Business notebook: Harpoon Bay Restaurant reopens

WARWICK - One of Warwick’s most popular eateries, Harpoon Bay, recently reopened at its new location, 48 Main St., directly across from WVT Communications in the Village of Warwick. In 2002, four-star chef Denis Viera opened Harpoon Bay Clam Bar Restaurant at a location on Route 94 North near the New Jersey State line. And on Saturday, Feb. 23, after being closed for four months during the intensive renovations of its new location, Viera and his wife, Linda, again welcomed patrons to Harpoon Bay. “We would like to thank all of our customers for their patience and continued patronage,” said Viera. “We look forward to seeing you at our new location and we invite you to bring your own wine or beer until we receive our license to serve alcohol.” Viera began his career at age 15 when he first shelled clams and filleted fish working at New York City’s Fulton Fish Market. He then moved on and eventually became a chef-manager for a chain of three restaurants and clam bars in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport, a position he held for almost 12 years. After he moved to New Jersey, Viera worked his way up from filet man to executive sous chef at Perona Farms. In addition to his appearances at A Taste of Warwick and other local events, Viera participates in approximately 25 fund raisers each year, including the March of Dimes, The Art of Chocolate, and Battle of the Chefs for the American Cancer Society. While working at Perona Farms, he was invited to prepare special dishes at the annual James Beard Awards in New York City. He has also appeared several times on the New Jersey Cable 12 food segment where he prepared his unique creations. Viera takes pride in Harpoon Bay being a family friendly restaurant where patrons can taste a variety of fine cuisine including steak, seafood and pasta. Although Harpoon Bay is famous for seafood dishes like spicy Portuguese Fish Chowder and Linguine Mixed Seafood Fra Diavolo, it now offers a variety of meat and chicken specialties including steaks and chops. “We even serve a one pound ground prime rib hamburger,” said Viera. Harpoon Bay is open every day except Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, offers off-premises catering and also is available for private parties. For reservations or information, call 986-CLAM (2526). Prom season coming soon Jacqueline Sitro, owner of Jacqueline’s Boutique, 17 Main St., Warwick, would like to remind everyone that the prom season is near and she invites the young ladies to “walk the red carpet” in her shop and view the large selection of gowns and dresses from top designers. “Our styles are unique and have a special flair,” said Sitro. “The popular colors this year are sapphire blues, lemon yellows, pretty pinks, ruby reds, café browns, emerald greens and glittering golds as well as the latest in print designs.” Jacqueline’s Boutique registers each dress so that the wearer will have a unique gown at her prom. The shop also features the latest women’s fashions and accessories for special occasions such as weddings, sweet 16 parties and other upcoming events. Tuxedos also are available for rent. 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. Evening appointments also are available. Call 987-9602. Grand opening Eileen Piasecki Couch, owner and founder of Pine Island Herb & Spice Company, announced that her 15-year-old company will be offering free coffee on Thursday and Friday, March 13-14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the grand opening of its new retail store. Pine Island Herb & Spice is housed alongside its office/warehouse facility on 39 Transport Lane in Pine Island. The company, which specializes in all natural dips, soups, pasta, seasonings and bulk herbs and spices along with dips, sauces, “rubs,” seasoning blends, soups and more moved to this location in the winter of 2007. This is the first time the company has operated a retail store in conjunction with its adjacent production and packaging facility. Store hours will be Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sales are conducted online as well as at the new store. Pine Island Herb & Spice products can also be purchased at a selection of retail venues including orchards, supermarkets and specialty stores in the tri-state region. For more information, visit www.pineislandherb.com or call 845-258-HERB (4372). Reminder Victorian Treasures, 21 Main St., will host a special fashion show event from 1-3 p.m. this Saturday, March 8, for parents and their daughters who will be in the market for a First Communion dress. For information, call 987-9420. Warwick Valley Chamber news On Thursday, March 13, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a business mixer at Gilsenan Kitchen Design, 11-19 First St., Warwick, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The “Go Green” event will showcase Rosita Gilsenan’s new line of green cabinetry. All current chamber members are invited to attend at a cost of $5. Non-members are also welcome at a cost of $10. Advance reservations are helpful. On Tuesday, March 18, the chamber will host a networking luncheon at Halligan’s Public House, 22 West St., Warwick, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be open to all businesses in the area. For more information about the networking events, to make a reservation or to assist the Program Committee with future events, call or e-mail Michael Johndrow at the chamber office 986-2720, e-mail: info@warwickcc.org or e-mail Paul Rafanello; Paul@prcpa.biz.