riverhead – Nikki On The Daily®

Tipsy Tastes: Riverhead Ciderhouse

Posted on November 30, 2017 by NikkiOnTheDaily in Food

(This article first appeared in the November 29, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper as part of my Tipsy Tastes Series)

Since its opening in March, Riverhead Ciderhouse has been the new go-to spot on the North Fork. Taking the place of a former industry warehouse, every inch of this 8000-square-foot space invites you in; from the hot mulled cider brewing in the front to the roasted garlic cooking in the back. Natural light fills the room but that’s no match to the heat coming from the two fireplaces on either side of the room, surrounded by homey couches and quirky reads. In front of the fire are refurbished doors converted to tables and farmhouse tractor seats, a touch indicative of the area.

More than just a cider house, as the name initially implies, this tasting room offers local libations of a different kind as well. Blue Point and Greenport beers, Lieb Cellars and Martha Clara wine, the list goes on and aims to please responsible drinkers of all kinds.

“We offer a really good variety for the different groups walking through the door,” Jon DeKenipp, chef and general manager, explained. “I’d say eight out of the 10 stick to the cider. It’s the newest and fastest growing beverage segment in the industry.”

According to http://www.statista.com, the number of hard cider consumers in the United States has doubled in the last four years alone, from 11.65 million hard cider drinkers in 2013 to 24.88 million in 2017, making such a large cidery the trendiest place to be right now.

Riverhead Ciderhouse doesn’t grow its own apples just yet, that’s expected in 2020. Rather, they source their product in juice form from a New York State orchard. Then the creation process begins.

“As you make your different flavors you have to take some flavors out to add the flavoring in,” said cider master Will Loughlin. “What we have left in our tanks now is 340 gallons — the last of our batch that we can play with.”

So what was it used for? “We put the Apple Annie in. We’re now in the talks of what our next batch will be.” With fresh juice coming by January 2018, and a six-to-eight-week cider-making process, a new batch can be expected by March of 2018 — just in time for the company’s one year milestone.

The Apple Annie is a regular, eight percent ABV (alcohol by volume) apple cider that’s been the latest buzz. Other popular flavors include the Prickly Pear Rose, a rose cider, and, just in time for the holiday season, the Crannie, a cranberry cider. Riverhead Ciderhouse’s website lists all that’s on tap and, thanks to technology powered by DigitalPour, a visual of what’s left.

Going into its first off-season, business is still holding strong. “We’re still trying to roadmap it. It’s a heavy seasonal spot and locality,” DeKenipp emphasized. “In any business the first year, you have to learn as you go. You learn from your mistakes and capitalize on your strengths.”

As you prepare your next round of holiday festivities, stop in to try some cider. Once you’ve found your favorite, take a growler back with you to share with family and friends. Whatever you do, make sure you #DrinkLocal. Cheers!

Riverhead Ciderhouse is located at 2711 Sound Avenue in Calverton. Join them on Thursdays for Dueling Pianos starting at 5:30 PM or live music indoors on other nights, as seen on the calendar. Reach the Ciderhouse at 631-591-0217 or visit http://www.riverheadcider.com.

Daily Fitness: JABS

Posted on November 30, 2017 by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fitness & Wellness

(This article was first published in the September 20, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

Move over Zumba, there’s a new dance class in town. Pulse, at JABS in Cutchogue, is a fitness class that is reminiscent of those dance classes so many us loved taking as kids. Hip-hop, pop, Latin all fused together with cardio training and even some boxing moves.

Studio owner Jill Schroeder began with Zumba in 2007 but moved in a different direction.

“Two years ago I started to move away from the Latin style of things and wanted to create my own choreography and incorporate the music that I like. So I coined it ‘Pulse.’ The fitness elements break it up. It’s a great work out but you’re having fun as well.”

If Pulse doesn’t get your heart rate going, JABS — an acronym for Joining Active Bodies Studios — offers numerous classes daily including yoga, spin, barre, TRX, and more. The studio is going into its seventh year running, originally starting in Mattituck but calling Cutchogue home for four and a half years. Schroeder opened up a dual location in Riverhead.

With the motto ‘Fueled by enthusiasm, motivated by passion,’ JABS inspires members to constantly push their physical limits, all with a smile on their faces, which is exactly what Schroeder has always dreamed of doing. “There’s a lot of passion that I’ve put into this business and the programs that I’ve developed. And it’s really cool to see the enthusiasm from others partaking in it and being here,” she relayed.

JABS’s current location boasts 5000 square feet of space and Riverhead matches that size. 10,000 total square feet? That’s a rather large upgrade from the mere 1500 sq. ft. space at the original studio.

“I guess you never really know where things are going to take you,” Schroeder admitted. “I opened up the first location, I had just finished some schooling … I opened up the doors and I packed out.” She always wanted to have more than one location, she said. “I did want more.”

Classes are $25 each, with other options for class packs or unlimited memberships. Now, in anticipation for the grand opening in Riverhead, there are special promo packs (redeemable at both locations) going through October 1. Choose between 5, 10, 20 or 40 class packs.

Join this active bodies studio by finding out more online at http://www.jabsny.com, call them at 631-315-5227 or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @JabsNY.

Shop the East End

Posted on November 30, 2017September 4, 2019 by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fashion, Long Island

(This article first appeared in the September 13, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

Shop local is more than a motto; it’s a way of life. Long Island’s East End is a community that helps local businesses thrive through countless partnerships, and Taste the East End Boutique helps to bring it all together.

Situated next door to the Hyatt East End, at 489 East Main Street in Riverhead, in partnership with Hyatt, the Long Island Aquarium, and a shop at MacArthur Airport, the store was established during the summer of 2016. Customers should not be misled by the name, as product ranges from gourmet foods to candles, skincare, tote bags, and much more. All catering to its customers while supporting local markets, the artisan-crafted goods are all produced in New York, with a large focus on the greater LI region.

Alexandra Bussi is the store designer and manager. The boutique has an airy décor emulating the serene surroundings of the North Fork. Upon entering the doors you’ll oftentimes see Bussi behind the counter — the restored bed of a Ford pick-up truck. By her side, her Pomeranian, Lola, enthusiastically greets customers.

“It’s great to support the talented makers in our areas,” Bussi said. “With fall coming up, our sweatshirts from Carleton Clothing, North Fork Design, and Hampton Trading Company have been selling very well. The really popular items would have to be locally-made soaps from White Field Farm and Southampton Soap.”

Walk toward the left for jewelry, edibles, bath products, and glasses. Toward the right, pick up wall décor or don your favorite shirt design. An astounding 45 merchants currently sell in the space, which is continuously growing as the months progress. Bussi seeks out new businesses regularly, with a special affinity for the uniquely presented.

“I am obsessed with a face scrub from East End Soap that leaves my face silky smooth and smelling like sugar. It’s nice to have somewhere to get some local goodies throughout the island,” Bussi admitted.

Visit to enjoy all the goodies our community, and beyond, have to offer. For you, for a friend, and especially for an out-of-towner looking for the perfect parting gift.

Call Taste the East End Boutique at 631-727-2686, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @Taste the East End.