76 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • OCTOBER 2019
HOT PLATE
DINING SCENE ADDITIONS
Local college earns national award
for commitment to diversity, inclusion
The State University of New York at Old
Westbury has been named one of only 94
institutions of higher education across the
nation to receive the 2019 Higher
Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED)
Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity
magazine, marking the second year in a
row the College has earned the distinctive,
national honor.
"As it has been since our founding more
than 50 years ago, SUNY Old Westbury's
mission continues to include cultivating an
inclusive campus environment that fosters
diversity in culture, thought and deed,”
said College President Calvin O. Butts, III. “This recognition
highlights the importance of that ever-present goal as we build on
our daily efforts to foster a diverse and dynamic community that
reflects the world we live in."
The HEED Award recognizes colleges and universities that
demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and
inclusion. SUNY Old Westbury will be featured with the other
award recipients in the magazine’s
November 2019 issue.
Among only eight universities in New
York State to receive the award, SUNY
Old Westbury was lauded for its
innovative diversity programming, and
educational support. Since receiving the
2018 award, Old Westbury opened the
Interfaith Center in its Student Union. With
the goal of addressing the spiritual and
religious needs of the campus community,
the Center was designed for diverse
student populations.
SUNY College at Old Westbury
Additional support programs to be highlighted by the
magazine include the College’s
Leadership Development Certificate
Program, its “Culture Cafes” and
Lavender Graduation, and month-long
dedicated programming such as Latinx
Heritage Month, Native American
History Month and Black History Month.
By SAMUEL PODOLSKY
CHEN’S POKE
Serving up traditional native Hawaiian
dishes in Mineola, Chen’s Poke invites
diners to customize their meals.
Chen’s offers the delicious yet healthy
poke bowls at this spot where patrons
can tweak their bowl with various
bases, proteins, and toppings, or
choose from a diverse selection of the
restaurant’s own creations.
Featuring several rice, salad, and zucchini
bases as well as raw fish options
such as salmon and ahi tuna, there is
a bowl for everyone at Chen’s.
The eatery opened in April and the
owners are looking to expand across
the island inthe coming year.
106 Old Country Road, Mineola,
chenspokenj.com
PHILLY PRETZEL
FACTORY
The popular Philadelphia-born chain
Philly Pretzel Factory that has been
expanding on Long Island finally
makes its way to Babylon.
Devoted to knotted bread and a
wide variety of accompanying
dips, Philly pretzels are twisted and
fired on site into all sorts of shapes
and sizes. Dips include everything
from nacho cheese to tangy sriracha,
brownie batter, and butter
cream for the bold.
Franchisee Joe Russo, who has opened a
prior location in Massapequa Park, will
open the store in October. The chain
also has locations in Syosset, Bellmore,
Franklin Square, and Smithtown.
1150 Deer Park Avenue, North Babylon,
phillypretzelfactory.com
HERB AND OLIVE
MARKETA
Mediterranean flavors come together
to form a delicious dining experience
unlike any other on Long Island at
Herb and Olive Marketa.
Specializing in small dishes, this
market sets itself apart from other
eateries by selling everything they
make fresh in the attached market.
Meats, cheeses, olives, and other
regional foods are both served and
sold, with all ingredients sourced
from their respective homeslands.
Set to open soon, Herb and Olive
Marketa looks to be a unique staple
of Mediterranean cuisine.
172 Plandome Road, Manhasset,
herbandolive.com
MAIN DISH
Chen's Poke serves up
customizable poke bowls.
/phillypretzelfactory.com
/chenspokenj.com
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