Honor 88 Charles Street Cafe

Senate Resolution No. 837 BY: Senator LARKIN COMMEMORATING the 30th Anniversary of 88 Charles Street Cafe WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize illustrious culinary establishments which have positively impacted and substantially contributed to the vitality of their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of 88 Charles Street Cafe; and WHEREAS, Mario Balacich, owner of 88 Charles Street Cafe, started his culinary career while serving as a merchant marine assisting the chef in 1965; he worked making soups and pasta dishes, chicken, veal, beef, and Italian bread while sailing to Africa, Australia, China, Japan, South America and California; and WHEREAS, After four years with the Merchant Marine, Mario Balacich moved back to New York, where he opened his first restaurant in Astoria, Queens; with the help of his two brothers, he opened a second restaurant in Bergen County, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, During those years, Mario Balacich took a drive through Montgomery, New York, and fell in love with the town; he went back and opened up a restaurant in Walden, New York; after four years, he bought the 88 Charles Street property, which turned into the 88 Charles Street Cafe; and WHEREAS, Educated at a culinary school in France, Mario Balacich is well versed in food with his specialties being seafood and vegetables; he believes in the freshness of his produce and tries to personally pick out his ingredients at the market; and WHEREAS, Attributing much of his success to the rich flavor of his fresh food, Mario Balacich has many dedicated customers, some of whom first came in as children and today, still patronize 88 Charles Street Cafe; and WHEREAS, 88 Charles Street Cafe continues to provide exceptional service and superior cuisine; the entrees are made fresh every day, and are designed around the finest locally produced ingredients which offer increased flavor and quality, pleasing the palates of its customers from not only New York but the Nation; and WHEREAS, Small businesses such as 88 Charles Street Cafe exert a strong, positive influence on the communities they serve and are a crucial element in the economy of New York State; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of 88 Charles Street Cafe; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mario Balacich, Owner, 88 Charles Street Cafe.