Business notebook: Much ado about anniversaries and vintage clothes

WARWICK - After five years of successful operation in business, you must be doing something right. La Petite Cuisine, the popular indoor and outdoor café on Railroad Avenue, Warwick, will be celebrating its fifth anniversary from Friday, April 13, through Sunday, April 15. “To thank our many loyal customers,” said owner Patricia Flynn, “we will be offering a free dessert crepe with any entree ordered during those three days. In addition, all customers will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing to win a beautiful basket and gift certificate to the cafe.” Flynn opened the cafe back in 2002 with then partner, Maryse Greenwald. When Greenwald moved to Florida in 2004, Flynn continued the business on her own with what she describes as “my wonderful staff.” Flynn said she believes the reason for their success is the fact that La Petite Cuisine was unique when it opened five years ago and continues to try to provide something different here in Warwick. In mild weather, and especially on weekends, the tables outside the café in the picturesque courtyard facing the Village Railroad Green Park, are usually filled with tourists as well as local residents. “Although it has not always been easy,” said Flynn, “it has been very rewarding. I owe a lot to Maryse and her influence will continue to be felt as long as we remain open. She is back in the area now and I hope she will stop in to celebrate with us.” Flynn said she looks forward to seeing all the familiar faces during the anniversary celebration as well as welcoming new customers to the cafe. “La Petite Cuisine is a team effort,” she said, “and I need to thank Gigi, Georgette and Donna for hanging in through the good and bad times. I love you all!” La Petite Cuisine is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outdoor dining is available weather permitting. Call 988-0988. Vintage clothing In addition to being co-owner of Style Counsel, a fashion shop at 19 Main St., Warwick, Tim Mullally enjoys supporting and often performing with a local musical theater group. Part of that avocation led Mullally to search for vintage clothing that could be used as costumes for various musical productions. “But some of the items I purchased were too valuable to be just worn on stage,” he said. “I started to put them aside.” At the same time, George Laurence, owner of the Garage at the Eclectic Eye, a popular antique cooperative on nearby Railroad Avenue, had been organizing estate sales and also finding interesting vintage clothing along with the now popular “Retro” clothing of the 1960s and 1970s. Mullally had also been working with Laurence in his search for costumes. The two discussed what to do with the more valuable pieces in Mullally’s inventory and a partnership was born. The select vintage and retro items offered by the partnership will be showcased at the Garage at the Eclectic Eye. According to Mullally and Laurence, they will be reasonably priced at a very competitive level. “In a specialty shop,” said Laurence, “the prices would be double.” For more information or to sell or consign vintage or retro clothing, call George Laurence at 986-5520 or Tim Mullally at 986-9588. Join the club Warwick Car Wash and Oil Express, 18 Elm St. has come up with an interesting service that can save its customers money. A normal express car wash costs $10 but by joining the recently introduced “Car Wash Membership Club,” you can have your car washed as often as you want for $32.50 per month. So, for example, even if you only express wash your car once per week, you are spending more than the monthly membership fee. If you wash your car several times each week, the advantage of joining the club is without question. When you join the club, Warwick Car Wash will place a sticker on your windshield that allows you to have your car washed every day if you wish. And if you need an extra service, you have the option of paying the difference between the express wash and the upgrade. For more information call 986-9966. More Springfest According to Mary Beth Schlichting, president of the Warwick Merchant Guild, planning for Springfest 2007, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, is getting more exciting every day. This year, the Merchant Guild is planning Springfest 2007 as a “Home and Garden” styled event that will attract appropriate vendors and businesses. Local vendors that offer relevant and appropriate products for the theme of the celebration include the Farmer’s Market, local orchards, garden centers, lawn care professionals, Koi Pond professionals and pool suppliers among others. There will also be non-profit organizations present such as the Warwick Valley Humane Society and other organizations promoting upcoming events such as St. Stephen’s “Taste of the Town and “Warwick in Bloom.” Entertainment and events that should please the entire family are currently being finalized. There will be live music and dance performances throughout the Village. The characters Dora the Explorer, Elmo and Winnie the Pooh will be appearing at The Toy Chest, 62 Main St. Both adults and youngsters are invited to watch interesting demonstrations by United Martial Arts and the Orange County K-9 Unit as well as professional skate board demonstrations. And, if you get hungry, pick up a copy of the new Warwick Restaurant guide and check out the menus of over 20 local eateries. For information, call Schlicting at her Main Street shop, Frazzleberies: 988 -5080.