Business notebook: ‘Green' kitchens, belly dancers and incentives

WARWICK - Warwick’s Rockport Kitchen & Bath Inc. recently announced that it now offers a dramatic new first in cabinetry. As an authorized dealer for the South Dakota firm, Showplace Wood Products Inc., among other manufacturers, Rockport owners Don Giantonio and Brian Herlihy reported that they will not only continue to offer top customer service and products, but also a unique cabinetry line that is environmental friendly. The new line, Lyptus, is made from a naturally occurring hybrid of Eucalyptus, a renewable hardwood species. According to the manufacturer, Lyptus resembles mahogany and has a naturally deep, warm coloration that can vary over a significant range. “We’re excited to be the first kitchen cabinetry company in this area to provide a ‘Green Kitchen,’” said Giantonio. “Lyptus has great character and guarantees that your cabinetry will be totally unique.” The interesting fact about the product is that these Eucalyptus trees are grown on sustainable-managed plantations in South America. And they can be harvested and replanted in the relatively short period of 15 years without depleting old-growth forests. “That strikes an important balance between human requirements and environmental concerns,” said Herlihy. Rockport Kitchen & Bath is approaching a third year anniversary at its current location in Warwick but Giantonio and Herlihy can boast 30 years combined experience in this business. They stated that they can offer customers expert counter top replacement in any surface available. The company is a certified fabricator for DuPont Corian and can install granite and quartz products. “As a result,” said Giantonio, “we have the advantage of being price competitive with the ‘home stores’ while offering our customers a turn around time as low as three days. Whether it’s a simple counter top replacement or an entire home from floor to ceiling, we have never left a client unsatisfied.” Rockport also represents Mouser Custom Cabinetry, AristoKraft, Top Knobs Hardware, Kohler, Caesar Stone and Granite and more. The showroom, in the Jockey Holler area along Route 94 South, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff also are available by appointment on evenings and Saturdays; home consultations can be arranged by calling 986-1899. Belly dancers while you dine The Phoenician Palace Restaurant, 18 Main St., Warwick, is now licensed to serve beer and wine and it will soon offer music and live entertainment along with its traditional Lebanese and other Middle Eastern dishes. Beginning Saturday evening at 8 p.m., Jan. 20, patrons can enjoy a performance by four belly dancers from “Middle Eastern Dancing with Sarah.” Appetizers and dinner with wine and beer are available that evening. There is a cover charge of $5 for the performance and the entertainment, with a different belly dancer, will be offered every following Saturday night at 8 p.m. Sarah Bell offers belly-dancing classes in Pine Island. Her “Caravan Dancers Troupe” has performed at numerous fairs and other events throughout the Hudson Valley Region. The Phoenician Palace co-owners Barbara Ranieri, Mansour Albaroudy and Zaid Al Saraireh opened for business on Oct. 7. Albaroudy previously managed a five-star restaurant in Lebanon. The Phoenician Palace specializes in traditional Lebanese dishes including cold and hot meza dishes, Kabobs, lamb chops and mixed grill along with a soup of the day and, among others, the popular Mediterranean sweet pastry dessert, Baklava. The restaurant is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 986-2828. Warwick IBA offers more incentives for shoppers As stated on its Web site, the Warwick Independent Business Alliance (IBA) was formed in response to a belief in the benefits of supporting the local economy and an appreciation of the individual charm, character and integrity of the Town of Warwick community. One of its programs is to offer Benefit Cards to shoppers. The cards, which are available for $25 at Port of Call, Peck’s Wines & Spirits, Avanti, Eclectic Eye and Warwick Community Center, offer the purchaser significant discounts and/or other incentives at more than 30 participating businesses during the year. As an additional incentive, the IBA and the Warwick Merchants’ Guild have partnered to offer the first 100 people who purchase a Benefit Card this year $10 in Gift Certificates than can be used in most local stores and restaurants. “This is a wonderful example of the cooperation between the IBA and the Merchants’ Guild,” said IBA cofounder Deborah Blomfield. For additional information visit the IBA Web site at: www.warwickiba.org Survey The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce recently mailed a survey to all its members to help the Chamber guide future programs and set new goals. Members are encouraged to complete and return the survey, join a committee and/or offer suggestions.