CHILLATO CUTS THE RIBBON BUT NOT BEFORE THE CROWD POURS IN

You couldn’t ask for better weather on Saturday, May 18, the day that Chillato gelateria chose to celebrate its ribbon cutting Grand Opening.   The only “pouring” was those people that couldn’t wait for the actual celebration.  Owners Maria Chee, John Zefi, Tony Lui and Linda Lui open the doors too soon, customers ignoring the celebratory balloons. 

The counters began to fill with friends, family and those who got the message about being able to sample the gelato, a 10% weekend discount and free raffle tickets that would win a free pint of anyone of the freshly made gelatos or sorbets.  There were certainly enough to choose from including a few new creations.  

In addition sample cups were being passed out by their friendly staff.  In Italy one might have a breakfast treat of a brioche with gelato sandwiched in.  Maria and Tony decided to acquaint the public to the same.  Why not? If it were coffee gelato, you would be having an equivalent of iced coffee and cake…so to speak. 

Photo op as the invited attendees made their way to the bottom of the entrance steps to pose and snip.  Aside from the four owners, Assemblymember Edward Braunstein, Senator John Lui, Greater Flushing Executive Director John Cloe, and Whitestone Merchants Association board members, Blanca Rodriguez, Nicholas Aragonesi and George Isaakidis filled the lower steps while members of the owners’ family filled the top ones.  

After the ribbon was cut, the speeches erupted. John Lui said, “What a great business Chillato is! It’s about making people happy.  I think there’s going to be a lot of happiness emanating from this corner of 154^th and 17^th Avenue.  I intend to be a regular customer. This is certainly something we need in the neighborhood.”

“Thank you for inviting me today,” said Braunstein. “This is a great occasion. It’s good to see small businesses opening in our community as well as the Whitestone Merchants Association.  The small business is the backbone of our community.”

Next up was Aragonesi.  “We want to congratulate you on your Grand Opening. Thank you for becoming a member of the association. If you need us we’re always here for you.”

Maria made the last speech thanking everyone for their support.  “We could not have found a better neighborhood to open a gelateria. I plan to stay here forever!”  Marie promised to keep surprising customers with new flavors.

Back inside more tasting of donuts and brioche with gelato.  Aside from the owners, four other employees were needed to happily please the party.  Constant purchasing kept Chillato quite busy finding out that S’mores, Deep Dark Chocolate and Sugar Rush were even more popular than the Almond Roca, Ferraro Rocher and Nocciola (Hazelnut). 

 

A few hours later, the horde thinned out.  But alas, apparently someone let the cat out of the bag and the members of Christy’s Gymnastic Team stormed in with their coaches.  Who spilled the beans? Is it a coincidence that Maria’s daughters 10 year old Madelyn Chee-Zefi and 13-year-old Chloe are members of the team?

Just in case you didn’t get the info, Chillato is located at 17-16 154^th Street.  Phone number: 718-489-1750.

WHITESTONE’S SUCCESSFUL SMORGASBORD OF CUISINES

Whitestone Merchants Association held a special event, A Taste of Whitestone. On Thursday, May 2 various restaurants and providers offered what were supposed to be “sample tastes” of their food and drinks as a way of advertising new and older eateries in the community.

The event was held at Holy Cross Greek Church, 11-05 150^th Street from 7 to 9pm. However due to both the raffles and entertainment, it extended just a bit more.  There was certainly enough space for those to peruse the vendors and enjoy the food while seated at a table.  

“We expected about 200 people”, said Albert Teekasingh, WMS board member and owner of Restaurant Revival.  “More than 300 showed up. Next year we will be looking to have this event in a larger facility.”  Albert shared his award winning chicken soup, as well as the stew chicken, cornbread, cranberry rice and pepper shrimp.  

Due to the efforts of the association, the event was a true success as each vendor was anxious to serve more than just a tidbit that only cost a $20 ticket for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.  

WMA posted the following on their facebook page: “The Whitestone Merchant Association Board would like to formally thank all of you who made last night’s Taste of Whitestone an amazing, successful event! It was so great to see our community come together for a fun filled night.” 

A special thank you was given to the following restaurants saying that they “made the magic happen:” Villagios / Sangrias (both Villagios and Sangrias are owned by Joe Loccisana and hared a table where both the Spanish Paella as well as chicken marsala and artichoke franchese as well as a few other Italian favorites); Ginger and Lemongrass and the new Taco Azul have the same owners, Petra Rickman and Michal Prelovski.  The Vietnamese fusion restaurant featured its summer rolls while the newly opened Taco was running out of churros.

We continue with Clinton Restaurant, Tropical Revival, CBD SUPERSTORE, Honey Bee Cakes, Sergimmos Salumeria (sampling fresh mozzarella as they continually made it at the table as well as their caponata and store made sausage and peppers ); Cascon Cheesecake;  Health Kitchen; Bagel Time, Tasty Grill (who presented one of the largest spreads of Greek delights that went from appetizers to desserts); Ralphs Ices, Chillato (who gave samples of their coconut gelato, Ferrara Rocher gelato and strawberry sorbet); NOCO Catering, Coffee Lab, King Chef, Cherry Valley; Freddys Pizza; The BLVD, Concettinas; and Aphrodite’s Sweets. 

Singer Freddie Lando was originally supposed to entertain after the meal.  However, it was decided to have him croon Italian songs throughout the event.  The height of his performance was his final number, Nessun Dorma from Puccini’s opera Turandot.

CHEF ALBERT TEEKASINGH RECIEVES CITATION FROM COUNCIMEMBER VALLONE

Chef Albert Teekasingh, chef/owner of Tropical Revival, known for his excellent Caribbean cuisine, received a citation from Councilmember Paul Vallone on April 2.  Joining Vallone were members of the Whitestone Merchants Association and the I Love Whitestone Civic Association.  

Upon presenting the award, Vallone said, “We are happy to be coming today to Tropical Revival.  I’m here to single out all the hard work that Albert Teekasingh has done not only for this restaurant but for I Love Whitestone and the Whitestone’s Merchants Association as well.  He is always helping the community partnering by cooking for and getting involved with our events.” 

The citation stated the following: “Whereas a great city is only great as those persons who give exemplary service to their communities, whether through unique personal achievement in their professional or other endeavors simply through a lifetime of philanthropy and community service and,

Whereas such service, which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded; now, therefore be it,”

Resolved , that as a duly elected member of the City Council, I recognize that in Albert Teekashingh In recognition of his distinguished community service, we have an outstanding citizen, one whom is worthy of the esteem of both our community and the great City of New York.”

Teekasingh’s sister Elizabeth was rightly on hand as she prepares the food as well. 

Appetizers of fish cakes and a peppery shrimp were provided for the celebration.

Tropical Revival is located at 12-40 Clintonville Street.