NJ Lifestyle Winter 2014 Issue

LifeStyle NEW JERSEY

WINTER 2014 / $5.95

Melting Your Heart ROMANTIC FINDS • BRILLIANT BUBBLES • CULINARY BLISS ARCHITECTURE • MAJESTIC AUTOMOBILES • NASH VEGAS

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“I don’t think love is blind, true love is probably the most clear-eyed state of being there is.”

—Marisa de los Santos, Love Walked In

Experience the latest concept from Luke Palladino

THE • VIEW

True Love Examined

T

he closing of a casino is not exactly the end of the world, and, as of this writing, we still have eleven more currently operating in the area. But it is with much sadness that we report the beloved Atlantic Club closed their doors in January. Yet, the real story is much more intense than simply, “the Atlantic Club closed their doors.”

The real story is that some 1,600 dedicated employees lost their jobs. The official announcement of the closing took place during the 2013 holiday season, which made it even worse. These are the days of unemployment. We are talking about families and missed paychecks. It is a tragedy for all involved, as the love for this neighborhood casino could be felt in the outpouring of support for the employees by locals and visitors alike.

This Winter 2014 issue marks the 12th Anniversary of New Jersey LifeStyle Magazine.

It’s been a fabulous 12 years, and we plan to enjoy yet an even better 12 years, leading us to a 24-year anniversary. By supporting a community we love, we are rewarded in so many immeasurable ways.

We are all too aware that the new digital world has been unkind to so many local and national print publications. That might be true for many, but we are already publishing a digital edition, entitled The Lifestyle Report. And, because, like singer Mark Knopfler chants, “True Love Will Never Fade,” we will continue to publish an outstanding print product until the music stops.

It’s who we are. It’s what we do. And in this regard, our True Love Will Never Fade!

Plaza 9 Center 1333 New Road • Northfield, NJ 609.646.8189 lukepalladino.com

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LIFESTYLE | Winter 2014

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2014

Remembering the excitement of a bygone era and the majestic automobiles that ruled the boardwalk, See page 34.

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

Lifestyle Artchitecture features this colonial home in Galloway, a showcase of fine art and design. But for the residents and their kids, it’s just home sweet home.

FEATURES

Romantic Finds ................................. 20 Heartfelt gifts to add fun to your Valentine’s Day celebration.

Home & Design Profile ..................... 28 The sale is just beginning at Art Handler’s Appliance Center.

Lifestyle Nostalgia ............................. 46 A nostalgic story from the late Christopher Cook Gilmore.

Savor ............................................... 50 An insider’s look at Atlantic City Restaurant Week.

Brilliant Bubbles ............................... 54 Champagne and Valentine’s Day are a match made in heaven.

Food Fare ..........................................56 Upscale, romantic restaurants at the top of their game.

Living Healthy ........................................... 10 Take time to unplug for a healthy dose of balance.

Money Watch ............................................ 11 2013, the year in review.

Health Watch............................................. 12 Stress tests are demystified.

Health Profile............................................. 14 You’re as beautiful as you feel at Tomorrow’s Wellness Center

Lifestyle Fashion........................................ 16 Winter wardrobe makeover.

First Person............................................... 22 Financial experts Tom and Matt Reynolds.

Lifestyle Architecture.................................. 24 Where the heart is.

The Social Scene........................................ 30 Get the picture on the latest events and happenings.

Lifestyle On Wheels.................................... 34 Majestic automobiles that ruled the boardwalk.

Lifestyle Legends........................................38 Our choices for the top 10 classic romance films.

Lifestyle Fashion Battle the cold weather blues by organizing your closet and procuring must-have essential items for 2014, like this timeless watch that you can wear with everything.

Lifestyle Travel............................................42 The city of Nashville answers to many names.

Dining Gallery............................................ 60 All of the details on the area’s great dining venues.

A Final Word.............................................. 64 Broken heart? Call 911.

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196 HANGOVERS 4 HEARTBREAKS 135 SUNBURNS 3 TEENAGERS 2 DIVORCES

LifeStyle NEW JERSEY

MAGAZINE

Publisher / Creative Director

Darla Hendricks darlabh2@gmail.com

Forehead Lines

Associate Publisher

Eyebrow Rehab

Shh...

HIDE THE EVIDENCE.

Barbara Scarduzzio

Frown Lines

barbaras1@comcast.net Editor

Crow’s Feet

Bill Henry Vice President of Marketing

Christine Gray Vice President of Sales

Blood Vessels

Kristine Kurilko Smile Lines

Advertising Director

Charles Epstein

Lip Enhancement

Copy Editor

Alyson Boxman Levine

Marionette Lines

Contributing Writers

Christopher Cook Gilmore Molly Golubcow Sherry Hoffman Alyson Boxman Levine Marjorie Preston Nina Radcliff, MD Matt and Tom Reynolds Elaine Rose Salvatore J. Spena Robin Stoloff

Dr. Scott Hernberg 1750 Zion Road, Suite 204 Northfield, NJ l 609.407.1119 TomorrowsWellnessCenter.com

The Shore’s most unique collection of women’s apparel, accessories, shoes and outerwear

Travel Editor

THE QUARTER AT TROPICANA

Dan Schlossberg

609-289-8099

Photographers

Nick Valinote Eric Weeks

THE PIER AT CAESARS

609-449-8270

Online Media Info

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www.njlifestyleonline.com

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Accounting

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Bernie Mev • Eric Michael • Franco Sarto John Fashion • Onex • Naot • Fitflop La Plume • Sam Edelman • Michael Kors

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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

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2 2 0 N e w R o a d , a c m e P l a z a • S o m e R S P o i N t, N J 0 8 2 4 4 • w w w . w e l c o m e 2 l i f e . N e t

AL

CHATTER

LOC

That’s Hot

Ready or not, a bit of Hollywood glamour, and drama, is coming to Atlantic City. Los Angeles socialite Paris Hilton has recently signed a DJ residency deal at The Pool at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. Following up an extremely lucrative year of DJ duties in Ibiza, Paris — who recently named herself one of the Top 5 DJs in the world — is set to make approximately $100K per night at Harrah’s and is guaranteed a minimum of four performances. The Pool at Harrah’s hosted Miss Hilton twice last year.

Bids “Boardwalk Empire” ity Adieu to Atlantic C Say goodbye to Nucky, Chalky White, and all your other favorite “Boardwalk Empire” characters as Prohibition will soon end in Atlantic City. HBO has announced that the fifth and final season of their award-winning period gangster drama will air this fall. Over the last four seasons, locals have delighted in this series, which is set in the 1920s during Prohibition and chronicles the life and times of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), the undisputed leader of Atlantic City.

“After much discussion with my creative team and HBO, we’ve decided to wrap up the series after such a great run and look forward to bringing it to a powerful and exciting conclusion,” said creator/executive producer Terence Winter. Boardwalk Empire won 13 Emmys in its first three seasons.

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Happy Birthday to the Historic Absecon Lighthouse

In January 2014, the historic Absecon Lighthouse celebrated 157 years. This landmark lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, at 171 feet, and the third tallest lighthouse in the U.S. Visitors willing to climb 228 steps up the restored lighthouse tower are greeted with a spectacular view of the Jersey Shore. Even those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground find the Absecon Lighthouse a fascinating place to visit.

During its construction period, which lasted from 1855 to 1857, the Absecon Lighthouse temporarily fell under the direction of Lieutenant George Meade, who would one-day command Union forces at the Battle of Gettysburg. More than a century later, the Absecon Lighthouse had its name added to the National Register of Historic Places. The same firstorder Fresnel lens used to light the way for mariners when the Absecon Lighthouse first opened is still in use today.

T HE BUZ Z O N HA P P E N IN GS IN A N D AR OU N D OU R A R E A The Greatest Gala on Earth

The Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, the region’s premier formal fundraising event, will celebrate its 31st anniversary on March 13, 2014 at Bally’s Atlantic City.

Over the past 30 years, the gala has raised nearly $3 million for scholarships at the Academy of Culinary Arts, to support educational endeavors at Atlantic Cape Community College and to help underwrite Foundation operations.

The 2014 event will feature delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared by Academy students and showcase the specialties of over 40 of the region’s best restaurants through a progressive dining experience. The event will also include top-of-theline entertainment, dancing, and a “Dessert Extravaganza,” coordinated by award-winning Chef Deborah Pellegrino, Executive Pastry Chef of Caesars Entertainment.

Experience Experimenta l Theater at Stockton

Get Schooled at Local Pizza Making Class

You say you can’t make pizza? Fear not! All it takes is a class at the award-winning Tony’s Boloney’s restaurant next to the Revel in Atlantic City and you will be pizza making like a pro. The 2-hour class, offered on Saturday mornings, will teach you how to make dough, toss a pie, and maybe even reveal a few of the restaurant’s secrets to success.

This unique class will take you back in time when dough was made by hand, yeast didn’t come from a bag, and cheese was made and pulled fresh daily. Mike Hauke, owner of Tony Boloney’s, will take you through a brief history of the Atlantic City Inlet and the techniques used back in the day to make pizza. Then, attendees will move on to actually making the pizza and learning how to apply all the ingredients from scratch.

The Mustache Mobile, the food truck run by Hauke, recently wowed a panel of judges on LIVE’s Truckin’ Amazing Cook-Off on “LIVE with Kelly and Michael” and won $20,000, and bragging rights.

Celebrate the world premiere of an original collaboration by Atlantic City native Turiya Raheem and Stockton professor Pamela Hendrick. Adapted for the stage by Hendrick, this unique experimental theater production is based on the book, Growing Up in the Other Atlantic City: Wash’s and the Northside by Turiya Raheem. From the 1920s through the 1970s, the Washington family helped build and shape a vibrant and thriving African American community in Atlantic City’s Northside neighborhood. The production will run from Feb. 12-16 at Stockton’s Performing Arts Center.

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L

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C

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The Drones Are Comin

g

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This spring, Atlantic Cape Community plans to offer a course about the newest field in flying — drone technology. Over the last three years, the college has trained students for aviation jobs and this class on unmanned aviation systems coincides perfectly with a recent announcement that the FAA chose New Jersey as one of six sites to research how to prepare our nation for the launch of domestic drones in 2015. Atlantic Cape students will receive instruction about drones from FAA experts who work at the nearby William J. Hughes Technical Center.

Celebrated Irish Tenor to Visit Cape May

Beloved Irish tenor, recording artist, and paralympian Ronan Tynan will be making a stop at the Cape May Convention Hall on Saturday, March 8th. Through his voice, Tynan moves audiences like few others can, and The New York Times called him “the closest thing this country has to an official Meistersinger.”

Ronan won both the John McCormack Cup for Tenor Voice and the BBC talent show “Go For It” less than one year after beginning the study of voice. The following year, he won the International Operatic Singing Competition in Maumarde, France.

His debut solo album, My Life Belongs to You, was released in 1998 and jumped straight into the charts at number five and was certified gold.

Introduced to international audiences as a member of the Irish Tenors, Tynan returned to a solo career in 2005 with his self-titled album. Ronan debuted #2 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover Chart and was the 8th best-selling classical crossover album of 2005. A double amputee, Tynan has amassed eighteen gold medals and fourteen world records at the Paralympics between 1981 and 1984, and still holds nine world records.

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Profile of a Dumpster Diver

On January 17, “Eric Schultz: Man and the Machine,” a one-man show, opened at the Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville. Schultz is a self-proclaimed dumpster diver who creates intricate sculptures from his finds.

“In my case, being an artist is to love creating artwork that evokes wonder in the imagination of the passerby, a quest for the secret story behind the object,” reveals Schultz. “Everywhere there are discarded treasures to find and recycle into new art. I transform them into common forms such as: animals, cars, robots, and my own special characters. This technique helps the viewer to identify and feel the link between the materials, the forms I create, and the stories One of Eric Schultz’s sculptures they imagine.” made from harvested materials.

Divorce Law South Jersey 2014

Michael Gill

Anticipated Farmers Market Comes to Brigantine

It’s a Girl!

The Cape May County Zoo recently welcomed its first Giraffe calf in more than a decade.

The female Giraffe, the first born at the facility in twelve years, was born weighing approximately 150 lbs. and measuring just under six feet tall. According to zoo officials, she is healthy and happy.

The proud parents are Joanie, a 7-year-old female who came to the Cape May County Zoo in 2011 from the Bronx Zoo. The father, Sterling, is a 17-yearold bull originally from Busch Gardens in Tampa.

There may still be frost on the ground, but the Brigantine Beach Green Team is already planning for the summer and thinking about locally-grown produce. Plans are being finalized to bring a weekly farmers market to the island this summer.

Opening day is June 28, and one potential site being discussed is the 15th Street area. Currently, the farmers market will run every Saturday for eight weeks.

Bringing a farmers market to the island was one of the Green Team’s priority projects when the group formed a year ago. During the summer months, Brigantine residents have to travel off the island to find locally-grown produce.

Save the Date

“One of the Atlantic City area’s best known ... and most accomplished ... divorce lawyers.”

Goldenberg Mackler Sayegh Mintz Pfeffer Bonchi & Gill

660 New Road, Northfield • gmslaw.com

(609) 646-0222

Charles Matison

“High-energy, personable and tenacious ... some of the strongest courtroom skills in the state.”

Law Offices of Charles A. Matison, Esq., P.C.

1640 Tilton Road, Northfield • cmatison.com

(609) 407-1100

Mark Biel

“Renowned for his experience, skill and personality ...

Universally regarded as one of the region’s premier matrimonial attorneys.”

Biel, Zlotnick & Feinberg, P.A.

450 Tilton Road, Northfield • markbiel@mbzflaw.com

(609) 344-1173

See all Members of Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law of Southern New Jersey at

www.TenLeaders.org

The 2015 Miss America Pageant has been scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2014.

The Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law of Southern New Jersey is based on interviews and peer referrals originating in first quarter 2003 and continuing through 2014. Attorneys listed here were referred by at least three of their out-of-firm peers. Ten Leaders is a consensus presentation of experienced, accomplished professionals, based on independent surveys and peer referrals; it is administered by The Ten Leaders Cooperative, Reston, Va., and Fort Lee, NJ. This announcement complies with advertising guidelines set forth by The Supreme Court of The State of New Jersey. Ten Leaders professionals underwrite the distribution of their lists. To read Ten Leaders profiles in the law, medicine and finance, and for more information visit www.tenleaders.org. Copyright 2014, The Ten Leaders Cooperative, All Rights Reserved.

njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Winter 2014

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LIVING HEALTHY with Nina Radcliff, MD

Tech Cleanse

Dr. Nina Radcliff

Take time to unplug for a healthy dose of balance

SMARTPHONES, TABLETS, AND COMPUTERS, OH MY! The way we communicate has surely changed from a decade or two ago. Sometimes I feel like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz saying, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” With different rules and unfamiliar objects, for some, this new world of technology is like being in the Land of Oz. Telephones, once hailed as the modus operandi for communicating, may be subject to a coup d’etat. In one poll, 32% of those who responded said they preferred texting over talking on the phone. Compared to the year 2000, where the number of texts sent monthly in the U.S. was 14 billion, 2010 showed over 188 billion texts per month. We have woken up to discover the way we communicate has been carried aloft, almost like a tornado. We can no longer “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,” as technology is here to stay.

There are several reasons why we have entered this Land of Oz and why we may have lost our ability to return to Kansas. For one, technology gives us the promise of connectedness. We can communicate with people in another country, state, city or down the street. Technology has chipped away at the great divide geography used to pose. Texting and emailing also allows us to keep it short and sweet to better optimize our time, as well as to review the messages prior to sending.

We have all come to recognize the positive contributions of today’s technology, but there are serious problems we must keep a watch on every day. They include: • Sleep disturbances. Texting can throw a wrench in our slumber, including lost sleep, difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, or daytime sleepiness. This can occur because of late night beeps or dings, or if the messages are stressful or emotional.

• Motor vehicle deaths and accidents. Texting while driving has been estimated to cause 200,000 collisions a year, and currently contributes to the leading cause of death of our American teen drivers.

• Email apnea. This newly-coined term describes the shallow breathing or breath holding that occurs subconsciously when we email, or work or play in front of a screen. The end results include an increase in our stress levels that impact our attitude, sense of emotional well-being, and ability to work effectively.

• Anxiety. The constant dinging and bell tones every few minutes makes it difficult to be in a proper state-of-mind. Not to be outdone by “textiety”, which is the anxious feeling of not receiving or being able to send any texts.

• “BlackBerry thumb.” This is the modern malady and side effect that 12

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has come about from our text-happy society. Our thumbs have fewer joints than our other fingers and are not designed to be in constant motion while bent at an odd angle. The end result is inflammation in the tendons and the joints, causing aches and stiffness. Down the road, this can result in arthritis.

Let’s take a look at some helpful tips to unplug your gadgets and reconnect with yourself, family and friends — also referred to as a technology cleanse.

• Provide advance warning so you and your family can prepare mentally.

• Clarify your goals: what you will do and how long you will do it.

• Start when your children are young so they can develop interpersonal skills.

• Be clear on the rules. Are there exceptions for work or homework?

What will happen if there is a violation?

• Make the bedroom and meals a media-free zone.

• Don’t multitask. When watching television, watch television. Allow only one screen at a time and shut off your smartphone, tablet, and computer.

• Make the promise to never text, email or become distracted with your phone or tablet while driving.

Dorothy clicked her ruby red heels three times to return to Kansas, yet we no longer have the ability to permanently leave the high-tech, yet wonderful Land of Oz. Technology, much like the wizard, is comprised of “the great and terrible.” We must learn to balance the best of both worlds. n About Nina Radcliff, MD: Dr. Nina Radcliff is dedicated to her profession, her patients and her community, at large. She is passionate about sharing truths for healthy, balanced living as well as wise preventive health measures. She completed medical school and residency training at UCLA and has served on the medial faculty at The University of Pennsylvania. Author of more than 100 textbook chapters, research articles, medical opinions and reviews; she is often called upon by media to speak on medical, fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle topics impacting our lives, today.

LIFESTYLE

MONEYWATCH

By Matt and Tom Reynolds

The Year in Review 1. Top Business Story for 2013: Great Year in the Stock Market. All of the major U.S. Stock Indices finished with gains above 26%. The markets logged the best year since 1996 and volatility disappeared as the largest decline of the year was only 5% in the period May 21st to June 24th.

2. Washington Gridlock: Congress did their best to derail the economy and the bull market. Lawmakers began the year by ending the social security tax holiday, which shrank all U.S. paychecks. Then, at the end of the first quarter, with Congress unable to reach an agreement on a budget, the across the board sequester cuts went into effect. In October, Congress was unable to pass a 2014 budget and the Federal Government was partially shut down for sixteen days. Congress finally got its act together and passed a two-year budget deal. Although this was not any grand bargain that so many were hoping for (as the two year budget does nothing in regards to entitlement or tax reform), it did give the markets and the economy some certainty from Washington.

3. The economy improved as the year went on: All major economic data improved over the course of the year. Unemployment began the year at 7.9% and ended the year at 6.7%. The U.S. economy, as indicated by GDP growth, recorded growth of 1.1% in the 1st quarter, 2.5% for the 2nd quarter, and 4.1% for the third quarter. Continued improvement in these two areas is crucial for a successful 2014.

4. Interest Rates finally started to rise and the 25-year bull market in bonds came to an end: The 10 Year U.S. Treasury Bill began the year at 1.756%. Ben Bernanke spooked the market in May when he hinted at an eventual taper in bond purchases and the 10 year U.S. Treasury yield rose 0.6% in 45 days, which represents an increase of 36.81%.

By the end of the year, the 10 year sat at 3.026% and the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index finished negative for only the 3rd time in the past 25 years.

5. The Federal Reserve began to taper its bond buying on a monthly basis by $10 billion. The Fed’s repression of interest rates might finally be coming to an end in the next year or so, as the current round of quantitative easing (or interest rate manipulation as many call it) is wound down.

Some takeaways from 2013: 1. Bonds can lose money. After a 25-year bull market in bonds, investors were reminded that bonds can decline in value.

2. Most predictions should be taken with a grain of salt. In January 2013, most expectations for equity markets in 2013 were for high single digit, low double digit returns from stocks. The actual returns were two and a half to three times that and show that markets are no easier to predict than the weather. n Tom Reynolds, CPA & Matt Reynolds CPA, CFP Co-Managing Partners - CRA Financial Robert T. Martin, CFP Investment Advisor This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial adviser, as well as your tax and/or legal advisers, regarding your personal circumstances before making investment decisions.

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HEALTHWATCH

Stress Tests Demystified

By ROBIN STOLOFF

Taking the stress out of this essential, lifesaving test is just a simple walk away The most important walk of your life could be the walk you take on a treadmill to test your heart function. A stress test is a study to show how much blood flows to the heart muscle and, in some cases, the ability of the heart to pump blood to the body, helping doctors diagnose coronary heart disease. Stress tests are most commonly performed on patients who have symptoms that may be due to heart disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, according to Patrick O’Beirne, MD, cardiologist and electrophysiologist, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.

Dr. O’Beirne notes that these tests are most helpful in patients who have some risk factors, such as smoking, family history of heart disease, and symptoms. Stress tests are also used in some patients undergoing surgeries and in some high risk patients, such as those with diabetes. Doctors also may use stress testing to assess other problems, such as heart valve disease or heart failure.

While you may not have any signs of heart disease during rest, you might show symptoms when your heart is stressed during exercise. When you increase your physical activity, your heart needs more blood and oxygen. Plaque build-up can narrow your arteries and reduce blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that you develop a blood clot in your arteries. Blood clots can completely block blood flow through your arteries, leading to angina (chest pain) or a heart attack.

A stress test can detect the following problems, which may suggest that your heart isn’t getting enough blood during exercise: • Abnormal changes in your heart rate or blood pressure • Symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, especially if they occur at low levels of exercise • Abnormal changes in your heart’s rhythm or electrical activity • Blockage in an artery 14

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Dr. O’Beirne says that a stress test must have both a way to stress the heart and a way to test how the heart responds to stress. For patients who cannot walk or run on a treadmill, their heart can be stressed through medications that mimic exercise by increasing the heart rates. Ways to test the heart’s response to stress include electrocardiograms (ECGs/EKGs), nuclear imaging, or ultrasounds.

Before you start the test, a member of your health care team places sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest, legs, and arms.

The electrodes are connected by wires to an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) machine. The electrocardiogram records the electrical signals that trigger your heartbeats. A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm to check your blood pressure during the exercise stress test. You then start to walk slowly on the treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike. The speed and incline of the treadmill increases as the test continues.

The length of the test depends on your physical ability, but it usually lasts eight to 12 minutes. You continue exercising until your heart rate has reached a set target or until you develop symptoms that don’t allow you to continue. These signs and symptoms may include: • Moderate to severe chest pain • Severe shortness of breath • Abnormally high or low blood pressure • An abnormal heart rhythm • Dizziness • Certain changes in your electrocardiogram Depending on your medical history, your stress test may also include: Echocardiogram An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart, allowing your doctor to see how your heart is beating and pumping blood. In some cases, you may have an echocardiogram before you exercise and after you’re done. Your doctor can use the images from the echocardiograms to help identify abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves.

Nuclear stress test Another stress test, known as a nuclear stress, test helps measure blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during exercise. It’s similar to a routine exercise stress test, but with images in addition to an electrocardiogram. Trace amounts of radioactive material — such as thallium are injected into your bloodstream. Special cameras are used to detect areas in your heart that receive less blood flow.

Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) In some cases, your doctor may use these imaging technologies to visualize your heart under stress.

An abnormal stress test most often results in a cardiac catheterization to determine the extent and severity of the blockages in the heart’s blood vessels and how to further

proceed (medical therapy, stents, or surgery). If you have any risk factors or symptoms of heart disease, it might be time to take a walk. To detect problems with your heart, an exercise stress test can be the most important walk of your life. n Robin Stoloff has been the Health Reporter for NBC 40 since 1984.

Her award-winning series, Health Update, is the longest-running medical series in NJ. A fitness enthusiast and workout instructor, Robin produced her own workout video on the beaches of Atlantic City. Her personal and professional mission is to empower others to take control of their health and live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

HEART FACTS Your heart beats about 100,000 times in one day and about 35 million times in a year.

During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times. x Feel your pulse by placing two fingers at pulse points on your neck or wrists. The pulse you feel is blood stopping and starting as it moves through your arteries. As a kid, your resting pulse might range from 90 to 120 beats per minute. As an adult, your pulse rate slows to an average of 72 beats per minute. x The aorta, the largest artery in the body, is almost the diameter of a garden hose.

Capillaries, on the other hand, are so small that it takes ten of them to equal the thickness of a human hair. x Your body has about 5.6 liters (6 quarts) of blood. This 5.6 liters of blood circulates through the body three times every minute.

In one day, the blood travels a total of 19,000 km (12,000 miles) — that’s four times the distance across the U.S. from coast to coast. x The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime — that’s enough to fill more than three super tankers. njlifestyleonline.com

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HEALTH PROFILE

by MOLLY GOLUBCOW

You’re As Beautiful As You Feel You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face And show the world all the love in your heart Then people gonna treat you better You’re gonna find, yes, you will That you’re beautiful as you feel Carole King’s, Beautiful

Photo by Eric Weeks

Dr. Scott Hernberg surrounded by his staff

LOOKING GOOD HELPS YOU FEEL GOOD. IT’S JUST THAT simple. At Tomorrow’s Wellness Center, an experienced team of professionals use award-winning, advanced cosmetic technologies and injectable therapeutics to diminish wrinkles, improve tired looking saggy skin, reduce facial vessels and redness, improve acne and scaring, achieve non-surgical body contouring, and much more. Tomorrow’s Wellness Center works with you to design a comprehensive, personalized approach to give you a refreshed appearance. The end result? You will look and feel your best.

Founded by Dr. Scott Hernberg over 13 years ago, Tomorrow’s Wellness Center is passionate about creating a holistic and technologically advanced approach to wellness — internally and externally. According to Dr. Hernberg, “What makes Tomorrow’s Wellness Center unique is our commitment to treating the whole individual on a multi-dimensional level. By emphasizing a holistic and integrated treatment approach, our patients exhibit a vibrant appearance that stems from well-being and good health.”

Anti-aging Therapies Over time, the effects of aging and environmental exposure cause skin to become saggy, dull, and wrinkled. At Tomorrow’s Wellness Center, individuals of all skin types and problems can be treated using advanced micro-dermabrasion devices, lasers, IPLs, and radiofrequency technologies. Whether the face, neck, abdomen, hands, or other areas, these treatments help reduce stretch marks and scars, improve skin texture and contour, correct pigmentation, improve laxity, as well as restore firmness and elasticity.

Tomorrow’s Wellness Center also offers a vast menu of anti-aging treatments to help reduce the signs of aging and bring back that youthful vibrant glow. Botulinum toxins can help reduce wrinkles and injectable dermal fillers serve to lessen the appearance of folds, lines, and restore volume to the cheeks and lips.

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Additional Treatments Dr. Hernberg also helps people develop a healthy lifestyle, reduce their disease burden, and feel healthier. Programs for smoking cessation, weight reduction, excessive perspiration, and hormonal imbalance including menopause and “mano-pause” or testosterone deficiency are offered at the center.

In addition, Tomorrow’s Wellness Center offers an extensive menu of other services, including removal of unwanted hair from the face, chin, back, chest, arms, legs, and bikini area. By using the most modern devices, individuals with all skin types can be treated safely, effectively and with minimal discomfort.

The center’s estheticians offer a vast menu of services including relaxing facials with medical-grade skin care products and peels, high tech non-particulate micro-dermabrasion, and the amazing “eyebrow rehab” program to help repair and restore the appearance of eyebrows. Let Tomorrow’s Wellness Center show you how to put the “wow back in your brow!” Organic spray tanning treatments, teeth whitening, and much more are offered.

Leading Edge Technology, and Free Consultants At Tomorrow’s Wellness Center, patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and satisfaction are extremely important. Dr. Hernberg continuously invests in the latest technology and training to help individuals improve their overall appearance at affordable prices. Sophisticated computer photo-technology is used to provide a baseline assessment and to monitor your treatment progress. Free consultations are offered to discuss the various treatment options best suited to meet your needs.

A Beautiful Family...

From the moment you enter the relaxing, cheerful center, you are greeted warmly and treated like family. The extremely helpful and friendly staff at Tomorrow’s Wellness Center strives to make you feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the many fantastic treatments available.

“We may use high-tech equipment, but our focus is on providing “old school” personalized care,” Dr. Hernberg proudly explains.

No matter if it’s that persistent little line on your forehead or the desire to have a more refreshed appearance, Tomorrow’s Wellness Center can help you feel well and look your best. Call to schedule a free evaluation for a program or treatment especially suited to your needs and your body.

Begin today for a healthier tomorrow...

Tomorrow’s Wellness Center 1750 Zion Road, Suite 204 • Northfield, NJ 609.407.1119 • TomorrowsWellnessCenter.com

LIFESTYLE FASHION

BY ALYSON BOXMAN LEVINE

Winter Wardrobe Makeover Battle the cold weather blues by organizing your closet and procuring these essential items for 2014

Burberry Trench Coat

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The ideal fitted blazer

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he key to any successful wardrobe is having essential items within reach and keeping them organized. How many times have you stared blankly into your closet, endlessly wondering what to wear to an event or how to incorporate a new item with your existing clothes. Building a solid and seamless wardrobe can be daunting, especially if you have too many nonessential items cluttering up your closet.

I, too, am guilty of adding to a growing pile of impulse purchases I barely wear, many still donning their price tags and trapped in an endless stage of limbo, somewhere between getting returned and keeping.

Meanwhile, from business events to dinner parties, I dutifully return to my go-to classic items that have faithfully stood the test of time. Make a resolution in 2014 to invest in classic wardrobe mainstays. Pair down your wardrobe to only items you have worn within the last year and incorporate these essential wardrobe additions.

When it comes to a classic jacket, the iconic trench coat is at the top of the essential list. Ideal for just about any occasion, from running to the market or a day at the art gallery, the trench is both lightweight and figure flattering.

Tory Burch ballet flats

The classic LBD

A timeless watch

The perfect cold-weather coat njlifestyleonline.com

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Lifestyle Fashion

For the Special Occasions in your life 25% off all Shoes, Jewelry & Accessories with Prom Dress purchase of $300 or more.

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The ideal model is the Burberry Brit “Marystow,” featuring a classic, quintessentially-chic style. Smart belts detail the cuffs and cinch the waist of this double-breasted short trench cut from smooth poplin. The coat features decorative button flaps at the side pockets and is detailed with check-print lining for a signature finish.

For those budget fashionistas in search of a more affordable trench, fear not. There are countless brands that mimic the British fashion house.

Just remember that one of the aspects that make this piece work so well is its length. The key to purchasing a classic trench is to not purchase one that is too long, as this can look dated. The ideal trench should hit above your knee.

Ever since the introduction of the beguiling Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, women across the globe have been enamored with the Little Black Dress (LBD). In this iconic film, Audrey Hepburn wowed audiences in a classic Givenchy LBD, and since the film’s release in 1961, women have fallen in love with this dress. A true staple for any wardrobe, this versatile dress can be worn during any season and, dressed up or down, is a fashion essential for every closet.

Many Hollywood icons, including Jennifer Aniston and Scarlett Johansson, have recently been spotted sporting their favorite LBDs on the red carpet.

For your essential LBD, choose this classic by Dior. This French designer label set the tone for both elegant, yet simplistic, little black dresses. This LBD will anchor any wardrobe with sophistication and classic style.

When it comes to accessories, the one must-have essential is a timeless watch you can wear with everything.

Many women don’t feel fully dressed until they have added their watch. Look for one with timeless elements, like traditional shapes and a clean face.

Incorporate this watch, Calibre de Cartier, into your wardrobe this winter.

Known for expert craftsmanship and quality, Cartier is synomous with beautiful objects of style. The company’s classic watches are regarded as pieces of

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blazer from Kenneth Cole New York is a must-have classic look. A NYC fashion designer best known for his classic line of shoes, Kenneth Cole quickly branched out into clothing, including his desired ready-to-wear collection.

Stylish footwear that is comfortable is not easy to find. Inspired by flat ballerina shoes, the uber-popular ballet flats are foldable, flexible, and oh-so-comfortable. Offered in a neutral color, these Tory Burch ballet flats are ideal for your 2014 closet. A signature logo medallion in gleaming gold tops the rounded toe of this coveted flat. Elastic around the back ensures a secure, comfortable fit.

Tory Burch, a luxury lifestyle brand defined by classic American sportswear, embodies the personal style and spirit of its CEO and designer, Tory Burch. The company was launched in 2004 as a lifestyle concept with multiple product categories, including ready-to-wear,

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handbags, shoes, and jewelry. Tory designed her first boutique in New York to feel more like a room in her own home than a traditional retail store, and key design elements featured in all boutiques include orange lacquer doors, mirrored walls, and Lucite fixtures. Graphic prints, bold colors, and unique details are all signatures of the brand.

Born and raised in Valley Forge, PA, Tory has received numerous awards from the fashion industry, and was named one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in the World. Celebrity clients include Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, and Hilary Swank.

Purchase these essential pieces now and wear/enjoy them forever. Once you’ve included these classic items into your current wardrobe, you will be amazed at their versatility. Keep these essential items within reach and you will be well-suited for a fun, fashionable new year. n

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Terra Mar Plaza | Tilton Road | Northfield, NJ | 609-641-2088

SHOES • SPORTSWEAR • CLOTHING

FOR MEN

Lou Marchiano

fine jewelry and this upscale timepiece is sure to become a future collectable.

Even though you will only wear it during one season, the perfect coldweather coat is a must-have for your 2014 closet. Take the thought out of wondering what to wear when the temperature dips below freezing and grab this classic from Searle. This high-quality, down-filled jacket is ideal for those ice skating days or après-ski shopping in Aspen.

Founded in 1962 by Steve Blatt, a former Bloomingdale’s executive, Searle is synonymous with luxurious fashion outerwear. The company has a longstanding reputation for excellent quality, fashionable merchandise, and innovative marketing.

Do you want a garment that looks great on every body type? The fitted blazer fits the bill perfectly. This flattering style can dress up denim and translates well for the office or an evening out on the town.

With its cool camel color, this fitted

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Romantic Finds

Heartfelt gifts will add plenty of fun to your Valentine’s Day celebration

A Touch of Love

Romance your partner with the Ultimate Couples Massage, $160. Includes light refreshments.

Tranquil Touch Day Spa, Ocean Heights Plaza, 37 Bethel Road, Somers Point 609-927-8866, www.ttdayspa.net

Isn’t It Romantic

Gorgeously embroidered v-neck blouse (left), romantic embellished tunic (middle) and luxurious silk blouse (right). From Johhny Was. Find them at Barbara’s Fashion, 14 Central Square, Linwood, 609-601-0035

Delicious Neck Candy

Burberry bright vermillion check scarf is lightweight and elegantly patterned with an oversized check print. Available at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com

Alberto Denim for Him

Modern and sophisticated describe these modern fit jeans that exude comfort and style. Just like the man who should be wearing them.

Alberto jeans available at Lou Marchiano for Men, Terra Mar Plaza, Tilton Road, Northfield, 609-641-2800 22

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A Weekend Getaway For Two

Spend Valentine’s Weekend with your loved one at Renault Winery. Package includes room, dinner for 2, breakfast for 2, wine tour and tasting, bottle of champagne, 6 chocolate covered strawberries. Call for prices. Renault Winery, 72 Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City, 609-965-2111, www.renaultwinery.com

Vintage Perfect

Is there anything prettier than this perfect pair of vintage chandelier earrings by Sara Gabriel? Nope! These beauties will ensure everyone is looking at your smiling face as you walk down the aisle (and are definitely wearable after your big day!)

Exclusively at TESI Bridal & Formal, 201 Tilton Road, London Square Mall, Northfield, 609-646-9900, www.tesibridal.com

Oh So Stylish

Burberry iPad mini case features richly textured leather and sleek logo hardware that define a handsome folio to keep your iPad mini stylish and scratch-free. Available at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com

Delightful Diamonds

For her, MICHELE ‘Deco Diamond’ Guilloche Dial Customizable Watch.

A glistening diamond watch case and fiery alligator strap make a glamourous statement. Available at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com

A Modern Retro Find DiningOut Chequemate Membership Portfolio

Endless Candlelit Dinners

For him, Jack Spade matte-steel watch case and woven nylon strap give a ‘70s-inspired vibe to a handsome watch boasting luminous markers and a day-and-date window. Available at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com

Enjoy romantic dining experiences all year long and save 25% off the total check. Call 800-657-7573 for more information, or visit chequemateclub.com

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First Person

The Money Men WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTING, LOCAL FINANCIAL EXPERTS TOM AND MATT REYNOLDS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GROW YOUR MONEY

By ELAINE ROSE Photo by ERIC WEEKS

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ew Jersey Lifestyle readers know Matt and Tom Reynolds as the authors of the “Money Watch” column that appears in each issue.

The brothers expertly write about topics such as tax planning, making a household budget, and investing. But for those who desire a more personal touch, Tom, 48, and Matt, 43, offer financial services from their office in Northfield. Raised 24

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in Margate, both brothers are Certified Public Accountants and Matt is also a Certified Financial Planner.

Tom and Matt Reynolds are involved with two separate companies. Capaldi Reynolds & Pelosi, founded in 1935, provides clients with auditing, tax preparation, and other accounting services. The brothers are also cofounders of CRA Financial, a relatively

new firm that manages clients’ investments and helps them plan for the future. They shared their experience and philosophy in a recent interview.

LIFESTYLE: Why did you decide to go into accounting?

Matt Reynolds: Probably because of our dad. He’s been with Capaldi Reynolds & Pelosi for 57 years. He started here

after college in the 1950s.

Tom Reynolds: Dad became a managing partner in the late 1970s.

When we graduated college in the late 1980s, early 1990s, our dad was still at the peak of his working career, and we started to work with him.

LIFESTYLE: How is CRA Financial different from its parent firm?

Tom Reynolds: CRA Financial was an outgrowth of Capaldi Reynolds & Pelosi clients who were requesting help with their investments. They weren’t happy with what was offered in the area. There was a law prohibiting CPAs in New Jersey from managing investments, and when it was rescinded at the end of 1998, we launched CRA Financial.

Matt Reynolds: It’s great for clients because they can go to one place for all their financial needs. They can do the accounting for their business and their personal accounting. We manage their assets and we do financial planning for them. It’s kind of a one-stop shop.

Tom Reynolds: We’re a Security and Exchange Commission Registered Investment Advisor firm. We’re independent, which is one of the key takeaways that separates our business from the competition in this area. We’re not owned by a big corporation. We don’t have a proprietary interest in products.

As Registered Investment Advisors, we have a fiduciary responsibility towards our clients, which is different from a stockbroker.

Matt Reynolds: If you’re an investment professional working in a Merrill Lynch, or a Morgan Stanley, or a UBS, for the most part, you’re getting paid for selling products, and you don’t have a fiduciary standard of care for your clients. The way the SEC defines us is we get paid for investment advice.

Period. The SEC gives us fiduciary liability over the assets that we manage.

If you’re in charge of someone’s nest egg, how can you not be a fiduciary for that person? We don’t try to shy away from that. We embrace it. We try to be our clients’ financial quarterback. Not that we’re the only advisors they have.

Our clients have estate attorneys, and they typically have an accountant here that we work with. We hold everything together and make sure everyone’s on the same page. When we started in 2000, we had no clients and no assets.

Today, we manage over $317 million in assets for about 150 families.

LIFESTYLE: Who are your clients?

Matt Reynolds: Our clients are closely-held business owners and high-net-worth families. We also refer to those closely-held businesses as entrepreneurs.

Tom Reynolds: Our target market is people with investment assets of a million dollars or more. We manage their portfolios. Our other firm might provide accounting services, yet the individual shareholders of a business might have their personal investments with CRA. Matt Reynolds: It’s the idea that clients can get everything taken care of without having to go to different vendors for everything. They don’t need one vendor for their 401(k), one vendor for their personal finances, one vendor for their business accounting, and one vendor for their personal accounting.

We do it all. We don’t have custody of people’s assets. We custody at two the two largest custodians in the country, Charles Schwab and Fidelity Institutional.

Tom Reynolds: The money is not here. It’s with an independent third party.

Matt Reynolds: That’s the biggest thing for our clients from a safety standpoint. We have trading authority on their money at Schwab and Fidelity, but they receive statements directly from Schwab and Fidelity. If you look at the big scams, the Bernie Madoffs of the world, they were all custodying their own money.

LIFESTYLE: What other services do you provide?

Tom Reynolds: We invest in our clients. In December, we took our best clients to the Barnes Foundation museum in Philadelphia for a private tour, at our expense. Then we had dinner in a well-known Philadelphia restaurant, where economist Joel Naroff spoke

about the economy. That’s a person we secure for private consultation with our clients. It’s not that we just charge our clients one percent and manage their money. We provide a good value.

Matt Reynolds: We also do financial planning. We’ll do a retirement plan. If they have kids, we’ll do an education plan for them. For the high-net-worth individuals and business owners, we’ll work with their attorney on an estate plan. These are all things we do for our clients, but they don’t get a separate bill for it. It’s a service we provide. We’ll even look at all their insurances — life insurance, liability insurance — so they’re protected. And not least, is the tax planning. You can enhance your returns significantly over time by doing proper tax planning.

LIFESTYLE: Matt, you worked at Arthur Andersen.

What did you gain from that experience?

Matt Reynolds: After graduating, I worked for three years at Arthur Andersen in their financial services practice. I learned a lot about investments. I audited Meridian Bank’s closed-end mutual funds, and also audited Cape Savings. Now, I’m on the board of directors at Cape Bank. I joined Tom and my dad in the company in 1995.

LIFESTYLE: How did your clients do in the stock market crash of 2008?

Matt Reynolds: If there’s a bad market, everybody loses money. When the market is down, if you’re not losing money, you should ask some questions.

Tom Reynolds: In the crisis of 2008, we coached our clients to stay in the market. They benefitted, and they bought in at very low prices. Most of our clients are much better off than they were going into it.

Matt Reynolds: We make sure people have balanced portfolios in good times and bad.

LIFESTYLE: What is your company’s philosophy?

Matt Reynolds: Our motto is, “Putting clients as the first priority.” We learned that from our dad. If you take care of your clients, they’ll take care of you. n njlifestyleonline.com

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Where the Heart Is

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ARCHITECTURE This Galloway colonial is a showcase of fine art and design.

But for the residents and their kids, it’s just home sweet home.

By MARJORIE PRESTON Photos by ERIC WEEKS

Designer kitchen

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t first glance, the house would not seem out of place in a Currier & Ives print. Hidden away on a Galloway cul-de-sac, among stands of slender oaks and pines, the handsome colonial has twin gables, dormered windows, and fieldstone walls. Despite its timeless look, this house is nearly new, built in 2002 by a professional couple with neither the time nor the inclination to live in a bandbox. With two kids, busy lives, and competing work schedules, they wanted a home-like home — a place to let down their hair, put up their feet, entertain friends and family, and just get away from it all.

They didn’t find the perfect retreat — they created it.

Much of the décor was selected by the lady of the house, whose love of art and eye for artful yet affordable curios make this house a blend of old and new, retro and rare, big-ticket and bargainbasement. She jokes that her favorite stores are “Neiman Marcus, Saks, and T.J. Maxx,” and that’s no

Foyer with sunlit center hall and grand staircase

exaggeration. Extravagances like an oversized wrought-metal watch face in the family room (Ralph Lauren has one just like it) are displayed alongside refurbished occasional chairs from the Cobweb Corner in Absecon. Only one lamp in the house was chosen by a decorator, says the owner. And most of the furnishings were picked up on the fly, during the family’s world travels, or on weekends spent wandering local antique stores and estate sales.

Interior designer Valerie Driscoll, who has consulted with the homeowners over the years, enjoys their egalitarianism, anti-snobbery and eclectic, adventurous tastes. “You’ll see a work of art worth $35,000 next to furniture from Marshall’s,” says Driscoll. “What unifies the house is that they only buy pieces they love. Sometimes they’re from different ends of the spectrum, but if they love it, they buy it, and then they see where it fits in. It’s this organic process.”

Making an Entrance The home’s many distinctive touches begin with the foyer, where gleaming Santos mahogany floors are punctuated by a black-and-white marble-tile inset, giving a harlequin look to the sunlit center hall. The grand staircase is lined with art, some contemporary, some classic. One of the couple’s favorite artists is Parisian Marc Clauzade, latter-day interpreter of Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec; his animated paintings of women are featured prominently throughout the house, setting the tone with their playfulness, wit and zig-zaggy splashes of color.

The living room is perhaps the most sedate space in the 5,800-square-foot residence. Decorated in shimmering gold and

Light-filled sitting room

green, this room demonstrates the owners’ knack for creating bravura style from unexpected sources. The intricately carved mantel was found in a second-hand store, restored to its original beauty, and topped with family photos and a collection of small bejeweled clocks (clocks and watches are a recurring motif).

Banks of windows are dressed with rich silken drapes in a pistachio shade that would have tempted Scarlett O’Hara. The owner points out a number of fabulous “finds,” including a fleamarket curio cabinet that would look right at home at Versailles, and an antique side chair found at the Cobweb Corner, then reclaimed, reupholstered and recovered in an elegant floral print.

The family room is a well-dressed but rough-and-ready enclave. It features a distressed leather sofa made for lounging, a sturdy rattan coffee table, matching rattan chairs heaped with plump, colorful pillows, a raised-hearth fireplace that’s ready to roar, and of course the requisite flat-screen TV and other gadgetry.

Just beyond is a snug, light-filled sitting room crowded with greenery; the hideaway with its high conical ceiling welcomes guests with a wicker armchair and ottoman and matching divan, all with sage-colored velvet upholstery. With the look and feel of a sun porch, the room overlooks the back yard and pool areas, which are postcard-pretty even in the dead of winter.

Dinner is Served The kitchen is a marvel of utility and design, outfitted with an industrial-quality Sub-Zero range and matching appliances, most concealed behind glossy cherry cabinets. The broad center njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFEST YLE ARCHITECTURE

Dining room Family room

Custom-designed walk-in closet

island and side counters are topped with granite in a natural, nut-colored pattern. While guests would certainly be content gathering here to eat, the dining room provides a sophisticated but unpretentious option, with its farmhouse-style glass-topped table, and burnished tray ceiling illuminated by a trio of diamond-like crystal chandeliers. The wainscoted walls are warm gold above, deep magenta below, and if you look close enough, they are imprinted with subtle stenciling.

The owners took advantage of 10-foot-plus ceilings to bring in generous base and crown molding, in a clean bright white that etches each corner, defines each room, and makes even subtle colors more emphatic. Broad expanses of arched windows bring the outside in, and lend themselves to dramatic window treatments: cascading draperies in stunning finishes, hung on big, decorative rods, many with contrasting finials.

Of special interest is a tiny first-floor powder room decorated around a single element: a latticed mirror with weathered doors, found in a Manayunk antique shop. The room, which could have been an afterthought, was turned into a showplace with a big, marble-topped vanity with a burnished copper basin and a country-style gooseneck faucet.

A Kind of Hush But the best is yet to come. Up the staircase and past the landing is the ultimate sanctuary: the master suite, with its rich floral-patterned rug and delicate French provincial furniture. The plush four-poster bed is draped and canopied — the perfect place for sweet dreams.

While much of the home is done in muted colors — bronze and butternut, ecru and eggshell, and a dozen other variations — the homeowner cut loose in the remaining bedrooms. Her teenage daughter’s room is a garden of plummy pink and white with a mirrorfaced bureau. The guest bedroom features a bath with chartreuse walls, foamy sheer curtains, and just outside, a magenta heart-shaped chair that looks like a valentine.

But the best room of all — the hostess’s favorite — is her custom-designed walk-in closet and dressing area, with its bold flowered wallpaper in pink, rose, and gold from Designer’s Guild, (“ungodly gorgeous,” raves Driscoll) an ebony floor slick enough to dance on, and sparkling Schonbek crystal teardrop lights — in an amethyst tone.

Sequestered in a far corner of the second floor is the music room, with its collection of seven guitars, a full drum kit, and a professional-caliber sound board. It’s far enough from the main rooms and the master suite that the kids can hang out, bang a gong, and enjoy themselves without disturbing the rest of the house.

Driscoll loves the finished product — which actually never will be finished, as long as the homeowners continue to travel, go antiquing, and let whimsy guide them.

“This home is such an accurate reflection of them,” Driscoll says. “They have a big life, and they have a lovely home. They’re not out to impress anybody, but to really showcase the things they love and a life they love.

“It’s huge and spacious and it’s still very homey, because it’s really filled with love.” n

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HOME & DESIGN PROFILE

VALUE ADDED AT ART HANDLER’S APPLIANCE CENTER, THE SALE IS JUST THE BEGINNING

By Marjorie Preston Talk about keeping the customer satisfied.

Brian Finkelstein, general manager of Art Handler’s Appliance Center in Pleasantville, once demonstrated the benefits of a GE Advantium speed-cook oven by broiling a steak right there in the showroom.

“The Advantium is a full-blown convection oven with a microwave component, a halogen light for browning meat, and 175 recipes built into it,” says Finkelstein. “We had a customer who didn’t believe it, so he brought in a 16-ounce sirloin steak and said, ‘Cook it.’”

Finkelstein set the controls to medium rare, and in about 11 minutes, “Bing! The steak was done to perfection, and it tasted great.” Based on that demonstration, the customer went on to buy a $25,000 kitchen — including the energy-saving L to R: Scot Sacks, his wife Michel (grandaughter of Art Handler) and their son Henry Advantium, which ranges in price from $1,000 to $2,500.

That’s the kind of personal service that distinguishes Art Handler’s from better smudge-resistance. The industrial-style range with chunky knobs is still the big-box stores, says Scot Sacks, the third principle of the four-generation a favorite choice, and cabinet-faced appliances are also in vogue. Ray’s retro family business — a South Jersey fixture for more than 65 years — not kitchen has inspired a whole line of vintage-look appliances in a variety of only sells a full line of appliances, it consults with customers to match the startling colors, including yellow, bright red, and cobalt blue. products to their specific needs.

“Elmira has a line of modern appliances with a façade built around them,” says Sacks. “We just sold a 1930s-style range, very big and bulky Getting to Know You with a bulbous top; the door must weigh 25 pounds.” The look is quirkily “There are 100 questions a salesperson should ask before selling you a nostalgic, but the works are completely modern. There is also a shift away washer or dryer,” says Sacks. “Do they have a family? Are there any allergies, from digital controls to analog. Finkelstein describes one Thermador wall any pets? Do they entertain a lot? Where are they putting the appliance — oven as looking like “the inside of a Mercedes, with all the dials and an in the basement, on the second floor? Some washers, for example, are not analog clock. It’s an unbelievably beautiful piece.” rated to be on the second floor because of the vibrations they cause.

Wealthy homeowners — those with summer digs in Longport or Margate “These are just some of the questions, and if a salesperson doesn’t know — don’t think twice about paying $50,000 for kitchen appliances, which to ask them, he could sell that customer the wrong thing.” And when it they may only use a few times a season. Art Handler’s has equipped the comes to household appliances, which can be used every day for up to 10 beachfront palaces, but is just as happy to help a young couple purchasing years, the wrong choice could become a long-term headache. their first washing machine.

Art Handler’s sales force is as knowledgeable about its product line “For a customer buying a $399 washer, we know that money means just as the manufacturers. The company not only sells appliances — from as much to them than someone paying for all the bells and whistles, maybe moderately-priced Whirlpools and Frigidaires to top-of-the-line brands more,” says Sacks. “It’s important to us to be able to relate to all types of like Wolf, Sub-Zero and Thermador — they deliver and install them, and people.” offers service for the life of the product. That kind of responsiveness is just Long-term Investment, Long-term Savings good business, and it gets results; 75% of the store’s sales are to repeat The showroom includes sixteen fully-outfitted kitchens, staged vignette-style. customers and referrals. Those customers get good advice, a good price, and Art Handler’s also sells a complete line of mattresses and bedding. a nice break from the state; because it’s located in an Urban Enterprise Zone, Finkelstein acknowledges that the “value-added” proposition offered by the sales tax is just 3.5%.

Art Handler’s sometimes isn’t as compelling as a cheap price tag, especially in this economy. “But you want a knowledgeable sales person, someone Hearth and Home greeting you and treating you well. You want a reliable delivery team and an Thanks to the Food Network and celebrities like Giada De Laurentiis, Rachael expert service department. ” Ray, and Emeril Lagasse, the family kitchen has reclaimed its status as the “That’s what sets Art Handler’s apart, and over the life of your appliance, heart of the home. Some longstanding design trends are still going strong could actually cost you less,” explains Finkelstein. “We have a vested interest — stainless steel appliances remain popular, with improved finishes for in keeping you satisfied. We want you to come back.” n 30

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The Social Scene

SOCIALSTUDIES

Bacharach’s 8th Annual Gala Raises Over $100,000 for Patient Care Bacharach’s 8th Annual Holiday Charity Gala, hosted by chairpersons Gary Hill and Patricia Lees in December, raised more than $100,000 for Bacharach’s Foundation. Monies raised will be used directly for patient care. Over 220 guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a raffle for various restaurant gift certificates, including Luke Palladino, Cuba Libre, The Palm, and Sofia’s.

TD Bank was the event main sponsor. Gold sponsors included: AtlantiCare; Brown Brothers Harriman; Capaldi Reynolds & Pelosi; Innovative Risk Solutions; Kisby Shore Corporation; and Shore Medical Center. Bacharach provides more charity care than any other independent rehabilitation hospital in New Jersey; over $1 million annually.

David Tilton (left) and Philip Perskie

L to R: Patty Gould, Ron Johnson and Patti Lees

L to R: Phil Perskie, Jim Lees and Rich Kathrins 32

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L to R: Richard and Bess Kathrins with Alvin and Sulin Ong

L to R: Lori and Dorie Herndon, Gary Hill and Patti Lees

Herb and Carol Lipson

Rene Bunting (left) and M.J. Perskie

The Social Scene

SOCIALSTUDIES

FBK Kicks Off 2014 with an Open House Just in time for Tax Season!

Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly (FBK) kicked off 2014 by holding an Open House for its new Linwood office location, 401 New Road, Suite 102.

FBK is a CPA firm with offices in Marmora and Linwood. The event was held on January 16 and was well attended by staff members, clients, and professionals from the local business community.

Photos by Nick Valinote

L to R: Caroline Vliet, Tom Aromando, Paula Rowe, Marilyn Bloomstead, Lou Bongiovanni, Alex Lurye, Anthony Maletta, Libby Truitt, Brett Foxman and Nicole Foxman

L to R: Paula Rowe, Kerri Neiderer, Caroline Vliet and Marilyn Bloomstead

The FBK Shareholders toast the new office: Lou Bongiovanni, Bob Kelly, Carol Kemler, Tom Fitzpatrick, Mike McGuire, Dani Fox and Tom Aromando

L to R: Tom Fitzpatrick, Steve Brog and Michael Weeks

L to R: Marilyn Bloomstead, Caroline Vliet, Tom Fitzpatrick and Kerri Neiderer

Fall Into Winter a Successful Evening for Gilda’s Club Co-chairs Kara Cermanski and BJ Hamilton organized the first-ever Fall Into Winter event benefitting Gilda’s Club South Jersey on December 6th. The fundraiser, which took place inside the Showboat Casino’s Foundation Room, was attended

L to R: Nick Valinote, committee member; Kara Cermanski event co-chair; Leah Watson committee member; Michelle Chalmers, GCSJ CEO; BJ Hamilton, event co-chair

Photos by Nick Valinote

by Gilda’s supporters and young professionals from the area. Guests enjoyed holiday-inspired food and cocktails, a silent auction, and live music. All of the proceeds raised went to Gilda’s Club South Jersey, which supports families touched by cancer.

L to R: Emily Feinstone, Ana Romero, Nicole Frazier and Pam Tracy.

L to R: Gabrielle Gomes (committee member), Danielle Gomes, Barbara Gomes and Sherry Amos

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Lauren (GCSJ Special Projects Director) and Victor Crenshaw LIFESTYLE | Winter 2014

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The Social Scene

SOCIALSTUDIES

ARMC Mainland Auxiliary Makes a Generous Pledge Linda Stanton, president of the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Mainland Auxiliary, announced that the auxiliary has committed to a $500,000 pledge to benefit ARMC’s Mainland Campus Transformation Project. The announcement was made at the auxiliary’s 35th Annual Holly Day Luncheon in December at The Carriage House in Galloway. In addition to its half-million dollar pledge, ARMC presented AtlantiCare with more than $24,000 in gifts to benefit patient programs and services.

“We are so excited to help support the transformation of AtlantiCare’s Mainland campus,” Stanton said. “AtlantiCare has become an integral part of this community and has done wonderful things for people in southern New Jersey.”

The Mainland Campus Transformation Project, scheduled to break ground early in 2014, will include a 35,000 square foot addition to the hospital, and upgrades to the existing facility.

Scott Janney, Lori Herndon and David Tilton joined ARMC Mainland Auxiliary members.

L to R: Javid Iqbal, MD; Greg Hamaty, director, Human Resources, AtlantiCare; Linda Stanton, president, ARMC Mainland Auxiliary; Clare Schroer, ARMC Mainland Holly Day Luncheon committee member; Bea Leek, ARMC Mainland Auxiliary Board member; Magdalena Szulc, MD; and Rohit Marwaha, MD.

L to R: Clare Schroer, Helen Barone, Linda Noranbrock and Pam Werner

L to R: Lori Herndon, Linda Stanton, Johanne Coleman and David Tilton

CRA Hosts Annual Year in Review

Photos by Eric Weeks

CRA Financial hosted their annual Year in Review at Luke Palladino in Linwood on January 23rd. Presenters included CRA founders and co-managing partners Matt and Tom Reynolds, along with advisor Bob Martin, CFP, who joined the

Matt Reynolds recapping 2013 34

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Tom Reynolds speaking to Robert and Joanne Conn

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firm last January. After an overview of the 2013 financial markets and thoughtprovoking discussion for 2014’s economic environment, guests enjoyed a threecourse meal highlighting some of Chef Luke Palladino’s seasonal Italian favorites.

Clients enjoying their time at Luke Palladino in Linwood

L to R: Matt Reynolds, Bob Martin, Robert Wolff and Tom Reynolds

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LifeStyle On Wheels

CARS BY THE SEA

BY ELAINE ROSE

R

emembering the excitement of a bygone era and the majestic automobiles that ruled the boardwalk

ATLANTIC CITY’S STEEL PIER WAS

once considered the best entertainment venue in America.

Top-name performers showed off their talents on its stage, and the diving horses attracted spectators from all over the globe.

But for automobile enthusiasts — and ordinary folks who wanted to gawk at vehicles they couldn’t afford — Steel Pier was the place for new cars.

For more than forty years, visitors flocked to the pier to view the latest offerings from Detroit.

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“Every summer, we couldn’t wait to look at the cars,” revealed Atlantic City historian Vicki Gold Levi.

But cars weren’t the only products promoted on the Boardwalk, Levi said. Because of the huge numbers of visitors to the seaside resort, many companies put serious marketing efforts into Atlantic City. Lucky Strike tobacco, Heinz, and Planters Peanuts are among the companies that had a presence on the wooden way.

But for many visitors and locals, the automobiles were special.

General Motors opened its showroom on Steel Pier in 1926. It was located at the entrance to the pier, on the left-hand side. Entry was included with the price of admission to the pier, and millions of people came.

But the Great Depression brought hard times to GM, and it considered closing the exhibit in the early 1930s.

Steel Pier owner Frank P. Gravatt and his staff did their best to convince the company’s executives to keep their Atlantic City showroom. In letters sent to Detroit throughout 1933, they

Opposite page: 1953 Buick Skylark Limited Edition, 50th Anniversary Above: 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Left: 1953 Oldsmobile 98 Series Fiesta Convertible Photos courtesy of General Motors 2004

reminded the GM brass that Steel Pier directly accounted for $1.5 million in sales, that hordes of wealthy people visit Atlantic City every year, and that times would eventually turn around.

“Your permanent Boardwalk Exhibit on Steel Pier, has, over a period of seven years, served to acquaint some 88,000,000 Atlantic City visitors with the virtues and superior qualities of the products shown,” Gravatt wrote in a September 24, 1933 letter to GM executive Alfred P. Sloan.

But the flowery words and the boxes of saltwater taffy mailed to Detroit were of no avail. GM packed up and left Steel Pier at the end of 1933.

The Ford Motor Company took over the vacated exhibit area, and sometimes used the Boardwalk itself as extra space to display the cars and

attract crowds. Ford left Steel Pier sometime during World War II. The post-war years were a golden era, both for the United States in general and the automobile industry in particular. The country prospered, people earned good wages, and in the summer, they flocked to Atlantic City.

General Motors returned to its former exhibit space in May 1947.

The 18,000-square-foot display area was newly renovated, and other GM products, like Frigidaire ranges and refrigerators, were also shown.

Long-time Atlantic City radio host Pinky Kravitz remembers going to the GM exhibit in his younger days, to look at the refrigerators, dishwashers, and “things of that nature that most people didn’t have in their homes.”

His family still had an ice box in

the 1940s, and refrigerators were not within the reach of low- and moderate-income folks.

But the biggest attraction was the automobiles, and people would come back year after year to see the new cars, Kravitz said. There were a few high-end models on display, but the majority were the makes being marketed to the middle class.

Local residents were hired to answer questions visitors might have about the vehicles.

“You were permitted to go into the automobile and sit in the [driver’s] seat,” Kravitz said.

For General Motors, 1953 was a banner year.

“You’ll see a line of new and stunning GM cars — the new Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, njlifestyleonline.com

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If you want to buy one of these babies today, count on paying from $100,000 to $260,000 or more.

1953 Chevrolet Corvette

Buick and Cadillac — key values for 1953,” stated the GM ad in the Steel Pier program book. “Each car is the product of all the effort and skill of the division whose name it bears.”

For true car buffs, 1953 was the pinnacle of General Motors production. That year, GM introduced four custom convertibles: the Chevrolet Corvette, the Cadillac Eldorado, the Oldsmobile Fiesta, and the Buick Skylark. These were all produced in limited numbers, with prices ranging from $3,498 for the Corvette to $7,750 for the Eldorado.

If you want to buy one of these babies today, count on paying from $100,000 to $260,000 or more, depending on the condition of the vehicle.

The Corvette is the most enduring of these dream machines, and only three hundred were manufactured in 1953. It came in one color, Polar White, with a red interior and a 38

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black-canvas top. An AM radio and a heater were the only options. There were no exterior door handles, and the windows had to be removed for fair-weather driving, as they could not roll down.

“She is built to handle like an angel, with every ounce of weight right where it belongs for perfect balance,” a 1953 promotional video touted. The automatic-transmission gear shift was on the floor, in traditional sports-car fashion, and the dashboard included a tachometer.

The Cadillac Eldorado was the only other 1953 GM custom convertible to survive the decade. Part of the Series 62, it featured a hinged folding top that was hidden when lowered, giving the car a sleek appearance. Other features included wire wheels and a three-piece windshield that extended into the door assembly. Only 352 were made in 1953, but buyers had a choice of four colors.

The Buick Skylark had the largest production run of the 1953 custom convertibles, with 1,690 vehicles coming off the line. It was introduced for Buick’s fiftieth anniversary at a price of a little more than $5,000, and was based on the two-door Roadmaster. The seats were a few inches lower than other convertibles, and standard equipment included power windows, power brakes, carpeting, and an AM radio. The wire wheels were all chrome, except for the emblem in the center. The V8 engine and 12-volt electrical system were a first for Buick. The Skylark ceased production after the 1954 model year, and then returned in the 1960s.

The Oldsmobile Fiesta was manufactured only in 1953. It had a wraparound windshield similar to the Eldorado, and “spinner” hubcaps that later became an Olds trademark.

Based on the 98 Series, the Fiesta had a somewhat more powerful engine

ON WHEELS

at 170 horsepower. Detroit produced 458 Fiestas at a base price of $5,715, about twice the cost of the standard Oldsmobile 98. The Fiesta had two-tone coloring, inside and out, power brakes and steering, and leather upholstery.

Buick reused the Fiesta name again, starting in 1957, but the model was a station wagon.

But 1953 was not the end of GM’s prime, and Steel Pier was an ideal spot to introduce new vehicles to the public.

The experimental Firebird II appeared at Steel Pier on Aug. 8, 1957.

The silver-colored “dream car” had a gas turbine engine, and “has become a world symbol of the imagination and skill constantly at work to develop better automobiles,” according to a GM press release. There were no plans to produce the car for sale, but the Firebird II “offers a maximum of safety and comfort and points the way toward many features which may someday appear on cars of tomorrow.”

The Firebird II also contained a device to receive signals from a control tower. The messages would be transmitted through a metallic strip placed in the center of the road. That technology never came to fruition, but could be considered a sort of forerunner of the modern-day GPS. General Motors closed its Steel Pier exhibit in 1968. Atlantic City had declined as a tourist attraction, and the company had more efficient methods to market its products.

It was television that finally killed the GM Exhibit, Kravitz said. One 15-second commercial on a national program could attract more viewers than the Atlantic City visitor count for an entire year.

Many people who came to Atlantic City in its heyday miss the displays on Steel Pier. TV ads get the message across, but nothing beats the experience of sitting in a brand-new car, breathing in its aroma, and imagining you’re about to hit the highway. n

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TOP 10 Romance Films

Who doesn’t love a good romance? They’re the stuff dreams are made of.

Here are our choices for the top 10 classic romance films, each with a spot on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years 100, movies and certainly a place in our hearts.

by SHERRY HOFFMAN

1. Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg (1990)

The late Patrick Swayze once said the pottery scene with Demi Moore — which played out when Swayze’s character Sam was still alive — was easily the sexiest thing he’d ever filmed.

We can see why. That one scene, with the song “Unchained Melody” behind it, brings out all of the love and intense passion between his character and his wife Molly (played by Moore). The scene begins at Molly’s pottery wheel and ends with the two lovers in bed. It’s a common occurrence after a good turn at the wheel, right? Goldberg, as Oda Mae Brown is hilarious. Who doesn’t laugh when she says, “Molly, you in danger, girl.”

Last Line: As Sam’s spirit heads into the light he says, “It’s amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you. See ya.”

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2. An Affair to Remember, starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr (1957)

This film is so beautifully scripted it’s hard to believe many of the lines between nightclub singer Terry McKay (Kerr) and playboy Nicky Ferrante (Grant) were actually improvised on set and made it to the final print. The two star-crossed lovers, who are each engaged to others, meet and have an affair on an ocean liner. Before docking in New York, they agree to meet six months later at the top of the Empire State Building. But Terry never shows up, leaving Nicky to believe she either got married or simply doesn’t love him. See the laugh out loud synopsis in Sleepless in Seattle, the scene where Rita Wilson explains the plot to Tom Hanks and Victor Garber.

Last Line: “If you can paint, I can walk. Anything can happen, right?”

LIFESTYLELEGENDS

4. Gone with the Wind, starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh (1939)

3. Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman (1942)

Even after more than 70 years, this World War II-era classic never gets old. Exiled American Rick Blaine (Bogart) runs the most popular gin joint in all of Casablanca. One day, his former lover, Ilsa (Bergman) enters the place with a leader of the Czech underground. Love and drama ensue. The film has more memorable lines than most others and you’ve probably quoted some of them like Ricks’ “Here’s looking at you, kid,” or Ilsa’s “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’” Last Line: “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

While Atlanta burned, Gable should have had some breath spray in his pocket. Gable wore dentures and had bad breath, according to his co-star, who said while the camera may have picked up an on-screen chemistry between the two, she hated filming any scenes where she had to kiss Rhett Butler. Oh, and author Margaret Mitchell, who wrote the novel upon which GWTW was based, obviously wasn’t a fan of producer David O. Selznick’s film adaptation.

She told reporters (with a straight face) that Groucho Marx would have made a good Rhett Butler. Before editing, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,” was scripted as “Frankly my dear, it makes my gorge rise.” Yuck.

Last Line: “After all, tomorrow is another day.”

5. From Here to Eternity, starring Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, Montgomery Clift and Frank Sinatra (1953)

The steamy scenes between Kerr and Lancaster (especially the Freudian one on the beach) probably didn’t involve much acting; the two were having an affair during the filming. Must have been a short-lived romance; it only took 41 days to shoot and it cost just $1 million to make (which was considered inexpensive in the movie business even 60 years ago). What was almost as intriguing as the movie was the Sinatra back story. His career was in the toilet, and even after begging for the role of Maggio, Eli Wallach was cast in the part. But then Wallach got an offer to do a Broadway show, and Sinatra agreed to take the role for $8,000.

Eight years earlier, he was paid $130,000 to do Anchors Aweigh.

Last Line: As they float on the water: “Robert E. Lee Prewitt. Isn’t that a silly old name?” njlifestyleonline.com

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6. Love Story, starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw (1970)

Here’s the thing about this maudlin, tragic tear-jerker: People either love the melodramatic, rich boy-poor girl romance film, or they hate it. There doesn’t seem to be any middle ground. Director Arthur Hiller passed on a chance to make The Godfather so he could do Love Story. The film was so popular that if you mention the movie’s key line — “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” — to a certain generation, they can immediately recall where they saw the film and who they saw it with. The kicker to the key line was at the end of the 1972 film, What’s Up Doc when Barbra Streisand says, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” to co-star Ryan O’Neal.

His answer: “That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard.”

7. Wuthering Heights, starring Laurence Olivier,

David Niven and Merle Oberon (1939)

Another romance film that’s stood the test of time, although it was slow to recoup its investment and had to be re-released years later in order to finally be profitable.

Olivier, who had a reputation as a meticulous actor, wasn’t a fan of the film-making style of director William Wyler, who insisted on multiple takes of scenes even if already had a perfect shot. After shooting an interminable series of takes, Olivier got in Wyler’s face and said, “For God’s sake, I did it sitting down. I did it with a smile. I did it with a smirk. I did it scratching my ear. I did it with my back to the camera. How do you want me to do it?” Wyler’s succinct reply: “I want it better.”

9. The Tender Trap, starring Frank Sinatra and Debbie Reynolds (1955)

8. Pretty Woman, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts (1990)

Considered Julia Roberts breakout role (although some say it was really Mystic Pizza). The storyline behind the movie isn’t exactly original: Vivian is hooker (Roberts) with a heart of gold who snares Edward, the hard-hearted millionaire (Gere). Burt Reynolds saw the lovemaking scenes between the co-stars, and admits he’s still kicking himself for turning down the role. Incidentally, you know that scene where Edward snaps a necklace case down on Vivian’s fingers? Totally improvised, but the filmmakers decided to leave it in because of how natural it seemed.

Last Line: Edward: “So what happened after he climbed up the tower and rescued her?”

Vivian: “She rescues him right back.”

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Aspiring actress Julie Gillis (Reynolds) is so determined to land a husband that she’s already set a date for the wedding. Now all she needs is a groom. Enter Charlie Y. Reader (Sinatra), a Manhattan theatrical agent who’s at a loss for female companionship. Julie briefly dates Charlie but then decides she won’t marry him until he gives up his many girlfriends. Not only did Sinatra turn in a great performance, the Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen title song remained in his songbook for the rest of his concert career. By the way, Reynolds apparently had a thing for ol’ Frankie. Last year, she told a British website, “(Sinatra) was a great guy. We made a movie together called The Tender Trap and he advised me not to marry my first husband, Eddie Fisher. And we all know how that turned out. … I liked Frank so much. In a way, if he had asked, who knows, I might have married him — but he never asked.”

ROMANTIC MOVIES

10. Singin’ In The Rain, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds (1952)

Although this classic ranked number one on AFI’s list of the 25 greatest musicals of all time, it’s also a great love story, too. It’s 1927, and actors Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are considered one of Hollywood’s most famous and bankable silent movie stars. Lina can’t separate on-screen romance for real love. When Don and Lina’s latest film is made over into a musical, Don can make the grade, but Lina doesn’t have the chops for talkies, so the producers decide to over-dub her voice with that of an aspiring actress, Kathy Selden (Reynolds). The rest, friends, is cinematic history, with Kelly’s iconic and splashy choreography to the movie’s title song. Meanwhile, the film does have a very local angle.

Twenty years before the movie was made, actress Mae Clark, who grew up in Atlantic City and has a small role in Singin’ In The Rain, was the woman in whose face James Cagney squished a grapefruit in the movie The Public Enemy. n — Photos courtesy doctormacro.com

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LifeStyle Travel

By DAN SCHLOSSBERG

Exploring Nash Vegas The city of Nashville answers to many names, but it’s the vibrant melodies that will awaken your soul and keep you coming back for more.

Nashville’s downtown skyline at Shelby Street Bridge

To some, she’s the Athens of America.

To others, she’s the buckle of the Bible Belt. To all, she’s Music City — the place where country music started, flourished, and found a niche unlike any other in American history. This is Nashville, a city that sizzles with song from every nook and cranny. A blend of open-air bistros, honky-tonk cafes, and guitar pickers in search of a stool and an audience, it is part Bourbon Street, part Times Square, and part Beale Street, with enough neon to justify the nickname 44

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“NashVegas.”

From the outside, the Country Music Hall of Fame looks like an enormous cement keyboard. And the nearby Nashville Visitors Center is topped by an old-time radio tower that pays tribute to the city’s pioneering role in broadcasting music to millions. On a typical Saturday night, Broadway is a blend of curious tourists, unknown musicians willing to sing for their supper, and street vendors selling everything from hot dogs to caramel

corn. Country music legends can pop up anywhere, and often do. Some want to see a hidden talent get his start, others perform at the historic Ryman Center, and a few want to view the names embedded in Hollywood-style cement stars on the plaza facing the country hall.

Nashville may be the capital of the State of Tennessee but it is the world capital of country music. Residents have included Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Janis Ian, Ronnie Milsap, Willie Nelson,

Dolly Parton, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood. Tours take visitors past the homes of the country music elite and inside the one-time home of Barbara Mandrell.

Her Fontanel Mansion, possibly the world’s largest log cabin, embraces 27,000 square feet and sits on 136 acres.

Nashville has more claims to fame than any other city its size.

Its population is only 600,000, but on warm weekend nights it seems there are that many street musicians trying to catch the eyes and ears of booking agents.

The ears of the nation were tuned to Nashville long ago. The Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running live radio show on the planet, started in 1925 and continues to thrive. The 2,300-seat Ryman Auditorium, home of the program from 194374, is called “the Mother Church of Country Music” even though the show shifted its primary headquarters to the Grand Ole Opry House, a 4,400-seat venue 10 miles out of town.

Even before the Grand Ole Opry became its chief claim to fame, Nashville radio station WSM was broadcasting the dulcet tones of the Francis Craig Orchestra — source of the first music aired by that station.

Craig later introduced Nashville native Dinah Shore, a Vanderbilt graduate. WSM-AM still operates with an all-country format.

The music scene has catapulted the community into economic stratosphere, with an annual impact exceeding $6 billion and a standing second only to New York as a music production center. All four major record labels and dozens of independents have Nashville offices.

Music publishers, record labels, and recording studios — including RCA

Studio B — comprise Music Row, an integral part of the compact downtown, while potential future stars make nightly sounds at places like Tootsie’s, Robert’s Western World, and the Wildhorse Saloon, all part of a stretch of Broadway called The District.

Over the years, Music Row has expanded to include sources of gospel music, rock, and jazz in addition to country. But residents still find time to enjoy film and Shakespeare festivals, repertory theater, state fair, and a four-day country music festival. Spring in Nashville means the Country Music Marathon in April and, a month later, the Iroquois Steeplechase, when horses run instead of people.

Visitors can find virtually any record or CD on the shelves of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, which holds an unofficial record of its own: most musical treasures crammed into the least space. The stage of the old “Midnite Jamboree” is one of its prized possessions.

Just a few blocks away is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where gold records and gold costumes mingle with videos, artifacts, and performance theaters, and a room of bronze plaques similar to those found in Cooperstown. The first three inductees — Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and Fred Rose — were announced in 1961, six years before the building was ready. The current $37 million structure became an instant downtown landmark after its opening on May 17, 2001.

Big names of the past are honored in several spots, including the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, located in the Municipal Auditorium. Elvis Presley alone recorded more than 250 records

An American icon and country music’s most famous stage, the Grand Ole Opry

State Capitol of Tennessee Lower Broadway

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Lif estyl e Tr a v e l at Historic RCA Studio B, where daily tours are available. Blackbird Recording Studio also has a rich legacy. Outof-towners might even see shows in progress at Country Music Television, Great American Country, or the local studios of Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The Listening Room Café is a fine place to find future stars.

Also on the can’t-miss list are the Tennessee State Museum, the State Capitol, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and even a museum devoted exclusively to Johnny Cash. The Frist, in a former post office with an Art Deco motif, is one of many making modern mileage out of historic structures.

Another cultural bastion is the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, where a unique use of natural lighting makes it attractive to architects as well as advocates of classical music. A wider variety of music is on the docket at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, which has four different theaters, and the restored Ryman, enjoying a second life as a museum and a concert venue.

Nashville’s Centennial Park seems an unlikely setting for the Parthenon, a full-scale copy of the Greek temple that includes a 42-foot statue of the goddess Athena among its art treasures. Coupled with the plethora of colleges, the fullsized reproduction gave Nashville its “Athens of America” nickname. “Music City” has been the primary moniker since Queen Victoria liked the Fisk Jubilee Singers so much that she said, “These young people must surely come from a musical city.”

For a blend of something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, the place to go is Printer’s Alley, tucked between Third and Fourth from Union to Church.

Once the epicenter of the American publishing world, it features late Victorian architecture, the city’s first skyscraper, its first parking garage, and a hangout called the Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar, known to locals as “the Cheers of Nashville.” It’s always open-mike night at Lonnie’s Western Room and blues night at Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie.

Visitors seeking to escape from the cacophony of sound downtown can visit more than 100 urban parks or take a short hike over the pedestrian-only Shelby Avenue Bridge, a great vantage point for photos of the skyline, the riverfront, and LP Field, the enormous football stadium (capacity is 68,798 46

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seats). A four-decked paddle wheeler named the General Jackson Showboat is one of many vessels that cruise the Cumberland but the only one with lunch and dinner cruises accompanied by live music.

Jackson, who beat the British in the 1814 Battle of New Orleans before becoming Tennessee’s first congressman and the nation’s seventh president, lived in The Hermitage, a 1,000-acre estate that is one of many surviving antebellum structures open to tourists.

Jackson died 25 years before Nashville became the first Confederate capital to fall to federal troops, in 1862. Two years later, the Battle of Nashville proved pivotal for the soon-to-be-victorious Union.

Today, the General Jackson is a reminder of Nashville’s importance as a transportation hub. Named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Nash, it relied first on steamboats and later on steam locomotives to move people and freight. Trains still rumble through downtown, adding hourly horn sounds to the constant country twang.

In the early days of its history, residents relied on horses. At Belle Meade Plantation are an 1853 Greek Revival mansion, 1890-vintage carriage house, a winery, and 30 acres of lush green hills conducive to its origin as a thoroughbred horse farm. The ancestors of Secretariat, Seabiscuit, and Seattle Slew not only ate their oats there but sowed them. Belmont Mansion is the state’s largest house museum while Cheekwood is a Georgia-style mansion with a fine art collection and bountiful botanical garden (55 acres). There’s another cluster of antebellum buildings in East Nashville, a popular place for creative types.

Locals love both spectator and participation sports. There’s bigtime college sports, led by Vanderbilt University, plus professional franchises in both football and hockey. The Tennessee Titans began life as the Houston Oilers, while the Predators pushed their puck a little further by dubbing their host city “Smashville.”

The play-on-words even extended up the Broadway corridor, where a New Yorkstyle deli opened with the creative name of “Noshville.”

There are so many musical variations in the city that the Triple-A baseball team embraced them all; it is known as the Nashville Sounds. The team is

getting a new ballpark — to be built on the same spot where Sulphur Dell hosted organized baseball from 18701963. The nation’s oldest ballpark at the time of its 1969 demolition, it was known not only for its wooden wall and short right-field foul line (262 feet) but for a steep outfield embankment that substituted for a warning track.

If the right fielder stood at the base of the wall, he stood 22½ feet over the first baseman!

Getting around is easier than homering to right in Sulphur Dell. It’s a short ride (15 minutes) from the airport to downtown and a free one on the Music City Circuit, a bus that bisects the historic downtown core while making more than 60 stops.

The long list of historic places to stay ranges from Union Station Hotel, a century-old structure that once served steam-powered passenger trains, to the Hermitage, a five-diamond property erected in 1910. For guests who prefer dramatic 21st century design coupled with convenience, both the Omni and the Music City Center — a convention complex directly across the street — opened to rave notices last year.

The 800-room hotel, connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame by interior corridor, is the second largest in Tennessee. Reaction has been so positive that the hotel already has events booked for the year 2024.

The constant flood of publicity provided by broadcasting and movies has helped. Coal Miner’s Daughter and The Green Mile were filmed in town, and Nashville was both a movie and a television show. The Nashville Network is an ongoing enterprise, keeping alive the memory of Hee Haw and other countrified productions. n For further information, contact the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, 150 Fourth Street North, Suite G-250, Nashville, TN 37219, Tel: 800-657-6910 or the Omni Nashville, 205 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN, Tel: 855-847-6339.

Former AP newsman Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn is travel editor of New Jersey Lifestyle and Sirius XM Radio’s Maggie Linton Show, host and executive producer of Travel Itch Radio, and co-founder of the North American Travel Journalists Association [NATJA]. He can be reached at dan@natja.org.

LIFESTYLENOSTALGIA

The Substitute

By CHRISTOPHER COOK GILMORE

By teaching others, we sometimes learn even more about ourselves

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“I’m a professional story teller,” I told him. “I want to tell the students stories. I don’t want to pass out busy work and have to sit there making sure they’re doing it, and I don’t want to sit back and let them turn the class into a social scene, either. I want to entertain them and hopefully teach them something.”

“What do you want to teach them?” he asked.

“How to tell a story.”

I was hired on the spot and told to do all the story-telling I liked.

I started off wearing a suit and tie. I don’t know why because as a high school student I hadn’t even owned a suit and tie. When I saw some of the regular teachers showing up in jeans, I lowered my standards and joined them. Faded denims — spotlessly clean, but very faded — and a red or blue flannel shirt became my trademark.

I had long, curly blonde hair that was okay once I told everybody, the kids and the teachers, that I’d been surfing up the coast in Margate, my home town, all my life. I have a tattoo, a star and crescent on my upper arm, so high they couldn’t see it, even with my sleeves rolled up, and I wear a gold earring in my left ear.

I had a distinctive technique. I’d arrive at a classroom as the bell was ringing, and when it ended, I’d hold up my hands for silence. Thirty high school kids would eventually stop chattering and stare at me.

“I’m Mister Gilmore,” I’d say, then I’d spin around and write my name, GILMORE, on the chalkboard in huge letters. Then I’d spin back and say, “I’m a well-published writer. My first novel is in your school library. I write features for magazines you’ve probably read. Writers are story tellers. Today, I’m going to tell you a story.”

In my first year on the job, I nearly always told the same story. It was true, it had just happened to me the winter before, and the experience was still very much on my mind. It was about capsizing my boat, a 14-foot catamaran, in the middle of Florida’s Biscayne Bay. It was about spending nine hours adrift on the overturned boat, shivering and seasick, until I was finally sighted and rescued by a passing 50foot yawl as the sun was going down.

You could hear a pin drop. Kids at that age love stories, and they don’t get to hear many of them in school where almost everything’s a lecture, and entertainment is not the object. And my story didn’t have a moral, either. I told it as it happened and let them find their own moral, if that’s what they wanted.

“I asked the people on the yacht which one of them had spotted me. It turned out to be a boy from Arizona, a college student who’d never been on a sailboat before. He said he was sitting up on the bow, playing with a pair of binoculars when he saw me waving...”

When my story was over the students would look at me with new eyes Substitutes, I’d come to realize, were often ignored by their students, and sometimes, if they were vulnerable, treated with obvious disrespect. Not I. Often, when I walked into a class I hadn’t taught before, somebody would raise his hand and ask if I’d tell them a story. I stuck to the shipwreck saga until the whole school had heard it at least once. Then I looked for something else.

I told them about crossing the Sahara on the roof of a train. I told them about my visit to the biggest, most sacred bat cave in Bali, Indonesia. I described elephant safaris through Nepalese forests, first class train rides across India, malarial attacks in Kenya, owning a bar in Saigon, selli­ng Hindu temple rubbings in the Caribbean.

My second year on the job I ran out of stories about myself. So I started telling them my favorite short stories, ones I’d grown up on, classics by Poe, DeMaupassant, O’Henry, and my favorite, Somerset Maugham. I kept them on the edge of their seats.

I was telling them the best stories they’d ever heard.

I learned to tell shorter stories. I’d speak for twenty minutes and turn the next twenty-five into a study period.

I began bringing paperbacks with me and reading them at my desk while the students pretended to study. It didn’t feel right, and it probably wouldn’t have looked right if somebody from administration had walked in, so I decided to try something else. Instead of reading, I’d write. I didn’t have a word processor, so longhand would have to do. njlifestyleonline.com

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L I F E ST Y L E N O STA LG I A I went back to work on a novel I’d begun the year before and stopped writing over the summer. It worked.

I passed out their busy work, and then I took out my manuscript and my favorite fountain pen and began writing. I had no trouble concentrating.

I worked hours every day. By the end of my second year as a sub, I had almost entirely stopped telling stories.

By my third year, the completed novel had been submitted by my agent to fourteen publishers and rejected by all of them, and I was halfway through a new one I’d been writing all summer. I worked on it all day in my Ocean City apartment, every day that winter, and when I was called in to substitute, I’d bring it with me.

My reputation as a raconteur followed me.

“Tell us a story,” they’d sometimes say.” I would stand up, wait for absolute silence, and then knock them off their feet with a first line like, “The many injuries of Fortunato... I’d born as best I could... but when he ventured upon insult... I swore revenge.”

“Poe’s Cask of Amantilado!,” I’d say, then I’d keep them spellbound for ten minutes with the story.

Or I’d hit them with Fitzgerald: “The rich are different from you and me...”

They devoured my words.

Then I’d order them back to their busy work while I returned to mine.

My new novel was about a substitute teacher, a big mistake, because it was way too close to the bone, to reality, to what I was going through several times a week. For the sake of the novel, I was trying to think like a teenager, not a great idea when your job is controlling a roomful of them.

One morning in January on my way to work I stopped at a gas station to fill the tank. The fellow who filled it was a student I’d gotten to know a little, a nice boy who was in love with automobiles.

He told me he’d quit school the year before so that he could get a job, make some money and buy a car. He pointed to it, a little pickup with chrome wheels, parked next to the garage.

It was a cold, rainy morning and he didn’t look happy.

I said, “Dude, the high school’s buzzing! Cutest girls you ever saw, jamming the halls! Why don’t you come 50

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back to school? Be a part of it all again!

Why would you want to spend all day standing around in freezing cold rain?”

He laughed and said he’d think about it. I guess he did. The last time I passed that gas station he was still at the pumps.

In February the weirdness began.

I kept a boy after school for talking.

I’d never kept anybody after school. I wanted to get out of there as much as they did. But this was my third year on the job and I was beginning to lose it. He waited until we were alone, and then he walked up to my desk, leaned over, and said, “I could get you in a lot of trouble if I wanted to.”

I stood up and said, “Son, the reason I kept you after school was to apologize. I lost my temper and I’m sorry.”

I held out my hand, and after a moment he shook it, nodded and walked away.

Later, when I reported him to the principal, I was told that the boy had a mental problem and he probably wasn’t taking his medication. His parents would be notified and they would make sure he did.

One day I had to substitute for a Special Ed teacher. In my first class, four of us sat around a table making model airplanes. Two girls and a boy, they were very nice kids and we had fun.

They knew I was the Story Man, and they wanted to hear the one about my shipwreck. They got it, richly detailed, because I didn’t have to raise my voice.

But the next Special Education class was different. There were two boys, one huge, wearing boots and a motorcycle jacket, the other very small, near-sighted and unable to look me in the eye, and a wide eyed black girl who never opened her mouth. Their teacher had left specific instructions for me. I was to set up the movie projector, lower the screen, and show them the movie that was in my desk drawer.

The movie was a recent documentary, in color, about the American Nazi Party.

The what? It showed rallies where everyone was wearing Nazi uniforms, standing around a bonfire giving salutes. It showed a big Thanksgiving dinner with Grandma arriving from the kitchen holding the desert, a big cake decorated with a white icing and a big black swastika in the middle.

That’s when I turned it off and told them a long happy story about surfing in Sri Lanka.

Things were getting weird, but I had no idea how weird they would eventually get, until that spring when the bomb threats began. This was only a year after Columbine. One day I was working on my novel while the students were taking a surprise math quiz I’d been instructed to distribute, when the alarm went off.

I thought it was a fire drill, but it wasn’t. Someone had phoned the school saying a bomb had been planted in the building and was about to go off. We — the whole school, about a thousand students and fifty teachers — filed out and gathered in the football field across the street. We sat in the stands for thirty minutes, thinking about bombs while the bomb squad made their inspection.

Then the bell rang and we all went back in.

That was on Monday. I was called in two days later, and that afternoon we had another bomb scare, another evacuation, another long hot wait in the football field bleachers, trying to keep the kids under control.

The next day I was substituting for a biology teacher when it happened again. This time fights broke out on the football field. Students wouldn’t sit down. Several of them just walked away, would not turn around when called back.

That was my last day as a New Jersey high school substitute. The next time they called me, I said I was taking a vacation.

It was a wonderful experience. I entertained a thousand kids, maybe inspired a few. I wrote two novels that still need work, I learned a lot about teaching and even more about myself.

I learned that the high school was a magical place, a city within a city, a world of abstracts where ideas ruled and words were everything.

For that kind of experience there can be no substitute. n Christopher Cook Gilmore died nine years ago on June 29, 2004 in Margate. The son of a Pulitzer Prize winning author, Gilmore was an internationally-known poet and novelist, as well as a sailor and world traveler who bragged that he had not held a day job since the 1960s.

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A Week of ulinary Bliss

An insider’s look at Atlantic City Restaurant Week

by ALYSON BOXMAN LEVINE

It has finally arrived. The one week you look

forward to all year long. The much-anticipated Atlantic City Restaurant Week will be held March 2-8, 2014, and local restaurants are eagerly gearing up for the event. Is your mouth watering yet?

Well, if not, it soon will be. This year, AC Restaurant Week promises to be a seven-day celebration of the culinary scene in and around Atlantic City. During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer a multi-course meal for the fixed price of $15.14 for lunch and $33.14 for dinner. From seafood houses to Mexican restaurants, and everything in-between, the participating establishments feverishly plan their unique menus to please.

“Traditionally, Restaurant Week is one of the most popular winter events in and around Atlantic City,” said John Palmieri, executive director of the CRDA. “Atlantic City is home to renowned culinary talents known across the globe and Restaurant Week affords many the opportunity to get together with family, friends and colleagues to sample new dining experiences.”

Linwood resident and Atlantic City Restaurant Week guru Manny Afifi is eagerly looking forward to the annual event. “I always go to Buddakan because I love the restaurant. Three or four friends and I always go there every year,” revealed Afifi, who has been participating in the event since its inception.

“Each year, I also like to pick a new place I have never been to,” said Afifi. “I try new and more expensive restaurants that I’ve not visited in the past. We also use it as a good excuse to get everyone together.”

Bringing people together is what this special week is all about, and, of course, the food. “One of my favorite is trying different foods that you don’t typically order, and I usually end up liking them,” explained Afifi. “My favorite thing about Restaurant Week is that it lets me try something new and it makes our yearly get-togethers njlifestyleonline.com

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R E STAU R A N T W E E K

This year, Atlantic City Restaurant Week is featuring five different culinary getaways, including a wine lover’s weekend, an adventure seekers getaway, a nature lover’s outing, an art lover’s escape, and a health nut getaway. more fun. Through Restaurant Week, our friendships have gotten actually stronger.”

When planning your week, keep in mind that all participating restaurants are not just in Atlantic City. Instead, they stretch over Atlantic County, including establishments in Somers Point, Mays Landing, and Galloway. Included on the current list of participants is the famous Atlantic City prohibition-era landmark, the Knife & Fork Inn, Italian eatery Carmine’s, and neighborhood favorite Steve & Cookies by the Bay in Margate, to name a few.

Somers Point restaurant owner Andrew Latz has big plans for the 2014 AC Restaurant Week. “I am always excited about Restaurant Week because it brings together people who really want to dine and experience our restaurant, Latz’s by the Bay,” explained Latz.

“Being a BYO, we will have a strong focus on desserts, and what can be better than chocolate! Each of my staff members will be schooled on the menu and how it relates to our regular menu, and are all looking forward to serving our Restaurant Week friends.”

This year, Atlantic City Restaurant Week is featuring five different culinary getaways, including a wine lover’s weekend, an adventure seekers getaway, a nature lover’s outing, an art lover’s escape, and a health nut getaway. The event organizers have fine-tuned the event to appeal to a broader audience by highlighting area attractions as well.

Here is a sampling of the wine lover’s weekend: Saturday Morning: Start your morning on a delicious note at Formica Brothers Bakery Café. An Atlantic City tradition since 1919, Formica Brothers’ legendary baked goods are hand crafted from fresh dough, using recipes and techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation.

Order up a hot coffee drink, and choose from gourmet muffins, chocolate croissants, or seven indulgent flavors of biscotti for a fast and fresh breakfast before you hit the road.

Next, take a 35 minute drive to the 57.2-acre Chateau Balic Winery, located in Mays Landing. Balic Winery produces 30 different kinds of wine including Alexander the Great, a red wine described by European-born owner Bojan Boskovic as “rich in tannins, very in-depth and rich in the body.” Made primarily with Vranac grapes, the wine is comparable to cabernet sauvignon. Balic Winery offers free wine tastings and tours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday Afternoon: Less than 11 miles to the northwest is Bellview Winery, located in Landisville. Bellview features an impressive list of 28 wines, including the Jersey Devil White, a legendary off-dry blend with aromas of melons, kiwi, apple and citrus. Taste the wines, take a tour, and talk with the 54

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owner and wine-maker, Jim Quarella. Browse the gift shop for an array of wine-related gift items and beautiful gift baskets.

Bring a lunch to enjoy in the winery’s shaded picnic area, or be tempted by something from Bellview’s light fare menu.

Tasting room hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday Evening: Compare your notes on the day’s wines over a romantic dinner at Angeloni’s II, located in Atlantic City. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been honored by Wine Spectator Magazine for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. The menu is brimming with Italian-American dishes like veal saltimbocca, eggplant rollatini, and homemade gnocchi.

Sunday Morning: Weekends were made for sleeping in and an indulgent brunch. You can do both right here. Join the celebrated Sunday Brunch at Renault Winery Resort and Golf, located in Egg Harbor City. Renault’s award-winning country brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers you a choice of main entrée, chef-attended hot carving and hot pasta stations, salads, fruits, cheeses, meats, baked goods and desserts. Don’t miss the Blueberry Champagne punch or Renault Sangria.

Sunday Afternoon: Continue your Renault Winery experience with a 40-minute wine tour that includes a tasting. There is a $2 charge for the tour and a $3 stem charge for the wine tasting, which you will receive in a souvenir Renault Winery etched stem glass. Renault carefully creates its wines with grapes grown on their 40 acre vineyard. Love to golf? Book a tee time on the 7,200 yard championship Vineyard Golf Course, which meanders through the vineyards and South Jersey pinelands.

Sunday Evening: It’s been a wonderful weekend of wine exploration. But don’t head home just yet. Stop by The Shoppes of Historic Smithville and the Village Greene.

Located just 20 minutes outside of Atlantic City on Route 9 in Smithville, the village is a charming place to stroll and shop more than 60 stores including Tomasello Winery & Gifts. Historic Smithville also offers many wonderful places to dine before hitting the road for home. Choose from the casual Fred and Ethel’s Lamplight Tavern to the fine dining experience of the Smithville Inn, one of South Jersey’s premiere restaurants.

So, whether you simply go for lunch or instead opt to enjoy a few days of delicious local fare, this seven-day culinary event is sure to be a success. Get a group together or just go with your significant other, but go. You taste buds will enthusiastically thank you. n For a list of participating restaurants, visit acrestaurantweek.com.

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A Bit of Bubbly

BRILLIANTBUBBLES By Salvatore J. Spena

Champagne and Valentine’s Day, a match made in heaven Second only to New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day is a very

busy night of the year for popping the question; “Will you marry me?” And there’s nothing better or more appropriate than taking the plunge over a glass of sparkling wine or bubbly. You need not be an expert in champagne, wines, or spirits in order to make one of the most important moments of your life perfect.

What you do need are a few things. Obviously, you need a location to make this happen. Whether it’s a remote place, quiet restaurant, special place that you both share, or a nice vacation destination, choose wisely.

Second, you need to set the mood fellas. I can’t do it for you. Make it romantic, something that you and your bride-to-be (hopefully, she still needs to say “yes”) will always cherish. Remember, flowers and soft music in the background will set the perfect mood Third, get anyone and everyone involved that needs to be prior to popping the question. From family members and friends, to the waiter and restaurant manager, enlist help to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Lastly, and here is where I come in, pick out the ideal champagne that you and your bride-to-be will toast with on this momentous occasion. Will it be Brut or Extra Dry? Vintage or non-vintage? Fear not, as we will explore all these different angles so you can select the best possible elixir of love and make it a moment that will last a lifetime.

Brut is classified as a dry product and Extra Dry is typically reviewed as off-dry to rich. Rosê is a sparkling wine with a hint of color from the grape skins that were allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period of time.

Non-vintage is the blend of two more vintages, whereas vintage versions are produced from the fruit of only one year. Vintage champagne is usually aged more than 15 months and a lot more expensive, but much smoother in taste.

Non-vintage is aged less than one year and makes up about 70% of champagne sold in the U.S. market.

The most important factor will be; what does your companion enjoy? This will lead to your selection. If you’re stuck, my suggestion is a nice non-vintage, extra-dry sparkling wine. You can’t go wrong with that and your partner will enjoy it tremendously.

In recent years, the demystification of champagne has become ever-present.

More restaurants and wine bars are making them available at the forefront and educating the consumer about them. This change has been fueled, in part, by the maturing wine culture of America, where a thirst for knowledge is matched

by the technology to share vast quantities of information. Wine drinkers are looking beyond the famous labels and fancy images of champagne, and are seeking to truly get to know this age-old product.

As a result, more and more restaurants are offering a greater selection of champagnes on their menus, and cooking with them in entrées and desserts.

Also, the education of well-trained waitstaff is much more apparent. Well-skilled, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, these men and women know and understand the great potential that a champagne has to complement a wonderful meal.

There is nothing better than starting a nice evening with some sparkling bubbly, as it sets the mood and enlivens the pallet.

Now, let’s not forget the moment of truth, usually reserved for after dinner at dessert time. Or it can be in the beginning of your meal, or, for that matter, in the middle; whenever you feel most comfortable. Make sure the venue knows what you are planning so they can have your champagne chilled and stemware ready and waiting. A sliced strawberry on the rim of the glass is always appropriate and special. At this point, you’re on your own. I wish you good luck and many, many happy memories. Enjoy each other and that beautiful sparkling wine in front of you.

Top 10 Perfect Valentine’s Day Champagnes Perrier- Jouet, Brut Champagne Grand Brut NV, approx. $45 G.H. Mumm, Brut Rose Champagne NV, approx. $75 Moet & Chandon, Brut Champagne Imperial NV, approx. $41 Krug, Brut Champagne Grand Cuvee NV, approx. $169 Paul Goerg, Brut Champagne 2004, approx. $53 Piper-Heidsieck, Brut Champagne 2006, approx. $75 Ruinart, Brut Rose Champagne NV, approx. $75 Louis Roederer, Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2006, approx. $90 Taittinger, Brut Champagne Reserve NV, approx. $50 Veuve Clicquot, Brut Champagne, La Grande Dame 2004, approx. $160 n Salvatore J. Spena is the General Manager of Robert’s Steakhouse at The Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City and an Advisory Board Member of The Community Food Bank of New Jersey/Southern New Jersey Branch. He can be reached via email at salspena@comcast.net, Facebook at Salvatore Spena, and Twitter @salspena. njlifestyleonline.com

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Couple Therapy When it comes to romance, these upscale restaurants are at the top of their game

By ALYSON BOXMAN LEVINE

Buddakhan, Atlantic City 58

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FOODFARE

M

usic mogul Justin Timberlake may be “bringing sexy back,” but when it comes to creating a romantic atmosphere for dining, some say it’s all about the ambiance.

Whether you prefer a quiet oceanfront table under the moonlight, or a coveted seat at the Chef’s Table at a contemporary establishment in the heart of the city, making a meal special is the ideal recipe for romance.

Can a gigantic golden Buddha be sexy? It can when it sits in the center of restaurateur Stephen Starr’s Buddakan in Atlantic City. Designer Shawn Hausman created magic in the 9,000 square feet of sprawling interior space — with the assistance of project architect Richard Stokes — that makes patrons feel as if they are dining under the stars.

Upon entering, you proceed through an enchanted Asian garden surrounded by multi-colored archways, 25-foot tall trees that appear to grow through the ceiling, rocks and foot

bridges, to arrive at the awe-inspiring restaurant’s main dining room. A twilight sky illuminated with state-of-the art lighting, reclaimed Douglas fir wood covered walls, and a façade of houses with clay tile roofs create the illusion of being inside the courtyard of an ancient Chinese village.

For a more intimate setting, a series of “opium den” style rooms provide guests with private dining nooks.

Inside Cafe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill, you will experience unique California design at its best. General Manager George Katsikis describes the restaurant’s ambiance as contemporary, elegant, and romantic. “The space was designed by Richardson Smith Architects in Princeton, along with owner Aldo Lamberti’s vision,” explains Katsikis. With some 18,000 square feet of space, this restaurant is the perfect setting for any special occasion.

Cafe Aldo Lamberti, Cherry Hill njlifestyleonline.com

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FOOD FARE

Azure by Allegretti, Revel Peter Shields Inn, Cape May

Lacroix, Rittenhouse House, Philadelphia

Aldo’s Enoteca, Caffe Aldo Lamberti’s indoor/ outdoor bar and patio, features a unique glass enclosed, temperature-controlled wine room, and is the ideal place to enjoy one of their signature cocktails or a glass of wine from their award-winning wine list. And there is a hidden treasure.

Below their main dining room, you will discover three beautiful private wine cellars that are ideal for your romantic dinner. Perfect for popping the question, all three cellars are available for private events and house over 15,000 bottles of wine within them. When it comes to special events, we do our very best to cater to the guest’s specific requests, explained Katsikis. “We have attention-grabbing flaming sparklers that our guests love.”

If waterfront dining is what you and your partner crave, then Azure by Allegretti at the Revel casino is the place for you. This stylish, energetic restaurant captures the sun-kissed glamour of the Riviera — part Capri cuisine, part Saint Tropez soiree — transporting the allure and high style of the Mediterranean coast to Atlantic City. Enjoy amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean while your taste buds thrill to the flavors of refined French and Italian coastal cuisine.

The beauty of the vibrant dining room is rivaled only by the excitement of Chef Allegretti’s exhibition kitchen. Allegretti serves up exceptional seafood utilizing seasonal ingredients sourced from local waters and farms. Relax over a glass of wine and stay for a delicious and vivacious night out while indulging in the spirit of Azure. Their private, sunset-inspired dining room is a must for your intimate gathering.

Chef Allegretti hails from a prominent culinary background developed in kitchens across France and the United States. His cooking style pairs cultural influences from his home city of Nice with the guidance culled from famed chefs, including Jacques Maximin and Alain Ducasse. Allegretti’s career, in both France and New York City, stretches from helming the kitchen at legendary restaurants to his own eponymous restaurant. At Azure, Chef Allegretti pairs the flavors of his Italian heritage with his own French culinary pedigree, creating a modern take on Riviera classics.

Are you planning a romantic seaside getaway? Then Peter Shields Inn, Cape May’s classic oceanfront inn and restaurant, will take your breath away. With nine well-appointed guest rooms, breathtaking oceanfront views, and gourmet dining, this 1907 Georgian Revival mansion is located just steps from the sandy beach.

Go early or stay overnight. Sit on their comfy front porch as you watch dolphins and migrating birds

navigate the Atlantic coastline. The inn’s Zagat-recommended restaurant is a place where epicurean delights and impeccable service are always on the menu Whether you desire to dine in one of their five inviting dining rooms or enjoy your meal overlooking the sea on the front porch, the menu and service are sure to delight. Using the finest ingredients, their executive chef prepares traditional and contemporary seasonal selections. In addition to being a BYO venue, Peter Shields Inn offers a selection of wines from local vineyards as well.

If you’re craving the romance and excitement of the city lights, then a short jaunt to Philadelphia is the way to go. Located in the heart of Center City, on the second floor of the prestigious Rittenhouse Hotel, Lacroix boasts some of the best views of historic Rittenhouse Square. As you and your partner enjoy the cityscape, your palate will be stimulated as you experience creative new flavors and savor the familiar. Lacroix reinvents fine dining, blending ingredients from around the globe in unique preparations to create progressive international cuisine.

Experience the luxury of five-diamond service and award-winning cuisine, where flavor comes alive through the use of fresh local and exotic ingredients.

Voted “Best New Restaurant in the United States” by Esquire magazine in 2003, Lacroix at The Rittenhouse has been attracting international acclaim ever since.

Experience a one-of-a-kind dinner at their Chef’s Table, designed to provide guests with front-row seats to a lively culinary performance. Witness artistry in its most delicious sense, as the team of chefs prepare an exquisite customtailored menu inspired by Executive Chef Jon Cichon. Savor each sip of wine, selected by a team of expert sommeliers.

Chat with their knowledgeable culinary team as you dine beneath the glow of a glimmering chandelier, making the evening truly unforgettable. n njlifestyleonline.com

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DINING Gallery Library IV 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.

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.

Girasole Ristorante & Lounge

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.

Phillips Seafood 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.

LP STEAK — Steakhouse & Seafood

Plaza 9 Shopping Center, 1333 New Road, Northfield, NJ 609-646-8189 www.lukepalladino.com The latest concept from Luke Palladino, LP STEAK is a bold steakhouse with something to please everyone. The menu features classic cuts of Prime beef, modern twists on traditional side dishes, as well as veal, chicken, and seafood. This stylish BYO will allow diners to experience Chef Palladino’s culinary flair in an American Steakhouse.

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

Renault Winery

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.

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LUKE PALLADINO Seasonal Italian Cooking

199 New Road, Central Square, Linwood 609-926-3030 www.lukepalladino.com Newly relocated and expanded, this Atlantic County BYO features authentic Italian cuisine that honors tradition, yet is boldly spontaneous. Chef Palladino’s pride and passion is evident in the menu, featuring hand-crafted pastas, seasonal local produce, and expertly prepared fish and meats. The beautiful design provides the perfect setting for your next private party. Open daily for dinner 5-10 PM and lunch M-F, 11-3 PM.

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.

Stockton Seaview

401 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1800 stocktonseaview.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.

Award-Winning Seafood

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.

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.

phillipsseafood.com atlantic city

609.348.2273

Facebook.com/PhillipsSeafood

Coming soon to

@PhillipsSeafood

Central Square

Linwood, NJ

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.

Brewing Up more than just Coffee 199 New Road, Store 10 Central Square, Linwood, NJ (609) 517-2740 • www.baristascoffeehouse.com njlifestyleonline.com

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CASINO DINING BALLY’S Izakaya 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.

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.

HARRAH’S BORGATA Luke Palladino - Harrah’s Resort 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.

777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City 609-441-5576 ww.lukepalladino.com Taste the excitement at Luke Palladino - Harrah’s Resort. Celebrated Chef Luke Palladino’s incredible namesake Atlantic City fine dining destination. Luke Palladino features the regional, Italian, Jersey-farm flavored cooking he has always strived to honor. An enriching dining experience awaits all who try this Atlantic City Italian restaurant. Reservations recommended by calling, or reserve with OpenTable.

RESORTS

Capriccio

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.

REVEL

Azure by Allegretti

500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City 609-225-9870 www.azureatrevel.com Located at Revel Resort, Azure by Allegretti is a seafood restaurant that captures the glamour of the French Riviera. Chef Alain Allegretti offers exceptional seafood utilizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Guests will marvel at the soaring ocean views inside this beautiful restaurant. Menu items include an extensive raw bar, Spicy Boullabaise, fish, chicken, and beef.

Gallagher’s Steakhouse

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.

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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.

American Cut at Revel 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

609-225-9860 americancutsteakhouse.com American Cut signature steakhouse by Iron Chef Marc Forgione, is a tribute to American Place, the iconic restaurant founded by Marc’s father, famed chef Larry Forgione. Located inside Revel Resort, American Cut highlights Marc’s rock and roll personality with a modern spin on fine dining. Signature dishes include the Tomahawk Rib Eye Chop, an impressive 28-day dry aged 48-ounce steak, Ultimate Surf & Turf, and Chili Lobster.

TROPICANA

Great Food. Great Drinks. Great Atmosphere.

Broadway Burger Bar

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

One Visit and You’ll Feel Like a Regular

Mon - Thurs 4-11 Fri -saT 4-12 sun 3-10

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

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

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.

Voted “Best Place for Dinner” by the 2013 Press Readers Poll

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.

On the circle in Somers Point 609-927-7377 Serving from 11am Children’s Menu Available Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails Live Music • Deck Bar

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A Final Word

By MOLLY GOLUBCOW

Broken Heart?

Call 911 The Bee Gees walk into a cardiologist’s office and ask, “How can you mend this broken heart? The doc says, “Let me order some tests.” The Bee Gees reply, “Please help me mend my broken heart, and let me live again.”

A

lthough this may sound like a set up for a joke, the subject is far from funny. Broken Heart Syndrome (BHS), also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a serious illness and not taken lightly by the medical profession. Poetry, song lyrics, and movies use (and over use) the subject of a broken heart. Why? Because everyone has experienced that sorrowful ache that splits your heart at least once in a lifetime. So, when Cupid shoots his arrow into your heart, beware. Broken Heart Syndrome is not a schoolgirl, hysterical reaction — it’s as serious as a heart attack (pun intended).

Broken Heart Syndrome can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure, and in some rare cases, death. However, in the vast majority of cases, the illness is treatable and most people make a full recovery within weeks. And, unless you are Richard Burton and Liz Taylor, are at low risk for it to ever happen again.

Causes: An emotionally-stressful event — like the death of a loved one, divorce, sudden breakup or physical separation, or a romantic betrayal or rejection – can release a surge of stress hormones that translate into chest pains. Dr. Mary Zasadil, Director of Nuclear Cardiology, University of Wisconsin, has seen patients with Broken Heart Syndrome. Zasadil explains, “In one of my cases, I treated a rather healthy, young female who came in quite sick. The triggering event for that patient was a rather toxic interaction with a boss.”

Women, who stereotypically are emotional beings, are more likely than men to experience Broken Heart Syndrome, and statistically, post-menopausal women are more likely to have BHS, probably caused by the inadequate supply of estrogen hormones flowing to the heart. A recent study in The American Journal of Cardiology also has found that incidents of BHS are more prevalent during summer months as opposed to “real” heart attacks that are seen more in the winter.

Symptoms: When suffering from BHS, one is not just having an anxiety attack. On the contrary, the heart is in serious distress and 66

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patients may present with the following signs: • Angina (chest pain) • Shortness of breath • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) • Nausea • Radiating arm pain • Sweating Diagnosis and treatment: When presenting with the above symptoms, doctors will treat the case as a cardiac one. BHS can be misdiagnosed as a heart attack because the symptoms are similar to a “real” heart attack.

In fact, tests show dramatic changes in rhythm and blood substances that are typical of a heart attack. A real heart attack vs. a BHS event cannot be diagnosed without tests, specifically an EKG, a cardiac MRI, and blood work. “To be certain, standard of care is to do an angiogram; which is an anatomic evaluation/ visualization of blood vessels of the heart directly to differentiate BHS from myocardial infarction (heart attack),” explained Zasadil.

Cardiologists may choose treatment options including: Intraaortic balloon pump; Fluids; Beta blockers or calcium channel blockers; and Aspirin and other heart drugs.

Prevention: The short and flip answer to preventing Broken Heart Syndrome — don’t fall in love in the first place, or don’t fall for someone who will leave you. As in most cases, doctors recommend the usual suspects to keep a healthy mind and body — regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and avoiding stress.

Remember, if your heart beats like a salsa drum just by the mere mention of his name, there’s potential that he also is the one who can tear, break, and crack your heart if he leaves you.

Unfortunately, love and heartache are unavoidable if you walk this earth. As the poet Lord Tennyson so wisely said, “Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Hopefully, that insightful quote will give you some comfort the next time the EKG machine is strapped to your chest. n

Tuscany House Hotel

Renault Winery

Renault Vineyard Golf

Fine Dining

72 N. Bremen Ave. • Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 • 609.965.2111 • www.RenaultWinery.com

“sometimes i can’t believe i had heart surgery. it was all over so fast.”

—Mark, Somers Point

When Mark started feeling tired last year, he didn’t think anything was seriously wrong. Then a routine checkup ended with a referral to AtlantiCare Physician Group Cardiology, which led to a diagnostic test revealing a severe aortic stenosis—a life-threatening condition that can strike at any moment. But, thanks to AtlantiCare’s seamless continuum of care from primary care providers to cardiologists to the Heart Institute’s surgical team, Mark was able to get the treatment he needed. And now he has a new lease on life.

The same care and dedication can be found at all of our southeastern New Jersey locations. We offer a range of services that focus on prevention and prompt diagnosis of heart disease. So, like Mark, you don’t have to travel far to get the individualized treatment you deserve. Schedule a heart-to-heart talk with an expert right here in southeastern New Jersey. Call 1-888-569-1000 or visit www.atlanticarephysiciangroup.com to learn more.

CARDIOLOGY Physician Group Cape May Court House • Egg Harbor Township • Galloway • Hammonton • Manahawkin • Somers Point • Ventnor

heartcheck risk evaluation

Take our free online assessment to determine if you’re at risk for heart disease. Visit www.atlanticare.org/heartcheck.