Newsletter
R E S T A U R A N T B A R C A T E R I N G
o c e a n b e a c h , f i r e i s l a n d , (631) 5 8 3 - 8 0 8 8
2 0 1 0 N e w s l e t t e r
We look foward to serving you in our Twentieth season when we re-open Friday, April 23rd See you at the beach! Scott & the staff.
20th
Anniversary!
The Mermaid Market Begins It's Own Journey
After a total make-over, under the leadership of new owners
John and Lisa Gerace, a wonderful new vision is emerging on
our corner. We are very proud of the product being produced
and the service beginning to take root, as it is a reflection of
all we value. I know that guests are being treated with the
same care and concern as John has demonstrated during a
decade of spectacular service at Island Mermaid. The quality
and diversity of their products, cleanliness of the store, knowledge
of staff, and their eagerness to assist guests is quite evident
in the growing and repetitive patron base. John’s willingness
to meaningfully serve the year round community has also
earned him the respect of that very important, but often forgotten
part of our Village. Please go out of your way to stop in,
say hello and utilize this market. Plus, the Lobster Salad,
Chicken Salad, Fresh Sushi to order and pastries are to die for!
John has a full line of butchered meats and poultry for your
BBQ. His new, “design your own salad bar” should be a huge
hit this summer!
Chef Rago Raises the Standard
In any seasonal restaurant operation, there is always a fine line
between providing regular, returning guests and diners with the
comfort and consistency of their favorite dishes, and creating new
favorites to stay on the menu for several years. The trick is finding
the right culinary bridge between the last time guests socialized
in August or September and the anticipated new season.
Since Chef Rago joined us ten years ago, and trained under then
Executive Chef Carmen, he has understood this dilemma better
than most.Working in the off-season, at such Manhattan culinary
castles as Craft and Veritas, and traveling to Italy or Thailand has
enabled Chef to stay on the edge of his knife, bringing you back
exciting changes to mix with your favorites. As we have done for
the past 19 years, during the 6 pre-season weeks, Rago and his
staff (all returning), produce a series of 6-8 new specials intended
for placement on the new menu.We rely heavily on your feedback
during those weeks because you determine which specials
make the cut. Island Mermaid has the largest menu and wine list
on Fire Island, by far. Seasonally speaking, we cannot reach
beyond the 40 unique appetizers and entrees we serve. This year,
we will continue our emphasis on organic and local
products and add some specialized wheat and
gluten free selections. Chef Rago has enclosed a
Mermaid recipe to enjoy at home.
WebSite Redoux
Prior to the 1996 season, we launched what was one
of the first, if not the first website on the beach. We
also became the first wi-fi spot. It was about that
time that I obtained modest funds for the Village to
create its own site. Soon, many followed.Yet, ironically,
we did nothing in the intervening years to
stay current. We have circled back around to update our site,
adding in some of the technology that we have all become used to.
I hope you will visit and let us know how you enjoy it. Special
thanks to John Chase for allowing the use of some of his classic
island photos and to paperdoor.org Your feedback is appreciated.
A New Dress Code
Two years ago, in an effort to add a tool to our belt
in the vigilant effort to reduce under-age attempts at
drinking alcohol, we raised the age, during certain times, to twenty-
three. Let me be very clear here, that as both a practicing
lawyer in fields affected by such, and as a responsible community
member, I set a tone of zero tolerance for same. Staff receives
specialized training, and I employ two of the toughest gatekeepers
(besides me) you will ever meet, Tommy and Gie. I also arm
them with the latest technology and ID Scan devices. Plus, we
have tricks you wouldn’t believe to test anyone suspect and we
confiscate any questionable document. In an effort to confront a
somewhat different, but equally sensitive concern, we are instituting
a new dress code policy, during similar hours. Tank tops and
other inappropriate attire will not be acceptable. It will not be
without difficulty and we will certainly be affected, but I am very
optimistic raising the bar should be well worth the effort.
Recruit for us all Year and Earn Money
For years now, we have had a simple policy. Send us a top
notch person, whom we hire for our wait staff or kitchen, and
you will receive a two-hundred-fifty dollar gift certificate. So,
for example, when you are dining out in NYC and come across
a really talented, warm, and seasoned server, let them know we
are hiring and how you feel about us. (This doesn’t apply if you
send us your kids) Guest recruitment has worked so well for us
over the years, we forget to remind you. Just make certain the
applicant mentions your name. We want your help.
OBRA Explores BID District Again
After my unsuccessful attempt at creating a BID district 8 years
ago, due solely to opposition from some property owners who are
no longer in such position, it is time to reconsider another effort. I
will be raising this idea again, this time within the framework of
our existing collaborative group and will keep you all informed as
the discussion progresses. Having seen the wonderful things a
BID can do throughout NYC and other places, I am optimistic
that others will see the long-term benefits.
Zagat Takes Notice Again
After a multi-year hiatus, in which Fire Island was left off their
culinary ratings map, the well-regarded media group added
Island Mermaid back to their pages, with an excellent rating.
Truthfully, although we are delighted to have again received
their highest overall rating of any Fire Island-based haunt, we
are still unsatisfied with parts of our score and will continue to
reach for higher ground. Thanks to our guests who participated
in putting us back on this stage. Congrats to Chef Rago and his
team. Also, to our friends at the Hideaway, who received excellent
marks. Look for Chef Rago’s cookbook as our 20th
anniversary treat!
Did you know that the “founder” of Ocean Beach, John Wilbur,
sold lots by advertising Fire Island as a refuge from hay fever
and allergies?
Did you know that Leo Schumer (our predecessor) was a
famous jingle writer (“plop plop, fizz fizz”) and that Wally
Pickard (our immediate predecessor) was a decorated fighter
pilot at Pearl Harbor?
Boomer and Carton Storm the Mermaid for Charity
In spite of what was literally a nor’easter, turned torrential hurricane,
our great friend Boomer Esiason and his radio partner
Craig Carton turned in an unforgettable performance this past
July for Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.We proudly hosted
them, raising tens of thousands of dollars during this first-class
event, which we hope to re-create annually. Thanks to sponsors
Diageo Importers and Fire Island Ferries. If we can score another
touchdown performance like that, during a traditionally beautiful
evening on the bay, we can triple the sum raised. Check our new
website for details as summer approaches! .