It’s a new day for northforker.
East End news veteran Vera Chinese has rejoined the Times/Review Newsgroup staff as the editor of northforker.com and its suite of lifestyle magazines. She starts in her new role today.
Ms. Chinese, 29, spent the past 2 1/2 years working in New York City as a general assignment reporter covering breaking news for the Daily News.
Prior to joining the Daily News Staff, she served as Times/Review’s associate web editor and as a reporter for the Riverhead News-Review. She began her career in 2008 as a staff writer for the Southampton Press.
“We are incredibly excited that Vera has rejoined our staff to lead Northforker.com and our special publications,” said Times/Review publisher Andrew Olsen. “Vera is a talented journalist who brings a different perspective, developed most recently during her tenure at the Daily News, to our talented editorial team. Her skills, along with her in-depth understanding of the North Fork is a great addition to our team. We are so happy that Vera is back with Times/Review in her new role. ”
Ms. Chinese is a past winner of the highly competitive best feature story award from the New York Press Association and was a third place winner of the organization’s Rookie of the Year award.
A native of Manorville, she said she’s excited to get back to covering the East End. In addition to her role on the website, Ms. Chinese will edit northforker magazines, including the Long Island Wine Press, Health and Fitness and the Holiday Guide.
“I’m elated to once again work alongside the talented journalists at Times/Review and to further northforker’s mission as the premiere source for all things food, wine and leisure on the top fork,” she said.
Ms. Chinese is a graduate of both Wagner College on Staten Island and New York University. She lives in Middle Island with her husband, Times/Review executive editor Grant Parpan, and their son, Jackson.
Q. What are some of your favorite places to eat on the North Fork?
A. I’m a regular for breakfast any time of day at Maple Tree BBQ in Riverhead. Farm Country Kitchen in Riverhead and Jamesport Country Kitchen are my favorite lunch spots. And for dinner, I’d have to say A Lure in Southold and Noah’s in Greenport.
Q. Any new features you’re excited to introduce to northforker?
A. North Fork Kids is something I’m real excited about. We write a lot about food and wine here, but there are so many fun things to do with kids. As a new mom, I’m definitely looking forward to sharing experiences from this world. Expanding the boutique beat and writing about unique retail shops is something else I’m excited to do.
Q. What was the best day you ever spent on the North Fork?
A. My wedding day, for sure. I got married at historic Brecknock Hall in Greenport and we went with a real North Fork theme. It was catered by Matt Kar of Christopher Michael Catering in Jamesport, the favor was red wine jelly from Taste of the North Fork in Cutchogue, the flowers were from Homeside Florist in Riverhead and the cake from Christopher Junda at Junda’s Pastry Crust and Crumbs in Jamesport had a grapevine design. It was a perfect day.
Q. What are you most looking forward to about your new job?
A. After spending two plus years working in New York City, I’m looking forward to spending my days on the scenic North Fork. The air’s a little fresher here and the pace is a little slower and more enjoyable to me.
Ms. Chinese can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 631-354-8051.
