Newtown, PA July 2021

J U LY 2 02 1

Celebrate Summer

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Oh summer, are we glad to see you!

KIDS ARE DONE SCHOOL AND NOW IT'S TIME TO PLAN SOME FUN ADVENTURES. Whether you're a sit by the pool or head down the shore kind of a

Stacy Graebner | stacy.graebner@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

person, it's always good to have some solid summer reading lined up. We found a few great selections and the best part, they are ALL by local authors.

Looking for some dining options less than 30 minutes away that offer a great outside dining experience and great food? We've got you covered! From amazing seafood to good ole BBQ. Plus there’s a new baker in town you must check out. SugarBomb will be sure to delight with several unique and scrumptious baked good options!

Have you ever experienced a beautiful summer day when suddenly dark clouds roll in creating an eery scene that makes you run for cover? Alexandru Bruschini, a local meteorologist and photographer, explains how extreme weather in this region is common and actually quite normal.

As always the very talented Donna Hoffman is sharing some tips on how to create your outside oasis and most importantly how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you time and money!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

With so much do in Newtown and easy access to beaches and parks, we hope you

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

have a lovely summer and make the most of it! Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Dana Weissenberg, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

Proverbs 3:5-6 Newtown Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Newtown Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

4

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

TOM GRIMES PHOTOGRAPHY

Design a Life Well Lived / Full-Service Interior Design KARIN@KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM | WWW.KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM (609) 474-0069 | PENNINGTON , NEW JERSEY

INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 12 Destination Dining Four fabulous restaurants with outdoor dining that are worth the drive

20 Backyard Oasis How to avoid common mistakes in outdoor design

26 ‘Eye’ of the Storm Local meteorologist and photographer documents the aweinspiring power of Mother Nature

20 12

32 SugarBomb New bakery hits the sugar scene in Newtown

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26

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

12

Hot Spot

20 Open House 30 Realty Report 32 Local Limelight 34 Page Turners 38 Road Trip

AROUND TOWN

summer unWINEd series on Saturday, July 3rd. The

STRADA OPENS ON STATE STREET

event will feature live music from The Sensational

STRADA, a new stylish men and women's cloth-

Soul Cruisers and fireworks to end the night.

ing boutique hosted their grand opening in May.

Bring a lawn chair, and enjoy the music under the

The store features women's loungewear, clothing

stars. There will be activities for kids, wine, locally

for every day, and trendy pieces for going out, with

brewed beer, themed cocktails and tasty food. No

brands such as Frame, LA Biz, Barok Paris, Misha

outside food or drink is permitted. Gates open at

Brand, Muche et Muchette and Posh Couture.

5pm, music begins at 6:30pm. It is recommended

Men will find crews, graphic tees, jeans, jackets,

that tickets be purchased ahead online. If the event

button-downs, and blazers for everyday wear and

sells out, no tickets will be sold at the door. Kids 23

a night out. Choose from brands like, Joe’s Jeans,

months and younger are free.

Hudson, Vince, DL1961 Premium Denim, Bottega

"ADOPT A SEAT" TO SUPPORT RENOVATIONS OF THE NEWTOWN THEATRE!

and Robert Graham. Open Tues-Sun 11-6pm. 28 South State Street, Newtown PA.

In August, the Newtown Theatre will kick off Phase

CELEBRATE FOURTH OF JULY AT SHADY BROOK FARM, SATURDAY JULY 3RD

1 of major renovations including a new hardwood

In celebration of Independence Day, Shady

and more! Newtown residents have the opportunity

Brook Farm will host a special concert as part of its

to support these plans through an "Adopt a Seat"

floor, vintage-style seats, a new interior coat of paint,

Haldeman Lexus of Princeton Top Selection of New & Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Just Minutes from Bucks County

Complimentary Valet Pickup & Car Wash for Service Complimentary PA State Inspection Included with all New Purchases

www.haldemanlexus.com | (609) 375-1000 8

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

|

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW 2021 LEXUS IS

2630 Brunswick Pike, Business Route #1 North, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

program which runs through July 31st. Donors can leave their mark on Newtown history by adding your name or business, a short message, or the

PEDDLER'S VILLAGE HOSTS RED, WHITE AND BLUE BBQ BASH

name of someone you would like to honor on the

Peddler's Village will host its classic barbeque

arm of a brand new seat. Adopt one seat for $500,

picnic on July 3rd and 4th. They will be serving

or up to two seats for $1,000, with additional seats

all-American grilled favorites and featuring live

and added benefits available for larger donations.

music, family entertainment and kids activities! July

visit https://www.thenewtowntheatre.

3, 12pm - July 4, 5pm. Peddler's Village, Routes 202

Please

com/adopt-a-seat for more information.

&263, Lahaska, PA.

CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC RENOVATION SMALL COMMERCIAL JOELPETTY.COM

215-321-4477

BUCKS COUNTY, PA CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

9

HOT SPOT

4 FABU S LOU R TAU RE S

T AN H IT SW

OU

T

O

OR

SE AT IN

GT HA TA RE W ORTH

THE DRIVE

THERE IS JUST SOMETHING SPECIAL

In these pages, we have broadened our

ABOUT ALFRESCO DINING ON A BEAU-

scope a bit to bring you some outdoor din-

TIFUL SUMMER NIGHT! Perhaps it’s

ing options for those times you can’t stray

the fresh air, the energy, the company, the

too far from home but are in need of some

cocktails, the food, or maybe it’s the feeling

fun or a relaxing reset!

of being whisked away to somewhere else; putting us in vacation mode even if just a few miles from home.

12

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

+ DESTINATION

ARTICLE BETH CRAWFORD

D

DI N I NG +

JULES@MARKET 111 M A R K E T S T R E E T B R I S T O L , P A 2 15 - 4 5 8 -7 6 2 2 With accolades galore including “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Philadelphia as per Philadelphia Magazine and Top Chef in Bucks County, owner Jules and Chef Bobby have been serving up sustainable ocean to table seafood in the charming historic waterfront district of Bristol Borough since November 2017.

Jules at Market’s success begins with fresh seafood purchased from fish mongers, Samuels and Sons; purveyors with the highest quality standards as set by the Marine Stewardship Council and Monterey Bay Aquarium. These two highly regarded, independent seafood ranking companies allow consumers to enjoy dining with confidence. Additionally, Jules personally strives for a 48 hour harvest date from water to table!

Popular menu items include their award winning crab cakes, the seafood tower, jumbo scallops, and their extensive selection of fresh fish, steaks and chops. Hard to find delicacies such as Florida stone crabs, Dover sole, and soft shells are available seasonally.

With regards to cooking preparation, Jules states, “Our cooking preparation is simple. All dishes are sautéed; you will never find anything fried, baked, or stuffed on our menu. We stay out of the way and let the integrity of each carefully sourced ingredient shine through.” Still want more? Try a scrumptious dessert or two created by their wildly innovative sous chef, Sam! A 20x40 tent elegantly appointed with white table cloths and seasonal florals elevate the experience making Jules at Market the perfect mix of unpretentious sophistication that is well suited for both casual and special occasion dining.

Jules@Market is BYOB. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 5-10:00. Check out their live music schedule and don’t miss “buck-a-shuck” Wednesday’s - $1 “shucked to order oysters” with the purchase of an entrée. Reservations are accepted on Open Table or by texting 609-954-2372.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

13

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

THE LANDING R E S T A U R A N T 22 NORTH MAIN STREET NEW H O P E , P A 215 - 8 6 2-5711 The Cretella’s and The Landmark Hospitality

team

have

been

busy,

busy this past year. First they began a major renovation of the Logan Inn and Mansion which is scheduled to open this summer, then amidst the pandemic they acquired The Landing Restaurant in New Hope, PA. The Landing opened its door back in May, and we could not be happier to include this summer favorite in our alfresco dining segment!

First, we should warn you that the beautiful

grounds

of

The

Landing

Restaurant might take your breath away; a sumptuous garden along with overflowing flower pots lead patrons to their stunning riverside terrace. This oversized patio with bright red umbrellas, new tables, and more flowers provides diners with a spectacular front row river view seat. Landmark Hospitality recognizes that some of our best memories are made over food. That said, they believe that there are three components that

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make for a positive dining experience 1)

farm to table inspired American Continental cuisine. Popular menu items include

an upbeat, cheery, colorful atmosphere,

glazed fig or prosciutto and goat cheese flatbreads, roasted pear and beet salad,

2) delicious food, and 3) great service.

shrimp and fish tacos, the Landing burger, a recently added charcuterie board,

Fun fact: they even refer to their friendly

and our personal favorite, the black bean nachos! Interested in a summer cock-

staff as “memory makers”.

tail? Casey and the other bartenders are happy to help you quench your thirst.

General Manager, Maggie noted that

Try the seasonal sangria, planters punch, a cold beer, mimosa, or a nice glass

the new Landing will be making some

of wine. Non-alcoholic mango white tea, the Pomegranate-Blueberry refresher

small changes over time, but the welcom-

and other mocktails are also available. Terrace seating is first come and is open

ing, relaxed feeling you’ve always enjoyed

for Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Bruch. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday

is staying put as is their emphasis on fresh

11:30-9:00; Friday-Saturday 11:30-11:00; Sunday 10:00-9:00.

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

E R I N I R E S T A U R A N T 114 0 R I V E R R O A D E W IN G T O W N S H I P, N J 6 0 9 - 8 8 2 - 0 3 0 3 Close your eyes and imagine sipping on a Mai Tai in a lush tropical garden surrounded by tiki torches and palm trees. Add some Mediterranean inspired cuisine…perhaps a Meze Platter with homemade hummus and feta, fresh grilled octopus, lollipop lamb chops, or ahi tuna and now open your eyes. Did you escape briefly to another land? If so, the Fifis family has accomplished exactly what they set out to do back in 2007. Their vision to create a place where diners come to enjoy, relax, and escape reality for a couple of hours can be found just over the bridge at Erini Restaurant in Ewing, NJ. We chatted with co-owner, Chef Nick as he was leaving a local tree farm with a truck full of new palms for the patio. Erini, derived from the Greek word “peace”, is known for their Mediterranean inspired cuisine; classic family recipes with a modern day twist. While their food is top priority, he went on to passionately explain the concept referred to as “SALT” (Sound, Ambiance, Lighting, and Temperature).

The tranquil sound of pond-less waterfalls, the carefully positioned lighting, music that changes seasonally, and an underground greenhouse that keeps the Elephant Ears and Caladiums flourishing all year round are just a few examples of how Erini has incorporated each of these elements to achieve their intentional vibe. Separately, these features are nice but when properly combined, they work harmoniously to elevate the dining experience.

This master chef began picking string beans for $5 a bushel at the age of 5 before graduating to head toast maker at the family’s Cherry Hill Diner, Ponzio’s. Things began to heat up after being hired as sous chef and working for some of Philly’s top restaurants; Continental, Buddakan,

World

Fusion,

and

Amada.

However, the real fun came with the birth of Erini; a magical space that would become a culmination of Nick and his family’s experiences and Greek heritage.

The Fifis family, along with General Manager and bartender Kyle Hillman, run a tight ship leaving no stone unturned. That said, it is no surprise that when it comes to quality, they only serve the very best; Angus beef, sushi grade and wild caught seafood, innovative craft cocktails, and scratch-made dessert are sure to round out the perfect dining experience and escape! Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:30 -9:00; Fri-Saturday 11:30 AM-10:00; Sunday 3:00-9:00. Reservations are accepted and can be made on RESY. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

15

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

HOLY QUE SMOKEHOUSE 5788 LOWER YORK R O A D L A H A S K A , P A 267-544-5762 It is July, friends, and you know what that means….time for some Barbeque!

Holy Que Smokehouse in Lahaska, PA has been on fire since they opened in November 2020! Owner, Tom Peters hung up his real-estate hat after 22 years and began smokin’ everything he could get his hands on: brisket, ribs, sausage links and pork! Good barbeque is serious business; Tom and his posse smoke more than 700 lbs. of meat daily! Holy Que Smokes, that is no joke!

Tom educated us on the different types of barbeque; Kansas City, Memphis and Carolina, but @holyquesmokes keeps it low, slow, and Texas style! A little kosher salt and pepper dry rub is all that’s needed to keep the crowds coming back again and again! What? No BBQ sauce?

Don’t worry your pretty little head; if you like your barbeque smothered, they’ve got you covered. Plus, you’ve got decisions to make, important decisions like which sides to pick. Choose from mac-

TIP: reservations are not accepted so to avoid disappointment, give a call

n-cheese, baked beans, cider slaw,

before you go; when they run out, they run out! Hours: Wednesday – Saturday

creamed corn, greens or honey corn

11:00-6:00; Sunday 12:00-4:00.

bread. Can’t decide? Give ‘em all a try!

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Grab some friends and indulge in

Beth Crawford is the founder and former director of BC Discoveries Dance

some delicious barbeque while hang-

and Theater Arts Co. After many years of working in dance and theater pro-

ing out back @HolyQuesmokes where

duction, she has shifted gears to serving the local community as a social

it always “feels like home”! Holy Que

media manager and freelance writer. She is currently a blogger for Bucks

Smokehouse is BYOB with live music

on Trend where she highlights the fabulous local small businesses in Bucks

on Saturday’s. Catering is also available.

County. IG: @bucksontrend.

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19

OPEN HOUSE

ARTICLE DONNA HOFFMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PETER RYMWID

Outdoor furnishings designed by Interiors by Donna Hoffman, Photography by Peter Rymwid

B AC K YA R D OA S I S 20

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

HOW TO AVOID COMMON MISTAKES IN OUTDOOR DESIGN

QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU CROSS CHAISE LOUNGES AND A PATIO WITH A GRILL AND DINING TABLE FOR 8?

Answer: Either your little slice of outdoor heaven, or a trip to that other place!

People consistently err in outdoor design in the same areas and to the tune of dollars shredded, opportunities missed and abounding frustration. Outdoor design is not without cost or complexity so this article is intended to see your safe passage to the outdoor space that will feed your soul.

WHAT IS AT PLAY: There are certain, “rules of the road’ – for indoor or outdoor design that are ignored at your own peril. The first of these rules is that form (beauty) follows function. One of the first lessons taught in design school: You must optimize function of any space first, then you make it beautiful.

AS APPLIED TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE: + Make sure you can comfortably and safely move around and between all furnishings themselves as well as the functional hardscaping (patio edges, deck steps, railings, pools, etc). + Make sure your outdoor furnished spaces seat the number of people you want AND in the way you want – sitting upright, lounging or reclining.

Outdoor furnishings designed by Interiors by Donna Hoffman

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

21

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

+ Try not to fall into the aesthetic trap shown in catalogs of matchy-matchy with a side order of more “matchy-ness”. (Thank you Grandin Road catalog) Let’s break it down and pull no punches … because I love you.

Rule #1: Furniture layout and spacing will either make a space feel and look fantastic, or, if you blow it, your outdoor space will look and feel like @#%*. PERIOD. Think about it. I could design the most stunning outdoor patio and pool deck for you, but if it is underfilled with too little furniture, it will forever feel cold and unfinished to you, no matter how handsome the furnishings. Conversely, if I packed the furnishings so tightly that you can’t comfortably move between the end of a chaise and your pool, or the back of a dining chair and the grill, the space would forever feel crowded and uncomfortable, looking terrible too.

Furniture layout - specifically space planning – is the most misunderstood and underrated piece of design. But I ask you: Did Coco Chanel ever build a dress without a sketch and a pattern?

I want you to channel your inner Coco.

You need a space plan. Don’t shortchange this step, and don’t rely on a talented, green-thumbed landscape architect to save you here. Completely different skill set. I do suggest a professional designer if budget affords – or if you’re DIY all the way – invest in an online space planning program and self-educate the best you can.

Rule #2: Make sure your outdoor space seats the number of people you want and in the way you want.

I always ask clients how they want to use a space.

Do you like to have your feet up while you hang in a lounge chair, then a firepit with a generous ledge might do the trick. Prefer to sunbathe with each of your kids? Then having a chaise lounge per family member is must. That is….if there is an available 72” of length for the chaises before the pool’s edge, plus 36” for pass through.

Design is math…who knew?

22

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

Outdoor furnishings designed by Interiors by Donna Hoffman

Donna Hoffman

Be sure to answer the question: How do

I encourage you to find one of the fabulous

I want this Patio/Deck/Pool Deck/Outdoor

interior designers available to you here in

Room/Covered Porch to function and then

the great County of Bucks. A good designer

work backwards from there.

is worth her weight in gold….or pool floats.

Rule #3: Outdoor design is trending

Happy designing, lovely!

into greater sophistication with vendors pushing the limits of indoor aesthetic and comfort into outdoor fabrics and frames.

About Donna Hoffman: A multiaward-winning Bucks County based

Designers achieve a high-end look by

designer, Hoffman’s company, Interiors

mixing textures and silhouettes, rather than

by Donna Hoffman, specializes in

settling into matchy-matchy – the way the

new construction, renovation, whole

catalogs show. Must you use the exact

home and full room design, delivering

furniture suite all over a yard? A design pro-

livable luxury to discerning clients.

fessional would say no, instead suggesting

Seen in Forbes, Real Simple, TV and

layering silhouettes, finishes and fabrics as

radio, Donna is considered a design

we do indoors. This said, try to keep your

thought leader. Called the nation’s #1

finishes and fabrics to a contained mini-

design coach because she founded

mum for a truly elegant and resort feel.

TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.com,

And, if you feel this is all above your pay-

Donna also loves providing on-line

grade and you don’t want to blow it after

courses that empower DIY’ers across

investing as you have in your hardscaping,

the country.

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

23

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Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

25

‘ E Y E ’ OF THE S T OR M

A cold front approaching the Delaware River Basin (Photo courtesy of Alexandru Bruschini)

LOCAL METEOROLOGIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER DOCUMENTS THE AWE-INSPIRING POWER OF MOTHER NATURE

26

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXANDRU BRUSCHINI

A tornado warned thunderstorm cell in NJ (Photo courtesy of Alexandru Bruschini)

HURRICANES, TORNADOES, THUNDERSTORMS,

thing that is predictable is the unpredictability of wild

DAMAGING WINDS… ALTHOUGH WE USUALLY

weather striking where we least expect it! It comes

ASSOCIATE SUMMER WITH BLUE SKIES AND SUN-

as no surprise then that Pennsylvania averages about

SHINE (AND ALONG THE EAST COAST, EXCESSIVE

16 tornadoes per year, per the National Oceanic and

HUMIDITY AND BAD HAIR DAYS!), JUNE AND JULY

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with thunder-

ARE ACTUALLY THE MOST LIKELY MONTHS TO

storms, high winds and flooding also a recurring theme

BRING US SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS. This occurs

in our summer experiences.

because of higher amounts of convective activity (rapid

With severe weather becoming more common in this

changing of atmospheric molecules) during the sum-

area and throughout the country, Alexandru’s role has

mer compared to other seasons. Alexandru Bruschini

expanded beyond the Delaware Valley, as he now serves

(Brandon) knows this well, and in fact has made a career

as a member of the U.S. Government’s Natural Disaster

of tracking these natural phenomena. A Yardley native

Team. Working in natural disasters took Alexandru’s

and graduate of Penn State’s rigorous meteorology pro-

career in a direction he hadn’t anticipated. He had

gram, Alexandru works behind the scenes to predict this

always enjoyed photography as a hobby, but his new role

area’s ever shifting weather patterns, which is no easy

allowed him to blend his two talents. Covering tornadoes,

feat. In fact, the Delaware Valley is one of the hardest

wildfires, floods, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and

areas in the nation in which to predict weather because

Nor’ Easter impact zones across the U.S. and beyond,

of variable seasonal temperatures, winds, bodies of

Alexandru finds himself perpetually on call to rush to

water and varied terrain. The large ground fluctuations of

the scene of an impending disaster area when a storm

the Delaware Valley and the rolling hills of the Piedmont

hits to collect information and document destruction

combined with the sharp cutoff at the Delaware River

photographically. The assignments keep Alexandru on

separating the hilly Pennsylvania terrain from the flat

his toes, and his cameras fully charged, “Pre-pandemic,

land surface (plateau) found in New Jersey makes this

I was travelling over 300,000 air miles a year to pre and

area a prime location for upper level wind disturbances.

post natural disaster points. I have seen the nation by

Throw in the ocean wind from the coast and the dif-

car, boat, plane and train, coast to coast, island to island,

fering wind currents over the mountains, and the only

desert to farms, with the Rocky Mountains in between”.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

27

‘EYE’ OF THE STORM (CONTINUED)

Once on site, Alexandru’s days are spent capturing the land-

I tell people every day, be happy for what you have. Count the

scape of the world through the lens of a camera or drone, often

blessings that you have a roof over your head, clean water,

while flying in a helicopter or from a unique perspective on the

green grass, and an interstate to drive on. When a disaster hits,

ground, holding a Surface tablet on his lap to distinguish vari-

it reminds us that we have a lot to be thankful for.”

ous situations while collecting and analyzing data.

Although the work can be intense at times - during peak

https://www.facebook.com/Bruschnado/

sometimes put him in precarious situations, including tum-

https://www.instagram.com/the_weatha_man/

bling down the side of a 20 foot cliff while tracking wildfires, the job has impacted him in ways he never imagined. “I’ve learned to take every day of my career with much gratitude

28

For more on Alexandru's photography:

storm periods, Alexandru works 14-20 hour days, and can

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

A 'fiery sunset' after a storm passes through Newtown (Photo courtesy of Alexandru Bruschini)

Family Style Italian Kitchen 18 S WA M P R OA D N E W T OW N

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Those who know...KNOW! (2 15) 57 9 -8 3 01 O L A STA L L A R ESTAU R A N T.COM CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

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REALTY REPORT

REALTY REPORT

NEWTOWN

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

1057 Creamery Rd

$2,725,000

$2,725,000

100%

1

4

6

1 Bryce Lane

$1,849,000

$1,825,000

99%

3

6

8

36 Bayshore Dr

$1,499,000

$1,525,000

102%

0

4

8

318 Pineville Rd

$1,895,000

$1,450,000

77%

187

4

4

15 Spring Oak Dr

$1,325,000

$1,365,000

103%

5

4

4

$969,900

$1,050,000

108%

1

5

4

630 Pineville Rd

$1,050,000

$1,050,000

100%

62

3

3

1981 Boxwood Dr

$949,900

$890,000

94%

8

5

5

916 Mount Eyre Rd

$919,000

$890,000

97%

59

5

5

287 N Lincoln Ave

$859,000

$842,500

98%

38

6

4

9 Madison Ct

$699,999

$705,000

101%

6

4

3

228 Sentinel Ave

$625,000

$690,000

110%

6

4

3

125 Ranch Rd

$699,900

$686,000

98%

28

4

3

61 Spring Garden Mill Dr

$639,500

$661,000

103%

4

5

3

114 Thornhill Ln

$625,000

$630,000

101%

6

3

3

10 Delaney Dr

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D AV E M A R C O L L A . C O M 12 TERRY DR. NEW TOWN, PENNSYLVANIA L I C E N S E D R E A LT O R S - PA A N D N J 30

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

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31

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

sugarbomb ARTICLE CHRISTINE TOY DRAGONI

WHAT IS SUGARBOMB? SugarBomb is the delicious

Stephanie says she feels like she has always been in

creation turned business of Newtown’s own Stephanie

a kitchen, watching, learning and eventually creating -

Eubanks. Stephanie turned her own creative hot choc-

beginning at age 3! She began learning simply by watch-

olate bombs into a new bakery business that recently

ing and sitting with her grandmother when she cooked

hit the Newtown sugar scene. The bakery will be armed

for her family when she was very young. Later, her father

with seasonal hot chocolate bombs and cupcakes, as

started to really teach her how to cook which ultimately

well as specialty cakes.

led her to work in restaurants most of her life. This path

A Virginia native, Stephanie has called Newtown home for the past 12 years since following the love of her life,

32

had Stephanie working as everything from a waitress and bartender, to a prep cook and then chef.

Matt Eubanks, to our town. It didn’t take her long to get

Stephanie has had several mentors throughout the

immersed in Newtown life by becoming a Deacon in a

years that extended beyond her family circle. She worked

local church as well as a member of Next Gen Rotary Club.

for Barley Sheaf Farm’s executive chef Josh Homacki as

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

a breakfast chef, while Melissa Wieczorek and Theo Petron of Zest

include The Chocolate Pig, a chocolate cupcake infused with bacon

Culinary introduced her to the world of personalized food service.

and topped with maple buttercream, and a seasonal Lemon Sunshine

Stephanie loved the food service business and was inspired to

cupcake which is a vanilla cupcake filled with freshly made lemon curd

continue to learn and grow in it. However, following the birth of her

and topped with vanilla buttercream (yum and more yum!). Launching

daughter Ava, there was one thing that kept nagging at her that led

SugarBomb, Stephanie has found a way to create and serve others on

her to leave the fast-paced business; work-life balance. Stephanie

her own time and still give her best to her own family. She truly believes

loved cooking and serving, but she worried that she wouldn’t be able

that “everything happens for a reason and this is my time to shine”. She

to do what she loved and take care of who she loved. Stephanie took

has faith that she will make a success of her own business in the indus-

a step back to raise her now 7 year old daughter.

try that she has been surrounded by her entire life - a business that was

It was while creating something magical for Ava and other family members at Christmastime, that Stephanie had the idea to make her own way and forge her own path. She began making hot chocolate bombs

inspired by her love and care for her family.

Her faith and hope for the future of SugarBomb is infectious and we believe Newtown is in for a real treat!

that were such a hit, she started experimenting with additional sweet

Order online:

treats, finding a passion in developing a full line of bakery goods….and

Thesugarbomb.com

with that, SugarBomb bakery was born. Some of her signature treats

IG: @sugarbombnewtown

Vanilla Madeleines with white chocolate and rose petals

The Chocolate Pig cupcake (Chocolate cupcake infused with bacon topped with maple buttercream & bacon) CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

33

PAGE TURNERS

summer reads

The Thousand Dollar Dinner

Summer Sand Road

Brilliantly Resilient

By Becky Libourel Diamond

By Katie Schulze-Bahn

By Kristin Smedley & Mary Fran Bontempo

are

A young islander named Katie is

Why do some people come through

among the most popular cooking shows

“Top

Chef”

style

competitions

enjoying life running wild and free

life’s challenges stronger than they were

today. But did you know America’s leading

among salt air and seagulls, until a

before? It has nothing to do with luck, but

restaurateurs were staging cooking chal-

summer storm turns her world upside

everything to do with living the Brilliantly

lenges over 150 years ago? These culinary

down. Forced to move to a forest town

Resilient way! Get ready to laugh out loud

duels determined whether New York or

in Southern New Jersey, life starts over,

as these two women share their journeys,

Philadelphia could deliver the most dec-

but – in a way – it’s just beginning for

tools, and stumbled-upon secrets, saving

adent feast. The most prominent kicked

her. On a warm summer morning, she

you a seat on their Brilliantly Resilient ride

off in 1851 at the very posh Delmonico’s in

unexpectedly meets a boy named Will.

of a lifetime. Kristin and Mary Fran will

New York. The Philadelphians then coun-

Their instant friendship is a story of love,

guide you through life’s “sucker punches”

tered with a twelve-hour feast at their city’s

loss, and growing up, and all in a very

so you too will be brilliant, not broken. As

finest, James W. Parkinson’s restaurant,

special place called the Pine Barrens.

Rob Angel, the creator of Pictionary put it:

which became known as the “Thousand

Author Katie Schulze-Bahn was raised in

“Kristin & Mary Fran are funny, approach-

Dollar Dinner” (since it cost $1,000, or about

a small farming town in the Pine Barrens,

able and completely relatable. Game

$34,000 today). In The Thousand Dollar

very close to a little sandy island. It is the

changers for sure.”

Dinner, Becky Diamond reveals the entire

place of her heart and soul. She is a wife,

Newtown resident Kristin Smedley and

seventeen-course meal, course by course,

and mother of 4 children and 2 rescue

Mary Fran Bontempo are TEDx speakers,

explaining each dish and its history.

dogs. She’s an avid gardener, loves all

authors, virtual presenters, program cre-

Author Becky Libourel Diamond is a

things flora and fauna and also enjoys sail-

ators/facilitators, media hosts and advo-

food writer, librarian and research historian.

ing, kayaking, and hiking: all of which she’s

cates in the blindness and recovery com-

She is the author of Mrs. Goodfellow: The

been relishing from a very young age. She

munities. They created Brilliantly Resilient

Story of America’s First Cooking School

currently lives in Newtown.

to be the resource they wish they had when

and is currently partnering with fellow epi-

dealing with their own train wrecks and

curean Max Tucci to write Celebrations:

sucker punches.

Entertaining the Delmonico Way and Process: The History of Processed Food. She lives in Yardley, PA. 34

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

6 BOOKS BY LOCAL AUTHORS TO ADD TO YOUR SUMMER READING LIST ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER

Lost, Found, & Forever

Then there was you

A Teacher Like You

By Victoria Schade

By Mona Shroff

By Frank Murphy and Barbara Dan

Justine Becker could not be more in love with her rescue dog, Spencer. However,

Can a perfect love heal even your deepest wounds?

Teachers impact their students’ lives every day and in so many ways, and

when she discovers a heartbreaking

As a helicopter medic, Daniel Bliant is a

their role in society has never been more

social media post, she realizes that her

calm presence for trauma victims on the

important. From the moment a student

beloved pup might actually belong to

worst day of their lives. So why can’t he

enters a classroom, these caring and cou-

someone else. Her worst fears are real-

heal himself? When he answers an emer-

rageous professionals go beyond teaching

ized when she and Spencer meet up with

gency call, he can’t believe who he finds:

to the curriculum, often stepping into roles

Brooklyn-based Griffin McCabe, and he

the beautiful woman he saw in his ER

to help sustain students’ physical and

wants Spencer back. The not-so-friendly

months ago and hasn’t been able to stop

emotional needs. A Teacher Like You is a

competition teeters on the edge of flat-

thinking about.

loving tribute to educators everywhere,

out hate, so when romantic feelings for

Annika Mehta may be reeling from a

thanking them for the countless ways they

Griffin catch Justine off guard, she needs

bad breakup and the terrible event that

encourage, support, and care for their

to determine if it’s all part of his plot to win

caused it, but she knows she’s resilient.

students... and assuring them their impact

the pup back, or if the guy who was good

What she doesn’t need is Daniel. He’s

will be felt for years to come.

enough for Spencer might also be good

wrong for her in every way, but somehow,

enough for her.

she can’t let him go.

Frank

Murphy’s

children’s

books

include The Legend of the Teddy Bear,

Author Victoria Schade has been a dog

This tear-jerker of a romance follows two

and the award winning A Boy Like You

trainer and writer for over twenty years. She

souls in need of healing—when all roads

and A Girl Like You which inspire children

has worked as the lead animal wrangler for

lead back to each other.

to embrace all the things that make them

Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl, appeared on

Author Mona Shroff grew up in Bucks

unique. He has been a teacher and coach

the Animal Planet show Faithful Friends,

County, and is a graduate of Neshaminy

for more than 25 years. Barbara Dan loves

and has written two dog training books

High School. She is an optometrist turned

to fill her classroom with picture books. She

and several fictional books. Victoria shares

writer who is currently working on her third

lives in Doylestown, PA.

her Bucks County home with her dogs

novel, with a fourth following right behind

Millie and Olive, and her incredibly tolerant

it! She and her husband reside in Maryland

husband, Tom.

with their rescue dog, Nala.

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

35

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37

ROAD TRIP

Explore National Parks Across the U.S. 3 TOP NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT NOW

THE

UNITED

STATES’

NATIONAL

PARKS,

WHICH

ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR NATURAL WONDERS AND UNMATCHED

BEAUTY,

ENCOMPASS

LANDS

THAT

HELPED SHAPE THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY AND HOLD CULTURAL VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE. The national parks invite us to stretch our imaginations—and our legs—and explore the great outdoors. This list of national parks just scratches the surface of the natural wonders to wonderlands to discover, but it includes three of the most stunning national parks in the United States.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

1.

Rocky Mountain National Park includes majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, incredible hiking trails and so much more. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, riding horses and bikes and enjoying the spectacular views.

Wintertime

brings

cross-country

skiing,

snowshoeing and sledding.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains,

2.

Yosemite National Park boasts giant sequoia trees, breathtaking waterfalls, vast meadows and more.

The park is home to unique rock formations like El Capitan, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Gaze in awe at Yosemite’s thousands of waterfalls.

3.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres include colorful hot springs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, fascinating mudpots, explosive geysers, diverse wildlife and more. It is home to more hot springs and geysers than anywhere else on Earth. The oldest and largest herd of bison in the country lives here.

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to start planning your next adventure.

Whether the mountains are calling, your inner daredevil needs to be satiated or a scenic road trip is in order, America’s national parks are begging to be explored!

38

Newtown Lifestyle | July 2021

Exp. 9/30/2021

Historic Farmhouse with Modern Addition on an Amazing Lot 1187 Eagle Road, Upper Makefield $1,125,000 www.1187EagleRd.com

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Washington Crossing, PA 18977