October 15th to october 29th, 2013 river view observer

Volume 17, No. 10

October 15th - October 29th 2013 FREE PUBLICATION

riverviewobserver.net

201-349-4336

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On the Cover

Kooky Kooky Characters Characters Come Come to to Life Life as as Local Local Theaters Theaters Begin Begin New New Seasons Seasons Pg. 3 Pg. 5

Operation Christmas Child J CITY Theater Clay Cockrell

Pg. 15

In the Clubs Mc Brides

Pg. 17

Restaurant Views

Pgs. 4, 11, 20 - 24 TURN YOUR UNWANTED JEWELRY INTO CASH See pg. 3

Jewelry & Watch Repair

Hoboken Gold & Diamonds

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NEED A NEW LOCK? See Page 2

C

By Sally Deering

ulture flourishes in Hudson with art, music and dance performances happening throughout its cities. We also have some terrific theater groups putting on shows for adults and kids and the new season is now kicking off, like J CITY Theater’s production of APARTMENT 3A. Along with J CITY Theater, the Attic Ensemble in Jersey City is celebrating 43 years as a community theater and the Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken opens its season with a wink to the kids in its production of the Broadway play A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD. Here’s a closer look at some local theater companies and their upcoming shows. Why not check out a performance or two? You’ll be supporting local theater and those artists who may work in the cultural milieu of New York City and who also nourish the cultural fabric of Hudson’s community

CRAZY DOES IT ON LIVE TV

Producing Director of the J CITY Theater Clay Cockrell and his wife Sandy Cockrell, who is the company’s Artistic Director are thrilled to be back on the boards after almost a year-long hiatus brought on by Hurricane Sandy. (See our interview with Clay Cockrell following this story.)

This marks J CITY Theater’s 8th season of presenting popular and contemporary plays on the stage of the theater which is located in the basement of St. Michael’s RC Church facing Hamilton Park in Jersey City. The

company recently opened its season with APARTMENT 3A, a romantic comedy about a public television employee who loses her faith in God, men and public broadcasting. As the heroine takes a ride on the romance rollercoaster, she eventually has an on-camera meltdown during a pledge drive which leads to pandemonium and hilarity. The play runs through Oct. 26 and features Sandy Cockrell, Stephen Hope, Randall Marquez and Clay Cockrell. Stage Manager is Jack Vandewark and Tech Director is Nick Probst; Jacquelyn Bird is choreographer.

J CITY Theater is a not-for-profit professional theater company based in Jersey City. It is a founding company of the Hudson County Theatre Alliance (www.hudsonall.org) and has produced plays locally since 2006. con’t pg. 2

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

on the cover .

Recent productions include Archibald MacLeish’s J.B., Douglas Carter Beane’s AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN, and last year’s REGRETS ONLY. J CITY Theater’s mission is ‘to create quality, high energy theater that is told with sophisticated simplicity.’

“We are thrilled to be starting our eighth season on a strong note with this rollercoaster production,” Clay Cockrell says.

“We are proud to be part of the renaissance of Jersey City.”

Look for a new holiday tradition at J CITY Theater – the return of the hit comedy TUNA CHRISTMAS. WED-SAT, OCT 11 to 26 at 8PM; Tix: $20 APARTMENT 3A J CITY Theater The Underground Theater at St. Michaels Church - Hamilton Park 252 Ninth Street Jersey City www.jcity.org Tickets can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com; www.jcity.org; or by calling 800838-3006.

..

By Sally Deering

AMPHIBIAN FRIENDS FOREVER

In the children’s musical A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD

by Robert and Willie Reale, two brothers who based their musical on the Frog and Toad children’s stories by Arnold Lobel, the story focuses on the friendship between Frog and Toad and their adventures with their woodland friends over the course of a year. ,W ZDV WKH ÀUVW HYHU SURIHVVLRQDO children’s show to be produced on Broadway and the production at Mile Square Theater is keeping with the company’s mission to produce contemporary plays and classics.

This leading Northern New Jersey regional theater also teaches theater to children and adults in its vision to promote the performing arts and deepen the region’s culture.

The company has begun its “Support the MST nextstage Capital Campaign!’” to raise $50,000 to upgrade the space and improve seating and lighting equipment. A generous challenge grant from the Mason Family

Civic League means each donation will go further to ensure Mile Square Theater reaches its goal.

Sat & Sun, Oct 5-20 at 2 & 5 pm; Sun at 11 & 3 pm Tix: $22; Children & Seniors $12 A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD Mile Square Theater 720 Monroe St Hoboken (201) 683-7014 www.milesquaretheatre.org FREE PARKING

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, HAMLET

DeBaun Center for Performing Arts in Hoboken celebrates its 15th Anniversary Season with events posted online in their Theater, Music, Eichorn Recital and Special Events Series. Highlights include Stevens Dramatic Society’s production of YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman in November and THE HAMLET PROJECT in February.

Thurs, Nov. 7 at 9 pm; Fri, Nov 8 at 8 pm; Sat Nov. 9 at 2 and 8 pm YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

Page 2 - October 15th - October 29th, 2013 – River View Observer

Presented by the Stevens Dramatic Society, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU is a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy

about the kooky Sycamore family made up of eccentrics.

con’t pg. 6

Operation Christmas Child Michelle Mandaro and her Family fill Shoeboxes with Holiday Gifts for Underprivileged Children

By Sally Deering Not all shoeboxes are the same; some hold heels, some hold sneakers; while still others hold toothbrushes, combs, socks and a whole lot of love.

Since 1993, more than 100 million children have received shoeboxes through Operation Christmas Child, a project from the Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.com) with more than 100,000 volunteers creating and distributing the shoeboxes filled with trinkets to put a smile on a child’s face Christmas morning.

Operation Christmas Child brings shoeboxes filled with trinkets – both the necessary and the fun kind – to underprivileged children throughout the country. Participating for the fifth year are Michelle Mandaro – owner of Amelia’s Bistro in Jersey City – her 9 year-old son Alexander, and 7 year-old daughter Emilie.

“My sister-in-law Fortune Mandaro has been doing it for 20 years,” Michelle Mandaro says. “This is my fifth year doing it with my children. Last year we created 54 shoeboxes

Michelle Mandaro and her children Alexander 9 and Emilie 7 collect items all year long for Christmas Shoeboxes

Christmas Shoeboxes for underprivileged children can be fiilled with necessities and goodies

and this year we’re making 60. My kids love shopping for the boxes they love stuffing the boxes, they write letters to the children

and they receive letters back.”

Through local churches like the Christian Church of Bayonne, people are encouraged to take their old shoeboxes, wrap them in holiday paper and fill them with goodies. Volunteers who want to participate can pick a boy or girl

different age groups: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. Then, just fill a shoebox with ageappropriate new items. The cost to fill a shoebox can be anywhere from $12 and up.

“Most of the items can be inexpensive,” Mandaro says, “like toothburshes, toothpaste, wash cloths, Cont’d on page 4

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Operation Christmas Child Cont’d from page 3

coloring books, pencils, school supplies. It means so much to the children and it’s a great way of teaching your kids to give back and help children in need. My kids use part of their allowance. My son makes and sells bracelets and uses the money to make a couple of boxes. He gets a deep sense of satisfaction buying items with money that he earned himself.”

Operation Christmas Child is a great way to teach children about

empathy for others and helps them realize there’s more to life than video games, laptops and iPhones, Mandaro says.

“I think its very important for kids to learn to give back,” Mandaro says.

“Kids today have so much and too much of everything and its very important to know that there are children who don’t even have the basics. It breaks my heart that we’re putting toothbrushes and toothpaste in these boxes.”

Mandaro’s compassion for underprivileged children goes back to her childhood in Czechoslovakia.

Mandaro remembers how difficult it was growing up – kids didn’t have much, not like kids today.

“I came from nothing,” Mandaro says. “Now I do what I can to help kids.”

The program continues to expand, Mandaro says, and this is the first year Hudson is being represented. Years back, Mandaro would take her shoeboxes and deliver them to a church in Staten Island.

“This is the first year they will be collecting boxes in Hoboken, Jersey City and Bayonne at the Christian Church in Bayonne,” Mandaro says. “ I’m trying to get the word out.”

If you’d like to donate: The Christian Church of Bayonne 133 W 24th St Bayonne (201) 339-5110 For more info: (201) 208-7626 www. samaritanspurse.com

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NEWS IN PHOTOS

Photo by Steve Mack The members of Saint Andrews Girl Scouts recently decorated Broadway’s Shopping District with Pink Bows in an effort to remind the community of the importance of regular screening for Breast Cancer.

When the job was complete, troop leaders treated the girls to dinner at McDonalds. Pictured are members of Saint Andrews Daisy Troop #2860, Brownie Troop#2153, Junior Troop#2283 and Cadette Troop#2219.

Did You Know...

•The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes • 8% of people have an extra rib •An ostrich’s eye is bigger than it’s brain • All the blinking in one day equates to having your eyes closed for 30 minutes • The oldest word in the English language is ‘town’ • Scotland has the most

redheads • The past tense for the English word ‘dare’ is ‘durst’ • More people die from falling coconuts then from shark attacks • Wine is sold in tinted bottles because it spoils when exposed to light • Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors www.didyouknow.com

Show Goes On after Hurricane Sandy LOCAL THEATER The J CITY Theater Brings up the Curtain a Year after the Storm

By Sally Deering Clay Cockrell, Producing Director of the J CITY Theater company brought up the curtain on Fri, Oct. 11th, almost a year after Hurricane Sandy flooded the theater and wreaked havoc on his home.

Cockrell, who runs J CITY Theater in the basement of St. Michael’s Church in downtown Jersey City with his wife Sandy Cockrell, recently opened their first show of their 8th season, APARTMENT 3A written by actor Jeff Daniels.

The theater is back in full swing, now, thanks to the couple’s perseverance to bring

good, quality theater to the Hudson community.

RVO: This is the 8th season for J CITY Theater; how did it all begin?

CC: We felt Jersey City could support a theater company and we produced a few things at Grace Church Van Vorst and moved around as spaces would become available. We produced something on the waterfront, then the courthouse, then we met Fr. Vic at St. Michael’s and he offered the basement of the church.

We were able to create a space down there and that became a permanent home where you

want to know the next show and how the season will come together.

Clay Cockrell could build an audience. It took some time. People knew we would be there on a regular basis and we have a lot of regulars, people who always

RVO: Do you have the season planned out this year or is it one show at a time for now.

CC: Generally, it’s one show at a time. We’re hoping to do TUNA CHRISTMAS which is becoming an annual show.

We’re hoping to get back up on our feet by doing that show again.

RVO: Are you and Sandy coartistic directors?

CC: Sandy’s the artistic director. All the artistic decisions and script choices come from her. I’m the producing director and I do promotion and fundraising, so we divide the workload that way.

RVO: How has the theater scene changed locally?

CC: It’s still kind of small; there’s Attic Ensemble that has done wonderful work and Art House Productions – they do a lot of different things, poetry readings, visual art displays, they write their own scripts a lot. We do awardwinning plays, scripts that mean something to us, it’s so hard to do a show and you have to be invested in the story you’re telling. We haven’t done original works, there are so many good plays out there that are tried, true and tested, that to take a risk on a new script and develop it…we’re not against it.

But when there are so many scripts out there that are tested and good and award-winning, that’s where our affinity is instead of developing something new and fresh.

RVO: How were you affected

by Hurricane Sandy?

CC: We closed (the play) REGRETS ONLY on Saturday night. We heard the hurricane was coming and we lifted everything as high as possible. And then our home which is near City Hall in Jersey City, we had 8 feet of water in the basement apartment we rent out to a tenant and the building caught on fire. The electric wires caused fire outside the building. I was able to lean out the window and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. All the electric, the boiler, everything was ruined. We had no power for three weeks. That amount of energy, spirit and money we had to invest in our own home and the emotional damage we went through being homeowners took a toll. As much as we wanted to go back to the theater, we didn’t have the funds or energy to put back into doing a production.

RVO: What turned all that around?

CC: We put a team together.

We had to build a better foundation for the theater company, we can’t do it ourselves alone.

RVO: How did Hurricane Sandy affect the theater?

CC: The theater space had quite a bit of water but not nearly as much as we had. Fr. Vic had to get a new boiler, mold remediation, new drywall, but nothing like the 8 feet we had at home RVO: J CITY Theater is back in business; how was opening night of APARTMENT 3A? CC: That first night, we realized we had missed this so much; it feels good to be back.

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Cover Story cont’d from page 2

When Tony Kirby falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening, craziness ensues and the family’s eccentricities are unveiled.

Feb. 7 and 8 at 8 pm The Hamlet Project According to the website, here’s what Steven’s Drama Society has to say about THE HAMLET PROJECT: “Who strives to hold the mirror up to nature—to see, and to reveal, the truth of oneself and of others?

Who pushes the mirror away? And what are the consequences of both? In this presentation of selected scenes, THE HAMLET PROJECT will delve into

Manse with a production of THE DETECTIVE STORY

by Sidney Kingsley featuring a cast of 22 players. It’s one of the company’s most ambitious productions to date.

The Attic Ensemble has been playing to Jersey City audiences for 43 years, DeBaun Center for producing a wide-range Performing Arts of theater experiences for 500 Hudson St adults and children. They Hoboken are kicking off this new (201) 216-5000 season with the 1949 drama www.stevens.edu/debaun THE DETECTIVE STORY Tickets: General Admission: $5; Stevens Students: by Pulitzer-winning playwright Sidney Kingsley and $2 directed by Billy Mitchell, Tix also available online with a cast of actors from Jersey City, Northern New WATCHING THE Jersey, New York City, DETECTIVE Staten Island, Brooklyn, The Attic Ensemble in Jersey City celebrates its 43rd and beyond. The company Season as a community the- is undertaking a funding campaign to produce the ater troupe and its 17-year show and is offering a residence at the Barrow the questions of truth and deceit, self-knowledge and blindness, all performed by Stevens students through the words of HAMLET, one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays.” Directed by Dr. Bethany Reeves

Sandy and Clay Cockrell appear in APARTMENT 3 A

by Jeff Daniels at J CITY Theater range of thank you perks to contributors at every level.

For more info, go to their website (www.atticensemble.org).

Once the goal of $2,500 to produce THE DETECTIVE STORY is met, every additional donation will benefit the company’s rent, rights & royalties, upkeep of equipment, marketing materials, and upcoming production costs. A small price to pay to keep theater alive and well on Wayne Street.

To donate, go to: THE ATTIC ENSEMBLE 83 Wayne St Jersey City (201) 413-9200 www.atticensemble.org

The Bayonne Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER MEET & GREET NETWORKING RECEPTION

At OTAIKO Restaurant (formerly Ten East) South Cove Commons Route 440 North, 125 LEFANTE Way, Bayonne, NJ 07002 TEL: (201) 339-3399 Thursday, October 24th, 2013 Come Join Us! 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Totally informal and casual!

Bring plenty of your business cards!

Hors DeHourves will be served, there will be a Cash Bar Registration Fee: $10/person Page 6-October 15th -October 29th, 2013 River View Observer

CLINT EASTWOOD FILMS JERSEY BOYS IN KEARNY

Photos by Stephen Mack

Legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood was in Keanry recently directing the film adaptation of Broadway’s mega hit JERSEY BOYS,The story of Frankie Vali & the Four Seasons.

Our photographer Steve Mack took these photos at the intersection of Seely and Elm Streets.

According to a local news source Elm Street between Stuyvesant and Seely Avenues has been changed into a 1960s neighborhood with vintage cars.

Frankie Valli of the 60s pop group the Four Seasons that JERSEY BOYS is based on was also on location.

Also in the film are Christopher Walken as Gyp De Carlo and John Lloyed Young as Frankie Valli.

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A FREE SERVICE FOR ALL HUDSON COUNTY RESIDENTS AT BOTH LOCATIONS!

"Removing dangerous materials from our homes by participating in Hudson County's Household Hazardous Waste program is a smart way to protect our families and the environment.”

– Tom DeGise, County Executive



HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS 2013 WASTE COLLECTION DAY This program is sponsored, in part, by a grant from the NJDEP-Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste. Residents can drop off materials at any site. Proof of residency may be required.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 9AM–1PM JERSEY CITY: JCIA, 501 ROUTE 440 KEARNY: DPW, 357 BERGEN AVENUE

What to bring:

NOW ACCEPTING THERMOSTATS!

Tires Cleaners and Corrosives Pool and Photographic Chemicals Oil-Based Paints Oil-Based Varnishes Rechargeable and Car Batteries Propane Tanks (from barbecue grills only) Solvents and Thinners Pesticides and Herbicides Formaldehyde Used Motor Oil Old Gasoline Fire Extinguishers Compact Fluorescent Bulbs & Tubes Antifreeze Marine & Auto Flares

Thomas A. DeGise County Executive Norman M. Guerra Chief Executive Officer

Batteries

                     

Latex Paint

               

Fluorescent Bulbs

   

Reminder:

  

COMMISSIONERS              

Do NOT bring:

Computers/Printers/Monitors Consumer Electronics Cell Phones Alkaline batteries Latex paint Explosives Smoke detectors Compressed gas cylinders/tanks TCBs, TCCD (such as freon and helium) Woodlife Dioxin Asbestos Kepone Infectious waste Silvex 2,4,5-t Radioactive material Unknown/unidentified material Ballasts Washers/dryers/refrigerators/ air conditioners Any OTC or prescription drugs

FREE TIRE AMNESTY EVENT @ HHW DAY! Hudson County residents are asked to bring no more than 4 tires for proper disposal. If you cannot participate in this year’s Tire Amnesty Event, either store tires indoors (in a garage or shed) or cover them until they can be disposed of properly.* *Contact your municipal DPW for disposal locations and cost.

Follow us on Twitter @HCIAonline or visit our Facebook Page HCIAonline!

For more information, please call the HCIA Environmental Hotline (201) 324-6222 x3257 or visit www.hcia.org.

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Beyond White: Hot color trends for the kitchen and bath (BPT) - So many of us love the rich colors featured in kitchen and bath magazines, but when it comes to selecting colors for our own homes, we tend to play it safe. It’s time to be bold and get out of the color comfort zone. Consider these top five color trends for kitchen and bath spaces: 1. Gray reigns king The 2013 NKBA Trends Report names gray the coveted color of the year.

“I regularly work gray into my projects because it instantly elevates the design and adds depth to the palette,” says senior interior designer Travis Rotelli,

who works at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wis. 2. Bold and beautiful hues Neutrals are classic, but pops of strategically placed color add life to kitchens

and baths. “Emerald and varying shades of green are hot pops of colors for 2013, and the color for 2014 will be all about cobalt,” states Rotelli.

3. Evolve from white Neutral no longer simply means white. Homeowners are eagerly embracing other colors in place of white, like Dune from Kohler, available for sinks, baths, shower bases and toilets.

“Dune is a subtle balance of beige and gray that brings a cool tone to the space,” says Rotel If you enjoyed this article like us on www.facebook.com/riverviewoberver

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g n i r e f f o e ’r e w , l l a f s i h t , w O L O S S E T A AUTO LOAN R

Liberty Savings’ auto loan rates are a big banker’s nightmare come true. They come with highly-competitive rates and exclusive, member-only benefits. Use Liberty Savings for a new or used car loan or to refinance an existing loan.

To escape the horrors of bad auto loans, call 201-659-3900 and dial Ext. 5, or visit any Liberty Savings Service Center.

For more more information, visit www.LSFCU.org.

VISIT A LIBERTY SAVINGS SERVICE CENTER NEAR YOU TODAY. FIVE CORNERS 666 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306

GREENVILLE 1590 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Jersey City, NJ 07305

NORTH HUDSON 108 48th Street Union City, NJ 07087

PHONE: 201.659.3900 | VISIT US ONLINE AT www. LSFCU.ORG

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY. Loan eligibility and rates are determined by LSFCU and are based on the borrower’s credit worthiness. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Page 13- October 15th-October 29th, 2013 River View Observer

3rd Annual Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City 2013

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Photo by Steve Mack Pictured left are some of the winners from this years 2013GDIFF which was held October 10th to October 13th in various venues throghout Jersey City.

Front Row:Tony Meindl, BD Gunnell, Sopranos star Federico Castelluccio Backrow: Richard Bishop, Sloan Sloan Copeland, Jessica Piervicenti, Michelle Regina Iacobelli, Jacqueline Pennewill.

The Golden Door Awards were presented on Sunday, October 13th at The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theater.

The Golden Door Film Festival is a film festival, founded by Actor, Producer and Musician Bill Sorvino. Established in 2011, the four-day festival takes place in October, and shows features, documentaries, and shorts.

The opening and closing night awards ceremony are located at the 1929 movie palace The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theater at Journal Square with many screenings and other events at various Downtown Jerey City venues.

For information on this years winners or to submit a film for next year or to be a sponsor visit ww.goldendoorfilmfestival. org

IN THE CLUBS

By Martin Ramone Delossantos Willie McBride’s is a local Irish styled Bar & Grill in Hoboken. It exudes fun. A place to unwind from a hectic day over a cold beer, or cocktail before dinner. On Fridays, and Saturdays McBride’s offers live bands and dancing. If you, and some good friends want to listen and rock to some of the best bands around call McBride’s, and their limo shuttle will pick up you, and your friends for free.

The staff is very congenial, and the weekend crowds are an interesting mix of young professionals. This bar/club is off the beaten path but worth the taxi ride if you can’t get the free limo. It’s a wonderful place to relax, mingle and meet new people.

McBrides features a full bar serving a variety of drinks

for your pleasure and you will find them to be delicious and reasonably priced.

If you want a deal get the $19. Special per person and get a 3-hour open bar with cover charge included.

McBride’s is one of the few remaining venues that offers live music, and dancing with an incredible sound sytem and a eclectic mix of live bands.

The front room is large, yet cozy with a gas fireplace, stuffed armchairs, oak bar, open dining booths, and flat screens to watch your favorite sporting event. The back room is a large open area with a small stage, and some sitting booths with lots of space to dance and when the club lighting is on it completes the party

experience. It offers three large bathrooms so no lines.

The top floor of McBride’s features dining only.

McBride’s is owned by Sean Hession an Irishman from County Mayo in Ireland and all the charming collectables decorating his establishment are from his visits to Ireland.

Sean Session turned the old Holiday Inn at 616 Grand street into McBride’s in 1996.

If You Go: Willie Mc Bride’s 616 Grand Street Hoboken 201-610-1522 www.williemcbrides.com Mon-Fri 4 pm -11pm Sat-Sun 11am -10pm Live Bands Fri thru Sat call for show hours Free Limo Shuttle 201-681-7550 after 9pm

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restaurant VIEWS Hot Mexican Dishes Served in a Cool Place Oralé Mexican Kitchen on Grove St --- Hip, Urban and Hot, Hot, Hot!

By Sally Deering Nestled in the middle of Grove Street in downtown Jersey City is one of the coolest restaurants you’ll find in Hudson – Oralé Mexican Kitchen owned by business partners Alex Mendelsohn and Louis Alvarez, restaurateurs who meticulously created a beautiful eatery and a menu of authentic Mexican Cuisine with an American twist.

“We had fun with the fusion of Mexican and American.” Mendelsohn says,

giving a visitor a tour of the restaurant. “The most prime example on our menu would be the Casa Gringo. We took the most common American dish, mac and cheese, and incorporated it with chipotle and Mexican cheese sauce.

As a special we did a Mexican version of classic fried chicken. We marinated the chicken in a number of different herbs and chilies and our breading had cinnamon and sugar. It was sweet and salty. We took something fun and twisted it; that was

Oralé’s owners Alex Mendelsohn and Louis Alvarez

Oralé’s raw bar and cerviches are prepared El Mercado in view of guests

a huge hit.”

Located just a couple blocks from the Grove Street PATH Station, Oralé’s atmosphere is urban hip with red-bricked walls scrawled with big and bold graffiti, a wall of back-lit candy-colored sodas, and images of skulls inside one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city. By the time you’re seated at one of the dining room tables, Oralé’s ambience has you feeling both relaxed and excited about what’s to come – and the food doesn’t disappoint.

The Dinner menu starts with Snacks, dishes like Plantains, Yucca, Brussels sprouts and Tartare de Salmon; and different Guacamole dishes like El Bombero with Chipotle, Chile de Argol; and Blue Demon with Cabrales blue cheese and toasted pepitas.

Starters feature the Queso Flameado, a mix of Oaxacan & Chihuahua cheeses melted in a cast iron skillet served with house-made tortilla chips; Camionero, chorizo & sautéed potatoes; and the Gringo, Mexican mac & cheese.

There are lots of Taco dishes to choose from including the Al Pastor, marinated & roasted pork topped with caramelized pineapple, chile de argol and cilantro; Cont’d on page 18

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restaurant VIEWS Oralé Mexican Kitchen Cont’d from page 17 the Vegetariano with garbanzo fritter, spiced yogurt, quinoa salsa and cilantro; the Pollo made with shredded chicken tinga topped with soy pickled Serrano chilies & yellow tomato pico de gallo; and Carne, beef tinga topped with roasted scallions & avocado tomatillo salsa.

Enchiladas include the Enchilada Ajarocha of shredded chicken, hazelnut & almond mole; and Enchilada Vegetariana made with kale, spinach, roasted spaghetti squash, shitake, tomato ranchera crema and pomegranate morita glaze.

Main dishes feature the Dinosaurio, ancho & chipotle-marinated bone-in short rib grilled with tamal de olla & a tomatillo chipotle compote; Pollo Con Mole, roasted half chicken with almond & hazelnut mole topped with toasted sesame seeds & huitlacoche budin; and Mariscada, halibut a la plancha, saffron achoite rice, clams, mussels, shrimp and pumpkin.

Working with Mendelsohn and Alvarez to create the menu and daily specials is consulting chef James Muir; Olivia Guittierez is Lead Prep Cook, who Mendelsohn says is a genius when it comes to creating sauces. And if you’re looking for some authentic tequilas, Oralé has a fine list to choose from.

On Fri, Nov. 1st, Oralé celebrates “Dio de los Muertos” or Day of the Dead

with a house party featuring DJs and drink specials. On week nights there’s a happy hour from 9:30 pm to closing.

Alvarez, whose family emigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador and settled in North Bergen, has worked his way up the ladder and gained a lot of his experience at Rosa Mexicano in New York.

“The American Dream really does exist,” Alvarez says. “I got the chance to work my way up via great companies and the opportunity to open a restaurant.”

Mendelsohn, who also worked at Rosa Mexicano hails from the Princeton area, and says he was interested in the restaurant business ever since his family took him to a popular

Italian restaurant in Trenton when he was a kid.

“What attracts me to this business is the excitement of a busy restaurant,” Mendelsohn says. “When you get a two second break to look around the room and everyone is enjoying what you put together it gives you an immediate and huge sense of fulfillment. At the end of the day, it’s a simple business: food, drinks and a place for people to hang out with their friends. If you give people good food, good drinks and a fun environment, you’re doing your job.”

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If you go: Oralé Mexican Kitchen 341 Grove St. Jersey City (201) 333-0001 www.oralemk.com Mon-Wed, 3-10pm; Thurs, 3pm-10pm; Fri, 3-11pm; Sat, 12 noon-11pm; and Sun, 12 noon-9pm

STARGAZINE Aries March 21 - April 19

The facts of your financial situation should be viewed with a prudent eye. The Ram, always eager to grow and progress, can overlook these issues. Caution in money matters may shine a light on waste. Now, who couldn’t use extra money at the end of the week? The Aries native surely can, for all the parties and social outings in the near future!

Taurus -April 20 - May 20

Have you felt somewhat as if you been on a merry-go–round in life?

Coming close to grabbing the golden ring but being pulled away as soon as your fingers have touched! It may be time to get off the circular mind trap and forge a new direction! Revamp your life and create an exciting and prosperous future. Ask yourself what is holding you back and remove the obstacles. The stars will help you with your goals.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

What is done in fear ends in folly! Fear is ruled by the planet Saturn and stunts our progression. Those things that frighten you are only an illusion created by the Saturnian energy in order to prohibit your happiness. Let go and live. Your frame of mind is essential for happiness.

Cancer June 21-July 22nd

Jupiter in your sign erases the wrinkles of fear that have kept many a Cancer native behind closed doors and hiding at home.

You will be having a coming out party!! The new and exciting persona that you have sheltered will find you being admired by others and enjoying the social activity that you so need.

•ASTROLOGY •TAROT •HYPNOSIS Individual Parties Corporate Events Phone and SKYPE Consultation J Banta Lewis Astralcommunications@ aol.com 201.486.4555

Leo-July 23 - August 22

The Moon and Mars in the 10th house governing status and honor suggest that you will be motivated to connect with a romantic interest. Those Leo natives already in relations will have the passion to take things to the next level of heat.

Desire and love, somewhat like being in a romance novel, leads you to feel young and alive. Enjoy as this is a trend that carries into the future.

Virgo-August 23-September 22

The constant bickering in the last weeks has left you exhausted and angry. Ask yourself, is it better to be loved or right! The arguments just go full circle and never have a solution. Those you argue with are intractable and won’t listen to common sense.

So, if these discussions are not of a life threating nature then smile and change the subject. No more wasted breath!!

Libra – September 23 - October 22

Your scales must be balanced in order for you to be happy and at peace. Some relationships are better off left behind than brought closer.

This is your time of year for new beginnings! As you pass your birthday or Solar return make decisions for a new you. Sometimes like your Taurus friends you hold on to long.

It’s a Venus thing! Always giving the other party the benefit of the doubt can be a dangerous practice when

you’re dealing with emotional terrorists.

Scorpio -

October 23rd -November 21st

Planetary energies abound and someone may be pulling at the Scorpions heart strings! You are not seeing their motivation clearly as you are wrapped up in a cocoon of pain and fear thanks to Saturn in your sign.

Step back and take a breath. Make a decision not to make any decisions until the energy is balanced. The astral advice suggests that you wait until January 2014 before making life changes.

Read More Stargazine @www. riverviewobserver.net

October 2013 J Banta Lewis

Sagittarius-

November 22 - December 21

Party time in October is in store for many Sag natives. As if summer was not enough it seems that the Fall will hold exciting events and maybe a vacation. All play and no work might leave you just wanting more freedom. So the astral advice suggests you create a healthy balance of work and recreation. The opportunities for fun however keep on coming. Choose wisely.

Capricorn -

December 22 - January 19

Some emotional sadness of the past months will be lifted. It is suggested that you get into your Zen, so to speak! Look at issues from above and not by involving yourself in drama. Remember you are either a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Settle for just sailing away to the neutral coast of noninvasive serenity. You haven’t created the problems nor can you solve them. You are not a god !!

Aquarius-

January 20 - February 18

The astral advice suggests that many an Aquarian native may be acting somewhat like their Scorpion relatives with jealousy and detective like practices. Insecurity makes for hasty actions and possible embarrassment.

Remember you are an impersonal sign. All this drama is not advised for a prolonged period.

Pisces-

February 19 - March 20

The Fish swims both ways but the Pisces native is stronger than most people might think. They must stop wavering to and fro in the streams of life. Basic desires must be acknowledged in order to move forward.

In the month of October questions about relationships must be answered. The astral advice suggests that you define the place the people in your life should hold and keep them there for a bit. Stop playing chess with life partners.

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Letters to the Editor

Charity Softball Game for Carol Coe Huge Success

On Saturday October 5th the Bayonne Community came out for a good cause; to help raise money for Bayonne resident Carol Coe. Ms. Coe was hit with a serious illness and Tom Murphy a security guard at Bayonne High School decided to host a charity baseball game in Ms. Coe’s honor to help offset her medical costs.The game helped raise $30,000.00 Tom Murphy would like to Thank the following people and organizations for helping mak the event a success: Michelle Watson Phyllis Meltzer Raeann Hempel Nora Elliott The best umpires Mike Lynch,Carl Espisito, and Gene Klump.

DJ Danny from Beyond the Mix for donating his time.

Paul Marko and Anthony Piscitelli.

A special thank you to the following teams who played in the Charity Softball game: Bayonne Fire Department McCabes Ambulance Bayonne Department of Public Works Venice Restaurant.

All four teams played in a championship game with McCabes Ambulance coming out on top and winning the Trophy against the Bayonne Fire Department.

Everyone in attendance had a wonderufl time and the family of Carol Coe was very well indeed grateful for generous donations and the support by the Bayonne Community.

The Carol Coe Charity Softball Committee would also like to thank the following people: Bayonne High School Principal Richie Baccarella Bayonne Fire Department

McCabe Ambulance Bayonne Department of public works Venice Restaurant Justine and Michael Wanko Steve and Catherine Hasko Patricia McFadden Mary Anne P Pinto Ms Petford Mrs Donovan Maddie Tavella Faye Beilen Mary Ann Appel Suzanne LaRosa Michael Olesky

Cauall Without all your support this would have never been able to happen to help Carol Coe and her family.

-Raeann Hempel

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Home-HuntingFree Consultation!

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Office:201-576-0700 Cell: 201-759-3821

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