Business notebook: Celebrating grand openings and anniversaries

Warwick - There’s a new restaurant in town, Phoenician Palace, 18 Main St., Warwick. And if you would like to try something different, this might be a good bet. First of all, if you’re asking, “Where is Phoenicia?” you’re not alone. Phoenicia hasn’t been a household word for more than 2000 years. It was, however, an ancient civilization centered in the north of ancient Canaan, with its heartland along the coastal plains of what is now Lebanon. Mansour Al Baroudsy, a co-owner of Phoenician Palace, is not only a native of Lebanon, hence a Phoenician, but, before coming to the United States, he managed a five-star restaurant in Aley, Lebanon, for four years. “It was one of the best restaurants in the entire country,” he said. Al Baroudsy, who is also an accountant, and his partners Barbara Rameri and Zaid Al Saraireh, a native of Jordan, opened Phoenician Palace on Oct. 7. The restaurant specializes in traditional Lebanese dishes including cold meza such as Baba Ganouje, a puree of grilled eggplant, tahini, lemon juice and garlic served with olive oil or a hot meza dish of Hummus Phoenician which is minced lamb, pine nuts and onion served on a bed of hummus. Entrees include Kabob, grilled marinated veal/beef chunks served on a skewer, Lamb Chops or Mixed Grill. And you can top off your meal with a variety of desserts including the traditional Middle Eastern Baklava, a phyllo dough baked with nuts and honey. The restaurant also has a kid’s menu and an extensive and reasonably priced sandwich selection for lunch. “We prepare everything fresh each day,” said Al Baroudsy, “and we use local produce whenever available.” Phoenician Palace is open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant also offers take-out and catering. Call 986-2828. Grand Opening Dena’s Doggie Designs, 585 Route 94, Warwick, opened its doors for business last spring but delayed its Grand Opening until Saturday, Oct. 14. The self-serve pet wash provides an enjoyable and entertaining place to bathe and bond with your dog or cat in an environment that promotes socialization between the pets and their owners. Owner Dena Feldman is on hand to offer advice and assistance. She has 16 years experience as a groomer and also served as an instructor. Feldman also has 14 years experience as a veterinarian technician. “And we sterilize everything,” she said. During the grand opening, Dena’s Doggie Designs donated a percentage of their sales to the Warwick Valley Humane Society’s Animal Shelter. For information call 986-9300. Flavors of Fall On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 - 22, Frazzleberries, 24 Main St., hosted a “Flavors of Fall” event with in-store tasting stations featuring local wineries and gourmet selections from The Iron Forge Inn and Lisa’s Cookie Shop. Frazzleberries also offered sampling stations from its country cupboard. And pianist Stephen Yates was on hand to provide musical entertainment and perform selections from his newest CD release. Frazzleberries also introduced a new shopping incentive. Until Nov. 12, with any purchase of $25 or more, customers will receive an envelope containing a “Secret Santa Savings Certificate.” For details call 988-5080. Anniversary The Garage at the Eclectic Eye on Railroad Avenue celebrated its fifth anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 21. Everyone was invited to enjoy music and refreshments at a party held in honor of the occasion at the antique shop that evening. Chamber events On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will sponsor power networking for businesses during a luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Copper Bottom Restaurant in the Village of Florida. “This event,” said Executive Director Linda Glohs, “will provide guests a unique forum to promote their business directly, while enjoying good cuisine.” The cost of the event is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for not-yet chamber members. Advance reservations are required. Registrations at the door are $30. The Chamber’s annual membership dinner will be held at the Warwick Country Club on Friday evening, Nov. 10. December’s Networking Breakfast will be at La Petite Cuisine in Warwick. For more information contact the Chamber office at 986-2720, or e-mail at info@warwickcc.org. Oops! In last week’s article about Shooting Stars Family Day Care a letter in the e-mail address was inadvertently omitted. The correct e-mail address is: shootingstarskids@yahoo.com We should also clarify that owner Essra Paddock has taken a health and safety course not to become a licensed pre-school teacher but to become a registered child care provider. She also provides a preschool curriculum.