NJ Lifestyle Magazine Holiday 2014

LifeStyle NEW JERSEY

HOLIDAY 2014

Celebrate with Style

THE ART OF VACATIONING • ADIEU TO AN EMPIRE • EAT, TOUR & LOVE IN ITALY A VIEW FROM THE TOP IN LINWOOD • A VISIT TO CHOCOLATE TOWN USA

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“Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.”

—William James

THE • VIEW

Half full? Or half empty?

T

hat title may be the most succinct way of putting Atlantic City’s struggles into perspective Pessimists — the ones who see Atlantic City’s glass as half empty with a bad leak — point to a laundry list of negatives and hammer more nails into Atlantic City’s coffin. They see a continued drop in casino revenue even with four fewer gaming halls and the possibility of a fifth closing before the end of the year. But we prefer to look at these troubling times with a more optimistic approach. Our Atlantic City glass is half-full and could conceivably be brimming over when the resort successfully completes its transformation into a year-round visitor destination where gaming is just one of many entertainment options.

Companies and individuals are still willing to invest in Atlantic City.

Philadelphia developer Bart Blatstein is buying The Pier Shops at Caesars for a measly $2.5 million.

Terry McCarthy, chairman of TJM Properties of Tampa, Fl., has not only pumped millions of dollars into bringing back the Claridge Hotel as a boutique hotel with non-gaming attractions, but he also paid approximately $13.5 million to buy the former Atlantic Club, the first casino to close this year.

Stockton College of New Jersey signed a letter of intent to acquire Showboat Hotel & Casino with plans to repurpose the site as a branch campus.

There’s more. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has struck a multi-million dollar deal with worldwide concert promoter Live Nation to bring as many as 16 major concerts and events to Boardwalk Hall in 2015. And the Atlantic City Alliance said it’ll present at least two more major beach concerts next summer.

Has this optimistic look into the near future made you hungry for more? Then check out the two newest entries into Atlantic City’s impressive list of celebrity chefs who have established a local presence.

Last summer, Philadelphia-bred chef Steve (“Yo Cuz!”) Martorano opened one of his signature Italian restaurants at Harrah’s Resort. It’s half restaurant, half nightclub, and all good.

Around the same time Martorano was dishing out the first plates of “macaroni and gravies” another famous chef was dipping his toes into the Atlantic City waters. Guy Fieri, who hosts the wildly popular “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” on the TV Food Network, opened Guy Fieri’s Chophouse at Bally’s Atlantic City.

And, right around President’s Weekend in February, look for another gold standard name in the foodie biz to show up in Atlantic City. Chef Gordon Ramsay, a restaurateur who has emerged as a television star with shows like “Kitchen Nightmares” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” will open a pub at Caesars Atlantic City.

Not bad for a town people have written off as dead.

Divorce Law South Jersey 2014-2015

Michael Gill

“One of the Atlantic City area’s best known ... and most accomplished ... divorce lawyers.”

Goldenberg Mackler Sayegh Mintz Pfeffer Bonchi & Gill

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Mark Biel

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Universally regarded as one of the region’s premier matrimonial attorneys.”

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See all Members of Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law of Southern New Jersey at

www.TenLeaders.org

Dar la Hendricks Publisher

The Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law of Southern New Jersey is based on interviews and peer referrals originating in first quarter 2003 and continuing through 2015. Attorneys listed here were referred by at least three of their out-of-firm peers. Ten Leaders is a consensus presentation of experienced, accomplished professionals, based on independent surveys and peer referrals; it is administered by The Ten Leaders Cooperative, Reston, Va., and Fort Lee, NJ. This announcement complies with advertising guidelines set forth by The Supreme Court of The State of New Jersey.

Ten Leaders professionals underwrite the distribution of their lists. To read Ten Leaders profiles in the law, medicine and finance, and for more information visit www.tenleaders.org. Copyright 2014, 2015, The Ten Leaders Cooperative, All Rights Reserved.

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LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 3

CONTENTS

HOLIDAY 2014 A fabulous week spent in Italy enjoying the scenery, culture, and food in Florence, Siena, and other quaint towns. Page 34.

DEPARTMENTS Local Chatter ............................................. 6 The buzz on happenings in and around our area.

Lifestyle Fashion......................................... 10 Red hot holiday style.

Lifelines.................................................... 14 Surviving the holidays.

Destination Spotlight................................. 15 Travel to paradise as we visit Club Med Sandpiper in St. Lucie, Florida. Page 22.

Exploring Linwood’s local shopping gem.

Home & Design Spotlight........................... 25

FEATURES View from the Top............................... 16 A bayfront home that serves up a never-ending spectacle.

The Art of Vacationing........................ 22

Experience the ultimate vacation through the magic of Club Med.

Swim-Mor Pools is turning dreams into reality.

Business Spotlight..................................... 29 Batteries Plus Bulbs is the electronics doctor.

Money Watch............................................. 31 Active vs. passive investing.

Health Watch............................................. 32 Tips to stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Adieu to an Empire............................ 26 Bidding a bitter-sweet farewell to a beloved series.

Eat, Tour, Love.................................... 34 Wining and dining under the Tuscan sun (and moon).

Chocolate Town USA........................... 38 A tour of Milton Hershey’s entertainment mecca.

Lifestyle On Wheels.................................... 42 Top off your holiday wish list with a Mercedes-Benz.

Lifestyle Traditions...................................... 46 The top 10 holiday films revealed.

The Social Scene........................................ 49 Get the picture on the latest events and happenings.

Lifestyle Cooking........................................ 54 Delicious holiday traditions.

In Lifestyle Architecture, we tour this rustic, Hamptons-style beach house located in Linwood. Page 16.

Restaurant Report...................................... 55 'Tis the season to visit the Ram's Head Inn.

Best of the Bunch....................................... 56 Bottled holiday cheer.

Dining Gallery............................................ 60 All the details on the area’s great dining venues.

A Final Word.............................................. 64 Movies, won top soup, and December 25th.

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Dan Schlossberg Photographers

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NewJersey 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 One North New York Road, Smithville, NJ 08205 Telephone: 609-404-4611 / Fax: 609-404-4613 info@njlifestyleonline.com www.njlifestyleonline.com

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LOCAL

CHATTER

DJ Pauly D

Amazing 3D Holiday Light Show

EVERY DAY AT DUSK, the edifice of historic Boardwalk Hall comes alive with dream-like fairy tales, lively tributes, and enchanting and festive themed worlds.

Since launching two years ago, AC’s 3D light and sound shows, created by Moment Factory, have received global acclaim. “Winter Sweet” returns just in time for holiday festivities as the facade of Boardwalk Hall turns into a wintry magical candy wonderland brightly lit by the glow of candles and ornaments.

During the month of December, the free show is shown nightly every half hour from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Sundays through Thursdays, and from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays.

Props From An Empire THE LAST EPISODE OF HBO'S criticallyacclaimed series “Boardwalk Empire” aired in October, but the series will maintain a presence at the Atlantic City Historical Museum, located inside the Garden Pier at New Jersey Avenue and the Boardwalk in AC. The museum recently received donations of ”Boardwalk Empire” props and related items, which are showcased for the public to view.

Some of the items on display include Prohibition bottles, an Atlantic City Beach Patrol swimsuit, newspapers, wooden barrels, and documents about Enoch “Nucky” Johnson — the inspiration behind the lead character Nucky Thompson, expertly played by Steve Buscemi.

15,000 Lights

A Shore Thing PAULY D — OUR FAVORITE housemate from MTV’s “Jersey Shore” — will continue his reign at The Pool at Harrah’s for a fourth straight year as the casino recently extended his DJ residency gig. The swimming pool/ nightclub at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City is a hotspot enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. DJ Paul DelVecchio also holds a DJ residency in Las Vegas and has recently toured with Jesse McCartney, Britney Spears, and Nicki Minaj.

ATLANTIC CITY IS GETTING in on the holiday fun with twinkling lights on numorous, decorated holiday trees. The DO AC Tree & Light Fest features 25 brilliantly illuminated and lavishly decorated themed trees in Tanger Outlets The Walk at Michigan and Arctic Avenues, and at various other locations throughout the city.

Tree themes include Atlantic City icons, a tree for each casino, Monopoly, Miss America, Happy New Year, trees for neighboring cities — Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York — and the much-anticipated peek-a-boo tree. Behind closed doors, this tree is a playful nod to the adult entertainment and nightlife options found in AC and can only be viewed by visitors age 21 and over.

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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 Creating Lasting Memories

FOR THE 32ND YEAR, the Atlantic City Ballet presents its production of The Nutcracker.

And for the third season, the troupe has partnered with The Garden State Philharmonic to make this an unforgettable event.

This beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the magic of this marvelous Christmas tale, creating a lifetime of memories. The performance runs from December 18 - December 23 at the Claridge Hotel-Atlantic City.

Time Passages

Dickens' Christmas Extravaganza

CAPE MAY IS THE PERFECT PLACE to celebrate Victorian novelist Charles Dickens and the holidays, as this quaint town transforms to a Victorian Christmas Village during the holiday season.

From December 7-9, immerse yourself in the world of Dickens through lectures and performances, concluding with a proper Victorian Feast.

THE HISTORIC STOCKTON SEAVIEW HOTEL and Golf Club recently commemorated a century of operation. In honor of the occasion, resort officials buried a time capsule — filled with Seaview and Stockton-affiliated items, as well as other things that reflect today's society — to be opened in another 100 years.

“For the college, it's the celebration of our expansion, our growth, and our roots in the history of this community,” said Dr. Herman Saatkamp, president of Richard Stockton College of NJ.

Charles Dickens

Music To Our Ears

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY season with the Bay-Atlantic Symphony as they present HOLIDAY CHEER! at the Stockton Campus Center Theater in Galloway during December. This holiday program features not just one, but two sing-alongs of beloved carols, as maestro Jed Gaylin leads one set with the orchestra, then a piano is wheeled out for the second group.

Attendees will be gifted a medley of Christmas carols, including Bach, Schubert (Ave Maria), O Holy night, and many more favorites. And let's not forget the potato latkes with Steinberg's uproarious Hanukah Medley.

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Who Said Lights Can't Float?

Healing From A Superstorm

WATCH IN WONDERMENT as over 120 Christmas trees constructed from over 50,000 Christmas lights magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights dance and chase each other to the music, while reflecting of the water’s surface. This unique show can be seen from either side of the village, as well as the bridge.

FROM THE SURGE OF DEBRIS, raw materials, and emotions left by Hurricane Sandy, artists discovered new channels for their creativity. The Aftermath is an exhibition drawn from seventeen artists’ responses to the unprecedented destruction of the Superstorm. Two years later, as homes are slowly being rebuilt and lives getting back to normal, this exhibition showcases artists who transformed their horrendous experience from the storm into new channels of expression.

Whether capturing dramatic scenes in photography, or utilizing the storm’s debris to make new phoenix-like creations, these artists show that art can be a powerful agent of transcendence and healing. Curated by Doug Ferrari, this must-see exhibit runs until January 11, 2015 at The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton College in Oceanville.

A Local Tradition

WHAT COULD BE MORE FUN and festive than a horse & carriage ride? Ocean City is again offering free rides to visitors on weekends through the month of December. Brave the cold and make a date to attend with the entire family. It just may be the ideal photo for your holiday card! The rides are scheduled from 12 noon to 3 PM in front of City Hall at 9th & Asbury Avenue.

Fame For Two Local Eateries

A DASH OF HOLLYWOOD visited our area recently as two local dining hotspots — Carluccio’s in Northfield and the Grilled Cheese & Crab Cake Factory in Somers Point — received some well-deserved publicity. Food Network star Guy Fieri, host of the long-running program, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” pulled his shiny red Chevy Camaro into their parking lots to film the segments, which will be aired within the next few months.

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Holiday 2014 |

LIFESTYLE

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LIFESTYLE FASHION

Red Hot Holiday Style

BY ALYSON BOXMAN LEVINE

T

here is something about slipping on a red dress that just feels different. Perhaps it’s the bold color, or the way you feel when you look in the mirror for the first time with it on. Your reflection seems to glow with a newfound air of confidence. You stand taller, fiercer, and portray a feminine image of enthusiasm and confidence.

Let’s face it … you can’t go wrong with a

Color block holiday dress, Hervé Léger 12

Holiday 2014 |

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red dress. Appropriate for simply any occasion — from that mandatory office party to the neighborhood open house, or that oh-soelegant New Year’s Eve gala — crimson is the color to be seen in this festive season.

Add this sexy Hervé Léger red dress to your holiday repertoire. With its bold and bright hue, this color-blocked piece adds star-power glamour to your party portfolio. Sleeveless, with an all-over color-blocked detail, this red

Sweater dress, Victoria’s Secret

and black dress has a center back zipper and is the ideal cocktail length, hitting at mid-thigh.

Hervé Léger is a French fashion designer best known for his invention of the “bandage dress,” an uber-tight garment comprised of tightly wound wraps of fabric that hug the body. Countless Hollywood starlets adore this designer, including Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, and Megan Fox. Going for the casual, yet pulled-together

Seguin lace dress, Tadashi Shoji

Heat up any event this holiday season with these top picks. look? A sweater dress from Victoria’s Secret — with its soft feel and comfy style — will have you looking chic and keeping you warm during those cold winter nights. Pair with a black tight and boots for a pulled-together look.

In 1977, Victoria’s Secret was founded Roy Raymond to appeal to men shopping for ladies' lingerie. Now, this super-successful retailer can be found in almost every mall across the U.S. and currently sells lingerie, clothes, and beauty products through their retail locations, catalogues, and websites.

For those dressier occasions when you want to stand out from the crowd, wear this fashion forward Tadashi Shoji red dress. Evocative of the label's glam-meets-sweet sensibilities,

this sleeveless dress charms with an illusion neckline, sequined lace, and ribbon waist-tie.

Born in 1948, Tadashi Shoji is a JapaneseAmerican accessory and apparel designer and the founder of the Tadashi Shoji clothing label, which is recognized for creating stunning red carpet dresses. Unlike many designers, Tadashi is applauded for designing garments for all body figures by using techniques to bring the most out of any structure. With methods like pleats, flares, draping, and ruching, the designer accentuates the parts of body in any woman that have the potential to boost her appearance. His motto is to design for woman to make her feel beautiful and confident.

Highlight your curves in this Tracy Reese red dress. Ideal for the office party or that

annual holiday dinner at your favorite posh restaurant, this stripe knit dress has a round neck, three quarter sleeve, and a beaded neckline.

American fashion designer Tracy Reese was born in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan and, according to reports, gets the burning desire for creating beautiful things and an eye for fashion from her mother. She remembers designing and creating outfits from scratch with her mother on their sewing machine.

Tracy’s designs have an ultra-feminine look and feel, which gives her polished pieces a distinctive look on the runway. The use of an extensive palette of bright colors for textiles, playful Bohemian touches, and elaborate graphic patterns makes this designer truly

Mixed lace gown, BCBGMAXAZRIA

Stripe knit dress, Tracy Reese

Lace cocktail dress, Marchesa njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 13

Lifestyle Fashion one-of-a-kind. Her designs have been seen on Michelle Obama and songstress Taylor Swift.

In the mood to splurge this holiday season? Then look no further than this red Chantilly lace deconstructed kilt cocktail dress by the high-end fashion label Marchesa.

A gothic approach meets ethereal style in this ultimately contemporary take on elegance.

This flowing Marchesa evening gown features lace underlining, adorned with a red toga-like drapery at the front, and capped off with a corset-inspired lace-up back.

British born Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig built the Marchesa label, a fashion empire defined by elegant eveningwear and unique couture designs. Georgina’s

draping and design expertise paired with Keren’s textile creations resulted in a business partnership and the establishment of Marchesa in 2004. Coveted not only by celebrities, but by women of all ages, Marchesa continues to be the centerpiece of iconic red carpet moments and high-end fashion.

Still searching for the perfect New Year’s Eve dress. Well, look no further … this mixed lace gown by BCBGMAXAZRIA is definitely the one. You will have an unforgettable night in this contrasting lace paneled dress framed by raw-edge chiffon trim. This youthful, crewneck gown is finished with a softly flared, floor-grazing skirt.

2.

1.

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Founded in 1989, BCBG MAXAZRIA is the lifetime vision of one man; founder, designer, chairman and chief executive officer Max Azria. Named for the French phrase bon chic, bon genre, a Parisian slang meaning “good style, good attitude,” BCBGMAXAZRIA embodies a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit.

Whichever dress you choose to don for your holiday fêtes, keep in mind that the color red can be a bit dangerous. Proceed with caution, as you will get more head-turning looks as you enter the room and a few more jealous whispers behind your back. Just relax, smile, and prepare for an unforgettable evening as “the lady in red.” n

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Seeing Red! Necessary additions to your holiday season 1. Be seen with this exclusive bag.

A metallic appliqué lends a bright update to Longchamp's must-have tote, featuring double top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, and zip and snap tab closures, Longchamp, $419.

2. Add dimension and glamor to your outfit with this polished bracelet, featuring faceted stones in rich shades for color and shine, Lauren Ralph Lauren, $58.

Image is important.

This is ours. johnny was n nydj n three dots n elliott lauren n white & warren n marc aurel n nally & millie n kinross n autumn cashmere n ronen chen n alison sheri n

3. Both warm and oh-so-cute, grosgrain bows accent these soft gloves with heat conducting index and thumb tips to allow for touchscreen use, Kate Spade New York, $98.

4. Share your love this holiday season with this red heart key ring in crocodile with palladium-plated solid brass hardware, Tiffany & Co., $165.

5. Guaranteed to make magic in your wardrobe, these polka dot leather ankle boots feature multicolor calfskin, a layered polka-dot pattern, and a wraparound ankle strap with studded buckle, Valentino, $1,775.

6. Feel like a celebrity in this silk scarf featuring the label’s iconic tiger and intricately printed panels weaving across luscious silk for an elegant, yet bold, statement, Kenzo, $285.

donna degnan n il bisonte handbags n ag jeans n allen allen n equestrian n dolcezza n zoe couture n

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LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 15

LIFELINES by Michelle Dawn Mooney

Surviving the Holidays Perfecting the Art of Imperfection

W

hy, year after year, do we drive ourselves mad, striving to meet ridiculous expectations in hopes of making the holidays unrealistically perfect when it often means missing out on a lot of the fun? Behold, I bring you tidings of great “gift giving, time saving, stress relieving tips” to bring you even more ... joy.

1. MAKING A LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE Whether it’s for gift, meal, or party planning, lists will always help keep you on track. You’ll also feel super accomplished when you’re able to cross things off. The biggest list will probably be your gift list. I wrack my brain to think of every possible person I need a gift for, from my mom to the mailman. After jotting down what I “think” I may want to get them, I do a quick web search for sales and then I'm off (the Internet is a great place to research items, look for the best sales at your leisure, and then visit the store to make the purchase). Admittedly, I try to avoid heading out to the big malls and aim to complete most of my holiday shopping by buying locally.

Some stores will even gift wrap!

2. GIFT GIVING So, how do you buy a gift for someone who seems to have everything? Make a themed gift basket! If you know someone enjoys a special hobby, movies, cooking, etc., baskets are a great gift. A few DVD movies with someone's favorite actor, microwave popcorn, and boxed candy is great for a movie buff, or 16

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try a cookbook with a few kitchen tools for your favorite foodie. Custom baskets are great ways to let people know you care.

Or try whipping up one of your favorite specialties; desserts, jellies, sauces, or even your favorite layered cookie mix in a jar.

Homemade goodies and gifts are always special.

Finally, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try an experience. Almost every gift recipient on your list would cherish one thing in particular ... your time. Whether it's going to a concert, a day at the spa, or even playing a round of golf, spending your time with a loved one and treating them to a special event is a great gift that is sure to make lasting memories.

3. EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY Anyone who knows me knows I love to entertain, but there was a time when I thought spending three hours making homemade crackers for a party seemed like a great idea, despite reminders from friends that I could simply buy a box for three bucks.

Were they good? Yes. Would I do it again?

Never! I love going the homemade route, but when it means cutting into time with your guests, it's really not worth it in the end.

Instead of trying to make everything from scratch, pick one or two gourmet dishes and simplify the rest. Even the bar can be simplified. Choosing one festive signature drink, like a “Christmastini”, and offering beer, wine or soda, is an easy way to keep

everyone happy.

4. STRESS Stress can manifest itself in very real and scary physical symptoms. I speak from experience as I found myself in the back of an ambulance a few years ago! During a season when the focus is on everyone else, remember to make yourself a priority too. Sleep, a healthy diet, and exercise can be lifesavers.

Whether it's taking a walk, a soaking bath, getting a massage, or just sitting down for an hour to catch up with reading or a little television, finding time to relax will make you far more productive in the end, and will keep your stress levels at bay.

5. REMEMBERING THE REASON FOR THE SEASON In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, try not to lose sight of why we're celebrating in the first place. Cherish the time you have with family and friends and remember to count your blessings. It's easy to forget how much we have to be thankful for until we see someone whose needs are greater than ours. A kind word, a cup of coffee, a donated coat or holiday meal can go a long way for someone struggling this season.

Lastly, don't forget that imperfection is okay! In fact, you may just find that it helps you make the most perfect holiday memories you can imagine. Wishing you a most joyous and blessed holiday season and a very happy and healthy New Year! n

DESTINATION

SPOTLIGHT

Get Central Squared Exploring Linwood’s local shopping gem

By Alyson Boxman Levine

LOOKING FOR A FUN WAY TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON? How about visiting an exciting location with chic shops, tasty restaurants, and even a yoga class or two? Then Central Square in Linwood is certainly the place to visit. This outdoor shopping mall, with over 50 unique shops and services, has been successfully pleasing customers from near and far spanning five decades.

Jam packed with local favorites, the shops and businesses are sure to please even the most discerning buyer. From trendy clothes to high-end jewelry, to kitchen designs and relaxing spa services, this one-stop shopping location has everything you are looking for, and more. Whether you choose to stroll along the sidewalks and window-shop, or are in search of that unique item, you will find it here among the vast array of shops. Businesses and services include: Interior Design, Florist, Pilates/Barre, Cards and gifts, Children's clothes and shoes, Cigars, Salons, Upholstery, Dance, and Optical.

And when all that shopping whets your appetite, fear not. Simply

stroll over to one of the four delicious restaurants located in the Square. With menus ranging from casual to fine dining, there is surely something to please everyone.

Central Square opened in 1975, according to Ken Steinberg, co-owner of Parkshore Development Corp. “Central Square was my father Bernard's idea and he developed the property, starting with one phase and eventually ending in five phases,” explained Steinberg. “He wanted a New England-style village feel and used the same architect as historic Smithville.”

The ideal place to visit on Small Business Saturdays, a number of Central Square’s many shops are locally-owned and operated. Stroll in and have a chat with the owner as you enjoy this one-of-a-kind shopping experience. With recent improvements including wider, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a new front parking lot, Central Square‘s unique blend of specialty shops and services is a must-visit for the holiday season. n Central Square • 199 New Road, Linwood, NJ • shopcentralsquare.com

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LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 17

LIFESTYLE

ARCHITECTURE

By MARJORIE PRESTON Photography by ERIC WEEKS

View from the Top Xxx

Sweeping mahogany grand staircase

Y

ears before they built their dream home along the bay in Linwood, Steve and Stacy Feriozzi started a family tradition. Every Fourth of July, at just around dusk, they would load up the kids and drive to a secluded spot along the saltwater marshes. There, among the featherlike reeds that border the wetlands, they would watch as fireworks displays illuminated the skies over Atlantic City, Margate, Longport, and Ocean City.

“I kept my eye on that property for years and thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to live there,’” says Steve Feriozzi. After the land was zoned for residential development, he looked at a waterfront home already under construction. “I walked in when the first floor was being built, and that was when I bought it.”

Steve, a building contractor and head of an Atlantic County concrete company, took charge of the exterior design. He left the interiors to Stacy. Their collaboration resulted in a home that is truly opulent, but absolutely comfy. With floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows at almost every turn, it was built to take advantage of those stunning views.

“At night from the master bedroom, you can look out and the Ocean City Ferris wheel, all lit up,” says Steve. “On holidays, you can see the fireworks going off right from your bed.” Add in the colorful changes of seasons, and see an abundance of wildlife and shore birds, “and you never miss a show,” he says.

Castle in the Sand The big, rustic, Hamptons-style beach house arises from this

Showcase kitchen

From natural splendors to boardwalk light shows, this bayfront home serves up a never-ending spectacle.

Porcelain hot tub in master bath

Sitting room with panaramic views njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 19

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LIFEST YLE ARCHITECTURE serene setting like a rough-hewn castle. Sided with rugged red cedar shingles from California, topped with tough black asphalt, with a pitched roof reinforced with galvanized ice-breakers, it’s a match for all kinds of coastal weather. Broad, red brick walkways lead visitors from the circular drive, built around a striking copper mermaid fountain, to the saltwater pool and pool house, which face the wetlands and barrier islands.

At more than six thousand square feet, with four bedrooms, five baths, and two fireplaces (one gas, one wood-burning, “for the great smell”), this fortress by the bay can host armies of guests — a good thing, as the Feriozzis, with three kids, a large extended family, and a ton of friends, love to entertain.

And no one has to be invited twice. The pool house — a miniature of the residence, with Panama ceiling fans, its own bar, and a draped cabana — also includes a downstairs wine cellar, where Steve makes and bottles his own vintage.

“If we had a big party, we could have 50, 75 people, no problem,” says Steve. “I’ve had 150 people or better for an outside party. This place takes a lot of living, and has a very homey feeling.”

Inside, Stacy created a showcase kitchen ideal for making big, multicourse Italian dinners. Too many cooks? No problem. This expansive open space with freestanding island lets everyone pitch in.

Its restaurant-quality appointments (Wolf range, Dacor oven, Subzero fridge, and not one but two Bosch dishwashers) make meal prep a snap.

Golden oak hardwood floors and almond-colored granite counters with brushed-nickel fixtures contrast with walls of rich cherry Woodmode cabinets, including an ornately carved range hood. And the whole scene is lit by sparkling crystal chandeliers.

Naturally Beautiful Throughout the living spaces, the emphasis is on earth tones and textures: from the crushed leather and velvet sofas and chairs in the living room, to the stone slab floor in the foyer, to a sweeping mahogany

grand staircase that winds up to the second floor.

The color palette is all golds and mochas, khakis and crimsons for a look of quiet, understated luxury, set off by art and collectibles including a massive gilded mirror in the living room (too big to hang, it simply leans against the wall). Like the mirror and a giant distressed clock, most of the furnishings are oversized to match the scale of the house.

The only downsizing around here is in Stacy’s whimsical collection of Disney figurines, which dominates a first-floor display cabinet.

The relatively remote location allows the Feriozzis to keep the broad windows minimally dressed, so they can relish the views with no loss of privacy. Take the master suite. The bedroom is a study in tranquility, with its giant four-poster bed, deep plush ivory carpet, a vaulted ceiling, and expansive arched windows that look out onto the bay. The adjoining master bath includes a porcelain hot tub and bath atop a raised black granite base. Again, it’s surrounded by windows with plantation shutters that are seldom closed. An embroidered seafoam valance and crystal chandelier complete the picture.

Where the Boys Are The second-floor media room with a home theater and surround-sound is “the real man cave,” says Steve. In this masculine retreat, guests will find another bar, beer on tap, and a pool table under a ceiling covered with bamboo sea grass. The fun continues on the topmost floor, a cozy enclave with foosball and air hockey tables along with a cluster of sinkin sofas and of course, more spectacular views.

“It’s the ultimate home for family and friends to relax, have fun, and marvel at the skyline of the shore,” says Stacy.

Of all the marvels in this marvelous house, for Steve the best feature can be found underfoot. “We did all the bathrooms upstairs with radiant heat” installed in the floors, he says. “You can imagine how cold it can get here in the winter, especially at night. It’s so nice to get up and not have to put on socks. It’s fantastic.”

Not to mention those views. … n

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LIFESTYLE GETAWAYS

The Art of

“Relax, Recharge, Renew, Restored.”

—Lailah Gifty Akita

Vacationing

Travel to paradise and experience the ultimate vacation through the magic of Club Med

By BILL AND BARBARA SCARDUZZIO

Club Med Sandpiper Bay's soleil 24

Holiday 2014 |

LIFESTYLE

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C

ombat the ensuing Arctic Blast this winter and escape to the warmth of The Sunshine State with a visit to paradise. With 65 resorts worldwide, Club Med — the original all-inclusive resort — is the ideal choice for your sojourn. Here, we visit their premium sports resort, Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida; a haven for active families.

This unique 216-acre resort is tucked into the lush landscape along the St. Lucie River, and is the ideal destination for active families that want to engage in sports and fitness programs. Featuring world-class instruction by renowed professional coaches and fitness gurus, the expansive resort features 20 tennis courts, eight sand volleyball courts, and an impressive 18 hole onsite golf course.

Sandpiper Bay also features the first and only L'Occitane-branded spa in the U.S., and a variety of land and water activities including; sailing, fitness classes, and the soaring flying trapeze. This premium resort also offers worldclass training facilities, as well as gourmet dining, premium beverages, and an engaging award-winning children's club for ages from four months to 17-years with Kidz Village.

Getting Active After a day of unwinding at the pool, guests will feel rejuvenated and ready

to experience the resorts new program, a 360° Active Wellness Boost. Sports are an integral part of every all-inclusive Club Med experience, and along with professional coaching for running, triathlons, tennis, golf, and fitness — each Active Wellness Boost package is highly personalized.

With an evaluation of your performance goals, fitness training, sensorial L’OCCITANE spa therapies, nutritional guidance, and an array of specialized wellness and rejuvenation activities, this new program will awaken your passion for wellness. And have you looking and feeling better than ever!

A Spa Day Everyday Marking the completion of a $28 million renovation, Club Med Sandpiper Bay is home to the first ever L’Occitane-branded spa in North America. Lifeenriching experiences designed to bring body, mind, and spirit into balance are the fabric of the spa as it partners with nature in delivering an experience of relaxed, renewed, and restorative wellness.

Housed in a 5,000-square foot sanctuary bathed in purple hues, the spa is a haven of serenity and natural beauty. The entire spa experience and interior décor was specifically designed to embody the genuine spirit of Florida and its protected ecosystem. Offering more than 30 treatments — including soothing facials, massages, wraps, scrubs, and slimming therapies based on traditional and contemporary healing techniques — the facility features

Beautiful view beside the infiniti pool

Club Med Sandpiper Bay's main pool njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 25

L I F E ST Y L E G E TAWAY S

L'Occitane Lobby

A room in L'Occitane Amazing beach view from Club Med Sandpiper Bay

seven treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, Zen Lounge, and a deluxe couples treatment room. The L’Occitane boutique features more than 80 products, as well as nail care, waxing, and hair care, providing guests with the exact escape they’re seeking.

The journey begins when you arrive and ease into a plush robe and slippers. From there, relaxation seekers are guided to a waiting area where fruit-infused water awaits. Treatment rooms provide separate air, music, and lighting to individualize and personalize the spa journey. After taking part in the luxurious treatments, pampered guests are encouraged to linger as long as they like in the Zen Lounge — a custom-designed cabana in a Zen garden with relaxation chaises.

Club Med and L’Occitane have created and maintained a partnership for many years, aligning perfectly with their French roots and with wellbeing at the core of their philosophies. The original Club Med Spaby L’Occitane is located at Club Med Opio en Provence, France. Founded by Olivier Baussan more than 30 years ago, L’Occitane captures the true art de vivre of Provence, offering a sensorial immersion in the natural beauty, fragrance, and lifestyle of the South of France. From the texture of L’Occitane products to their fragrance, each formula promises delight through beauty and wellbeing — a moment rich in enjoyment and discovery that goes beyond tangible benefits.

Fitness Fun Get your body beach-ready at the completely new 2,500-square foot Club Med Fitness Center. This full-service fitness center features state-of-the-art Lifecycle equipment, including treadmills, cross trainers, recumbent bikes, balls, and weight equipment. Classes include Personal Training, Zumba, and Yoga — so guests can continue their wellness journey through programs designed to balance the body and mind through a range of exercises geared for results.

And if beach volleyball is your passion, you’re in luck. The resort has recently launched a new Club Med Volleyball Academy at Sandpiper Bay. The renowned Club Med Academies have aligned themselves with the National Volleyball League (NVL) to create the only beach volleyball academy in the world and the first academy team sport to be incorporated into guests’ active vacations. The NVL has moved their official National Training Center from California to Sandpiper Bay, allowing players of all skill levels the opportunity to play alongside seasoned professionals and brings in appearances by Olympians and volleyball legends.

The enhanced all-inclusive program offers professional coaching and specialized training programs for individuals with top-of-theline equipment and facilities including four new championship sand courts (16 more courts will be available this summer). Welcoming all skill levels to practice setting, spiking, serving and passing, hour-long group lessons take place throughout the day and daily tournaments are organized by the resort.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow The only difficult thing about this one-of-a-kind super-charged vacation is actually leaving the resort. With minds relaxed and bodies boosted, actually getting your family or spouse (or even yourself) to depart is a true challenge as this is a place you never want to leave.

So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation lounging in the sun and spa, or an active one getting tips from professional instructors, Club Med Sandpiper Bay is, unquestionably, ideal. Grab your bathing suit and your athletic shoes and experience the true art of vacationing like a professional. n

HOME & DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

By Molly Golubcow

DESIGN YOUR DREAM TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY WITH A CUSTOM SWIM-MOR POOL LOOK AT YOUR BACKYARD AND IMAGINE A BEAUTIFUL, inviting pool for you and your family to enjoy. The kids are happy splashing about and you are enjoying a drink while floating in your own private paradise in a pool uniquely designed for you. Is this just a dream or are you a phone call away from making this a reality? By simply calling Swim-Mor Pools and Spas, you can schedule a consultation with expert pool designers to answer your questions and discuss ideas for your new pool.

Why Swim-Mor Pools?

For over 45 years, Swim-Mor Pools has been specializing in building economical, safe, and easy to maintain swimming pools. The designers and crews at Swim-Mor take great pride in building a pool to suit their customer’s specific needs.

Mike McCool, General Manager, explains what makes the company unique. “Swim-Mor Pools and Spas is a family-owned and operated company that has been South Jersey’s premier pool builder since 1967.

And when we say ‘since 1967,’ we don’t just mean the company name or corporation, but the family, the ownership, the experience, the history of what makes Swim-Mor thrive, the foundation that Swim-Mor was built on. Because of all of this, it's more than just a job to us."

The company prides itself on only hiring courteous, knowledgeable staff to guide customers through every step of designing and building the pool of their dreams. After experienced designers help you select a pool that meets your needs and budget, Swim-Mor uses only their own trusted crews and equipment for the pool construction — allowing complete control over everything from the quality of the materials to the quality of the individuals who are building your pool.

Everyone into the Pool Designing a pool that suits you is a crucial part of building quality swimming pools. If you can dream it, Swim-Mor can do it by providing custom designs that virtually can take on any form imaginable. Design options are only limited by your imagination, for instance, the cloud like curves of the Blue Lagoon or the classic lines of the Gothic. In addition to the pool shape, there are countless features that can be added to the pool, such as waterfalls, a sun shelf, beach entries and bar stools and table.

Swim-Mor also offers spa options. Imagine coming home after a hard day and letting the bubbling water and jets relieve the stress of the day. Spas can be designed to any shapes or size, and Swim-Mor can help you decide which spa fits best to your therapeutic and relaxation needs.

Whether a lap pool to meet your fitness expectations or a free-form pool for fun in the sun, Swim-Mor uses energy efficient and computer controlled equipment. In addition to installation, the company has the experience to maintain the equipment. Once your pool is installed, Swim-Mor offers its own full-service department to handle all pool maintenance and warranty needs.

“As was the case when Swim-Mor built my first pool, every part of the experience was completed as contracted with perfection. Workers were neat and professional. I would highly recommend Swim-Mor in the future.” — Gerry T. So, are you ready to dive in and change that ho-hum backyard into a beautiful pool that will provide hours of fun and relaxation for you and your family right outside your door? If so, contact Swim-Mor Pools and Spas to schedule a consultation. n

Family Memories Are Made here Years from now you’ll still remember the epic game of Marco Polo, or the time you pushed dad into the pool. Every time you get together with family and friends to enjoy your pool, you’ll create more unforgettable memories.

Let Swim-Mor build you the pool of your dreams – and start making memories now.

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5:12 PM 27 LIFESTYLE | 5/19/14 Holiday 2014

Adieu to an Empire Bidding a bitter-sweet farewell to a beloved series

H

Clockwise from top: On the set of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" with Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson in brown coat; David Spatz on set; Spatz interviews Terence Winter, with Tom Morgenweck on camera; Associate Producer Tom Morgenweck Jr. (left) and Producer and Director Jake Glassey Jr.

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BO’s Boardwalk Empire is dead.

So is its main character, Nucky Thompson. In fact, near the end of the fourth season and during every episode of the short fifth and final year, a lot of important characters got bumped off — Richard Harrow, Chalky White, Mickey Doyle and Dr. Narcisse among them. But perhaps the second most important character, next to Steve Buscemi’s Nucky, was gone by the end of the third season — and we never knew it.

That character was the Boardwalk Empire set itself.

The set, built in 2009, was an important piece of Atlantic City’s past. It sat along the East River in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn and was dismantled in 2012 not long before Hurricane Sandy swept ashore. HBO also had a satellite Boardwalk set in Far Rockaway, Queens, where it shot many of the scenes from the 1880s through 1900.

But there’s no room for nostalgia in the movie business. Film and TV sets are often dismantled, repurposed or flat-out destroyed once they’ve outlived their usefulness. Because the Boardwalk Empire set was so specific to a time

LIFESTYLE ENTERTAINMENT by DAVID J. SPATZ

period — the 1920s to early ‘30s, which is when the series ended — it isn’t likely anyone would have found much use for the set that was the length of a football field. At 300 feet long, it was the largest movie or TV set ever built in New York City.

When Boardwalk Empire was initially announced, some wondered why HBO was building an exterior set in Brooklyn. Why, they asked, couldn’t Nucky, Jimmy, Gillian, Eddie and the gang shoot their scenes on the real Atlantic City Boardwalk?

The answer, according to series creator and executive producer Terence Winter, is that there really isn’t a stick or a brick of the Atlantic City Boardwalk that could be traced to the Prohibition era. The old Haddon Hall Hotel — which became Resorts Casino Hotel, the city’s first casino, has undergone many renovations since it was built in the 1920s.

Other than the Claridge, which was built in the late 1920s, the only other Boardwalk hotel that can be traced to the Art Deco period is the north tower of the Tropicana.

When the casino was built, Ramada, the original developer, saved money by stripping the building down to the original skeletal steel from 1919 when the property was built as the Ambassador Hotel. Ramada crafted a new building around the steel bones of the old one.

HBO briefly looked at the boardwalk in Asbury Park as a possible shooting location, because it still has some old buildings that could have resembled the Atlantic City Boardwalk of some 90 years ago. But in the end, the cable network decided to build an exact, but smaller, replica of the world’s first and most famous wooden avenue.

The budget for the series’ pilot episode was $20 million, and $5 of that went to constructing the Boardwalk. With the help of Atlantic City historians Vicki Gold Levi and Ed McGinty Jr. (who also played the role of a

ward boss during the first two seasons), the set designers didn’t miss a single trick.

“The first time they showed me the plans, I noticed something wasn’t right.

There weren’t any knuckles on the railings and Atlantic City’s Boardwalk was unique because it had metal knuckles connecting the railings,” said Levi, who along with McGinty, was a historical consultant for the entire series.

HBO fixed the mistake.

It was little things, like matching the Boardwalk’s old herringbone pattern, that gave the show such an authentic feel.

On a hot August day in 2011, our television entertainment series Curtain Call became one of the few television shows invited to shoot on the set of Boardwalk Empire. Winter was one of the guests on the two shows we produced on location. He was fresh off the hit series The Sopranos, where he was an executive producer and writer, when HBO gave him Johnson’s book and asked him if there was a series between the covers. They also added, in passing, that if Winter did find a series in those pages, then Hollywood heavyweight Martin Scorsese would direct the pilot and be one of the show’s seven executive producers. With the prospect of working with Scorsese dangling like a carrot in front of a horse, Winter assured them he’d fine a series in Johnson’s book.

As Winter and I chatted on a boardwalk bench in front of the entrance to an amusement pier — the series never said which one it was supposed to resemble — Winter made the observation that the set was a character.

“It has a personality,” he said, sweeping his hands in an arc that took in most of the set. “The set is every bit a character on this show as any of the actors. It speaks without saying a single word.”

Winter and his production team paid

incredibly close attention to detail. In the window of a Boardwalk variety store, Winter placed tiny little souvenir trinkets authentic to the period. Even on the tightest of shots, the items would have never been seen by the television audience. They were there, as Winter explained, to provide motivation.

“I wanted (the cast) to feel like they really were in Atlantic City during the early 1920s, so we put those (items) there just to complete the effect,” he explained.

So authentic was HBO’s Boardwalk replica that you can put an old postcard picture of the “incubator baby” exhibit — yes, real babies in real incubators, just another quirky Boardwalk attraction — right next to an image of the one they created for the TV show and not tell the difference.

The producers did take a little poetic and literary license with the set. Some of the businesses depicted on the show — while real — weren’t located next to one another on the real Boardwalk. And they placed Babette’s Supper Club on the Boardwalk when in fact it was on Pacific Avenue where the now-defunct Trump Plaza stands.

The show also presented the producers with a series of modern-day challenges, not the least of which was the Manhattan skyline looming on the opposite shore of the East River. Whenever the cameras were pointed east, there was no mistaking the upper floors of the Empire State Building rising high above the set. And on many occasions, producers had to stop filming and wait for a helicopter — a flying machine that didn’t exist during the 1920s — to buzz its way out of a shot.

Then there was the challenge of shooting beach and ocean scenes, or showing several amusement piers. Whenever you saw a shot from the Boardwalk looking out at the beach and ocean, or saw hotels rising along the wooden way, or saw amusement piers with njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 29

L I F E ST Y L E E N T E R TA I N M E N T a giant lighted Gillette sign casting shadows on the ocean, everything you saw — except for the Boardwalk was CGI — computer generated images.

There was no beach, no ocean, no piers and no hotels on the Boardwalk Empire set. Blue screen background enabled the computer artists to seamlessly blend the real with the faux. That’s how they hid the Empire State Building, which opened in 1931, the same year Boardwalk Empire ended?

Shooting the two Curtain Call shows on the Boardwalk Empire set became an intensely personal experience. Stepping onto that set — which was hidden from public view by a series of shipping containers piled four stories high — was like stepping 90 years into my family’s past.

In the late 1910s, my great-grandparents and my newly-married grandparents moved to Atlantic City from Reading, Pa. My grandmother’s family owned a successful café and inn in Reading, but opportunity lured them to Atlantic City.

By 1922, they owned two Boardwalk hotels — the Lelande, on Massachusetts Avenue, and the Blacksone, which was on

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Virginia Avenue where Trump Taj Mahal stands today. My grandparents changed the Blackstone’s name to the Hotel Jerome in honor of their two-year-old son — my dad.

I have scrapbooks filled with pictures

Shooting the two Curtain Call shows on the Boardwalk Empire set became an intensely personal experience. of the hotels and the Boardwalk from the 1920s. I have ledgers that guests signed when they checked into the hotels, dinner menus from the fine dining restaurants that offered lobster dinners for $1.25 and drink menus that offered non-alcoholic beverages in strict compliance with the Volstead Act. The drink menu also offered something cryptically called “special cups.” I always wondered what was so “special” about them. (Wink,

wink.)

As Boardwalk Empire began winding down after five seasons and 56 episodes, McGinty helped steer some memorabilia from the series down to a place where it would find a fine and fitting home. The Atlantic City Historical Museum is displaying props from the show that include an Atlantic City Beach Patrol swimsuit faithful to the period, Prohibition-era whiskey bottles, promotional posters, newspapers, a wooden barrel and the research binder about Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, the real life man whose truly was half-politician, half non-violent gangster — whose chapter in author Nelson Johnson’s book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City inspired the very television series.

With the sets dismantled and HBO now well into other projects, those little manufactured mementoes are about all we’ll ever see firsthand and close up of the sprawling television series that, for five years, showed the world precisely why Atlantic City will forever be known as The World’s Playground.

See ya ‘round, Nucky. n

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

THE ELECTRONICS DOCTOR GET A NEW CHARGE OUT OF YOUR ELECTRONICS AT BATTERIES PLUS BULBS

By Molly Golubcow

IT’S 2014 AND WHO CAN SURVIVE even an hour without using a cell phone, tablet, camera, or other electronic devices? Dropped your phone?

Cracked your iPad screen? What’s an electronics user to do?

No worries! At Batteries Plus Bulbs, you can always expect quality products and outstanding service including access to over 45,000 unique battery and light bulb products. As experts in constantly evolving mobile technologies, Batteries Plus Bulbs offers repair services for the top mobile device brands such as Apple iPads, iPhones, iPods, most Samsung devices, and many more. Whether smartphones, tablets, or MP3 players, Batteries Plus Bulbs can “doctor” your device back to life.

What can Batteries Plus Bulbs do for you? Here are some electronic device parts that can be fixed: • Cracked screens • Buttons — home, volume or power • Components — camera, charge port, antenna, headphone jack or speaker — caused by water damage or anything else • Screen protector (customized and practically invisible) — or OtterBox installation for future care In fact, Batteries Plus Bulbs can install a new battery and even show you how to convert an old, broken iPhone into a functioning iPod. Whether an iPhone or other electronic devices, these items are expensive to replace. Repairing them saves you money by fixing it rather than replacing it.

No need to pay monthly insurance charges anymore.

For a small percentage of what you would pay to have your equipment replaced, you can just get it fixed instead by expert technicians at Batteries Plus Bulbs.

And, Batteries Plus Bulbs offers an extensive 6-month warranty on parts and workmanship.

According to Jeff Barney, manager/owner, “Our skilled technicians will handle your broken device with uncompromised precision and care; that's the Batteries Plus Bulbs way.”

Trained technicians will first test and accurately diagnose the issue making sure to replace only the parts that are causing the problem. At Batteries Plus Bulbs, you don’t pay for something you don't need.

Once the repairs are made, your device will be tested again to make sure it's working properly before you leave the store.

What are some of the things that customers are saying about the quick and efficient customer service and products at Batteries Plus Bulbs?

“I was amazed at the customer service I was given — not taken advantage of at all — and you have won a customer for life!”

“I dropped off my iPad overnight, and I was called to come pick it up the very next day because it was fixed!

Turns out, the tech just needed to remove the screen and re-attach some wires.”

Located in Northfield at the corner of Burton and Tilton Road, Batteries Plus Bulbs carries thousands of batteries for many products in addition to iPhones, including those for cars, watches, cell phones, laptops, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and more. Also available at Batteries Plus Bulbs are a variety of light bulbs for your home and car, including energy efficient CFLs and LEDs. The motto at Batteries Plus Bulbs is: “We will get your mobile device back up and running as quickly as possible; and as good as new, too.” n

iBroke it.

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LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 31

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT FROM CHEQUEMATE GOLF CLUB

THE GIFT OF GOLF AT RENAULT WINERY RESORT! Just 25 minutes from Atlantic City, 1 hour from Philadelphia and Cape May, and 2 1/4 hours from New York.

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7,200 Yard Championship Golf Course.

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LIFESTYLE

MONEYWATCH

By Matt and Tom Reynolds

Active vs. Passive Investing Does it have to be a case of one or the other?

MUCH IS WRITTEN IN THE INVESTMENT WORLD ABOUT ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE investing. It probably makes sense to define both before continuing to address the argument for one over the other.

Passive investing (also called passive management) is a financial strategy in which an investor (or a fund manager) invests in accordance with a pre-determined strategy that doesn't entail any forecasting (either market timing or stock selection for example). The idea is to minimize investing fees and to avoid the adverse consequences of failing to correctly anticipate the future. The most popular method is to mimic the performance of an externally specified index. Active investing is just the opposite.

Active investing (also called active management) refers to a portfolio management strategy where the manager makes specific investments with the goal of outperforming an investment benchmark index. If an investor wants to invest in US Large Cap “blue-chip” stocks, a passive investor might buy a fund that mimics the S&P 500 (an index that represents 500 large US companies). An active investor will try to select a sample of large cap domestic stocks with the goal of achieving a higher return than the S&P 500 after fees and expenses.

Proponents of passive management will often cite various statistics about how few active managers beat their benchmarks. Dimensional Fund Advisors (“DFA” funds, an investment manager that specializes in index and enhanced index funds) indicated in their research that 81% of active equity mutual fund managers failed to beat their benchmarks over the ten year period ending 2013, meaning only 19% of active managers were able to outperform. Furthermore, only 52% of actively managed equity mutual funds were still in existence at the end of the same 10 year timeframe, highlighting the difficulty in selecting an active fund that will not only survive, but outperform as well. Proponents of passive investing will also cite low fees and tax efficiency in index products as other reasons passive investing is superior to active. Index funds like DFA US Large Company (with an expense ratio of 0.09) or Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (with an expense ratio of 0.10) provide extremely low-cost access to US blue-chip stocks and have had five year average returns of 16.6% and 14.8%, respectively.

Critics of passive investing will cite passive investing's inability to adjust to changing market conditions. As an example, in May of 2013 when interest rates started to rise, investors who owned Vanguard's Total Bond Market Index had no way to counteract the loss in value because

as an index fund, this fund would own the entire bond market and not have the ability to address concerns around interest rate risk. Investors could have benefitted from moving to an active manager, such as the Goldman Sachs Strategic Income fund, which was able to capitalize on many of the opportunities in the bond market such as shortening duration and shorting long-term treasuries. This active strategy was able to gain 4% over the rest of the year, while the passively managed bond index dropped 2.14%.

Proponents of active management cite the abilities to outperform their benchmarks and to adjust to changing market conditions as key reasons to favor the strategy. They will also take statistics cited above and say yes, 81% of active managers are unable to beat their benchmarks over ten years but if you can find the 19% that do, you are better off. Two active large cap growth strategies such as the Fidelity Contrafund and Amana Growth, have 10 year average returns more than 2% better than their S&P 500 benchmark. Our philosophy regarding active management is that our active managers have to earn their fee by beating their benchmark more often than not. When that doesn't happen, the manager is terminated.

At CRA Financial, we don't believe investors have to decide on either active or passive investing. Rather, we believe there is real value in selectively building and investment strategy that utilizes components of both the passive and active philosophies. When looking for low cost exposure to a broad asset class, we will often use index funds like DFA or Vanguard to create a core holding in a portfolio. When looking for expertise in a particular asset class or flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions, we will introduce active strategies to our allocations as satellite positions around our core index products. n Tom Reynolds, CPA & Matt Reynolds CPA, CFP® Co-Managing Partners, CRA Financial 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.

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LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 33

HEALTHWATCH

Fight Sneezes, Sniffles and Stuffiness

By ROBIN STOLOFF

Tips to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season ACHOO! THE FAMILIAR SOUND OF THE cold and flu season is upon us once again.

We know it all too well … a co-worker’s cough, a kid’s fever, our own achy body and stuffy nose. While we know we feel terrible, we might not always realize the difference between a cold and flu or the best way to treat them. However, with the right actions, we can reduce our risk of getting a cold or flu this season.

So how do we tell the difference? While colds and influenza are both respiratory illnesses and share some similar symptoms, there are definite signs of each.

on, it is important to get to the doctor right away. If you take the prescription anti-viral medication Tamiflu or Relenza within 48 hours of feeling ill, you can speed up recovery, reduce symptoms, and significantly decrease the chances of developing complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

While flu symptoms happen suddenly,

Flu symptoms: • Occur quickly and can be severe.

• Include fever, which tends to be higher and last longer (3 to 4 days) than the occasional low-grade fever that may accompany a cold.

• Muscle and body aches • Severe fatigue or exhaustion • Can lead to severe health problems if not treated.

Common cold symptoms: • Gradually worsen over a few days.

• Are more likely to include runny or stuffy nose than the flu. Usually symptoms are above the neck.

• Often include a sore throat, while flu rarely does.

• May cause tiredness, but it is much less severe than the fatigue of the flu.

• Do not usually result in serious health problems and hospitalizations.

When you feel flu symptoms coming 34

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with the start of a cold, the symptoms occur gradually and worsen each day. You usually have a runny nose, cough, watery eyes, sore throat, congestion, and sneezing. In general, with a cold, the symptoms are above the

neck. While you may feel a little achy or have a mild fever, it will not be as severe as with the flu. Some over-the-counter medications can relieve the symptoms, but be very careful not to mix them, since many could contain the same type of medicine.

Some experts recommend taking 250500 mg of vitamin C and zinc lozenges and the first sign of a cold to shorten the duration of the illness. Antihistamines can dry up your nasal passages. A saline spray is a more natural way to open your sinuses and has no side effects. If you have a mild fever (below 100°F), you might want to forego the fever reducer, unless you have a weak immune system or are at risk for other illnesses. A slight fever can be your body's way of fighting off the infection.

For both cold and flu, Mom’s old advice still works today — get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluid (with no caffeine) and even try some chicken noodle soup. The warm steam can help open your sinuses and soothe a sore throat.

It is important to note that colds and influenza are viral infections and antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria.

For this reason, antibiotics will not help.

In fact, they could do more harm. Overuse of antibiotics has led to some strains of bacteria becoming antibiotic resistant.

However, a bacterial infection, such as bronchitis, strep throat, ear infection, or pneumonia can sometimes follow a cold or flu virus. In this case, antibiotics may be not only effective, but life-saving. If you have pain around your face or you are coughing up thick yellow mucus for more than a week, you could have a bacterial infection.

Complications from the flu send more than 200,000 people to the hospital each year and are linked to thousands of deaths.

So, we know the difference between a cold and flu and we have a good idea of what to do if we get sick, but it is even more important to prevent illness for ourselves and our family.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several steps to protect yourself from a cold and influenza.

One of the biggest and easiest steps you can take to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu shot. Flu viruses are constantly changing and the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the flu virus that research predicts will be most common each year. Since the vaccine is made with an inactive virus, it is not infectious. It is a misconception that the flu vaccine can give you the flu.

Take preventive actions and teach them to your children. Limit contact with sick people, wash your hands and face often, and keep hands away from nose, eyes and mouth. You might have heard that you should wash your hands for as long as it takes you to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. If you cannot get to soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Clean and disinfect surfaces that could be contaminated with the cold and flu virus. Visit the cdc.gov for more information.

In addition, experts recommend moderate exercise, such as walking, for 45 minutes a day, five days a week to reduce the risk of a cold. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and avoid smoking. These good health habits can help keep your immune system in peak condition.

With just a few simple actions, we will hopefully avoid the coughing, aches, fever and “achoos” during the next several months of cold and flu season. n Robin Stoloff is the Health Reporter for NBC 40 and hosts and produces “Health Update,” the longest-running health feature in New Jersey. Her workout video “Rock Hard with Robin” was shot on location on the beaches of Atlantic City. Robin is a fitness instructor and former body builder and fitness competitor. She is dedicated to empowering others with health information to help them live a longer, healthier life.

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Eat, Tour, Love

A picturesque corner in Tuscany, Italy

LIFESTYLE LEISURE

Rich interior of Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), a Massive Romanesq Fortress Palace in Florence, Italy

An ancient village in Volterra, in Tuscany Italy

Wining and Dining Under the Tuscan Sun (and Moon)

By MOLLY GOLUBCOW

Y

ou can take the girl out of New Jersey, even as far away as the rolling hills of Tuscany filled with the freshest pasta and perfect red wine, but you cannot always get Jersey, specifically Atlantic City, out of the girl. Last month, I spent a fabulous week in Italy enjoying the scenery, culture, and food in Florence, Siena, and other quaint towns. As we drove hundreds of miles through Tuscany, I found myself comparing Atlantic City food and wine (like Formica bread and the chilled, red wine at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern) to local cuisine.

Tuscany is a gem — geographically for its terraced vineyards and olive groves etched into rolling hills; culturally as the birthplace of Da Vinci and other Renaissance masters; and historically — several Tuscan cities have been designated World Heritage Sites including parts of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano. Tuscany also is, hands down, a gastronomic gem — fresh pesto, wine (like Chianti), crusty breads, and olive oils. The food and wine were moto bene, but still my mind would wander back to food from AC.

Like I said, it’s hard to shake the Jersey out of one’s soul. So, are you ready for more details about Tuscany and an occasional intersection with Atlantic City? Just sit back, no passport needed for this trip, and let me tell you about my week under the Tuscan sun and moon.

Sweet Siena While walking through Siena’s winding, cobble stone streets, we stopped in a bakery displaying loaves of round, crusty bread that had just come out of the oven. The smell was wonderful — like mom just baked it. A lovely young woman in the shop explained to us that the melon shaped loaves — Pan con Sant, is a special walnut, raisin, and black pepper bread baked only for the feast of All Saint’s Day (November 1). The amazing smell of the fresh bread convinced us to buy a loaf. We had the bread and some Pecorino cheese as an impromptu lunch sitting near the Piazza del Campo, the town square with a 300 plus step medieval tower.

Each bite was a morsel of yumminess — packed with fresh walnuts and moist, plump raisons. The crust was crunchy hard too. And

that’s when I thought about Atlantic City sub bread. Nice and crusty on the outside and soft and bready on the inside — just begging to be dipped in olive oil. Coincidentally, just like Atlantic City, Siena boasts that their well water is what makes their bread perfect; an ingredient that makes Siena and Atlantic City culinary cousins!

For dinner, we returned to Montecatini, our home base for the week. Centrally located, driving an hour or two in any direction will get you to Florence, Pisa, and other Tuscan towns. So, we would go on our day trips and return to Montecatini for dinners. Whether garlic pizza in a familyowned pizzeria — where we heard the elderly matron yelling in Italian in the kitchen at her children (the cook and the waitress) or finer dining places where yelling is toned down in front of customers, the owner or the servers really mean it when they come to the table and ask, “Is everything good?” When we tell them the food is excellent, because it was, they smile and take great pride in serving a good meal. You can see it in their eyes.

At one of our dinners, the owner eagerly njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 37

LIFEST YLE LEISURE talked about one of the antipasto offerings I asked about, Balsamic Glazed Sweet and Sour Cipolinni — cute little onions larger than pearl, but smaller than a regular onion. Although I love Sac-O Sub onion rings, the cipolinni onions were so good I did not miss them — well, maybe for a minute or so. Pasta in many shapes, in every restaurant was fresh and tasty.

Like someone’s Italian nonna just rolled out the dough … maybe that’s exactly what goes on in the kitchens behind the restaurants to create such fresh linguini, penne, and other pasta possibilities.

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The Hills of Volterra & San Gimignano Driving about one hour southwest from Montecatini, we spent the day in two of the most quaint Tuscan hillside towns featuring medieval fortresses and towers, winding and narrow cobblestone streets, cafes, and wonderful shops.

In Volterra, local vendors happened to be in town selling their wares — olive oil from local groves, hot peppers, cheeses, pesto from organic farms, and truffle spread — a gastronomic treat made from local truffles with garlic, herbs and spices.

In fortressed San Gimignano, we wandered up to a wine bar overlooking the Tuscan hills at sunset. It was a peaceful and dramatic way to end the day with a glass of local wine overlooking the area where the grapes are grown — rolling hills and terracotta roofs for miles and miles.

Roaming About Florence Going to Tuscany and not visiting Florence is like coming to Atlantic City and not walking the Boardwalk. It’s a must do. With its magnificent Duomo and tower, museums like the Uffizi filled with Renaissance masters, and Michelangelo's David (not to mention a copy as well), Florence exemplifies an art history major’s dream.

Where there are lots of tourists, you will find lots of souvenirs. Again, I was reminded of Boardwalk tchotchkes, probably made in China, offering key chain replicas of the Duomo as a memento. My favorite? A white plastic, bobblehead David that reminded me of the tacky souvenirs I sold in Souvenir City when I worked on the AC boardwalk many years ago.

The best part of roaming about Florence is just what you happen to come upon that even the travel guides haven’t discovered. Whether a tiny gelato place tucked it an alley off the beaten path or a white from head-to-toe Di Vinci mime, Florence is charming. If you wander into Piazza della Signoria, the square in front of Palazzo Vecchio, you can’t help seeing the fake David in all his naked glory standing erectly (pun intended) and photographed from many angles!

In addition to David, a statue of Neptune in an

elaborate fountain can also be found near by — a little grander, but reminded me of the Neptune statue in front of Gardener’s Basin.

Bella Cinque Terra Although not officially part of Tuscany, the seaside towns of Cinque Terre are northwest between Pisa and Genoa. Scenic is an understatement to describe the five quaint little fishing villages chiseled into the coastline facing the Ligurian Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea). Cinque Terre offers winding, cliff-side hiking paths that link the towns and offer breathtaking views of the sea and the five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

We took the train from L’Spezia (southeast of Cinque Terre). As I sat on the train going through dark tunnels, the blackness was interrupted by sudden bursts of light and views of the sea coming through 19th century arched openings. From high above the cliffs, the sight of the water and light was awesome and a great way to be introduced to bella Cinque Terre.

We stayed overnight in Vernazza, town #2 on the train route. Our hotel — a rooming

house facing the sea — opened up its enormous, shuttered windows onto one of the most picturesque scenes on the Mediterranean with colorful umbrellas shading a lunch crowd below us in a café and fishing boats docked just several feet from our door.

As a Jersey shore girl, I immediately needed to take a small boat ride along the coast to see the five towns from the water.

Each town, nestled into the cliffs, was painted in stunning pastel colors. The water was Mediterranean blue and clear as glass. The next day, we hiked the cliffs from Vernazza to Corniglia — another, smaller town equally blessed with post card views of neighboring villages and hilly coastline.

Dinner that night on the harbor in Vernazza was fantastic. I had troife — small, squiggly shaped pasta associated with Ligurian cuisine mixed with a flavorful pesto sauce, string beans, and tiny potato cubes.

And, let’s not forget the cassa rosso — the house red is always acceptable and goes perfectly with everything from fungi ravioli to mussels drenched in garlic. Just like my favorite chilled red at Angelo’s Fairmont Tavern on Artic Ave. Yes, another moment in the heart of Italy when AC roots called to me.

For our final day in Cinque Terre, we took a ferry boat from Vernazza to Monterosso.

Immediately, I thought of Atlantic City.

Monterosso is a "real" beach town and stores were selling flip flops and sun tan lotion.

People were sunning and swimming on the gorgeous beach or sipping cappuccinos from seaside cafes. Monterosso even has a walkway (like a Boardwalk without the boards) that parallels the beach. To end the day, we had a final gelato (chocolate and hazelnut for me) as we walked the beach front path. It was no Kohr Bros soft swirl from the AC Boardwalk, but it was delicious and memorable just the same.

It All Ends with Biscuits and Wine Whether climbing a medieval tower or twirling freshly made pasta onto your fork, Tuscany is splendido. There is an Italian saying (tutto finisce a tarallucci e vino) — it all ends with biscuits and wine — similar to our “Don’t worry, all will be well.” With great food, wonderful wine, and breathtaking scenery what else is there to say except Tuscany is bellisima. I will remember her fondly next time I have an AC sub or a glass of wine at Angelo’s. n

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LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 39

LifeStyle Travel By DAN SCHLOSSBERG

Chocolate Town USA A tour of Milton Hershey’s entertainment mecca will surely have you craving something sweet

Hershey chocolate factory mascots, Hershey Bar, Hershey Kiss and Reeses Bar

Photos courtesy of Dan Schlossberg

W

ITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION OF DISNEY WORLD, where the face of Mickey Mouse almost appears on cue, no American destination has more brand recognition than Hershey. A factory town founded by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey just after the dawn of the 20th century, it has blossomed into an entertainment mecca that claims to be “the sweetest place on earth.”

Located 14 miles east of Harrisburg in central Pennsylvania, Hershey has less than 15,000 full-time residents but many times that number in visitors — even after the crowds of midsummer have dissipated. Its biggest draw is chocolate — not only the taste and the smell but even a Chocolate World attraction that include a ride tracing the history of the confection; a chance for visitors to design their own candy bar; a 4D film; and an enormous chocolate store selling everything from teddy bears to bittersweet bars.

Everything is Hershey, of course, from the 107-year-old Hersheypark to the plush Hotel Hershey, perched on a hill overlooking the theme park. That hill is shared by Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre botanical park maintained so well that its plants and flowers keep their color well past the first frost.

There’s a medical school with a 550-acre campus that includes the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, plus a children’s hospital and cancer institute that also bear Hershey’s name. So does a school for underprivileged youth founded in 1909. Its Founders Hall features a marble rotunda and 2,600-seat auditorium that doubles as a chapel.

A museum called The Hershey Story, downtown on West Chocolate Avenue, offers Chocolate Lab classes that have more to do with candy than canines. It contains exhibits on the founder, his philanthropy, and the town, factory, and hotel he founded. Not surprisingly, the most famous intersection in town is the spot where Chocolate Avenue crosses Cocoa Avenue.

The continuous expansion of Hersheypark, created by Hershey as a recreational diversion for his employees in 1907, has put the Lebanon Valley hamlet on the map. From its original ride, a merry-goround purchased in 1908, the theme park proved so popular that it mushroomed into an entertainment mecca with 70 rides, including a

A view from one of the rooms at Hotel Hershey dozen roller-coasters. To assuage timid adults, rides are rated as to their ferocity — not to mention their velocity, vertical ups-and-downs, twists, turns, and even 360-degree loops.

Although Hersheypark has more than its share of hair-raising rides, it also has such traditional favorites as a monorail, flume, narrow-gauge steam train, and bumper cars — unlike those that go bump in the night on nearby I-81. Of the six themed areas, the carnival-like Midway America and the water-oriented Boardwalk may be the most tame. That may change in 2015, however, when an indoor spinning-glow coaster called Laff Trakk starts carrying passengers along 1,400 feet of track at 40 miles an hour.

Timid souls can bide their time playing carnival games, patronizing food carts, or buying products from a myriad of culinary purveyors, including a kosher one. Musical sounds mix on Music Box Way, where patrons can make their own video, enjoy strolling musicians, or take in a show at Chevrolet Music Box Theater, the park’s only enclosed entertainment venue.

Even in winter, Hersheypark sends out a siren call to out-of-towners.

Nearly half of its 65 rides are running, as are reindeer, shops, shows, and more than two million holiday lights. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens at noon on December weekends and stays open long after dark.

It’s even open from 5-9 PM on weekdays except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Milton Hershey would not recognize the park when it opens next spring. Its roster of rides includes 11 roller-coasters, from the 1946 Comet to the new Skyrush, the fastest, longest, and tallest. The Boardwalk, featuring beaches, boats, and pools of varying sizes, has nine of its own attractions. There’s even an 11-acre wildlife park, ZooAmerica, with 200 animals, 60 species, and a pair of two-hour, behind-thescenes tours that allow visitors to participate in feedings. The late tour is conducted by flashlight to avoid disturbing nocturnal animals or awakening sleeping ones.

Wilt Chamberlain, the 7’2” basketball legend, was wide awake when he used Hershey as a springboard to national prominence with a record 100-point game for the Philadelphia Warriors in a National Basketball njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 41

LIFEST YLE TRAVEL

Christmas trees at Hersheypark

Mascots Hershey Bar and Hershey Kiss The Hershey Story Museum

Association played at Hersheypark Arena in 1962. The 12,500-seat arena, now called Giant Center, houses the Hershey Bears, a minor-league hockey team, while a 30,000-seat outdoor venue, Hersheypark Stadium, hosts concerts and sports venues when weather permits.

Two other local venues are the historic Hershey Theater, a performing arts center built by Milton Hershey in 1933, and Star Pavilion, an 8,000-seat amphitheater that features musical events when the weather warms.

An hour-long, humor-filled narrated tour provides plenty of background on both, as well as on Chocolate World and Hersheypark.

For the best historical perspective, the HersheyDerry Township Historical Society is a worthwhile stop.

The area is also home to the Antique Automobile club of America museum, a micro-brewery, a Tanger outlet center, and Native American caves. Pennsylvania Dutch Country is a short distance away.

In addition to his school and theme park, Milton Hershey took such pride in his hotel that he refused to stop construction or slap workers with pay cuts even during the darkest days of the Depression. Crafted in the image of a Mediterranean mansion, the Hotel Hershey opened in 1933 on a 300-acre hilltop campus affording views far beyond the theme park below and the surrounding Valley.

The four-diamond property, surrounded by pools and gardens, has 276 rooms, both indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, conference facilities, and several dining venues. It is not only a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America group but hosted its annual gala in October. Not surprisingly, every table in the main conference room contained both pitchers of water and dishes of Hershey’s miniature chocolates.

At age 81, the hotel is aging gracefully — the result of tender loving care by a staff steeped in gracious hospitality.

While Hotel Hershey is one of the most distinguished properties in the area, it is hardly the only choice.

Visitors can pick anything from Holiday Inn to Hershey Lodge, another hotel operated under the omnipresent Hershey umbrella. No matter where they stay, guests will inhale chocolate at every turn. But there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing.

Although most visitors come by car, Hershey is also served by Amtrak’s Keystone Service and carriers serving Harrisburg International Airport, eight miles away. By car, Hershey is located 90 minutes from Philadelphia and three hours from New York.

For further information, contact Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033 (Tel. 717-533-2171) or visit www.HersheyPA.com or www.HistoricHotels.org. n Former AP newsman Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn, NJ is the host of Travel Itch Radio, heard Thursdays on BlogTalkRadio. com, and travel editor of both New Jersey Lifestyle and Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s Maggie Linton Show. He is also the founder and president emeritus of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).

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LLIFE IFESSTYLE TYLE ||Summer Holiday 2014 43

Lifestyle On Wheels

By ELAINE ROSE

2015 S65 AMG Coupe

Beyond Luxury “LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A MERCEDES-BENZ?” Janis Joplin sang in October 1970. The singer never got her wish, as she died just three days after recording that oft-repeated ditty. But nearly forty-five years later, a Mercedes-Benz is still on many people’s holiday wish lists. And the cars are now luxurious beyond Joplin’s wildest dreams.

Three new models, in various stages of the pipeline at the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, promise to bring even higher levels of comfort, safety, and performance to the world’s roadways. The Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe is already

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Top Off Your Holiday Wish List With a Marvelous Mercedes-Benz in production; the very sporty AMG GT S is scheduled to be on the market this coming spring; and the Concept Coupe SUV is still in the planning stages.

The first 2015 S65 AMG Coupes are beginning to hit the dealerships, and by all accounts, it is one marvelous machine. Car and Driver called it “among the most fetching and luxurious vehicles on the planet.” With a twelve-cylinder, twin-turbo engine, the car can go from a standstill to 60 mph in about four seconds. “Mashing the throttle should not be done carelessly,” Car and Driver warned.

“It is a phenomenal, phenomenal car,” said John Mehrlander,

2015 AMG GT S general partner of Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City. “The interior of this car is gorgeous.”

The S65 AMG Coupe, with a price starting at about $220,000, is equipped with the latest technology to avoid mishaps on the road, said Mehrlander. Among the features are cameras that notify the driver if another vehicle is in his or her blind spot, a signal that a rear-end collision might be imminent, automatically stopping the car if a pedestrian crosses its path, and a device that won’t let drivers change lanes on the highway unless they use the turn signal. And if the driver becomes fatigued, the car senses that fact and signals it’s time to head for a rest area.

Inside the cabin, passengers can enjoy leather trim with hand stitching. Creature comforts include heated front seats with twelveway powered position controls, a fragrance system, massagers, a footrest for the right-rear-seat passenger, and a 12.3-inch touchpad screen for the navigation and warning systems. The twenty-inch wheels each have sixteen spokes, creating an awesome effect as the car rolls down the highway.

While passengers of the S65 AMG Coupe relax in luxurious comfort, driving the car is a real experience, starting with a threespoke steering wheel and shift paddles. The engine delivers 621 horsepower and has a top speed of 186 mph — though you probably have to take the car to Germany’s Autobahns if you want to accelerate

to that level and not risk a speeding ticket. The seven-speed transmission offers three modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, and Manual (push-button, not a gearshift). When going around curves, the car leans into the turn as a motorcycle would, allowing for an exhilarating and smooth ride. This feature makes its American debut on the S65 AMG Coupe.

The only downside is, if you want one of these babies in time for the holidays, you’re out of luck. The S65 AMG Coupe cannot be bought off the lot, but is sold and built to order, “totally built for the

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2015 Concept Coupe SUV

individual,” Mehrlander said. Customers who purchase the vehicle around Thanksgiving can expect delivery in March.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG line has an interesting story of its own. It started in 1967 in an old mill in Burgstall, Germany, when engineers Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher started fine-tuning Mercedes-Benz engines to perform on the race tracks of Europe. AMG has since become the company’s brand of highperformance cars.

“We’re there when it’s only a tenth of a second that decides a race, and when passion for an automobile is stealing the stage,” boasts an online video about AMG cars.

Each AMG engine is hand-built from start to finish by one of about fifty masters working at its facility in Affalterbach, Germany.

“One man, one engine,” is what the company calls it. When the engine is complete, the builder attaches a plaque containing his signature to the cover.

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Another Mercedes-Benz AMG car made its debut at shows in September, and should be available to the public by the spring of 2015. The interior of the AMG GT S has an aviation design, with a wing-like dashboard and a dominant center console. “Built to impress the best,” brags a promotional video. This eight-cylinder, 510-horsepower sports car is the first to have internally mounted turbo chargers.

“With a compact engine and sounds of a Formula 1 race car, you might just want to take this car directly to the race track,” the video claims.

If performance is what you’re after, and price is no object, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S may just be your ideal vehicle. It boasts a seven-speed transmission, a preliminary zero-to-sixty time of 3.7 seconds, and a maximum speed of 193 mph. Like the S65 AMG Coupe, the GT S has several transmission modes to choose from.

The manual RACE program uses the dual-clutch transmission that

ON WHEELS

adjusts to the conditions of the road, and is unique to the model. Just in case the driver gets too carried away with the power of the car, it also comes equipped with numerous high-tech safety features.

The two-seater’s long hood, broad tail, and large wheels give it the ultimate sports-car look.

But it is promoted as a comfortable ride, even for long trips, and the 12.4-cubic-foot trunk holds a couple of suitcases or golf bags.

The AMG GT S has yet to hit dealer showrooms, but auto-enthusiast websites are already singing its praises. Several say it will give the Porsche 911 some serious competition. Road & Track called the car “a shot across the bow at Porsche, a jab at Jaguar.”

Mehrlander of Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City, said he has seen the AMG GT S, but he was not allowed to photograph it. The base price has yet to be disclosed.

Still in the Mercedes-Benz concept phase — and somewhat more practical — is the Concept Coupe SUV. The four-door, all-wheel-drive vehicle will have the size of a monstrous SUV with the sleek design of a coupe.

If this concept comes to fruition, the Coupe SUV will be an imposing sight on the roadways.

The vehicle will be more than sixteen feet long, and 6.7 feet wide (not counting the mirrors), with twenty-two-inch wheels. The headlights will be LED multi-beams, and the tail lights will be a slim band. The car will have lit side sills, reminding some people of the running boards of classic SUVs, and a license-plate holder that is embedded into the rear bumper.

Mechanically, the Concept Coupe SUV has a six-cylinder engine, with four valves in each cylinder, 333 horsepower, and a nine-speed transmission that the driver can set to one of five different modes. Air suspension and a high ground clearance will make this SUV a smooth ride.

“With its superior sportiness, it conveys a sense of modern luxury and aesthetic aspirations of sensual clarity,” Gorden Wagener, head of design for Mercedes-Benz, said in a released statement.

So now is the time to check your list — and your bank account — and check it twice to see if one of these fine Mercedes-Benz vehicles is in your future. n

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TOP 10

LIFESTYLE TRADITIONS By SHERRY HOFFMAN

Holiday Films

The holiday season is all about tradition: what we eat and how we decorate our homes, and oh how we love to wear those wonderfully kitchy sweaters. Gathering the gang to watch a favorite holiday movie has become tradition as well.

Surprise! In addition to the usual holiday movies, we’ve mixed it up a bit with some you’ve probably never heard of, but don’t cross them off your list. Forgive us for not including Miracle on 34th Street. Different is good.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) This Jimmy Stewart classic invariably tops everyone’s “best holiday movie” list although critics at the time disagreed. Stewart plays George Bailey, a man who’s spent his life giving back to his community and sacrificing his one desire — to travel the world — in order to prevent a rich skinflint from taking over the town. On Christmas Eve, Bailey’s uncle loses $8,000 of Bailey’s money on his way to depositing it in the bank. George fears he’ll be held responsible for the loss, his company will collapse and he’ll end up in jail while his nemesis (Mr. Potter) takes over Bedford Falls. He contemplates suicide, but the prayers of his family — and the intervention of a gentle angel named Clarence — gives the story a happy holiday ending.

Remember, every time a bell rings an angel gets his (or her) wings. It only airs twice each season but rest assured, it will air December 24th on NBC.

2. A Christmas Story (1983) Nine-year-old Ralphie has one Christmas wish — that Santa will bring him a Red Ryder Range Shot BB gun. Everyone thinks it’s a bad idea and all say, “You'll shoot your eye out!” This doesn’t stop Ralphie from dreaming of the BB gun, and soon his dreams and fantasies take on lives of their own.

Ralphie even wonders what it would be like to actually be the Red Ryder Range Shot and how he would catch the bad guys. Finally, Christmas Day has arrived, and Ralphie sees his presents gathered under the tree. But is the Red Ryder among his gifts? You can binge watch it on TCM beginning Christmas Eve.

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3. Home Alone (1990) This is the film that put Macaulay Culkin on the movie star map (and showed off the comedic talentes of Joe Pesci). The McCallister family is getting ready for a holiday trip to Paris, and — in their rush to get to the airport — they forget to pack Kevin into the car along with the other kids and the luggage. Thus, Kevin is left home alone and is having a ball. Then two burglars show up to rob the house on Christmas Eve. Ever resourceful, Kevin wires the house with booby traps determined to bring the bandits to justice. He also teaches us that aftershave is a very bad idea.

4. 8 Crazy Nights (2002) First he gave us the definitive Hanukkah song of the 20th Century. Then Adam Sandler made a movie to go along with it. 8 Crazy Nights is an animated musical ode about Davey Stone, a 30-something party animal who’s always in trouble with the law. In the spirit of the holiday season, a judge sentences Stone to some holiday community service — he’s to be the assistant referee for a kids’ basketball league. Stone thinks he’s got it made until he butts heads with the nutty head ref. But Stone can’t help himself, and his trouble-making ways have both he and the elfin ref wondering if some jail time would have been easier for all concerned. Sandler voices all three of the movie’s main characters.

5. The Ref (1994) Emmy-nominated comedian and actor Denis Leary is famous for going off on obscene comedy rants, and a sure way to trigger one is by mentioning this flop of a holiday film. It’s not that the movie was bad, it’s just that Disney’s timing was a little strange. The studio released this Christmas movie on St. Patrick’s Day. It has a great cast including Kevin Spacey, Judy Davis, and Christine Baranski. Leary plays a burglar who takes a well-to-do couple hostage, only to find himself stuck in the middle of an epic family fight.

That’s about all we’ll tell you; anything else would be a spoiler. But we will say this isn’t your typical feel-good holiday film. But nonetheless, it makes you feel good.

6. A Midwinter's Tale (1995) In order to save a local church, a theater troupe is struggling to stage a Christmas season production of “Hamlet” in this black-and-white film written and directed by master Shakespeare interpreter Kenneth Branagh.

For a movie that’s focused on the staging of one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, A Midwinter’s Tale is often LOL funny. The cast of misfits who were available to work the show during the holiday season brings their own sets of problems and artistic idiosyncrasies into the production. But somehow, something bigger than the show or saving the church begins to show itself.

This movie reveals, in comedic glory, the hilarious and often heartbreaking struggles of actors versus situations versus life — often versus each other.

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7. Remember the Night (1940) Fred MacMurray (“My Three Sons”) has the starring role in this fun but far-fetched farce by director Preston Sturges. McMurray plays John Sargent, an assistant district attorney in New York who feels sorry for Lee Leander (Barbara Stanwyck), an accused shoplifter who’s a long way from her Indiana home. The lawyer not only crosses the legal line by arranging for her bail — he didn’t want her to spend Christmas in jail — and, in the spirit of the holiday season, he takes her to his mother’s home where she finds herself surrounded by a warm and loving family — something that was lacking in her own life. The lawyer and the accused fall in love but have to return to New York, where Sargent has to prosecute Lee on the shoplifting charge, who would almost certainly face a prison sentence since it was her third offense. We won’t give away the ending, but you’ll definitely shed some tears — of happiness.

8. Hi-Life (1998) In a situation that could only happen in Manhattan, Santa Claus is Jewish, he hates kids and gets beaten up. Otherwise, the rest of the characters in this shaggy dog of a Christmas comedy get what they deserve. A tavern bartender is hitting up friends for cash claiming his sister has an emergency.

The “emergency?” The sister is planning to give the money to her boyfriend so he can pay off his bookie, who has threatened him with some broken bones if he doesn’t pay up. That’s the condensed version; you’ll have to watch the movie to grasp the comedic charm. We will say that by the end of the film, all of the characters — including other only-in-New-York kind of folks) unite at the bar, where justice is served and the booze is flowing.

9. The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944) Although it’s forgotten more often than not, many critics feel this is the funniest movie in the celebrated career of director Preston Sturges. After a wild night with the USO, Trudy Kockenlocker (Betty Hutton) discovers she’s pregnant by a man whose name she can’t remember and who’s already been shipped off to war. A nebbishy, 4-F civilian falls in love with Trudy and is determined to make an honest woman out of the gal in trouble. It takes a Christmas miracle to not only make everything alright with Trudy as nebbishy Norval Jones (played by the always nebbishy Eddie Bracken).

Critics have often said it’s amazing Sturges was able to sneak this film past the censors during the height of World War II. The film was so risqué it would probably earn an “R” rating today — so better wait for the kids to go to bed before watching this one.

10. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

This sci-fi flick usually pops up on almost every list of “worst films ever made,” and not just because one of the stars is 8-year-old Pia Zadora (who herself has made a career out of appearing on other “worst” lists). In this so-bad-it’s-good film, the Martians are worried that their kids are watching too much Earth television, especially one show featuring an interview with Santa Claus. The 800-year-old sage of Mars, Chochem (the Yiddish word for “genius”), says the only way to help the Martian youth is to give them more fun and freedom, including getting them their own Santa. The Martians attempt to kidnap Santa and bring him to their planet, but they can’t tell the real Santa from all the department store fakes. There’s a slightly dark side to the story (one anti-Santa Martian wants to kill Kris Kringle), but the story has a happy ending when wiser heads prevail and Santa — along with two kidnapped Earth kids who helped find him — are returned to their own planet.

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The Social Scene

SOCIALSTUDIES

Local Organization Raises Money for MMRF & Scholarship Program The Carmeline Del Vecchio Memorial Foundation held their 3rd Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 26 to raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the Carmeline Del Vecchio Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program. This year’s event had a field of 115 golfers, and the dinner following the tournament was attended by 140 supporters. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche of Atlantic City was one of the

Registration Volunteers, from left to right: Jean Cook, Stacy Winters, Tina Timmons and Barbara Bray

Corporate sponsor, Shelby Mechanical Inc.

five corporate sponsors, and they offered to donate a Mercedes-Benz to every golfer lucky enough to get a hole-in-one. The other corporate sponsors included Shelby Mechanical Inc., New States Contracting LLC, BL England Generating Station, and Renault Winery Resort & Golf. For more information, visit the Carmeline Del Vecchio Memorial Foundation Facebook page or www.thecdmf.org (coming this December).

Foundation Founders from left to right: Marc Del Vecchio, Dennis Del Vecchio and Adam Del Vecchio

Corporate sponsor, New States Contracting, LLC

From left to right, Jason Winters, Stacy Winters, Dennis Del Vecchio, Marc Del Vecchio, Monica Eslick, Miranda Del Vecchio and Adam Del Vecchio

Photos by Nick Valinote

115 golfers participated in the event.

Corporate Sponsor, BL England Generating Station

Volunteers, l. to r.: Adam Del Vecchio, Miranda Del Vecchio, Monica Eslick, Marc Del Vecchio, Dennis Del Vecchio, Barbara Shields, Larry Shields and Heather Shields

Volunteers and sponsors starting the day.

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SOCIALSTUDIES

7th Annual Bay-Atlantic Symphony Gala a Success This year’s cultural blockbuster event — Broadway A-Z, ABBA to Les Miz, the Bay-Atlantic Symphony’s seventh annual gala concert — was held on September 20 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.

Under the talented baton of passionate music director Jed Gaylin, the gala featured the music that has defined the magic of Broadway for generations.

Broadway A-Z, ABBA to Les Miz featured Broadway’s greatest hits of all time, from Jerome Kern to Comden and Green, performed by Broadway stars Teri Dale Hansen and Jeremiah James. Attendees enjoyed songs

Broadway Stars Jeremiah James (left) and Teri Dale Hansen (right) with Dr. Saatkamp

from Show Boat, Les Miserables, Guys and Dolls, The King and I, Peter Pan, Rent, West Side Story, La Cage aux Folles, Cabaret, and The Music Man. The mission of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony is to share and develop a love for transcendent, live, concert music in southern New Jersey communities through performance and education. Since its founding as the Bridgeton Symphony in 1983, the symphony has been recognized for its world-class performers, diverse programs, and outstanding community services.

Dr. Saatkamp (left) and Maestro Jed Gaylin

Teri Dale Hansen, Maestro Jed Gaylin and Jeremiah James receive a standing ovation

MBCA Celebrates 24th Annual Gala The Metropolitan Business & Citizens Association (MBCA) held its 24th Annual Installation/Awards Gala on October 27th at Trump Taj Mahal. Over 1,000 guests were in attendance, including leading community/business people, union leaders, and political and social dignitaries. Lloyd Levenson, Esq. was the Master of Ceremonies and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson was the Installing Officer of the 2015

L to R, Michael Gibson Esq.; CCC Matt Levinson; CRDA Chairman Jim Kehoe; Jeff Guarcacino, ACA; and Victor Napen, AC Linen

MBCA Board. Chairman/President Hon. John Schultz presented the 2014 MBCA Community Spirit Award to Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian for his two decades as Executive Director of the Special Improvement District and his commitment to the community. Guardian also serves as MBCA vice president. The MBCA is a non-profit civic group that prides itself on its diverse membership, www.mbcanj.com.

Gary Hill with the Gomes Family

L to R: Marilynn Wimberg, Steven Chang, Meg and Ed Blake, Jeannie L to R: John Schultz, Mayor Don Guardian and Lloyd Levenson Esq. Eisle, Miss America Kira Kazantsev, Fran and Paul Rixon, Shelly Bernstein 52

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Tony and Fran Coppolla

From left to right, Jim Kehoe, Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Gant

SOCIALSTUDIES

Black & White Ball Benefits Seashore Gardens Foundation Guests gathered for a magical evening at the Tropicana on October 18th for the Black & White Ball to benefit the Seashore Gardens Foundation. This year’s theme was “Music of the Night,” with music by the Eddie Bruce Band and decor by Brian Kappra of Evantine Design. Martha Morowitz was the lucky winner of a diamond ring designed by Roberto Demeglio and donated

by Serago Roberts Jewelers. The Black & White Ball was hosted

by Martin and Janice Klein, and co-chaired by Jason and Jessica Goldstein, and the Honorable John J. Schultz and Gary L. Hill.

Photos by Alex Anton

From left to right, Nancy Westcoat and Dawn Brodon, Ocean City Home Bank, and Sherry Amos

From left to right, Gary Hill, Janice Cambron, Jason and Jessica Goldstein, Janice and Martin Klein, and John Schultz

L to R, top row: Sam Merlino, Shirley Bernstein, Rob Bernstein bottom row: Patti Merlino, Howard Bernstein, Caren Bernstein

Martha Morowitz, Seashore Gardens Living Center board member and winner of the diamond ring, with Bob and Mindy Rovinsky from Serago Roberts Jewelers

The Seashore Gardens staff, from left to right, Janice Cambron, Exec. Director; Giang Gguyen, HR Coordinator; Alycia Price, Administrator; Joann Reilly, Controller; and Michelle Matino, Admissions Coordinator

From left to right, Dr. Isaac and Mrs. Joyce Mordecai, Suzanne Singer, and George Ivanor

From left to right, Ed Kline, Gert Novins, Roberta and Ron Muchnick njlifestyleonline.com

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SOCIALSTUDIES

AtlantiCare Celebrates Diversity With Multicultural Event Over 200 guests packed the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s Campus Center on October 27th for AtlantiCare’s third annual multi-cultural community diversity event “The Dimensions of Diversity” — featuring professional standup comedian, actress, and writer Maysoon Zayid. Zayid gave a comedic discussion about her personal experiences with healthcare and the

multiple dimensions of diversity. During the event, AtlantiCare honored Tracey Triniwell, corporate compliance auditor, AtlantiCare and co-chair of the Heritage of Soul employee resource group, as the annual Diversity Award winner.

AtlantiCare’s Employee Resource Groups hosted the event, which was open to the community, medical professionals, staff and volunteers.

From left to right: Jenna DeCicco, manager, AtlantiCare Internal Communications; Nilda Mahrer, manager, AtlantiCare Human Resources Programs, of Egg Harbor Township, (left) and Maysoon Zayid (right) AtlantiCare 2014 Diversity Award winner Tracey Triniwell; and AtlantiCare 2013 Diversity Award winner Richard Gulite, applications system analyst, AtlantiCare Information Technology Health Information Exchange

An Evening of Good Food & Great Chefs Local chefs who are members of AtlantiCare’s Growing Green Chef Council contributed to the harvest celebration dinner featuring seasonal produce with support from their teams. Proceeds of the event benefitted AtlantiCare’s Growing Green Initiative. Chefs served guests family style at one table under a tent on the Lighthouse grounds. Participating chefs/restaurants and their suppliers also donated ingredients.

Mike Hauke, owner, Tony Boloney’s® Indigenous Pizza, Subs and Grub™, Atlantic City, served as master of ceremonies and served appetizers of Passover Brisket Crostini with Charoset Chutney and Roasted Pumpkin Ricotta Mini Calzones.

Pictured from left to right are Tito Sanchez, Steve and Cookies by the Bay; Frank Dougherty, Knife and Fork Inn and Dock’s Oyster House; Kevin Kelly, Steve and Cookies by the Bay; James Huntzinger, Knife and Fork Inn; Stephan Johnson, Dock’s Oyster House; Jonathan Sands, The Spot; Ed Daggers, Atlantic City Country Club; Mike Hauke, Tony Boloney’s; Cookie Till, Steve and Cookie’s by the Bay.

AtlantiCare Community Healthcare Access Program Benefits Displaced Casino Workers

AtlantiCare President and CEO David Tilton shared details of the AtlantiCare Community Healthcare Access Program — or AtlantiCare CHAP. Funded by the AtlantiCare Foundation, the program is intended to assist residents of Atlantic, Cape May and southern Ocean counties who recently lost jobs at Atlantic City casinos. Director, Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Stefanie Mozgai, and Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian joined Tilton for the announcement at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Pictured from left to right are David Tilton, Eugene Center Atlantic City Campus, Arnone, Evelyn Benton and Robyn Begley.

Atlantic City.

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Downtown Haddonfield Presented with Plaque On October 16th, The New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (NJ-APA) presented Downtown Haddonfield officials and representatives with a plaque honoring their selection as one of the ‘Great Places in New Jersey’ for 2014. NJ-APA President Charles Latini presented the plaque to Mayor Jeff Kasko at the meeting.

Now in its third year, Great Places in New Jersey recognizes unique and exemplary downtowns, streets, neighborhoods and public spaces — four essential components of exceptional communities.

L to R: Haddonfield Commissioner John Moscatelli, Charles Latini, president of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association, Haddonfield Mayor Jeff Kasko and Haddonfield Commissioner Neal Rochford

LIFESTYLE COOKING WITH CHEF WILL SAVARESE

Delicious Holiday Traditions I

f we all take a moment to reflect back to our childhood or even to just a few years back, I'm sure we’ve all experienced some sort of tradition over the holidays. With the holiday season around the corner, we all have emotions — some happy and some sad — depending on each ones circumstances. I have many mixed emotions during the holiday season. Like many of my chef colleagues, I have worked too many holidays and missed countless special family events. This has caused me to truly appreciate and treasure our holiday traditions.

My oldest sister, Elizabeth (Liz) was my best friend. She was a great person and someone who would get people together for certain holidays. Her holiday was Thanksgiving and now looking back, it seems to fit. With the table set and extended to accommodate everyone, she would take the time to organize, open her home, and prepare a really wonderful meal. As a chef, I appreciate just having someone save me a plate after a long, long day of working in a kitchen.

Going to Mom and Dad’s home for Christmas is another one of our holiday traditions. Waiting to see if we are going to get Dad's homemade ricotta cheese ravioli fills us with anticipation. Last year, he was making them and I came in to give him a helping hand as he is getting up there in years. I have to say, they were light as pillows and no matter how many you ate, you weren't getting full.

With the holiday season here once again, remember to keep it seasonal. Who says you have to serve turkey only once a year?

Turkey dinners are those meals you find comfort in, especially when you have all the trimmings; from sausage stuffing, crispy Brussels sprout, cauliflower purée as white as snow, and, of course, don't forget the cranberries.

I did the holiday cooking a few years ago, and would like to share how I treated the turkey. For starters, I brined the turkey, a method that is beginning to get increasingly popular. Next, I made a seasoned butter mixture by using citrus zest and fresh herbs. I placed this mixture under the skin of the turkey to help keep the breast moist while adding flavor. For the final step, I overlapped double-smoked Applewood bacon, like house shingles, on the breast of the turkey. Then I proceeded to cook the turkey low and slow. Before serving, I removed the bacon from the turkey. (I didn't want Dad to know what I was doing to his traditional turkey dinner.)

All traditions, unfortunately, must and do come to an end sometime, but the treasured memories will last a lifetime. Hold them, cherish them, and embrace them. Enjoy your holiday, your friends, and your loved ones.

Turkey Brine For every gallon of water add: 1/2 c sugar 1/2 c Kosher salt 1 cinnamon stick 3 cloves 2 bay leaf 1 tsp. whole coriander 1 tbsp. whole black pepper 1/4 c soy sauce 1 tbsp. dry thyme Keep turkey in brine 12 to 24 hours under refrigeration.

Citrus Herb Butter 2 sticks sweet butter Zest of lemon and oranges, 2 of each Fresh cracked pepper, to taste 1 sprig fresh tarragon 1 sprig fresh sage 1 sprig fresh thyme Chop all herbs, mix in with softened butter. Add zest and season. Place under the skin of the turkey.

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RESTAURANT REPORT by Alyson Boxman Levine

‘'Tis the Season

Highlight your holiday season with a visit to the magical Ram’s Head Inn THE HOLIDAY SEASON simply wouldn’t be the same without a visit to one of the area’s finest restaurants. An ideal mix of elegance and old-world charm, the Ram’s Head Inn in Galloway is a local, yet refined restaurant set on five acres surrounded by lush gardens and flower-lined fences. Located a mere eight miles from Atlantic City, the restaurant serves deliciously-prepared cuisine through impeccable service. A classic and reserved restaurant alternative versus the fast-paced casino restaurant scene, perfect for lunch and dinner, along with happy hour in the Tavern or Courtyard. Also a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion in either one of their many dining rooms or in their ballroom/veranda (depending on the size of your party). The well-appointed interior has several dining rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, soft candlelight, and tables generously spaced apart for leisurely dining.

Fred and Ethel Noyes acquired the Dutch Barn in the mid 1970's and transformed it into the Ram's Head Inn. The Knowles Family, who also operate The Manor, Highlawn Pavilion and the Pleasantdale Château in West Orange, NJ, purchased the property in 1979. In 1982 they built a classic ballroom and veranda which continues to host weddings, and many other special occasions.

“Presently, we serve American cuisine with a contemporary flare,” Chicken Pot Pie explains K. Afifi, general manager, Ram’s Head Inn. With over 29 years of industry experience, Afifi certainly knows how to run a successful restaurant, and it shows the moment you walk through the door. Guests immediately feel welcome and the chefs signature classic items — like Beef Wellington, Chicken Pot Pie, and Rack of Lamb — are immediate favorites.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Elio Gracia, the award-winning menu is well prepared and attractively presented. With 15 years of experience at the Ram’s Head Inn, Chef Gracia has developed a strong sense of what his patrons enjoy and his professional touch and care for quality fresh ingredients shine through all of his dishes.

“All of our entrees include a potato and vegetable, and are very competitively priced for a fine dining establishment,” explains Afifi. “In an effort to appeal to a wide variety of patrons, we offer a 3-course $29.95 menu, everyday but Saturday, throughout the night.” Featuring the same items and portions as their regular menu, including favorites like Pork Tenderloin and Stuffed Shrimp, the special menu also includes a delicious appetizer and decadent dessert. The location also features a popular Happy Hour, everyday but Saturday, and live entertainment Wednesday nights and a pianist Saturday nights.

The Ram’s Head Inn offers a wide variety of venues including casual Happy Hour all the way up to a formal wedding. They will be closed on Christmas Eve; however; they serve a four course Christmas Day dinner from 12 PM until 8 PM and they serve their a la carte dinner from 4 PM until 7 PM on New Year’s Eve, and a prefixed four course dinner (including champagne of course) from 7 PM until 12 AM. Beth Tinnon will perform in their lounge on both holidays, as well as every Wednesday night from 5 PM until 9 PM. She is also hosting a dinner show called Songs of the Cinema on Friday March 27th in the ballroom. Walkins are always welcome; however, please call 609-652-1700 for reservations.

For an everyday meal or a special occasion, The Ram’s Head Inn continues to provide a comfortable and memorable dining experience, overflowing with delicious food and dedicated service. Located on Route 30 about 8 miles west of Atlantic City in Galloway Township, the Ram’s Head Inn is a must visit restaurant that will impress anyone! n

Photos by Nick Valinote

Chef Elio Gracia

Rack of Lamb The Ram's Head Inn in Galloway, NJ

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Bottled Holiday Cheer

Celebrate the season with a great bottle or two

I

read two books every holiday season.

The first is A Child's Christmas In Wales by Dylan Thomas. And as I read it, I can hear Richard Burton’s whisky soaked, cigarette stained voice speaking in his beautifully eloquent Welsh dialect: “One Christmas was so much like another, in those years around the sea-town corner now and out of all sound, except the distant speaking of the voices I sometimes hear a moment before sleep, that I can never remember, whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six.”

I also must read Mr. Dickens’ Christmas Carol to be reminded of the Victorian London I wasn’t born to experience, but have long wished I were: 58

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PHILLIP SILVERSTONE’S BEST OF THE BUNCH

“A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach. “Bah!” said Scrooge, “Humbug!” He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge's, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again. “Christmas a humbug, uncle!” said Scrooge's nephew. “You don't mean that, I am sure.” “I do,” said Scrooge.

“Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.” “Come, then,” returned the nephew gaily. “What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.”

Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said, “Bah!” again; and followed it up with “Humbug.”

I suppose the reason I enjoy the holiday season so much is that I never have the issues most people experience when deciding on gifts. My gifts come in glass bottles with either a cork or screw cap to keep their elixir safely sealed. Even if your favorite recipients haven’t revealed their interest in wine, they can always choose to “crack open a bottle” and cook with it.

My ideal tipple of the season is that deep colored, richly textured, sweet nectar known simply as Port. It is the quintessential dessert wine and fireside quaffer, ideally suited to guests arriving laden with gifts or sitting with the love of your life, albeit wife,

husband, or tabby cat.

But what to buy? The stores are filled to the brim with holiday cheer and how are we to negotiate our way down the aisles and assimilate the preponderance of labels with strange words. As you know, I am not a wine critic, merely a minor member of the bon vivant set who spends enormous amounts of time sampling so that I can bring you, dear reader, a selection of wines which have tickled my fancy. Here is my annual selection that will be in my shopping cart a few days before the holidays arrive.

Collazzi Libertà 2012 (approx. $18) is a red wine from Tuscany, Italy and is produced from Merlot, Syrah, and small amounts of Sangiovese. The wine is deep, dark and handsome, smooth and easily enjoyed.

Collazzi crafts brilliantly delicious wines and Libertà’s quality and taste is a testament to that.

Luce della Vite Lucente 2011 (approx. $30) is a red made from Sangiovese and Merlot grapes which might seem like odd bed fellows. But this child, born from a partnership between Robert Mondavi and Vittorio Frescobaldi, is anything but odd.

There’s a distinct Starbucks flavor to this wine with a drizzling of berry fruits. It really is a scrumptiously appealing drink. I will be buying several bottles.

Nortico Albariño 2013 (approx. $15) is made from the white Alvarinho grapes grown in Minho in Portugal's Vinho Verge

region. There has been a big push on this grape variety and this past year my tongue has been lubricated with many versions of this hugely quaffable varietal. There are so many fruit flavors that spring to mind from the glass; citrus, a little peach, and a gorgeous minerality.

TOP PORTS And now to my mistress who enchants me every time I release her from bottle to glass.

Yes, I am talking about port. The prices are above my usual budget, but it is the holiday season and it’s a wine that lasts a while longer than most when it is opened due to the sugar content which adds to longevity.

She is a seductress who stays a while to extend the pleasure of her company.

Taylor Fladgate 10-year-old Tawny Porto (approx. $32) is made from a blend of so many port grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao, and Tinta Amarela. Aged for 10 years in oak casks, this wine longs to be enjoyed right now. The flavors bring elements of coffee and Belgium chocolate; rich, fullbodied, and enormously satisfying.

Taylor Fladgate 20-year-old Tawny Porto (approx. $50) is matured in oak casks in Taylor’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. The fruit is smoother and mellower with age and the barrel aging has imparted a spicy nuttiness.

Like the 10-year-old, the 20-year-old is bottled when ready to drink and does not require further aging. njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 59

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Foneseca BIN 27 Erik Parker Artist Series (approx. $20.00) is a Reserve Ruby Port packaged in a holiday-friendly gift box featuring Parker’s inventive water-inspired art. The special packaging highlight’s Fonseca BIN 27’s support of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a nonprofit organization that connects and supports local programs to provide a voice for waterways and their communities, making it an ideal gift for art lovers and environmentalists alike. The wine is produced from the same grapes that created Taylor’s 10-year-old. Fonseca Bin 27 was launched 40 years ago as a ruby-style Port blended from reserve wines and aged for four years in neutral wood vats before bottling. There is a dark berry fruit flavor with the most exquisitely-satisfying warm and fuzzy feeling after you sip it.

Fonseca Late Bottle Vintage 2008 Porto Unfiltered (approx. $24) is produced from a reserve of some of the best full-bodied red ports produced at the 2008 harvest, from grapes grown on Fonseca's own. These wines are aged in wood vats, then bottled after five years. Late Bottled Vintage is bottled when ready to drink. This port benefits from being decanted before serving, as it is not filtered when bottled. Again, that Belgium chocolate rears its delicious head. There really is no Belgium chocolate in port, but I am struck by the similarity in flavors. There are also some dark berry fruits, and a silky smooth velvet feel in the mouth.

It’s only fitting to wrap up this seasonal burst of favorite libations with some sparkling Auld Lang Syne toasting wines from California.

These are all splendid examples of the finest end-of-year quaffs, relatively modest sums of money can procure: Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut (approx. $22); Mumm Napa Brut Prestige (approx. $20); Roederer Estate Brut nonVintage (approx. $18); and Iron Horse Classic Brut (approx. $24). Any of these will end/begin your year in excellent taste. Cheers! n Phillip Silverstone’s column appears in each edition of NJ Lifestyle. “Time Out With Phillip Silverstone” is a weekly two-hour podcast heard exclusively on TuneIn radio. Follow the show for weekly updates. You can also LIKE Phillip on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ Phillipsilverstone and follow him on Twitter: @wining.

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“Home of The World’s Best Spaghetti for over 70 years, and so much More!”

Joe Italiano Jimmy Italiano

$29.95 Prix Fixe Three-Course Dinner 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.

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DINING Gallery Library IV

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.

1030 N. Blk Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ 856-728-8064 libraryiv.com The area’s greatest steakhouse under the direction of owner Brian O’Keeney.

Offering quality prepared food and friendly service. Serving hand-cut steaks by the ounce, prime rib, seafood, veal and chicken. The Library IV restaurant has been the area’s top steakhouse for 30 years. A recently completed remodel includes a new kitchen, new 30-foot long salad bar and dining rooms. A casual and cozy atmosphere sets this restaurant apart from the others, and their commitment to top quality has stood the test of time.

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.

Smithville Inn

Berkshire Grill

6105 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 609-272-8808 berkshiregrillnj.com Superbly prepared entrees including aged USDA Choice steaks, slow roasted Prime Rib and Grilled Chicken Portofino. Signature entrees include Mandarin Glazed Salmon, Spinach Pecan Salad, and Shrimp & Mussels Linguine. A large selection of sandwiches, salads, wraps, steaks, chicken, seafood and pasta is offered.

Girasole Ristorante & Lounge

3108 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-345-5554 girasoleac.com An Italian boutique restaurant with a strong Mediterranean influence. Fresh ingredients and simple preparations, served in style, with Versace banquettes and place-settings. A beautiful bar with a noteworthy selection of custom cocktails and quality wines are offered.

1 N. New York Road, Smithville, NJ 609-652-7777 smithvilleinn.com A lovely historical inn on 40 acres of pristine gardens and lakes. The Smithville Inn offers a wide selection of cuisine and is one of South Jersey’s premiere restaurants. Minutes away from Atlantic City, in the Historic Towne of Smithville.

Serving sophisticated comfort food in a warm environment. Specialties include Chicken Pot Pie, Crab Cakes, and Osso Bucco Frico. A tradition of hospitality that has been carried on since 1787, remains. Banquets and private parties offerd, plus Sunday brunch.

Maplewood

470 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 6126 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 609-561-9621, 609-625-1181 maplewood.me 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.

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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 Italian-American 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.

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.

Great Food. Great Drinks. Great Atmosphere.

Tun Tavern

2 Convention Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 609-347-7800 tuntavern.com The Tun Tavern takes pride in being a fine restaurant as well as a brewery. Whether it’s inside soaking up the atmosphere or outside on the deck, the Tun Tavern provides a great dining experience.

Take a look at the menu and see what wonderful delights they have in store for you. Tun Tavern serves the finest Black Angus steaks, Filets and Burgers. They also serve fresh seafood including our Tun favorite Ahi Tuna Wasabi, also Calamari, plus the original Philly Cheesesteak, with healthy salad options and tempting appetizers. Lunch and dinner served daily, and parking is free.

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Blue Pig Tavern

At Congress Hall, 251 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ 609-884-8422 congresshall.com Each of the distinctive dining rooms provide a different mood. One has an open, airy garden feel, with a large skylight providing dramatic views of the colonnade and Congress Hall’s historic facades.

A second is reminiscent of a cozy tavern, with a large fireplace, natural wood floors, and comfortable banquettes. An outdoor area, which connects to the hotel’s veranda, makes for a spectacular summer dining experience. The dining rooms serve the tavern’s signature American fare — nostalgic, simple and fresh — utilizing local seafood and produce in creative, accessible ways.

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. njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Holiday 2014 63

CASINO DINING RESORTS

Gallagher’s Steakhouse

N. Carolina & Boardwalk, 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.

THE PIER AT CAESARS

TROPICANA (THE QUARTER)

Phillips Seafood

Broadway Burger Bar

Pier 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 and sweeping ocean views.

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.

Souzai Sushi & Saki

Capriccio

N. Carolina & Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 609-344-6000 resortsac.com No passport needed for this Italian experience.

Capriccio’s all new menu features gourmet Italian cuisine in an exquisitely comfortable Mediterranean atmosphere, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Capriccio’s has beautiful murals on the walls featuring Old World Italy. Try the lobster with shiitake mushrooms and sweet peppers served on a baked polenta round; or the Costolette di Vitello alla Lombardese; or absolutely the Ossobuco di Vitello alla Lombardese, braised in a red wine and tomato sauce served with saffron risotto. The food is as spectacular as the view.

Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-4443 souzaisushi.com.com Simple… seasonal… sensual… Souzai features a diverse menu of hand-rolled sushi, fresh sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes, as well as a wide range of innovative cocktails, Japanese sake and beer. Showcasing stunning views of the beach, ocean sunsets and the sparkling cityscape from its perch high above the famed Atlantic City boardwalk, Souzai has become one of the hottest spots in town to mix and mingle. Grab a seat and discover Souzai for yourself.

Cuba Libre

The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-6700 cubalibrerestaurant.com Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music and Concept Chef/Partner, Guillermo Pernot’s delectable menu of ‘Nuevo Cubano’ dishes and traditional favorites, make this restaurant a must-see, must-experience dining destination.

BALLY’S Buddakan

Arturo’s Ristorante

Bally’s Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-2300 ballysac.com Bally’s own Little Italy! Chef Maurizio prepares Milk fed Veal any way your heart desires; Picatta, Marsala, Francese, and of course, their famous Veal Parmigiana. Vibrant Italian mosaics abound as this restaurant offers tranquil views of the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean.

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Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-674-0100 buddakanac.com Buddakan's dreamlike ambiance makes an enchanting setting for hosting special events.

Guests are instantly transported to an ancient Chinese village complete with rock gardens, thatched roofs and a dramatic twilight sky. The menu portrays an innovative interpretation of Modern Asian cuisine that matches the decor in terms of creativity and inspiration. Guests will feel relaxed and indulged in this exotic and comfortable environment.

Casa Taco & Tequila Bar

The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-343-9938 tropicana.net Featuring up to 100 different Tequilas, a private party room, indoor and outdoor seating and a full Mexican menu ranging from tacos to fajitas and more! Breakfast is served 7AM to Noon Daily. The Tropicana Difference: Guacamole prepared table side, is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy this classic appetizer.

Il Verdi

The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 800-345-8767 tropicana.net Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Il Verdi serves meticulously prepared gourmet dishes in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Dine on your choice of hot and cold antipasti, soups, salads, pastas, fish and meat entrees, and desserts. Il Verdi’s award-winning wine list features Italian wines selected to complement the food. Have a truly unique dining experience at the Chef’s Table, set amidst the action of the Il Verdi kitchen, where you can enjoy a customized menu of six or seven courses with wine pairings.

BORGATA

Wolfgang Puck American Grille One Borgata Way, 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

One Borgata Way, 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.

DINING GALLERY ADVERTISING RATES $95.00 per month

Izakaya

One Borgata Way, 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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A Final Word

Movies, Won Ton Soup, and December 25th

By MOLLY GOLUBCOW

I

nevitably, December 25th will come around. And on that day, year after year, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, atheists, and a possible agnostic or two, will ask themselves, “So, what should we do today?” The answer may vary slightly, but let’s be honest here, there’s not much to choose from. The stores are closed, so shopping is out of the question.

Can’t go to work because that’s closed, and not much has been accomplished since Thanksgiving anyway. Watch TV? Well, it would be an option if it weren’t for the fact that White Christmas is showing on every channel except for the ones that re-broadcast It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (with Burl Ives as the rotund, singing Snowman). Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed these movies — classics actually. Rudolph is my personal favorite! But, after 40 plus years, I can probably recite the lines in the films by heart.

So, let’s review our options — no TV, no shopping, and no work.

What’s a non-Christmas reveler to do?

Well, in my family December 25th is our annual movie and Chinese food day. Usually, my nephew Jeremy and I go to an early movie, the earlier the better. Our rational is that most people are either sleeping or still unwrapping hundreds of gifts. As a Jewish child, I always wondered how Santa knew NOT to drop off gifts at

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A different kind of holiday tradition

my house. Anyway, I digress.

So, Jeremy usually takes days to carefully select the movie because this is an important annual event that cannot be taken lightly. The process is research intensive — there are reviews to read and previews to consider.

We’ve seen so many great films (and some mediocre ones), but we always had the December 25th experience.

Sometimes we have been the only people in the theater and other times crowded in line with hundreds of other nothing-much to-do-today souls who had the same idea we did.

After the movie, the day always ends with dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Besides the movie theaters and the casinos, you can count on any place with Hunan, Imperial, or Wok in their name to be open, warm, and serving food. Although many of our Christian friends and neighbors are eating turkey, ham, and figgy pudding-like meals, we enjoy some very non-December 25th dishes, such as vegetarian Hot & Sour soup, General Tso’s Chicken, and Hunan Bean Curd. Ironically, the restaurant’s decorations are often Christmas-like, but the Chinese food and all of the diverse clientele serve to make this a very pluralistic experience. After reading our fortune cookies, we happily head home with our bellies full and hearts warmed with yet another successful and traditional December 25th outing. n

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Vicky Miesemer and her daughter Taylor Egg Harbor Township, NJ

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However, Vicky trusted her cardiologist and decided on AtlantiCare for the surgery. Her two-hour procedure couldn’t have gone more smoothly. After three days in the care of Drs. Dib, Levite, Axelrod, Dralle and Van Hook, Vicky went home, without needing rehab or pain medication. Her Valve Program Coordinator, Dawn Christensen, MHA, BS RT (R) (CV), was especially appreciated during and after Vicky’s hospital stay, and is now like a member of the family. “The procedure was miraculous,” says Vicky. And it changed Taylor’s belief about where excellent doctors can be found: “The best of the best are right here. I thank them for giving my mom the heart of a 30-year-old!”

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