NJ Lifestyle Magazine Spring 2016

LifeStyle NEW JERSEY

SPRING 2016

A Luxurious Spring A MEDITERRANEAN MASTERPIECE • PALM BEACH SONATA AN ELEVATED CROSSOVER • UNIQUE VANTAGE POINTS

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THE • VIEW

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” —Robin Williams

Out With the Old, In With the New

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f ever spring had a mantra, that would be it. And it’s one that’s echoing throughout our region, as folks ready their homes for the summer season. Whether you’re purging your closets, or refreshing your awnings, chances are you’re eyeballing some of the best new items to update your collections this spring. Here are some of the must-have accessories, from the coolest hi-tech gardening tools to the can’t-miss app for your Smartphone. (If you have a favorite that’s not mentioned here, please let us know!)

Gardening Gadgets: You may not need a green thumb with these hi-tech helpers!

• The GKH Gardening Companion iPhone Garden Assistant promises plenty of advice, and it’s free! It puts planting information at your fingertips, with thousands of articles and YouTube videos. It also lets you set reminders and share your garden with your friends online.

• The Parrot Flower Power Plant Monitor is a wireless sensor that assesses your plants’ needs and sends alerts to your Smartphone. Shaped like a branch, it tracks sunlight, temperature, fertilizer, and moisture.

Fitness & Health: Beach season is just around the corner!

• You may have your favorite exercise app, but this one takes fitness to a whole new level. The free app Charity Miles lets you walk, bike, or run for a good cause. Corporate sponsors donate a few cents for each mile and you get to choose the recipient from the approved list of charities.

• Looking to eat a little healthier? Fooducate is an app that can help. Use it to scan the barcodes on the food you buy, and see what “grade” it’s assigned. The app will even give you alternative brands that score better.

Fashion: Update your closet with these spring favorites!

• New York’s Fashion Week spotlighted some fun trends for spring, from half moonshaped handbags to metallic scarves, and pastel fringe sandals. But the “it” shoe of the season could be the “babouche,” a flat leather slipper with pointed toes originating from Morocco. Look for it in your favorite fashion-forward shoe store.

• The Pantone 2016 “Color of the Year” is the tranquil rose quartz. This blush pink is an airy pastel that’s perfect for the season — and our wardrobes.

With this list, you’ll be more than ready for spring. So slip on your babouches, grab a copy of NJ Lifestyle and walk for charity to your favorite reading place. With so many interesting and relevant articles, you’re sure to be inspired this season. Enjoy!

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LIFESTYLE | Spring 2016

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2016

DEPARTMENTS

48

The East Coast is catching up with the West Coast’s obsession with Mexican food.

Local Chatter ............................................. 6 The buzz on happenings in and around our area.

12

Lifestyle Fashion......................................... 8

Step inside this Touch of Italy, and benvenuti — suddenly you’re in Naples.

Weave trending pieces into your existing wardrobe.

Lifestyle Home........................................... 16

FEATURES

Decorating and dining 101.

Lifestyle Architecture.......................... 12

Home & Design Spotlight............................ 18

This Mediterranean masterpiece will have you longing for all things Neopolitan.

Taking care of the customer at a local furniture store.

Money Watch............................................. 20

Palm Beach Sonata............................ 24

Taxation of investment income.

Culture comes to Palm Beach.

Health Watch............................................. 22

On Wheels......................................... 38

Brain health and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The Infiniti QX30 satisfies.

Lifestyle Opinion........................................ 28 The electoral scorecard.

Unique Vantage Points........................ 42 Take the high, higher, highest point of view.

Lifelines.................................................... 30

South of the Border............................ 48

Lifestyle Entertainment............................... 32

“Mindful” spring cleaning is good for the soul.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of these Mexican restaurants.

For those about to rock.

Lifestyle Legends....................................... 36 It was the best of times and the worst of times.

The Social Scene........................................ 46 Get the picture on the latest events and happenings.

Lifestyle Wine............................................ 52

24

Palm Beach County is not only blessed with palms and beaches but a myriad of cultural attractions ranging from concerts to book fairs.

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Remedies for wine enthusiasts.

Lifestyle Cooking........................................ 55 What could be better than a grilled lamb steak?

Dining Gallery............................................ 56 All the details on the area’s great dining venues.

A Final Word.............................................. 60 Enjoy the area’s best outdoor dining.

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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 174 S. New York Road, P.O. Box 787 Oceanville, NJ 08231 Telephone: 609-404-4611 6

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Earning your family’s trust for more than years

50

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Local

Chatter How Does Your Garden Grow?

ARE YOU EAGER TO GET OUTSIDE and tend to your beloved garden? Has your green thumb been begging for some activity? Here are five of the latest tips from the gardening experts at HGTV.com.

1. No More Jams: To prevent that pesky line on your string trimmer from jamming or breaking, treat the line with a spray vegetable oil before installing it in the trimmer.

2. Staying Warm: Small clay pots make great covers for protecting young plants from sudden, overnight frosts and freezes.

3. The Name Game: To create perfectly-natural markers, use a Sharpie to write the names of plants on the flat faces of stones of various sizes and place them at the base of your plants.

4. Good to the Last Drop: The next time you boil or steam vegetables, don’t pour the water down the drain. Instead, use it to water potted patio plants. You’ll be amazed at how the plants respond to the “vegetable soup.”

5. Go Green: Use leftover tea and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, gardenias, and even your beloved blueberries.

Happy gardening!

Ride the WAV

IN APRIL, ATLANTIC CITY gets a new hotspot. The Playground Pier at Caesar’s is set to open WAV, a nightclub, live music and event venue that promises a grand venture into nightlife and entertainment with fresh and dazzling experiences. Crowned as the only nightclub on the East Coast that actually sits over

the Atlantic Ocean, WAV offers two distinct spaces, the Main Club and the Mezzanine level, each highlighting a unique ambiance and vantage point for club goers to enjoy. WAV Entertainment is helmed by a team of nightlife’s top professionals recently responsible for the 3,500 person New Year’s Eve event at the Playground Pier.

“The successful New Year’s Eve event exceeded our expectations and proved that Atlantic City and Bart Blatstein’s pier are the perfect stage for music, entertainment, and nightclub seekers in the Tristate area,” said Brian Nagele, CEO of WAV Entertainment.

The new venue is well equipped for large crowds, with four bars providing over 200 feet of service, ceiling heights of 60 feet, and a mezzanine level, 8,000 sq. ft. of LED screens, 200,000 watt sound system, and state-of-the-art lighting system with a 6-foot disco ball in the center. During the beautiful summer months, club goers can indulge in the 6,000 square foot terrace overlooking the water, offering the best ocean views on the East Coast.

There Will Be Drums

ON APRIL 23, LOCAL SHOP HERBAN LEGEND will present a unique Drum Circle Event on The Greene at Historic Smithville. Come prepared to have fun dancing and drumming, as this family event will 8

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Here Come the Hounds!

THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT of the spring season had arrived. The 31st annual Doo Dah parade will be held on the Ocean City boardwalk on Saturday, April 16.

Say goodbye to tax season with this comedy parade complete with over 500 basset hounds. The hounds compete in games such as best trick, best costume, best float, and the basset look-alike contest. Remember to stick around for the famous PieAsco, a massive pie-in-the-face extravaganza, which follows parade.

surely be fun-filled and enlightening. Bring your favorite percussion instruments and your best energies. Don’t have a drum? They’ve got you covered.

There will be vendors with fine handmade drums, crystals, henna body art, tarot card readings, and other Drum Circle essentials.

T HE BUZ Z O N HA P P E N IN GS IN AN D A ROU N D O U R A R EA Double Duty for Local Ferry

THE CAPE MAY - LEWES FERRY can add “research vessel” to its resume this summer when it partners with the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) to measure Delaware Bay’s water quality.

The unique research project uses a complex, automated measurement and sampling system on the MV Twin Capes.

The SeaKeeper 1000, an automated ocean and weather monitoring system, collects water quality data while the ferry transits the Delaware Bay. With up to eight crossings a day, there is ample opportunity to provide realtime readings and to scoop up water samples for the researchers. The data gathered not only allows tracking of the water from within the Delaware Bay and offshore, but also provides researchers an indication of the health and vitality at the mouth of the Delaware estuary.

A Celebration of

th e

Suds

THE ATLANTIC CITY BEER and Music Festival returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center for its 11th installment on April 8 – 9. This year’s “Celebration of the Suds” will debut some exciting new elements. Beer enthusiasts, music aficionados, and avid runners alike will be brought together to indulge in all of the things they crave during the 2016 Festival.

Master brewers will display over 1,000 different beers from 150 breweries — from around the corner to across the country. This event is the perfect opportunity for beer geeks, beer lovers, and beer beginners to speak to the brains behind the brews. It is also an opportunity to discover and taste new brews and special “limited release” beers and ales.

In addition to the endless selection of beer and music acts, the festival will also feature culinary demonstrations by local chefs; educational seminars, and some “off the wall” activities, including hot wing eating contests, field goal kick contests, and much more. New to the roster in 2016 is the 1st Annual Hops Trot. This 5K Run will send racers around town to some of Atlantic City’s favorite watering holes — including Steel Pier, Margaritaville, Chickie’s & Pete’s Harry’s Oyster Bar and a satellite bar from Ducktown Tavern at Kennedy Plaza — and costumes are encouraged.

Call of the Wild

Peter Gros

GO WILD ON APRIL 16 as Peter Gros, from the original Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, shares his exciting animal adventures. Gros will highlight his remarkable experiences with a mix of video clips and bloopers, while introducing friendly exotic animals to audience members.

His presentation at the Stockton Performing Arts Center in Galloway also includes inspirational stories dealing with issues of conservation, travel, and wildlife filming.

“We need to continue to deliver a powerful message about how each of us can make a daily difference in preserving our natural world,” reveals Gros. “It is possible to use our natural resources in a sustainable manner. We simply need to educate our nation’s youth about the importance of wildlife conservation.”

Kudos to Brigantine

BRIGANTINE IS REGULARLY NAMED among the top 20 beaches in New Jersey, but now this quaint town can add another feather to its cap. Recently named as one of the “12 great charming beach towns in New Jersey” by Essex Home Improvements, a family-owned home remodeling company, Brigantine came in fifth on the list, after Ocean Grove, Somers Point, Barnegat Light, and Beach Haven.

“Located a mere five miles from Atlantic City, Brigantine is a charming New Jersey beach town resplendent with natural beauty,” states essexhomeimprovements.com.

“Besides the beaches, ocean views, and myriad of family activities offered, many visitors enjoy Brigantine for its historical features, some of which date back to the towns founding in the 1500s. Former plantation houses, a fascinating educational center, various museums, and the Brigantine lighthouse are all must-sees for any visitor to charming Brigantine. As an added bonus, keep your eyes peeled while on the water (or from the beach at low tide) and see if you can spot one of the 300 ship wrecks that occurred just off the coast over a 200-year time period.” njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Spring 2016

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Lifestyle Fashion

By Alyson Boxman Levine

Trend Watching Effortlessly weave trending pieces into your existing wardrobe to create current looks

I

dentifying the most current fashion trends can be as easy as flipping through a glossy magazine at your local salon or tuning in to an episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.� But incorporating these stylish trends into your existing wardrobe can be a much more tedious and stressful task. By following these on-trend guidelines, giving your current wardrobe items a spring facelift can be easy, practical and super exciting.

One ideal way to both expand your wardrobe and ride a current trend is to add a shirt under one of your existing sleeveless dresses. This

On-trend layering from No. 21

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Spring 2016 |

Boho chic from American Rag

LIFESTYLE

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popular layering trend was an especially strong showing on the spring 2016 runways, further accentuating its vast versatility. Add a plain white t-shirt under one of your summer dresses and you will add a boost to your spring wardrobe, plus get extra wear from an item you already own.

By bringing your summer garments into your spring wardrobe, your options for chic outfits grow exponentially. You will be amazed at the sheer number of combinations you can create.

This spring 2016 runway look from designer label No. 21 effortlessly shows off this growing trend. The juxtaposition of an oh-so-casual white

Off-the-shoulder look from J. Crew

t-shirt paired with a frilly dress combine to make a bold, yet fun fashionforward statement. You will be both comfortable and stylish in this refreshing hip look.

The No. 21 label hails from Milan and is the brainchild of designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua. Featuring crisp tailoring in structured materials alongside feminine shapes with ornate trims, No. 21 injects a refreshing, dynamic sensibility into a modern, feminine aesthetic. Celebrity clients love the label’s subdued palette of monochrome and pastel hues interspersed with glimmering elements and graphic flourishes.

Get in touch with your spirit side and channel your inner hippie for this next exciting spring fashion trend. Many designers clearly were looking toward the West Coast this season, and have created new looks that perfectly captured the peasant vibe associated with the spiritual crowd of the 1970s. Nothing says hippie-chic better than a patterned peasant dress, and if you don’t already have one in your closet, go seek one out. Currently available at Macy’s, this maxi dress from designer

White-on-white fashion from Vince

Citrus dress, Marissa Webb

American Rag features a hypnotic print and a trendy handkerchief-hem, creating boho style magic.

Established in 1984, the iconic West Hollywood brand American Rag has grown from a small, exclusive vintage store on La Brea Blvd., to a complete lifestyle apparel brand. The successful mix of fast fashion and moderate price points continues to push the brand into exciting new categories and on to new heights. Fashionably fresh while staying true to its boutique heritage; the line melds vintage-inspired colors and prints with classic denim and the season’s latest trends.

Believe it or not, the most popular body part to showcase this season is, hands down, your shoulders. Yes ladies, thankfully those midriffbaring tops have been replaced with off-the-shoulder looks that flatter everyone. Who knew the sexiest slice of skin to show for spring 2016 would be the shoulders, and women across the globe are thrilled. Check out this delightful ensemble from designer J. Crew, certain to become a favorite of the season. Highlighting this season’s erogenous zone, this Showcasing stripes from Blugirl

njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Spring 2016

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LIFEST YLE FASHION outfit’s lively pattern and carefree feel will start your season off just right.

American label J. Crew debuted in 1983 with the mailing of its first catalog. Six years later, they opened a flagship store at New York’s South Street Seaport, and today, the business includes retail and outlet stores nationwide and an ever-growing online and catalog business. This loved brand evokes a welcoming, all-America feel — a mood of underrated timelessness — and features expert color-blocking and pattern mixing.

Everyone looks fashion-forward in a chic monochromatic color scheme, and no one knows this better than the entire Kardashian clan.

White-on-white is red hot this season and, odds are, you already have this trend hiding in your closet. Choose a crisp white button-down top and pair it with some white jeans or capris.

If you are searching for something new for the season, check out this look from the coveted Vince label. A lightweight layering piece with chic, minimalist appeal, the long vest is cut with high side slits for a modern edge. The neckline and straight hem give a clean look to the relaxed fit when worn loose, and offer cool contrast when belted for a slimmer fit.

Vince is a global brand synonymous with a modern, timeless aesthetic and effortless sophistication. Founded in 2002, the brand strives to create a collection of iconic essentials women and men would want to wear every day with a focus on distinctive design, enduring style, and uncompromising quality. The brand caters to the woman who favors the luxury end of casual chic dressing, and celebrity clients include Kate Hudson, Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Aniston, and Kate Moss.

After experiencing all the spring 2016 runway shows, one thing is for certain; there is a lightness and brightness to this season, a concept that was reflected in countless designers’ garments. The majority of tones were happy, citrus, and bright. Odds are you have something bright

On the Fringe Go bold in these “Abria” gladiator sandals featuring the fashionable trifecta of caged details, fringe, and ankle-tie design. These suede open-toe ankle-tie strappy sandals have a back zipper closure and offer tassel and fringe details at the ankle, Guess, $125.

Sashay on to the scene in these trendy, fringe-detail “Hustle” sandals. With a peep-toe ankle-strap, fringe detailing, and a wrapped stiletto heel, this suede stunner is ideal for spring, Nine West, $119.

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and fresh already in your wardrobe. Perhaps a sunset-toned top or maxi dress you added in years’ past? Well, this juicy option is available for you trendy ladies looking to add something new from a hot designer.

The Marissa Webb label presents this orange stunner; an embroidered organza dress with an oh-so-feminine bodice and an on-trend tiered hem. Layer a white t-shirt under this dress and you will be yet another rung up on the fashion-forward ladder.

Born in Korea and raised in the United States, Marissa Webb’s design aesthetic blends and juxtaposes elements of architecture and nature by mixing highly-structured, tailored pieces with whimsical softness and flow. Each collection is created to appeal to the woman who appreciates timeless fashion but maintains the confidence to incorporate contrasting and unexpected pieces.

If you’re looking for a chic casual look for the warmer weather, the stripe trend may just be the one for you. Stripes were big on the runways and were seen in all sizes and colors. If you have searched and searched for that striped top you are certain you had in the back of your closet from last year, fear not. This stylish trend is all over the retail racks this spring. I especially love this option from the Blugirl label.

Not only are the stripes fabulous, there is also a peek-a-book shoulder; another trend of the season.

An Italian fashion line, the Blugirl brand embodies romantic, youth, and femininity. Founded in 1995, the label is based on the concept of freestyle clothing. It offers lots of delightful separates that can be mixed and matched, reinvented and worn with a healthy dose of creativity and playful irony. Anna Molinari is the famous name behind the popular label and believes fashion is a mix of sensations and cultural influences — a return to the past and a vision of the future — for a modern, sexy and feminine woman. n

Add some flair to your footwear this season Fun will follow you when you wear this Lambert Fringe Bootie. Long faux-suede fringe swishes and sways from this Western-inspired bootie, featuring a dramatically-curved topline and a stacked heel, Coconuts

by Matisse, $89.

Expertly crafted in Italy, this “Pocahontas” fringe sandal will be a welcome addition to your closet. Crafted in suede and accented with fringe detailing, you will fall in love with this gorgeous shoe, Aquazzura, $875.

Be both comfortable and oh-so-stylish in these “Alex” sandals. Featuring a fringed ankle cuff, comfortable thin toe strap, and a side-zip closure, this leather beauty is made in Brazil, kate spade new york, $79.99.

Your feet will love the comfort of this leather “Dinky” Fringe Sandal. Tiered fringe adds to the rustic vibe of this breezy backto-basics thong sandal, BC Footwear, $59.

Lou Marchiano FOR MEN

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

Living room with palm-shaped lamps

V

A Touch of Italy

iewed from the street, this sparkling Cape Cod-style home is just one of many charming cottages along the meandering lanes of Four Seasons in Smithville. Set halfway around a quiet circle in the 55-plus community, the house has a traditional pitched roof, sided walls and fieldstone face, plus artfully landscaped grounds complete with a picturesque birch tree.

But step inside, and benvenuti — suddenly you’re in Naples.

The homeowners — spouses, business partners, and secondgeneration Italian-Americans — have imported a distinctly Mediterranean style to their Galloway Township home. That influence is evident in the scrollwork and sconces, stone columns and working indoor fountains, and bronze and gold finishes, all of which evoke real Old World grandeur.

Grand Traditions It all starts at the front door, with an expanse of Florentine terracotta tile flooring that leads to a sumptuous living space. An unobstructed floor plan and 14-foot ceilings give the home quite a spacious feel, but it’s counterbalanced by cozy seating groups 14

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This Mediterranean masterpiece will have you longing for all things Neapolitan.

A view into the kitchen and foyer

LIFESTYLE

ARCHITECTURE

By MARJORIE PRESTON Photography by ERIC WEEKS

Custom media room

Palm-imprinted wall coverings in the foyer

Custom mural in dining area njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Spring 2016

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LIFEST YLE ARCHITECTURE

Larger-than-life metal sculpture

and colors reminiscent of the Italian landscape.

The couple has chosen a warm, neutral palette to define their home: burnt umbers, spicy siennas, luxuriant browns, and deep, glowing golds.

Natural flora is a recurring theme. A custom mural in the dining area depicts a serene Neapolitan landscape populated by colorful birds. The sunroom boasts a bird-of-paradise theme; with its tailored rattan shades, oversized leather sofa and loveseat in a rich butternut shade, plenty of greenery and other nods to the great outdoors, this is a retreat with natural charm — not to mention a splendid view of the sun-filled backyard, with pavers used for retaining walls, flowerbed enclosures, and walkways. No detail was too small to be slightly modified: the man of the house prefers arches to angles, and sure enough, he made sure that curved entryways lead to almost every room.

Throughout the home, there are repeated references to palms. The home features a palm-tree door knocker at the entryway; palmimprinted wall coverings in the dining alcove; palm-splashed upholstery on two armchairs; and six-foot carved palm-shaped lamps that stand on either side of the living room mantelpiece.

The residents — longtime snowbirds who eventually plan to relocate to Florida’s Gulf Coast — have loved this home for more than a dozen years. Even now, as they plan their journey south, they continue to add new, novel works of art and dramatic sculptures, like the lifesized dancing duo in copper-finished wrought iron that pirouettes behind a circular sofa; twin bas-relief mermaid sculptures that overlook the kitchen; a striking, larger-than-life metal

10-foot rough-cut stone partition

Six-foot carved palm-shaped lamp 16

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The sunroom boasts a bird-of-paradise theme

sculpture of a woman in harlequin-style garb; and a hundred other large and small touches that are sometimes amusing, often eccentric, and always expressive of the couple’s eclectic tastes.

The home is “still a work in progress,” says the lady of the house. Clearly, for her and her husband, it is also an ongoing labor of love.

The Not-So-Slow Lane There’s a lot to love about the Four Seasons lifestyle, she adds; no one comes here to sit in a rocking chair. The K. Hovnanian master-planned community spans hundreds of verdant acres crisscrossed by lakes, walkways, and bike paths.

Developed in the 1990s, the neighborhood designed like a series of interlocking hamlets adjoins Historic Smithville, a small town that sprang up around a stagecoach route in the late 1700s. Smithville and the Village Green are close by, with their rows of boutiques and restaurants.

In the spring and summer, the ice cream parlor, amusement park, and boat rides are especially popular.

“Fifty-five-plus living is fun and exciting — a new beginning for people, not the end,” says the homeowner. The community’s clubhouse — a vast 23,000 square feet — “looks like the Hyatt Regency,” she says. “It’s simply gorgeous. I’m here all summer, in and out of pool with the kids. I’m busier now than when I worked fulltime.”

The active lifestyle includes something for every pace and preference: residents can play billiards and cards in the community room, roll a few strikes with the Wii bowling league, or play bocce ball in the outdoor court. There are

The kitchen is a showcase of complementary finishes indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a state-ofthe-art fitness center with aerobics room. A newsletter published by the residents’ association touts holiday parties in the grand ballroom; cooking lessons; pickup softball and stickball games; theater trips to New York City; and other jaunts by bus to destinations like Niagara Falls and Virginia.

Private Screening The owners of this home would be forgiven, of course, if they prefer to just hang around the house. For many years, they cultivated a landscaped pond out back with two waterfalls and 36 koi fish. Eventually, they phased out the high-maintenance feature in favor of a meditative garden with fountains and sculptures.

Back inside, movie buffs are sure to gravitate toward the custom media room, with its glossy black marble floors, black plush theater-style sconces and seating (complete with cup-holders, thank you!), and a highdefinition screen with surround-sound. The room is filled with images and figurines of classic film stars, dominated by a black and white poster of Marilyn Monroe and an oil painting of Sylvester Stallone. Pass the popcorn!

The kitchen is a showcase of complementary finishes, set behind a 10-foot rough-cut stone partition that contrasts with the smooth granite counters and rich wood cabinets. Ditto the master bath, which recalls an Italian grotto in its cobblestone floors and tub surround. Amber glass sink bowls with a slight leaf imprint matches the wall coverings, and the extraordinary custom shower doors resemble sheets of cut ice.

Despite a mostly classic approach to design, the homeowners are not confined to a single style. Here and there are contemporary touches that mix well with the more formal features — like a dining room table flanked by super-modernistic chairs; an assortment of minimalist vases of polished stone and teak; and the black lacquer master bed with contemporary side tables and cubistic light fixtures. It all works together to form a welcoming whole.

From the wall coverings to the lavish window treatments, from the furnishings to the many textured finishes, this is the Tuscan home style done just right — elegant yet so comfortable, and it all spells home. As the Italians would say, “Molto bello.” n

Master bedroom

Window treatments: Nancy Kohr Home Couture, Linwood, NJ Artwork: Ocean Galleries of Stone Harbor and Avalon, NJ Bathroom fixtures, ceiling fans, door hardware: Artistic Hardware, Northfield, NJ Sculptures and furniture: Atlantic City Barstool Brothers Furniture and Design, Northfield, NJ Fine furniture, accent pieces and lighting: Unique Interiors, Cherry Hill, NJ Landscaping: Kelly’s All Pro Landscaping, Somers Point, NJ This home is currently for sale. Please call: 609-457-6562 for further information.

Master bath with cobblestone floors and tub surround njlifestyleonline.com

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Lifestyle Home

Decorating and Dining 101 Tips to make your special gathering place shine

By Candice Adler

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o longer is the dining room reserved for formal dinners or just holiday celebrations. In fact, many homeowners prefer to skip a formal dining room altogether, and just combine a large seating area along with the kitchen or great room. Whether you spend weekly dinners with your family, or possibly are hosting a dinner party, the dining area is ultimately where people come together. Because the dining area and kitchen are the heart of your home, it’s important it reflects your style and clearly functions on a daily basis to fit your specific needs. From traditional to modern styles, there are many options available. Think about what colors and style appeal to you when planning your dining area. If you’re not sure, visit a website, such as Houzz, and you will get stimulated very easily, even possibly addicted.

First, I usually ask my clients how they plan to use the dining area. Will it be for formal entertaining or rather a more casual, relaxed space used often.

Generally, a formal dining space may be darker and dramatic. It will include possibly ornate wallpaper and decadent chandeliers. As I have always said, lighting will set the tone for the atmosphere you are creating. If you are more casual, I suggest lighter colors on the walls and maybe a fun wallpaper pattern. Some interesting furniture and track lighting will work perfectly. By adding an eclectic mix of unique collectibles or an assortment of candles on your table rather than a traditional floral centerpiece, the space will feel more relaxed and easy.

The table in your dining room is like the sofa in your den. I would say it’s very important to get it right when selecting, as it will anchor your room. Please consider size, color, and durability when selecting the table. Once the finish has been selected, all the other elements that play in the Photo by Alex Anton room come together. Upholstery on the chairs, the carpet, and the curtains are what makes the story come alive. I always say, it’s like a story. I just ask my clients which story appeals to them the most and we go from there. Materials do not always need to match exactly. They will carry a similar style and weight, but it’s always more interesting to pull together several elements to make the space unique.

If you choose to include a hutch to display tableware, have it lit up so in the evening hours it is a focal point and adds ambiance while dining. Use the surface of a credenza as a display spot for some of your favorite accents. I tend to like asymmetrical arrangements on a sideboard, with a pair of lamps or a possible organic arrangements to feel natural. If possible, a mirror above the credenza reflecting your chandelier would be ideal.

The perfect lighting plan would combine natural and artificial light if possible. Always put your overhead lighting on dimmers. Your hanging lighting should hang 30” from the surface of your table to the bottom of 18

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your fixture. By having it on a dimmer, you will reduce the chance of having a glare. Wall sconces always add an elegant touch. If you decide to use candlelight on the table while entertaining, soft lighting by the lamps on a sideboard will create low ambient light for your guests. Your chandelier will sparkle if you use clear bulbs. If using pendants rather than one fixed light, make sure there is at least 12” on either side of the table to maximize effective lighting and reduce unwanted glares. Think of the lighting priority — as a function as well as the decorative appeal — that not only needs to look amazing, but ultimately perform just as well. Lastly, consider the amount of natural sunlight that comes in the space for entertaining at all times of the day. You want your lighting to be energy efficient and stylish at the same time.

Now comes the fun part; texture, layers, color. We add all these fun elements with our rugs, window treatments, and upholstery. You can never go wrong with long panel sheers framing your windows. They can let in the daylight, while having no problem taking a key role at night. A sizable rug will give the perfect layered effect of texture while anchoring the underfoot space. Choose something that will wash easily and be durable enough when chairs are dragged back and forth on the surface. If using an area rug, it is without question that when the chair is pulled back it still rests entirely on the area rug.

You never want half the chair resting on the rug while the back legs of the chair are on a hard surface. To determine you have the correct measurements, measure the width of your table and add 4 feet. You can experiment with different shapes depending on the size of the dining area and the shape of your table.

I believe what makes your home ideal are the personal touches you add that are unique to you. The dining room is a perfect setting to show your personality with the objects you choose to display. If there is a mantel in the room, it will be perfect to show off some great accents that are meaningful to you. Create a wall of old family photos that everyone will enjoy over the years. I even had a client start the tradition of each year at holidays taking pictures of everyone at the dinner and frame them to build on each holiday. It’s so nice to see how everyone grows and changes over the years. Let your walls do the talking with an unexpected wall color or paper. Whatever you decide, the centerpiece should be eye-catching, something dramatic even if you don’t necessarily use it. As long as the elements are all to scale, you will easily create the harmonious balance you are seeking. n I hope you enjoy my tips to make your home the one you love. If you have any design questions, please feel free to reach out. Visit my website at www. candiceadlerdesign.com for inspirational photos and ideas.

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

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AGLOW LIGHTING

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Plumbing Fixtures n Decorative Hardware n

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Medicine Cabinets n Accessories and More! n

HOME & DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

Taking Care of the Customer: Atlantic City Barstool Brothers

Featuring heirloom-quality pieces custom made to suit any style

By Felicia Lowenstein Niven

Photo by Eric Weeks

Brothers and co-owners Russell Schanker and Joseph Czyzewicz

SPEND JUST A FEW MINUTES AT ATLANTIC CITY BARSTOOL Brothers and you’ll soon realize this is no ordinary furniture store. Sure, it has gorgeous furnishings on display, and the catalogs you might expect with many more choices. But the real difference is that Atlantic City Barstool Brothers won’t tell you “no.” They won’t tell you they don’t have it, they can’t get it, or it’s out of your price range. Because they’re willing to customize it for you so it’s exactly what you want.

Atlantic City Barstool Brothers 331 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609.646.6464 • atlanticcitybarstoolbrothers.com 20

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It’s a unique concept that’s earned brothers and co-owners Joseph Czyzewicz and Russell Schanker plenty of kudos — and repeat business. “It’s not just about the sale,” says Joe. “It’s about taking care of the customer.”

That’s exactly what they’ve been doing since they opened the business over 25 years ago at that first location in Ocean Township, Monmouth County. The brothers expanded their customer base when they relocated to Mays Landing in 2000, and then again when they moved to Northfield in 2009. Their 5,000 sq. ft. showroom located near the Tilton movie theatre is their largest yet, though it doesn’t come close to showcasing all of the furniture that they offer.

“We carry over 200 different manufacturers, including 20 Amish companies, and over 100,000 selections of brands,” says Joe. “We have the largest selection of dining and barstools on the East Coast.” The business also features Amish bedroom sets, sofas and loveseats, and the full range of formal and casual dining and living room pieces. Pricing is “A to Z,” from modest to higher end.

“We could have a store that’s 30,000 sq. ft. and still not be able to display everything,” he noted. “This way, we keep it manageable and also save on costs that we don’t have to pass along to the customer.”

The furniture displayed at Atlantic City Barstools has an important distinction, however. It’s all U.S.-based.

“So much of the furniture sold in this country today comes from China,” said Joe. “We made the decision that everything we carry would be made in America. It’s important for us to offer our customers that kind of quality. Our

“We pride ourselves that we are a family business and take care of our local customers. As a result, a lot of our customers become our friends.”

pieces are made by master craftsman and quality companies, and that’s the difference. These are pieces that will stand the test of time. For example, the Amish pieces are not just farmhouse tables but heirloom quality that can be handed down from generation to generation.”

But it is their custom furnishings business for which the brothers are known. “You can choose any shape, size, finish, fabric, style and price range,” said Joe. “You can even etch or burn a family crest or initial. We want people to get what they want and walk out happy. It might be building a one-ofa-kind piece that doesn’t exist anywhere else, or it could be building a less expensive version of a piece that’s displayed in our store.”

The design is complimentary if you’re commissioning a custom piece at Atlantic City Barstool Brothers. Joe is at the helm of the process, offering expertise based on his background in design. Russell utilizes his background in architecture design, and years of handcrafting custom furnishings, to bring the design to reality.

In-store and at-home design consultations are both available. The process is very customer-centric.

“So many people don’t trust themselves when it comes to design,” said Joe. “They tend to hire designers to tell them what they should do. But really, you as the customer do know what you like.

We help you by asking the right questions, and really getting to know your personal style. Our goal is to make the furniture selection process easy and fun. And yes, you can bring in your designer too if you’d like.”

Atlantic City Barstool Brothers isn’t limited to designing for residences, however. The brothers also stage homes for real estate agents, and furnish casinos and area restaurants such as the Tuckahoe Inn, Johnny’s Café, and Luke Palladino’s.

Through it all, they develop relationships that transcend business. “Our customers are our shareholders and they are the ones we strive to make happy,” says Joe. “We pride ourselves that we are a family business and take care of our local customers. [As a result] a lot of our customers become our friends.”

Furnishing the Jersey Shore for over 20 Years BARSTOOLS • DINING SETS • BARS • LIVING ROOMS • BEDROOMS INTERIOR DESIGN • UPHOLSTERY SHOP • HOME STAGING

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

Atlantic City Barstool Brothers is located at 331 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM and Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tuesdays are available by appointment. For more information, call (609)646-6464 or visit www. atlanticcitybarstoolbrothers.com. n njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFESTYLE

MONEYWATCH

Taxation of Investment Income Optimize the tax efficiency of your portfolio

NOT ALL INVESTMENT INCOME is taxed the same. Thanks to the IRS, the tax code regarding your investments is constantly changing, and keeping up with these changes is important to optimize the tax efficiency of your portfolio.

Remember, it’s not what you make but what you keep that counts.

The main determinants of investment income tax rates are your annual income, and the type of investment income earned; interest income, dividend, and capital gains. Investments such as savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money markets, annuities, and taxable bonds (as opposed to municipal bonds or U.S. securities), produce interest income.

This income is considered ordinary income, and is taxed at an individual’s ordinary income tax rate, which ranges from 0% to 39.6%.

Dividend income can either be taxed at ordinary income tax rates or the preferred capital gains tax rates. Dividends received from domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations will generally be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate, ranging from 0% to 20%. Dividends received that are not classified as “qualified” dividends will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

Capital gains are taxed as either ordinary income or capital gain income depending on how long an investment is held. Investments that are held over one year (long-term capital gain) will be taxed at the preferential capital gains rate, while investments held for less than one year (short-term capital gain) will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. A capital gain is realized when an investment is sold for a higher amount than the original purchase price, or adjusted cost basis. For tax purposes, it is only the net off all realized capital gains for the year that are taxable. Selling a security for a loss produces a capital loss which can be used to offset other capital gains. If the realized capital losses exceed your capital gains, the IRS allows taxpayers to deduct up to $3,000 of capital losses against ordinary income, while carrying forward any unused realized loss to use in future years.

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Finally, in addition to income rates being determined based on type, ordinary vs. capital gain, a taxpayer’s income will affect the amount of tax owed. The chart below highlights the tax rates based on income.

As you can see, the tax rates on qualified dividends and capital gains are lower than the tax rates on ordinary income. By strategically placing ordinary income producing assets inside of tax sheltered accounts, and qualified income and capital gains producing assets in taxable accounts, taxpayers can lower the amount of tax on their investment income, without altering their asset allocation. In an effort to maximize the amount that you get to keep on the money that you have earned, having your investment advisor and tax planner working together can be a valuable resource. 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.

NOBIL CATERING

The exclusive caterer of the Ocean City Yacht Club with services across the region

EXCLUSIVE CATERER FOR THE OCEAN CITY YACHT CLUB PRIVATE EVENTS CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

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OBIL IS THE EXCLUSIVE caterer and event planner for the Ocean City Yacht Club and has provided exceptional service to clients in southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia metropolitan area for many years. The Ocean City Yacht Club is located on the bay and is a perfect setting for your special event.

Nobil has the experience and expertise to pull off a perfect party or event. Whether you’re planning a dinner party for 10 guests, a baby shower for 50, or a wedding for 500, Nobil can handle every detail so you can relax, enjoy, and have a fabulous time. They are South Jersey’s premier off-premises wedding, private party caterer and event planner.

Bride-to-be? Give owner and chef Bill McGinnity a call. He and his experienced staff can handle your entire event including choosing a venue, entertainment and menu planning while still keeping you within your budget. Since 1995, Nobil has provided truly memorable experiences for generations of brides and grooms throughout southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia area.

Call (609) 457-7112 • Visit www.nobilfoodservices.com

START TO FINISH WEDDING PLANNING PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS STAFF WEDDINGS FOR HUNDREDS, CORPORATE EVENTS FOR THOUSANDS

Brain Health

I

The symptoms, treatment and future hope for Alzheimer’s Disease

n the movie Still Alice, Julianne Moore’s character is a happily married 50ish linguistics professor with three grown children. She starts to forget words, gets lost during a jog, and is finally diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. In the final scene, Alice needs constant care and is barely able to speak. As I watched, I was both informed and moved.

When the credits rolled, tears streamed down my cheek. I could only imagine what families and caregivers must experience when someone they love slowly slips away due to this disease. My thoughts turned to fear. How do I know if I am at risk? What about my parents? Can Alzheimer’s be prevented? What are the warning signs?

As host of a radio health program, I have a unique opportunity to speak with top professionals, and I was inspired to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease.

One such expert is Claire Day, Senior Vice President of Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter. She says, just like other organs, the brain does not work as well as we age. However, typical effects of aging do not mean we have Alzheimer’s. There are 10 warning signs that the Alzheimer’s Association wants us to know, such as short term memory loss (see sidebar). Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive degeneration of the portions of the brain which controls thinking, memory, movement, communication and sensation.

Genetics play a part in developing Alzheimer’s, but a smaller role than once believed, according to Day. The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is advancing age — doubling every five years after age 65.

While we can’t change family history, 24

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genetics or our age, there are risk factors that we can control. There is growing evidence that links brain health to heart health. Each time our heart beats, it nourishes our brain. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s appears to be increased by high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. As Day puts it, “What’s good for your heart is good for your head.”

Staying physically active, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking can help us reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It can also help to stay socially connected and maintain brain health through mentally stimulating activities such as playing cards, brain games and reading.

One in nine people over the age of 65 and one in three over the age of 85 are afflicted with Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading cause of death in our country.

As the baby boomers age, it is predicted that 10 million of them will develop the disease in their lifetime. The number of people with Alzheimer’s is predicted to more than triple by the year 2050. This bleak reality finally reached Congress, who approved a historic $350 million increase last year for Alzheimer’s Disease research — a 60% rise in budget. According to Day, Federal funding for Alzheimer’s has lagged in comparison to funding for cancer, heart disease and HIV/Aids, and this new funding will help fuel further research that not only answers “what”, but “why”.

Over the last 30 years, there has been amazing progress in understanding healthy brain function and what happens to a brain with Alzheimer’s. Ongoing research is focused on new treatments to stop, slow or even prevent Alzheimer’s. According

to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are currently five FDA-approved Alzheimer’s Drugs that treat the symptoms, but do not treat the underlying cause of the disease.

Promising studies and clinical trials will hopefully lead to the next generation of drug therapies.

In addition to greater medical knowledge, public perception of Alzheimer’s Disease is changing, according to Day. She says there was a time people would whisper “Alzheimer’s” just like the word “cancer”, but we don’t whisper it anymore. The recent passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan reminds us of her influence in helping to increase awareness of this disease. In 1994 President Ronald Reagan made a brave announcement of his diagnosis, bringing Alzheimer’s out of the shadows. There is so much we don’t know, yet there have been great strides in brain health. The future may one day hold a promise for reaching a cure and the ultimate goal of The Alzheimer’s Association — a world without Alzheimer’s.

If you suspect that someone you love has Alzheimer’s Disease, don’t ignore it.

Seek medical attention right away. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. You can also contact them at alz.org. n Robin Stoloff, was the Health Reporter for NBC 40 for more almost 30 years. She is now the new host of her own radio program, “Living Well with Robin Stoloff” on Lite Rock 96.9, WFPG FM (A Townsquare Media Company) on Sunday mornings from 9-11am. Robin talks with local experts about health, fitness, nutrition and so much more. You’ll also hear her “Health Update” segments throughout the day on air and online at literock969.com. Learn how to live a better, smarter and healthier life with Robin Stoloff’s “Living Well” program and “Health Update” features.

Health Watch

By Robin Stoloff

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.

4. Confusion with time or place.

5. Trouble understanding visual images or spacial relationships.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

8. Decreased or poor judgment.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.

10. Changes in mood and personality.

— Alzheimer’s Association njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Spring 2016

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Palm Beach Sonata

By DAN SCHLOSSBERG

Culture comes to Palm Beach

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Lifestyle Travel Spa Palazzo at Boca Raton Resort & Club. Photo courtesy of Discover Palm Beaches.

S

urprise, surprise: Palm Beach County is not only blessed with palms and beaches but a myriad of cultural attractions ranging from concerts to book fairs.

Even Donald Trump gets a piece of the action.

Stretched along the Atlantic from Jupiter to Boca, the South Florida county actually has countless cultural venues: 42,000 offerings created by 200 organizations, according to Marilyn Bauer, director of marketing and public affairs for the Palm Beach Cultural Council. Her list includes 72 historical sites, 35 art festivals, 22 natural attractions, 20 art venues, and even 9 cultural attractions for children.

Every March, for example, the 20th annual ArtFest by the Sea turns Juno into a pedestrian paradise for people-watching, dog walking, and camera buffs. It draws more than 150 vendors who sell paintings, pictures, sculptures, and ice cream that melts alltoo-quickly in the subtropical sun.

There’s a Street Painting Festival in Lake Worth, an Everglades Day Festival in Boynton Beach, and even something called ArtiGras that promoters say is the premier fine arts festival of the Palm Beaches. The last event, in Jupiter’s Abacoa Town Center, is especially electric because it draws students from nearby Florida Atlantic University.

Although music and food always accompany art shows, there are fair shares of separate music and food festivals. Taste of the Palm Beaches, Flavor Palm Beach, and Boca Bacchanal cater to the culinary crowd, while Evenings on the Avenue (Lake Worth) and On the Avenue (Delray) join with SunFest, Florida’s largest outdoor music festival, to entertain listeners.

The bastion of culture in tony Palm Beach is the Flagler Museum, called “more wonderful than any palace in Europe” by The New York Herald when it opened in 1902. Named for famed railroad magnate Henry Flagler, the museum features daily high tea for visitors who come to peruse permanent and rotating exhibits. It even offers an occasional bluegrass concert.

Flagler’s influence is everywhere. Often called “the Father of South Florida,” he made Palm Beach the first American resort capital when he opened the 1,200-room Royal Poinciana, the world’s largest hotel, in 1894. Two years later, he built the oceanside Palm Beach Inn, which still exists today as The Breakers. Then he built Whitehall, a 60,000-square foot mansion overlooking Lake Worth Lagoon, as a winter home for his third wife.

Other mansions followed, including Marjorie Meriweather

Beach view at Boca Raton Resort & Club

Palms line pool at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. Photo by Dan Schlossberg. njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFEST YLE TRAVEL

Post’s 115-room Mar-A-Lago in 1927. Slightly larger than Whitehall at 62,500 square feet, the structure cost $8 million — a lot less than Donald Trump paid for it in 1985. Now a private club, it remains active as a conference and events venue.

Palm Beach retains its reputation as a winter playground for the rich and famous. It even has a photo-filled newspaper — nicknamed the Shiny Sheet because it is printed on thick glossy paper rather than pulp — devoted to covering the personalities of its resident high society. That society still thrives, with well-to-do snowbirds ensconced in mansions hidden from the curious public by towering and thick foliage.

Careful observers will see remnants of the glory years, including places where the Kennedys partied. The Boca Raton Resort & Club, one of many Palm Beach County structures designed by architect Addison Mizner, was a private club when it opened in 1926 but has evolved into a picture-perfect property that offers the seclusion celebrities seek.

Celebrity-spotting is almost a sport on Worth Avenue, where window-shopping is about all the typical tourist can afford. Visitors who look carefully can spot built-in water fountains for the wellpampered dogs lucky enough to live in Palm Beach.

Families will love the county’s 47 miles of Atlantic beaches, the average annual temperature of 78 degrees, and several hundred manmade attractions.

The view’s the thing — inside and outside — at the towering Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which also includes a maritime museum. Kids can see oversized sea turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, feed a giraffe at Lion Country Safari, skim the surface of the Everglades on an Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Photo courtesy of Discover Palm Beaches.

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airboat, or learn something new at the South Florida Science Center and Museum.

Check out the local listings for waterfront family movie nights, evening street fairs, and even polo matches (in western Wellington through the month of April). It’s also worth investigating the 15-yearold National Croquet Center, the world’s largest croquet sports facility.

Parents might prefer the $55 million Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the showpiece of the West Palm Beach skyline since its opening in 1992. Touring shows, visiting symphonies, and the biggest names in pop music are always on its diversified menu.

More adventurous adults might opt for a romantic full-moon bicycle tour along Riverbend Park’s 15-mile trail system, shark feedings at Sandoway House Nature Center, or native animal rescue and recovery operations at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. As gateway to Everglades National Park, Palm Beach County includes the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, with 221 square miles of marsh surrounded by a 57-mile canal and levee network. Anyone annoyed by noisy airboats can paddle through on a canoe. The enormous ecosystem of wooded wetlands lures artists and photographers all year long.

The benign climate also attracts fans of participation and spectator sports. The Professional Golf Association has its national headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, home of the plush PGA National Resort & Spa and site of such major tournaments as the Honda Classic. The Breakers and Boca Raton Resort & Club also have handsome courses, with more than 150 available throughout the county. Tennis is popular too, with many lighted courses for players who consider the climate too humid

for midday play.

For a six-week span starting around Valentine’s Day, spring training baseball brings fans to Roger Dean Stadium, the only Florida facility shared by two teams (the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins). That will change next spring, when the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals open a new ballpark in West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach County even offers legendary nightlife: the Leopard Lounge in the Chesterfield Palm Beach and the Colony Hotel’s Royal Room, home of Motown Fridays. Clematis Street and CityPlace, on the West Palm Beach side of the Intracoastal Waterway, offer free live music and frequent outdoor events.

Picking a restaurant is one of the toughest things a visitor will have to do: there are more than 2,000 choices, many specializing in local seafood and quite a few with historic roots in the area. Among the open-air restaurants that line the Intracoastal are Sailfish Marina, a Singer Island favorite where the fresh catch of the day is so fresh that it could have been swimming just hours earlier. Testa’s, which makes its summer home in Bar Harbor, has been a Palm Beach staple since the Roosevelt Administration.

People who come to Palm Beach County just don’t want to leave.

The county contains 38 communities of various sizes and 15 districts with unique individual attractions. Among them are Palm Beach and Worth Avenue; Clematis Street and CityPlace in West Palm; Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton to the south; Palm Beach Gardens; and Lake Okeechobee, a freshwater body of water worldfamous for big bass fishing.

Located about 150 miles southeast of Orlando and 60 miles north Lifeguard stand on Boca Raton’s beach

of Miami, Palm Beach County embraces 2,000 square miles, giving it a land mass bigger than Delaware or Rhode Island. The largest county southeast of the Mississippi River, it is also the closest land mass to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, surging around the Florida peninsula from the Gulf of Mexico. That even warms the heart of visitors who are not there for the fishing.

There’s no shortage of places to stay, from economic to pricey, with resorts that range from familiar name brands to the golf-oriented PGA National Resort. It is one of many places that provide extraordinary spa services, appealing to golf widows who enliven themselves by soaking in mineral waters from the Dead Sea. One of the best things about Palm Beach County is ease of access: it is bisected by I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, features regional rail service, and has an airport with a putting green. The beaches, convention center, and resorts are all less than three miles from Palm Beach International (PBI), with 200 arrivals and departures daily. The most reliable non-stop service from Newark International is provided by jetBlue.

For further information, contact Discover the Palm Beaches, Suite 800, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, Tel. 561-233-3000, www.palmbeachfl.com, www.palmbeachculture. org. n Former AP newsman Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn, NJ is travel editor of New Jersey Lifestyle and Sirius XM Radio’s Maggie Linton Show. He is also host and executive producer of the weekly Travel Itch Radio Show and president emeritus of the North American Travel Journalists Association.

Boca Raton Beach Pavilion Walkway

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Lifestyle Opinion

The Electoral Scorecard Front-Runners Trump and Clinton Face Two Very Different Paths to their Political Party’s Nomination

WE’RE PRESENTLY A LITTLE PAST HALFTIME IN the process for selecting both the Republican and Democratic nominees for President of the United States.

It’s a good time to take a look and assess the current electoral scorecard.

On the Republican side, Donald Trump has been dominating in the preelection polls and all during the actual Primary and Caucus election season.

Trump has led for more than 200 days, nationally and in most all of the key states.

On the Democratic side, powered by priceless “Super Delegates,” contrived by the Democratic National Committee, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s lead is substantially wider then it otherwise would be over her only remaining challenger, Vermont United States Senator Bernie Sanders.

Presently, Trump still faces three challengers, but, you can expect that United States Senator Marco Rubio and Ohio Governor John Kasich will be gone soon. That is, unless the Republican Party establishment continues with its stop-Trump-at-allcosts scheme. If that happens, they might ask Rubio and Kasich to stay in the race to try to deny Trump the path

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to 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination.

Kasich has confirmed that if he loses his home state of Ohio he will drop out of the race. Rubio has said he is staying in all the way to the convention in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18-21, 2016. Ohio is a state the Republican nominee must win in order to win the Presidency. But, if Rubio loses Florida, he too will be gone.

The General Election path is much wider for the Democratic nominee, simply due to the rich electoral vote states that are bluer than blue. The Democratic nominee, no matter who it is, starts with about 220-240 electoral votes; 270 wins the Presidency.

The Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus has confirmed that if a candidate receives at least 1,237 delegates, “they are the nominee.” He has publicly assured there will not be any attempt of staging a contested or brokered convention.

Clinton leads in both pledged and unpledged delegates. The unpledged ones are the “super delegates,” typically awarded to the senior party leaders who get a vote they can change at anytime before they cast the vote at the

convention.

There are approximately 717 Democratic “super delegates.” Clinton has more than 500 of these at this time.

The Democrats created these “super delegates” to have the flexibility to stop a candidate who they would prefer not win the nomination.

The Democratic Convention will be held in Philadelphia this July 25-28, 2016. The “super delegates” account for more than 30% of the delegates required to win the nomination (2,383).

During the nominating process, the Democratic favorite of choice enjoys these magic “super delegates.” They are former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Member of Congress, Governors, and others the Democratic establishment hand-picks. They are not bound by the voter preferences. They can do whatever they want. This process is very disrespectful to the voters. And, the sad fact is most people do not even know how this works.

The Republican Party does not have “super delegates.” They do have a special category, whereby three people per state receive a delegate vote, however, they are obligated to vote for the popular vote winner in their

By Harry Hurley Op-Ed Contributor

state’s Primary Election or Caucus. If Republicans stacked and packed the process the way the Democrats do, Trump would be in a lot of trouble, because the Republican establishment would make certain that someone other than Trump received these super votes.

We are literally watching the tale of two front-runners. They are being treated diametrically opposite of one another.

Clinton is enjoying such an unfair establishment advantage. The Democratic National Committee has limited the number of debates, and the times and dates of the debates.

Almost all of them have been on the weekend, during the NFL playoffs, and other purposefully chosen odd times.

Even with all of these countless institutional advantages, Clinton has not been able to dispatch a 74-year-old, unapologetic socialist named Bernie.

There should be much more media attention placed upon this persistent fact.

On the Republican side, it’s just the opposite. In order to win the nomination, Trump has to defeat 16 opponents and much of the Republican establishment along the way. They have

employed many dirty tricks to try to stop Trump. For example, about 200 key Republicans met last month. The expressed purpose was to try to find a way to stop Trump from becoming the nominee. They even looked at ways to steal it from him, even if he has the requisite 1,237 delegates.

Look at the unprecedented attacks by the 2012 Republican nominee, Governor Mitt Romney.

Uncharacteristically, Romney has gotten very personal and mean spirited towards Trump. Incredulously, Romney

of interest in multiple federal criminal investigations regarding her homebrew email server. Clinton has mishandled thousands of classified documents.

Here’s a scenario you don’t hear about very often. The so-called expert pundits, who are usually wrong, continue to push the idea that the Republicans will have a contested or brokered convention. They wish for it.

What if it turns out that the exact opposite occurs. What if Clinton is indicted, or, somehow implicated, and, is forced to leave the race sometime later this spring or early summer?

Surely, Vice President Joe Biden would immediately jump in, as Bernie Sanders would not have the required number of delegates to win the nomination.

So, don’t be surprised if there is a contested or brokered convention, it just may occur on the Democratic side. n

The Democratic Convention will be held in Philadelphia this July 25-28, 2016. The “super delegates” account for more than 30% of the delegates required to win the nomination (2,383). showed more fight against Trump then he did against Barack Obama, his opponent for the Presidential election of 2012.

Former New Jersey Governor Christie Whitman was over-the-top with her criticism of Trump, saying that she would “probably vote for Hillary Clinton.” You almost never see a major political party working so hard against their own front-runner.

Trump has taken more collateral hits then Clinton, despite the fact that she may be the target, subject or person

Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC. He hosts the daily talk radio program “Hurley in the Morning” 6-10 AM weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 1450, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant, www. harryhurley.com.

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Lifelines

Feed Your Head “Mindful” spring cleaning is good for the soul

By Michelle Dawn Mooney

A

s I write this article, I’m dressed in what some would consider to be unusual attire for me … jeans and a baseball cap. Honestly, I could easily opt for a dress every day of the year, but there are those times when it just feels like a baseball cap kind of day. This particular cap happens to commemorate the 2009 World Series title that the Philadelphia Phillies decided to win on my birthday (that was really nice of them). Sometimes I forget I own the hat, partly because you’re more likely to find me in a dress, and partly because my closet could use a little sprucing up to reveal those hidden treasures that lie beneath. Spring often conjures up thoughts of baseball (and hopefully another World Series win for the Phillies). It’s also the perfect time to do some spring cleaning, and not just in our closets.

A few years back, I became very self-conscious of the fact that, unlike many of my friends and colleagues, I don’t read. Up until a few weeks ago, I could tell you the year in which I read a book from cover to cover would match the year on my Phillies baseball cap, 2009. Then it dawned on me. During the course of any given work day in the news business, I read wire stories, press releases, scripts, articles clicked through on social media and news agency websites, and the teleprompter, which accounted for more than two hours alone of facts and figures read aloud each day. All I did was read; I just didn’t read books.

Well, I’m happy to report I recently read my first book in almost seven years. I know it sounds weak in stature compared to what some might consider a major accomplishment, but for me it was almost like winning the World Series. In all fairness, I forgot there was one book I started about three years ago, but despite my valiant effort (and with no reflection on the interest of the book itself), I started on my next task at hand and got sidetracked. It happens often.

I’ve always loved the idea of leisure reading, but it seemed like too much of a luxury. Sitting down with a good book meant time away from other things like work projects, creative projects, to-do lists, laundry, and any number of things that I deemed too important to wait. Taking the time to read outside of work was time “not” well spent, or so I thought.

When you try to cram a bazillion things into your life, sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything. Since I’m always looking for helpful ways to remember what I’m supposed to do next, I was immediately intrigued by one of my radio show guests, journalist Joshua Foer, who 32

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authored a book called Moonwalking with Einstein. While doing research for an assignment to cover the USA Memory Championship, he was so taken with how scientifically “average” adults mastered the art of memorizing excessively large amounts of data by using simple methods used thousands of years ago, he decided he wanted to train and compete the following year. He did, and he won, and he wrote a book about it.

Moonwalking with Einstein not only taught me a few tips on how to keep certain pieces of information from slipping my mind, more importantly it gave me insight on what not to put there in the first place.

The book spotlighted at least one individual with superior memory skills who became somewhat tormented with his ability to remember EVERYTHING. The process of sifting through incoming information to decipher what the brain needed to hold onto versus what could easily be tossed aside was nearly impossible. This had me thinking of how, from a non-scientific standpoint, we can control much of what our minds hold onto by being more cognizant of what we’re actually putting in.

One of the memory masters in the book coined the phrase “junk in, junk out” when talking about the strict diet and exercise regimen he said was needed for mental athletes to truly be at the top of their game. The same might be said for what we choose to feed our minds with. If the majority of our life is filled with stressed out moments and an inability to step away from computer screens and smart phones, then aren’t we missing out on opportunities to create really great memories we’ll want to hold onto? If we did a mental sweep to get rid of things that really aren’t as important as we think, then wouldn’t we have more room for the good stuff?

There’s something to be said for trading in a to-do list once in a while for a few quality moments with family and friends. You may want to take them to a ball game, or maybe you just want to take a little time for yourself and open up a good book. As for my reader-tested recommendations, right now I only have one ... but I’m working on it. n Follow Michelle on Twitter @mdmooney, Facebook: www.facebook.com/ michelledawnmooney, Instagram: www.instagram.com/michelledawnmooney, and www.middayswithmichelle.com

Lifestyle Entertainment

For Those About To Rock

Kansas

We salute Kansas; and Borgata’s Festival Park gets a makeover 34

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Kansas performs

By David J. Spatz

F

ans of the long-running classic rock band Kansas rejoiced when they learned their favorite group from the 1970s was finishing up its first studio album in 16 years.

But don’t get your hopes up about hearing any of the new material on the radio. While the six-piece band responsible for big hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” spent over 200 weeks on the Billboard music charts during the height of their popularity, members of the band approached the new project with enthusiasm tempered by a healthy dose of reality.

They know that based on current trends and formats on terrestrial-based radio, there isn’t much air or interest out there for a band that was formed in the early 1970s.

“That would be a very lucky thing if that happened. We, and really none of our peers, haven’t been able to crack that one in a very long time,” says Kansas guitarist Richard Williams, 66, one of two members who played on the group’s self-titled debut album in 1974 who’s still with the group. The other is 65-year-old drummer Phil Ehart. “(It’s difficult) getting something to fit within the format of the flavor of the month in today’s radio by a classic rock band,” he adds. “Give me an example of when that has happened in recent history, because I can’t really think of one.”

Kansas is simply hoping their new music resonates with their fans, more than two million of whom follow them on their web or social media sites. They’re realistic enough to know the chances of them actually scoring a hit single for the first time in decades is a stretch.

“We won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t happen,” Williams says during a phone call from Atlanta, where the band just completed the last tracks for the still-untitled album. “But we’ll be pleasantly surprised if it did.”

While the band has seen its share of personnel changes over the decades, there haven’t really been that many. Other than their newest lead singer, Ronnie Platt, the current Kansas lineup consists of musicians who have

been with them for decades.

For the new album, the group didn’t just blindly go into a studio to record some original material hoping that something would stick and click. They first needed to see if their current lineup had the chops to produce the Kansas sound.

So they locked themselves in a Florida hotel conference room last year and started working on material, sort of like a musical self-focus group.

“We started pounding things out to see what we could come up with and see how it was going to go with the new lineup,” Williams says. “We just had to see what’s there, and it was a very positive experience.”

Williams said Kansas, which headlined at Trump Taj Mahal in February, took a more “organic” approach to its fifteenth studio album. That means more “real” instruments instead of virtual ones, he explains.

“We’re bringing back the (Hammond) B-3 (organ). There’s just nothing like that beast on a recording compared to the digital ‘almosts,’” he says. “So everything about this is trying to go for a live musical feel much like we recorded back in the days of yore.”

When it releases the album, Kansas will aim its digital marketing sights directly at its fans.

“We’re not ‘artistes,’ y’know,” he says.

“We’re a band. And that’s what we do best, we perform. Playing live is why I do this. This is why I got into the band in the first place, because I actually wanted to play guitar.”

This album is not going to be someone other than who we are. It’s just more of us.”

With Platt now singing lead vocals following the retirement of former front man Steve Walsh, who served two tours of duty over 41 years, Williams says their new singer has to perform a delicate musical balancing act between the past and the present.

“He’s won over the fan base. He’s a great performer, a great singer, and a great guy that is really good on and off stage with the fans, a very personable guy,” Williams says of Platt.

Platt has a similar vocal range of previous Kansas front men, and because he grew up while Kansas was making its name in the

1970s, he was heavily influenced by music of the era, Williams explains.

“He has his own voice, but he’s also very respectful to the songs as written, the melody lines, as people are used to hearing them (on the original recordings),” he says. “The new album gives him a chance to now do Kansas his way. These are his songs now, he owns these. While he does a terrific job of delivering a representation of our past, he now has a whole catalogue of stuff that’s going to be a part of our future.” *** Last summer, Borgata stuck its toes in the water to see if a major outdoor concert venue could work in Atlantic City.

This summer, it’s taking the full plunge — but not with outdoor concerts. Instead, it’s currently turning the one-and-done Festival Park into a large and luxurious swimming pool capable of accommodating up to 1,000 hotel guests.

Festival Park was a great idea that entertained a lot of people, says Joe Lupo, the casino’s senior vice president of operations.

But the concept wasn’t as profitable as Borgata anticipated.

“A successful organization sometimes has to make tough decisions. A lot of people had a great time out there, but it was very difficult to book bands,” he says. “It was only specific to a genre of music that had a demographic that was willing to stand, because it was a GA (general admission) type of atmosphere. We just didn’t see the ticket-buying like we would for an indoor facility. I think people waited to see how the weather was going to be. So not being able to book as many shows, (the venue went unused) six, sometimes seven days a week.”

Borgata expects the pool to be ready in time for the July 4 holiday weekend. Although Borgata’s companion boutique hotel, the nongaming, 400-room Water Club, has an outdoor pool, Borgata’s new Roman-style pool will be a first for guests staying in its 2,000-room hotel tower.

Like practically everything else at Borgata, njlifestyleonline.com

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L I F E ST Y L E E N T E R TA I N M E N T the 3,200-square-foot pool will be an overthe-top amenity. Guests will relax on over 400 chaise lounges and daybeds or seek shelter from the sun in cabanas.

Borgata isn’t completely scrapping everything associated with Festival Park. The rented main stage is gone, but it’s repurposing other elements associated with the venue and blending them seamlessly into the pool.

“Most of the money we spent last year (on Festival Park) really remains intact,” he explains. “The bar, the smaller (side) stage, and all the infrastructure — like getting the land ready — cost a lot of money. And all of that is staying. We’re just changing the area where people stood (for shows) by digging a hole and putting a pool there.”

Instead of being used only sporadically throughout the summer, the pool will be available seven days a week, Lupo adds.

There will be a DJ to “set the tempo” on weekends, he says. But the facility won’t morph into a full-blown nightclub the way its neighbor, Harrah’s Resort, transforms its domed pool on weekends. Not this summer, anyway.

“We’re spending a lot of money on our pool, we’re spending a lot of money on our

Artist’s rendering of Borgata’s new Roman-style pool

hotel guests,” he says. “We want to make sure we execute that right. Depending on how that goes, we may look at (the outdoor nightclub concept) for 2017. But for now, we really don’t want mixed messaging or positioning of what that pool really is. Right now, we’re going to have a really nice and energetic outdoor pool.”

The pool is only part of a property-wide upgrade for Borgata. Last fall, its original nightclub, known as MIXX, closed and the casino is spending millions to create a new 18,000-square-foot venue called the Premier Nightclub. The new room, which Borgata says will rival the top clubs in New York, Las Vegas and Miami, will debut this spring.

“For the new customer, the things that were hot 10 years ago aren’t hot now, especially with nightclubs,” Lupo says. “Nightclubs don’t have a very long shelf life. The young nightlife person wants to go into some place fresh and new.”

Later this year, Borgata will introduce a new restaurant helmed by Iron Chef Michael Symon. The dining room will replace chef Stephen Kalt’s Fornelletto, which features Italian cuisine. Symon’s restaurant will be the celebrity chef’s first attempt at Italian dining.

Symon will become the fourth of the Food

Network’s Iron Chefs cooking under Borgata’s roof, joining Bobby Flay, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Wolfgang Puck. (Puck, who only appeared on one episode of the series, is considered a “retired” Iron Chef.)

The $50 million Borgata will spend on improvements in 2016 is twice what it spends during an average year to enhance the visitor experience, Lupo says. Unlike Las Vegas, which many people visit once a year, if that, Atlantic City relies heavily on repeat business.

“The Atlantic City visitor will come anywhere from 10 (to) 50 times a year. So it’s important that we continue to evolve our product and give (people) a reason to come back by offering different amenities,” he notes.

During the fourth quarter of the year, Borgata will also add an additional 25,000-square feet of convention and meeting space, something other casinos have done.

“We continue to invest in our property and invest in our people and I certainly think it shows our commitment to the area and the city, and hopefully people can realize that we’re not going anywhere,” Lupo adds. “We’re going to remain on top by investing a lot of money. Our customers appreciate that and our employees do as well.” n

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Lifestyle Legends

By Sherry Hoffman

Decades to Remember

T

It was the best of times and the worst of times

The Absegami Indian tribe’s one-time summer playground — a mosquito- and horse fly-infested island in southern New Jersey — was just getting used to having an actual name when British author Charles Dickens penned his 1859 classic “A Tale of Two Cities.” So the famed British author couldn’t have known he was describing the Atlantic City of the future when he wrote the now-immortal line about the best of times and the worst of times.

To Dickens, the line was about contrasts and spoke of despair mixed with happiness, with a side order of conflict and chaos. But in the context of Atlantic City, that phrase could aptly describe the 1950s and the 1960s, when the city — once known as the World’s Playground — began a slow decline from which it wouldn’t begin to recover until the arrival of its first casino in May 1978.

For Atlantic City, the worst of times didn’t happen overnight. There wasn’t one particular event that led to its fall from grace.

Some historians blame the 1964 Democratic National Convention for Atlantic City’s demise, especially from the negative media coverage that was a byproduct of the gathering of delegates and journalists from around the country. There was no drama or in-party political bickering as to whom the Democrats would choose as their candidate in the November election against Republican Barry Goldwater. Having assumed the presidency 21 months earlier following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Johnson was the overwhelming choice of his party. It wasn’t a convention as much as it was a coronation.

There was so little convention intrigue that reporters began looking for other stories. They didn’t have to look far.

Journalists for big-city newspapers and national magazines took out their boredom with the event by filing scathing but accurate stories about Atlantic City: decrepit, rundown hotel rooms that had been neglected for years, with worn out bedding, thread-bare carpet, paper bath towels, unreliable phone service and surly room service waiters who took hours to deliver hot meals that had long since gone cold — if they even delivered them at all. Even the hookers took it on the chin from the media for their shabby appearance.

But it wasn’t the convention coverage that hammered nails into Atlantic City’s tourism coffin. The reporters were merely finishing the job that actually began in the early 1950s. And there was little the city could do to stop it.

If the finger of blame needed to be pointed somewhere, it might as well have been at William Boeing and his airplane company. By the 1950s, airline travel had become safer, faster, cheaper and more reliable. People who had always considered Atlantic City their go-to summer vacation destination began exploring other options.

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By 1958, when the Boeing Company introduced its 707 jetliner, Atlantic City’s fate was pretty much sealed. Passenger jets made long distance travel 40% faster and 25% cheaper than the old propeller-driven planes.

Suddenly, people from Atlantic City’s feeder markets realized that in the same time it took them to drive to the shore, they could be in Miami Beach, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Add another few hours of flight time and they could experience the bright lights of Hollywood, or ride the cable cars of San Francisco.

The damage had already been done by the time the Democratic National Convention ended. The convention coverage was actually a grudge match between the media and the city, and the stories that came out of the four-day event — many of which had little to do with politics — merely confirmed the rumors that had been spreading around the country for years.

It was, indeed, the worst of times.

But it was, in one important respect, the best of times — at least when it came to entertainment. During the 1950s and ‘60s, despite the city’s wornout look, the biggest names in show business continued to appear on the Steel Pier, at the 500 Club, in the Club Harlem, the Wonder Gardens and the Le Bistro, to name just a few of the popular nightclubs and venues.

In 1964, the worst of times and the best of times were separated by just four days. That’s how much time elapsed between the end of the Democratic National Convention and the arrival in Atlantic City of the first wave of the British musical invasion.

Steel Pier owner and booking impresario George A. Hamid Jr. had originally booked The Beatles to play the Marine Ballroom at the end of the pier, which held several thousand people. But when he saw how quickly tickets were snapped up for the Fab Four, he realized the same thing Sheriff Brody recognized when a 25-foot great white shark cruised past Captain Quint’s boat in the movie “Jaws:” Hamid was going to need a bigger room.

So he moved The Beatles concert into the only room in town bigger than his ballroom: Convention Hall — now known as Boardwalk Hall.

On Aug. 31, on the same stage where President Johnson had accepted the nomination of his party just a few days earlier, the four lads from Liverpool performed for 30 minutes in front of 18,000 delirious fans.

“They were phenomenal. The biggest thing that ever came down the pike. Bigger than Elvis,” Hamid Jr. said during a 1989 interview on the 25th anniversary of the concert.

The following summer, Hamid didn’t play favorites. He booked acts from both sides of the big pond.

In addition to his usual roster of American artists like The Supremes, Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs — plus

Canadian import Paul Anka — Hamid imported popular British bands like Herman’s Hermits and Peter and Gordon. In 1966, the Rolling Stones caused pandemonium at the pier when they performed two shows on July 1.

Mick Jagger later recalled he could actually feel the Marine Ballroom swaying under the weight of thousands of screaming fans as the tide rushed in and out beneath the pier, a fact also pointed out eight years earlier when teen heartthrob Ricky Nelson performed for 44,000 screaming fans and broke a one-day attendance record previously held

by Frank Sinatra. Nelson’s record stood until fire destroyed the ballroom just before the start of the 1970 season.

But the Steel Pier didn’t have the market cornered on top entertainment in Atlantic City. The 1950s was as eclectic an entertainment decade for the resort as any that preceded or followed it.

Paul (Skinny) D’Amato’s 500 Club presented the biggest names in music. Skinny was marketing his joint for the teenyboppers who packed Hamid’s pier.

His target demographic — during an age when you couldn’t even find the word in a marketing manual — was the well-heeled visitor who liked to dress up for the evening and had a few bucks in their pockets and purses.

Skinny’s centerpiece — his go-to guys — was always Frank Sinatra, who would sometimes be joined by Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. — the nucleus of what would later become known as the Rat Pack when they were joined in Las Vegas by comedian Joey Bishop and actor Peter Lawford.

“One night,” Sinatra remembered during a 1983 interview, “Dean and I did at three shows. Skinny came over to me after the last show and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got 500 people lined up down the street waiting to get in. What are you gonna do about it?’ So we did a fourth show at 4 in the morning.”

And when they finished, Ol’ Blue Eyes and Ol’ Red Eyes high-tailed it down the street to the Club Harlem to catch Sammy Davis Jr.’s 5 AM “breakfast show,” then capped off their evening — actually, it was morning — by walking across the street for a nightcap (morningcap?) at Grace’s Little Belmont, where Sammy’s mom — Elvera “Baby” Sanchez — was the barmaid and considered the “straw boss” of Kentucky Avenue.

And it was at the 500 Club — the “Fives” to true locals — in 1956 where, 10 years to the day of their first performance together, which was also at the 500 Club, when Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed together for the last time.

Live remote television broadcasts were still something of a novelty in 1956, but NBC thought enough of the Martin and Lewis split to send a crew to Atlantic City, led by “Today Show” host Dave Garroway, to broadcast live from the 500 Club. n Sherry Hoffman is a freelance writer and owner of Sherry Hoffman Public Relations. Find out more at sherryhoffman.net. njlifestyleonline.com

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On Wheels By Elaine Rose

An Elevated Crossover

2017 Infiniti QX30 and QX30S

The Infiniti QX30 satisfies 40

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CROSSOVER SUVS ARE TAKING the American luxury car market by storm, Car & Driver reported in its March issue. People who used to prefer mid-size sedans are now switching to crossover SUVs because they’re more practical for busy lives. They’re a soccer dad’s dream come true, with the ability to transport all his offspring’s sports equipment while impressing others in the stands with his sense of style.

“Americans just can’t seem to get enough of these pricey family haulers,” Tony Quiroga wrote.

The Infiniti QX30, introduced at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show and again at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, is one new model that will satisfy drivers’ desire for comfort, speed, and performance, while providing the hauling capacity of a small SUV. The concept was introduced last year in Geneva, and the 2017 model is set

to appear in American showrooms this summer. The price is expected to be in the mid-$30,000 range.

“With a purposeful, elevated crossover appearance and signature Infiniti design cues, the QX30 makes a bold visual statement, and defies categorization inside and out,” the company said in a press release. “Powerful elegance” is the design standard.

Thanks to Infiniti’s recent partnership with Daimler, the QX30 will be built on a Mercedes-Benz compact chassis that is used in the German manufacturer’s CLA and GLA Class.

But the rest of the vehicle is Infiniti, creating a cross-breed of German and Japanese engineering. For an idea of what to expect, the QX30’s chief competitors will be the Lexus NX, the Audi Q3, the Buick Encore, and the Mercedes GLA. The QX30 will be manufactured in Sunderland in northeast England, and sold worldwide, with different engines to suit each market. The American version will have a 208-horespower, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline engine. It comes with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, which means the gear shifting will be barely perceptible. It will have Intelligent All Wheel Drive, meaning that the front wheels will do most of the work, but up to 50% of the power can be transferred to the rear wheels when needed for better traction.

Drivers will be able to choose one of three transmission modes. Eco Mode is for maximum fuel economy, Manual Mode gives the driver more control over the shifting, and Sport Mode is for acceleration and responsiveness. The specifications of the QX30 have not yet been released, but estimates are it will go from a standstill to 60 mph in about seven seconds.

The Car Connection took a brief test drive in the sport model, and found “the engine and transmission proved responsive, whether accelerating from a stop or speeding up to overtake” wrote Christian Gulliksen, another car reviewer.

The 60-40 split folding rear seats give the QX30 more storage space than most mid-size sedans, and the cargo hold has a reasonable capacity even when the seats aren’t folded, Gulliksen wrote.

Even though the chassis is Mercedes-Benz, the design of the QX30 is pure Infiniti. “Infiniti’s DNA is evident in every curve,” according to the company. “In front, the top arc of the grille mirrors and the arc of the bottom form Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille.”

The LED headlights can be seen from both the front and side, which has “a crescent-shaped C-Pillar and a dramatic rising and dipping shoulder line,” the company states.

One possible detriment is the QX30 is a hatchback, a feature many Americans find distasteful even in economy cars.

But that is not really a problem, Andrew Krok wrote in Road Show. The high ride and additional décor on the lower half give the QX30 a rugged, sporty look.

“It’s daring — to be sure — but looks about as good as a hatchback can look,” Krok wrote. “That may be what it takes to distract American buyers from their usual prejudice.”

Asymmetric cabin design

19-inch wheels and performance tires The 60-40 split folding rear seats give the QX30 ample storage space

2017 Infiniti QX30

“The QX30 contains all the bells and whistles that buyers expect in this price range, and maybe even a few more. ” The Infiniti QX30 boasts a purposeful appearance

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Rearview mirror Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille

ON WHEELS “The automaker also wanted to make sure ride quality didn’t suffer as a result of its height,” Krok wrote. “The springs and rear anti-roll bar are just a bit stiffer to flatten out the handling and counteract the higher center of gravity.”

Reviewers say most people will find it easy to get in and out of the QX30. The QX30’s interior appointments also reek of luxury, with Infiniti’s signature asymmetric styling.

Upholstery comes with high-quality black cloth or optional Nappa leather with several color choices.

Of course, the QX30 contains all the bells and whistles that buyers expect in this price range, and maybe even a few more. Safety features include a 360-degree camera system and a warning if the driver strays from the lane of travel or if another vehicle is blocking the road. When the bright headlights are in use, they dim automatically if the car senses a vehicle in oncoming traffic.

The infotainment system is one of Infiniti’s strong points. A seven-inch touch screen helps

the driver keep up-to-date on e-mails and texts — without risking a citation for distracted driving. Just plug in your smartphone, and you can use voice commands or the screen to get directions, call friends, have e-mails and texts read, or play your favorite music. Two USB ports allow for an extra device to be connected to the system.

People who have found parallel parking to be the bane of their existence since their first behind-the-wheel lesson back in high school will certainly appreciate the QX30’s Intelligent Park Assist. When you spot a parking space at curbside, just press a button, and a dozen sensors will determine if the vehicle will fit. If you get an affirmative answer, push the button, and you push the brake pedal and accelerator while the QX30 parks itself. No more looking like a fool in public while trying to parallel park or back into a space.

Reviewers were mixed about riding comfort, especially for taller passengers. Joe Bruzek wrote on cars.com that he felt a bit awkward getting his six-foot frame through

The 2017 Infiniti QX30S features a lower stance and aggressive front

the rear doors, and he barely fit in the backseat. But the driver’s vantage point feels more like that of a car, “which I attribute to slamming the driver’s seat to the ground to get a comfortable amount of headroom,” he wrote.

But The Car Connection’s Gulliksen said the rear seats are more spacious than those found in many mid-size sedans, and can hold most adults comfortably, though the ride may not be ideal for long-distance travel.

Infiniti boasts that the QX30’s seats are ergonomically designed to provide good support for passengers’ spines and to prevent fatigue on extended trips.

The car maker claims the QX30 will suit nearly every driver’s needs, whether navigating city streets, taking the kids to a baseball or soccer game, or negotiating tight curves on country roads. It combines the handling of a compact sports car with the capacity of a small SUV. If you find all this intriguing, head to a local Infiniti dealer sometime after Memorial Day. You won’t be disappointed. n

Lifestyle Leisure

By Molly Golubcow

Unique Vantage Points

Take the High, Higher, Highest Point of View Absecon Lighthouse

I

n Alice in Wonderland, magical “Eat Me” cakes have a very strange effect on the eater — he or she grows abnormally tall and can see for miles around! It’s only a story book and a bit extreme, but it would be nice to get a bird’s eye view of the world whenever the urge strikes. In the Atlantic City area, a number of options are available for sightseeing from above. It is a great way to see the sun rise over the Jersey shore or set over the bay. And, you don’t even need wings or super powers to see it. Ready to rise above it all? Good. Let’s look at some “uplifting” vantage points on or around the island.

Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City, NJ, www.abseconlighthouse.org Located in Atlantic City’s Inlet section and overlooking breathtaking views where bay and ocean meet, stands the Absecon Lighthouse. At an impressive 171 feet, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse offers a perfect place to get some local history and great views.

Construction on the lighthouse began in 1854 and was first lit on January 15, 1857. Although the lighthouse has been deactivated since 1933, the light still shines every night as a symbol of a once-upon-atime maritime navigation tool. Today, the lighthouse is open to public year round and admission is free (donations are appreciated though).

Over the years, restoration has included building a replica of the light keeper’s home, an educational museum, gift shop, and last but not least, breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline from a 360 degree vantage point.

In addition to some amazing views from above, walking up the lighthouse gives you a bit of exercise as well when you ascend the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse. The trek up is worth the effort to see the views all around you. Throughout the year, school and group tours come and go regularly and the lighthouse also offers overnight program for Scouts, winter arts program for children, and a wide variety of special events throughout the year including Group Vow Renewal and Toast, “Symphony & Soul” Wine Tasting Porch Party, and “The Light of The Moon” night climb for some awesome views of the moonlit beach.

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Lucy the Elephant, Margate, NJ, www.lucytheelephant.org Lucy, Lucy, Lucy! What a beautiful and interesting pachyderm in the middle of Margate, New Jersey. If you have never met the old gal, Lucy the Elephant is a six-story wooden elephant made of nearly one million pieces of wood and tin sheeting.

Commissioned in 1881 by James V. Lafferty as an attraction to attract tourists and sell real estate, today she shines as a bustling year round attraction for all ages.

You can take tours inside of Lucy and walk the spiral staircase of her left rear leg all the way up to her back. That puts you 65 feet above it all as you step onto Lucy’s howdah — a carriage placed on the back of an elephant used in the past to carry wealthy people and usually decorated with expensive gems. Lucy’s original howdah was destroyed in a 1929 hurricane and replaced with a less ornate flat roof. During Lucy’s 1970s restoration, a replica of the original was put on and rebuilt yet again in 2006 after a lightning strike.

So, what can you see from the howdah atop Lucy? Since she stands right in front of the beach, it’s no surprise that you’ll get a great view of the Margate and Longport shore, as well as the Atlantic City skyline. Richard Helfant, Lucy’s Executive Director, notices how amazed visitors are with the vista the howdah provides from the top of the 90 ton attraction. Helfant explains, “Visitors are in awe of how far they can actually see from up there. I sometimes joke that on a clear day, if they look out over the ocean’s horizon, they can see Spain.”

In addition to just enjoying a tour of Lucy and getting in some obligatory and classic shots of you and Lucy high up, the howdah also has been privy to many marriage proposals, Lucy the Elephant wedding ceremonies, and even private dinners hosted on Lucy and overlooking the Margate beach. “Will you marry me?” from the top of feel “…you haven’t experienced the New Jersey Coast until you have seen Lucy — who could ever say “no?” it from above.” Clients have used the aerial experience for occasions like an anniversary, romantic “date night” out, or birthday celebrations. And, of Airplane Tour, www.redbaronairtours.com course, for the person who is just addicted to beautiful views.

Although they may annoy you on the beach from time to time, sea gulls Dave Dempsey, Red Baron Air Tours owner and pilot, knows his really know how to view the beach as they soar over the surf. As bi-peds, we passengers he flights over the shore. Dempsey highlights, “In addition to cannot fly naturally, but we can fly in a bi-plane! enjoying a bird’s eye view of buildings, the boardwalk, marsh, ocean and Red Baron Air Tours, operating out of Woodbine, NJ and Ocean City, NJ the Jersey Cape, passengers frequently encounter sightings of dolphin and airports, fly you over the beach of your choice (Ocean City, Atlantic City, Sea schools of fish. Another cool opportunity is to spot friends or family on the Isle City, Cape May, and more) in an original WWII era aircraft that was fully beach and have the pilot wave his wings on a couple passes.” restored in the early 1990s. The open cockpit gives to some spectacular Like Lucy and the Absecon Lighthouse, proposals seem to be “high” on views of the shore from a perfect vantage point. the list of places to pop the question. Dempsey speaks from experience on If you are not into bi-planes, Red Baron Air Tours offers a shorter tour of that subject as the pilot as well as the proposer! While taking his girlfriend the beach in a closed cockpit Cessna 172. The modern plane carries four at the time out for a stunt flight (to get her “off balance”), Dempsey flew people (pilot and three passengers) and if you’re seated in the co-pilot seat, banners as a way of asking her to marry him. Was it the views? Was it the your may even get to take control for a bit as you soar above it all! flight? Maybe a combination, because her response was; “Yes, yes. Oh my Red Baron Air Tours also offers private sightseeing flight excursions and gosh … yes.” njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFEST YLE LEISURE

Waco UPF-7 during and air tour experience

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Ferris Wheels, Atlantic City / Ocean City “Pleasure Wheels,” a circular contraption where passengers rode in chairs suspended from large wooden rings while turned by strong men, originated in 17thcentury Bulgaria. Fast forward to the 19th century, and the original Ferris Wheel was designed and constructed

by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. as a landmark for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Since then, the term Ferris Wheel has become synonymous with one of the most popular rides at amusement parks and state fairs.

At the shore, the Ferris Wheel on the Steel Pier is a great way to get a view of the pier, city, and the entire island — especially on a moonlit night or at sunset. Even people with a bit of the queasy stomach can appreciate a ride on the gentle and circular pattern that takes you 60+ feet into the air so you can see “forever.” Rachel Mayo, a 10-year-old who loves her amusement park rides sums it up, “You can see everything, and if you are on the Ferris Wheel, the beautiful lights at night are just amazing.”

In addition to Steel Pier in AC, the Ocean City boardwalk offers Ferris Wheel vantage points as well.

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier features a variety of rides, including a Ferris Wheel where you “can touch the clouds.”

Views offer spectacular ways to see Ocean City and even Atlantic City. All in all, it’s a great way for anyone to enjoy the views from above — as long as you are at least 42” tall! n

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The Social Scene

Captain’s Table Raises $58,860 for Hungry Families The Captain’s Table Reception at the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show raised $49,321 for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Southern Branch and Let Us Eat, Please, a free meal program that is designed to fill the gap left when school is not in session. Among the individuals presenting the check was Kenneth J. Calemmo, chief operating officer of Cooper Levenson and chairman of Let Us Eat, Please, a nonprofit organization started by his former colleague, James Cooper, retired partner of Cooper Levenson. Let Us Eat, Please provides boxes of food during school vacations to families who are eligible for the federal free or reduced-fee meal program at school. Last summer, the group served more than 45,000 meals to families in Absecon, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, and Somers Point.

Cooper Levenson Partner Kathi Morris and husband Joe Zaborowski

Cooper Levenson Partner Lynne Levin Kaufman and her husband Larry Kaufman

Cooper Levenson attorneys Rebecca and Randy Lafferty

L to R: Charlie and Nora Wimberg, Mike Gallagher, Francesca Padilla, Wendy and Joe Picarella, Cathy Gallagher and Jon Leonette

L to R: Kenneth J. Calemmo, Jr., Richard Uniacke, From left to right, Bill Cornelius of M&T Bank, Mike Mamula Mark R. Lashley and Danielle E. Butler of CSS, and Mike Amato of Camden Yards Steel 48

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Photos by Nick Valinote

Kimberly Arroyo of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey

Brian Chase and Michelle Chalmers

The Social Scene

AtlantiCare Opens New Urgent Care Center in Clementon AtlantiCare, a member of Geisinger Health System, recently celebrated the launch of its newest urgent care center with a grand opening reception and a ribbon cutting. AtlantiCare Urgent Care Center Clementon, at 1310 Blackwood Clementon Road, Clementon, opened February 8. During the event, center staff gave tours of the 3,600-square-foot facility, which includes a reception area with a children’s waiting section and coffee bar. Six patient examination rooms include eye, ear, pediatric, suture, orthopedic and OB/GYN rooms, which also

serve as general examination rooms. In addition, the facility has an X-ray suite and a centralized nursing station.

“Whether you have an ear ache, sore throat or fever and your primary care provider’s office is closed or you can’t get in that day; or you don’t know whether your daughter sprained her ankle sliding into second base but you do know you have your son’s band concert in two hours, we can diagnose and treat you timely,” said John Ruskey, DO, medical director, AtlantiCare Urgent Care.

L to R: Paul Moriarity, Lori Herndon, Brian Nicholls, DO, John Ruskey, DO, Jatin Motiwal, Marilouise Venditti, MD, Jennifer Little and Steve Blumberg

L to R: John Ruskey, DO, Marilouise Venditti, MD, Brian Nicholls, DO, Glenn Merewitz, MD and Jay Morros, MD

L to R: Lisa McColgan, RN; Sara Muff; Michael Leff, RN; Jay Morros, MD; Karen Kramer, RN; and Glenn Merewitz, MD

The pediatric exam room at AtlantiCare Urgent Care Clementon

MBCA Mixer Raises $3,200 for Children’s Charity Over 400 members and friends attended the Metropolitan Business & Citizens Association (MBCA) Annual Winter Charity Mixer on March 7 at the Claridge Hotel. The event helped raise $3,200 in funds for their selected 2016 charity, Atlantic County Toys for

Photos by Nick Valinote

Kids, an organization dedicated to supporting and helping kids in our region with great programs. Greg DePiano, president of Atlantic County Toys for Kids, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.

L to R: Mel Taylor, Wendy Bartlett, Whitney L to R: Wendy Barlett, Miss New Jersey Francesca Ullman, Mayor Guardian, Mike Lopez, Anthony Catanoso, L to R: Helene Hordes, Joanne Gormley, Gary Hill Sharon Franz, Frank LoBiondo, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Formica and Patti Lees Le Anna, and Mila and Tom McDonough njlifestyleonline.com

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South of the Border Seafood dish at Dos Caminos

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of these delicious seaside Mexican restaurants

T

he East Coast finally seems to be catching up with the West Coast’s obsession with Mexican food, and Atlantic City is no exception. With a handful of trulynoteworthy locations peppered across the city, locals and visitors alike can easily dive into a delicious plate of Mexican cuisine anytime of the day or night.

With the Cinco de Mayo holiday just around the corner, it’s the ideal time to highlight these lively local establishments. A celebration of Mexico’s victory against the French army on the fifth of May in 1862, this fun holiday is celebrated across the U.S. with parades and festivals, all while highlighting the delicious delicacies served south of the border.

Opening its Atlantic City doors in the 1970s, Los Amigos is the first restaurant that comes to local’s minds when they think of Mexican dining in Atlantic City. This adorable building, with its colorful and funky exterior reminiscent of Mexico City architecture, has become a welcoming landmark on Atlantic Avenue amidst the ever-popular shopping outlets.

Offering Mexican and Southwesternstyle cuisine for over forty years, the menu at Los Amigos has grown dramatically over the years, from basic Mexican staples like nachos, tacos,

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RESTAURANTREPORT

By ALYSON BOXMAN LEVINE Los Amigos

Fajitas Nortenas, a favorite dish at Mexico Restaurant & Bar

and enchiladas to creative and complex Southwestern fare, such as Chile-Bronzed Salmon, Serrano Filet, and many flavorful vegetarian dishes. Executive Chef Genero Castillo tastefully offers gluten-free and low-fat plates creatively weaved into the alwaysevolving menu. The upbeat, unpretentious bar features daily specials and offers a welcoming reprieve for worn-out shoppers and funseekers alike.

At Dos Caminos at Harrah’s Resort, the fabulous marina views come in a mere second place to their world-renowned fare. From their 18 Ingredient Mole Short Ribs, roasted overnight, to their addictive Mexico City Street Corn, the menu offers something for everyone. The Atlantic City location opened in 2011 to much success and has been a bustling hotspot ever since. Executive chef Ivy Stark created a menu of authentic Mexico City-style quesadillas, tacos, and tuna ceviche, along with their infamous signature dishes; and their guacamole is, arguably, the best in the city.

Upon entering Dos Caminos, guests are immediately transformed to an authentic, upscale Mexican cantina brought to life

through the use of earthy, rustic design elements. Utilizing reclaimed wood, handcrafted pottery, and ceramics, the atmosphere is spicy and chic, with the focal piece of the overall design concept being a custom Aztec-inspired totem pole handcrafted by renowned artist Brad Oldham. With a popular bar and the promise of a mariachi band playing on Cinco de Mayo, the restaurant is a must-visit on May 5, and throughout the year.

Ideally situated on Ventnor Avenue in Atlantic City, Mexico Restaurant & Bar has been serving extraordinary Mexican cuisine for over a decade. Opened in 1995 by brothers Marcos and Baruh Villa, natives of Oaxaca, Mexico, to fulfill the need for an authentic Mexican restaurant in Atlantic City, the locale offers a variety of menu items to please every palate. Whether you prefer spicy flavors or light sauces, their food is traditional Mexican cuisine prepared from actual homemade recipes brought with them from Oaxaca.

From Chile Relleno de Queso, a Poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, to Guachinango Veracruzano, whole Red Snapper, pan fried

and seasoned with garlic, the flavor-infused traditional recipes are deliciously authentic.

The large portions are welcomed by visitors craving real Mexican cuisine, and the reasonably-priced menu is a delightful surprise. Whether you’re in the mood for a margarita, quesadilla, or just a relaxing spot to watch the game, Mexico Restaurant & Bar offers a comfortable, bright, and cheerful atmosphere. Also a spirited place to celebrate any occasion, their friendly bar features Mojitos and Sangria by the pitcher and daily specials, including $1 Taco Thursday, which is conveniently served all day.

Located just off the famed boardwalk in Tropicana Casino and Resort, Casa Taco & Tequila Bar has a vibrant interior with bright oranges and greens throughout. Colorful artwork on the walls consists of bold abstract fruits or dancing skeletons representing Mexico’s “Day of the Dead.” During the warmer months, their beautiful outdoor dining section facing the ocean it’s filled with hibiscus plants and other tropical flowers; the ideal place for relaxing at one of their long cocktail tables, sipping a margarita, people watching, or njlifestyleonline.com

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RESTAURANT REPORT

Inside Dos Caminos

Filled to the ceiling with top-shelf liquors, and ohso-many different tequilas, Casa Taco & Tequila Bar offers plenty of versions of margaritas — all with homemade ingredients.

simply getting some sun.

Offering delicious sizzling fajitas and local favorite Pollo y Camarones Loco — grilled marinated chicken breast, topped with sautéed peppers, onions and queso, served with refried beans and grilled shrimp — their menu is extensive. Executive Chef Jennifer Galligan is always coming up with new and delicious creations. They also serve a delicious breakfast daily.

Filled to the ceiling with top-shelf liquors, and oh-somany different tequilas, the lively bar offers plenty of versions of margaritas — all with homemade ingredients. Most popular are their two signature margaritas — “El Fuego” and “Blood Orange.”

The former is a perfectly-spicy concoction infused with jalapeno tequila, the latter is made with a tangy blood-orange puree.

While there is a fun atmosphere any night of the week at Casa Taco & Tequila Bar, Saturday night is when things really get hopping.

Their popular house DJ starts at 8 PM, and spins everything from upbeat Latin to electronic dance music. Tables and chairs get whisked to the side, lights are dimmed, and the room becomes a dance floor for guests to salsa, samba, or just plain groove until the wee hours of the night.

Buen Provecho! n

Mexico in a Glass Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a true classic. To shake up the perfect batch of margaritas at home, try this mouth-watering recipe from Dos Caminos Executive Chef Ivy Stark.

1 ounce Simple Syrup 1 tablespoon Lime-Salt-Sugar 3 ounces 100% agave silver tequila 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice ½ to 1 teaspoon orange liqueur Lime wedges, to garnish Simple Syrup Yield: 1 ½ cups 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove and cool. You can store extra syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Lime-Salt-Sugar Yield: ¼ cup Zest of 1 lime 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons sugar Combine the lime, salt, and sugar in a small blender or mini food chopper and blend until finely chopped.

Over 100 varieties of tequila are available at Casa Taco & Tequila Bar 52

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Make the Simple Syrup and Lime-Salt-Sugar. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. Pour the Lime-Salt-Sugar onto a plate. Press the rims of two chilled rocks or wine glasses into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain the margarita into the glasses and serve.

Salud!

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The Joys of Spring Remedies for wine enthusiasts, plus a visit to the West Coast

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suppose looking back on the Winter of 2016 we didn’t do too badly, except for that massive snow storm which had me shoveling 20”+ of snow off of two cars and having to take regular “single malt whisky” breaks to revive my frozen aging body. And that’s a terrible way to empty a

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cherished bottle of single malt. But when the inexpensive stuff isn’t on hand, one has to do what one has to do. Didn’t John Wayne say something like that?

Anyway, spring has sprung, and that finds us heading outdoors and sipping some refreshing wines. I want to offer a

slightly different column this month which I hope will help many of you to enjoy wine, especially those of you who have some problems with the elixir, plus a suggestion for West Coast wine country travelers.

Before “that” storm visited us, I had attended the opening night of a play. While

Lifestyle Wine

By Phillip Silverstone

at the after-show party, I was chatting with an actress about the production and then the conversation changed to wine (I think I may have been responsible for that). She told me she has stomach cramps every time she drinks a glass of wine. My initial response was going to be the one the doctor used when his patient said: “Hey doc it hurts when I lift my arm this high.” The doc responded: “My diagnosis is simple ... don’t lift it that high.”

Obviously, she can eliminate her cramps simply by abstaining from wine. But that’s an easy way out. An alternative medicine doctor I visited several times in London, Alla Svirinskaya (www.allasvirinskaya.com) provided the answer to this very issue during one of my sessions. I learned that people with digestive disorders which are irritated by wine, often causing cramps, can be eased, and in many cases eliminated, by dipping a piece of bread in olive oil prior to quaffing the nectar. I can tell you from firsthand experience, the remedy works. Not sure I understand why, but it does. Wish I could help the man with the arm problem, but that’s way out of my “reach”!

Many people find white wine — especially dry young whites from Germany — gives them heartburn. Me too! I discovered that a Prilosec OTC pill about one hour prior to drinking, will seriously improve the digestive system’s intolerance to these acidic wines.

I also have a word of advice for anybody who suffers from allergic reactions to wine, getting ruddy faced, coughing, and generally sounding wretched. This malady, primarily affecting people after drinking red wine, is caused by the histamines produced from the skins of the red wine grapes. If you pour a glass of wine and let it sit for about 30 minutes, you’ll find the histamines

dissipate into thin air and you can quaff away to your heart’s — and nose’s — content. Or you can take an anti-histamine pill before drinking the wine. I am not a member of the medical profession, and you should always seek medical advice from your family doctor, especially before taking any over the counter medications, but I’m offering these suggestions based on my personal experiences.

As many of you who listen to my weekly podcast already know, we traveled to the West Coast for a couple of weeks before the holiday season, where I recorded four shows, two editions in northern California around Redding, and two along the central coast with Hearst Castle the jewel in the series’ crown. If you are planning a spring or summer trip to the West Coast, here’s a recommendation.

After a fairly long flight from Philly to San Francisco, it’s not a good idea to sit behind the wheel of a rental car and traipse off to one of the wine regions, if that is indeed your ultimate destination. Having devoted a lifetime of trips to the vast vineyard on the West Coast, I always spend at least one night in the city where Mr. Bennett left his heart. I’m not a large corporate hotel kind of bloke. I like small beautifully appointed “gems” which you only hear about from well-traveled friends or brilliant wine columnists who write for the best magazines (so, you’re in luck). My wife and I enjoy minimalist, un-swanky hideaways with oodles of charm and people at the front desk who clearly enjoy their work and leave their surly demeanors at home.

We arrived at the corner of Geary and Mason streets in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square. And there it was: Hotel G, nestled among fashionable restaurants, art galleries, theatres, and the finest shops in

town. Our room was the “Greatest King” (but of course) with a sitting area cleverly designed with a settee and coffee table.

And this was ideal because my oldest chum in the wine world, and his wife, were spending the evening with us. Sanford was bringing a selection of wines he produces for us to sample, and I was in a hotel room after a stressful day wondering what the heck to do about dinner.

Fortunately, Three 9 Eight Restaurant and Bar is accessed through Hotel G’s lobby and the feel is very European, simple and relaxed. William, the bar manager, evaluated the situation and within 30 minutes delivered the food he guaranteed would complement the Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay our guests would be bringing along. We had an antipasto of local artisan cheeses and meats, hummus, Shishito peppers and tapenade, and the total for four people was $30; amazing and delicious and perfect with the wines.

Hotels G’s rooms offer all the essentials, which include complimentary Wi-Fi, terry towels and robes, and a very well-stocked honor bar. But above all, it boasts the quietest rooms I’ve ever occupied in a bustling city. We had a fabulous night’s sleep after a wonderfully relaxing evening hosting our friends in the spacious room.

(Hotel G, 386 Geary St., San Francisco, Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon and Viña Cobos Felino Malbec

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

HAPPY HOUR In our Tavern & Courtyard Tues - Fri & Sun, 5 - 7 p.m.

Drink Specials & Half-Price Appetizers, Sandwiches & Salads

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Calif., (877) 828-4478, www.hotelgsanfrancisco.com) Laurie Armstrong at the San Francisco Travel Association provided me with everything you need to know about San Francisco on an “I Left My Heart”-shaped USB drive. If you are visiting that wonderful city and would like to receive specific information about San Francisco, including shopping, nightlife, dining, historic sites etc., just write to me at: info@thesilverstonecollection.com and I will send you some splendid information electronically. Or you can write to me at this splendid magazine.

OK, now for a couple of wines to ease you into springtime mode. Both are red, both are outstanding value for the money, and both can be chilled in the fridge for 10 minutes to appeal to any palate.

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Paso Robles, CA (approx. $15.99). The Hope Family selection of wines includes this range dedicated to the one-room schoolhouse that serves as its namesake. The wines date back to my early years in the wine world, one year after I arrived in this region. In 1978, the Hope Family took a chance on planting a vineyard in Paso Robles, Calif., the region that ultimately became Liberty School’s home. The label is simple and clean and tells the story at a glance. Liberty School and I go back a long way together, or I should clarify that statement by saying their wines have been savored by me during my entire wine career. The wine is a heavenly rich, dark color and everything sumptuous about Cabernet Sauvignon is presented by this elixir. A dark berry taste with unmistakable cigar box/cedar infused flavors, savor the alwayswelcome oakiness and the overflowing basket of fruits that fill your mouth. It’s produced in one of the greatest Left Coast wine regions, from California winemaking royalty for less that $16! Amazing!

Argentina is just as important to our south as Paso Robles is to our west. And Andrea Marchiori, Luis Barraud, and Paul Hobbs are among the upper echelon of inspired wine world visionaries who focused on the Malbec grape as the hero for their range of wines, by way of some winemaking experience in California. And their “baby” is Viña Cobos.

Viña Cobos Felino Malbec 2014 (approx. $17.99). Not quite as intensely dark as the Liberty School Cabernet, this wine displays a bright and happy disposition. Once again we have those luscious dark berries we love in our red wines, with a trace of chocolate and tobacco notes. The flavor fills your mouth with a delicious fullness, encouraging a second glass. A spectacular value for money, and I’d say the same thing if it was $10 more expensive. You should invest in a case of this wine at least.

Enjoy the spring in your step and the nectar in your glass.

Cheers! n “Time Out With Phillip Silverstone” is a weekly podcast heard exclusively on TuneIn radio anytime worldwide either on the free TuneIn app for all smart phones and tablets (Search: Phillip Silverstone) or online at: http://bit.ly/1gY2Ht4. “Follow” the show for weekly updates. You can also LIKE Phillip on Facebook: www. facebook.com/Phillipsilverstone and follow him on Twitter: @wining.

Lifestyle Cooking With Chef Will Savarese

Spring is in the air What could be better than a grilled lamb steak?

A s we look around, and hopefully get our daily walks in,

we see the early signs of spring pushing through Mother Earth. This is a great time of the year for many reasons.

We can finally say the winter weather and cold winds are behind us. And if a rare bad day does happen to pop up, we know it’s not going to stick around for very long.

I remember going to a NY Yankees home opener one April with my family (all the guys, as it was a guy thing). I was dressed for the winter, not for a spring home opener.

The Yankees were playing the Kansas City Royals and Andy Pettitte was on the mound. The snow, yes the snow, was falling like you couldn’t have imagined. We were rewarded with a win and also complimentary tickets to an up-coming

game since we managed to survive the frigid weather.

With another season upon us, I am reminded I still have my list of house chores that somehow I never got to last year. This time I’ll stay focused, set goals and succeed.

I know it’s a cliché to say it, but life is short, live it to the fullest. I need to re-read this every now and then and take my own advice.

As you read this, the local farmers are busy with all the beautiful early spring vegetables coming into season. Please embrace them. Try new things. We only live once, there’s no second chance or do-overs. Make the most of each day and remember to smell the spring flowers.

Here is one of my favorite spring dishes.

Recipe Corner Grilled Lamb Steak with Moroccan Spices • A saddle of lamb • 1 tbsp. cumin seed • 1 tbsp. allspice • 1 tbsp. cardamom pods • 1 tbsp. coriander seed • 1 stick cinnamon • 1 tbsp. fresh mint, chopped • Zest of 1 lemon • 1 tsp. fresh garlic, chopped • Fresh ground pepper • Touch of olive oil Ask your butcher to cut a saddle of lamb, crosscut, with 1 1/4 inch thickness. Depending on price (saddles are expensive), you can also do this with a leg of lamb. I prefer the saddle, as it’s a lot more tender. The leg can be a bit chewy.

Toast off seeds, pod, and stick, then pulverize in a spice grinder. Rub all over the meat. Then rub in the garlic, mint, and lemon zest. Use the oil sparingly, and finish with fresh cracked pepper.

Let sit/marinate. Before grilling, season with salt.

Enjoy your spring. n

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dining gallery

Blue Water Grille

Ram’s Head Inn

9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1700 ramsheadinn.com The Ram’s Head Inn continues the long-standing tradition of superior quality food and service that the Knowles family brought to Southern New Jersey in 1979. This started at the Manor in the 1950s, and also continues at the Highlawn Pavilion and Pleasantdale Chateau (all located in West Orange, NJ). Traditional food and beverage is served with a contemporary flair at various venues within this one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Executive chef Elio Gracia has provided outstanding culinary excellence for seventeen years, incorporating as many seasonal organic and locally-grown foods as possible. Walk-ins are always welcome.

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.

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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”

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

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casino dining

TROPICANA (THE QUARTER)

RESORTS

PLAYGROUND AT CAESARS

Broadway Burger Bar

Gallagher’s Steakhouse

Phillips Seafood

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.

Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-6555 gallaghersresorts.com Gallaghers is located on the 2nd floor of Resorts Casino. A classic steakhouse serving hearty salads, dry-aged meats, wonderful fish and shellfish. Their 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.

Capriccio

Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-344-6000 resortsac.com No passport needed for this Italian experience.

Capriccio’s all new menu features gourmet Italian cuisine in an exquisitely comfortable Mediterranean atmosphere, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Capriccio’s has beautiful murals on the walls featuring Old World Italy. The food is as spectacular as the view.

BALLY’S

Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-2273 phillipsseafood.com Phillips Seafood brings guests a classical American seafood menu boasting an array of fresh seasonal fish and Phillips’ famous jumbo lump crab cakes. Renowned chef Robbin Haas has designed a menu that offers guests the freshest, finest seafood available, complete with a rolling oyster cart where regional varietals are shucked tableside and a double-decker live lobster tank stocked with 3-10 pound lobsters.

Experience an upscale, interactive dining experience with their exhibition kitchen and sweeping ocean views.

Souzai Sushi & Saki

Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-4443 souzaisushi.com.com Simple… seasonal… sensual… Souzai features a diverse menu of hand-rolled sushi, fresh sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes, as well as a wide range of innovative cocktails, Japanese sake and beer. Showcasing stunning views of the beach, ocean sunsets and the sparkling cityscape from its perch high above the famed Atlantic City boardwalk, Souzai has become one of the hottest spots in town to mix and mingle. Grab a seat and discover Souzai for yourself.

Guy Fieri’s Chophouse

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.

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Bally’s Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-2350 caesars.com A unique take on the classic steakhouse, the restaurant features a menu of popular signature dishes with New Jersey flare. You can indulge in Guy’s signature dishes including a java rubbed ribeye chop, filet with roasted garlic and brown butter, spicy bloody mary jumbo shrimp cocktail, Jersey shore clams casino, and Cape May fried flounder. Complement your meal with a glass of California-sourced wine, a robust craft beer or spirits from a small batch distillery. A mash up of flavors and classic styles, Guy’s new restaurant includes a bevy of steak and seafood options — all in a relaxed joint.

Buddakan

Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-674-0100 buddakanac.com Buddakan's dreamlike ambiance makes an enchanting setting for hosting special events.

Guests are instantly transported to an ancient Chinese village complete with rock gardens, thatched roofs and a dramatic twilight sky. The menu portrays an innovative interpretation of Modern Asian cuisine that matches the decor in terms of creativity and inspiration. Guests will feel relaxed and indulged in this exotic and comfortable environment.

HARRAH'S Sammy D's Harrah's Resort, 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 Borgata Casino 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

Borgata Casino, 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

Borgata Casino, 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

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A Final Word By Marjorie Preston

The Moveable Feast Welcome the sunshine as you enjoy the area’s best outdoor dining.

T

he season of spring is a feast for all the senses. After a long winter’s nap, there may be no more pleasant pastime than dining al fresco — at sidewalk cafes, on sunny terraces, or in open-air dining rooms.

In Italian, al fresco literally means “in the cool air,” and the phrase is used in almost every language to describe leisurely dining under the sun or stars. For your consideration, here are a few local restaurants that take it outside when the weather gets warm. Best of all, each one has a water view.

• The Inn at Sugar Hill, Mays Landing. This enchanting bed and breakfast, set on the banks of the Great Egg Harbor River, is a leaf torn from a Victorian picture book. Stop first at the classic martini bar, then move to the veranda for native South Jersey seafood: seared scallops with tomatoes, roasted garlic and shrimp compote; or the house specialty, crab cakes with Vietnamese slaw and cilantro-lime aioli. In fair weather, the dockside Sunset Lounge features live entertainment and more casual fare. Boaters can pull right up to the eats. Ahoy!

• Baia, Somers Point. Put your feet up, order a round, and watch the sun sink into the bay. Repeat as needed. That about sums up the experience at Baia, with three waterfront decks overlooking the soaring Route 52 causeway bridge. Add live jazz or reggae and a menu of hearty salads and sandwiches, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation. Try Baia’s Maine lobster salad with lump crabmeat on a brioche roll, topped with honey mustard dressing. Add a cool drink, like a Coconut Madness Colada, American Orange Burst, or Espresso Martini.

Bliss.

• Sofia’s, Margate. This charming bistro — you’ll remember it as the one with a tree growing out of the bar — is just one you should visit along Margate’s bayside restaurant row. Patterned after a seaside Greek villa, Sofia’s serves up Mediterranean flair in specialties like Seafood Plaki — jumbo shrimp and Chilean sea bass baked in a terracotta pot, then topped with tomatoes, Kalamata olives, Feta cheese, potatoes, and a splash of ouzo. Another goodie: Pasta Corfu, with jumbo shrimp over black-ink fettuccine in a basil marinara sauce.

Opa! • Blue Pig Tavern, Cape May. This down-to-earth eatery adjoining stately Congress Hall serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a truly historic atmosphere; during the 1700s, the site was a taproom for whalers. The menu is super-fresh, with many ingredients coming directly from nearby Beach Plum Farm. A sample Blue Plate special may be Pork Schnitzel served with braised red cabbage, house-made spaetzle, and wild mushroom sauce; or buttermilk-fried chicken with mashed potatoes, braised greens and good old pan gravy. This is the ultimate in comfort food.

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• Antoinetta’s, West Creek. Accessible by land or sea, this classic Italian restaurant is intimate enough for lovers, but can accommodate groups of up to 50. Among the innovative menu items is Flounder Francese, prepared with white wine, butter and fresh lemon, and served with linguine. Add a spinach and pear salad with walnuts, shaved provolone and a refreshing raspberry vinaigrette. Day or night, the view from Antoinetta’s is dramatic, overlooking Manahawkin Bay and the wilds of the Forsythe National Preserve.

• Tuckahoe Inn, Upper Township. The Beesley’s Point Bridge used to drop folks right at the front door of this favorite local restaurant. Though the bridge closed in 2004, the welcome mat is still out at the Tuckahoe Inn, and it’s worth the trip. Inside, enjoy menu choices like Red Snapper Pontchartrain topped with toasted almonds, jumbo lump crabmeat and lemon butter. In fairer weather, wander out to the Back Bay Café, which serves up light fare, premium craft beers and cocktails, and live music Wednesday through Sunday in season.

• Clancy’s by the Sea, Ocean City. This Boardwalk bistro offers matchless views of the beach and ocean. Dine inside or out, on the terrace or up on the roof, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is good and hearty. A perennial favorite is Clancy’s just-divine chicken pot pie, baked in a flaky crust and topped with lightly browned mashed potatoes. Heading to the beach or back to your hotel?

Clancy’s has a takeout menu, so you can grab and go.

• Oyster Creek, Leeds Point. A former fishmonger with a ship-shaped bar, Oyster Creek is off the beaten path, or as its website says, “a far piece across the meadows, o’er a road bed of oyster shells, hardened and packed by the tramp of boots.” Stop in for the crab cakes, grilled sea scallops, lobster tails, or Bill’s Original Seafood Pie — crabmeat, shrimp and scallops in a creamy bisque, baked in a light puff pastry. This is the life aquatic!

• Harry’s Oyster Bar & Seafood, Atlantic City. You know you’re in a Jersey joint when the drinks have names like Harry’s Hurricane and Spiced Storm. This oyster bar, sports bar, and seafood house serves up fresh catch indoors and out, with specialties like Harry’s Clam Bake, made with clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, lobster, mahi mahi, red bliss potatoes and chorizo. The bill of fare includes 11 different kinds of oysters, harvested from as far north as Prince Edward Island, as far south as Louisiana, and all points inbetween, including Cape Cod, Cape May, and the Chesapeake Bay. Belly up to the bar, and knock back a few.

The list should keep you busy this season. Happy dining, and happy spring. n

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