STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Several Staten Island restaurant owners say they’re spending the storm day at home, closing their shops and turning to cooking instead. Others happened to be off anyway, since Monday is typically reserved for paperwork, shopping and personal errands.
Outside Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn in Charleston, snow collected on a massive Hummel figure—the world’s largest — as owner Kim Boschi used her Monday “day off” to straighten up and prepare for the week ahead.
Goulash at Killmeyer’s over buttered noodles. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
“We’re closed on Mondays, but we’re cleaning up and getting ready for tomorrow,” she said. “We’re also wondering about our beer delivery.” Still, she takes it all in stride.
When asked about a special for the next day, she paused—then pointed to a house classic.
“I’m thinking the beef goulash,” she said. “It’s pure comfort food. You’ve got petite tenderloin simmered down in a ridiculously rich gravy with carrots, parsnips, onions—then you crown it with homemade mashed potatoes, plenty of butter, and bake it until everything melds.”
She added that peppercorns give the dish its final kick, while mushrooms lend an earthy roundness.
Elsewhere, George Platis at Andrew’s Diner in Great Kills decided to close for the day, and Juan Becerra of Northside Coffee in West Brighton shuttered as well.
Meanwhile, Massimo Felici of Don Cheech in Rosebank said he’s hunkering down in his kitchen, working on a beef bourguignon with a grainy cheese polenta—“not the instant stuff,” he noted. It won’t be ready for a few hours, he said, and will be even better tomorrow. He’ll send a picture when it’s ready.
Northside Coffee shop owner and barista Juan Becerra enjoys coffee at home with his dog, Kona.Courtesy of Juan Beccera
At Northside Coffee in West Brighton, Becerra cupped his Oslo mug. “Drinking delicious coffee,” he said. Oslo is the shop’s official roaster. Curled at his feet was his faithful companion, Kona.
Franco Ortega peeks out at the snow from his perch in the front dining area as he checks on Italianissimo in South Beach the morning of the storm.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
At Italianissimo in South Beach, Franco Ortega went in early to check on things.
“As of right now I am enjoying a bowl of fresh fruit and espresso while watching the snow,” he said. Cleanup will come later with his crew after the storm. For now, it’s about enjoying the peace and quiet from the window.
Franco Ortega savors breakfast at Italianissimo in the quiet of the snowy morning.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)