I am a native Long Islander and recently relocated to one of my favorite cities to travel to, Saratoga Springs after buying Country Corner Cafe. I spent the earlier part of my career running restaurants including Morton’s Steakhouse for 16 years and Nordstrom Restaurant Division. I spent the previous 7 years before becoming a business owner at the Apple Store in Garden City, NY. I am a huge lover of skiing, wine, dogs, and my family.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the proud wife of Mark for 23 years and mother of 19 year old triplets Jack, Steven, and Jordan.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
This has been the best year of my life with my current career. I am forever grateful to the the companies I have worked for in the past. Morton’s taught me everything I know about genuine hospitality. Nordstrom taught me how to run a business, and Apple taught me how to build successful teams.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Wow, that’s a hard question but I would have to say Pennells, Morton’s, Osteria Danny, and of course Country Corner Cafe
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
January 4th marked our 1 year anniversary
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have had the pleasure of meeting so many people in the community. I met my first furrier this past summer and never knew what they did until I talked with my friend. It seems like such a skilled job that requires building trust with an animal and such skill. He was so humble about the work he does everyday.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would want to go to Italy, eat amazing food, drink and taste wine, and learn more about my heritage
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Right now, Yellowstone. I watch the entire series over the past few months, and My Cousin Vinny is my all time favorite classic.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Work hard, and lead by example. It’s amazing what great things can happen for you and others when they witness it.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’m fortunate to have done a lot of things in my life, but I would love to be able to go to Israel for my birth rights. My mother never made it there and it would make me proud to be able to go.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Matchbox 20. My sister Lori and I have been going to see them every year in concert for over a decade. One of my favorite nights of the year.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Olde Bryan Inn and Morrissey’s. Both remind me of places to cozy up on a snowy night and enjoy the company I am with.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would probably say Tim Cook. I worked for Apple for 7 years and know his values and what he represents, but I would love to be able to sit with him and get more insight on what his day to day looks like and how he manages to inspire people from simple conversations. I would probably take him to Morton’s and show him where I got my experience from and share stories.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that we support local. The businesses when you come into our city are all people that have built their dreams. It makes me think about how lucky we all are to have all these places in a few city blocks.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Definitely owning another location serving amazing breakfasts and lunch, maybe a Country Corner Diner.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My family would probably laugh about this, but I actually do like being alone from time to time.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Aruba is my absolute favorite for warm, Whistler mountain for winter.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December, Christmas, Christmas Day. All of these are times that it’s all about family.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My entire family. My sisters, nieces, nephews, husband, and kids. We all have a lot of stuff that goes on inside of our lives, but we all stick together and get each other through any challenges that come our way. Our love is unconditional.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids. They are my inspiration and cheerleaders every day.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Bacon, and French Fries
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, love, and fun
