Archives for 2020

Outdoor Dining in Staten Island for Winter 2021

June 23, 2020 By Staten Island Parent Staff

Updated Feb. 8: Big news, diners! Governor Cuomo announced that restaurants will be open for indoor dining at 25% occupancy starting Friday, February 12. It’s the early Valentine’s Day gift we all wanted but weren’t expecting!

He also announced that wedding receptions of up to 150 people will be permitted in New York starting March 15, provided all guests are tested and local health officials approve.

Below you will find list of Staten Island restaurants that are currently open for outdoor dining.
PLEASE CONTACT EACH RESTAURANT DIRECTLY TO CONFIRM OUTDOOR SEATING AND AVAILABILITY. Restaurants may require reservations.

Applebee’s Outerbridge Crossing
115 Bricktown Way, 10309 • 718-943-1200
applebees.com • Instagram • Facebook

Applebee’s Staten Island Mall
2655 Richmond Ave., 10314 • 718-370-3761
applebees.com • Instagram • Facebook

Applebees Expressway Plaza
1451 Richmond Ave., 10314 • 718-477-1300
applebess.com • Instagram • Facebook

Bayou
1072 Bay St., 10305 • 718-273-4383
bayounyc.com • Instagram • Facebook

Beso
11 Schuyler St., 10301 • 718-816-8162
besonyc.com • Instagram • Facebook

Blue
1115 Richmond Terrace, 10309 • 718-273-7777
bluerestaurantnyc.com • Instagram • Facebook

Big Nose Kate’s
2484 Arthur Kill Rd • 718-227-2266
bignosekatesbar.com • Facebook • Instagram

Brioso
174 New Dorp Lane, 10306 • 718-667-1700
briosorestaurants.com • Facebook • Instagram

Cargo Cafe
120 Bay Street, 10301 • 718-273-7770
cargocafe.nyc • Facebook • Instagram

DeLuca’s
7324 Amboy Road, 10307 • 718-227-7200
delucasitalian.com • Facebook • Instagram

District
2 Sneden Ave., 10312 • 718-984-3700
districtbarnyc.com • Instagram • Facebook

Fushimi
2110 Richmond Road • 718-980-5300
fushimigroup.com/statenisland • Facebook • Instagram

Lacey’s Bridge Tavern
75 Innis Street, 10302 • 718-273-7514
laceysbridgetavern.com • Facebook • Instagram

Lobster House Joes Arthur Kill Rd.
4707 Arthur Kill Rd., 10309 • 718-227-0003
lobsterhousesi.com • Instagram • Facebook

Michael’s Meatballs and Martini’s
1816 Hylan Blvd., 10305 • 347-695-8160
michaelsmartinisandmeatballs.com • Facebook • Instagram

Nino’s
1110 Hylan Blvd., 10305 • 718-448-3838
ninosrestaurant.com • Facebook • Instagram

O’Neill’s
1614 Forest Ave., 10302 • 718-273-4481
oneillsstatenisland.com • Instagram • Facebook

Patrizia’s of Staten Island
4255 Amboy Rd. • 718-317-6600
patrizias.com • Facebook • Instagram

Phunky Elephant
1271 Bay Street, 10305 • 718-448-4282
thephunkyelephant.com • Facebook • Instagram

Portobello
4221 Hylan Blvd., 10308 • 917-651-0479
portobellocafesi.com • Instagram • Facebook

Richmond Republic
4459 Amboy Road, 10312 • 718-356-7425
richmondrepublic.com • Instagram Facebook

Taste of India II
287 New Dorp Lane • 718-987-4700
tasteofindia2.com • Instagram • Facebook

The Burrito Bar
585 Forest Ave., 10310 • 718-815-9200
theburritobar.com • Facebook • Instagram

The West Shore Inn
3955 Victory Blvd., 10314 • 718-442-3600
westshoreinn.com • Facebook • Instagram

Verrazano Grill
628 Midland Ave • 718-979-8200
verrazanogrill.com • Facebook

Villa Paradiso
145 Greaves Lane, 10308 • 718-227-2405
villaparadisorestaurant.com • Facebook • Instagram

Trattoria Toscana
4200 Hylan Blvd., 10308 • 718-605-6009
trattoriatoscanasi.com • Facebook • Instagram

Vinum
704 Bay Street, 10304 • 718-448-8466
vinumnyc.com • Facebook • Instagram

Z-One Restaurant and Lounge
1821 Richmond Ave., 10314 • 718-494-9100
zonedinersi.com • Facebook • Instagram

Z-TWO
2925 Veterans Rd. W, 10309 • 718-356-6800
ztwosi.com • Facebook • Instagram

How Restaurants Are Keeping Customers Safe

As with every activity during the coronavirus pandemic, the CDC has released guidelines for restaurants to follow when reopening their dining rooms (or outdoor dining rooms, for now). Keep in mind, these guidelines are meant to supplement (not replace) any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations.

Employees are required to wash hands before, during, and after preparing food.
Employees are encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and then wash hands.
Cloth face coverings are required amongst all staff.
Adequate hand hygiene supplies must be available, including soap, hand sanitizer (at least 60-percent alcohol) on every table, paper towels, tissues, disinfectant wipes, cloth face coverings, and no-touch or foot pedal trash cans.
Signs that promote everyday protective measures and describe how to stop the spread of germs should be posted in highly visible locations (entrances, restrooms).
Frequently touched surfaces (door handles, cash registers, workstations, sink handles, bathroom stalls) must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

Layouts should change to ensure that all parties are at least 6 feet apart.
Seating capacity must be limited to 50 percent.
Restaurants should ask customers to wait in cars or away from the restaurant while they wait to be seated.
Physical barriers should be installed in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart (kitchens, cash registers, host stands, food pickup areas)
Physical guides (tape on floors or sidewalks) must be provided to maintain 6 feet distance.
Employees will be screened daily via telephone or electronically for COVID-19 symptoms.
Bartenders and customers must maintain proper social distance.

Meant to be followed in conjunction with CDC guidelines, New York State also released guidelines for restaurants to follow during COVID-19 which you can find here.

Yelp business pages now include a coronavirus safety section that includes information on whether a business is enforcing social distancing, sanitizing between customers, or requires masks and temperature checks for customers, according to Business Insider. The section will include a timestamp so customers will know when the information was last updated and will rely on customer feedback for verification.

How You Can Keep Your Family Safe When Eating at Restaurants

Wendy Proskin, M.D., pediatrician at Westmed Medical Center advises families to wear masks when arriving and until they are seated and bring hand sanitizer to use after sitting at the table (just in case the restaurant doesn’t provide). You might be wondering how you can wear masks while eating or drinking at the table. The answer is, as long as the tables are six feet apart (which they should be in order to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State regulations), you don’t have to worry about wearing a mask while seated at your table. If you’re walking to and from the table or walking to the restroom, definitely put your mask on. At restaurants where it’s possible, ordering ahead is encouraged in order to minimize lingering at the counter.

Wanna read more stuff like this? Get our newsletters packed with ideas, events, and information for parents in Staten Island.

Everything You Need to Know About Going to Staten Island Playgrounds this Summer

June 18, 2020 By Patrick Gunn

On Thursday, June 18, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that playgrounds will reopen as the city enters Phase 2 on Monday, June 22, adding that social distancing ambassadors will monitor crowding, distribute face masks to those who don’t have them, and encourage hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that families carefully consider use of playgrounds and ensure children follow proper safety guidelines.

Understandably, there are many concerns with having your children using playgrounds at this time. Will children be able to play while practicing proper social distancing? Will parks become overcrowded when they reopen? Will they be properly cleaned before, during, and after children are finished playing? When playgrounds do open, there are many ways your children can play safely at this time. But if you’re still exercising caution about where you take your kids post-quarantine, there are several alternatives to keep your children active.

What to Keep in Mind When Deciding to Go to the Playground

Of course, you may not want to take your children back to playgrounds as soon as they open, and that’s understandable. Caroline Stockert, CPNP-PC, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Crystal Run Healthcare suggests considering the size of the playground before heading over to play.

Use good judgment and try to go to either a large playground where children can practice proper social distancing or choose a non-crowded playground, John B. Steever, M.D., who specializes in adolescent medicine at Mount Sinai, recommends, adding that your family stay home if you or your children feel unwell.

Staying Safe at the Playground

Telling your children to stay away from other children is hard, especially at a playground, but your children should not go to a playground without some form of a debriefing. Stocker advises parents tell their children to avoid sharing playground equipment, toys, or snacks with kids outside their families. It’s also a good idea to tell your children, in advance, that they may have to leave the playground if it becomes too crowded or if they cannot follow the rules. Kids may find this hard to grasp, but being honest with them about the possibilities will make it go down a little easier.

Everyone should wear masks, and it’s important to remind kids to not touch their faces. Both Stocker and Dr. Steever urge parents to remember the importance of washing hands or using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. They recommend children use hand sanitizer when arriving to the playground, while they are playing, between using different equipment, and after leaving the playground.

Dr. Steever urges parents to monitor their children at all times, since it’s easy for a child to wander off or get too close to someone else by accident. “I’d hope that parents would be understanding they are monitoring their own children to follow the rules,” Dr. Steever says.

One way parents can further help their kids remain socially distant is to talk to other parents there and make arrangements. “For example, one family may play on the slide while another family uses the swings,” Stocker says.

When it’s time to head home, families should leave the park quickly and wash their hands immediately when they get home.

How to Make Staying Safe Fun

Children are more likely to do something if you make it sound fun—like making a game of picking up their toys. Dr. Steever suggets taking the same approach when talking to and keeping your children engaged in staying safe. If you haven’t already, get masks with fun designs that your kids will want to wear.

Another fun idea from Dr. Steever incorporates superheroes. Suggest to your kids that they play on the playground as if they are a superhero, like Batwoman or Spider-Man, and they need to keep their mask on to hide their secret identity. And some heroes have a very powerful touch, so they have to avoid touching others to keep people safe.

Dr. Steever equates this to vegetables at dinner. If you give two vegetable options, rather than just offering them one and telling them to eat it, then they have a choice in the matter. Playing a game works in the same way. They are actively involved in the social distancing protocols and making a choice to play the game.

Playground Safety for Kids 2 and Younger

The CDC recommends children younger than 2 not wear face masks. Stocker says this is because children that young could suffocate while wearing a mask. She suggests children younger than 2 be put in a stroller and go in walks around the neighborhood to avoid crowds. If you choose to bring young kids to the playground, follow them carefully and help them wash their hands, Stocker says.

Dr. Steever adds that your young child should be fine if they are in an area where you can be socially distant. Maintaining social distance with kids this young is crucial. So that may mean waiting to bring them to the playground.

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Fun Playground Alternatives

If you’re not comfortable heading to the playground just yet, there are still ways your children can be active. Dr. Steever suggests parents take their kids to parks and large fields where there is more space to move around. Also, walks around the neighborhood are appropriate.

Parents also have many options to keep their kids entertained in their own backyard. With a little time and effort, you can easily recreate some of your favorite classic summer activities right in your own backyard, like camping, the carnival, and water play. Your kids can burn off their extra energy with some fun, safe outdoor activities, such as rollerblading, going for a bike ride, or even playing a socially distant game of flashlight tag. Plus, you can deck out your yard with some of this season’s hottest toys and play equipment to make your backyard into your kids’ personal playground!

Patrick Gunn is a summer intern at Davler Media Group/NYMetroParents and rising senior at Syracuse University. He also contributes regularly for the Yankee blogs Start Spreading the News and Pinstripe City and enjoys a good film.

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Hersheypark Announces July Opening

June 17, 2020 By Jeannine Cintron

Finally, some sweet news for summer 2020. Hersheypark, the popular candy-themed amusement park in Pennsylvania, just announced plans to reopen in July as Covid-19 restrictions continue to lift throughout the country. Opening day is set for July 3, with exclusive days for Season Pass holders on July 1 and 2. The park is kicking off its 114th season.

New safety guidelines will be in place as parkgoers descend upon the 121-acre attraction featuring rides for all ages, a waterpark and zoo. Also new for the 2020 season, Hersheypark will debut Candymonium, the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the park with a lift height of 210 feet, max speed of 76 mph, and a track length of 4,636 feet encompassing 7 acres.

Improved safety regulations include increased cleaning and sanitization, a new reservation system to help follow state guidelines on capacity, reinforcement of social distancing, face coverings requirements, temperature screening prior to entering the park, new ride protocols, and enhanced team member training.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park will also open to the public on June 22, with exclusive days for Annual and Season Pass holders a few days earlier.

The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground are all opening on July with new safety enhancements and recreational updates. You can book a reservation now.

How to Celebrate Father’s Day While Social Distancing

June 16, 2020 By Shana Liebman

Father’s Day strikes at a strange time this year—just as the world is starting to come back from a pandemic quarantine. The standard dad gifts—such as a tie or a watch—seem somehow inadequate and those multi-generational brunches are not socially distant enough for the new normal. That’s why we came up with some alternative ways to celebrate—including unique gifts, subscription services, special meals, and stay-at-home experiences the whole family can share. Even if it’s not Father’s Day as you knew it, you can still toast Dad in style.

Unique Gifts and Gadgets

Personalize this Dear Daddy Book ($30) by adding Dad’s and kids’ names, plus some of Dad’s unique characteristics. This picture book will then become one about your family celebrating the lessons a father teaches his child, and the lessons children teach their father.

For the guy that’s always losing his keys: a handsome dresser-top wooden docking station ($29.60) for glasses, watches, phone, etc. comes personalized with his initials, and your favorite color or design.

Perfect for our new germophobic world, this Smartphone Sanitizer ($80)—which is also a charge—uses UV light to clean and sanitize a smartphone. The case even has built-in acoustic amplifiers, so he can keep listening to music or use an alarm while the phone is getting its spa treatment.

Because most of us are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors this summer (and more likely in our own outdoor space than a restaurant or bar), these LED ambient outdoor Bluetooth speakers ($38.95) can make the scene festive: They give off a flame-like light while also producing great sound. Plus they’re water-resistant and rechargeable.

Our new necessary is likely here to stay for a while, so get dad a personalized face mask ($15.95) he won’t lose. Choose a photo of one of his favorite things to be printed right onto the sturdy cotton material. Maybe it’s a picture of his dog, or his kids? Or a bottle of bourbon?

Get Dad a Subscription

Here’s something he can look forward to every month: the best pizza from all over the country. This three-month pizza subscription ($79) features New York’s legendary Prince Street pizza, Chicago’s iconic deep dish, Detroit’s pan pizza, Nebraska’s Rocket Inn pizza and Brooklyn’s coal oven pizza from Table 87. All you need are some napkins, and maybe a plate or two.

During the quarantine, many of us let our appearances go but as the world starts to open up, it’s time to get groomed. Each month, Birchbox will send a $10 box of products ranging from skincare and haircare to oral products and fragrances—all specifically chosen according to the preferences you set up in the profile.

Maybe Dad wants to learn a new skill? Say poker, chess, or making a movie? These master classes ($15 per month) taught by the pros will set him up for success. Sign him up for a specific class or email him a gift-card so he can choose his own from more than 80 topics.

Now that we’ve weened ourselves from Starbucks, it’s time to invest in some of the best grounds around. Blue Bottle’s blends, single origins, and espressos are sourced by hand from sustainable coffee farms, and are always small batch and hand-roasted. Get him his caffeine fix via mail every month with this coffee subscription (starting at $8).

Send him a box full of deliciousness with Mouth’s curated Father’s Day gift box ($99), packed with addictive man-cave munchies like crispy bagel chips, smoky beef jerky, single-malt scotch caramels, jaw-dropping cookies, and cheesy mustache crackers. Trust us, he won’t want to share.

Make Your Own Fun at Home

While there are certain activities that are still off limits due to COVID19 restrictions, that doesn’t mean you have to resort to Netflix. Throw a family game night with some great board games plus snacks. Or sign the family up for a virtual escape room. Try starting the evening with a beer tasting—collect a variety of microbrews and set up a tasting table (for grown-ups only!). You could also take a trip around the world with these virtual museum exhibits. Alternatively, set up a tent in the yard for a camping trip close to home.

Create a Memorable Meal

Goldbelly delivers some spectacular meals from well-known American restaurants. For example Sinatra’s favorite sandwich from New Jersey’s famous White House Subs—a delicious Italian classic stuffed with Genoa salami, provolone cheese, and imported ham on freshly baked bread. Make it your own with lettuce, tomato, chopped peppers, and oil and vinegar. Or maybe dad would prefer some Tennessee barbecue? Named “The Best Barbecue Joint in Tennessee” by Southern Living magazine, Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous’s Memphis ribs dinner includes 12-14 ribs, plus sides, and will feed a family of four.

If you haven’t planned ahead, try making one of these restaurant recipes from famous regional eateries. If all else fails, there’s always Doordash or Grubhub ready to deliver from your local favorites. Either way, Dad will be well-fed and grateful for your effort.

Shana Liebman is the features editor of NYMP. She’s a writer and editor who has worked for magazines including New York Magazine, Salon, and Travel & Leisure—and she is the mom of two energetic little boys.

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Summer Activities

June 10, 2020 By Michelle Yannaco

Staten Island wants to help you Save the Summer! Check out these fun activities your child can take part in.

Summer 2020! Camp Kandinsky and Camp Picasso Return
Camp Picasso (ages 6-12) begins July 7 and Camp Kandinsky (ages 3-5) begins July 13. At Art Lab summer camp we encourage the development of your child’s artistic skills while providing a fun and creative environment. Pre-K and Camp Picasso will feature outdoor activities, individual materials, and safe distancing. Visit website to register.

Art Lab Inc.
718.447.8667
info@artlabsi.org
www.artlabsi.com

A Unique Summer program
We are thrilled to be providing a unique summer program to engage and challenge students remotely. All 41 creative classes are 15 hours long, over 5 weeks, taught exclusively by Staten Island Academy faculty and graduates. Your child will be engaged while they build their skills and challenge their minds.

Staten Island Academy
917.692.3547
email us
facebook.com/statenislandacademy
instagram.com/siacademy
twitter.com/si_academy

Piano Lessons with Grove
Hello Parents! I have been teaching piano for 8 years and hope I never stop! I have a Music degree and pride myself on creatively teaching to the individual, prioritizing laughter, and learning music not just as a skill, but a language for true expression. Fun is a priority!

Westerleigh Area and Facetime/Zoom
347.466.1781
groverune@gmail.com
groverune.com/pianolessons
facebook.com/groverunepiano
instagram.com/groverune

Get Musical With Us!
From July 7-August 28 and enjoy our summer fitness and music program! Activities will showcase classes that ET Labz offers year-round. Activities will be indoors and in small groups. Ages 6-15, Tues-Thursday from 9-1pm. Self Direction Friendly! Call 718.948.2208 for details!

ET Labz
718.948.2208
contactetlabz@gmail.com
etlabz.com

Camp is open for the summer!
After months of being stuck inside, kids will finally get the chance to enjoy nature, have fun, and spend time with other kids! Our camps adhere to all ACA, CDC, and NYSDOH guidelines for safety. Specialty camps also available. Space is limited, register early!

JCC Day Camp
1131 Manor Road
718.475.5231
GWechsler@sijcc.com
Camp.SIJCC.org
Facebook

Center Stage Dance
Four different summer subscriptions, based on the age of your dancer, offering virtual summer classes. Single-day camps with at-home kits for our little ones, and endless activities and dance classes to choose from. Option to reserve a space IN STUDIO in the month of August! E-mail us for more info.

Center Stage Dance Co. Ltd.
10 Akron St • SI, NY 10314
718.982.9226
centerstagedanceltd@yahoo.com
centerstagedancecoltd.org
facebook.com/centerstagedancecoltd
instagram.com/centerstage_danceco

Virtual Summer Camps at Historic Richmond Town
This summer, Historic Richmond Town is offering a fun and exciting virtual experience! Learn more about American history by cooking with historical recipes, toys, and games, and learn basket making from our masters. Historical Interpreters guide daily activities online via Zoom and kits containing materials will be available for curbside pickup.

Click here for more information  or email lboyd@historicrichmondtown.org
441 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306

Let the Theatre Come to You!
Join us for Virtual Summer Theatre Classes
July 13-July 31
Class sessions for ages 4-5, 6-8, 9-12 and 13 & up. Visit our website for class description and registration information.

Summer Virtual Camp
While Wagner College prepares for a safe fall return for all students, we are still here at Lifelong Learning and will offer Virtual Summer Camps! Learn new skills, languages, computer programs; create art or play games with new friends – all from the comfort of home. Visit wagner.edu/youth-programs for more information.

Wagner College Lifelong Learning
347.466.1781
lifelong-learning@wagner.edu
facebook.com/wagnerlifelong
twitter.com/wagnerlifelong

Visiting Staten Island Beaches & Pools During Summer 2020

June 24, 2020 By Jeannine Cintron

UPDATED June 24, 2020 – Mayor De Blasio announced New York City beaches will be opening for swimming on July 1 after all. “Let’s keep playing it safe: social distance and face coverings, even at the beach,” de Blasio said in a tweet on Tuesday.

In addition to beaches, Lyon’s Pool and Tottenville Pool will open on August 1.

Although playgrounds are open, spray showers will remain off for now.

So far, the phased openings haven’t resulted in any Covid-19 surges. The latest statistics indicate very few of those tested in Staten Island this week were positive for the virus.

Here’s a list of beaches in Staten Island.

Cedar Grove Beach
Ebbitts Street and Cedar Grove Avenue
718-351-6387
10am-6pm
nycgovparks.org/parks/great-kills-park/facilities/beaches

Midland Beach & South Beach at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk
On Lower New York Bay, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, Midland Beach, Staten Island
718-987-0709
10am-6pm
nycgovparks.org/parks/fdr-boardwalk-and-beach/facilities/beaches

Wolfe’s Pond Beach
On Raritan Bay and Prince’s Bay, Holton to Cornelia Avenues
718-984-8266
10am-6pm
nycgovparks.org/parks/wolfes-pond-park/facilities/beaches

Great Kills Park Beach
(Gateway National Recreation Area)
Hylan Boulevard & Buffalo Street
10am-6pm
nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/great-kills-park.htm