Library Cafe: Classic Food With A Twist

Since 2000, the Library Café, a sophisticated, yet casual American bar and restaurant, has been a mainstay in the center of Farmingdale.   It is one of 19 venues owned and operated by Lessing’s Hospitality, a sixth generation, family owned-and-operated business founded in 1890 and one of the most recognizable names in food, service and catering on Long Island.

The Library Cafe name stems from its location, a renovated (more…)

Reader’s Choice: What Do You Want To Read on NH?

Nassau Happening would like to show our appreciation to all of our lovely readers! To show our gratitude, we are going to let YOU (the reader) decide what you would like to read in Nassau Happening in 2012. Leave a comment below and tell us what you think we should write about, starting in January.  Do you love our (more…)

Quiksilver Pro Surf Competition

Irene can’t stop the surfers!  From September 1-15, Long Beach will host the 2011 Quiksilver Pro New York Surf Competition.  Why is this event such a big deal?  For one, there has never been a world championship surfing event in New York, and it has been more than 20 years since a professional surf tournament has taken place on the US’s east coast.  To be a surfer in NY, you need to have passion; how else could you brave the far from ideal conditions year ’round for the perfect surfing weather that comes only for a short time at the end of the summer?  Who knows when the competition will be back here?!  With a prize purse of $1,000,000 and a ton of events taking place each day, it’s a definite must-see.

The event starts on September 1 at 8 am with the Quiksilver Pro Trials.  On September 2 at 9 am, the official Kickoff party begins.  There are a variety of events each day that you can attend at various locations throughout Long Beach.  Some highlights are (more…)

Soccer Festival in Massapequa

Last weekend was Family Football Day, this weekend is the Soccer Festival!  On August 20 at John J. Burns Park in Massapequa, the Town of Oyster Bay is holding a one day event which features 2 NCAA soccer games and a youth clinic.  At 3:30, the NCAA men’s Hofstra University team takes on Binghamton University.  Afterwards, kids can enjoy the Town of Oyster Bay’s Free Youth Clinic at 5:30 pm, where they can practice playing soccer, pick up some new moves, and enjoy food, gift bags, and iPad drawings.  At 7:30, the NCAA women’s Hofstra team plays against C.W. Post.  The entire event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring cans of food which will be donated to Island Harvest.

Soccer Festival
John J. Burns Park
4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa

Family Football Day

This Saturday, August 13, is Family Football Day at John J. Burns Town Park in Massapequa.  Sponsored by the Town of Oyster Bay, the Nassau and Suffolk Police Athletic League, and Stony Brook University, the event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring two cans of food that will be donated to Island Harvest.  The day starts at 2 pm with a youth clinic and will include players and coaches from Stony Brook University as instructors.  While you’re watching your child, enjoy the DJ music and free BBQ munchies that will be served.  At 5 pm, the Stony Brook Seawolves will hold a 2 hour scrimmage at the park for all to watch.  Head Football Coach Chuck Priore will be wearing a microphone during the scrimmage, giving listeners an inside feel of what it’s like to be in the huddle.  During the game, the family can purchase season tickets, merchandise, posters, and schedule cards for the Stony Brook Seawolves.  Afterwards, fans are invited to receive autographs from the players.

Family Football Day
John J. Burns Park
4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa

FREE Long Island Ducks Tickets!

(Hint:  All three steps can be completed by looking at the All Island Mason Supply Home Page!) (more…)

Beat The Heat and Stay In Shape at Sportime NY

It is officially a heat wave.  Doing anything outside for more than a few minutes is out of the question.  There is only so long you can stay in your (hopefully!) air conditioned home without going crazy.  So what to do and where to go?

Try Sportime, the sports and fitness club chain with 13 locations on Long Island, Westchester, Manhattan, and the Capital Region.    Here in Nassau, there are locations in Bethpage, Massapequa, Roslyn, and Syosset.   Where else can you exercise and have fun in this heat in a climate-controlled area with a wide variety of activities?  While many people may think solely of playing tennis at a Sportime club, that is definitely not the case. (more…)

An Inside Look at MMA Fitness

Think of boot camp, throw in some mixed martial arts, mix in some cardio, and finish off with grappling….what am I talking about?  MMA Fitness, a new class offered at Max Fitness in Plainview.  For those of you short on time and big on results, this class may just be what you’ve been waiting for.  The hour-long class is split into two parts.  The first half hour is a high intensity cardio workout using grappling “dummy” weighted bags that you kick, punch, hit, and use to make you work out (and sweat!) a ton.  This part is set up in 5 five-minute sections that each target a specific body part or focus, such as core, arms, or legs.  Each five minute section has five exercises (one minute each), so you won’t be bored.  There is a one minute break in between sections, and then you are right back at it.  The second half hour part of the class is a lesson and practice session in real MMA grappling.  Instructor Rafael Gomez has over 36 years of martial arts experience, so you can be sure you will be able to try out the moves without risking injury.  If you aren’t interested in learning these maneuvers, you can still take the first part of the class.

Interested in seeing more?  Below are some videos that will give you a snapshot of the class, including some absolute beginner participant’s thoughts. (more…)

Sunday Fun: Polo At The Park

This past Sunday I attended Polo at the Park at Bethpage State Park.  I had never been to a Polo game (as I expect many of us have not) so was not really sure what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised at the kind staff, beautiful park grounds, and interesting game that followed.  At 2 pm every Sunday, the gates open for you to bring a crowd and enjoy an outdoor picnic.  Starting at 3, the polo game starts with the announcer introducing the crowd to all the players, and the ball being thrown in for play.  Picture hockey, except with the players on horses…on grass…and V.I.P. tents available.  Admission is only $5 per person (there is also an $8 parking fee), but upgrades like field-side parking and VIP tents are also available.  Looking for something to do before or after the game?  Check out our story on Sunny Day To-Dos, which lists more info on the park and activities you can enjoy there.

For more information, directions, or tickets, click here.

For a taste of what to expect, view the photo gallery and video below. (more…)

NY Giants Football Camp on Long Island

Attention New York Giants Fans!  This summer, Pro Sports Experience is bringing you New York Giants Youth Football Camp right here in Nassau County, Long Island.  The one-week summer camp teaches athletic and life skills while making your kid feel like he is playing on the NY Giants team.   Kids will practice and be challenged in their football skills while reinforcing respect, team work, confidence, sportsmanship, and an appreciation for the game.  Whether you want your kid to improve their skills, make new friends, learn some new social skills, or try something new, they will definitely have a great time. (more…)