Business notebook: Happy anniversary

Warwick - On Oct. 7, Applefest Sunday, Mansour and Barbara Albaroudy celebrated the first-year anniversary of their unique Warwick restaurant, Phoenician Palace, 18 Main St. The restaurant, which specializes in traditional Lebanese dishes, is named after an ancient civilization centered in the north of what was then Canaan, with its heartland along the coastal plains of modern day Lebanon. Mansour Albaroudy is not only a native of Lebanon, and therefore a Phoenician, but also before coming to the United States, he managed a five-star restaurant in Aley, one of the most popular summer resorts of Mount Lebanon and a vacation spot for many Middle Eastern dignitaries. Albaroudy also is a professional accountant. The Phoenician Palace now has an impressive collection of Lebanese wines to complement specialties, which include cold meza, baba ganouje, and humus Phoenician, plus a variety of kabobs. His array of desserts feature among others, baklava, a phyllo dough baked with nuts and honey. This year the restaurant added more items to the menu including chicken or beef shawarma often called gyro, a sandwich composed of grilled thin slices of chicken or beef with humus, tomato, lettuce, Tahiti sauce and wild-cucumber pickles wrapped in a pita. The Phoenician Palace serves a variety of entrees including lamb kabob, shrimp kabob and beef kabob, along with a wide selection of vegetarian food and fish specials. In addition to its extensive list of dinner items, Phoenician Palace also has a children’s menu and offers a selection of interesting and reasonably priced sandwiches at lunchtime. Belly dancing on most Saturday nights, new for this year, has been another popular feature. “We specialize in the finest Lebanese cuisine using all fresh ingredients, from meals to desserts, and we use local produce whenever available,” said Albaroudy. “Everything is also available for take-out.” Reservations are recommended for Saturday evenings. Call 986-2828 or visit phoenicianpalace.com. Fundraiser: Bring a friend October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Jacqueline’s Boutique, 17 Main St., Warwick, will host its annual “Pre-Holiday and Brighton Jewelry Show,” next Thursday, Oct. 18, from 4 to 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served and proceeds from over $500 in jewelry and gifts donated by Jacqueline’s Boutique for door prizes and raffles will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund. “Bring a friend,” said owner Jackie Sitro. “Our Brighton representative will be on hand to present the full line of brand new Brighton jewelry, belts, leather organizers, wallets and accessories. This holiday collection is absolutely beautiful and unique. And our brand new 2007 Brighton Breast Cancer necklaces, bracelets and earrings just arrived.” Jacqueline’s Boutique will also display the latest top-of-the-line apparel, handbags and dresses. Sitro added that new designer gowns and dresses for 2008, including the latest in prom gowns are also in stock. Jacqueline’s Boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 987-9602. Cultural journey This Saturday, Oct. 13, Jubilee Multi-Cultural Arts and Dance Center, 87 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Warwick, will celebrate Historic Heritage Month beginning at 6 p.m. The event will include a lecture and presentation by Maria Luisa Brown and Judy Batista on Folkloric Caribbean Music & dances along with percussionist Geovanni Escalera, the Jubilee Folkloric Dancers and a sampling of Latin foods. Admission is $15. Call 987-207 or visit: www.jubileepresents.com Think snow The Mount Peter Great American Ski Swap and Sale will be held next weekend, Oct. 20 - 21, and the following Sunday, Oct. 28. Season passes at reduced rates are available until Oct. 21. Call 986-4940 or visit www.mtpeter.com. Generation X According to Edward Lynch, a financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments, 77 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Warwick, “Generation X’ers” are well ahead of other generations when it comes to saving for retirement. “It’s encouraging that younger generations are beginning to save earlier,” said Lynch. “No doubt this is partly due to a growing recognition that company pensions are becoming a thing of the past and the long-term solvency of Social Security is still in question. They are clearly learning from their parents’ mistakes and are facing the future now, rather than making plans at the last minute.” Edward Jones has ranked highest in investor satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates for the last three years in a row. For additional information about financial planning call Edward Lynch call 987-7220. Good news for some We all have something to look forward to: Mountain Creek in Vernon, N. J., has stopped discounting season ski passes for senior citizens this year but skiers and riders age 80 and over now receive their season passes absolutely free.