Lifestyle Report January 2016 by New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine

LifeStyle Report JANUARY 2016

We’re all of this and More! FASHION • HOME & DESIGN • ART DINING • GOLF • HEALTH

Lowest Prices of the Year

On every SEALY, SEALY Posturepedic, Hybrid and Stearns & Foster model

Our retailers are committed to finding you the best nights sleep Exclusively at these SEALY GALLERY STORES Ashley Furniture HomeStore — Northfield ashleyfurniturehomestore.com 609-569-1760

Osbornes Furniture — Cape May Courthouse osbornesattheshore.com 609-465-7825

Kensington Furniture — Northfield kensingtonfurniture.com 609-241-0807

Oskar Huber Furniture — Ship Bottom/LBI oskarhuber.com 609-494-8127

Johnson’s Furniture — Ocean City johnsonsappliances.net 609-399-1598

0% Interest Financing Fast Free Delivery *

*See store for details

THE • VIEW

The Meeting Place

ack when flappers and jazz clubs were “all the rage,” Atlantic City was a convention town. Businessmen flocked here, as much for the backdrop of beach and Boardwalk as for the town’s more colorful side. Conventions were so popular in the 1920s that the city spent $15 million to construct a proper venue. Dedicated on May 31, 1929, Boardwalk Hall was an architectural and engineering marvel of the time. It had the largest auditorium in the world constructed without roof posts or pillars. Some things never change. Here it is, nearly a century later, and we’re looking to attract meetings and conventions with bigger, better facilities. Welcome to Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center; 100,000 square feet of brand new meeting space that overlooks the Marina district and Atlantic Ocean. If its picture-perfect views aren’t enticing enough, its state-of-the-art facilities surely will be. You can sleep, meet, eat, and play without leaving the premises. Everything is under one roof, and it’s a big one. Have a need to host a gathering for 5,000 of your “closest” friends? This space can accommodate it. At a cost of $125.8 million, Harrah’s is making a significant investment in conventions — and one we hope will pay off for the region. But they are not alone. Resorts Casino Hotel recently unveiled a $5 million conference center; encompassing 15,000 square feet along the Boardwalk. It’s already doing a brisk business. In addition to both of the new facilities, there’s the Atlantic City Convention Center and Historic Boardwalk Hall. The latter underwent a $90 million restoration completed in 2001, making it a vibrant destination once again. Then there’s the new initiative, Meet AC. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s the nonprofit funded by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Meet AC’s mission is to aggressively pursue convention business. But you and I know that Meet AC is selling more than conventions. They’re promoting the beautiful beaches and Boardwalk and all there is to do in South Jersey. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of living here, even for just the summer, knows the magic of the Jersey Shore. It’s a great place to meet — whether you’re meeting old or new friends or business partners. I invite you to join me in my new mantra, “Meet me at the Jersey Shore.” Show your pride for a region that’s only going to get better as more people get a chance to experience it.

how to reach us SUBSCRIPTIONS

For new subscriptions, changes of address or questions about an existing subscription, call 609.404.4611. ADVERTISING

Want to advertise your business in "NJ Lifestyle Magazine"? Request a media kit by calling us at 609.404.4611. NJLIFESTYLEONLINE.COM

Dar la Hendricks

Publisher

Visiting our website is your connection to South Jersey’s Good Life. WHERE TO FIND US

"NJ Lifestyle Magazine" is mailed to select households in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, and parts of South Jersey. We can be found at select retail locations, golf clubs, restaurants, doctor offices and more. njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE REPORT | January Issue 2015

CONTENTS FEATURES Starring Artistic Hardware The “go to” place for hardware for movies and TV shows.

On Wheels Experience affordable luxury in the Buick LaCrosse.

Entertainment The amazing Alexander.

D EPA RTME NTS Watch 14 Money Understanding investment fees.

20 Legends 1920s in Atlantic City. Gallery 48 Dining All the details on the area’s great dining venues.

January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

Restaurant Report A visit to two Atlantic City seafood restaurants.

Y-TURF When Artificial is

EXTRAORDINARY Enjoy year-round beauty with a Y-TURF installed SYNTHETIC SURFACE, offering a magnificently landscaped lawn with little or no maintenance. IDEALLY PICTURESQUE Vibrant, manicured lawns amid natural plantings, hardscaping, lighting and water features. SAFE & CLEAN Environmentally-friendly for children and pets, eliminates grass stains and muddy paws.

877-90-YTURF ( 87 7 -9 0 9-88 73)

FUN & ENTERTAINING Authentic at-home putting greens with unparalleled quality, durability and performance. REAL TO THE TOUCH Lush and lifelike with a fresh cut appearance and soft pleasing feel. Young’s complements synthetic turf with a full range of services: Landscaping & Hardscaping, Architectural Landscape Lighting, Water Features, Lawn, Tree & Shrub Care and Traditional & Organic Maintenance Programs

Furnishing the Jersey Shore for over 20 Years BARSTOOLS • DINING SETS • BARS • LIVING ROOMS BEDROOMS • INTERIOR DESIGN • UPHOLSTERY SHOP Commercial Accounts and Designers Welcome See our commercial on Shark Tank (CNBC) M-W-Th, 8-10pm n The largest selection of American and Amish Furniture on the East Coast n n

LifeStyle Report Publisher / Creative Director

Darla Hendricks darlabh2@gmail.com Associate Publisher

Barbara Scarduzzio barbaras1@comcast.net Editor

Bill Henry Copy Editor

Alyson Boxman Levine Contributing Writers

Sherry Hoffman Alyson Boxman Levine Felicia Lowenstein Niven Matt and Tom Reynolds Elaine Rose David Spatz Travel Editor

331 Tilton Road • Northfield, NJ • 609-646-6464 • atlanticcitybarstoolbrothers.com

Dan Schlossberg Photographers

Barbara’s A Fashion Experience

14 Central Square Linwood • 609.601.0035 johnny was n nydj n comfy n elliott lauren n white & warren n nally & millie n alison sheri n cartise n ag jeans n allen allen n equestrian n zoe couture n 525 america n lisa todd n 360 sweater n lilla p n annabel ingall n lyssé n luc fontaine n elena wang n hanky panky n TEES by TINA

Michael I. Mann, CPA Zelnick, Mann and Winikur, P.C.

Image is important. This is ours. January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

Online Media Info.

www.njlifestyleonline.com

Nick Valinote Eric Weeks

Accounting

New Jersey Lifestyle is published by New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC. The entire contents of New Jersey Lifestyle are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. New Jersey Lifestyle, LLC reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial material and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. All correspondence should be sent to:

New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine, LLC P.O. Box 787, 174 S. New York Road Oceanville, NJ 08231 Telephone: 609-404-4611

Starring Artistic Hardware

Pat McCarthy, left, and Tom Vassallo of Artistic Hardware in Northfield, NJ

Artistic Hardware has become the "go to" place for hardware for movies and TV shows filming in the Northeast. Pictured below is the collection of movie posters displayed in their store, depicting a bevy of their well-known Hollywood credits.

January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

Lifestyle Spotlight By Felicia Lowenstein Niven Photos by Eric Weeks

WHEN SNAKE EYES STARRING NICHOLAS Cage premiered back in 1998, Pat McCarthy had more than a passing interest. After all, his hardware was making its movie debut. “We got a phone call from a set decorator named Chuck Potter,” remembers Pat. “They were filming in Atlantic City and had set up a sound stage at Egg Harbor Twp. High School. They wanted to match the hardware from the shoot on location. They sent us pictures and we ordered what they needed.” It was the start of Artistic Hardware’s foray into movies and television. That set decorator shared Pat’s contact information with other set decorators, and Artistic Hardware became the “go to” place for hardware for movies and TV shows filming in the Northeast. They now have dozens of movies and TV shows to their credit. Movies include Ricki and the Flash, The Intern, Sex and the City, The Bourne Ultimatum, Cold Mountain, Meet the Parents and School of Rock. TV series range from “Boardwalk Empire” and “Gossip Girl” to more recent ventures such as “Under the Dome,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” “Mr. Robot” and “Blue Bloods.” “I do look for my hardware in the movies and on TV,” says Pat. “For example, my son Luke and I enjoy watching “Blue Bloods” with Tom Selleck. It’s a great show and always cool to see our products on screen. I like to point out our door handles or whatever they’re featuring and it drives my family crazy!” They’re constantly approached for new shows, and they just finished up a new series on the Starz Network called “Flesh and Bone.” They worked on the steamy new NBC drama, “Shades of Blue” starring Jennifer Lopez, as well as the new NBC crime drama, “Allegiance.” They’ve also been working for the last year on Martin Scorcese’s and Mick Jagger’s

series “Vinyl” on HBO, about the 1970’s rockand-roll scene in New York City. “We supplied a lot of product to that show,” says Pat. “It’s always interesting working on a project with someone like Mick Jagger as a producer,” he added. Artistic Hardware supplies everything from doorknobs and cabinetry handles to light fixtures, mirrors, ceiling fans, and furnishings — anything customers might find in the retail store and of course anything available through through thier extensive product network resources. Operations Manager Tom Vassallo handles much of the movie and TV business. “Typically, the set designer will send us a picture of the ‘on location’ set,” says Pat. “It

might be a restaurant, a train station, an office, or even a bathroom. We will help them to reproduce that exact location on the sound stage. It’s a pretty quick turn-around; often we have to track it down and get it to them overnight.” Sometimes when they’re done with the products, the set designer will ship them back to Artistic Hardware. “We had the sink console that was used in Meet the Parents on display in the store,” says Pat. “One of our customers bought it for their powder room. We also have

Samantha’s bathroom from Sex and the City in our warehouse. One of these days, we’ll display that in the store.” Customers will find movie posters and autographed pictures at the store. Pat McCarthy says they have been invited to the sets to watch filming. “I haven’t gone yet. Aside from when they were filming in Atlantic City, it’s always been too far.” The movie business is just a normal part of this unique store, begun by Pat McCarthy with a goal of carrying the more interesting pieces in high-end hardware, plumbing, lighting, and home accessories. That means that you’ll not only have access to the traditional style cabinet knobs, but ones in different patinas and sculpted designs. Sinks, bathtubs, showers, mirrors, ceiling fans, and more offer plenty of artistic options. Pat McCarthy and his staff work with homeowners as well as builders, architects, designers, and kitchen and bath professionals. Showroom manager, Carol Kelly says “we work with both new construction and remodeling, and regularly perform glass shower installations for a variety of contractors and homeowners.” Artistic Hardware’s reputation has earned them clients up and down the Jersey shore, from Cape May to Long Beach Island. Pat also has helped design spaces for customers in the Bahamas, St. John’s, Bermuda, Key West, California, Colorado, Canada, England, Belgium, and Morocco. Even Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin have fixtures from Artistic Hardware in their Long Island home. “We’re very customer-service driven,” says Pat, “which is why we work well with the movie and TV business. We get them what they need, when they need it, and we do the same for our local clientele.” n

njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE REPORT | January Issue 2015

Lifestyle Entertainment

The Amazing Alexander

By David J. Spatz

From an iconic TV program to a traveling one-man show, Jason Alexander embodies impeccably-timed talent.

DESPITE STARRING ON WHAT MANY CONSIDER the most popular sitcom in television history, Jason Alexander knows he’s a tough sell to a theater audience — especially when he’s playing himself, even more so when he’s doing a fictitious character nobody’s heard of. Even with a Tony Award, six Emmy nominations, and a Screen Actors Guild honor in his career trophy case, talent buyers were on the fence about booking the actor who spent nine seasons playing George Costanza on “Seinfeld.” It became even trickier when they saw the name of his oneman show: “An Evening with Jason Alexander and his Hair.” No doubt about it: The man who played Jerry Seinfeld’s nebbishy best friend was something of an enigma wrapped in an identity crisis. “Actually, it wasn’t me with the identity crisis. It was (the audience),” Alexander says, “and some producers, too.” But he admits that his latest act, which he brought to Harrah’s Resort this fall, was probably easier for the casino to market than when he made his debut there five years ago with another one-man show, “Jason Alexander as Donny Clay.” “Donny Clay shows you the way,” Alexander says with a laugh during a phone call from his California home. For those who saw that show and walked out more confused than when they walked into the theater, “Donny Clay” was a character of his own invention, a Tony Robbins-like person who billed himself as the country’s fourth-leading motivational speaker. The joke, Alexander says, is that the character was anything but motivational, which became apparent as the show progressed. People seemed to like the show, but …

“I had people leave and like the show and still not know what the hell they had just seen,” he says. Alexander, a Jersey boy who grew up in Livingston just 20 miles from Broadway, initially developed “Donny Clay” as a piece of corporate entertainment. Major companies hosting management retreats booked the show for their conferences. The show tended to fly under the public radar, because it wasn’t advertised or made available to the masses. It was strictly an undercover gig, a private show. But then Alexander’s agents began offering it to theaters and casinos, which only created more confusion when the title “Jason Alexander as Donny Clay” went up on a theater marquee and began appearing in newspaper ads. People recognized Alexander’s name, but they didn’t get the whole “Donny Clay” thing. Some came expecting to see glimpses of George Costanza, but Alexander never came close to giving them even a hint of George. In the world of theatrical fantasy, it’s safe to conclude that Donny Clay and George Costanza never met one another and probably never will. Because his signature acting role was in a TV comedy, audiences who saw “Donny Clay” or “An Evening with Jason Alexander and his Hair” likely expected the shows to be a form of stand-up comedy. And while there were laughs in both shows, Alexander doesn’t consider either to be a form of stand-up. “It was completely comedic and yes, I was alone on stage, like you’d be doing standup,” he explains. “But it never struck me as stand-up comedy. It struck me as theater. It was an on-going monologue that had some connective tissue and had a point and was

funny throughout.” Despite being very friendly with Seinfeld, who’s a gifted stand-up comic, Alexander says performing a comedy set and playing comedy characters are vastly different. He may be a terrific actor, but there’s a big difference between acting and stand-up comedy. So when it was suggested that Alexander develop a conventional comedy act, “I froze in terror. That’s not my background, although God knows with my association with (Seinfeld), I’ve met some of the best stand-ups in the world,” he says. “I know what a crazy and hard and unique kind of performing that is. And I just didn’t think I could do it.” Alexander put “Donny Clay” out to pasture in 2010 and later began developing the show that would eventually become “An Evening with Jason Alexander and his Hair.” Still, he needed a way to make sure audiences didn’t think he was bringing George along for the ride, which many expected during “Donny Clay.” “My one hesitance was that people know George better than they know Jason,” he says. “Which is fine, except I’m not giving them George, I’m giving them something else. So the notion became how do I make them not think they’re going to see George? And that’s where the hair came in.” Alexander decided he’d perform the show wearing a toupee not very different that the one he wore in a classic “Seinfeld” episode, in which George tried for a new look by donning a hair piece. The wig was so bad that Elaine finally ripped the rug off George’s head and threw it out the window of Jerry’s apartment. The toupee wasn’t a completely foreign concept to Alexander. He began wearing one several years ago, but it was more of a protest

njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE REPORT | January Issue 2015

Pictured clockwise from above; the cast of Seinfeld, Alexander as Donny Clay, the cast of Merrily We Roll Along. than a way of covering his baldness. He was trying to prove a point to producers who had denied him acting roles simply because they couldn’t see him as any other character but George Costanza. Quite simply, Alexander — whose real love is musical theater, and who is an excellent song-and-dance man — had been unfairly typecast. “I thought about (doing) the show with the toupee. And we recognized that it was strange, for a guy that everyone knows is bald, to be wearing a toupee,” he says with a chuckle. “So we actually begin the (stage) show with material about the hair, and all the crazy things that people do to try and make an impression. It became a way to dispel the image of George and have a kind of a hook for the show. But let me make this clear — as much as the hair is the star, it does not dominate the evening.” Alexander did try and make the show a little easier for the audience to understand than Donny Clay by adding some biographical material. There’s also little observational comedy element — again, not stand-up a la Seinfeld, but still funny stuff — along with some audience interaction. “It’s more of a variety show,” he says. Because of his theatrical background, there’s even a little music in the show. Again, though, he won’t be reprising anything musical he’s ever done in the theater. “I’m not up there singing ‘Impossible Dream,’” Alexander says with a laugh. “The music is there for comedic value.” Alexander always dreamed of a career

in the theater. After graduating Livingston High School in 1977, he attended Boston University for three years but dropped out before the beginning of his senior year when he began getting acting gigs in New York. In the early 1980s, he landed a featured part in one of Stephen Sondheim’s best flops, “Merrily We Roll Along.” That led to appearances in shows like “The Rink,” “Broadway Bound,” “Accomplice” and “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,” for which he won the 1989 Tony Award for best featured actor in a musical. Not long after the Tony, he won the role that would change his life when he was cast as George in “Seinfeld.” At the same time, he decided to put his theater career on hold for nearly 15 years for two of the best reasons in the world: his two young sons. But the kids are grown now and on their own, and Alexander is looking to get back on Broadway in a major way. Earlier this year, he replaced “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David in David’s Broadway comedy “Fish in the Dark.” He’s hoping that will lead to more projects, and says one is in the works now that he hopes to develop and star in next year. “I love the (live) stage because you can make an instant connection with the audience,” he says. “That’s what was so great about doing (‘Seinfeld’) for all those years. We

12 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

did it in front of a live audience.” But he knows Broadway has changed dramatically since he last bounced the boards on a full-time basis more than 25 years ago. There’s intense competition among producers looking to install shows in theaters. “There’s a limited number of theaters now, about 12 of them have shows that are never going to leave and there’s a huge (waiting list) for every available theater,” he says. “So it’s hard to get in there unless you have five gigantic movie stars that are ready to step into the piece. It’s very tricky to cut into the head of the line.” Although overcoming the George typecasting has been one of his biggest career challenges, Alexander refuses to say it’s part of the so-called “Seinfeld curse,” an urban acting myth that says other than Jerry Seinfeld, the other three stars of the show have had trouble finding success during the 18 years since “Seinfeld” aired its final episode on NBC. “There’s no curse,” he says. “‘Seinfeld’ was a gift. There’s no telling what would have happened with my career had ‘Seinfeld’ not come along.” n

Lou Marchiano FOR MEN

CLOTHING • SPORTSWEAR • SHOES Terra Mar Plaza | Tilton Road | Northfield, NJ | 609-641-2088

LIFESTYLE

MONEYWATCH

Understanding Investment Fees Do you know what you are paying? MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WHEN WE ASK A POTENTIAL CLIENT WHAT THEY ARE currently paying in investment fees, we receive one of two answers: 1. I don't know. 2. I don't pay anything. The first answer is understandable, as the transparency of investment fees leaves a lot to be desired, and the second answer is just wrong. Fees come in various forms; including commissions, portfolio management, operating expenses, and 12-b1 fees. Although you may not see the fee, it does not mean you are not paying it. Commissions are a type of fee charged by a broker or advisor for handling the purchase or sale of a security. If you have ever sold a house, you know that commissions can eat up a substantial portion of profits or even principal. The same holds true for stock and bond trades. Commissions can vary widely from $4.95 and below per trade offered by online sites, to a few hundred dollars for transactions at a full-service brokerage firm. Commissions also come in the form of sales loads on mutual funds, which can be as high as 5.25% upfront. Variable annuities introduce deferred sales loads (surrender charges) to clients, which means if you sell your investment before a specified time, a percentage charge is levied on your assets. This type of charge is imposed in order to recoup the large commissions that were paid out to advisors, which can be as high as 8% for annuity sales. If your advisor is a commission-based advisor, it is important for you to ask the questions and understand what the commission rate is and how it is calculated. Commissions can quickly add up and lower the overall performance of an account. Rather than charging commissions on transactions, other advisors charge a flat percentage fee on the assets under management. This fee is often termed an investment advisory fee, portfolio management fee, or an asset management fee. Services included under a fee-based arrangement differ from advisor to advisor. It is important for you to understand what your fee entitles you to: financial planning, portfolio review meetings, investment research, access to institutional share classes, etc. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have an underlying annual operating expense. These investment products are pools of assets managed by investment professionals, and therefore have management and marketing fees. These fees, known as the expense ratio, are stated as a percentage and are deducted directly from the fund’s assets. ETFs tend to have lower expense ratios as many of the portfolios are passively managed and structured to track a particular index. Mutual funds can carry much higher expense ratios as the majority of funds are actively managed strategies, with the portfolio manager looking to beat a particular index or reduce risk exposures. When purchasing either a mutual fund or ETF, you should know ahead of time the underlying costs, 14 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

as higher fees can have a negative impact on performance. When we have a potential client ask their current advisor how the advisor is compensated, one of our favorite responses from the advisor is; “You don’t pay me an advisory fee. I am compensated directly from the mutual fund companies.” This statement is technically true; however it is the client who pays the mutual fund company, which in turn pays the advisor’s firm. So in the end, it is the client who pays the advisor a fee. This type of fee is known as the 12b-1 fee. A 12b-1 fee, or distribution/service fee, is a fee that is charged on top of the fund’s existing operating expenses. It will usually range from 0.25% - 1% depending on the fund share class, and this is the fee that the advisor collects as compensation for managing your assets. 12b-1 fees go unnoticed and are deducted by the fund company, rather than being deducted directly from a client’s account. This lack of transparency is why some investors believe they are not paying investment fees. There are some advisors who feel uncomfortable talking about fees, and will attempt to hide their compensation in the form of 12b-1 fees. While we are sure this is the exception rather than the norm, fees should be an open and honest conversation that every investor should be having with their advisors. At CRA Financial, we are fee only advisors. We do not earn commissions. Our clients pay a percentage of their assets under management, and receive complete, comprehensive financial planning and investment advice. We believe in full transparency as a means of building deeper relationships. We understand that investment fees can be detrimental to long-term performance, so each of our portfolios are structured to reduce the impact of fees through the use of low cost ETFs, mutual funds, and other investments. From a tax perspective, it is important to note that commissions and 12b-1 fees are not tax deductible, whereas investment advisory fees can be, subject to adjusted gross income limits. Overall, clients and advisors shouldn’t view fees as a taboo discussion. The fee discussion should be a primary conversation before selecting the right financial advisor to help you obtain your investment and financial goals. n

Tom Reynolds, CPA & Matt Reynolds CPA, CFP® (Co-Managing Partners, CRA Financial) Francis C. Thomas CPA, PFS (Investment Advisor) Robert T. Martin, CFA, CFP® (Investment Advisor) This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial adviser, as well as your tax and/or legal advisers, regarding your personal circumstances before making investment decisions.

WHO IS THE

fairest OF THEM ALL

ARTISTIC DECORATIVE HARDWARE 430 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-407-7200 www.artistichardware.net

Lighting n Shower Doors n

Plumbing Fixtures n Decorative Hardware n

Vanities n Ceiling Fans n

Medicine Cabinets n Accessories and More! n

On Wheels By Elaine Rose

Change Is Good

2016 Buick LaCrosse

Experience affordable luxury inside the 2016 Buick LaCrosse 16 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

UNLESS YOU’VE BEEN LIVING AMONG the Amish in Lancaster County or some other community without access to television, you’ve seen the numerous commercials about how much Buick has changed. The unwieldy tanks your parents drove are history. General Motors has designed the brand to be sleek, comfortable, and with enough bells and whistles to impress the most tech-savvy teen in your family. The LaCrosse is considered to be Buick’s flagship sedan, and it is quite affordable considering the luxury it delivers. Coming in six different trim lines starting with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $31,990 — and you may be able to haggle to get it for a bit less — the LaCrosse is a solid mid-size to large car offering plenty of creature comforts. It is expected to appear in showrooms shortly. The 2016 LaCrosse is similar to last year’s model, but has an updated IntelliLink

infotainment system, three additional color choices, and an option for 20-inch aluminum wheels on the higher trim lines. All will be assembled at the General Motors plant in Fairfax, Kansas. Consumer Reports listed the 2015 Buick LaCrosse as a recommended brand, citing its roomy interior, smooth ride, and responsive handling. Reliability (translation: how many trips an owner can expect to make to the repair shop) is about average. The magazine’s 2016 ratings won’t be out until early spring. One of the highlights of the LaCrosse is its advanced safety features. The 2015 model earned a five-star overall vehicle safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which should put your mind at ease while ferrying children or grandchildren to their numerous activities. It comes with eight airbags, including thorax airbags for the rear seats. GM’s OnStar package — with crash notification, the ability to call for roadside assistance, and stolen-vehicle tracking — comes standard with all trim lines. Two optional “driver confidence” packages add even more security. If you’re looking for a performance car, in which a trip up the Garden State Parkway makes you feel like a NASCAR driver, the Buick LaCrosse is not for you. It has adequate power, to be sure, but faster acceleration and more ponies under the hood are plentiful elsewhere. The LaCrosse is built more for quiet and comfort. Or as a Car and Driver review put it, the vehicle “combines a pillowsoft ride, hushed operation, and a roomy cabin — perfect for getting comfy.” The car is popular among “Americans planning long interstate excursions and Chinese executives aiming to relax behind their chauffeurs,” the review concludes. The LaCrosse allows driver and passengers to ride in pampered comfort, hearing little road noise, except perhaps from the engine as the car picks up speed. Buick’s signature QuietTuning, that blocks and absorbs unnecessary noise, is standard on all trim levels. An optional moon roof opens over both front and rear seats for even better views in good weather. The interior comes with a choice of four color combinations, which include cloth at the lower trim lines and leather in the higher versions. The cabin is roomy, holding three adults in the rear seat, though a couple of reviewers said it’s best to limit that to two for optimum comfort. It provides 41.7 inches of legroom for front-seat passengers and 40.5 inches for those in the back seat. “The rear legroom is enough that even NBA forwards could comfortably sit back there without complaint,” stated an Edmunds review. Driving the LaCrosse is also a pleasure. Standard features include a steering wheel wrapped in leather, eightway adjustments for positioning the driver’s seat, and an eight-inch touch screen for safety and entertainment. The IntelliLink infotainment system is standard in all versions, and there are two USB ports which allow hook-ups to various devices. Drivers with the proper smartphones and Bluetooth equipment can listen to incoming text messages

2016 Buick LaCrosse light neutral leather interior

Apple CarPlay is standard in the 2016 Buick LaCrosse

Heads Up Display (HUD) technology

on the speakers and respond with voice commands, leaving the hands free for driving. Buick offers two engine options for the 2016 LaCrosse, both with a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard is a 3.6-liter, V-6 gasoline engine with about 304 horsepower. It has front-wheel drive with an all-wheel drive option, and delivers an estimated 18 mpg for city driving and about 28 mpg on the highway. The second engine option is a pseudo-hybrid with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and eAssist electronic technology, using battery power during deceleration and while stopped in traffic. It has 182 horsepower and is available on the 1SB and 1SL models, but is more fuel-economical with an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the open road. Several reviewers preferred the standard gasoline engine for its stronger performance, especially when carrying several passengers and a load of luggage or groceries. On Edmunds’ track testing of both engine types, the traditional gasoline V6 engine went from a standstill to 60 mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds, but the eAssist engine took a leisurely 9.2 seconds to reach that typical highway speed. Either version handles well on the road, taking curves smoothly and offering passengers and driver a cushy ride. The LaCrosse’s major drawback is its parsimonious cargo space. The V6 model has only 13.3 cubic feet of capacity, and the eAssist version is smaller, with only 10.8 feet. This is a low capacity for a car in the price range, and can be impractical when packing for an extended vacation or hauling around sports equipment for two or three offspring. Some reviewers also mentioned another detriment, in that the driver has a limited view of traffic coming from behind. Although the LaCrosse is best-known for its spacious cabin and quiet ride, the sedate exterior is also sure to impress. The website newcartestdrive. com, described the LaCrosse as “handsome and elegant,” with a graceful shape, especially at the top. The bulkier form near the chassis helps “provide a notable presence.” But a couple of reviewers said they would ditch the fake portholes on the hood, a post- World War II Buick addition that doesn’t fit the twenty-first century. Light-emitting diode elements make the car look ultra-modern and high-tech. The headlights are angular with LED accents, and positioned outward to give the car a more commanding appearance. Wrap-around LED taillights illuminate more quickly than conventional bulbs when the driver steps on the brake pedal, creating an extra margin of safety. The LaCrosse takes up its share of space on the road and in the parking lot, being 197 inches (16.4 feet) long and 73.1 inches (6.1 feet) wide. It stands nearly 5 feet high. It comes in a choice of eight colors, including Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic, Sapphire Gray Metallic, and Ebony Twilight Metallic, all new for the 2016 model year. Wheels range from standard 17-inch machined alloy on the basic model to 20-inch aluminum at the top of the trim line. So, if you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, hold on to your year-end bonus or any extra cash that Santa Claus may bring, and head on over to your Buick dealer. The LaCrosse might be just what you’re looking for to kick off 2016 in style and comfort. n 18 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

What

shape summer will your take?

Call Today! Ask About Our End of Season Special Offers

Swim-Mor Pools has been creating backyard family memories since 1967. Each pool we build is custom to your specifications. From pool size and shape to features like swim-up bars, waterfalls, diving boards, slides, etc... If you can dream it, Swim-Mor can build it. So this year, create the shape of your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer fun for years to come.

NEW POOL CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE POOL RENOVATIONS

To start designing the pool of your dreams today call... Northfield : 609-645-7171 > Mt. Ephraim : 856-456-3332 > Millstone Twp : 732-446-2211

CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXISTING POOL

www.swim-mor.com

BUILDING MEMORIES SINCE 1967 NJ LIC # : 13VH0015000000

Lifestyle Legends By Sherry Hoffman

1920s Atlantic City

A glimpse into the exciting and oh-so-criminal history of an alluring town THE SLEEK BLACK LUXURY SEDAN GLIDED to a stop at the bustling entrance to the busy hotel. As the well-dressed young couple stepped out, the driver handed the uniformed parking attendant a generous tip. Uniformed porters grabbed their fancy luggage and followed them to the front desk, where they were assigned an oversized, well-appointed suite overlooking the sweeping expanse of Boardwalk, beach, and ocean. After enjoying a couple of cocktails in the lounge, they were escorted to an intimate banquette in the formal dining room, where servers offered them starter courses of fois gras and caviar, followed by filet mignon and lobster, and ending with baked Alaska delivered from the kitchen with a flaming flourish. They would have lingered over after-dinner drinks, but it was just minutes before show time. After a short walk from the restaurant to the theater, the maitre d’ recognized the couple, immediately motioned them to the head of the

line and personally escorted them to the best seats in the house. Afterwards, it was time to try their luck. They entered the casino, where the man pulled a thick wad of cash from his pocket. He found room at the rails of a craps table and plunked his money down on the green felt, where it was exchanged for chips. His companion, meanwhile, chose a slightly more refined game and began betting small amounts on her favorite color (red) and favorite number (7) at a roulette wheel. Evening gave way to early morning, and the young lady was ready for sleep. She found her man, kissed him goodnight, went to their suite and crawled into bed. The distant rhythm of the surf rocked her to sleep. Meanwhile, her guy was on a roll. He was now the shooter, and he kept tossing the bones, making his numbers and watching the chips form small towers on the table in front of him. His good luck attracted the attention of a beautiful young woman in a slinky black

20 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

dress, who casually sidled up to him and began making small talk. Soon, he cashed in his chips, found seats at the bar for himself and his new friend and ordered a nightcap. He suspected she was a “working” girl, and his hunch proved correct. The pair finished off the evening; he left the woman a sizable “tip” and then quietly slipped into his own room, careful not to awaken his sleeping lady. Was it just the beginning of another decadent weekend in Atlantic City for a couple of swells? Absolutely. Except these swells weren’t part of the current millennium. They were from the last one, and their Atlantic City escapade took place nearly a century ago during the Roaring ‘20s, considered by many to be the coming-ofage decade for the seashore resort. A 1929 article in The New York Times captured the essence of Atlantic City. “Mankind is blessed with but five senses. Atlantic City tickles them all. The Boardwalk is

“If the people who came to town had wanted Bible readings, we’d have given ’em that. But nobody asked for Bible readings. They wanted booze, broads and gambling, so that’s what we gave ’em.” —Atlantic City Solicitor Murray Fredericks, as quoted in Nelson Johnson’s “Boardwalk Empire”

Pictured left to right, opposite page, the money Nucky Johnson had printed, El Kadia Egyptian Garden, and the Hotel Jerome. This page, New Year's Eve drink list.

a magnificent proof of America’s newly-found wealth and leisure. It is an iridescent bubble on the surface of our fabulous prosperity.” Little about Atlantic City has changed since the Art Deco era. Oh, the architecture is different, and modern transportation has made the resort more accessible to the world compared to the 1920s, when its visitor base consisted mostly of people from Philadelphia and New York. But the allure — the bait that’s always hooked them — essentially remains the same. People come to Atlantic City today for the same reasons they came when Enoch L. “Nucky” Johnson was Atlantic County’s benevolent and generous dictator. It’s an escape from the grind, a place to relax and enjoy a few nights without the distractions of work and the daily routine of family life. It was a place to drink and eat and see shows and gamble and — for the men — be entertained by “ladies of the night.” The Atlantic City of today offers some of the world’s top entertainers, just as it did in the 1920s, when young vaudevillians like Milton Berle, Sophie Tucker, Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Harry Houdini had people hopping from one nightclub to another. The city also was the jumping off point for shows hoping to make it to Broadway. Dining? Atlantic City today boasts one of the best and biggest concentrations of celebrity chefs of any city in the country, whose restaurants routinely serve up four-star meals. There were no celebrity chefs when Nucky was showing off Atlantic City to his gangster friends like Al Capone, Dutch Schultz, Lucky Luciano, and Meyer Lansky. But there were dining rooms that could still match up dish for dish with Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck, Guy Fieri, and Gordon Ramsey and places now relegated to the history books, like Hackney’s, Capt. Starn’s, Babette’s, and Abe’s. And there are at least two legendary local

restaurants where Nucky and the boys broke bread that remain as popular today as they were in the 1920s — Dock’s Oyster House, which opened in 1897, and the Knife & Fork Inn, which debuted in 1912 as an exclusive menonly drinking club. During the early years of the legal gambling era, a couple of casinos experimented with dinner shows: A meal and a show without leaving your seat. Dinner shows were de rigueur during the ‘20s: The Ritz-Carlton Terrace offered dinner shows nightly. So did the El Kadia Egyptian Garden at the stately Hotel Jerome, which once sat where Trump Taj Mahal now stands, and were owned and operated by the family of Lifestyle contributor David Spatz. Anecdotally, the 1,500 seat venue was said to have had the first indoor ice rink built into the stage. Although it was never publicly acknowledged, Atlantic City’s reputation as a town wide open for sin and vice and lawlessness was cemented in 1920, when the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution took effect and made the sale, manufacturing and consumption of alcoholic beverages illegal. Fearful of losing its status as an adult playground, Atlantic City simply pretended it had never heard of the Volstead Act, the popular name for the National Prohibition Act. Not only did Atlantic City have a speakeasy on every corner, but booze was served openly in restaurants and lounges. Liquor bottles wrapped in straw were smuggled into the joints in crates marked “tomatoes” and “lettuce.” The demand was there and the city complied. Atlantic City was more than simply a place to get a drink in a teacup. Anyone who wanted to buy alcohol in distribution-sized quantities needed only ask a couple of well-connected people before finding a source. In 1925, the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines carried 43 million tons of revenue freight, but booze wasn’t on the manifest. The rum

runners were smarter than that. Atlantic City became a major port of entry for bootleggers in fast boats powered by converted airplane engines, which picked up their liquid gold from mother ships anchored in federal waters just a few miles offshore. Then — based on land-based signal lights that told them where the Coast Guard was patrolling in their slower boats — the racketeers ran through either the Absecon or the Great Egg Harbor inlets to offload their cargo onto waiting trucks that would pull up to makeshift docks in the maze of tidal creeks in the bay behind Absecon Island. When the stock market crashed in the late 1920s and plunged America into an economic depression, Atlantic City seemed to withstand the effects better than most places. And when times got really tough in the early 1930s, just before the repeal of Prohibition, Nucky Johnson — in his political role as Atlantic County treasurer — simply printed up his own money: scrip, as it was called back in the day. Atlantic City’s reputation for lawlessness has been part of its municipal DNA for decades. For a time, the city was more crooked than Lombard Street in San Francisco. Some got away with breaking the law, but many others did not. Politicians went to jail – Nucky Johnson among them. He was convicted of income tax evasion and spent four years in the slammer. Johnson, always the finagler, was paroled on August 15, 1945, after four years in prison, and took a pauper’s oath to avoid paying the $20,000 fine. In spite of occasional political corruption that's been part of every era, AC has always found ways to rebound from cyclical, rollercoaster-like rises and falls in popularity and has continuously reinvented itself enough to maintain its reputation as the World's Playground. Atlantic City has seen the best of times, the worst of times, the best of times. It’s the circle of life. n

njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE REPORT | January Issue 2015

It’s getting cold! Let Kelly’s build you a fire!

S C H E D U L E YO U R A P P O I N T M E N T TO DAY

Creative designs and exciting possibilities to make your home the Great Outdoors. LET US FINANCE YOUR DREAM LANDSCAPE.

n WALKWAYS n DRIVEWAYS n FIREPITS n OUTDOOR FIREPLACES n TRELLIS & ARBORS n OUTDOOR SHOWERS n LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Providing every service to enhance the exterior beauty of residential or commercial property. From Concrete Pavers to Irrigation systems and even lawn maintenance, we provide quality professional service to Southern New Jersey. Specializing in Pavers and Retaining walls, we can design and enhance the look of your driveway, walkway, pool surround and flowerbed enclosures.

n FLOWER POTS & DELIVERY n FENCING, ALUMINUM & VINYL n STONE VENEERS n VINYL RAILING n BARS n PERGOLAS n CHRISTMAS DECORATING

KELLY’S

ALL LANDSCAPING PRO

609-927-2989

kellysaplandscaping.com

I believe AtlantiCare and Geisinger fit together well. Learning from each other and sharing ideas will make healthcare better for our region. By Rosalie Lopez, Atlantic City resident and member of the AtlantiCare Patient/Family Advisory Committee

osalie and her family have had their share of healthcare challenges. Her parents and her husband passed after lengthy illnesses. During those times, she gained a deep understanding of how things work in hospitals and health systems. Rosalie is also a student of healthcare reform and a big believer in collaboration. She believes the collaborative cultures of AtlantiCare and Geisinger make them the perfect fit for each other. What did you know previously about the Geisinger Health System? I knew a little about them through my volunteerism for Gift of Life. My first reaction was, “Why Geisinger?” But the more I thought about it, their demographics and culture are much more similar to AtlantiCare’s as opposed to a big-city hospital. Geisinger has suburban and urban populations. They also believe teamwork is crucial to innovation. The more I looked at, the more I thought Geisinger was a better fit. Are you concerned about how your AtlantiCare provider might change? No! I was surprised how many people thought their providers would change. People will keep their AtlantiCare providers and can stay here in our community.

What is the biggest advantage you see in the AtlantiCare Geisinger partnership? I looked at the ProvenCare® program; I see that AtlantiCare is going to benefit from it — using specific processes for procedures and treatments that have been proven to work for patients. That ability to learn from each other is crucial. AtlantiCare and Geisinger can exchange thinking and improve healthcare for the communities they each serve. AtlantiCare does a lot of things wonderfully well that Geisinger can learn from, too. How do you expect this coming together to change the way your healthcare is delivered in the future in your community? I’m excited about the future, because sharing innovations and ideas will benefit all of us. It will make AtlantiCare a stronger, more important source for healthcare for everyone who lives here. To learn more about AtlantiCare’s new role as a member of Geisinger Health System and what it means to you, call 1-888-569-1000. Or visit www.atlanticare.org/geisinger for updates.

ADVERTORIAL

Sushi Crunch

The Fabulous Fin

RESTAURANT REPORT By Alyson Boxman Levine

SEAFOOD AT ITS FINEST, SERVED WITH SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS

For those who know good seafood and demand it when dining out, Fin The deliciousness continues at the restaurant’s lively bar, where cold at the Tropicana is a welcoming sight. Serving the freshest, highest-quality appetizers are served with Fin’s delectable housemade cocktail sauces. ingredients from New Jersey, along with its outdoor, oceanfront seating In addition to classic sushi and sashimi selections, the bar at Fin offers and unobstructed ocean views, your dining experience is destined to be as impressive chef’s platters, maki rolls, specialty rolls, cold seafood appetizers, breathtaking as your view. Every seat in the relaxing “sea chic” dining room and freshly shucked oysters. Spectacular two- and three-tiered shellfish has an ideal view of the ocean. For a more intimate experience, a glasstowers are also available. Wash down these morsels with a tasty local wine or enclosed Captain’s Table offers private dining for up to 10 guests. a specialty cocktail infused with freshly squeezed juices. From WednesdayFeaturing locally-grown food and wine from New Jersey fishermen, Sunday, specials like Wasabi Wednesdays, offering 1/2 price sushi, Sake, and farmers, and vintners, Fin is rated one of the best seafood restaurants in New Saketini; and R & R Sundays, with 1/2 price Raw Bar and wine from 5-8 PM, Jersey by ZAGAT. Along with other numerous awards and honors for FIN’s add to the welcoming atmosphere. creative cuisine, they are also a winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply dinner with indicating a true dedication to wine. friends, Fin is the ideal location to relish fine food and conservation. Fresh Cleverly labeled With Fins or Without Fins, the delicious dinner entrees seafood and sprawling ocean views; who could ask for anything more. on their extensive menu will not disappoint. Chef Demetrios Haronis’ inspired specialty dishes include “Chef D’s Dancing Shrimp,” “Crabcicles,” and grilled tuna ribs. He draws upon his Mediterranean heritage in executing his vision for FIN, which is “to offer the freshest seafood available from our own shores, paired with locally-grown produce, and served in a relaxing yet refined atmosphere.” Try the Seared Cape May Day Boat Scallops, with kennett square mushroom and asparagus risotto, truffle butter; or the Double Cut Superior Farms Rib Lamb Chops, paired with charred red onion, fennel, yellow tomato, and natural jus. If you’re in the mood for poultry, the Griggstown Farms Frenched Chicken Breast is pan roasted with fresh thyme, kennett square mushrooms, red pearl onions, broccolini, and natural jus. Chef Demetrios Haronis was born into the restaurant industry. He grew up at the Jersey Shore and, at 10 years old, began working in his parents’ restaurant in Wildwood. The hospitality industry runs in the family, starting with his grandfather, to his father and mother and uncles, all successful operators. He learned to cook from his dad and the chefs that worked for his parents, Fin interior booth and finally got his chance to work the line. He continued his culinary education, working in notable restaurants up and down the Jersey coast from Cape May to Dancing Shrimp Longport, learning from everyone he encountered. Along the way, Demetrios developed a respect for using the highest quality locally-sourced ingredients available. A graduate of the Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing, Demetrios learned the foundation that he still uses today to build upon. Through the chefs at Culinary Arts and exposure to other chefs in culinary competitions and events, he learned to trust himself to create his own dishes instead of just following recipes, combining his Mediterranean background and the freshest seafood and produce available right here in the Garden State. He joined Tropicana in 1994 as a sous-chef and eventually worked his way through all of Tropicana's restaurants, being promoted to Restaurant Chef, then Executive Chef at Fin. “I love problem-solving, the large volume we do, and the diverse nationalities we come in contact with,” reveals Demetrios. “Every day is something new to see and learn.” Along with Tropicana, he has adopted a philosophy to strive to be green, sustainable, and local. njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE REPORT | January Issue 2015

R E STAU R A N T R E P O R T

Creating Classic Traditions MAKE DELICIOUS MEMORIES AT PHILLIPS SEAFOOD

Phillips Seafood in Atlantic City

Chef Paul Drew

Phillips famous jumbo lump crab cakes

Phillips wine cellar 26 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

CONSISTENTLY GREAT FOOD is not always easy to find, especially in a resort town. Chefs come and go and exquisite meals can turn into bad experiences faster than the spin of a roulette wheel. Knowing that a great meal awaits you time and time again is one of the driving forces behind the success of Phillips Seafood. For over 50 years, Phillips has been offering guests a classic American seafood menu, serving the freshest, finest seafood available, including Phillips famous jumbo lump crab cakes and live Maine lobsters. The company attributes their success to these simple principles: serve the freshest, finest seafood available, provide outstanding service, and create a memorable dining experience. Perched atop a pier on the Atlantic Ocean, Phillips Seafood AC offers guests a classic American seafood menu, boasting an array of fresh seafood and Phillips’ famous Maryland-style crab cakes. Located on Level 3 of The Playground, guests are welcomed into an upscale, interactive dining experience. Their exhibition kitchen will inspire you as you relax and unwind in the beautiful dining rooms. Sit in a romantic booth and let the extraordinary service and sweeping ocean views surround you. Their ample menu is jam-packed with delicious offerings from the land and sea. Popular appetizers include Hoopers Island Crab Dip, which features warm seasoned breadsticks and a Portabella & Filet Mignon Spring Roll, served with bourbon barbeque sauce. Looking for a fun meal to share? Look no further than the Clam Bake for Two; a Phillips classic featuring a family-style feast — complete with lobster bibs and hot drawn butter — uniquely served tableside in a lobster pot. Taking on the additional role of General Manager in May, seasoned Executive Chef Paul Drew has expertly risen to the occasion. A graduate of England’s Crawley College and Penn State University, Chef Drew was appointed Executive Chef of Phillips Seafood’s Atlantic City location in December 2006. Chef Drew is highly regarded in the Atlantic City culinary community, holding the position of Director of Foodservice Operations at Atlantic City’s Sands Hotel & Casino. Prior to his move to Atlantic City he also served as Executive Chef, opening Philadelphia’s acclaimed Dickens Inn and Hershey Hotel. Some of the recent trends in cooking include serving smaller portions of hearty food prepared in different styles, revealed Chef Drew. And on Saturday, December 12, visitors can experience this trend firsthand. The restaurant is continuing their Cook, Crack and Eat series with a seven-course meal. Entitled Holidays with the Drews, the event menu will include some of Chef Drew’s new creations, along with perfectly-paired wine to accompany each dish. Hoping to teach attendees lasting holiday cooking wisdom, Chef Drew explains, “It’s not about the fancy chef’s equipment; it’s about the passion of cooking.” With courses ranging from lobster bisque to crab cake lasagna, guests will receive a tasting plate of each mouthwatering course. With its roots on Hoopers Island, Maryland, the Phillips seafood tradition began at the A.E. Phillips & Son processing plant, which sourced wild crabs, fish, and oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Looking for a solution to their surplus crabs, in 1956 the family opened the first Phillips Seafood Restaurant in the seaside town of Ocean City, Maryland. They became instantly successful and expanded to new locations and markets. From the start, the company has focused on bringing the culinary traditions and welcoming hospitality of Maryland’s Eastern Shore to each and every guest. Phillips knows there is no replacing authenticity and many of their recipes are generations old, lovingly passed down. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a memory-making meal at Phillips Seafood this holiday season. Your taste buds will surely thank you. n

Join the Club. Reap the Rewards!

A Golf Outing for 2, priced for 1 at Renault Winery & Golf Course! For a limited time

MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY

$ WAS

150

Valued at $ more than

As a Chequemate Golf Club member, you will receive the following upon presentation of your membership card: n FREE

Round of Golf

n FREE

plus S&H*

600 ! 00

— Two Weekday Greens Fees with Cart n FREE — Two Weekend Greens Fees with Cart n Special Bonus - 10% Off Your Golf Shop Merchandise *Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Chequemate Golf Club Card is valid for 1 year from the date of activation.

HURRY... A limited amount of Chequemate Golf Club memberships will be issued on a first come, first serve basis during this special offer!

Live well.

Spend smart. For additional information and to place your order

CALL (609)404-4611 or visit

www.chequemateclub.com Chequemate Golf Club • P.O. Box 787 • Oceanville, NJ 08231-0787

dining gallery

Ram’s Head Inn

9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1700 ramsheadinn.com The Ram’s Head Inn continues the long-standing tradition of superior quality food and service that the Knowles family brought to Southern New Jersey in 1979. This started at the Manor in the 1950s, and also continues at the Highlawn Pavilion and Pleasantdale Chateau (all located in West Orange, NJ). Traditional food and beverage is served with a contemporary flair at various venues within this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Executive chef Elio Gracia has provided outstanding culinary excellence for seventeen years, incorporating as many seasonal organic and locally-grown foods as possible. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Blue Water Grille

60 N. Maine Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-343-7447 fantasearesorts.com Located on the 7th floor of FantaSea’s Flagship Resort, the Blue Water Grille is reinventing itself under the direction of Yianni Papaspanos, Director, Food and Beverage, and Executive Chef A. Juliano Cannuscio. Amazing views abound as the well-trained servers offer American Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences. Dine on their delicious selections as you enjoy the magnificent ambiance.

Crab Trap

2 Broadway, Somers Point, NJ 609-927-7377 thecrabtrap.com Overlooking the Great Egg Harbor Bay in Somers Point is the Crab Trap Restaurant. Flourishing as a 400-seat full service restaurant serving the finest seafood in South Jersey. As many businesses expand, they often lose touch with the quality and small personal touches that made them special. At the Crab Trap, they don’t believe that has happened, or ever will.

Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery A Touch of Italy Ventura's Offshore Cafe

2015 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 609-641-5158 venturascafe.com Ventura's is a family restaurant and sportsman's bar with a cozy hometown atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again. From their famous mussels marinara to their award-winning filet mignon, to their simply delicious gourmet pan pizzas, they offer fresh homemade meals to please everyone's palate.

6629 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp. 609-641-1855 touchofitaly.net A Touch of Italy offers the finest quality of food and service. Each meal served is cooked to order. A friendly and pleasurable atmosphere will make your visit a memorable one. Established in 1981 with more than 31 years of experience, this restaurant, banquet facility, and lounge serves only the finest natural veal, steaks, poultry, pasta, seafood and brick-oven pizza.

72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 609-965-2111 renaultwinery.com Open since 2001, Joseph's Restaurant at Renault Winery has become a local favorite of the Atlantic County area. The continued patronage speaks volumes to the flavors that Chef Joe DeGennaro creates, which combines his unique flair and traditions. The food quality and atmosphere are surpassed by none. The Milza family commits themselves to the highest level of service and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose Italian, seafood, premium steaks or a burger, you are sure to be pleased. Try their diverse flavors and experience their amazing ambiance in a unique setting.

Maplewood

470 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 6126 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 609-561-9621, 609-625-1181 joesmaplewood.com For almost 70 years, Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently great food! They believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers. They have high standards for their food. Consistency can and should be expected. Food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the locals in the area. They only use the finest ingredients at the Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice. 28 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

Sofia

9314 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-9111 sofiaofmargate.com Exhibiting classical Greco-Mediterranean design, Sofia invites you to enjoy her dinner table and share in a celebration of a wholesome cuisine built on homestyle cooking expressed by exceptional chefs and recipes acquired from past generations. Thus, making Sofia a truly extraordinary South Jersey Greek restaurant.

The Melting Pot

2112 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-1100 meltingpot.com At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience. Patrons can dip into something different — and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.

Barista’s Coffee House

199 New Road Ste. 10, Central Square, Linwood 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com Owners Mark and Debbie Becker have created the perfect “neighborhood” atmosphere coffee house. Brewing up more than just coffee, customers come back time and time again for Barista’s espresso, tea breakfast, Liege waffles, Brussels waffles, gourmet desserts, and Italian gelato. Once you walk through the doors, you instantly become part of the “Barista’s Family”. Open Mon. - Fri., 7 AM-6 PM and Sat., 8 AM-6 PM.

We’ll be the first to admit our name doesn’t tell the whole story. Bountiful Seafood. Succulent Steaks. Perfect Pastas.

And yes, Award-Winning Crab Cakes. 2015 Best of Press Awards: “Best Seafood Restaurant”

Gift C

ates ertific

Avail

able

Tomatoes

9300 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-7535 tomatoesmargate.com A favorite of chefs and foodies who are impressed with the location, food, and view of the Margate Bay. The elegant and refined atmosphere includes a bar area, sushi bar, private meeting and dining rooms in addition to the main dining room. Trendy with a high-end, eclectic American fare and sushi, plus a happening bar scene. Excellent fresh fish, wonderful sauces and impressive desserts.

Somers Point 609-927-7737 www.thecrabtrap.com Serving from 11am Children’s Menu Available Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails Live Music • Deck Bar

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

Angeloni’s II

2400 Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-344-7875 angelonis.com Offering the finest Italian-American cuisine in the Atlantic City area. This family owned and operated business has been preparing the finest ItalianAmerican entrees in the greater NJ area for over 40 years. Angeloni’s II surrounds you in a warm and elegant ambiance fitting the fine dining you will be sure to enjoy.

Joe Italiano

Jimmy Italiano

Roberta’s by Joe Muldoon

1205 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-677-0470 robertasbyjoemuldoon.com A young Joseph Muldoon found his passion for food early on; while still at a tender age he began to work in the kitchen of New Jersey country club, Scotland Run. It was through this experience that Chef Joseph knew he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary field, but wasn’t sure what institution would allow his creativity to flourish. Almost in time to celebrate his 28th birthday, Muldoon opened his first independent restaurant, Roberta’s, at the intersection of Tilton and New roads in Northfield. Named for his mother, a home economics teacher whom he credits for instilling in him a love of cooking.

For almost 70 years Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently Good, GOOD Food! We believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers! We have high standards for our food. Consistency can and should be expected. Our food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. Our “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the people in the area. We only use the finest ingredients. The Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice.

470 White Horse Pike Hammonton, NJ 609-561-9621

6126 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing, NJ 609-625-1181

www.joesmaplewood.com njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE REPORT | January Issue 2015

casino dining

TROPICANA (THE QUARTER) Broadway Burger Bar

The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-4660 broadwayburgerbar.com Ark Restaurants introduces Broadway Burger Bar at the Quarter in Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City serving up fresh ground, grilled, prime beef burgers and a large selection of tapas style appetizers. Order from a full bar featuring 60 craft beers, specialty cocktails, adult milkshakes as well as your traditional favorites. Live Acoustic acts every Friday and Saturday add to the vibrant and unique atmosphere. Fun for families, a quick lunch or an intimate dinner. At Broadway Burger Bar, they make burgers great.

Il Verdi

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

Cuba Libre

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

RESORTS Gallagher’s Steakhouse

N. Carolina & Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-6555 gallaghersresorts.com Gallaghers is located on the 2nd floor of Resorts Casino. A classic steakhouse serving hearty salads, dry-aged meats, wonderful fish and shellfish. Their glass-enclosed meat locker is in the front of the restaurant for all to view; and all of the beef is dry-aged for 21 days at a constant 36 degrees to insure tenderness. Offering the finest selections of seafood as well. An ambiance of warm woods and deep reds. Friendly, efficient and gracious service. Open for dinner Sunday thru Thursday 5-9:30 pm, Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm.

PLAYGROUND AT CAESARS Phillips Seafood

Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-2273 phillipsseafood.com Phillips Seafood brings guests a classical American seafood menu boasting an array of fresh seasonal fish and Phillips’ famous jumbo lump crab cakes. Renowned chef Robbin Haas has designed a menu that offers guests the freshest, finest seafood available, complete with a rolling oyster cart where regional varietals are shucked tableside and a double-decker live lobster tank stocked with 3-10 pound lobsters. Experience an upscale, interactive dining experience with their exhibition kitchen and sweeping ocean views. 30 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

HARRAH'S Sammy D's Harrah's Resort, 777 Harrah's Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-5402 sammyds.com Sammy D’s is an all-you-could-ask-for eatery from culinary sensation Chef Sam DeMarco. At Sammy D’s, a retro restaurant, bar and lounge, Chef DeMarco takes East Coast favorites to the next level with his Philly Cheese Steak Dumplings, Lollipop Wings, SAM-'Whiches and Craft Drafts. Before hitting the boardwalk, or the jackpot, pull up a chair or grab a stool and relax at Sammy D's in Harrah's Resort.

Award-Winning Seafood

BORGATA Wolfgang Puck American Grille One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com The man who revolutionized the culinary industry carries an undeniable cachet, synonymous with bold, innovative cooking and an unmistakable panache and passion that redefined dining in America. Offering contemporary American cuisine, the restaurant offers two distinctive dining areas ranging from casual and relaxed to elegant and upscale.

Old Homestead Steak House

One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com Their domestically-raised, hand-massaged Kobe beef is not only the envy of the trade, it’s trademarked. But that isn’t the only reason the venerable Old Homestead has been a New York City landmark for 137 years. “It’s consistency on all fronts,” says Marc Sherry who, with brother Greg, opened their second location at Borgata. The menu nearly mirrors New York’s — and for good reason.

phillipsseafood.com atlantic city

609.348.2273

$5 validation at caesars self-park acebook.com/PhillipsSeafood

@PhillipsSeafood

DINING GALLERY ADVERTISING RATES $95.00 per month

Izakaya

One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com A modern Japanese pub that defies comparison. Extraordinary sushi, sake, and robatayaki served in a sensual, yet modern atmosphere. Izakaya’s tempting cocktails and sharable plates make it the premier spot for an after-hours nosh and drinks, or a delicious late-night meal.

All units in full color. Rates include all production. All rates are based on a 12-month period from the date of the first insertion.

NJ LifestyLe MagaziNe CALL 609-404-4611 FOR RESERVATIONS njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE REPORT | January Issue 2015

At Barista’s Coffee House “Great Coffee is what Life is All About”

HAPPY HOUR In our Tavern & Courtyard Tues - Fri & Sun, 5 - 7 p.m. Drink Specials & Half-Price Appetizers, Sandwiches & Salads n n n n

Bagels Bagel Sandwiches Brussels Waffles Liege Waffles

n n n n

Espresso Gelato Cocoa Drinks Breakfast

n n n n

Brunch Specials Teas Brewed Coffee Frappes

n n n n

Smoothies Italian Sodas Floats Gourmet Desserts

Open Monday - Friday 7 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM, Sunday 8 AM - 2 PM

32 January Issue 2015 | LIFESTYLE REPORT njlifestyleonline.com

Barista’s Coffee House Central Square, Linwood, NJ 08221 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com

When Selecting

your AdviSory letterS do mAtter.....

Firm

and we just happen to have them all..... CFP®, CPA, CFA, PFS n As SEC REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISORS we adhere to a higher standard of fiduciary care. n As PRACTICING CPA’s we understand the complexities of the current tax system and work to maximize tax efficiencies.

609-380-3500 332 TILTON ROAD, NORTHFIELD, NJ www.crafinancial.com

We are CRA Financial. Matthew J. Reynolds, CPA, CFP® Thomas E. Reynolds, CPA Francis C. Thomas, CPA, PFS Robert T. Martin, CFA, CFP®

n As INDEPENDENT ADVISORS, we remain product neutral, transparent, and answer only to you, the client. n With an emphasis placed on FUNDAMENTAL FINANCIAL PLANNING, we strive to help you achieve your long term investment goals. n With over $400 Million in assets under management, we have the RESOURCES, the EXPERIENCE and the KNOWLEDGE to help you achieve your financial goals. n THOMAS E. REYNOLDS, CPA is designated as a National Football League

Players Association Financial Advisor.

We believe

in being ready for the unexpected. Our medical teams have been meeting the urgent care needs of people of all ages

LOCATIONS:

in southeastern New Jersey for more than 10 years—providing quality care, fast.

Berlin Clementon (Opening this Winter) Egg Harbor Twp.* Galloway Twp. Hammonton Little Egg Harbor Marmora Mount Laurel Sicklerville Somers Point *Pediatricians onsite

You don’t need to make an appointment. And our board-certified providers treat a variety of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries—from flu and asthma to broken bones and deep cuts. We’re here to help you get back to enjoying your life sooner.

For a complete list of our hours, visit www.atlanticare.org/urgent or call 1-888-569-1000.