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.