Newtown, PA April 2023

Explore!

APRIL

ALSO SERVING NEW HOPE, UPPER MAKEFIELD, WASHINGTON CROSSING AND WRIGHTSTOWN

Dig Into Earth Day

April 22

The 2023 version of Earth Day will be the 53rd anniversary of the event, and this year’s theme is ‘Invest in Our Planet.’ In 1970, the first Earth Day mobilized 20 million Americans to call for increased protections for our planet. At the time, that number of citizens represented 10% of the total population of the United States. Celebrations that year effectively stopped traffic in New York City when 20,000 people packed Union Square to see Hollywood actor Paul Newman and hear a speech by New York City Mayor John Lindsay, who arrived on an electric bus. Throughout the 1970s, Earth Day observances eventually led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

In 1990, Earth Day went global and was recognized by 200 million people in 141 countries. Today, Earth Day is believed to be the largest secular holiday in the world, with more than 500 million people taking part in 174 countries.

The theme of this month’s magazine edition is ‘Explore.’ We hope you join us in exploring new and increasingly creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle throughout the Newtown region.

One last note, there will be a private screening of the short film  The Greatest Equalizer. Imagine if 70% of Bucks County was unemployed. Would that concern you? That’s exactly the crisis that people who are blind or visually impaired have faced for decades. Seventy percent of the blind community is unemployed. This crisis is easily fixable and the new short film,  The Greatest Equalizer, reveals the solutions. Please join community leaders, corporate executives, philanthropic supporters and advocates for an inclusive workplace at the private screening of this first short film from my friend, executive producer, and Bucks County resident, Kristin Smedley.

The event will be held on April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at The Newtown Theater.

Tickets and sponsorships information are available at  ThrivingBlind Academy.org/film

April 2023

PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Catrina Tier | catrina.tier@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Ryan Ahern | Ryan.Ahern@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Fiduccia, Erica Brooke Gordon, Julie Brown Patton, Becky Diamond

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan Tuno, Becky Diamond, Heather Raub, Lynn Goodwin, Corey McDonough

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEWTOWNCITYLIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE LETTER

A round-up of exciting

Bucks Live! Presents New, Storytelling Style Of Comedy

Legendary, American stand-up comedian D.C. Benny will host an interesting event on April 28 at The ZLOCK Performing Arts Center in Newtown. Co-host comedians Marc Kaye and D.C. will tell their own stories of "Resourcefulness" while introducing and highlighting fellow storytellers who otherwise live in the world as comedians, authors, professors and actors. Tickets are $10 each with free parking. More information can be found at:  Bucks. edu/Tickets . For group sales, call 215.968.8469.

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Touch A Truck Educational, Outdoor Event Scheduled For April 6

Attendees of all ages can stop by Veteran’s Park on April 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see upclose the huge trucks and vehicles typically being driven around Newtown. Township Public Works, Police, Emergency Services, Leck Waste Services, SEPTA and USPS representatives will be present at this free, outdoor event. The Facebook. com/NewtownFun event page will be updated with vehicle attendees and weather notifications. Rain Date is April 10. Visit NewtownFun.com for more details.

Marcolla Realty Launches New, Boutique Brokerage In Newtown

Dave Marcolla, Pennsylvania/New Jersey licensed Realtor formerly with Keller Williams Real Estate in Newtown, opened his own real estate brokerage at 444 S. State St., Suite C-1. Based on the tagline 'Expect Better,' Dave says, "Newtown is such a special place; it won me over when I moved here in 2000. My passion is turning clients into raving fans via our commitment to the client experience." Dave also owns Tucker Realty. Reach him at 267.291.0400.

Scan to read more.

Photography by Heather Raub

Seasonal Magic With A Food Twist

ERINI RESTAURANT PROVIDES POSITIVE VIBES, MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

Erini Executive Chef Nick Fifis believes dining out should be more than just a great meal; it should be an experience. In addition to cooking as the operator of the unique, breathtaking restaurant located up the hill and facing the Delaware in Ewing, New Jersey, Nick’s day-to-day routine also includes creating seasonal layouts, weekly specials and positive environments for all to enjoy.

A third-generation restaurateur, Nick rose through the ranks, first studying at the Culinary Institute of America before working for his father, Chris, an operating partner

of the famed Ponzio’s diner in Cherry Hill, the staple that was started by Nick’s grandfather. Nick branched off and worked for various dining stops in the foodie city of Philadelphia, which included Adriatica (née World Fusion) where he was executive chef.

In 2007, along with his parents, he founded Erini, which means 'peace' in Greek, and is a term Nick turned into the overall vibe of the restaurant. “Positive energy loves company," says Nick, adding he wanted to make a trip to Erini “an experience, not just another place for a dinner."

ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA |

The experimental journey started with “building a place where you can have a cocktail and live in the atmosphere, getaway, transport yourself,” says Nick. He says he drew inspiration from the ambiance of Miami's restaurant scene, then delivered a toneddown, tropical environment like nothing else in the area.

"Our positivity concept came from watching people and making them comfortable,” says Nick, who says he works to make every customer smile within minutes of arriving. He transports patrons beyond everyday life using his creative acronym “S.A.L.T.," which stands for sound, ambiance, light and temperature.

One of the restaurant's unique aspects is attention to detail, transforming into a different type of wonderland each season.

"I firmly believe that having a great staff that follows the beliefs of positivity and service-first is paramount and a requirement to work at Erini. I want to provide an environment where customers can let go and lose themselves in the music, food and service.” ~Chef Nick

The décor and diner-attentive additions, such as during fall serving apple cider around the fireplace, is one of many examples of this experience-driven business. “Being a destination restaurant, we need something different to lure customers over the bridge,” says Nick.

Internally, Nick proudly claims, “I say hello and goodbye to every employee, every day."

Nick is not a one-person show, as he has a dynamic all-female management staff consisting of Kyle Hillman, operations manager, and Laurie Piquero, general manager. Kyle has worked at Erini for 14 years. Both managers speak with the same excitement and enthusiasm about their love for their jobs and satisfying customers.

Nick shares proudly about Halloween, where Erini is transformed into fall and hosts the largest party in town, with more than 1,300 patrons saying farewell to the Tiki Bar as it's the last outdoor event of the year. Nick strongly recommends signing up on the Erini Facebook page to guarantee admission saying, “The party here is massive, and a well-oiled machine."

The menu selection at Erini offers a wide range of options, including gluten-free options, which Nick notes is there because he “wanted to have something for everybody." Though Mediterranean-based, coming from his Greek heritage and grandmothers’ recipes, the menu also includes options from Nick’s prior career in fine dining

and options he’s created over time. "It’s traditional values with modern presentation,” says Nick.

Kyle notes one of the special dining events at Erini is “Lobster Weekends,” which typically takes place the third weekend of each month. Those weekends include having 300 pounds of fresh lobster brought in from Maine and sold on the same day. “Customers can call in to reserve their lobster. It’s been a big hit, and quantities are limited,” she says.

Erini has received several awards, including a three-time winner of the coveted Trip Advisor's “Traveler’s Choice” in which 10% of restaurants globally are selected. The majestic outdoor area features four uniquely designed patios. The Tiki Bar, the Tiki Garden, the Upper Patio and Grand Sophia Patio, the newest addition, featuring waterfalls and stonewalls, cut into the landscape.

“The comments we get routinely is it feels like you’re in the Caribbean on vacation,” says Laurie.

609.882.0303

EriniRestaurant.com

UNIQUE:

A Tiki Bar done right is a fantastic addition to this already distinctive experience-based restaurant. The countdown to Tiki 2023 at Erini is on!

DETAILED:

Chef Nick has his hand in everything, including planting lovely canna lily flowers every year and building much of the seasonal decor.

POSITIVE: Every facet of the restaurant spells positivity, all but guaranteeing a good time will be had by all.

“We’re selling an experience, so we make it sexy.”

Roots Landscape Designs Unique, Exceptional Outdoor Spaces

LANDSCAPE DESIGN EXPERTS

ARTICLE BY ERICA BROOKE GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN TUNO

Roots Landscape specialists offer  everything needed for backyard oases. The company's own 'roots' are in Landscape By Terrain, part of Philadelphia-based lifestyle company URBN, which is behind brands Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People. Roots is led by owner/president Dan Burt, who launched the business after managing many large-scale landscape and hardscape design efforts.

"Roots has a unique take on outdoor living, landscape design and client experience when enjoying the spaces we create," says Roots' marketing director Nate Tuno, also a lead landscape designer. "Our designers and staff bring an unparalleled aesthetic. Not one to shy away from a challenge, our team works tirelessly to bring exceptional design ideas, materials and service to every project."

In addition to custom landscaping, says Nate, Roots offers custom decks, patios and walks, custom fencing, outdoor lighting and fully-operational irrigation systems. Their fine gardening team headed by Susan Driver, formerly of Terrain, creates custom planters, containers and green walls.

Roots is committed to client service throughout the design-build process, starting from their initial client

interaction when they learn their goals, likes and dislikes, Nate explains. "It’s important from the beginning to get the ‘feel’ of what they're looking to accomplish." Once they research the property and develop an approved design plan, building begins.

"Our team of construction supervisors, masons and horticulturists have been in this business for countless years and have the knowledge to complete the job above and beyond what's expected," adds Nate.

Close communication helps ensure success. "The process can be complex depending on the project size and scope, so when the designer/ client relationship is present, everything is smoother," explains Liz Converse, Roots' design assistant who assists with project details, from design options to logistics, such as permitting.

While Roots' origins are in commercial design, their primary passion is residential design, the elements of which inspire each space. Says Dan, "The landscape design process should yield an outdoor living experience unique and useful to the setting and the people enjoying it. No one likes 'cookie-cutter' outdoor spaces."

"Our end goal," adds Nate, "is to make it look as if what we created was always there and fits right into the setting."

So, what plants are hot for spring?  "Anything flowering," Dan says. "Most people are sick of the winter grey and can’t wait for color." While Boxwoods, hydrangeas and perennial grasses are always good choices, he says it depends on the space and how everything works together.

Roots has evolved over the years, adds Dan, seen by their growing staff, enhanced confidence and outside-thebox ideas. They also continue seeking ways to minimize interfering with clients' daily lives during longer-term projects.

Having long served Bucks County, working in and around Washington Crossing, Newtown and nearby Princeton -- Roots now has an office in Newtown, where Dan resides. "It's great to finally have an office space to welcome potential design/build clients for in-person meetings and project reviews," he says, "especially for new home construction projects when on-site meetings aren't possible."

Recent work includes the new Terrain's landscape and hardscape design and installation on the Delaware Valley University campus in Doylestown. Additionally, they are sponsoring local events and launching their new website, a comprehensive resource for design inspiration, project updates and photos of Roots-designed spaces.

"To see a project you designed for your client come to fruition is totally gratifying. The only thing better is when clients see it and are wowed," says Nate. "It’s also not rare for them to comment on the site's cleanliness or politeness of our staff."

Adds Liz: "Designers take a sometimes-unused space and bring new life to it, which shows from the responses we get with completed projects," she says. "Hearing the clients' excitement and joy makes the hard work feel in every way worth it."

610.964.0100

RootsLandscape.com

FOOD ENTERTAINING MADE EASY

McCaffrey's Food Markets Catering Team Prepares So Customers Can Celebrate Worry-Free

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

With Passover and Easter special meals coming in April, McCaffrey's Food Markets two catering managers indicate they have plenty of culinary suggestions for catering assistance.

Having a private party? Need additional appetizers, sides or entrées? Hosting a springtime birthday meal? "Gather your favorite people, and we’ll prepare exceptional food for them," says McCaffrey's Edward Rojewski.

Working with fellow catering manager, Christine Hacker, Ed says their team prepares dishes from high-quality ingredients, which are locally sourced whenever possible by McCaffrey's Chef Tom McGinn, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York.

"We cater the full spectrum of gatherings, such as baby showers, corporate events, movie nights, intimate weddings, anniversaries, fundraisers, casual friend parties and on-site festivals," Ed adds.

Catering for graduations adds an extra touch of celebratory elegance to those once-in-a-lifetime events. "We really enjoy handling graduations, and are looking forward to what this May brings," Ed says.

Christine says one of many events McCaffrey teams are honored to support is the Pennsbury High School Prom, a premier event recognized as one of the best in the nation. "We bring more than 1,000 of these wonderful students delicious comfort food in a magical formal setting!”

MCCAFFREY'S CURRENT, CATERING HOLIDAY MENU INCLUDES SELECTIONS SUCH AS:

• Easter Prime Rib Dinners

• Spiral Cut, Maple-Glazed Ham Dinners

• Turkey Breast Dinners

• Easter Brunch featuring Maple-Glazed Ham and Quiche

• Passover Turkey Breast Dinners

• Brisket Dinners

• Potato Kugel

• Potato Latkes With Applesauce

• Flourless Chocolate Cake

• French Chocolate Mousse Cake

• Artisan Ricotta Cheesecake

Regarding tray-based options, they offer one for both vegetable or fruit, along with a Build Your Own cheese tray. A popular selection with delightful addons is an International Cheese Flight:  McCaffrey's House Brie, Gouda, Asiago, Havarti, Huntsman and Gruyére Cheeses garnished with grapes, strawberries, dried apricots and fig jam.

CONTINUED >

To add a bit of sweets, they have scratch-made pastry trays, brownie bites and chocolate chip cookies.

McCaffrey's robust, a la carte catering menu is grouped into appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, breakfast/brunch, platters (including gourmet cheese, seafood, sushi and deli) salads, sides, main courses, bakery items and specialty cakes and desserts. The appetizers' category alone has 11 selections and hors d’oeuvres has 13 -- including coconut shrimp and lobster macaroni-and-cheese au gratin. Seafood platters offer poached or smoked salmon, along with shrimp and petite lobster options. Sushi rolls also are available.

Vegetable salads can be ordered for Caesar, grilled pear, arugula, strawberry, kale, garden and wedge versions. Cold salads range from pasta, noodles, tomato/Mozzarella, tortellini and cole slaw to quinoa, couscous, tuna and chicken. Thirteen side dishes are available, including mashed potatoes, bread stuffing, sweet potato chunks and mushroom risotto with goat cheese. Ed says their classic potato salad and macaroni salad is sought after, as well.

Vegetable sides include grilled/roasted/steamed asparagus, broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, carrots, brussels, balsamic mushrooms, sherried beets, spinach cakes, corn cakes. Vegetarian options span eggplant dishes, veggie burgers, eggs, roasted cauliflower heads, tofu rectangles and vegan soy popcorn nuggets.

The rest of the catering menu is rounded out by 47 dishes featuring pasta, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, pork and seafood.

Sweet trays and desserts spotlight tortes, tarts, pies, cookies, cakes, brownies, bars, mini cannolis, eclairs, cheesecakes and cream puffs. Beverage service can include coffee, juices, hot chocolate or water.

Christine and Ed say they meet weekly with Nicholas Williamson, McCaffrey's director of commissary, catering, prepared food and deli, to organize catering projects and special events.

"We're one of the few catering options where chefs, bartenders and servers who are employed by us, will come to your home and venue to assist in creating a truly memorable event," adds Christine. “We're trusted to be part of memories that will last a lifetime. Many of my conversations with clients begin with 'you catered my daughter’s wedding shower and now I'd like you to cater her baby shower.'"

CLOSEST MCCAFFREY’S LOCATIONS FOR NEWTOWN CITY LIFESTYLE

READERS FOR CATERING

ORDER PICKUPS:

• The Villages at Newtown, 2890 South Eagle Road, Newtown | 215.579.1310

• New Hope Shopping Center, 300 West Bridge St., New Hope | 267.741.8001

• Edgewood Village Shopping Center, 635 Heacock Road, Yardley | 215.493.9616

Note: All orders require 72 hours notice.

As a family-owned local food market, McCaffrey’s team members are deeply rooted in the communities in which they serve, with five locations in Pennsylvania and two in New Jersey -- that’s another reason why they say they enjoy hosting in-store events.

Photo provided by McCaffrey’s Food Markets

These experiences can often lead to substantial emotional stress in addition to dramatic changes in financial affairs. Our advisors help educate and empower clients to alleviate many of the financial unknowns.

Fresh, Spring Recipes

Featured in the upcoming Gilded Age Cookbook, this delicious salad was adapted from a recipe originally published in an 1897 issue of American Kitchen Magazine. Author of the future cookbook is also Becky, who shares two healthy yet tasty recipes here with Newtown City Lifestyle readers, just in time for Passover, Good Friday, Easter and Eid al-Fitr special meals.

Asparagus Salad With French Vinaigrette

SALAD INGREDIENTS

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus

• Green or red leaf lettuce, washed and dried, leaves separated

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

FRENCH VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Place the asparagus in a colander and rinse with cold water. Break or cut off the tough bottom ends and discard. Transfer asparagus to a large skillet and cover with water and a pinch of salt. Bring asparagus to a boil over high heat, and then turn down to low heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or desired tenderness.

Drain asparagus in the colander and rinse with cold water. Let the asparagus remain draining while making the dressing.

To make the dressing, combine salt, white pepper, onion powder and one tablespoon oil in a small bowl. Stir with a whisk, then alternately add the rest of the oil, vinegar and lemon juice, whisking well. Set aside.

Pat the asparagus dry with a towel and then cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces. To plate the salad, place the lettuce in an oblong dish or bowl and arrange the asparagus on top. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and white pepper. Pour dressing over top to taste, reserving extra for the table. Serve immediately.

EXPLORE ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH FRENCH VINAIGRETTE AND GRAPE-ALMOND QUINOA SALAD

ARTICLE BY BECKY DIAMOND

Grape-Almond Quinoa Salad

SALAD INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa

• 1 cup halved red grapes

• 1/4 cup chopped salted almonds

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• Mixed washed baby salad greens (for serving)

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 water

DIRECTIONS

Cook quinoa according to package directions and allow to cool. Place grapes, almonds, basil and cheese in a large bowl. Add quinoa.

Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well mixed. Add dressing to quinoa mixture to taste and stir to combine. Serve over lettuce greens.

Photo by Becky Diamond

A full-service Design + Build firm specializing in renovations, new builds and interiors.

Jennifer’s Newtown showroom allows for a creative experience unparalleled to any other in the area.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

APRIL 14TH

Hope On The Vine And 70th Anniversary Newtown Rotary Club

RAFTERS VENUE | 7:00 PM

This fun yet elegant night filled with music, dancing and epicurean delights is hosted by The Newtown Rotary Club members. Last year, the event raised $28,000, which the Rotary group used toward community support, such as Arbor Day, road cleanups, food drives, Shop with a Cop, Pedals for Progress and Angel Tree. Tickets can be purchased online at HopeOnTheVine.com

APRIL 15TH

Forever Love Vietnamese Show

XCITE CENTER | 10:30 PM

Join a special spring Vietnamese concert featuring MC Thanh Tung, Hong Ngoc, Bang Kieu, Dan Nguyen, Lam Truong, Han Thai Tu, Phuong Trang and The Headline Band. The show is for those 21 years and older. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Price range per ticket:  $48 to $88.

APRIL 16TH

A Brothers Revival: Allman Brothers Band Tribute

HAVANA NEW HOPE | 4:00 PM

A Brothers Revival features former Allman Brothers Band bassist David Goldflies. They'll perform the music of the Allman Brothers and new music written by Goldflies (ABrothersRevival.com). Tickets are $35 each. Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. show. There will be reserved rows of chairs. The restaurant's menu features Havana ceviche, crab mac-cheese, ropa vieja, blackened fish tacos.

APRIL 21ST

Live Music With Brooke DiCaro

NEWTOWN BREWING COMPANY | 6:00 PM

Not fitting into any one specific genre, Brooke combines elements of jazz and blues to create a unique sound of her own highlighting a soulful voice accompanied by a ukulele and piano. She's scheduled to play until 9 p.m. Brooke is a passionate singer/songwriter from Woodstown, New Jersey. Her style is compared to Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse and Regina Spektor.

APRIL 21ST

10th Annual Peruzzi Car Raffle Live Drawing/Cocktail Party

PICKERING MANOR | 5:30 PM

Here's a chance to win a new car or $25,000. Organizers state only 800 tickets will be sold. Second prize is $1,000 Visa gift card. Cocktail reception starts at 5:30 p.m.; live drawing at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from raffle support Pickering Manor, a nonprofit retirement community located in the heart of Newtown. To purchase tickets, visit PickeringManor.org/Support-us/Fundraising-Events or call 215.968.3878.

APRIL 30TH

NAC 5K Run And 1 Mile Family Fun Walk/Run

NEWTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB | 9:00 AM

Runners will be escorted by Newtown Borough and Township Police officers. This event will be chip-timed and medals/T-shirts given to all finishers. Awards presented to age group winners. All ages are welcome to participate. Strollers, dogs and wheelchairs permitted. All proceeds will go to the Have A Heart Foundation.  Event will take place rain or shine. Email 5k@newtownathletic.com with questions.

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In