LifeStyle NEW JERSEY
SUMMER 2013
FALL FASHION SHOWCASE • ARTLANTIC UNVEILED LEMMINGS RUN GARDENS • THE NEW EAST PASSYUNK
A Red Hot Summer
BUY THE MATTRESS, GET A FREE BOX SPRING! LABOR DAY FREE BOX SPRING EVENT
Going on from August 18th thru September 8th, 2013
GE T A
FREE
GET A
FREE BOX SPRING
BOX SPRING WITH T HE P URCHASE OF YOUR
OP TIMU M MATT RESS ™
WITH THE PURCHASE OF YOUR
STEARNS & FOSTER MONOGRAM MATTRESS
+ OPTICOOLTM
-
OPTIMUM SLEEP EXPERIENCE
Purchase any Sealy® OptimumTM mattress at any participating Sealy retailer August 18 - September 8, 2013 and recieve a Sealy box spring of the same size for free. Offer valid in-store at participating retailers. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon or discounts. *
*Purchase any Stearns & Foster Monogram™ Collection mattress at any participating Sealy retailer August 18 – September 8, 2013 and receive a box spring of the same size for free. Offer valid in-store at participating retailers. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon or discounts.
0% Interest Financing Free Delivery *
SAVE 10% $100 OFF PLUS TAKE AN ADDITIONAL
FALL FOR END-OF-SUMMER
YOUR STEARNS & FOSTER
SLEEP SET
SAVINGS Offer only valid in-store August 18—September 8, 2013 at participating retailers. Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon or discount. Does not apply to previous purchases. See store for details.
S&F_Core—4.75"x 2.25"
*See store for details
Exclusively at these SEALY GALLERY STORES Ashley Furniture HomeStore — Northfield ashleyfurniturehomestore.com 609-569-1760 Kensington Furniture — Northfield kensingtonfurniture.com 609-241-0807 Johnson’s Furniture — Ocean City johnsonsappliances.net 609-399-1598 Osbornes Furniture — Cape May Courthouse osbornesattheshore.com 609-465-7825 Oscar Huber Furniture — Ship Bottom/LBI oscarhuber.com 609-494-8127
“I LIKE MINE WITH LETTUCE AND TOMATO HEINZ 57 AND FRENCH FRIED POTATOES BIG KOSHER PICKLE AND A COLD DRAFT BEER WELL GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHICH WAY DO I STEER?”
THE • VIEW
Cheeseburger in Paradise
T
he word “paradise” has been notably missing in the 2013 version of Atlantic City until the recent opening of Margaritaville at Resorts Casino Hotel. For the multitude of fans that follow Jimmy Buffett, the folks at Resorts have reinvented “paradise”. The long lines of people just waiting to get in tell the story. He probably won’t be there, but it doesn’t matter. Jimmy Buffett is a singer, song writer, and a businessman. He has an enormous following because he has stayed true to his music and his fans. Almost everything he does can be characterized as an “island escapism” lifestyle. This means beaches, water, suntan lotion, and things like margaritas. What’s not to like? The folks at Resorts seized the moment, and it’s no surprise that the people love it. Buffet’s most loyal fans are called “Parrot Heads” and they are the most vocal at his ongoing live events. It doesn’t matter what you call them, they are showing up to Atlantic City in droves. Featuring live music nightly, this cool, casual place offers a lively tiki bar, alfresco dining, and gentle ocean breezes. Welcoming guests to Margaritaville is a giant blender, a fitting nod to that frozen concoction made famous in Buffett’s iconic song. The $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex features island-themed décor, including palm trees, an indoor lighthouse, and tropical skies expertly painted on the ceilings. Sitting at the bar, one can easily envision themselves vacationing on some exotic island, lost in paradise. It’s a true pleasure to finally talk about something that looks like a roaring success in our area of the world. It is indeed possible to enjoy a beautiful cheeseburger in paradise!
ing experiences “One of the most special din the best Italian of one and in South Jersey, ion. Period.” restaurants in the entire reg irer
—Craig LaBan, Philadelphia Inqu
Specials available nig customized catering for htly and any event.
Dar la Hendricks Publisher
Plaza 9 Shopping Center • 1333 New Road Northfield, NJ • 609.646.8189 www.lukepalladino.com Dinner: Monday - Thursday & Sunday, 5 pm to 10 pm Friday & Saturday, 5 pm to 10:30 pm BYOB njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 3
C O N T E N T S FEAT URES
42
Lifestyle Travel
Exploring the many allures of Sin City.
30
Lifestyle Art
ARTLANTIC is breathing muchneeded life into Atlantic City.
34
Food Fare
Why East Passyunk Avenue is the new restaurant destination.
Lifestyle Nature
46
A visit to Leaming’s Run Gardens.
D EPARTMENTS
6
Fall Fashion Showcase
8
Lifestyle Fashion
A look at the hottest styles for Fall.
Fashionable deals that deliver.
12
Lifestyle Architecture
16
Lifestyle Behind the Scenes
17
Inside a custom dream home in Mays Landing.
Meet the talented women of NJ Lifestyle Magazine.
Business Spotlight on Sealy Advice for a good night’s sleep.
18
Lifestyle Entertainment
21
Home and Design Profile
22
The backside of Miss America.
Unique designer pieces abound at Artistic Hardware.
Lifestyle Legends The top 10 most beautiful and classic movie stars.
26
Lifestyle Venues
40
Health Watch
44
Living Healthy
45
Money Watch
4
Check out these delicious offerings at the bevy of casinos buffets in Atlantic City.
Plan ahead for your golden years now.
The unhealthy art of sitting.
A detailed look at the choices for saving money for your children.
Summer 2013 | LIFESTYLE
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Social Studies
49
Get the picture on events and happenings.
54
Sweet and savory summer flavors.
58
It’s time to talk Italian.
60
All of the details on the area’s great dining venues.
64
Best of the Bunch Restaurant Report Dining Gallery A Final Word A walk down memory lane reveals some interesting musings.
Why choose
Atlantic Medical Imaging? Because life isn’t 9-5, and neither are we.
Our 9 convenient locations offer a variety of early morning, extended evening and weekend hours that fit your busy schedule. At Atlantic Medical Imaging, we provide you with convenient access to the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology available, while maintaining the excellent service and care you expect. Our 39 board-certified radiologists and our highly skilled staff remain firmly committed to providing you with the most accurate and timely exam results.
To schedule your appointment please call (609) 677-XRAY (9729) or (609) 463-9500
or visit our website at: www.atlanticmedicalimaging.com
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LifeStyle NEW JERSEY
MAGAZINE
Publisher / Creative Director
Darla Hendricks
Forehead Lines
darlabh2@gmail.com Associate Publisher
Barbara Scarduzzio
Frown Lines
barbaras1@comcast.net Editor
Bill Henry
Crow’s Feet
Vice President of Marketing
Christine Gray Vice President of Sales
Kristine Kurilko
Blood Vessels
Advertising Director Smile Lines
Charles Epstein Copy Editor
Alyson Boxman Levine Lip Enhancement
Dr. Scott Hernberg 1750 Zion Road, Suite 204 Northfield, NJ l 609.407.1119 TomorrowsWellnessCenter.com
Online Development Director
Sherrii Brentari Marionette Lines
Contributing Writers
Pamela Dollak Molly Golubcow Bill Henry Sherry Hoffman Alyson Boxman Levine Nina Radcliff, MD Matt and Tom Reynolds Phillip Silverstone Robin Stoloff Kelly Nicole Tjoumakaris Travel Editor
Dan Schlossberg Photographers
Alex Anton Nick Valinote Eric Weeks Online Media Info
www.njlifestyleonline.com Accounting
Michael I. Mann, CPA Zelnick, Mann and Winikur, P.C.
Another world, an hour-and-a-half away. Plan your getaway by calling 410.745.0411 or visiting stmichaelsmd.org Battle of St. Michaels Bicentennial & Watermen’s Day & Crab Feast, August 10 & 11 St. Michaels A Fair on Fremont, September 21 Mid Atlantic Small Craft Festival, October 5 & 6
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Summer 2013 | LIFESTYLE
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NewJersey 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 One North New York Road, Smithville, NJ 08205 Telephone: 609-404-4611 / Fax: 609-404-4613 info@njlifestyleonline.com www.njlifestyleonline.com
TIMELY ADVICE
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Black dresses by Josephy Ribkoff. Dress has arcs of silver studs and a flattering ruching at the waist. Talk of the Walk The Pier Shop at Caesars 609-449-8270 The Quarter at Tropicana 609-289-8099 96th Street in Stone Harbor 609-368-0008 www.talkofthewalk.com
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THE MUST-HAVE LBD
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Summer 2013 | LIFESTYLE
SPORTING IT
Men’s 3/4 length jacket with outer pockets, made of rugged fabric, by Bugatchi. Lou Marchiano for Men Terra Mar Plaza Northfield, NJ 609-641-2088
CHEQUE M
FALL FASHION GALLERY
-4Crew neck sweater and pull-on skirt by Elliott Lauren. Barbara’s of Linwood Central Square, Linwood 609-601-0035
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OUR FALL FAVORITE KNITS
AMAZE THE CROWD
This alluring gown features a deep scoop neckline, with sleeveless top. The sexy open back will capture everyone’s attention. Dazzling sequin embellishments scattered in the bodice cascade down the floor length hem to create a subtle train. By Saboroma. A Touch of Panache 6419 Ventnor Avenue Ventnor, NJ 609-822-1230 panache48@comcast.net www.panacheventnor.com
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BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT
Left: Yogi top serves as a basic style top. Animal print leggings are perfect for your favorite activity, traveling or shopping, by Balance Fitwear. Right: Sports Bra in python with tangerine and carbon trim on top. Dot capri with tangerine waist on bottom, by Prismsport. NJ Yoga Zone 7809 Ventnor Avenue Margate, NJ njyogazone@comcast.net www.njyogazone.com
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LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 9
LifestyleFashion by Alyson Boxman Levine
Fashionable Deals That Deliver Take advantage of the parade of summer sales and stock up on these six seasonable staples
Striped halter maxi dress, Derek Lam
Nautical bag, Michael Kors
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The must-have white pant
Norma Kamali Swimsuit
Seersucker dress, Tahari
While you strategically leaf through the bevy of clothing racks, remember to stay clear of large bold prints, neon, and specific trends that will not wear well. Classic Espadrilles
As summer sale signs start to pop up at trendy boutiques all over the area and sidewalk sales crowd the popular walkways of beach towns, savvy shoppers are united in their enthusiasm. Shopping smart is a necessity for every budget and saving money while purchasing something
fabulous is like winning the fashion lottery. While you strategically leaf through the bevy of clothing racks, remember to stay clear of large bold prints, neon, and specific trends that will not wear well. While these current items might be in vogue now, they may look noticeably
out-of-date next season and end up hanging in the back of your closet for years with the tags still attached. Seek out basic, timeless pieces that look great and are forever current, season after season. Look for these six classic wardrobe must-haves on the numerous sale racks around town this month. njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 11
Lifestyle Fashion nnn More Maxi Dresses Having been on-trend for a few summers now, the maxi dress seems as though it certainly will be around for a while. This garment’s longevity may have something to do with the fact that every body type looks good in this dress. It expertly camouflages all your problem areas and looks great doing it. And countless celebrities, from Jennifer Aniston to Kate Beckinsale, love their maxi dresses and are
sporting them all over Hollywood. The secret to this dress lies in its versatility. This style works beautifully in many different scenarios, from a smart pool cover up to dinner at a waterfront hotspot. Simply add a few accessories and heels and you have the perfect outfit for a night out on the town. Check out designer Derek Lam’s beautiful maxi dress with multi-color horizontal stripes, a black rope tie halter
Wear It, Love It and Live In It!
neckline, an overlapping front keyhole, and a draped sleeveless top. Lam creates clothes that are both luxurious and wearable, with a true feminine beauty surrounding them. By designing timeless, sophisticated fashion, he skillfully manages to create a combination of refinement and sensuality, with intricate detail and exceptional fabrics. “I am interested in what it means to live a contemporary life,” said Lam. “I always consider what will work for women at this moment, and to me, this moment is about luxury without formality.”
nnn Anything With Nautical Stripes Timeless and classic, the nautical stripe relays an all-American elegance. According to historical reports, the navyand-white-striped shirt was declared part of the French Navy’s standard issue by the 1858 Act of France, making it easier to spot sailors who fell overboard. Encompassed in its simple design is a preppy, timeless beauty. The nautical stripe has become synonymous with yacht decks and the jet-set lifestyle. This Michael Kors Hamilton striped canvas tote, currently on sale for under $200, has enduring appeal. With heavyweight striped canvas, trimmed in a tumbled leather, and accented with a belted detail, this accessory is an instant classic.
johnny was • zelda • three dots • elliott lauren • white & warren • marc aurel • 360o sweaters • nally & millie • kinross • autumn cashmere • christopher blue jeans • alison sheri • donna degnan •
Barbara’s
il bisonte handbags • ag jeans • magashoni •
A Fashion Experience
equestrian •
14 Central Square • Linwood 609.601.0035
dolcezza • zoe couture •
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nnn The Crisp White Pant Never out of style for the summer season, white pants have stood the test of time beautifully. From capris to shapely bootcut designs, these easy-to-wear wardrobe staples are both sophisticated and flattering in carefree fabrics like linen and cotton. Take some time out from the beach one afternoon to make sure you add a few white pant selections to your wardrobe. And a word to the wise … whenever you find a pair that looks great on you, buy two. It may seem like a simple item to purchase, but the perfect pair of white pants can be surprisingly hard to find.
nnn A Sensible Bathing Suit Yes, I know that the word “sensible” doesn’t sound like any fun, but you will be surprised to know that there are bathing suits out there that look and fit well. And hey, if Beyoncé sported a sensible suit in St. Barts, so can you! It is vital to have at least one sensible bathing suit in your summer wardrobe as these suits have the needed coverage for frolicking in the sand and surf. Check out Norma Kamali Swimwear, featuring timeless Grace Kelly glamour. This innovative designer uses a sophisticated palette of neutrals, letting the elegant ruching detail speak volumes. This retroinspired suit will quickly become an essential addition to your swim wardrobe.
that of milk and sugar. Ideal for those steamy summer days, seersucker fabric is woven in such a way that some threads bunch together, causing a wrinkled look. This design keeps the fabric from laying directly on the skin, helping with air circulation and keeping the wearer cool. Yes, some wrinkles are good and ironing is not necessary. For a warm day on a sailboat, pick this sleeveless seersucker shift dress from Tahari.
Remember, you will probably be able to wear your new treasures a few times this season if you so desire, and also sport them on your warm weather jaunts during the cold winter months. It is smart to always have a few new items on call to take with you on vacation. Then, when you arrive at your destination and open your suitcase, you will be happily surprised a second time with your classic, sophisticated, and oh so chic bargains. n
Lou Marchiano FOR MEN
CLOTHING • SPORTSWEAR • SHOES
nnn The Enduring Espadrilles Ever since Lauren Bacall’s character in the 1948 movie Key Largo wore ankle-laced espadrilles, this unique shoe has been a popular summer staple. These jute rubber sole sandals are a true symbol of warm weather and are comfortable day or night. I love when the weather begins to warm up and I get to wear sandals for the first time of the season. No longer confined to a shoe and sock, your feet are free to feel the warmth of the sun and cool breezes. Yet for some reason, sandals usually only last me one season, so I always stock up on a few pairs during the end-of-the-season sales. Choose a pair that is both stylish and neutral, like these featured beauties from Aerosoles. nnn Anything Seersucker America’s love affair with this classic striped fabric has been in effect since the early 1900s. Not simply for men’s suits, seersucker women’s garments are cool, fun to wear, and a true staple for any summer closet. Recently, actress Zooey Deschanel stunned in a one-shoulder Tommy Hilfiger seersucker gown at the Met Ball. Hailing from India, seersucker fabric is light and easy to wear. The word “seersucker” comes from the Hindi, Urdu, and Persian words “shir o shakar,” meaning “milk and sugar” because the fabric’s smooth and bumpy texture resembles
Terra Mar Plaza | Tilton Road | Northfield, NJ | 609-641-2088 njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 13
A Little Piece of Heaven Inside a custom dream home in Mays Landing
W
hen Tom and Claire Kuhar’s young daughter Andrea came home crying from her first day of sixth grade at her new school in Mays Landing, the Kuhars began to second-guess the recent move into their long-anticipated dream house. “It broke my heart,” said Tom Kuhar. “Here I thought I was doing something good and giving my family a better life, but all my daughter wanted was her old school with her old friends in her old neighborhood.” Like most kids of her age, Andrea quickly acclimated to her new surroundings. What’s more, she not only grew to love her new neighborhood and new school, she thrived in both, much to the relief of Tom, who spent years planning and constructing the 6,000-square-foot home from the ground up. “I had an idea of what I was looking for in a new home, I just didn’t think it existed anywhere — especially locally,” claimed Tom. “But then a friend told me about a property yet-to-be built on Pine Needle Drive in Mays Landing — located directly on the Great Egg Harbor River — that had potential.” So one day, Tom decided to check it out. It had everything on his wish-list including a lovely wooded 14
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Family room with a floor-to-ceiling brick conventional fireplace with gas insert
LIFESTYLE
“Man cave” with full-service bar, seating area and more
ARCHITECTURE By PAMELA DOLLAK Photos By: ALEX ANTON/antonimages.com
Sweeping staircase
Designer kitchen
njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 15
Lifestyle Architecture area on a cul-de-sac, plus a waterfront view. It was also high and dry, and loaded with privacy. He made a deal right on the spot. “It had most of what I wanted, and what it didn’t have, I could create with help from our impressive team of contractors, architects, and interior designers,” stated Tom, who at the time was CEO of a home building/ development company. A lifetime avid golfer, Tom went on to say, “Plus, it was on Pine Needle Drive. Pine Needles in North Carolina is my all-time favorite golf resort! I took it as a sign!” The Kuhars didn’t move into their custom-built house on the charming and quiet cul-de-sac until about a year after they purchased it in 1995, choosing instead to take their time designing and constructing it to their specifications. Tom, who acted as general contractor, meticulously sorted through hundreds of floor and home plans and eventually hired Harry S. Harper Architects, who placed the home on the lot and modified it in such a way to enhance the already-incredible river views. Tom also spent months working with a talented team that constructed the home and designed the property’s stunning landscape, which includes fully-irrigated front and rear yards. The “first draft” of the home (which
Gazebo by the natural waterway
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sits on a two-acre parcel) had four nice-sized bedrooms (including a first-floor master bedroom with a Jacuzzi tub), three and a half baths, a three-car garage, a dramatic winding driveway, a sweeping staircase, a significant quantity of windows that generates a dazzling amount of natural light, vaulted ceilings, full basement, two-person office, a family room with a floor-to-ceiling brick conventional fireplace with gas insert, a laundry room and a huge kitchen. It is also laden with first-class touches and intricate custom details, like their extensive selection of handsome woodwork splayed throughout the residence. What it didn’t have — quite intentionally — was a formal living room. “We were shooting for comfortable, not formal,” Tom explained. “We didn’t want to have one of those homes that has a stuffy living room that never gets used.” Eliminating the big space for a living room gave them more liberties with regard to room sizes, as well as more room for entertaining — something that Tom and Claire especially take pleasure in. In fact, their home rapidly became the place for social gatherings like family birthdays and festive holiday parties. The Kuhars also enjoy throwing get-
togethers on the brick patio, which is highly compatible for entertaining up to 75 people without any problems. There’s also a screened-in porch that’s ideal for dining al fresco. For folks who relish entertaining at home as much as the Kuhars, a good kitchen is a must. And the Kuhars’ is more than sufficient. Like everything else in the home, the kitchen was designed to their needs and desires — especially Claire’s, since she’s a passionate cook. It has beautiful solid maple cabinets, GE Profile appliances, lots of durable counter space (in a pretty speckled beige by Corian), an enormous pantry to hold an abundance of dry goods, and a center aisle that creates an easy flow around the kitchen. Something that they didn’t have in their former home was an eat-in kitchen, so they purposely included one in this home. After five years of living in the house, the Kuhars decided to take a few steps to augment the home — like throw in a few extra amenities that were not in the original design plan. These “extras” were things like a second-floor exercise room, a “man cave” with a full bath, a full-service bar and seating area , a billiard room, poker table/dart area, a music and sound room, and a state-of-the-art home movie theater. The movie theater was actually Tom’s vision. He fell in love with the concept of a home theater many years prior, before he even knew it was possible to truly replicate one in a house. Like the rest of the home’s features, the theater is high-quality all the way. It has an HD digital projector, an eight-foot fixed screen with retractable velvet curtains, 3-D capability and an incredible sound system — all of which are operated with a single remote control. There’s also elevated seating for seven. Tom and Claire are also able to listen to music on the radio or iPod anywhere within the dwelling through the use of a high-quality speaker system that weaves throughout, including the front porch,
rear patio, and screened porch areas. They love the fact that they can hear music being played in any room, any time of day. Tom, who has two children from a previous marriage (Jennifer, 41, and Jacob, 38) and two with Claire (Andrea, now 28, and Kevin, 24), says that they were truly blessed to have had the opportunity to reside exactly where they always dreamed to live for the past 17 years, half of their 34 years of marriage. “This was a great place to raise our two youngest kids. They flourished here in the public schools and made numerous friends in this very stable neighborhood comprised of longterm residents,” said Tom, who is now a licensed realtor and golf coursebusiness consultant. “Plus, our kids had the added-benefit of being in an environment that was full of natural wonders like incredible sunsets, wildlife such as great blue herons, egrets, red-tail hawks, osprey, an occasional bald eagle, red foxes, deer, and a view that goes on for miles of a pristine, natural waterway — all right in their own backyard.” “This was our little piece of heaven,” said Claire, a self-employed CPA for more than 25 years, who also holds insurance and investment licenses in New Jersey. However, the next step for the Kuhars is to move to a smaller dream house — perhaps a dream condo or two, one here in the Northeast and one in Florida — which will enable them more free time to travel and play golf. So the Kuhars’ dream house on Pine Needle Drive is presently on the market for $999,950. And while predictions are often shunned upon, it’s a pretty safe bet that this majestic home — with its refined and elegant personal touches and lovely natural flora and fauna — won’t be on the market for long, which will no doubt allow Tom and Claire many pleasurable occasions to polish their golf skills. By the way, Claire took up the sport only a few short years ago and Tom proudly admits that she is well on her way to outperforming him. n
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n Family room with floor-to-ceiling brick conventional fireplace n Four bedrooms, three and a half baths n Three-car garage with a dramatic winding driveway n First-class touches and intricate custom details n Sweeping Staircase and Vaulted Ceilings n Much, much more!
Tom Kuhar
Sweeping staircase and two-story foyer *Agent owned
Sales Representative, REALTOR Prudential Fox & Roach • Northfield office Office: 609-677-4435 • Mobile: 609-412-5821 www.prufoxroach.com • thomas.kuhar@prufoxroach.com njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 17
LifeStyle
behind the scenes
Darla Hendricks Publisher and Creative Director
Barbara Scarduzzio Associate Publisher
Kristine Kurilko Vice President of Sales
Meet the talented women of New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine. They are the creators and innovators that make our luxurious magazine and web site current, vibrant, and successful. Each woman has her own star quality, giving New Jersey Lifestyle its unique image.
Alyson Boxman Levine Copy Editor Sherrii Brentari Director of Online Development 18
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
JUST SLEEP ON IT FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP, TRUST YOUR SEALY MATTRESS SALESPERSON’S EXPERTLY-TRAINED GUIDANCE
By Pamela Dollak
Tossing and turning in bed for eight hours when you should be sound asleep isn’t fun for anyone — not for you or the one you sleep with. But often times, what normally should be a time of rest and relaxation, isn’t. So, in order to achieve that much-needed slumber, we read, drink warm milk, count sheep — we do just about anything we can to help place us in a state of REM. But what if the solution could be as simple as having the right mattress? According to Sealy Mattress Company of New Jersey, having the proper mattress is paramount to a deep, restful sleep. Sealy has a very simple mission: to help the world sleep better. And, while that may seem like a lofty goal, they are totally committed to doing just that. In fact, it truly drives everything they do. The staff at Sealy claims to spend more time than any other mattress brand in the world on research and development to ensure that their customers have a peaceful night’s rest. Sealy of New Jersey has been in business for 90 years. The Sealy plant, located in Patterson, NJ, employs some 250 people. All of their mattresses are made right here in New Jersey. Their staff handles sales in New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and parts of New York and Long Island. All-in-all, Sealy mattresses can be found in 500 stores within their sales area. “The cool thing about this company,” says Frank Fleischman, Executive Vice President of Sealy Mattress Company of New Jersey, “is that it’s the last of the family-owned Sealys. It’s still privatelyheld.” Because Sealy of NJ is family-owned, they prefer to partner with locally-owned “mom and pop” businesses. Fleischman stresses the importance of developing a trust with your local mattress salespeople at these companies, all of whom have been extensively trained by Sealy. They’re there specifically to help figure out customers’ needs, discover their sleep patterns, and try to determine their sleeping issues — all in order to ultimately “fit” the customer with the right mattress. Once your salesperson identifies your needs and wants, then
Sealy Posturepedic mattress; (Inset) Sealy Corportate in Patterson, NJ
it’s time to talk technology — of which Sealy is a leader. There’s gel memory foam, Posturepedic®, cooling systems, hybrids, and more. Many customers look to Sealy for its innovation and technology to help solve their sleeping problems — and they are not disappointed. In South Jersey, Sealy mattresses can be found at such trusted retailers as Oskar Huber Furniture (Ship Bottom/LBI), Ashley Furniture HomeStore (Northfield), Kensington Furniture (Northfield), Johnson’s Appliances & Bedding (Ocean City), and Osborne’s Furniture & Bedding (Cape May Courthouse). Fleischman emphasizes that customers should take all the time they need when purchasing a new mattress. “It’s a big, important decision,” he says. “You spend more time in your bed than practically anywhere else during the course of the day. Listen to your local salesperson and trust him or her to help you out.” If you, like many, are longing for a good night’s sleep, Labor Day is a great time to purchase a new Sealy mattress. Much like a “Hallmark holiday,” Fleischman considers Labor Day a “mattress holiday.” So look to your local retailer for a special Sealy sale – buy the mattress, get the box spring free. n njlifestyleonline.com
LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 19
There she is, Miss America There she is, your ideal The dream of a million girls who are more than pretty can come true in Atlantic City For she may turn out to be the queen of femininity —From THERE SHE IS, MISS AMERICA, Bernie Wayne
The Backside of Miss America A behind-the-scenes look at the beauty and mayhem backstage at the Miss America Pageant
“THERE SHE IS, MISS AMERICA…OUR IDEAL…” Who doesn’t remember Burt Parks crooning that tune every September from Convention Hall in Atlantic City as the newly crowned Miss America waved and cried tears of joy? After years of hard work and the determination to be named the epitome of American femininity, contestants walk on stage appearing cool as cucumbers — not a lipstick smear to be found or a single hair out of place. Like any professional show, what the audience sees is organization and perfection. But, have you ever imagined what actually goes on behind the scenes on Pageant night to ensure that the girls appear flawless and “ideal?” So, let’s pull the curtain back and learn about the backside (literally and figuratively) of the Miss America pageant. We’ll get a birds-eye view of the “organized chaos” that is raging backstage from the perspective of production staff and contestants. Are you ready for the backstage tour? Backstage Doings Once a contestant wins a state pageant, she is under the guidance of national Miss America staff only. The national production staff includes technical folks like lighting and camera professionals, makeup and hair experts, as well as pageant producers, chaperones, and coordinators. For example, chaperones will accompany the girls to social events in and around Atlantic City, and even do bed checks to make sure the girls get their beauty sleep! National coordinators and chaperones are assigned specific contestants to guide and coach the girls on what 20
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LIFESTYLEENTERTAINMENT by MOLLY GOLUBCOW
to wear, say, how to move, and even how to think. In the wings on pageant night, you may hear coordinators giving their girls last minute tips on how to pose, breathe, and much more. Since a coordinator has several contestants to hover over, she needs to be well-organized and a multi-tasker extraordinaire. For example, Miss Alabama’s coordinator will get her ready for primetime first and worry about Miss Wyoming later since the girls appear on stage initially in alphabetical order. A contestant’s staff are constantly milling around her doing whatever needs to be done. There are lots of details to address and energy and emotions are flying high — whether a hem on a gown needs to be pinned, makeup needs a touch up, a shoe goes missing, or a contestant needs to be calmed down, national staff are there to assist. Geneane Bazan, who has seen pageant life for 30 years as a contestant herself as well as a coordinator of pageant winners, sees the staff as absolutely essential to the success of the contestant — catering to her every need. Bazan explains, “Whether the makeup consultant or the chaperone, the pageant staff is there to make their girls look their best and appear proper and poised on and off the stage. As a staffer, you always want your girls to look their best — wearing the right colors, make up applied correctly, and even help them apply false eyelashes, if needed. As a coordinator, you are there to guide and teach the girls to look pageant proof.” Wardrobe Malfunctions Not Permitted Because the Miss America Pageant is live, there is no room for errors or oops moments, especially during the swimsuit competition. Judging for this
portion of the competition focuses on overall physical fitness, poise, and posture. Every detail must be addressed before the girls walk the walk. Coordinators help the girls select the swimsuit that best fits their body type. In fact, there are shops that cater specifically to pageant business and actually fit a suit to a girl’s unique shape. Since not all size 6 bodies are sculpted the same way, a bathing suit may need to be altered or conversely a body may need padding or a push-up bra to accentuate the positive. All ideas that a seasoned coordinator can suggest and “build” behind the scenes. In addition, coordinators literally inspect their girls from top to bottom making sure bikini straps are not twisted and that the contestant has properly waxed herself to suit her suit to the last centimeter! And, no coordinator worth her salt would overlook the possibility for a un-Miss Americalike wedgie! As the girls nervously prepare to walk on stage, coordinators or chaperones pull down the suit and apply butt glue to a contestant’s bottom. The glue keeps the suit from riding up while on stage ensuring that they look poised and perfect. As backstage masters of their universes, coordinators leave no detail to fall between the cracks, pun intended! Miss America’s Got Talent Like Sandra Bullock’s character in Miss Congeniality, talent ranges from playing the Alpine water glasses (Sandra’s “talent”) to opera arias. Therefore, costume changes are happening en masse. After the swimsuit competition, the girls literally jump out of their suits to slip into formal gowns or dance leotards and the clothes, shoes, and makeup change must be accomplished lickety-split. Although time is of the essence, the finalists have a bit of time in-between
wardrobe changes at this point in the pageant, because there is usually a musical number performed by the non-finalists onstage. You may see contestants backstage whirling batons, stretching calves, or practicing last minute voice exercises. Again, the coordinators are there to lend a hand — zip, unzip, and coach the girls as they prepare to go on stage. And the Winner Is… After the talent and interview competitions are complete, emotions of victory continue to soar for a few (and for most, the agony of defeat). However, madness continues backstage, but in an organized fashion. Brandi Burkhardt, Miss New York, who competed in the 2000 Miss America Pageant, knows
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first-hand how tense and exciting backstage life can be. She refers to it as a “happy, but well-choreographed chaos!” Burkhardt recalls, “As contestants we have spent months, if not years, preparing for our chance at the crown. From choosing gowns, swimsuit, interview suit, pursuing a platform, and practicing a talent performance, each contestant comes to Miss America well-prepared; but it is difficult to prepare for the moment you first step foot on that famous runway in Atlantic City.” She fondly remembers her pageant night, on and off stage, thanking the staff who “… who dedicate their time to the support of educating young women” for the Miss America experience. Because of her on and off-stage experiences, Burkhardt went on to pursue a career on Broadway and television — launched from her pageant night in Atlantic City. Crowned in Atlantic City This year, after a seven-year hiatus in Las Vegas, the pageant returns to its rightful birthplace in Atlantic City and televised on a major network. To quote Art McMaster, the president and CEO of the Miss America Organization, “…back to the city where the Miss America pageant belongs.” Whether you watch the pageant on television, or actually attend it live, consider the enormous effort that goes on behind-the-scenes to make a winning Miss America and a winning Miss America Pageant. For the production staff and the contestants, all of the years and months of planning and details go by in a flash. To the casual observer, it appears seamless. As usual, there will be only one winner chosen this September as Miss America, but you have to give everyone involved credit for striving for perfection and addressing every detail imaginable (on and off stage) to ensure that the Miss America Pageant runs like a well-oiled and “ideal” machine. By the way, Butt Glue can be purchased on amazon.com … if you are interested! n
HOME/DESIGN PROFILE by Pamela Dollak
Artistic Items, Designer Trends
Unique designer pieces abound at Artistic Hardware’s New York City-style showroom “For a store with “Hardware” in the name, it’s really not what you’d expect,” said Carol Kelly, Showroom Manager of Artistic Hardware for more than a decade. “This place makes you feel good! People spend hours here just looking around. It puts smiles on their faces.” That’s the effect you’ll have when entering Artistic Hardware in Northfield. In business since 1999, it moved to its current location at 430 Tilton Road in January 2012, primarily because the store, known for creatively and exquisitely redesigning homes and offices for 15 years, needed a redesign itself. “The new open-space layout is vastly different from our prior location,” claims Pat McCarthy, owner. “This space is so much more inviting and easier for customers to stroll through. Plus, we’re really excited about the cool lighting gallery we built that highlights 20 or so lines of lighting products.” The extensive selection of funky lighting options aside, Artistic Hardware is brimming with home standards — sinks, toilets, ceiling fans, cabinet hardware, even mailboxes and house numbers. Yet the items are in shapes, designs, and patterns that are so incredibly unique and interesting, that one usually only sees these extraordinary pieces in home pictures of the rich and famous displayed in the glossy pages of
n Lighting
Shower Doors n Fixtures n Decorative Hardware n
Elle Décor. (Seriously — there is an opulent sink here with such a lavish arrangement of sparkling Swarovski crystals and shimmery pearls that it could easily be mistaken for an avant garde crown.) Nevertheless, this New York City-style showroom, with all its distinctive products, is neither snooty nor pretentious. McCarthy made sure the new space conveyed a comfortable atmosphere and his friendly and knowledgeable staff always makes you feel welcome from the moment you enter the door. Walk-in clients notwithstanding, McCarthy also often works with interior designers, architects, contractors, even Hollywood set designers. The last of which McCarthy and Tom Vassallo, Artistic Hardware’s Operations Manager, have been working with for over 10 years, ever since they were enlisted to help with Snake Eyes starring Nicolas Cage. Since then, McCarthy has had a steady stream of movie biz on such flicks as Meet the Parents, Michael Clayton, and Analyze This. He’s even worked on television sets like Blue Bloods, Under the Dome and HBO’s Sex and the City — in fact, McCarthy still has the bathroom set used in Samantha’s apartment in storage. “Maybe that should come out on the floor as a conversation piece…” McCarthy mused. Speaking of bathrooms, while you may not be
Vanities n Ceiling Fans n Medicine Cabinets n Accessories and More!
aware of the latest trends, rest assured Artistic Hardware does and carries them all. Like floating vanities, electronic faucets that merge lighting with temperature, air-tub systems with hydroand chroma-therapy capabilities, wall-mounted toilets with heated seats (a great space-saver as the tank is concealed in the wall), bidets (with adjustable water temperature settings), shower heads with a rotating and pulsating stream, and perhaps today’s most popular trend, freestanding tubs — for both humans and dogs. Despite all the Hollywood glitz and modern hi-tech devices, Artistic Hardware still remains true to its humble seashore roots, offering many items that have a playful beachy feel to them. For instance, there are door knockers by Michael Healy shaped in an array of coastal creatures like crabs, starfish, and shells. And don’t miss the tasteful and cool Casablanca ceiling fan with blades comprised from a sail wrapped by a fishing rod. Artistic Hardware will happily supply products anywhere in the world, and they’ve proven it by furnishing jobs in the Bahamas, St John’s, and Key West. World travels aside, they know that nothing is more important than helping customers in their very own neighborhood. So stop into Artistic Hardware and let their enthusiastic sales team help you create your own personal oasis. n
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430 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-407-7200 www.artistichardware.net njlifestyleonline.com
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LIFESTYLELEGENDS by PAMELA DOLLAK
Top 10 Most Beautiful and Classic Movie Stars Leading off our new Top 10 series are the timeless women of classic movies.
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GRACE KELLY
LANA TURNER
Philadelphia-born Grace Kelly’s life could have been a Hollywood movie. A successful model, she rose to fame in films like To Catch a Thief, Dial M for Murder, High Society, Mogambo and The Country Girl, for which she won an Academy Award. She caught the eye of Monaco’s Prince Rainier III, whom she married in 1956. After her marriage, she moved permanently to Monaco to raise her children. She was heavily involved in improving the arts in her new country, so she formed the Princess Grace Foundation to support local artisans. Her tragic death in a car accident in 1982 not only left a void in the principality of Monaco, but around the world.
The original “Sweater Girl,” Lana Turner is the epitome of a Hollywood legend. The story goes that she was “discovered” while skipping school and sipping a soda at a malt shop on Sunset Boulevard. Her nickname was born from her formfitting, figure-flattering garments. Her extreme beauty brought her to the height of Hollywood fame, but her personal life often overshadowed that — like when her boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, was stabbed to death by her daughter Cheryl.
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AVA GARDNER Touted as “the most beautiful woman in the world,” Ava Gardner was a sultry and alluring femme fatale who broke the hearts of movie stars, musicians, and millionaires. Highprofile marriages to Mickey Rooney (Hollywood’s biggest star at the time), band leader Artie Shaw (who verbally abused her), singer/actor Frank Sinatra (who famously left his wife for her) and a friendship with magnate Howard Hughes (whom, despite his eccentricities, was desperately in love with her) brought her nothing but sorrow. Yet smoldering beauty like hers comes around only once in a millennium, presenting Hollywood with a pretty predicament — an unending search to find a replacement.
RITA HAYWORTH Lovely Rita Hayworth was an actress and dancer who had the distinction of being one of the few actresses who danced on film with both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. A popular pin-up girl during World War II, she was perhaps best known for playing the title role in the film noir classic, Gilda. Her five marriages (including director Orson Welles, Prince Aly Kahn, and singer Dick Haymes) all ended in divorce. The antithesis of the femme fatale roles she often played, this red-headed glamour girl was naturally shy. Her unfortunate passing from Alzheimer’s ultimately brought much-needed attention to this once taboo disease.
ELIZABETH TAYLOR Elizabeth Taylor is quite possibly the greatest movie star ever. She’s just as well-known today for her private life and activism, as she was for her talent. It was her legendary violet eyes that first gained her notice as a child star, but it was her chops as an actress that secured her two Academy Awards (BUtterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?). Her stunning beauty, eight marriages (two to Richard Burton) and many illnesses often eclipsed her talent, but only added to her legend. A loyal and lifetime friend to fellow actor Rock Hudson, she used her star power to bring HIV/ AIDS to the public’s attention after his death from the disease, by co-founding American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and founding the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF).
MARILY MONROE Marilyn is one of the most celebrated and enduring movie star icons of all time. She’s the bewitching combination of unadulterated sex and child-like innocence; the “dumb blonde” who wasn’t dumb at all. Famous for movies such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot, her earnestness for her craft drove her to leave Hollywood at the height of her career to enhance her acting abilities at the renowned Actor’s Studio in New York to study with Lee Strasberg. She also began her own motion picture company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, which gave her complete decision-making authority over directors and actors. Her untimely death, at age 36 in 1962, has been shrouded in mystery ever since, perhaps contributing to her long-standing mystique. njlifestyleonline.com
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SOPHIA LOREN Italian-born Loren is possibly Hollywood’s favorite import. Her seductive eyes, sensuous lips and voluptuous figure made her an international sex symbol, and the object of desire to men around the world, including actors Peter Sellers and Cary Grant. She ultimately wed Italian film producer, Carlo Ponti, a man twice her age to whom she remained happily married for 50 years. Acting-wise, she’s best known for playing “salt-of-theearth” female characters, not bombshells as one might expect. She currently resides in Geneva, Switzerland.
ESTHER WILLIAMS Esther Williams was an all-American beauty with a heart-shaped face, athletic build, sparkling eyes, and sweetheart smile. She looked just as stunning in an evening gown as she did a bathing suit, the latter of which was her more common attire. Her Olympic dreams dashed due to the onset of World War II, she instead high-dived her way into Hollywood hearts by swimming gracefully to intricate choreography with a smile on her face and nary a hair out of place.
RAQUEL WELCH One of the most iconic sex symbols of the 1960s, Raquel Welch famously posed in an animal skin bikini for her movie One Million Years B.C. Beauty and film career aside, Welch is probably best known these days as a successful business woman. The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program book and videos include a hatha yoga fitness program, Welch’s personal views on healthy living and nutrition, as well as beauty and style. Welch also has a signature line of highly-popular wigs, as well as jewelry and skincare lines (neither of which compare to the incredible success of her wig collection).
KIM NOVAK Novak catapulted to fame with her first leading role in William Inge’s Picnic, starring opposite Hollywood veteran William Holden. After playing in some other highprofile movies like Vertigo and Bell, Book and Candle (both with James Stewart), her career went on a decline in the mid-1960s, mostly due to the waning of the studio system. Novak presently resides on a ranch and works as a photographer, poet, and artist specializing in watercolor and oil. She’s also a talented sculptress, as well as a stained glass designer. 26
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LIFESTYLE | Summer 2013 27
Lifestyle Venues
By ALYSON BOXMAN LEVINE
Fierce Feasts YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE ROYALTY TO DINE LIKE A KING OR QUEEN. CHECK OUT THESE DELICIOUS OFFERINGS AT THE BEVY OF CASINO BUFFETS IN ATLANTIC CITY.
WHEN YOU MENTION THE WORD “BUFFET,” what comes to mind for many individuals is Las Vegas and the iconic all-you-can eat $3.99 steak buffet. Well, thankfully things are a bit different in Atlantic City. Here, the choices for casino buffet dining are upscale eateries that are as glamorous as they are well-stocked. Buffets or smorgasbords, as some people call them, originated historically as a display of wealth and are currently rising in popularity across the United States. What is quite interesting about buffets is that dining strategies differ from person to person and can be as individual as people’s personalities. Some customers make a beeline straight for the seafood and are content to wrestle 28
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The Buffet at Golden Nugget
Sultan’s Feast at Trump Taj Mahal with their crab legs for the duration, while others head right for the desserts, starting off their experience with something sweet. Others move concisely through the buffet in an orderly fashion, separating their meal into courses, first starting out with an appetizer, then a salad, followed by their entrée, and then dessert. The choice is deliciously personal and part of what makes dining at a buffet so much fun. Just when you though it couldn’t get any better, the detailed chefs at HARRAH’S WATERFRONT BUFFET stepped it up yet another notch by recently upgrading their already-amazing menu. Executive Chef for Harrah’s Robert Schoell and Chef Gregory Farquharson have revamped the entire menu with a deliberate focus on seafood this summer. The restaurant serves a whopping 900 pounds of crab legs daily and has a lush raw bar, a California-style fish taco bar, fresh sushi, and carved Scottish salmon cooked over an open grill. Of
Borgata Buffet course, they also feature spin-roasted prime rib carved daily, a BBQ station, and just about everything else you can imagine on the new menu. And with award-winning executive pastry chef Deb Pellegrino heading up the dessert selections, remember to leave room for something sweet. The chefs at Harrah’s pay close attention to those with food sensitivities. “When someone with food sensitivities comes in, we walk them through the buffet,” explained Chef Schoell. “We prefer them to grab a chef and allow us to walk them through each station and let them know how everything is prepared.” “I have to admit I have a piece of fried chicken every day,” revealed Chef Farquharson, “but what I really like most about our buffet is the interaction between the people and my employees. The team is great, always smiling and going out of their way to see that the guests’ experience is a positive one.” njlifestyleonline.com
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Lifestyle Venues
A delicious display at Harrah’s Waterfront Buffet
These bountiful restaurants, and the talented chefs behind them, will truly make you feel like royalty.
Rolling Sushi at Harrah’s Waterfront Buffet 30
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Beef lovers rejoice at the TAJ MAHAL’S SULTAN’S FEAST, a decadent buffet featuring juicy strip steak, rotisserie chicken, and hand-carved meats. Tempting customers with their international fare, this feast also includes the very popular gourmet pizza station with a flaming wood-burning oven. Their juicy strip steaks are seasoned to perfection and will surely satisfy all your beef cravings. Mountains of succulent shrimp round out this delicious menu. Located adjacent to all the action, the BORGATA BUFFET can be found on the casino floor and offers a wide variety of items to satisfy even the most finicky foodie. Create the perfect bowl of pasta at their pasta station or relish in the mouth-watering BBQ ribs. There’s something for every craving. Freshness is paramount for the chefs at the Borgata and all the seasonal salad bar ingredients come straight from Garden State farms. An array of petit-sized mouth-watering desserts delight every sweet tooth, as the mini size allows you to savor each and every bite of your second (or third) helping. The ideal location for dining day or night, TROPICANA’S FIESTA BUFFET overlooks the picturesque Atlantic City boardwalk and beach. With a satisfying variety of selections, this stunning location is quite impressive. From the hand-carved prime rib station to Italian, Asian, and American featured cuisines, guests will have a difficult time deciding which delicious items to choose. Sitting in the center of the room, the dessert station offers a tremendously sinful variety of cakes, pies, and individual desserts, as well as the requisite ice cream sundae bar with every topping imaginable. Catering to adults on weekend evenings, the BOARDWALK BUFFET at Caesars Atlantic City currently features “Wine Seduction Weekends” and offers adults an intoxicating atmosphere and a complimentary glass of wine. Located on the third floor, this buffet wonderfully serves Italian, Asian, barbeque, American, South of the Border, and everything in
Food photography by: Jason Varney
between. And their irresistible array of desserts are truly decadent … and delicious. At the ATLANTIC CLUB’S CORNUCOPIA, Executive Chef Ulrich Lohs creates buffet presentations reflective of each season and holiday celebration. From mouth-watering carving stations to their seasonal fish selections, this popular buffet is a favorite among locals. Born and raised in Luebeck, Germany, Chef Lohs brings his international culinary experience to Atlantic City and has delighted diners in this area since 1980. Chef Lohs was named Chef of the Year in 2002 by the American Culinary Federation and was voted as one of the “Top 25 Chefs” in the South Jersey Region in 1997. You’ll find whatever you’re in the mood for at GOLDEN NUGGET’S BAYSIDE BUFFET. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will experience delight in the dozens of tempting choices and always have the option to eat a little or feast on a lot. A glorious seafood buffet is featured every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Try the popular prime rib and shrimp during lunch or dinner, or sample their lavish breakfast buffet. You won’t be disappointed. After a too long hiatus, Trump Plaza has successfully brought back their buffet and renamed it the BACK IN THE DAY BUFFET. Executive Chef Les Bender and his talented staff have been busy creating the daily-changing menu. Featuring all the main buffet staples — including a carving station with roasted turkey and ham, rotating fish, chicken, seafood, pasta, a chipotle BBQ chicken, and mussels marinara, to name but a few of the offerings — this new buffet is fast becoming a popular dining destination. Chef Bender certainly knows how to throw a first-class party. His first position with Trump was the Banquet Chef at the Trump Marina, where he was directly responsible for all catering functions, which included all of Donald Trump’s birthday parties. So when you’re searching for a special place to dine or looking for that ideal spot for a family gathering that will please everyone, buffets make the perfect choice. These bountiful restaurants, and the talented chefs behind them, will truly make you feel like royalty. Whether you decide to sample something you have never tasted before or simply stick with your old favorites, the choices are as endless as the crab legs. n 2013BruleeShoreNJad.indd 1
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LIFESTYLE
Travel
Some Like it
HOT
Exploring the many allures of Sin City By DAN SCHLOSSBERG
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Water show with Caesars Palace Hotel in the background
Las Vegas is hot by day, cool by night. But visitors to the arid oasis insist it’s cool to be there even when temperatures soar into the triple digits. Alternately called Sin City or The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas has 150,000 hotel rooms, many of them concentrated in a dozen hotels that dominate a five-mile stretch called The Strip (for multiple reasons). The MGM Grand alone has 5,304 rooms, making it the world’s largest, but that’s not surprising in a city that has 12 of the 13 biggest hotels on the planet. Both the Egyptian-themed Luxor and the Italian-themed Venetian have more than 4,000 rooms too. Although many of the casinos look alike, virtually every Las Vegas resort has its own appeal. The exploding volcano outside the Mirage, the pirate fight at Treasure Island, the miniature Manhattan skyline at New York, New York, the double-decked lion enclosure at MGM Grand, the King Arthur motif at Excalibur, the fountains at Bellagio, the aerial acrobats at Circus, Circus, the toga-clad servers at Caesar’s Palace, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris keep tourist cameras clicking around the clock. Because of its allure as a place to get-rich-quick, get-hitchedquick, or get-dumped-quick, Las Vegas is the fastest-growing city in the United States. Its population is just over 600,000 but its draw is remarkable, with 38 million visitors per year. A cool million of that number come to get married, which can be a gamble in any locale. With direct flights from both coasts and proximity to Hollywood (five hours by car), Las Vegas lures top-flight shows and entertainers — many of them signing long-term contracts. It also attracts artisans and designers who love the enormous dimensions of casino showrooms. A spectacle like Beatles Love, one of eight Cirque du Soleil offerings in town, needs the flexibility of the moving platforms on the Mirage stage. The average ticket price of $155 is a genuine bargain. Wise gamblers just might be able to win enough money to cover the price of tickets. Statistics show that nearly 90% of gamblers are ahead at some point but only 17% actually finish in the black while the rest put it back. With 83% of casino patrons losing, casinos keep raking in healthy profits. Much of that revenue covers their water bills; Las Vegas averages 4.49 inches of rain per year and 70 days of triple-digit temperatures. Air-conditioning systems, also big-time water consumers, are ubiquitous but must be stretched to meet the demands of new business. More than 6,000 people move into the Las Vegas Valley every month, which is why the population of Clark County has tripled over the past 20 years to its present 1.3 million. Because of the 500+ new-business permits issued in Las Vegas every month, two acres are being developed for construction every hour. None of that would have been possible without the hydroelectric power supplied by the humongous Hoover Dam, 35 miles southeast of town on the Nevada-Arizona border. Built by 21,000 workers over a four-year span during the difficult Depression years, the dam contains enough concrete to pave a two-lane highway from New York to San Francisco. Named for president Herbert Hoover, it is one of many mustsee attractions far from the frenzy of The Strip. Also on the list are
Treasure Island hotel and casino, a Caribbean themed resort
The Venetian hotel Brass lion statue at MGM Grand Hotel
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Visitors come to Las Vegas for a myriad of reasons: some for shows, some for the climate, and many to seek the thrills and spills only Sin City can offer.
Top photo: Bellagio Hotel Casino during sunset Middle photo: King Arthur’s Nights at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino Bottom photo: Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas 34
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helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon and Pink Jeep tours through the closer Red Rock Canyon, 20 miles to the west. The latter contains a 17-mile scenic driving loop. Lake Mead, created by the Hoover Dam, is a vast recreational playground filled with houseboats, sightseeing tours, jet-skis, and wind-surfers. There’s no larger manmade lake in the country. Families who prefer to limit their Las Vegas outlay will find plenty of freebies, including a sound-and-light show called the Freemont Street Experience. It was created to siphon visitors from The Strip to Downtown Las Vegas, the older part of the city. Local museums are dedicated to the Guinness World of Records, Liberace, neon, atomic testing, natural history, and even organized crime, from Al Capone to Bugsy Siegel. Those who look hard enough will even find reminders of the Rat Pack, the Hollywood quartet headed by Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. Casinos have their own appeal. Masquerade Village, at the Rio, features a floating parade of dancers and musicians while Bellagio boasts a fine art gallery inside and a soaring music-and-light display of fountains that soar 240 feet into the deep desert sky. Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who succeeded her husband Oscar when term limits ended his tenure, is one of the city’s biggest boosters. The Goodmans are not only gregarious good-will ambassadors for their town but responsible for building businesses and bringing conventions. Since last October, the city has hosted both International PowWow, which attracted 6,500 delegates, and the North American Travel Journalists Association. The resulting media coverage was impressive. The town’s original founders would not recognize the place. Once known for mining and railroads, Las Vegas began to thrive after gambling was legalized in 1931 and Hoover Dam was completed four years later. The influx of mob money coupled with the curiosity of atomic scientists working on the nearby Manhattan Project brought prosperity in the ‘40s but the advent of universal air conditioning after the war was a bigger booster. Named by 19th century Spanish explorers who found meadows (vegas) fed by underground springs, Las Vegas belonged to Mexico before joining the United States in 1855. Mormons came and went, along with various railroad lines, before the city was incorporated in 1911. With the notable exceptions of its entertainers and politicians, the most famous current resident is former major-league pitcher Greg Maddux, whose dad is a card dealer at the MGM Grand. Maddux enjoys the climate, which is conducive to golf, plus the tax benefits (no state income tax). Because traffic on The Strip sometimes slows to a crawl, the best way to get around town is by monorail. The sleek, silent, and wellscheduled line links the Las Vegas Convention Center with the MGM Grand. Without comfortable walking shoes, however, the typical visitor will soon be victimized by foot blisters. Getting to a restaurant or show often requires traversing a couple of enormous casinos. Eating, like gambling, is a Las Vegas pastime par excellence. Southern Nevada alone has 1,400 restaurant and 260 buffets. Caesar’s has one of the best — but one of the longest lines (word travels fast). It’s often easier to find tee time than tea time, since the area has 55 golf courses. Of those, only one (at the Wynn Resort) is actually on The Strip. Women who prefer private pampering will find a
Lif estyl e Tr a v e l wide variety of themed spas, including one (at Caesar’s Palace) where falling snow is meant to serve as a stress reliever. Listening to the Las Vegas Philharmonic or watching the Nevada Ballet Theater are two other local stress relievers. Both make their home in Reynolds Hall, a 2,000seat venue inside the $485 million Smith Center for the Performing Arts. On the immediate horizon are projected 2014 openings of MGM’s Delano Las Vegas, with 1,100 suites; the 1,600-room SLS Las Vegas, the former Sahara rebranded; and the compact Gansevoort Las Vegas, whose 188 rooms will operate under the Caesar’s umbrella. When it opens in 2016, Resorts World Las Vegas will be even more ambitious. The 87-acre complex, which costs billions, will carry its Asian theme to extremes, with a replica of the Great Wall of China and an exhibit of live pandas. McCarran International Airport is striving to keep pace with the growing demand; it opened a $2.4 billion terminal last year that is making connections easier for visitors. They come to Las Vegas for a myriad of reasons: some for shows, some for the climate, and many to seek the thrills and spills only Sin City can offer. To attract both individuals and conventioneers, the city has adopted an unofficial mantra: “What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas.” Although public pools prevent women from walking around topless, many Las Vegas resorts encourage it — especially Bare Pool Lounge (Mirage), Moorea Beach Club (Mandalay Bay), and the Venus Pool Club (Caesar’s Palace). Bare-chested females frolic even more after dark, when showgirl costumes loaded with color and feathers often leave breasts exposed. The casinos reason, probably correctly, that more exposure sells more drinks and yields more tips. And what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Former AP newsman Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn, NJ is host of Travel Itch Radio, heard Thursdays at 8 on BlogTalkRadio.com, and travel editor of both New Jersey Lifestyle and Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s Maggie Linton Show. He is also president emeritus of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).
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A Magic Garden A ruby-throated hummingbird sips nectar from its favorite cardinal flower
M
ay you find peace here. Though this blessing is the closing on the welcome sign at Leaming’s Run Gardens, it is the opening to the harmonious prize that awaits you. It is a colorful palette rich in beauty and history, and is the product of Jack and Emily Aprill’s toils. Leaming’s Run is an eponym for a stream that meanders through the property and coined by Aaron Leaming, the brother of eponymous Thomas Leaming. Thomas’ father, Christopher Leamyng (the surname in its traditional wear), left England in 1670 and headed toward the colonies 50 years after the Mayflower Pilgrims landed on Plymouth rock. Christopher landed a rocks throw away in Boston, Massachusetts, and later settled in Long Island, New York. In 1691, he emigrated to Cape May County to pursue the whaling trade and Thomas, who heard about great herds of sea beasts living in the Delaware Bay, joined him one year later. In 1694, Christopher
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LIFESTYLENATURE purchased 204 acres of land on the Cape May Peninsula. One year later, Christopher perished and the property was left to Thomas, who left it to his son, who left it to his son, who added on to the property making it 330 acres, and then split it between his sons. In the name of posterity and Leaming, property was passed on to and divided between them for years, shedding acreage only sometimes to outsiders. It changed farm hands a few times before the Leaming house and 50 acres finally sold to the present owners, Jack and Emily Aprill in 1957. They shaved 30 acres of the westernmost end in a transaction with the state — for conservation purposes — and created Leaming’s Run Gardens in 1976. In her book, Leaming’s Run Gardens — How It All Began, Emily Aprill expressed, “I don’t believe in fate as a rule, but finding this beautiful old house with fifty acres, I believe was fate.” The acreage, which the sellers were seemingly apologetic for at the sale, was dealt by a hand of fate that laid the proverbial and literal groundwork for the gardens. Thomas Jefferson, a man who believed that plants could revolutionize civilization, wrote, “The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture.” The Aprills are indeed guilty of such a great service. With a house on the property which predates the country’s independence, the gardens the Aprills created would pave the way for their own peace. It was the house that drew them to the property, but what would become of said property was an idea planted in Jack’s plans that he would later cultivate. The house is called the Thomas Leaming House. It was built in 1706, the year that also very politely offered us Benjamin Franklin. It is an aboriginal dwelling in Cape May County, and the last stranded whaler’s house in the county. It was Thomas Leaming who built the house in early settler style, with a sturdy timber frame construction. The Thomas Leaming House was witness to the birth of our country and still stands today in its white garb like a time capsule decorated with flowers. A tall spruce welcomes you at the front door and a sugar maple stands at the back door to accompany the exit. Neither tree is endemic, but a tale Jack came across tells of the power of these trees in warding off goblins. It was the land that gave Jack, who was raised on a farm and always planted vegetable and flower gardens where he landed, a hankering for gardening. An island of peace is what Jack and Emily Aprill intended to create with these gardens.
by KELLY NICOLE TJOUMAKARIS
A visit to Leaming’s Run Gardens, Cape May County’s spectacular and wellpreserved historic gardens Photos courtesy of Missie Aprill from Leamings Run and The Tetleys The historic Thomas Leaming House built in 1706
The view from the bridge showing the larger pond
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A bullfrog mid-serenade in smaller pond
A red-banded hairstreak butterfly feeding on boneset flowers
Water lily Monetscape
Peaceful bamboo stand
In Emily’s book, she shared, “Aside from wanting to have a beautiful colorful garden, we wanted to preserve this special area and make an island of peace and beauty for all to share and enjoy. Everyone is so busy, and life gets hectic and stressful at times, we all need a place to go to soothe our souls ... We hoped our garden would be that place for our visitors and for us as well.” The grounds that the gardens call home today are modest and truly highlight nature’s means. The Aprills added a library of annuals to nature’s arboretum. Honeysuckle, vinca, and English ivy took control of the property before leaving the hands of the Leamings and still play there today. But the Aprills have sowed the seeds of annuals since the garden’s conception. It was no question that they would use anything but annuals because of their untiring ability to perform through the entirety of the season. Before the Aprills showered the property with annual blooms, it was dry of color and pond. The Aprills pondified it. They dug a large pond about ¼ of an acre, as well as a smaller one and hit an underground lake. The ponds are fed by underground springs keeping water cool in summer and virtually iceless in winter. These ponds begged for life. Jack transferred in some bluegill fish from a local pond, but the osprey took advantage of the neopond with no vegetation and depleted
the bluegill. Jack then collected antibird theft devices such as water lilies and wild iris and planted them in the ponds. Word spread to the salt meadows and soon-after local muskrats came to dine on the water lilies. Time and nature came to the rescue (or fescue) and ducks traveling through brought bladderwort by foot. Once established, after years of strict training, it protected the fish and the water lilies from predation. South Jersey water is notoriously acidic, so after a zesting of lime, a happy balance was reached. Despite the tint of the water, it is profoundly fresh and pure of heart. Fate also had a hand in assuring the pristine nature of the ponds by installing pollutant free neighbors around the perimeter. South of the gardens is a church with a sizeable property, and to the north and west the land is protected in a county open land preservation program. These factors collectively contribute to the success of the waters. Today there is a bridge over untroubled water occupied by eels, catfish, turtles, and frogs and the banks are feathered with moss. You may get lucky and visit while the pond has its lily pad party and a bull frog orchestra is scheduled — no tickets necessary. In good taste, butterflies come to feed upon the English ivy blooms that are trunked and hug the trees far into the sky, and the hummingbirds indulge here during August in preparation for their flight south. There seems to be no waste as many of
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A monarch butterfly resting on a zinnia
Gazeebo on banks of pond the materials the Aprills use are recycled. Peat moss from the top of the dig was used for gardens and the sand for paths. The addition of irrigation is pumped from their ponds, they use grass clippings for mulch, and bamboo is used to post the garden fence. The soiled, but not dirty, gardens are naturally wooded with trees of oak, holly, cedar, pine, sweet gum, and low and high bush blueberries. The only rubbish you will see here is the leaf litter. Okay, cut to the flowers which do not just put the dragonflies and butterflies in good spirits. The ambiance, bundled with a bouquet of honeysuckle and magnolia, offers pleasures for all senses. The gardens are themed and include the Yellow Garden, Butterfly Garden, “Down Jersey” Garden, Pink Garden, Flower Field, Bamboo Grove, Gazebo Garden, Waterfall Garden, Hill Garden, Bridal Garden, Reflection Garden, Sweetheart Garden, Rainbow Garden, Red and White Garden, Blue and Red Garden, English Cottage Garden, and Blue and White Garden. There was even a Serpentine garden that was inspired by the brick serpentine fence designed by Thomas Jefferson at the University of Virginia. Though the serpent is on break, its sinuosity will slither back. A frond-filled fernery awaits that has a prehistoric feel to it spiced with cinnamon ferns and sprinkled with
Lifestyle Nature others. With a watchful eye, one can even find endangered species there, such as swamp pinks. Pilgrims have come for more than 35 years to study butterflies, flowers, and ancient trees found on the grounds. The bamboo stand sprouted from a single bamboo gift from the Aprill’s son Roy. Today it stands as a grove and it is no coincidence that Buddhist temples have bamboo groves; it further adds to the architecture of peace. The gardens have the ingredients to make any botanist, arborist, floriculturist, lepidopterist, ornithologist, or historian swoon. Until recently, Emily had a dried flower shop on the property. She sold arrangements and loose dried flowers made of found and grown flowers. It is interesting to pair meaning to the flowers she used; she used old cottage garden blooms such as Nigella, which are appropriately referred to as a venus herb and represent the alluring power of the gardens. Her arrangements also included Statice Sinuata, whose meaning, remembrance, embraces the history of the gardens. Coxcomb, symbolizing unfading love, would be used showing the undying passion the Aprills have for their gardens. She also used traw flowers, baby’s breath, bunny tails, larkspur, brown burr, the appropriately named pearly everlasting and Joe Pye weed. Customers appreciated the bright hues and freshness of the flowers they sold. The success of Emily Aprill’s dried flower shop afforded Jack the opportunity to garden. The Aprills have effectively preserved the rich nature and history of the region and are leaving a floral legacy and in the fashion of the Leamings, posterity, as their son and daughter in law, Gregg and Missie Aprill, run the gardens today. The beds of flowers are the artistic production of 50,000 seeds planted in spring. These are beds you can not only visit without guilt at 9:30 in the morning, but you can also visit with a great sense of accomplishment. Go and have a whale of a time. Go and take a walk on the wild side. Go and give peace a chance. Like the whale oil the early Leamings harvested to burn in lamps hundreds of years ago, the Aprills have, in their own way, harvested a fuel and created a prismatic light that still shines bright today.
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patterns. Follow the theme with conversational sets that include tables, chairs, loungers, custom pillows, patio umbrellas and more! “Our goal is to provide personal service to our customers, wherever they reside”, said Fabulous Home’s manager, Allison. In fact, you may have already met Allison at one of the many home or flower shows in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago, West Palm Beach or Atlantic City. Staying at home for the weekend can be very peaceful in luxury outdoors.
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HEALTHWATCH
By ROBIN STOLOFF
Don’t Wait to be Wise Plan ahead for your golden years now and enjoy well-deserved peace of mind later
I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was in my mid-thirties enjoying lunch with some friends. The twenty-something-ish waiter took our order and looked me and said, “What kind of dressing would you like with that ma’am?” Ma’am? I was not even old enough to be his mother, and he gave me a ma’am? It was the first time anyone had ever called me that, and the fact that he was not a five-year-old kid made it sting even more. In that moment, it suddenly hit me. I am getting older. Even though I felt young, the world was starting to perceive me as older. In your mid-thirties, it is the furthest thing from your mind. But the reality is this, if we live long enough, we will all get old. Okay, I said it. It is really not so bad when you consider the alternative, but when your frame of reference has always been from a young person’s perspective, it is a definite paradigm shift. As the years pass, we start thinking about issues that might never have crossed our mind in our younger days — finances, retirement, healthcare, and how we want to live out our golden years. For many of us, we watch our once active, youthful parents become a little slower, a little less independent older adults who spend a good deal of their free time going to doctor appointments. Although it is not easy, we need to face the truth. There could come a time when they need 42
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additional care and, if we make it that far, we might need it as well. All too often we don’t discuss these issues until something traumatic occurs — a hip fracture, a death of a spouse, an accident, or even progressing dementia. When we are forced into making a quick decision, it creates tremendous stress and often limits our options. The best way to live more comfortably in our later years is to plan now, according Kelly Marrero, owner of Comfort Keepers in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland County. They provide in-home services that include personal and companion care such as running errands, cooking, light housekeeping, personal hygiene assistance and dementia and Alzheimer’s care. They offer visits from a few hours a week to 24/7 livein care. Marrero says a typical scenario is that the son or daughter of an older person comes to her after a parent experiences a medical issue such as a stroke or fracture. They want quality care for their loved one and peace of mind for themselves, but they are also concerned about the expense. Marrero says that it is a shocking reality to families when they discover that Medicare does not cover the cost of in-home services. The only insurance that covers this care is some veteran’s insurance and long-term health insurance. She advises that everyone
consider long-term insurance as early as their thirties because the time to get it is when you are young and healthy. In addition, she advises hiring an elder law attorney to discuss options, such as setting up a trust to protect an older person’s home. Unfortunately, she says, many financially successful people have lost every nickel very quickly because they did not plan ahead. She firmly believes, “Everyone deserves to live the rest of their lives with respect and dignity, and that should be a choice. But they are never going to have a choice if they don’t do the financial planning ahead of time.” While many older adults might prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible, for some that is not an option. In that case, they may choose residential/assisted living or a memory support facility. Jessica Stewart, Director of Marketing for The Shores at Wesley Manor in Ocean City, agrees that it is better to be proactive than reactive. “While people might not be ready to go into an assisted living facility at the moment,” said Stewart, “I believe they would want to make the decision themselves.” She advises, as we get up in years, we should be visiting facilities and planning in advance. If we have older relatives or parents, we need to discuss their needs and desires before a traumatic event so they have some control and input into where and how they will live.
One option Wesley Manor offers is respite care, which is basically a trial run of the facility. A person can stay in a furnished apartment for a short time to see if it is a good fit. Her facility offers 190 assisted living apartments and 28 memory care apartments. They provide nursing care on-site around the clock, along with meals, daily living services, and a social calendar from morning until evening. Assisted living residents may come and go as they please and often join in planned shopping or day trips. Just as Medicare does not provide funding for in-home care, they also do not provide financial help for assisted living facilities. Residents must fill out a financial application, but once accepted, Wesley Manor makes a promise that you will not be asked to leave if your finances are depleted. Since they are a non-profit facility, they receive donations and assistance from the state to help provide for their residents. Whether it is in-home care or an assisted-living facility, both options can cost several thousand dollars per month. While private insurance or Medicare can help with medical expenses, long-term health insurance should cover some or all of the costs of other needed care. The bottom line is that old age is inevitable. Whether it is for a family member or ourselves, the more we plan, the better our quality of life will be in our later years. While it is not always easy, we should talk with our older family members about their choices and wishes. We should think about options for ourselves. As I once realized so suddenly at a restaurant in my midthirties, time waits for no one. Robin Stoloff has been the Health Reporter for NBC40 since 1985. She produces and hosts her award-winning features, Health Update, and created her own workout video, Rock Hard with Robin. You can see her health features online at nbc40.net. To tell Robin what health topics you are interested in or to share your comments, visit Reach Out to Robin on Facebook.
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A rtistic T ransformations ARTLANTIC, A MULTI-YEAR PUBLIC ART SERIES, IS BREATHING MUCH-NEEDED LIFE INTO ATLANTIC CITY’S LONG-VACANT LOTS
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his past April, ARTLANTIC officially debuted in Atlantic City with the unveiling of ARTLANTIC: wonder and Étude Atlantis, the first two major installations in a multi-year outdoor public art series. Curated by world-renowned curator Lance Fung, who has a reputation for ambitious, innovative approaches to public art, Fung has been deeply involved in exploring public art’s potential to engage with and revitalize urban neighborhoods. This large-scale $3 million, multiphase project is being funded by the Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), to help re-imagine and bring new life to Atlantic City. This series of art installations, the goal of which is to re-energize vacant spaces in the heart of Atlantic City, will utilize the talents of international artists and architects who will work in conjunction with emerging and local artists. Their considerable job will be to re-interpret these unique environments and transform the empty urban lots into vibrant artsy playground displays, lively public meeting places and a nexus for social interaction to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. ARTLANTIC: wonder was created by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov and Kiki Smith and is located where the old Sands was once situated (Boardwalk between MLK and Kentucky Avenue). It is formed by two grass mounds interwoven into a giant earthwork that are walled by a 14’x11’-foot high undulating terrace covered in indigenous grasses and wildflowers that is intended to be reminiscent of the Steel Pier roller coasters. Artist Robert Barry has placed illuminated text pieces inside this oasis, which includes more than 20 inspiring words, such as “Wonder,” “Glorious” and “Possible.” Barry’s colorful illuminated text truly comes alive when the sun goes down, 44
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By PAMELA DOLLAK Photos By PETER TOBIA/Atlantic City Alliance and fits in beautifully with the glittering lights of A.C. and the neon signs adorning its famous Boardwalk. Look, too, for a good-humored pirate ship that emerges from the ground, and calls to mind the sunken pirate ships presently lining the ocean floor off the coast of New Jersey. Across from the ship is a lovely lush garden surrounding “Her,” a figure of a woman tenderly embracing a doe. The garden is entirely composed of gorgeous bright red foliage — red flowers, red berries or red leaves. It is intended to change along with the seasons. The second space is Étude Atlantis, which is located directly on the Boardwalk at California Avenue. Designed by artist John Roloff, Étude Atlantis is very much an optical illusion. This elaborate space is covered with bold linear stripes that converge into a spiral pattern. A cistern made from sheets of mirror, is at the center of the spiral. Water gently cascades down the cistern and falls through its center, creating the illusion that the cistern is crying. Roloff used the idea of “finding Atlantis” to connect the Atlantic City location with the opposite side of the world— the sea floor off the southwestern coast of Australia. The stage-like setting of Roloff’s site can also provide an elaborate backdrop for a series of performances, concerts and public events that can continue year-round at both locations. (In fact now through Saturday, September 21, “Mind, Body & Soul ARTLANTIC,” free programs for the whole family like fitness classes, live music and theatre, is taking place in both art parks.) The multi-year scope of the Atlantic City project will enable Fung to test the limits of all that public art is and can be, as well as set new standards for the transformational power of a genuinely collaborative, comprehensive curatorial vision.
Lifestyle Art
n Weekend Brunch Day & Evening Cruises n Special Holiday Cruises n Corporate Events n Brunch Cruises n Private Charters n Weddings n Celebrations n Meetings n Sightseeing Tours n
“I never expected that by working in Atlantic City, I would find a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration,” said Fung. “It seems as if the stars have aligned for ARTLANTIC: wonder. Local artists and groups, business leaders, government officials, the school system and the trade unions have all done their part to make this project succeed. I imagine that they, too, see the need to transform empty lots into beautiful, living public spaces through art and architecture. I foresee many activities taking place in the ARTLANTIC spaces, but more importantly, I hope to see the emergence of a greater sense of community. Working in Atlantic City, we have met many wonderful people who see this collective action as a catalyst. There is almost a sense of euphoria when someone offers ideas or volunteers. I hope that ARTLANTIC illustrates how great art goes beyond the gallery, museum, or auction house. It must begin in the heart and remain there to truly transform people through experience.” Despite the scale and ambition of this overall concept, the project has moved forward full speed ahead. Fung made his first exploratory visit to the site in March 2012, and the participating artists had submitted finished project designs by August of that year. Initial phase work on the project began in early September and, as mentioned, a few exhibitions were already completed by May 2013. The goal is for a brand new project to follow each year throughout 2016. “The speed with which so much has been accomplished is a testament to the commitment, dynamism, and energy of the participants in the project, as well as to the enthusiastic support of local government, businesses and community organizations,” said Liza Cartmell, President of the Atlantic City Alliance. “Fung’s curatorial plan has caught the public imagination and drawn support from a myriad of local groups, ranging from community gardens, and local schools, to workers’ unions.” John Palmieri, Executive Director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, said this about this incredible and groundbreaking project: “We have a unique opportunity to attract and integrate art into the fabric of Atlantic City, which by all accounts will enrich the quality of life for our residents, as well as improve and expand the visitor experience.” n
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LIVING HEALTHY with Nina Radcliff, MD
The Unhealthy Art of Sitting Is our culture of sitting the cause for serious disease? THE CULTURE OF SITTING HAS BEEN HAMMERED into us since kindergarten. The kid who frequently gets up or cannot sit still will not get a gold star; or worse, is considered hyperactive. Sitting for long periods is associated with a positive reward system that continues into adulthood. Putting in long hours at your desk is more likely to earn your boss’s praise, a bonus, or a promotion. In fact, it is estimated that we spend half of our awake hours sitting! But did you know that sitting is unnatural and has been shown to increase your risk for diabetes by 112%, cardiovascular events by 147%, and premature death by 49%? Yikes! In fact, for every hour that a person sits and watches television, they lose 22 minutes from their lifespan. For every cigarette that is smoked, a person loses 11 minutes. This has led many experts to ask, “Is sitting the new smoking?” How could sitting be so sinister? You may want to sit down while reading the answers: • l Obesity. Our love for sitting may be one of the many reasons for our growing obesity epidemic. Sitting at your desk does not burn as many calories as delivering mail or performing the manual labor required of a construction worker. • l Lipoprotein lipase. Researchers have also discovered that sitting decreases the body’s production of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which is responsible for converting bad cholesterol (lowdensity lipoprotein; LDL) to good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein; HDL). It only takes a few hours of sitting for lipoprotein lipase production to decrease. In other words, your morning workout is good for your calorie count, but will not offset this ill effect of prolonged sitting. • l Insulin resistance. Sitting leads to insulin resistance, which means that your body is able to produce insulin, but does not use it effectively. Insulin serves as a “key” to allow glucose to enter the body’s cells and serve as energy to fuel its metabolic needs. Thus, insulin resistance leads to glucose buildup in the blood while your cells “starve” for energy. With time, insulin resistance can lead to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Any movement is better than none. Here are some ideas that can help you become more active: • l Treadmill workstation/walkstation. This requires space and may not be a reasonable option for everyone. There is a number of commercially available equipment on the market, but it can be as simple as mounting a platform on the handles to place a laptop or papers. • l Standing desk. Depending on your weight, standing while you work can burn between 200-400 calories. • l Arrange your office for movement. By arranging items in your office out of “arm’s reach” this encourages movement that will add up throughout the day. 46
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Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Studies have shown that you are more likely to be active if you are comfortable. • l Move on your breaks. You can set your alarm on your phone to go off every 1-2 hours to remind you to move or stretch. You can keep it simple with taking a few deep breaths or swinging your arms. • l Make in-person visits. The advent of technology has made faceto-face communication a rarity. Take a stroll to your co-worker’s desk or office to speak with them. • l Pedometer. Low-priced devices are available that can quantify your movement throughout the day. You should have a goal of 6,000-10,000 steps a day. • l Utilize a headset so you can make phone calls while standing and moving. • l Reply to emails on your phone while standing. Sending emails on your computer often requires sitting and can be time consuming. By standing, you will burn more calories and are more likely to keep emails short and succinct. • l Take the stairs instead of the elevator. • l Utilize ankle weights or keep resistance bands or dumbbells (you can even use water bottles) in your desk drawer. You can throw in some quick upper body exercises while you’re on the phone or during your breaks. Supervisors should consider changing the culture of the workplace. Studies have shown that employees who are physically active at work will enjoy it more. They will have better concentration, be more mentally alert, and have greater rapport with colleagues. Small changes can result in increased productivity and, in the long-term, can improve employee health and decrease disability and insurance costs. Now this is news you should stand up for. l
Nina Radcliff is a board certified anesthesiologist, a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and licensed to practice in CA, PA and NJ. You can follow Nina on Facebook (Nina Radcliff), and Twitter @drninaradcliff. Nina can also be emailed at drninaradcliff@aol.com.
LIFESTYLE
MONEYWATCH By Matt and Tom Reynolds
UTMA or 529 Plan A detailed look at the choices for saving money for your children WE ARE OFTEN ASKED BY CLIENTS, “WHAT IS THE BEST vehicle to save money for my kids?” There are essentially three choices for that question: a Uniform Transfers to Minors Account (UTMA), a 529 Savings Plan account, or an Education Savings Account (ESA). ESA accounts offer tax-free earnings if used for education and, unlike the 529 accounts, are eligible to be used for private K-12, in addition to undergraduate and graduate school. The reason we almost never recommend ESA accounts, however, is they are limited to $2,000 in annual contributions and are subject to income limitations. Based on these factors, we are going to set aside ESA accounts as a choice. That leaves the UTMA account and a 529 Savings Plan. Which one makes the most sense? As with most financial decisions, the answer to that question depends upon the circumstances. Let’s start by defining these accounts: An UTMA account is simply a registration that allows a child under the age of 21 to have a financial account without the need of creating a trust. The account requires a custodian age 21 or older. The custodian is the person who makes decisions in the account on behalf of the minor. Assets placed in this account are an irrevocable gift and the assets are legally owned by the minor. The income in these accounts is taxable and is subject to “Kiddie Tax”. Under the Kiddie Tax rules, the first $950 in income annually incurs no tax, the next $950 is taxed at the child’s marginal tax rate and above $1,900, tax is paid at the parents’ marginal tax rate. This is done to avoid families from shifting financial assets to children for the sole purpose of paying lower rates. The custodian can use the assets for anything that benefits the child. When the child reaches the age of 21, the custodian is removed and the account is titled to the former child at that point. Advantages 1) There are no contribution limits to an UTMA account. Amounts contributed to this account in excess of the annual $14,000 exclusion would require the donor, not the recipient, to file a gift tax return. 2) The funds are not restricted for use on education. They just need to be used for the benefit of the child. 3) There is a potential, albeit small, tax savings by doing this. As stated above, you pay no tax on the first $950 in income and the next $950 is taxed at the child’s, presumably lower, tax rate. 4) Unlimited investment choices. Disadvantages 1) It is an irrevocable gift. The assets cannot be taken back once put in the child’s registration. 2) When the child reaches the age of majority, in NJ age 21, they can
do with the funds as they please. 3) If the funds are to be used for college or graduate school, the UTMA offers no education tax incentive. A 529 Savings Plan is an education savings plan operated by a state of educational institutions designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. You are not required to use the 529 in your domicile state and your plan, regardless of which state is the sponsor, can be used for any college in any state. Contributions to a 529 Plan are invested and grow tax deferred. If the funds are ultimately used for education, distributions come out federally tax-free. Like the UTMA account, the 529 Plan has to have a named custodian, which they call the participant. What is different from the UTMA accounts is that the participant of a 529 Plan retains control indefinitely. Only the participant can request withdrawals and can close the account at any time. However, if the funds are used for anything other than education, the earnings portion of the account is subject to income tax, plus a 10% penalty. Most plans allow for contributions of $300,000 or more. Advantages 1) If used for education, the earnings are tax-free. 2) Donor maintains control indefinitely and can revoke. 3) Numerous automatic age-based investment options and more than 50 plans to choose from. 4) Transferrable to family members. Disadvantages 1) Penalty of 10% on earnings if not used for education. 2) Presently, cannot be used for K-12 education. 3) Restrictions on use, see 1 above. In summary, you have to ask what are you saving money for? If the answer is strictly education, then most likely the 529 Savings Plan will be the best choice. If you don’t want to restrict the funds for education, then the UTMA is most likely a better choice. Finally, you can do both. For example, we place all money that is given to our kids by other parties into their UTMA accounts, and we fund our 529 Plans exclusively. Matt & Tom Reynolds Co-Managing Partners — CRA Financial 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.
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FOODFARE By BILL HENRY
The New Restaurant Destination Pictured left to right: Sam Sherman, Executive Director of PARC, Chef Christopher Kearse of Will, Chef Joncarl Lachman of Noord, Chef Corey Baver of Izumi, and Chef Lee Styer of Fond. Photo by ROMEO PHOTO
One of the Top 10 “Best Foodie Streets in America” Food & Wine Magazine - May, 2013 48
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he Big News — One can now suggest that East Passyunk Avenue is officially happening. We have always known that Marra’s has been cooking since 1927, and everybody in the Philadelphia area has been there at least once. And there are some more interesting concepts that are always worthy of a visit … Paradiso, Tre Scalini, Mr. Martino’s, Mama Maria’s, and most certainly, Le Virtu (just to name a few). Maybe it was the moment Philadelphia
Will BYOB Photo courtesy of Will BYOB
Gravlax at Noord Photo by Bob Moysan
Magazine named Stateside (1536 E. Passyunk Ave.) the best restaurant in Philadelphia, but most restaurant destinations don’t happen by accident. In order to produce a major restaurant destination, there has to be tons of planning along with some substantial cash involved. There is a popular saying that suggests “people go where people go.” Pertaining to restaurants, I would add “chefs go where chefs go.” You need great chefs to make great restaurants and, if you know what you’re doing, the people will come. The powers to be in this area know what they were doing, and maybe they took a page from nearby Collingswood, New Jersey. It was in the early 1980s when Chef Nunzio Patruno was busy making a very successful career at the former Monte Carlo Living Room in Philadelphia. Several years later, the folks who literally run Collingswood persuaded Nunzio to place his new restaurant, Nunzio Ristorante Rustico, in their town. With his experience, popularity, and his audience, the chef
community began to join him, and in short order, Collingswood became a very serious restaurant destination. It’s not all that different in Philadelphia’s new restaurant destination known as East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. In this case, however, there was a
specific organization that must take special credit in helping to build this concept. PARC (Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation) is a non-profit entity that owns real estate in the Passyunk retail corridor. The properties include restaurants, retail stores, and apartments. Sam
Farmers Market at the Singing Fountain Photo by Romeo Photo
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Brown Cheesecake with Lemon Cannolis at Fond Photo by Rebecca Brett
Tuna & Avacado at Izumi Restaurant Photo by Christopher Gabello
Pork Belly with Purple Mustard & Spring Radishes at Will BYOB Photo courtesy of Will BYOB
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FOOD FARE
Sherman is the Executive Director, and he made things happen with help from his friends, including Renee Gilinger at the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District; the Passyunk Square Civic Association; and the East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association. Here is all you have to know about Sam Sherman. The first day on the job, he walked up to a fountain that was covered by a fence and basically treated it as a neighborhood oversight. His first act was to pull down the fencing and beautify what has become a meeting place, and the town centerpiece for all to enjoy, the beautiful “Singing Fountain”. In addition to maintaining and improving the area’s public space, the real work was to help establish a retail community that goes very well with restaurants, and to attract new restaurants that would be the catalyst for rejuvenating the entire neighborhood. Also new apartments (many occupied by the local chef community) and anything and everything that helps attract all the people that go where all those people go. Sherman is responsible for adding three outstanding restaurants to the mix; Fond with Chef Lee Styer, Will with Chef Christopher Kearse, and Noord with Chef Joncarl Lachman. He is also a strong supporter of IZUMI at 1601 E. Passyunk Avenue. Obviously, East Passyunk Avenue is an ongoing project and there is certainly more to come, but the people involved were successful in adding a most interesting (and fun) spot in our area of the world. n
The Social Scene
SOCIALSTUDIES
Deana Martin Concert Raises $125,000 for the Schultz-Hill Foundation Internationally-celebrated entertainer Deana Martin starred in her critically acclaimed show, Deana Sings Dino, at the Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars in Atlantic City on May 31. With over 1,200 in attendance, the event raised $125,000 for The SchultzHill Foundation. Deana Martin is an accomplished recording artist, best-selling author, actor, and in-demand performer, playing to sold out audiences worldwide. She is also the very proud daughter of iconic entertainer Dean Martin. Deana took the audience on a musical journey honoring her legendary father and other great performers who shaped American music and pop culture for over four decades. She sang the classics made popular the world over by her iconic father. The performance benefited the mission, programs, and outreach of The Schultz-Hill Foundation, a non-profit arts and education organization serving the Atlantic County region. The funds raised will support the foundation’s Senior Citizens Concert Series and student/teacher scholarships and grants. Master of Ceremonies was Lloyd Levenson, Esq., and the chairs of the event were Kevin Ortzman, Sr. Vice President of Caesars, and Bill & Paula Jane D’Amato Frankel.
Gary Hill (L) with Green Lee Security sponsors, Deanna Martin, and President Charles Solomon (R) and guests
L to R: Megan Brestle, Ed Blake, Deana Martin, Patti Lees and Meg Blake
Photos by Nick Valinote
Deana Sings Dino concert at Caesars
L to R: Doug Walker Esq., Lynn Hughes Esq, Deana Martin, Kevin Ortzman, Regional SVP and GM at Caesars, and CoFounder Gary Hill
Foundation Founders Gary Hill (L) and John Schultz Dr. & Mrs. Herman Sattkamp Jr. (Stockton (2nd from R) with Deana Martin and John Griffeth (R) College), Private Sponsor Party with Deana Martin
L to R: Dr. & Mrs. Fabio Orozco, Deana Martin and Dr. & Mrs. Khashayar Salartash
L to R: Kristine Kurilko, Amy Kelly and Barbara Scarduzzio
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The Social Scene
SOCIALSTUDIES
Celebrity Cook-off Officiated by Chef Luke Palladino
Photos by Eric Weeks
The 2013 ShopRite LPGA Classic, presented by Acer, was hosted at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, May 27-June 2. The tournament opened with an Official ProAm, followed by a ProAm Celebration at the Pool after Dark at Harrah’s. Players and amateurs mingled with guests and sponsors from the region. A celebrity cook-off between professional golfers Paige McKenzie and Natalie Gulbis was officiated by Chef Luke Palladino.
L to R: Michael Whan (LPGA Commissioner), Amanda Blumenherst (LPGA), a guest from from LPGA, Samuel Young (Greater AC Chamber Chariman), Tina LoBiondo
LPGA Players with Samuel Young
L to R: Amanda Blumenherst (LPGA), Luke Palladino, Tina LoBiondo, Tiffany Joh (LPGA)
Luke Palladino and NJ Lifestyle Magazine’s Kristine Kurilko
Servers displaying the array of hors d’oeuvres
AtlantiCare Recognizes Young Artists In collaboration with the Atlantic City School District and Senator William L. Gormley, the AtlantiCare Foundation Healing Arts Program held a reception for and exhibited the works of 40 Atlantic City School District students. The students, ranging from grades two to 12, participated in the district’s Jacob Lawrence Project. During the reception, AtlantiCare displayed the district’s contest winners’ works on easels and the remaining participants’ works in the George F. Lynn Harmony Pavilion of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Photo, left: Former Senator William Gormley with students who participated in the Jacob Lawrence Project. Top right: Medina Atlantic City Campus in the Peyton, principal of Sovereign Ave. School and Donna Haye, superintendent of AC Public Schools. Bottom right: Medina Peyton with David Tilton, president & CEO, AtlantiCare, holding Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series #58. hospital’s public art area. 52
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The Social Scene Gilda’s Club South Jersey Event a Success Photos by Nick Valinote
SOCIALSTUDIES The 3rd Annual Cocktails by the Beach fundraiser to benefit Gilda’s Club South Jersey (GCSJ) was held on June 6 and guests spent an incredible evening at One Atlantic in Atlantic City overlooking the ocean at sunset. GCSJ CEO
L to R: Development Manager Barbara Ferrera, CEO Michelle Chalmers, Chef Steven Barile, and Program Manager Adria Light
From L to R: Jaime Kravitz, Sue Reid, Lee Mesham, Krista Armstrong, Marla Brestle, and Kristine Kurilko
Vickie Simmons and Michael Simmons
Michelle Chalmers and Development Manager Barbara Ferrera presided over a one-of-a-kind silent auction. The event helped to raise funds for GCSJ’s valuable programs for men, women, and teens touched by cancer.
Mike & Marla Brestle and Krista & Pat Armstrong
Mark Arbeit, Michelle Chalmers, Mitch Tannehill Eric & Melissa Goldstein, Meredith & Joel Frankel
AtlantiCare Honors Award Winners AtlantiCare recognized Spirit of Women and Healthy Educator award winners during a dinner in their honor on May 23 at the Atlantic City Country Club. Fern Hedrick, of Northfield; Devon Kallen, of Northfield; Mimi Lynch, of Egg Harbor Township; and Cheryl Mendez, of Egg Harbor Township were recognized for their work in health education.
Mimi Lynch, of Egg Harbor Township
Cheryl Mendez, of Egg Harbor Township
Susan Polk of Devonshire was given the Mary Ann Coyle Community Hero AtlantiCare Spirit of Women Award. Winners will be eligible for the National Spirit of Women Award. AtlantiCare Spirit of Women, a membership program of AtlantiCare Women’s Health & Wellness, offers programs, education, and discounts for special events to women.
Robyn Boniewicz (l) and Susan Polk (r), of Devonshire
Fern Hedrick, of Northfield Devon Kallen, of Northfield
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The Social Scene
SOCIALSTUDIES
Tomorrow’s Wellness Center Celebrates Grand Opening in Northfield
Photos by Eric Weeks
On June 19, Dr. Scott Hernberg, Medical Director and Founder of Tomorrow’s Wellness Center, celebrated the grand opening of his expansive new location in Northfield. Over 70 clients, invited guests, and representatives from Dr. Hernberg’s top skincare and pharmaceutical companies enjoyed a tour of the treatment rooms, food, wine, and an exciting raffle of skincare products and services. Professional aesthetic services at this sophisticated medical spa range from laser treatments and skin rejuvenation techniques to weight management and hormone replacement therapy. L to R: Sandra Wilkinson, Brandi Weibrecht, Dr. Scott Hernberg, Tracy Smith and Michele Renda
Tomorrow’s Wellness Esthetician, Brandi Weibrecht (l) and iS Clinical Rep, Lori Ross (r)
L to R: Bonnie Santora, Sandra Wilkinson, and Kelly Brown
Martine Robinson (l) and Mary Ellen Capuano (r)
Dr. Hernberg and Julie Ann Pepper
AtlantiCare’s New Cancer Care Institute Opens in Cape May Court House AtlantiCare celebrated the opening of its newest facility on July 10 with a grand opening reception and a ribbon cutting at their new Cape May Court House campus. A $18.1 million, two-story 21,450 square-foot facility, the campus includes an extension of the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner, based in Egg Harbor Township; offices for AtlantiCare Physician Group Primary Care and Specialty Services; and
Artists who contributed works of art to AtlantiCare’s Cape May Court House campus 54
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physician time-share offices. “Through our partnership with Fox Chase, we’re providing expanded access to clinical trials and other vital specialty services,” said David Tilton, president and CEO, AtlantiCare. “We are truly honored to have this opportunity to broaden our services in Cape May County and help the people in this region achieve their health care goals in this beautiful new facility.”
L to R: Eddie Tate, Dr. Vijay Sandilya, Lauren Ochs, Dr. David Adelberg, Dan Lockwood (Mayor of Middle L to R: David Tilton, Dr. Vijay Sandilya, Dr. David Township), Dr. Michael Kane, Dr. James Wurzer, Lori Adelberg, Lori Herndon, Eugene Arnone Herndon, Lacey Peterman, David Titon and Eugene Arnone
The Social Scene AMI Foundation’s 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic
SOCIALSTUDIES The AMI Foundation’s 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic was held on June 20th at Ron Jaworski’s Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor City. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit local cancer support groups in
AMI Marketing Representative Art Laborte with his team Ron Jaworski (l) and AMI President members, Joseph Albanese, Chuck Budris, & Todd Mitchell & CEO Dr. Robert Glassberg (r)
2nd Place Winners, Team Gualtieri: Willis Cass, Bob Fredericks, Louis Gualtieri, and Irving Fryar
the Atlantic County and Cape May County areas. The golf classic, which has raised over $350,000 since its inception in 2002, is one of the many ways the AMI Foundation supports local charities throughout the community.
1st Place Winners, Team Glassberg: Robert Glassberg, Michael Krachman, Howard Epstein, & Casey Klingert (not pictured)
3rd Place Winners, Team Dowe: Rodger Gottlieb, David Dowe, Steven Dowe, and Dan Duran
Ron Jaworski speaking at the 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic dinner
Area Seniors Receive a Summertime Musical Treat The Schultz-Hill Foundation, in partnership with Atlantic County’s Office of Intergenerational Services, AtlantiCare, and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) presented “The Golden Age of Hollywood” at Dante Hall Theater on June 21 to over 200 area seniors. The free matinee featured exhilarating performances by a talented ensemble from the Greater Ocean City Theater Company,
Cast of Golden Age of Hollywood with Foundation Founders John Schultz & Gary Hill
and a guest appearance by impersonator Gary Dee of Resorts DIVAS as Joan Rivers. The Golden Age of Hollywood concert was a musical celebration of Hollywood’s most cherished memories and all-time favorite songs, under the direction of Michael Hartman. The matinee performance was the second in a three-part series of concerts for seniors, presented by the Schultz-Hill Foundation.
Golden Age Of Hollywood, performed by the Greater Ocean City Theater Company
Golden Age of Hollywood cast members
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Sweet and Savory Summer Flavors
I have a mega column for you this month, so please make sure you have a sharp pair of scissors on hand to cut out this award-worthy rendering and paste it on your fridge. If you happen to be reading this online, I recommend that you ignore the above suggestion and cut and paste using more traditional computer-friendly practices. I’ve been tasting some amazing drinks, along with some food items which blew me away and are so perfect for wine. Read on. Harry & David was founded in Medford, Oregon, and have been the gourmet food gurus for over 75 years. I received my Crater Lake Gift Basket Classic and Peach and Berry Pie on a hot day and they arrived in tip top 56
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condition with plenty of dry ice. The gift basket includes six Royal Riviera Pears; the most delicious and ripest pears I have ever eaten. The white sharp cheddar cheese was soft and tasted as though it had been cut a few minutes earlier. The milk chocolate moose munch popcorn was yumminess extraordinaire, and the remaining items: three-seed crackers, pepper and onion relish; chocolate cherries; assorted truffles; and three milk chocolate mini mints were historical, $49.95. The peach and berry pie contains juicy peaches, blueberries, and raspberries in a deep dish sugar crust. Don’t drop it on your foot or you’ll need crutches. The weight comes from the many pounds of fruit in the pie.
PHILLIP SILVERSTONE’S BEST OF THE BUNCH
From delicious seasonal delights to flavorful destination cocktail recipes This was the best pie I’ve ever eaten, and that includes anything my dear old mum has made ($39.95). Both the pie and the basket’s contents cry out for a glass of port or late harvest Riesling, www.harryanddavid.com. Ruffino is synonymous with the best value-for-money wines produced in Italy and Ruffino Moscato D’Asti DOCG is ideal nectar for these hot months. The wine is sweet, but not obnoxiously so, with a perfume of peaches and marmalade. It has a refreshing flavor with a touch of berries and lovely effervescence dancing on your tongue, approx. $14.99. Ruffino Prosecco has a sparkling yellow color and the perfume has lots of fruit and could easily be sprayed onto your wrist as the gorgeous fragrance lingers for a while. I distinctly tasted granny smith apples dancing around in the bubbles. Crisp, clean and totally satisfying, approx. $14.99. I recently enjoyed three wines with David D’Amore of Kobrand, purveyors of fine wines, and Michael Trujillo, president and director of winemaking at Napa’s Sequoia Grove Winery, founded in 1979.
2009 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (approx. $29.97) The color falls on the palette somewhere between very dark plum and coal black. The perfume from your glass is summer berries which follow through to the taste, along with coffee and chocolate. I’ll swear there was a trace of sweetness, perhaps from almost two years spent resting in American oak barrels.
2011 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Chardonnay (approx. $25.99) This wine reignited my interest in well-made Chardonnay. A pale yellow/ gold color and a perfume of citrus, toast, and dear old granny smith. The flavor has a nuttiness followed by the hint of fresh toast and a slight creamy richness that reminds me how good Chardonnay can be when it is made by a maestro.
Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavored, Italian liqueur. It is made from a base of apricot pits or almonds, sometimes both. Amaro in Italian means bitter and amore means love, so I assume whoever invented this wonderful drink was bitterly in love. Saronno is a commune of Lombardy, Italy, and legend has it that in 1525, a Saronno church commissioned artist Bernardino Luini, one of Leonardo da Vinci’s pupils, to paint their sanctuary with
2008 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cambium, approx. $109.93 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot) Here’s a technical description: WOW! If your year is going well and you have an extra $110 in your wallet, go out and buy a liquid Rembrandt! This masterpiece has the same dark color of the Cabernet with a perfume of dark berries some coffee and chocolate. The taste is incredibly rich, with the freshest fruits and the finest chocolate coming into play. So far, my wine of the year!
L to R: Disaronno Originale, Ruffino Moscato D’Asti DOCG, 2011 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2009 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Cambium
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Best of the Bunch frescoes. As the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Luini needed to depict the Madonna, but was in need of a model. He found his inspiration in a young widowed innkeeper, who became his model and (because he was Italian) lover. Out of gratitude and affection, the woman wished to give him a gift (only in Italy would a woman want to give a man a gift for being her lover, or have I missed the point here?). Her simple means did not permit much, so she steeped apricot kernels in brandy and presented the resulting concoction to an appreciative Luini. I always enjoyed Amaretto DiSaronno and was recently reintroduced to this liqueur that is now called Disaronno Originale (approx. $50) and is still sold in that splendid rectangular bottle. I have always enjoyed the flavor of almond and marzipan and this drink has the familiar and distinctive bittersweet almond taste. The brand’s secret ingredients date back to the 16th century, but that’s not something I fully believe because who on earth can keep a secret for almost 600 years. My own personal record for secret keeping is 3 days and 17 hours. According to the DiSaronno web site, their amaretto contains no almonds, and is nut-free, so it is safe for people with nut or related allergies. I have always sipped this intensely flavorful elixir with a couple of ice cubes clinking away at the side of the glass. But there are some cocktail recipes that I tried with this drink and they are absolutely smashing year-round sips. DiSaronno is calling them “destination cocktails” because they are influenced by some very luxurious holiday retreats.
World’s Best Syrup
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Maple Farms stands among towering oldgrowth Red and Sugar Maple trees in the Adirondack Mountains. They have created over a dozen different flavors of infused maple syrup, including cream and candy using fresh, farmraised fruit and craft liquors from small batch. The syrup is naturally infused with organic fruits from local farms during the condensation from sap to syrup and then again upon bottling. I made a batch of waffles and then sampled Berkshire Mountain Bourbon, Rhode Island Raspberry, and Strawberry and Hazelnut. My conclusion: waffles should be banned unless they are accompanied by Maple Farms syrups, www.maplefarminfusions.com.
Decadent Destination Cocktails
DAY IN CAPRI — Capri, Campania, Naples, Italy Ingredients: l 1 ounce DiSaronno l 1 bar spoon apricot preserves l ½ ounce Bacardi 8 Rum l ¾ ounce lemon juice l ½ ounce simple syrup Instructions:
Shake ingredients and strain over ice in a rocks glass; garnish with fresh thyme.
SMASH SPICED AÑEJO DAIQUIRI — San Juan, Puerto Rico Ingredients: l ¾ ounce DiSaronno l 1 ounce Bacardi Oakheart l ¾ ounce lime juice l ½ ounce simple syrup l 3 thumbnail slices of ginger Instructions:
First muddle ginger and then add all ingredients into mixing glass. Shake for ten seconds and strain into cocktail glass; garnish with lime wedge.
DISARONNO SKINNY SOUR — St. Bart’s Ingredients: l 1 ½ ounces DiSaronno l 1 ounce fresh lemon juice l 1 packet artificial sweetener Instructions: Combine all ingredients. Splash of club soda to top, then garnish with a cherry. DISARONNO SUMMER COBBLER — St. Tropez Ingredients: l Long lemon peel l Long orange peel l ¼ ounce lemon juice l 1 ounce DiSaronno l M&R Prosecco Instructions:
Squeeze the lemon and orange peels into the bottom of the Pilsner glass and drop them in. Add lemon juice, DiSaronno, and muddle with the back of your bar spoon. Add to ¾ of the glass crushed or pellet ice then add to ¾ of the glass Prosecco. Now swizzle to optimum cold temp then stir and fold by bringing the top to the bottom ensuring consistency throughout the cocktail. Add more crushed or pellet ice and top with Prosecco. Garnish with fresh berries in season.
Let me know which ones you most enjoyed … unless you want to keep it a secret. Cheers! “Time Out With Phillip Silverstone” is heard on WWDB 860 AM Fridays, from 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. with an encore Fridays at 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. and on Tuesday’s from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. You can also “Listen Live” and hear the podcast through Phillip’s web site: www.thesilverstonecollection. com/category/podcast. His column appears in every edition of NJ Lifestyle Magazine. njlifestyleonline.com
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LIFESTYLE
Restaurant Report
with Bill Henry
COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE AREA RESTAURANT SCENE
It’s time to talk Italian…
Chef Luke Palladino
Seasonal Italian Cooking Catering & Take-Away 1333 New Road • Northfield, NJ 609-646-8189 • www.lukepalladino.com Harrah’s Resort 777 Harrah’s Blvd. • Atlantic City, NJ Revel 5000 Boardwalk, Revel Beach • Atlantic City, NJ 60
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In terms of popularity, Americans love Italian food and can’t get enough of it. The range in terms of quality is gigantic, and the difference can be anywhere from baked ziti at a corner pizzeria to a real meal at Girasole or perhaps one of Luke Palladino’s restaurants. Just listen to what Luke has to say about real food. “My basic rule is to avoid any food engineered by man. These foods are by no means pure and true to their natural and organic form. Engineered foods are altered and manipulated resulting in the food’s nutrients and inherent goodness being stripped out of them and replaced by texture enhancers and chemicals. Engineered foods are always much higher in fats, sugar and sodium. So I choose to select foods in their pure form, and prepare them simply.” And here is what Craig Laban of The Philadelphia Inquirer had to say about Luke’s Trattoria in Northfield, “One of the most special dining experiences in South Jersey, and one of the best Italian restaurants in the entire region.” Chef Palladino graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1989, and he spent four years cooking in Italy just to hone his skills. In 2003, the young chef joined the new Borgata with three restaurants; Specchio, Ombra, and Risi Bisi. With his appreciation of the South Jersey area, he is now operating in three local spots — his 30seat Luke Palladino’s Seasonal Italian Cooking and Catering (Northfield); Luke Palladino’s Harrah’s; and his Kitchen & Marketplace at the Revel. Everything he does is all about fresh and healthy local, seasonal ingredients and working with the local farmers to present the best Italian cuisine possible. His food speaks for itself, and without question, he has become one of our area’s great chefs. This man is what real Italian food is all about. www.lukepalladino.com
LIFESTYLE
Restaurant Report
COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE AREA RESTAURANT SCENE
Speaking about truly great local Italian food, the classic Girasole on Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City has to be involved, and the timing is perfect. Gino Iovino, the owner of a 21 year-old fabulous Italian spot, has instituted a most interesting concept that you just don’t see in America. Gino brought his expertise and love of fashion into his restaurant. He calls it eNextDoor, and now his loyal clientele can dine and shop at the same time. There will be impromptu Italian fashion shows with coats, jackets and dresses from designers like Versace and Cavalli that can be purchased at a fraction of the price. Food takes on fashion and it simply makes the Girasole experience even more interesting. Of course, Girasole will always be about the food, and guests can be seated in the enclosed garden patio or inside the plush lounge area. Try the new Carpaccio Aragosta — thinly sliced lobster with potatoes, red onion, arugula and a homemade apple mayo, or several items from their new summer menu. You can’t get any more Italian than Girasole and Gino Iovino. The combination is like no other restaurant anywhere. Gino and Luke — as Italian as true Italian can possibly be!
Girasole Ocean Club Condos • 3108 Pacific Avenue Atlantic City, NJ • 609-345-5554 • girasoleac.com
Gino Iovino
eNextDoor.com 609-348-2250
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DINING Gallery Luke Palladino Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern
2300 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City 344-2439 angelosfairmounttavern.com Located in the Ducktown section of Atlantic City, Angelo’s has endured and flourished for three generations of Mancuso’s — since 1935 — making this restaurant an institution in Atlantic City. More than 75 years of dining excellence have made their homestyle Italian menu age like a fine Italian wine. Through the years, Angelo’s has become a perennial gathering place for friends and a haven for the hungry.
Crab Trap
2 Broadway, Somers Point, NJ 609-927-7377 www.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.
Plaza 9 Shopping Center, 1333 New Road, Northfield, NJ 609-646-8189 www.lukepalladino.com Intimate and stylish Atlantic County BYOB featuring authentic Italian cuisine that honors tradition, yet is boldly spontaneous. Chef Palladino’s pride and passion is evident in the menu, featuring handcrafted pastas, seasonal local produce, and expertly prepared fish and meats. Specials are available nightly, desserts are made on premises, and don’t forget to inquire about having Luke Palladino cater your next affair.
Phillips Seafood
Girasole Ristorante & Lounge Berkshire Grill
6105 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp 609-272-8808 berkshiregrillnj.com Superbly prepared entrees including aged USDA Choice steaks, slow roasted Prime Rib and Grilled Chicken Portofino. Signature entrees include Mandarin Glazed Salmon, Spinach Pecan Salad, and Shrimp & Mussels Linguine. A large selection of sandwiches, salads, wraps, steaks, chicken, seafood and pasta is offered.
3108 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-345-5554 www.girasoleac.com An Italian boutique restaurant with a strong Mediterranean influence. Fresh ingredients and simple preparations, served in style, with Versace banquettes and place-settings. A beautiful bar with a noteworthy selection of custom cocktails and quality wines offered.
Pier at Caesars, Atlantic City 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. An upscale, interactive dining experience with their exhibition kitchen and sweeping ocean views.
Renault Winery Library IV Bonefish Grill
3121 Fire Road, Egg Harbor Township 609-646-2828 www.bonefishgrill.com Your local seafood restaurant in Egg Harbor Township, NJ! Their anglers are here to ensure your Bonefish Grill experience is outstanding each and every time you visit. Check out their seafood menu and daily specials on their web site. Happier Hours Sun- Thurs from 4 - 6:30 PM. $5 Bang bang shrimp every Wed., all day. Now serving Sunday Brunch. 62
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1030 N. Blk Horse Pike, Williamstown 856-728-8064 www.libraryiv.com The area’s greatest steakhouse under the direction of owner Brian O’Keeney. Offering quality prepared food and friendly service. Serving hand-cut steaks by the ounce, prime rib, seafood, veal and chicken. The Library IV restaurant has been the area’s top steakhouse for 30 years. A recently completed remodel includes a new kitchen, new 30 foot long salad bar and dining rooms. A casual and cozy atmosphere sets this restaurant apart from the others, and their commitment to top quality has stood the test of time.
72 N. Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City 609-965-2111 www.renaultwinery.com Shades of Tuscany, located on 1,400 beautiful acres, Renault features two restaurants. Joseph’s features the superb cuisine of one of the area’s most talented chefs — Chef Joseph Degennero — with a moderately priced menu and a wine program that includes selections from the Renault collection. Open every day for lunch and dinner. In season, check out the Sunday Tuscan Brunch. The Gourmet Restaurant at Renault features a Seafood Buffet on Friday nights and a Saturday night dinner with chef stations. On Sunday is Renault’s award-winning Sunday Brunch.
Great Food. Great Drinks. Great Atmosphere. Seaview Dolce
401 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1800 www.dolceseaview.com The entire presentation of this beautiful resort delivers an ambiance from another era. There’s something very special about enjoying a delightful breakfast, lunch or dinner with a panoramic view of the historic Bay Course. Their famous Friday Night Seafood Buffet and the equally famous Sunday Country Club Champagne Brunch represents some of the best dining experiences on the entire East Coast.
One Visit and You’ll Feel Like a Regular
Mon - Thurs 4-11 Fri -saT 4-12 sun 3-10
Smithville Inn
1 N. New York Road, Smithville, NJ 609-652-7777 www.smithvilleinn.com A lovely historical inn on 40 acres of pristine gardens and lakes. The Smithville Inn offers a wide selection of cuisine and is one of South Jersey’s premiere restaurants. Minutes away from Atlantic City, in the Historic Towne of Smithville. Serving sophisticated comfort food in a warm environment. Specialties include Chicken Pot Pie, Crab Cakes, and Osso Bucco Frico. A tradition of hospitality that has been carried on since 1787. Banquets and private parties. Sunday brunch.
Introducing our After 8pm Special Menu
(609) 272-8808
www.BerkshireGrillnJ.coM
6105 Black horse Pike & enGlish creek, eGG harBor TownshiP
Have an appetizer or sandwich with a beer or our glassAfter of wine... Introducing 8pm Special Me Only $8 from 8pm till closing every night. Have an appetizer or sandw Available in the bar, and dining room.
with a beer or glass of win
Only $8 from 8pm till closi every night all summer lon
A Touch of Italy
6629 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp. 609-641-1855 www.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.
Tuckahoe Inn
1 Harbor Road, Beesley’s Point, NJ 609-390-3322 www.tuckahoeinn.com Come join the good times at the Tuckahoe Inn. A casual family restaurant and tavern with weekly inside specials, bar specials, happy hour Monday thru Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM, Sunday breakfast, lunch specials and an Early Bird menu. Bands and entertainment all year long. Visit thier web site for menus, specials and event calendar.
$5 HAPPY HOUR FOOD AND DRINK MENU SUNDAYS-WEDNESDAYS 4PM-6PM & 10:30PM-MIDNIGHT
THE QUARTER AT TROPICANA 2801 PACIFIC AVE. ATLANTIC CITY, NJ 609.317.4660 njlifestyleonline.com
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CASINO DINING ATLANTIC CLUB CASINO
BALLY’S Izakaya
Ono Chinese Bistro & Bar
Boston Ave & Boardwalk, Atlantic City 609-347-7111 atlanticclubcasino.com Enjoy traditional Chinese fare with their classic Sushi Bar, Seafood, Beef & Pork, Chicken & Duck, Chow Mein, Noodles and Rice, Egg Foo Young, Vegetables and Tofu. The view of the boardwalk and ocean is as amazing as the food, now under the direction of Chef Brian Tsui.
Arturo’s Ristorante
Bally’s Casino, Atlantic City 609-340-2300 www.ballysac.com Bally’s own Little Italy! Chef Maurizio prepares Milk fed Veal any way your heart desires, Picatta, Marsala, Francese, and of course, their famous Veal Parmigiana. Vibrant Italian mosaics abound as this restaurant offers tranquil views of the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean.
BORGATA
Patsy’s
Boston Ave & Boardwalk, Atlantic City 609-340-6856 atlanticclubcasino.com Real Italian food is what this classic (New York) restaurant is all about. It’s a clone of the Neapolitan joint on West 56th Street and a well-known Sinatra favorite that has become an Atlantic City favorite. It’s Patsy’s — forget about it! ChickenSaltimbocca, Veal Parmigiana, Steak Pizzaiola, and Pork Tenderloin are all less than $20. There’s even family-style meals that start as low as $14 (up to $36 for four people).
Wolfgang Puck American Grille
One Borgata Way, Atlantic City 609-317-1000 www.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.
One Borgata Way, Atlantic City 609-317-1000 www.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.
RESORTS
Gallagher’s Steakhouse
N. Carolina & Boardwalk, Atlantic City 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
Simon AC Steak & Seafood
Boston Ave & Boardwalk, Atlantic City 609-347-7111 atlanticclubcasino.com It’s yet another “Hot” Atlantic Club restaurant. There are three steaks on the menu for less than $20 (including their 10-oz. NY Strip), and delicious appetizers for under $10 (Crab Cake, BBQ Pork Chops, and Seafood Tacos). Meatloaf ($16); DoubleCut Pork Chop ($17); their classic The Oak’s Chicken Cordon bleu ($18) and the Filet of North Atlantic Salmon ($16) have quickly become house favorites. 64
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Old Homestead Steak House
One Borgata Way, Atlantic City 609-317-1000 www.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.
N. Carolina & Boardwalk, Atlantic City 609-344-6000 www.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. Try the lobster with shiitake mushrooms and sweet peppers served on a baked polenta round; or the Costolette di Vitello alla Lombardese; or absolutely the Ossobuco di Vitello alla Lombardese, braised in a red wine and tomato sauce served with saffron risotto. The food is as spectacular as the view.
TRUMP TAJ MAHAL
Robert’s Steakhouse
Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City 609-449-1000 www.trumptaj.com Opened October 2012, Robert’s is one of a few steakhouses in Atlantic City to perform its painstaking dry-age techniques in house, for six weeks. While Robert’s Steakhouse of New York is designed to please omnivores of all varieties, the superstars of the menu remain the steaks, including a hearty, bonein NY Strip, a delicate filet mignon, and the ultimate Porterhouse for two. Additionally, there are grilled garlic and rosemary lamb chops, citrusy seared scallops and a decadent, truffle-laced risotto. The kitchen uses locally-grown produce and offers many seasonal specialty dishes.
TRUMP PLAZA
Max’s Steakhouse
Boardwalk at Mississippi, Atlantic City 609-441-6420 www. trumpplaza.com Can a steak become a work of art? One visit to Max’s Steakhouse at Trump Plaza, with a taste of what Chef Les Bender has to offer, and the answer is a resounding yes. Classic warm red hues, impressive woodwork and traditional, crisp, white tablecloths capture your attention and set the tone for an exceptional dining experience. Featuring Certified Angus Beef, the menu includes bone-in-rib eye, seared salmon and scallops, ahi tuna and the ultimate surf and turf, featuring an 8-ounce coldwater lobster tail and an 8-ounce filet mignon.
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.
On the circle in Somers Point 609-927-7377 Serving from 11am Children’s Menu Available Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails Live Music • Deck Bar
Roberto’s Ristorante
Boardwalk at Mississippi, Atlantic City 609-441-7820 www.trumpplaza.com At Roberto’s Ristorante at Trump Plaza, a stop to look over the menu is worth the visit alone. Northern and southern Italian cuisine is all prepared under the watchful eye of Chef de Cuisine Robert Pfander of Ocean City. Entrees run the gamut from oven cappalini spiaggia to seasoned lamb chops to sauteed Dover sole. Complement it all with the ideal bottle of wine from Roberto’s extensive collection, as you take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The perfect ending to a perfect dinner is guaranteed with an individual souffle of either grand marnier or chocolate. njlifestyleonline.com
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A FINAL WORD By SHERRY HOFFMAN
A Moment Reminiscing A walk down memory lane reveals some interesting musings
“Y
ou can’t go home again,” author Thomas Wolfe intoned solemnly in his posthumous 1940 novel. “Who says you can’t go home again?” musician Jon Bon Jovi countered 50 years later. For years, I drove past the house in which I grew up, never once actually stopping for a closer look. But one day, while taking a walk with my daughter, I found myself standing outside that small boxy house. Only the cars parked on either side gave a hint as to whether I was standing in 1955 or 2013. I wanted to it to be 1955. I wanted the only thing I had to worry about was finding my skate key. I wanted to hear a very young mom call me in for dinner. I wanted to go home again. Suddenly the front door opened. It wasn’t a very young mom. It was a woman who I had actually worked with several years earlier. I explained to her that I spent the first 18 years of my life in that particular house and, without hesitation, she invited my daughter and me inside for a look at my past. First thought: in June of 1963 my planned outdoor bat mitzvah party got rained out. How did all those people fit in that tiny house? My next attempt to go home was a few weeks ago. Totally out of character, I “planned” my 45th high school reunion. By planned I mean sending out a few emails and posting on Facebook. About two dozen people showed up, but it was enough to keep us there way after midnight swapping stories of crushes never confessed, classmates that had passed away, and asking each other what ever happened to what’s his name. The evening was familiar and relaxed. It felt like home. There were no high school egos, no clicks, and no pretense. No one came dressed to impress. Out of journalistic curiosity, I asked each of them what they missed most about high school.
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The consensus: nothing. They had felt awkward, out of place, misunderstood. But with another 45 years under their belts, they had grown into themselves. They had grown up. At the end of the evening, I found myself sitting at the bar with Mr. Wolfe and Mr. Bon Jovi sharing one final drink at last call. We clinked glasses. “I think you’re both right,” I told them. “You can go home again. You just can’t stay very long.” n Photo by SHERRY HOFFMAN
picture perfect
enault Winery Resort & Golf offers the perfect setting to create splendid memories... With exquisite ballrooms, beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony sites and lavish hotel accommodations, Renault Winery Resort & Golf is the premier destination wedding facility. Our professionals are waiting to walk you through every step of the way. To set up your personal tour call 609.965.2111 or visit www.RenaultWinery.com 72 N. Bremen Avenue Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 Parkway Exit 44
renault winery
tuscany house
vineyard golf
Renault Winery • Tuscany House Hotel • Joseph's Restaurant • Vineyard Golf Course • Renault Gourmet Restaurant • Weddings • Banquets • Corporate Meetings • Award Winning Wines • Gift Shop • Tours & Tasting
ACCIDENTS DON’T TAKE A VACATION. NEITHER DO WE. PEDIATRICIANS ONSITE AT
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP URGENT CARE CENTER Mon–Fri 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Our medical teams have been meeting the urgent care needs of patients of all ages in southeastern New Jersey for more than 10 years. Our board-certified providers treat everyone from infants to grandparents for a variety of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries—from the flu and asthma to broken bones and deep cuts. During the summer we offer even more access to AtlantiCare, opening up our Primary Care offices for walk-ins and providing after-hours care. We’re here to help you get back to your vacation sooner.
Scan the QR code to save our contact information, so you can find us when you need us.
URGENT CARE CENTER Physician Group www.atlanticare.org/urgent • 1-888-569-1000