Business notebook: New restaurant is talk of the town

WARWICK - In English, the Italian word, “Fratello,” means brother. For Joe Boccia and Mike Darcey, it represents the bond they share as retired New York City firefighters and now partners in Warwick’s newest restaurant. Fratello Family Style Italian Restaurant & Bar at 22 Spring St. opened Friday, Jan. 11. Most new businesses wait awhile before holding a grand opening but the response so far has been so enthusiastic that Boccia and Darcey may have trouble finding time for that. Both owners are longtime residents of Warwick. Boccia and his wife, Lorraine, a teacher at Kings Elementary School, have two children: Cheyanne, 14, and Joseph, 13. Darcey and his wife, Joyce, who works at Warwick Valley High School, have three older sons: Philip, Alex and Ryan. “Our reviews have been fantastic,” said Boccia. “And we’ve had a waiting list for dinner every evening.” That 20 or so minute wait, however, can be spent in a comfortable new lounge and bar relaxing or watching any of several events on high-density television. And it should be well be worth the wait. Chef Larry Klein, a 30-year veteran of Italian food preparation and a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA), promises to please patrons with traditional Italian favorites such as Veal Francaise or Zuppa di Pesce. Sous Chef Michael Noth, also a longtime veteran, helps manage the kitchen and Pizza Chef Nicola Lombardo, a native of Italy, draws from his 30 years of experience to serve the best possible pizza he can bake in his brick oven. The owners describe their food as “Old School Italian” with specialties from various regions throughout Italy. “In addition to individual servings,” said Darcey, “we offer platters that we serve family style. It’s just like grandma used to make.” Renovations made to the historic building at 22 Spring St. are nothing short of spectacular and are alone worth the visit. “We invite people to come by and enjoy our bar and lounge at anytime,” said Boccia. “We also serve food or pizza at the bar and we stay open until whenever.” Fratello serves lunch and dinner throughout the week. The restaurant and bar opens weekdays from 11:30 a.m. and weekends from 12:30 p.m. until late closing. Lunch is served everyday except Sunday when dinner is served all day. Customers can also ask to have a menu faxed and then order in advance by calling 986-7898. Pilates in Motion has moved As of Jan. 1, the “Pilates in Motion” studio has relocated from Pine Island to 133 Route 94 South in the Meadowcrest complex between the Village of Warwick and ShopRite Plaza. “Pilates,” explained owner Colleen Ketchum, “is a systematic order of exercises that are specifically designed to strengthen, elongate and balance ones muscles. It’s a form of thoughtful exercise which increases coordination for both the body and mind and by performing the prescribed order of exercises, which include focused breathing and precise muscle movements, overall strength, flexibility, coordination and lung capacity are improved.” Pilates involves exercises preformed on the floor, also known as mat work, as well as exercises executed on specialized equipment. The discipline is named after the German-born fitness enthusiast Joseph Hubertus Pilates who created the system of exercise. “Our instructors are thoroughly trained in a classic style of Pilates following in the footsteps of the mastermind himself,” said Ketchum “Pilates is a time-honored fitness regimen that provides safe and effective core strengthening and overall physical fitness. Our studio offers a wide range of state of the art Pilates equipment, based on Joseph Pilates’ original equipment designs.” Ketchum, who lives in Warwick with her husband, Taft, and their children Nate, 5, and Quinn, 6, earned her bachelor of science degree in biology from West Connecticut State University. She completed her Pilates certification at Power Pilates, which has established an internationally recognized certification program in New York City. Pilates in Motion is open Monday through Saturday. There are morning, afternoon and evening classes, which can be found at www. PilatesInMotionNY.com or by calling 544-1576. Chamber news: Expo 2008 The big news last week was the announcement of the upcoming first annual business “Expo.” On Saturday, May 3, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a premier business to business and business to consumer Expo at the Warwick Valley Middle School. Executive Director Michael Johndrow explained that the Expo promises to be a vibrant celebration of local products and services as well as a networking opportunity for participants. Non-profit organizations are also invited to exhibit and job fair and educational break-out sessions will be open to the public. “This venue,” said Johndrow, “will provide businesses an opportunity to expose goods and services, fill vacant jobs and develop new customers and business contacts.” More than 100 businesses are expected to exhibit. The eclectic group will include restaurants, retail stores, financial advisors, accountants, real estate entities, contractors, non-profits, custom gift suppliers, telecommunication, health care providers and more. Neighboring communities, including Vernon, N.J., are encouraged to participate. WVT Communications is the lead sponsor for the event but additional sponsorships, with an accompanying benefit package, are currently available. The Chamber is now taking registrations. The cost for chamber members is $175 and $295 for non-chamber members. The later fee includes a one-year Chamber membership. “The Warwick Valley Chamber,” said Johndrow, “encourages and supports new and existing businesses and offers professional opportunities in the area. It promotes business growth and offers networking, social and educational opportunities as well as a comprehensive health plan.” For more information on the Expo, contact Johndrow at 845-986-2720 or Event Chair Diane Massey at 845-325-2247.