Business notebook: ‘Harvest at Greenwood Lake' opens

WARWICK - Award-winning Chef Frank C. Costantino recently opened a new restaurant at 92 Windemere Ave. in the Victorian building that was once home to the old Greenwood Restaurant in Greenwood Lake. Costantino and his wife, Illene, are Warwick residents. The new restaurant, “Harvest at Greenwood Lake,” features contemporary American cuisine using local fresh meats, fish and produce whenever in season. Last year, Costantino won the St. Stephen’s Taste of the Town annual event while working locally as an executive chef. “This restaurant is the realization of a vision that brings the farm to the table,” said Costantino. “Diners can expect excellent quality food, creativity and inventiveness along with a commitment to using the best ingredients available.” Contemporary American Cuisine, he explained, has been pioneered by a number of American-born chefs who demanded the quality, diversity and caliber of ingredients once only found in the European markets and who possess a passion to produce food with skills learned in American culinary schools. As a member of the prestigious American Academy of Chefs, Costantino has won numerous awards including the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Big Apple chapter chef of the year in 2004 and culinary educator of the year in 2006. He was the ACF National Champion in 2002 and led a team of chefs to Tuscany, Italy, winning the Italian National Hot Food Championship there in 2004. As captain of the New York Culinary Team, he led his team to an impressive eight medals, including two gold, at the 2004 Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany. Costantino spent much of the last 15 years as an instructor at area culinary schools. Prior to becoming an educator, he was the recipient of two stars from The New York Times as chef of the famous Quatorze Restaurant in New York City. He also worked at other well-known city venues including La Caravelle and Windows on the World and he once served as an executive chef at HBO headquarters. At “Harvest at Greenwood Lake,” Costantino stated that although his emphasis is on American cuisine, there is also some ethnic influence on the menu. “Being of Italian descent myself,” he said, “you know they’ll be daily homemade pasta and risotto on the menu because it allows for creativity in using the bounty of ingredients available.” The restaurant will also offer daily and seasonal specials, creative desserts and brunch. At this time, diners are encouraged to bring their own wine but “Harvest at Greenwood Lake” soon expects to be licensed to serve alcohol and will then offer an impressive selection of fine wines. “Harvest at Greenwood Lake” is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for Sunday brunch. Reservations are recommended. Call 595-1018. For additional information, visit www.harvestatgreenwoodlake.com. Hair Designs by Evie Evelyn Bohnwagner is pleased to announce the reopening of her new salon, “Hair Designs by Evie” at 58 Big Island Road, Warwick. Evie, as she prefers to be called, has been a licensed cosmetologist since 1976 and is a member of the National Cosmetology Association. She has been living and working in Warwick for 10 years and has developed a strong following among her clients. Evie is a graduate of Middletown School of Beauty and has owned hair salons in Pine Bush and Westtown. “I still have clients who come to my salon from as far away as Massachusetts,” she said. “Hair Designs by Evie,” specializes in creative cuts for men, women and children as well as coloring, highlights and lowlights, foils, conditioning, perms, up dos, waxing, relaxers and corrective coloring. “My new shop offers customers a warm, cozy, country atmosphere,” said Evie. “I am open by appointment only so everyone receives personalized attention. Prices are competitive and service is second to none. I use only the best products from manufacturers like Schwarzkopf, Paul Mitchell, Matrix and others and I pay special attention to seniors.” Call 914-850-1020. Journey to Africa This Friday evening, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m., Jubilee Presents will honor Black History Month with a celebration of the roots of African Drum & Dance featuring African drum master Maxwell Kofi with his ensemble, “Sankofa.” The celebration will be held at the Jubilee Multi-cultural Arts and Dance Center, 87 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Warwick. Admission is $20. Call 987-4207 for reservations. And for information on upcoming events, visit www.jubileepresents.com First Communion Victorian Treasures, 21 Main St., will be hosting a special event from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, for parents and their daughters who will be in the market for a First Communion dress. Call 987-9420. Chamber news A “Health Benefits” event, sponsored by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and Group Benefit Solutions Center, will be held next Thursday, March 6, from 4-7 p.m. at Dautaj at the Warwick Inn, 36 Oakland Ave. in Warwick. After enjoying a buffet, guests will learn how to piece together the health insurance puzzle and lower premiums with tax advantaged HAS and HRA programs. RSVP Sandy McWilliams by calling 695-2071 (Ext. 207) or e-mailing her at smcwilliams@wvcc-gbsc.com.