Thursday, May 31, 2012

AURA THURSDAYS! June Lineup Announced

 East Meadow Shopping Center 
 www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-977
Come to Aura June 14th to kickoff the grand opening of AURA THURSDAYS! AURA THURSDAYS will be featuring:
·          
  •  June 14th – Oscar G
  • ·June 21st- The Martinez Brothers
  • ·June 28th – Steve Lawler
  •   July 5th – DJ Vibe 
See you there!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Summer Friday's- Does Your Employer Know About It?


East Meadow Shopping Center 
www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-977


A recent survey of over 1,200 employed adults found that granting “Summer Fridays” would make these employees have a more productive work week. Summer Fridays would involve having all Fridays off or shortening the work day.



Not only did the individual’s surveyed report that incorporating summer Fridays would improve their work-life balance, they also said it would boost their overall morale and allow for increased productivity.

About 12% of the employees surveyed are currently offered a summer policy. Individuals who are granted a summer Friday reported that they use this time to kick off their weekend one day early or use it to catch up on chores to allow more time to enjoy the weekend. 

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Forbes' Top 5 Richest Celebrity List!

East Meadow Shopping Center

www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-9770


Forbes.com has recently released their Celebrity 100 list of 2012 and the ones that came out on top sure do it all! Back in the day, you were considered a celebrity if you just simply sang, danced or acted.  Nowadays, celebrities are in competition with clothing lines, fragrances, restaurants and various other investments.  

For the first time ever, Jennifer Lopez has landed the number one spot on the celebrity 100 list this year. Over the past12 months, Lopez has earned $52 million and an enormous amount of fame and spotlight. For a long time, many thought that Lopez’ career was over. However, in 2010, she landed a judging seat on American Idol which opened up many doors.  American Idol put Lopez on a pedestal to re-launch her career and make it better than ever.

Coming in at number two is Oprah Winfrey. This media powerhouse remains on top, despite an earnings drop this past year. Winfrey has also come out on top on many of Forbes list. She is #2 on the celebrity 100 list, #1 in money, #1 in TV/Radio, #13 in Press, #18 in social and #19 in Web.

Landing the number 3 spot is teen pop star and sensation Justin Bieber. “Bieber-Fever” has certainly taken off over the past twelve months and shows in the young Canadians earnings. As of May 2012, Biebers earnings are estimated to be around $55 million. Bieber sold over 12 million albums since his 2009 debut and has 21 million Twitter followers! His first single “Baby” got 750 million views which made it the most-watched video in all of YouTube’s history.  Along with Winfrey, Bieber is another name seen amongst the top on many of Forbes lists. He comes in at #3 on the celebrity 100, #24 in money, #4 in TV/Radio, #9 in Press, #3 in social and #9 in web!

Coming in at the number four spot is Barbados native and music sensation, Rihanna. As of May 2012, Rihanna’s earnings are a reported $53 million.  This is the first time Rihanna has appeared on the celebrity 100 list and after this past year, it isn’t a surprise to see her on the list. With new hit singles, performing over 85 shows in the past 12 months, and a new fragrance, it is no wonder Rihanna has come out on top!

And last but not least, coming in at the number five spot is Lady Gaga.  Although Lady Gaga was at number one on the celebrity 100 list last year, because of a lack of touring this past year, Gaga lands at number five. However, the young celeb remains on top due to her powerful social media influence. As of May, Gaga’s earnings are at a reported $52 million. 

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Don't Miss the Crooklyn Clan and DJ Sizzahandz @ Aura, Friday- May 18th!

East Meadow Shopping Center
www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-9770





Come to Aura Light & Sound Suite this Friday, May 18th to listen to the CROOKLYN CLAN and DJ SIZZAHANDZ mix together Dance, House& Hip Hop music for your enjoyment. The opening set will feature DJ UNKNOWN and will be hosted by MC Johnny Shine.


There will be free comps available until midnight and an open bar for ladies from 11pm until 12 am. Also, if you’re interested in $200bottles or VIP call Richie P at 516-204-5633! 


For more information, visit AURANIGHTCLUBLI.COM!  

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

New York Rangers Take Game 1 Against the New Jersey Devils- Are the Ticket's Worth It?

East Meadow Shopping Center
www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-9770

Last night, the New York Rangers faced off against the New Jersey Devils in the first game in hopes of making it to the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup Playoff's. It is reported that seats averaged almost $800 on the secondary market.

The semi-finals kicked off in New York City at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers are scheduled to host the devils in the first two games played in the best out of seven in the Eastern Conference finals. The New York Rangers are scheduled to host games 1,2,5 and 7 while the New Jersey Devils are scheduled to host games 3,4 and 6.

The cost of a ticket for the games played at Madison Square Garden average at $931, which is more than 51% higher for the $615 average price per ticket at the Prudential Center in Newark.  With potential to have the Devils host three games at the Prudential Center, it is easy to assume that there will be quite the turnout of New York Ranger fans at the Prudential Center.

According to TiqIQ, an online resale ticket marker, there has been a 4 to 1 ratio of New York to New Jersey fans purchasing tickets. The average ticket price of $781 for this series is the highest average price in the Eastern and Western conference.

Will you be purchasing tickets to watch the New York Rangers take on the New Jersey Devils this series? Let us know on the Zacharys & Aura Facebook Wall, linked HERE.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

East Meadow Shopping Center
www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-9770
 
This Sunday, May 13th marks the official date of Mother’s Day. This is a nationwide holiday to honor and celebrate all of the wonderful mothers out there.  Having trouble deciding what to buy your mom for this special holiday? Here are some wonderful Mother’s Day gift ideas for your mom, grandma, sister or daughter!
If you aren’t going to be with your loved one on this special day, sending flowers to the home is always a classic hit. Mom’s love flowers! Consider pairing the bouquet with a keepsake photo or special poem to add a personal touch. If your mom likes flowers she may also be into gardening. Consider giving her beautiful potted plants like miniature rose bushes, blooming azalea plants or fragrant lavender plants.
Photo related gifts are also classic Mother’s Day gifts. Consider giving your mom a personalized name photo collage frame, a personalizes custom photo cell phone skin, an oversized metal family tree sculpture, photo throw blankets, generations picture frames, engraved picture frames or a custom photo treat jar. Any of these sentimental gifts are sure to be loved and appreciated by any mom!
If you’re looking to splurge this Mother’s Day, think about planning a day at the spa for your mom or a special day trip. Also, a food and wine tasting is always a great way to bring you and your mom together!
What are you planning on getting for your loved one? Let us know on the Zacharys and Aura Facebook Wall, linked HERE

Thursday, May 3, 2012

TONIGHT @ AURA: Dirty Couture Fashion Show!


East Meadow Shopping Center
www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-9770


Come to AURA for the Dirty Couture Fashion Show! The fashion show will be featuring the guys of dirty couture and the CANZ girlz.
 
There is an open bar for ladies until 12 a.m. and doors open at 10! Groups of 5+ girls please call 516-794-3091 for a complimentary bottle. For 2 for 1 bottles call Richie at 516-204-5633.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Cinco De Mayo Recipes!


East Meadow Shopping Center
www.zacharysandaura.com (516) 794-9770
Will you be celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend? Here are some quick and easy recipes to ensure your fiesta is a huge success!
Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Beer Batter:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup dark Mexican beer*
Cream Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2/3 cup Mexican crema** or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fish Tacos:
  • Oil, for frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 2 pounds skinned halibut cut into 5 by 1/2-inch strips
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 cups tomatillo salsa (store-bought or homemade) for garnish, optional
  • Pickled jalapenos, for garnish, optional
Directions
For the Beer Batter:
Mix the flour, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually add in the beer while whisking. Set aside and let the batter rest for 15 minutes before using.

For Cream Sauce:
Add the mayonnaise and crema to a medium bowl. Whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice and water. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper (can be made 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated).

For the Fish:
In a large skillet, over medium heat, add enough oil to reach a depth of 1-inch. Heat the oil until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F or when the end of a wooden spoon sizzles when inserted into the oil.

On a large plate, combine the flour and salt. Season the fish pieces all over with salt and pepper and coat with the flour. Working in batches, dip the fillets in the beer batter and coat on both sides. Fry in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Make tacos with the tortillas and fish and top each with cream, shredded cabbage, tomatillo salsa and pickled jalapenos, if desired.

Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
  • 9 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1/2 medium white onion
  • 1 serrano chile
  • 1 yellow chile (guero)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
  • 2 store-bought rotisserie chicken breasts, skinned and shredded (to yield 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions: 
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Put the tomatillos, onion, serrano, yellow chile and 3/4 cup water in a medium, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and boil until the tomatillos turn olive-green color, about 10 minutes. Transfer the tomatillos, onion and chiles to a blender. Add the garlic and cilantro and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortillas until golden but still pliable, about 10 seconds per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Put the tortillas on a work surface. Divide the shredded chicken evenly among the tortillas and roll up each like a cigar. Spread 1/3 cup sauce in a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish. Arrange the enchiladas, seam-side down, in one layer snugly inside the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas.
Drizzle with the Mexican crema and sprinkle the cheese all over. Bake until the cheese melts and starts to brown in spots, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe: Classic Tortilla Soup
Soup:
  • 4 large plum tomatoes
  • 1 small white onion or a 1-inch-thick slice of a large white onion, peeled
  • 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • 1 medium dried New Mexico chile, stemmed, seeded, and torn into large pieces
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 corn tortillas, torn into 1-inch pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tortilla strips:
  • 6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
  • Vegetable oil, for shallow frying
  • 6 to 8 canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, optional for garnish
  • Mexican sour cream or regular sour cream, for serving
  • 2 avocados, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes or slices
  • 1 queso fresco or mild feta cheese, crumbled
Directions:
Soup: Heat a heavy saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes, peeled onion, and unpeeled garlic cloves. Roast, turning frequently, until the garlic is soft, about 10 minutes. Remove the garlic when soft, but slightly blackened. Peel the garlic and set aside. Add the chile and continue to cook for another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the onion and set aside. Continue to cook the tomatoes until charred and blackened, another 5 minutes. Put the garlic, chile, onion, tomatoes, tortillas, and 2 cups chicken broth in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a large saucepan and add the remaining 4 cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Tortilla strips: In a medium, heavy skillet, pour enough oil to reach a depth of 1/2 an inch. Heat over medium-high heat until very hot, but not smoking. Add the tortilla strips in batches and fry until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
To serve, ladle the soup into 6 individual serving bowls. Serve whole chipotle chiles, Mexican sour cream, avocados, cheese, and tortilla strips on the side.