Side Dish: National Ice Cream Day, Celebrity Sightings & More

Photo/Facebook/Long Island Hospitality Ball
The 2017 Long Island Hospitality Ball was held at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on June 26.

A BALL AT THE BALL: The 2017 Long Island Hospitality Ball, a locally-focused culinary, wine and spirits event featuring many of the island’s top restaurants and premier beverage companies, was hosted at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on June 26. This year’s ball, hosted by the Baldwin family, benefited the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Guests were able to sample local foods, wines and spirits, and take in live music and entertainment.

FREE WINE: Zaro’s Café (135 W Jericho Turnpike #6, Huntington Station) offers a complimentary glass of either red or white wine with the purchase of any Italian entrée. The special, offered for dine-in only, Tuesday, Thursday, has a limit of one glass for person. To make a reservation, call 631-271-4400.

Photo/Facebook/Lics Ice Cream
The Real Deal Rum Raisin ice cream from Lics in Northport Village.

I SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 16 at one of the many ice cream parlors across town. At Carvel locations – including those in Commack, East Northport, Greenlawn, Huntington, Huntington Station and Northport – there will be a buy one get one free special on vanilla, chocolate or Oreo soft serve in any size cone or cup. Meanwhile, the Commack Friendly’s will join the company’s nationwide effort to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. From each $2.99 Friend-z purchase made at participating Friendly’s, the company will be donating $2 to the clubs. Or check out one of the local shops, like Herell’s at 46 Gerard St. in Huntington, or Lics at 74 Main St. in Northport.

BARKIN’ BRUNCH: The Refuge (515 Broadhallow Road, Melville) is hosting another Barkin’ Sunday Brunch on Sunday July 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. During that time, leashed dogs are welcomed to accompany their owners for brunch on the patio (weather permitting). For the pooches, there will be complimentary treats and refreshments courtesy. Meanwhile, owners can enjoy specialty-priced brunch cocktails, along with The Refuge’s typical Sunday Brunch Menu, which can be seen at Refuge110.com. The brunch will benefit Bobbi & The Strays, an adoption center with locations in both Queens and Freeport. For more info, call 631-577-4444.

Photo/Facebook/Sweet Mamas

CELEBRITIES SIGHTED: Northport’s own Paralympic gold medal winner Mikey Brannigan, and Long Island-native actor Billy Baldwin, pictured below, stopped by Sweet Mamas at 9 Alsace Place in Northport for a meal last week.