New York’s restaurant map has changed again after a year of beloved local closures. Francesca’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Great Neck closed on September 13 after 35 years of pizza, Italian comfort food and family hospitality across from the train station. Rosario and his son Sal Merendino said business circumstances made it impossible to continue operating. Their goodbye thanked customers and friends for decades of [...]
How to rehydrate desiccated coconut without making it soggy
To rehydrate desiccated coconut, moisten unsweetened dried shreds with warm water, let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, and drain off any extra liquid. It's the reverse of the drying step in our guide to making desiccated coconut, and it can turn firm, dry coconut into a softer ingredient for chutneys, fillings, and other dishes. The trick is knowing when to add moisture—and when not to. Some recipes need dry coconut to [...]
Despite a hard-fought comeback, a beloved California restaurant closes after 22 years
California has lost another longtime gathering place, adding to the state’s recent list of beloved restaurant closures. Zephyr Grill & Bar in downtown Livermore closed on October 31, ending a 22-year run shaped by celebrations, local wine and a determined comeback. Owners Lynn and Randy Tei opened Zephyr on First Street in June 2004. In an official farewell, they said they had hoped to find a buyer who could carry the [...]
Costco, Target and Walmart sold toddler snack bars recalled over choking risk
Parents who bought toddler snacks from Costco, Target or Walmart should check their pantries. Once Upon a Farm has recalled every variety of its Tractor Wheels Organic Toddler Soft-Baked Bars after reports of serious choking incidents involving young children. The concern is different from the nationwide infant formula recall reported earlier this year. Federal regulators say Tractor Wheels bars can form a dry, sticky mass [...]
Why is my sugar scrub hard? How to soften it without ruining it
A sugar scrub that turns rock-hard in its jar usually has one of two problems: the oil has firmed up, or the sugar has clumped. The oil you use in a sugar scrub makes a big difference, especially if your recipe contains regular coconut oil. Before adding more ingredients, check the texture and the ingredient list. A coconut-oil scrub that hardened in a cool room may soften with gentle warmth. A scrub with hard sugar lumps [...]
Dunkin’ opening at least 9 new locations in Ohio
Dunkin’ is planning at least nine new locations in Ohio, expanding in a state already featured in our look at the states with the most Dunkin’ restaurants. The latest development push is concentrated around Columbus, with proposed shops in several suburbs as well as the city itself. The new restaurants are expected to arrive in stages from late 2026 into 2027. Cincinnati-based franchise operator the Gilligan Company is driving [...]
