By Scott Brinton
Fuger partnered with her sister, Monica Tarantino, in her new endeavor. The pair decided to keep the name Taste of Home. But they did create a dreamland -- for kids and adults alike.
Taste of Home serves up the tastiest treats, crafted by Fuger and her staff of bakers according to the "old" methods. That is, only the freshest ingredients are used, and no corners are cut. Fuger has a marketing degree from Adelphi University, but her love has always been cooking. She is trained in Italian, German and Jewish baking.
Tarantino spent much of her professional life in banking before retiring recently and joining her sister in what is clearly a family affair. Tarantino now serves as Taste of Home's front person, managing the counter staff, greeting customers with her warm smile, and assisting clients with cake orders and catering arrangements.
The new 4,000-square-foot Taste of Home bakery is open and airy, with soaring ceilings and wide windows that let in plenty of natural light. Fuger's husband, Dan, an ironworker and contractor, did much of the work on the new place.
In the coming weeks, Fuger and Tarantino plan to begin offering café fare, including sandwiches, soups and cappuccino. There are already plenty of tables; more are on the way.
Taste of Home is on North Jerusalem Avenue on the North Bellmore-East Meadow border. "We're really invested in the neighborhood," Tarantino said. "We believe in the neighborhood. We think we have terrific customers in the neighborhood.
"We wanted a place where people could feel at home -- the neighborhood Cheers," Tarantino continued. "We're a family-owned and -operated sweet shop and bake shop."
Indeed, the entire family joins in the operation. Fuger's and Tarantino's mother, Nancy Fallica, assists daily in the shop, and all three of Tarantino's children -- Timothy, Christopher and Daniel -- help out as well.
Tarantino has only praise for her sister, whom she describes as the talent behind the operation. "She's extremely committed, passionate, committed to excellence," Tarantino said. "We think we can offer excellent quality at a reasonable price. We customize to a customer's needs."
Tarantino and Fuger are especially pleased that a master chocolatier, Kord Fick, former owner of Chocolates by Hanni, has joined their staff and now crafts all of the chocolates they offer.
"If you're looking for fresh-baked, no preservatives, friendly service and a homey atmosphere, this is the place,² Tarantino concluded. ³It's really fresh, fresh, fresh."
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
