While reading this week’s New York magazine, I came across this article in the “Artifact” section that focused on some interesting slides that accompanied a recent speech made by Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi at a conference on….um… how to make “cool” downtowns in Nassau county. Towns that are cool enough that young, single people will want to move to, instead of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Now I know what you’re thinking- “cool downtowns in Nassau county? Isn’t that like an oxymoron or something?” But there is actually a very cool downtown out here on LI. The wifey and I love going there for its great restaurants, shopping, and fun atmosphere.
That town, however, is Huntington; which, unfortunately for Executive Suozzi, is in Suffolk county. ZING!
The interesting part of this article was the slides which were used to categorize the downtowns in Long Island that are cool, which ones are getting cool, and those with a ways to go. Here is the list from the article:
Hold up! My town, the Village of Great Neck Plaza, is cool? In defense of it, yes it does have ample shopping, good restaurants, very good LIRR access to the city, gyms, and a movie theater. It is a good downtown, but it is NOT a cool one, at least not in the minds of the single young people that Suozzi is trying to get to move to Nassau county. The main reason why it’s not cool is that (wait for it) there is no NIGHTLIFE WHATSOEVER that young, single people would find interesting. Actually, last I checked, there isn’t even a bar in the town.
Granted, that don’t phase me no mo’. I’m married, 32 years old, and way past my prime drinking age. But for young, single folk, that is the common scene they gravitate towards. If they move to VGNP looking for that, they will end up just as bored as the teenagers hanging out at Grace Ave park and loitering at Cold Stone. At least the other cool towns listed here actually have nightlife for the youngs to hang out in. For example, Garden City has places like Novita for people to go to at night, which has a very good cocktail lounge.
No lists here though. I started this thing too late in the season to post any original “best of o7″ lists. Not to mention that there are too many of these things to read online these days and there is only one day left in the year, so do you really need another?
Okay, the real reason is that I’m too lazy strapped for time to make one of my own. But I will do the next best thing and list a couple of 07′ lists that I enjoyed. Maybe you will enjoy them too.
Oh 2007, I hardly knew ye:
Bill Maher picks the biggest assholes of the year - Rolling Stone
Before I met wifey, I would have never have known or heard of this charming restaurant over in Rockville Center, which is not to be confused with the famed REM song “Don’t Go Back to Rockville” which is about the town in Maryland. The specialty at International Delight Cafe is their delicious and large selection of gelato and sorbets, but this not merely a dessert joint. They also serve a variety of delicious sandwiches and dinner specials, including a tasty roast beef sandwich served on garlic bread…mmm…Heads up: if you hate kids, then I would not recommend this place because they are drawn to it like flies to shit. Also bring cash, since they do not accept credit cards, not even a Nieman Marcus card.
Seriously, this ain’t just a shout out to one of the best hip-hop songs EVER…I really do have to introduce myself. I realized with the first blog entry yesterday, I didn’t really say much about myself. I mentioned the various Manhattan hoods that I lived in, but that was about it.
My name is Scott Rosenblum. I recently turned 32 years old and a mere 2 1/2 months ago, I married the love of my life, Sue Hodara, a beautiful, wonderful playwright. You can find out more about her and her work at her Web site - www.suehodara.com and her blog Sue’s News. Everyday she does or says something that that blows my mind, which is really cool. Also, anyone who can put up with my shit on daily basis is worth a shout out on this blog. Love ya baby!
Career wise, I am public relations professional, which frankly makes writing this blog mildly ironic for the fact that part of my job these days is researching and reaching out to bloggers on daily basis. As for the firm I work with, for the moment it will remain nameless, only for the fact that 1) I don’t know how my boss will feel about me writing a blog, 2) I’m unsure if I am ready for them to know about my ramblings here and 3) and so far, this is not a blog about about PR or about work.
Other than that, I graduated from Syracuse University, and I am am huge college basketball fan, particularly SU and Big East B-Ball. As the season progresses, I will likely lapse into moments where this will blog will turn completely orange and blue. You’ve been warned!
I leave you with two things (seriously, who am I talking to? Does anyone know this blog exists yet?) . Today Sue and I ate brunch at delicious restaurant. If you are ever in Huntington, NY - check out Prime. This will be added to a new page I just created featured my Strong Island Picks. Whether it be restaurants, events, places to go, or just cool stuff, I will link to it there.
