News Flash! Measels In 5 Towns!

If you were shopping at the Fortunoff Source Mall in Westbury or any of several stores in Cedarhurst, on Thursday between 1 p.m. and midnight you may have been exposed to measles. The potential outbreak that caused a health officials to issue a measles advisory was an 8 month old with measles who had gone to the areas in question. Measles can be spread by coughing, sneezing and through the air, meaning anyone in a room with someone infected can become infected. It can result in severe complications, including encephalitis, pneumonia, and death. If you even suspect may have caught something please get it checked out immediately.

The Shook Comes To Far Rockaway

That's right! The shook has made it's way into the 5 towns. As the picture here shows, a new fruit and vegetable market aka Unita's Shook is opening up on West Broadway in Far Rockaway. It looks to be quite large and will most likely compete with another Fruit store only about 4 blocks away on Central Ave and Rockaway Turnpike as well as Brach's to some extent. There is also word that the Boston Market on Union Turpike will be converted into a new Kosher Supermarket.

NEWS FLASH: STAY AWAY FROM CENTRAL AVE!

I have been informed that some maniac with a gun is going around central ave. in the 5 towns area. If you know anyone who lives or works in that area tell them now! 5 cop cars were lined outside dougie's this morning and the word is the person is still at large.

Update:

The police have apprehended the suspect who allegedly was running around with a bee bee gun.

Kosher Dunkin Donuts: Now in Staten Island!

The Jewish Week has an in-depth article on the opening of the first kosher Dunkin Donuts on Long Island. For a Borough that is short on kosher options this is a warm welcome. Rabbi Mehlman aka the "Donut Rabbi" was instrumental in making this kosher addition a realty. The article explains what kind of fines would be given out for those who did not adhere to it's strict kashrus standards:The company employs a zero-tolerance stance for those who break rules and bring in outside (potentially non-kosher) products to lower costs. “One of the stores I know of had to pay a $10,000 fine for using a [non-Dunkin’ Donuts-approved] toilet bowl cleaner,” Rabbi Mehlman said. “You’d have to be out of your mind to mess with a key product — you’d lose your store.” Interestingly the article discussed how the Dunkin Donuts in the 5 towns was sued for being closed on shabbos. After corporate figured out that they were making more money by being kosher they changed their tune. I'm not certain however if they are still closed on shabbos since the owners are not Jewish they may be allowed to stay open.

NYT: Introduces West Hempstead, Long Island

The NYT has a nice article on one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in Long Island: West Hempstead. Don't confuse it with New Hempstead, NY as it it often is, as it too is growing at a rapid clip. The article discusses the new library which recently opened up and the revitalization that is going on in this part of Long Island. The part of the article which I think hit the nail right on the head was:“It is a humble community,” said Mr. Slomnicki, 27, a teacher. “There is a wholesomeness, a community feeling" and affordability was “a priority,” but he also emphasized what had truly won everyone over: a lack of “pretension, which is good, especially considering it is Long Island.” I've been all over New York and I was always impressed by West Hempstead in that snobbery does not seem to exist there at all. Although the article does not really discuss the Kosher eateries of the town, (which are not many) West Hempstead is home to a favorite Chinese restaurant of many: Wing Wan. It remains to be seen how if any new kosher establishments will pop up in the future as it's proximity to the 5 towns makes it difficult. West Hempstead has also recently seen growth in learning programs with a Yeshivah Gedolah for college students as well as professionals who would like to set aside time to learn.

Starbucks: How Kosher Is It?

The 5 towns has a recent Starbucks addition: A Starbucks drive through on Rockaway Turnpike. Many people assume that since it's coffee they can order any kind because after all, isn't all coffee kosher? In an article in the 5 Towns Jewish Times, Rabbi Rabbi Yair Hoffman dispels many of those myths. He argues that flavored coffees must have a hecsher (supervision):Because these flavors are added artificially to the bean after it is roasted. These flavors—hazelnut, vanilla bean, or chocolate—are not pure pieces of the same, but come from flavorings that need supervision.Now it should be noted should you opt for an added flavor to your regular coffee, many of those flavors are OU certified (one should check for the label before asking for one). He also gets into a discussion about the fact that many of the items used to assist in making these beverages are all cleaned together in a dishwasher that may very well have tarfus (non-kosher). It's an interesting read.

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Restaurant Reviews: Carlos and Gabby's

Recently I had been eating at several restaurants in the 5 Towns area. One of my favorite newcomers: Burgers bar for their fresh and flavorful burgers made the way you want (fried onions, toasted bun, pickles tomatoes and garlic mayo). I was however in the mood for something different. I decided to give Carlos and Gabby's a try and was not disappointed. The prices are good and the portions don't disappoint. They are the only Kosher Mexican restaurant in town which makes them a bit different from the other establishments in town.

5 Towns Restaurant Update: Goodbye Dougies?

There is a rumor floating around that Dougies of the 5 Towns will be shutting down. The first Dougies originated in Manhattan and it is closed, will this be the second? There certainly is enough new competition to give Dougies a problem. 2 new restaurants are opening up nearby. I'm referring to the recently opened Burger's Bar and the soon to be opened Subway. Speaking of Subway there is one currently opened in Brooklyn and I've heard nothing but terrible reviews and it's expensive to boot. With restaurants in Brooklyn like Subsational offering 50 sandwiches at reasonable prices and quality, I'm not sure that the Subway in Brooklyn will be open much longer. All this talk is making me hungry so I'll go grab a bite and talk to you later....