The sun was shining inside and outside on Saturday as I visited Jericho High School with my granddaughter Addy to watch a gym full of basketball players. They were raising money for the organization I founded for my daughter Lara, Life’s WORC and the Family Center for Autism.
My heart was bursting with gratitude to Justin Resnick and his family, who run the Alley Oop for Autism event.
Justin was a member of the Jericho Jayhawks basketball team at Jericho High School, and in his junior year in 2007 decided to create an event that he has continued all these years.
Now he is a 26-year-old investment banker and has grown the event to the point that, since its inception, it has raised almost $1 million to help children in the autism spectrum.
I love his motto, “If those who can don’t, who will?”
And is he doing! I was very impressed by the hundreds of people from third graders to adults signed up to compete by shooting jump shots in a series of 150 games.
To add to the fun, football star New York Giants defensive tackle Jay Bromley, born in Jamaica, Queens, thrilled everyone by giving autographs and taking photos with all the participants.
Not only Justin but his whole family has taken on the unique event, and his mom, dad and sister seemed to have a perpetual smile on their faces. And why not! They have inspired those that can!
When old is new again
It’s been 60 years and I’m happy to report that like a great wine, the Jolly Fisherman and Steak House in Roslyn is a star aging well under the family›s watchful eye from father to son to son.
Newsday called it “the Kingfish of Long Island seafood restaurants.” They are right!
On arrival, the friendly valet parked my car in the restaurant’s own contiguous parking lot, no small advantage these days. As I entered the renowned seafood house, I was greeted by the friendly maitre d’ who is the wife of the owner/chef Steven Scheiner. It’s been family run and operated for three generations.
There is a dimly lit romantic bar with small tables perfect for a rendezvous — next time.
This evening we were lucky enough to have Bobby, who has served his “guests” for decades, as our waiter. We sat at a quiet corner table overlooking Silver Lake. And although every table was taken, the noise factor was low and I could actually hear my friends without screaming. The acoustics are great.
Our meal started with a bread basket filled to overflowing with a freshly baked assortment of pretzel rolls, onion buns, nut bread and tiny corn muffins, all baked on premises. It was the best one I’ve ever had. I rarely eat bread before my meal, but this was too good to pass up with my martini. We added a whole bowl of the pretzel rolls and bought the separately sold nut bread and cornbread to take home.
Bobby offered us the specials of the night but I had heard he tossed the best house salad so we started our meal with it and I was impressed. I ate my portion and my friend’s, too. The chopped salad was tossed lightly with the house dressing. They should sell that too because it’s so good.
We chose seafood dishes even though steak and lamb chop offerings are available. I had a filleted branzino that retained its crispy skin, and was tasty and tender. I also had an order of Maryland crab cakes that I shared with my companion. Delicious!
My friends had a meaty two-pound lobster and the pan-seared Chilean sea bass. Each dish was perfectly prepared.
For dessert, I couldn’t help but order a hot fudge sundae with extra whipped cream and four spoons. It was worth every calorie, a celebration of a superb meal at a restaurant that has passed the baton to three generations and each has made it a better.
Try it. You too will love it!
They are open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Call for reservations: 516-621-0055.
