Friday, October 31, 2025
Vol. 85, No. 44
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A Condo Specialist With A Prove n Track Record
Judy Fruitbin
e Lic. Assoc. R. E. Broker O 516.364.233 7 M 516.298.538 2 judy.fruitbine @elliman.com elliman.com
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Celebrating 200 Years
Networking with a kick Chamber plans mixer at new eatery BY RIKKI MASSAND Six months after opening at 98 Jackson Avenue in Syosset’s growing downtown near the LIRR station, Tommy Tacos y Tequila is making its mark. On Monday, November 10, the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly networking mixer at the new restaurant, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will highlight the eatery’s creative, fresh menu—featuring modern twists on Mexican staples and classic bar-and-grill favorites. Registration is available at syossetchamber.com, and guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers with a cash bar at happy hour prices.
A culinary journey
Supervisor Joseph Saladino (second from left) and Councilwoman Laura Maier unveil a historical sign commemorating more than 200 years of business at the Jericho Cider Mill, with owners Ted (left) and Kerry (right) Ketsoglou. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier gathered at the Jericho Cider Mill, one of Long Island’s oldest continually operating cider mills, to unveil a historical marker marking its more than 200 years in the community. With roots dating back to the 1800s, the Jericho Cider Mill has kept up with the traditions of rec-
ipes being passed on through generations. The dedication was held with Ted Ketsoglou, who together with his son Kerry are owner and operator of the facility, as well as members of the Ketsoglou family. “Today, we come together to celebrate not only a business, but a true legacy and a piece of our Town’s heart and soul – the Jericho
Cider Mill. While some of the equipment may have been updated over the years, the recipes and commitment to using the freshest ingredients with no preservatives remains the same” said Supervisor Saladino. One of the longest running cider mills in the nation, Jericho Cider Mill started operations in 1820. See page 7
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Owner Tom Stein, a Florida native and seasoned restaurateur, has spent 31 years in the industry— starting as a teenage dishwasher in Vero Beach and eventually managing fine-dining establishments in the Hamptons and New York City. His first Tommy Tacos y Tequila opened in Huntington; Syosset marks the second location. “This location found us. The landlord’s daughter is a huge fan of our restaurant in Huntington, and we catered a party for her event. A few of her friends became our really good friends and she checked in with us once about the potential of opening a second location. The prior tenant was leaving, and this spot fell in my lap,” Stein noted.
Fresh and authentic
In the Huntington location there is no freezer because all ingredients
and food is made daily. “The produce we get is great, our meats are from fresh sources and we use and marinade only select cuts, not cheaper pieces. It’s not just a typical restaurant and many taco restaurants could be serving premade pulled pork and premade birria, all the stuff.” Stein said. Stein also noted that in grocery or wholesale stores, tortillas and taco shells are typically products made six months ago and filled with preservatives. “I can’t make my tortillas in house because it would take a lot of manpower and a lot of space, but mine are the highest quality, from La Milpa de Rosa Tortilleria, authentic 100% Nixtamal organic tortillas made in Westchester. The corn is cleaned in a lime bath before mixing. They are delicious, it’s a better and fluffier tortilla, and the lifespan is just five days because they can’t be put on a shelf. I spend double the amount for tortilla supply than any other local Mexican restaurants,” Tom Stein explained.
Community involvement
In August, Tommy Tacos y Tequila supported the We Play It Forward Foundation’s Annual Golf Outing & Texas Hold ’Em Tournament at the Muttontown Club, donating tacos and drinks for the event. The fundraiser benefited organizations including the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the Suffolk Y JCC, and Gurwin Healthcare System.
From Dishwasher to Restaurateur
Stein’s career took off at age 13, See page 6
Hometown Heroes Honored PAGE 3 Faith Lutheran Talent Show PAGE 7