The Top Small Business Loan & Grant Options Right Now

Best restaurants on Staten Island in 2022, according to Michelin

Best restaurants on Staten Island in 2022, according to Michelin In the realm of legit restaurant evaluations, the Michelin Guide is considered the most prestigious. A mere mention of a business can launch a small-town eatery into a stratosphere shared globally by fellow illustrious establishments. Staten Islanders have three such locations in their midst, all on the North Shore, under the designation of Bib Gourmand. And such it is for Enoteca Maria of St. George, Sagara Food City of Tompkinsville and VINUM of Stapleton. The trio will maintain their previously designated statuses for 2022. Enoteca Maria -- 27 Hyatt St., St. George Michelin inspectors called out owner Joe Scaravella and his cookbook, “Nonna’s House: Cooking and Reminiscing with the Italian Grandmothers of Enoteca Maria” (Atria Books, 2015), co-authored with Elisa Petrini. It also said, “With its Carrara marble and lively vibe, most foodies flock here for a certain authenticity that is rarely sacrificed.” It noted the world-wide cooking of its rotating nonnas in particular “Nina from Belarus” plus two staple dishes named for their architects Lasagna di Adelina and torta di vaniglia di Melissa. Enoteca means “wine bar” in Italian. There are Italian staples on the menu that have evolved since the restaurant opened in 2007 with different a different nonna from Italy each night. The “Nonnas of the World” regimen was launched in 2015. Sagara -- 98 Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville During COVID, the Sri Lankan spot switched over from an ala carte format to pickup only. It now operates its kitchen with a grocery store in the former seating area. The restaurant takes its name from co-owner Sagara Hewabajgamage. He and wife Anuradh tend the restaurant with a small staff — Chef Sanjeewa Warusavithana and Sunil Peiris in the kitchen. Michelin says, “Visit Sri Lanka by way of Sagara, where the island nation’s rich cultural diversity is on full display.” They recommend fish cakes, mas paan, and fritter-like dhal vade” and the hearty entrees. It calls dishes “compelling” with high praise for lamprais, a meal served wrapped in a banana leaf with vegetables, protein, plantains, a fish cutlet and eggplant. VINUM — 704 Bay St., Stapleton; 718-448-8466, Vinumnyc.com The guide calls VINUM a “bijou” with kudos for wines by the glass and the unexpected decor which makes it feel like an osteria in Italy. It notes, “The menu is designed for sharing, making the salumi and cheese platters a prevalent choice....Chef Massimo Felici’s passion for baking and pastries is clear in the house-made breads, and carries through to desserts that are worth getting excited over.” Compliments come for specials and a shout out that “every item is made with equal care and authenticity.”

Staten Island Business Owners vs Mayor Deblasio

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was sued by a group of small business owners who say requiring all customers and employees to show proof of vaccination against Covid will severely impact their livelihoods.  In this podcast we interview some of the Staten Island business owners in this case, and give you a business owners and lawyers perspective on whether this is unconstitutional or not.  Interview with Bill and Jess of Do Me A Favor in Staten Island, Jeanette Rivera, and lawyer Ronald Berutti.

Top Places to Dine Outside on the North Shore of Staten Island

In this podcast, John M Perez details all the local North Shore Restaurant experiences you should try for outdoor dining. Here is the full list just in case you want to get out and eat, instead of hear his suggestions on each and what to expect. Top Places to Dine Outside in the North Shore of Staten Island 1. Vinum 2. Flagship Brewery 3. Ohenrys Public House 4. Flour & Oak 5. Daddy's Ohs BBQ (Pickup only) 6. Besos 7. Empire Outlets 8. The Blue Restaraunt 9. Ruddy & Dean 10. Hop Shoppe 11. Jays By The Bay in Rosebank 12. Craft House

The Top Small Business Loan & Grant Options Right Now

1. Express Bridge Loans from The SBA Website: sba.gov/LenderMatch [http://www.sba.gov/LenderMatch] Financing type: Quick turnaround advance on an Economic Disaster Loan Funding Limit: $25,000 Who it's for: US small businesses and non-profits waiting to receive a Disaster Loan 2. New York City Hall Website: nyc.gov/covid19biz [http://nyc.gov/covid19biz] Zero-interest loans Financing type: Loan Funding limit: $75,000 Who it's for: Businesses with fewer than 100 employees with sales decrease of 25% Payroll grant Financing type: Grant Funding Limit: 40% of payroll costs for two months Who it's for: Businesses with fewer than five employees 3. Downtown Alliance New York Small Business Rental Assistance Grant Website: downtownny.com/RentAssistGrant [https://downtownny.com/RentAssistGrant]  Financing type: rental assistance grants Funding limit: $10,000; Total fund is $800,000 Who it's for: Essential small businesses in New York City, must have fewer than 20 employees, be located on a ground floor, gross annual revenue below $1.5 million, and have a lease through December 31, 2020.    4. Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Bring Back Brooklyn Fund Website: bringbackbrooklyn.org [https://fundrazr.com/BCC-BringBrooklynBack?ref=ab_48xd2f_ab_4e9xnB0J7mY4e9xnB0J7mY]   Financing type: zero-interest loans Funding limit: Expected to be $30,000; Currently raising funds with a goal of $500,000 Who it's for: Small businesses in Brooklyn that have been hurt by the pandemic and have been shut out of other loan programs, and that plan to reopen. The majority of loans are for minority- and women-owned businesses, and funding will only begin after the economy begins to re-open.

Staten Island Father Michael Perina Prints 3D Masks for his son

Take a look at a behind the scenes audio where Michael Perina of 3D Assembyl combined forces with 5050 Skatepark [https://www.facebook.com/5050Skatepark/?eid=ARClYVmwTSfvflcnK5U4MXKyQpWjpdscXPxrQnDnEe5OBlwBrZXZyV6XLBw6aiA73Qeac6no2GbHXIi-&fref=tag] and YouthBuild Staten Island to help curve the pandemic. Through the partnership we were able to assemble 5,000+ face shields for first responders and nurses. With the generosity of friends, family, community and even strangers, Michael Perina led the charge to have been able to help thousands during this stressful time. This audio interview shows what the Staten Island community can do to come together and look out for each other.