Manayunk Magazine - Spring 2015

MANAYUNK LIVE|SHOP|DINE|PLAY

SPRING 2015

Sweet & Spicy And We’re Not Just Talking BBQ

Why Empty Nesters Are Flocking To Manayunk Intuitive Works Hard & Plays Hard on Main Street A Local Tests Out Manayunk’s Top Fitness Classes

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C B t

BARBEQUE & ROTISSERIE • WHISKEY • CRAFT BEERS • BOURBON

HOURS: Tuesday - Wednesday: 4pm to 10pm Thursday - Saturday: 11am - 11pm Sunday: 11am - 9pm

4258 MAIN STREET, MANAYUNK, PA 19127 • (267) 858-3000 • SMOKINJOHNSMANAYUNK.COM

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Locally Sourced Fresh Food

Great Wine List • Craft Beers on Tap • Artisan Bread Full Catering Menu • Market Menu • Outdoor Dining Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner–every day

4266 Main Street, Manayunk, PA 19127 • 215.487.2663 • LeBusManayunk.com

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MANAYUNK MARCH / MAY 2015

magazine

LIVE SHOP DINE PLAY

contents 06

Mark Your Calendar

Spring begins taking hold and there is a lot to welcome it.

08

Sneak A Peek

It takes a community.

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Cover Profil

Winnie and John take a stab at BBQ.

33

Now Open

New doors open in Manayunk.

LIVE.

10

Around Town

Bringing thier business was Intuitive.

14

Sub-Urban Charm

SHOP.

22

Moving on up to the hillside.

Things We Love

Retro road trip.

DINE.

30

Conversations With The Chef

One man, one griddle.

PLAY.

34

Get Physical

First time is the hardest.

38

Local A&E

Sandy’s dream.

Editorial + Production Editors Jane Lipton, Caitlin Maloney, Shannon Geddes, Joan Denenberg Design Cantor Design cantordesign.com Sales M7 Media 610.417.9261 bauerjim7@gmail.com Photography Susan Beard Design - susanbearddesign.com JPG Photography - jpgphotography.com 4

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Manayunk Magazine

is published quarterly by the Manayunk Development Corp.

Manayunk Development Corporation 4312 Main Street Philadelphia, PA 19127 215.482.9565 | info@manayunk.org

COVER Photographed by SUSAN BEARD (pictured) / SUSAN BEARD DESIGN (susanbearddesign.com).

Assisted by Leah Macdonald & Erika Smith

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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Artist: Chantal Westby | Reflet d'Or et d'Argent Mixed Media Acrylic | 60 x 15 X 5

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april 12 StrEAT Food Festival

Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

apr 18/may 9/june 13 Philly Mart

may 16 PLAY Manayunk

Browse a variety of vendors outside at the Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center on the second Saturday of each month this spring.

Photography by Vlad Gurevich (vladgurevich.com)

Indulge in all types of delicious food at the StrEAT Food Festival which kicks off two weeks of Manayunk Restaurant Week which runs from April 12 – 24.

june 7 Manayunk Bike Race Cheer on the best cyclists as they pass through Manayunk and climb The Wall on this 12 mile circuit throughout Philadelphia.

Photography by Fred Brown

Celebrate outdoor recreation and fitness outside at Manayunk s brand new Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center.

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june 20 + June 221 Manayunk Arts Festival Come celebrate our 26th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival with 300+ artists from around the country lining Main Street.

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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SNEAK-A-PEEK

Photography by Simon Rogers (slrcg.com)

Manayunk isn’t just a business district, it’s a community. At the end of 2014 Manayunk launched a new video campaign to highlight the businesses that call this neighborhood home. Below is a sneak peek at stills from the businesses featured in the videos. This is MY MANAYUNK, what’s yours?

Watch our stories and share your own at mymanayunk.com. #MYMANAYUNK

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manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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Start with Something

Extraordinary!

Photography by Simon Rogers (slrcg.com)

As Philadelphia’s premier Home furnishings retailer, Dwelling has been providing home solutions to stylish Philadelphians and designers throughout the region. Our extensive collection of furniture, artwork, and accessories is meticulously selected and skillfully arranged throughout our ever-changing showroom to provide vision, ideas, and inspiration to our visitors.

From reclaimed wood dining tables and Asian antique cabinets to mid-century modern style sofas and sleek contemporary lighting, we offer something extraordinary in every category, for every style.

4050 Main St | Philadelphia, PA 19127 215.487.7400 | dwellinghome.com

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LIVE: AROUND TOWN

Meet the three founders of Intuitive Company, a local design firm who are proud to call Manayunk home.

By Cara Gavin (@CaraGavin)

“We describe this place as a family, not as a company…and Manayunk is the perfect home for our family,” says Tim McLaughlin, principal at Intuitive Company, a local design and technology fi m. As a specialist in relationship strategy, Tim knows a good thing when he sees it and understands the value of user-centered experiences, whether it be a mobile app, an adaptive website or a business-friendly neighborhood.

Tim and Intuitive’s other principals, Sandy Greene, who specializes in design, and Greg Picarelli, who specializes in technology and 10

operations, moved Intuitive Company to Manayunk in 2012. For their 48 employees, “The fi is awesome,” says Sandy. An employee mantra, “Work hard. Play hard,” is artfully splattered on one of their office walls and is engrained into how the team interacts with the neighborhood. While most of the day is spent designing cutting-edge, usable digital products for clients such as Temple University, Silicon Valley Bank and Ameriprise, the Intuitive team uses their breaks to explore all over town. “You’re half a block from all of these bars and restaurants.

We didn’t know how important that would be to the staff,” says Sandy. “Behind our office is the Tow Path they can run on. Half a block up they’ve got all of these places on Main Street.”

Whether it be grabbing a latte from Volo Coffeehouse, picking up a chic desk lamp at Dwelling or getting a quick workout in at Hotbox Yoga, Manayunk offers the perfect “work-life balance” Greg explains. “Being here, we’re attracting employees. This place does that.”

“Above and beyond the employees, our clients love it,” says Tim. “It has this great blend of neighbor and city vibe.” While about 90 percent of Intuitive’s clients aren’t local, the

company has a unique opportunity of showing the town off when clients visit. Tim explains that his staff are on a first name basis with many baristas, bartenders and restaurateurs, so when a customer comes to town, they are given a more intimate and tailored experience.

“Clients like coming here. Once they get here, they say, ‘Wow, this is a really cool neighborhood. You guys really fit and this really fits you.’ In terms of the vibe, culture and heartbeat of the company, Manayunk really matches that well,” he says.

While the Intuitive team loves the variety of eateries and shops in town, they aren’t without favorites. Every morning, a group of team members can be found at Volo picking up their favorite coffee before heading into the office After a meeting on the next delivery release for a project, one group is grabbing soup from The Couch Tomato, while another is taking a client to lunch at Winnie’s LeBus. After work, the fi ness fanatics are rushing over to SWEAT Fitness and another team is headed to Manayunk Tavern to discover the latest beers on tap.

Beyond the workweek, Intuitive employees are investing in the town by giving back to lo-

Photography by Michael McAghon (mcaghon.com)

Bringing Their Business To Manayunk Was Intuitive

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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My Phillyosophy:

The best towns are well stocked on charm.

Photography by Michael McAghon (mcaghon.com)

Get to know my towns at

visitphilly.com /towns

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LEFT: PARTNERS (LEFT TO RIGHT) SANDY GREENE, TIM MCLAUGHLIN AND GREG PICARELLI ABOVE: THE STAFF

cal charities and taking part in weekend programs. “When we run the [Blue Cross] Broad Street Run,” says Sandy, “we are going to have 20 runners this year. We do it through DetermiN ation and the American Cancer Society, and all of the runners from Intuitive Company contribute to the society.”

Intuitive also contributed to the North Light Community Center for the Manayunk bike race this past year. For community events like the Philadelphia Marathon and the Manayunk Arts Festival, the team joins in by bringing their friends and families to Main Street. “I’ll bring my kids to some of the street fairs and we went to the Halloween parade one year,” Tim says. “That’s the cool thing – I personally come here when it’s a weekend, whether it’s to bring my kids, or go to the gym or to look at furniture. It’s not just a work location. It’s a nice neighborhood to hang in.”

The company now has even more room to hang in after extending their office into a neighboring building, which they have named “The Loft.” The decked out open office space has tall ceilings and huge windows and is in tough competition with the original office space which has a ping-pong table and a keg of their favorite craft beer. When they opened their original space they celebrated in style and they plan to do the same to break in “The Loft.” Sandy says, “When we opened up our space and had our launch party, we had five local restaurants cater – Winnie’s, Agiato, Couch Tomato, Volo and Han Dynasty. We had 250 people that night and guests were able to get a great taste of Manayunk. We are going to do that again.”

In the future, Sandy hopes to expand the office even more. “If we hit our growth targets, we will continue to fill this new space. We’d be happy to keep developing in Manayunk.” Greg is focused on hitting that target. He says, “We want to keep doing the things that we are doing well and see if there’s a broader impact we can make. We have aspirations to make a broader impact globally, whether it is through existing or new clients.” Tim hopes Manayunk grows with Intuitive as well. He’d love to see a boutique hotel put in for clients to stay at. “For businesses like us, where this is our base, that would be ideal,” he says.

As Intuitive Company works towards global domination, it will be exciting to see how they continue to grow right here at home.

Cara Gavin is a local freelance writer and is part of our new initiative to get local voices into the Manayunk Magazine. Interested in writing about your community? Email Shannon Geddes at sgeddes@manayunk.org.

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2 LOCATIONS

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LIVE: SUB-URBAN CHARM

An emerging demographic of empty nester suburbanites are now calling Manayunk home.

By Ainsley Di Duca

a

little over a year ago, as Troy Schoning, 44, and his wife, Melanie, 41, anticipated sending their daughter off to college, they, like many empty nesters, took a step back to re-evaluate what they wanted the next stage of their life to look like.

“We’d already done the McMansion phase—the large brick colonial on a golf course,” Troy explained of suburban life in Columbia, SC. “But there was nothing within walking distance; everything was a drive. Once your kids go off to college, you don’t want to be stuck in the suburbs. My wife and I said, ‘Let’s take a different approach.’”

That approach, the couple decided, meant being able to step out of their front door and walk everywhere they needed to go. It meant finding the perfect home to ‘right-size,’ as Melanie calls it, yet that was spacious enough for their two rescue dogs to roam. Enticed by the accessibility of a city, they began their house hunting in Center City. Yet something was missing—well, two qualities, actually—that they couldn’t put their finger on until they discovered the “neighborhood feel and character” that the historic district of Manayunk had to offer.

“Manayunk has a heartbeat,” says Troy. “It has that small-town charm, yet with a forward-thinking approach. When we’d go to the restaurants on Main Street, we thought it was really cool that the first thing they did was bring out bowls for the dogs before taking orders from the owners.

When you go into the bars, it’s relaxed. The people are friendly. We really felt the whole vibe of Manayunk is what we were looking for, with the restaurants, the coffee shops—I mean, where else can you get a cupcake 14

at 1 a.m.? It has such a cool culture.”

Troy and Melanie, who moved into The Cliff Townhomes in November, are part of an emerging demographic of upper-middle class suburbanites, aged 40 and older, eager to free themselves from the high taxes, endless upkeep, and tethered feel of car-pooled suburban living, and who are choosing to settle down in Manayunk over ritzier areas such as Rittenhouse Square or Northern Liberties.

Facilitating the trend, it seems, is the emergence of brand-new luxury condos and townhomes that have been sprouting up along Manayunk’s hilltops over the past two years.

These two-to-three bedroom units—with their modern interiors, spacious walk-in closets, and private garages—serve to eradicate any notions of the older homes, cramped spaces, and difficult parking that had deterred this demographic from moving to Manayunk in the past, explained Khara Cartagena, developer of Falcon Condominiums, located on the 3800 block of Terrace Street.

Khara says that her luxury condos and those like it—the 2-to-3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1,800-2,000 square-foot units—are the perfect size for this demographic, whether it be a couple with one child or empty nesters. For the latter, she suggests the ideal set-up of a three bedroom to be a master bedroom, guest room for visiting in-laws or children, and a den or office in the third space Matthew Neducsin, a realtor for The Cooley Group Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, agrees. Matt specializes in new construction and

Photography by Kevin Marchese

Photography by Joseph Alfano (joealfanophotography.com)

Moving On Up To The Hillside

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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MainLin

T H E S H AW E C H A I R

Photography by Kevin Marchese

Photography by Joseph Alfano (joealfanophotography.com)

F R O M A M E R I C A’ S C L A S S I C D E S I G N B R A N D H A N D TA I L O R E D I N O U R O W N W O R K S H O P S C O M P L I M E N TA R Y D E S I G N S E R V I C E A V A I L A B L E

THE NEXT CLASSICS CHADDS FORD

KING OF PRUSSIA

MONTGOMERYVILLE

ETHANALLEN.COM ©2015 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.

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land development and is part of the team behind The Cliffs, modern architecturally designed townhomes along Leverington Avenue.

After completing Phase One of The Cliffs, Matt says the demand for even higher end amenities is what led them to design Phase Two, which will include seven more homes on Silverwood Street. In Phase Two they are specifically targeting downsizers by building wider homes with additional features including not two, but four car parking. “When we brand it toward downsizers it’s all about paying closer attention to details like putting the master bedroom on the right floor and adding features like elevators,” he says. “Michelle Cooley has been branding Manayunk for years as a location for downsizers so we are excited to see it now become a reality.”

Once the last of their six children enrolled in college, Lisa Martin and her partner, both in their 50s, moved in April from the Main Line to a freestanding three-story townhome in Manayunk. They enjoyed watching their home being created from the ground up and having a hand in the finishes. “We have amazing views, and that’s one of the main reasons we bought it,” says Lisa of their townhome, which is situated at the top of a hill overlooking Pretzel Park.

“We sort of had a joke that if we found a house with a certain set of criteria, we would move.”

Gorgeous views? Check. Centrally located?

Check. Manayunk is located just 6 miles from her job at Temple University on Broad Street while also being a quick drive to pop in on her friends, parents, and family on the Main Line.

Naturally, a heavily weighted criteria in both Lisa’s and Troy’s decisions involved comparing the price points of Center City condos to similar-sized units in Manayunk—and decid16

ing, without a doubt, that Manayunk offered the best “value for the money.” Lisa explained, “We were looking at places in Fairmont, and we would have had to pay two times the amount” for a similar-sized house. Manayunk’s affordability is a huge draw, agreed Khara. Her condos at Falcon are selling for about $400,000 per unit, or $206 per square foot. Meanwhile, “the exact same space in N orthern Liberties would be 30 to 40 percent more—$650,000 without batting an eye,” about $340 per square foot, added Khara, who develops properties in both neighborhoods.

Matt agreed that buyers can get a better value in Manayunk and get great spaces with amazing views that they can’t find on the Main Line or in Center City. Pricier units are here though, Matt adds; Phase Two of The Cliffs will be listed in the higher $600,000’s to lower $700,000’s and Michelle Cooley hit a record high price in Manayunk by selling a home for $899,000, explained Matt. “We are seeing more people who can afford up to a million dollar home,” he says. “These are people who use to live in multimillion dollar homes on the Main Line.”

With such disparate prices, Center City must surely hold some secret perk that Manayunk doesn’t, right? Interestingly, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Newcomers to Manayunk haven’t expressed a single feeling of missing out on city life. If anything, they say, Manayunk offers all of the trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and walkability of Center City—sans the “1-hour waits at three different restaurants on a Friday night,” says Khara. “Although Center City has more, sometimes that means more traffic, more people, more lines. And if you ever wanted a fancy night out, you could easily get into the city via the train.”

Photography by Kevin Marchese

Photography by Joseph Alfano (joealfanophotography.com)

welcome home

By Megan Connelly Falcon Condominiums Three stories of luxurious interior design paired with unbelievable views from the outdoor space on rooftop decks are only a few of the perks you’ll get when joining the Falcon Condominium community! The firs floor boasts an open floor plan featuring kitchens with stainless steel appliances and airy living spaces perfect for entertaining. The units have pristine bathrooms with clean cut designs and multiple bedrooms with walk-in closets. falconcondominiums.com

The Cliff Townhomes Between luxurious accommodations inside the 4-level town home and the unbelievable views of the city and Schuykill River from the spacious deck, The Cliff Townhomes make it difficult to ever leave your home! From custom chef’s kitchens, open floor plans, two story windows and distinct elements of design The Cliff has it all. theclifftownhomes.com

Delmar Heights Developer Glenn Falso brings his unique and magnificent ideas to Manayunk with Delmar Heights. These townhomes reach new heights with their sky-high airy roof decks with irreplaceable views of the Philadelphia skyline and the calming environment of your own personal backyard. The interior is just as impressive with expansive living spaces, gourmet kitchens and custom design details. mainstreetdevelop.com

The Post at Shurs Lane Coming soon from ROCK Construction and Development is The Post at Shurs Lane. 16 new construction contemporary townhomes are being built from bottom to top with unbelievable amenities. The spacious homes are equipped with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, a two-car garage and a rooftop deck with stunning views.

Green Lane Commons These sustainability-focused townhomes fit right in with the name of the street they are located on: Green!

The homes were built with environment goals in mind with cutting edge design and construction. Green Lane Commons have an abundance of natural light with their vast windows that complement the airiness of the sprawling open floor plan and 10 foot ceilings

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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2 Rector Street bourbonblue.com

Our NEW Canal Lounge

For information on booking a private event in our Newly Renovated Canal Lounge contact Melissa at mgregory@bourbonblue.com or 215.508.3360 Spring 2015 | manayunk.com 17

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It’s that simple.

3901 A Main Street Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA 19127 (484) 868 9818 YorktowneCabinetry.com

www.kitchenbathstudio.com

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elcome to Yorktowne®, where you’ll discover unexpected appeal and casual elegance crafted to last a lifetime. Take delight in American-made kitchens and baths that have an abundance of style and innovative storage solutions.

Dealer Name

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Jen Colahan www.dealerwebsite.com

ReMax Eastern, Inc. Your Neighborhood Specialist for all of your Real Estate Needs!

Offering a Free Comparative Market Analysis for anyone looking to Sell & a Free Meeting on The Home Buying Process for all Buyers!

Main Office 215-961-6005 Direct Cell: 215-266-4549 jencolahan@remax.net

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REAL ESTATE AROUND PHILLY 18

Photography by Kevin Marchese

One stop shop to provide exceptional bathroom and kitchen remodeling.

For Matt’s buyers it’s all about walkability to Main Street and accessibility to Center City, King of Prussia and the Main Line. His buyers love Manayunk because it has everything they need—shopping and great restaurants—and there’s even more coming with the addition of the new Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center and the opening of the Manayunk Bridge, Matt adds. “I really feel like this is another revival for Manayunk and people are really proud to be a part of the community, it’s the place to be,” he says.

Indeed, the only thing Manayunk appears to be lacking compared to the city’s core, residents are delighted to share, is the crime. “Manayunk is just safer,” Khara explained. “You don’t get the muggings or shootings that happen in Northern Liberties.” Which is why Lisa can feel safe strolling down to Main Street alone to take a fitness or yoga class, and Troy and his wife can walk home from the movie theater on a Saturday night. “When I was looking at a loft by Rittenhouse Square, I walked out of the place, and it’s like, ‘Got any spare change?’” Troy says. “You just don’t get that stuff in Manayunk.”

Troy felt such an instant connection to Manayunk that he not only chose to relocate with his family to The Cliffs, but also to base his business, Impress Décor, out of Chimney Hill Properties, both of which are located off of Leverington Street and owned by Neducsin Properties. “It’s our only office in North America, and we chose to do it in Manayunk,” says Troy who is the Director of Sales for North America with the international decorative laminate company.

“The office is super trendy and it’s a loft style. The office has a pulse, in and of itself, which helps get to the emotions of the customers. That’s key. And that’s why in Manayunk, we can walk customers down to Main Street to the restaurants and shops, or within minutes, we can be at the Art Museum. Showing customers around here is a win-win.”

Now, Troy and his wife and best friend of 27 years, lead a more spontaneous and easygoing life where they walk everywhere and have taken advantage of local events, such as the Manayunk Bike Race, and celebrated New Year’s Eve on Main Street at the Manayunk Brewing Company. Within minutes, they can be walking their dogs along the Towpath, a 2-mile path hugging the Canal and Schuylkill River. “We utilize the park system with our dogs, Wissahickon Park and Valley Forge trails.”

Each morning, Troy leaves his house and walks a single block to get to work. “It’s a fantastic way of living,” Troy says. “It’s all about quality of life—that’s the key. Without that, you can have the biggest house in the suburbs and what does it matter?”

Ainsley Di Duca is a local freelance writer and is part of our new initiative to get local voices into the Manayunk Magazine. Interested in writing about your community? Email Shannon Geddes at sgeddes@ manayunk.org.

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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Photography by Kevin Marchese

4312 MAIN STREET MANAYUNK, PA 19127

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215.483.9990

WWW.CANALHOUSE.COM

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The cooley grouP of Berkshire hathaway homeservices fox & roach realtors is proud to Be the listing agent of these fine properties.

l u X

coMiNg sooN

Coming Soon The Ridge MaNayuNk | PhiladelPhia

The Heights delMar sTreeT | PhiladelPhia

Sheldon Place MaNayuNk | PhiladelPhia

The Cooley Group is a team of real estate professionals specializing in both new development as well as resale homes throughout the metro-Philadelphia area. Developers trust The Cooley Group to market their new homes; individual home buyers and sellers trust their experience, instinct and style to find the perfect fit.

From the ground up we bring you home.

Northwestern Trails aNdorra | uPPer roXBorough

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The Tower MaNayuNk | PhiladelPhia

coMiNg sooN

The Tower II MaNayuNk | PhiladelPhia

For more information on these or any other properties, please contact:

The Cliff leveriNgToN aveNue | MaNayuNk

Michele cooley Tyler Bradley MaTThew NeducsiN Mobile 267.688.0488 office 215.247.3750 michele4homes@gmail.com

Conrad Place Phase II easT Falls | PhiladelPhia

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SHOP: THINGS WE LOVE

Retro Road Trip Manayunk’s fashionista Samantha Sciolla reports on Spring 2015 trends: art, culture, rhythm and rhyme.

By Samantha Sciolla

A nostalgic road trip back to 1970 influences a new age of retro dressing for spring 2015. Free flowing frocks draped in light weight fabrics are sheer bliss balancing boyfriend Bermudas and a brass statement pendant. The mood is easy, carefree, and refreshing with a twist, contrasting florals, drop waist ruffles, fluid fringing, and global prints. Make your own statement this spring by investing in the best of basics. The woven tee, the wide leg trouser, the cropped summer jacket, and the bohemian maxi dress paired with novelty statement accessories with modern vintage appeal are just the beginning to the perfect spring wardrobe. My recommendation is to head down to Main Street, to start building your spring wardrobe immediately.

Remix is the epitome of modern vintage meets high end consignment where I can assure you will not leave empty handed. “Easy, easy, easy and classic free flowing fits. That is what we focus on for our spring looks, whether it’s layering cardigans, tie-dye loose tees, stripes, cropped tops and pants…it’s all easy and fashionable. Bringing in tribal prints and layering pieces is inspired by bohemian style.

Easy and classic,” says Ljupka Neduscin, owner of Remix. 4355 Main Street – remixonmain.com.

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Being simple and making a statement has never been so easy. Stacy Jackson, co-owner of Meadowsweet Mercantile is enhancing her merchandise mix with must have, easy layering pieces and one of a kind jewelry to keep up with Spring 2015 trends. “My jewelry is everything right now, it’s all about the tones – whether it’s stone, copper or brass, they are all great. Shabori style wraps and free form dresses are essentials right now. It can be the most basic dress with the right fabric and print and it makes a huge statement,” says Stacy. 4390 Main Street – meadowsweetmercantile.com.

Both trendy and fabulous, The Little Apple is a must stop shop for affordable and unique accessories and gifts and no one is a better buyer than Brandy Deieso, owner of The Little Apple. “Big crystal rings are coming back, woven head bands with tribal beading are coming back, and layering necklace pendants are coming back! I even have local girls who live around Manayunk making all of these pieces that I am selling here. This trend is timeless, really for all ages,” says Brandy. 4353 Main Street – thelittleapplestore.com.

Latitudes and Longitudes carries several jewelry and accessory lines to add to your Spring 2015 look. “I’ve been stocking up on a lot of retro and bohemian jewelry for Spring 2015 including metal studs made in California and retro button necklaces. Geometric designs and patterned scarves are really big this spring too. It’s all about adventure and travel,” says Meredith Podab, owner of Latitudes and Longitudes. 4325 Main Street - livelatandlong.com.

Ready for runway? Known for 20 years of dressing high profile women, N icole Miller Manayunk is a one stop shop for designer sportswear, dresses, eveningwear, bridal and head to toe accessories. Always on trend, Miller’s modern, ageless aesthetic is both sexy, sophisticated, figu e flattering, and consistent in both fit and quality. “By offering personal shopping and wardrobe styling by appointment on and off site, we are able to help women of all ages look and feel their best every season all while getting their closets organized!

It really is a win win,” says Samantha Sciolla, store manager at Nicole Miller. 4249 Main Street – mkdandassociates.com.

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BELLEVUE | 200 SOUTH BROAD STREET | 215.546.5007 MANAYUNK | 4249 MAIN STREET | 215.930.0307 MKDANDASSOCIATES.COM

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Sweet and Spicy

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Winnie and John take a stab at barbeque right next door to their famed Winnie’s LeBus.

By Jane Lipton

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Photography by Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com) Assisted by Leah Macdonald

innie Clowry the owner and friendly face behind Winnie’s LeBus has teamed up with her long time executive chef John O’Brien to bring us Main Streets newest fare; Smokin’ John’s Barbeque. It’s comfort food at its finest, we’re talking pulled pork, ribs, brisket and amazing maple smoked turkey, all paired with traditional sides of macaroni and cheese, mashed sweet potatoes, creamed spinach and baked beans just to get started. For the vegetarians, vegans or health conscious there’s smoked salmon, seitan ribs and their spin on a broccoli slaw. As for the culture, it’s classic Winnie all the way – comfortable, warm, and a place you can easily sit back and relax in. Oh yeah, and if you’re in a rush it’s grab and go style so you can be out of the door in five minutes with a full meal in your hands.

We sat down with Winnie and John to chat more about how this dynamic duo got their start.

MM: Tell me how you got started in the restaurant biz.

Winnie: My father, Joe Murphy was in the restaurant / tavern business and I grew up watching him put great food on the table and a smile on every ones face.

John: When I was 14 years old I took a job washing dishes for two bucks an hour. After a year and a half I got promoted to short order cook, and that’s when my interest really took off. My big responsibility, on the weekend was to make toast. Boy did I make a lot of toast. White toast, wheat toast, rye toast, I made toast by the thousands. Funny, I still love to make toast, I love the smell.

MM: How long have you been working together? You two make quite the dynamic duo.

Winnie: I started working at LeBus in 1994, John was already working Spring 2015 | manayunk.com 25

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“ We really went for it in a big way when we offered barbeque at the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, where it was a huge hit! Out of that came a request to cater a barbeque wedding and the rest was just a natural progression into Smokin’ John’s Barbeque.”

MM: One restaurant seems like a lot of work, two seems really hard?

Winnie: I know, right? Sometimes I say to myself what was it thinking!

But seriously it all comes down to good systems being put in place and being consistent with everything we do.

John: True, one restaurant is hard and two, well its more than twice as hard. But we’re lucky, we have a talented and committed staff at Smokin’ John’s and that’s HUGE!

MM: When did this idea for a BBQ restaurant begin?

Winnie: Actually the first idea for a new restaurant was a “fast casual concept”, you know like the Panera and Chipolte concepts. We thought it would be a great way to do something much different than Winnie’s. We chose BBQ because it was a very successful choice for many of the themed parties we were catering. When the restaurant space next door became available we jumped at the chance.

John: For me the idea started when I was working on a Barbeque Sauce for Winnies. We served it on chicken and ribs for specials, and before long the dishes developed a loyal following, people even asked us about buying the sauce. We really went for it in a big way when we offered barbeque at the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, where it was a huge hit! Out of that came a request to cater a barbeque wedding and the rest was just a natural progression into Smokin’ John’s Barbeque.

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MM: How did you come up with the name for Smokin’ John’s?

Winnie: Years ago John made a brunch special. It was a BBQ chicken sandwich. My niece Kat said we should call it Smokin’ John’s BBQ. Over the years customers have asked for the BBQ sauce by that name. And so it just seemed like an obvious and natural choice.

MM: How does it feel to have restaurants named after you?

Winnie: Well Winnies LeBus, that was my husband’s doing. He wanted my name out there because I work so hard and he believes that I deserve the recognition. At first it was un-nerving because I hated my name growing up, now I am thankful for it. I am the third Winnie, I’m named after my mom and my grandmother who is now long gone. I often say that I wished my grandmother was alive to see Winnie’s, she would be so proud.

John: Honestly is a little strange, but people think it’s neat that there’s actually a “Smokin’ John”.

MM: Describe the style and ambiance of Smokin’ John’s?

Winnie: We used reclaimed barn wood to accent the trim and baseboards, as well as vintage doors and furniture. We have some really interesting pieces that we’ve picked up along the way, including table bases that were made from mixing bowl stands from the old Tastykake factory. One of my favorite pieces is the huge old barn door that hangs along the bar area, I think it makes the room!

John: Warm, friendly and inviting, the kind of place you want to hang out in with friends and family. Yep I love the way it feels there.

MM: What do you love most about working with each other?

Winnie: I really love working with John. He really “gets me” and I truly respect him both personally and professionally.

John: Winnie has vision, an ability to look ahead like no one I’ve worked with before. Her strength and conviction inspires me.

Photography by Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com) Assisted by Leah Macdonald

here. Can I boast a little? We just celebrated 20 years on Main Street, and Johns been with me the whole time. When Bob and I bought LeBus I asked John to be my Executive Chef. I knew I had the business savvy to operate the restaurant but the kitchen was a different story. Thankfully John accepted the position and the rest is history.

John: Winnie and I have been working together for most of my professional career. She’s like a sister to me. We see things the same way… well most of the time anyway. But most important we both have a passion for what we do.

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Photography by Susan Beard Design (susanbearddesign.com) Assisted by Leah Macdonald

MM: Several of the servers and staff at Winnie’s are family members, do you plan on keeping Smokin’ John’s in the family as well?

Winnie: If they aren’t our family, they might as well be…we have so many great employees.

John: Haha, we have already! My daughter Brittany is holding down the fort at Winnie’s behind the bar and both of my sons Corey and Jack are with me at Smokin’ John’s. My wife Danielle works behind the scenes

as well, offering some great ideas that have helped shape our restaurant.

MM: What’s your favorite kind of food, or is there a dish out there that you have always wanted to try?

Winnie: I love seafood. If I have lobster when we go out to dinner… the lobster has to be big – the bigger the better. It doesn’t need to be stuffed but it has to be big. I’m also that person you see in restaurants who orders that “Tower of Seafood”. You know, the dish that everyone else secretly wishes they had the nerve to order. My husband just shakes his head and watches me eat the entire thing, by myself, it’s wonderful.

John: My family and I are pretty adventurous and like to try a wide variety of foods. One of our favorite things to do is head to 9th street and find som interesting wild game to try.

MM: What single life event would you say had the most influence on you?

Winnie: Buying LeBus…it changed my life completely. It was the best move we could have ever made. There are many times in the course of the year that the finances are very stressful. Carrying a large payroll is a big responsibility for anyone. But, at the end of the day – it’s so rewarding when people let you know how much they truly like what you are doing.

John: Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. Every Sunday we would go there for dinner, she was the best cook I’ve ever known. She made everything from scratch, start to finish Her desserts were always a favorite; she made the most incredible bread pudding and pastries. I have a very fond memory of the spice cabinet in her pantry, it was an old white metal cabinet that I would open up as soon as we got there, and get lost in the amazing aromas that poured out. That spice cabinet sits in my home today, reminding me of her, reminding me of her contribution to my life.

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2/11/15 9:38 AM

DINE: CONVERSATION WITH THE CHEF

Greg Gillan of Greg’s Kitchen cooks up comfort food and brunch favorites in the corner of Manayunk.

By Caitlin Maloney

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If one thing is for sure, Greg Gillan, owner of Greg’s Kitchen, has always loved food. He learned about food at a young age, always being the taste tester as his mother and grandmother cooked. “My mom is a great cook and her mom is a great cook and Sunday dinners were very important to us,” he says.

Greg worked at a deli for over a decade throughout high school and college as a short order cook and always wanted to open a brunch spot of his own. Ideally, he dreamed of opening a place at the beach, but after a friend of his spotted the space at 4460 Main Street, Greg was hooked and opened his doors in Manayunk on December 16th, 2013. “When I first got in here, I saw the space and how I would lay it out,” he says. “It’s great to look around now and see that this is exactly how I pictured it.”

Opening in the winter allowed Greg to slowly ramp up his business and word began to spread.

“Once the spring hit it was crazy, there were lines out the door,” he says. “It has exceeded my expectations which makes me proud.”

Originally Greg was going to call his restaurant Yolanda’s to pay homage to his grandmother who has inspired his cooking, but after getting advice from friends (who told him the name sounded more like a soul food place) Greg decided to keep it simple. “A

conversation was brought up that this is my place, not my grandmothers, it’s my kitchen, so I thought why don’t I just call it Greg’s Kitchen,” he says.

As for the name, it may be simple but it implies exactly what he wants. Walk into Greg’s and you feel like you are walking into his home, right into his kitchen. “I had a girl just sit here drinking coffee and doing work all day and she said ‘it felt like I just walked into your house and you’re cooking for me,’” Greg says.

“That’s what we’re going for; we want to make people feel comfortable.”

When it comes to the menu, Greg likes to make classic items that he grew up eating like creamed chipped beef. Though he often uses his mother’s recipes as the base, he regularly puts his own spin on dishes to make them his own. For his specials, Greg finds inspiration while going to brunch around the area.

“Nobody’s recipe is really their own,” he says.

“You eat things you like and then you take items from different dishes and combine them to make it your own.”

His favorite item on the menu, the pork sandwich, is definitely a labor of love. It takes hours to marinate and cook in the oven, it’s an all day thing Greg explains. His favorite dish to make is an easy choice, it’s the corned beef

Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

One Man, One Griddle

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make them feel welcome in my home and give them the level of care that I want to in each dish,” he says.

Greg understands that the wait isn’t always for everyone because sometimes you have the time for it and sometimes you don’t. But to him, the wait is all part of what makes brunch so great.

“If you go out on the weekend for brunch you are usually going to sit somewhere and you are suppose to relax and enjoy your food,” Greg says. “If you are sitting here with your boyfriend and you run out of things to talk about in the time you get your food, than you should probably rethink your relationship.”

Now that Greg has completed a full year in business he is most proud of the reputation he has built so far. “It’s only been a year and I’m anxious to see what I’m able to do now that I have a rhythm,” Greg says. He’s hoping to add on catering and maybe branch out to another location or open a food truck in a couple of years. But for now, it’s making sure this location stays above water. “That’s more important than making tons of money and having a lot of locations that have only three stars on Yelp,” he says. “This is the one I have right now so it has to be awesome and if I open another one it has to be just as awesome.”

And when he has a free moment to sit back and relax and look around, he is happy to see what he has created, even if it’s just a little corner spot in Manayunk. “Going from not liking my job to having the opportunity to basically fulfill my dream, this is it, this is always what I’ve wanted to do,” Greg says.

FUN FACTS • Greg goes through about 3 cases of eggs each weekend alone. Each case has 15 dozen eggs so there are 180 eggs per case making the grand total 540 eggs. For bacon Greg goes through an average of 15lbs per week.

• Everyone who works at Greg’s Kitchen is family or friends of family. His mother works with him a few days a week.

• Greg’s brother, a graphic designer by trade, designed his logo and painted the mural’s in the restaurant, which include one of the iconic Manayunk bridge, the bird in his logo and a spatula.

• The bird in his logo is a robin and came from Greg’s memory of a bird’s nest appearing every spring above the patio door at his grandmother’s house. He would watch as the robin chicks grew up and eventually flew away. He has always liked birds and the color blue and hopes it reminds people of eggs and the morning. Greg now lives in his grandmother’s old home and still sees a new nest each spring.

• When not eating at his own restaurant, Greg favorite restaurant near his home is Diego’s Cantina. His Manayunk favorites include Taqueria Feliz and Lucky’s Last Chance.

Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)

hash. Most people are used to eating it out of a can, but Greg makes his version completely from scratch. “Making it from scratch makes all the difference in the world,” Greg says. “That’s an item I won’t skimp on; it’s got to be from scratch.” And his customers are noticing; there are over 10 reviews on Yelp alone mentioning the corned beef hash.

While most menu items are homemade, Greg admits that some items are store bought.

Though you may gasp, he has an explanation.

“You realize what your strengths are and it’s not just that it’s easier to buy certain items, it’s sucking it up and realizing that you can’t make it as good and maybe it’s not your thing,” he says. “So let someone else make it, that’s what they do best.”

His shining stars of the menu though are his tater tots. You can’t go into Greg’s Kitchen and leave without getting the tots and Greg’ confesses they aren’t on the list of homemade items. “How long would it take to make a bag of tater tots, that would be terrible, I would have to have clones,” Greg says. “As long as people like them and they come out good, that’s all I care about.”

Finding the perfect tot was hard work. Greg tested five or six different kinds before settling on his token tots. And when his go to brand was out of stock and he had to change it up one day, Greg says people actually noticed. “I guess they take their tots seriously… I mean I take them seriously,” Greg says. “It’s something so simple, but it’s a comfort food and reminds you of being a kid.”

Though most of his business is through word of mouth, Greg’s Kitchen has also been gaining a reputation on Yelp, currently they boast four stars. The positive reviews are all about the food; the negative reviews, they always come down to one thing: slow service.

Ninety Nine percent of people say the food is worth the wait, Greg says. “Just know that if you come on Saturday or Sunday you’re going to wait a little while,” he says. “Just be patient and relax because the food will be good so eat it and be happy.”

The wait all factors down to one thing, Greg is a one man show with one small griddle.

Though his mom often helps with prep, it’s just Greg cooking and until he gets another griddle or expands, that’s how it is he says. “Every piece of food that goes into someone’s mouth I’ve touched,” he says. “When 20 people come in all at once, I’m feeding 20 people.”

For Greg, this allows him to enjoy not just a level of control, but also a level of personal satisfaction. “When they come in to Greg’s Kitchen and they sit down at a table I want to manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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NOW OPEN

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By Anna McCarthy Spring into Manayunk! Whether you’re looking for a new place to grab a bite or need some help starting a new workout regiment, Manayunk has something for you this season!

Craft Manayunk is the new hotspot for those wanting to quench their craft beer craving! Rebranded from the previous Sapphire at 4141 Main Street, Craft is excited to welcome you into their revamped space. With some of your Sapphire favorites still on the menu, Craft has a menu full of craft beers, a full bar and tasty food. Snack on an appetizer of fried brie, hummus, or wings or delicious mac and cheese. Try out craft beers like Stoudt’s Pilsner, Jacks Hard Cider, or Goose Island Sofie to go with your grown up grilled cheese. Feeling adventurous? Check out their day boat scallops wrapped in Bacon drizzled with pesto paired with a Dale’s Pale Ale. craftmanayunk.com Haven’t been able to schedule your trip to Paris and need a bite of French cuisine? No worries because So Crepe is opening any minute in Manayunk at 4357 Main Street. So Crepe’s first location is on South Street in Center City, but they are expanding their business to Main Street! With an array of savory and sweet crepes, So Crepe will be sure to satisfy your French hankering without even leaving Manayunk! When you stop by try their “So French” a crepe with Swiss cheese topped with ham and two sunny side up eggs, or “So Smoked” with smoked salmon, avocado, sour cream, and chives. Finish your meal off with a cup of La Colombe Coffee, and a “So Washington” with caramelized apple, homemade salted butter caramel and a scoop of French vanilla ice cream or keep is trouble-free with a “So Simple” with sugar, butter and a twist of lemon. socrepe.com Pop a tire or need some work done to your bike? We all know Cadence is the place to go, but they’re about to make a big move. Cadence Cycling & Multisport will be moving down Main Street to the intersection of Main Street and Ridge Ave. The new location will be more accessible to cyclists riding along the Schuylkill River Trail including Kelly Drive and the Manayunk Towpath. Cadence specializes in retail products, coaching, physiological test and mechanical services. From novice bikers to seasoned tri athletes, Cadence is ready for you to check out their new location this Spring! cadencecycling.com

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More of a runner than a biker? Don’t fret! Philadelphia Runner is opening soon at 4347 Main Street! Philadelphia Runner strives to be more than just another running store; they’re a hub for the fitness community and their culture is built on the idea that working out can and should be fun. Appealing to runners of all ages and skill levels, Philly Runner is the place to find your new shoes, apparel, and accessories to enable you to have the best workout possible! philadelphiarunner.com Spring 2015 | manayunk.com 33

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PLAY: GET PHYSICAL

First Time Is The Hardest

An average and inexperienced local risked life and limb by trying fitness classes around Manayunk

By Noel Bartocci

When the neighborhood of Manayunk is brought up in conversation (besides when it’s a discussion of whether it’s Philadelphia or not…it is), two things are often mentioned; food and fitness. For every wonderful restaurant on Main Street, there is a gym in every flavor (e.g. yoga, spinning, rowing, boxing, dancing, etc.). The main drag even houses bike shops and running stores. I can only assume that outsiders perceive the local’s struggle as a constant cycle of glutton and fitness constantly burning off the craft beer and award winning food with boxing lessons and spinning classes. I know people who will put an hour on the elliptical just so they can indulge in the mac and cheese at The Goat’s Beard (seriously, though, it is quite good).

I don’t consider myself a physically fit person, nor should I, but I do think of myself as someone who wants to stay in motion. It’s a blessing that Manayunk offers so many options to do just that. However, that blessing brings about the curse of having to choose in which to invest with so many options in front of you. Because let’s face it, any new activity we adopt is an investment, monetary and physical. How do you choose which one is right for you, or anyone else for that matter?

We’re all unique snowflakes and all that jazz – some people like to hurt, some people like a release, while others just want to be pushed. Where I fell in that spectrum started to become irrelevant as I began to wonder about how to classify the local gyms and fitness centers. Where do I go if I need to be pushed? Where do I go if I want to get centered? Where do I go if I want be challenged?

I was so focused on the one right place that I became blind to the possibility of their being multiple.

Not long ago I embarked upon the herculean task of trying as many new fitness classes as possible.

I would risk life and limb, as well as ego, and step out of my comfort zone to find the next thing that will keep me in motion. Enter the Manayunk.com Blog, which gave me the opportunity to write about these classes and these experiences from a perspective that I felt was mostly missing – a very normal and inexperienced one. I wanted to write about all the things that go through my head when I try something for the first time. From the anxiety to the accomplishment, the first time is always the hardest. The lofty goal of these articles was to assuage any fears and encourage anyone to try something new, while being as humorous as possible. Pain is funny. My pain…arguably funnier.

So, what have I accomplished thus far? Well, you can read the full reports (in all their, at times, gruesome glory) at Manaunk.com, but what follows is a progress report.

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Fitness Studio: Tapasya Yoga Manayunk Class: Hot Yoga Dynamics Instructor: Schuyler Ferguson Class Description: A class designed to focus on movement, balance, agility, flexibilit , and motor control. The website states that this is not a Vinyasa class or typical Bikram, but something else that also incorporates “pranayama, shavasana practices, and simple meditations at the completion of every class.”

Takeway: Being an easily frustrated yoga student in the past, I found this class to be more agreeable to my sensibilities. It wasn’t a set-up/pose, set-up/pose, repeat structure that sometimes would allow me to get in my own head about “doing it right.” It was more of a steady flow from one position to the next, allowing time to ease into each position in an organic way and really settle. Admittedly, I am a person that has trouble relaxing, but the silent meditation provided after an hour+ of smooth motion was as close as I’ve ever come.

(Semi) Pro Tip: Hydrate. A lot. Bring a towel - or two. Being a thick kid of Italian and Mexican descent, I look at the sun and break a sweat, so if I can handle it, I venture to guess that many, many can with proper preparation.

Instructor Notes: Schuyler is simultaneously patient and stern in his direction, that it seems impossible not to just follow his lead. He will not let you flounder nor will he disrupt the pace of the class. It’s a delicate balance that he appears to have mastered.

Fitness Studio: Joltin’ Jabs Class: Boxing Instructor: Joltin’ Joey DeMalavez Class Description: Learn discipline and self defense, build confidence, gain strength and agility, increase stamina and endurance, and lose weight. Full body boxing regiment and work out.

Takeaway: I still have trouble understanding the term “a good hurt,” but by golly does it apply to a class at Joltin’ Jabs. All levels are welcome because Joey leads the class as a collective, but tailors workouts to your needs. The class size was intimate enough for him to give a legit trained boxer direction and then turn around and patiently show us the correct way to throw a punch. It was a fantastic butt kicking, if that is such a thing.

(Semi) Pro Tip: If you have a sensitivity to good natured shouting and/or foul language, then either prepare yourself or reconsider trying the class (which really should not be a deal-breaker). Not one iota of the intensity expressed in the class is in poor taste or

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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It’s About Your

derogatory, but a bomb or two will likely be dropped, especially as everyone around you pushes themselves to the limit.

Health

Instructor Notes: Joey is brimming with so much energy that it’s impossible to be lazy in his presence. His power as an instructor lies within the palpable excitement he has during the entire hour class. Try, just TRY to resist pushing your limits with him at the helm.

Class Description: 45 minutes of an incredible cardio workout with the area’s most encouraging instructor’s. The class is broken up by songs with breaks in between and tension on the bikes can be adjusted so all skill levels encouraged to join.

Takeaway: Encouraging doesn’t quite cover how masterful Julie was with guiding all the riders early on that Saturday morning. More than any class I’ve tried so far, I was most pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed cycling (who would’ve thunk it). I fell for the narrative she would share through each timed out song, guiding us up and down in speed and resistance, encouraging us to never stop. It really worked for me.

(Semi) Pro Tip: If new to riding, get there early so you can get help fitting your bike. Yes, clamp your feet. Yes bring water. Yes, your butt will be a bit sore.

Just keep going. The 45 minutes is segmented into such digestible chunks that it flies b .

Instructor Notes: I know I keep saying a variation of the same thing, but darn it if it isn’t true…Julie was so positive and inspiring with her direction that she made what could’ve been considered a trial to be a genuine pleasure. Her kindness extended to before and after the class as well, and you can tell, that’s just how she operates.

Fitness Studio: Never Give Up Class: Boot Camp Instructor: Ali Jackson Class Description: Intense, sweaty, and challenging.

Work your way through this full- body, one- of- a kind, circuit- series workout. Get ripped, lean, fast, and strong with this all- in- one, boot camp style, fast paced class. You will walk out feeling LIMITLESS! Takeaway: Despite the fact that I was only able to complete half of this class (due to comically busting my face on a treadmill), I can’t speak ill of it and wholly admit that it is effective. Even when sidelined, I was inspired to keep going. Sure, the loss of skin 36

NEVER GIVE UP

Photo by Vlad Gurevich, vladgurevich.com

Fitness Studio: The Wall Cycling Studio Class: Indoor Cycling Instructor: Juliet Sabella

on my face and ice packed against my mouth was a deterrent, but I still wanted to.

(Semi) Pro Tip: Know your limits. Love your limits.

Push them gradually. Don’t, and this is just an example I’ll randomly pull out of thin air, try to run on a treadmill going a billion mph because the guy in front of you did and you’re bursting with adrenaline.

Instructor Notes: Ali proved herself to possess a very important skill - calm in the face of crisis. Sure, it was my crisis, but the speed in which she addressed my injuries (physical and mental) was top notch. I was happily pushing myself, but the moment I became overzealous and pushed too hard, reality literally grinded my face against a running tread. I was mortified but Ali, her protégé, and the class were nothing but kind, supportive, and most importantly, carried on with the workout. I really do think it would’ve been more embarrassing if a dozen people were staring and babying me. Great people, great class, and great staff.

What have I learned from trying new things?

Well, in addition to surprising myself and enjoying things I never thought I would, I’m not entirely sure. I have learned to embrace my ability to just jump in. Taking these classes has fed that little adventurous spirit I must had buried deep a long time ago. N ow when people suggest something, I find myself agreeing. Salsa lessons? Bring it. Painting classes? Sure. Broad Street Run? I’m in. Skydiving? Ehhhh…maybe.

Speed-dating? Whoa, there – slow down.

Okay, maybe I have more to learn. I’ll keep trying new things, dig out that little spirit a bit more, and get back to you on my progress.

If ever you’re anxious about trying something new or think that you’ll look like a fool, just remember, there’s that guy that head-butt a moving treadmill in front of a bunch of super fit people and lived. If that’s the bar, you’re bound to surpass it…so just go for it.

Noel Bartocci is a local freelance writer and is part of our new initiative to get local voices into the Manayunk Magazine. Interested in writing about your community? Email Shannon Geddes at sgeddes@manayunk.org.

Wall Cycling Studio The Wall offers 35+ classes per week starting at 5:15AM and is the first & only studio in the area to have the most technologically advanced bikes available- the Keiser M3i. Only 10 short minutes from the Main Line. First class FREE Parking available across street 100 Levering Street | (267) 336-7928 www.thewallcycling.com

Merge Dance Studio Drop-in for Zumba, Piloxing, and/or BARRE Fusion for only $8.00 per class and/or register for their weekly dance classes for ages 2 to adult and for all skill levels today!

4047 Cresson St., 2nd Floor Rear | 215-266-1311 www.mergedancestudio.com

Get A SPOTLIGHT on your business

Other SPOTLIGHT categories: Health Classes • Retail Specials • Exhibits/Shows To Advertise Call: Jim Bauer at 610.417.9261 or email: bauerjim7@gmail.com

manayunk.com | Spring 2015

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The Juice Merchant Coming Soon

April 2015

Fresh Juice With Healthy Food Options

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PLAY: LOCAL A&E

Photography by Steve Weinik, Staff Photographer for the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

Sandy’s Dream Manayunk mural by Ann Northrup to be rededicated on World Ovarian Cancer Day, benefitting the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

By Joan Denenberg They call ovarian cancer the cancer that whispers. Known among the medical community as being difficult to detect and even harder to diagnose, it can often go ignored and undetected. In 2005 the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Manayunk Development Corporation and the owner of the famed Propper Brothers Furniture (now Propper View Apartments), Sam Kroungold, came together to dedicate a mural offering awareness and support to those afflicted with this deadly disease. The 69’ X 50’ mural, painted by local artist Ann Northrup, was the first wall painting to raise cancer awareness in the United States.

Now 10 years later all of the groups are coming back together on May 8 to rededicate the touching mural after it was restored this past summer 38

after changes to the historic building. Ann led the restoration efforts and worked with a team of assistants to restore and touch-up the “Sandy’s Dream” mural, as well as the sign atop the building. The rededication ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. and a moment of silence will be held in memory of all women lost and in honor of all women still fighting this disease. Performances will take place and light refreshments will be served.

Alessandro’s sister, Sandy Rollman who passed away from advanced ovarian cancer at age 33. For Cohen, who served as Rollman’s oncology nurse, and D’Alessandro, the foundation keeps Sandy’s memory alive while raising support and community consciousness for this fatal cancer.

For more information visit sandyovarian.org.

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