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INTRODUCTION Director of Operations Bob Dodge Publishers Sharon & Steven Goldstein Associate Publisher Brandon Goldstein Executive Editor Nayda Rondon Contributing Editor Justin Davidson Director of Marketing Sergio Rodrigues Marketing Manager Bobby Dodge Design Director Evan Eagleson

eighty6 Contributing Writers Chris Chiarella Patrick Clancy Helene Cohen Kate Cronauer Carl Inserra Heather Knapp Dave Nauber Nick Poyner

Talk of the Town is published by

The Magazine www.BCTHEMAG.com For advertising and information, call 201-265-2286.

Copyright 2012. All materials are the property of Bergen County the Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

Editor’s Note: Bob Dodge is Director of Operations for Talk of the Town, having overseen its evolution from a video rental store to one of the most successful and respected home theater installation dealerships in New Jersey. With great enthusiasm for the first issue of the year, he volunteered to take the reins and share the stories he’s most excited about.

Greetings, Readers!

With apologies to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in the spring a gentleman’s fancy turns to thoughts of… electronics! Earlier this year we journeyed to the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for a preview of what the future holds. While we were certainly surrounded by the latest products and trends, there was also a refreshing sense of optimism. Despite the seemingly omnipresent doom and gloom in this election year, we couldn’t help but be encouraged by the power of audio and video to bring transcendent entertainment into any home.

As a result of our expedition, we’re pleased to provide Talk of of the the Town Town readers with a primer on this year’s hot topic: Smart TV. With the triumph of high definition, and flat-screen televisions rapidly approaching a saturation point in American homes, consumers are wondering, “What else is new?” Beyond the bigger screens and the thinner chassis and a whole slew of proprietary concept models, we’ve found the answer in this fascinating combination of cutting-edge technologies. It’s here today and promises to become even more rewarding in the years ahead.

HDTV also gives us a better-than-box-seat vantage point for any sporting event, and with spring training 2012 wrapping up,Talk Talk of of the Town takes a nostalgic look back at some of Major League Baseball’s Greatest Opening Days. If you were in attendance at any of these classic games, then you were a part of our national pastime’s history, so drop us a line because we’d love to hear about it. And since beer and baseball go together like… well, beer and baseball, we supply a guide to all of the brew basics, as well as the secrets of How to Craft Your Own Homemade Beer. (My suggestion for a sidebar on rolling your own hot dogs fell on deaf ears.)

Of course, there are other rooms beyond the home theater. (I know, we could hardly believe it ourselves.) And so our profile of the pioneering Celebrity Chef David Burke, the entrepreneur and author whose culinary innovations routinely rise above the routine, inspired us to venture into the kitchen for something fancier than a bag of pretzels. Pastrami salmon on a stick, anyone? Bet that would go great with our Talk Talk of of the the Town Town spring lager…

Since the great weather might compel us to go outside for more than just a trip to the mailbox for our latest Netflix envelope, we’ve prepared a list of Expert Landscaping Tips, just in time to gas up the mower and get the old homestead back into shape after a long winter’s sleep.

Used to be that any guy with a video projector and a king-sized sheet hung from the side of his house could be his neighborhood’s Marcus Loew. But recent advances in weatherproof speakers, remote controls and televisions have brought state-of-the-art entertainment to the great outdoors, for movies and music we can enjoy throughout the warm months. Learn what’s possible in our detailed overview for an Outdoor Theater.

We hope that you enjoy this latest issue of Talk of the the Town Town as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Some of these stories might elicit questions, which we are only too pleased to answer, so we encourage you to call or stop by our Allendale showroom to find out just how extraordinary home entertainment can be.

See you soon,

Bob Correction: In the Holiday 2011 issue of Talk of the Town Town, the writer for “Look Great and Feel Confident after Weight Loss Surgery” is Barbara Iozzia not Barbara Lozzia.

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2011

10

Comedy’s TV Comeback

66

What’s Brewing?

14

Top 10 Opening Day Moments in

72

Bergen County Cribs:

MLB History

A Winner in Woodland Park

18

TV: The Next Generation

74

22

Ron Villone’s Continental Crossings

26

What’s Cookin’ With David Burke

32 What to Watch For

Outdoors

80

A Rum for Your Money

82

“Son, I want you to have your Grandpa’s old…”

36

Lay of the Land

88

Top 10 Sports Movies

40

Classé: In a Class All Its Own

94

Recipes: Your indecision is truly

46

Lark Street Music: Playing All

disgusting, but i digress: cook up some f*@king Brisket

the Right Notes

52

Talk of the Town Style: It Looks Like Spring

58

ManCentral: The Newest Trends

26 8

Time Out: Bringing Home Theaters

SPRING 2012

97

Talk of the Town Auto: Our Favorite Four-Wheel Drive Friends

40

97

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Comedy’s

TV Comeback WRITTEN BY

NICK POYNER

O

ver the last few years, sitcoms have had a major resurgence. While the days of reality television and CSI are not gone, comedy is pushing its way back into the family portrait. Why are these scripted halfhour shows finally making a return?

Easy answer: quality.

Sitcoms have always been a great way to gauge the social climate. That means we, as a generation, are familyoriented, strange and new, and getting raunchier by the day. Sound about right? Let’s look at what’s changed to bring us back to another glorious age of the 30-minute laugh fest.

Family First

Modern Family has not singlehandedly brought back the sitcom.

I want to clear that up. However, it sure has helped. It’s a show made for family about families created by guys with families. There are a million cancelled shows a year about twentysomethings looking for love. But, Modern Family is funnier.

Don’t believe it? Look at the facts.

Long-running sitcoms well rooted in the social critique of the modernday family have made people laugh for years. The Cosby Show. All in the Family. The Brady Bunch. Sure, they may not be our families, but there are too many similarities to discount.

Everyone in your family says, “There should be a show about how crazy we are.” That show is Modern Family.

Continued on pg. 12

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But Modern Family doesn’t focus on only one family type. It features the traditional, the divorcees, and, of course, the gay couple. Whatever the audiences’ feelings are about the couples, the characters and relationships are strong and real. And when it comes down to it, everyone can relate.

Countless offshoots have proven the formula true. At this point, ABC has branded the better part of its Wednesday night lineup with family friendly The Middle and Suburgatory as opening acts for its huge hit. FOX’s Raising Hope and NBC’s Up All Night have followed suit, revolving heavily around other quirky families.

Sure, each has a different take on what the word “family” means, but that’s the beauty of it. Families are strange and zany, and that’s one of the main reasons we love to laugh with them.

Must See TV

Fourth-place NBC is tackling comedy from left field. Say what you will about its overhauls and, yikes, Jay Leno, but NBC’s Thursday night lineup is absolutely killer. One would think with such prime content, more viewers would tune in.

Easily the funniest show on television, 30 Rock remains a critical darling that can’t find the audience that it so rightfully deserves. The Tina Fey/ Alec Baldwin/Tracy Morgan trifecta is only made stronger by Fey’s knack for unusual non sequiturs. However, these seemingly random jokes complement a well-constructed story and characters we love. Fey turned Morgan’s homophobic rant from last year into the first two episodes of the season, and accomplished this with both honesty and good taste.

Parks and Recreation wasn’t the quickest out of the gate, but it’s managed to morph into the most lovable ensemble on television. The Amy Poehler led cast features some of the funniest people you never knew existed. But the real diamond in a sea of

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gems is Nick Offerman’s Ron Swanson. Swanson is a man’s man obsessed with his red meat and woodcarving, but is scared of both of his ex wives. Typical. And genius.

Speaking of brilliance: Community. No, it’s not for everyone, but with a little commitment, you will be laughing for days. Its unafraid-to-trynew-things approach led to its midseason shelving, but fret not fans, it’s baaaaaaaaaaaack! An episode about a secret trampoline? Check. One with a pregnancy-taking place solely in the background? Oh sure. A spoof of the Apocalypse Now documentary Hearts of Darkness? Naturally.

Don’t be frightened by last year’s Outsourced. NBC has something beautiful going here. No doubt the safety of The Office remains intact, but NBC really shines when it gets weird. For proof, look no further than the familiarity of Whitney. Woof. Pass. Keep those laugh tracks for CBS. Thursday nights are when sitcoms get to make themselves laugh.

If you’re looking for fresh, original thought, look to NBC. On Thursdays.

Only Thursdays. Maybe Mondays are for The Voice. But that’s really it.

I digress.

Exposed

Maybe you’re looking for something a bit more risqué. More adultoriented. The loudest, most vulgar kids at the party are cable sitcoms.

HBO and Showtime let the curse words and nudity flow from their chalices. The R-rated comedies of premium cable offer a little of everything: sex, drugs, business and baseball.

There’s Showtime—the king of dramedy. I don’t think there’s a lead character on the network that has it all figured out. Californication shows off its raunchy sex and cynical cool like it’s a newborn baby. Now it has to compete with House of Lies to prove who has the bigger, uh, audience. But Showtime is no boy’s club.

It started with a woman who had to

sell pot to save her family and now, with hits Nurse Jackie and The Big C, the women show the boys a thing or two about being crass.

HBO’s East Bound & Down bathes in the grimy humor that is penis jokes and boobies with no irony whatsoever. Somehow, Danny McBride has made Kenny Powers the most pathetic hick that has ever transcended television. He represents K-Swiss for Pete’s sake!

By far the reigning king of the nontraditional sitcom, however, is FX. No, they can’t curse. There’s no nudity. But that makes its shows work harder to push the boundaries when the limits are still there. If you’re not watching It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia…you’re not watching It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia! What are you doing? Who needs raunchy when you can mock racism, homelessness and drug addiction while being a spokesman for Dave & Buster’s.

FX now possesses The League, which makes people want to Fantasy Football even if they’ve never seen a game. And the animated Archer makes South Park feel like a proud parent.

Yeah, animation can be dirty; what’s it to you? And welcome, Louis C.K., to your moment; you’ve earned it.

The genre of cable sitcoms represents a first of its kind, testing the waters by jumping right in. These sitcoms are allotted more room due to their airtimes and networks, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have to prove themselves.

It’s hard to even look at some of these shows as sitcoms when viewing their dark nature or their lack of evident focus, but comedy is back.

In all shapes and sizes, all types and demographics. Tonight, do yourself a favor. Flip on the television and challenge yourself. It may not be as easy as reality or as immediately eyepopping as a sporting event, but WARNING: It will make you laugh.

Your mother always told you it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown.

Think about that for a while.

Top 10

Opening Day Moments in MLB History WRITTEN BY

PATRICK CLANCY

B

aseball, America’s pastime, is a game that entertains us, unites us and more often than not, defines us as a people.

It is a game synonymous with teamwork, individual struggle, inspiring triumphs and devastating failure (just ask Cubs fans). It is fitting that each baseball season begins with an event characterized by such pageantry, elegance and excitement that few athletic events can compete with it. For many, Opening Day marks the “unofficial start of spring;” for fans and players alike, it is the start of a tumultuous 162-game journey that ends in October. In baseball’s 135-year history there have been many remarkable Opening Day games. These moments—ranging from awesome feats of athleticism to bravery in the face of ignorance and bigotry—stand the test of time. Talk of the Town presents the Top 10 Opening Day Moments in MLB History.

1. April 14, 1910: President William Howard Taft throws the first ceremonial pitch Since 1910, every U.S. president has thrown a ceremonial first pitch at Opening Day, Game 1 of the World Series or the All Star Game. President Taft, the 27th U.S. president, began the tradition on April 14, 1910, when he tossed a baseball from the stands to pitcher Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators. Since that historic presidential throw, 11 sitting U.S. presidents have tossed out the season’s ceremonial first pitch. The tradition has changed in practice and importance. The president now hurls a pitch from the pitcher’s mound, and although the pitch is usually woeful rather than impressive, the act is one that symbolizes the importance of

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our nation’s favorite sport.

2. April 18, 1923: Babe Ruth hits three-run home run in Yankee Stadium When the first Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923, it was already known as the “House That Ruth Built,” due to Babe Ruth’s remarkable success with the New York Yankees. Yet the place hadn’t quite been broken in yet… “The Babe” decided to fix that. Ruth hit a three-run home run off Red Sox pitcher Howard Ehmke, leading the Yankees to a 4-1 win over their rival. The Yankees hosted and won their first World Series Title that same year. Many feel that Ruth’s performance “christened” Yankee Stadium and set the stage for the 26 championships that the team

would accumulate in its storied existence. Regardless, Ruth’s 1923 Opening Day performance remains one of baseball’s most treasured moments.

3. April 16, 1940: Robert Feller’s “No-No” On an unusually chilly day in April of 1940, Robert Feller took the mound in an Opening Day start against the Chicago White Sox. The 21-year-old Cleveland Indians pitcher had thrown poorly in a pre-season game a mere two days before. Yet neither the 35 degree temperature nor the remaining soreness in his right arm stopped Feller from throwing the only Opening Day no-hitter in the history of baseball. Though three one-hit shutouts have been recorded since Feller’s feat, his remains one of

the most impressive pitching performances in Opening Day history.

4. April 15, 1947: Jackie Robinson takes the field Athletes often play through injuries. As fans, we admire, applaud and sometimes demand that our favorite players “fight through the pain.” Yet few players in the history of organized sports have had to play in the face of bigotry, racism and hatred the way Jackie Robinson did. On April 15, 1947, Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In doing so, he became the first African American to play in the MLB. Forced to endure racism from members of his own team, Robinson put an end to more than 60 years of racial segregation in baseball, and struck a crucial blow for Civil Rights. The day was a victory for the Dodgers, who won 5-3

over the Boston Braves, as well as for America. He remains one of baseball’s most celebrated baseball players, and a hero to those who value equality for all. Though Robinson failed to get a hit in his first major league game, he went on to become the Rookie of the Year and had his number, 42, retired by all MLB teams on the 50th anniversary of his first game.

5. April 4, 1974: Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth With his first swing of the 1974 season, Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s record of 714 career home runs.

Ruth’s record had stood for nearly 40 years. Aaron, a former “Negro League” player who played for the Milwaukee Braves, went on to break the record four days later in front of the home crowd. After playing for an additional two seasons, Aaron set

the then-record for career home runs, with 755 (broken by Barry Bonds in 2007). Hank Aaron goes down as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, and is still considered by some to be the “Home Run King.” Following in Babe Ruth’s footsteps, Hank Aaron earned himself a spot on the list of greatest Opening Day moments when he stood at the plate and found himself the equal of a legend.

6. April 8, 1975: Frank Robinson becomes first African-American manager and sets record for most career home runs on Opening Day On April 8, 1975, Frank Robinson became the first African-American manager in MLB history. As if Continued on pg. 16

SPRING 2012

15

Top 10

Opening Day Moments in MLB History

Continued from pg. 15

managing the team wasn’t enough, Robinson also happened to be playing that day as well. Homering on his first at-bat, he became the first player to hit eight career home runs on Opening Day, as well as the only player to hit home runs on Opening Day with four different teams (only Ken Griffey Jr. has been as remarkable on Opening Day games; he tied Robinson’s record of eight home runs on Opening Day games in 2009).

Leading the Cleveland Indians to a 5-3 victory over the Yankees, the future Hall of Famer became a hero on many levels on that special day.

7. April 4, 1988: George Bell becomes the first player to hit three home runs on Opening Day Signifying one of the most impressive offensive performances in the history of Opening Day, George Bell of the Toronto Blue Jays became the first player to hit three home runs on Opening Day. Each of the hits came off pitcher Bret Saberhagen. The AL MVP of the 1987 season, Bell drove in four runs and led the Blue Jays to a 5-3 win over the Royals. Incredibly, Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes, who became the first National League player to hit three home runs on Opening Day, repeated the feat in 1994. Unfortunately, the outfielder’s

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performance in the season’s first game could not earn a victory for the Cubs, who lost the game 12-8 to the Royals.

8. March 29, 2000: First Opening Day game played outside the United States Though Americans tend to think of baseball as “ours,” the sport has become an international game. The Cubs and Mets played a truly historic Opening Day game on March 29, 2000, in the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. The game began at 5:08 am EST, and though the New York Mets represented the United States well, they lost to the Cubs 5-3. The game was a momentous occasion, symbolizing how far both America and baseball had come since the sport’s invention.

9. April 5, 2010: President Barack Obama throws Opening Day pitch On April 5, 2010, the first African-American president of the United States stood at the pitcher’s mound and delivered the ceremonial first pitch in front of thousands of screaming fans. The importance of that moment was lost on very few people; just more than 60 years before, Jackie Robinson drew screams and shouts of discontent from ordinary citizens because of the color of his skin.

While it was not President Obama’s first ceremonial pitch (his first came before the 2009 All-Star Game), it was the better of the two, landing “just outside” home plate. Unfortunately, the president’s pitch was not enough to help the home team. The Washington Nationals lost an 11-1 blowout to the Philadelphia Phillies.

10. March 31, 2011: Ramon Hernandez hits walk-off home run in bottom 9th One of the most exciting Opening Day games in baseball history occurred just last season when the Cincinnati Reds played the Milwaukee Brewers in a back-and-forth game that came down to the bottom of the 9th inning. The Brewers became the first team in 42 years to open the season with back-to-back homers when Rickie Weeks and Carlos Gomez connected off Edinson Volquez. Then Ramon Hernandez hit a three-run shot with two outs in the bottom of the 9th to lead the Reds to an Opening Day victory. Could the start of the season be any more exciting?

Opening Day means a lot of things to a lot of people. As Hall-ofFame pitcher Early Wynn said, “An opener is not like any other game.

There’s that little extra excitement, a faster beating of the heart… You know that when you win the first one, you can’t lose ’em all.”

The decades since major league baseball’s debut have seen triumph, loss, scandal and some truly inspirational moments. In the seasons ahead, there is only one thing we can be sure of—the magic found in those two words, “Play Ball!”

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tv:the next generation WRITTEN BY

CHRIS CHIARELLA

Today’s “Smart TVs” demand a bit more than we’re used to, but the return on our investment has increased exponentially.

a

h, sweet TV, that non-judgemental but much-maligned centrepiece of the American lifestyle. “The Boob Tube.”

“The Idiot Box.” Even “The Small Screen” feels like something of a bitch-slap. But the time has come to think up some new nicknames that better reflect the multimedia prowess of the modern television. Welcome to the era of Smart TV.

Essentially, Smart TV takes home entertainment to the next level, beyond merely displaying live or recorded video. The key is Internet connectivity, which brings a world of possibility into the living room.

Chances are that the high-end flatscreen we purchased within the last year or two arrived with an Ethernet port around back, a network connection to share our home’s current high-

speed web access. Some are even WiFi-enabled right out of the box, needing only to be wirelessly synched to our home network.

what's in it for me?

Think of Smart TV as an alternate route for content and services to enter the home: news, sports, weather and programming of all sorts, including a growing array of 3D content, if we Continued on pg. 20

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SPRING 2012

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are so inclined. There are entire new stations to be had, sometimes for a fee, as the business model is still in flux.

YouTube, long a staple on the computer and smartphone, neatly epitomizes so much of what this new technology can do for us. A free application that exploits the web to serve up a frequently updated variety of truly enjoyable fare for our viewing pleasure, YouTube just happens to come pre-installed on many Internet-ready televisions as part of their initial feature suite. “Initial” because another perk of Internet connectivity is quick, simple updating of the TV’s firmware to fix bugs or to add new and improved capabilities as they become available.

If these choices seem a little too passive, then consider the many interactive games currently available, or the latest in social media. Imagine watching a favorite movie, show or sporting event and posting our comments live on screen. The television represents a large plot of high-definition real estate capable of displaying the main program on the lion’s share of the plasma or LCD while still leaving ample room in the margins for Facebook updates or Twitter feeds, in addition to stock tickers, global headlines, the latest scores, weather condi-

tions and more. And with ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio TVs on the horizon, designed to optimally display “Cinemascope” movies, that’s even more space up for grabs.

Thankfully, many of the app developers have done their due diligence, customizing their wares to work on specific products and elegantly integrating these enhanced features, often in impressive high definition. There is even a version of the Android Market coming for select Smart TVs, allowing us to discover and acquire a vast library of new content, but filtering out those apps that require GPS and other phone-y necessities not relevant in the home theatre. Additionally, Smart TVs—going by a variety of proprietary names set by the various manufacturers—offer users a unique interface for their next-generation bells and whistles, a hub of sorts that lays bare all of our infotainment options. This is where a QWERTY remote control (with a full alphanumeric keyboard) is definitely a plus if one can be had, as it will allow us to easily enter specific keywords. Other futuristic remotes offer gesture-based controls that read our movements, a camera that recognizes the face of the viewer for a personalized profile or a wave-and-click

Wii-type controller more in the realm of a magic wand.

not just for nerds Right about now, the naysayers out there might be thinking, “Who needs that?” Granted, not all of these new features are going to be in demand by every viewer. But early reports suggest that quite a lot of us are, in fact, taking this next-gen plunge, with some manufacturers quoting rates of more than 50 percent of consumers actually web-connecting their Internet-ready components, not just Smart TVs but Blu-ray players, audio/video receivers, etc. That number is only expected to increase.

We live in a world where fewer and fewer of us seem to be doing only one thing at a time, and the technology is now here to effectively multitask even as we spend who-knows-howmany hours on the sofa, engaged in heretofore unproductive leisure-time activities. Surely some of us have taken to checking our smartphone or using a tablet or even a laptop computer while watching TV, perhaps while sitting next to a loved one who was wrapped up in a show not of our choosing. Could multiple simultaneous activities up on the screen lead to a newfound sense of community during “family time”? This is also the age of instant gratification, and the Internet streaming of movies and TV shows from services such as the ubiquitous Netflix is a compelling supplement to over-the-air offerings or even the most robust cable and satellite cuisine.

cure for buyer's remorse Loving your current TV but kicking yourself for investing in a model with neither WiFi nor a network port? Not to worry: We can add an aftermarket box that supplies a full complement of web-enabled activities, and plug it into the television as an alternate source via an open HDMI jack. The current generation of app-enabled Blu-ray players will bring some of the aforementioned

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Continued from pg. XX

goodies, but might be limited in their depth of choices. Products we’ve seen from Western Digital, Roku, VIZIO and others take a more agnostic approach, bringing games, endless music and support for an array of subscription video services. Despite an up-and-down 2011, Netflix is still the go-to source for video streaming; popular challengers, such as Hulu and VUDU, are other sources.

Could a compact, inexpensive device that bridges the gap between our present display and the World

Wide Web be considered “cheating” the smartness into our TV, a process akin to hiring some sophomore from the chess club to take your SATs for you? In truth, the set-top box from our cable or satellite service provider might already have some brainy bonuses built in, starting with their own version of movies-on-demand. Heck, even the sophisticated program guides they incorporate are pretty darned intelligent. So the upheaval has begun, and we’re likely reaping some of the benefits today.

tomorrow What further proof do we need of how far the television has evolved?

There are full-sized touch screens on the way, for those who can afford the significant increase in the sticker price for such a major hardware upgrade. But what better way to play a big-as-life round of Angry Birds in the living room? That’s right: Someday soon, the TV might just come to resemble a gigantic smartphone that we can hang on the wall. And yes, it can make calls, too.

SPRING 2012

21

SEATTLE MARINERS 1995 A rookie in Grunge-town, USA “There’s an underground that used to be 2012 acrossMARCH from the Kingdome—a block and a half away. It was called The Underground, and you had to go underground to get into it. That was a great place because all those grunge bands—anybody who was anybody in Seattle—went through there.”

xx

MILWAUKEE BREWERS 1996-1997 County Stadium was the place for Brats “We used to get brats during rain delays, and it’d be fun sometimes, especially when they were long rain delays. We’d have some cold delays. It was freezing, and we’d have to wait for it to warm up to play.”

2004-2005 Fresh Fish in Emerald City “You have to go to Pike Place Market. I lived real close to Pike Place Market. My wife and I, we’d go there for breakfast. We’d go there for lunch. We’d hang out. We got to know some of the fish guys. I still order fish from them to this day.”

COLORADO ROCKIES 2001 Wacky Rocky Mountain weather

SAN DIEGO PADRES 1995-1996

“Craziest weather I’ve ever played in. One day it started the game 80 degrees, and by the sixth inning it was 39. The weather is very drastic up there so it’s not just the high altitude.”

Sunny and sandy San Diego “I loved going to Del Mar, or if I had a couple of hours, go down to Pacific Beach—PB they called it. That was a great area to go watch the surfers.”

HOUSTON ASTROS 2001 Don’t mess with Texas...

Ron Villone's CONTINENTAL

CROSSINGS

WRITTEN BY

JUSTIN DAVIDSON

Ron Villone has lived in his fair share of zip codes. The now retired left-handed hurler and Bergenfield High School grad has pitched for 12 different major league franchises, and tied for second-most all-time. Talk of the Town recently chatted with Villone about the sites, sounds, tastes and smells of each city from Seattle, where it all began, to Washington, D.C., where the Villone Express finally reached the end of the line.

“Their seventh inning stretch is ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas.’ Not one or two fans sing.

Everybody in the whole stadium sings.”

2003 Bigger and better barbecue in Texas “Their portions were always huge, and they’ve got great barbecue, too. It didn’t matter where you went. They take pride in their barbeque. Since I’ve retired over the last year or two, I’ve started to pick up barbecue, and I pay attention to what a lot of people from Texas do.”

CINCINNATI REDS 1999-2000 A journey to baseball’s beginnings “One of the things I remember is the Reds being the oldest baseball franchise—the first professional baseball franchise, from 1869. You have a lot of old-timers and a lot of old fans and a lot of good history there.”

CLEVELAND INDIANS 1998 The fans and the field “Everybody was all about ‘The Tribe’, as they call themselves. The stadium, Jacobs Field, was just the coolest place.

At that time it was unique and rare.”

NEW YORK YANKEES 2006-2007 Pinstripe state of mind

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 2008 The Red Sea at Busch Stadium “When I say this I mean it: It’s a sea of red. Everybody in St. Louis is wearing red.

The stadium has red seats. It’s red all over the place, and there’s nothing like it in any other place.”

PITTSBURGH PIRATES 2002

“Six years old, my first game I went to, I saw a young guy named Ron Guidry pitch, and he was just coming up for the first time. He ended up doing some great things. In 1978, he had one of the best seasons a pitcher ever had. Ironically, 30 years later, in 2006, I’m playing for the Yankees and he’s my pitching coach.

“The pinstripes, it’s not just legendary by their tradition and stuff, but you feel that something takes you over when you put on the pinstripes and you’re walking through the gates getting into the stadium. There’s no other place like it in the world.”

The sandwich of a lifetime “You want to go to Primanti Brothers if you want a sandwich in Pittsburgh—no ifs, ands or buts. I think I had a good six or seven different kinds in my time there.”

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

2009

Coming to a close in the nation’s capital

FLORIDA MARLINS 2005 Kickin’ back at the Delano, and livin’ it up in South Beach “I’ve been to the Delano several times and it is great. It’s graceful. It’s sleek. It’s chic. It’s just a really great place to go and relax. At night, South Beach is a vibrant and exciting city. It’s fun. The nightlife— it’s got a European Latin feel, and it’s American too. No place in this country is like it.”

“Georgetown was great. When I say great, I mean spectacular. The people—the feeling you get walking up and down the street. Every once in a while you see some people stargazing a little bit, and you never know who’s going to show up. But it also has the great old colonial feel and you feel patriotic almost walking around Georgetown.”

Map courtesy of nationalatlas.gov

SPRING 2012

23

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

with DAVID

BURKE JUSTIN DAVIDSON AND BRANDON GOLDSTEIN WRITTEN BY

26

SPRING 2012

W

e were both hungry, and hungry. Hungry because this is the opportunity you wait for, that interview that doesn’t come around every day, and hungry, because, well, we hadn’t eaten all day in preparation for the interview.

Once inside David Burke Townhouse, one of the Upper East Side’s hippest restaurants, all we could do was grin and look out in wonder at the décor. A chandelier constructed only with frosted glasses, which Chef Burke saw while in China and loved. A wall made entirely of salt, patent pending. Medieval adornments abound.

All we could do was wait impatiently to find out more about the king of this culinary castle.

Enter Chef David Burke.

Chef Burke doesn’t do simple. It’s not in his vocabulary. The man likes his lobsters and octopi angry, and his oatmeal cooked with goat’s milk. Goatmeal, he calls it.

He doesn’t serve cheesecake by the slice. Instead, Burke prefers the classic New York dessert in lollipop form held by a metallic tree and served with bubblegum whipped cream. And a Burke burger has got to have balls. I’m not talking about giving it a “kick” like Emeril might; Burke has actually developed a burger with testicle meat. Put your skepticism aside. It is bound to be delectaball, pun most certainly intended.

“We put five percent testicle meat in there, and we’re going to probably serve or sell pickled testicles to serve with it like skewered on top or sliced,” explained Burke with a giddy grin. Here we were, sitting down for dinner

and drinks with a man who isn’t new to the game, but never stops reinventing himself.

The eponymous Townhouse was the chef ’s first restaurant opening. Burke took the leap of faith back in 2003, and since then his brand has exploded.

“I was ready to kick ass,” said Burke. “I had a good crew.” His crew now rolls about 600 deep. Since Townhouse, Burke has also opened the restaurant at Bloomingdale’s, as well as Fishtail a few blocks away, creating a Burke-opoly of sorts on Upper East Side fine dining. In February 2011, the Hazlet, New Jersey, native, son of a New York City subway driver and a nurse’s aide, opened David Burke Kitchen at the James Hotel in SoHo. “Putting your own money into a concept in New York City with your name on it takes some balls,” noted Burke, who also has restaurants in Chicago, New Jersey and Foxwoods.

Chef Burke is inspiring. As we sat with him, it was clear his mind was moving a thousand miles a minute, already thinking of his next great creation, his newest project. He still has that glint of excitement in his eyes. He’s truly passionate about what he is doing, a sentiment that easily rubs off on everyone around him.

The Jersey Shore chef has come a long way from delivering papers, cutting lawns and washing dishes. Still, he’s the same Burke—funny, inventive, whimsical and never too serious. For instance, as a 20-year-old kid coming out of the Culinary Institute of America in 1982, Burke had the opportunity to cook for the richest man in Norway, an oil magnate. The King’s chef was his assistant. Prince Charles visited once.

“He had a helicopter,” recalled Burke. “I’m like ‘who the fuck is this guy?’”

Burke cooked up some prime rib that day. Delicious, of course, but Burke’s boss said to lay low on the large portions. Europeans apparently can’t handle the same quantities that we can.

Not a problem here. For us, it seemed like the food would never stop coming, and we were more than fine with that. Plates empty and bellies full, we were nowhere near the Cheesecake Lollipop Tree and Warm Drunken Donut finale. A gracious host, Chef Burke wanted to be sure we tried everything. We happily obliged. The pride he poured into his food was evident by the many smiling patrons throughout.

Burke has been committed to reaching this point and higher since the day he took his first cooking class in Jersey. When he was doing his internship in Dallas while still in school, Burke (jokingly in better shape back then) would walk six miles home after work.

“I was so dedicated to making this thing work,” said Burke.

Finding inspiration at every stop on his trek, Burke has used each opportunity to create innovative dishes.

While a chef at the River Cafe in Brooklyn back in the ’80s, Burke created a chocolate Brooklyn Bridge, which they still serve there to this day.

The River Cafe also led to another invention: pastrami Continued on pg. 28

Take it from these writers who have had more than their fair share of lox and nosh—pastrami salmon is freakin’ phenomenal.

Burke, who has had what it takes since that very first class, never acts surprised about his success.

“I knew I was onto something because I had no fear,” Burke confessed.

Maybe the only thing living in fear in a Burke kitch dishes. While a chef at the River Cafe in Brooklyn back ’80s, Burke created a chocolate Brooklyn Bridge, which they still serve there to this day.

The River Cafe also led to another invention: salm Continued on pg. XX

THE PUNOLOGY of DAVID BURKE Goatmeal: Oatmeal prepared using goat’s milk

Cowamari: A dish made with cow

aortas, which looks similar to calamari

Tequila Mockingbird: A cocktail of

Centenario Reposado tequila, St. Germain liqueur, grapefruit and rosemary syrup

Spicy Lamburger: A traditional burger, but made with lamb

Drunken Donuts: Fill the donut of

your desire with the “drunken” syrup of your choice

Ball Brecker: Breckenridge Bourbon,

neat with a grape garnish

MARCH 2012

xx

Continued from pg. 27

Burke Bytes Bread and butter... Salt Salt and pepper... Lemon Apples and oranges... Grapes Meat and potatoes... Women New York... Chicago The Shore... Women Upper East Side... Park Avenue SoHo... Heart Fishermen... Boots Farmers... Cows Butchers... Cows Chefs... Wild guys and girls JFK... Annoying Cabs... Like ‘em The Subway... Better than ever Parking... Expensive Relaxing... Fantastic The Giants... Love ‘em My mother... Love her My family... I don’t know your family!

28

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salmon. Take it from these writers who have had more than their fair share of lox and nosh—pastrami salmon is freakin’ phenomenal.

Burke, who has had what it takes since that very first class, never acts surprised about his success.

“I knew I was onto something because I had no fear,” Burke confessed.

Maybe the only thing living in fear in a Burke kitchen is the poor lobster awaiting his fate as an “Angry Lobster,” an end involving being sawed apart by Burke’s chefs before being fried in chili oil.

“Eventually we put it on a bed of nails and pour this beautiful sauce over it,” Burke said as Guns N’ Roses played from the speakers at Townhouse. We all let out a laugh as we listened more closely to the classic rock soundtrack. David Burke’s restaurants truly defy every “fine dining” norm.

Burke has done a wonderful job of making his restaurants inviting, yet intimate, attractive, but not pretentious.

His egg creature designs pop up around Townhouse. A Humpty Dumpty figure sits at the end of the top-shelf of the bar, almost about to fall off.

Kitchen, where we also had the opportunity to eat, abounds in homey and rustic personal touches. Large portraits of local farmers and fishermen—holding everything from cheese and wine to fish—adorn the walls.

Burke buys food from these people. It’s a simple yet subtle “thanks” to those who supply Burke with the ingredients for his many works of art. Kitchen’s ceiling is made from parts of an old New Hampshire barn roof.

But at the end of the day, it’s all about the food. Always pleasing to the palette and curiously attractive to the eye, Burke’s cuisine has even had customers dating after meeting at his restaurants.

“If you’re sitting 14 inches from somebody, you want my kind of food in front of you because you’ll say, ‘Hey, I got to ask you, what is that? I don’t mean to be nosy, but Continued on pg. 30

One day all hospitals will operate this way.

Introducing our new Hybrid Surgical Suite Technology as advanced as our expert care: combining an operating room and an imaging suite, where cardiac patients can be diagnosed and treated at the same time. Today, minimally invasive and open procedures can be performed more easily and with greater precision. Using the most advanced imaging systems, our highly trained, multi-disciplinary surgical teams view information on LED screens, visualizing the surgical process in real time and fine detail. The result – optimized performance through the combination of the best in radiologic technology and open or endovascular procedures. Our addition of the Hybrid Surgical Suite will enable our comprehensive cardiac services program to continue to deliver among the best patient outcomes in the country.

Dr. Joseph De Gregorio; Dr. Richard S. Goldweit; Dr. James J. Klein; Dr. Jeffrey S. Matican; Dr. Adam G. Arnofsky

Continued from pg. 28

can I have a piece?’”

Chef ’s attention to detail and passion for his work trickles down throughout the Burke Empire. He encourages experimenting and takes every idea seriously. How could a “burger with balls” come to be otherwise? His confidence in his “crew” fosters the exciting and warm ambience that culminates in the perfect dining experience.

With more restaurants on the horizon, Burke is always working, and sometimes goes days, weeks even, without going home to Fort Lee (though he doesn’t deny that this could be the site of a new culinary venture).

Exploration is infinite. The intrepid chef said that at some point he just wants to head off for a few months—kind of like when he traveled through Europe in his early 20s with nothing but a backpack. This time, he’ll do it with a little more style, but the same open mind.

While time will only tell what brilliant culinary creations he will bring back with him, rest assured of one thing: Burke—with his winning mix of drive, fearlessness and confidence—is nowhere near finished.

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PICKS

What To

WATCH For Bovet Cambiano Chronograph Less than a year after causing a sensation with the launch of the Tourbillon OTTANTA, developed and manufactured to mark the 80th anniversary of Pininfarina, Bovet continues its partnership with the famous design house and presents the Chronograph Cambiano edition 2011. The complexity of the multilayered, partially skeletonized dial is simplified by the monochromatic gray color scheme.

The 45mm steel case combines circular satin finish and black DLC coating. The chronograph push pieces, positioned at 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock, are designed to resemble an accelerator while the chronograph seconds are shown via Bovet’s signature serpentine hand.

Bovet craftsmen employed all of their expertise and experience to accurately convey the intent of the Italian designers and create a dial of spellbinding technical complexity.

Glashutte Original Seventies Panorama Date Glashutte Original’s German heritage is reflected in the quality, precision and reliability of its timepieces. With the Seventies collection, the brand celebrates the spirit of an unforgettable decade with retro styling rooted in authentic watchmaking traditions. The Seventies Panorama Date reflects the streamlined, flowing, aerodynamic design sensibility of the decade that inspired it. The distinctive shape of the gradated blue dial (also available in galvanized silver or ruthenium), and stainless steel case and bracelet are inherently simple yet fascinating. The bracelet is designed for ultimate comfort and easy adjustment thanks to a patented mechanism exclusive to Glashutte Original. The handcrafted automatic movement is clearly visible through the sapphire caseback.

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devoted to making your special day

everything you dreamed it would be...

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W

e are committed to providing each client, friend and family member with an unrivaled experience of a lifetime. Hosting only one elegant event at a time and having over twenty years of experience allows us to provide each of our valued patrons with individual service, affair customization and keen attention to detail. As guests of our facility, we feel you deserve nothing less.

The warmth, comfort and charm of The Estate offers a truly unique setting for your most special day. Our Georgianstyle mansion boasts expansive gardens, spacious and elegant rooms and décor, world-class cuisine and expert and courteous staff.

At The Estate, we are devoted to making your special day everything you dreamed it would be… and much more. We would love the opportunity to be a part of your beautiful beginning, your wonderful journey and a day you will remember for a lifetime.

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PICKS

Ulysse Nardin Freak Diavolo An evolution of the iconic Freak—a game changer in haute horology—the Freak Diavolo follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, showcasing unrivaled advancements in technology, materials and design. Due to the ultramodern, minimalist and unconventional design of the Freak’s tourbillon carrousel—one that possessed no true dial, crown or hands—and being the first timepiece to successfully present escapement wheels constructed of silicium, a revolutionary material at the time, the Freak forever changed the course of haute horology. The Freak Diavolo pays tribute to the original Freak’s pioneering spirit by expanding its use of silicium and taking its tourbillon to new heights. Named after its devilish-looking power reserve backing, with its red “horns” and black cloak-like backdrop, the Freak Diavolo is the cleverest of timepiece creations.

Performance is further amplified through its application of cutting-edge technology, such as photolithography. And the Freak Diavolo reveals another development in the Freak family: a flying tourbillon that indicates the seconds, as well as two new ball-bearing systems and a balance-wheel concept and design.

Blancpain Villeret Half-Hunter Half-Timezone While Blancpain refuses to manufacture a quartz watch or deviate from expressing time in a circle, the brand continues to innovate and master every complication. Its new Villeret Demi-Fuseau Horaire not only offers a dual time zone model, but also accommodates half-hour time zone adjustments. Blancpain has made a typically complex complication incredibly user-friendly thanks to its new Calibre 5254DF automatic mechanism. The wearer turns the crown to adjust time, date and the second time zone, and operates the pusher for the half-hour corrections. The movement is visible through the sapphire case-back of its 40mm round red gold case.

Red-gold hour markers accent the opaline dial and the classic look is finished with an alligator strap.

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PICKS

Audemars Piguet With its new Millenary 4101, Audemars Piguet has designed a watch for those who truly appreciate the movement of a timepiece.

The watchmakers cleverly engineered the structure of the new Calibre 4101 in such a way that what is usually concealed in the back of the case is now visible from the front. The movement hosts 12 bridges and is beautifully hand-finished, creating a stunning spectacle at the 9 o’clock position. Like the other watches in the Millenary collection, this model retains the signature ovalshaped case. In this model, the case is 47mm wide by 42mm tall—a substantial size to offer proper appreciation of the movement design. The offset subdial with applied pink gold numerals presents the hours and minutes, while a smaller round subdial presents the seconds. The layered effect is visually interesting without interfering with visibility of the movement. Available in stainless steel or pink gold, the Millenary 4101 demonstrates both technical and design prowess.

Harry Winston “Rugged” may not be the immediate association one has with Harry Winston, but its Project Z timepieces have certainly earned that description. The case is made of a special metal called Zalium, a zirconium-based alloy that is ultra lightweight, resilient and highly resistant to corrosion. An ideal watch-making material, it also provides a masculine gunmetal finish. In the newest introduction to the Project Z series, the 44mm Zalium case has a black diamondlike carbon treatment that further enhances durability and creates a dramatic look, especially when paired with the black rubber strap. The Z-6 Black Edition, limited to 300 pieces, includes a rare 24-hour alarm function that is set by the crown and activated using a repeater-style trigger at the 4 o’clock position. The dial has an intriguing layered look, with overlapping discs displaying the hours and minutes and the alarm, plus two day/night indicators, and a shuriken displaying the seconds.

Samples courtesy of The Timepiece Collection SPRING 2012

35

LAY OF THE

LAND

WRITTEN BY

HEATHER KNAPP

These landscaping tips are sure to provide you with a great head start on your spring garden.

A

s the month of March progresses, you will begin to notice spring’s first plants and bulbs—witch hazel, snowdrops, crocus, Lenten rose, forsythia, hyacinth, early daffodils and vinca. There are few pleasures as renewing and re-energizing as enjoying the sight of those first buds sprouting up in anticipation of full and fragrant flowering. Vincas, vibrant in blues and purples, look stunning alongside bright yellow daffodils and all of the rest of the festive spring favorites that spread an expansive sea of color throughout your garden landscape.

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The welcome signs of spring will also be evident at your local hardware and garden centers. Packed with early season perennials, annuals and forced bulbs, these garden lover’s havens offer numerous ways to liven up your own garden with an early spring punch. For instance, to add interest to areas currently still stuck in winter mode, try arranging some of your colorful live purchases into planters carefully selected and placed in key focal areas throughout your garden.

It is never too early to start working on your garden. Many people make the common mistake of waiting

for the warmer months before beginning to tend to their yards. March is the time to spring into action. Plan now, enjoy later. Setting up your gardens, doing some corrective pruning and tipping back trees and shrubs, laying down fertilizer and splitting early perennials should all be items you take care of as soon as the opportunity arises. Use March to get ahead of the season, so when the beautiful, warm days arrive, you will be able to enjoy your yard to its fullest.

While springtime is often associated with removing the accumulated clutter in your home, it’s also when you should take advantage of the end of the dormant season to clean up outside as well. Save the inside for a rainy day! Rake out the thatch from your lawn, redefine those bed edges, and clean up the broken winter damage.

Early spring is the time to start pruning all of your ornamentals, shade trees and woody plants. Start accessing the winter damage and instituting a plan for what needs to be done. It is also a fantastic time to split perennials.

With a little extra labor, one plant can be split into four, helping to make your landscape lusher and healthier.

Arranging all of your care programs is another priority. Setting a garden strategy allows you to plan and budget for what you would like to see in your garden for the upcoming season. Everything—from chemical care

To establish a winning game plan for you and your home garden this spring season, consult with a landscape professional, such as the experts at Scenic Landscaping. Located in northern New Jersey, Scenic Landscaping specializes in property care and maintenance, as well as designing and installing outdoor living spaces, and can provide all of the resources to ensure the very best for your home and garden.

Continued on pg. 38

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37

LAY

OF THE

LAND

Continued from pg. 37

and I.P.M. (Integrated Pest Management) programs for your lawns, trees and shrubs to maintenance and garden service programs—should be planned out now. A little early and preventative planning will go a long way and show in the results of the summer months to come.

You might not see the signs of damage made by common pests over the winter on your trees and shrubs.

But they’re likely to be there and, even more likely, more are sure to be on their way. Preventative actions can work wonders for your garden so act now to suppress any potential issues with what was hiding throughout the winter causing damage. Establish a preventative program and spray schedule; make sure to decide upon and carry it out before beginning any gardening activity. When selecting treatment options, consider that dormant oils are safe alternatives to the harsher chemicals necessary to treat pest infestations once the problems manifests in the warmer months. The former provide an organic ap-

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proach to eliminate larva and insects that have been hiding inside of your plants.

Plants and trees do not require much water at this stage. With the cool evenings and abundant ground moisture, little additional water is necessary, making it an ideal time for planting, fertilizing and over-seeding those bare patches on your lawn. Now is the time to kick start your plants. You do not want to miss the window of opportunity that early spring moisture provides to help your yard to benefit in the coming months.

Knowing that your property is taken care of early on in the season affords you more leisure time to enjoy other outdoor pursuits. Time to fire up the grill and turn on the heat to your hot tub or spa for a relaxing soak on a star-filled, crisp night. Winding down after a busy day in front of an outdoor fireplace with friends and family, and admiring the colors that are budding throughout your yard are one of the sweet perks of early springtime.

Proving every day that “impossible” is just an opinion.

At Hackensack University Medical Center we’ve designed an environment that allows medical innovation to flourish. By recruiting top doctors and giving them the freedom to push research and treatments beyond traditional thinking.

And creating an entire campus of care with building after building to take on everything from cancer and heart disease to neurological disorders. This is a place where people turn when they need a physician who is driven to make the impossible, possible.

Discover how one of the nation’s top 50 hospitals can help you at HackensackUMC.org. To find a doctor call 855-996-WELL (9355).

® 2011 Hackensack University Medical Center

Classé: In a Class All Its Own WRITTEN BY

DAVE NAUBER

This cutting-edge business is providing tomorrow’s high performance entertainment systems for today’s most discriminating audiophiles.

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SPRING 2012

41

Classé: In a Class All Its Own

C

Classé DR-2 circa 1980

lassé was founded in 1980 as a partnership between an engineer and an audiophile who shared a passion for music and high fidelity sound. In the more than 30 years since, an explosion of technology and creativity has spawned a digital revolution in consumer electronics that has reshaped how we live. What we can do and how we do it seems to change by the day, but what hasn’t changed in the last 30, or even 3,000 years, is the way music and theater can touch our souls. It is this innate human reaction that transcends technology and fuels the passion that still drives Classé.

The ancient art forms of music and theater have themselves been transformed by technology. First, the miracle of recording allowed us to capture performances and replay them. The pursuit of high fidelity began with these earliest recordings as enthusiasts sought to render the sound of playback as true to the original as possible. Today, technology brings its own influence in the form of electronic instruments, mixing, sampling and effects that create sounds electronically. The challenge for modern music and theater systems is to harness technology to faithfully reproduce the full range of sounds that are contained in a recording, regardless of how they originated.

To meet the challenge, Classé maintains a design team of talented and experienced engineers at its headquarters in Lachine, QC, Canada, just outside Montréal. Their expertise guides the development process and coordinates the efforts of key technology partners. Their efforts have produced some of the finest audio components ever made, praised for their performance and valued for their quality; none more so than the current range of Classé amplifiers and preamp/processors. Each of these components gives back to its owner a priceless return on investment, measured against years of immeasurable enjoyment and entertainment. Classé appoints local professionals, like the staff of Talk of the Town, to help you design and install a high-performance entertainment system that delivers on this promise.

Classé Design

Antonio Stradivari is famously known for the fine violins he made in the early 18th century. As accomplished as he undoubtedly was at making violins, Stradivari’s skills did not extend to clarinets, trumpets or timpani. He specialized. Stradivari had no better option than to make his instruments the way he did. It was a time-consuming task Continued on pg. 44

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Classé: In a Class All Its Own Continued from pg. 42

that depended on skills honed over a lifetime of making instruments. The value of Stradivarius instruments in the present day is a celebration of his craft as much as it is an acknowledgement of the instruments’ rarity and exquisite performance.

Stradivari had no inkling of the coming industrial revolution or how Thomas Edison’s subsequent inventions of the phonograph and motion picture camera would transform how we create and enjoy music and theater. The march of technology is inexorable, accelerating, changing more in our lifetimes than in the nearly 200 years that separated Stradivari from Edison. Today, much of what we listen to owes its sound more to digital signal processing (DSP) than to wood, varnish and glue. In consumer electronics, the very concept of craftsmanship is migrating from the organic to the cerebral. The true craft is in ensuring performance, reliability and repeatability by carefully thinking through the design details and properly utilizing modern manufacturing equipment.

Stradivari produced instruments that were each unique in their own way. The goal at Classé is to design and build components that can reproduce every detail and subtle nuance in the sound of those individual instruments. To do that faithfully, each model we build must itself be reproducible, identical to the ones built before and after it.

Achieving both high performance and consistency requires world-class design. The Classé Design team employs experts across the spectra of electronic hardware and software disciplines, periodically engaging specialists in other fields.

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They know their business, and their craft is evident in the quality of components that bear the Classé name.

The Classé product lineup consists of four amplifiers, a surround sound preamp/processor and a stereo preamp/processor. The iconic Delta series chassis design suggests both power and grace. Touchscreen control makes for simple and flexible operation while the amplifiers’ proprietary ICTunnel™ cooling system gives a combination of performance and placement flexibility that no other high-end amplifier can match. For custom theater installations, the SSP and amplifiers are available in special CT series chassis, which are purposedesigned for the challenging environment of the equipment rack. The electronics inside CT series models are identical to those found in their Delta series counterparts. If you want to experience the full range of sound

from today’s recordings, the Classé preamp/processors and amplifiers are simply in a class by themselves.

We have come a long way since the days of Antonio Stradivari. The Classé DR-2, launched in 1980, was an analog amplifier, akin to a handmade acoustic instrument. In that era, people could and did build amplifiers like it on their kitchen tables.

Since then, the evolution of digital technology and modern manufacturing techniques has rendered the possibility of building a Classé component anywhere other than a modern electronics manufacturing facility quite impossible. There are those that cling to the old ways out of ignorance or necessity, but the Classé Design team is moving ahead, developing the technology and accepting the challenge of creating the world’s most valued and highest performance audio components.

CUSTOM CLOSETS

HOME THEATHERS

BATHROOM VANITITES

KITCHENS & LIBRARIES

ARCHITECTURAL MOLDING

Marut Custom Interior Woodworking Inc. specializes in custom kitchen and bath cabinets, home theaters, home offices and media centers. We are well known for our high quality standards in the fabrication of architectural woodwork in the New York Tri-state area. With our team of highly talented woodworkers trained in the traditional European techniques and our passion and spirit for fine woodwork, we are able to offer original designs custom made to your specific needs and style.

814 River Drive Elmwood Park NJ 07407 201-247-1615 www.marutwoodworking.com Photography by Phillip Ennis / Room Design by Barbara Ostrom Associates

LARK

STREET

MUSIC PLAYING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES WRITTEN BY

HELENE COHEN

A mecca for musicians, this Teaneck vintage guitar shop is striking a harmonious chord in today’s American music culture.

L

ark Street is a historic street in Albany, New York, full of shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and a diversity of art galleries and brownstone residences.

In a twist of fate, this popular Albany street brought history to New Jersey when, in 1999, Bernard Levine moved his family and his vintage guitar business, Lark Street Music, to 479 Cedar Lane in Teaneck.

In an era where music superstores entice customers with foreignmade instruments, Levine—considered by many to be at the forefront of a Renaissance in repairing and building hand-crafted instruments and guitars—owes a large part of his success to the fact that he is one of the few dealers who handles vintage string instruments, primarily American-made. Buzzy, as Levine is nicknamed, has been buying, selling and handling fine string instruments and

guitars for more than three decades.

When asked about the longevity of Lark Street Music, Steve Devito, the store manager, replied, “We’re fortunate enough to be around one of America’s great contributions to the world—American guitars. American guitars are some of the best artifacts our country has to offer.”

“They are still top of the list and guitarists covet American guitars in a way that is similar to how violinists would covet an Italian violin,” Buzzy added.

Lark Street Music’s clientele list is as interesting as the vintage guitars that come its way. Along with local musicians and shoppers, high-profile musicians number among the store’s steady stream of customers. Last fall, Jackson Browne stopped by and, before making a purchase, was reacquainted with his old Jazzmaster guitar, which Buzzy had acquired years

ago. A week later, Walter Becker of Steely Dan arrived looking for a new pedal to enhance the sound of his guitar. At any given time, the store’s door swings open to the likes of Gaslight Anthem, Bucky Pizzarelli, Leslie West, Billy Gibbons, Peter Wolf, Jeff Tweedy, Keith Urban, Tom Petty, Robert Plant and Eric Clapton.

At times the door swings in the opposite direction. At the artists’ request, Buzzy will travel to places where artists are performing, bringing instruments they may be interested in. “I visited with Keith Richards at Radio City Music Hall and sold him a white Gibson ES345,” Buzzy recalled. “In the Martin Scorsese movie on the Rolling Stones, Shine a Light, Richards is featured playing that Gibson.”

“It’s a small vintage guitar world,” Buzzy explained, “so another aspect of the business is rentals.” ReContinued on pg. 48

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SPRING 2012

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Enjoy access to multiple sources and a minimal, elegant design that really is easy to use and easy to live with.

SOUND NEVER LOOKED BETTER Introducing M6 – a loudspeaker developed through an inspired approach to contemporary design by Meridian, world leaders in state-of-the-art audio and video home entertainment systems. From its slim, soft shape and gentle taper to the use of non-reflective finishes, the first impression given by M6 is intentionally not that of a loudspeaker. However, M6 is the epitome of a Meridian DSP Loudspeaker, with all the features that make them unique in their ability to combine superb sound with elegant design that’s at home in any room. Attractive as a sculpture in its own right, M6 has a circular footprint and pleasing lines that you will admire and enjoy from all angles. Sitting discreetly under the precision-machined aluminium top-cap that highlights each M6 loudspeaker is an elegant 360° diffused light ‘halo’, that indicates whether the loudspeaker is active or in standby.

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Continued from pg. 46

From Left: Leslie West (Mountain), Walter Becker (Steely Dan), Jimmy Vivino

cently, M. Ward rented an autoharp for a performance and when Crosby, Stills and Nash needed equipment for an East Coast gig, they rented from Lark Street Music. The movie industry also has come calling, renting guitars and equipment for the production of the movie Cadillac Records, which featured Mos Def as Chuck Berry.

“Recently we have been getting calls to be a part of a reality television show,” Buzzy mentioned.

It’s not surprising that there’s so much interest. Who wouldn’t be fascinated by the stories behind the scenes? After all, the transactions that transpire and the magic that follows guitars with history, as well as the musicians inspired to play them, are all part of a harmonious, distinctly American sound that’s heard loud and clear in the hallowed walls of Lark Street Music.

When asked about his favorite moments in the business, Buzzy replied, “I like having the opportunity to get these guitars with so much

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history come through to our hands.

To get an original guitar with documented provenance is a thrill. A few months ago a D’Angelico guitar was brought in by the son of the original owner to be sold. His dad bought it in 1958 from D’Angelico, who had a guitar shop on Kenmare Street in New York City. The receipt showed a credit to the buyer of $25 because D’Angelico liked his father’s name.”

It’s moments like these that resonate the most deeply with Buzzy and store manager Devito.

“At this point we remember in the ’70s playing new Martins thinking ‘what’s wrong with these?’ We believed used guitars were better; they sounded so much better,” said Buzzy. “We were referencing them from the 1940s and ’50s Martin guitars that were only 30 years old at the time and now a 1970s Martin sounds really good. It’s an amazing thing to witness the process of how wood ages, leading to the science of why old guitars sound better.”

“There’s a big demand for Amer-

ican guitars,” Buzzy continued. “For us to see them all the time and bring them back to life to be shared is exciting.”

Long before Lark Street Music was a reality, Buzzy, as a young child growing up in Massachusetts, studied the cello with an old man who had himself been a student of the great 19th century composer Antonin Dvorák. It seems fitting that the spirit of this master musician, who lived in New York City for part of his career and influenced the development of an American style of music among his contemporaries, should be entwined with Buzzy’s early roots. For today—following that honored, earlier tradition— Buzzy and his business continue playing a part in the evolution of America’s musical heritage.

Offering one remarkable musical instrument after another, and personalized quality service and attention, Buzzy and his staff have created a shop that Antonin Dvorák would no doubt have frequented and treasured were he around today.

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PTOYOTA

spring

It Looks Like

Psycho Bunny Polos Available at Sal Lauretta

Alberto linen pants Eton floral linen shirts Available at Vero Uomo 52

SPRING 2012

Pal Zileri white pants Verri navy polo Mauro Tozzi blue suede belt Available at Papillon

Cole Haan driver Cole Haan casual sneaker Available at Kian Matthews Continued on pg. 54

Urology Center of Englewood The Urology Center of Englewood is a group of board certified urologists with expertise in all aspects of male and female urologic disorders. We are committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality of care possible in a modern, comfortable environment, with respect for the unique issues of all our patients.

Specific goals of our practice include: - Readily accessible appointments and same day availability for emergent add-ons.

- Innovative treatments with emphasis on non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques including laser and laparoscopic surgery.

- Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, we strive to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all our treatment plans as a way to alleviate possible future difficulties. Special emphasis on patient involvement and education including preventative and nutritional strategies for urologic diseases such as prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, stones, erectile dysfunction and male infertility.

- Active participation in national multi-institutional research trials studying new drugs or innovative surgical techniques including robotic surgery, laser surgery, cystoscopy, and minimally invasive procedures.

phone: 201.816.1900

fax: 201.816.1777

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Continued from pg. 52

Robert Graham swimsuit Zachary Prell (navy) swimsuit Psycho Bunny red cap Available at Sal Lauretta

Vigano’ shorts Eton light multicolored shirt Available at Vero Uomo 54

SPRING 2012

Agave denim jeans Robert Graham orange polo Available at Kian Matthews

Pal Zileri shorts Papillon brown with white lines shirt Bacco Bucci brown shoes Available at Papillon

Robert Graham checkered shorts Nat Nast orange shorts Available at Sal Lauretta

Diesel jeans Robert Graham raspberry polo Available at Sal Lauretta

Pal Zileri light blue blazer Mauro Tozzi blue and brown patterned shirt Zilli jeans Available at Papillon

Pal Zileri salmon blazer Pal Zileri blue and pink line shirt Available at Papillon Continued on pg. 56

SPRING 2012

55

Continued from pg. 55

Robert Graham jeans Bugatchi Uomo blue patterned shirt Mezlan shoe Available at Kian Matthews

Diesel jeans Boss Orange v-neck Available at Sal Lauretta

Pal Zileri blue shoes Available at Vero Uomo Placenza cashmere sweater Falke Lhasa cashmere socks Giorgio Fedon attache case Available at Papillon 56

SPRING 2012

Sal Lauretta 621 Godwin Avenue Midland Park 201-444-1666

Kian Matthew 12 North Dean Street Englewood 201-503-9191

Vero Uomo 26 East Palisade Avenue Englewood 201-894-1424

Papillon The Shops at Riverside Hackensack 201-343-4700

Pal Zileri Spring/Summer 2012

available at Vero Uomo

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THE NEWEST TRENDS

MANCENTRAL Limited Edition McIntosh MC275 Tube Power Amplifier Combining modern convenience and performance enhancements without altering the sound character has helped make this amplifier famous for the past 50 years. A very limited quantity of the special 50th Anniversary Limited Edition McIntosh MC275 has been created for the most discerning of audio connoisseurs. Individuals who are fortunate enough to own this timeless amplifier are certainly among the most sophisticated audio enthusiasts globally. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

Soundcast Outcast Wireless Speaker Experience audio with no boundaries. The OutCast weather-resistant, wireless speaker lets you enjoy rich multidirectional stereo sound throughout your house, in your yard, on your patio and even on your boat. With broadcast range of up to 350 feet, this powerful wireless speaker receives transmissions through walls, floors and ceilings without the hassle of running wires. Just connect your MP3 player, iPod, computer or TV to the docking station and enjoy unmatched premium audio quality—wirelessly.

Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

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What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner?

Author Zach Golden was tired of hearing that age-old question: “What should I make for dinner?” So, he did what every young man these days would: He wrote a book. What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner? answers life’s everyday question in 50 F*@#ing recipes. The recipes offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, but mostly include carnivorously delicious meals. The idea is to make something great and simple while getting a chuckle out of the recipe. Just don’t f*@# it up or dinner will be ruined and it will all be your fault. Available at WTFsiMFD.COM (or Amazon)

Bacon Lube Yes, you read the title correctly. I once said that we couldn’t have a men’s magazine without featuring something bacon-flavored. J&D Foods took that to a whole new level, building a company around man’s favorite porky friend. The leaders in Bacon Salt, brain trust behind Bacon Pop popcorn and founders of Baconnaise have now taken their bacon love outside of the food realm. It would be silly to think they would stop at bacon-flavored Mmmvelopes (how many poor tasting envelopes must a man lick?) and Bacon Lip Balm. No, they have taken it much further with Bacon Lube. I think we can all agree on this one: There’s nothing sexier than a beautiful woman anxiously awaiting her meat-flavored massage. Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any acts of mild violence or angered outbursts following the opening of this gift from your partner. Will make for a good April Fool’s gag gift. Available at JDfoods.net

Meridian M6 Digital Active Speakers The M6 speakers were developed through Meridian’s inspired approach to contemporary design, with all the features that make Meridian DSP Loudspeakers unique, including the performance of a conventional loudspeaker with eight times the physical volume, with all of the necessary electronics hidden in its circular base. Combining superb sound with elegant design, it’s at home in any room. Despite its compact, sculptural appearance, M6 remains true to the founders’ original design ethos: to create the best-sounding loudspeakers in a form that blends seamlessly into your home. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

Continued on pg. 60

SPRING 2012 59

THE NEWEST TRENDS

MANCENTRAL Continued from pg. 59

LUMIS 3D-SOLO This high-end compact 3-chip DLP® home theater 3D single unit projector is the first and only on the Home Theater market to utilize Triple Flash Technology, the same technology chosen by premier cinema theaters to produce natural and fatigue-less images. It is designed for use with large screen sizes (up to 16.5 ft wide). LUMIS 3D-SOLO is a projector that has the ability to be fine-tuned to its surroundings. Whether in the ambient light of a family room or in the light-controlled environment of a Reference Theater, it delivers outstanding onscreen images.

Fine adjustments for all image parameters are available on this projector; professional calibration is highly recommended. It’s about time you put that boring 16.5” wall to use. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

LaunchPort BaseStation A revolutionary way to mount and charge your iPad virtually anywhere, this LaunchPort system consists of a PowerShuttle and any number of Stations. The PowerShuttle is a sleeve-style case that fits onto your iPad; the Station is the mount and charging unit that interacts with the PowerShuttle. The BaseStation allows you to mount your iPad 2 to a tabletop to use and charge. The induction mounting and charging node provides a simple connection point for charging your iPad while still being able to use it. Made of brushed aluminum, the BaseStation sleekly fits on your desk, countertop or night table. A WallStation is also available. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

“Mad Men in the City” at the Legendary Roosevelt Hotel, NYC The setting of several Mad Men episodes, The Roosevelt Hotel NYC celebrates the long-awaited return of the AMC hit series by inviting guests to live a few days in Don Draper’s shoes with “MAD MEN IN THE CITY,” available March 1-June 31, 2012, starting at $425/night. Entering The Roosevelt Hotel’s grand lobby boasting glamour and romance of yesteryear, guests go behind the scenes with sixties-inspired mixers at mad46 or Madison Club Lounge (Draper’s hot spot) and are treated to Mad Men Season 4 on DVD to take home, before going on to spacious accommodations in a newly renovated hotel room. Other perks: an “Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook,” which takes readers inside the characters’ favorite kitchens, restaurants and bars, and tickets to Paley Center for Media where guests enter the Sterling Cooper world and become advertising art directors with sixties-era commercials.

Continued on pg. 62

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roducatilsable at SIM2APre Av

Designing Your Digital Lifestyle

TALK T WN of the

audio • video • automation • home theaters

www.talkofthetownvideo.com

THE NEWEST TRENDS

MANCENTRAL Continued from pg. 60

Tactical Bleeding Zombie Targets Just like mom always says, you can never be too prepared for the next zombie outbreak. Zombie Industries’ zombie targets are life-sized, three-dimensional tactical mannequins that “bleed” when you shoot them, using Zombie Industries’ patent pending proprietary technology. Each Zombie, manufactured in the USA, is hand-painted to accurately resemble an infected human that just finished gnawing your neighbor’s leg. The zombies are filled with biodegradable matter, which makes your post-Rambo style shooting session an easy cleanup. Not for the soft at heart. Neither are guns. Available at zombieindustries.com

Hiod One Having trouble communicating with your biker gang of the motor-less variety? The Hiod One is the world’s first sports communicator with an instant link to your friends, phone calls and music. The Hiod One allows you to speak to five other cyclists, one at a time hundreds of meters apart, all while the handlebar-mounted interface keeps track of vital performance results. It links up with your phone, allowing you to receive phone calls and stream music while the noise reduction technology makes it easy to communicate in a normal speaking tone. Too often we hear horror stories of cyclists led accidentally astray. The good news is those days are behind us. Available at www.bikemania.biz

Klipsch Mode M40 Headphones The last thing you want to hear while you sit in first class is the yapping of the Chihuahua of the person in the seat next to you. First class traveler, meet silence. High-grade leather ear cups create a comfortable listening experience with state-of-the-art active noise canceling for up to 45 hours on a single battery. It can also be used without a battery simply as a stereo headphone.

With a stylish finish that exudes luxury, these headphones are sure to have people asking about them—but you won’t hear a damn thing. Available at Talk of the Town in Allendale.

Continued on pg. 64

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SPRING 2012

LG'S NEXT GENERATION 3D TECHNOLOGY. Want 3D like you get it in the movie theater? Lightweight glasses, cool 3D effects and a great picture experience?

LG's Cinema 3D TV can bring it right into your home. Enjoy easy to use & share 3D glasses, superior picture quality and amazing 3D effects - that's what you get with an LG Cinema 3D experience powered by LG's Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology. LG 3D TVs are available at Talk of The Town. For more information call 201-236-1006.

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iPad App

KP-4000 

MX-5000

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Complete Control Comes Home...

Have you ever wished for a magic little box that controls everything in your home?

Something that enables you to hear your favorite music anywhere in the house, watch your favorite programs, dim lights to match the mood, and shows you who is on your front doorstep — all from the comfort of your couch?

URC brings whole house control to life, making it personal for real people and real homes — every day.

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A magic, seamless solution that connects you with your home and loved ones in a whole new way. Wish no longer, your dream has come true.

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For more information visit www.universalremote.com or contact Talk of The Town.

www.talkofthetownvideo.com

THE NEWEST TRENDS

MANCENTRAL Continued from pg. 62

Espro Press There are two main differences between the Espro Press and a traditional French press. The first is the filter. A standard French Press filter is quite open, so the coffee grinds are swept into your cup, making your drink gritty. The Espro Press filter is vertical, so it goes below the top layer of grinds to where the cleaner coffee is. This lets the Espro Press use a much finer filter. Then, a second, finer filter makes the coffee even cleaner, allowing you to taste the flavors of each single origin bean. Since it is a metal filter, you also get the body and aromatic oils that people love from press coffee.

The second difference is the stainless steel vacuum insulated double walls. Temperature consistency during the brew has a big impact on flavor and the metal helps keep a consistent temperature throughout. The metal pot will serve up delicious cups of coffee while preventing your child from breaking it as with a glass press. Win, win. Available at espro.ca

Roku 2 Streaming Players Although the line continues to blur between consuming media on your TV versus the Internet, there is still a notable separation. Roku 2 Streaming Players blur that line even further. Available in three models—the Roku 2 HD, Roku 2 XD and Roku 2 XS—these players bring popular casual games, including Angry Birds, to the TV. Roku has a large and growing selection of 400+ channels of streaming video and music entertainment; more than 350 channels of streaming entertainment, including movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, EPIX and HBO GO; live and on-demand sports from NBA Game Time, NHL GameCenter Live, MLB.tv and Ultimate Fighting Championship; music from Pandora, MOG, Rdio, Live 365 and TuneIn Radio; photos and videos from Facebook, Flickr and Vimeo; plus news and entertainment from Disney.com, CNBC Real-time, FoxNews.com and AOL HD. At what point do we just stop buying computers? Available at Roku.com

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INTRODUCING THE NEW TOTEM ELEMENT SERIES The new Totem Element Series is in perfect balance between art and science.

Streamlined for all musical genre, it conveys conviction and honesty, while offering enormous scale and presence. Revolutionary in its conception, the Totem Element Series is a true evolutionary step in sound design.

Discover yours at totemacoustic.com

WHAT’S BREWING? Kate Cronauer and Carl Inserra of Brew Circus®

offer the inside scoop on the basics of home brewing.

Every detail matters.

Modern Art. Advanced Engineering.

DELTA SERIES We really do love what we do. We want our audio and video equipment to be flawless and to do things that are nearly impossible. To that end, we spend countless hours listening to component parts, trying different circuit designs and PC board layouts, challenging assumptions about the way a system should operate and fussing over every little detail.

To Classé, every detail matters. When everything is right, your experience will transcend the equipment. The role of the Classé Delta series is simple: we want you to love it so much that you forget about it. Whether enjoying a feature film with family or stealing a few private moments to hear a favorite song, you should be immersed in the experience.

With the Classé Delta series, you can enjoy your favorite entertainers whenever you want. Just think of it — the luxury and convenience of a private performance at home —without having to feed the band!

. Products ClassAere Available at

Designing Your Digital Lifestyle

TALK T WN of the

audio • video • automation • home theaters

www.talkofthetownvideo.com

A

s beer lore has it, Benjamin Franklin has been credited with proclaiming: “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Whether he actually said it or not, we hold this truth to be self-evident. Surely founding a nation could get a bit stressful, so what better than to enjoy a brew with a few of your Founding Father friends? It’s said that Samuel Adams was a brewer himself, motivating a company to begin producing beer in his namesake in 1984.

On January 16, 1919, the 18th Amendment was ratified into the United States Constitution. The manufacture, sale and transportation of intoxicating liquors were prohibited, and the U.S. became dryer than the desert.

However, fast forward to April of 1933 (luckily , we can) and the first step in a complete repeal of the 18th Amendment took hold: The Cullen-Harrison Act allowed for beer with up to a 3.2% alcohol content to once again be made, sold, transported, and best of all, enjoyed by many a thirsting man.

That first day following the repeal, a remarkable 1.5 million barrels of beer were sold. Americans love their beer.

Due in part to commercials depicting huge breweries with house-sized stainless steel equipment, beer is not one of those beverages people think they can make at home. However, they could not be more wrong. A small, but steadily growing cultural movement has begun where people are now making their own home brews. Talk of the Town sat down with Kate Cronauer and Carl Inserra of Brew Circus to get an inside look at what goes in to home brewing. Here is what they had to say: Let’s start with the basics: Beer is made of good clean water, barley, malt and yeast. Most recipes also

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The most popular beers today typically have between 4%-5% ABV (alcohol by volume.) include hops (Humulus), but based on the generally accepted definition of beer, it’s not “required”. Beer is categorized into two types: lager or ale. Which classification a beer falls into is based entirely on the yeast used.

Lagers are brewed with “bottom-fermenting” yeast, which work best at low temperatures ranging from approximately 45° to 60° Fahrenheit (F). Lager yeasts work more slowly at these low temperatures and must be left to ferment for weeks, if not months. The term lager means “to store” in German, and as fermentation reaches completion, the yeast settles to the bottom of the vessel, hence the name. Since lagers are fermented at low temperatures, home brewing becomes more complicated. The fermenting vessel will need to remain at a low constant temperature for the entire lagering period, which usually requires a separate refrigerator solely dedicated to lagering. Lager yeasts—also used to make Pilsners, Marzens and Bocks, to name a few styles—usually have a low ABV (alcohol by volume) of about 2-5%. Lagers are generally characterized by a light straw-like, yellow or gold color with a clean, light, crisp, refreshing and well-carbonated palate. In some cases, there may be hints of citrus, fruits or florals on the nose or tongue, but these qualities are usually well blended and not overly pronounced.

Ales are brewed with “top-fermenting” yeast, which works best at temperatures of roughly 55° to 77° F. During fermentation, the yeast rises to the top of the fermenting vessel and produces fluffy foam. Many styles are brewed with ale yeast, including but definitely not limited to Hefeweizen, wheat beer, saison, India Pale Ale (IPA) and stout. Color, flavor, aroma, carbonation/ mouth feel and ABV have extremely large ranges and infinite combinations in this category.

Don’t ever let anything limit your creativity when experimenting with ales, or even lagers for that matter.

(Even if “they” say lagers are usually brewed traditionally, we say more variety is needed in that category.) If your first beer does not turn out exactly as you wanted, don’t give up! Adjustments can be made while brewing future batches until you get the perfect beer.

Beer is like making tea. You decide the style or flavor profile you’re going for, make an ingredient list and then add each component to a large pot of hot water and let it steep/boil. We’ll give an example of a Brew Circus® recipe brewed right in our apartment. This beer is a bit more adventurous than your average ale or IPA but the results are very pleasing. Using some unconventional ingredients, we gave birth to a wonderfully flavorful and fragrant rosemary-ginger saison.

For home brewing, the basic equipment needed to begin is: -Large boil kettle, at least 5 gallons -Grain bags (hold loose malt like a tea bag) -Long handle stainless steel spoon -Thermometer that reaches at least 200° F -Fermenting bucket with lid or glass carboy and airlock -Bottling bucket

-No-rinse sanitizing solution For our brew, we used the ingredient list that follows. This is just to give you an idea, as recipes can be much simpler or more complex.

Ingredient list: - 1 lb. light crushed Munich barley - 2 tsp. gypsum (used to lower the pH of the water; sometimes referred to as a “clearing agent” because it settles out suspended particles) - 6.6 lbs. light liquid malt extract - 1 lb. light dry malt extract - 1 oz. Hallertau and 0.5 oz. Cascade Hop Pellets (60 minutes) - 1 lb. light Belgian candy sugar (15 minutes) - 0.5 oz. Cascade hop pellets (10 minutes) - 1.5 oz. fresh rosemary - 1 tsp. Irish moss (10 minutes) (also a clearing agent but works more to clear the final product, resulting in a clear pint) - 0.5 oz. Styrian Golding hop pellets (5 minutes) - 2 oz. crystallized ginger (end of boil) - 5 oz. priming sugar - White Labs saison yeast (always stored in refrigertor) Brewing: 1. Fill pot with 4 gallons cool water and mix in gypsum.

Place Munich barley in grain bags and place in water. Raise water temperature to 170°F stirring every 5 minutes.

2. Remove grain bags and bring to a boil.

3. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the liquid and dry malt extracts while continuously stirring. (To thin the viscous liquid extract, warm in a pot of water Continued on pg. 70

WHAT’S BREWING? Continued from pg. 69

beforehand.)

4. Return to boil.

5. Let wort boil for 5 minutes before adding Hallertau and Cascade hops. (This is the beginning of the 60-minute boil. The times written next to the ingredients in the list refer to when that component should be added in relation to the end of the boil. So 20 minutes means to add it with 20 minutes left in the boil.)

6. Add the Belgian candy sugar 5 minutes before the end. Stir.

7. Ten minutes before the end of the boil, add the remaining Cascade hops, rosemary and Irish moss. Stir.

(Hops then can cause the wort to boil over, so just add a few at a time.)

8. Five minutes before the end, add the Styrian Golding hops and stir.

9. At the end of the boil, remove from heat, add the crystallized ginger and stir until ginger is mostly incorporated into solution.

FROM THIS POINT ON SANITATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. EVERYTHING THAT TOUCHES THE WORT MUST BE SANITIZED. CONTAMINATION WILL RUIN THE ENTIRE BATCH. 10. Cool wort in ice bath.

11. Once cool transfer wort to sanitized carboy and aerate for 1 minute.

12. Pitch yeast into carboy and swirl gently to mix.

13. Place sanitized airlock with water inside into top of carboy.

14. Wait at least 10 days for primary fermentation. (Primary fermentation can range from 7 to 14 days, depending on beer type As long as contamination is avoided the beer won’t spoil.

WARNING: Pressure can build in the carboy to the point where the airlock erupts out of the carboy splattering foam and beer all over your walls and ceiling. But it’s all good as long as things are coming out of the carboy and not going in.)

15. Once primary fermentation is completed, transfer wort to sanitized bottling bucket.

16. Boil a few cups of water and add the priming sugar, stirring until fully dissolved. Add this to the bottling bucket while stirring with sanitized spoon.

17. Bottle beer in sanitized bottles and cap.

18. The beer should be in bottle condition for at least 10 days. Then enjoy!

Brewing techniques can get quite technical and we don’t want to scare anyone away from experimenting. As

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5 main categories typically used to judge a beer: Color: light amber, red, opaque/black Flavors: endless; can be anything such as biscu-

ity, malt y, citrusy (orange, apricot, lemon, etc.), floral, earthy, as well as the hops

Aromas: similar to flavors Mouth feel: How carbonated is the beer? Does it

feel light or thick in the mouth? Is there a clean dry finish or a lingering flavor/coating on the tongue?

ABV: from 2%-30% (in the most extreme cases); you’ll usually find ales in the 4.5-15% range

Charlie Papazian, founder of the Association of Brewers and the American Beer Festival, would say, “Relax.

Don’t worry. Have a home brew.” While it might seem a little daunting at first, once you get through your first batch and reflect on your achievement while sipping on a glorious beer you made from scratch in your own kitchen, you will see the process wasn’t too complicated and you’ll likely even be thinking about what kind of beer you’re going to brew next.

The possibilities are endless, and there is no limit to the number of wacky elements you can incorporate to make complex, flavorful and balanced beers. Will it be a crisp and citrusy wheat beer brewed with dried German chamomile flowers and local honey or a dark and bold stout brewed with dried licorice root? You decide.

To learn more, visit us on our Facebook page..

A Winner in Woodland Park

T

ony Didino of Woodland Park, NJ, loves technology. It is both his profession and his passion, and when those two mix, a house full of the very best and latest in technology is sure to follow.

Didino is the kind of guy who walks into Best Buy, and knows more about the products than the people trying to sell them to him. He thoroughly researches every piece of equipment he is interested in before ever stepping foot in an electronics store. That is how he learned that the large retailers weren’t going to cut it, and when his relationship with Talk of the Town began.

From his first meeting, Didino realized that, when it came to electronics, the staff at Talk of the Town was the most knowledgeable group around. Rather than doing all the research himself and then going into the large retailers to teach their sales staff, Didino took a ride up to Allendale and spoke with people who were able to expertly give him the pros and cons of the equipment he was researching.

Didino realized that shopping around for pricing was secondary to receiving the proper recommendations, planning and installation that Talk of the Town provided. At this point, Didino’s first home theater was in the works.

Long before he moved to his current home in Woodland Park, Didino

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SPRING 2012

lived in a condo, which was the site of his initial home theater. He greatly enjoyed the condo space, and when time came to move into his present home, he immediately began planning his new home theater and embarked on what is turning out to be a three-year process to create the room of his dreams.

Why is it taking so long, you might ask? Well, it is because Didino insists on the newest and best, and some of the equipment in his room was only released weeks ago. Didino was first on the list.

Right next door to his new home theater, Didino also has a room where he and his friends can hang out. It is equipped with a bar area, poker table, and, of course, a 40-inch TV. Sometimes, when they are playing a friendly game of cards, his friends lose on purpose, so they can go into the next room and watch a movie on the 110inch screen, according to Didino.

Didino and his wife love their home theater. He’s in there at least three times a week, usually watching movies. Didino’s favorite is The Godfather, although he does admit that “Avatar is absolutely stunning in 3-D.” He will catch an occasional football game in the theater. (He’s a Patriots fan, and also enjoys watching boxing with a few buddies.) When asked who will win the fight of the century, Didino has Pacquiao defeating Mayweather, no questions asked.

EQUIPMENT: Projector:

Sony VW 1000 with 4K resolution

Processor:

Subwoofers:

18-inch Triad Platinum Series

Screen:

Classé CT-SSP

Stewart Studiotech 130 110 inches

Amplifiers:

Seating:

Blu-ray Player:

Room Specs:

Classé CT Series

Oppo BDP-93 3D

Speakers:

Bass motorized recliners

12 ½ x 21 feet Custom-made sound absorbing panels

Triad Platinum Series

SPRING 2012

73

time out

WRITTEN BY

CHRIS CHIARELLA

TIME OUT I

WRITTEN BY

CHRIS CHIARELLA

t’s that time of year when we begin to think of venturing from the safety of the sofa to the wilds of our backyards. Be it pool or deck, patio or lawn, the great outdoors beckons and there’s no need for the music and movies to stop at the back door.

Until recently, outdoor entertainment was largely an unrefined do-it-yourself affair, requiring us to roll up our sleeves and drag our speakers into the yard when company was coming for a holiday cookout. Similarly, that industrious, video-projector-owning friend who shone movies across the broad side of his house on warm, clear nights lent a certain primitive charm to the art of cinema.

Thankfully, home theater technology continues to evolve in new and different directions, embracing the outside of the home with a variety of products and solutions that stand up to the elements while delivering highdefinition images and high-fidelity music to the farthest reaches of the grounds.

Outdoor theater can also bring a variety of unique movie experiences not doable in the living room. Imagine Close Encounters of the Third Kind beneath a canopy of stars or Apollo 13 under a full moon. We can make our own poolside fun with a Baby Ruth bar during Caddyshack, after children of the ’60s flashback to Woodstock with a viewing party amid a torrential downpour, accompanied by our “refreshment” of choice. Another perk of an outdoor theater is the freedom to designate a smoking section, without fear of stinking up the carpet and drapes. So feel free to sit in the hot tub, smoking a hand-rolled cigar alongside Tony Montana in Scarface.

The lawn and the potted palms will recover.

Continued on pg. 76

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SPRING 2012

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TIME OUT Continued from pg. 74

There’s even the story of one particular lakeside setup where guests floated in inner tubes while watching Jaws projected on a big screen back on the shore. The point here: The possibilities are never-ending.

But where to begin?

Eco Challenge

One of the greatest enticements of outdoor entertainment also poses one of its biggest challenges: the weather. Sooner or later, the rain must fall, and hauling our gear inside every time the clouds roll by would defeat the intent of a professionally designed outdoor system. And so the speakers and electronics have been built specifically—or perhaps modified after the fact—to be waterproof, or at least sufficiently water-resistant to stand up to whatever a cumulonimbus can dish out. The connections also must be secure enough to keep out moisture, dust and bugs, so the right hardware will provide protected entry/ exit points, while outdoor cabling has been tested to survive Mother Nature on her worst day.

Fluctuations in temperature can also be a major consideration. Heavy-

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duty gear that can shrug off the blazing sun or an early frost is a plus, of course, but some high-end products actually contain their own heating and cooling systems.

Amazing as it might sound, a current breed of high-definition televisions is ready to display that big afternoon baseball game in broad daylight for our guests and us. Aided by a non-reflective screen to reduce the potential for unpleasant glare, the image is indeed bright enough to compete with Mr. Sun. Choosing a covered, shadowy spot on the property for the TV is certainly a good idea, but not an absolute necessity. A custom enclosure could make the equipment more attractive, as well as prolong its life.

Nighttime is the right time for films, as the blanket of natural darkness enables the option of a video projector, which can throw a large, theater-like image onto a screen. Motorized drop-down/roll-up screens or a big, inflatable alternative are not only fun and convenient, they also provide an ideally shiny, commercial-quality surface for movies. Projectors are typically delicate instruments, and so should be safely stowed when not in

use, perhaps inside a nearby cabana or within a sturdy piece of furniture built for that purpose.

Sound It Out

An open-air listening environment lacks the reflectivity of walls, which is an essential factor in traditional, indoor home theater sound.

We will surely want ample wattage as we spread the music, which might be competing against crickets, weed whackers, overhead airplanes… and possibly the neighbors. (In all seriousness, we’d never encourage anyone to engage in sonic warfare with bordering nations. No one wins.)

But there’s more to outdoor audio than volume: When it comes to speakers, more is more, and the proper placement for full, even distribution is key. If the sight of that many speakers makes the esthete in the family shudder, keep in mind that for years high-performance woofers, tweeters and midranges have been tucked inside an assortment of fauxrock speakers, in addition to planters, patio lights and various lawn accessories. We don’t need to sacrifice boomContinued on pg. 78

All Rights Reserved © Stewart Filmscreen 2012

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When the Erskine-Group in Smyrna, GA designed this home theater in Houston TX, Stewart provided a 14´ CineCurve front projection screen with constant height and variable width masking for increased enjoyment of cinemascope and 16:9 presentations in full 1080p resolution. The special curved screen eliminates pincushion distortion of the anamorphic lens and reduces light spill for a uniformly bright picture. Plus, Stewart’s acoustically transparent Microperf X2 screen material allows placement of speakers behind the screen for that extra touch of authenticity.

There is no project too large or too impossible for Stewart Filmscreen. Our strength is the development of high-end, near-impossible solutions that create the most unforgettable home cinemas and entertainment experiences in the world. Ranked #1 overall in the Home Video/Screen group of the inside track survey for 14 consecutive years, you can feel confident that you will receive unparalleled products and superior customer service from Stewart Filmscreen. Contact your local sales representative to find out how you can seamlessly transform your multi-media room into a home cinema.

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#1 Fourteen Consecutive Years

TIME OUT Continued from pg. 76

ing low frequencies with our outdoor audio, either. Freestanding subwoofers are often described as packing an “earth-shaking” kick, and that’s certainly true of their in-ground counterparts, which bring the bass while remaining mostly buried and, therefore, barely visible.

Out of Control

When we’re floating in lazy circles toward the deep end, margarita in hand and that song comes on that reminds us of the unfortunate spring break weekend we’d just as soon forget, that’s when we’ll be glad we have the right remote to control our outdoor theater. Infrared (IR) technology is the de facto standard for remote control of consumer electronics, but it requires direct line of sight between the signal and the sensor, and bright light can lead to frustrating interference. Radio frequency (RF) remote control is a better option, with neither of these restrictions and a longer range, plus it will work through solid walls, desirable if our gear is tucked inside a cabinet.

A custom installer can configure as elaborate a control system as we can imagine, right down to managing the lights and even the sprinkler, if so desired. Remember, too, that our indoor audio and video source components can also feed our outdoor TV and speakers, with the right wired/ wireless connections established between the disparate zones.

The physical controller itself should be waterproof for a variety of reasons and must be suited to the nature of the commands it will be relaying, with the appropriate buttons for Blu-ray, DVR, a music server and so on. Some remotes can even operate home heating and cooling, but outdoor entertainment brings with it the ultimate in free air conditioning: breeze.

78

SPRING 2012

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A FOR YOUR

MONEY WRITTEN BY

BRANDON GOLDSTEIN

Zacapa XO—the “cognac of rums”—is

dark, rich and

indulgently satisfying.

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SPRING 2012

orld Golf Hall of Famer Juan “Chi-Chi” Rodriguez once said, “The first time I played the Masters, I was so nervous I drank a bottle of rum before I teed off. I shot the happiest 83 of my life.”

From the days of swashbuckling pirates celebrating their nefarious exploits by imbibing in a tankard or two of the heady spirit to modern-day partygoers enjoying the many (options, not quantity) rum-spiced island cocktails, rum has been a boon companion through the great times and the bad. The light-colored varieties clearly enjoy an upper hand in terms of popularity when compared to their darker-hued counterparts. So for our review this issue, we—being rebels by nature and inclination—went to the dark side, choosing the less predictable: a fine dark rum, which in our estimation, offers more potent flavor and intriguing potential.

Proof positive of this is Zacapa XO, which many call the “cognac of rums.” Unlike most rums, which are distilled from molasses, Zacapa XO begins its journey with first-crushed sugar cane grown in the rich volcanic soil of Guatemala. Zacapa XO is aged 7,500 feet above sea level in the Guatemalan region known as the “House above the Clouds.” Master Blender Lorena Vasquez decided this was the spot for aging because, experiencing an average temperature of 62 degrees, the region does not exhibit any great temperature variations, which would disrupt the aging process.

As a blend of rums between 6 and 25 years old, Zacapa XO Rum is aged according to the Sistema Solera process, which allows for the blending of the rums. It then receives another aging to allow the rum to mature further. The aging process is a craft that takes master blenders years to perfect, but with it comes the creation of exceptional spirits.

Let’s see how Zacapa XO fares.

When I first uncorked the bottle, I was immedi-

ately met with the aroma of burnt caramel, which was not what I was expecting. I realize that rum is generally known for its sweetness in comparison to other spirits, yet it isn’t always so evident in the scent.

As the “cognac of rum,” Zacapa XO is intended to be served straight. No ice, no mixology necessary, just the bottle and a glass. It was sure to make this tasting brief.

Zacapa XO’s mahogany color reminded me more of a whisky than a rum. As I held it to my nose, however, there were floral notes of honeysuckle, with bolder scents of roasted nuts and orange, with a little kick of spice, which make the separation between the two a bit clearer at pre-tasting.

Whenever tasting a new spirit—be it rum, vodka, whisky or any other—I am always expecting that initial punch that proclaims, “this drink has alcohol in it.” Yet, as I let the rum cleanse my palette, this sensation never occurred. Frankly, it was wonderful. The first flavor I quickly discerned was similar to a dark cherry chocolate.

The sensation wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet; instead, it possessed a rich flavor that was also surprisingly light.

The result: a beautiful contradiction.

Zacapa XO’s flavor is indulgently dessert-like, but without the guilt. Just as with true cognacs, Zacapa XO makes for a great drink with which to end the evening.

The pleasing flavors would truly complement that end-ofthe-night cigar, too.

The problem with dark rums typically is that they don’t play well with others. Most drinkers do not desire a rum and coke with dark rum, and a piña colada would certainly not look right. That leaves us to drink the dark rum on its own, and most dark rums just aren’t tolerable.

Zacapa XO is without a doubt one of those exceptions.

As always, keep your mind open and remain receptive to trying new spirits. Otherwise you will never know the ones you will truly enjoy.

SPRING 2012

81

“Son, your

I want you to have

Grandpa’s old…”

WRITTEN BY

T

here comes a moment

when your grandpa, dad or dirty old uncle passes it down to you. It’s big or small. Round or square. Paper, plastic, wood or polyester. Gold, garbage, whatever. Its value has one zero or many. It can be the photo of your ancestors that was taken back in the shtetl or it’s the limited-edition Winchester rifles sitting in your grandpa’s basement.

It’s the story, and it’s your family. There’s a specific moment when you want to hear it. You’re ready.

The old man thinks your ears are finally mature enough, even if you don’t have hair in them yet like he

does. Sooner or later, he’ll pass on the family relic to you.

And then one day, you will tell the story to your son (or daughter, for that matter).

Horse racing was once a bigger

business in America, and Secretariat was at the top. The track still occupies a special place in American lore; take the recent Disney film Secretariat or the new HBO series Luck, for example.

The track is triumph, sleaze and tragedy in the form of a thoroughbred. Degenerate gamblers study the New York Post and Daily Racing Forum for their chance to win big after

JUSTIN DAVIDSON

they scrap together enough cash for their trifecta picks. Thousands of losing tickets litter the ground after each race. Meanwhile, an owner and his family sport fancy hats and jackets in a box as their million-dollar mare crosses the mile and a quarter track first.

Or maybe it pulls up lame, and needs to be put down on the track.

That’s how it goes.

My good friend Ben took me to Belmont Park, the home of the third leg of the Triple Crown, one afternoon this past summer. It was a breezy and clear 75-degree day. The track was dry. Perfect racing conditions. I left up a few bucks. Ben knows how Continued on pg. 84

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SPRING 2012

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Continued from pg. 82

to place a bet.

He should. His grandpa Abe owned a thoroughbred by the name of Leo’s Pisces.

Unless you were following the racing circuit in the ’70s, chances are you’ve never heard of this horse. Leo is long gone, but his legacy stays in Ben’s family through a single photograph and racing program held by a simple, black wooden frame.

It was 1973, and Abe was down in Louisiana for the Louisiana Derby. Not the ideal environment for a Jewish man from the East Coast. The race has been going on since 1898, and the current purse is about $1 million. It wasn’t that much back then, but it was something.

Leo’s Pisces was a 54:1 long shot.

The three-year-old won the nine-furlong race.

Abe drove back to Jersey with a few extra dollars in his wallet.

A photographer snapped a photo of Leo in the winner’s circle. It currently hangs in Ben’s dad’s office in Madison, New Jersey. One day, Ben will hang it up in his New York City apartment. He has the story down pat, but the photo still sits with the previous generation.

Leo’s Pisces went on to finish behind Secretariat at the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, which is a lead-in to the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat finished fourth, and Leo’s Pisces fifth. Even the best can’t win ’em all.

That frame probably isn’t worth much; it doesn’t matter.

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SPRING 2012

Sometimes, however, the old man tells us a story about something that is worth a pretty penny.

Every man needs at least one sturdy watch. It doesn’t need to be

expensive per se, just reliable. A nice watch is always a solid investment.

What’s the worst that can happen? Buy a new band and replace the battery.

My grandfather owned a scrap metal business in Detroit many, many moons ago. For one of his wedding anniversaries, my grandmother bought him a gold Rolex. My dad wears it on very special occasions.

Grandpa gave it to him on his wedding day. One day, one of the men in my family will wear it in good health.

The Rolex on my dad’s wrist is actually the second of its kind. My dad’s family is from Detroit. The first was stolen back in 1968. Go figure.

Detroit had reached a point where decent families with younger children could no longer live safely. Pack up the bags, move to the ’burbs.

Grandpa didn’t trust the movers with a few items, one, of course, being his most valuable piece of jewelry.

He rented a Chevy and placed the gold watch in the glove compartment. He packed up a few more things before leading the caravan to greener pastures.

My grandparents drove in separate cars, got out and began to unpack. After a while, grandpa realized his watch was gone. Someone had jacked the damn thing. Leave a Chevy unattended for just a few minutes

in Detroit, and you’re playing Russian roulette.

He called the cops. My dad stood behind my grandmother as my grandpa spoke to the boys in blue. The gold watch never turned up.

Thank God for insurance. In just a few short weeks, the insurance company sent a check for a replacement Rolex. The one my dad wears with the gold band and gold face is the same make and model that made some Detroit thief a few grands richer. I wonder where the original is today…

Entering the work force

after college is tough. It’s that moment when you know the party’s over.

You’re a boy at heart playing in a man’s game. It’s time to make something of your life.

With a position in sales, my good college friend was going from business to business, meeting new people and trying to make an instantly unforgettable first impression. At 22, he was a bit bewildered. His nerves were getting to him.

He told me about a chat he had with his father. My buddy said he was anxious about stepping up and attempting to meet people.

His old man grinned, “It’s just something you have to learn and become comfortable with as you go along.”

Then, without explanation, he disappeared into the depths of the basement. Twenty minutes later he emerged, carrying a wooden briefcase.

Continued on pg. 86

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“Son,

I want you to have

your Grandpa’s old…”

Continued from pg. 84

It was beat up, faded and, well, ugly.

But it was his.

His father handed him the surprisingly light briefcase and told him the following: “When I worked in sales with a friend of mine, he carried a hammer in his briefcase. Every time he would go to approach a new client, he would sit his briefcase down on the table and pull out the hammer. Of course, the person would ask surprisingly, ‘Why do you have a hammer in your hand?’ To which the gentleman would reply, ‘To break the ice.’”

Now when my friend needs to approach new clients, he lets the briefcase do the talking first. It provides support and it gets the job done, and hey, it still holds papers, pens and pads.

Irv Horwitz was a captain in the Air

Force during World War II. He’s seen some things that no man should ever see. The military recognized his heroic contributions and bestowed many medals upon him for his courage.

Irv keeps them in the basement of his home in Burlington, New Jersey. The same home he built after he returned from the Pacific Theatre.

His grandson Mike was coming up to Burlington for his grandpa’s

86

SPRING 2012

birthday. His family was catching up, making small talk. Then Irv took Mike down to the basement.

Back when Mike was in seventh grade and working on a class project, his grandpa had recounted how his plane had been shot down. At the time, Mike hadn’t been ready for all the details. But now Irv maneuvered through some boxes, pulling out a wooden one containing many of his medals, which he meticulously arranged.

Irv flew on 36 missions. He was given the Silver Star for the story he had told Mike that day.

Irv was flying a B-25 Mitchell about 300 feet above water around the Marshall Islands. He had to fly low, because in order to drop a bomb precisely on a Japanese destroyer, you need to be on target. You need to be still for four seconds when you’re directly above the target, and you can’t miss. Gunners are trying to bring you down. Bullets are coming at you from all directions, and some hit.

They were going down. Irv flew as far away as he could before the B-25 gave out. What do you do in that situation?

Three men died when the aircraft

was hit. There were four survivors and they were hurt. Irv couldn’t lose any more of his guys. He struggled to open the raft and he lifted the survivors aboard. Irv gave his guys his morphine. He could tough it out. He sure as hell needed it, but his guys needed it more.

They were stranded out in the Pacific for three days before a rescue team came for them. The rescuers were met with heavy fire and one of them was hit. That man received the Medal of Honor.

Irv could have achieved the rank of a major after the war ended, but he decided it was time to live a quieter life. He came to Burlington, started a construction company and built the home that stores his relics.

Now my friend is the keeper of this tale. One day, he will tell his family about his grandfather, the war hero.

Whether it’s up in the attic or

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Top 10

Sports Movies It’s a funny thing. Our TVs get bigger and clearer, our audio gets louder and more fine tuned, yet sometimes it seems that these days only one in every 100 movies is actually worth seeing even once. Sports movies are a different breed. Oftentimes, it is not a writer, who comes up with an idea, but rather the sport that creates the story. This year, Undefeated took home an Oscar for the Best Documentary. It chronicles a story that no writer dreamed up, a story about an impoverished team in Memphis coming together in the face of a bleak future, and winning through the obstacles.

Sports already have their way of gripping us, but a great sports movie, well, those are the ones we watch over and over. Talk of the Town has compiled its list of the ten best sports movies. Most are true and some are not, but either way, they are perfect for your big screen.

Remember the Titans In 1971, T.C. Williams High School in suburban Virginia is forced to integrate. The African-American head coach, played by the always beloved and intense Denzel Washington, begins the incredible journey to change an entire community’s outlook on equality, starting with its football team. As he teaches his players to step up and become bigger men, to work with each other and trust each other, the team begins to transform the town. United by everyone’s shared passion of the game and Coach Boone’s drive for perfection, the individuals, team and community are transformed for the best.

Coach Boone: This is where they fought the battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field, fighting the same fight that we are still fighting among ourselves today. This green field right here, painted red, bubblin’ with the blood of young boys. Smoke and hot lead pouring right through their bodies.

Listen to their souls, men. I killed my brother with malice in my heart. Hatred destroyed my family. You listen, and you take a lesson from the dead. If we don’t come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed, just like they were. I don’t care if you like each other or not, but you will respect each other. And maybe... I don’t know, maybe we’ll learn to play this game like men.

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Caddyshack Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O’Keefe and Bill Murray. A straight-laced country club full of comedians—and an all too fake pest gopher. Need I say more?

Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today?

Ty Webb: Oh, Judge, I don’t keep score.

Judge Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers?

Ty Webb: By height.

Rocky The movie that was made for under a million and grossed over $220 million, along with putting Sylvester Stallone on the map, had to be on this list. Considering how much less we hear about it compared to other sports nowadays, boxing has some incredible story lines (as you will see by the two other boxing movies in this list). For some, it seems simple: Rocky Balboa climbs a bunch of stairs in Philadelphia and wins some bouts. For others, the American dream story that culminates in a World Heavyweight Title match is one of the most incredible sports stories ever.

61* Directed by Yankees lover Billy Crystal, this film gives us a look into the amazing season of ’61, where Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle were, coincidentally, the talk of the town. For those of us who know Maris and Mantle only by the legend, it’s a fascinating look into their on and off the field lives as they chased American sports’ golden goose, the single season home run record—before steroids ruined it, that is.

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The Fighter As an HBO camera crew follows boxer past his prime turned coke addict Dick Eklund around, his brother Micky, played by Mark Wahlberg, begins his ascent to boxing fame culminating in a bout for the welterweight title. An amazing true story, and the most recent production on this list, the movie’s mix of drama and watching Wahlberg get his ass kicked will be a great addition to your movie library.

The Sandlot This one may be for some of the younger readers, but if you are in your late to early 20s, there are few childhood movies you loved more than this.

A new kid comes to town and befriends a group of kids who eat, sleep and breathe baseball. The movie then turns to adventure, when they must face all the demons of the world–the jocks, the evil neighbor and his monster dog and, of course, pretty women.

“The Babe”: Remember, kid, there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die; follow your heart kid, and you’ll never go wrong.

Hoosiers Based on a true story (though we are always hesitant when they say that), Hoosiers is a movie about a coach with a seedy past and a town drunk, who lead the high school basketball team to the Indiana State Finals. The coach, played by Gene Hackman, encounters several hurdles along the way, but when a seemingly improbable team reaches greatness, a movie is not far behind.

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Raging Bull Jake LaMotta was a prizefighter in the late ’40s and into the early ’50s.

Raging Bull chronicles his life in the ring as well as his paranoid and jealous life outside of it. As great as he is in the ring, his self-destructive behavior has him managing nightclubs and doing stand-up in no time. Directed

by Martin Scorcese, this critically acclaimed black-and-white film earned Robert De Niro an Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as 60 additional pounds, which he gained to portray LaMotta in his later years.

Jake La Motta: She says he’s pretty.

Joey LaMotta: Yeah, well, you make him ugly.

Friday Night Lights The Permian Panthers team of Odessa, Texas, is the only thing that keeps the town going. As the football team gathers under the Friday night lights so, too, does the rest of the community. Stores close and bleachers fill. Based on a book, though most certainly true to life, Friday Night Lights depicts the toll the pressure takes on players and coaches when the whole town is watching with extremely high expectations. Billy Bob Thornton plays the head coach, and watching this film definitely reminds us of one thing: football may be number one in Texas, but New Jersey is number one in football.

Boobie Miles: I get straight As. I’m an athlete.

Reporter: In what subject?

Boobie Miles: Hey, there’s only one subject. It’s football.

Rudy

As I write this I can hear the slow chant that gripped Notre Dame Stadium that brisk day in South Bend. Growing up in a town where he was destined to work in the steel mill, Rudy Ruettiger, despite his tiny frame, has big dreams to play football for Notre Dame. He works his butt off just to get to work on the field for Notre Dame, and eventually becomes the tackling dummy on the practice squad. He is begrudgingly allowed to dress for his last game, and the rest is history.

[Rudy sneaks into Notre Dame Stadium] Fortune: Hey, kid! You’re not supposed to be here!

Rudy: Hey, this place is really somethin’ else, huh? Someday I’m gonna come out of that tunnel and I’m gonna run onto this field.

Fortune: Well, it ain’t gonna be this day...

Rudy: I’m here to play football for the Irish!

Fortune: Coach Parseghian know about it?

Rudy: No... not yet.

Fortune: Well, maybe you best tell him first...

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Your indecision is truly disgusting, but i digress: cook up some f*@king Brisket

RECIPE

Ingredients:

A brisket, about 6 pounds 6 large cloves of garlic, minced 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh tarragon 2 sprigs fresh rosemary Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 large Vidalia onions, roughly chopped 4 carrots, roughly chopped 1 cup beef stock 3 tablespoons tomato paste 2 cups dry red wine

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Season brisket on all sides with garlic, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, and a punch of salt and pepper. Add oil to a big oven-safe Dutch oven, and get that thing real hot. One step below, “What’s that? Oh, it’s the smoke alarm” hot.

Add the brisket, brown it on both sides, about 4 minutes each. Then add the onions and carrots. Place everything in the oven uncovered for 1 hour. Now that you’ve got a f*@king hour to kill, get a bowl and combine beef stock, tomato paste and the wine. Whisk it until it’s smooth as a baby’s bum, and add it to the pan after the hour. Cover the pan and cook for 3 ½ more hours, plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the bottle of wine.

When it’s done, slice it thin. Then, eat it.

Recipe reprinted with permission from What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner © 2011 by Zach Golden, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group.

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SPRING 2012

A

mild winter has left us all predicting heavy snowstorms in April. Though we originally thought about doing either a convertible or motorcycle review for this issue, we felt that those options were not going to fare too well in an impending Fool’s Day blizzard. So, instead, we picked some of our favorite four-wheel drive friends.

Rulers of the road, guzzlers of the gas, here are five SUVs and trucks that will get you through any weather.

Icon BR (Bronco) Engine: V-8 Horsepower: 412 Torque: 390 ft. lbs.

Design: a Performance: a Staff Rating: a

For some time now, Icon has been hand-making classic vehicles such as the Land Cruiser. The company now has turned its attention to one of America’s favorite trucks: The Ford Bronco. Upon approval from Ford, Icon reached out to Camilo Pardo of Ford GT fame and, in an interesting partnership, joined Nike to begin the Bronco’s rebuild. Using a restored vintage Ford Bronco body, Icon and its partners created a timeless machine re-engineered for modern use. Featuring the engine of the Mustang GT and a manual transmission, the car isn’t so much get-up-and-go as go-through-anything. A removable hardtop and all-around badass image make this one of the coolest, most fun rides very few others will have.

BMW X5 M Engine: Twin-Turbo V-8 Horsepower: 555 Torque: 501 ft. lbs.

Design: Performance: Staff Rating:

So you’re looking for a family SUV that you can drive like a sports car once you drop off the kids? Look no further than the BMW X5 M. From the street, this vehicle looks much like all the other, lesser X5s. The M design team truly took the “it’s what’s inside that counts” cliché to heart, albeit in grand fashion. The 4.4-liter twin turbo pumps out a monstrous 555 horses, giving it a 0-60 time of 4.5 beating out the M3 coupe by a tenth of a second. The sports-tuned suspension makes this 5,300 pounder one of the best handling SUVs around. Remaining consistent with BMW’s luxurious brand, the interior is well accented, extremely comfortable and roomy, and full of the industry’s latest gadgetry. Whether it’s in snow in the winter or on long-winding roads in the summer, the X5 M is always a pleasure to drive.

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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Engine: V6 Horsepower: 285 Torque: 260 ft. lbs.

Design: Performance: Staff Rating:

The obvious choice for review would have been the new Grand Cherokee, which is a great SUV, and one of the best improvements from the past model in both design and comfort. However, we were looking to add something to this mix that could take you on the path less traveled, where there might not be roads at all. The base Wrangler can already take you to places most other vehicles can’t, but the Rubicon takes it that extra step. A system called Rock-Trac gives this compact truck one of the grittiest, best four-wheel drive systems in the world. Front and rear wheel electronic locking differentials lock power and distribute it evenly between the wheels to provide incredible traction, regardless of the terrain. You won’t find the luxuries of the aforementioned BMW, but an optional dropping soft top or foldable hardtop allow you to cruise in convertible style. The much lower price tag doesn’t sting so much, either.

Toyota Land Cruiser Engine: V8 Horsepower: 381 Torque: 401 ft. lbs.

Design: a Performance: a Staff Rating: a

For more than 60 years, the Toyota LC has been known as a terrain-conquering auto. As it became Toyota’s flagship luxury SUV, it caused many to forget that it can still master any road. Bolstered by a long list of equipment, the LC has not lost any of its off-road prowess. However, it’s the spacious, eight-person fitting interior that stays true to what the LC has recently become known for. Luxury accommodations, including a four-zone climate control system, a center console cooler box and rear seat DVD entertainment system, are only a few of the features that make this vehicle perfect for a large family. Worry not, its size and design still make it manly enough to be seen driving it.

Land Rover Range Rover Engine: V8 Horsepower: 375 Torque: 375 ft. lbs.

Design: Performance: Staff Rating:

The “Range” is the premier vehicle for the comfort- and luxury-seeking executive. Big, bold and not to be confused with any other vehicle on the road, the Range Rover offers the best in off-road capability and luxury. Though you’re not likely to see many of these conquering off-road feats, the principle that the vehicle can deliver them, while still being the king of class and prestige on the road, is something that appeals to many of its loyal drivers, who trade in their old Range Rovers for new ones when the time comes.

The range of luxurious options never stops, and the interior is built with the finest trims, most comfortable leathers and latest technology, which rather than being more complex to use, simplifies many of the vehicles settings into one LCD screen. Not the fastest, but one of the most prestigious, the Range Rover is sure to complement your auto collection perfectly.

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