By Laura Lane
The store, which recently opened its doors for business at 2131 Merrick Road in Merrick, boasts fresh fruit, vegetables, and an array of homemade breads and more, offering a shopping experience not to be missed.
Bellmore resident Thomas Lisi and Wally Zahrieh, friends since 1977, decided to open East Bay Farms, confident that they could offer a healthy alternative to Merokeans.
"We try to stay on the healthy side," Zahrieh said. "I think that's what Merrick needed. But I'm also interested in growing with the neighborhood, seeing what else they might want."
East Bay Farms also has a cold steam table, and by August will offer a full-scale take-out hot and cold menu.
Chef Marc Weiss, the DJ Chef from the Food Network, is in charge, creating many of the dishes for which he's famous. Weiss formerly cooked at Tuscany Restaurant, a three star restaurant in Rockville Centre, and George Martin, also in Rockville Centre.
"We offer many different dishes, like orange ginger glazed salmon, and chicken marsala, but we make the healthy version," Weiss explained, pointing out that he sears the chicken first and then bakes it. "I also make spinach lasagna and will be making homemade soups in the winter."
Zahrieh said employees strive to give the customer personalized attention committed to ensuring that they are completely satisfied. "We're picky on the products we bring in here," said Zahrieh, adding that he's in the process of looking for a good spice company, unwilling to use a commercial company found in grocery stores. "Our goal is to wow customers with the products, not just try to make money. And even though we use Boars Head our cold cuts are reasonable."
East Bay Farms also carries fresh prosciutto and a variety of cheeses imported from Italy. They carry Italian olives, too.
"We are offering quality products at a reasonable price and you won't find our produce at your average store," Zahrieh said. "I try to stay on the higher end for the vegetables and fruits. I'm picky. If I wouldn't eat it myself I throw it away."
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
