NJ Lifestyle Magazine Winter 2016

LifeStyle NEW JERSEY

WINTER 2016

Find Your Passion A NIGHT WITH SOPHIA LOREN • WINTER WINE FLIRTY FASHION • THE ALLURE OF LOUISVILLE

What

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THE • VIEW

“When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.” —Anonymous

Beating the Winter Blues

I

t’s back to reality. The holidays are long gone, and we’re trudging along through days that are short and cold. In fact, the outdoor weather is about as inviting as stepping into a freezer, and that’s when the sun isn’t missing in action. We’re in the midst of winter, and with it, the winter blues.

It seems as though the winter blues are almost inevitable. They even have an official name, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), due in part to a lack of sunshine-inspired vitamin D. We lack energy. We’re moody and irritable. And we eat and sleep more.

But that doesn’t mean that we have to let the winter blues take over the wonderful lifestyle we’ve come to enjoy at the Jersey shore. Here are some of my favorite treats and tactics, perfect for this time of year.

Schedule a spa day. What better time to luxuriate in a hot tub than in the middle of winter? This is a wonderful time to try that hot stone massage, soothe that dry skin with essential oils, or slather yourself with seaweed. We have some terrific day spas in south Jersey, and plenty of places within a short drive if you’d prefer a spa weekend.

Venture outside for some Vitamin D. It may be cold, but that doesn’t mean you should be stuck inside. Bundle up and get outside in the sunshine whenever it’s feasible. Walk any of our area boardwalks and watch the crash of the winter waves. Visit the parks and bike paths, which are open year-round. Take the kids (or grandkids) ice skating or to the playground. Then warm up afterward with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite hot toddy.

Get creative. Winter is a wonderful time to unleash your inner artist. Reconnect with your love of photography by bringing your camera (or smart phone) along on a nature walk. Document the beautiful Jersey shore in pastels, acrylic, or oil paints. Take a pottery class or dabble in seashore-inspired jewelry making. Craft some music; write some poetry. We’ve got some wonderful art centers and community programs where you can explore your creativity year-round. Use winter as your muse and you’ll be inspired well beyond the season.

Travel someplace tropical. Some of us escape the winter by traveling to warm climates, whether in or out of the U.S. It’s a wonderful way to get your burst of summer sunshine during the winter months. Plus, I’ve found that a tropical drink in hand does wonders for one’s morale.

Plan your summer vacation. If you can’t get away this winter, do the next best thing. Use this time to research your next vacation. Make it to some place warm, and you’ll bask in the possibilities.

Find an indoor waterpark. It may not be the Caribbean, but trust me when I say that spending an afternoon in a humid, fun-filled indoor waterpark will chase away the winter blues. South Jersey has several within a short drive. You don’t even have to have kids to enjoy it, but it’s certainly a plus if you do.

Enjoy some real winter fun. Embrace the season by planning a weekend ski or snowboard trip. Have a snowball fight. Take a ride on a snowmobile. Make snow angels. Then relax by a roaring fire. We’re in the perfect geographic location in southern Jersey to enjoy all of this, and more.

Get a head start on spring. A bouquet of flowers or a beautiful plant can add the perfect hint of spring inside your home. Get seed and grow your own herbs on your kitchen counter. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider adding some bright spring colors to your home décor.

Remember to open your blinds and let the sun shine in!

As for me, I’ll be doing what I enjoy most during the winter season — spending time with my children, my family, and my dear friends. Unlike the hectic pace of summer at the Jersey shore, the winter brings its own beauty because of the opportunity to reconnect.

May you too be able to make this winter a memorable one. I hope you enjoy this issue of NJ Lifestyle at the spa, on your tropical or ski vacation, or wherever this blustery season may take you.

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LIFESTYLE | Winter 2016

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2016

DEPARTMENTS

12

A Margate home that is a breath of fresh air.

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

Lifestyle Fashion......................................... 8 Flirty fashion ignites your winter wardrobe.

Lifestyle Home........................................... 18

56

The deal with dens.

Whether you call them smorgasbords or buffets, the allure of endless displays of delicious food appeals to everyone.

Lifelines.................................................... 19

FEATURES

2016 resolution: Follow your heart.

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

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

This coastal house offers a modern take on the Key West tradition.

Track and acheive it.

Health Spotlight......................................... 26

The Art of Awnings............................. 16

Image is everything at Atlantic Medical Imaging.

At Berges Trenton Awning, quality craftsmanship runs in the family.

Lifestyle Opinion........................................ 28 The most important election of our lifetime.

Lifestyle Leisure................................. 20

Money Watch............................................. 31

Chillin’ with my Valentine.

2015 — The year in review.

On Wheels......................................... 42 Three for the family.

Lifestyle Travel............................................32

All-You-Can-Eat Elegance................... 56

Lifestyle Entertainment............................... 36

Finding the Louisville Slugger.

Atlantic City’s high-end buffets offer a flavor for every taste.

A night with Sophia Loren and Tony Orlando.

Lifestyle Legends........................................40 Atlantic City bigger, first and only.

The Social Scene........................................ 48 Get the picture on the latest events and happenings.

Lifestyle Wine............................................ 52 Wet your whistle in style with these selections.

Lifestyle Cooking........................................ 59 Tips for a simpler life.

32

In Lifestyle Travel, we uncover the beguiling lure of Louisville.

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

A Final Word.............................................. 64 My kind of town.

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LifeStyLe NEW JERSEY

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Darla Hendricks darlabh2@gmail.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Barbara Scarduzzio barbaras1@comcast.net EDITOR

Bill Henry COPY EDITOR

Alyson Boxman Levine CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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

Candice Adler Molly Golubcow Sherry Hoffman Harry Hurley Alyson Boxman Levine Michelle Dawn Mooney Felicia Lowenstein Niven Marjorie Preston Matt and Tom Reynolds Elaine Rose Will Savarese Phillip Silverstone David Spatz Robin Stoloff TRAVEL EDITOR

Dan Schlossberg PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nick Valinote Eric Weeks ONLINE MEDIA INFO.

www.njlifestyleonline.com ACCOUNTING

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

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

New Jersey Lifestyle Magazine, LLC

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

Because I don’t want to miss a thing.

Your heart has been there for all those special moments. Protect it with a Coronary CTA scan.

For many people there are no warning signs of heart attacks. Half of the people who suffer heart attacks have normal levels of cholesterol and/or normal blood pressure. For over 150,000 Americans per year, the very first sign of coronary artery disease is sudden death.

In 2001, Atlantic Medical Imaging (AMI) was the first imaging center in South Jersey to introduce Coronary CT angiography, technologically the most advanced CT exam for detecting coronary artery disease available in the world. Since then, AMI has accumulated one of the world’s largest case experiences of more than 10,000 examinations, setting the standard of excellence in Coronary CTA.

WHAT IS CORONARY CTA? Coronary CTA is a test that images the coronary arteries. It is non-invasive, involves injection of intravenous contrast, and can be done at very low levels of radiation. AMI pioneered the prospective gating technique which allows us to perform Coronary CTA with radiation doses ranging from 70-90% less than that of a SPECT nuclear medicine stress test. Coronary CTA has an outstanding sensitivity for coronary artery disease. It detects disease in patients that have it in greater than 95%, but most importantly, it has a 100% negative predicted value. This means that the test will be negative 100% of the time when the patients have normal coronary arteries.

Coronary CTA can detect eccentric soft plaque. 86% of heart attacks come from the rupture of eccentric plaque that is not causing a blockage in the coronary arteries. These plaques are invisible to stress tests until there is greater than a 70% stenosis and usually invisible to a coronary artery catheterization for the same level of disease. Coronary CTA can offer an early warning of coronary artery disease decades prior to it potentially causing a heart attack.

KNOW YOUR RISK Many patients suffer under the burden of a significant family history for decades before knowing that their coronary arteries are normal. Relieving patients of this emotional burden is a tremendous benefit. More importantly, Coronary CTA is highly accurate for determining the degree of coronary artery disease and coronary artery stenosis.

Statins and aspirin medications are available to modify a person’s risk of having coronary artery disease, as well as stroke. Imaging may play a key role in determining the level of coronary artery disease and ruling out whether a patient has or doesn’t have this disease. The level of disease can be determined by coronary artery imaging prior to a potential myocardial infarction and this level of disease is only detectable by Coronary CTA, when compared to stress test and coronary catheterization.

Before having an imaging test, it is highly beneficial for patients to see their healthcare provider, have their risk factors examined, and determine whether they should proceed further with imaging.

If it is determined that Coronary CTA will benefit you, call our office at (609) 677-XRAY (9729) to schedule an appointment.

www.atlanticmedicalimaging.com amiradiology GALLOWAY • EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP • MAYS LANDING SOMERS POINT • NORTHFIELD • CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE HAMMONTON • MANASQUAN • BRICK • TOMS RIVER

Local

Chatter Roses are Red…

THE ANNUAL DAY OF LOVE is rapidly approaching as candy-filled hearts and bouquets of beautiful flowers line the shops.

Here are five fun facts about this holiday you probably didn’t know.

1. Every Valentine’s Day, Italy’s city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters, all addressed to Juliet.

2. Over 50% of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the holiday.

3. The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

4. Based on recent retail statistics, about 3% of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.

5. In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned to their sleeves for one week for everyone to see.

This was the origin of the expression, “to wear your heart on your sleeve.”

Here He Comes, M

r.

America?

The Need For Speed

THE POLERCOASTER IS COMING to Atlantic City. Recently approved by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), Florida Developer Joshua Wallack will construct a vertical roller coaster on the site of the old Sands casino on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Mount Vernon / Kentucky Avenues.

Wallack plans to break ground on his 350-foot attraction sometime early in 2016, with the ride tentatively slated to open on Memorial Day weekend 2018.

MEN TAKE THE STAGE at the third annual Mr. Mature America Pageant, set for March 12 at the Ocean City Music Pier. This unique pageant celebrates the relevance of men 55 years or older and is the only event of its kind in the United States, according to Ocean City public relations officials.

This year’s pageant features a Senior’s Art Exhibit presented by the Ocean City Arts Center and Ocean City Fine Arts League. Outstanding senior artists will display their work at the entrance to the pier.

Pageant attendees will be able to view the work before and after the pageant.

Kuddos to Local Symphony

FOR THE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE year, the Bay Atlantic Symphony (BAS) has been nominated for the JerseyArts.com People’s

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Choice Award. To earn this nomination, the symphony performed in numerous venues throughout the year, including

subscription concerts at Cumberland County College and Stockton University, education projects for blind children in Avalon and urban youngsters in Atlantic City, monthly adult music education lectures in four counties, and free music concerts for students.

The symphony was nominated by fellow arts organization members of Discover Jersey Arts. Nominees for the People’s Choice Awards are nominated by their peers through the Jersey Arts Marketers network, which is made up of hundreds of nonprofit arts groups across the state.

T HE BUZ Z O N HA P P E N IN GS IN AN D A ROU N D O U R A R EA The Harlem Globetrotters

Family Fun Time

GET YOUR GAME ON and grab your seats as the lovable and talented Harlem Globetrotters bounce into Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on Friday, March 11 at 7 PM. The Harlem Globetrotters continue a world famous tradition of ball-handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages.

Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans — among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents. The line-up has included some of the greatest players ever, including Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Curly Neal, and Connie Hawkins, just to name a few, and they have appeared in their own movies and TV shows.

A Spy-themed Ga

la

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for South Jersey’s premier food and beverage fundraising event. The 33rd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College “MISSION: POSSIBLE” Restaurant Gala will take place Thursday, March 24, in the Avalon Ballroom of Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center, a new venue for the gala. The annual event showcases food by serving thousands of hors d’oeuvres prepared by students from the Academy of Culinary Arts and features the culinary specialties of 40 of the region’s best restaurants at a progressive dining experience.

Brothers Will and Jack Morey, of Morey’s Piers, a family-owned entertainment, amusement, hotel and dining enterprise in Wildwood and a South Jersey landmark, will be honored at the gala.

Steven Serano of Northfield, owner of Café Loren in Avalon and 1996 Academy of Culinary Arts graduate, is the 2016 Culinary Honoree.

The event has raised $3 million since 1984, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College and Atlantic Cape Foundation operations. For more information, visit www.atlantic.edu/gala.

Message in a Bottle

A MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE that set sail from the shore of New Jersey was found in Europe after successfully completing its two-year trans-Atlantic voyage.

And thanks to social media, the senders and the receiver of the message are connected.

According to reports, two years ago Tommy Zanowic and Bridget Braaten, tossed a glass bottle with a note inside into the ocean at the Jersey shore They didn’t sign the note inside, but left Zanowic’s college dorm address on the message, and simply forgot about it.

Well, recently something magical happened. Loyola University in Maryland contacted them saying someone had found their message in a bottle in France. The bottle floated over 3,000 miles from Island Beach State Park to Ile Tariec in France.

David Folley spotted the bottle in the sand and took it home to open. The message read: “Write to us about your good fortunes.” Well Folley, now it’s your turn.

Stockton’s PAC Hosts Iconic Play

“IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES, it was the worst of times.” This recognizable line from “A Tale of Two Cities” can be heard on Saturday, March 5, at Stockton’s Performing Arts Center, performed by the National Players.

Dickens’ novel about the people of France and Britain during the Reign of Terror is vividly brought to life in Benjamin Kingsland’s bold new adaptation. Justice, sacrifice, class, love, and duty are put to the test as leaders are beheaded and a people rebel. As blood flows in the streets, is anyone truly innocent?

National Players is a program of Olney Theatre Center and is made possible by support from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Maryland State Arts Council. The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest presents Shakespeare in American Communities. This is the 13th year of this national program, the largest tour of Shakespeare in American history. njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Winter 2016

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Lifestyle Fashion

By Alyson Boxman Levine

Code Red Oh-so-flirty fashion ignites your winter wardrobe

W

hether you’re planning a romantic candlelit evening with the love of your life or a night out with your faithful BFF, prepare to turn heads on this special day of love. Red hot red is, of course, the color du jour, and depending on the shade, everyone can look stunning in this vibrant hue. From a bold, bright red to a dark crimson, the myriad of shade variations are ready and waiting at your favorite retailer.

Get excited about dressing up as you plan your special outfit and your mounting enthusiasm will radiate from within. Choose a figureflattering design that hugs all your curves, or a modern piece that

Faux-wrap keyhole dress, Thalia Sodi

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Satin dress, Keepsake

LIFESTYLE

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satisfies your fashion-forward aesthetic. Don’t settle until you are completely satisfied with your look, as this special occasion comes only once a year.

This sexy fitted dress will certainly get his attention. From Mexican designer Thalia Sodi, this faux-wrap keyhole dress is detailed with goldtone hardware that shimmers against its solid red silhouette. Featuring a scoop neckline, the wrap design gathers at the left waist with a geometric hardware detail. Both feminine and figure flattering, this stunner is a true Valentine’s Day necessity.

Asymmetrical gown, Halston Heritage

In 2015, Latin Grammy winner Thalia Sodi teamed up with Macy’s to create a line of apparel, shoes, and jewelry, all priced under $100.

Bold prints, bright colors, sexy silhouettes, and glitzy jewelry bring a touch of affordable glam to consumers and are staples throughout her vibrant collection. Based on the brand’s in-depth research, the line was designed to meet the needs of all body types with specific fit attributes and feminine silhouettes in mind.

If a darker shade of red is more your style, check out this crimson beauty from the Keepsake label, featuring a modern design. The Pretender Dress in red plum is made from a smooth satin, and is fully lined with a fitted waistband. The contemporary lines of this dress flatter any body type, and the rich vibrant color is a true standout.

Since its birth in 2011, Australian label Keepsake has provided a specific take on traditional forms of eveningwear, offering crisp lines and intricate detailing in luxe fabrics. With a trend-led aesthetic, yet a focus on wearable pieces, the label gets their influences from high-end couture.

Red dress, Carven

The brand’s luxury appeal has found a loyal following among celebrities and style icons, including Reese Witherspoon, Gigi Hadid, Mila Kunis, and Kristin Cavallari. Exclusive prints, premium fabrics, and an updated understanding of classic silhouettes has become the signature within any Keepsake collection.

Looking to add some drama to your evening? Wear this magnificent red gown from famed fashion house Halston. With an asymmetrical sleeve and a fitted bodice, this one-of-a-kind gown offers a contemporary edge for evening luxe.

Widely credited as being America’s first internationally-renowned designer, Roy Halston Frowick put U.S. fashion on the map with his eponymous label Halston. Famous for glittering dresses — worn by style icons from Elizabeth Taylor to Jackie Kennedy — Halston himself became synonymous with the wild 1970 New York nightlife. In 2009, the label launched their diffusion line, Halston Heritage, and has since garnered a cult following with international style-setters. The more-

Crepe dress, J. Mendel

Sheath dress, Sachin & Babi Noir njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFEST YLE FASHION affordable line evokes the brand’s timeless appeal by reinventing archive pieces into effortlessly elegant silhouettes, and is a favorite among celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker and Halle Berry.

If you prefer simple elegance, this crisp, classic look from the Carven label is the ideal choice. Featuring a lustrous sheen, this classic sheath dress is cleverly updated with a flounced hem for a flirty finish.

Founded in 1945 by the late Madame Carmen de Tommaso, Carven has become celebrated for its profane take on Parisian chic. The label’s signature pieces — including structured shirts and cocktail dresses in bold colors and playful prints — have earned them a dedicated following. Emphasizing an aesthetic that’s the perfect marriage of uberfemininity and urban sportiness, the brand features a penchant for details such as cutouts, prim collars, and playful prints. Celebrity fans of the label include Emma Watson and Alexa Chung.

Show off your lovely shoulders in this red dress, as it expertly combines the perfect mix of sheer and modest styles. From the J. Mendel label, this crepe high-neck dress is fully-lined for comfort, and features a fun cut-out detail on the front and sleeves.

J. Mendel, one of the rare luxury brands to remain fully familyowned, was founded in 1870 by Joseph Breitman in Paris. Today, fifth-generation Gilles Mendel runs the company and the label is now based in New York. Known for combining the highest quality

materials and impeccable craftsmanship with a modern, award-winning design sensibility, Gilles Mendel’s signature femininity and effortless elegance has made the house of J. Mendel a red-carpet favorite among international royalty and Hollywood stars alike.

Looking for a designer to love? Well, look no further. I love everything from luxe label Sachin & Babi, and after you wear one of their creations, you will too. Try this sleeveless eyelet-overlay sheath dress in flame. The oh-so-comfortable stretch-woven dress features a V-neckline, racerback with cut-in shoulders, and an A-line skirt.

For the past twenty years, Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia have made their mark in the luxury fashion market. The husband and wife team are forever sought after by the most premier couture design houses as a creative resource for unique embroideries. Their products can be seen in the most exclusive design centers around the world. The label stays true to the designers’ luxury roots — yet is accessible to a broad spectrum of women — believing the wave of the future in fashion is to make clothing all women want.

Whatever you decide to wear on Valentine’s Day, or any other special evening this winter, it should express your unique, one-of-a-kind personality. You are the shining star on this treasured night and the outfit and accessories paired with it should make you feel both lovely and loved. n

What the Heart Wants

Show your endless love with these heartfelt treasures

Hot Stuff

A playful, vibrant confetti print dapples a durable zip-around wallet that’s also perfect as a chic clutch. Featuring an exterior slip pocket, this fun accessory has the brand’s signature dot-print lining, $178, Kate Spade.

Only You

She will be forever yours with this Tiffany Infinity cuff, a powerful symbol of continuous connection, energy, and vitality. Round brilliant diamonds add a heightened level of impact to this already striking design, featuring 18k white gold, $4,900, Tiffany.

You’re Charming

Made in Italy, the signature chain detailing of this must-have accessory traces the outline of a heart-shaped charm, adding a sophisticated flourish to your favorite handbag, $320, Stella McCartney.

Let’s Kiss

Lips will be even softer with this lip treatment that moisturizes, protects, and smooths. Using sugar, a natural humectant, ensures long-lasting moisture while hydrating the lips, $24, Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment.

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Be Mine

A flouncy tassel and a logo-charm luggage tag dangle from the contrast straps of this Poverty Flats rough-cut tote with a roomy interior. A built-in zip-top pouch keeps your belongings in check, but can also be removed and used separately, $58, Rian.

I Love You

You will be linked with your love forever with this new accessory. A polished line of 14-karat gold hearts forms this beautiful ring, symbolizing endless and eternal love, $275, Pandora.

Lou Marchiano FOR MEN

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

Fresh Air It’s assertive in scale, but subtle in detail – short on embellishment, but really long on style.

This coastal house in Margate offers a modern take on the Key West tradition.

H

ere are the three rules of great style: “Start with impeccable basics, add a few exquisite details — and stop.”

Andrew Klose of Luxuria Builders may have perfected that formula with this residence, on the corner of Ocean and Thurlow avenues in Margate. At a soaring three stories and 3,400 square feet, the home has a commanding presence, with nary a hint of affectation. Its splendor is its sheer unpretentiousness — the clean lines, muted colors, and zero frou-frou embellishments.

This place is clearly built for comfort — after all, it’s a beach house, just a short dash from sand, surf, and Lucy the Elephant. With an airy, Key West-inspired style and prime coastal New Jersey setting, it’s not 14

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only the ideal summer getaway, but the perfect four-season retreat or year-round home.

Living Large Outside, a wraparound porch with mahogany-plank floors overlooks a fountain with three splashing water displays. Four balconies up and down provide the perfect place to watch the sun rise and set over the Atlantic. Those views, by the way, can never be compromised, as the house faces a street end that leads right to the beach.

Inside, the airy, fresh feel continues. With banks of generously sized windows, the light-filled first floor is a wide-open space that transitions

easily from living space to kitchen to dining area. At first glance, the most notable feature is right under foot, in the expanse of distressed hickory flooring.

“It’s gorgeous, it’s unique,” says Mark Arbeit, of Mark Arbeit Real Estate of Margate, who represents the property. “Go into 99% of homes, and you’ll see the same flooring. Honestly, I’ve never seen this floor anywhere.”

And it’s durable: actually, hickory is harder than oak. It can stand up to years of use, and of course, housefuls of guests, in everything from sneakers to stilettos to sandy feet.

All in the Details The house gives the impression of effortless simplicity, but a closer look reveals deliberate, imaginative touches that are the hallmark of Klose’s craftsmanship: A mahogany entrance door with intricately hand-carved panels. A transom-like “shutter” effect that separates the entranceway from the living area. A herringbone pattern woven into the brick foundation. Klose even rotated the center spindles of a balcony railing, setting them at an angle to the others — just for visual interest.

“Andrew gives such attention to detail — it’s got to be just the right doorknob, just the right light fixture,” says Arbeit. “He’s fastidious and so committed to the build.”

That commitment is reflected in a hundred other details, seen and unseen. Twin Navien heaters mean hot water on demand throughout the house, with no tank. And yes, that looks like split-shake siding, but it’s actually HardiPlank, an environmentally responsible, fireresistant cement “lumber” that’s been described as “a dead ringer for wood”; it’s fire-resistant and comes with a 50-year warranty. The twoby-six insulated exterior walls ensure optimal sound buffering — vital for a home on a busy thoroughfare.

The house features a wraparound porch with mahogany-plank floors

LIFESTYLE

ARCHITECTURE

In-ground Gunite pool with waterfall and Bluestone coping

By MARJORIE PRESTON

Luxury kitchen

Oversized oak staircase and distressed hickory flooring

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Mahogany entrance door with intricately hand-carved panels

Master bath with subtle nods to the oceanfront locale

Light-filled first floor is a wide-open space

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LIFEST YLE ARCHITECTURE Now You’re Cooking Of course, the kitchen includes all the appliances you’d expect in a luxury home, including a SubZero refrigerator, Wolf range, and 24-inch Bosch dishwasher. The centerpiece is a dramatically angular 11-foot center island, topped with a black-matte Apollo granite counter. “This is a very rare, very dark granite,” says Klose. “There are only so many stones they can cut that big. I really sought out this stone.” The island contrasts beautifully with the kitchen’s bright white cabinets and a back wall of gleaming dove-gray subway tiles.

The woodwork throughout has a bold, assertive look, says Klose. “We went with oversized everything on the oak staircase: oversized balusters, oversized hand rail, oversized posts … They make it feel really nice.”

The second level master suite features double doors to a private deck and windows artfully placed for maximum light and views. Wondering where to put the TV? Klose mounted a flat-screen television above an arched window; it drops down for viewing, and then folds easily out of sight.

The Perfect Finish The master bath includes subtle nods to the oceanfront locale, with driftwood-style cabinets in a pearly hue, and a porcelain back wall with the slightest wave pattern. The fine finishes include a deep air-jet tub of white Thassos granite; a white quartz sink; a tile floor with custom inlay; and a countertop of Calacatta marble, “a step up from Carrara,” says Klose.

The master shower is fitted with Kohler Margaux fixtures: four body sprays, a handheld spray, and rainhead, all in polished nickel. “It’s much nicer than chrome, which tends to be brassier; you’ll see the nickel has a little gold in it,” Klose adds. “We used the same top-of-theline Margaux fixtures throughout the house; we didn’t change and go cheaper for the secondary bathrooms.”

Other “wow” features: a spacious third floor with two bedrooms and full-height ceilings; an in-ground Gunite pool with waterfall and Bluestone coping; and an elevator to all floors, an important accommodation for older residents or guests. All in all, it’s the perfect gathering place for multiple generations.

“This is a contemporary look based on a classic tradition. It’s not overdone, it’s not busy, busy, busy,” says Arbeit. “Nothing is not going to take away from whatever you bring to the home.”

And that’s always in style. n

LIGHTING

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CANDY

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

Lighting n Shower Doors n

Plumbing Fixtures n Decorative Hardware n

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Lifestyle Spotlight

By Felicia Lowenstein Niven

The Art of Awnings

At Berges Trenton Awning, quality craftsmanship runs in the family

IT MAY BE COLD OUTSIDE, but there’s a hint of summer inside the shop at Berges Trenton Awning in Pleasantville. That’s where the team is busy welding aluminum, cutting canvas, and sewing together the handcrafted awnings that will adorn homes and businesses all around us.

“It’s a master craftsman approach that may surprise people,” notes owner Richard Berges. “We don’t get anything out of a box or off of a shelf. We construct our awnings from the raw materials.”

Quality defines this family business, founded by Richard’s grandparents Louis and Mary Berges in 1927 in Atlantic City. In fact, their awnings are part of the fabric of Atlantic City’s history — having adorned many of the landmark buildings along the Boardwalk, as well as residences in our island communities. On the commercial side, you can see more of their custom work at Boardwalk Hall, Brooks Brothers, and Gilchrist’s in Atlantic City, Jon & Patti’s Coffee Bar & Bistro in Ocean City, and Flat Stone Tavern & Grill in Egg Harbor Twp. to name just a few.

Pictured top and bottom left, the exterior of Berges Trenton Awning’s Atlantic City location found on Massachusetts Avenue during the 1970s. Middle photo of Nate Berges and his father, Richard Berges hanging an awning in 1992. Right photo of Louis Berges standing proudly with his truck circa 1950.

“Our awnings have been compared to the Old World charm of a tailored suit,” said Richard. “We have a pride in what we create, and also a family legacy that has continued for so many generations.”

In fact, generations of the Berges family have literally grown up in the business. Louis and Mary passed the helm to Ronald and Nancy Berges who, in turn, brought in their children, Richard Berges and LuAnn Halpin. “We had the blessing of seeing mom and dad daily; it was part of the family bond,” explained Richard. “Everyone in the family has been involved in one way or another over the years.” Richard’s son Nate now represents the fourth generation of leadership, and has been inspirational in many changes that hold on to the family’s nostalgic roots but helped advance areas of the business bringing in new trends and technological advancements that fit their custom approach.

“We’re constantly looking to update our processes and materials,” said Richard, “but we don’t want to change the personal attention we 18

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provide our customers. That’s why people come to us, to get that custom expertise. We want the whole process to be the best experience that you can have.”

It starts with a visit to a customer’s home, where the Berges team discusses the project. The same level of care and attention goes into a single window awning for a residence or an expansive one for a restaurant’s outdoor dining area. The team provides their input on the direction of the sun and other practical concerns that could affect the final product. They also share their creative ideas. After all, there are hundreds of fabric patterns alone, so each awning has a unique appearance once complete.

“This is not a one-size-fits-all product,” explained Richard. “Each awning is created for a certain space. An architect has taken special care to design a client’s home to fit their vision and our awning becomes an extension of the home. We care about each aspect of the product’s

Nate and Richard Berges working on an awning in their Pleasantville shop. Photo by Eric Weeks Recent photo of Richard Berges (l.), Nate Berges (center), and Lou LoPorto (r.) beside one of their trucks.

Photo by Eric Weeks

aesthetics so that once it’s complete, it looks like it should have always been there.”

It’s also a more complex product than some people might imagine.

“An awning is not a simple cloth with rods,” adds Nate. “To give you an idea of how deeply we think about our awnings, we use a thread that is guaranteed to last the life of the awning. This is the type of quality that differentiates us from off-the-shelf products in big box stores.”

Richard adds another point of differentiation. “We’re full-service.

We use the phrase ‘under one roof,’ which means that we build our product, install it, maintain it, and store it under one roof. We don’t have to subcontract because we have experienced staff in each area of the manufacturing process.”

During the fall and winter months you will find the Berges staff out taking down homeowners awnings, and it’s the ideal time to clean them.

“We service our clients’ awnings at the end of the season,” said Richard.

“We can clean and repair them if needed, and we have climate controlled buildings to store awnings until they’re ready to be put up again.”

Sometimes just a ride through the neighborhood is enough to call attention to the service, which has gotten the Berges family ‘word of mouth’ referrals. “Generally, if we do one awning on a block, we’ll end up doing several because the neighbors will talk to each other about the experience,” said Richard.

“We really pride ourselves in the relationships we build with our

customers,” said LuAnn. Working in the office, she’s the recipient of many of the customer calls and thank you notes. “Not only do we know our customers, we ask about their kids, and their families. In this way, our customers are our extended family.”

That extended family is ever growing, as Berges Trenton Awning is preparing to move from Pleasantville to Somers Point. “We’re excited to be able to offer more of a retail space, as well as expand our reach deeper into Cape May County,” said Nate. “We can’t wait to introduce our products to a new family of clients.”

In the meantime, they’re busy working on awnings that will create comfortable, beautiful spaces for the upcoming season. “We become part of people’s lives when we build an awning where they can entertain their friends, or sit and play with their grandchildren,” said Richard.

“We become part of a restaurant’s success when they can extend outdoor seating. Why live at the shore if you can’t enjoy the outdoor spaces?

We’re proud of our role in creating these areas where memories are being made.”

With deep-seated roots in our local history, multiple generations of family operating the business, and a customer base that grows with each month, Berges Trenton Awning has established itself well in our area.

Their history is a reminder of yesteryear when businesses were started with a dream, but continued on through the years with dedication, passion, and hard work. n

Above from left to right, a photo from the early 1930s. The little boy is Ronald Berges, 2nd generation.

A few newspaper ads from 1928 and the 1960s. Work continues on the future location of Berges Trenton Awning in Somers Point.

Berges Trenton Awning 855.MY.AWNINGS BergesTrentonAwning.com

“We become part of people’s lives when we build that awning where they can entertain their friends, or sit and play with their grandchildren.”

njlifestyleonline.com

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Lifestyle Home

The Deal with Dens Tips for maximizing comfort

By Candice Adler

T

he den is your family’s gathering place. It cries out for total comfort. It’s the place where your family comes together to watch TV, play games, catch up on day’s events, and lounge around together.

Much more relaxed than the formal living room, the den entertains friends when they come for a visit. It is nice to fill the den with board games, a great media area, and other fun details. There are den essentials required to ensure it functions as your family’s lifestyle dictates. It is a cluster of seating, lighting, and casual casegoods.

The den is a place to experiment with a fun color or possibly a unique wall covering. I like to display collections of family pictures and perhaps special memorabilia that reminds one of the special times shared together as a family. It is the perfect place to display the things you enjoy as you spend significant time relaxing with those you love most.

Ideally, bookshelves work very well in a den, for not only display, but for storage as well. Place some attractive bins and baskets under a console or sofa table to give ample space for a throw or extra toss pillows.

Photo by Eric Weeks If young children spend time in the den, it is always nice to have a specific place to store their games or art supplies. There are also unique storage ottomans, which not only provide hidden storage, but serve double duty as added seating when entertaining guests. It’s always a plus when the space can be versatile.

The den is the go-to room, whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening for two or a 10-person gathering for a special occasion. For large families, I would suggest adding some oversized pillows on the floor to provide a soft spot for the younger children. This way everyone can be together to create the memories we all cherish. If there is ample space, think out of the box.

Maybe add an area with a mini fridge for water and beer so you have chilled drinks right there when you desire. Maybe a wet bar, if that’s a possibility. It’s nice to entertain in the den without ever having to run to the kitchen.

A question I am often asked is; “How big the TV should be?” These rules of thumb should be helpful.

• A 32” TV should be 7 feet from the viewing area • A 36” TV should be 8 feet from the viewing area • A 42” TV should be 10 feet from the viewing area • A 50” TV should be 12 feet from the viewing area • A 60” TV should be 12 to 14 feet from the viewing area 20

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If you have a massive TV, work around that focal point to ensure it fits into the room appropriately. I tend to decorate around the TV, as it usually is the main draw to the room. Flat panels seem to serve a space nicely, while not intruding into the room and overwhelming it. If the space is awkward and does not dictate a clear TV space, an alternative may be to use a hinged arm. This would allow the TV to be accessible to the different places within the same space. Keep components out of sight if possible, as they can be a real eyesore. It is possible to keep your den aesthetically pleasing and functional if planned properly from the beginning.

Some easy den updates can really make big changes if carefully selected. By changing something simple, like a lampshade, your room will instantly be given a new glow. Try a different color, material, or shape. An easy update I do often is to change out old, dated toss pillows.

This is an easy quick fix to making tired, old furniture appear new and refreshed. Some people change them seasonally just to keep things new and fun.

If you’re not looking for a hefty price tag but need a new couch, try having a slipcover made for your existing couch.

It’s like buying a new couch without a long-term commitment. If you have a green thumb, add some plants to your den. They not only bring life to a room, but are wallet friendly and add style to any space. Odd numbers of plants always work best.

Thirty percent of what you see in a room is the rug, so use this to your advantage. Change it up with a new color or texture and pattern. Coordinate it with your new toss pillows and, voila, all of a sudden your den has a whole new look.

Swap out the old photos displayed with new current ones. Maybe black and whites photos will give a new feel to the display area.

Everyone really enjoys looking at photos and reminiscing about the special times shared together. It is what makes your home yours. Just remember … you should love your home and the times you spend together in it. Now is the time to channel your inner stylist and add that personal touch to make your den the living space of your dreams. n Candice Adler is the owner and designer of Candice Adler Design in Cherry Hill, NJ, candiceadlerdesign.com, 856-216-8170, serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding area.

Lifelines

2016 Resolution:

By Michelle Dawn Mooney

W

hat do you want to be when you grow up? I’m guessing it’s been awhile since you’ve heard that question. At the age of 7, you don’t realize just what a loaded question that is. At 17 however, settling on an answer could suddenly make you feel like you’re in an interrogation room with a two-way mirror and a blinding light shooting straight between the eyes. How can you possibly know as a teenager what you resign yourself to doing day in and day out for the rest of your preretirement life? Sometimes you can’t.

Now I know there are a few of you out there who probably knew what your life-long occupation would be as soon as you could start forming complete sentences. After all, I simply KNEW I was supposed to be a nurse at age 3 ... or a missionary at age 5 ... or a physical therapist at age 14 ... or a chiropractor at age 16, yet I am writing this having never taken someone’s blood, never visited a mission field, never helped someone recover from a sports injury, or adjusted a spine. So what happened? The deeper I delved into pre-med classes, the more I realized that line of work just wasn’t in my heart. I switched my major to communications in my fourth year of college and it’s a decision I’ve never regretted, but I consider myself very fortunate.

In college, I was well aware that some of my friends had started to second guess their majors, but the pressure of not following through with their original commitment proved to be too much. Despite the uncertainty, they continued their crawl along a path they knew they never would have gone down if given the chance to start again. Today, most of them are very happy to be working great jobs, even if they didn’t top the list of their ideal career choices. Still, there are some who will forever wonder what would have happened if they dropped economics for astronomy, started their own company, or followed through with that invention they really thought could be a game changer.

What changed the game for Mason Wartman was the idea of one dollar pizza slices. At 27, he opted to leave his Wall Street job behind to follow his dream of having his own restaurant. He returned home to the city of brotherly love and “Rosa’s Fresh Pizza” was born. Not only did he follow his passion, but through a pre-purchase slice program

Mason’s business venture has been providing physical and emotional nourishment to Philadelphia’s homeless population by the thousands.

When I interviewed Mason last year as one of my “Middays” Make A Difference Monday guests, the number of “pay it forward” pizza slices was somewhere around 30,000. To date, customers have purchased more than 45,000 slices that have in turn been handed out to anyone in need of a hot meal. Mason’s decision to follow his heart, not only led to a successful business, but an opportunity to touch thousands of people who needed a little encouragement to get themselves back on their feet so they too could chase their dreams.

For Stephanie Frazier Grimm, it wasn’t necessarily a change in occupation, but how she used it that helped her fulfill her dream of wanting to make a difference. When her best friend’s son was born 8 months premature, and the family was forced to spend a great deal of time in the neonatal intensive care unit, Stephanie was reminded that many hospitalized children miss out on celebrating what should be one of the happiest days of the year, their birthday. A wedding and event planner by trade, Stephanie knew how to throw a party and now she had one of the best reasons ever to do it.

Since its inception five years ago, The Confetti Foundation has provided more than 885 birthday party kits to help hospitalized children across the country celebrate these milestones and forget about being sick, even for a little while. Not only have the parties provided a sense of normalcy for the children, but in cases where it was a child’s last birthday, the memories made have become invaluable to families forced to say goodbye.

Saying goodbye is never easy when it comes to loved ones, or things that we cherish, or even something that doesn’t necessarily hold a great deal of value, except for the fact that we’ve given it a lot of our time. Each and every one of us is only given 24 hours a day. How we use these hours can help define who we are. This year I challenge you to spend them wisely, not on things that just fill your time, but rather on things that give meaning to you, your family, your friends, and the people around you. Here’s hoping that your 2016 is filled with 8,760 hours that enable you to truly follow your heart. n njlifestyleonline.com

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Chillin’ with My Valentine

Celebrate the winter season this Valentine’s Day with these clever ideas

Lifestyle Leisure

Love keeps the cold out better than a cloak.

— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

E

Every year in the middle of cold, dark, and snowy February, Valentine’s Day arrives.

Isn’t it ironic that the day of love — usually associated with heat and passion – falls in the “heart” of the winter season?

What’s a lover to do? You can escape the cold by flying yourself and your sweetie South to warmer climates, or, as the saying goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” So, rather than complain to your Valentine about the cold, you may want to “embrace” the winter wonderland around you and enjoy it with your love. Here are four ideas to create a wintery and romantic Valentine’s Day with your special someone … cold weather be damned!

Ice Bars Where can you find a bar where the walls, furniture, and even your glasses are made of ice? No, you are not on Disney’s Frozen set. So, where exactly are you?

The Minus5° Ice Bar is literally one of the coolest Valentine’s Day experiences you can have.

With locations in Las Vegas, New York City, Orlando, and the Cayman Islands, you and your date can enjoy a drink (chilled of course) while sitting on ice chairs and benches. Depending on the ice package you select, you get gloves and a parka (or you can upgrade to faux fur attire) to help take the chill off the 23° F. room (- 5 Celsius, thus the name of the bar). Music and LED lights make the experience even more fun while sipping drinks surrounded by themed ice sculptures suited to the locale and the

By Molly Golubcow

season. For example, the New York City bar offers Andy Warhol-encased iced art, ice fire hydrant sculptures, and Broadway signs.

In addition, to being able to chill on and in an ice room with your Valentine, Minus5° provides professional photographers who provide photos of your visit to help “freeze” the memory of your ice experience forever!

Ice Hotel If the ice bar sounds n-ice to you, how about sleeping in an ice room? Located 10 minutes from downtown Québec City, the Hôtel de Glace boasts of 44 rooms and suites with dazzling all ice decor.

The hotel offers several packages, including the Nordic Escape that provides each guest with a Nordic sleeping bag, welcome cocktail served in an ice glass, and access to hot tubs and sauna under the stars. If you think an ice room is just too chilly, some suites offer fireplaces to help you and your ice partner stay warm if the sleeping bag and/or romance needs a little heating up! After a unique evening of hot tubs el fresco and sleeping in an ice room, you and your Valentine also get breakfast — a warm one — to complete the Nordic package.

Polar Plunging Bernarr MacFadden, founder of The Coney Island Polar Bear Club in 1903, believed swimming in the ocean in the wintertime was “a boon to one’s stamina, virility, and immunity.” On Valentine’s Day, who

couldn’t use a little bit of all of the above!

Many polar plunging events, taking a quick dip in a winter ocean, usually occur on New Year’s Day — Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, and Ocean City all have their own plunge event. If you feel like you missed your chance to boost your virility factor in January, have no fear. February offers several local opportunities to take the plunge including the Freezin for a Reason plunge in Long Branch on February 4th and a costumed plunge in Sea Isle City on February 18th.

Ice Skating Even if you are not Olympic material, ice skating is a special outing for Valentine’s Day. If you or your partner cannot skate, maybe a lesson would be fun. If you can both skate, imagine yourself gliding across the ice, hand-in-hand, enjoying the fresh cold air.

Locally, there are several public skating rinks. For example, Flyers Skate Zones have rinks in the Atlantic City area, as well as Voorhees, Pennsauken, and Philadelphia.

If you are in a travelling mood, New York City offers several famous and romantic ice skating options, including well-known rinks at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. Surrounded by NYC skyscrapers and the romantic ambiance that only the city can offer, a skate date on Valentine’s Day would be perfect.

Regardless of where you end up skating with your honey, cap off the evening with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the chilly Valentine’s Day evening. n njlifestyleonline.com

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Track It and Achieve It Logging your diet and fitness regime helps you reach your goals

WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN ACHIEVING YOUR fitness and nutrition goals? Track it. Activity trackers and fitness and nutrition apps have exploded in popularity, but can they actually help you lose weight, even get healthier? The answer is yes, but only if you use them.

Even before the “tracking revolution” I was a believer. I wore a Polar heart rate monitor with a chest strap for years, and I have since switched to other trackers. Every time I play tennis, jog, or go to the gym, I check my tracker periodically to make sure I am in my

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target heart rate zone. Too low, I pick up the pace. Too high, I make sure it doesn’t stay there for long. When I finish and hit the stop button, I know how long I exercised, my average heart rate and, the one I really like, how many calories I burned.

I was always aware that singles tennis burned more calories, but I never knew just how many more. I discovered that a hard singles match was about two times the calorie burn of a moderate doubles match.

This inspired me to play more singles. I also

learned to limit rest between sets of weight training to keep my heart rate in a higher zone, giving me some cardio benefits as I lift weights. At the end of the week, I could see how many times I worked out, how many calories I burned, and how often I was in my target heart rate zone. It is an amazing sense of satisfaction to quantify your efforts and actually reach your goals.

I have since switched to the Apple Watch and I am now trying the Garmin Vivofit HR (heart rate) Fitness Band. The advantage is

Health Watch

By Robin Stoloff

that I don’t have to wear the heart rate chest strap. It also monitors my heart rate, steps, miles, and calories throughout the day. In addition, it vibrates every hour during my work day to remind me to get up and move.

It also tracks my sleep, which is a hugely underrated and important piece of overall health. Both the Apple Watch and Vivofit sync with an app on my cell phone or computer, so I can see everything by numbers, percentages, and in graph form. Most trackers have that feature.

In addition to the activity tracker, I also use the “Lose It” app to track my daily food intake. For anyone who has not kept a food journal, either on paper or digitally, it is an eye-opening experience. Like almost everyone else, I underestimated my amount of calories and portion sizes. When you measure and weigh, you get a much clearer picture of your intake. When you know you are logging every bite, you hesitate to grab that french fry off your kids plate or “taste” your friend’s desert.

You also learn better alternatives — canned tuna has less fat and calories than canned salmon and a pear has more carbs than an apple for example. There is also a scanner to scan bar codes on food labels for easy tracking. Plus, it offers an online community with challenges you can join (such as “Lose 5 pounds by Spring”) and motivational ideas from other people.

You have heard people say, “I don’t know why I can’t lose weight, I am eating right, I am exercising.” What does “eating right” mean?

Does that mean they cut out cheesesteaks and donuts? That is a step in the right direction, but to really make a change, they should know the whole picture. If they are not tracking, how can they be sure if they are eating the correct combination of fat, protein, and carbohydrates? How can they know what four ounces of meat looks like if they never weighed it? How do they know how many calories they burned during their workouts and if they need to pick up the pace?

We are masters of fooling ourselves into thinking we are doing what it takes to reach our goals, but the reality is, we can make

better choices with the proper information.

All of this information can be tracked and recorded. With so many options, it is easier than ever. However, just like buying a treadmill that turns into a coat rack, buying a fitness tracker only works if you use it correctly and consistently.

For me, I have discovered how to make my workouts more effective. I have learned healthier food choices and have made better decisions. I have found I often fall short of the eight hours of sleep I aim for each night, so I have made a conscious effort to get to bed earlier. I also understand how many times and how intensely I need to exercise to get to burn my target number of calories. Finally, by quantifying my efforts, I feel great knowing I am on target to reach my fitness goals and that I am an active participant in my overall health. “Yeah me, I did it this week!” is my quiet cheer to myself. On weeks when I miss the mark, and it does happen (can you say Christmas dinner?), I just move on and try to do better the following week.

In addition, I just got my blood work back from the doctor and, thank goodness, I had all great results. I have to admit, I feel very proud, not to mention relieved, that I made the choices that helped me reach these results.

Since I had kids late in life, I am an older mom. I have two teenage kids and I want to be here for them. I do it for them as much as for me.

If this sounds like a lot of work and effort, I have to be honest, in some ways it is. But doing the jean wiggle to squeeze into a pair of Levi’s, holding your breath, and struggling to get the zipper up is a lot of work too! I prefer to put the effort into exercising, eating a nutritious diet, and getting the sleep I need.

Once you get started, it becomes a way of life and it really is not that much effort.

If you are not tracking your fitness or diet, start with one or the other. You can use an app or paper and pencil if you prefer. One suggestion, and I have learned this the hard way, track it right away. Take two minutes to record your meal as soon as you eat so you don’t leave anything out. Be brutally honest or

you are cheating yourself. As I am writing this, I just took a quick break to log my breakfast into my “Lose It” app. It saves the meals and foods I eat often, so all I had to do was click on them. It took about 60 seconds. If you are not using a fitness tracker, you can get total steps from an inexpensive pedometer or approximate number of calories burned from your activity through many online sites. However, an activity tracker is the most accurate.

The good news is there are many fitness/ activity trackers available today, and they are getting more and more sophisticated every year. The bad news is there are so many choices, it can be a little overwhelming. Some things to consider include: various features, how it looks as feels, battery life, and of course, price. They can range from about $50 to $500, but you can probably get a good one for $100 - $150. Do your homework, check online reviews, and ask other people what they use.

There are also a variety of fitness and food journal apps. Many are free and some have a nominal charge for the upgraded version.

Again, check the reviews, try the free version, and see what works for you. It really comes down to individual preference.

The bottom line — keeping track of your daily activity and diet helps you to see the big picture and provides you with important information that can help you make better health decisions. When you track your progress every week, it motivates you to achieve your goals and gives you a road map for success. So start today, track it and achieve it! n Robin Stoloff, Health Reporter for NBC 40 for more almost 30 years, is now hosting her own radio program, “Living Well with Robin Stoloff” on Lite Rock 96.9 WFPG FM (A Townsquare Media Company) on Sunday mornings from 9-11 AM. You’ll also hear her “Health Update” segments throughout the day, on air and online at literock969.com. Learn more, live better — follow Robin on Facebook at “Health Update with Robin Stoloff” for more health tips and videos. njlifestyleonline.com

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H E A LT H W AT C H

On Track

There are a variety of fitness trackers and diet apps on the market today. In addition, there are many websites and blogs that offer different reviews and even videos, and most of them do not completely agree. Once you establish the product actually works, the rest is mostly personal preference. We suggest you research the different options. What is the best choice? The one that is right for you.

Top Fitness Trackers, according to BestReviews.com • Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch • MIO Alpha I Strapless Continuous Heart Rate Monitor • Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor • Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band • Times Mid-Aize T5G981 Personal Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch Best Food-Tracking Apps, according to TheGuradian.com • MyFitnessPal

Android / iOS / Windows Phone

• Lose It!

Android / iOS

• Noom Coach Android / iOS

• HAPIcoach

Android / iOS

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HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

By Felicia Lowenstein Niven

Image is Everything Local innovator Atlantic Medical Imaging has been serving the community for over 50 years with their cutting-edge healthcare technology YOU MAY TAKE IT FOR GRANTED THAT YOU CAN PICK UP THE phone to schedule an annual mammogram, an ultrasound to see your babyto-be, or an x-ray to determine if you’ve broken a bone. It wasn’t that long ago that such procedures weren’t available, or if they were, you would go to the hospital. Fifty years ago, the hospital was the only place where imaging tests could be done. That changed in South Jersey because of a dedicated group of radiologists, who, quite literally, envisioned the future. They founded Atlantic Radiologists in 1964, and opened the first outpatient imaging center in Northfield, NJ in 1971. The rest is history.

Today, you know the group as Atlantic Medical Imaging (AMI), and most

CAT Scan Machine at AMI 28

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likely you have been through their doors in any of their 11 offices in Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, and Monmouth County. This full-service radiology practice specializes in all of the latest imaging tests, including Open and Closed MRI, CT, PET/CT imaging, 3D Digital Mammography, Ultrasound, DEXA scans, Biopsies, Nuclear Medicine, and X-rays. In addition, you can find specialized services at AMI’s Centers of Excellence: the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and the Cardiac Imaging Center of Excellence.

But it’s what AMI has brought to the community over the last half century, and to the practice of cutting-edge local medical imaging, that has really changed lives.

Dr. Alan J. Simpson joined the group in 1976, recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York where he was chief resident in diagnostic radiology. He was one of a number of well trained radiologists recruited to join AMI. “Top radiologists trained at Jefferson, Mt. Sinai, Duke and Harvard and Yale joined the practice,” he remembers. “This was a practice with a tremendous vision, and we were excited to be a part of it.”

As imaging evolved, so did the services at AMI. The group worked to stay on the cutting edge, acquiring its first Computed Tomography (CT) scan in 1986. A CT scan “combines a series of x-ray slices taken from different angles and uses computer processing to reconstruct cross-sectional images or ‘slices,’” according to the Mayo Clinic. “Initially, a single slice CT would take 45 seconds to do one slice,” noted Dr. Simpson, “which meant a brain CT could take up to 45-minutes.

Today, we can scan the whole head in about 15 seconds.”

The acquisition of the CT machine was a major accomplishment at the time and provided the community with a safe, non-invasive test that helped physicians better diagnose and treat medical conditions Now, all CT scans at AMI are equipped with low dose CT technology which provided up tp 75% less radiation than standard CT imaging.

The innovations kept coming. In 2001, AMI provided the first Coronary CTA for cardiac patients. There were so few sites that had access to this type of technology that AMI soon became one of the nation’s foremost authorities.

“Radiologists from all over the world came to Galloway, NJ to learn about this breakthrough imaging technology,” said Dr. Simpson.“Every week for three to four years, we hosted physicians for seminars.”

In 2004, AMI introduced the first 3T MRI. The strength of the 3T MRI provided high quality images, faster and more accurate. This allowed for the diagnosis of problems even earlier, resulting in quicker treatment for patients.

The group also offered outpatient image-guided biopsies and treatments, such as using catheters to treat disease internally. In 2007, AMI doctors were named in the nation’s top 10 cardiac imaging specialists. In 2008, they established the first dedicated women’s imaging center and converted all x-ray and mammography equipment from analog to digital. AMI was the first in Atlantic and Cape May counties to offer 3D Digital Mammography. This life saving technology provides earlier and more accurate diagnosis, leading to less false positive exams and reducing unnecessary stress and procedures for women.

Now, any study done may be accessed on any computer in the AMI network and interpreted by the appropriate specialist. “We have radiologists who are musculoskeletal fellowship trained experts, for example,” said Dr. Simpson.

“They are the ones that interpret the images that pertain to musculoskeletal disorders. They speak the same ‘language’ as the referring doctors which means better medical care for patients.”

Clinical excellence is paired with a compassionate patient experience designed to be second to none. “Patients are often apprehensive because they are concerned,” said Dr. Simpson. “We treat you as we would a family member, which means we won’t hesitate to walk you to your car if you need some additional support. We’ll interrupt our doctors to talk to a patient if we feel that will help ease fears. Many people who come in will ask for specific technologists, because they’ve developed that relationship. They are happy to see the same support staff”.

Another way AMI has chosen to make a difference in the communities

Atlantic Medical Imaging 609.677.XRAY (9729) atlanticmedicalimaging.com

Team AMI at the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

AMI in Galloway, NJ

they serve is with the AMI Foundation (www. amifoundation.net), established in 2003.

The Foundation regularly gives back to the community with programs like the Dr. Jan Astin Mobile Digital Mammography Van, which provides free screenings to uninsured women, and the fight against lung cancer with free low-dose lung CT screenings. The Foundation has given over $1 million to various organizations including RNS, Gilda’s Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and made a positive impact through their annual Tools for Schools drive, Thanksgiving food drive, and December Dr. Alan J. Simpson toy drive.

As for the future of AMI, it looks bright.

“Because imaging has become such an integral part of medical diagnosis, and preventive care, we’re always looking at new tools,” said Dr. Simpson.

“The healthcare delivery system is changing, but being a good physician, and providing good work, skilled medicine, compassionate care, and using advanced technology appropriately will always do well.” n

“We treat you as we would a family member, which means we won’t hesitate to walk you to your car if you need some additional support.”

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Lifestyle Opinion

Welcome to the Most Important Election of Our Lifetime The stakes couldn’t be higher. Welcome to Decision 2016.

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By Harry Hurley Op-Ed Contributor

THE MOST IMPORTANT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CYCLE IN our lifetime has arrived. That alone would make the year most interesting. After a two-term President, the nation almost always returns to a candidate of the other political party.

But, almost nothing is predictable in America anymore. Also, the Republicans will have to defend many more seats in the United States Senate, giving the Democrats a realistic chance to re-take the majority. The Republican advantage in the House of Representatives is too large (247 seats to 188) for the Democrats to overcome it in one election cycle.

Our Founding Founders were so brilliant and visionary. Every two years they wanted the People’s House to have to stand before the entire nation and audition for another term. More turnover would be the result when warranted.

They intentionally set-up the Senate as a more deliberative body, one with less turnover. Many don’t even know there are three “classes” in the United States Senate. Every two years, one-third are up for re-election. This year it is Class 3 (34 out of the 100 seats). The winners of this class will serve from January 3, 2017 until January 3, 2023.

Republicans won a net gain of 6 seats when this class last ran for election 6 years ago.

This year, Democrats have 10 seats to defend.

Republicans have a whopping 24 seats at risk.

Republicans currently hold a 54 to 46 advantage in the Senate.

There will also be a number of state governorships and two territorial governorships up for grabs this year, including: Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. The United States Territories of Puerto Rico and American Samoa will also hold elections for Governor.

There is only one retiring Republican incumbent Governor, versus six Democratic Governors. There are currently 32 Republican Governors and 17 Democrats, along with three independents in America.

You would think this would mean it’s a virtual slam dunk for the next Republican nominee to become the 45th President of The United States.

However, the Electoral College significantly advantages the Democratic nominee, because of

the solid Democrat states, with the large number of electoral votes they represent.

Over the past 30 years, the country has evolved dramatically, and, not for the better.

We’ve tragically become divided into what the media regularly refers to as “Blue States and Red States.” There never use to be such a thing. We were all simply Americans. It is a heart-breaking and intentional process of dividing Americans by race, ethnicity, wealth, age, political party labels, and sexual orientation. You name it. It’s created such a polarized America.

On November 8, 2016, many significant decisions will have to be made by the American people at all levels of government. The consequences of this year’s election will shape our nation for many years to come.

Who will be the next President? Will Hillary Clinton be indicted for the mounting criminal legal exposure regarding her home brew email server and her reckless handling of sensitive, classified, and top-secret information?

Will Donald Trump be the Republican nominee for President? Can New Jersey Governor Chris Christie mount one last stand in New Hampshire and resurrect his campaign?

If Hillary goes down, is there a path for Vice President Joe Biden to get into the race? The Democratic Party has requirements in order to get onto the Primary Election ballot. Biden has missed all of the required deadlines. However, delegates are only bound to their chosen candidate for the first convention ballot vote. So, a brokered convention on the Democratic side is not out of the realm of possibility.

Absent Hillary Clinton, it is inconceivable to me that the Democrats would allow Vermont United States Senator Bernie Sanders — an unapologetic Socialist — to be their Party’s Nominee for President of The United States.

Sanders is so outside of mainstream America, he would have a devastating affect for Democrats all the way down the ballot. Hypothetically, Sanders would be the weakest Democratic Nominee since Walter Mondale in 1984. President Ronald Reagan defeated Mondale in a 49-1 state rout.

Reagan won 525 electoral votes to just 13 for Mondale. Mondale only carried his home state of Minnesota and The District of Columbia. Reagan had enormous electoral coattails in both the elections of 1980 and 1984, helping to deliver

numerous candidates down the election ballot at the national, state, county and local levels.

In “wave” elections, the candidate at the topof-the-ticket can either deliver a massive victory, or, be devastating to those who run in the same ballot column. The Republican Party mood has not been this anti-establishment since 1940, when they nominated Wendell Willkie as their nominee for President. It didn’t turn out well for the Republicans, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt demolished Willkie by an electoral vote margin of 449 to 82. Roosevelt carried 38 states to just 10 for Willkie.

The election of 1940 was cast in the shadow of World War II in Europe, as America was exiting from The Great Depression. The election of 2016 will be cast in the shadow of another significant War; the war on terrorism, the war against ISIS in particular.

When our nation is on a war footing, the candidate who is perceived to be stronger on military issues typically prevails on Election Day. This is even more probable when there is an open seat for President.

All 435 seats in The House of Representatives are up for grabs. In this very odd political mood which has overtaken our country, don’t be surprised if many usually-safe institutional incumbents find themselves in jeopardy this year.

Some will face Primary battles. Others will face stiff challenges in the General Election.

In New Jersey, there are 12 Congressional Districts. It is presently evenly divided 6-6 between Republicans and Democrats. At this time, each appears safe, however, that will not be the case around the country, where you can expect a significant number of upsets.

The nation is in a very foul mood. The economy has only grown at the rate of 2% GDP for the past 8 years. Even during the Great Depression, America grew beyond 3% during several years. More than 94 million Americans who should be working are presently not able to/ or don’t want to secure employment.

When things get to this point, even safe incumbents have many sleepless nights.

It still remains to be decided, but, another very big issue may be on the November 8th General Election ballot. If the New Jersey Legislature can get out of its own way, a ballot question, which (if passed statewide) will njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFEST YLE OPINION

constitute a state Constitutional Amendment regarding expanding casino gaming to North Jersey.

The financial implications regarding this cannot be overstated. It would have a debilitating effect on Southern New Jersey. The closure of 2-4 more Atlantic City casinos would be the result and a loss of 10,000-15,000 more jobs. The loss of many more jobs in supporting industries will ripple from the closures.

As is stands presently, New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney has his plan. In the New Jersey General Assembly, Speaker Vincent Prieto has his own competing version. Both schemes are terrible news for Atlantic City and all of New Jersey.

Prieto’s plan is far worse.

Sweeney had always been a protective “firewall,” keeping any talk of casino gaming outside of Atlantic City from becoming a reality. Sweeney said, “You know, leadership means you have to make tough decisions even when it has an impact on you. This is directly in my backyard. No one feels it harder than I do. And no one had fought harder to help Atlantic City than I have. If I wasn’t the Senate President, gaming would already be taking place in Northern New Jersey,” said Sweeney.

Governor Christie has also spent the past 5-plus years relentlessly defending and protecting Atlantic City. He now also favors the expansion of casino gaming into North Jersey. On Friday, January 8, 2016, Governor Christie issued the following statement regarding the legislature’s competing bills to expand gaming to North Jersey.

“I have already clearly stated my support for the expansion of gaming to Northern New Jersey given the economic growth and job creation it will bring to our state,” said Christie.

“We should advance this item before the end of the legislative session. It is disturbing that infighting within the Democratic party over competing gaming bills may deprive the voters of the ability to consider this question in November.

Right now, it appears that ACR-2 does not have sufficient support to move forward in the Assembly.

If that is the case, inaction should not be an option.

The only remaining course of action to put the ball in the end zone on this important issue is to post SCR-185 for a vote in the Assembly after its passage in the Senate. Delay puts the expansion of gaming in peril. That is not in the interests of anyone in New Jersey, North or South,” concluded Governor Christie.

For all of these reasons, this is literally the most important election in our lifetime. It’s going to be a most profound year in terms of electoral politics. n Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC, www. harryhurley.com. He hosts the daily talk radio program “Hurley in the Morning” 6-10 AM weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 1450, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant.

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MONEYWATCH

The Year in Review VOLATILITY WAS THE OVERALL THEME of the stock market in 2015, but despite the wild swings to the upside and downside, the market finished roughly flat for the year, posting a price only return of -0.73%. The market finally experienced the “inevitable correction” that investors and analysts had been calling for since mid-2013. In May, the S&P 500 hit an all-time intraday high of 2,134. In August, the S&P fell to an intra-year low of 1867, representing a drop in value of 12.5%. After an initial September rally that faded back to market lows, October rewarded investors with a 13% rally, hitting 2116 in early November, before sliding back to 2043 to end the year.

Oil was one of the biggest headwinds for stocks in 2015. Coming off of a 50% drop in crude oil prices in 2014, crude oil fell another 30% following a relatively stable start for the oil market in the first half of 2015. Lower energy prices are great for consumers, however the energy sector fell approximately 25% and was the worst performing market sector as lower prices took a toll on energy company profits. Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) fell substantially in value, and the decline in energy prices was felt in the bond market as well. Energy companies are responsible for approximately 15% of the issuance in the high yield bond market. With profits falling due to lower prices, the risk of default for these bonds increased. Although the default risk is largely limited to the energy sector, the entire high yield bond market experienced a widening of spreads and lower prices.

The Federal Reserve finally decided to raise interest rates at their December meeting, raising the Fed Fund rates from 0.25% to 0.50%. The rate hike was anticipated all year, with many expecting a hike to come as early as the first quarter. The delay in raising rates was met with mixed results from the market. The market rejoiced at the idea of lower rates for longer after the initial decision to hold rates steady, but eventually the Fed’s rate hike hesitation was seen as a lack of confidence in the growth of the US economy, sending stocks lower.

Despite the delay in the Federal Reserve rate hike, the U.S. Dollar strengthened by more than 10%. With most of the international community in the midst of easing monetary policy, U.S. interest rates are higher than many of the international developed economies. This interest rate spread makes dollar based investments attractive, causing upward pressure in the dollar. Consequently, a rising dollar lowers the value of corporate profits earned overseas, therefore lowering the overall S&P 500 earnings per share.

Since oil is traded in U.S. dollars, a rising dollar put additional downward pressure on the price of oil in 2015.

China was a major story throughout 2015. A slowdown in economic growth in China, coupled with a surprise devaluation of the yuan caused a selloff in the Chinese stock market which carried over to the U.S. markets. A lower yuan makes Chinese goods cheaper to export giving their economy a boost, however trading partners with China will feel a hit as their goods now become more expensive for Chinese consumers to import. A slowdown in China also led to a lower demand forecast for oil, therefore putting additional pressure on oil’s price.

Takeaways from 2015 Many investors may feel frustrated as they see their account values down for the year. Diversification across the global equity markets produced results below that of the S&P 500. U.S. mid cap stocks fell -3.71% with small cap stocks posting a return of -5.71%. The international developed country index dropped -3.30%, while emerging markets continued their slide with a -16.96% return. There was also a divergence in returns amongst value and growth stocks, with value performing considerably worse. It is interesting to note that much of the return in the S&P 500 in 2015 was concentrated in a few stocks. If you were to remove the four “FANG stocks,” (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) the return of the S&P 500 would have been -4.8%. The S&P 500 is a market cap weighted index, and the performance of the index is therefore influenced more from the larger capitalized companies. With that in mind, the return of the index was flat, while the average stock in the index was down 3.8%. Considering the volatility brought on by plunging commodity prices and fears of a global growth slowdown spurred by China, the markets showed impressive resiliency. A disappointing return in 2015 and increased selling we have seen in early January of 2016 should not deter investors from maintaining their long term asset allocation. n

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

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Lifestyle Travel

By DAN SCHLOSSBERG

Finding the Louisville Slugger The hats. The horses. The mint juleps. The fireworks that kick off two weeks

of frivolity.

That’s a lot of hoopla for an event that takes five minutes but lasts all year.

The Kentucky Derby is more than just “the running for the roses.”

It’s Louisville’s Mardi Gras, with a sprinkling of New Year’s Eve, Independence Day, and St. Patrick’s Day thrown in. Both a spectator and a participation sport, it is by far the biggest event in a city with much to celebrate. To locals, it may be the true Louisville Slugger in a city known for the Louisville Slugger.

There are plenty of contenders: • The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is hard to miss: a 120-

foot, 68,000-pound steel version of a Babe Ruth model bat guards its West Main Street entrance.

• Two blocks away is the Muhammad Ali Center, named for the most famous of the four Louisville natives who won heavyweight boxing titles.

• Fashions, artifacts, and footage of every Kentucky Derby since 1918 are on display in a museum near Gate 1 at Churchill Downs.

• Although San Francisco might argue, the nation’s largest historic preservation district devoted exclusively to Victorian homes (more than 1,400) is packed into the 48-block Old Louisville district.

• The cast iron facades of the buildings on West Main Street give the city the largest collection of its type outside of New York’s SoHo.

We uncover the beguiling lure of Louisville

• The nation’s oldest operating sternwheeler steamboat, the Belle of Louisville, continues its century-plus tradition of cruising the Ohio River.

• Louisville Waterfront Park, one of 122 city parks in the metro area, features a former railroad bridge that spans 547 feet and provides a pedestrian link to Jeffersonville, Indiana.

• The “Urban Bourbon Trail” showcases 20 bars, 50 labels, and the local drink that became a national sensation — with Louisville providing one-third of the nation’s supply.

• Local drinking water is so good that the Louisville Water Company once won a “Best of the Best” award from the American Water Works Association.

• Coming soon is the Louisville Loop, a paved walking and biking trail that meanders around the city for 110 miles.

Churchill Downs. Photo courtesy of the Louisville Convention Bureau.

Founded by explorer George Rogers Clark before he embarked on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Louisville was named for French King Louis XVI after his troops helped colonials win the Revolutionary War. Its position at the Falls of the Ohio River made it an obvious stopping point for merchants and pioneers headed west.

River commerce, coupled with the coming of the railroads, spurred growth and the city became an industrial center and shipping port,

It’s all about the hat at the Kentucky Derby. Photo courtesy of the Louisville Convention Bureau.

Big Four Bridge. Photo by Nick Roberts.

LIFEST YLE TRAVEL

Above, the Ali Center at night.

Left, the World’s Biggest Bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is an exact-scale replica of Babe Ruth’s 34-inch Louisville Slugger bat.

Below, a view from the harbor.

Photos courtesy of the Louisville Convention Bureau.

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plus a haven for runaway slaves hoping to cross the Ohio into the free state of Indiana.

Often called the northernmost of the southern states and southernmost of the northern states, Louisville was on the Union side in the Civil War, but welcomed so many returning rebels that pundits said the city joined the Confederacy after the war had ended. All was forgiven by 1875, when 10,000 spectators watched the first Kentucky Derby at the Louisville Jockey Club, now known as Churchill Downs. The winning horse had the aristocratic name of Aristides.

There are all kinds of unusual attractions around town. The photogenic Louisville Water Tower, a white obelisk erected in 1860, is the nation’s oldest.

Thirty years later, it survived an F4 killer tornado so devastating that a memorial was erected on Main Street.

Happier memories were created at the historic Seelbach Hotel, which F. Scott Fitzgerald included in The Great Gatsby, and the Brown Hotel, original home of the Hot Brown sandwich. Those properties, and the Galt House, were frequented by Al Capone and conspiring criminal cohorts during Prohibition days.

Thomas Edison left his mark on Louisville too; as a Western Union telegrapher shortly after the Civil War, he spent his spare time tinkering with new concepts. The Edison House that stands on Washington Street today features an early movie projector, phonographs, dictating machines, primitive light bulbs, and a more illuminating 18-minute video.

Unlike Edison, Harold (Pee Wee) Reese was actually born in Louisville.

A boyhood marbles champion who became a Hall of Fame shortstop, it was Reese who publicly befriended beleaguered Brooklyn Dodgers teammate Jackie Robinson while the latter was battering the baseball color barrier in 1947 (the public gesture was depicted in the movie 42).

The largest American city outside Texas without a major-league team in any sport, Louisville does have Triple-A baseball — the well-named Louisville Bats play in Louisville Slugger Field as the top affiliate of the nearby Cincinnati Reds — plus a slew of successful college teams. The Louisville Cardinals, a college basketball power, routinely sell out their games, played in the new KFC Yum! Center, and the city always tops the attendance charts for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The University of Louisville has also done well in football, sending Johnny Unitas and other stars to the professional ranks.

Because of its benign climate, Louisville has a long golf season and an appeal as a destination for tournaments. The Valhalla Golf Club hosted the PGA Championships as recently as 2014.

Horse-racing is king of the seven Louisville sports that draw spectators.

The Kentucky Derby Festival includes not only the celebrated race but the Kentucky Oaks, another highlight of the two-week prelude to the rose-colored finale. In all, there are more than 70 events — including steamboat and hot-air balloon races.

The fun begins with Thunder Over Louisville, a fireworks display worthy of July 4, and features flirtatious female fans whose flamboyant and colorful fashions suggest a return to the flapper era of the Roaring ‘20s. The parade of pastels is a bigger hit than the thoroughbreds — maybe because they have more staying power.

Louisville is also home to the world’s largest Beatles festival (Memorial Day weekend), the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival (July), and the St. James Court Art Show, an October event that draws crowds dwarfed only by the Kentucky Derby.

Beyond the Derby, Louisville is also a mecca for culture, with ballet, opera, and symphony performances in the handsome Kentucky Center, where an informative half-hour multi-media show is narrated by Louisville native Ashley Judd. The Louisville Orchestra gives more than 100 concerts per year in a venue called The Louisville Palace, a distinctive structure in the downtown theater district. Every spring, the Actors Theater of Louisville, in a nearby venue, hosts the Humana Festival of New American Plays.

The Speed Art Museum, the oldest and largest in the state, returns to the active roster of attractions this year after a three-year makeover that makes the 1927 institution both the newest and the oldest in town. Located near the University of Louisville campus, its collection is so vast that visitors should allow enough time to see even half of its 12,000 pieces.

It’s faster to peruse the art galleries that stretch along the East Market District, known as NuLu to locals. More galleries reside in the section of West Main so dense with museums that it is known around town as “Museum Row.” Beyond the structures of the culture zone are architectural treasures that have stood the test of time. Thomas Jefferson designed Farmington, a 14-room Federal-style home finished in 1816. Union Station, built in 1891, has been restored to its former glory even though Louisville lacks passenger service. The Filson Historical Society, showcasing Kentucky history, is housed in a 1905 Beaux Arts Mansion. Locust Grove is even older: the one-time home of city founder George Rogers Clark is a restored Georgian mansion dating back to the late 18th century.

The Filson, best of a handful of Louisville history museums, features 50,000 volumes and 1.5 million manuscripts. There’s even a steamboat museum across the river in Jeffersonville.

Robert Mills, designer of the Washington Monument, left his legacy in Louisville; he also built the United States Marine Hospital, called the country’s best remaining antebellum hospital by the National Park Service.

The four-floor Frazier History Museum, which once restricted its collection to armaments, has an original Daniel Boone bible and a Teddy Roosevelt club that remind visitors of his famous phrase, “Walk softly but carry a big stick.”

History also lives at the Old Louisville Visitors Center and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, where lost arts are still practiced.

After dark, the Fourth Street Live! entertainment complex is a magnet for a crowd that can tolerate music at questionable decibel levels. Bardstown Road, a mile-long strip of cafes, bistros, and shops, is a place to indulge in independent art, music, and alternative lifestyle options. More earthly exhibits abound at the Kentucky Science Center, where IMAX movies are shown on giant screens.

Louisville has certainly come a long way since its humble beginnings.

An aircraft production center during World War II, it has blossomed into a thriving and picturesque metropolis of more than 750,000. Its focus has shifted from tobacco and hardware to medical research, museums, and tourism.

It is a place that begs to be walked — by people as well as horses. Walkers will love the long spring season, which often starts before the cherry blossoms bloom in Washington, and the natural scenery, including Kentucky’s fabled blue grass.

Since becoming the 15th state in 1792, Kentucky also has given the world Abraham Lincoln (born in 1809), songwriter Stephen Foster (penned “My Old Kentucky Home” in 1853), and Colonel Harlan Sanders (created his legendary Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1939). Visitors who want to make maximum mileage out of minimum time can take an hour-long narrated tour that highlights the history and architecture of the delightful downtown.

Among the prominent buildings are the convention center, which hosted the huge American Bus Association (ABA) travel convention in January, and the freshly-renovated Louisville Marriott Downtown, a 17-story, 616-room, four-diamond convention hotel linked to the center by covered walkway.

For further information, contact the Louisville Visitor Information Center, 301 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202, Tel. 800-626-5646, www. gotolouisville.com or the Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, Tel. 502-627-5045, www.marriottlouisville.com. n

A sign depicts the ways to pronounce ‘Louisville’. Photo courtesy of the Louisville Convention Bureau.

Louisville is know for its mint juleps.

Photo courtesy of the Louisville Convention Bureau.

Derek Jeter sculpture at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

Photo courtesy of the Louisville Convention Bureau.

Dan Schlossberg of Fair Lawn, NJ is travel editor of New Jersey Lifestyle and The Maggie Linton Show on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. He is also president emeritus of the North American Travel Journalists Association and author of the new book When the Braves Ruled the Diamond: Fourteen Flags Over Atlanta. njlifestyleonline.com

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Lifestyle Entertainment

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By David J. Spatz

Spend an enchanting evening with this iconic beauty THE BIGGEST WINTER HEADLINER AT BORGATA Hotel Casino & Spa isn’t some hot young singer with a string of chart-topping hits, or a cutting-edge band with a stack of Grammy nominations.

Nor is it an explosively funny comedian who can fill a mid-sized arena and is on tour promoting Hollywood’s next big box office bonanza.

It’s an 81-year-old Italian grandmother who’s never appeared in Atlantic City — well, not live, anyway.

But this is no ordinary grandma. This one has an Academy Award on her mantle and was once considered one of the most beautiful women and talented actresses ever to grace the silver screen.

Sophia Loren, the first actress to win an Oscar for a foreign language film, the 1960 drama Two Women, will bring her presentation, simply titled “An Evening with Sophia Loren,” to Borgata for a one-night-stand on March 11.

“She’s doing a small run throughout the country,” says Joe Lupo, Borgata’s senior vice president of operations. “We’re very fortunate to have her, and we’re really looking forward to this event.”

During her appearance, Loren will offer an intimate career retrospective as seen through the eyes of one who lived it and will spend time answering audience questions.

Hollywood heavyweights aren’t the usual casino showroom fare, but they do occasionally pop up with shows like the one Loren will bring to Borgata. Most recently, Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino made a similar type of appearance at Caesars Atlantic City.

If it seems like there have been fewer shows in Atlantic City this winter, that’s not an illusion. Casinos tend to scale back on entertainment during the off-season months for several reasons. For starters, there aren’t as many acts touring now as there are during the spring and summer, Lupo said. And, given the drop in casino revenue because of increasing regional competition since 2008, Atlantic City’s casinos are being cautious about how they spend their entertainment budgets.

The proof was never clearer than in

mid-December. While other cities around the country were hosting major events marking the centennial anniversary of the late Frank Sinatra’s birth, there were no public celebrations in Atlantic City, which Sinatra always considered one of his favorite places to perform anywhere in the world.

With the exception of an invitation-only high roller party at a casino where Sinatra never performed, the closest thing to a public celebration may have been at Planet Rose in The Quarter at the Tropicana, where a few of Ol’ Blue Eyes younger fans performed his music karaoke style.

The drop in gaming revenue — it’s now half of what it was in 2007 — plus cost-saving measures designed to boost profitability, is the biggest reason why casinos weren’t willing to invest in a public celebration. There’s no way to guesstimate the ROI — return on investment — on an event like that, according to one casino executive who asked not to be identified.

“Unless we can prove, without a doubt, that it would drive significant revenue, we won’t do it,” the executive said. “At least with a (high-roller) event, we can theoretically predict an aggregate revenue.”

Even though it’s been leading the market in casino revenue virtually since opening its doors in 2003, Borgata is spending its winter entertainment dollars wisely while still maintaining an eclectic schedule. For instance, the same weekend that Loren will be at Borgata, the casino will also present former teen singing idol Donny Osmond and rhythm and blues trend-setters the Isley Brothers, who have been around, in one form or another, for more than 60 years.

Borgata will also continue its policy of presenting newer or emerging artists who are just beginning to make names for themselves.

The goal, Lupo said, is to bring new people to the casino in particular and to Atlantic City in general.

“The thing about Borgata is that we have such wide and diverse demographics that walk in our building,” he said, “so it’s important to have people like the Beach Boys and Tony

Bennett, as well as The Killers and new great artists like Gary Clark Jr.” Borgata has even scheduled a show called “America’s Drag Stars” for March 20. The show is an obvious effort to appeal to an LGBT crowd.

“We want to enlighten (new visitors) to what Borgata and Atlantic City has to offer,” Lupo explained. “So it’s really important to continue to drive new business and continue to get those new demographics in here.

Entertainment’s a great way to do that.” *** KING OF NEW YEAR’S EVE When Tony Orlando welcomed 2016 from the stage of Resorts Casino Hotel, he merely added to his unprecedented string of end-of-year performances in Atlantic City.

Out of the 38 New Year’s Eves Atlantic City has seen since the beginning of the casino era in 1978, Orlando has worked 25 of them at six different casinos. No other entertainer even comes close; none has even reached double digits.

Orlando, who’ll turn 72 in April, considers it a major honor — and a genuine challenge — when a casino asks him to perform on one of the most important nights of the year.

“It’s a big responsibility,” Orlando said. “My job that night is to present a party. To make sure when that midnight moment comes, it has the energy and excitement that you would see on television at Times Square. When they call me back to do New Year’s Eve, it’s a big compliment for any performer. The casino is trusting you to entertain their people on the biggest night of the year. And (the audience) is the boss, they’re the people who are really in charge. I owe them a great deal of gratitude for all they’ve done for me and my family.”

Orlando may have an advantage over other artists because of the type of high-energy show he presents all year. Out of the 135 shows he does each year, Orlando plays each one as if it’s New Year’s Eve. Orlando is also one of the few performers to successfully transcend the theory that a njlifestyleonline.com

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L I F E ST Y L E E N T E R TA I N M E N T performer is only as good as his last hit recording. It’s been years — decades, actually — since he and his former group Dawn had a chart hit. But during the intervening years, Orlando’s popularity has never waned.

That’s because he’s gained a reputation for performing one of the best live shows of any entertainer, past or present. Orlando’s concerts — which are more like variety shows because of how he features different

Tony Orlando

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members of his band and an occasional surprise guest star — have become as much of a signature as any of the hits.

He’s also one of the rare artists who works without a set list, which is like daredevil Nik Wallenda walking the high wire without a safety net.

Backed by the same band for 18 years, Orlando and his musicians know how they’ll open the show and close the show.

But in between, Orlando improvises, and his band is skilled enough to follow along with him. Even if they don’t know a particular song, they’re so good and making it up as they go that the audience will never know the difference.

After 54 years in the business, Orlando can accurately gauge the mood of the crowd and respond accordingly. In many respects, he plays his show the way many professional football quarterbacks play the game. The quarterback will occasionally call an “audible” by changing a play at the line of scrimmage if he sees that the defense knows what’s coming.

That adaptability is never more important for Orlando than on New Year’s Eve. It’s the only show of the year he has to play just a little differently because of the emotions of the crowd. Some people become reflective and even melancholy as they mark the passage of another year.

“The year might have sucked (for some of the audience) and they’re looking forward to the next year to make it great,” he said. “Or maybe they lost somebody that year. Maybe they got divorced that year. There are all kinds of dynamics that enter the picture as you approach midnight. And you have to be a pied piper to bring them into a positive sense when that clock strikes midnight.”

While he and the band have some ballads in their repertoire, one New Year’s Eve adjustment is to keep the entire show’s rhythm on an up note. But even that’s not etched in stone.

“I’ll try to make it a party, so I’ll be up-tempo most of the night,” he said. “But if I feel like there’s a moment when there’s a couple out there that want to hold each other or kiss before the stroke of midnight, I’ll go for a ballad. I can’t prepare (a New Year’s Eve) show. I have to shoot from the hip.”

Although it’s considered a premium pay day for entertainers, some entertainers want no part of working New Year’s Eve. They don’t want to deal with amateur drunks who rarely drink all year but go overboard on December 31.

But Orlando said he’s only missed one yearend celebration during his career. And he didn’t like sitting on the sidelines. “(My wife) Frannie and I started hitting the pots and pans when Dick Clark was on TV and I said, ‘This is ridiculous, we can’t let this happen any more,’” he said with a laugh. “And I’ve worked every (New Year’s Eve) since.” n

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Atlantic City Bigger, First and Only

By SHERRY HOFFMAN

E

ver since visionary entrepreneurs booted the Absegami Indians off the island and out of their swampy, mosquito-infested summer homes in the mid-19th Century, Atlantic City has found seemingly endless ways to put itself on the world stage.

Originally developed as a restorative resort where the sickly could get well by filling their lungs with healthy ocean breezes, the original re-settlers quickly discovered there was even more money to be made by pandering to the healthy and wealthy. As a city grew out of fields of phragmites, so did ways of attracting the attention of the curious masses.

In addition to hotels that offered guests three types of running water in which to bathe — hot, cold, and salt pumped right out of the ocean — clever promoters came up with a seemingly endless series of stunts, gimmicks and one-of-a-kinds, many of which led to lots of firsts, biggests, onlys, and world records.

Here’s our look at just some of the things that made Atlantic City the world’s playground: Atlantic City probably never would have evolved into the destination resort it is today without its single biggest and most significant manmade attraction: the world’s first Boardwalk. If you consider the city a giant bicycle wheel, then the Boardwalk was the center out of which all spokes grew. The original wooden way was first laid down in 1870 and was merely a series of planks temporarily laid across the sand in the summer (and packed away in the winter). Its origin can be traced to a hotel owner and a grumpy train conductor.

Their intention wasn’t to use the “board walk” as a home for commercial enterprises designed to separate tourists from their money.

All they wanted to do was keep people from tracking the damned sand into the hotels and onto the trains, where it had to be swept away every day.

Over the next 30 years, the Boardwalk — it’s a proper name because it’s technically considered an Atlantic City street — was widened, elevated, railings were added, the familiar herringbone board pattern emerged and businesses sprang up on both the land and beach sides. Soon, other seashore communities began adding boardwalks of their own — Wildwood, Ocean City, and Coney Island. The concept spread overseas, too; many a visiting British entertainer has said the Atlantic City Boardwalk reminds them of the one in Brighton, England. “Except you people have the ocean on the wrong side,” the late Davy Jones of the 1960s band The Monkees once quipped during an interview.

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In 1978, the Atlantic City Boardwalk added another first to its resume; it was where the first legal casino east of the Mississippi River would open — right on the world’s first board walk.

In 1910, just seven years after the Wright Brothers flew the world’s first airplane on a North Carolina beach, a facility opened on Albany Avenue that offered a place where airplanes could land and take off from a runway and seaplanes could do the same from the bay waters that surrounded field. In 1919, the term “air-port” was first used to describe what was known then — and is still today — as Bader Field.

Eventually, the hyphen was dropped and Bader Field became the first facility to use the term “airport.”

The medical field can claim Atlantic City as a first, and not for what you might think — the incubator baby exhibit on the Boardwalk. No, that distinction went to Coney Island; Atlantic City — never one to allow another resort to have a monopoly on making money – merely capitalized on a sure bet when it copied the incubator baby display.

But medicine can claim that the first surgery on broadcast television took place in Atlantic City in 1949. Operations performed at the Atlantic City Hospital (now AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center) were broadcast — in color, no less — to doctors attending the American Medical Association’s annual meeting at Convention Hall (now Boardwalk Hall) and were televised on stations in New York and Baltimore, where some viewers reportedly fainted when they watched the actual surgeries.

Not all of Atlantic City’s firsts date back decades. In 1992, the rap group Detroit’s Most Wanted shot the first rap video ever filmed in a casino when it made “The Money Is Made” at Trump Taj Mahal.

Atlantic City has seen more than its share of “biggest” and “largest” attractions and stunts, too.

For instance, anyone who wanted to see the world’s largest typewriter could find it on the former Garden Pier. The Underwood typewriter was 1,728 times larger than standard size machines of its type. It was so big promoters would often have women sitting on the keys, and it remained a Boardwalk attraction until World War II, when it was scrapped for metal.

One of the most stubbornly enduring attractions in Atlantic City since the early 1930s has been the largest organ in the world, the Midmer-Losh pipe organ in Boardwalk Hall. Although it was damaged by the Hurricane of 1944 and was never completely repaired, portions of the organ, which officially has 33,112 pipes, have been restored and it is mostly functional today. Efforts are underway to raise the millions

Lifestyle Legends

Top right, Strollers on the boardwalk near Million Dollar Pier in 1942. Photo courtesy of Atlantic City Public Library, Fred Hess, photographer.

Middle, Atlantic Ave. near Tennessee Ave. in 1945.

Homberger’s, M.E. Blatt Building and McCrory’s 5 and 10 are visible. Photo courtesy of Atlantic City Public Library.

Bottom, an Atlantic City Jitney when service was 10 cents. of dollars needed to fully restore the massive instrument, which is so big it has four listings in The Guinness World Records.

The organ’s home, now known as Boardwalk Hall but originally built in the 1920s and opened as the Atlantic City Auditorium before becoming Convention Hall, had a remarkable run of its own. When it opened in 1929, it was the world’s largest building without roof posts or pillars.

With a vaulted barrel ceiling that topped out at nearly 140 feet, a 13-story building could fit inside the hall. In fact, the room was big enough to actually accommodate a helicopter, and indeed a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter took off, made a short flight around the room and then landed inside the hall.

And for those who thought the Astrodome in Houston was the first indoor stadium for football, think again. The 1964 Liberty Bowl between the University of Utah and the University of West Virginia was played inside Convention Hall. (Utah won, 32-6.)

Not all of Atlantic City’s claims to fame are mired in the past, either.

The longest craps roll in the history of gaming happened in 2009 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa. A Morris County, N.J. woman broke the world record when she held onto the dice for a staggering four hours and 18 minutes.

Patricia DeMauro bought into a game for $100 at about 8:15 PM and didn’t “seven out” until just after 12:30 AM the following morning. All told, she tossed the bones 154 times. In a sense of true Atlantic City irony, DeMauro beat the previous record for the longest craps roll — which was three hours and six minutes — that had been set in 1989 at the California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which just happens to be owned by Boyd Gaming, which owns Borgata.

Finally, one of the most enduring records in broadcasting — and one that’ll likely stand forever — was set in Atlantic City.

Prior to his final broadcast last May, each time Pinky Kravitz fired up his WOND-AM 1400 microphone, he merely added to his own record of America’s longest-running daily radio show on one station. Kravitz, who was 88 when he died in October, spent 59 years on radio, with the final 57 at WOND, where he literally logged tens of thousands of hours on the air. n Sherry Hoffman is the owner of Sherry Hoffman Public Relations and has been a contributing Lifestyle writer since its first issue. njlifestyleonline.com

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On Wheels By Elaine Rose

Three for the Family

2016 Dodge Journey

Pack your gear and hit the road in one of these familyfriendly choices 44

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YES, WE GET IT. Your car is an expression of your personality. You love to slide behind the wheel and sink into luxurious leather and then hit the gas pedal for premium performance on the highway.

But sometimes you have to be practical. A Chevy Corvette or Porsche Spyder won’t cut it when you have to take your son and all his equipment to a hockey game; your daughter and her teammates to basketball practice; two large dogs to the veterinarian; or your entire family for an extended weekend at a relative’s house. In those cases, an SUV or a mid-size sedan is definitely in order.

Detroit has graciously provided several vehicles that fit the bill for daily use. The Dodge Journey, the Chevrolet Equinox, or the Chrysler 200 may suit your needs for ordinary family activities. And the good news is, these babies are all quite affordable.

That means you can hold on to your cash for when the kids are grown, and you can spend it on that dream machine you’ve coveted since the day you got your driver’s license.

If you have a large family or a lot of stuff to haul, you’ll want to consider the SUV crossover Dodge Journey. Dodge has consolidated the Journey into five trim levels, with a starting price of $20,895. You can get the better-appointed Crossroad trim starting at $29,995.

Dodge calls the Journey the “Swiss Army knife of crossovers,” as it offers a choice of a four- or six-cylinder engine, seating for five or seven people, and front- or allwheel drive. A unique feature is the various storage bins within the passenger cabin, including spaces under the rearseat floor that can hide valuables from the view of thieves while the car is parked.

The standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine comes with a four-speed automatic transmission and delivers 173 horsepower and 166 foot-pounds of torque. This gets a respectable 26 mpg on the highway. The 3.6-liter Pentastar six-cylinder engine, optional on the higher trim levels, has a six-speed automatic transmission and 283 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. Most reviewers recommend that you spring for the six-cylinder engine, especially for buyers who will carry heavy loads or a lot of passengers.

A review by Edmunds notes that the Journey has not changed much in the past several years, and competitors are leaving it in the dust. The engine is outdated, and not as powerful as those of other crossover SUVs. Handling can be rough, especially on turns. But the Journey has some plusses, especially given the low price.

“Its suspension provides a smooth ride even over the roughest road surfaces,” the reviewers wrote. “That, in combination with supportive seats and a quiet interior, makes the Journey an ideal companion on long road trips.”

Interior comforts include dual climate controls, reclining second-row seats, a 4.3-inch touch screen, and a six-speaker sound system, Edmunds noted. There is plenty of head and legroom, though the optional third-row seats are not very comfortable for adult passengers.

The Journey is a “solid family pick, and one of the least expensive ways to get a third-row seat,” wrote Bengt Havorson of The Car Connection. “If space is important, you’re getting more vehicle for the money” than with competing crossovers.

If you don’t need quite that much cargo space, you may want to consider the Chevrolet Equinox, a leading contender in the ever-growing compact-SUV segment of the auto market. The five-seater comes in four trim lines, starting at $22,600. While it has escaped the attention of the automotive press in recent years, the Equinox is Chevrolet’s second-best-selling model.

Most changes in the Equinox for 2016 are in the exterior and technology, including a redesigned grille, projector-beam headlights for better nighttime visibility, a seven-inch touch screen and a rear-view camera for the entry levels, and LED running lights and upgraded interior fabrics for the higher trims. These changes had the result of injecting a youthful flair into a vehicle that already sells quite well, wrote Justin

2016 Dodge Journey’s suspension provides a smooth ride over the roughest road surfaces.

2016 Dodge Journey with all-wheel drive

Dodge Journey offers many interior comforts.

2016 Chevrolet Equinox LT in patriot blue metallic

“The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox stands out for its ability to deliver a smooth ride over almost any road surface.”

LT’s interior view

2016 Chevrolet Equinox in siren red tincoat

LT’s aluminum wheel

2016 Chrysler 200 ON WHEELS Cupler of Top Speed.

The Equinox is quite generous with its cargo space, offering 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Reviewers say it offers a comfortable ride for backseat passengers.

Though not quite as imaginative as the Dodge Journey, the Equinox has several storage bins inside the passenger cabin, including an oversize glove box and a space under the center armrest large enough to hold a laptop.

There are also four power outlets to keep all your devices charged, and eight cup holders for drinks.

One option that parents will appreciate, especially on long road trips, is a tablet holder that mounts on the backrests of the front seats, notes Andrew Wendler of Car & Driver.

Built-in Wi-Fi at all trim levels is sure keep the kiddies entertained.

On the performance side, the Equinox

comes equipped with an Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected, four-cylinder engine with 136 horsepower and an estimated 32 mpg on the freeway. All-wheel drive is optional on all but the base entry level. A 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine is available for the two higher trim levels, delivering 301 horsepower and 272 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

“The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox stands out for its ability to deliver a smooth ride over almost any road surface,” Edmunds reports.

“The base engine, however, lacks the pep necessary to rapidly accelerate this heavy SUV,” and once again, the V-6 engine is recommended.

For those set on a sedan, the Chrysler 200 is billed as “the mid-size sedan for customers who have earned a little luxury in their life, but demand value for their money.” Targeted customers are in their mid-thirties, college

graduates, and with no children.

Built in Sterling Heights, MI, the Chrysler 200 comes in four trim lines, including a special 90th Anniversary edition with unique accoutrements. The base model starts at $21,995. All models are equipped with ninespeed automatic transmission.

Purchasers have a choice of the standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower or upgrading to a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 295 horsepower.

Plenty of tech options and 60 safety features are available to customize the 200 to meet your needs. The car has a 16-cubic-foot trunk, more than competing mid-size sedans, and a split folding rear seat for even more cargo room.

The Chrysler 200 was completely revamped for the 2015 model year, so you can forget about any negative comments you heard from owners of earlier versions, wrote Kate McLeod of The New York Daily News. njlifestyleonline.com

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ON WHEELS “Based on looks alone, the 200 is now one of the flashier options in a family car market that isn’t usually brimming with look-at-me choices,” McLeod wrote. And it is the only mid-size sedan that offers fourwheel-drive, a big plus for winter-weather driving.

Like most family cars, the Chrysler 200 is not built for speeding around a twisting road, McLeod wrote.

“For normal driving, however, the

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200’s suspension sucks up the rumble and grumble afforded by nasty bumps and poor road surfaces … and the general driving experience is steady and comfortable at any speed,” she wrote. “Sportier drivers can always extract an extra measure of fun by using the paddle shifters, if they’re feeling racy during their morning commute.”

But Car & Driver pans the Chrysler 200 for its cramped rear seats and heavy weight that impairs handling and performance. But

the interior is comfortable and elegant, with easy-to-use controls, the reviewer wrote.

The 200 is good for city driving and running errands, but comes short of being a top choice in the competitive field of mid-size sedans, Car & Driver concluded.

So now it’s time to hit the dealerships and decide which of these cars is the right fit for your family. And once the kids are grown and on their own, it will be time to look for the car of your personal dreams. n

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The Social Scene

Artistic Hardware Celebrates Traditions On December 17th, Artistic Hardware of Northfield celebrated their 16th Annual Holiday Party at Steve and Cookie’s by the Bay in Margate. This party has become an annual tradition for the Artistic Hardware group, and

From left to right, Steve Brog, Rick Mairone and Tom Vassallo

Celebrating the season

Photos by Nick Valinote

is enjoyed by many of their friends, family, and customers in the trade.

Restaurateur Cookie Till and everyone at the restaurant always does a wonderful job making this party a favorite of the holiday season.

From left to right, Chris and Danny Coulter, Leslie and Kyle Rhodes

From left to right, Carol Kelly, Tyrone Shrum, Nicole LaPappa and Mickey Applegate

L to R: Kevin and Carol Kelly, Diane Strang, Pat McCarthy, Marjorie Harmelin and Caroline Pezzano

From left to right, Bill Strang, Pat McCarthy, Eric Meccariello and Chris Meccariello

From left to right, Lois Meyer, Diane and Rich Medora, Jim Barnes and Allison Morgan

From left to right, Alan and Terri Cummings, Mark Nashstein, Cathy and Scott Rhodes

AMI Holiday Toy Drive a Success Atlantic Medical Imaging’s (AMI) Annual Holiday Toy Drive resulted in the donation of hundreds of toys to three worthy organizations: Toys for Tots and Toys for Kids, both of which serve Atlantic and Cape May counties, as well as the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department’s annual toy drive.

The AMI toy drive was conducted from November 30 – December 18, 2015, during which AMI employees, patients and community members were encouraged to drop off toys at all 11 AMI office locations in Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean and Monmouth counties.

“This is another meaningful way for us to give something back to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Robert M. Glassberg, President/CEO of AMI. “The programs, services and partnerships undertaken by AMI and the AMI Foundation are designed to enhance the quality of life and improve the health status of community residents.”

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From left to right, Donna Massey, Maureen Bowie, Suzie Massey and Abby Kohler

From left to right, AMI staff members Sheryl Damico of Egg Harbor Township, Holly Lamey of Northfield, and Laura Carty of Galloway with just a few of the hundreds of toys collected during the AMI Foundation’s Annual Toy Drive.

The Social Scene

The Epicurean Society Sells Out Delicious Event Another exciting evening for the Epicurean Society of South Jersey was held at the Flagship’s beautiful Blue Water Grille in Atlantic City. With over 100 members, the Epicurean Society holds monthly dinners at the area’s finest restaurants, raising money for student scholarships in the culinary and hospitality management industry. Each restaurant exposes their staff’s culinary and management skills for South Jersey movers and shakers in the food industry who travel the area for the best dining restaurants. The sell-out monthly evenings start with the cocktail hour and butler-passed appetizers, then a three-course dinner, and interesting From left to right, Flora and Steve Thomas, Carol McDow, Joe monthly speakers.

Swartz and Margaret Gutierrez

Ed and Meg Blake

Meta Kelly and Ahmed Khan

From left to right, Gary Hill, Sherry Amos, Jean Price and Barbara Gomes

Photos by Nick Valinote

From left to right, Chris and Paul Tan with Helene and Bob Hordes

From left to right, speaker for the evening Mr. and Mrs. Mark Johnston with Nick Valinote

From left to right, Martin and Janice Kline, Helene and Bob From left to right, Charlotte and Dr. Coville with Hordes, Steve Chang Ed Blake njlifestyleonline.com

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The Social Scene

SJAA Celebrates 30th Anniversary The South Jersey AIDS Alliance (SJAA) celebrated their 30th Anniversary on December 1, World’s AIDS Day, at Resorts Casino. The event honored founding member Hon. John Schultz for his leadership and financial support.

The South Jersey AIDS Alliance is a caring, compassionate organization dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS. SJAA is the largest AIDS Service Organization in southeastern New Jersey; a region of 1,500 square miles with over a million residents comprised by Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and L to R: Anna Neidelman, Vicki Gold Levi, Lew Niedelman, Gary Camden counties.

Hill and Mark Giantonnio, President of Resorts

Ed and Meg Blake with George and Marilyn Wimberg

Photos by Nick Valinote

From left to right, Vicki Gold Levi, Harvey and Lynne Kesselman, Mayor Don Guardian and Louis Fatato

From left to right, Freeholder Alex Marino, Director of SJAA Carol Harney and Honoree John Schultz

NJ AIDS Quilt

AC Mayor Reveals 2016 Goals at Luncheon MBCA’s Annual Winter Kick-Off Luncheon was held on Jan 13 at Harrah’s Business Center. Over 1,000 local business and community leaders attended the event to hear the “Unofficially State of City

L to R: Mark Giannantonio, Resorts president, Bart Blatstein, and MBCA President John Schultz 52

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Address” by Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian. The progress of 2015 was reviewed and the plans and goals for Atlantic City in 2016 were revealed by Guardian.

Mayor Don Guardian with City Clerk Rhonda Williams and the City Council of Atlantic City

Photos by Nick Valinote

MBCA sponsor Allied Barton Security with Mayor Guardian and MBCA President John Schultz

WE’VE GOT CONNECTIONS at njlifestyleonline.com Log on to our website for all the great stories, archives and expanded listings. With our interactive web addition, you can read the entire issue online. fashion WHAT’S CHIC ON THE STREETS AND TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS SEASON We offer fashion advice on highstreet and designer trends and buys. View the latest fashion trends for the current season, and highlights brought to you by NJ Lifestyle.

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FABULOUS FOOD IN SOUTH JERSEY’S EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS Find all of the details on the area’s great dining venues.

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Talking Wine Wet your whistle in style with these delicious selections

A

s you know by now, if you read the bit about me at the end of the column, I have a weekly podcast heard all over the planet, which is now up to two million listeners each week. And I must be doing something right (although according to my wife and daughter, I rarely do) because I have some awesome guests who join me on the show. Why am I telling you this?

Good question. Because after all these years of writing this column, I’ve never bragged about any of my guests … until now!

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Just before Christmas, I spent time with my favorite recording artist (and my new BFF) who you will see alongside me in a photo accompanying this column; Sheryl Crow. She even sang two lines from First Cut Is The Deepest into my ear just before the photo was taken: “I still want you by my side, Just to help me dry the tears that I’ve cried” and if you listen to the chat on my show (see the info at the end of this column) you’ll find out why she did that.

Anyway, this has nothing to do with wine,

but I wanted to share a supremely surreal moment from my career with you. Enough about me, let’s talk about me … er … I mean … let’s talk about wine.

I know it’s winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some full-bodied sparkling wines, and some meaty white wines alongside the reds we all lust after this time of year. So for your edification, I have a nice selection of vino to keep you going through the chilly months.

I’ve become rather addicted to Trader

Lifestyle Wine

By Phillip Silverstone

Joe’s (300 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ, 856-9883323) where you can find some excellent smoked salmon, which is amazingly affordable. They also have a Grand Blue Cheese from the Allgäu region of Bavaria in southern Germany. It is semi-soft, rich, and buttery flavored, and $12.99 a pound. We’ll get to the wine I drink with smoked salmon in a minute, but my favorite, affordable, blue cheese-friendly wine is always port.

Cockburn’s LBV Port (approximately $23) is one heck of a good buy. It features rich and intense black fruit aromas; with full-bodied blackberry fruit flavors mellowed by ageing in seasoned oak vats, with a long and lingering, slightly drier finish. Cockburn’s Late Bottled Vintage Port is selected from a particularly good year, primarily sourced from Cockburn’s own vineyards and from neighboring vineyards in the magnificent Upper Douro Valley. The Port is matured in seasoned oak vats, which are cared for

by Cockburn’s own team of coopers. But frankly, it’s just plain ole yummy.

And now for the perfect partner for the smoked salmon or for sitting in front of a warm fire while the snow is falling outside the windows: Fizz a.k.a. Bubbly a.k.a.

Sparkling a.k.a. (if it’s French) Champers.

And here are some, which are way beyond brilliant. My favorite west coast sparkling tipple is anything bottled by Gloria Ferrer in Sonoma. The California outpost of Spain’s Freixenet, is as good as a Left Coast bottle of bubbly gets.

Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Brut (approximately $28) has a taste which blends Granny Smith apples and a touch of Bartlett pear and lime and it’s crisp, clean, refreshing and easily a party pleaser. This classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is an always-stunning drink.

Gloria Ferrer Blanc De Noirs

(approximately $20). As the name suggests, the wine is made primarily from red grapes, and those grapes are Pinot Noir with a little Chardonnay added. The Pinot gives the wine a soft berry flavor, with deliciously creamy notes and a gorgeously-lingering aftertaste.

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut (approximately $20) is in my fridge because I love it to bits. It again has the predominance of Pinot with some Chard. Apple and pear flavors dominate, with a little toasted bread coming through. These also form the flavor of the wine, which is soft, creamy and what I tend to call “one-size-fits-all palates.”

And I’m always ready to raise a glass of France’s finest bubbly. Moët & Chandon is to French Champagne what Rolls-Royce is to British motoring; a silky, smooth journey in a classic marque.

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose 2006 (approximately $90) is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier and it is one of the classiest pink sparklers known to modern man. The flavor goes beyond anything else you’ll find in your glass offering. There are exquisite delicious red fruit flavors, intense floral notes, and a beautiful toastiness that linger as one year rolls into the next.

Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV (approximately $65) is the quintessential Champagne with a pedigree second and third to none. If you’ve never had a glass or three of this wine, now is the time to remedy that oversight. The list of flavors that dance in your glass are incredible: Apples, pears, sweet summer fruits, and a hint of a squeezed lemon. One word for this wine: awesome. Another word for this wine: sublime.

I have a superb red wine to recommend, which blew my socks off recently, so it’s

pretty lucky I had a pedicure the night before: Jarman Pinot Noir 2013, Carmel Valley, CA (approximately $75). This stunninglygorgeous wine spends 10 months in the barrel, which gives a rich, complex character with a multitude of flavors, including cedar and plump red berry notes. It has a fullbodied boldness which tends to be lacking in many pinot noirs I’ve tried recently. The price tag is well over my normal budget, but I’ll suggest, as I always do with pricier wines, that three or four of you contribute to the experience of tasting one of the finest (perhaps THE finest) Pinot Noirs on the market today. You can purchase from shop.holmanranch.com/Wines/JarmanWines.

Here are some more reds worth every red cent: Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir 2014, Marlborough, New Zealand (approximately $22). I know this winery like the back of my toothbrush. In my opinion, it’s the finest producer of this grape variety in the region (possibly on the planet) at the tip of New Zealand’s South Island. I enjoy my Pinot after a few minutes of fridge time to yummify the nectar created from 100% barrel maturing. If you love, as I do, those plummy fruit flavors with a richness from the French oak, then this will hit the spot every time.

I tasted a trio of wines from the extraordinary Ravenswood Winery, which I have known and loved for most of my wineloving life. And back in the early days of my career, I met Ravenswood’s pioneering Joel Peterson, who went on to produce legendary Zinfandels. Joel and Ravenswood have always been the jewels in the crown of Sonoma winemaking. Ravenswood produces eight single vineyard wines in its upper echelon category, and here are the njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFEST YLE WINE three which I had the distinct pleasure of recently sampling.

red fruit flavors that offer an unshaved cool dude edginess of masculinity

Ravenswood Dickerson Zinfandel 2013 (approximately $35). Once again I have to invoke the name of my co-host on my TuneIn Radio show’s wine feature, Jill Weber. She has convinced me that the flavors and smells of strong plants growing near the vines impart their characteristics on the wine. And in this case, it’s the eucalyptus. Those are essentially Jill’s words and they mirror the words on the wine notes I received. And boy can you detect the eucalyptus in this wine. There are the unmistakable prominent flavors of dark fruits and a refinement and finesse that clearly sets this Zinfandel apart from any competitor’s bottling; a stunning and beautiful Zin indeed.

Ravenswood Pickberry Red Wine 2012 (approximately $50). So here is what makes the unpretentious sounding red wine a complex Fourth of July finale. The wine is a blend of 48% Merlot; 43%Cabernet Sauvignon; 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petite Verdot. The wine was aged for just under two years in oak and less than 900 cases were produced. Part of the fun is hunting down a bottle or two of this amazing drink. The wine is dominated by a richly-intense fruitiness heavily betraying the Cabernet’s dominance with all the typical dark berry fruit flavors, with hints of cigar wrapper, cedar and, leather hides. Wow!

Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel 2013 (approximately $60). Less than 1,600 cases of this wine are made and it’s aged in French oak for just under two years. The wine is huge, so if you like to save your wines for a rainy day, the rainy day you’ll be waiting for can be in 2027. That’s how long this Zin will continue to age in the bottle.

I have no problem drinking it now, but there is plenty of aging potential which will smooth some of the edges and make this a spectacular drink to open this time every year over the next 12 years (if you buy an entire case). Classic Zins have a beautiful old spice aftershaviness to them. This Zin is the macho man of wine, with deep passionate

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Finca El Encinal Crianza 2011 (approximately $18) is a gem from Spain.

I find it to be a much smoother red wine than many that have come my way recently, with a clean finish but clearly showing the plummy, jammy taste I enjoy in this region’s wines. There is also a drizzling of spicy notes always prominent in quality reds. I would actually serve this wine with some hard cheeses, especially aged Cheddar and even a Gouda aged for at least 4 years.

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico (approximately $25) has been a regular guest at my dinner table and that’s because I have a love of Ruffino wines, which, if memory serves, was the first Chianti I ever tasted when the world was young. And, I love well-made wines from the Sangiovese grape. A deep ruby color filled with dark berry flavors, this wine has a silky smooth mouth feel with some cedar notes. It truly is in a class of its own and it’s the wine world’s version of a Jaguar XJ sedan.

Now for some white wines: Bellenda Prosecco San Fermo DOCG (approximately $19.99). This Italian charmer has a spirited and enticing effervescence.

My old chum Granny Smith pops out in the flavor with other yummy summer fruits in this Italian charmer; an ideal guest greeter at any soiree regardless of their taste in wine.

Two splendid white wines from Stellenbosch, South Africa magically appeared in my glass this past month and

both are from old vines, which produce more character and complexity than the younger plantings.

Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2013 (approximately $24.99). The vines used for this wine from the Stellenbosch region are reaching their half century, and it shows in the juice they produce. The under-hyped Chenin Blanc is full of fresh fruit flavors, but with a full mouth feel from some barrel aging and the magic from those aged vines.

A rare gem indeed from this grape variety and an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Simonsig Avec Chene Chenin Blanc 2013 (approximately $34.99). These vineyards are 30 years old. Jill Weber would no doubt rave about this wine’s minerality, whereas I am more focused on raisin and pear notes which were so obvious from the first sip.

Yes, it’s pricey for a Chenin, but given the age of the vines and the limited number of bottles produced, it’s one heck of a white wine.

If you really want to impress your friends, pour them a wine from Macedonia.

One of my favorite white wine grapes from the Finger Lakes in New York State is the Rkatsiteli. It originally grew in Georgia, the one that was formerly a Soviet controlled nation. And what a pleasure to discover a version made in Macedonia.

Stobi Rkaciteli 2014 (approximately $18) is a wonderful alternative to Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio) as it is a light white wine aged in stainless steel to keep the fresh fruit flavors intact, and, in this case, they have a refreshing-lemony flavor with a very attractive clean and inviting taste, ideal for sipping while mingling prior to dinnertime.

Did I mention Sheryl Crow and I are just good friends? Oh … I think this is where I came in. Stay warm. Cheers! n “Time Out With Phillip Silverstone” is a weekly podcast heard exclusively on TuneIn radio anytime worldwide either on the free TuneIn app for all smart phones and tablets (search Phillip Silverstone) or online at: http://bit.ly/1gY2Ht4. “Follow” the show for weekly updates. You can also LIKE Phillip on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Phillipsilverstone and follow him on Twitter: @wining.

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RESTAURANT REPORT

Tropicana’s Fiesta Buffet

By Alyson Boxman Levine

Whether you call them smorgasbords or buffets, the allure of endless displays of delicious food appeals to everyone. Forget the long lines and trays of cold chicken and pizza; the buffets of today are truly gourmet and offer high-end services only a casino dining establishment can offer. From locally-sourced foods, to wine kiosks and award-winning chefs, Atlantic City casino buffets are truly a cut above the rest.

So how did the great idea of buffets come about anyway? Well, according to historians, Sweden and France were the first countries to formalize the buffet concept. In Sweden, the smorgasbord originated as a way to feed hungry out-oftown visitors who popped in unexpectedly. Starting with just bread and butter — the term translates as “buttered bread board” — the smorgasbord display grew to include several courses, beginning with salted fish, eggs and boiled vegetables, then moving on to cold cuts, warm entrees and salads, and ending finally with dessert and coffee. With a focus on entertaining rather than cooking, the French offered a more refined model, filling their lavish “buffet” tables as a sign of prominence.

When it comes to gaming establishments, the man credited with creating the first all-you-can-eat casino buffet was Canadian-born Herb McDonald. In the 1940s, McDonald worked as a publicist at the El Rancho Vegas, one of the first hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. According to historical accounts, late one night he wandered into the kitchen, brought out some cold cuts, cheese and bread, and spread them out along the bar for hungry customers. The late-night selection was a hit, and McDonald eventually evolved the menu into a 24-hour all-youcan-eat “Buckaroo Buffet.” For just $1, people could choose from a selection of cold cuts, salad, and seafood. Unfortunately, the hotel lost money on its buffet, but gained it back by promoting customer loyalty and enticing new patrons.

Soon after, other casinos along the Strip were copying the idea, until nearly every hotel had their own version of the “midnight buffet.” Presently, these allhours establishments are still a big draw throughout Las Vegas, and range from the inexpensive to the incredibly lavish.

Offering plenty of food variety at a reasonable price, buffets are still gaining in popularity today. These establishments afford people the opportunity to try new types of food they would not typically order from a menu in a traditional restaurant. For many, buffet eating is a science all its own. Some patrons go straight for their favorites; crab legs and prime rib. Others opt for the traditional meal; first starting with a soup or salad, then their entrée with vegetables, followed by dessert. And I’ve seen others go straight for the dessert area, and begin their meal with a sweet treat. One thing is for certain; there are no rules when dining at a buffet. Simply relax and enjoy the bevy of offerings before you.

One of the Atlantic City area’s top buffets is the Waterfront Buffet at Harrah’s Resort. Featuring nine diverse food stations, guests relish in a seeminglyendless selection of delights from across the globe. The Waterfront focuses on fresh ingredients and offers made-to-order dishes such as steaks, custom salads and fried chicken, as well as plenty of dishes with an international flair. From a

The Palace Court Buffet at Caesars

Harrah’s Waterfront Buffet

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beautiful hand-rolled sushi station to Mongolian barbecue and steamed mussels, you just may not have room for their delectable desserts.

Bring your appetite to the Borgata and feast at an award-winning restaurant. Named Best Buffet in Atlantic City by The Star-Ledger, Borgata Buffet offers the best of the best: a wide variety of food to fit your style, prompt attention and service, and most importantly, time well spent.

Located on the casino floor, Borgata Buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and was designed to reflect an old-world Italian feel. Chat with the chefs while they carve BBQ ribs, or create a bowl of pasta on the spot. Hot or cold, simple or exotic, there’s something for every craving. And if you have a fetish for freshness, ingredients come straight from local Garden State farms for a salad bar par none using the best of seasonal New Jersey produce. An array of mouth-watering desserts by former White House pastry chef, Thaddeus DuBois, will delight every sweet tooth.

Bringing more than 20 years of experience to Borgata’s awardwinning culinary program, Chef Biglan oversees the buffet. In his role as Executive Chef, Biglan also oversees in-room dining and catering programs for both the AAA Four-Diamond Borgata and The Water Club hotels, as well as the property’s talented team of chefs and culinary personnel.

At the Golden Nugget, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat action as well. Their well-stocked buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but go on Friday for their special seafood buffet. Indulge in unlimited crab legs, clams, and mussels, along with their regular favorites; kielbasa with onions and peppers, roast turkey with gravy and stuffing, mashed potatoes, and Osso Buco. The chefs use top meats and seafood and — to maintain maximum freshness — cook many of the dishes in small batches. Build your own sandwich from piles of cold cuts, or create the sundae of your dreams at the frozen yogurt machine. Whether grabbing a quick lunch with the family or settling in for an epic meal, this location certainly makes the short list.

If you’re at the Tropicana, the Fiesta Buffet will impress with an endless array of selections and a stellar view of the beach and boardwalk.

This surf and turf buffet caters to carnivores, with seafood delights such as snow crab legs, shrimp, and fresh fish and turf specialties that include hand-carved beef, meatballs, chicken, and more. Enjoy all-you-can-eat seafood specials featuring a multitude of selections from the American, Asian, Italian, and hand-carved beef stations.

A favorite of locals and visitors alike is the buffet at Caesars Atlantic City. Superb seafood, decadent desserts, a fresh salad bar, stone-fired pizza, a self-serve wine station, impressive seasonal selections, and plenty of international cuisine; the Palace Court Buffet has it all. Pile your plate high with grilled swordfish, beef fillets, lasagna, oysters, crab, and much more. As an added bonus, check out the DIY Bloody Mary bar, a selfserve wine kiosk, seasonal food, and an ever-changing menu.

The restaurant was recently expanded to approximately 7,500 square feet, with seating for 350 guests in a warm, modern design. There are intimate tables, large tables for parties, and high-top bar seating in the center to add a hip flare to the space. The buffet is set up in stations so that guests need not stand in a long line.

All these decadent buffets offer boundless options to perfectly match any appetite. So, whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a delicious meal awaits. Now comes the difficult decision … deciding which one to choose. Bon appetit! n

Lifestyle Cooking With Chef Will Savarese

Tips for a Simpler Life I

’m sure I’m not the only one that says it … Where did the time go?

Hopefully you accomplished many things this past year. As we look forward to another year, what is in store for ourselves?

With the beginning of a new year, compile a list of what you want to accomplish. It’s a good way to reflect on your goals and get yourself to think about today, as well as the year ahead. Give yourself different types of goals to accomplish, some easier than others. Succeeding feels good and will make you relish your sense of accomplishment. While having my morning coffee, I write down what I need to get done that day. As I go through my day, I check off each task with enthusiasm. Believe me, even the small things feel good when they get done.

At the beginning of each year, I also make a “yearly” list of goals. I, for one, would like to get more exercise than I did last year. I would also like to focus on better eating habits (not all the time, mind you, but in moderation).

My motto is to take baby steps, which can lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Make healthier meals a part of your day, everyday. This can be achieved by just eating simpler, shop local and cook more seasonal. Leave the fuss for when you want to showcase to friends and family over a dinner party. For the everyday routine, keep it simple and enjoy the free time with your loved ones.

Keep flavorful stocks on hand. Make

and freeze chicken, beef, veal, and clam (use different variations and seasonings). Make these on a Sunday and pull as the week goes, adding to them to save time. You will definitely see a difference in taste and time. It’s all in the prep and being organized.

Have a well-stocked pantry. Include the following: roast garlic (confit) in EVOO; fresh made aiolis, dry beans; cheese, nuts, lots of fresh veggies; and lean proteins. n

Recipes for your pantry Garli Confit • 2 heads of garlic peeled • 1 cup EVOO • 1/2 c blended oil 75/25 • Place garlic and oil in sauce pot.

• Put on the lowest heat possible on the stove.

• Cook low and slow, the longer the better until garlic begins to turn golden.

• Turn off heat and let it sit till cool • Place in air tight container and refrigerate.

Quick Preserved Lemon Rind • Take two lemons, with a spoon take off the rind, then cut into 1/4 inch strips.

• 50-50 salt to sugar mix, and sprinkle on lemon rind.

• Let sit for a couple of days in fridge.

• Then rinse off and blanch in boiling water 3 times. Changing the water each time.

• When cool, store in fridge.

• To use, dice and add to stocks to make sauces or to vinaigrettes.

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dining gallery

Blue Water Grille

Ram’s Head Inn

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

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

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

Crab Trap

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

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

2015 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 609-641-5158 venturascafe.com Ventura's is a family restaurant and sportsman's bar with a cozy hometown atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again.

From their famous mussels marinara to their award-winning filet mignon, to their simply delicious gourmet pan pizzas, they offer fresh homemade meals to please everyone's palate.

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

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

Maplewood

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

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Sofia

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

The Melting Pot

2112 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 609-441-1100 meltingpot.com At The Melting Pot, fondue truly becomes a memorable four-course dining experience.

Patrons can dip into something different — and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.

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

Barista’s Coffee House

199 New Road Ste. 10, Central Square, Linwood 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com Owners Mark and Debbie Becker have created the perfect “neighborhood” atmosphere coffee house.

Brewing up more than just coffee, customers come back time and time again for Barista’s espresso, tea breakfast, Liege waffles, Brussels waffles, gourmet desserts, and Italian gelato. Once you walk through the doors, you instantly become part of the “Barista’s Family”. Open Mon. - Fri., 7 AM-6 PM and Sat., 8 AM-6 PM.

Joe Italiano

Jimmy Italiano

Tomatoes

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

For almost 70 years Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently Good, GOOD Food! We believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers! We have high standards for our food.

Consistency can and should be expected. Our food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. Our “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the people in the area.

We only use the finest ingredients. The Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice.

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

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

www.joesmaplewood.com

Angeloni’s II

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

We’ll be the first to admit our name doesn’t tell the whole story.

Bountiful Seafood.

Succulent Steaks.

Perfect Pastas.

And yes, Award-Winning Crab Cakes.

2015 Best of Press Awards: “Best Seafood Restaurant”

Roberta’s by Joe Muldoon

1205 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ 609-677-0470 robertasbyjoemuldoon.com A young Joseph Muldoon found his passion for food early on; while still at a tender age he began to work in the kitchen of New Jersey country club, Scotland Run. It was through this experience that Chef Joseph knew he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary field, but wasn’t sure what institution would allow his creativity to flourish.

Almost in time to celebrate his 28th birthday, Muldoon opened his first independent restaurant, Roberta’s, at the intersection of Tilton and New roads in Northfield. Named for his mother, a home economics teacher whom he credits for instilling in him a love of cooking.

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

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casino dining

TROPICANA (THE QUARTER) Il Verdi

Broadway Burger Bar

The Quarter at Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-4660 broadwayburgerbar.com Ark Restaurants introduces Broadway Burger Bar at the Quarter in Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City serving up fresh ground, grilled, prime beef burgers and a large selection of tapas style appetizers. Order from a full bar featuring 60 craft beers, specialty cocktails, adult milkshakes as well as your traditional favorites.

Live Acoustic acts every Friday and Saturday add to the vibrant and unique atmosphere. Fun for families, a quick lunch or an intimate dinner. At Broadway Burger Bar, they make burgers great.

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

Cuba Libre

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

RESORTS Gallagher’s Steakhouse

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

PLAYGROUND AT CAESARS Phillips Seafood

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

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

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

Before hitting the boardwalk, or the jackpot, pull up a chair or grab a stool and relax at Sammy D's in Harrah's Resort.

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

Old Homestead Steak House

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

The menu nearly mirrors New York’s — and for good reason.

DINING GALLERY ADVERTISING RATES $95.00 per month

Izakaya

One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 609-317-1000 theborgata.com A modern Japanese pub that defies comparison.

Extraordinary sushi, sake, and robatayaki served in a sensual, yet modern atmosphere. Izakaya’s tempting cocktails and sharable plates make it the premier spot for an after-hours nosh and drinks, or a delicious late-night meal.

All units in full color.

Rates include all production.

All rates are based on a 12-month period from the date of the first insertion.

NJ LifestyLe MagaziNe CALL 609-404-4611 FOR RESERVATIONS

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LIFESTYLE | Winter 2016

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A Final Word By Sherry Hoffman

My Kind of Town Finding fortune in fond memories of Atlantic City

I

n 1892, New York’s Ellis Island became the reception center for new immigrants. That same year, my paternal grandparents landed in Atlantic City. My father, the youngest of his seven brothers and sisters, was the first of the brood to be born in Atlantic City Hospital rather than at home like the rest of his siblings. Three generations followed suit.

In the early 1900s, my grandfather drove a horse and carriage around the sandy streets, collected “good junk” along the way and then sold it. During that time Mayor Edward Bacharach made him an offer: “You will own each acre of land you clear.” My grandfather’s response? “What would I do with it? It’s sand.”

In the late 1930s, my father could have purchased an acre of land in Margate for $100. His response? “What would I do with it? It’s marsh.”

In the early 1970s, former Atlantic Mayor Jay Bradway reportedly paid for a billboard that asked that the last person to leave Atlantic City please turn out the lights. I could have purchased anything. I didn’t. To this day, our family saying is, “The Hoffman fortune. Pissed away.”

In spite of our collective short sightedness, we survived, worked hard, and were happy.

In 1952, my family moved six miles away to Margate. Life was idyllic and predictable in the small suburban Louis town. But in 1958, my life changed. and Dora For the next five summers, I called the Hoffman in front Boardwalk home. of their We rented our Margate house and moved grocery to Atlantic City. My parents had purchased a store on Columbia store on the Boardwalk at St. Charles Place, and where Trump Taj Mahal now stands.

Pacific It was a small walk-up storefront that sold Avenues the standard fare: hot dogs and hamburgers cooked over an open flame, frozen custard, and fantastic corn-on-the-cob. My job was peeling case after case of corn. We had what seemed like a warehouse of folding chairs and bicycles in the back of the store. We rented the bikes to tourists for early morning rides, and the chairs for the Miss America parade.

Some of my friends were gypsies. Their fortune-telling mom, who sat outside and dressed in enough layers to take her through the winter, would trace the lines on my hand and announce, “You will be a star and make lots of money.” The next day she proclaimed, “You will be a grave digger and have dirt under your finger nails.” She was creative.

Everyone knew me: the guys who made change at the pinball arcades, the barkers hawking blenders and kitchen knives, and even Busty (50”-26”-36”) Russell, the burlesque queen who was the star at the Globe Theater, which was near our store. I wanted to see Miss Russell and the baggy pants comics perform there, but the side doors of the theater were slatted. I never stopped trying to sneak a peek, and

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I never succeeded.

My best friend Roni and I sang (badly) on the Garden Pier every Wednesday night as part of Aunt Lucy’s kids show. “Clap for the kids and to keep yourselves warm,” she told the audience after each act.

I was a pinball addict, and, when necessary, I crawled over the damp sand under the Boardwalk on my belly like an army soldier and searched for coins that may have fallen through the cracks. I fed my habit one nickel at a time.

We sold the store in 1963 and, sadly, the Boardwalk became just another place to visit.

After college and years spent chasing a dream, I came home to chase another one. I wanted to be part of the gambling that was destined to come to my town.

During the campaign blitz before the second referendum in 1976, I needed to do something to help the cause. After marching in the Miss America parade for four years as part of the Atlantic City High School band, I knew the drill.

The parade line-up formed at the inlet. I had made a banner that said, “Gambling for us means lower taxes for you.” I picked a spot in line and marched that banner down the middle of the Boardwalk. I didn’t ask permission and no one stopped me. I hope it helped.

After the referendum passed, I auditioned for and was hired as an anchor and reporter for WFPG radio, which broadcast then from Steel Pier. Shazam! I was part of the metamorphosis. I was back on the Boardwalk.

Shortly after the pier closed, we had the chance to rummage through it. It was a mess.

Decades of old entertainers’ contracts spilled out of rusty filing cabinets, plastic hats littered the hallways, overturned theater chairs hung on each other and stage curtains were balled up in the corners. There were decades of old memories. I confess that a few of those memories are now in my home.

My years as a radio reporter were the cherries on the parfait of my career. Imagine being a reporter during the infancy of being only the second state in the country to have legalized gambling. It seemed like we were at the center of the universe. There couldn’t have been a better job. I had a backstage pass to the biggest story in my city’s history.

My life on the Boardwalk taught me not to trust games of chance, how to pull the lever and flawlessly get six ounces of frozen custard into a cone, to love the smell of a wet Boardwalk, how to interview people from all walks of life, and how to keep a secret.

My family has been here from the beginning. Collectively, we’ve seen the city we love rise and fall and rise again many times over. It’s how my city rolls.

Remember when Tinkerbell was dying and Peter Pan asked us to clap if we believed in fairies? Well, I believe in Atlantic City.

I will never stop clapping. n

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