I haven’t had a proper haircut since before the pandemic. I desperately needed a spring refresh and knew exactly where I wanted to go – Rock Rock Salon (88-08 Rockaway Beach Blvd.). I have several friends who had exceptional experiences there and they recommended I go for my new cut.
I booked my appointment through Rock Rock’s Instagram page – @rockrocksalon. Did you know that was even a feature?! I didn’t and it was super easy. I also received a reminder via email which, for me, is hugely helpful.
I entered the suite. Owner Patricia Silva greeted me with an animated smile. The salon is chic with an inviting twist. The walls are painted a soothing deep blue and there’s a pop of lively pink foliage wallpaper. I complimented Patricia on her oversized vintage, gold standing mirror… so my style. Honestly, I couldn’t believe I was in Rockaway five minutes from my home. The vibe felt like a trendy Brooklyn salon.
I had a picture reference to show Patricia what style I was leaning towards. What struck me is through our conversation, she mostly listened, noting my concerns and acknowledging my thoughts on the hairstyle. Also, I made her aware of the “problem area.” I’m growing out my 40th birthday midlife crisis undercut. She didn’t seem phased by it and simply said, “I will make this work.” I hopped in the chair and she explained exactly what was going to happen and how some nuanced shaping would add texture and accentuate my face.
What I didn’t expect was an educational component to my experience – tailored to my specific hair type. Patricia gave me a product recommendation and step-by-step instructions on how to apply products correctly. I mentioned how dry my hair has become and she suggested I come back for a glossing treatment, which would add smoothness and shine. I didn’t even know such a thing existed!
I can’t get over this transformation!
It’s not often you meet people that are wholeheartedly immersed in their artistry, but that is for certain Patricia Silva.
Silva earned her merits at Vidal Sassoon. She continually attends classes and workshops around the country, studying with the industry’s finest salons and top stylists. In doing so, she nurtures her creative ambitions, learning the most current techniques and trends.
Like many of us, Patricia was drawn to Rockaway to be near the ocean. She’s been surfing the waves for 7 years. Patricia moved to the peninsula four years ago. During the pandemic she had an opportunity to reflect on the structure of her life. She desired to further commit to Rockaway, sharing her talents with the community she lives in. Patricia found a great location in The Wave Building and opened the salon this past October. And as it turned out, everyone after lockdown was in need of haircuts!
Get ready for summer and book your new look at Rock Rock Salon. Schedule an appointment online easily via Instagram or through rockrocknyc.com. Other haircare services offered include: blowouts and style, deep conditioning, root touchup, gloss treatment, barber haircuts, coloring, kids cuts, and more.
For the scoop around town, follow me on IG @theglorifiedtomato.
On Saturday, May 14, walking your dog can take on a whole new meaning. Join the community in celebration of our beloved four-legged friends by participating with your pup, in the Inaugural Rockaway Pups on Parade Event! The festivities begin at Beach 108th Street and the boardwalk (near the hockey rink). The parade will start at noon heading east, finishing at Beach 92nd Street and the boardwalk.
Judges, Enchantress Shane and Cooper.
After the parade, the judging will commence. Enchantress Shane and her dog Cooper, Claire Van Winkle and her cat PHU and Jerry Rea and his dogs Demi and Patches in spirit, will judge the following categories: overall best dressed, most energetic dog, best trick/most obedient dog, funniest dog, best matching. The winners will receive prizes from Happy Bond (grooming supplies), The Pupper Cup (ice cream for dogs), Bow Wow Labs (dog treats) and for the humans, treats from Fat Cardinal Bakery!
I learned of this fantastic event via Instagram. I reached out to organizer Dana Humphrey, aka “The Pet Lady,” to learn how the idea for the parade came about. She shared, “A few months ago, I was introduced to Florence Chong, through my favorite yoga teacher, Christine Walker. Florence is the owner of the new doggie daycare and dog skincare business, Pawlacio Pets, [located at 11406 Rockaway Beach Boulevard]. I thought it would be fun to celebrate her new location with a dog party. I shared the idea with Casey Brouder, Max Powers and Jerry Rae over a pint at the Rockaway Beach Brewery. We applied for a permit with the NYC Parks Department and are now organizing Pups on Parade.” Also lending a hand is Rob Montemarano, “Disco Tree Rob” – handling production and sound logistics.
Judges, Claire Van Winkle and her Cat PHU.
(Left to Right) Carolin Wood, Rachel Maki, Rachel Krieger-Garone, Jason Heuer
With a little nudge from a friend, I signed up for the Connection Through Creativity Class at Avoid The Day. All winter I’ve been attempting to get back to the drawing table but admittedly, I’ve had trouble focusing and finding inspiration. I felt this event was the ideal opportunity to reignite my passion for art. It did just that and more.
Community organizers Rachel Krieger-Garone and Rachel Maki presented the concept of Connection Through Creativity to Jianna and Jason Heuer, owners of Avoid The Day Bookstore & Cafe. They were happily on board and excited to partner and host these community bonding workshops.
Each class is taught by a local, guest artist. For the class I attended, collage creator Carolin Wood (carolinwoodart.com / @carolin_wood) shared her craft and background with us.
Participants of the Connection Through Creativity will have an opportunity to display their artwork in an art show at Avoid The Day in October!
Carolin began collaging as a young child. Her grandmother inspired her creativity in this medium and nurtured her talent. Carolin received a Masters in Fine Arts in Sculpture from Queens College. With a deep urge to be connected to nature and the ocean, Carolin settled in Rockaway 7 years ago. Her artwork is a search and exploration for personal growth. Which is deeply connected to being a woman, navigating single parenthood, and hardships she’s endured and overcome. The process of creating is therapy for her. Carolin gravitates towards the absurdity of imagery which taps into her subconscious.
“One rule when it comes to collaging is, there are known rules. Wave your freak flag!” She told us, as she began her tutorial. She instructed to choose imagery that spoke to us – consider color and play with scale. Rachel Krieger added, “This is a mindful activity, be in the moment and create without a sense of pressure.”
Artwork by Elizabeth Sacks
We got to work using LIFE magazines from the 1970s which were dug up from Carolin’s Grandmother’s basement! As we worked, we had the opportunity to meet and talk to other like-minded community members. Which for me, was so inspiring and fun. We were bouncing ideas off of each other and laughing at some of the photographs in the old magazines. It was interesting to see how different each person’s college developed, despite all having the same instruction. I’m very much anticipating the next class!
Avoid The Day is open in full force for the high season, hosting educational, creative and community-focused programming including, open mic night, crochet classes, board game night, and connection through creative guided art classes / open studio and more. Visit avoidtheday.org and view the events calendar for the schedule. Happenings are also regularly posted on their instagram – @atdbookbar.
And certainly be sure to peruse the curated selection of used and new books at Avoid The Day Bookstore & Cafe, open Wed-Fri 2-8 pm, Sat 1-8pm, Sun 1-7pm. Enjoy wine, beer, coffee, tea and small bites with a book in hand… and avoid the day.
Avoid The Day Bookstore & Cafe
9904A Rockaway Beach Blvd
718-682-4399
For more on community happenings, follow Paula around town on Instagram – @theglorifiedtomato.
by Paula D.
on March 9, 2022 9:42 am in Recipes
I spotted the most beautiful artichokes in Trader Joe’s. They were large and barely had browning. I had to buy them. I was so excited about this find, I actually called my mother from the crowded store to share my enthusiasm. She’d get it. Her first words were, “HOW MUCH ARE THEY??,” “$2.59 each,” I said. She grumbled, “That’s high, but for this time of the year it’s ok, get them.” I wasn’t asking for permission but I appreciated her blessing.
I’ve written before about artichokes on my blog but I have not shared the family recipe in The Wave. This is my grandfather’s way of making them, sans chicken broth. You can use broth instead of water but I like to keep it vegetarian. And I don’t feel it changes the flavor.
Grandpa Ralph’s Stuffed Artichokes
Ingredients:
4 artichokes
Seasoned breadcrumb – about 2 cups
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup water and more for cooking.
1/4 cup romano cheese
5 large cloves of fresh garlic
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Salt and fresh ground pepper
Note: These amounts are a guide. Taste the breadcrumb mixture as you go and adjust to your preference.
Directions:
1. Cut off the stems of the artichokes so they stand upright. Cut off the tips of the artichoke (1/2 – 1 inch) and use your fingers to loosen and spread the artichoke leaves apart.
2. Make the stuffing. Combine the breadcrumb, oils, diced garlic, chopped parsley, romano cheese and salt /pepper in a medium sized bowl. Slowly add water and mix, until the consistency is damp (not mushy!).
4. Stuff the artichokes using a spoon and your fingers to separate the leaves and get the filling in between everywhere.
5. Place the artichokes in a pot, sized so they don’t topple over. Add water to cover at least 1/4 of the artichoke bottoms. If the liquid is too high, the stuffing may come out – be cautious. Cover and place on the stove top on a medium heat for at least 1 hour. Check for leaf tenderness – when the outside leaf comes off easily they’re done. Drizzle with olive oil and serve hot.
For those who don’t know how to eat artichokes (and there are many)… place the wide end of the leaf in your mouth and scrape “the good stuff” with your bottom teeth – waxy side up. When you get to the heart, remove the “ fuzzy stuff.” That part of the plant is actually called “the choke.” And it’s not edible.
The act of eating an artichoke is a ritual for my family. You take your time around the table, enjoying the conversation while peeling and eating each layer. And finally the best part is revealed, the artichoke heart.
Follow me for the day-to-day in the kitchen on Instagram: @theglorifiedtomato.
