TOWN TOPICS, PRINCETON, N.J., WEDNESDAY, AuguST 9, 2017 • 18
Hopewell Continued from Preceding Page
dishes from other areas of Italy. “Antimo’s hometown is known for seafood, so our seafood recipes are similar to those from his home area. We are also known for our pizza and homemade pasta. Our pizza features freshmade dough and sauce, and is topped with quality ingredients like Bell & Evans chicken, Shibumi Farm mushrooms, and homemade meatballs and sausage. “Our homemade pasta is something that ever yone needs to tr y. The dough and fillings are made from scratch, using recipes that have been mastered over decades.” Mr. Kyle emphasizes the impact Antimo himself has on the restaurant, the staff,
and the customers. “Antimo is what sets the restaurant apart from other Italian restaurants. He has a passion and a positive attitude that makes customers and staff want to be near him. Over the long period of time, he has become part of childhood memories; he has seen teenagers grow up and become parents, parents become grandparents. He has listened and updated menus to fit the interests of the customers; he has reinvested the money they spent to add outdoor dining, a portable wood-fired oven for catering, and an additional dining room capable of hosting events for the growing needs of his loyal following. “Antimo also takes care of his staff to the extent that most stay on for a long time which creates a familiar
environment for our guests.” Restaurant Week Mr. Kyle points out that August 7th through the 13th is Summer Restaurant Week in Hopewell. “This is the result of an informal group of restaurant owners and managers who began meeting this past winter. We call ourselves The Hopewell Valley Restaurant Association, and we felt we could accomplish more when we came together to share ideas and brainstorm ideas that would help increase awareness in surrounding communities of Hopewell as a destination.” During this Restaurant Week, he explains, participating restaurants will offer special 3-course lunches and din ners at reduced prices. “The purpose is to
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provide a meal at a reduced price to entice diners to try a new restaurant. To make our event unique and also include the local farms, we are hosting a pop-up farmers market on August 9th to emphasize that local produce is available and used by residents and restaurants in Hopewell.” Mr. Kyle adds that he was recently appointed to the Hopewell Borough Economic Development Commission (EDC) because of his association with Antimo’s. “With around 14 food establishments in the Borough and more coming in the near future, the appointment helps to ensure that the industry is represented at the town level.” No visitor to or resident of Hopewell ever wants to miss stopping in at Boro Bean! This popular establishment is owned by Ellen and Johnny Abernathy, with partner Tom Grim, and has been attracting happy diners since 2008. It offers breakfast and lunch, and is known for its variety of specialties, often made from scratch. As Ms. Abernathy explains, “Breakfast might mean one of our famous muffins, egg and cheese panini, breakfast wraps, bagels, fresh squeezed orange juice, or waffles. We feature a dish called The Sunflower, which has scrambled eggs and cheese on top of buttered panini toast. Also, we make our muffins from scratch daily, and popular choices are blueberry, apple, vanilla Heath bar, and peach — all made with great ingredients, including butter. Lu nch includes panini sandwiches of all kinds made with house-baked bread, as well as wraps and traditional sandwiches, which are all favorites. In addition, a grilled bur r ito w ith black bean spread, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, and sour cream is a specialty. Popular Choice In t he cooler mont hs, soup is emphasized, adds Ms. Abernathy. “Especially popular are the potato leek, made with our own chicken stock; R ED soup, which features red lentil, red curry, roasted red pepper and coconut milk; and a veggie split pea. Also, our chili is made with grass-fed beef from Hopewell’s Beechtree Farm, and is always a popular choice.” Boro Bean offers Small World coffee, and a very popular fall specialty is the restaurant’s own pumpkin spice latte, including lots of spices, real pumpkin, and the restaurant’s homemade syrup. Ensuring that Boro Bean remains an inviting place is very important to Ms. Abernathy. “We aim to be a welcoming spot to visit. We have regulars, some who even come every day, and we get people from all over, as well as from town. There are train tables on our back porch for playing and tons of kids’ books for reading. We are definitely family friendly. “We have one family that comes ever y S u nday to get together, including the grandparents and grandchildren. When the patriarch John had surgery last year, his son came in and gave an update, so we wouldn’t be worried. In another family, there is a boy, Bennett, who
was born a week after we opened, with his mom going into labor in the store! We dubbed him the ‘original Beanie-Baby’, and each birthday, we celebrate with him. “We also have little ones coming in to tell us about loose teeth. It is really an extended family here at Boro Bean. We are very pleased to be part of the Hopewell community, and we are involved in many communitybased donations and events. The restaurant scene in Hopewell is special. All the places are independent, not part of a chain. That alone is quite special. It is a lovely drive to the town, and parking is generous and free. There are lots of shops and antiquing so you can make a day out of a visit. We feel fortunate to be here.” Eclectic Look For anyone interested in antiques and collectibles, Hopewell is an intriguing creative scene to survey. A variety of choices for many different tastes and from many different periods are on hand to satisfy the discerning shopper. Foxbrook Home & Garden offers an inviting selection and informative and knowledgeable assistance for those seeking a special item. Opened five years ago, the store is owned by J. Stewart vonOehsen, who has watched the antiques scene evolve over the years. He observes that an eclectic look, combining pieces from different periods, is often seen now. “There is less demand today for the dark heavy furniture from the 19th century,” he points out. “I’m finding now that most people looking to decorate their homes like to use a combination of old and new. Here at Foxbrook Home & Garden, I have concentrated on 20th century vintage items. We specialize in ever y t hing from industrial cast-iron, classic advertising, Asian, mid-century modern, and original folk art. “For instance, we have office tables made of an old Volkswagen dealership sign, and an industrial cart. We also have vintage neon lights and advertising signs that are very popular. I think most people are looking for that one-of-a-kind piece to convey their taste and persona.” M r. v o n O e h s e n f i n d s Hopewell a congenial location for his business, and notes its growing popularity for customers interested in a range of experiences. “Because Hopewell has a community of young professionals and a booming restaurant scene, it’s a great town to provide these fresh finds.” One of the most fascinating places in Hopewell is the Tomato Factory. Its unique history offers a look into the past which truly sets it apart. The building dates to 1892, explains owner Mary Ann Browning. Originally a tomato canning factory, it evolved over the years to include various business operations. A decorator, Ms. Browning purchased it in 1962, and a year later opened to sell shower curtain fabrics and custom window treatments. As time went on, she added other shops, and the business eventually became an
antiques cooperative center with designated space for many dealers. Delightful Establishment “We now have 33 dealers (including those upstairs and downstairs), offering a variety of items,” reports Ms. Browning. “We offer a great selection of choices, including antiques, collectibles, home furnishings, lighting, furniture, glassware, books, children’s items, etc. “Hopewell is a wonderful place to be,” she continues. “And now with the new restaurants, business is really increasing for everyone.” One of the special dealers at the Tomato Factory is Umbrella. This delightful establishment, owned by sisters-in-law Fay and Linda Sciarra, opened in 2009, and has grown in popularity over the years. “We have expanded to fill the entire second floor of the Tomato Factory,” explains Fay Sciarra. “This is 3,500 square feet of constantlychanging home furnishings in a loft-like atmosphere. Our business continues to grow a loyal following, and the word has spread. New customers from New York Cit y, Ph i lad elp h ia, a n d northern and southern New Jersey seek us out as well, and our strong presence on the Internet has increased our customer base.” And what customers find is a wonderfully eclectic selection of everything for the home. As Ms. Sciarra explains, “Umbrella’s focus is secondary market home furnishings — furniture that has been owned before. It also has to be stylish and collectible. Some of this includes 19th century antiques, mid-century modern pieces from 1960-1980, and top brand-name furniture that is ‘gently used,’ such as Henredon, Ralph Lauren, Baker, Barbara Barry, etc. “We also carry exciting accessories, lighting, art, rugs, and so on,” continues Ms. Sciarra. “We steer away from mass-produced furniture. Our specialty is representing the best antiques dealers we can find and selling their inventory at great value. Among our most popular items are midcentury modern club chairs, Olde Good Things’ custom farm tables from reclaimed materials, antique partner’s desks, and one-of-kind vintage leather Chesterfield sofas.” It should also be noted that Fay Sciarra is a highly respected artist in the area, and her paintings and mixed media pieces are available at Umbrella. Affordable Rents She adds that Hopewell has recently seen an increase in art and antiques availability. “There is definitely a growing art and antiques community as well as great restaurants. Part of the reason is that there are great spaces at more affordable rents than in Princeton and Lambertville.” As interest in the arts continues to grow in Hopewell, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council is a major factor in furthering enlightenment about and accessibility to the many and varied artistic endeavors available for appreciative aficionados. As its mission statement explains, “The Hopewell Continued on Page 20