Warwick Business Notebook: Pennings celebrates St. Patrick's Day

WARWICK - This weekend, the Harvest Grill at Pennings Farm Market and Garden Center, Route 94 South, Warwick, will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish music and by offering a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner with all the trimmings. The $9.95 special is available on both Saturday and Sunday for lunch, dinner or take-out. According to owners Steve and Jill Pennings, there are some exciting changes to report since their restaurant and market reopened for the season. To begin, they’ve hired a new chef, Warwick resident Frank Costantino, and he’s no ordinary chef. Costantino, a graduate of the New York City College of Technology, is certified by the American Culinary Federation as a culinary instructor and executive chef. After working several years in Manhattan restaurants such as La Caravelle, Windows on the World and Quatorze, he then served 14 years as senior culinary instructor and culinary program director at his alma mater. Recently, Costantino also completed a two-year commitment as senior lead instructor at the Art Institute of New York City. Pennings’ new chef is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2002 Coupe Des Nacions at the Festival de Gastronomie in Quebec City and the 2002 ACF National Championship, sponsored by Tyson. In July 2004, he was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs, the honor society for the American Culinary Federation. Chef Costantino was also captain of the New York Culinary Team, which brought home two gold medals at the culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany, in 2004. The team continued to win medals in subsequent competitions and is currently preparing for the 2008 Culinary Olympics. “My primary focus at Pennings will be on quality and freshness,” said Costantino. “I plan to expand the menu and to use locally grown produce along with the highest quality meats and fish fresh.” Besides the market’s popular outdoor seating during warmer weather, patrons can also come in from the cold and enjoy their hot food or soup at one of the tables close to a cozy wood burning stove. In addition to its fresh fish and meat departments along with take-out service, Pennings Market has also added a new delicatessen featuring Boar’s Head products. Pennings Harvest Grill and Farm Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 986-1059 or visit www.penningsfarmmarket.com Kickboxing in Warwick Chosun Taekwondo Academy and Hatha Yoga Center located at 62 Main St., has initiated a new and ongoing Fitness Kickboxing program. The classes will continue on Monday evenings from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Thursday mornings from 10-11 a.m. “This new addition,” said Master Doug Cook, owner of Chosun Taekwondo, “will compliment the existing popular Taekwondo and Hatha Yoga programs that the school has been successfully operating in the village for the past 10 years. No membership fees are required for this new and exciting initiative.” Cook said that “fitness kickboxing,” taught by experienced teachers at Chosun, combines martial arts, aerobics and music for a workout that never gets boring. The Chosun Academy, with its light, open space, padded floors and mirrored walls, he added, provides a safe and fun atmosphere for the energizing workout. “Fitness kickboxing,” said Cook, “is popular because not only does it improve your cardiovascular conditioning and help you lose body fat, it increases your self-confidence. Learning a variety or punches, kicks, strikes and blocks while developing quick reflexes can also help you feel more comfortable in the event you are required to protect yourself in a self-defense situation.” “Fitness Kickboxing” is not a specific martial art like the Taekwondo classes offered at Chosun. But Cook explained that it is a way to cross train and add to your existing exercise regime by enhancing endurance, flexibility and strength. For information contact the Chosun Taekwondo Academy and Hatha Yoga Center at 986- 2288 or visit www.chosuntkd.com Important anniversary On Saturday, March 21, Dawson Motors, 45 Oakland Ave., Warwick, will celebrate its 25th anniversary. The highlight of the all-day event will be the presence of a Jasper Engine NASCAR show car, the Alltel race car driven by Ryan Newman. The NASCAR show car driver will fire it up and visitors can sit in the car and pose for a photograph. There will also be refreshments and gifts for visitors. A small donation will be collected for the Warwick Valley Humane Society. Spring rally The Mount Peter Ski Area Spring Rally, Pig Roast and Wacky Water Ski Contest is scheduled for Saturday, March 24. More to follow.