LifeStyle Report APRIL 2016
We’re all of this and More! FASHION • HOME & DESIGN • ART DINING • GOLF • HEALTH
What
shape summer will your take?
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THE • VIEW
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” —Robin Williams
Out With the Old, In With the New
I
f ever spring had a mantra, that would be it. And it’s one that’s echoing throughout our region, as folks ready their homes for the summer season. Whether you’re purging your closets, or refreshing your awnings, chances are you’re eyeballing some of the best new items to update your collections this spring. Here are some of the must-have accessories, from the coolest hi-tech gardening tools to the can’t-miss app for your Smartphone. (If you have a favorite that’s not mentioned here, please let us know!) Gardening Gadgets: You may not need a green thumb with these hi-tech helpers! • The GKH Gardening Companion iPhone Garden Assistant promises plenty of advice, and it’s free! It puts planting information at your fingertips, with thousands of articles and YouTube videos. It also lets you set reminders and share your garden with your friends online. • The Parrot Flower Power Plant Monitor is a wireless sensor that assesses your plants’ needs and sends alerts to your Smartphone. Shaped like a branch, it tracks sunlight, temperature, fertilizer, and moisture. Fitness & Health: Beach season is just around the corner! • You may have your favorite exercise app, but this one takes fitness to a whole new level. The free app Charity Miles lets you walk, bike, or run for a good cause. Corporate sponsors donate a few cents for each mile and you get to choose the recipient from the approved list of charities. • Looking to eat a little healthier? Fooducate is an app that can help. Use it to scan the barcodes on the food you buy, and see what “grade” it’s assigned. The app will even give you alternative brands that score better. Fashion: Update your closet with these spring favorites! • New York’s Fashion Week spotlighted some fun trends for spring, from half moonshaped handbags to metallic scarves, and pastel fringe sandals. But the “it” shoe of the season could be the “babouche,” a flat leather slipper with pointed toes originating from Morocco. Look for it in your favorite fashion-forward shoe store. • The Pantone 2016 “Color of the Year” is the tranquil rose quartz. This blush pink is an airy pastel that’s perfect for the season — and our wardrobes. With this list, you’ll be more than ready for spring. So slip on your babouches, grab a copy of NJ Lifestyle and walk for charity to your favorite reading place. With so many interesting and relevant articles, you’re sure to be inspired this season. Enjoy!
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LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 3
CONTENTS FEATURES Architecture This Mediterranean masterpiece will have you longing for all things Neopolitan.
10 16
Home & Design Spotlight Taking care of the customer at a local furniture store.
D EPA RTME NTS
8
Local Chatter The buzz on happenings in and around our area.
Watch 18 Money Taxation of investment income.
20 Lifelines “Mindful” spring cleaning is good for the soul. 26 Opinion The electoral scorecard. 30 Legends It was the best of times and the worst of times. Social Scene 36 The Get the picture on the latest events and happenings. Gallery 38 Dining All the details on the area’s great dining venues. Word 42 Final Enjoy the area’s best outdoor dining.
22 Travel
Culture comes to Palm Beach.
Leisure Take the high, higher, highest point of view.
32
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ERSEY’S SOUTH J N SELECTIO LARGEST R E H T A E OF ALL-W WICKER!
LifeStyle Report
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Barbara Scarduzzio
Darla Hendricks darlabh2@gmail.com Associate Publisher
Pr eseason ... Save U p To 40%! nCabana Coast
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barbaras1@comcast.net Editor
Bill Henry Copy Editor
Alyson Boxman Levine Contributing Writers
Molly Golubcow Harry Hurley Sherry Hoffman Alyson Boxman Levine Michelle Dawn Mooney Felicia Lowenstein Niven Marjorie Preston Matt and Tom Reynolds
nTropitone Travel Editor
Dan Schlossberg Photographers
Nick Valinote Eric Weeks Online Media Info.
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New Jersey Lifestyle is published by New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC. The entire contents of New Jersey Lifestyle are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial material and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. All correspondence should be sent to:
New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine, LLC P.O. Box 787, 174 S. New York Road Oceanville, NJ 08231 Telephone: 609-404-4611 6
April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Earning your family’s trust for more than years
50
At AMI, we provide care that’s individually tailored to you and your family members. Since 1964, you’ve trusted the specialists at AMI with services such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and mammography. We make it our goal to treat your family as our own – it’s why we’ve been your radiology provider of choice for 50 years and counting. AMI proudly offers: • 11 convenient locations • Online scheduling and registration • Family–friendly hours that include evenings and weekends • 38 board certified, sub-specialty trained radiologists
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Local
Chatter How Does Your Garden Grow?
ARE YOU EAGER TO GET OUTSIDE and tend to your beloved garden? Has your green thumb been begging for some activity? Here are five of the latest tips from the gardening experts at HGTV.com. 1. No More Jams: To prevent that pesky line on your string trimmer from jamming or breaking, treat the line with a spray vegetable oil before installing it in the trimmer. 2. Staying Warm: Small clay pots make great covers for protecting young plants from sudden, overnight frosts and freezes. 3. The Name Game: To create perfectly-natural markers, use a Sharpie to write the names of plants on the flat faces of stones of various sizes and place them at the base of your plants. 4. Good to the Last Drop: The next time you boil or steam vegetables, don’t pour the water down the drain. Instead, use it to water potted patio plants. You’ll be amazed at how the plants respond to the “vegetable soup.” 5. Go Green: Use leftover tea and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, gardenias, and even your beloved blueberries. Happy gardening!
Ride the WAV
IN APRIL, ATLANTIC CITY gets a new hotspot. The Playground Pier at Caesar’s is set to open WAV, a nightclub, live music and event venue that promises a grand venture into nightlife and entertainment with fresh and dazzling experiences. Crowned as the only nightclub on the East Coast that actually sits over
the Atlantic Ocean, WAV offers two distinct spaces, the Main Club and the Mezzanine level, each highlighting a unique ambiance and vantage point for club goers to enjoy. WAV Entertainment is helmed by a team of nightlife’s top professionals recently responsible for the 3,500 person New Year’s Eve event at the Playground Pier. “The successful New Year’s Eve event exceeded our expectations and proved that Atlantic City and Bart Blatstein’s pier are the perfect stage for music, entertainment, and nightclub seekers in the Tristate area,” said Brian Nagele, CEO of WAV Entertainment. The new venue is well equipped for large crowds, with four bars providing over 200 feet of service, ceiling heights of 60 feet, and a mezzanine level, 8,000 sq. ft. of LED screens, 200,000 watt sound system, and state-of-the-art lighting system with a 6-foot disco ball in the center. During the beautiful summer months, club goers can indulge in the 6,000 square foot terrace overlooking the water, offering the best ocean views on the East Coast.
There Will Be Drums
ON APRIL 23, LOCAL SHOP HERBAN LEGEND will present a unique Drum Circle Event on The Greene at Historic Smithville. Come prepared to have fun dancing and drumming, as this family event will 8
April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Here Come the Hounds!
THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT of the spring season had arrived. The 31st annual Doo Dah parade will be held on the Ocean City boardwalk on Saturday, April 16. Say goodbye to tax season with this comedy parade complete with over 500 basset hounds. The hounds compete in games such as best trick, best costume, best float, and the basset look-alike contest. Remember to stick around for the famous PieAsco, a massive pie-in-the-face extravaganza, which follows parade.
surely be fun-filled and enlightening. Bring your favorite percussion instruments and your best energies. Don’t have a drum? They’ve got you covered. There will be vendors with fine handmade drums, crystals, henna body art, tarot card readings, and other Drum Circle essentials.
T HE BUZ Z O N HA P P E N IN GS IN AN D A ROU N D O U R A R EA Double Duty for Local Ferry
THE CAPE MAY - LEWES FERRY can add “research vessel” to its resume this summer when it partners with the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) to measure Delaware Bay’s water quality. The unique research project uses a complex, automated measurement and sampling system on the MV Twin Capes. The SeaKeeper 1000, an automated ocean and weather monitoring system, collects water quality data while the ferry transits the Delaware Bay. With up to eight crossings a day, there is ample opportunity to provide realtime readings and to scoop up water samples for the researchers. The data gathered not only allows tracking of the water from within the Delaware Bay and offshore, but also provides researchers an indication of the health and vitality at the mouth of the Delaware estuary.
A Celebration of
th e
Suds
THE ATLANTIC CITY BEER and Music Festival returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center for its 11th installment on April 8 – 9. This year’s “Celebration of the Suds” will debut some exciting new elements. Beer enthusiasts, music aficionados, and avid runners alike will be brought together to indulge in all of the things they crave during the 2016 Festival. Master brewers will display over 1,000 different beers from 150 breweries — from around the corner to across the country. This event is the perfect opportunity for beer geeks, beer lovers, and beer beginners to speak to the brains behind the brews. It is also an opportunity to discover and taste new brews and special “limited release” beers and ales. In addition to the endless selection of beer and music acts, the festival will also feature culinary demonstrations by local chefs; educational seminars, and some “off the wall” activities, including hot wing eating contests, field goal kick contests, and much more. New to the roster in 2016 is the 1st Annual Hops Trot. This 5K Run will send racers around town to some of Atlantic City’s favorite watering holes — including Steel Pier, Margaritaville, Chickie’s & Pete’s Harry’s Oyster Bar and a satellite bar from Ducktown Tavern at Kennedy Plaza — and costumes are encouraged.
Call of the Wild
Peter Gros
GO WILD ON APRIL 16 as Peter Gros, from the original Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, shares his exciting animal adventures. Gros will highlight his remarkable experiences with a mix of video clips and bloopers, while introducing friendly exotic animals to audience members. His presentation at the Stockton Performing Arts Center in Galloway also includes inspirational stories dealing with issues of conservation, travel, and wildlife filming. “We need to continue to deliver a powerful message about how each of us can make a daily difference in preserving our natural world,” reveals Gros. “It is possible to use our natural resources in a sustainable manner. We simply need to educate our nation’s youth about the importance of wildlife conservation.”
Kudos to Brigantine
BRIGANTINE IS REGULARLY NAMED among the top 20 beaches in New Jersey, but now this quaint town can add another feather to its cap. Recently named as one of the “12 great charming beach towns in New Jersey” by Essex Home Improvements, a family-owned home remodeling company, Brigantine came in fifth on the list, after Ocean Grove, Somers Point, Barnegat Light, and Beach Haven. “Located a mere five miles from Atlantic City, Brigantine is a charming New Jersey beach town resplendent with natural beauty,” states essexhomeimprovements.com. “Besides the beaches, ocean views, and myriad of family activities offered, many visitors enjoy Brigantine for its historical features, some of which date back to the towns founding in the 1500s. Former plantation houses, a fascinating educational center, various museums, and the Brigantine lighthouse are all must-sees for any visitor to charming Brigantine. As an added bonus, keep your eyes peeled while on the water (or from the beach at low tide) and see if you can spot one of the 300 ship wrecks that occurred just off the coast over a 200-year time period.” njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 9
Living room with palm-shaped lamps
V
A Touch of Italy
iewed from the street, this sparkling Cape Cod-style home is just one of many charming cottages along the meandering lanes of Four Seasons in Smithville. Set halfway around a quiet circle in the 55-plus community, the house has a traditional pitched roof, sided walls and fieldstone face, plus artfully landscaped grounds complete with a picturesque birch tree. But step inside, and benvenuti — suddenly you’re in Naples. The homeowners — spouses, business partners, and secondgeneration Italian-Americans — have imported a distinctly Mediterranean style to their Galloway Township home. That influence is evident in the scrollwork and sconces, stone columns and working indoor fountains, and bronze and gold finishes, all of which evoke real Old World grandeur. Grand Traditions It all starts at the front door, with an expanse of Florentine terracotta tile flooring that leads to a sumptuous living space. An unobstructed floor plan and 14-foot ceilings give the home quite a spacious feel, but it’s counterbalanced by cozy seating groups
10 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
This Mediterranean masterpiece will have you longing for all things Neapolitan.
A view into the kitchen and foyer
LIFESTYLE
ARCHITECTURE By MARJORIE PRESTON Photography by ERIC WEEKS
Custom media room
Palm-imprinted wall coverings in the foyer
Custom mural in dining area njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 11
LIFEST YLE ARCHITECTURE
Larger-than-life metal sculpture
and colors reminiscent of the Italian landscape. The couple has chosen a warm, neutral palette to define their home: burnt umbers, spicy siennas, luxuriant browns, and deep, glowing golds. Natural flora is a recurring theme. A custom mural in the dining area depicts a serene Neapolitan landscape populated by colorful birds. The sunroom boasts a bird-of-paradise theme; with its tailored rattan shades, oversized leather sofa and loveseat in a rich butternut shade, plenty of greenery and other nods to the great outdoors, this is a retreat with natural charm — not to mention a splendid view of the sun-filled backyard, with pavers used for retaining walls, flowerbed enclosures, and walkways. No detail was too small to be slightly modified: the man of the house prefers arches to angles, and sure enough, he made sure that curved entryways lead to almost every room. Throughout the home, there are repeated references to palms. The home features a palm-tree door knocker at the entryway; palmimprinted wall coverings in the dining alcove; palm-splashed upholstery on two armchairs; and six-foot carved palm-shaped lamps that stand on either side of the living room mantelpiece. The residents — longtime snowbirds who eventually plan to relocate to Florida’s Gulf Coast — have loved this home for more than a dozen years. Even now, as they plan their journey south, they continue to add new, novel works of art and dramatic sculptures, like the lifesized dancing duo in copper-finished wrought iron that pirouettes behind a circular sofa; twin bas-relief mermaid sculptures that overlook the kitchen; a striking, larger-than-life metal
10-foot rough-cut stone partition
Six-foot carved palm-shaped lamp
The sunroom boasts a bird-of-paradise theme
12 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
sculpture of a woman in harlequin-style garb; and a hundred other large and small touches that are sometimes amusing, often eccentric, and always expressive of the couple’s eclectic tastes. The home is “still a work in progress,” says the lady of the house. Clearly, for her and her husband, it is also an ongoing labor of love. The Not-So-Slow Lane There’s a lot to love about the Four Seasons lifestyle, she adds; no one comes here to sit in a rocking chair. The K. Hovnanian master-planned community spans hundreds of verdant acres crisscrossed by lakes, walkways, and bike paths. Developed in the 1990s, the neighborhood designed like a series of interlocking hamlets adjoins Historic Smithville, a small town that sprang up around a stagecoach route in the late 1700s. Smithville and the Village Green are close by, with their rows of boutiques and restaurants. In the spring and summer, the ice cream parlor, amusement park, and boat rides are especially popular. “Fifty-five-plus living is fun and exciting — a new beginning for people, not the end,” says the homeowner. The community’s clubhouse — a vast 23,000 square feet — “looks like the Hyatt Regency,” she says. “It’s simply gorgeous. I’m here all summer, in and out of pool with the kids. I’m busier now than when I worked fulltime.” The active lifestyle includes something for every pace and preference: residents can play billiards and cards in the community room, roll a few strikes with the Wii bowling league, or play bocce ball in the outdoor court. There are
The kitchen is a showcase of complementary finishes indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a state-ofthe-art fitness center with aerobics room. A newsletter published by the residents’ association touts holiday parties in the grand ballroom; cooking lessons; pickup softball and stickball games; theater trips to New York City; and other jaunts by bus to destinations like Niagara Falls and Virginia. Private Screening The owners of this home would be forgiven, of course, if they prefer to just hang around the house. For many years, they cultivated a landscaped pond out back with two waterfalls and 36 koi fish. Eventually, they phased out the high-maintenance feature in favor of a meditative garden with fountains and sculptures. Back inside, movie buffs are sure to gravitate toward the custom media room, with its glossy black marble floors, black plush theater-style sconces and seating (complete with cup-holders, thank you!), and a highdefinition screen with surround-sound. The room is filled with images and figurines of classic film stars, dominated by a black and white poster of Marilyn Monroe and an oil painting of Sylvester Stallone. Pass the popcorn! The kitchen is a showcase of complementary finishes, set behind a 10-foot rough-cut stone partition that contrasts with the smooth granite counters and rich wood cabinets. Ditto the master bath, which recalls an Italian grotto in its cobblestone floors and tub surround. Amber glass sink bowls with a slight leaf imprint matches the wall coverings, and the extraordinary custom shower doors resemble sheets of cut ice. Despite a mostly classic approach to design, the homeowners are not confined to a single style. Here and there are contemporary touches that mix well with the more formal features — like a dining room table flanked by super-modernistic chairs; an assortment of minimalist vases of polished stone and teak; and the black lacquer master bed with contemporary side tables and cubistic light fixtures. It all works together to form a welcoming whole. From the wall coverings to the lavish window treatments, from the furnishings to the many textured finishes, this is the Tuscan home style done just right — elegant yet so comfortable, and it all spells home. As the Italians would say, “Molto bello.” n
Master bedroom
Window treatments: Nancy Kohr Home Couture, Linwood, NJ Artwork: Ocean Galleries of Stone Harbor and Avalon, NJ Bathroom fixtures, ceiling fans, door hardware: Artistic Hardware, Northfield, NJ Sculptures and furniture: Atlantic City Barstool Brothers Furniture and Design, Northfield, NJ Fine furniture, accent pieces and lighting: Unique Interiors, Cherry Hill, NJ Landscaping: Kelly’s All Pro Landscaping, Somers Point, NJ This home is currently for sale. Please call: 609-457-6562 for further information.
Master bath with cobblestone floors and tub surround njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 13
ARTISTIC DECORATIVE HARDWARE 430 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-407-7200 www.artistichardware.net
Life
AGLOW LIGHTING
Lighting n Shower Doors n
Plumbing Fixtures n Decorative Hardware n
14 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Vanities n Ceiling Fans n
Medicine Cabinets n Accessories and More! n
Lou Marchiano FOR MEN
CLOTHING • SPORTSWEAR • SHOES Terra Mar Plaza | Tilton Road | Northfield, NJ | 609-641-2088
HOME & DESIGN SPOTLIGHT
Taking Care of the Customer: Atlantic City Barstool Brothers
Featuring heirloom-quality pieces custom made to suit any style By Felicia Lowenstein Niven
Photo by Eric Weeks
Brothers and co-owners Russell Schanker and Joseph Czyzewicz
SPEND JUST A FEW MINUTES AT ATLANTIC CITY BARSTOOL Brothers and you’ll soon realize this is no ordinary furniture store. Sure, it has gorgeous furnishings on display, and the catalogs you might expect with many more choices. But the real difference is that Atlantic City Barstool Brothers won’t tell you “no.” They won’t tell you they don’t have it, they can’t get it, or it’s out of your price range. Because they’re willing to customize it for you so it’s exactly what you want.
Atlantic City Barstool Brothers 331 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609.646.6464 • atlanticcitybarstoolbrothers.com 16 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
It’s a unique concept that’s earned brothers and co-owners Joseph Czyzewicz and Russell Schanker plenty of kudos — and repeat business. “It’s not just about the sale,” says Joe. “It’s about taking care of the customer.” That’s exactly what they’ve been doing since they opened the business over 25 years ago at that first location in Ocean Township, Monmouth County. The brothers expanded their customer base when they relocated to Mays Landing in 2000, and then again when they moved to Northfield in 2009. Their 5,000 sq. ft. showroom located near the Tilton movie theatre is their largest yet, though it doesn’t come close to showcasing all of the furniture that they offer. “We carry over 200 different manufacturers, including 20 Amish companies, and over 100,000 selections of brands,” says Joe. “We have the largest selection of dining and barstools on the East Coast.” The business also features Amish bedroom sets, sofas and loveseats, and the full range of formal and casual dining and living room pieces. Pricing is “A to Z,” from modest to higher end. “We could have a store that’s 30,000 sq. ft. and still not be able to display everything,” he noted. “This way, we keep it manageable and also save on costs that we don’t have to pass along to the customer.” The furniture displayed at Atlantic City Barstools has an important distinction, however. It’s all U.S.-based. “So much of the furniture sold in this country today comes from China,” said Joe. “We made the decision that everything we carry would be made in America. It’s important for us to offer our customers that kind of quality. Our
“We pride ourselves that we are a family business and take care of our local customers. As a result, a lot of our customers become our friends.”
pieces are made by master craftsman and quality companies, and that’s the difference. These are pieces that will stand the test of time. For example, the Amish pieces are not just farmhouse tables but heirloom quality that can be handed down from generation to generation.” But it is their custom furnishings business for which the brothers are known. “You can choose any shape, size, finish, fabric, style and price range,” said Joe. “You can even etch or burn a family crest or initial. We want people to get what they want and walk out happy. It might be building a one-ofa-kind piece that doesn’t exist anywhere else, or it could be building a less expensive version of a piece that’s displayed in our store.” The design is complimentary if you’re commissioning a custom piece at Atlantic City Barstool Brothers. Joe is at the helm of the process, offering expertise based on his background in design. Russell utilizes his background in architecture design, and years of handcrafting custom furnishings, to bring the design to reality. In-store and at-home design consultations are both available. The process is very customer-centric. “So many people don’t trust themselves when it comes to design,” said Joe. “They tend to hire designers to tell them what they should do. But really, you as the customer do know what you like. We help you by asking the right questions, and really getting to know your personal style. Our goal is to make the furniture selection process easy and fun. And yes, you can bring in your designer too if you’d like.” Atlantic City Barstool Brothers isn’t limited to designing for residences, however. The brothers also stage homes for real estate agents, and furnish casinos and area restaurants such as the Tuckahoe Inn, Johnny’s Café, and Luke Palladino’s. Through it all, they develop relationships that transcend business. “Our customers are our shareholders and they are the ones we strive to make happy,” says Joe. “We pride ourselves that we are a family business and take care of our local customers. [As a result] a lot of our customers become our friends.”
Furnishing the Jersey Shore for over 20 Years BARSTOOLS • DINING SETS • BARS • LIVING ROOMS • BEDROOMS INTERIOR DESIGN • UPHOLSTERY SHOP • HOME STAGING
331 Tilton Road • Northfield, NJ • 609-646-6464 • atlanticcitybarstoolbrothers.com
Atlantic City Barstool Brothers is located at 331 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM and Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tuesdays are available by appointment. For more information, call (609)646-6464 or visit www. atlanticcitybarstoolbrothers.com. n njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 17
LIFESTYLE
MONEYWATCH
Taxation of Investment Income Optimize the tax efficiency of your portfolio
NOT ALL INVESTMENT INCOME is taxed the same. Thanks to the IRS, the tax code regarding your investments is constantly changing, and keeping up with these changes is important to optimize the tax efficiency of your portfolio. Remember, it’s not what you make but what you keep that counts. The main determinants of investment income tax rates are your annual income, and the type of investment income earned; interest income, dividend, and capital gains. Investments such as savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money markets, annuities, and taxable bonds (as opposed to municipal bonds or U.S. securities), produce interest income. This income is considered ordinary income, and is taxed at an individual’s ordinary income tax rate, which ranges from 0% to 39.6%. Dividend income can either be taxed at ordinary income tax rates or the preferred capital gains tax rates. Dividends received from domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations will generally be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate, ranging from 0% to 20%. Dividends received that are not classified as “qualified” dividends will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Capital gains are taxed as either ordinary income or capital gain income depending on how long an investment is held. Investments that are held over one year (long-term capital gain) will be taxed at the preferential capital gains rate, while investments held for less than one year (short-term capital gain) will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. A capital gain is realized when an investment is sold for a higher amount than the original purchase price, or adjusted cost basis. For tax purposes, it is only the net off all realized capital gains for the year that are taxable. Selling a security for a loss produces a capital loss which can be used to offset other capital gains. If the realized capital losses exceed your capital gains, the IRS allows taxpayers to deduct up to $3,000 of capital losses against ordinary income, while carrying forward any unused realized loss to use in future years.
18 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Finally, in addition to income rates being determined based on type, ordinary vs. capital gain, a taxpayer’s income will affect the amount of tax owed. The chart below highlights the tax rates based on income.
As you can see, the tax rates on qualified dividends and capital gains are lower than the tax rates on ordinary income. By strategically placing ordinary income producing assets inside of tax sheltered accounts, and qualified income and capital gains producing assets in taxable accounts, taxpayers can lower the amount of tax on their investment income, without altering their asset allocation. In an effort to maximize the amount that you get to keep on the money that you have earned, having your investment advisor and tax planner working together can be a valuable resource. n
Tom Reynolds, CPA & Matt Reynolds CPA, CFP® Co-Managing Partners, CRA Financial Francis C. Thomas CPA, PFS, Investment Advisor Robert T. Martin, CFA, CFP®, Investment Advisor This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial adviser, as well as your tax and/or legal advisers, regarding your personal circumstances before making investment decisions.
Lifelines
Feed Your Head “Mindful” spring cleaning is good for the soul By Michelle Dawn Mooney
A
s I write this article, I’m dressed in what some would consider to be unusual attire for me … jeans and a baseball cap. Honestly, I could easily opt for a dress every day of the year, but there are those times when it just feels like a baseball cap kind of day. This particular cap happens to commemorate the 2009 World Series title that the Philadelphia Phillies decided to win on my birthday (that was really nice of them). Sometimes I forget I own the hat, partly because you’re more likely to find me in a dress, and partly because my closet could use a little sprucing up to reveal those hidden treasures that lie beneath. Spring often conjures up thoughts of baseball (and hopefully another World Series win for the Phillies). It’s also the perfect time to do some spring cleaning, and not just in our closets. A few years back, I became very self-conscious of the fact that, unlike many of my friends and colleagues, I don’t read. Up until a few weeks ago, I could tell you the year in which I read a book from cover to cover would match the year on my Phillies baseball cap, 2009. Then it dawned on me. During the course of any given work day in the news business, I read wire stories, press releases, scripts, articles clicked through on social media and news agency websites, and the teleprompter, which accounted for more than two hours alone of facts and figures read aloud each day. All I did was read; I just didn’t read books. Well, I’m happy to report I recently read my first book in almost seven years. I know it sounds weak in stature compared to what some might consider a major accomplishment, but for me it was almost like winning the World Series. In all fairness, I forgot there was one book I started about three years ago, but despite my valiant effort (and with no reflection on the interest of the book itself), I started on my next task at hand and got sidetracked. It happens often. I’ve always loved the idea of leisure reading, but it seemed like too much of a luxury. Sitting down with a good book meant time away from other things like work projects, creative projects, to-do lists, laundry, and any number of things that I deemed too important to wait. Taking the time to read outside of work was time “not” well spent, or so I thought. When you try to cram a bazillion things into your life, sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything. Since I’m always looking for helpful ways to remember what I’m supposed to do next, I was immediately intrigued by one of my radio show guests, journalist Joshua Foer, who 20 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
authored a book called Moonwalking with Einstein. While doing research for an assignment to cover the USA Memory Championship, he was so taken with how scientifically “average” adults mastered the art of memorizing excessively large amounts of data by using simple methods used thousands of years ago, he decided he wanted to train and compete the following year. He did, and he won, and he wrote a book about it. Moonwalking with Einstein not only taught me a few tips on how to keep certain pieces of information from slipping my mind, more importantly it gave me insight on what not to put there in the first place. The book spotlighted at least one individual with superior memory skills who became somewhat tormented with his ability to remember EVERYTHING. The process of sifting through incoming information to decipher what the brain needed to hold onto versus what could easily be tossed aside was nearly impossible. This had me thinking of how, from a non-scientific standpoint, we can control much of what our minds hold onto by being more cognizant of what we’re actually putting in. One of the memory masters in the book coined the phrase “junk in, junk out” when talking about the strict diet and exercise regimen he said was needed for mental athletes to truly be at the top of their game. The same might be said for what we choose to feed our minds with. If the majority of our life is filled with stressed out moments and an inability to step away from computer screens and smart phones, then aren’t we missing out on opportunities to create really great memories we’ll want to hold onto? If we did a mental sweep to get rid of things that really aren’t as important as we think, then wouldn’t we have more room for the good stuff? There’s something to be said for trading in a to-do list once in a while for a few quality moments with family and friends. You may want to take them to a ball game, or maybe you just want to take a little time for yourself and open up a good book. As for my reader-tested recommendations, right now I only have one ... but I’m working on it. n Follow Michelle on Twitter @mdmooney, Facebook: www.facebook.com/ michelledawnmooney, Instagram: www.instagram.com/michelledawnmooney, and www.middayswithmichelle.com
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Palm Beach Sonata By DAN SCHLOSSBERG
Culture comes to Palm Beach 22 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Lifestyle Travel Spa Palazzo at Boca Raton Resort & Club. Photo courtesy of Discover Palm Beaches.
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urprise, surprise: Palm Beach County is not only blessed with palms and beaches but a myriad of cultural attractions ranging from concerts to book fairs. Even Donald Trump gets a piece of the action. Stretched along the Atlantic from Jupiter to Boca, the South Florida county actually has countless cultural venues: 42,000 offerings created by 200 organizations, according to Marilyn Bauer, director of marketing and public affairs for the Palm Beach Cultural Council. Her list includes 72 historical sites, 35 art festivals, 22 natural attractions, 20 art venues, and even 9 cultural attractions for children. Every March, for example, the 20th annual ArtFest by the Sea turns Juno into a pedestrian paradise for people-watching, dog walking, and camera buffs. It draws more than 150 vendors who sell paintings, pictures, sculptures, and ice cream that melts alltoo-quickly in the subtropical sun. There’s a Street Painting Festival in Lake Worth, an Everglades Day Festival in Boynton Beach, and even something called ArtiGras that promoters say is the premier fine arts festival of the Palm Beaches. The last event, in Jupiter’s Abacoa Town Center, is especially electric because it draws students from nearby Florida Atlantic University. Although music and food always accompany art shows, there are fair shares of separate music and food festivals. Taste of the Palm Beaches, Flavor Palm Beach, and Boca Bacchanal cater to the culinary crowd, while Evenings on the Avenue (Lake Worth) and On the Avenue (Delray) join with SunFest, Florida’s largest outdoor music festival, to entertain listeners. The bastion of culture in tony Palm Beach is the Flagler Museum, called “more wonderful than any palace in Europe” by The New York Herald when it opened in 1902. Named for famed railroad magnate Henry Flagler, the museum features daily high tea for visitors who come to peruse permanent and rotating exhibits. It even offers an occasional bluegrass concert. Flagler’s influence is everywhere. Often called “the Father of South Florida,” he made Palm Beach the first American resort capital when he opened the 1,200-room Royal Poinciana, the world’s largest hotel, in 1894. Two years later, he built the oceanside Palm Beach Inn, which still exists today as The Breakers. Then he built Whitehall, a 60,000-square foot mansion overlooking Lake Worth Lagoon, as a winter home for his third wife. Other mansions followed, including Marjorie Meriweather
Beach view at Boca Raton Resort & Club
Palms line pool at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. Photo by Dan Schlossberg. njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 23
LIFEST YLE TRAVEL
Post’s 115-room Mar-A-Lago in 1927. Slightly larger than Whitehall at 62,500 square feet, the structure cost $8 million — a lot less than Donald Trump paid for it in 1985. Now a private club, it remains active as a conference and events venue. Palm Beach retains its reputation as a winter playground for the rich and famous. It even has a photo-filled newspaper — nicknamed the Shiny Sheet because it is printed on thick glossy paper rather than pulp — devoted to covering the personalities of its resident high society. That society still thrives, with well-to-do snowbirds ensconced in mansions hidden from the curious public by towering and thick foliage. Careful observers will see remnants of the glory years, including places where the Kennedys partied. The Boca Raton Resort & Club, one of many Palm Beach County structures designed by architect Addison Mizner, was a private club when it opened in 1926 but has evolved into a picture-perfect property that offers the seclusion celebrities seek. Celebrity-spotting is almost a sport on Worth Avenue, where window-shopping is about all the typical tourist can afford. Visitors who look carefully can spot built-in water fountains for the wellpampered dogs lucky enough to live in Palm Beach. Families will love the county’s 47 miles of Atlantic beaches, the average annual temperature of 78 degrees, and several hundred manmade attractions. The view’s the thing — inside and outside — at the towering Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which also includes a maritime museum. Kids can see oversized sea turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, feed a giraffe at Lion Country Safari, skim the surface of the Everglades on an Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Photo courtesy of Discover Palm Beaches.
24 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
airboat, or learn something new at the South Florida Science Center and Museum. Check out the local listings for waterfront family movie nights, evening street fairs, and even polo matches (in western Wellington through the month of April). It’s also worth investigating the 15-yearold National Croquet Center, the world’s largest croquet sports facility. Parents might prefer the $55 million Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the showpiece of the West Palm Beach skyline since its opening in 1992. Touring shows, visiting symphonies, and the biggest names in pop music are always on its diversified menu. More adventurous adults might opt for a romantic full-moon bicycle tour along Riverbend Park’s 15-mile trail system, shark feedings at Sandoway House Nature Center, or native animal rescue and recovery operations at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. As gateway to Everglades National Park, Palm Beach County includes the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, with 221 square miles of marsh surrounded by a 57-mile canal and levee network. Anyone annoyed by noisy airboats can paddle through on a canoe. The enormous ecosystem of wooded wetlands lures artists and photographers all year long. The benign climate also attracts fans of participation and spectator sports. The Professional Golf Association has its national headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, home of the plush PGA National Resort & Spa and site of such major tournaments as the Honda Classic. The Breakers and Boca Raton Resort & Club also have handsome courses, with more than 150 available throughout the county. Tennis is popular too, with many lighted courses for players who consider the climate too humid
for midday play. For a six-week span starting around Valentine’s Day, spring training baseball brings fans to Roger Dean Stadium, the only Florida facility shared by two teams (the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins). That will change next spring, when the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals open a new ballpark in West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County even offers legendary nightlife: the Leopard Lounge in the Chesterfield Palm Beach and the Colony Hotel’s Royal Room, home of Motown Fridays. Clematis Street and CityPlace, on the West Palm Beach side of the Intracoastal Waterway, offer free live music and frequent outdoor events. Picking a restaurant is one of the toughest things a visitor will have to do: there are more than 2,000 choices, many specializing in local seafood and quite a few with historic roots in the area. Among the open-air restaurants that line the Intracoastal are Sailfish Marina, a Singer Island favorite where the fresh catch of the day is so fresh that it could have been swimming just hours earlier. Testa’s, which makes its summer home in Bar Harbor, has been a Palm Beach staple since the Roosevelt Administration. People who come to Palm Beach County just don’t want to leave. The county contains 38 communities of various sizes and 15 districts with unique individual attractions. Among them are Palm Beach and Worth Avenue; Clematis Street and CityPlace in West Palm; Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton to the south; Palm Beach Gardens; and Lake Okeechobee, a freshwater body of water worldfamous for big bass fishing. Located about 150 miles southeast of Orlando and 60 miles north Lifeguard stand on Boca Raton’s beach
of Miami, Palm Beach County embraces 2,000 square miles, giving it a land mass bigger than Delaware or Rhode Island. The largest county southeast of the Mississippi River, it is also the closest land mass to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, surging around the Florida peninsula from the Gulf of Mexico. That even warms the heart of visitors who are not there for the fishing. There’s no shortage of places to stay, from economic to pricey, with resorts that range from familiar name brands to the golf-oriented PGA National Resort. It is one of many places that provide extraordinary spa services, appealing to golf widows who enliven themselves by soaking in mineral waters from the Dead Sea. One of the best things about Palm Beach County is ease of access: it is bisected by I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, features regional rail service, and has an airport with a putting green. The beaches, convention center, and resorts are all less than three miles from Palm Beach International (PBI), with 200 arrivals and departures daily. The most reliable non-stop service from Newark International is provided by jetBlue. For further information, contact Discover the Palm Beaches, Suite 800, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, Tel. 561-233-3000, www.palmbeachfl.com, www.palmbeachculture. org. n Former AP newsman Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn, NJ is travel editor of New Jersey Lifestyle and Sirius XM Radio’s Maggie Linton Show. He is also host and executive producer of the weekly Travel Itch Radio Show and president emeritus of the North American Travel Journalists Association. Boca Raton Beach Pavilion Walkway
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LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 25
Lifestyle Opinion
The Electoral Scorecard Front-Runners Trump and Clinton Face Two Very Different Paths to their Political Party’s Nomination
WE’RE PRESENTLY A LITTLE PAST HALFTIME IN the process for selecting both the Republican and Democratic nominees for President of the United States. It’s a good time to take a look and assess the current electoral scorecard. On the Republican side, Donald Trump has been dominating in the preelection polls and all during the actual Primary and Caucus election season. Trump has led for more than 200 days, nationally and in most all of the key states. On the Democratic side, powered by priceless “Super Delegates,” contrived by the Democratic National Committee, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s lead is substantially wider then it otherwise would be over her only remaining challenger, Vermont United States Senator Bernie Sanders. Presently, Trump still faces three challengers, but, you can expect that United States Senator Marco Rubio and Ohio Governor John Kasich will be gone soon. That is, unless the Republican Party establishment continues with its stop-Trump-at-allcosts scheme. If that happens, they might ask Rubio and Kasich to stay in the race to try to deny Trump the path
26 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
to 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination. Kasich has confirmed that if he loses his home state of Ohio he will drop out of the race. Rubio has said he is staying in all the way to the convention in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18-21, 2016. Ohio is a state the Republican nominee must win in order to win the Presidency. But, if Rubio loses Florida, he too will be gone. The General Election path is much wider for the Democratic nominee, simply due to the rich electoral vote states that are bluer than blue. The Democratic nominee, no matter who it is, starts with about 220-240 electoral votes; 270 wins the Presidency. The Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus has confirmed that if a candidate receives at least 1,237 delegates, “they are the nominee.” He has publicly assured there will not be any attempt of staging a contested or brokered convention. Clinton leads in both pledged and unpledged delegates. The unpledged ones are the “super delegates,” typically awarded to the senior party leaders who get a vote they can change at anytime before they cast the vote at the
convention. There are approximately 717 Democratic “super delegates.” Clinton has more than 500 of these at this time. The Democrats created these “super delegates” to have the flexibility to stop a candidate who they would prefer not win the nomination. The Democratic Convention will be held in Philadelphia this July 25-28, 2016. The “super delegates” account for more than 30% of the delegates required to win the nomination (2,383). During the nominating process, the Democratic favorite of choice enjoys these magic “super delegates.” They are former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Member of Congress, Governors, and others the Democratic establishment hand-picks. They are not bound by the voter preferences. They can do whatever they want. This process is very disrespectful to the voters. And, the sad fact is most people do not even know how this works. The Republican Party does not have “super delegates.” They do have a special category, whereby three people per state receive a delegate vote, however, they are obligated to vote for the popular vote winner in their
By Harry Hurley Op-Ed Contributor
state’s Primary Election or Caucus. If Republicans stacked and packed the process the way the Democrats do, Trump would be in a lot of trouble, because the Republican establishment would make certain that someone other than Trump received these super votes. We are literally watching the tale of two front-runners. They are being treated diametrically opposite of one another. Clinton is enjoying such an unfair establishment advantage. The Democratic National Committee has limited the number of debates, and the times and dates of the debates. Almost all of them have been on the weekend, during the NFL playoffs, and other purposefully chosen odd times. Even with all of these countless institutional advantages, Clinton has not been able to dispatch a 74-year-old, unapologetic socialist named Bernie. There should be much more media attention placed upon this persistent fact. On the Republican side, it’s just the opposite. In order to win the nomination, Trump has to defeat 16 opponents and much of the Republican establishment along the way. They have
employed many dirty tricks to try to stop Trump. For example, about 200 key Republicans met last month. The expressed purpose was to try to find a way to stop Trump from becoming the nominee. They even looked at ways to steal it from him, even if he has the requisite 1,237 delegates. Look at the unprecedented attacks by the 2012 Republican nominee, Governor Mitt Romney. Uncharacteristically, Romney has gotten very personal and mean spirited towards Trump. Incredulously, Romney
of interest in multiple federal criminal investigations regarding her homebrew email server. Clinton has mishandled thousands of classified documents. Here’s a scenario you don’t hear about very often. The so-called expert pundits, who are usually wrong, continue to push the idea that the Republicans will have a contested or brokered convention. They wish for it. What if it turns out that the exact opposite occurs. What if Clinton is indicted, or, somehow implicated, and, is forced to leave the race sometime later this spring or early summer? Surely, Vice President Joe Biden would immediately jump in, as Bernie Sanders would not have the required number of delegates to win the nomination. So, don’t be surprised if there is a contested or brokered convention, it just may occur on the Democratic side. n
The Democratic Convention will be held in Philadelphia this July 25-28, 2016. The “super delegates” account for more than 30% of the delegates required to win the nomination (2,383). showed more fight against Trump then he did against Barack Obama, his opponent for the Presidential election of 2012. Former New Jersey Governor Christie Whitman was over-the-top with her criticism of Trump, saying that she would “probably vote for Hillary Clinton.” You almost never see a major political party working so hard against their own front-runner. Trump has taken more collateral hits then Clinton, despite the fact that she may be the target, subject or person
Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC. He hosts the daily talk radio program “Hurley in the Morning” 6-10 AM weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 1450, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant, www. harryhurley.com.
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LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 27
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Lifestyle Legends By Sherry Hoffman
Decades to Remember
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It was the best of times and the worst of times
The Absegami Indian tribe’s one-time summer playground — a mosquito- and horse fly-infested island in southern New Jersey — was just getting used to having an actual name when British author Charles Dickens penned his 1859 classic “A Tale of Two Cities.” So the famed British author couldn’t have known he was describing the Atlantic City of the future when he wrote the now-immortal line about the best of times and the worst of times. To Dickens, the line was about contrasts and spoke of despair mixed with happiness, with a side order of conflict and chaos. But in the context of Atlantic City, that phrase could aptly describe the 1950s and the 1960s, when the city — once known as the World’s Playground — began a slow decline from which it wouldn’t begin to recover until the arrival of its first casino in May 1978. For Atlantic City, the worst of times didn’t happen overnight. There wasn’t one particular event that led to its fall from grace. Some historians blame the 1964 Democratic National Convention for Atlantic City’s demise, especially from the negative media coverage that was a byproduct of the gathering of delegates and journalists from around the country. There was no drama or in-party political bickering as to whom the Democrats would choose as their candidate in the November election against Republican Barry Goldwater. Having assumed the presidency 21 months earlier following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Johnson was the overwhelming choice of his party. It wasn’t a convention as much as it was a coronation. There was so little convention intrigue that reporters began looking for other stories. They didn’t have to look far. Journalists for big-city newspapers and national magazines took out their boredom with the event by filing scathing but accurate stories about Atlantic City: decrepit, rundown hotel rooms that had been neglected for years, with worn out bedding, thread-bare carpet, paper bath towels, unreliable phone service and surly room service waiters who took hours to deliver hot meals that had long since gone cold — if they even delivered them at all. Even the hookers took it on the chin from the media for their shabby appearance. But it wasn’t the convention coverage that hammered nails into Atlantic City’s tourism coffin. The reporters were merely finishing the job that actually began in the early 1950s. And there was little the city could do to stop it. If the finger of blame needed to be pointed somewhere, it might as well have been at William Boeing and his airplane company. By the 1950s, airline travel had become safer, faster, cheaper and more reliable. People who had always considered Atlantic City their go-to summer vacation destination began exploring other options.
30 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
By 1958, when the Boeing Company introduced its 707 jetliner, Atlantic City’s fate was pretty much sealed. Passenger jets made long distance travel 40% faster and 25% cheaper than the old propeller-driven planes. Suddenly, people from Atlantic City’s feeder markets realized that in the same time it took them to drive to the shore, they could be in Miami Beach, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Add another few hours of flight time and they could experience the bright lights of Hollywood, or ride the cable cars of San Francisco. The damage had already been done by the time the Democratic National Convention ended. The convention coverage was actually a grudge match between the media and the city, and the stories that came out of the four-day event — many of which had little to do with politics — merely confirmed the rumors that had been spreading around the country for years. It was, indeed, the worst of times. But it was, in one important respect, the best of times — at least when it came to entertainment. During the 1950s and ‘60s, despite the city’s wornout look, the biggest names in show business continued to appear on the Steel Pier, at the 500 Club, in the Club Harlem, the Wonder Gardens and the Le Bistro, to name just a few of the popular nightclubs and venues. In 1964, the worst of times and the best of times were separated by just four days. That’s how much time elapsed between the end of the Democratic National Convention and the arrival in Atlantic City of the first wave of the British musical invasion. Steel Pier owner and booking impresario George A. Hamid Jr. had originally booked The Beatles to play the Marine Ballroom at the end of the pier, which held several thousand people. But when he saw how quickly tickets were snapped up for the Fab Four, he realized the same thing Sheriff Brody recognized when a 25-foot great white shark cruised past Captain Quint’s boat in the movie “Jaws:” Hamid was going to need a bigger room. So he moved The Beatles concert into the only room in town bigger than his ballroom: Convention Hall — now known as Boardwalk Hall. On Aug. 31, on the same stage where President Johnson had accepted the nomination of his party just a few days earlier, the four lads from Liverpool performed for 30 minutes in front of 18,000 delirious fans. “They were phenomenal. The biggest thing that ever came down the pike. Bigger than Elvis,” Hamid Jr. said during a 1989 interview on the 25th anniversary of the concert. The following summer, Hamid didn’t play favorites. He booked acts from both sides of the big pond. In addition to his usual roster of American artists like The Supremes, Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs — plus
Canadian import Paul Anka — Hamid imported popular British bands like Herman’s Hermits and Peter and Gordon. In 1966, the Rolling Stones caused pandemonium at the pier when they performed two shows on July 1. Mick Jagger later recalled he could actually feel the Marine Ballroom swaying under the weight of thousands of screaming fans as the tide rushed in and out beneath the pier, a fact also pointed out eight years earlier when teen heartthrob Ricky Nelson performed for 44,000 screaming fans and broke a one-day attendance record previously held by Frank Sinatra. Nelson’s record stood until fire destroyed the ballroom just before the start of the 1970 season. But the Steel Pier didn’t have the market cornered on top entertainment in Atlantic City. The 1950s was as eclectic an entertainment decade for the resort as any that preceded or followed it. Paul (Skinny) D’Amato’s 500 Club presented the biggest names in music. Skinny was marketing his joint for the teenyboppers who packed Hamid’s pier. His target demographic — during an age when you couldn’t even find the word in a marketing manual — was the well-heeled visitor who liked to dress up for the evening and had a few bucks in their pockets and purses. Skinny’s centerpiece — his go-to guys — was always Frank Sinatra, who would sometimes be joined by Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. — the nucleus of what would later become known as the Rat Pack when they were joined in Las Vegas by comedian Joey Bishop and actor Peter Lawford. “One night,” Sinatra remembered during a 1983 interview, “Dean and I did at three shows. Skinny came over to me after the last show and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got 500 people lined up down the street waiting to get in. What are you gonna do about it?’ So we did a fourth show at 4 in the morning.” And when they finished, Ol’ Blue Eyes and Ol’ Red Eyes high-tailed it down the street to the Club Harlem to catch Sammy Davis Jr.’s 5 AM “breakfast show,” then capped off their evening — actually, it was morning — by walking across the street for a nightcap (morningcap?) at Grace’s Little Belmont, where Sammy’s mom — Elvera “Baby” Sanchez — was the barmaid and considered the “straw boss” of Kentucky Avenue. And it was at the 500 Club — the “Fives” to true locals — in 1956 where, 10 years to the day of their first performance together, which was also at the 500 Club, when Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed together for the last time. Live remote television broadcasts were still something of a novelty in 1956, but NBC thought enough of the Martin and Lewis split to send a crew to Atlantic City, led by “Today Show” host Dave Garroway, to broadcast live from the 500 Club. n Sherry Hoffman is a freelance writer and owner of Sherry Hoffman Public Relations. Find out more at sherryhoffman.net. njlifestyleonline.com
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Lifestyle Leisure By Molly Golubcow
Unique Vantage Points
Take the High, Higher, Highest Point of View Absecon Lighthouse
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n Alice in Wonderland, magical “Eat Me” cakes have a very strange effect on the eater — he or she grows abnormally tall and can see for miles around! It’s only a story book and a bit extreme, but it would be nice to get a bird’s eye view of the world whenever the urge strikes. In the Atlantic City area, a number of options are available for sightseeing from above. It is a great way to see the sun rise over the Jersey shore or set over the bay. And, you don’t even need wings or super powers to see it. Ready to rise above it all? Good. Let’s look at some “uplifting” vantage points on or around the island. Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City, NJ, www.abseconlighthouse.org Located in Atlantic City’s Inlet section and overlooking breathtaking views where bay and ocean meet, stands the Absecon Lighthouse. At an impressive 171 feet, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse offers a perfect place to get some local history and great views. Construction on the lighthouse began in 1854 and was first lit on January 15, 1857. Although the lighthouse has been deactivated since 1933, the light still shines every night as a symbol of a once-upon-atime maritime navigation tool. Today, the lighthouse is open to public year round and admission is free (donations are appreciated though). Over the years, restoration has included building a replica of the light keeper’s home, an educational museum, gift shop, and last but not least, breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline from a 360 degree vantage point. In addition to some amazing views from above, walking up the lighthouse gives you a bit of exercise as well when you ascend the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse. The trek up is worth the effort to see the views all around you. Throughout the year, school and group tours come and go regularly and the lighthouse also offers overnight program for Scouts, winter arts program for children, and a wide variety of special events throughout the year including Group Vow Renewal and Toast, “Symphony & Soul” Wine Tasting Porch Party, and “The Light of The Moon” night climb for some awesome views of the moonlit beach. 32
Spring 2016 |
LIFESTYLE
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Lucy the Elephant, Margate, NJ, www.lucytheelephant.org Lucy, Lucy, Lucy! What a beautiful and interesting pachyderm in the middle of Margate, New Jersey. If you have never met the old gal, Lucy the Elephant is a six-story wooden elephant made of nearly one million pieces of wood and tin sheeting. Commissioned in 1881 by James V. Lafferty as an attraction to attract tourists and sell real estate, today she shines as a bustling year round attraction for all ages. You can take tours inside of Lucy and walk the spiral staircase of her left rear leg all the way up to her back. That puts you 65 feet above it all as you step onto Lucy’s howdah — a carriage placed on the back of an elephant used in the past to carry wealthy people and usually decorated with expensive gems. Lucy’s original howdah was destroyed in a 1929 hurricane and replaced with a less ornate flat roof. During Lucy’s 1970s restoration, a replica of the original was put on and rebuilt yet again in 2006 after a lightning strike. So, what can you see from the howdah atop Lucy? Since she stands right in front of the beach, it’s no surprise that you’ll get a great view of the Margate and Longport shore, as well as the Atlantic City skyline. Richard Helfant, Lucy’s Executive Director, notices how amazed visitors are with the vista the howdah provides from the top of the 90 ton attraction. Helfant explains, “Visitors are in awe of how far they can actually see from up there. I sometimes joke that on a clear day, if they look out over the ocean’s horizon, they can see Spain.” In addition to just enjoying a tour of Lucy and getting in some obligatory and classic shots of you and Lucy high up, the howdah also has been privy to many marriage proposals, Lucy the Elephant wedding ceremonies, and even private dinners hosted on Lucy and overlooking the Margate beach. “Will you marry me?” from the top of feel “…you haven’t experienced the New Jersey Coast until you have seen Lucy — who could ever say “no?” it from above.” Clients have used the aerial experience for occasions like an anniversary, romantic “date night” out, or birthday celebrations. And, of Airplane Tour, www.redbaronairtours.com course, for the person who is just addicted to beautiful views. Although they may annoy you on the beach from time to time, sea gulls Dave Dempsey, Red Baron Air Tours owner and pilot, knows his really know how to view the beach as they soar over the surf. As bi-peds, we passengers he flights over the shore. Dempsey highlights, “In addition to cannot fly naturally, but we can fly in a bi-plane! enjoying a bird’s eye view of buildings, the boardwalk, marsh, ocean and Red Baron Air Tours, operating out of Woodbine, NJ and Ocean City, NJ the Jersey Cape, passengers frequently encounter sightings of dolphin and airports, fly you over the beach of your choice (Ocean City, Atlantic City, Sea schools of fish. Another cool opportunity is to spot friends or family on the Isle City, Cape May, and more) in an original WWII era aircraft that was fully beach and have the pilot wave his wings on a couple passes.” restored in the early 1990s. The open cockpit gives to some spectacular Like Lucy and the Absecon Lighthouse, proposals seem to be “high” on views of the shore from a perfect vantage point. the list of places to pop the question. Dempsey speaks from experience on If you are not into bi-planes, Red Baron Air Tours offers a shorter tour of that subject as the pilot as well as the proposer! While taking his girlfriend the beach in a closed cockpit Cessna 172. The modern plane carries four at the time out for a stunt flight (to get her “off balance”), Dempsey flew people (pilot and three passengers) and if you’re seated in the co-pilot seat, banners as a way of asking her to marry him. Was it the views? Was it the your may even get to take control for a bit as you soar above it all! flight? Maybe a combination, because her response was; “Yes, yes. Oh my Red Baron Air Tours also offers private sightseeing flight excursions and gosh … yes.” njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 33
LIFEST YLE LEISURE
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34 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Ferris Wheels, Atlantic City / Ocean City “Pleasure Wheels,” a circular contraption where passengers rode in chairs suspended from large wooden rings while turned by strong men, originated in 17thcentury Bulgaria. Fast forward to the 19th century, and the original Ferris Wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. as a landmark for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Since then, the term Ferris Wheel has become synonymous with one of the most popular rides at amusement parks and state fairs. At the shore, the Ferris Wheel on the Steel Pier is a great way to get a view of the pier, city, and the entire island — especially on a moonlit night or at sunset. Even people with a bit of the queasy stomach can appreciate a ride on the gentle and circular pattern that takes you 60+ feet into the air so you can see “forever.” Rachel Mayo, a 10-year-old who loves her amusement park rides sums it up, “You can see everything, and if you are on the Ferris Wheel, the beautiful lights at night are just amazing.” In addition to Steel Pier in AC, the Ocean City boardwalk offers Ferris Wheel vantage points as well. Gillian’s Wonderland Pier features a variety of rides, including a Ferris Wheel where you “can touch the clouds.” Views offer spectacular ways to see Ocean City and even Atlantic City. All in all, it’s a great way for anyone to enjoy the views from above — as long as you are at least 42” tall! n
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The Social Scene
Captain’s Table Raises $58,860 for Hungry Families The Captain’s Table Reception at the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show raised $49,321 for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Southern Branch and Let Us Eat, Please, a free meal program that is designed to fill the gap left when school is not in session. Among the individuals presenting the check was Kenneth J. Calemmo, chief operating officer of Cooper Levenson and chairman of Let Us Eat, Please, a nonprofit organization started by his former colleague, James Cooper, retired partner of Cooper Levenson. Let Us Eat, Please provides boxes of food during school vacations to families who are eligible for the federal free or reduced-fee meal program at school. Last summer, the group served more than 45,000 meals to families in Absecon, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, and Somers Point. Cooper Levenson Partner Kathi Morris and husband Joe Zaborowski
Cooper Levenson Partner Lynne Levin Kaufman and her husband Larry Kaufman
Photos by Nick Valinote
Cooper Levenson attorneys Rebecca and Randy Lafferty
L to R: Charlie and Nora Wimberg, Mike Gallagher, Francesca Padilla, Wendy and Joe Picarella, Cathy Gallagher and Jon Leonette
L to R: Kenneth J. Calemmo, Jr., Richard Uniacke, From left to right, Bill Cornelius of M&T Bank, Mike Mamula Mark R. Lashley and Danielle E. Butler of CSS, and Mike Amato of Camden Yards Steel 36 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Kimberly Arroyo of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Brian Chase and Michelle Chalmers
The Social Scene
AtlantiCare Opens New Urgent Care Center in Clementon AtlantiCare, a member of Geisinger Health System, recently celebrated the launch of its newest urgent care center with a grand opening reception and a ribbon cutting. AtlantiCare Urgent Care Center Clementon, at 1310 Blackwood Clementon Road, Clementon, opened February 8. During the event, center staff gave tours of the 3,600-square-foot facility, which includes a reception area with a children’s waiting section and coffee bar. Six patient examination rooms include eye, ear, pediatric, suture, orthopedic and OB/GYN rooms, which also
serve as general examination rooms. In addition, the facility has an X-ray suite and a centralized nursing station. “Whether you have an ear ache, sore throat or fever and your primary care provider’s office is closed or you can’t get in that day; or you don’t know whether your daughter sprained her ankle sliding into second base but you do know you have your son’s band concert in two hours, we can diagnose and treat you timely,” said John Ruskey, DO, medical director, AtlantiCare Urgent Care.
L to R: Paul Moriarity, Lori Herndon, Brian Nicholls, DO, John Ruskey, DO, Jatin Motiwal, Marilouise Venditti, MD, Jennifer Little and Steve Blumberg
L to R: John Ruskey, DO, Marilouise Venditti, MD, Brian Nicholls, DO, Glenn Merewitz, MD and Jay Morros, MD
L to R: Lisa McColgan, RN; Sara Muff; Michael Leff, RN; Jay Morros, MD; Karen Kramer, RN; and Glenn Merewitz, MD
The pediatric exam room at AtlantiCare Urgent Care Clementon
MBCA Mixer Raises $3,200 for Children’s Charity Over 400 members and friends attended the Metropolitan Business & Citizens Association (MBCA) Annual Winter Charity Mixer on March 7 at the Claridge Hotel. The event helped raise $3,200 in funds for their selected 2016 charity, Atlantic County Toys for
Photos by Nick Valinote
Kids, an organization dedicated to supporting and helping kids in our region with great programs. Greg DePiano, president of Atlantic County Toys for Kids, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.
L to R: Mel Taylor, Wendy Bartlett, Whitney L to R: Wendy Barlett, Miss New Jersey Francesca Ullman, Mayor Guardian, Mike Lopez, Anthony Catanoso, L to R: Helene Hordes, Joanne Gormley, Gary Hill Sharon Franz, Frank LoBiondo, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Formica and Patti Lees Le Anna, and Mila and Tom McDonough njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 37
dining gallery
Ram’s Head Inn
9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1700 ramsheadinn.com The Ram’s Head Inn continues the long-standing tradition of superior quality food and service that the Knowles family brought to Southern New Jersey in 1979. This started at the Manor in the 1950s, and also continues at the Highlawn Pavilion and Pleasantdale Chateau (all located in West Orange, NJ). Traditional food and beverage is served with a contemporary flair at various venues within this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Executive chef Elio Gracia has provided outstanding culinary excellence for seventeen years, incorporating as many seasonal organic and locally-grown foods as possible. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Blue Water Grille
60 N. Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-343-7447 fantasearesorts.com Located on the 7th floor of FantaSea’s Flagship Resort, the Blue Water Grille is reinventing itself under the direction of Yianni Papaspanos, Director, Food and Beverage, and Executive Chef A. Juliano Cannuscio. Amazing views abound as the well-trained servers offer American Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences. Dine on their delicious selections as you enjoy the magnificent ambiance.
Crab Trap
2 Broadway, Somers Point, NJ 609-927-7377 thecrabtrap.com Overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay in Somers Point is the Crab Trap Restaurant. Flourishing as a 400-seat full service restaurant serving the finest seafood in South Jersey. As many businesses expand, they often lose touch with the quality and small personal touches that made them special. At the Crab Trap, they don’t believe that has happened, or ever will.
Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery A Touch of Italy Ventura's Offshore Cafe
2015 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 609-641-5158 venturascafe.com Ventura's is a family restaurant and sportsman's bar with a cozy hometown atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again. From their famous mussels marinara to their award-winning filet mignon, to their simply delicious gourmet pan pizzas, they offer fresh homemade meals to please everyone's palate.
6629 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp. 609-641-1855 touchofitaly.net A Touch of Italy offers the finest quality of food and service. Each meal served is cooked to order. A friendly and pleasurable atmosphere will make your visit a memorable one. Established in 1981 with more than 31 years of experience, this restaurant, banquet facility, and lounge serves only the finest natural veal, steaks, poultry, pasta, seafood and brick-oven pizza.
72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 609-965-2111 renaultwinery.com Open since 2001, Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery has become a local favorite of the Atlantic County area. The continued patronage speaks volumes to the flavors that Chef Joe DeGennaro creates, which combines his unique flair and traditions. The food quality and atmosphere are surpassed by none. The Milza family commits themselves to the highest level of service and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose Italian, seafood, premium steaks or a burger, you are sure to be pleased. Try their diverse flavors and experience their amazing ambiance in a unique setting.
Maplewood
470 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 6126 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 609-561-9621, 609-625-1181 joesmaplewood.com For almost 70 years, Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently great food! They believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers. They have high standards for their food. Consistency can and should be expected. Food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the locals in the area. They only use the finest ingredients at the Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice. 38 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Sofia
9314 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-9111 sofiaofmargate.com Exhibiting classical Greco-Mediterranean design, Sofia invites you to enjoy her dinner table and share in a celebration of a wholesome cuisine built on homestyle cooking expressed by exceptional chefs and recipes acquired from past generations. Thus, making Sofia a truly extraordinary South Jersey Greek restaurant.
The Melting Pot
2112 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-1100 meltingpot.com At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience. Patrons can dip into something different — and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.
Barista’s Coffee House
199 New Road Ste. 10, Central Square, Linwood 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com Owners Mark and Debbie Becker have created the perfect “neighborhood” atmosphere coffee house. Brewing up more than just coffee, customers come back time and time again for Barista’s espresso, tea breakfast, Liege waffles, Brussels waffles, gourmet desserts, and Italian gelato. Once you walk through the doors, you instantly become part of the “Barista’s Family”. Open Mon. - Fri., 7 AM-6 PM and Sat., 8 AM-6 PM.
We’ll be the first to admit our name doesn’t tell the whole story. Bountiful Seafood. Succulent Steaks. Perfect Pastas.
And yes, Award-Winning Crab Cakes. 2015 Best of Press Awards: “Best Seafood Restaurant”
Tomatoes
9300 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-7535 tomatoesmargate.com A favorite of chefs and foodies who are impressed with the location, food, and view of the Margate Bay. The elegant and refined atmosphere includes a bar area, sushi bar, private meeting and dining rooms in addition to the main dining room. Trendy with a high-end, eclectic American fare and sushi, plus a happening bar scene. Excellent fresh fish, wonderful sauces and impressive desserts.
Somers Point 609-927-7737 www.thecrabtrap.com Serving from 11am Children’s Menu Available Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails Live Music • Deck Bar
“Home of The World’s Best Spaghetti for over 70 years, and so much More!”
Angeloni’s II
2400 Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-344-7875 angelonis.com Offering the finest Italian-American cuisine in the Atlantic City area. This family owned and operated business has been preparing the finest ItalianAmerican entrees in the greater NJ area for over 40 years. Angeloni’s II surrounds you in a warm and elegant ambiance fitting the fine dining you will be sure to enjoy.
Joe Italiano
Jimmy Italiano
Roberta’s by Joe Muldoon
1205 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-677-0470 robertasbyjoemuldoon.com A young Joseph Muldoon found his passion for food early on; while still at a tender age he began to work in the kitchen of New Jersey country club, Scotland Run. It was through this experience that Chef Joseph knew he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary field, but wasn’t sure what institution would allow his creativity to flourish. Almost in time to celebrate his 28th birthday, Muldoon opened his first independent restaurant, Roberta’s, at the intersection of Tilton and New roads in Northfield. Named for his mother, a home economics teacher whom he credits for instilling in him a love of cooking.
For almost 70 years Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently Good, GOOD Food! We believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers! We have high standards for our food. Consistency can and should be expected. Our food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. Our “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the people in the area. We only use the finest ingredients. The Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice.
470 White Horse Pike Hammonton, NJ 609-561-9621
6126 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing, NJ 609-625-1181
www.joesmaplewood.com njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 39
casino dining
TROPICANA (THE QUARTER)
RESORTS
PLAYGROUND AT CAESARS
Broadway Burger Bar
Gallagher’s Steakhouse
Phillips Seafood
The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-4660 broadwayburgerbar.com Ark Restaurants introduces Broadway Burger Bar at the Quarter in Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City serving up fresh ground, grilled, prime beef burgers and a large selection of tapas style appetizers. Order from a full bar featuring 60 craft beers, specialty cocktails, adult milkshakes as well as your traditional favorites. Live Acoustic acts every Friday and Saturday add to the vibrant and unique atmosphere. Fun for families, a quick lunch or an intimate dinner. At Broadway Burger Bar, they make burgers great.
Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-6555 gallaghersresorts.com Gallaghers is located on the 2nd floor of Resorts Casino. A classic steakhouse serving hearty salads, dry-aged meats, wonderful fish and shellfish. Their glass-enclosed meat locker is in the front of the restaurant for all to view; and all of the beef is dry-aged for 21 days at a constant 36 degrees to insure tenderness. Offering the finest selections of seafood as well. An ambiance of warm woods and deep reds. Friendly, efficient and gracious service. Open for dinner Sunday thru Thursday 5-9:30 pm, Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm.
Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-2273 phillipsseafood.com Phillips Seafood brings guests a classical American seafood menu boasting an array of fresh seasonal fish and Phillips’ famous jumbo lump crab cakes. Renowned chef Robbin Haas has designed a menu that offers guests the freshest, finest seafood available, complete with a rolling oyster cart where regional varietals are shucked tableside and a double-decker live lobster tank stocked with 3-10 pound lobsters. Experience an upscale, interactive dining experience with their exhibition kitchen
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40 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
Barista’s Coffee House Central Square, Linwood, NJ 08221 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com
HARRAH'S Sammy D's Harrah's Resort, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-5402 sammyds.com Sammy D’s is an all-you-could-ask-for eatery from culinary sensation Chef Sam DeMarco. At Sammy D’s, a retro restaurant, bar and lounge, Chef DeMarco takes East Coast favorites to the next level with his Philly Cheese Steak Dumplings, Lollipop Wings, SAM-'Whiches and Craft Drafts. Before hitting the boardwalk, or the jackpot, pull up a chair or grab a stool and relax at Sammy D's in Harrah's Resort.
Award-Winning Seafood
BORGATA Wolfgang Puck American Grille Borgata Casino Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com The man who revolutionized the culinary industry carries an undeniable cachet, synonymous with bold, innovative cooking and an unmistakable panache and passion that redefined dining in America. Offering contemporary American cuisine, the restaurant offers two distinctive dining areas ranging from casual and relaxed to elegant and upscale.
Old Homestead Steak House
Borgata Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com Their domestically-raised, hand-massaged Kobe beef is not only the envy of the trade, it’s trademarked. But that isn’t the only reason the venerable Old Homestead has been a New York City landmark for 137 years. “It’s consistency on all fronts,” says Marc Sherry who, with brother Greg, opened their second location at Borgata. The menu nearly mirrors New York’s — and for good reason.
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Izakaya
Borgata Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com A modern Japanese pub that defies comparison. Extraordinary sushi, sake, and robatayaki served in a sensual, yet modern atmosphere. Izakaya’s tempting cocktails and sharable plates make it the premier spot for an after-hours nosh and drinks, or a delicious late-night meal.
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LIFESTYLE REPORT | April Issue 2016 41
A Final Word By Marjorie Preston
The Moveable Feast Welcome the sunshine as you enjoy the area’s best outdoor dining.
T
he season of spring is a feast for all the senses. After a long winter’s nap, there may be no more pleasant pastime than dining al fresco — at sidewalk cafes, on sunny terraces, or in open-air dining rooms. In Italian, al fresco literally means “in the cool air,” and the phrase is used in almost every language to describe leisurely dining under the sun or stars. For your consideration, here are a few local restaurants that take it outside when the weather gets warm. Best of all, each one has a water view. • The Inn at Sugar Hill, Mays Landing. This enchanting bed and breakfast, set on the banks of the Great Egg Harbor River, is a leaf torn from a Victorian picture book. Stop first at the classic martini bar, then move to the veranda for native South Jersey seafood: seared scallops with tomatoes, roasted garlic and shrimp compote; or the house specialty, crab cakes with Vietnamese slaw and cilantro-lime aioli. In fair weather, the dockside Sunset Lounge features live entertainment and more casual fare. Boaters can pull right up to the eats. Ahoy! • Baia, Somers Point. Put your feet up, order a round, and watch the sun sink into the bay. Repeat as needed. That about sums up the experience at Baia, with three waterfront decks overlooking the soaring Route 52 causeway bridge. Add live jazz or reggae and a menu of hearty salads and sandwiches, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation. Try Baia’s Maine lobster salad with lump crabmeat on a brioche roll, topped with honey mustard dressing. Add a cool drink, like a Coconut Madness Colada, American Orange Burst, or Espresso Martini. Bliss. • Sofia’s, Margate. This charming bistro — you’ll remember it as the one with a tree growing out of the bar — is just one you should visit along Margate’s bayside restaurant row. Patterned after a seaside Greek villa, Sofia’s serves up Mediterranean flair in specialties like Seafood Plaki — jumbo shrimp and Chilean sea bass baked in a terracotta pot, then topped with tomatoes, Kalamata olives, Feta cheese, potatoes, and a splash of ouzo. Another goodie: Pasta Corfu, with jumbo shrimp over black-ink fettuccine in a basil marinara sauce. Opa! • Blue Pig Tavern, Cape May. This down-to-earth eatery adjoining stately Congress Hall serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a truly historic atmosphere; during the 1700s, the site was a taproom for whalers. The menu is super-fresh, with many ingredients coming directly from nearby Beach Plum Farm. A sample Blue Plate special may be Pork Schnitzel served with braised red cabbage, house-made spaetzle, and wild mushroom sauce; or buttermilk-fried chicken with mashed potatoes, braised greens and good old pan gravy. This is the ultimate in comfort food.
42 April Issue 2016 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com
• Antoinetta’s, West Creek. Accessible by land or sea, this classic Italian restaurant is intimate enough for lovers, but can accommodate groups of up to 50. Among the innovative menu items is Flounder Francese, prepared with white wine, butter and fresh lemon, and served with linguine. Add a spinach and pear salad with walnuts, shaved provolone and a refreshing raspberry vinaigrette. Day or night, the view from Antoinetta’s is dramatic, overlooking Manahawkin Bay and the wilds of the Forsythe National Preserve. • Tuckahoe Inn, Upper Township. The Beesley’s Point Bridge used to drop folks right at the front door of this favorite local restaurant. Though the bridge closed in 2004, the welcome mat is still out at the Tuckahoe Inn, and it’s worth the trip. Inside, enjoy menu choices like Red Snapper Pontchartrain topped with toasted almonds, jumbo lump crabmeat and lemon butter. In fairer weather, wander out to the Back Bay Café, which serves up light fare, premium craft beers and cocktails, and live music Wednesday through Sunday in season. • Clancy’s by the Sea, Ocean City. This Boardwalk bistro offers matchless views of the beach and ocean. Dine inside or out, on the terrace or up on the roof, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is good and hearty. A perennial favorite is Clancy’s just-divine chicken pot pie, baked in a flaky crust and topped with lightly browned mashed potatoes. Heading to the beach or back to your hotel? Clancy’s has a takeout menu, so you can grab and go. • Oyster Creek, Leeds Point. A former fishmonger with a ship-shaped bar, Oyster Creek is off the beaten path, or as its website says, “a far piece across the meadows, o’er a road bed of oyster shells, hardened and packed by the tramp of boots.” Stop in for the crab cakes, grilled sea scallops, lobster tails, or Bill’s Original Seafood Pie — crabmeat, shrimp and scallops in a creamy bisque, baked in a light puff pastry. This is the life aquatic! • Harry’s Oyster Bar & Seafood, Atlantic City. You know you’re in a Jersey joint when the drinks have names like Harry’s Hurricane and Spiced Storm. This oyster bar, sports bar, and seafood house serves up fresh catch indoors and out, with specialties like Harry’s Clam Bake, made with clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, lobster, mahi mahi, red bliss potatoes and chorizo. The bill of fare includes 11 different kinds of oysters, harvested from as far north as Prince Edward Island, as far south as Louisiana, and all points inbetween, including Cape Cod, Cape May, and the Chesapeake Bay. Belly up to the bar, and knock back a few. The list should keep you busy this season. Happy dining, and happy spring. n
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We believe
in personalized women’s healthcare – at any stage of life.
Whether you’re expecting a baby, seeking routine gynecological care or dealing with a more serious health issue, look no further than AtlantiCare Physician Group Pavilion OB/GYN. We cover the full continuum of women’s health — offering everything from preventive care to minimally invasive surgery for gynecological needs. Additionally, when your child needs hospital care, you’ll have peace of mind knowing he or she will be treated by CHOP pediatric hospitalists at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Atlantic City Campus or neonatologists at our Mainland Campus’s Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, the only one in southeastern New Jersey. Every program and service we offer is designed to meet your unique health needs at every stage of life.
Our Locations Egg Harbor Township 2500 English Creek Avenue Building 1000, Suite 1000 Linwood 2021 New Road, Suite 10 Cape May Court House 106 Court House South Dennis Road Building 200, 2nd Floor Hammonton 219 N. White Horse Pike Somers Point 443 Shore Road Manahawkin 712 East Bay Avenue
1-888-569-1000 Book online 24/7, view availability and receive reminders at www.atlanticaredoctors.org