Mother’s Day Re-Imagined
By Nancy Vallarella
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Nationally, Mother’s Day is the busiest day for the hospitality industry. Apparently, family members feel this day is best left to the professionals. No doubt many Smithtown moms celebrated by dining out. The restaurants along Rt. 25A were bustling. For one Smithtown mom, Mother’s Day is every day on 25A.
Aggie Contes, mother of three and retired Smithtown Christian School teacher spends afternoons tending shop at her youngest son Joshua’s new business, Re-Imagined Kitchen and Bath. With a grand opening scheduled for this Sunday, May 15th, she is one proud mother.
John and Aggie Contes have two sons that have realized their career dream. Across the road from Re-Imagined Kitchens and Bath, oldest son Chef Jonathan Contes has co-owned the acclaimed restaurant Mosaic for over a decade. There is much speculation that sister, Jessica will be doing business on Rt. 25A in the future.
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This tight-knit family has been working, growing and learning together since the early eighties when father, John Contes transitioned from his family’s restaurant and catering business to teaching. The entire Contes family commuted to work and school together as they all headed to the same destination, the Smithtown Christian School on Brooksite Drive.
Beaming, Aggie speaks of her son Joshua’s desire to work with his hands and physical capabilities even from an early age. She recalls his bold attempt to climb a twenty-foot ladder at 18-months-old ;)
and his handy work creating a new fireplace for the family home. Eventually through drive, desire and ability the youngest Contes landed a job with Affordable Cabinets in Farmingdale where he honed his skills for several years.
With a business of his own, Joshua Contes continues his friendship with his former boss and mentor. Many clients remain in his life as friends. When asked how it feels to see your children realize their dream, Aggie Contes smiles knowingly. She recommends having patience and to always allow for constructive exploration.
The Re-Imagined Kitchen and Bath showroom features several manufactured lines of kitchen and bath cabinets, quartz and granite countertops, sinks, and fixtures. Striking wood pieces handcrafted by Joshua Contes are a must see especially for the wine enthusiast.
You are invited to join the Contes family in the Grand Opening of Re-Imagined Kitchen and Bath, 437 North Country Road, Saint James on Sunday, May 15th from 1 p.m. to 5 pm. Refreshments will be provided by Chef Jonathan Contes of Mosaic Saint James who under supervision was allowed to cook his first steak at age five.