Very few people can say they have achieved perfection, but on his latest Journey, Patch's travel host, Steve Strangio, caught a rare glimpse of it. Steve's previous adventures in Malverne and West Hempstead have landed him on a horse (for his first time), a farm tractor and a massage table. He's taken you behind-the-scenes of our local cinemaand he has gone where no man has gone before, to a ladies-only gym.  Click on the video above to join Steve on his latest quest as he hits San-Dee Lanes in Malverne. (No rental shoes required.) Then, vote in the poll below to tell us which of Steve's …

Sitting at the countertop of Our Town Grille enjoying a homemade chocolate malt shape and admiring the 1950s' style decor, you'll feel as if you travelled back to simpler times. It's the charm of this quaint luncheonette in Malverne, as well as the tasty food and friendly service that have made it a fixture in the community, living up to its name. Here, the cook knows how everyone likes their eggs, the window displays are created with love and careful precision and you're likely to spot a familiar face or two. So take a break from 2011 and join Steve Strangio as he travels to a place where …

I’ve always been a fan of cozy places where you can sit down, get a great meal, be surrounded by regular folk, and just enjoy a moment in time. The Our Town Grille is just that place. On every one of my “journeys” I seek to arrive at the answer to a question that I have been pondering. This time I wanted to know why some restaurants need to have a theme. We’ve all been to restaurants where that idea goes a bit overboard. I mean, why do I need a wacky moose head hovering over me while I’m trying to eat my potato-chip-encrusted chicken? However, the theme at Our Town Grille in Malverne is more …

Most people know of Malverne because of Malverne Cinema, a unique movie theater that showcases mostly independent flicks. They may not know that this place actually has five theaters and a new attitude. It was a clear choice for my latest journey. Owned by Anne and Henry Stampfel, this quaint local landmark has been around for as long as I can remember. (It's also the very same place that debuted my first short film ironically titled “Journey to the Strip Mall.” )  My film was featured as part of the Long Island International Film Expo, which is now held at the couple’s other theater in …

How many times in life can you go to work and be surrounded by joyous Irish music, very merry bar patrons and enough stout to make you happy for years? Okay, maybe 12 times – tops! Well, this was my first time doing this type of job and I have to say, it was a darn fun time had by all. Connolly Station is this authentic Irish Pub and Restaurant located right next to the Malverne train station. I’ll admit that whenever I had passed by this place in the past, I would and think to myself, “Self.  You need to go in there one day and enjoy some libation along with a heaping portion of Shepherd’s …

So why is it that women can have a gym that is “Ladies Only?” I mean, if we had a “Men Only” gym, then we’d have picketers, riots, and maybe even a Lifetime movie entitled, “MAN GYM: Evil Squat Thrust!” To answer this question I travelled to Lady of America in West Hempstead, part of a chain of gyms that caters strictly to women’s fitness needs. There, I was greeted by a very savvy and equally fit woman named Vita Zorbo, who owns and operates this location. Zorbo,is a petite but tough lady. (Put it to you this way, I'd want her to have my back in a fight.) Her calm and business-like demeanor …

Every journey needs a moment of rest and I found just the place. These days there are many things to stress about but I think that most of us, need to find a place to just chill out and relax. It was that thought that inspired my latest journey to the Phoenix Wellness Center in West Hempstead. After attending a local business block party set up by the infinitely happy Karl Riesterer from Riesterer’s Bakery and Café, I was lucky enough to find myself on the receiving end of an amazing foot massage at one of the stations set up outside of the Wellness Center.   Okay, sure, it was kind of wacky …

It's hard to believe that Long Island, including the communities we call home today, was once all farmland, but there's one local place where our roots are very much alive. As you pass over the Malverne-West Hempstead border, entering the village, you'll come to a fork in the road, a crossroads, where you'll discover a unique and historic landmark that makes you want to start whistling "E-I-EE-I-O..." The Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s was the destination of my latest journey. There I received the full tour of the land courtesy of Lisa Mitten, consultant for the farm, and “Head Farmer in …

Just off Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway, nestled among suburban homes, is a hidden gem - the only remaining horse ranch on the south shore of Nassau County. In this week's 'Journey to..." episode we travel to Lakewood Stables in West Hempstead, where Patch personality Steve Strangio takes us along for a wild ride along the scenic bridle paths, gets some pointers from young equestrians and even saddles up for his first horseback riding experience. (If you don't count the carousel at Nunley's that is.) Click on the video above to join him on his trailblazing adventure to this unique …

In the premier episode of 'Journey To...', writer, producer, comedian, and now Patch personality Steve Strangio takes us inside Riesterer's Bakery and Cafe in West Hempstead, where he dared to taste their latest - and we think, greatest - creation. Click the video above to join him on his first journey.