EVERYONE’S A CRITIC: Or at least they think they are. Well Zagat, publishers of those pocket-sized books with mini-ratings for restaurants, is seeking diners’ opinions. Zagat is currently conducting its online survey of Long Island restaurants; vote at zagat.com to share thoughts and opinions about your dining experiences. Surveyors are asked to rate food, decor, service and provide estimated cost. Do it all before November 23 to receive a copy of the 2009/10 Long Island Restaurants guide when it is published.

MMM COFFEE: Georgio’s Coffee Roasters (146 Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station. 631-470-7797) is the only coffee house or roaster in the world to carry three Bourbon coffees. At least according to Georgio, that is. Bourbon is one of the two original strains of the Arabica species, the other being Typica. Bourbon needs to be grown under shade or the trees will burn! All three Bourbons Georgio roasts are shade, eco-friendly practiced and sustainable, as well as the Colombia Bourbon being organic and bird-friendly. The Colombian and peaberry are Rainforest Alliance Certified. These original strains of the Arabica Species have more flavor than sun grown, man made hybrids that are grown with no shade, or in full sun. They yield less coffee per tree and are more disease prone. They also need careful cultivation. The flavor of the coffee and the lack of destruction to the soil are well worth it! The three Bourbons: Bourbon Peaberry (Reunion); Bourbon Selecto (Puerto Rico) and Bourbon Don Telmo Reserve (Colombia).

THANKSGIVING IDEAS: Food advice isn’t too far afield for a garden center, so Hicks Nurseries will present “Delicious New Ideas for Thanksgiving Entertaining” on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 4 pm. Jeri Woodhouse of A Taste of the North Fork will shares her ideas for holiday entertaining. A Taste of the North Fork products are organically-grown on Long Island and prepared using no preservatives. Hicks Nurseries is located at 100 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury; 516-334-0066.

LOLLIPOP WARS: OK, it’s shameless self-promotion on their part, but who can resist a lollipop contest? Commerce Bank, soon to be known as TD Bank, is asking folks to vote for the lollipop they feel is best suited to lead “America’s Most Convenient Bank” into a new era. “Decision ’08: Pick Your Pop,” will ask folks to pick their favorite between purple and green lollipops in a promotion that recalls the bank’s early days. You see, when customers were asked what they cared about most at Commerce Bank, it was the service, the hours, Penny Arcade, and the lollipops they mentioned. All will remain a part of the TD Bank culture, according to bank officials. The best part, no matter which color wins, the lollipops on TD’s counters will all be cherry flavored. To cast your vote go to www.commerceonline.com/pickyourpop.

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