Business Notebook: A graceful grand opening

Warwick - The official grand opening of “Graziella’s Italian Café,” attended by assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Greenwood Lake Mayor Bill Morris, took place on Friday, Dec. 16. But in one sense, the new restaurant at 40 Jersey Ave., Route 210, Greenwood Lake, has been open for a much longer time. The restaurant’s owner, Pat Fitapelli, had been operating the award wining P&J Steak house at the exact same location for the past four years. During that time, P&J earned a well-deserved reputation for excellent service, ambiance and gourmet food. However, since it was also somewhat pricey, it became a favorite restaurant for special occasions rather than a place to bring a busy family once or twice a week. “We’re not changing the quality of our food or our great service,” said Fitapelli. “But by introducing more affordable Italian dishes and serving reasonably priced drinks, we can appeal to a much wider audience.” Fitapelli also added that since his family has always owned Italian restaurants, “Graziella’s” was a natural choice. “We’ve been cooking and serving Italian food for generations,” he said. “I promise that this will be the restaurant of your dreams and that you will not want to leave.” Loyal P&J patrons will be happy to learn that the pleasant atmosphere remains the same and that the classic juke box, as always, is loaded with Sinatra records. Fitapelli and manager Jodi Barr still welcome every guest like a long lost friend or member of the family. Graziella, by the way, is Italian for Grace, the name used by Fitapelli’s mother and grandmother. The extensive menu offered by Graziella’s Italian Café includes a large selection of appetizers, soups and salads as well as traditional pastas served with a variety of sauces. There are also house specials and a large selection of meat, chicken and fish entrees. For a quick meal or take-out, try a personal pizza served with your choice of toppings. “And when you get the bill,” said Fitapelli, “you’ll discover that you can get everything you expect from a high priced Italian restaurant for a price you can afford every day.” For reservations or directions call 477-0711. Life seminars for women Barbara Sullivan, owner of Interiors Plus, a full service interior design, gift shop and accessories store at Meadowcrest shopping plaza on Route 94, recently launched “Life Seminars for Women.” The second in the series of seminars, held Dec. 1, was titled “Tablescapes: An evening to benefit breast cancer awareness.” “Tablescapes,” said Sullivan, “was a three-hour event where we designed beautiful table settings for the holidays.” During the evening, guests learned how to make unusual centerpieces, the art of gift-wrapping and even how to make the perfect martini. Demonstrations were conducted by holiday entertaining experts Amy Sliter, Lisa Miccinilli, Doris Schwartzburg and Barb Bonelli, “It was great fun,” said Sullivan, “and most importantly, over the course of both seminars, we were able to raise over $1,500 for breast cancer awareness. Sullivan, who moved her business, Interiors Plus, from Railroad Avenue to Meadowcrest, has been a motivational speaker for the past two years. “I was looking for a way to bring seminars to women on a more local level,” she said. “Life Seminars for Women is a dream come true.” Sullivan’s goal is to educate women in personal and business management, health and beauty and home and family issues. The seminars will be taught by career and life experienced professionals. She is actively seeking speakers or people with new ideas and suggests they contact her by e-mail at: intplus@warwick.net or stop by her store and pick up a free pink ribbon pin. For additional information call 986- 4344. Artist on display The Crystal Inn, 12 Amity Road, is currently displaying the works of local artist James Amore. The vivid watercolors of local scenes are featured throughout the restaurant. The Crystal Inn is also taking reservations for a New Year’s Eve event offering a five course-tasting menu. Call 258-9083. More “Home for the Holidays” By most accounts, the holiday shopping season has been a successful one for Warwick businesses. Since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, last-minute shoppers are urged to keep in mind that most shops will remain open late on Friday night, Dec. 23 but many will close early on Christmas Eve. And if you haven’t been able to decide by this late date, gift certificates in $5 and $10 denominations are available at The Inkwell, Peck’s Wines & Spirits, Victorian Treasures and Newhard’s. The Village will still be a fun place to visit this weekend. Santa’s sleigh is in Railroad Green Park and the Nativity Scene, Christmas Tree and Menorah can all be viewed at Lewis Park. On Dec. 24 there will be a traditional “Christmas Eve Sing” at the Old School Baptist Meeting House. And at sundown, about 4:30 p.m., on Dec. 25, everyone, regardless of religion, is invited to Lewis Park for the annual Menorah Lighting. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah.