Sideline Cafe At NYA

Expanding With Healthy Offerings

By John Voket

“Parents of kids who are spending a lot of time here at the Newtown Youth Academy should know that their children don’t have to go without a proper, healthy meal,” said Annie Praino, who along with husband Artie Praino recently took over the Sideline Cafe at the Fairfield Hills sports complex.

Known for the takeout entrees, overstuffed sandwiches, and catering available through their other business, Newtown Deli, the Prainos jumped at the chance to expand into another service outlet for their culinary offerings.

Ms Praino said, however, that another attraction was being able to expand the more modest snack bar at the NYA to be able to offer some of the fresh prepared meals they offer at their other location.

“Previously, the Sideline Cafe was getting prepared food from our deli and reselling it,” Ms Praino told The Bee during a recent visit. “And we were known to their management and many of their members because we previously catered a number of larger functions and private parties here.”

While the Sideline Cafe still sells a line of quick and perhaps less desirable candy, chips, and flavored slush drinks, the menu is much more counterbalanced with fruit smoothies, protein shakes, gluten-free options, fresh fruits, yogurt, locally made R-Bar energy bars, fruit cups, cereals, and hot oatmeal.

“All the food we sell is prepared fresh every day at the deli,” Ms Praino said, adding that even their breakfast sandwiches can be ordered with just egg whites on request.

The Sideline Cafe also serves recreational visitors to the Fairfield Hills complex, as well as the Newtown Municipal Center.

“We also deliver over to the municipal center.” Ms Praino added.

One of the features offered at the Sideline Cafe is aimed at families whose children spend extended periods of time at the complex during sport team practices and games.

“Parents can establish an account or tab in advance for their children and themselves, and then they can just order against the tab,” she said. This can provide added security, because participating families won’t have to worry about bringing or keeping cash on hand if they are ready to grab a cold drink, snack, or sandwich.

Currently Ms Praino said four or five families are maintaining accounts with the Sideline Cafe.

When she is tied up at the deli, or running food between the two locations, the NYA cafe is in the hands of their friendly associate, Julie Hasselberger, who has worked the counter for several months.

Depending on the day, patrons may enjoy entree selections including stuffed breads, pulled turkey over rice, grilled chicken Marsala with pasta, veggie burgers, turkey wraps with spinach and mushrooms, etc.

Of course clients who want to talk catering can do that at the Sideline Cafe, as well. And for parents waiting for their children, there is Wi-Fi available so they can work or play on their laptop computers or netbooks.

To learn more, or to call in an order to the Sideline Cafe at The Newtown Youth Academy, call 203-426-0088.