Cheap Date Long Island

A sympathetic Scot summed it all up very neatly in the remark, "You should make a point of trying every experience once, except incest and folk dance.

2008-10-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

I've given up fighting with Blogger for now...

Visit the new blog on Wordpress...

http://cheapdateli.wordpress.com

I may be back...it depends on how goes the learning curve on Wordpress!

Kryzukna, come-a he-ya! - my Babcia

2008-10-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

I have been on the phone all night listening to people with computer problems and trying to help them. I've been trying to get to the bottom of error messages, explaining how to use wysiwygs and set up folders, and trying to help friends get their Internet back to where it was. Granted, I am working towards a Master's in Library Science (which is a type of IT degree these days) but this was my one night off! I LOVE computers and how easy they have made many things, but I truly wish that we could go back to the way things were...no cell phones (how did we ever survive?), no email, and Blue Laws. I love Blue Laws! For those of you who are to young to remember, stores used to be closed on Sundays. The only things that were open were the supermarket (for a few hours), the druggist (same), the bakery (again, same), and families used to go to Church and have Sunday Dinner with the family (hence why I was thinking of my babcia...that's grandmother in Polish for all you non-Polish folk! I miss her cucumber salad and her beets with beef bits and especially the cherry soda and cookies from D'Amicos in Brooklyn!). There was a much simpler time not so long ago, where the things that gave us so much joy were not quite as complicated as they are now. For a girl who loves her toys, I truly miss having nights where I could just crack open a book, make some tea, and unplug the RJ11 from the phone and have a quiet night! This edition is about things that could take place now and could have taken place then...some things have not changed! There are still some great places to hear live music, places to walk while holding someone's hand, and great old movies to see again!

Oh, and the quote above? My babcia didn't speak much English, though she tried. She spoke this strange pidgin language that was a combination of Polish and English that I called Ponglish. She has been gone for about eleven years now, but the one thing that can take me back oh so quickly is hearing my friends scream that at me (they thought it hilarious). That and hearing, "Ranoush? Ranoush? Kryzukna no he-ya...where Kryzukna? Where Kryzia?" In case you haven't figured it out...Kryzukna and Kryzia are Little Christine and Chrissie in Polish...yup, that would be my name! Kind of sounds like I should be rooming with Nanook of the North!

Got a case of the blues...
Since I started the new drug therapy, I've been wired, a bit irritable, and very melancholy. (I did lose five pounds this week though...woohoo!) It's a perfect week for me to go see a blues band. I'll be able to relate! And I'm in luck...a great new blues band that is starting to get booked for more and more gigs is playing. I don't usually post cover bands, but my buddy Jay F. is the drummer, and they really are good! Make a point of checking out Smokin' Gun at the Handlebar in Port Jeff on the 18th! (Hey, Jay, what do I have to do to get a shout out for this blog on your site? Be nice!)

Speaking of Jay and Port Jeff, Jay Scott will be playing at Lulu's Village Pub on Thursday!

Thursday, Phil Minissale will be playing at Bobbique and Friday at Cool Beanz! If you have not seen him, make a point of going...he is the future of blues! And with no cover on Thurs and a kick-butt beer list...how could you not? I may just pop down after I get off at the library!

Saw this great band at the last Lobby show...Last Charge of the Light Horse. To me, it sounds like what would happen if Phish and Cake had a baby...I have been playing the CD in my car since the show! It's kind of jam band meets punk/alternative, and the singer definitely sounds like the singer from Cake. Just got an email from them...and I know it's way early, but mark your calendars as they will be playing the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall on November 20.

It's all Greek to me!
This weekend is the St. Paraskevi Greek Festival in Greenlawn! I love Greek food (though no one wants to be near me after I chow down on a gyro with extra onions and yogurt sauce!) and what better way to partake in the epicurean delights, the music, and maybe a little ouzo (I hope I spelled that right!)...Hey, Soren and Rich...I hope you're reading this! Hopa! (And Mitch, since I do know that you read this regularly, tell your partners in crime!)

Lon Chaney, anyone?
Got an email from Ben Model...he's the gentleman who plays at the Cinema Arts with the silent films, he also plays at the MoMA and is one of the very cool people mentioned on this blog a lot. He's a very talented organist who plays accompaniment for those silent films I mention on here (If you haven't gone to see one of these shows, you should! Back in the day, movies didn't have soundtracks or even a voice track...they were silent and musicians would play in time with what was happening in the movie...). Well...Ben will be playing at Cinema Arts on the 28th with a showing of the flick "West of Zanzibar" with Lon Chaney! It's (and Ben, I'm going to quote you) a creepfest not available on DVD! As I am a girl who loves old horror flicks, I may just have to end class early to see this!

Also at CAC, the Theatre of the Wild is presenting "Know Your Enemy" --a retrospective of American war propaganda. Sound lame? I don't think so! Click on the link and you'll see what I mean!

All for now! I'll try and update again on Saturday before I go to Bruce's fundraiser! Hope to see you all there!

You know the deal...have a gig? Email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com! And please note...I am probably hooking the URL to a Wordpress page in the near future, so I can get the best of a blog and a website at one time! Keep an eye out for the upcoming new, HOT site!

If toast always lands butter-side down, and cats always land on their feet, what happen if you strap toast on the back of a cat and drop it? -- Wright

2008-10-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ah, the autumn...the leaves are falling, the kids are in school, the temperature can't make up its mind as to what it wants to do. For the next few days, it's going to be incredibly beautiful outside...much too pretty to spend your days cooped up indoors! Pretty soon, our Indian Summer will be replaced with bitter temps and our leaf peeping with hot toddies by the fireplace. I love all the seasons, but to me there is nothing better than the time of year when it's just too nice not to take a walk during the day and feel the wind and sun on my face; at night I cozy up with a shawl and some tea in front of the fire to dissipate the slight chill that now is about. Days like these are the ones I wait all year for!

Of course, I had a reason for the quote I listed above...have you ever pondered about something that just does not have an answer? Something that most people would find ludicrous or just plain silly? Like why the commercials for Kentucky Fried Chicken sometimes play "Sweet Home Alabama" in the background? Why if men are from Mars and women are from Venus, wouldn't we all be aliens? Why are golf clothes so hideous? Why people like me have not had their laptops taken away by their friends yet? I question everything these days...

These boots were made for walking...
There are lots of great places to get out and see the leaves changing color! I'm a leaf peeper myself, and I have missed some of the brilliance of the maples, but my daily walks in the woods are proving to be a visual treat. Check out the following parks for a hike or picnic:

Lakeland County Park with its boardwalks is handicap accessible and wheelchair friendly as is El's Trail.

West Hills features the Walt Whitman Trail and Jayne's Hill, the highest point on Long Island.

The William Floyd Estate is still open, and FREE house tours are available from 10-4. There are some in depth programs as well, including Three Centuries of Floyd Furniture and Old Mastic House: Simple Architectural Tour. Call 631-399-2030 for more info! (Note to my design students...this would count as extra credit on your project!)

Make me laugh!
Home movies can be a great way of capturing some of life's sweetest (and some bittersweet) moments. Cimema Arts is presenting Home Movie Day! Click on the link to find out more, or if you have a movie you might like to present!

I'm kind of bummed as I found out about a cool event these guys had going on a wee bit too late! This one I'm going to post kind of early so you can make plans...The Silent Clowns film series is the longest one of its kind in NYC...coming up is a Halloween special featuring John Barrymore in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on the 26th.

Walk to the beat of your own drummer...
The Staller Center presents the Contemporary Chamber Players--Percussion Plus on Wednesday, October 15. No ticket information is given for the others in this series, so I'm willing to bet it's FREE!

Now, this one exceeds Cheap Date guidelines, but I'm putting it out there as it's worth a mention...advance tickets for Marshall Crenshaw at University Cafe are $25 each...he'll be there on the 19th.

On Saturday the 18th, Lara Herscovitch and David Bailey at the Hard Luck Cafe, $10 per person.

Caroline Doctorow will be playing at the Amvets Hall #18 on Carlton Avenue in East Islip on the 18th. Not sure of the price, but she's worth seeing!

Also on the 18th, a Miss Chris fave...Miller's Crossing will be playing at Palmer Vineyards.

The Nancy Atlas Project will be at Stephen Talkhouse on Friday the 17th, $15 general admission.

The 18th also brings us Mary Lamont at Millhouse Inn.

Wow...these guys are still playing! The Moroccos will be at Brookhaven National Lab on the 18th! Order your tickets online and they are only $15 each (will be $20 at the door!).

On Saturday the 18 (Again! There's just too much good music this weekend!) Shenole Latimer will be playing with Gail Storm at Sparky's Texas BBQ.

We're coming to get you...
Halloween happenings are going on all over! Here's some family friendly events:

From the 30th-November 1st, the Long Island Ducks will be hosting a Haunted House at Citibank Park...$5 get you in the door. If you go on Halloween night, there will be QuackerJack's Halloween Extravaganza ($10 per person) with costume contests, trick or treating, and Grucci fireworks!

BBGG Farms in St. James on 25A (North of Deepwells) has a great little pumpkin patch, crafts and plants for sale, a corn maze, and MORE! Free to get in, but everything is priced separately, so read the signs.

Also coming soon...the Long Island Maritime Museum's Annual Halloween Boat Burning! I never miss this!

The Girl Scouts present the Horrible Haunted Trail of Terror in Bayport for the next two weekends, $10 per child, adults FREE!

One more...the Cradle of Aviation is hosting Haunted Hangars...daytime is for the kiddies, but the nighttime is for the groovie ghoulies like me! (Hey, anyone else remember that cartoon? That was one of my all time favorites as a kid! And for those of you who know me now, you're probably all thinking, "Why does that NOT surprise me?)

Pumpkins and cornstalks and mums, oh my...
I started new medication for my thyroid a few days ago (THAT was what was causing all the other problems...my thyroid shut down! Who would have thought? Now I have to take synthetic hormones to get my pituitary to slow down...mood swings are supposed to be one of the side effects. Wonderful...This is what the new man in my life gets to deal with, me swinging wildly from teddy bear to Godzilla. Get yer boxing gloves ready, honey!) and I was WIRED today! I rearranged all the furniture, scrubbed everything down, and did up my deck for the season...I was all hopped up! I got all of my plants and cornstalks at Daisy Garden in Bayport...I LOVE THIS PLACE! Mums for $2.50 each, cornstalks for $7, how can you go wrong? (However, trying to get the cornstalks home was a bit more problematic as they were over 8' high and I drive a Yaris hatchback...a lot of people got a good laugh seeing my little tiny speck of a car driving home at fifteen miles an hour with the hatch open, the hazards on, and about four feet of cornstalks sticking out the back...)

For Bruce...
As I had mentioed in last post, there will be a benefit for Bruce Parker this weekend at the Off-Key Tikki in Patchogue, $10 gets you in. I'm asking you all to do me a favor and try to attend (including all of you that don't know me personally, don't know Bruce, etc...). I know the guy. He's incredible. One of the nicest guys I know. Make a point of going. Email me if you have questions.

Ok, you kooky cats, all for now. You know the routine...if you have an event that should be here, let me know at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com.

I'm all in favor of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let's start with typewriters.-Short

2008-10-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

Boy, howdy! This is turning out to be some week for me. I've been dealing with some personal drama (no, not going to talk about it here, but to my good friends...thank you for being there for me! It helps to be able to talk sometimes!) and I've been really stressed out. This blog has actually been one of the bright points this week. Quite a few people have told me how much they like it, and I've been INUNDATED with emails of things to post on here. As I am a frustrated writer (I've been working on a compendium of short stories I've written for a few years now that I'd love to get published, but there's something kind of cool about having that unfinished book that you want to finish, PLUS I do get pieces published here and there with my freelance gigs, so I do get some gratification!), seeing all the emails lets me know that people really do read this thing and that THEY LIKE IT--It's a good feeling!

Quirky, but cool!

I'm going to list for you some sites that are just really neat for all sorts of reasons...

One of my library amigos told me about this really cool site called Pandora--it's an intuitive online radio station that lets you load songs up and then starts recommending songs based on your picks.

Looking to track the latest tropical storm? Click here!

How about video tutorials on everything from C# to erotic massage? Yobler has the answer!

I'm not even going to try to explain The Museum of the Obvious!

For a good cause...

Most of you have no idea who Bruce Parker is. That's okay, I'll fill you in. Bruce is one of the nicest guys to ever walk the planet. If you have been to one of the Patchogue Riverfront Committee events (such as the SeaFair), Bruce has touched your life as well. He is always the first person to jump in and help someone, and now it's time to help him by attending a fundraiser in his honor on October 18 at the Off Key Tikki. For more info, take a look at the postcard/flyer below:

Rock and roll hoochie koo...

This little hoochie mama (and I mean that in a nice way) has been hearing about some great acts coming our way...

Raina Rose at Once and For All in Patchogue on Thursday, October 9.

Johnny Cuomo at Grounds and Sounds Cafe on Friday, October 10.

Homegrown String Band at Heckscher Park this weekend...love them!

Iain Campbell Smith Saturday night at the Eclectic Cafe.

Bob Malenky at a house concert on October 10, reservations required. Call 212-662-6575.

Ghost stories!

Here's a spot for the whole family...White Post Farms does child friendly hayrides, $8 per person, FREE during the week!

This one is great, from what I hear! Camp Pa Qua Tuck does a spooky walk that gets a five bat rating!

This sounds cool...a brand new Halloween adventure! The Twilight Pumpkin Spectacular features over 3,000 lit up jack o' lanterns...I must see this!

Apple dumplings...

October 11 and 12 brings us Mill Neck Manor's Fall Harvest Festival! With a country store, baked goods, and a pumpkin patch, plus lots of things for kids...this is a must attend!

The Jericho Cider Mill is one of my favorite places this time of year!

Naughty cartoons!

The Cinema Arts Center brings you some rather adult content this week in what would normally be thought of as a children's format...The Dark Side of Dr. Seuss and another one that I will not put the title of here as this is strictly a PG format will be featured!

Life on an island...

is wonderful, to be sure! Thank you, Paula from FINS, who forwarded so much to me...as this one is relevent right now, I'll take the liberty of cutting and pasting right now:

Special Fire Island Lighthouse programs in October include the Columbus Day Hike, at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 13, and Ghost Stories and Legends of Fire Island, to be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. Both of these programs are free.

I'll add more of Paula's info as the time comes!

Now, I promised I'd do a Best and Worst Dive Bar edition...I could name a few, to be sure! But I'm reaching out to all of you--tell me about the best and worst dive bars you have found. Feel free to elaborate!

All for now...I'll be back in a few days with lots more! Got something that should be here? Let me know at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com! (By the way...the spacing issues are something with Blogger! I keep going in and fixing the HTML, but mysterious tags keep magically appearing! UGH!!!!

J.P Morgan, when asked what the stock market will do, replied, "It Will Fluctuate."

2008-09-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Boy, I'll tell you, for those of you who watch the market, the past few days have been a hell of a ride! I was listening to the news and after the close on Monday, the amount of points the market fell just kept rising and rising. Last I heard was somewhere around 770. Then it rose 400 odd points, and now, well, who knows? Everyone has a different opinion of what is going on, who is to blame, and how this whole mess should be fixed. The fact is, people, that we are going through something that is a history making event right now. Whether or not the bail out would have worked if it had passed, or if it will pass when they vote on it again is something none of us know. I think most of us are looking at the next few days with trepidation, wondering just how much this is going to affect the general public. My opinion? Go after all the CEO's who could potentially be coming out of this with a golden parachute, let them plummet to the ground like a stone, and let the rest of us benefit from what they would have gotten. (Not that I have anything against CEO's...I have a problem when I see people close to me losing their jobs while I'm reading articles in the Journal about packages that some of these CEO's are getting...NOT COOL!. Share the love, is all I'm saying!) The media is making it sound like we're about to go through some kind of nuclear holocaust, and that the stock market crash is almost the end of the world...and all that will be left will be cockroaches and door to door salesmen. If it's really going to be like that, just let me hunker down with my honey and four furbabies (one of which has really bad breath...someone email me a reminder to pick up kitty breath mints!), some good wine, coffee and chocolate, crank up some Ella, and come what may...I'll be just ducky!

And while I'm in the process of hunkering down, I'll make a point of catching up on my reading. Did you know this is Banned Books Week? Every year, librarians celebrate the freedoms provided to us by the Constitution, including the freedom of speech and the freedom of information. And every year, there are new books that are challenged, pulled from shelves, BURNED, in some cases. Books are a form of expression, just like art and music. NO ONE has the right to say that someone can't express themselves in literary form, and NO ONE has the right to keep someone from reading something that they wish to read (except for parents with their kids...I wish MORE parents would get involved with what their kids read!). Click here to view some of the literary classics that were almost lost to us by censorship.

And since many of us are living closer to the vest these days, what better time to take advantage of the Cheap Dates I list here?

Unfortunately, I've got the serious time crunch going on this week, so I'm just going to post some things now, and I hope you'll check back Saturday after I add more updates...and I'd like to also say one last time--I DO NOT LOOK LIKE SARAH PALIN! (OK, I feel better now!)

Rock me gently...

Some good grooves coming up this week and I'm going to list them quick and dirty for you:

Live in the Lobby features Last Charge of the Light Horse and The Corduroy Sky this Thursday. $10 gets you in the door. By the way, I WORK THE DOOR AND THERE IS NO GUEST LIST! So please, don't even try...

Huntington Folk Music Society presents Little Toby Walker at their 1st Saturday Concert...he'll also be hosting a guitar workshop!

Don't forget this hot ticket--Eilen Jewel and Phil Minissale this weekend at University Cafe!

The ghost with the most...

It's that time of year...when Miss Chris gets her scare on! Grab the arm of your favorite honey and rock the world of that witchy woman or man by taking them to one of my favorite haunts...pun definitely intended! See below for my pics from Sleepy Hollow Cemetery!

Mills Pond House of Horrors...print the ad linked to this post to get $1 off your admission!

Darkside Haunted House in Wading River is one of Miss Chris' faves! I remember the first year they opened. A couple of us were the last ones they let in for the night...they proceeded to chase us out to my car saying, "We want beer...we'll let you live if you bring us beer..." How can you not love people who have so much fun doing this? At $18 per person it is just over guidelines, but click on the link above to find out how to save on admission.

Miss Chris' all time LI fave requires a bit of a drive and a wait on a heck of a line, but it's worth it! The Bayville Haunted Fire House just kicks some scary butt! Last year it was $13 per person to get in, but soooooo worth it! I have been going for ten years (at least!) and made the mistake one time of bringing my dad after having heart surgery (OOOOPS!). The little ones dressed up in scary costumes and the people who chase you around on line make the hour wait go quickly.

Now, this one TOTALLY blows the guidelines out of the water! But as a gal who has travelled the East Coast looking for the best of the best, well, little comes close to this! Make reservations at some fleabag motel if you must, but take the drive to Ulster County and go to the Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride! MAKE RESERVATIONS or you won't get in. This fright fest takes THREE HOURS to get through and with more entertainment than you could shake a bone at, this is the be all end all of haunted houses (villages? It's that big!) to visit!

More to come...check back...IF YOU DARE!

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charie Brown!

Pumpkin picking is also one of my favorite things to do. How can you not love pumpkins? They're round, funny looking orange squashes that lend themselves to some good eatin', decorating, and a great time when you search for the perfect one. (Miss Chris was once at her financial limit with all the little squashes I snapped up when I found the perfect pumpkin. Knowing I couldn't afford it, I wedged it under my hoodie and pretended I was pregnant. I still don't know if the guy believed me, or felt sorry for me being about sixteen and "knocked up". I don't do things like that anymore, but the search for the perfect pumpkin continues to this day.) Here's a link to some places to go that are fun for the whole family.

Ghosts and shipwrecks...

Many of you know that I have a fascination with shipwrecks. They are an important part of our Long Island history. The Cold Spring Harbor Gallery has an exhibit called Claimed by the Sea--Long Island Shipwrecks. Learn about our maritime past with features about Hell's Gate (been through there on a 23' center console on a bad day and kissed the ground when I got back! One rough patch, I must say!) and the Louis V. Place--one of my favorite topics of research. Eleven men, a stormy night, and sailors frozen to death in the riggings, all buried right here in Patchogue. Email me if you'd like to know more about the wreck or the story of Whistling Sam (a local ghost). I could go on for hours about it...See below for some pics from Lakeview Cemetery and the graves of the shipwreck victims.

Men in leiderhosen!

Oktoberfest is not only a time to celebrate the harvest. The first Oktoberfest was actually a wedding celebration. Now, you already may be married, on a date or flying solo, but Oktoberfests are a lot of fun! Black Forest Brew Haus and Rowdy Hall, the Snapper Inn and Pumpernickels in Northport are all celebrating. Prosit, skaal, proust, nazdarovie! See below for some of my pics from Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain.

I'll be back in a few days with lots more, so keep checking back! Know of an event that should be posted here? Let me know by emailing me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com!

"I could dance with you til the cows come home. On second thought, I'd rather dance with the cows until you come home." - Groucho Marx

2008-09-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

I love life. There are so many things, little things, that are amusing when we come across them every day. The problem is that too many of us don't take the time to see all those little things around us and live life to its fullest. I try to do just that. For the longest time I held back on the things I wanted to do as I was afraid of upsetting people. I was also afraid of going out and doing them on my own...like I needed a companion - a partner in crime, if you will. I know that I really tick off some people as I dance to the beat of my own drummer (as Mother always says when I am showing my headstrong tendencies and she's aggravated with me), but the fact is that I do get on out there and dance...and if I slip and fall while doing the shimmy, well, I'll just lick my wounds and get back up and out on the dance floor again, because even with the medical dramas and being really tight with a buck lately, I don't think I have ever been happier and more comfortable in my own skin. Life is good, people! Get on out there...onto the dance floor...and whether it's the tango or the Electric Slide...or even a polka...give something new a try!

A little bit country...
Mary Lamont will be playing at the 22nd Annual Bellmont Street Fair on September 27th.

Friday, September 26th Patricia Shih will be playing at Saxton Middle School in Patchogue.

A NEW series, Acoustic Strings and Things, is part open mic and part acoustic showcase. Mill Pond House on September 24, 7:30PM. (No website, 660 Mill Pond Road, St. James.) FREE.

Also on the 24th...The Cup, open mic, $1 cover. 3268 Railroad Avenue, Wantaugh.

Buddy Merriam and Back Roads have two gigs coming up this weekend! Get yer bluegrass on!

The 27th is ROCKING!!!! Phil Minissale and Nina and Her Band at Last Licks Cafe!

Martha Trachtenberg and Tom Griffith at a house concert...$10 per person and bring something for pot-luck. Call 516-579-5365 for reservations. I have seen them...they are AWESOME!!!

Cathy Kreger and What it Iz at Elijah Churchill's Public House on the 27th.

Gettin' back to nature...
LI Live Steamers is having their Run Day on the 28th at Southhaven Park. Take a train ride through the woods!

Fall Nature Walk at Cathedral Pines this weekend! Click here to reserve your spot!

Wildwood State Park is hosting a Fall Festival this weekend!

Connetquot State Park is providing house tours for only $3 per person!

Culture vultures, there's something for you too!
Poets in Port, a poetry series in Northport, will be hosting an event this Friday!

Also in Northport, the Northport Tasting Room and Wine Cellar will be hosting a reception for the works of Michael Krasowitz.

All About Color at Phoenix Fine Art Gallery...

All for now, you kooky cats! Get on out there and check some of these out! I'll be back next week sometime with lots more for you to do! Have an event that should be listed here? Email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com.

"Marriage is based on the theory that when man finds a beer exactly to his taste he should at once quit his job and go work in the brewery."-Nathan

2008-09-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

No, Miss Chris is not running off and getting married...it was just a really fun quote about beer! I could have quoted Homer Simpson, but that would have been way too easy. Miss Chris has beer on the brain as it is Oktoberfest season and I'll be away next weekend doing just what the doctor ordered--getting more grain into my diet (I know, that's not what he meant!) -- I can't wait! I have every intention of sitting in front of a large fireplace, nursing a dark and brooding brew, and meeting other like minded beer folk (and watching men in leiderhosen). It's my last big hurrah before I give up beer for the next few months and I plan on going out with a bang!

No sense crying in your beer!
As I was reshelving books at the library, I noticed a book I just had to borrow--Brewing Battles, a History of American Beer--by Amy Mittleman. I started perusing it, and it looks really good...it's only about 200 pages, so it's a pretty quick read.

I am one gal who loves her seasonal brews--the saisons, pumpkins, Oktoberfests--and I could not be happier that they are all widely available right now. Some to look for are Weyerbacher's Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Southampton Publick House's Saison and Pumpkin Ale (I heard a rumor that they were bought by the conglomerate that also bought Budweiser...can someone confirm that for me? Thanks!), Saranac's Pumpkin Ale, Harpoon's Glacier Harvest '08 Wet Hop Beer (a pale ale), Spaten's Oktoberfest, Ommegang Rouge Flemish Red, and Samuel Smith's Organic Cider. YOU WILL NOT FIND THESE AT THE SUPERMARKET! Get yourself to the local beverage center and make a point of checking these out!

Have you ever thought about homebrewing? Of course I have (as I want to try EVERYTHING!) but it's just not in the cards for me at this time. However, if you have the room and the desire to give it a whirl, there are some great websites out there that let you shop for supplies from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy. Take a look below:
http://www.homebrewery.com/
http://www.homebrewmart.com/
http://www.brewery.org/

A pint here, a pint there...
Did you know that only 2% of Long Islanders donate blood as compared to 7% nationwide? Briarcliffe College in Patchogue is running a blood drive on October 7 from 10-6, and it's open to the public! Do your good deed for the day and help alleviate a critical blood shortage!

Friends of the Dead...
No, this is NOT a Grateful Dead thing...the Cemetery Restoration Committee is looking for donations for a yard sale to help raise funds to keep their work going! Please donate!

Do you hear what I hear?
Patchogue Theatre's Chamber Music Series features Svet Stoyanov and Moni Simoenov this Sunday, September 21st at 3PM, tickets are $15 per person.

Annette Perry and Vytas Baksys will be playing a selection of Bach, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven at Bayport-Blue Point Public Library on September 28. FREE.

It's back...Live in the Lobby! With shows two weeks in a row! Come on down and see some of Long Island's great original musicians in an intimate and cozy venue, and say hi to me...I'll be the gal who breaks your horns as you try to sneak outside with a beer! $10 admission.

Kissin' cousins to Live in the Lobby is the Bellport Songwriter Series, coming up on September 28. Another cozy venue with a breathtaking view of the Great South Bay and great original music...$5 gets you in the door!

The Sunday Street Concert Series at University Cafe starts in two weeks...get your tickets NOW for Eilen Jewel and Phil Minissale! Advance tickets are $15, $20 at the door!

Shane Alexander at Stephen Talkhouse on September 27, $10 gets you in.

Sayville at the Common Ground on Sunday the 21st--The Swingtime Big Band! FREE.

Calling All Artists!
The Brookhaven Arts and Humanities Council is looking for you! Do you work on a large scale? Their Big Stuff show was made just for you! There will also be a Portait Show coming up! Register NOW!

Viva la difference!
Unity Day is coming up on September 26th...celebrate our diversity and learn about new people and things!

Cinema geeks, this one's for you!
Before the Rains and Reprise will both be shown this Friday, September 26 at the Staller Center.

Check out Cinema Arts Center's Theatre of the Wild this week! Mr. Lonely and Machine Girl are the featued films!

I'll be back in just a few days listing lots more Cheap Dates to check out! Have something that should be here? Let me know at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com.

Chat soon!

I only drink fortified wines during bad weather...(sic) After all, it's any storm for a Port. -- Winalski

2008-09-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Miss Chris is still dealing with her medical dramas...a detached retina due to hypertensive eye disease...which means hardcore meds...which means no more red meat or beer for me (that pitiful noise you hear coming in on the wind is me, crying, knowing I have to go back on the DASH diet...no more steak dinners with a nice microbrew for me...boo hoo!). HOWEVER...I can still have wine! (And I'm still going to be sneaking in a beer here and there...I am NOT giving up my pumpkin ale!) So, as we all know that good food, good wine, and a very bad girl is what I'm all about...I'm going to devote a good chunk of this entry to my vices! (At least the PG rated ones...and to someone who I KNOW reads this regularly...get yer mind out of the gutter!)

Wine me, dine me...

Well, as I am now going to be on a forced wine kick (oh, please, no...twist my arm!), I've been doing oodles of research on wine sites, wine clubs, wine products, and just some really great wine articles. Many people are intimidated by wine, thinking that if they order the "wrong" wine, people will look down their noses at them. Not so! First off, many of these faux oenophiles are just pulling your leg...either trying to look like they know more than they do, or just having a goof at your expense. Read this article for how to do it, too!

There's a lot of people that feel that if a wine is cheap, it can't be good. Actually, have you ever noticed how many fallacies are perpetuated about wines? That screw tops and syntheic corks are bad, that box wines are bad, that only certain wines go with certain foods? I hope you'll allow me to blow all of that out of the water for you as I give you just a teensy bit of a lesson about wine.

Let's address the first topic I brought up--cheap vs. expensive. There are MANY great choices out there for inexpensive wines that don't break the bank. I thoroughly enjoy researching the subject with my galpals, and I often find great recommendations in Wine Spectator and Food and Wine magazines that I make a point of hunting down and trying out and then (if I remember) entering into a database in my computer for future reference. If you are looking for something much more "quick and dirty", make a point of clicking on the following sites:
http://www.wineloverspage.com/wineadvisor2/tswa20080908.php
http://winecurmudgeon.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/llano-estacado-winery.html http://drinksareonme.net/?p=377
http://www.cheapfunwines.com/archives/wine-advice/wine_101_cc_is_for_champagne.php

Once you get into it, you may want to take a page from my book and document what is good and what is, well, pretty much vinegar. Click here to access a free wine database!

Screw tops and synthetic corks--wine snobs often look down their noses at these. Anyone who knows wine should EMBRACE them! Natural cork, though used for ages as a stopper in bottles, must be kept moist to maintain a proper seal. (Hence why wine is stored on its side.) However, natural cork is just that-natural-and has the same tendencies that most other woods do. It can pick up fungus, tainting your wine. It can dry out and deteriorate, letting air seep into your prized viognier so that it becomes "corked". You likely will know if you've gotten a corked wine...it will have a nose of wet dog, with notes of cardboard and cheap balsamic on the tongue, and a finish that is reminiscent of licking the inside of a can (these are my observations...yours may vary...). Synthetics and screw caps are much more stable, and make it MUCH easier to reseal a bottle if need be. (I'm much more a fan of the screw cap than the synthetics as the synthetics are not recyclable.) For a quick read on the topic, click here.

Box wine. Hmmmmm...for years I looked down on it. Unless I REALLY needed to get a buzz on after having the day from hell and that was all my friend had at her house, I would have rather drunk out of the garden hose and forgo my grape juice fix. I still will not buy Peter Vella or anything that comes in say, four gallon containers, has a description on it of "Blush", and a vintage of last week. However, those of you who are in the know may already be aware of a Miss Chris fave-French Rabbit...packed in what is known as a Tetra-Pak, this is a good $10 or so wine, comes in several varieties, and is eco-friendly. Make a point of checking out the website...it's VERY cool!

White zin with a kobe steak? Chianti with Chinese food? Again, something the wine snobs would be horrified at...let me tell you something...my little secret...I take those rules and throw them out the window. What it should boil down to is WHAT YOU LIKE! Cheap, expensive, red, white, it should be what makes YOU happy! I will throw a few of my personal picks out there for you to try, however...write in and let me know if you have tried them and what your thoughts are!

For a good all around wine, you can't go wrong with Pinot Noir. I've been drinking it for over a decade (way before Sideways made it THE wine to drink), and it goes well with everything from pastas to steak. My go to wine for most occasions is Villa Mt. Eden. The "non-reserve" wine is quite good, dry-ish with some fruit notes and extremely quaffable, and retails at around $14. Try to find the 2004 if you can.

Cheap, but I like it...that's how I'd categorize Concha y Toro's Frontera Savignon Blanc. It's a heavier white wine with a lot of fruit (I taste apple and lemon), good legs, and a long finish...a bit on the hearty side. You can often find a magnum for around $10.

On a lighter note, Fontana Candida's Frescati is a well liked Italian wine (and Miss Chris' Daddy-O's fave) with an 89 Wine Spectator rating and a price of around $11 for a magnum. Sweet, light, with notes of apple and grass, this is a great wine with lighter fare (though I'll drink it anytime!)

Up for a little experimentation? How about a cheap wine tasting party? I loved this idea! Great for a night in with friends! Check it out by clicking here!

A night at the movies!

There's some really cool goings on at the Cinema Arts Center! This week "Burn After Reading" is playing (I may have to go see this...not for George Clooney, or Brad Pitt...I have a not so secret crush on John Malkovich...he's on my short list of next-husbands, along with Chris Isaac and Robert Downey, Jr.). Coming next week, The NY Disabilities Film Festival will be featuring THREE films at the CAC, Ben Model will be providing musical accompaniment for Clara Bow IT, and How to Draw a Bunny will all be featured.

Get your zen on...

Some of you may know that Miss Chris tries to get her zen on with a little meditation (and somehow ends up with a fit of giggles every time she tries...), but the UUFB is hosting Zen Meditation this Thursday the 18th. Please just make a small donation...they are just a really cool little fellowship that welcomes everyone...they have a beautiful location on the bay, an art gallery, and host a songwriter series I will be mentioning in next week's post.

Acting up!

Ever wanted to act, but always felt kind of awkward about it? Sayville Adult Education is offering individual, personal instruction. Call 631-244-6647 for more info.

Culture Vultures

The Greenport Gallery Walk is this weekend, September 20.

Art and Soul Gallery will be featuring a photo documentary of Vietnam by Eva Cappozzola.

Esses Studio will be featuring work from The Grafitti 1980 Studio.

Film, Glitter and Glam, photography by Mick Rock and mixed media by Steve Joester will be featured at the Morrison Hotel.

Jeanine Klein's exhibit Use the Elephants will be at Gallery 4222.

I want to rock with you...

Some great gigs are coming up this week! I'm just going to post these all quick and dirty as I have so much to cover in these posts!

Frank Latorre and the King Bees at Eastport Luncheonette this Friday!

I don't usually post cover bands but here's two great ones coming up...That 70's Band
and Smokin' Gun will both be palying locally this week.

Hank Stone September 20th at Spoon Cafe.

Jay Scott at a fundraiser for the Friends of Shorefront Park benefit this Sunday...come on down and support original music for a good cause...a playground accessible to kids of all abilities!

A Miss Chris fave, Miller's Crossing--a kick butt and take no prisoners good bluegrass band--will be playing at Palmer Vineyards!

The Homegrown String Band will be playing at Harborfields Library this week.

Coming soon...another Jazz in the Living Room!

Friction Farm and Dee Harris at Hard Luck Cafe!

All for now...have something you think should be on here? Let me know at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com! I'll be back with more in a few days!

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation like a dog does." -- Morley

2008-09-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days where it feels like everything you say comes out sounding like the teacher on the animated Charlie Brown cartoons? "Wa wa wa wa?" Like it doesn't make any sense, or maybe that people are just tuning you out? Not sure if it's the hour or what, but I've been trying to explain something to a couple of students about how to use research databases...I give them the URL, I walk them through what to do, I walk away, come back, and they're on Google. AGAIN! The same search engine I just told them NOT to use! And when I ask why they aren't on the databases I just showed them, I get this blank stare. Now, I don't have dogs, I have cats. Enough to put me at the brink of holding the title of the Crazy Cat Lady of Patchogue. But at least when I speak to them, they look at me like they understand what I'm saying and that it's the most brilliant thing they have ever heard (though I'm sure what they are REALLY thinking is, "Mommy, we're hungry...feed us...PLEASE...." and, "Do you know that the neighbors can all see you when you dance around with us in your underwear? They do make shades for a reason, you know."). Furbabies can make even the worst day seem, well, not so bad!

Dog day afternoon!
The Town of Islip will be providing FREE rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Saturday from 9-3. A $10 donation is requested, but not required.

LI Dog Owners Group has a great website with news, info, and shopping for your dog.

Doga--yoga with your dog at Love on a Leash!

Funniest movie about dogs (and their owners) ever--Best in Show!

Cat got your tongue?
I can't believe I found this! A dating site for cat lovers! Purrsonals.com. Who knew?

And of course, www.Petfinder.com merits a mention here as well!

And now for something completely different...
Cinema Arts has two really great shows coming up this week! The ORIGINAL Scarface on Tuesday and Tokyo Gore Police on Wednesday! $10 per person.

Rock Lobster!
Bliss in Setauket now features lobster specials starting at $9.95 on Wednesdays!

Rock and Roll!
This is another plug for the WPKN benefit, Painters, Sunday the 14th from 1-7PM, $10 per person. Lots of great performers in a really cool place...worth the look-see!

Culture vultures, this one's for you!
OAS43 will be featuring over 200 artists, plus food and live music on September 20 and 21. FREE.

Mmmmmm....beer....
I had mentioned Oktoberfests in an earlier post and will keep putting them up here as they get close. In the meantime, don your leiderhosen and kick back with an Oktoberfest brew. Maltier than the summer brews, most are out NOW! Blue Point Brewery's Oktoberfest will be available next week. Grab a growler to go! (Thank you, Paul Brown!)

I'm not wining...
...about the price of "Two Buck Chuck", the organic wine available at Trader Joe's. Scroll to the bottom of the page for info on their wine selection at bottom of the barrel prices!

All for now! Add yourself to the new RSS feed list, or the new blog followers option! Have an event, gig, or suggestion? Email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com! Chat soon!

When I am attacked by gloomy thoughts, nothing helps me so much as running to my books. They quickly absorb me and banish the clouds from my mind.

2008-09-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

The quote above is from Montaigne. (Yes, Blogger is still giving me problems!) Any of you who know me are aware there are few things that bring me more joy than books. As someone once said...they're not fattening, and they are intensely personal (and the immorality of a text is subjective...)! Really, what gift can you give someone that shows you were thinking of them more than a book? And considering we are moving into Autumn, with the start of school and cooler weather around the corner...it's time to get your read on! Maybe some Poe, Lovecraft, or Hawthorne (my fave--bet you didn't know Hawthorne wrote some really eerie stories...check out Feathertop if you have the chance!) to start getting ready for the upcoming spooky season!

Bookworms, rejoice!

If you are like me, you own a lot of books and are starting to run out of room for them all. A trip to Borders can (and does) often result in two shopping bags full of new friends and a bill of over $100 (I'm a book junkie, what can I say?!). I was considering getting the Kindle or the Sony Reader, but if I'm going to drop $400 on something, it's going to be something really special (such as the train trip I am currently researching that I will let you all know about when I get more info...kind of the Cheap Date version of the Orient Express!). Hence, I am going to list a few sites for you all where you can download stories and books FOR FREE! Granted, some of the lists are limited and you will not be finding the new best sellers here, but for something you can download and peruse at your leisure, this is just nifty in my book (pun DEFINITELY intended!) The Literature Network lists many short stories and poems for your reading pleasure, and has chat rooms where you can discuss various topics with other readers. ReadPrint is much the same. DailyLit will email you sections of a book of your choosing daily, and offers many new selections. Project Gutenberg, the granddaddy of them all, is updated daily with books that are out of copyright! Over 10,000 to choose from!

Just a quick mention...Book Bay, located in the old garage behind the Community House in Bridgehampton, sells used books and the proceeds are donated to local non-profits. Open 10:30-3:30 Monday-Saturday.

It's not easy being cheesy!

I was out east with the handsome, YOUNGER new man today (just call me COUGAR!!!), hitting the vineyards and listening to some music. We stopped in Mattituck and found this great place on Love Lane--The Village Cheese Shop. Many, MANY cheeses, with reasonable prices, and lots of other goodies to check out too! There's also a branch in Southampton.

We were getting our wine on as well...just a little as we had to drive. But we picked up some event guides (he DEFINITELY appreciates this whole Cheap Date gig! Too bad we always end up going over...OK, I promise...from now on we stick to the rules! Gotta practice what I preach!) and there's some great things coming up at the vineyards. Martha Clara has music and cooking demos on weekends, and Open Mic Nights Tuesday nights at 6PM. ALL FREE...you just have to pay for your wine! (Don't forget they have Oktoberfest coming up this weekend as well!) Lieb Cellars gives complementary cheese and crackers when you go wine tasting during the week.

(The top pic is from Laurel Lake Vineyard, and the other two...well I forgot what vineyard that was...sorry!)

Art farts, there's something for you, too!

This isn't a gallery show or an exhibit I'm listing this time! Have you ever wanted to try your hand at drawing or painting? The Southampton Artists Association will be hosting a Figure Drawing workshop on Tuesday the 9th, at 10AM and again at 7PM. $7 fee. Call 631-725-5851 for more info. On Wednesday the 10th, it's an opportunity for you to try Portait and Figure Painting at the Montauk Railroad Depot Gallery Studio, $15 fee, call 631-668-6955 for info.

A little night music...

This week looks like it's gonna be ROCKIN'! Unfortunately, Miss Chris is putting in a lot of hours this week, but hopes to get to some of these gigs!

The Cedar Beach Blues Fest will be held at Bald Hill this year on September 20 and 21...

Don't forget, Dogstock this week at Bobbique...

Mary Lamont at bj spoke gallery on Friday the 12th.

The Port Jeff Music Festival will be this Friday through Sunday! DO NOT MISS THIS! See the frequently mentioned on this blog Jay Scott, Miles to Dayton, John Flor, the Tobacco Roadies, and the Kerry Ferry...I MUST CHECK THAT OUT!!! I MISSED IT LAST YEAR! Heard it was great!

Jeff Warner--house concert in Forest Hills September 19--not sure of the price, but contact FMSNY1@gmail.com for info and reservations!

Chantey sing at South Street Seaport Saturday, September 13 at 8PM.

I'm seeing stars...

And you can, too! The Custer Observatory, the oldest one of its kind on Long Island, is open to the public on Saturday nights!

Go fly a kite!

September 20--Kite Festival at the Long Island Maritime Museum. $2 per person, build-a-kite kit $5.

Do you have a blog of your own? Add your link to my page... NEW!!! Subscribe for RSS feeds!

I feel like I'm forgetting to post something...Just don't forget to check back often as I am always adding updates! Have an event or gig you'd like posted? Do you know of something that should be here? Let me know by emailing me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com!

"Can't sleep, clown will eat me..." -- Bart Simpson

2008-09-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Blogger really seems to be acting up lately! I can't add things on...I can't format correctly. What a pain! It took me about fifteen tries to log in tonight! Last week I couldn't add video. Now my videos are only rendering intermittently, photos too. UGH!!! I want my mommy!

All the world loves a clown...NOT!
Anyhow...I had no idea how many people feared clowns! Coulrophobia is actually quite common, and is usually based upon a childhood experience with a particular clown. That being said, for those of you who do NOT fear clowns, I wanted to give you all some information about something that looks amazing! The best part is that it continues on for several weeks! The New York Clown Theatre Festival has many events that are either free or $15 per person. Ben Model, who some of you have seen at Cinema Arts doing the accompaniment for the silent films and is often mentioned on this blog, is one of the featured speakers. (Bury My Heart at Dumbass Cowboy and The Brazilian Hulk Show look really interesting as well!).

A mighty wind...
I love Christopher Guest movies but have yet to see that one. It came to mind as I'm looking at the schedule for the Common Ground in Sayville and noticing that on September 6 Gathering Time will be playing. FREE.

Art Farts, looky here!
The University Art Gallery at Stony Brook features its Faculty Exhibition 2008. FREE. While there, check out the Staller Center movie schedule...the seaon passes are definitely worth the money!

Tapas, anyone?
Hispanic Heritage Month is upon us! What better way to celebrate than to learn about Spanish food? The Brentwood Public Library is hosting Chef Charlie's Tapas on Monday, September 8 at 7PM. FREE. Maybe you're looking to burn off some of those calories...the Pat-Med Library will be hosting Salsa Dancing lessons on September 11. All classes require a library card to participate.

A good offense is the best defense...
While on the topic of the Pat-Med Library, they're also offering self defense classes. Wednesday, September 10, 7PM.

Miss Chris has been waiting for this opportunity-
-to try something new and hopefully not make TOO much of a fool of herself! Contradance season has arrived...and with events in Water Mill and Smithtown, you KNOW I'll be trying this out this month!

A little bacchanalia, perhaps?
September 6, FREE. Wine Tasting 101 at Cellar Tastings. You MUST RSVP for this event! Or how about some snake with your wine? Come see a snake charmer and fire thrower while you relax with a glass of wine at Peconic Bay Vineyard this Friday! Mambo Loco will be there Sunday!

Blue Point Brewery has a tasting room that is open usually from 4-7PM on Thurs-Saturday. Come on down and let your inner hippie rejoice with beers like Old Howling Bastard and Hoptical Illusion!

All for now...Miss Chris is tired what with the first week of school and all! I'll be back in a few days with more things for y'all to do. Don't forget to email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com!

September tries its best to have us forget summer.-Williams

2008-09-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

As Labor Day weekend draws to a close, our thoughts go to several things...returning to school, the end of summer, harvest festivals, and OKTOBERFESTS! We're heading into Miss Chris' favorite time of year...a time of pumpkins, cornstalks, hot apple cider, and leiderhosen. The leaves will be putting on their annual show and (hopefully) soon, there will be a nip in the air! So get on out and enjoy the best (in my opinion, anyway!) time of year, hopefully using some of the Cheap Date ideas I'm posting here!

A little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll!
Thank you, Marci Geller, for commenting on the last post! You're on today's post again, with two mentions! This week, Acoustic Long Island features its first triple play and Marci Geller will be there with Cathy Kreger, and Susan DeVita as Lucky 13, and as always, admission is FREE. Lucky 13 will also be playing at IMAC (this is just an FYI as the cost exceeds Cheap Date guidelines). Make a point of catching one of these gigs...it's worth it!

Hank Stone will be playing at Once and For All in Patchogue on September 5! Admission is FREE, and this is another show not to be missed! I've seen Hank when I worked the Live in the Lobby shows...he's great! Hank's site also features open mic nites, so Doug...here's the info you have been asking me for!

The Homegrown String Band will be playing at several local venues in the next few weeks! I love these folks! They are really good AND just really nice people!

Phil Minissale will be playing at Toast on September 4! Y'all know I'm a fan, but seriously...check him out!

The Good Rats will be playing at the Artful Dodger on September 6, FREE!

Dogstock is coming up at Bobbique! $15 admission!

Ships Ahoy!
September 6 brings the Bay Shore Harbor Festival and Boat Parade! Great music, a pirate show, how can it get any better?

The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum has an exhibit for the next few weeks about the whaling industry, oil, and its impact on society. If you're in Sag Harbor, stop in to Spinnakers and grab a burger!

Captree Fall Fest is coming up on September 13 and 14! Head on down and see the Kings of the Coast pirate show!

East Northport is also having a fall festival this coming weekend! Looks good...

Oompah music and men in leiderhosen...
Woohoo! It's Oktoberfest time! Have you ever thought about why they hold Oktoberfests in September? Especially with "October" in the name? Well, Oktoberfests are actually harvest festivals! Here's a few worth checking out!

Martha Clara Vineyards will be hosting their Oktoberfest on September 13-14...$10 per person in advance, $15 at the door. Make your reservations early!

Black Forest Brew Haus will have their Oktoberfest from September 26 through October 12! I've been to a few of these...so much fun! More will be posted weekly!

For a good cause...
Helping Long Island's less fortunate is something we all should do. What better way than a little dinner and dancing? Not sure of the price, but this is something worth considering attending regardless of price!

All for now...if you have an event or an idea you'd like to see here, let me know at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com! I'll be back later this week with more posts, so don't forget to check in often! Chat soon!

At my lemonade stand I used to give the first glass away free and charge five dollars for the second glass. The refill contained the antidote.-Phillip

2008-08-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hey, all! First off, I wanted to thank all of you who emailed me wishing me well! That was a big surprise, and some of you had some wonderful and thought provoking things to say. Now, I didn't post what was going on to look for pity...but usually my posts have some sort of theme or thought behind them--something I had seen or heard that day, something going on in my life or someone else's--that gives me a thread to go on. My eye issue was inspiration to do a post about health related events. As we are on the note of my last post, well, the eye issue seems to be the beginnings of a detached retina due to my blood pressure. So I basically need to get the BP down, and hopefully that will keep me from having to have surgery. So this post is all about relaxing and enjoying life...we are all just too busy sometimes and miss out on some great opportunities to kick back and smell the roses!

Music and Dance!

I'm going to start out with an event that is a bit down the pike, but mark your calendars as it looks great! Thank you, Laurie, for the heads up! Painters in Brookhaven will be hosting a benefit with WPKN on September 14 featuring great acts such as Cathy Kreger, Marci Geller, The Thunderbird Sisters, and MORE...$10 admission.

TONIGHT! The last open mic night at Acoustic Long Island...get there early! Deepwells Mansion, St. James, FREE!

Thank you, Christopher, for the next two entries! For those of you who can't get enough Jay Scott...well, I'll just cut and paste here:

THIS THURSDAY August 28 at 8:00 Jay Scott & Grand Case Scenario, The Sun Gets Down and Rorie Kelly & More of the Mess - three up and coming Long Island acts on the same bill featuring their unique styles of original music. It's the first time each group is playing at Lefty's, a great Long Island venue, so support them and get your Labor Day Weekend started early! $10.00 Lefty’s Candlelight Bar & Grill - 543 W. Hoffman Ave, Lindenhurst www. leftysbar.com 631-225-5526

Monday September 1 at 12 Noon with WMJC 94.3 FMJay Scott Acoustic with Jason Tebaldi on 5-String Acoustic Fretless Bass. WMJC 94.3 Radio is hosting another in their series of “On Location” events featuring Long Island’s best original music, plus games, food, and prizes for the whole family! IT'S ALL FREE! Massapequa Nissan - 4500 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa

Sunday, August 31, Lil Cliff and the Cliffhangers will be playing at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, $6 to park. While you are there, make a point of checking out the mansion...it's beautiful!

Saturday, Garnder County Park, 6PM--Tornado Alley will be playing! Ken "The Rocket" Korb has been known to pop in from time to time...make a point of checking this show out!

Thursday, August 28, 7:30PM at the Jones Beach Bandshell, the NYPD Jazz Ensemble will be playing for FREE!

Friday through Monday is the Mozart Festival at Old Westbury Gardens! $10 per person.

Movie Alert!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is playing under the stars at Eisenhower Park Thursday night, 6PM.

Cinema Arts presents a screening of the classic oldie Greed with organ accompanyment by Ben Model. $9 per person! While on their site, don't forget to check out the Theatre of the Wild!

The call of the wild!

Did you know that the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation does tours of their facility if you give them a small donation and if they have a biologist working that day? All donations go to the preservation and feeding of marine animals in their care!

There are a couple of good hikes to check out this holiday weekend...Saturday, August 30, 9AM at Lakeland County Park, and Sunday, August 31, 4PM at Sunken Meadow Park. For more info, check out http://www.hikeli.org/ or call 631.567.9484.

These Peconic Estuary Cruises slightly exceed Cheap Date guidelines, but are definitely worth checking out at http://www.americanbeautycruises.com/!

Shooting stars?

No, there are two fireworks shows this weekend! The Mother Cabrini Festival in Brentwood on August 31, and at the Main Beach in East Hampton on Aug 30!

Foodie alert!

One of my favorite places, the Soundview in Southold, has lunch specials that put you just over the Cheap Date guidelines at about $17 per person. I'll take the liberty of cutting and pasting here: You may have heard of the Soundview Inn in Southold. Right on the water. In fact when the tide is in, it is over the water. Well anyway, they have a lunch special for $17 that you can eat off the porch over the water. I know it's $2 over but it is worth it. Includes soup or salad and desert ( one is a crepe around ice cream with rasberries on top and whip cream). Thanks, James, for reminding me of that! While you are there, go around to the back of the hotel...you'll see the big rock that Miss Chris likes to sit on and read and get her zen on as the tide comes in!

Cool sites worth mentioning...

PixerBog is a site for people to post pics taken with their camera phone...you'll find everything and anything on here...some adult content, so be warned! Thanks, Webbleeper! Very funny!

One of the guys from my whale watching trip has a photography website, and sent over some amazing photos from the trip...I'll post the pics separately, but check out his photos...very impressive! This is his old site...there is a new one under construction. I can't wait to see it!

Worth checking out...

I didn't get out much this weekend, but I did get over to the Maritime Museum early Sunday to check out the Seafood Festival...take a look at some of the photos, and my badly shot video of this great band called Stout...they do chanteys, bluegrass, etc...they were really good and you can catch them on the folk music circuit!

All for now! Please let me know if you have anything that should be posted here at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com

Chat soon!

On my income tax 1040 it says 'Check this box if you are blind.' I wanted to put a check mark about three inches away. - Lehrer

2008-08-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Pretend you wake up one morning with pain in one eye. You've had issues with this one eye for years and know that it is due to long term medical issues you have been having since your teen years. The day goes on and instead of feeling better, it feels worse. You call the doctor, they check you out, and then you hear the words no one likes to hear, "I don't want to panic you, but..."

Miss Chris is having one of those days. I have been severely hypertensive for half my life (go figure!). I've been on meds on and off for about twenty years (off for the past year to detox) and have had to deal with some of the other issues that hypertension leads to...enlarged heart, kidney problems, bloating from oedema, and, of course, vision problems. I woke up with that pain in my eye this morning. I've been slowly losing my sight in my left eye for years, but today was very bad. I called the doc, got right in. I was thinking I had an eyelash stuck way up in my eyelid, or maybe there was some dust or an allergy causing a reaction. The doctor looked and uttered those words no one likes to hear. It turns out that my hypertension, which I had been so good about controlling for the past two years, had spiked with a vengeance...170/110. The pain in my eye was due to pressure, causing floaters and damage to my cornea. I get the pleasure of meeting my surgeon tomorrow bright and early.

Why am I telling you all this? It's because there are so many healthy things to do that count as a Cheap Date! This edition is all about getting out and doing things that are good for you...both body and mind! (Well, maybe not all of the entries will be healthy, but a large majority will be!) So grab your hikers, leave the makeup off for the day, and do something good for yourself! You'll be happy you did!

The call of the wild...

Sweetbriar Nature Center has (for the next few weeks only) a vivarium (a butterfly and moth house) that looks really cool! $3 per person, and photographers are welcome (reservations required and additional fees apply).View and identify (with the help of "who's who" cards) over 20 species of lepidoptera!

August 25 brings the Windward Eco Sailing Program out in Montauk. FREE. While on the site, check out other upcoming events!

The Animal Farm Petting Zoo has lots to see and do for kids of all ages. $13.50 per person.

Fire Island National Seashore at Watch Hill has lots to do! With deer, pelagic birds, and other wildlife all around, there's always something to see! Please, don't feed the animals!

That's it, walk it off...

With all sorts of parks in Suffolk County, there is always someplace to take a hike for people of all fitness levels and abilities! Many have dog runs as well!

Not into walking? Rather do something on two wheels instead of two feet? Bicycle Long Island has loads of resources for the mountain/trail bike enthusiast.

Prefer a HOG to something you have to pedal? The Long Island Motorcycle Fair is coming up September 9 at Riverhead Raceway!

Pick your own...

Many farms offer the opportunity to pick your own fruits and veggies. Now, most of you know how much I love farmstands! This is even better! And soon, it will be Miss Chris' favorite time of year...pumpkin picking!!!!

Garden of Eve and Golden Earthworm Farms are two of my must stop at sort of places! Coming soon at Garden of Eve is their annual Garlic Festival! Make a point of checking out their cooperative programs as well as something to consider for next year!

Wanna get wet?

Empire Kayaks has rentals, lessons, and tours for all levels and budgets! Check them out!

Quioxtic quaffs!

Now this one exceeds Cheap Date guidelines, but it looks AWESOME and I have to give this a try! During the day, the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat shuttles people to and fro doing nature tours. Several evenings over the summer the tour boat goes grown-up and hosts wine and cheese tours for $25 per person!

Shinn Estate Vineyards hosts tours of their vineyard, which uses sustainable means of growning their crops and produces organic wines. $8.50 per person includes wine tasting!

While on the topic of spirits and such, I wanted to thank Paul Brown who provided me with the location of a beverage center that carries organic beers such as Samuel Smiths, Eel River, Peak, Orlio, and Wolavers. 724 Montauk Highway, Bayport. (631) 472-9808. I'm trying to talk him into writing a weekly review of seasonal beers that I will post here. Please, readers, if you see Paul around, tell him he needs to do this! Thanks! (Methinks he is on the fence about doing a column for Cheap Date...but really...who knows more about beer? Paul, I'll even get you business cards so you look official!)

BRADSTOCK! 'Nuff said! I know it doesn't meet guidelines...

Mind over matter...

And now, something I don't normally do! Thank you, Jeremy, for sending this hilarious link to me about a writing contest all about crafting the worst opening line for a novel EVER! This is a MUST READ!

Don't forget that the Long Island Maritime Museum is having its Seafood Festival fundraiser this weekend, and the Battle on the Bay will be going on as well!

Does your organization have an event that you would like the world to know about? Do you have an idea for something that should be on this blog? Email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com! Don't forget to check back often as I am constantly adding updates!

If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur. - Larson

2008-08-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

I saw this quote and was reminded of a song by Billy Jonas..."What Kind of Cat are You?" I have a bit of cat scratch fever right now! Yesterday, a flurry of emails were flying around between one of the librarians I work with, a work study, and myself...a kitten was found in a box, the work study could not keep it, none of the shelters would take it...what to do? Unfortunately, this puts me at FOUR cats, which is toeing the line at being the crazy cat lady of Patchogue! So, I am reaching out to you all...does anyone want a six week old kitten? She looks like she's part Maine Coon, black and grey with mackerel markings, and takes no crap from anyone! She may be little, but she was putting my (much larger) cats in their place. She has a bit of an upper respiratory infection right now that I am working on clearing up. She is a MUSH, by the way, and loves to lay in your lap or on your chest...she will also follow you EVERYWHERE! I have dubbed her Poe for now, but you can name her anything you want (but if you name her anything really lame like Fluffy, Cookie, or Princess--DON'T TELL ME!). Someone, please adopt her! I have found homes for every homeless cat that has come my way...don't let me break my lucky streak!
How could you refuse this little toughie?

Quick and dirty...
A few updates for this week! Phil Minissale will be at Bobbique this Thursday, August 21. I've mentioned him before on this blog. Listen to a true finger pickin' blues prodigy and enjoy a wide variety of beers on tap and in bottles while you do.

The Riverhead Railroad Festival is August 23rd and 24th at the Railroad Museum of Long Island on Griffing Avenue. Admission is $6 per person and features live music, train rides, operating models, and special guests The Long Island Antique Power Association.

Sayville Marina Park hosts a free viewing of Grease on Saturday, August 23. Bring a lawn chair!

On Sunday, I Fish NY presents Children's Saltwater Clinics, $8.

Also on Sunday, Sounds of the Rat Pack at 3pm, Sterling Glen (100 Landing Road), Roslyn. FREE!

Gotta run, but I'm already gathering info for the next post! If your organization has an event they would like to promote, or if you know of something I am missing, email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Last year I went fishing with Salvador Dali. He was using a dotted line. He caught every other fish. - Wright

2008-08-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about fish lately. Did you know fish feel pain and suffer stress just like mammals and birds? How about the fact that there are more species of fish than all the species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals combined? Fish are simple critters. Just give them some water and food, maybe a fish of the opposite gender, and they are as thrilled as their little fish brains can get. Kind of sounds like me!

There's another reason I've been thinking about fish. This weekend is the Seafood Festival at the Long Island Maritime Museum! $5 to get in, live music by acts such as Jack's Waterfall and Karma Sutra, a pirate show, and more seafood than you could shake a fishing pole at! Do yourself a favor and preprint your ticket, and utilize the shuttle buses.

Not big on fish but still want to be near the bay? The Battle on the Bay takes place this weekend at Shorefront Park. Muscle boat enthusiasts and race fans, this is the event for you! Adrianna, thanks for the pics! You rock! See below!

Maybe you are done watching the Miss Geico kicking local power boat butt and decide that you could go for some good ol' fashioned BBQ...head on down to Bobbique to get your pulled pork on (I really could have gotten naughty there, but I will restrain myself!) and enjoy the blues stylings of the Kerry Kearny Band.

Have a furbaby of the canine variety? Maybe you or/he she is in need of a new love. DogUp has a dating website for canine furbabies and their owners. After all, isn't your best friend worth considering?

It's here, it's here! The Cinema Arts Centre's Pay to Get Out Horror Marathon! Miss Chris loves getting her scare on!

The world's oldest boy band, The Defibrillators, is playing at Bayard Cutting Arborteum this weekend! $6 to park!

What is better than this? Wine and dancing under the stars! Romance on the cheap! Vineyard 48, $10 per person! Reservations suggested!

Chatting about romance and wine, Palmer Vineyards has TWO great Cheap Dates this weekend! Cooking demonstrations and Writers on the Vine!

Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery is hosting its opening reception this weekend for American Dreams. While in Bellport, make a point of stopping in at Sugar Loaf Cafe!

Now, I NEVER thought I would say this, but this weekend at the Polish Festival, I ran across a polka band made up of guys around my age, and all just too adorable for words! TKO, you guys were great! So much fun! Please check below for my horribly shot video clip, and while you are at it, scroll below to see pics from the Polish Festival, and a special thank you to everyone at the Polish Hall! Everyone was so nice, and you guys under the beer tent were HILARIOUS! A special hello to my new gentlemen friends who kept me company while I photographed the band, and especially to Marty AKA Snake (you must look at this guy's pic and tell me how much he channels Hunter S. Thompson!). Gentleman, if you want more pics, email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com so I know where to send them!

James, my former professor and now colleaugue and friend, asked me to write the story of Lucky, our whale watching mascot. I promise, in a few days it will be here! I just want to make sure I can spend the time and do right by the little guy!

All for this edition. Make a point of stopping back to visit every few days as I am always adding new content as I get it. Chat soon!

Living in the ocean means never having to salt your food. - Ikkaku

2008-08-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Several of you had emailed me that you would like to see more pics from the trip. Please scroll on down to the bottom of the blog to see pics.

I've also included a bit of video (pretty much my first attempt, and I didn't realize that you just press the button once and let it go...not hold it down, so I have lots of really short videos!) that show the proximity of the whales to the ship. Not sure if this upload will work, but let's hope it does!

If you can't play the video, click here to download Flash Player!

Foodie alert!
Talking about the ocean makes me think about sushi. I am a sushi addict (some of you who have been out with me know I have my very special chopsticks for the "chopstick-impaired"...they're hinged! Who's got it better than me?!) and if you catch sushi places either earlier in the day, or try to get there when they are running specials, it doesn't have to be expensive! Takara in Islandia is a hidden gem in the Islandia Center strip mall. Sandwiched between the Starbucks and the huge Chinese buffet place, this is a place you really should make a point of visiting! Kotobuki in Hauppauge is THE place to go for sushi locally. Be prepared for a long wait as this place packs in! The Tai Show chain is also very good and worth a visit. One thing I want to remind you of is that it's very easy to spend a lot of money at a sushi place. Read the menu carefully and ASK QUESTIONS! If you have a favorite sushi place you think I should know about, let me know!

Shipyard Brewery has just delivered its Pumpkin Ale locally. It's only available for a short time, so get over to your local beverage center to try this yummy treat!

The Sayville Chocolatier has goodies for all tastes and budgets! From Gummi Fish to truffles, this shop can sell sweets by the piece, or make up custom trays for any occasion!

All for now, chat soon!

I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars. - Meyer

2008-08-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Two new add-ons!

My friend Laurie has been asking me to post this and I have been remiss! Elwoodstock is this weekend! If you are into some great live music and preserving the environment, this is a must attend event. Please, no alcohol or pets!

Another friend, Kevin Manning, is an astrophysicist and former NASA consultatnt who will be lecturing this Saturday at 7:30PM at Watch Hill, Fire Island about Astronomy for Everyone. I will tell you, he is amazing! He explains things so everyone can understand them, and you HAVE to see the telescope he uses...the best part is, he built it himself! Kevin, you NEED to get yourself a website so I can get more of your lectures, photos, and info on here! If anyone would like more info, email me, and I will relay your questions to him! For Fire Island Ferry info, click here!

The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore. -- Dale Carnegie

2008-08-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back...I survived my encounter with Moby Dick and company and had one of the best times of my life! I made some new friends, did a lot of thinking, and realized how small we all are in comparison to so many other things. I also realized that many things that people think about, say they are going to do, and never get around to can be the really special things, the adventures we've always wanted, but often we are just too afraid or lazy to jump in head first and pray that the waters don't close in over our heads. I came home from this trip smelly, exhausted, sunburned, and covered in whale snot (did you realize that when whales exhale, it's a combination on CO2, water vapor, and mucus? I didn't...but it makes for a really pretty rainbow when the light hits it the right way!), but I have a new perspective on taking chances and doing the things your friends may try to talk you out of or the things that may scare you half to death -TRY IT ANYWAY! Even if you have to go it alone, even if it may be somewhat out of your budget, or you have a fear that whatever you are attempting is going to be an abysmal failure, it is better to look back on something and have gained an experience, learned something, and possibly have some incredible memories (and photos and video, in my case) than to regret the opportunity that you have let pass you by. Think about it...I could have spent my 39th birthday doing dinner and a movie with my friends. Instead, I was out on the ocean watching a humpback whale frolic off the back of the boat - putting its belly up, waving its flippers, and just putting on a whole show all within less than twenty feet from where I stood. Coming home, I grabbed my sleeping bag and watched the Persieds while laying on the top deck of the ship with my new friends and acquaintances, making wishes on all the shooting stars. (If you would like more info on the whale watching trip, would like to see some of the photos and videos, or would like to know more about CRESLI events, email me and I will get the info over to you!)

I also lost 5 pounds. I packed most of my own food (fruit, hard boiled eggs, bottled water, cheese), but what I really think did it was trying to keep balance on the boat. You don't realize what a great workout it is for your core and legs...you just know you are really tired at the end of the day...but I just looked in the mirror and WOW, is my belly flatter and my legs are showing some great muscle tone!

On that note, I'd like to say that it's ok to go out on the Cheap Dates I list here by yourself. I fly solo quite often (and often by choice). One thing I have noticed is that people generally are very nice, especially if they see that you have a common interest, whether it be music, art, food or what have you...let yourself be surprised by the chance encounters you have. I know we've all seen the t-shirts, but I'd like to remind you...LIFE IS GOOD!

A few more things to look forward to...
This weekend brings the newest installment of the Bellport Songwriter Series featuring Johnny Lee Jordan and The Corduroy Sky. $5 admission, seating for about 50 in a beautiful old building by the Great South Bay, with light refreshments available.

Tonight at Acoustic Long Island will be John Schmitt. Open mic at 8PM, show at 9PM. FREE at Deepwells Mansion, St. James.

The Electrix will be playing an acoustic set at the LI Bluegrass Festival this weekend. See my previous post for location and times.

Contemporary line dancing lessons tonite at the Jones Beach Bandshell. FREE.

Alive After Five closes out its season this Friday nite with 5 bands, 5 stages, outdoor dining, beer (it's Patchogue, home of two great microbreweries...you would expect less?), face painting, craft vendors and kids' events. Don't forget to come on down and say hi to me at the Theatre table!

The Islip Arts Council has a couple of great concerts this week. Dont miss the Joel Sikowitz Dixieland Band, 6PM at Gardner County Park on August 16, and The Wes Houston Band at Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 2PM at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. $6 to park.

Movies!
Old Field Farm is hosting an outdoor viewing of Sweet Liberty on August 14 at 7:30PM. Bring a beach chair or blanket! FREE.

Deepwells Mansion is also hosting a free movie night on August 14th, but I can't seem to find out what the movie will be. No one is answering the phone there, and all the websites say "TBA". Call ahead for info.

Sounds like a chick flick men would enjoy...Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Woody Allen's latest, is getting great buzz. Naughty, witty, and starring two of the hottest hotties today - Scarlett Johannson and Penelope Cruz (something for both the blonde and brunette fans out there!) - this movie seems to have something for both genders to enjoy! Starts August 15th at the Cinema Arts Center. Admission is usually around $9.

Speaking of Cinema Arts...did anyone check out the link I sent out last post about Fido? If not, SHAME ON YOU!!! If you like zombie movies like Shawn of the Dead, a high camp factor while getting your scare on, and hilarious pop culture references, this is a MUST SEE! Written by the same people who brought you Pleasantville, it's a surrealistic look at people living in fear of zombies. Go to the previous post to see the trailer.

All for now! If you know of an upcoming event you would like me to post, let me know! Email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com. Chat soon!

Bisexuality immediately doubles your chances for a date on Saturday night. -- Woody Allen

2008-08-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Now, before you all start thinking that I am switching teams here, I'm not. I just loved the wit and the reasoning in that line! The other night, I was upset, ate ice cream, went running in the rain, drank beer, and wrote. I rant, I vent, I swear off men...you know, the typical chick suffering from romantic angst sort of thing. I just have a bad habit of developing unrequited crushes. Over and over and over again. Usually, I'm the runner up while they're pining for someone else, the one they spend time with while they wait for their "ideal" woman to be theirs. This time, it's someone who is not looking for a girlfriend, just someone to have on speed dial in case they need a date for something (why do I get the feeling that there is also some kind of "ideal" that I'm not living up to here as well?). Well, I spent yesterday proverbially licking my wounds by commiserating with my friends (who have suggested I try meeting someone online, speed dating, and moving somewhere else as there has to be something in the water around here because all the people who are single these days have a REASON for being single...except for ME...there's nothing wrong with ME...it's the rest of the world that is crazy...yeah, sure, right! At least I embrace my flakiness and don't live in denial of my issues! I'm loud, opinionated, emotional, and given to vice. I'm also extremely annoying sometimes, have a tendency to repeat myself and could stand to lose a few pounds. Other than that, I'm PERFECT!!!). As I have never been one to let dust settle under my feet, I have proceeded to do more research on things for you all to do for the next week or so while I am out on the high seas--scribbling in my notebook, drinking vodka, doing a lot of self-analysis as to why I am relationship impaired, and looking for Moby Dick. So, ahoy there mateys, Miss Chris is back with a vengeance!

Friends of Miss Chris
Now, I know I had said that I would not be posting cover bands in my blog, but His Boy Elroy is pretty darn good, they're playing locally tonite, and I'm friends with the drummer. If you are looking for a band that plays all the songs you know from the radio...things you can sing along to, and get out on the dance floor and shake your groove thang...then get your groove thang down to the Handlebar in Port Jeff. The Handlebar, as some of you may know, was featured on the TV show "Kitchen Nightmares" with Chef Ramsay and renovated. No cover.

For those of you in Patchogue last night for Alive After 5, you are probably aware that it was a night of drama and wonderment. The torrential downpours and thunderstorms threatened to wash away the equipment, and the headliner at the Theatre stage cut his hand and had to be rushed to the hospital to get eight stitches. Suddenly, the clouds parted and not just one, but two rainbows appeared in the sky. The show went on, the crowds came back, and Jay Scott reappeared with his bandaged hand to play a set with his band. Speaking of Jay Scott, he's playing tonite, 7 pm at the Patchogue Bandshell, no cover. Come on down and spend a beautiful night by the Great South Bay.

Support Long Island's original music scene! The Long Island Original Music Festival will be held at the Vail Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead on Friday, August 15 to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Woodstock (random fact: I was born three days before the original Woodstock Festival). See the aforementioned Jay Scott, Jessie Haynes, The Corduroy Sky, Chris Van Cott, Chris P. Cauley, John Brzoza, Rorie Kelly, Jordan Hope and Lisa Rose. Tickets are $15 each and are available at the door or through the East End Arts Council.

And a little more night music...
I get a lot of emails asking when the LI Philharmonic will be doing some free shows. This would be the week! Friday night, 8PM at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow; Saturday night, 8PM at Heckscher Park, Huntington. (Hey, galpals, we going?)

The Stony Brook Village Green will be hosting Sound Symphony Goes Out West on August 10th 6PM, FREE. I haven't seen them myself, but have heard that they are very good. Plus, you will be in a beautiful area with the harbor on one side and the Stony Brook shops on the other. Get there early and get on over to Godiva for a little chocolate covered strawberry action, or visit the Grist Mill to get your history on.

August 16 brings us to the LI Bluegrass Festival. You KNOW I'll be there!

And while enjoying some music underneath the night skies, don't forget to look up. The Perseid Meteor showers are this week (pretty easy for me to remember as it's always on my birthday!).

Art Farts and Culture Vultures
The Huntington Arts Council is hosting part 2 of its Members Show starting on August 14.

Ending this week...the Pollock Krasner exhibit at Gallery North. Don't miss this one!

Goat Alley Gallery has some great things going on this week. Just check out the website...too much to list!

Catch up on some classic cinema! The Cinema Arts Centre is showing The Human Condition this week.

I'm scared...hold me!
Summer Camp Cinema...you know I can't go a week without posting something about it. August 16th brings you Diary of the Dead and Fido. Please, just go to the link, click on the skull next to the movie listing and watch the trailer for Fido! I have to go see this! It looks HILARIOUS!

I want some kielbasa!
Ok, I know some of you had your mind go right into the gutter with that (Sean, Steve, Erin, Eric, and the rest of my perv friends...you know who you are, and you know I love you for it!), but coming up is the Riverhead Polish Festival. Buy a mug, grab a Polish beer, walk around, do a polka, and grab a pierogi and sauerkraut, kielbasa and horseradish. Most of you know that Miss Chris can get pretty ethnic when it comes to the whole Polish thing. Weight Watchers be damned when I'm there!

Talking about Polish food, get on over to Taste of Poland deli in N. Patchogue. The double smoked kielbasa is AWESOME!!!!!

Gotta run! Have a great week! Email me with any events you might have coming up at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com!

Fall not in love, therefore; it will stick to your face. -- National Lampoon

2008-08-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

As if you could not tell from tonight's quote, I am back to hating men. I try to keep emotion out of my blog, but when you hold out hope that someone you have been spending time with might just find you interesting enough to spend some real time with shoots you down in flames, well, you get upset, crank up some Sam Cooke, eat some ice cream, proceed to walk about four miles in a thunderstorm to burn off the calories you just ingested, and then blog like crazy! If I was up to it, I'd be out singing melancholy tunes at karaoke, but I'd rather sit here and pour my heart out and hope that my single friends who read my blog will understand if I just stay home with my cats and write about some events that might interest them. In this post, the $30 per couple guideline is kicked to the curb...it's a free for all tonite! I just can't wait until I go away whale watching this weekend! No cell phone, no laptop, just me. sweats, books, my guitar, camera, and a couple of Blue Point growlers, and my iPod. I HAVE GIVEN UP!!!!!! I have resigned myself to the fact that I will continue to be the crazy cat lady of Patchogue. I just don't get it. I'm cute, have my own place, a nice car, pay my own way, have a set of brass ones most people would envy. I guess I should be blonde, skinny, and dumb as a bag of rocks, with nothing to offer. Oh, enough of me venting...let me crank the Sam Cooke up a bit louder, indulge in a bit of vice (my beer), and get to work here! The Tennessee Waltz is on...I feel a bit more motivated now!
Oh, Lord...Another Saturday Night just came on...thank you, Sam Cooke, to reminding me of my plight! It's another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody, but I got some money 'cause I just got paid, how I wish I had someone to talk to, I'm in an awful way...(Ok, it's Thursday, but I'm feeling sorry for myself!)
It's Friday Night!
And as mentioned, Alive After 5 is back in full force! Come on down to put your child out there and display their talents at the library stage, Reckoning is at the Blue Point stage (Patchogue Hippies unite!), and of course, as previously mentioed, Jay Scott and others will be at the theatre stage. Come on down to say hi to me at the theatre table!
Christian McBride is playing in Huntington! If you don't recognize the name you should! He is a jazz legend and has played with such luminaries as Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis. Check this show out if you are in the area!
A Whole Lotta Led laser lite show will be at the Vanderbilt Planetarium Friday night! Led Zepplin fans, get on over and enjoy!
Brideshead Revisited is playing at Cinema Arts. A great story of religious conflict and passion, this is a movie to see.
Poetry open mic night at bj spoke gallery. 'Nuff said.
Saturday Night Fever!
LITMA is hosting a house sing at 3PM. Click on the link for more info.
The Vail Leavitt Music Hall is hosting a staging of Hamlet this weekend. For nore info, click on the link.
Hemingway has decided that it is not ok for Mommy to drown her sorrows in writing and wants to provide kitty love....so I am signing off for a few days. I'll be back in a few to give y'all some new things to do next weekend!

Never underestimate the determination of a kid who is time rich and cash poor. - Doctorow

2008-08-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

We can learn a lot from children. They can find endless entertainment in watching an anthill. To them, ice cream is a food group. The colors that matter can be found in a crayon box. Fantasy rules large, and reality is the domain of grown ups. Nothing is better than the day someone gets a new refrigerator and that box hits the curb...a box that becomes a castle, a spaceship, a "secret hideout" where icky boys are not allowed.

Then we grow up. We have jobs, car payments, homes, and the bills that go along with all that. Ants call for Raid. Ice cream is forbidden unless you do another 40 minutes on the treadmill. (And that 40 minutes on the treadmill is so we look good as boys aren't quite so "icky" any more!) The childlike freedom of going outside the lines and instinctively reaching for the brightest color in front of us has been replaced with blue painter's tape and swatches of off-white. That refrigerator box is a source of concern for us as we need to be "green" and recycle it (what could be more green than making it into a source of entertainment for a whole neighborhood of children?). We lose our grip on the things that made childhood so special. This entry is all about Cheap Dates that have the potential of making us feel like kids again...

Scary Movies!
Cinema Arts Centre presents its "Theatre of the Wild" with an outdoor viewing (at Heckscher Park, Huntington) of the original Phantom of the Opera (yes, the Lon Chaney one!) with orchestral accompaniment this Thursday, August 7. FREE ADMISSION!!!!

Cinema Arts' Summer Camp Series will also be showing Blade and Blade II on Saturday, August 9 at 11PM. $9 per person for two flicks? C'mon...it's a bargain! If 11PM is too late for you (or you're afraid it's too close to bedtime and will have nightmares), Wednesday, August 6th at 7:30PM will be a showing of Maniac, with the opportunity to meet the director (William B. Lustig) after the show.

Of course, scary movies may not be your thing. Brookhaven Amphitheatre will be hosting Shrek the Third on August 6, admission is only $5 per carload!

Eisenhower Park in East Meadow will be hosting an outdoor viewing of Grease on August 7. Bring a lawn chair!

Wanna play Cowboys and Indians?
The Paumanauke Indian Powwow is being held at Tanner Park this weekend, August 9 and 10 and it's only $8 to get in! See traditional Indian dances, eat Indian food, listen to music!

Want to learn some more about Indians? The Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum has interactive tours and hands on displays. $8 per person to get in.

It may not be a campfire serenade, but Matty T's has a karaoke night that would please any cowboy. With $3 Jager shots and $3 Killians, it would be very easy to drink enough to make anyone sound good...don't forget to designate a driver!

Animal Crackers
Most petting zoos charge a small fortune to get into. Miss Chris has made it her business to feed her love of animals big and small and stay within Cheap Date's guidelines. The Holtsville Ecology Center has a small zoo worth checking out...plus they offer classes and information on all sorts of things we can do to be good to the environment and reduce our carbon footprint. Admission is FREE, but please make a small donation for a good cause!

Sometimes one of your friends might get into a bit of a funk. Nothing gets people laughing more quickly than the tickle of a sheep's mouth on their palm. The Sayville Garden Center is a hidden gem located right at 229 North Main Street (Montauk Highway). With pheasant, sheep, ducks, and other fauna coexisting with the flora, this is a Cheap Date fave!

All American...
Burgers, that is! One of Miss Chris' absolute favorite places in the world is All-American Burger. Located by Rt. 107 and Merrick Road, this is a 50's style burger joint that defies explanation. Just go there!

For a good cause...
Briarcliffe College is hosting "The Light of Hope", a Relay for Life Luminary Ceremony to help fight cancer on August 6th from 7-11PM. Join the American Cancer Society and your community in the fight against cancer. For more information, log on to www.bcl.edu/hope.

Twist and shout!
Alive After 5 is back this Friday night. Five stages, five bands, great food, and a big block party atmosphere make this one of the can't miss events of the summer. The Live in the Lobby stage will feature performances by Jay Scott and the Grand Case Scenario, Johnny Cuomo, Iridesense and more performers bringing you some of the best original live music around, courtesy of Long Island's hot indie label, Paradiddle Records. This week looks to be a great one for all you Deadheads out there as well...the Reckoning will be appearing by the Blue Point beer tent. Grab your tie dye, Birkenstocks, and hula hoops (Hula hoops? Ummmm, yeah, just trust me on this one...) and come on down.

Jay Scott and the Grand Case Scenario will also be playing Shorefront Park with guests The Corduroy Sky on Saturday, August 9. If you have never heard Jay Scott sing, you are truly missing out. Bring a blanket or chair, kick your shoes off, feel the breeze coming off the bay and the grass between your toes while listening to one of the most soulful voices around. FREE ADMISSION!

Toby Walker will be playing at Bayard Cutting Arboretum Sunday, August 10th. 'Nuff said!

And even though this does not meet Cheap Date's guidelines, I just wanted to put it out there that Ticket to Ride is playing at the Patchogue Theatre for a limited engagement. Tickets start at $30, but there are discount tickets available in Newsday for $10 off, so you would only be $10 over budget for two people in the cheap seats (and there are NO bad seats at the Patchogue Theatre!).

All for now! If you have an event you'd like posted or have something to add, comment on, what have you...email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com!

I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to. -Elvis Presley

2008-07-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'm back!
I have some great updates from a few sources for tonite's entry! And best off...these updates I'm adding in now do more than meet Cheap Date standards...they're all FREE!!!!

Some more night music...
There's a reason I hang out with certain people. I prefer to keep company with fun and intelligent people, and my galpal Sandy is one. She hooked me up with some great info for you classical buffs out there:
"Hey, here is a link to free concerts out east and for the remainder of the season. Maybe you can post on your website. It is really good, it is the top musical students and teachers from around the island that were picked. I heard that last weekend in Westhampton was great and that a lot of people that were just walking by stayed the whole time. It had a really nice crowd and people really enjoyed it. AND IT’S FREE!"
http://soundsymphony.org/
Thanks, Sand! See ya this weekend!

Cinema buffs, we have something for you!
How about a little culture and a movie for FREE? The Cinema Arts Centre is hosting Cinema in the Library, with The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at Harborfields Public Library on July 31 at 7 PM, and Divan at the East Meadow Public Library on August 4 at 7:30 PM.

And now for something completely different...
How about an origami festival? Don't laugh...this is some really cool paperfolding! For someone who struggled with making paper fans and airplanes in my younger days, this is just jaw dropping! Even if it does not interest you, take a look at the website.

Slam poetry is alive and well here on the Island. For a schedule of upcoming events, click here.

"To be, or not to be..."
Like Shakespeare? But maybe not enough to pay for a tankful of gas, drive upstate, buy tickets, wait on long lines, and fight off other festival goers in SpendePennye Lane? The Shakespeare Festival is still going on here on LI...take advantage of it!

Not too sure about this one...
I see no info about admission fees, but this looks like one GREAT exhibit...3rd Annual Outsider Art in the Hamptons. Really hoping it's free as I want to head over on the 9th for the North Sea Poetry thing (as Miss Chris is a HUGE poetry fanatic...not prose, POETRY...there is a difference!)

Just a reminder...
Patchogue has Alive After 5 again this week...and even though I try to avoid cover bands...Ed Travers is playing (yeah, that Jimmy Buffet guy!). Come on down, say hi to me as I will be at the table next to where Ed is playing and grab a beer. Life is good!

"Would those of you in the cheap seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you could just rattle your jewelry?" - John Lennon

2008-07-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

It's me again! I have lots of new information to bring to you, and I want to give a great big Cheap Date cheer to my friend Steve who has sent me some (a lot) great info to share with you all!

I saw fireworks! Was it good for you, too?
Ok, I know that was a bit of a naughty double entendre, but my friend Sean said there wasn't nearly enough "adult" content on this blog. So that line is for you, Sean, but that's as bad as it gets...this is strictly a PG show! And now, let me get back to business...

Just because you are on a budget doesn't mean you can't have an incredibly romantic date! Think about it...a beautiful night staring at the stars, laying on a blanket on the grass, maybe having a little wine, sharing some comfortable silence, and then it happens...fireworks! I'm not talking about that electrical spark that tends to fly when having a wonderful night with that someone special (though that's great too!), but those big, loud, beautiful, sparkly visions that get the heart racing all on their own. Here's a list (courtesy of Explore LI):
AUGUST
2
Davis Park Beach Blast
Fire Island
Davis Park
Grucci
Long Island Ducks
After game
Central Islip
Citibank Park
Grucci
3
Knights of Columbus Summer Carnival
9:45 p.m.
Center Moriches
313 Frowein Rd.
Bay Fireworks
7
Port Washington Sons of Italy
9:30 p.m.
Port Washington
Bay Fireworks
9
Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival
Shirley
Calabro Airport
Grucci
14
Holbrook Chamber of Commerce
10 p.m.
Holbrook
Seneca Middle School, 850 Main St.
Bay Fireworks
Long Island Ducks
After game
Central Islip
Citibank Park
Grucci
16
14th annual carnival, craft & festival
10 p.m.
Holbrook
Seneca Middle School, 850 Main St.
Bay Fireworks
Bethpage Chamber of Commerce
10 p.m.
Bethpage
Bethpage LIRR Sta., Stuart Ave. and Jackson Ave.
Bay Fireworks
23
Cellini Lodge Carnival
10 p.m.
North Hempstead
Tulley Park, 1801 Evergreen Ave.
Bay Fireworks
Town of Babylon 14th Annual Beach Blast
9 p.m.
Babylon
Overlook Beach, Ocean Parkway (at Cedar Beach)
Bay Fireworks
23
Riverhead Raceway
8:30 p.m.
Riverhead
Riverhead Raceway, County Road 58
Bay Fireworks
Mother Cabrini Carnival
10:10 p.m.
Brentwood
Suffolk County CC-Grant Campus, Wicks Road
Bay Fireworks
Hellenic Festival
9:30 p.m.
Port Jefferson
Church of the Assumption, 430 Sheep Pasture Rd.
Bay Fireworks
30
East Hampton
9:15 p.m.
East Hampton
Main Beach
Bay Fireworks
31
Mother Cabrini Carnival
10:10 p.m.
Brentwood
Suffolk County CC-Grant Campus, Wicks Road
Bay Fireworks
SEPTEMBER
8
Long Island Ducks
After game
Central Islip
Citibank Park
Grucci
13
Long Island Ducks
After game
Central Islip
Citibank Park
Grucci
OCTOBER
4
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Central Islip
Citibank Park
Grucci
11
Stars over Montauk
Montauk
Umbrella Beach
Grucci

A Little Night Music...
We're not talking about Mozart here...but some great shows for the whole family. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and as always, call ahead to check for handicap access and cancellations due to weather.

August 2-Janine DiNatale and Friends at Gardiner County Park. Country to jazz to blues from the 1960's and 70's.

August 3-Long Island Brass Guild at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. A six piece brass ensemble formed in 1975 that performs all over Long Island. Cost: $6 to park

The Town of Huntington is holding a “Summer Barn Bash” at the Lewis Oliver Farm on Burt Avenue, Northport, on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 3 to 8 PM, featuring hay rides, a country western band, a pie-eating contest and the opportunity to visit the newly opened Country Store. Cost: FREE, but there will be a fee for food and hay rides.

The Monthly Music Night from the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce will be hosted by Vision Board member Bert Donley on Thursday, August 7th from 7:30-11pm at 124 South Street in Oyster Bay. There’s no cover and no minimum, but tips will be donated to the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network).

On Tuesday, July 29th at 8pm come and hear an oldies show featuring the band, “Risky Business,” one of the top nostalgia bands in the region on Main Street in Rocky Point. Cost: FREE

Acoustic Long Island at Deepwells Mansion in St. James will be featuring Andy Mac on July 30. I like this guy. Make a point of checking him out. Cost: FREE

Christine Lavin will be playing at the Huntington Arts Council's Summer Arts Music Festival on August 2. Don't miss this show!

Sam "Bluzman" Taylor plays every Tuesday night at Bobbique in Patchogue, and at Port Jazz in Port Jeff on every first Thursday of the month. If you like blues, check him out!

This one is a MUST SEE! Tornado Alley will be playing at the Common Ground in Sayville on Thursday, July 31. Ken "The Rocket" Korb is known to appear with them from time to time...bring a lawn chair and I'll see you there!

Mambo Loco is a well known Havana-style music group that plays all over Long Island. Catch them this Thursday at Gallo Tropical (a Cheap Date fave).

Summer Camp lives!
The Summer Camp Series is alive and well at Cinema Arts! Next weekend, a double feature of Pulp Fiction and Taxi Driver...what could be better?! $9 per person to get in.

Chocolate IS a food group! (So is pizza!)
At least in my eyes, it is...and to gratify my incessant chocolate craving, I make a point of hitting Godiva in Stony Brook. Through the 31st, they are running promotional giveaways, and every few weeks they have a "Dipping Theatre" where you can dip strawberries in Godiva chocolate. How sexy is THAT?!

I scream, you scream, we all scream...
...for ice cream! On a hot summer day, what could be better than a yummy, drippy ice cream cone? Check out Sprinkles on Montauk Highway in Blue Point, In the Mood in Woodbury, or Carla Marla in Bellport.

I'll have more in a few days! in the meantime, if you know of something that should be on this blog, let me know. And as I had mentioned pizza before...I want to hear from you! Tell me where you think the best pizza on LI is and why! Email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com
Chat soon!

A couple of quick add ons...

2008-07-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

For a Good Cause...

On Saturday, July 26 from 10AM to 4PM, the Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) will be celebrating the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a BBQ and fair, with vendors, art exhibits, music and more. This is a grassroots organization devoted to helping people with disabilities live independently. Come on down and show your support! Cost: FREE (Thanks, Kieran, for the heads up!)

Gone Fishin'!

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery is just a really neat little place! With cold and warm water ponds, a tidal raceway, observation deck, freshwater aquariums, and Tiny (a 78 lb. snapping turtle), this is a great Cheap Date for the entire family. Admission: $5 per person

A Little Nostalgia...

Back in the day, Long Island was populated with farmers and fishermen. There were no grocery stores back then...you had to go to the general store to get your provisions. Come visit Long Island's last operating general store, the St. James General Store. Spend some time with sales staff in period dress, maybe get a book autographed...there's always something to do and see without spending a lot of coin!

While in St. James, bring your voice, your instrument, your ears to Cool Beanz! Wednesday and Saturday are Open Mic Nite at the original home of Acoustic Long Island.

If you have an event you'd like to let me know about, email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com.

'Til next time!

"The tooth fairy teaches children that they can sell body parts for money." - Richerby

2008-07-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

OK, I realize that that may be a slightly twisted quote, but I like it! Just got back from the Riverhead Blues Festival, where I picked up a couple of gauze hippie skirts for $10 each (go in through the main entrance, make a left, and the booth is by the food concessions on the left hand side). I also picked up some necklaces ($5 each, buy two and get one free at the beach glass jewelry booth, don't forget to look up!), and a cute handbag from Ecuador for $8. Life is good!

The new week brings plenty of opportunities to utilize the info I send out to you all, and this post will be jammed packed with info as there is a LOT going on! So settle in and get comfy, as this one's gonna be a bit of a long read!

Cinema Buffs, Rejoice!

Movies on the lawn abound in coming weeks! As always, call ahead to ensure that there is handicap accessibility for these events, and that some may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Monday night at the Jones Beach Bandshell will be a viewing of "A Bug's Life" at 7:30 pm. Cost: FREE. Next week's movie-"Monster's Inc."

Brookhaven Amphitheatre will be hosting a viewing of "Night at the Museum" on August 6th and it's only $5 per carload! August 13th's movie will be "Monster House". This is a great Cheap Date for the entire family!

Some great indoor events are planned as well. The YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts will be hosting a viewing of "Ratatouille" on July 23 and the cost is $8 per adult, $5 children (children's admission includes a FREE small popcorn!). On August 6th "Meet the Robinsons" will be the featured movie.

The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum will be hosting a viewing of "Pirates of the Caribbean-At World's End" on Sunday, July 20th. Cost: FREE with admission to the museum ($8 per person). While there, make a point of checking out the scrimshaw exhibit. It's outstanding!

Cinema Arts Center will also be hosting indoor events, but these are still worth checking out. On Wednesday, July 23rd, there will be a showing of the classic Hitchcock movie "The 39 Steps" featuring guest speaker Glenn Andriev, filmmaker and graduate of New York's School of Visual Arts. Cost: $10 per person.

Cinema Arts will also have TWO Summer Camp events this week! On July 29th, "Lady Windemere's Fan", a four act comedy written by Oscar Wilde, will be shown with organ accompaniment by MoMA's Ben Model. If you have ever gone to one of these sort of shows, you know how much fun they can be! On July 26th, a double feature of "The Fog" and "The Mist" will be shown. Most shows are $9 per person.

Culture Vultures, Unite!

The Cinema Arts Center will also be hosting an in-depth look at the musical work of Philip Glass with a presentation of "Glass-A Look at Philip in 12 Parts" that includes interviews with Woody Allen, Chuck Close, Martin Scorsese and others. DON'T MISS THIS ONE! Cost: $9 per person.

The Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport will be hosting performances of Romeo and Juliet on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a cost that just squeaks in under Cheap Date Long Island's guidelines: $15 per person.

The Islip Arts Council will be exhibiting a new show staring July 20th-"RE Inspired:Inspiring Ecological Awareness through Art", featuring work from many local up-and-coming artists. No price is given, but I'd be willing to bet that this meets Cheap Date's criteria!

Guild Hall in East Hampton's exhibit "Inspired by the Light: Landscapes by East End Masters" will be closing on July 27th. Cost: $5 per person.

The Art-trium Gallery in Melville is hosting the "2008 Members Show: Part I" featuring works by 38 artist/members of the Huntington Arts Council through August 11th. Again, no admission cost was provided, but I'm sure it falls within the guidelines I've set.

The Islip Arts Council has two great shows coming up! On July 22nd, retro-folk musicians Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson will partner up with Long Island cellist Suzanne Mueller at the Bay Shore Band Shell. Looking for some old school coffeehouse folk? This would be the show to see! On July 27th, up-and-coming jazz saxophonist Shenole Latimer will be playing at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. If you have heard any of the buzz about this musician, you know this is an event not to be missed! $5 to park.

Alive After 5 in Patchogue will be featuring local favorites Miles to Dayton this coming Friday. Come on down to this oversized block party and enjoy yourself. While you are there, make a point of stopping by the table for the Patchogue Theatre of the Performing Arts and saying hi to me! Cost: FREE

The new Bellport Songwriter Series features Caroline Doctorow and Jay Scott next Sunday. $5 per person. Don't miss this opportunity to see some incredible original music!

Have you ever wanted to play in a jazz band, but never had a chance either due to time constraints or just plain old lack of talent? Here's your chance! Jazz in the Living Room will be hosting a workshop at the Mills Pond House. Beginners are welcome! $5 to play, free to listen.

How about learning to line dance? I took lessons some years ago at Matty T's, and I'll tell you-I was dancing with some hot LI cowboys all night long...it's a lot of fun and great exercise, and EVERYONE DANCES! July 23rd at the Jones Beach Bandshell. Head on down, kick up your heels and have a great time. The best part is that it's FREE!

Foodie Alert!!!

A place I'd like to mention:

American Roadside Burgers in Smithtown is just good casual eating. The brainchild of John Tunney (who also owns Honu in Huntington and the Besito restaurants), this burger joint features fresh ingredients, killer milkshakes, and low prices (a burger is around $3.50).

If your organization has an event they would like to promote, let me know! Remember, it should not be anything too large or commercial; feature up-and-coming talents; be eco-friendly (hopefully), under $30 for two people, and if it can provide an educational opportunity, well, that's all the better! The website to partner with the blog is coming along and will be up soon. If you know anyone who would like to be informed of the updates on this blog (or if you would like to be removed from the list), email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com. Thanks!

Dinner and a Little Music

2008-07-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we're halfway through the week, so let me get some fresh info out there for all of you looking for things to do and places to go for the next few days!

Restaurants

Has anyone besides me ever noticed that some really good ethnic food can be the best bargain around? The Curry Club has just opened a new location in Lake Grove in addition to its Setauket flagship. With appetizers as low as $3.99, it is definitely possible to dine like a rajah while having a pauper's purse!

Salsa Salsa in Smithtown and Port Jeff has fresh ingredients, low prices, and something for everyone (even if you think you don't like Mexican!). Appetizers start at $2.75, and I highly suggest the mesquite grilled chicken fajita burrito.

Pasta Pasta (what is it with these strange double names?) would not normally be listed here, but with a lunch menu that includes brick oven pizzas around $11.00 and pasta dishes around the same price point, it is indeed possible to eat well at an incredible restaurant for under $30.00 for two people.

Toast, also located in Port Jeff, has a kicking breakfast and lunch menu and hosts "Toast and Jam" on weekend evenings. It can get very busy for the "Toast and Jam" events, and the prices go up, so make a point of going earlier in the day.

The Snapper Inn, located in Oakdale, features a Wednesday nite prix fixe dinner special for $12.99 per person (does not include beverages). I haven't been to the Snapper in a while, so if someone could post back with a review as to whether it's worth the trip, I'd appreciate it!

My buddy Brian wrote in to let me know of a spot he liked and felt it deserved "Four Cheap Date Long Island Stars (TM)" (yes, Brian, I am giving you props for coining the phrase!) And I quote:

"I've got an entry for you - Gaby & I just found it the other day: Monday nights is All You Can Eat night at the Bayview Clam Shack at the East Islip Marina (at the end of Bay View Avenue, first street west of Carlton Ave off of Montauk Hwy). $10.95pp! And it was good!631-665-9821They had live music (2 guys with guitars...meh), and about 8 different dishes available for the AYCE special. IF you're able to eat more than one plate full (I certainly couldn't), you are allowed to change your selection for each successive plate. Good food, nice (VERY causal) atmosphere, and a gorgeous view. Four CheapDate Stars! (TM) (<---Bah ha!! Beat ya to it!!)"

Music

Mary Lamont will be playing a free show at the Brentwood Library Friday, July 17. Newsday has called her the "Queen of Long Island Country" for good reason. If you are not in Patchogue to see Miller's Crossing this Friday, make a point of catching this gig.

As I had mentioned earlier, the Riverhead Blues Festival will be going on this weekend. Many great artists will be performing...please see my earlier post about this.

Culture Vultures

The Three Village Historic Society will be hosting a walking tour exploring Setauket's architecture and natural beauty. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking for over an hour. $5.00 per person.

Wyland Galleries in Sayville will be featuring the works of Walfrido, a Hawaiian artist whose "painting with light" techniques are reminiscent of Thomas Kinkaide (without the overly commercial, cheesy, midwestern housewife thinks it's "real art" factor. It's still commercial, but a lot of people are into that Hawaiian thing...and it's a just wee bit less cutesy than Kinkaide. Not my thing, but people like it.).FREE

Christopher Gallery in Stony Brook is featuring the works of Barron Krody. His work reminds me of a combination of Van Gogh, the American Impressionists, Monet, and even a bit of Degas. Definitely worth checking out. FREE

I think I have given you all enough things to get started on to get your weekend rolling. And to make this easier, I have started building a calendar to partner with this blog/site. It should be done sometime next week (as well as the building of the mailing list and the set up of the RSS feed). Check back, check often and let me have your thoughts and suggestions! Till next time!

A whirling dervish's brain dump! -Rosenbrock (friend of Miss Chris)

2008-07-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's what my buddy Doug called this blog.

Well, we're halfway through the weekend. It's time for me to start posting for the coming week. Just to let you all know, there WILL be a website coming shortly to partner with the blog. I plan on posting to the blog every few days and to the website bimonthly. I will be looking to add coupons and promotions to the website and will be looking for sponsors as well. If you know anyone who would be interested in some low cost advertising (and again, I retain the right to refuse sponsors if I do not feel that they are a good fit for the site...) please have them email me so I can start making arrangements. I will be doing some very aggressive marketing for the blog and site, so this could be a great opportunity for someone trying to get their name out there.

OK, time to get to the things to do and see!

Culture Vultures

Long Island Museum in Stony Brook is the little gem in our backyards that many of us went to as kids on field trips and kind of forgot about when we grew up. With period buildings, an old cemetery, an art museum, and changing exhibits (a new one featuring the Art Student League of New York is opening on the 26th and looks very interesting), this is a great cheap date. Next week there will be a performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on the lawn, and coming soon is a fiddle festival I really do hope to attend. If you haven't been there since the Carriage Museum has been remodeled, you really need to stop in! Cost: $7 per person.

Caumsett State Historic Park will be hosting the play "Anything Goes" on the lawn next Sunday. No pricing information is available on the website, but I'm willing to bet it meets Cheap Date Long Island's Guidelines.

Don't let a rainy day get you down! Heckscher Art Museum has constantly changing exhibits and at $6 per person is a relative bargain. And since you'll already be in the Huntington area if you visit this museum, check out Book Revue, Long Island's largest independent bookstore. (For Miss Chris, this could be a very expensive date...if you have been to my house, you would understand! Books, books, everywhere!)

Music and Dance

Everyone knows I have no problem trying something new, even if I make a fool out of myself trying. One thing I have been trying to get more information on is contra dancing. Martha Clara Vineyard will be hosting a 4-H BBQ and Barn Dance event on July 27. $25 per person and it goes to a good cause. (Wait, doesn't this exceed Cheap Date Long Island's $30 limit? Well, yes, but 1. This is MY blog and if I say it belongs here, then it's being listed! 2. Contra dancing is a great SINGLES event! So if you are looking to meet someone to do some of the other things featured on my blog...you may just meet them trying this!)

Since I just mentioned a vineyard (and making a fool of myself) in the last post, I might as well keep going on that same note. And what better combination than wine and karaoke, two of my favorite things? Palmer Vineyards, $8 per person. (If you are anything like me, you know this is a MUST ATTEND event in your Outlook calendar!)

Cinema

Old Field Farm will be hosting an outdoor viewing of North by Northwest on July 17. Bring a chair or blanket for a great night viewing a classic movie shot right here on LI! Cost: FREE

Take a Hike, Pal!

Moon walks aren't just for Michael Jackson...LI Greenbelt Association will be hosting a Moon Walk-8:30 PM in the Pine Barrens. 4 miles, moderate, flat. Bring a flashlight! Membership cost for LI Greenbelt Association is only $20 a year...and you could literally get hundreds of cheap hiking dates out of it!

A Little Romance

To me, nothing says romance like farm fresh veggies. (Uh, what?) No, you heard me right. Think about it. You and your partner going for a nice car ride, finding some cute little farm stand, and picking out some nice fresh fruits and vegetables, maybe some eggs, honey, and home baked goodies together. You then head home, cook a simple summer meal or make a salad together, have some wine, and kick back and watch the fireflies, watch a movie, or just read (maybe one of the books you picked up at Book Revue), knowing that sometimes it's the simple things that make for the best dates. To make this a bit easier for you, I've provided you with a list of farmstands, farmer's markets, and a discount oldies movie link you can get to by clicking here.

A little more music...

Now, normally I don't push the big events, but I just wanted to mention that next weekend is the Riverhead Blues Festival and some really great musicians are going to be there. Make a point of checking out Toby Walker, Ken Korb, Phil Minissale, and Sam Taylor. $10 for a bracelet that will get you in for both days of the event. Do as I do when in Riverhead for the festival--pop on in to Spicy's Barbeque Restaurant. Yummy!

I do want to point out that most of these events ARE handicap accessible. However, the farmstands and some of the outdoor events may be a bit difficult to navigate a wheelchair through. Always call ahead to confirm accessibility.

That's all for now. Please put a shortcut to this blog on your computer desktop and keep checking in for new events. And...let's go viral! Send this out to at least two friends that would appreciate this. If you have a web page, add me to your links. I'm not looking to take over the world, just Long Island!

Ciao for now!

And the first mentions on my blog...

2008-07-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

Restaurants
I'm going to start off with a mention of a sushi restaurant: Hazy Moon, located in Patchogue NY. Thursday nights feature a sushi buffet and drink specials, plus live music (usually some solo player doing cover songs, but hey...). Total bill for a friend and me--$26.76.

Howard's Cafe--404 S Service Rd. Patchogue, NY 11772(631) 758-6161 Good burgers, pitchers of sangria, noisy bar scene, but inexpensive and good. My typical bill for two people with burgers, sangria, and two beers is right around $25.00.

Gallo Tropical--One of my favorites. Columbian food, streetside dining, and absolutely killer 5-milk flan! Service can be slow, so do not go here if you are in a rush. Dinner for two with wine OR dessert will run you just shy of $30.00. Have both and you are looking at about $36-38.00. (My suggestion...get a pitcher of sangria and split the dessert!)

Original Music
Alive After Five is back and this year is looking like it's going to be a great one. On July 18th, one of my all time favorite bluegrass bands, Miller's Crossing, will be playing on the theatre stage. If you caught them at Fadeley's, Patchogue Theatre, or the Acoustic Long Island Concert at Deepwells, you know that they are an outstanding band worth coming out to see. Price: FREE

And speaking of Acoustic Long Island, I would be remiss not to mention them here. Great music at a historic home...what could be better? Make a point of checking it out! Price:FREE

A new music venue is gathering some buzz. Christopher Capobianco of Patchogue Theatre's "Live in the Lobby" series (for those of you familiar with the series, it WILL be back in the fall) has started a new project, the Bellport Songwriter Series. Coming up on July 27th will be Caroline Doctorow and Jay Scott. $5 gets you in the door.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum hosts a series of concerts co-sponsored by the Town of Islip. Enjoy an afternoon on the lawn with the kids listening to some great music. $5 parking.
http://www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com/Pages/program.htm

Culture Vultures
Spend some time at a historic vacation home, take a house tour, and afterwards head back to the vineyard for some wine tasting. Think you have to go all the way out to the Hamptons to do this? How about Sayville? The MeadowCroft Estate is open on Sundays from June through September and does house tours at 1 PM and 3 PM. When you have finished the tour, head on back to Laughlin Vineyards for some wine tasting. $5 per person for the house tour.

Gallery North's Wet Paint Festival is this weekend, July 11-13th. DO NOT MISS THIS! Cost: FREE

Greenport features its own Gallery Walk the third weekend of every month. See both established and up-and-coming artists. Cost: FREE

Cinema
The best of the worst at the Cinema Arts Center--Summer Camp Cinema! $12.00 per person for a double feature. Coming soon--the 4th Annual Pay to Get Out Horror Marathon!

The Staller Center for the Arts presents its 13th Annual Stony Brook Film Festival. Independent filmaking at its best! $8.00 per person, Senior rates available.

This wraps up my first installment of Cheap Date Long Island. I realize it is very Patchogue-centric, but this is just the first post right off the top of my head. I like to travel! Let me hear from you!

The chief value of money lies in the fact that one lives in a world in which it is overestimated.-Mencken

2008-07-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, I finally got myself in gear and got this blog started. I've been talking about creating some kind of site that would feature things to do, people to see, and places to go for $30 and under for about a year and a half now. The big difference between my blog and the event guides and so on found in Newsday, Long Island dot com, and many others is that my blog will not be focusing on large commercial events (for the most part...some may sneak in here and there if I feel they are worth a mention), but instead on lower profile eateries, shows, venues and the like that will give you a lot of bang for your buck without breaking the bank. I'd really like to have this be a more grassroots kind of thing (too bad someone already had the name Grassroots!). Who knows, you may even stumble upon the next big epicurean thing or up-and-coming musician stumbling through my posts!

Do you have suggestions? Photos? Critiques? Email me at cheap.date.long.island@gmail.com. I will try to ensure that all photos, video clips and other pieces of intellectual property are properly credited.