural connector. He has consistently offered me good advice on all sorts of business questions. He is more like a one man marketing team then an owner of a printing press.
No. 3. Aroma Nails: Suhwa Kim and her husband Minho are the Korean owners of Aroma Nails. They both have enormous grace and charm and she gives me the best haircuts I have ever had.
No. 2. Frantoni’s: Now we must enter into the realm of the ecstatic. If you have never tried their Linguine with red clam sauce you are in for a major treat. They give you a big white plate covered with fresh clams over linguine. Happiness is yours if you have some.
No. 1. FerThe number one best thing in Williston Park Hildebrandt’s profiterole: I have referenced Hildebrandt’s luncheonette many times and my favorite thing there is their French cream puff pastry filled with homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream and smothered with homemade whipped cream and hot fudge. Sounds good doesn’t it. Just ask for the profiterole and get ready to experience a little piece of heaven.
So there you have it. In our town of Williston Park there are many things to cherish. You may have your favorite things but these are mine. Happy holidays to all these good folks doing these things for us each and every day.
