Kismet

By Amanda BarbaraKismet summers are ones for the books. I have spent most of my summers here on these walks. I remember too many slices at the Pizza Shack as a kid when Dino De Natalie used to throw the dough. When we could get ice cream at the window outside of the market, and were greeted by the late Paul Whitney who knew every kid by name. Realizing my deep love for baked clams after trying the famous Kismet Inn dish or sitting on the porch at The Out. This town holds the youth of many generations and as I continue to grow up, I dream of summers here with my kids – sharing with them the magic of a summer Kismet sunset. Only a few more left this season.Many Kismet residents attended the 3^rd Annual Pirate Fest on Tuesday, Aug. 1. There were events for people of all ages. A Pirate and Mermaid Costume Parade took place through town with boats being decorated as ships. Spirit & Wine Tastings were hosted by the Kismet Inn and Fire Island Beach and Vine. For the young scalawags, a treasure hunt, pirate school, tennis, yoga, balloon twisters, face painters and more were available for family fun.While many were in town enjoying the day, I was under the Surf’s Out Tent making my best attempt at MC for the Rum Runner Mixology Competition. With 12 bartenders from restaurants near and far, this day was filled with fun. Two bartenders competed for three minutes to mix their best cocktail that needed to include Cruzan Rum. Our judging panel consisted of a few of our local favorites including Erin Wahlberg from the Kismet Inn, long-time resident Tom Licari, and the Kismet Market’s Andy Whitney. Our stage also had some local celebrities with Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, Erin Colton from News 12, and Town of Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt.With two rounds of competition, the crowd saw creative cocktails with great pirate-themed names. The finalists included bartenders from Kismet Inn, Monsoon in Babylon, and The Lakehouse in Bay Shore. Megan from Verace was the winner, and she walked away with the trophy and a year of bragging rights. A big thank you to all the bartenders and restaurants that participated.Once the competition came to an end, Donna Moravick, executive director of Southside Hospital, stepped on stage. She introduced James Burke, a young man in his 20s from East Islip who was struck by car while crossing Montauk Highway in 2013. She described James’s journey with Southside Hospital, and how far he has come in his recovery process. His story touched the audience and truly gave perspective on what the funds raised from the day’s events would go towards.Her speech was a great introduction to the live auction where John Alteri rallied the audience to open their wallets one more time to give to this great cause. The most notable item was a party with the JHaus Band with food for the event donated by Verde, Coastal Kitchen, Salt & Barrel, Tullulah’s, Southside, Henley’s Village Tavern, The Lakehouse, Post Office Café and Aji 53. This awesome prize raised $16,000 with two winners, Mike Webber and Christopher Cox, competing until the very end. Bobby Digital from JHaus offered to do two performances, which allowed both men to walk away winners and major donors.A big thank you to the Pirate Fest Committee Members, Patti and Dwayne Diesu, Jane and Tim Mooney, Sue Imbert, and MJ Voltz who made this event possible. There are also several Kismet community volunteers whose help was invaluable throughout the day and the event’s large success would not have been made possible without them. The 3rd Annual Pirate Fest raised more than $120,000, which goes directly to Southside Hospital. This year’s donation was made in memory of Joyce Cole.In other Kismet news, a new extended boardwalk has been added at the end Pine Walk. This addition was added from the over walk to the cement walkway to help eliminate all the excess sand on the street.The plaques have arrived for the benches outside of the Kismet Market for Chris Lanzoratta and Richie Kavan. These will be installed in the coming days and will be a daily memorial of these two Kismet men who have passed. Thank you to Paul Barbara for his donation of these plaques.Jane and Tim Mooney celebrated 40 years of marriage this July. Their family and friends gathered together to cheer the happy couple with a party at their house on the bay just a few weekends ago.SAVE THE DATES: Saturday, Aug. 19: Voodoo Jungle, 6 p.m. at Surf’s OutSaturday, Aug. 19: Barry’s Dead, 11 p.m. at Kismet InnWednesday, Aug. 23: Paul Johnson Quartet, 6 p.m. at Kismet InnThursday, Aug. 24: Tim Mooney Band, 6 p.m. at Kismet InnSaturday, Aug. 26: The Trend, 6 p.m. at Surf’s OutSaturday, Aug. 26: Hawaiian Luau DJ Theme Party, 10 p.m. at Surf’s OutSaturday, Aug. 26: The Reckoning, 11 p.m. at Kismet InnSunday, Aug. 27: Highway Robbery, 4 p.m. at Surf’s OutEnjoy every last second of August. The month is going just way too fast. Don’t forget to email me with any town news to share. Until next time!Caption Image 1: Kismet residents Matthew Barbara and Carmine Padavano with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, at an event in Fair Harbor.Caption Image 2: Young Scalawags at Pirate Fest.Caption Image 3: Pirate Fest Judge Erin Colton cheering with the crowd.Caption Image 4: Surf’s Out Saturday Yoga on the Beach with Stormy.