River View Observer June 13th to June 28th, 2012

Volume 16, No. 6

June 13th - June 28th 2012 FREE PUBLICATION

riverviewobserver.net

201-349-4336

Pg. 2 On the Cover

Secaucus is New Home to

T

Pg. 6

Hudson Then . . . Again

Pg. 8

River Monster Hunter

By Sally Deering

hey’re baaaaack! After 65 million years of extinction, dinosaurs are bobbing, roaring and swishing their giant tails in the new interactive exhibit of life-sized animatronics, “Field Station: Dinosaurs” which made its debut on 20 acres of flora and fauna in the Secaucus Meadowlands on Memorial Day Weekend.

Dinosaurs in New Jersey? You bet. Back in 1869 the first complete skeleton of the Hydrosaurus dinosaur was discovered in the Garden State and officially named New Jersey’s State Dinosaur. Along with the Hydrosaurus, Field Station: Dinosaurs brings to ‘life’ the Dryptosaurus, T-Rex and a 90-foot Argentinosaurus – the largest dinosaur – which can be seen from the Empire State Building in Manhattan ten miles east.

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con’t pg. 2 Pictured at left is Guy Gsell, founder.

Puppets designed, created and provided by Erth. All rights reserved.

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Field Station: Dinosaurs is the brainchild of founder and executive producer Guy Gsell of Bloomfield who has created an imaginative fantasy world of prehistoric “big boys” that, back in the day, could snack on a human like a mini-frank on a toothpick. Gsell took time out of his busy schedule at Field Station: Dinosaurs to share with Riverview Observer his passion for these historic creatures and the fun he’s having sharing it with families and kids of all ages.

RO: Do you have a theatrical background?

GG: I earned my degree from the New School for Social Research in New York and worked as a professional stage manager

..

By Sally Deering

for the Paper Bag Players where I learned a lot about working with kids. I also worked with Discovery and the King Tut and Titanic exhibits in Times Square.

RO: How did you discover your passion for dinosaurs?

GG: I live in Bloomfield now but grew up in Glen Ridge. When I was a little kid in 1965 my parents took me to see the World’s Fair in Flushing and there I saw the giant Sinclair dinosaurs, a famous dinosaur exhibit at the time. They were so lifelike and just amazing to me as a kid. The dinosaurs I’m showing kids are better than the ones I saw and loved at the World’s Fair, but I still want to make it the great experience I had.

RO: How are kids responding to the exhibit?

GG: The kids are surprised by just how big these guys are. A Tryseratops is three times the size of a buffalo.

It’s amazing. And skeletons don’t tell the whole picture.

They are much smaller than the actual animal.

No one can make them as big as this. We have a 90 foot dinosaur, the Argentinosaurus, and two full-size T-Rexes that are 30 feet high.

RO: Can you really see them from the Empire State Building?

GG: Yes. I went up there myself put fifty cents into the binoculars and saw them in Secaucus. Here we lend binoculars to the kids and they can see the Empire State Building.

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RO: There’s a trail where the kids see the large animatronic dinosaurs and there are also puppet dinosaurs, right?

GG: We have two live shows, “The Meet and Greet,” and “The Feeding Frenzy” that have interactive puppet dinosaurs from Australia (The puppets are designed and created

by Erth.) We have two T-Rexes and two Baby Hydrosauruses and the kids get to come on stage to meet the dinosaurs. A couple of lucky kids get to hold the Baby Hydrosauruses.

RO: Paleontologists, educators and robotocists from the Jade Bamboo Culture Development Company in China created the dinosaurs. How did that come about?

GG: I had to do the great dinosaur hunt and I went all

over the world looking at dinosaur companies and I went to museums and attractions like Disneyworld. I got a call from Jade Bamboo to consider looking at their dinosaurs in China, Thailand and France. I chose France; and they were great dinosaurs. I was very impressed by the artistry.

Jade Bamboo is from a city where they made dinosaur discoveries and dinosaurs are very important to them.

And they were one of the few companies willing to build custom dinosaurs for me, like the Hydrosaurus, the Dryptosaurus and the Argentinosaurus.

No one had ever made the Hydrosaurus and the Dryptosaurus before because they are indigent to New Jersey.

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RO: How is the New Jersey State Museum involved?

GG: The New Jersey State Museum supplied paleontologists who did all the consultations.

When we met in China with Jade Bamboo one of the paleontologists went with us to make sure the dinosaurs were accurate and represented contemporary theories on paleontology.

We worked with them to make sure the exhibits are educational and they lent us fossils to use in the workshops to represent the great dinosaur history in New Jersey.

RO: How often do you go to Field Station: Dinosaurs to check in on the exhibit?

GG: I’ve been here every day since we opened. I also do some demonstrations for the kids.

RO: You’ve combined your passion for dinosaurs, theatrical experience and love of New Jersey all into one.

Joseph Campbell called that “Finding your Bliss.”

GG: I have found my bliss.

If you go: Field Station: Dinosaurs 1 Dinosaur Way Secaucus, NJ

www.fieldstationdinosaurs.com

Group Sales: 973.748.4317

Photos from www.fieldstationdinosaurs.com visitors are Hudson County school kids. And more than a third of our employees are from Hudson County.

Not only did we find good neighbors here in Secaucus, but really great kids and employees from the area.

RO: Have you learned anything new since opening Field Station: Dinosaurs?

GG: I learned that every seven year-old knows more about dinosaurs than I do.

They come here with such a passion and knowledge about dinosaurs we have to keep up with them. And we want to turn that passion for dinosaurs into a passion for science and the environment and the inter-connectivity of life. We want to use the historic story of dinosaurs and make it relevant to kids’ lifestyles today.

RO: Field Station: Dinosaurs has only been open on weekends. When do you launch the exhibit full time?

GG: On June 21st we go to seven days through the Wednesday after Labor Day and then we go back to weekends.

RO: How has attendance been since you opened Memorial Day Weekend?

GG: We get a lot of Hudson County residents and school students, more than half our

RO: Where do you store 31 animatronic dinosaurs?

GG: They all came in four shipping containers. Some of the best pictures we have are of the dinosaurs as they

were being craned about the property.

RO: Has this new venture been fun?

GG: That’s one word you can use. (he laughs heartily)

Tickets Purchased online Children (ages 3-12): $17.50 Adults: $20 Seniors (65 years): $17.50 Ages 2 and under: Free Purchased at box office Children (ages 3-12): $20 Adults: $25 Seniors (65 years): $20 Ages 2 and under: Free

RO: And in the fall when the park closes, what happens to the dinosaurs?

GG: We take them down and put them in storage.

They can take the heat and rain, but we have to protect them in the winter.

Visit Us On The Web at

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(ARA) - Shopping for home furnishings and accessories can be a rewarding experience, but it can also drain your wallet. So when it’s time to find just the right items to furnish or just brighten up your home, you want to get it right the first time, because most of us don’t have the luxury to toss out all our purchases in a couple of years and start from scratch.

So how do you know if that couch or lamp is going to stand the test of time?

“Look for something that is built well, like good quality tables that are a little bit older and not mass manufactured,” says Claren Pappo, an Interior Design instructor at The Illinois Institute of Art - Tinley Park. Depending on your decor, antiques may be your best bet.

You’ve probably looked at a few decorating magazines and seen your share of furniture showrooms. That may give you a starting point.

“But you need to figure out what you like,” advises Heather Carter, academic director of Interior Design at The Art Institutes International - Kansas City. “Think about the

Page 4 River View Observer

Home furnishings that will stand the test of time connection your home has to you, don’t just follow trends.”

Color is also important when thinking about the longevity of your future. “Big furniture pieces like sofas and side chairs need to be in a neutral color scheme,” recommends Daniela Kohl, Interior Design program coordinator at The Art Institute of Indianapolis.

You don’t want bright colors that you tire of quickly or can fall out of fashion.

Accessories, like throw pillows, can be trendier with the latest colors because they are much easier and less expensive to replace.

But when it comes to lighting, you may want to splurge on something that is both functional and decorative.

Artwork can really make your home fit your personality, and if you buy something you really like, you’ll only grow to

appreciate it more over time.

When picking out drapes or pillows, stick with good quality fabrics like silk or chenille, advises Kohl. Leather furniture will also stand the test of time. But don’t go for artificial

leather. “It will look worse, year after year,” she says.

Finally, Pappo recommends considering how often you’ll be moving around.

“Think about the flexibility of your furniture and wheth

whether the pieces you’ve chosen will work in another home with a different floor plan.” In Hudson County visit: Garfield Home Furnishings 415 Montgomery Street

Page 5 River View Observer

Hudson Then...Again

by Maureen Wlodarczyk

Being an un-

repentant history addict, I enjoy discovering and reading about people who lived decades ago as I find their lives and times more intriguing and resonant than the exploits of the likes of the Kardashians or Lindsay Lohan. In that spirit, let me tell you the story of two Jersey City actresses who began their stage careers in the 1890s: Selene Johnson and Carrie Ewald. Each was the daughter of a successful local family and each would make a notable marriage, one of those tinged with suspicions about the groom’s character.

Selene Johnson was born in 1870 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. (Most accounts give her birth year as

Page 6 River View Observer

Selene Johnson 1876 but using my genealogy research skills, I found her as a 6-month-old in the 1870 US census.) By 1880, the Johnson family was living on Sixth Street in Jersey City and Selene’s father Charles gave his occupation as a railroad “float master” (a person that supervises the movement of freight by

Famous Actresses of old from Hudson County

by barge between a ship and railroad). The Johnson household of six included Selene’s two older siblings and an 18-year-old servant named Annie Hankinson.

After graduating from No.2 school and beginning high school in Jersey City, Selene left public school to study music and pursue her theatrical interests.

In 1893, she became a student at the Berkeley Lyceum School of Acting in New York, graduated in 1894 and soon joined the Frohman theatrical company performing in Hawaii, New Orleans, Seattle, Portland, British Columbia and even the Sandwich Islands. Her stage career blossomed over the ensuing years and, as the 19th century ended, she became the leading lady

performing the role of Mercedes opposite the renowned Irish-born actor James O’Neill in his signature role as the Count of Monte Cristo. O’Neill, the father of Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill, was synonymous with the legendary hero created by French writer Alexander Dumas, performing the

role of the Count more than 5,000 times over two decades to the delight of audiences. O’Neill paid Selene the great compliment of saying she was one of the two most gifted leading ladies he had worked with in his “Count of Monte Cristo” productions. She also appeared with James O’Neill in 1904 in a stage production of Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventures of Gerard.”

F. Lumsden Hare In 1912, Selene married Irish actor F. Lumsden Hare who would be her leading Cont’d on page 6

Hudson Then...Again

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Cont’d from page 5 - Famous Actresses of Old from Hudson County leading man on and off the stage for many years. Hare, born in Ballingarry, County Tipperary, was the nephew of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and a stage actor appearing in London and America. Selene and Lumsden appeared together in various productions and he became a well-known director and actor, appearing in over 140 films. The Hares lived a long life, residing first in New York and then in Los Angeles where each died in the 1960s.

Carie Ewald- Sketch Carrie Ewald was born in Jersey City in 1874 and lived with her family on York Street. Her father, William Ewald, was the prosperous co-owner of Ewald Brothers, a stationery store located on Newark Avenue. Carrie studied elocution at the Hasbrouck Institute in Jersey City and, like her parents, was an accomplished musician.

She pursued theatrical training at the Empire Theatre Dramatic School in New York under the direction of noted English actor Nelson Wheatcroft.

Like Selene Johnson, after her studies, she joined a Frohman acting company and toured nationally as part of their “Masqueraders” production.

In January 1897, newspapers reported that Carrie Ewald was to marry Count Julian Rado of Budapest, Hungary.

The couple was said to have met at a masquerade ball in New York some months earlier when the Count had been captivated by Miss Ewald who was costumed as a water nymph. Along with the news of the engagement, the press identified Rado as a man who had been the subject of notoriety in his homeland and had fled to New York where he had been accused of being a swindler and fortune hunter courting the daughter of a wealthy local man. The following day, Ewald denied the two were engaged or had met at a ball as reported, but confirmed that a Mr. Rado was calling on her. For his part, Rado insisted that he was an aspiring law student, never presented himself as nobility and threatened to “prosecute” the source of the story.

Six months after that sensation, Carrie Ewald and Julian Rado did marry in New York City with newspapers reporting that her parents were “satisfied with their daughter’s choice of a husband.” Carrie apparently left her theatrical life behind when she married.

That marriage ended in June 1909 when she passed away at the age of thirty-four. Her obituary described her as the “beloved wife of Julian C. W. Rado.” She was laid to rest at New York Bay Cemetery.

Selene Johnson and Carrie Ewald, supported by the resources and encouragement of their families, pursued their dreams of a stage career, first performing for enthusiastic Hudson County locals and then entertaining thousands on stages across the country. Judging by the many laudatory reviews of their performances that appeared in newspapers from coast-to-coast, each did herself proud.

Maureen Wlodarczyk is a fourthgeneration-born Jersey City girl and the author of three books about life in Jersey City in the 1800s and early 1900s: Past-Forward: A Three-Decade and Three-Thousand-Mile Journey Home, Young & Wicked: The Death of a Wayward Girl and Canary in a Cage: The Smith-Bennett Murder Case. For info: www.past-forward.com

Page 7 River View Observer

Father and Son Capture Real-Life River Monsters

By Evelyn Bonilla

Spending time with your father can lead to a lot of things such as man talk, getting together for a sports event or maybe just creating special times, but for the son of Bruce Dillin, owner of Dillin Tires of Bayonne, it can only mean one thing: it’s time for adventure.

In a scene that looked like an episode from Jeremy Wade’s cable TV show “River Monsters” Dillin and his son Christian captured their own real-life “river monsters”. on an excursion twenty miles southeast of Palestine, Texas, on a stretch of the Trinity River; father and son set out on an adventure that would bring about amazing results.

Skilled in the art of bowfishing the Dillin duo combed the river in search of gar fish known as “river monsters”, these rare species of fish are known to inhabit the Trinity River, a 710 mile-long river that flows within the state of Texas toward the Gulf of Mexico. Many fishermen come from all across the U.S. to see what this amazing river has to offer.

Bowfishing requires a lot of skill and extreme concentration, but for the Dillin’s the thrill of the hunt wins overall. Bruce Dillin’s catch was an amazing “needlenose gar” equipped with a long snout and a narrow beak which contains many large teeth, its long body shaped like a cylinder and covered with diamond shaped scales. Dillin’s son Christian Christian and Bruce Dillin hold two of the captured a “pointy tooth, alligator gar,” a fish with a long snout, many teeth and a bony head like “River Monsters” they caught on recent trip to the an alligator.

Trinty River in Palestine, Texas “I’ve been taking my son fishing since he’s five years old and he has been with me on many extreme adventures,” Bruce Dillin says. It was great when we brought the line up and saw what we had caught.”

Bruce and Christian team up for lots of extreme adventures which consist of mountain biking, snowshoeing and bowfishing. Like his dad, Christian is always up for an adventure, especially scouting for these rare river monsters.

“Bowfishing is really exciting,” Christian says. “I felt really great when I pulled up the line and saw what I had caught. It feels really good having adventures with my dad; It’s good to try different things.”

For Bruce, it’s the thrill of the hunt; when it comes to bowfishing, so when asked what advice he had for amateur bowfishers, he replied, “It’s important to have good equipment and to make sure you follow the rules. I’m all for having as much fun as you can without hurting anybody. I encourage people to go out there and find what it is that makes them happy.”

As Christian Dillin looks back at all he and his father have accomplished, he hopes that he will continue to share these extreme adventures with his dad and to create some new ones of his own, he explains “I like these adventures, and I hope to continue to do the same kind of things that my dad and I do, and hopefully do the same when I get older.”

Page 8 River View Observer

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Actress Tammy Blanchard Presents First Annual Tammy Blanchard Award for Excellence in Performing Arts to Bayonne High School Student Sarah Martinez

Photo by Al Sullivan On Wednesday, June 6th at Bayonne High Schools auditorium Hudson County Actress Tammy Blanchard (L) winner of an Emmy, Drama Desk Award and twice Tony Award Nominee presents the first ever Tammy Blanchard Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts to Bayonne High School senior Sarah Martinez. (R) Ms. Blanchard said in her opening remarks “It is an honor to have an award named after her that would recognize the talented Bayonne High School student actors and actress for years to come.”

The Tammy Blanchard Award was the idea of Tim Craig Drama Department head.

Ms. Blanchard graduated from Bayonne High School in 1994 and performed in many roles for television, Film and on Broadway.

In her latest film she co-stars with Mira Sorvino in “Union Square” which is coming to theaters in July of 2012.

Tammy Blanchard just completed her Tony Nominee performance as Hedy La Rue in ” How to Succeed in Business,” with Nick Jonas. How to Succeed closed on Broadway May 20th of this year. And recently Ms. Blanchard appeared in 3 episodes of Showtimes “The Big C” with Laura Linley and Oliver Platt.

Page 12 River View Observer

Richard Nader’s Summer Doo Wop Reunion XXIII Returns to the IZOD Center East Rutherford, NJ June 23 at 7 PM-Tickets on Sale Now

June 13th 2012- Richard Nader’s Summer Doo Wop Reunion XXIII returns to the Izod Center for one night only, Saturday, June 23 at 7 PM. Featuring legendary music acts from the 60’s including Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “There’s a Kind of Hush All Over the World”; Lou Christie “Lightning Strikes”; Kenny Vance and The Planotones “Looking For An Echo”, Tommy Mara and The Crests “Sixteen Candles” , The Devotions “Rip Van Winkle”, Cleveland Still and The Dubs “Could This Be Magic”’, The Capris “Morse Code Of Love”, and Kathy Young “A Thousand Stars”. The evening concert is preceded by a Tailgate Party.

Gates open at 3:00 PM for a classic car display in Lot 27. Don K Reed’s outdoor A cappella stage and the Tailgate Party are from 4:30–6:00 PM with an opportunity for autographs with the stars. Tickets are $32.50, $44.50, $54.50, $107.50 (VIP) on sale now and can be purchased at the IZOD Center Box Office (MonFri 11 AM-6 PM), www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Additional fees may apply. For groups of 10 or more contact IZOD Center Group Sales at 201-460-4370.

Visit www.IZODCenter.com for more information.

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STARGAZINE Aries-( Mar. 21- April 10) The astral advice suggests that you take all work related issues seriously. That is not to indicate a dire set of circumstance but rather to insure that you will have the option to take advantage of all the great opportunities that will be offered in the month of June.

Taurus- (April 20-May 20) Activity to the 7th house that governs all partnerships seems to indicate a special work related union that will help your career to grow. Consider the source. If your association seems positive than the astral advice suggests you move forward quickly. Good luck and great advances are yours.

Month of June 2012

By J. Banta Lewis

Virgo-(Aug.23-Sept.22) You have survived a most critical few years and now your luck has changed for the better.

The astral advice suggests that you are about to be happy again. A relationship and work situation will become very pleasing and exciting. Enjoy Libra- (Sept.22-Oct.22)

The lessons that you have learned with this Saturn transit have been overwhelming at times but have left you so much stronger than before. Your wisdom and clarity have returned and you are ready for love and happiness. The astral advice suggests that all good things are on the way.

Enjoy!

Gemini-(May 21-June 20) This is a most positive time of year to connect with your inner self and decide what makes you happy. Activity to the 9th house governing the higher mind will allow you awaken your potential and begin a new positive phase of life. Do not hesitate as there is a window of opportunity to propel you towards your goals.

Scorpio-(Oct.23-Nov.21) Money and general abundance are in the forecast for June.

Make a wish upon a star and with these astrological aspects you very well can get your heart’s desire. Go for the gold in romance and career. Don’t be afraid take the leap of faith as it will be rewarded.

Cancer-(June 21 - July 22) Your home will truly be your castle as you decorate or otherwise improve your surroundings. Also a time for great gatherings as you are the center of life for those in your family. Peace and security are yours.

Sagittarius- (Nov.22-Dec.21) A vacation getaway will bring happiness to you and your family during the month of June. This is a time to recharge your battery and plan a clear pathway to your future. You have a great sense that you are about to be successful and the astral energies agree. The stars are working in your favor.

Leo-(July 23- Aug.22) This is a great time for you to decide a course of action with a loved one. Should they stay or should they go. Your desire for a definition of your relationship has put stress on you of late. Make a decision not to make any decisions until the fall as the clouds will dissipate and you will see all things clearer.

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Capricorn -(Dec.22-Jan.19)

You will hear about a great opportunity. And if you a waiting for an answer about any work issue it will be forthcoming and positive.

The transiting Pluto in the 3rd house will shake up your life but leave you with a very successful outcome.

Aquarius -(Jan.20-Feb.18)

You have been grappling with a partner or a friend’s lack of success on the work front. Propping up your mate has been a full time job. Maybe it is time that you return to the independent successful Aquarius native and stop holding a loved one’s hands. Go for your own success. They will quickly follow your lead.

Pisces-(Feb.19- Mar.20) Fantasy thinking burns much energy without achieving any lasting results. Your ruler, Neptune, may keep your head in the clouds. It’s time for a reality check. Ask yourself what advice you would give to a stranger in the same situation you find yourself. Then, follow that advice. You will be surprised on how that clears your vision.

VOCAL GROUP LOOKING FOR FIRST TENOR •Must be serious •Must be available to rehearse 4hrs. one day a week during the day and one day on the weekend in Secaucus Into 50s - 70s music Call Russ 973-573-1461

River View Observer -Print• Digital• Mobile “We Go Where You Go to Read” Page 14 River View Observer

Page 15 Movies River View Observer

restaurant VIEWS -Ten

Ingredients

Dear Readers: For the summer, Riverview Observer profiles chefs from local restaurants.

Our first interview was with Jorge Rios, Executive Chef for Skylark on the Hudson, a beautiful new restaurant in Jersey City that offers four-star dining at one-star prices.

By Sally Deering

S

kylark on the Hudson located on the Jersey City waterfront is a beautiful restaurant with an atmosphere that seems like “Mad Men” met “The Jetsons” for martinis, a spacious hip and happening place that’s casual cool.

Skylark serves American Nouveau cuisine like Sliders, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads and delicious entrees

by Executive Chef Jorge Rios, 27, of New York.

Skylark opened in April and Rios just recently joined the staff. He created, tweaked and re-seasoned the dishes on the menu, which on a recent Wednesday afternoon featured appetizers like Seared Diver Scallops, Calamari, Maine Mussels and a Seafood Martini, cerviche made with scallops, snapper and shrimp.

Page 16 River View Observer

Jorge Rios Executive Chef These dishes mixed and mingled with entrees that included Vegetable Terrine with curry sauce; Louisiana Rub Grilled Pork Chop and Roasted Duck Ravioli. Chef Rios considers himself a mentor to his crew and he encourages them to share their ideas, passion and love

for the world’s menu.

Let’s meet Chef Jorge Rios!

RVO: Where were you born and raised?

JR: I was born in Lima, Peru, and raised there until my family moved to New Hampshire. At that time food was more a need than a passion.

My mom worked and I was raised on Chef Boyardee. I started working as a dishwasher in a restaurant and I saw how they were making real food and all the smells and the flavors.

RVO: How did you become a chef?

JR: I started doing prep work and I became passionate about food. After high school I moved to Palm Beach, Florida, and I

started working as a cook in country clubs. Then I had a chance to work for Daniel Boulud of Café Boulud.

I started as a line cook and because I had all this experience in New Hampshire, I was promoted to Sous chef and then moved to New York to work at Café Boulud on 43rd and Sixth. I also have a certificate from the Culinary Institute of Cont’d on page 17

restaurant VIEWS -Ten America in New York.

RVO: How did you become Executive Chef at Skylark?

I submitted my resume and they hired me.

RVO: How would you describe your cooking style?

I try to put ingredients together in a harmonious way.

Using what you have and converting it into a tasty and beautiful dish – that’s being a chef.

RVO: What is your philosophy when creating dishes?

Food is love and passion.

You make it from the heart.

It’s who you are. Every plate coming out of the window has my name on it, my personal philosophy.

It’s about being passionate about food. For me dinnertime is a beautiful meal. It’s a time when people interact together. You create these sensations and emotions in people with your dishes.

RVO: Can you share what you consider one of your favorite dishes at Skylark?

Based on the menu, it’s the pork chop. I just came out with a dish that’s not on the menu, yet, a seared snapper braised with butter and lobster rue. It’s a beautiful dish, nice and clean, with a confit of yellow and red beets and egg yolk mashed potatoes with egg white sauce.

RVO: Do you have a quick recipe you can share for our busy readers?

If you take pasta, butter, mushrooms and a shallot, you can create a very nice mushroom pasta dish. Saute the shallots and the mushrooms together, add some butter, and make your sauce Throw some pasta in it and you have a nice vegetarian dish. For seasoning, just add salt, pepper, parmesan cheese and love.

RVO: The Cerviche Martini appetizer is deliciously different.

Can you describe how you created it?

Cerviche is a very hard dish to make. I’m from Peru and cerviche is one of the main dishes. I make it with mango, papaya and cilantro plus a little bit of cream,

which you will never find in a cerviche. It works very well. My dad used to put a little evaporated milk in our cerviche in Peru.

RVO: When you describe your passion for cooking, it sounds like you’re having fun. True?

You have to have fun. I have fun all the time, but this is a business and I take it seriously.

RVO: Would you say all chefs are artists?

Yes. We’re artists, mentors; we’re chefs. It’s not about feeding people it’s about giving them an experience that they will remember with fondness, with happiness. Great food makes happy people. It transports you to happier times. It’s memories.

If you go:

Skylark on the Hudson 25 River Drive South Jersey City, NJ (201) 533-8989 www. skylarkonthehudson.com Open 7 Days Hours: Mon-Thu 7 am - 10 pm Fri. 7 am - 1 am Sat. 9 am - 1 am Sun. 9 am - 10 pm

Chef Craig Shelton

George Theodosiou General Manager and Chef Craig Shelton

© Blue Man Productions, LLC.

Con’t from page 17 Jorge Rios Executive Chef Skylark on the Hudson

Ingredients

ASTOR PLACE THEATRE 434 LAFAYETTE STREET, NYC

River View Observer Advertise your restaurant on this page 201-349-4336

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REAL ESTATE HINTS

“You can’t create a lasting home until you own one.”

It isn’t unusual these days for newlyweds to have enough income but not enough down payment or credit history to buy their own home. You may be able to make homeownership possible for them--at very little expense to yourself.

If the couple has a small down payment, you could help them avoid the additional expense of paying private mortgage insurance by putting up collateral--Certificates of Deposit, stocks or other assets--until the loan is paid down to a predetermined level.

Another option is helping them qualify for the mortgage by co-signing their loan.

This pledges you’ll be responsible for the mortgage should they default.

In that event, your agreement should state that the property would become yours to sell or rent to pay off the loan.

Want to find out more? Read our FREE online report, SHELTER: Six Little-Known Ways To Help Relatives Finance A Home. Feel free to call us if you have any questions.

Joseph D’Amato Hudson Harbor Realty Corp.

201-963-3100 3225 Kennedy Blvd.

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 jdamato@hhrealtycorp.com www.hhrealtycorp.com

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