The Chocolate Shoppe

Nyack, New York
www.chocolaterie-nj.com/

I happened to step into this adorable shop two weeks ago and the wonderful aroma of chocolate is still fresh in my memory. I'll be going back for stocking stuffers. They have these wonderful chocolate and caramel cocoa sticks. You stir the hot milk with the chocolate and.or caramel stick and, voila! hot chocolate.
There is also a wonderful assortment of fresh chocolates as well as imported chocolate bars, which include lavender and earl grey.

For anyone having trouble feeling the joy of the holiday season, a trip to chocolaterie is a sure remedy!

Lanterna Tuscan Bistro

lanternausa.com
Nyack, New York

It is always a special pleasure to be greeted by a proprietor when stepping into a restaurant for early lunch.
Rossano greeted me as I perused the menu outside, and offered me all the answers I sought to whether he is continuing cooking classes, and what could please me from the menu. I chose the Insalata Campagna and was very impressed to find the quality of care at a lunch which could compare with high end dinner dining.
The salad was perfectly prepared, with the chicken grilled to perfection and not too heavily salted. The arugula could have been picked than morning, it was so delicious and fresh. The accompanying portobella was tender and delicious and a perfect complement to the red roasted peeper and goat cheese. The fresh bread and olive oil were both well selected. That perfect combination of a crispy, hearty Tuscan bread, and a quality olive oil win high points with me. But service and a friendly, caring proprietor are the attributes I seek in fine food establishments, so I will surely return. Grazie, Lanterna!