Business notebook: Taste of Warwick beckons

Warwick - If the experience of the past is any indication of the future, tickets to this year’s “Taste of Warwick,” one of the most popular social events, may soon be sold out. The 14th annual “Taste of Warwick,” a celebration of the area’s best restaurants, chefs, farms, wineries and a sense of community, will take place Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 6 - 9 p.m., at the Warwick Valley Winery, 114 Little York Road. Weather permitting, guests will be able to sample local wines and gourmet foods under the stars as well as in an elegant, candle lit tent on the picturesque grounds of the winery. And while they’re deciding which dish or wine to try first, they can listen to the jazz trio in the tent or visit the Winery’s bar to sample it’s special wines and enjoy musical entertainment. There are also two regulation Bocce courts on site and if Dr. Joseph Grizzanti, owner of the Warwick Valley Winery, is nearby, he’ll be happy to explain the rules. The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce sponsors A Taste of Warwick as a showcase of the region’s best restaurant chefs, caterers, markets, florists and wine merchants. Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased in advanced. They are available at participating businesses including Charlotte’s Tea Room at Greetings and Salutations, Frazzleberries, The Inkwell, Mima’s of Warwick, New Beginnings Treatment Spa, Peck’s Wines and Spirits, Rader Floral Designs and Ye Jolly Onion Inn. They can also be purchased in person at the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce caboose office on South St. or purchased and charged by calling Executive Director Michael Johndrow at 986-2720. Krafty-Babe Krafty-Babe’s Café & Boutique, Sugar Loaf’s newest attraction, held it’s Grand Opening on July 24. On that day, the new café, which is located directly across the street from the Barnsider Restaurant, donated proceeds from the event to Autism Movathon of Orange County (AMOC). Owner Kim Liszewski, former owner of the Sugar Loaf craft and party store, It’s My Party, stated that she opened the coffee shop to create a gathering place, not only for the many tourists who visit the hamlet, but for the families who live in and around Sugar Loaf. “I wanted to open a business that would truly be community-friendly,” she said. “A place where people could gather and feel comfortable. Now, instead of driving into Warwick or Chester for a cup of coffee and a bagel, they can come here to relax and be amongst friends.” The store’s Grand Opening featured a musical performance by Kyle Hancharick, and a dedication of a wishing well fountain, with all of the proceeds going directly to AMOC not only on Sunday but also in the future. “I began teaching crafts to autistic children about a year ago,” said Liszewski. “There are so many autistic children in Orange County and I want to contribute what I can to what I believe is a very worthy cause. These children are inspiring.” Liszewski had been a special education teacher for 20 years prior to opening the Sugar Loaf businesses. Krafty-Babe’s Café not only boasts the best coffee in the area, but it also offers gourmet pastries and baked goods, ice cream, a host of gifts and children’s items and a front porch with tables where people can relax and enjoy the day. Krafty-Babe’s Café & Boutique is open seven days. The hours are Monday and Tuesday from 6 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 544-2204. Award The William R. Garcia Agency, 16 South St., Warwick, recognized by Allstate Insurance Company for its high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and profitability, was recently selected to receive the company’s distinctive Honor Ring award. The Agency is considered one of the top Allstate agencies in the nation in auto, property and commercial insurance and financial service sales. For nearly 60 years, the Honor Ring has been Allstate’s symbol of outstanding achievement. Worn with pride by generations of Allstate agents, the Honor Ring recognizes the William R Garcia Agency for its performance and is a symbol of the agency’s dedication in serving customers. “It’s a tremendous honor to earn Honor Ring,” said Garcia. “My agency’s commitment is to serve customers and we’re pleased that the company has acknowledged our efforts.” Congratulations The 10th annual Ladies Night Out last Thursday, Aug. 23, was a huge success. Kudos to Chairman Tim Mullally, co-owner of Style Counsel and well deserved congratulations to Betty Garrison, this year’s “Queen.”