LifeStyle NEW JERSEY
WINTER 2017
Volume 15 | Number 1
Cozy Seaside Comforts WHAT WOMEN WANT • A HARBOR SOJOURN THAT GOOD OLD JERSEY SPIRIT • YOUR TABLE IS READY
What
shape summer will your take?
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THE • VIEW
“Anyone who’s grown up or lived on the Jersey Shore knows the place is unique.” —Bruce Springsteen
You Know You’re from South Jersey When …
T
here’s no denying it. South Jersey has its own distinctive culture, food, and even language. (Some say that’s enough to make it its own state.) While we’re not suggesting leaving the union, we are celebrating what makes us unique. Here are some of our favorite distinctions. We hope they’re some of yours, too.
The Places Looking for a little sand and surf? Most people say, they’re going to the beach. But if you’re from around these parts, you’re heading down the shore. It doesn’t even matter which direction you’re traveling; it’s always down. When you get there, you may even do some gambling in AC. (It’s why the slogan “Do AC” works here. In the rest of the country, they think we’re talking about air conditioning.) The Roads You count the distance in Parkway numbers instead of miles. You know how to handle a traffic circle and a jug handle. You know your way around a toll road. You sometimes wait for an embarrassingly length of time, when you’re out of state, for someone to come and pump your gas. Enough said. The Food Hungry at 2 AM? Chances are there’s a diner open somewhere. Plus, the wee hours of the morning are the perfect time to indulge in a Jersey staple — disco fries a.k.a. French fries soaked in brown gravy and smothered with mozzarella. If there’s not a 24-hour diner near you, chances are there’s a Wawa. And you’ve already memorized their menu, including what days are chicken corn chowder days. Of course, you know all the locations for legendary “New York style” pizza and “Philadelphia” cheesesteaks. (Who can blame us from borrowing a bit?) And when you want a hefty sandwich, you’ll opt for a hoagie, not a sub, grinder, or hero — at any of your favorite places around town (some of them ironically named ‘Subs’). For an extra taste treat, put it on Atlantic City bread. You know what I mean. The Talk You might not sound like the cast of “Jersey Shore” or the “Sopranos” when you talk. That’s because south Jersey doesn’t necessarily carry the traditional “Joisey” accent. But there are telltale signs nevertheless. You ask for “jimmies,” not sprinkles, on your ice cream cone. You order water ice, not Italian ice, and you probably pronounce it like “wudder.” You say pork roll, not Taylor ham like your north Jersey counterparts, though you might enjoy it the same way. Importantly, you identify yourself as living in south Jersey or outside Philly. Say New Jersey and people could confuse it with that other part of the state. Oh, and I forgot one important distinction. You know you’re from south Jersey when you get a brand-new edition of New Jersey Lifestyle in your mailbox. So, grab a Wawa coffee and a hoagie from your favorite “sub” shop, and sit down with your favorite “read” for an entertaining break in your hectic schedule that only South Jersey can offer. Happy reading!
how to reach us
Dar la Hendrick s
Publisher
SUBSCRIPTIONS For new subscriptions, changes of address or questions about an existing subscription, call 609.703.0787. ADVERTISING Want to advertise your business in "NJ Lifestyle Magazine"? Request a media kit by calling us at 609.703.0787. NJLIFESTYLEONLINE.COM Visiting our website is your connection to South Jersey’s Good Life. WHERE TO FIND US "NJ Lifestyle Magazine" is mailed to select households in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, and parts of South Jersey. We can be found at select retail locations, golf clubs, restaurants, doctor offices and more. njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Winter 2017
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CONTENTS 20
DEPARTMENTS
In a region steeped in history and histrionics, the National Harbor is suddenly receiving a lot of attention.
A visit to a local distillery with a product that has 36 been in the making for over 15 years.
Local Chatter.............................................. 6 The buzz on happenings in and around our area.
FEATURES
Lifestyle Fashion......................................... 8 Outerwear extravaganza.
What Women Want............................. 12
Lifestyle Home.......................................... 16
Take a moment to calculate your sweetheart’s “gift IQ.”
The evolution of design.
A Harbor Sojourn............................. 20
Money Watch............................................. 18
The National Harbor flexes its muscles.
The year in review.
That Good Old Jersey Spirit................. 36
On Wheels................................................. 24
A local distillery creates craft-made vodka.
Harry Hurley’s Happy New Year wishes.
Your Table is Ready............................. 46
Lifelines.................................................... 28 Unplugging from social media.
Make your reservations for Atlantic City Restaurant Week.
Health Watch............................................. 30 The miracle in your medicine cabinet.
Lifestyle Entertainment............................... 32 Musings with a legend.
Lifestyle Opinion........................................ 38 Inside N.J. politics.
The Social Scene........................................ 40 Get the picture on the latest events and happenings.
Lifestyle Cooking........................................ 49
46
From iconic local eateries to Asian noodle bars and mouth-watering steakhouses, Atlantic City Restaurant Week features an eclectic mix of cuisines. 4
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Start the new year with a hearty beef brisket.
Lifestyle Wine............................................ 50 9 exceptional bottles.
Dining Gallery............................................ 52 All the details on the area’s great dining venues.
A Final Word.............................................. 55 Bewitched by water.
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Your life can change in a heartbeat.
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BRICK • CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE • EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP • GALLOWAY • HAMMONTON MANASQUAN • MAYS LANDING • NORTHFIELD • SOMERS POINT • TOMS RIVER
LifeStyle NEW JERSEY
MAGAZINE
Publisher / Creative Director
Darla Hendricks darlabh2@gmail.com Copy Editor
Alyson Boxman Levine Contributing Writers
Candice Adler Molly Golubcow Harry Hurley Alyson Boxman Levine Michelle Dawn Mooney Felicia L. Niven Marjorie Preston Matt and Tom Reynolds Elaine Rose Will Savarese Phillip Silverstone David Spatz Robin Stoloff
We knoW the ropes.
Travel Editor
Dan Schlossberg Photographers
Nick Valinote Eric Weeks Online Media Info.
www.njlifestyleonline.com Accounting
Michael I. Mann, CPA Zelnick, Mann and Winikur, P.C.
nearly a half-century ago, stephen hankin founded the law firm that would become hankin sandman palladino & Weintrob. From commercial litigation to personal injury, and from land use to family law, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to protect your interests, even in the choppiest of waters. ConstruCtion CoMMerCiAl litigAtion divorCe/Custody lAnd use environMentAl
New Jersey Lifestyle is published by New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC. The entire contents of New Jersey Lifestyle are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial material and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. All correspondence should be sent to:
Main office Atlantic City 30 South New York Avenue Atlantic City, NJ | P: (609) 344-5161
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New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine, LLC 174 S. New York Road, P.O. Box 787 Oceanville, NJ 08231 Telephone: 609-703-0787
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LIFESTYLE | Winter 2017
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Local
Chatter DC Welcomes Local Police
ON JANUARY 20TH, fourteen Ocean City police officers traveled to the nation’s capital to assist with security at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The local officers joined a massive police force and aided with security along the parade route from the U.S. Capitol Building to the White House. The officers receive training for the event at the National Guard, where they were sworn in and handed their assignments. Ocean City police officers have been helping out with inauguration security since 2009 under former Police Chief Bob Blevin, who had established ties with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. JUST IN TIME FOR ITS 10th anniversary, The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort is about to raise the bar once again when it undergoes a multi-million dollar transformation set to be completed by
Calling All Music Lovers
Celebrity Hotspot R
evam pe d
March 2017. The upgrades to the nightclub are part of Caesars Entertainment’s $180 million investment in the Atlantic City market, including a $30 million guest room and suite renovation, a brand new fitness center, and its $125 million state-of-the-art Waterfront Conference Center. The nightclub’s enhancement project will include a new stage; a new, elevated deejay booth with an eye-catching LED video wall; and an updated sound system, in addition to a redesigned Loft gaming area, upgraded cabanas, daybeds, and lounge furniture, and a revised, open floor plan.
GRAB YOUR INSTRUMENT and your songbook and head to Cape May for the 10th Annual Singer-Songwriter to be held March 24 - 25 at historic Congress Hall, along with 18 showcase venues throughout the seaside town. Over 150 acts and artists will be selected from showcase submissions to participate in this exciting musical opportunity. The event will feature two afternoons of music business panels, keynotes, musician clinics, songwriting workshops, mentoring/demo listening sessions, and performance critiques. 8
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Spotlight on Local Chefs LOCAL GOLDEN BOY Michael Brennan, the 24-year-old chef/ owner of Ventnor’s Cardinal Bistro and Culinary Institute of America graduate, recently won $10,000 on the new Food Network show “Cooks vs. Cons.” The Absecon native competed against another professional chef and two amateurs who strived to fool celebrity judges into thinking they’re professional chefs. Before opening his successful Ventnor eatery, Brennan worked at some of Philadelphia’s exclusive culinary establishments, including Lacroix and Le Bec Fin. Also in the spotlight, Galloway chef Amanda Palomino appeared on season 15 of “Hell’s Kitchen”, hosted by multi-Michelin starred chef Gordon Ramsay. Palomino, who currently works as the manager of CupKing Cafe in Sea Isle City, competed for a head chef position at BLT Steak at Bally’s Las Vegas.
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 Raise Your Glass
THE ATLANTIC CITY BEER AND MUSIC Festival returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center for its 12th installment on March 31 – April 1. This year’s “Celebration of the Suds” will include the 2nd Annual Hops Trot 5k, which will send racers around town to some of Atlantic City’s favorite watering holes. From down the street, to across the globe, nearly 200 breweries will be present, serving some 1,000 beers for attendees to sample. The goal of the festival is to promote and educate attendees on craft beers, as well as the brew masters that create them. This event is the perfect opportunity for beer geeks, beer lovers, and beer beginners to speak to the brains behind the brews, and to discover and taste new brews and special “limited release” beers and ales rarely seen in this area.
St. Patty’s Day T
rivia
DID YOU EVER WONDER where the popular phrase, “Kiss me, I’m Irish,” originated from? Well, this fun St. Patrick’s Day exclamation is a reference to the famous Blarney Stone found in Ireland. A popular tourist destination built into Blarney Castle, it is customary for a person to kiss the stone while hanging upside down. According to Irish folklore, anyone who kisses the stone is blessed with being eloquent. The legend of the Blarney Stone reveals that a king saved an old woman from drowning, so she put a magic spell on this stone. Kiss someone Irish as you enjoy the 2017 Atlantic City Saint Patrick’s Day parade on March 11.
The Power of Positivity
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2006, Atlantic City casinos posted a positive yearly gain, winning more than $2.6 billion in 2016, a 1.5% increase over 2015. Due to gambling expansion in neighboring states, as well as the struggling economy, casino winnings plummeted to $2.56 billion last year, its worst performance since 1987. But, thanks to the strong performance of online gaming, Atlantic City has successfully reversed its course. “These are some strong numbers, especially with all the bad news about Atlantic City’s ‘demise,’” said New Jersey Casino Control Commission Chairman Matthew Levinson in an Associated Press report. “There’s a lot of good news. We have some stronger casinos now, and internet gambling continues to increase.”
Films Enthusiasts Unite GRAB YOUR POPCORN and join fellow movie zealots at the annual Garden State Film Festival in Atlantic City on March 30 - April 2, where you will see over 200 independent films from around the globe. This fun-filled weekend includes a special Meet The Filmmakers event, open talent casting call, professional panel discussions, parties, and more. Founded to celebrate the independent film genre, the Garden State Film Festival, a non-profit organization, offers independent filmmakers the chance to exhibit their work and gives New Jersey audiences a chance to experience new, cultural, and artistic endeavors through the medium of film. Promoting the art of filmmaking on all levels, the festival showcases a wide variety of film, video, and animated works, as well as provides educational programs in the creative arts to the public by industry leaders. The festival unites celebrity filmmakers with aspiring screenwriters, directors, and actors.
njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Winter 2017
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Lifestyle Fashion
By Alyson Boxman Levine
Outerwear Extravaganza
W
inter has hit the Jersey shore unseasonably hard this year, and 2017
brought with it a bevy of artic air and freezing temperatures. With the wide range of variations on the thermometer this season, it’s not out of the ordinary to see a 60° day and then snow the next. As a result, it is vital to have a few current outerwear options on the ready for these everfluctuating temperatures. Layers are the key when dressing for this winter season. Remember, bulk does not always translate to warmth, so chose your seasonal outerwear carefully. Look for well-made garments that have shape and are versatile. The 2017 winter runways featured new trends, as well as modern updates to steadfast classics. These six beautiful options represent the top designers’ visions for the season. Classic Blue Trench, Ralph Lauren
nnn Upgrade a Classic Searching for a jacket you will want to wear year after year? The answer is simple; go with a classic. Whether you are headed to a business meeting or carpooling to the local skating rink, this navy overcoat from designer Ralph Lauren expertly pulls together any look. Featuring eyecatching faux-leather piping and quintessential details, this classic trench will become a favorite for years to come. The iconic throat latch and belted cuffs lend polish to this double-breasted trench, expertly cut from water-resistant fabric. The history of the Ralph Lauren label is truly inspiring. According to reports, Bronx born Ralph Lifshitz was fashion aware at a very early age. By spending his hard-earned pocket money on expensive suits, he
Ski Jacket, Canada Goose
Puffer Jacket, Ivanka Trump
Upgrade a Classic
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Presidential Style
Slope Ready
10
Keep warm and look oh-so fashionable with these six designer options
became the best dressed 12-year-old in his neighborhood. The young entrepreneur left his middle class Jewish roots behind him to set out on a quest to establish his very own fashion empire. Through sheer hard work and exacting standards, Ralph Lauren became the epitome of classic fashion, with brands such as Polo, Ralph Lauren for Men, Ralph Lauren for Women, and even Ralph Lauren paint. His classic designs have been beautifully worn on countless red carpets, with celebrity clients including Johnny Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow. nnn Slope Ready Forever a winter fashion staple, the iconic ski jacket was a popular trend on the runways this season, with high-end designers featuring this cozy
garment with style. Arguably the most practical piece of outerwear you will own, this garment will take you warmly through the season. Wear this chic pick from the Canada Goose label and you will look fabulous and be super warm without the bulk. Featuring classic and enduring ripstop construction that has proven the test of time, this jacket is the ultimate in core warmth, comfort, and versatility. Founded in a small warehouse in Toronto, Canada nearly 60 years ago, Canada Goose has grown into one of the world’s leading makers of Arctic luxury apparel. Driven by the rugged demands of the Arctic, relentless innovation and uncompromised craftsmanship inspire the form and function of every collection. From Antarctic research facilities and the Canadian High Arctic, to the streets of New York City, London,
Plaid Coast, kate spade new york
Patent Leather Trench, Burberry
Faux Fur Vest, Topshop
Oh So Faux
Menswear Inspired
Add Some Shine
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LIFEST YLE FASHION
When searching for that ideal cold-weather covering, keep in mind the most important aspect about the garment is its wearability. Focus on wearable winter trends and you will be pleased with your selections for years to come.
Milan, Paris, and Tokyo, people enjoy Canada Goose products. Employing more than 1,500 workers worldwide, the company is recognized for its commitment to long-time partner Polar Bears International. In 2013, the label’s popularity instantly skyrocketed when supermodel Kate Upton appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition in a bikini bottom and a Canada Goose parka. nnn Presidential Style Many women shy away from the puffer jacket when they pass it on the racks, believing it will add unwanted, unflattering bulk to their frame. The key to successfully wearing this trend is to choose one that is figure-flattering; and this usually means picking one with a belt. Try on this new black faux-fur trimmed buckled puffer coat from designer Ivanka Trump, and you will fall in love with this trend forever. Detailed with chic toggle buttons and the requisite belt, this look is both stylish and stately. In 2007, Ivanka seized an opportunity to launch a jewelry collection; drawn on the idea of creating a line for women buying for themselves. After much success with her jewelry, she identified a void in the fashion space, recognizing the absence of a brand that addressed the needs of the modern, professional woman. With an assortment of chic, appropriately sexy and accessibly priced shoes and handbags, Ivanka launched her eponymous fashion label. Women appreciated the vibrant sensibility and easy practicality, and the brand evolved into a lifestyle concept dedicated to women who work. According to recent reports, Ivanka is moving away from her fashion line though, as she pursues her first family duties in the nation’s capital. nnn Add Some Shine Do you want to add some color and shine to the doldrums of the season? Patent leather outerwear peppered the 2017 winter runways, and this eye-catching look certainly does make a statement. Edgy and bold, you will stand out in style wearing this impressive material. Everyone will love this Italian-made patent leather trench from the Burberry Prorsum runway label. A slick patent finish and deep-red hue give an intriguing twist to this double-breasted trench coat. Epaulets, a storm flap, belted cuffs, and a figure-defining belt add classic elements to this bold, head-turning look. Established in 1856, Burberry is a global British luxury brand with a heritage of innovation, craftsmanship, and design loved by countless individuals worldwide, including celebrities Selena Gomez, Courteney Cox, and Lea Michele. Established by Thomas Burberry — originally focusing on the development of outdoor attire — the fashion house swiftly moved on to the high fashion market developing pattern-based scarves, trench coats, and other fashion accessories. In 1891, the first shop opened in Haymarket, London and was an independent familycontrolled company until 1955, when it was reincorporated. The label’s 12
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distinctive check pattern is one of the most widely-copied trademarks in the world. nnnMenswear Inspired It is possible to look feminine in menswear-inspired items, and many high-end designers have incorporated this ongoing trend into their 2017 collections. Some used shape to convey this chic inspiration, while others used patterns and fabric. Turn heads in this kate spade new york fur collar, chunky plaid coat. Featuring a menswear-inspired plaid fabric and a feminine, flattering shape — not to mention smart, stylish details like the detachable faux fur color — this expertly-crafted coat is perfect for both workdays and weekends. Kate Brosnahan Spade, a former accessories editor at Mademoiselle, set out to design the perfect handbag. Debuting with just six silhouettes, she combined sleek, utilitarian shapes and colorful palettes in an entirely new way; and kate spade new york was born. Women and fashion editors loved the fresh, modern sensibility, and her first shop in New York City opened in 1996. She quickly launched clothing and jewelry collections, followed by the introduction of bedding, legwear, and fragrance. Today, the label has grown into a global lifestyle brand aimed to inspire colorful living. According to the company, “we’ve never lost sight of who we are: our spirited approach, commitment to curiosity, and passion for sharing our colorful world still shapes all that is kate spade new york.” nnn Oh So Faux Fashion designers have had a long-standing love affair with all things fur, and for 2017, many have gone in the faux direction. Have them guessing if it’s real or not when you wear this luxurious faux fur vest offered by Topshop. Tailored in a longline silhouette, this oh-so lush garment will make a fun, eye-catching addition to your look and will be the shining star of your winter wardrobe. London’s Topshop launched in 1964 as Peter Robinson’s Topshop, a fashion brand within the Sheffield branch of the Peter Robinson chain. By the 1970s, Topshop became a stand-alone store and, in 1994, it settled into its permanent home at 214 Oxford Street. Majoring in upto-the-minute affordable style, Topshop’s brave and irreverent approach has endeared the brand to fashion-conscious shoppers and industry insiders alike. With more than 300 stores internationally, Topshop is a true shopping institution loved by countless celebrities, including haute style icons Cara Delevingne and Beyoncé. When searching for that ideal cold-weather covering, keep in mind the most important aspect about the garment is its wearability. All too often, outerwear is purchased solely for utilitarian purposes — with no regard to style — and ends up hanging in your closet year after year, never seeing the light of day. This year, focus on wearable winter trends and you will be pleased with your selections for years to come. n
Chic Foot Warmers Trek outside in style wearing these on-trend winter boots
Designer Fabulous
A Furry Find
Expertly made in Spain, these designer mink fur and suede booties are both stylish and comfortable. Featuring a roomy round toe, lace-up design, and a faux fur lining, you will want to wear these high-end beauties every day, Stuart Weitzman, $785.
Showcasing the finest combination of fashion, quality, and comfort in luxury footwear, these boots mix distinctive Italian design with innovative weatherproof and stain-resistant technology. Lined in oh-so-warm shearing, these beauties bridge the gap between style and function, Cecelia, $475.
Outdoor Glam
Take on cold weather in style with these Hadley lace-up boots, featuring fauxfur trim for a chic and glamorous look. With a rounded toe and a Nylon upper with faux-leather panels, you will love the color-blocked laces, Guess, $149.
Cozy Style
Hit the slopes wearing this super-cute on-trend boot. A faux-fur cuff, fleece lining, and guaranteed insulation combine to make this boot, with its distinct quilted nylon upper, so very cozy, and, of course, waterproof, Sorel, $140.
Pretty in Plaid
These classically-Burberry rain boots give plaid an added style punch this winter season. Featuring signature check detailing with a comfortable round toe, this pull on boot will brighten up any gloomy day, Clemence Signature Check Rain Boot, Burberry, $325.
Star-quality Standout
Featuring faux fur and feather accents, these knee-high winter boots stand out from the crowd. The faux-fur shaft highlights a braided tie, with sweater-knit details, Muk Luks, $99. njlifestyleonline.com
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Lifestyle Expressions
What Women Want Before you shop for Valentine’s Day, take a moment to calculate your sweetheart’s “gift IQ.” The right present can lead to lots of Xs and Os! By Marjorie Preston
GEORGE WILL NEVER FORGET THE first Valentine’s Day he spent with Annalise, the woman who would eventually become his wife. Totally smitten with the attractive, thirtyish artist and designer, whom he’d been seeing for about six months, George surprised her with the works: a dozen long-stemmed red roses, a box of Victoria’s Secret lingerie, and a Hallmark card that confessed his feelings in treacly verse. It was a total misfire. As Annalise recalls, “Everything George gave me said he had no idea who I really am. If he’d stopped to notice, he might have figured out I’m not a moon-June, love-dove type of person. I’ve never worn sexy undies in my life, unless it’s boy briefs and a tank top. And while I love flowers, to my mind, roses are just unimaginative. Well, at least he didn’t throw in a box of chocolates!” Men, right now you may be thinking that Annalise is a total bitch to complain about poor George and his roses. Actually, she didn’t tell him till years later that he bombed out that first V-Day. She then learned that he hated her first V-Day gift, a tailored pink dress shirt. “You spent way too much,” carped practical George. “I hate French cuffs. And it was pink!” Despite those early speed bumps, the relationship survived and thrived. George and Annalise are well-matched, in no small part because they’ve come to know each other, in all their individuality and quirkiness. When they give gifts, they avoid off-the-shelf, one-size-fitsall tokens — which, to the recipient, can feel dangerously like obligations (“He had to buy something, so he bought that yellow nightgown with the flying pigs”). For a gift that’s sure to please, stop and think.
Who is your partner? Is she sentimental or practical? A traditionalist or a trend-setter? A true romantic, or a bit on the edgy side? These are the clues to your romantic riddle. The gift you give must assure her that you recognize her as she really is, whether you’ve been together six months or sixty years. Just remember to think outside the heart-shaped box. Take your cues from her personality, and then get creative. Here are some tips to spark your imagination: • Scent of a Woman. The abovementioned red roses are popular for a reason. They’re fragrant and vivid and have been tokens of true love for generations. But, like Annalise, your lady may prefer something completely different. Did you know that fragrance creates sense memories that can last a lifetime? So shower her with peonies. Give her gardenias. Give her violets in winter. Come home with arms filled with colorful asters and zinnias. Or, like Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility, show up on her doorstep with hand-picked wildflowers.
Seriously. Look what they did to Marianne Dashwood. • You’ll Always Have Paris. Or Oslo, or Florence, or Fiji, or London, or even Disney World. Most couples dream of the day they’ll take that second honeymoon, or visit the great cities of the world. Many people never make it. If a jaunt around the world is out of reach, you can still map out a plan. Give her a gift basket. Add a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some marvelous Brie, and a French language phrasebook. Snuggle in to watch Midnight in Paris, and tell her you’ve opened a bank account for the trip of her dreams. You can count on l’amour toujours. • Let’s Groove Tonight. A loving husband of my acquaintance once gave his beloved of 30-some years a mix tape of her favorite tunes. It included all the songs they danced to (and made out to) as teenagers, from really bad disco to their signature song, “Is This Love?” by the immortal band Whitesnake. It was a great, goofy present. And it was followed by some serious lip-locking.
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LIFEST YLE EXPRESSIONS
• Objects of Your Affection. “A kiss on the hand may be quite continental…” But you don’t have to drain your 401K for diamonds or other pricy gems. These days, it’s easy to find great independent jewelry designers on websites like Etsy. Why not contact one, share a little about your loved one, and commission a one-of-a-kind cuff bracelet, funky earrings or lariat necklace? Your darling will be thrilled to know her gift is not only unique, but a unique expression of your love. • Ice, Ice, Baby. But if you’ve got deep pockets, guys, by all means, dazzle her with a diamond! Just remember, any respectable rock is free of inclusions, blemishes and other flaws. And in this case, size does matter. The average engagement ring weighs in at about a carat, and a good one can set you back from $5,000 to $10,000. Style tip: whether you’re popping the question or just feeling generous, colored diamonds are all the rage. Think yellow, pink, blue, green or champagne. There are even brown and black diamonds! • Express Yourself. Men are supposedly lacking in the verbal eloquence department, especially when it comes to declarations of love. But every muscle gets stronger with use. Men, it’s time to exert yourself. Send her a letter — a real letter. On paper. In an envelope. Tell her what she means to you, and the meaning she’s added to your life. You say you’re not Lord Byron? It doesn’t matter. Your words may be halting, humble or uncertain, but they’ll be priceless to her. • Shall We Dance? This one is from my own experience, and I swear it’s true. I was on the outs with a musician I had dated for a time, but agreed to see him one more time to say goodbye. He took me to an elegant piano bar, where the band played a song he had written just for me. For a moment, I felt like Pattie Boyd (who inspired two of the greatest love songs ever, “Something” by George Harrison and “Beautiful Tonight” by Eric Clapton). Needless to say, I was floored by the extravagant gesture. And that guy was in like Flynn. At least for a
little while. • Tempt Her Appetite. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The same is true of women, and believe me, guys, there’s nothing quite as fabulous as a hunky man in an apron. So get out in the kitchen. Rattle those pots and pans. If you’re gastronomically challenged, you can enlist a caterer, but be sure to fetch and carry and do the heavy lifting. Above all, pamper her. For dozens of good recipes — like love dumplings, easy tiramisu, and chocolate truffles — go to jamieoliver.com and search for “romantic meals.” Then put on some Barry White and get cooking. • Or Make It Breakfast in Bed. And stay there till lunchtime. The moral of the story is simple: A Valentine’s Day gift is a special, once-a-year expression of regard. So look at the woman next to you. She’ll tell you what she wants — every day, in everything she does, in all the things that make her laugh, cry, sing, and sigh. n
This Valentine’s Day, take your sweetheart to an elegant piano bar. End your evening on the dance floor, swaying to your favorite songs. 16
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Lou Marchiano FOR MEN
CLOTHING • SPORTSWEAR • SHOES Terra Mar Plaza | Tilton Road | Northfield, NJ | 609-641-2088
Lifestyle Home
The Evolution of Design Create custom spaces reflecting who you are today By Candice Adler
Photo by Eric Weeks
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s we evolve, our homes should too. My job as a designer is to incorporate my designs and resources and marry them to my clients’ particular needs and taste. My passion for design has allowed me to assist clients in creating beautiful homes that inspire them to love the space where their daily life takes place. It’s critical to understand one’s lifestyle first, and then add the ingredients necessary to make their home work for them. Whether you decide to hire a professional to expedite your design needs, or enjoy the process on your own, make sure you are clear on what it is that defines your ultimate style goals. You may be reimagining an existing home, building a new home, or just transitioning into a new phase of life. Either way, you will need to surround yourself with skilled and talented professionals to ensure you receive the quality you should expect on all levels of the process. What one may consider a blissful home will be determined quite differently for each of us. Style and function are subjective so it’s always a good idea to make a list of your goals. Think about how you live. How will each of your rooms be used and by whom. I act as if I am an investigating a client’s lifestyle when meeting for the first time. Some want a cozy home to entertain guests. Others want their homes to be a showplace for the things they have collected over the years. To surround themselves with memories daily is their peace. Something resonates with each of us so, prior to taking on a project, take the time to be sure you are clear on what you are trying to achieve. You have decided to make a change so you might as well be confident your decisions 18
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will serve your purpose. As my clients know, prioritizing is a key element one must focus on first. This will include everything from function of the space, to perhaps a certain piece of furniture that is meaningful and must be worked into the final phase of design. It is all in the details. It is a process to work through many elements and specifics to allow a project to run smoothly. It is imperative to have a clear and realistic budget. As important is to insist on accurate timelines, with expectations that are agreed upon in advance, making sure all involved are on the same page. Surprises during a project can be very stressful and can increase costs. At first, you may think you don’t care about how many lights are in your home or how wide your interior hallways are. How many windows will there be allowing for natural light? Will furniture placement be an issue? But I promise you, if these elements, among others, are not planned for, it is very disappointing when you look back and feel regret when a completed project is unsatisfying. Be in touch and understand your dreams so you can reimagine an existing space, or create a new one, using all the possibilities and
resources available to you. The potential of your project is up to you, so make each decision count. Your home, as I have said before, is a reflection of you and your personality so I believe if you take the time, you will reap all the pleasures from it that you desire. Keep your mind open, as the possibilities are endless. A home is a portrait of you, your family and friends, and, most importantly, the memories created within. It’s a sensory experience on all levels. People think about a home generally from a visual aspect alone. I, on the other hand, consider how it makes you feel when you are in it. From the conversations of your guests, to your children growing up in your home, how we feel depends on the sounds we experience in it. Memories may be from how it may smell from baking on a special holiday celebrating wonderful times, or maybe from a sound system that plays comforting music throughout. Either way, it can be a magical experience if you think about awakening your senses when planning your project. The feel of your home is embodied in the warmth you create. The textiles and colors, along with lighting, will all take part in setting the tone. It’s up to you be in touch with how you want to feel — as well as how you want others to feel — when visiting your home. This will be the driving force behind how and what you choose when making selections. Get the bones of your home right and it will work specifically for you, creating a one-of-a-kind environment for you and your loved ones. n Visit www.candiceadlerdesign.com for inspirational photos and ideas.
“Chandeliers are supreme when it comes to romance. To see one in a master closet instantly gives you
100% GLAMOUR.” VICENTE WOLF | VICENTE WOLF ASSOCIATES, INC. NEW YORK, NY
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LIFESTYLE
MONEYWATCH
The Year in Review
A recap of 2016 and an optimistic outlook for 2017 EARLY SIDE 2016 began as 2015 ended with oil prices and stock prices falling. Oil (WTI Crude Oil) began 2016 at $37.13 a barrel and bottomed on February 11th at $26.21, a decline of 29% in just six weeks. The S&P 500 began the year at 2044 and fell to 1829 by February 11th (yes, the same day oil bottomed), a decline of 11%. Fortunately, both the oil market and the stock market stabilized quickly and both had reached their beginning of the year levels by the second week of March. BREXIT The referendum in Great Britain in June 2016 whether or not Great Britain would remain in the European Union or vote to exit was viewed as either a solidifier of the EU or the first step to its demise. All polls showed a major advantage to the stay vote, but as we would find out more than once in 2016, pollsters did not have the pulse of the voters. The citizens in Great Britain voted against the establishment, against the recommendation of their Prime Minister, and against staying in the European Union. The stock market sold off 6% in two days, but then recovered fully within three days, to finish up just over 4% year-to-date through June 30. SUMMER INTO EARLY FALL After the BREXIT sell-off and fast recovery, the summer proved to be a pretty uneventful and stable period in the market. However, just after summer, the U.S. Stock Market seemed concerned about the upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections, and fell about 3% from the middle of September through the end of October. One of the most surprising occurrences during this period was the dramatic move in interest rates. The 10 Year U.S. Treasury note, which was 1.74% on October 21, would rise some 30% in the next three weeks and would peak at 2.6% by December 15th. This sudden, sharp increase in interest rates sent bonds reeling and we saw the aggregate bond index returns more than cut in half from year-to-date September 30th levels. We also saw Municipal (tax-free) bonds lose 3-4% of their value in just over a month. ELECTION & THE POST-ELECTION RALLY The election of 2016, which was supposed to be a Clinton victory, turned 20
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out to be a Trump surprise. Once again, the pollsters got it wrong. Trump seized on the anti-establishment vote and it resonated in suburban America. The only thing possibly more surprising than the election results was the stock market’s reaction. Conventional wisdom prior to the election was that if Trump did somehow win that the market would experience a huge sell-off due to the uncertainty that would follow. However, in a year that conventional wisdom was just plain wrong, rather than a market meltdown, what ensued after the election in November was dubbed the Trump rally. The S&P 500 gained 5% through the end of year and finished 2016 with double digit returns. The markets seemed to shrug off the uncertainty of an unconventional President instead focusing on a platform of the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, comprehensive corporate and individual tax reform (which would include some sort of overseas reduced tax rate to bring back profits left overseas to avoid U.S. taxation), some relaxation of the regulatory environment and a massive Infrastructure Spending bill. The market is anticipating that some or all of these could give the U.S. economy the jolt it needs to get back to the 3% and over GDP growth that has eluded our economy for so long. It remains to be seen if the Republican-controlled congress and Trump Presidency can deliver what they have set out to do. If they can get some or all of these things implemented, we could see the kind of growth we haven’t seen in some time. However, particularly the tax reform and repeal of Affordable Care are not easy fixes and will need to be done with care in order to avoid the solution being worse than the problem you are trying to fix. We are cautiously optimistic heading into 2017. n Tom Reynolds, CPA & Matt Reynolds CPA, CFP® Co-Managing Partners, CRA Financial Francis C. Thomas CPA, PFS, Investment Advisor Robert T. Martin, CFA, CFP®, Investment Advisor This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial adviser, as well as your tax and/or legal advisers, regarding your personal circumstances before making investment decisions.
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Lifestyle Travel
A Harbor Sojourn By DAN SCHLOSSBERG
National Harbor skyline
Photos courtesy of Visit National Harbor
The National Harbor Flexes Its Muscles WHO KNEW? In a region steeped in history and histrionics, the noisy new kid across the river is suddenly receiving a lot of attention. It’s called National Harbor, a name that stems from its suburban Washington location and geographical positioning on the Maryland banks of the Potomac. Boats and bridges dominate the river, while pedestrians patrol walkways that weave around well-planned structures and attractions that look like they might have escaped from a Disney movie set. Cars come and go, but never intrude on the pastoral scene. A benign climate helps; spring comes 22
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sooner, summer lingers longer, and autumn is in no hurry to yield to the frosts of winter. Once a sleepy Maryland plantation, the 300-acre site was little more than a marsh before the Army Corps of Engineers and Maryland Department of the Environment teamed to grant permits to developers in 1988. The idea took off like a Bryce Harper home run at nearby Nationals Park. Restaurants, boutiques, shops, and condos sprang up like mushrooms after a monsoon, but all were overshadowed by the half-dozen hotels built to house the curious crowds. One of them, the 2,000-room Gaylord
National Resort & Convention Center, hosted the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings in early December. The largest non-gaming hotel between New Jersey and Florida, it got serious competition when the $2 billion MGM National Harbor casino resort opened on Dec. 8, the day the baseball moguls left, with more slot machines than rooms. With just 300 rooms spread among its 23 stories, the MGM is out to prove the lure of the jackpot leads to many one-night stands. Perched on a 23-acre tract 10 miles from the nation’s capital, the resort features a marble exterior that matches much of the architecture in Washington, while its
casino occupies a central corridor that suggests the rectangular design of the National Mall. Many of the items in the MGM’s handsomely-displayed collection of art, sculpture, and photography also have Washington roots. Gaylord National, open since 2008, cost almost as much to build. The $870 million property has a 19-story glass atrium, seven restaurants, and a oneto-one ratio of employees to rooms. Managed by Marriott, the ultra-modern property has proximity to the waterfront, including a pool and beach that are bustling during the area’s long summer. With a pair of 700-foot piers and more than 60 marina slips for small boats, the Potomac banks are the best place for people-watching. And, since annual visitation to National Harbor has already topped 12 million, there are plenty of people to watch. Monuments too: the towering Capital Wheel, an instant neighborhood icon, is a Ferris wheel that allows riders to view the Washington Monument, Capitol Building, White House, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the Smithsonian museums that line the National Mall. Riders can also peer inside Nationals Park when the team is home during the six-month baseball season that starts in April. The wheel lifts visitors to seagull levels, 180 feet above the river. Because the 42 gondolas are climate-controlled, the wheel rotates throughout the year. Each gondola carries eight passengers who pay $15 per ride. The money is well-spent, especially by those smart enough to carry cameras with telephoto lenses. Water taxis, another popular local ride, take National Harbor visitors across the Potomac to Old Town Alexandria, home of the nearest Metro stop. There’s talk of extending the rail line to National Harbor but that’s still a pipe dream — leaving Lyft, Uber, public bus lines, and several private shuttles as the best routes into the capital for visitors without cars. Technically, National Harbor belongs to an unincorporated area called Oxon Hill, named for an 18th century home built on a bluff above the river. British founders felt it resembled Oxford, England and picked the name because it translates from the Latin to “of Oxford.”
The Capital Wheel at sunset Expansion rendering of Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
‘The Awakening’ Sculpture
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LIFEST YLE TRAVEL
Shopping near South Moon Under
Dining at Public House on Fleet Street Potomac Riverboat Company’s Water Taxi
Currently used for weddings and other special events, Oxon Hill Manor is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The 49-room house replaced the original, which suffered a serious fire, and is one of four local structures on the National Registry of Historic Places. Its guest list has included such statesmen as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. In addition to the historic structures, Oxon Hill has some new ones with considerable pulling power. Tanger Outlets, a versatile outlet center with everything from The Gap to Johnny Rocket’s, is closer to the heart of the National Harbor than the far side of the river where George Washington scaled his famous coin. Three continuous shuttle buses link the MGM Grand, Gaylord National, and Tanger Outlets. Although Oxon Hill has fewer residents than MGM Grand has employees, the town still has its share of famous alumni. Actress Taraji P. Henson, star of the new film Hidden Figures, attended Oxon Hill High School. Notorious Watergate figure G. Gordon Liddy also hailed from Oxon Hill. And the tiny town also was home to Roger Easton, the U.S. Navy scientist who invented the GPS (global positioning satellite), and John Bayne, a 19th century Union Army physician who disproved the theory that tomatoes were poisonous by growing and eating them. Even George McGovern, the U.S. Senator nominated for President by the Democratic Party in 1972, lived in Oxon Hill for a while. The best home-away-from-home in the area is the Harborside Hotel, which has 194 boutique-style rooms and provides a beautiful breakfast buffet and frequent shuttle service for guests. Many guests in the area for business at larger National Harbor hotels consider the Harborside an oasis of solitude outside the nearby maelstrom of casinos and conventions. New Jersey residents planning a visit can drive, fly, or take the train. National Harbor is five miles from Reagan National Airport and just a few more miles from Union Station in downtown Washington. Drive time, without traffic delays, is about four hours. For further information, contact Visit National Harbor, 165 Waterfront, National Harbor, MD 20745, tel. 877-NATLHBR, www.nationalharbor. com or Harborside Hotel, 6400 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, tel. 301-749-9400, info@ harborsidehotel.net, www.harborsidehotel.net. n Former AP newsman Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn is travel editor of New Jersey Lifestyle and The Maggie Linton Show on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. His can be reached at ballauthor@gmail.com.
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“We take Having Fun seriously!
Experience Smithville in this Mediterranean masterpiece Viewed from the street, this sparkling split rancher with separated sleeping areas is just one of many charming homes along the meandering lanes of Four Seasons in Smithville. Set halfway around a quiet circle in the 55-plus community, the house has a traditional pitched roof, sided walls and fieldstone face, plus artfully landscaped grounds complete with a picturesque birch tree. An expanse of Florentine terracotta tile flooring leads to a sumptuous, single story living space that has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. An unobstructed floor plan and 14-foot ceilings give the home quite a spacious feel. The spacious master bedroom has a high-soaring ceiling, large windows with multiple views, his-and-hers closets, and a master bath that recalls an Italian grotto in its cobblestone floors and tub surround. The kitchen is set behind a 10-foot rough-cut stone partition that contrasts with the smooth granite counters and rich wood cabinets. There are contemporary touches that mix well with the more formal features – like a dining room. The sunroom boasts a splendid view of the sun-filled backyard, with pavers used for retaining walls, flowerbed enclosures, and walkways. There’s a lot to love about the Four Seasons lifestyle. The K. Hovnanian master-planned community spans hundreds of verdant acres crisscrossed by lakes, walkways, and bike paths. Developed in the 1990s, the neighborhood designed like a series of interlocking hamlets adjoins Historic Smithville, a small town that sprang up around a stagecoach route in the late 1700s. Smithville and the Village Green are close by, with their rows of boutiques and restaurants. In the spring and summer, the ice cream parlor, amusement park, and boat rides are especially popular.
Call to see this home today.
Christian Lucia, Realtor-Associate/Consultant Smithville All-Pro Realtors Office: 609.652.9944 • Cell: 609.992.1051 Web: HomesBuyChris.com Email: HomesBuyChris@gmail.com
On Wheels
The Minivan Reinvented The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica infuses excitement into this ho-hum category By Elaine Rose
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited
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WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING. MINIVANS ARE boring. With a capital B. The word “minivan” conjures up images of soccer moms and hockey dads driving around in unsightly boxes that guzzle so much gas their owners are on a first-name basis with every employee at the local service station. And their handling is so bad, driver and passengers alike are tossed about the cabin with every turn in the road. It’s time to lay those thoughts to rest. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has all the space you need to haul up to eight people or lots of sports gear. It rides quite well, even on winding and bumpy roads, and the styling and fuel economy aren’t as bad as you imagine. Try this on for starters: The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica made the list of finalists for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. The Pacifica is the sixth incarnation of the minivan, which Chrysler first introduced to the American market in 1984. It replaces the company’s Town & Country model and the soon-to-be-discontinued Dodge Caravan. The Pacifica gets its name from a crossover SUV that Chrysler manufactured for five years about a decade ago. And for those concerned about bequeathing a good environment to their offspring, a hybrid model is expected to hit showrooms shortly. “Our goal was to make this vehicle fun to drive … and to make it quiet,” Jessica LaFond, the chief engineer for the Pacifica, told the Detroit News when the vehicle was introduced last year. “We wanted a family room on wheels, a quiet environment for the driver to have a serene moment (to) themselves or an important conversation (with) the children.” And despite their jokes about the floor of the Pacifica being littered with crumbs from Happy Meals and Cheerios consumed in the rear seats, reviewers say that Chrysler succeeded in that goal. Car and Driver ranks it as the best minivan on the market. “It’s not just better in every respect than the models it replaces; it’s ready to slug it out against the best of the competition,” Jim Travers wrote for Car and Driver. “It’s also packed with all the connectivity, power outlets, cup holders, storage bins, and clever doodads that minivan owners love.” The Chrysler Pacifica comes in five trim lines, from the LX starting at a reasonable $28,595 to the top-ofthe-line Limited with a base price of $42,495 and comes equipped with Nappa leather trimmed seats, an on-board
Pacifica Limited in billet silver metallic clear coat exterior paint
Side view of the Pacifica Limited Leather-trimmed bucket seats with black/deep mocha interior colors
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited in brilliant black crystal pearl coat exterior paint
Uconnect touchscreen system Interior view with panoramic sunroof
140.5 cubic feet of storage Dashboard
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ON WHEELS
stowaway vacuum cleaner, and a panoramic sunroof. The number of conveniences and creature comforts goes up with each level. The hybrid — the first of its kind in the United States — comes in two trim lines starting at $41,995, and can drive for 556 miles between visits to the gas station. Assembled in Windsor, Ontario, across the river from Detroit, the Pacifica is built on a new platform and weighs about 250 pounds less than the Town & Country. All trim lines come with a Pentastar six-cylinder, 3.6-liter engine with 287 horsepower, 252 foot-pounds of torque, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the Pacifica as getting 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, but a couple of reviewers got even better fuel economy in their own road tests. The engine start-stop technology, which is standard, helps improve fuel economy, especially for city driving. Reviewers found the Pacifica takes a bit more than seven seconds to go from a standstill to 60 mph. “Chrysler’s new Pacifica is its first minivan that’s truly entertaining to drive,” Marty Padgett wrote for The Car Connection. Drivers will find good visibility, Padgett wrote. With a low door line and front pillars that tuck in at the base of the windshield, drivers get a good view of the road and the feeling they are driving a smaller car. The minivan also handles well, even on rough terrain that South Jersey drivers are unlikely to encounter. Padgett’s only complaint was that the braking felt a bit stiff. Andrew Wendler, writing for Car and Driver, was impressed with the Pacifica’s “compliant ride.” “Traveling stretches of broken pavement reveals well-tuned damping and a rattle-free interior, despite our best efforts to inflict pain on the chassis,” Wendler wrote. “Attacking freeway on-ramps is hardly the Pacifica’s forte, but should you attempt such behavior, know that the body remains reasonably stable” and the vehicle will not lose its grip on the road. Wendler’s only beef with the driving experience was that the transmission tends to get clunky at lower speeds. And that’s not faint praise, given that the Pacifica is the longest minivan on the
American market. The Pacifica is just shy of 17 feet long, 79.6 inches wide, with a weight starting at 4,330 pounds. Don’t worry, electronically assisted parking is available as an option. As with other Chrysler vans and SUVs, drivers have plenty of options for using all that room. The Stow ‘n’ Go system allows for five seating configurations, depending on how many people and how much cargo you plan to carry. Some reviewers say that adults will be comfortable in even the third row of seats, while others say it’s best to make the kids sit there and leave roomier up-front seats for the grown-ups. With all the seats in use, the Pacifica has 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear. Fold down the third row, and you get 87.5 cubic feet of storage. And if you really need a lot of space, the middle row folds to provide 140.5 cubic feet for your stuff. Chrysler boasts that you can fit an eight-by-four-foot sheet of plywood in the Pacifica — assuming you ever have the need to carry one. But since what you’ll most likely be carrying is your family, rest assured that the Pacifica performs well in safety tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a top safety pick, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it an overall five-star rating. A rear-view camera is standard on all trim lines, and up to 100 other safety gizmos are either optional or standard on the higher trim levels. To keep you from getting bored on long drives, the Pacifica comes equipped with the well-regarded Uconnect touchscreen system, with its easy-to-use controls and the ability to plug in your own electronic devices. New this year — and a must for parents who are tired of the constant “Are we there yet?” refrain from the back seat — is an optional Uconnect system for second-row passengers. It comes with two 10-inch high-definition screens and the ability for riders to watch movies, surf the internet, or use their own phones or tablets for entertainment. If you prefer to listen to music, a sixspeaker system is standard, along with Active Noise Cancellation. For those who want true high-quality sound, a 12-speaker Alpine system or a 20-speaker Harman Kardon
surround sound system are optional. And if you think you have to sacrifice beauty to get all these performance, safety, and entertainment features, you’re wrong. While the Pacifica won’t get too many stares of appreciation from other drivers on the highway, it is easy on the eyes. “Like a diaper bag, minivans typically are large, unwieldy and frumpy but pack all the gear your family needs,” Jennifer Geiger wrote for cars.com. “For 2017, however, Chrysler’s van morphed into a Kate Spade bag. The new Pacifica is sleek, stylish” and has even more comfort and convenience features. The Town & Country’s already classy interior is replaced by a clean, upscale design, Geiger wrote. The controls are laid out horizontally, and are easier to maneuver. The center console is roomy and quite functional, with cup holders, cubbies, and sliding panels for organizing other items. The Stow ‘n’ Go seating system has been improved and is easier to reconfigure than earlier Chrysler models. “It’s so easy, I can fold (the seats) with one hand,” Geiger wrote. That’s a major plus for moms and dads trying to balance several children with a load of groceries or bags full of baseballs, gloves, and bats. An optional automatic liftgate or sliding doors, that can be activated by swiping your foot beneath them, make opening the Pacifica even easier. For those sick of spending their discretionary income on gasoline, the Pacifica hybrid offers all the convenience of a minivan with better fuel economy. With a 16-KWh battery placed under the floor of the second row of seats, the Pacifica hybrid can go 30 miles without using a drop of gas, Keith Buglewicz wrote for Kelley Blue Book. That’s more than most people’s daily commute or list of errands they need to run around town. The only downside to the hybrid Pacifica — except for the cost — is the fact that it can only hold seven passengers, as the battery takes up what would otherwise be the eighth seat’s space. If all of this strikes your fancy, head to your local Chrysler dealer and check out the Pacifica. Spring — with its baseball and soccer season — and summer vacation will be here before you know it. n njlifestyleonline.com
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Lifelines
Unplugged My “Un-Social” Media Experiment By Michelle Dawn Mooney
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few weeks into the New Year and it’s still hard for me to believe it’s already 2017. Over the last month, while many have been valiantly striving to keep their resolutions, I have been on a trek to slowly transition myself back to reality. You see, for the last half of 2016 I have been somewhat of a recluse. It’s a term that may come as a surprise considering my very public persona in front of
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thousands of people on SNJ Today news, but, alas, I have almost completely cut myself off from the rest of the world with regard to one of the strongest sources of communication in today’s society ... social media. While I am a huge fan of all the amazing technology we have at our fingertips in today’s day and age, there is part of me that wonders what life would be like without it. I can almost hear the gasps from people reading this who can hardly imagine going two minutes (or less) without checking Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat for any updates. I do understand what it’s like to want, if not “need” to know what’s going on at all times. In fact, for the majority of my adult life, that’s how I made my living. Working in the news business for so long, I was accustomed to staying on top of things going on in the world around me. Sadly, the need to be informed, in order to inform others, wasn’t something I could easily switch on and off depending on my work schedule. When a fire siren roared, I counted the number of times it rang out to determine how many companies were called in. I learned how to determine the blare from a fire truck versus a police car, and I could detect the hum of a helicopter from virtually any room in the house when no one else heard a sound. A helicopter passing by was somewhat routine, but if it hovered, it usually either involved some kind of search or it was a television news chopper covering a big story. How heartbreaking it was when instincts proved to be right and there was a terrible tragedy that ended up on that evening’s newscast. If only every story could be about puppies and butterflies, but I knew that couldn’t happen, so I decided to change my course.
In the spring of 2015, I started the radio show “Middays with Michelle Dawn Mooney” to focus on all the good things happening in the world as opposed to all the negativity we seem to mainly hear about. With trying to get the word out and spread those positive stories, I would actively post on various social media sites at least half a dozen times a day. Then I decided to add on to an already busy schedule by jumping back into television. Balancing the 50-60 hours a week I was already dedicating to the radio show, with a few more hours squeezed in on the anchor desk, seemed completely doable. A month later, I was so immersed in keeping my crazy schedule going that I found less and less time to pay attention to the things and people I valued most. I put the radio on hold and decided to take a little break from all the constant public communication that once again had started to consume me. The next few months proved to be quite a change of pace. I went from posting five or six times a day, to five times or six times over the course of five months. The phone that was figuratively glued to my hand suddenly became absent from my side, and often my memory. It was not uncommon for me to go hours, if not an entire day, without even knowing where it was. Suddenly I didn’t know who got a job, went on vacation, or was having a baby unless someone actually told me in person. How refreshing. After the New year, I once again started perusing my Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram feeds and I will say that it’s nice to learn more about some unique stories and see what my friends have been up to. On the flip side, I haven’t missed seeing more of the craziness and cruelty that unfortunately is still with us, but I guess you have to take the good with the bad. Still, I’m thankful for my time away; my great escape from the world’s biggest social scene. While it may not be realistic for some of you, if you do have the chance, I would highly recommend giving yourself a social media break. Even a weekend away may just do the trick to give you a little more clarity and energy for whatever life brings next. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to re-watch that video of the dancing dog. n njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Winter 2017
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The Miracle in Your Medicine Cabinet
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Health Watch
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The amazing health benefits of a daily dose of aspirin
If only there were a pill to help lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Oh, wait, there is, and it is probably already in your medicine cabinet. What is it? It is a 2000-yearold inexpensive, over-the-counter medicine we all know as aspirin. It is so old that is was prescribed by the Greek physician Hippocrates who advocated chewing the leaves and bark of the willow tree to reduce pain and fever. From the bark of a tree to an over-the-counter pain reliever, aspirin is becoming known as a modern day miracle drug. We have all heard the punchline that quotes a doctor’s a generic advice to “take two aspirins and call me in the morning.” Well, it’s really not a joke anymore. Now studies show that a low dose (81mg) daily aspirin regimen may reduce the need for calling the doctor at all. Aspirin could extend the lives of nearly a million Americans, according to a new study from the University of Southern California. The study shows that a daily aspirin can reduce cancer death rates by 30%, heart disease deaths by 22%, and stroke deaths by 17%. A computer simulation generated from this research shows that if all adults follow their recommended aspirin regimen, almost 900,000 more Americans will still be alive the year 2036. It would also result in a financial savings of 692 billion dollars net to the U.S. population. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication, and it is well-documented that inflammation in our body has been linked to a myriad of conditions and diseases. Alzheimer’s Disease has been associated with inflammation in the brain. Some studies have found aspirin can help reduce the risk of this debilitating disease, yet other studies show there is no definitive connection. However, research continues on this very important issue. For now, the major focus of aspirin therapy is on cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every four deaths in the United States is attributed to heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in both men and women in our country. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in women and second leading cause of death
in men in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Obviously, it is vital to our health to reduce the risk and death rates for these serious conditions. While the U.S. Preventive Services Task force — a government backed panel of experts — issued new aspirin guidelines on the benefits of aspirin, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is concerned that some patients, especially those 60 and older, could see an increased risk of bleeding and stroke with a daily aspirin regimen. This can create confusion for Americans who are not sure if a daily aspirin would help or hurt them. Daily aspirin therapy is often recommended for people who have had a heart attack or stroke, yet it is not for everyone. Aspirin “thins” the blood and interferes with our body’s ability to clot. When we are injured or bleeding, our body’s platelets, or blood -clotting cells, help to stop the bleeding by forming a plug that seals the wound. However, this clotting actions can also occur in our heart’s blood vessels. If blood vessels are compromised and narrowed from fatty deposits, a blood clot can form and cause a heart attack. Aspirin therapy can reduce the risk clotting and possibly prevent a heart attack. In essence, depending on the circumstance, the benefit can also be the risk. Aspirin may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and gastric ulcers. James Wurzer, MD, PhD, the Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute, says for certain people, a daily dose of aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer and improve life expectancy. This is echoed by cardiologist Haitham Dib, MD, Senior Partner of Atlantic Cardiology. In the field of cardiology, he notes, aspirin therapy is recommended for patients who have had a heart event in order to prevent another. However, he says, the USC study released last fall, as well as other research, may play a role in changing protocol to include patients at a higher risk who have not had a cardiac event. Both doctors caution that the benefits of aspirin therapy must be weighed against the risks with your medical professional. With the unbelievable benefits of this “miracle” drug, it begs the question — why
By Robin Stoloff
aren’t more people taking a daily dose of aspirin? One reason, many experts say, is that it is so cheap and available that people do not really believe that it really works. It may be hard to comprehend that we can reduce our risk of serious disease for only about two cents a day from an inexpensive medicine readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Experts also note that because of aspirin’s low cost, there is no great financial incentive for a marketing initiative. That makes it even more important for anyone over 50 to speak with their healthcare provider and research low-dose aspirin therapy for themselves and loved ones. While aspirin therapy can greatly benefit our health, this “miracle” drug can only go so far. The real miracle is living a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, eating right, staying active, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol use. We only get one body and one life. It is our responsibility to do all we can to make the daily life choices that can help us to live the best life possible. So far, there is no pill for that. n Former fitness competitor and health reporter for NBC 40, Robin Stoloff has dedicated her career to educating others on the benefits of living a healthy life. She is now host and producer of a weekly radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff on Lite Rock 96.9 WFPG, every Sunday from 9-11 AM. She can also be heard on Townsquare Media’s five South Jersey radio stations with her daily Health Update features. Robin welcomes your questions or comments on her Facebook page, Health Update with Robin Stoloff or Twitter — @StoloffRobin.
Dosage Recommendations U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends daily low dose aspirin to prevent heart disease and colorectal cancers for those who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years, 10% or higher risk of developing heart disease in 10 years, and are not at an increased risk for bleeding. Age Recommendations: Under 50: insufficient evidence Ages 50-59: 81 mg per day Ages 60-69: consult a doctor njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Winter 2017
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Lifestyle Entertainment
Debbie Reynolds
Musings with a Legend 34
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By David J. Spatz
Photo by Jake Glassey, Jr.
Reynolds and Spatz on the set of Curtain Call
Reynolds on stage in Spokane, WA Reynolds with daughterCarrie Fisher
Photo courtesy of HBO
It was, to all appearances, just another Curtain Call television shoot, no different than any of the hundreds we’d done over the years. The showroom had emptied after 1,200 people were thoroughly entertained by Debbie Reynolds, who stuck around after the show to sign autographs and take pictures with fans rendered speechless just by being in the presence of the Hollywood legend. Now the star was in her dressing room changing out of her glittery silver stage costume and into a TV-friendly black dress with a blue jacket. Curtain Call producer and director Jake Glassey Jr. and production supervisor Dave Pashuck of Northfield’s Atlantic Coast Productions had scoped out an area of the room where they could get the best shots. After performing my only “technical” contribution to the show — I knew how to run the microphone cables and plug them into the camera — I stood off to the side and let the guys do the real set-up stuff: blocking the shots, adjusting the lighting, white-balancing the cameras, and getting the mic levels right. I was mulling in my head how I’d open the show and what we’d chat about. That’s about all the show prep I ever do. Although I sometimes look up a few things online and tuck them away in my head in case I needed them, I never prepare questions in advance. We’ve always approached Curtain Call as less of a questionand-answer session with a star and more of just a casual chat between two people, with the cameras allowing viewers to eavesdrop. Jake and Dave completed their last-minute preparations and were ready to roll tape. Right on cue, Debbie came out of the backstage area, gave me a big hug, and said she was ready to go. I’d known Debbie since she first began performing in Atlantic City during the early days of the casino era. Her agent and I were good friends, so we almost always got together for lunch or dinner or a few post-show drinks whenever she was working in town. Debbie sat down while Jake clipped the microphone to the lapel of her jacket and hid the cord under her jacket. I took my seat and wired myself for sound. The guys focused up their cameras; Debbie’s camera was set for a close-up, the second camera was for the two-shot. Despite the familiarity with our surroundings, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something felt different with this shoot. Debbie felt the same way, too. And then it hit us at the same time: I’d never seen Debbie anywhere outside of Atlantic City. And this shoot was taking place 2,650 miles from the Boardwalk in the Pend Orielle (pronounced “pond oray”) Pavilion at Northern Quest Casino, a Native American gaming hall in a little town called Airway Heights, just across the city line from Spokane in eastern Washington state. It was April, 2006. Despite being an Atlantic City showroom regular since the first year of gaming, Debbie’s days as a regular Atlantic City headliner were in the past. And as the cameras
Photo by Jake Glassey, Jr.
Remembering Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds
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L I F E ST Y L E E N T E R TA I N M E N T rolled, she seemed to want to talk about that first, before we got into any of the juicy stuff. She wanted to know why the Atlantic City casino showroom buyers and marketing departments were all but ignoring her. “Isn’t that crazy? I’ve been performing in Atlantic City since I don’t remember when, but it was long before the casinos,” she said. “It was ’63, I think, the first time I played Atlantic City. Then I was back there during the first year (of gambling) and every year thereafter. I miss working there. I really like it. I love the audiences there.” In the early years of Atlantic City’s casino “experiment” — that’s what it was called back in the day, an “experiment” — Debbie Reynolds worked the Boardwalk and Marina showroom circuit at least twice a year, sometimes three times. Her gigs usually ran five to seven days until the industry and the booking agencies developed a scheduling formula for many of the top-selling entertainers: two weekends, usually in the off-season, and then a week in the summer. Debbie was an easy sell to casino guests. Because she was a multi-dimensional entertainer, she was one of the women who, like Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, and Mitzi Gaynor — had developed the quintessential “big show.” She could have easily gotten by with a smaller band, a couple of backup singers and maybe some of her favorite clips from her movies. But Debbie Reynolds was a firm believer in the expression “go big or stay home.”
Liz Taylor, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds
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So her show featured an orchestra of 25 or more musicians with a full string section. She had three backup singers, five male dancers and a closet filled with Bob Mackie costumes, and she’d make about four or five changes during her two-hour set. She brought more to the stage than a few hit songs and some movie snippets. Debbie presented a full-scale variety show. But now, a couple of decades removed from that big show, the Hollywood legend who burst onto the scene in 1952 as an immensely talented 18-year-old starring opposite Gene Kelly in Singin’ In the Rain, had unfairly been relegated to nostalgia act. She wasn’t very happy about it. Because the gaming industry had grown more competitive — not just in Atlantic City, but throughout the country — casinos were cutting back on their entertainment budgets. They no longer handed out comp tickets to shows like penny candy. Now, an act had to justify its booking with cash sales and the box office supplemented by whatever the casino took in from the rated players who “earned” their free tickets with table games and slot machine play at certain levels. Gone, too, were the days when a casino would have its own “house band” and musical director. The stars would negotiate with the property to add more musicians — or at least split the difference. Artists were booked as self-contained acts, meaning the performer had to bring in and pay their own musicians, or hire local musicians at the going union rate. Based on what casinos were willing to pay the artists, profit margins
would have tanked if the entertainer had to pay for the big bands that once played behind them in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Debbie Reynolds, though, was determined to make it work for her and her fans. She developed a new type of show, one driven by her legend and fueled by nostalgia. The 25-piece orchestra was gone. In its place was a pianist, a drummer and the sounds of a big band, only on pre-recorded tracks. “(The casinos) have pushed us financially to such a degree that we’re not even allowed (the big bands),” she said. “Those tracks that we’re using? It cost me about $100,000 to put all that music on tracks.” But the audience didn’t mind. They were captivated by merely being in the same room with the screen legend. And they were enthralled with her spontaneous comedy, the behind-the-scenes stories she’d tell after showing one of her film clips and — for some odd reason — tales about her marriage to pop singer Eddie Fisher, who’d left Reynolds in the late 1950s to marry box office bombshell Elizabeth Taylor. The moment she mentioned Fisher’s name and asked them what they thought of him, the audience booed long and loud. Which, given Debbie’s lack of a filter, was all she needed to hear. “I don’t know what he’s doing these days,” she said when someone from the crowd shouted up a question to her. “I hear he’s been writing books. I didn’t even know he could read.” I asked her about the little digs she’d occasionally take on stage at her ex-husband,
along with other topics from which other artists would generally steer clear. “Isn’t it funny how people don’t talk about certain things? I just say that everything’s approachable and interesting,” she said. “That’s what the people want to hear about you and your life. How’s it going and how has it been? How’re you doing, how did you make it through all that? My life has really been interesting, to say the least. I look at some things that have happened and say to myself, ‘Did I live through that?” Life, she said, is like an eternal river. It just keeps flowing. “And I’m joyful for that,” she said. Every experience is one of teaching. And if you are religious, that’s an enormous help. And if you can make it through (the problems), then it becomes funny. Everything’s funny. Especially ex-husbands.” Because we had such a spirited back-andforth, I almost lost track of time. But I knew we were getting down near the end of the show, and there was so much more I wanted to talk about with her before we ran out of time and the cameras ran out of tape. She had just celebrated her 74th birthday — and had gotten a huge bouquet of birthday flowers from her old pal Liz Taylor, no less — and was accepting the fact that she was growing older and, in some cases, outliving her fans. She knew and accepted the days that her most productive years as a performer were behind her. She jokingly said most people at the time only knew her as “Princess Leia’s mother,” a nod to her talented daughter,
actress and author Carrie Fisher, and her contributions to the “Star Wars” movies. And if the audience couldn’t relate to that connection with Reynolds, surely some of them knew her from regular appearances on the TV sitcom “Will & Grace,” on which she co-starred for seven years. The one thing that fascinated me about Debbie Reynolds’ life — and we spoke about during private, candid moments and even in front of the camera — was the relationship and friendship she had with Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed Hollywood star who’d stolen away her husband. Long before she met Fisher, Debbie and Liz, who were the same age, went to school together on the MGM lot. Debbie’s career was just beginning; Taylor has been a star since she was 3-years-old. “At one point, our paths crossed (after Taylor divorced Fisher and married Richard Burton for the first time),” Debbie said. “So I sent Liz a note and she sent me a note, and it just said, ‘We’re out of time, let’s forget about the past and move along.’ We’ve been friends since we were 17, and let’s remain friends.’” And so they did. “I go over to her house sometimes and I’ll take a big ol’ pumpkin pie and we’ll eat the whole pie,” she said with a laugh. As for her relationship with daughter Carrie, one of the two children she had with Eddie Fisher, Reynolds said she was ambivalent about her daughter following her into show business. “I really didn’t want her to be in the business in front of the cameras, because she’s
An 18-year-old Reynolds with Gene Kelly during Singin’ in the Rain
so gifted. She’s a wonderful actress, but I really thought she was so wonderful at writing,” she said. “At home (as a child), she was writing on the walls, she was writing in tablets that she left all over the house. I thought she had a special gift. And what a lot of people don’t know is that she’s a brilliant singer. I’ve always been tearful that my daughter hasn’t recorded.” Jake gave me the signal to begin wrapping up, so I thanked Debbie for her time and made a date with her to pick up where we left off, which, hopefully, would be at an Atlantic City casino. After a quick hug and a kiss goodbye, we went our separate ways in Spokane, just as we always did in Atlantic City. Debbie Reynolds would only return to Atlantic City one more time after that, several years later. I was out of town she when played what turned out to be her final one-night stand on the Boardwalk, so I didn’t see her. When Debbie died on December 28 — some say of a broken heart — just one day after her daughter Carrie died following a massive heart attack, I couldn’t help but think of all the times I’d spent with her, mostly in Atlantic City. And I couldn’t help but think of the massive collection of Hollywood memorabilia she spent millions of dollars to buy and preserve over the years, only to have to sell it all off at an auction when she was on the verge of being broke. Thinking of all those Hollywood treasures she once owned, it occurred to me: Those notes between Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor? Whoever has them is sitting on a Hollywood gold mine. n
Reynolds on stage in Spokane, WA. Photo by Jake Glassey, Jr.
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Lifestyle Leisure By MOLLY GOLUBCOW
Lazy Eye Vodkas
That Good Old Jersey Spirit Local distillery creates craft-made vodka with secret family recipe
T
ucked right off of Route 40 in quaint Richland NJ, the Lazy Eye distillery opened its doors to the public in 2014. However, the Lazy Eye product itself has been in the making for over 15 years. According to Carol and Nick Kafkalas — vodka creators and proprietors extraordinaire — the idea started when they took a trip years ago to visit family in Greece. There they sampled the old country’s homemade drinks and realized that was a taste and a drink they wanted to recreate back in the U.S. The Kafkalases also wanted to control exactly what went into the bottle to perfect the taste. Carol explains, “The truth is distillation has been a big part our families for many years. Distilling is in our blood.”
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So, genetically speaking, Carol and Nick Kafkalas possess ingredients and knowledge that have helped them create a new craft-made vodka bottled under the name of Lazy Eye. Some parts of this recipe, they are willing to share with the public. Other parts, stay a “secret” that only the Kafkalases and their two sons know. They are a tight-knit, loving family — they share a Greek heritage for distilling spirits, they appreciate the Atlantic City and prohibition-era history behind their product and, luckily for us, they are willing to share the fruits of their labors at the Lazy Eye Distillery. What makes Lazy Eye vodka so unique? Unlike many of its cousins, Lazy Eye is not made from potatoes. Again, fueled by their Greek roots, Lazy
“There’s no absolutes in life — only vodka.” —Mick Jagger Eye is made from grapes that not only give the vodka a unique, smooth taste, but also makes the product gluten-free for those with allergies/dietary issues to wheat or potatoes. Carol jokes, “We’re Greek, and we do everything with grapes — even our vodka.”
onsite, Lazy Eye offers distillery tours and tastings (a must do). The tour usually begins with Nicholas Kafkalas, youngest son and history buff, sharing his knowledge about Prohibition days, à la Boardwalk Empire, that took place in Atlantic and Cape May counties in the 1920s and 30s. During the tour, Nicholas explains that Lazy Eye is currently the only vodka distillery in New Jersey. The tour, as well as the pictures on the wall, tell the story of how booze — the making of and the drinking of — during Prohibition helped to “put Atlantic City on the map.” Ironically, Lazy Eye is located right on the road that was built during the times when bootleggers, as well as beach-going (and thirsty) tourists needed better access to Atlantic City. After the tour, customers usually walk away
bus tours in the summer months. They also offer a “Night at the Distillery” where a group of friends can have a private tour and party, closed to the public. The Richland facility, the main production site, distills and bottles to supply retail customers. If you are in a tasting mood, the Richland location is open throughout the year on Saturdays for tours and tastings. Regardless of where you decide to take a tour, you can count on at least one Kafkalas family member to welcome you making you instantly feel like you are part of their Lazy Eye family.
Jersey Ice Water Whether it’s the grape-based mash or the Lazy Eye secret to distilling, the Kafkalas’ vodka has become a hit. From the first sip, it’s an incredibly clear, smooth, and distinct taste that gently goes down with a sweet and unique warmth. After opening the distillery less than three years ago, Lazy Eye is being offered in Award Winning and Good to the Last Drop dozens of liquor stores and restaurants, as well When Lazy Eye opened, the family’s mantra as at the distillery location itself. was to “make high-quality grape-based Carol is grateful for businesses — local as spirits in small pot stills.” Two years later, the well as customers hailing from north Jersey Kafkalases feel they have honored that mantra to Washington, DC — that believed while simultaneously growing their in Lazy Eye from its beginnings business. We put hard work into every bottle and it is and gave them the opportunity In addition to quality vodka, Lazy to grow their products. “Having Eye also makes a Greek spirit known literally made right here by hand in Atlantic and liquor stores, restaurants, and bars as Rakii (with or without anise); the Cape May County. When someone comes into our purchase a product that has been only Rakii made in the United States. created by you is truly humbling. We Last fall, around the time of Lazy distillery, we become friends with them. We talk are proud to be in every business, Eye’s second birthday, the Kafkalases about our lives, experiences, living in South Jersey. big or small. We are grateful for walked away with four medals at some landmark establishments that the New York International Spirits We care for our patrons and they care for us. So offer our products, such as Resorts Competition, including a gold medal when they go to a liquor store and they have the International and Steve & Cookies for its signature vodka. Considering choice between a bottle of vodka that was made a restaurant in Margate.” over six hundred spirits from around In fact, Lazy Eye experienced the world competed, Lazy Eye thousand miles away in a futuristic assembly line a nerve wracking debut at Steve proudly feels their product is “one or a bottle of vodka that was made by a family of & Cookies. About one week after of the best vodkas in the world and opening their distillery, Cookie Till, made right here in South Jersey.” four who they know personally, the choice is easy. owner and chef, agreed to sample —Carol Kafkalas, Owner, Lazy Eye Distillery Lazy Eye as a potential spirit for The Next Bottle her restaurant. Carol looks back at What’s next for Lazy Eye? First and the meeting with a smile, “George, a veteran with a bottle (or two) they purchased, along foremost, they plan to continue to focus on bartender at Steve & Cookies, told us to pour with a smile on their face and the smooth taste their goals as a business and as a family. As far some for him, stuck only his finger in the lingering. Mark Biel, of Northfield, became a as business is concerned, they want to grow vodka, and tasted it off his finger. We had no devoted Lazy Eye fan from the beginning. “We one bottle at a time, literally, with hopes of idea what he was about to say. He smiled, and were so impressed with the taste — so smooth expanding their client base to include New told us it was very good. We exhaled. This it’s best to drink on ice with no mixers,” York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. encounter gave us the confidence to pursue revealed Biel. “Why ruin a good thing! It’s Carol sums it up, “Our continued goal other restaurants and bars.” New Jersey produced, and we don’t think is to make high-quality spirits and for our In addition to serving the locally-made there’s a better vodka on the market.” family to treat every one of our patrons like spirit, Steve & Cookies offers a delicious they are new members of the family. We have cocktail, created by George, made with Lazy Seeing Double so many goals, but the biggest goal is for us Eye vodka called Jersey Ice Water. Customers After successfully opening the Richland to be at the family dinner table one night and can imbibe while getting some Lazy Eye facility, the Kafkalas family decided to open be able to say; the four of us who built this background history from an elixir master — another location in Wildwood. Unlike its sister business at this very table and started distilling yes, George the Bartender! site in Richland, the Wildwood location does in that shed in the back yard, now have a minimal distilling; just enough for its own product that is being enjoyed by people in The Grand Tour and a Grand Taste tours and tastings. In addition, the Wildwood every corner of the country. Wouldn’t that be In addition to being able to buy the product site caters to individual groups, as well as something?” n njlifestyleonline.com
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Lifestyle Opinion
Inside N.J. Politics Decision 2017 elections will be the most consequential in decades.
CALLING ALL POLITICAL JUNKIES. THERE’S NO REST FOR THE WEARY. IMMEDIATELY following the most important national election of our lifetime and the unprecedented rise of President Donald Trump; 2017 will be the most consequential New Jersey state, county and local elections in decades. Governor Chris Christie is not constitutionally eligible to run for a third consecutive term, hence we will have open seats for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Additionally, the entire New Jersey Senate and General Assembly are also up for grabs, with several members of the senate not seeking re-election. Senator Jim Whelan, D-2, will retire and the race is already set to replace him with Assemblyman Chris Brown, R-2 vs. Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, D-2. This epic race also opens up both assembly seats in District 2. The senate and both assembly seats have never all been open at the same time in District 2 history. Senator Joe Kyrillos, R-13, is retiring. A Republican will retain this seat, so look for the likely June 6, 2017 primary election between assembly persons Declan O’Scanlon and Amy Handlin to likely decide who will be next senator from District 13. In District 20, it appears that long-time democratic Senator Ray Lesniak will be leaving his Union County senate seat to run for governor. If this occurs, expect Assemblyman Jamel Holley to run for Lesniak’s old seat in the senate. Legislative District 38 is considered by many to be the one of the most competitive races in the state this year. Assembly candidate Anthony Cappola has turned the heat up with an acerbic self-published book. Multiple well-placed sources have confirmed to me that Republicans are looking to mount a serious and well funded campaign to try and win LD 38 from Senator Bob Gordon and Assemblymen Tim Eustace and Joe Lagana. Another retirement is occurring in LD 40, with Senator Kevin O’Toole’s announcement that he will retire at the end of this year. Republican Assemblyman Scott Rumana has been appointed to a state judgeship. Passaic County Clerk Kristin Corrado will be running for the senate in LD 40, along with former Wyckoff Mayors Kevin Rooney and Chris DePhillips for assembly together as a bracketed ticket. Many keen observers are speculating that Bergen County Republican Chairman Paul DeGaetano is also likely to run for the senate seat in LD 40 and form his own slate to challenge the Corrado ticket. The Jersey City mayor’s race is also one to watch. Democratic incumbent Steve Fullop went from a likely gubernatorial candidate to now defending his local seat. Jersey City has also moved its election date and, for the first time, it will take place on the first Tuesday in November. Fullop will face a crowded field, with Bill Matsikoudis, former Assemblyman Charles Mainor, and others likely to enter the race later this year. Fullop has a powerful and well-funded organization and remains a prohibitive favorite for re-election. Another local race to watch is the race for Atlantic City mayor. Don Guardian accomplished the equivalent of an electoral miracle when he won the seat three years ago as a Republican in a city with a 10-1 voter registration advantage for Democrats. Winning a second term will be even harder for Guardian. Locals are furious with the state takeover of 40
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By Harry Hurley Op-Ed Contributor
Atlantic City. The winner of the Democratic Primary this June will likely enter the fall campaign as a prohibitive favorite. The June Democratic Primary election for mayor of The World’s Playground may include: Current City Council President Marty Small, immediate past Council President Frank Gilliam, and possibly immediate past Mayor Lorenzo Langford. It is likely that a democrat will be New Jersey’s next governor. Never before has someone so meticulously and effortlessly cleared the democratic field in the manner that businessman Phil Murphy has. Without firing a single political shot, Murphy vanquished two significant potential rivals in New Jersey, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Fullop. Sweeney will remain Senate President for 2017. Murphy will now cruise to the November general election ballot, while Republicans will have to endure a potentially bruising primary battle. At this time, the Republican field looks as follows: Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno is not an officially-declared candidate, but make no mistake about it, she’s running. A digital and social media platform titled “Run Kim Run” is up and running, and getting a lot of favorable buzz. Guadagno has piled up a lot of political loyalty reward points for her incredible work ethic and support of so many republican candidates and republican party faithful over the past eight years. She possesses an abundance of the crucial like ability factor. New Jersey Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli is a declared candidate and he’s running an active and aggressive campaign for governor. He is an engaging and likeable person. Ciattarelli is also the most well organized candidate to date. He has hired Rick Rosenberg, Jr. as campaign manager, along with Brittany Wheeler as his political director and Erin Ehrich as finance director. Another key Ciattarelli hire is the highly-successful Chris Russell, who is serving as his campaign consultant. Russell has had many great upset victories, including former Philadelphia Eagles great Jon Runyan, who won a United States congressional seat in a master class campaign ran by Russell. The most interesting potential candidate is still evaluating whether or not he will run. My good friend, Joe Piscopo — the iconic television personality and now a New York City radio talk show host — is seriously considering a bid for governor. Piscopo is leaning towards running as a Republican, but he’s leaving his options open to possibly challenge as an independent candidate. A potential Piscopo candidacy would be modeled after President Trump’s winning formula. The celebrity outsider who would drain the political swamp of the institutionally-broken bureaucracy that has made living in New Jersey unaffordable for so many people. Political enthusiasts please grab your popcorn as the 2017 election season is already well underway. It will be one of the most exciting and interesting ever. n Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC. He hosts the daily talk radio program “Hurley in the Morning” 6-10 AM weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 1450, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant, www.harryhurley.com.
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The Social Scene
AtlantiCare Celebrates Retiring 50-year Employee Nancy Lynne Palmentieri Nearly 100 people, including AtlantiCare staff and leadership, gathered at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Atlantic City Campus in December for a special retirement luncheon honoring Nancy Lynne Palmentieri of Somers Point for her outstanding service. Palmentieri, a medical lab technician, retires after 50 years with the organization. She is one of 20 people who have worked five decades or more at AtlantiCare. “Nancy represents what AtlantiCare is all about,” Lori Herndon, president and CEO, AtlantiCare, said. “She puts her patients and co-workers first, and she continues to grow and evolve. Together, AtlantiCare and Nancy have ended up with 50 great years.”
“We congratulate Nancy on her retirement and remarkable 50-year career with AtlantiCare,” said Richard Lovering, senior vice president for Administrative Services and chief Human Resources officer, AtlantiCare. “We thank her for her service and dedication to patients, and for being a role model for both staff and students. We wish her well in retirement.” “As I retire, I’m only leaving a building behind,” said Palmentieri, reflecting on her time at ARMC. “I have made friends who are like family and they will remain so forever.”
Front row, l. to r., Nancy Lynne Palmentieri,Karen Natale, Lori Johns. Back row, l. to r. Brooke Flemming, Pauline LaRoche, Kevin O’Brien and Brian Tran.
Heather Nigro presents Nancy Lynne Palmentieri Nearly 100 people, including AtlantiCare staff with a book of personal messages from colleagues and leadership, gathered at ARMC Atlantic City during the luncheon. Campus for the special retirement luncheon.
Heather Nigro (l.), Palmentieri and William Todd, MD with a framed mosaic starfish print presented to Palmentieri.
L to R, William Todd, MD, Lori Herndon, Nancy Lynne Palmentieri, Margaret Belfield, Jim Kilmer, and Charisse Fizer
Colleagues presented Palmentieri with a poster featuring 50 reasons why they love her.
AtlantiCare Young Professionals Donates to Pediatric Center AtlantiCare Young Professionals (AtlantiCare YP) presented a donation of nearly $5,000 on December 12 to the Stanley M. Grossman Pediatric Center at
Mary Stapleton shows AtlantiCare YP members Tracey Trinwell and Kristin Neafsey the wall activity unit in a patient room. 42
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AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Atlantic City Campus Emergency Department to assist in funding its new children’s activity center & learning wall.
L to R: Tracey Trinwell, Kristin Neafsey, Alex Sharnoff L to R: Liz Readeau, Lori Herndon, Peter Fu, Kristin Neafsey, and Khristy Carney view the children’s activity walls Alex Sharnoff, Julie Fink, Khristy Carney, Hak Kim, Tracey installed in ARMC City Emergency Department. Trinwell, Mary Stapleton, Jennyfer Pati and Sandra Dietrich
The Social Scene
MBCA’s Annual New Year’s Kick-off Luncheon a Success The Annual MBCA 2017 ”New Year’s Kick Off” luncheon took place on January 4 at the Golden Nugget casino. Over 700 guests attended the “Un-official State of the City” address by Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, who focused on the future of Atlantic City for
2017. Businesses, casinos, and residents got a sneak preview into the plans and goals for 2017. The winter luncheon is a long city tradition and the MBCA is proud to be able to present this forum to the community. The event is sponsored by the Forza Insurance Group.
Mayor Don Guardian and his administration, city directors, A.C. Police Chief Henry White and Fire Chief Scott Evans
L to R, John D’Angio (Forza Insurance), Lisa Johnson, Stephen Del Monte and Coby Frier
The packed luncheon for the “Un-official State of the City” address by Mayor Guardian
L to R, Lloyd Levenson Esq., Dr. Harvey Kellseman and Lori Herndon
L to R, Jimmy Cheng, Marty Small, Mayor Don Guardian, Kaleem Shabazz and Jessie Kurtz
Pleasantville Firefighters Raise $2,000 for AMI’s Mobile Digital Mammography Van Pleasantville firefighters, members of IAFF Union Locals 2616 and 4928, recently donated $2,000 to Atlantic Medical Imaging’s (AMI) Dr. Jan Astin Mobile Digital Mammography Van. The money was raised by the firefighters through the sale of special t-shirts designed by firefighter Anton Brown in conjunction with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “We are very grateful to the firefighters for their thoughtful gesture and valuable contribution to this very worthy cause,” said Dr. David Levi, AMI President/CEO. “The mammography van provides screenings to women throughout southern and central New Jersey each year, many of whom are uninsured or underinsured. These donations help us fulfill our mission and provide these women with potentially life-saving low cost or no cost mammograms.” From left to right: Pleasantville Fire Chief Stephen Wilkins, AMI’s Nicole Crostic and Liz Caruso, Pleasantville firefighter and Local 2616 Union Delegate Anton Brown, Local 2616 President Jacob Ketschek, AMI President Dr. David Levi, AMI Foundation Board Member Carla Wyatt, Battalion Chief Kenneth Crawford, Pleasantville Mayor Jesse Tweedle, and City Administrator Linda Peyton. njlifestyleonline.com
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The Social Scene
Sold-Out Event Raises $32,000 for Gilda’s Club South Jersey The sold-out 3rd Annual Brunch to benefit Gilda’s Club South Jersey took place on December 4 at Dock’s Oyster House in Atlantic City. Dock’s, along with its purveyors, generously donated the beautiful venue, gourmet food, bottomless cocktails, and the servers for the day, which means 100%
Atlantic City Ballet Dancers with Event Co-Chairs Maureen Shay and Tom McDonough
Left to right, Kathy Sharp, Omar Navarrete, Greg Chiarulli, Lauren Tummarello and Kara Barilotti 44
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of the ticket price went directly to Gilda’s Club. The event was co-chaired by Maureen & Frank Dougherty and Mila & Tom McDonough, and raised $32,000 for Gilda’s Club South Jersey’s free program of support for men, women, teens, and children impacted by cancer.
AtlantiCare’s Tracey Triniwell, Caprice Woods, John and Donna Howell and Maria Hendricks
Left to right, Stephen and Suzanne Morrison, Dr. Alvin Ong and Dr. Sulin Yao, Jennifer and Clay Pierce
Photos by Nick Valinote
Left to right, Dr. John Baker, Robert Pinsky and Congressman Frank LoBiondo
Left to right, Tom and Peggy Sykes, Stephen and Jaclyn Malia, Jen and Kenyon Kummings
Maureen Shay and Frank Dougherty Left to right, Dr. Matthew Pepe, Dr. Brad Tucker, Stacey Tucker and Carolyn Pepe
The Social Scene
Holiday Event Raises Over $16,000 for Humane Society The Humane Society of Ocean City hosted its annual holiday cocktail party, “Paws at The Hall” at Congress Hall in December. Congressman Frank LoBiondo and Senator Jeff Van Drew were honored for their support of animal welfare, and guests sang along
Bill Hollingsworth (left) Executive Director, HSOC with Eddie Davis, morning show DJ Lite Rock 96.9
Kevin and Jenna Callender
Photos by Nick Valinote
to holiday tunes with America’s Got Talent runner-up, 14-year-old Mara Justine and Shaun Laboy. The event raised over $16,000 to care for the homeless dogs and cats residing at The Humane Society of Ocean City.
Janice Bond (left) and Kathy Tesone
Michelle Chalmers, Congressman Frank LoBiondo (Event Honoree) and his wife Tina Ercole LoBiondo (right)
Left to right, Michelle Chalmers, HSOC Development Director, Michelle Dawn Mooney and Eddie Davis (co-chairs of the event) welcoming the crowd
Left to right, Marie Hayes, Bill Hollingsworth, Jeffrey Pierson and Michelle Chalmers. Cape May County Freeholders present a proclamation to the HSOC.
Performers Mara Justine and Shaun Laboy entertained the guests with rockin’ holiday tunes.
Left to right, Eddie Davis, Mara Justine (14-year-old Runner-up from America’s Got Talent) and Michelle Dawn Mooney njlifestyleonline.com
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The Social Scene
Artistic Hardware Celebrates the Season Steve & Cookie’s by the Bay in Margate hosted the 17th Annual Artistic Hardware Holiday Party on December 22nd. In attendance were many local designers, architects, custom home builders, family and friends. The event is always enjoyed by all, and a favorite of the holiday season.
Left to right, Gillian McCarthy, Tom Vassallo and Rick Mairone
Mike and Holly Rennie
Kyle and Leslie Rhodes
The McCarthy Family and guests 46
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Left to right, Patti Regina, Cathy Shippin and Jim Shippin
Left to right, Troy Brennan, Tom Vassallo and John Hartnett
Left to right, John Regina, Pat McCarthy, Margie and Joe Walls, and Mark Nashstein
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Your Table is Ready MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR ATLANTIC CITY RESTAURANT WEEK By Alyson Boxman Levine
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RESTAURANT REPORT
Prime Beef Burger, a lunch or dinner entree choice at Broadway Burger Bar
THAT DELICIOUS TIME OF YEAR IS quickly approaching, as area chefs meticulously prepare for a week of mouth-watering offerings. This year, over 70 local restaurants are participating in the 2017 Atlantic City Restaurant Week — held Sunday, March 5 to Friday, March 10 — and the buzz over this anticipated annual event has been building since the New Year began. Restaurant Week is a 6-day celebration of the culinary scene in Atlantic County, produced by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), and is currently celebrating nine years of success. During this delicious week of dining out, participating restaurants offer guests a multi-course meal for the fixed price of $15.17 for lunch and $35.17 for dinner. From local seafood establishments to high-end steakhouses and award-winning celebrity chef restaurants, all taste buds will be pleasantly satisfied. “We thought it would be a great opportunity for us to bring additional visitors to the city in the off-season, which is why we chose to do our event in March,” explained Larry Sieg, Director of Marketing, CRDA. “This event allows attendees to visit restaurants that typically may not be within their budget, and to try those restaurants out at a great value.” Many event participants hail from the southern New Jersey area, as well as from the Philadelphia region. “Of course, we reach central New Jersey, including the Ocean County area, and some attendees are from New York,” said Sieg. “Next year, we celebrate our 10th Anniversary and each year the event has been growing exponentially, with thousands of dedicated restaurant enthusiasts experiencing the incredible dining scene our area has to offer.” From iconic local eateries to Asian noodle bars and savory steakhouses, the event features an eclectic mix of cuisines. Spanning throughout the Atlantic County region, there are a bevy of participating restaurants located outside the city limits. In The Towne of Historic Smithville, the Smithville Inn and Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern are featured. Looking for an incredible Vietnamese restaurant? Put Com Ga Ninh Kieu on your short list. Chef Victor Hoang serves authentic Vietnamese food, including delicious soups that take more than eight hours of preparation. Incredible menus abound throughout the week as our area’s most talented chefs create unique menus that
Incredible menus abound throughout the week as our area’s most talented chefs create unique menus that “wow” guests.
16 oz. Rack of Lamb, a dinner entree choice at Ram’s Head Inn njlifestyleonline.com
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R E STAU R A N T R E P O R T “wow” guests. At Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Executive Chef Sergio Soto has created a mouth-watering menu focused on high-end ingredients. For dinner, guest’s start with house-made Clam Chowder or a seasonal Apple Cranberry Salad. His entrees include: Roasted Prime Rib, au-jus, baked potato, and sautéed haricot verts; Broiled Pacific Salmon, sautéed crab meat, diced tomato, grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potato, and Béarnaise sauce; and Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, with prosciutto, roasted peppers, mozzarella cheese, Marsala sauce, and sweet potato mashed. Remember to save some room for his decadent desserts, with a choice of Caramel Cheese Cake or the local favorite Sticky Pudding. Margate resident Maggi Siegel is counting down the days until Restaurant Week begins. “This is my favorite week of the year,” she revealed. “I look forward to it all year long.” By visiting the event’s website and viewing menus, Siegel decides on her itinerary for the week. “I plan my visits in advance, and usually pick places I haven’t been yet, but am dying to try. My friends rely on me to make the reservations, and we go as a group to three or four restaurants throughout the week. Each year our group grows … this year we are a party of nine.” With so many must-visit restaurants on the list, is one week enough time for attendees to experience all they are seeking? Well, an insider’s tip from Sieg may just be of assistance. He revealed that the restaurants love this event so much, many extend their prix-fix menu for another week, or even through the end of the month in some cases. “We officially end Restaurant Week on March 10, but we encourage participating locales to extend their menu and pricing for as long as they want,” said Sieg. “I am always looking forward to visiting some of our celebrity chef restaurants, which are just incredible,” revealed Sieg. “At the Borgata, there is Wolfgang Puck American Grille and Bally’s Atlantic City houses Guy Fieri’s Chophouse. I also love Stephen Starr’s restaurants, including Buddakan and the Continental. My favorites are also some of the historic
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restaurants in Atlantic City, like the Knife & Fork Inn and Dock’s Oyster House. In Margate, Steve & Cookie’s by the Bay is always my go-to restaurant during Restaurant Week. I already have that reservation.” If your mouth is already watering and you can’t wait until March, the Atlantic City Restaurant Week Kickoff event is scheduled to take place on February 22 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. What better way to get ready for the week than to taste some favorite restaurant menu items, as more than a dozen restaurants will provide samples from their special menus. Samples from the winning menu of a Pre-Chef Grand Prix cooking competition — held on February 7 at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Atlantic City Worthington Campus — will also be presented at this popular CRDA-sponsored event. Music will be provided by the Kenny I Orchestra and proceeds from the event benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College. The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, CRDA’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City, resulting in nearly $1 billion in economic development and non-gaming attractions. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide since 1984. The 9th Annual Atlantic City Restaurant Week is sponsored by Interstate Outdoor Advertising; The Press of AC; Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa; Lloyd Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism; Equity Communications; Open Table; Greater AC Chamber; and Tropicana Atlantic City. For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit acrestaurantweek.com. n
Lifestyle Cooking With Chef Will Savarese
Turn the Page… Celebrate the start of the New Year with a hearty beef brisket
A nother year has been completed; did
we get done what we planned on doing? I’m not sure about you (or even myself at times), but when the New Year arises, people like to make resolutions. Sometimes I ask why. Why not just try to be a better human being overall? Try this instead; let’s come up with all the things you want to do for 2017. I guess you can call it a bit of a bucket list for the year. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be long drives to the country, a picnic on the side of the road, long walks on the beach, as well as volunteering your time for community projects. This way, your ideas may be even be easier to accomplish,
and you may find yourself being happier. Isn’t that what life should be about; helping others, enjoying our time with friends, family, and our spouses … plus my doggies, Milo and Kelsey. (That’s right, dogs. We took in a rescue dog at the end of September. Milo has adjusted.) We need to continue to grow as individuals; mentally, spiritually, professionally. Take the right steps going forward to accomplish this. For me, I love what I do, and that’s cooking. I’ve said this many times to myself, as well as to people that came through my kitchen doors; there are so many chefs out there that we need to read, practice, and make ourselves better at
our craft daily. You can use this advice for any profession, or for life. You need to strive to be the best you can be and to stand out from the crowd. What makes you stand out from someone else? I believe it’s all about determination; that inner force that makes us who we are. Don’t let a day go by without telling your loved ones you love them and striving to get something done today rather than putting it off. As time goes forward, we don’t get a second chance in this life. Live it to the fullest. You’ll feel good about yourself and, hopefully, you can inspire someone else to make a difference as well. n Follow chefwsavarese on Instagram.
Recipe Corner Winter Beef Brisket This is a great winter meal you can prepare, place it in the oven, cozy up to the fireplace, and hours later have a hearty meal. And it doesn’t hurt to be watching the final games of the football season. Brisket is the cut below the shoulder on the fore quarter, and is the best cut for slow cooking. Ingredients: • 4 lb. beef brisket • 1-2 Tbsp. oil for the casserole • 5-6 garlic cloves • 2 large onions, cut in large pieces • 1 bunch fresh carrots, peeled and cut • 1 large rutabaga, peeled and cut • 4/5 potatoes, peeled and quartered • 1 1/2 cup beef or veal stock
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the brisket with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stud it with some fresh garlic cloves. Use a pairing knife to make a slight opening, then push the clove in. Use a heavy casserole pot, add a touch of oil. On medium to high heat, brown the beef brisket on all sides. Return the meat to the casserole with medium chunks of white onion. Place in oven and reduce the heat to 325°. Cook for 1 1/2 hours. Have ready carrots, peeled and chopped, potatoes quartered, garlic cloves peeled, rutabaga peeled and cut as well. Cut all the vegetables the same sizes so they cook at the same rate. Add all to the casserole and cover tightly. Cook for 1 hour, then add good-quality beef or veal stock. Return to the oven for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours till fork tender. When done, remove from pot and cover, same with the vegetables. Place on top of stove and reduce liquid to thicken and adjust seasoning. Cut brisket, serve with the vegetables, and enjoy. (A side of horseradish never hurts either.) njlifestyleonline.com
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Lifestyle Wine
9 Exceptional Bottles
D
on’t you just love winter? I do. I bought myself a gorgeous 2002 Jaguar XK8 Coupe in black during the summer and have been testing it out for any squeaks or noises that shouldn’t be heard. I’ve only managed to get it up to 120 MPH (no, not in N.J. your Honor) and at that speed, I noticed a slight creaking in the dashboard. So I took the car to Barry, at Metro Sunoco in Audubon, N.J. and he and his crew laughed their heads off. “Are you crazy man?” he asked. “No”, I responded. “I simply want you to check out the noise when you hit 120 mph.” Bottom line: I have to live with that creaking sound. The reason I mention this, other than wanting you to think I’m cool driving this amazing car (cost me less than a new bicycle), is that I was driving home at a very boring speed with the wines I’m going to recommend today, when I hit a patch of ice and my car did a figure 8 skid (quite fun actually, AFTER it happened). I texted my wife to explain what happened so she wouldn’t venture out in her car, and she texted back: “OMG!!! You must have been going very fast again. That is awful! But most importantly … are the wines OK?” I’m definitely keeping the car, but thinking about trading in my wife. OK, so here are my recommendations for some wines to enjoy during the wintery months. As always, I’m throwing in a couple of summer-ish selections for sunshine-in-a-glass moments. Gonzalez Byass Cristina Oloroso Abocado, Andalucia Spain (approx. $26). Seven years of aging delivers this beautiful blend of Palomino and Pedro Ximenez grapes, offering a bright amber color and notes of wood and raisins. It’s slightly sweet on the palate, so pair it with spicy baked dishes or a cheese plate. I keep it in the fridge as it is quite amazing when served chilled. The perfume is light and soft, young, and fresh, with traces of toasted nuts, caramel, toffee, fig, and some slightly spicy cinnamon and wood notes. The flavor is medium-sweet, a little nutty (yeah! like me) with hints of dried fruit and traces of spice. Perfect wine to drink before dinner. Domaine Bousquet Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Brut Rosé, Mendoza, Argentina (approx. $13.99). With a wonderful salmon color from the Pinot Noir, this wine offers soft delicate and long-lasting bubbles, red fruit flavors (raspberry and strawberry), and citrus notes such as orange peel, with a pleasant and lingering finish. It is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, and even though you can enjoy it as an aperitif, I would also serve it with veal and pork dishes. Who hasn’t enjoyed the annual release of Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, a fun light red wine with a flavor that appeals to virtually every palate on the planet. However, Georges Duboeuf is a premium producer of award-winning French wines from the Beaujolais and Mâconnais regions of Burgundy and the South of France. However, let’s look at some of the other selections produced by Les Vins Georges Duboeuf: Les Chenevières Mâcon-Villages, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France (approx. $18). This wine is dry and crisp and displays a fine bouquet of peach and pear with notes of honeysuckle. The nose carries through to the finish on this un-oaked 100% Chardonnay. Lemon and creamy notes in the flavor are the result of the wine’s storage in stainless steel vats. It’s pretty yummy with sautéed chicken, grilled salmon, mussels, and goat 52
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Curl up by the fireplace this winter and enjoy these superb selections. By Phillip Silverstone cheese. Pouilly-Fuissé Mâconnais, Burgundy, France (approx. $20). This wine has delicate lime aromas with grilled almond notes and was partially aged in 40% French oak for between six and eight months. Its color is almost green with flecks of gold, and this 100% Chardonnay has a creamy, nutty flavor that true Chardonnay aficionados will find irresistible. The fruit is totally delicious and the wine will pair with grilled salmon or sea bass, lobster, chicken or fish in a white wine sauce and light pasta dishes. Domaine Des Quatre Vents Fleurie 2015 Beaujolais, Burgundy, France (approx. $18). This wine has the fragrance of violets, typical of a classic Fleurie. Fresh aromas of black fruits, cherry stone, and mild spices permeate the nose, while the same fruits and spices are ripe and fresh on the palate. There is a subtle earthiness that surfaces with time and silky tannins and finish. The average harvest is 425 barrels, and fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. This maintains the natural fruit flavors in the wine. The wine is made from one of my favorite grapes, it is 100% Gamay, which has a typical Juicy Fruit chewing gum and cherry flavor. There is also some red currant in the taste, and for me this has “fun” written all over the wine, which I highly recommend chilling first. I suggest serving the wine with roast chicken, baked salmon, and roast lamb. Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut 2005, Champagne, France (approx. $100). In all regions of France, the 2005 grape harvest was judged to be an exceptional vintage. It only took two months for this vintage to receive international acclaim. The winemaker wrote: “Remarkably exceptional chardonnays, subtly aromatic Pinot Noirs, and very elegant, promising Pinot Meuniers. From all the wines tasted, eleven Crus were selected to compose the Charles Heidsieck Vintage Brut 2005, including Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant, MaillyChampagne, Ambonnay and Verzy...” This lovely bubbly has a deep, dark gold hue with a delicate, lively effervescence. The perfume has some blueberry and plums, followed by the warm autumn notes of candied chestnuts and honey, with a surprising hint of pralines and lightly roasted hazelnuts. And the flavors of roasted apricots, dates and figs which delicately coat the palate. And as far as what to drink it with; ANYTHING! The Bisol Estate is one of the oldest in the region of Valdobbiadene in Italy’s Veneto area. The winery was founded in 1858 by Eliseo Bisol. The Jeio line is inspired by the influential Desiderio Bisol, whose wife lovingly referred to him as Jeio, who was the father of the current owners. In the last 30 years, the Bisol brothers have succeeded in achieving a balance between tradition and modern technology. Because of the very steep hillsides, this is a difficult area to cultivate. Bisol Jeio Cuvée Rosé, Veneto, Italy (approx. $14). A rosé with a bubbly personality, the color is a brilliant delicate pink, with extremely fine and persistent bubbles. The bouquet is elegant and complex, with a wide range of aromas, intense hints of rose, fresh fruit, citrus, and lychee. On the palate it is crisp and balanced, with good acidity and a dry long finish, with flavors of strawberries and raspberries. This wine makes an ideal aperitif, perfect for appetizers or even to accompany
the entire meal; pastas with vegetables, white meat dishes, and seafood dishes. Bisol Jeio Prosecco Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C., Italy (approx. $15). The color is a light straw yellow. The nose is fruity and fresh. The taste is simply elegant, made from the Glera grape. And only the best Glera grapes are selected from Bisol’s 35 plots in Valdobbiadene to make the highly-aromatic Jeio Brut. The wine is aged in stainless-steel tanks for 15 days and the result is a brilliant straw yellow color; with fine and lively bubbles. The perfume offers an intense and fresh nose of citrus fruits and saline sensations. This is a fruit-forward, refreshing quaff; an ideal accompaniment to party sandwiches and elaborate canapés. Mouton Cadet Ryder Cup Special Cuvée, Bordeaux, France (approx. $15). On September 29 2016, the Ryder Cup began. That’s a golfing tournament if, like me, you’re sports-challenged. And Mouton Cadet — a winery many of us have been familiar with most of our lives — continued its partnership with the Ryder Cup as the official wine of the tournament. Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, who produce Mouton Cadet, partnered with wine lover and legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. to design the Ryder Cup Limited Edition Mouton Cadet. This is a powerful, elegantly-oaked wine, with aromas of red and black fruits and spice. This red wine is made from a blend of classic grape varieties: Merlot (84%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Cabernet Franc (6%). Merlot brings roundness and ripe red fruit flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon the tannic structure and touches of black berry fruit, and Cabernet Franc elegance and freshness. The finish is remarkable for its rich fruit, enhanced by a touch of sweetness. I may even take up golf after drinking this wine. Maybe not, although I do have something in common with worldclass golfers. Just like my car, they need a good driver! Cheers! n “Time Out With Phillip Silverstone” is a weekly podcast heard exclusively on TuneIn radio anytime worldwide either on the free TuneIn app (search: Phillip Silverstone) or online at: http://bit. ly/1gY2Ht4. “Follow” the show for weekly updates. You can also LIKE Phillip on Facebook and follow him on Twitter: @wining. Silverstone’s 2002 Jaguar XK8 Coupe
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dining gallery
Blue Water Grille
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.
Ventura's Offshore Cafe
2015 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 609-641-5158 venturascafe.com Ventura's is a family restaurant and sportsman's bar with a cozy hometown atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again. From their famous mussels marinara to their award-winning filet mignon, to their simply delicious gourmet pan pizzas, they offer fresh homemade meals to please everyone's palate.
60 N. Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-343-7447 fantasearesorts.com Located on the 7th floor of FantaSea’s Flagship Resort, the Blue Water Grille is reinventing itself under Executive Chef A. Juliano Cannuscio. Amazing views abound as the well-trained servers offer American Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences. Dine on their delicious selections as you enjoy the magnificent ambiance.
A Touch of Italy
6629 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp. 609-641-1855 touchofitaly.net A Touch of Italy offers the finest quality of food and service. Each meal served is cooked to order. A friendly and pleasurable atmosphere will make your visit a memorable one. Established in 1981 with more than 31 years of experience, this restaurant, banquet facility, and lounge serves only the finest natural veal, steaks, poultry, pasta, seafood and brick-oven pizza.
Crab Trap
2 Broadway, Somers Point, NJ 609-927-7377 thecrabtrap.com Overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay in Somers Point is the Crab Trap Restaurant. Flourishing as a 400-seat full service restaurant serving the finest seafood in South Jersey. As many businesses expand, they often lose touch with the quality and small personal touches that made them special. At the Crab Trap, they don’t believe that has happened, or ever will.
Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery
72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 609-965-2111 renaultwinery.com Open since 2001, Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery has become a local favorite of the Atlantic County area. The continued patronage speaks volumes to the flavors that Chef Joe DeGennaro creates, which combines his unique flair and traditions. The food quality and atmosphere are surpassed by none. The Milza family commits themselves to the highest level of service and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose Italian, seafood, premium steaks or a burger, you are sure to be pleased. Try their diverse flavors and experience their amazing ambiance in a unique setting.
Maplewood
470 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 6126 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 609-561-9621, 609-625-1181 joesmaplewood.com For almost 70 years, Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently great food! They believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers. They have high standards for their food. Consistency can and should be expected. Food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the locals in the area. They only use the finest ingredients at the Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice. 54
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The Historic Smithville Inn
1 N. New York Road, Galloway, NJ 609-652-7777 historicsmithvillenj.com The Historic Smithville Inn offers a sophisiticated dining experience combined with the atmosphere of warm hospitality, since 1787. Their scenic view dining areas looking out on Lake Meone, private dining rooms with fireplace and formal banquet and wedding facilities coupled with their attention to detail services will make your dining, banquet or wedding event a night to remember. Discover the Tradition of the Historic Smithville Inn.
The Melting Pot
2112 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-1100 meltingpot.com At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience. Patrons can dip into something different — and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.
Barista’s Coffee House
199 New Road Ste. 10, Central Square, Linwood 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com Owners Mark and Debbie Becker have created the perfect “neighborhood” atmosphere coffee house. Brewing up more than just coffee, customers come back time and time again for Barista’s espresso, tea breakfast, Liege waffles, Brussels waffles, gourmet desserts, and Italian gelato. Once you walk through the doors, you instantly become part of the “Barista’s Family”. Open Monday thru Friday, 7 am - 5 pm; Saturday, 8 am - 5 pm and Sunday, 8 am -2pm.
Award-Winning Seafood
Tomatoes
9300 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-7535 tomatoesmargate.com A favorite of chefs and foodies who are impressed with the location, food, and view of the Margate Bay. The elegant and refined atmosphere includes a bar area, sushi bar, private meeting and dining rooms in addition to the main dining room. Trendy with a high-end, eclectic American fare and sushi, plus a happening bar scene. Excellent fresh fish, wonderful sauces and impressive desserts.
Angeloni’s II
2400 Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-344-7875 angelonis.com Offering the finest Italian-American cuisine in the Atlantic City area. This family owned and operated business has been preparing the finest ItalianAmerican entrees in the greater NJ area for over 40 years. Angeloni’s II surrounds you in a warm and elegant ambiance fitting the fine dining you will be sure to enjoy.
Roberta’s by Joe Muldoon
1205 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-677-0470 robertasbyjoemuldoon.com A young Joseph Muldoon found his passion for food early on; while still at a tender age he began to work in the kitchen of New Jersey country club, Scotland Run. It was through this experience that Chef Joseph knew he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary field, but wasn’t sure what institution would allow his creativity to flourish. Almost in time to celebrate his 28th birthday, Muldoon opened his first independent restaurant, Roberta’s, at the intersection of Tilton and New roads in Northfield. Named for his mother, a home economics teacher whom he credits for instilling in him a love of cooking.
PHILLIPSSEAFOOD.COM ATLANTIC CITY acebook.com/PhillipsSeafood
609.348.2273 @PhillipsSeafood
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PLAYGROUND AT CAESARS Phillips Seafood
Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-2273 phillipsseafood.com Phillips Seafood brings guests a classical American seafood menu boasting an array of fresh seasonal fish and Phillips’ famous jumbo lump crab cakes. Renowned chef Robbin Haas has designed a menu that offers guests the freshest, finest seafood available, complete with a rolling oyster cart where regional varietals are shucked tableside and a double-decker live lobster tank stocked with 3-10 pound lobsters. Experience an upscale, interactive dining experience with their exhibition kitchen and sweeping ocean views.
Souzai Sushi & Saki
Playground 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.
RESORTS Gallagher’s Steakhouse
Visit us online for details on the area’s great dining Venues.
NJLifestyLeONLiNe.cOm
Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-6555 gallaghersresorts.com Gallaghers is located on the 2nd floor of Resorts Casino. A classic steakhouse serving hearty salads, dry-aged meats, wonderful fish and shellfish. Their glassenclosed 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.
TROPICANA (THE QUARTER) Broadway Burger Bar
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.
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. 56
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A Final Word
“In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth.” —Rachel Carson
Bewitched by Water By Marjorie Preston
W
hen I moved from Pennsylvania to the Jersey Shore more than a dozen years ago, I thought it would be a temporary thing — an interlude lasting one season, no more. I was at one of those crossroads. In search of a career change, a change of scene — a change, period. My family owned a house in Ocean City. So down I came. Up till then, the beach had been purely a summer place for me. Like everyone else from the Philly suburbs, I made the trek almost every Saturday from July to September, riding in pleasant gridlock along Route 322, listening to oldies radio, stopping at Rosie’s or Joe’s for fresh tomatoes or Mood’s for an apple crush. I hardly ever visited in the off-season. It was unthinkable — like wearing white after Labor Day. I certainly couldn’t imagine living here year-round, like my sister and her family. Come September and the first week of school, the streets emptied like something out of the Rapture. The Ferris wheels stop turning. The boardwalk went dark. Custard shops and hot dog stands hung out signs: “See you next spring.” The beach was deserted. It was too cold for swimming or sunbathing. It was beautiful, but desolate. What was the point? Then it happened. Almost imperceptibly, as summer rolled into fall into winter into spring, I realized I had become bewitched by the nearness of water, and captivated by the elemental nature of shore life. I loved looking at sea gulls way up high, banking and wheeling on currents of air, or terns skittering nervously along the surf, then taking flight as one, like a swarm of bees. I realized, maybe for the first time, how big the sky is when there is literally no skyline, and how bright the stars can be in real darkness. Suddenly, that lonesome beach was all the more beautiful because in it there were no other footprints but mine. Even the inconveniences had their quirky charm. I’ll never forget my first big storm in Ocean City, which is known for flooding. The water rose knee-high in the streets around our house on 52nd Street, so much you could
actually see fish splashing around. In the aftermath, neighbors who were used to such things paddled merrily by in their kayaks, waving and smiling as if it were just another day. When I considered returning to Pennsylvania, I felt an unexpected pang. So I thought I’d stay on a while. I got a job at a local newspaper, and found there was real community in these shore towns, not just in the summertime, but all year-round. From Ocean City I eventually moved across the bridge to Strathmere, and finally to Brigantine. Each shore town has its own identity: Ocean City, of course, is clean-cut and spiffy and candy-colored. Strathmere is an outpost, so narrow you could probably toss a softball from the ocean and hit the bay. Brigantine is subdued and provincial, and a world away from the hurly burly of Atlantic City. I realize no one is considered an islander who wasn’t actually born on one, but over the years I came to feel like I had some standing. And being a beach-dweller made me the person mainlanders like to visit. I enjoyed playing host, even though I realized they didn’t come for me, but for the place. There’s something good about being near to the beach and that mighty, moody ocean; it’s both awe-inspiring (especially in hurricane season) and extraordinarily comforting. But the world turns. I never thought I’d leave the beach, but I’ve reached another of those crossroads in life. It’s time for a career change, a change of scene — a change, period. As I plan my getaway from the islands I’ve lived on and loved for so long, of course I wonder if I’ve lost my mind. The limitless ocean is right at my feet. Who would willingly forfeit that? But for some reason, I feel called toward country lanes and wooded paths and fields of corn and hay. And whenever I feel a pang, I remind myself I can always come back to the islands. Though it’s marvelous in summer, when every street and avenue is jam-packed and the beach is wall to wall with colorful umbrellas, I know the best time to visit. It’s the off-season. Just like now. n
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