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June 2012
Serving Bucks and Hunterdon Counties
BARRETT • CAVANAUGH • FETTERMAN • HANSEN ROLLI
Buckingham Green • 4920 York Road (Route 202) • Holicong, PA 18928 • 215-794-4300TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 10:00 AM TO 5:30 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
www.silvermangallery.com
AFFORDABLE, INVESTMENT QUALITY ORIGINAL ART
BA R R E T T • C AVA N AU G H • F E T T E R M A N • H A N S E N RO L L I
Impressions of Spring
B U C K S C O U N T Y I M P R E S S I O N I S T A R TSilverman Gallery
Ap
pro
ach
ing
Clo
ud
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o/c,
24”
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An intimate collection of recent paintings by
M Y LE S CAVANAUGHJ U N E 2 3 - J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 1 2
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Publisher: Pearson Publishing
Editor-in-Chief: Justin Elson
Managing Editor: Jack Firneno
Art Director: Paul Rowlands
Photography: Wendy McCardleNicole Cordisco Andrew Wilkinson
Contributing Writers: Justin ElsonJack FirnenoCarla Merolla OdellOliver WhiteScott HollowayCorinne PulsinelleAnna PalifIngrid Weidman
Distribution Manager: Tom Cormican
Graphic Designer: Lyndsay Jurema
To advertise, contact us at 215.896.2767 or via email at [email protected].
For all editorial content, contact us at [email protected].
EDITOR’S LETTER ............................................ 11
SPOTLIGHTIt Takes a Village ................................................... 15
MUSICThe Music Business ............................................. 18
READERS’ CHOICEReaders’ Choice Best Outdoor Seating ............... 24
SPOTLIGHTThe Art of the Barn .............................................. 30
ARTISTJohn Schmidtberger ............................................. 32
HOME For the Home Outside Your Home ..................... 40
COMMUNITYArt All Night ......................................................... 44
HEALTH & BEAUTYGet Lean .............................................................. 48
A CLOSER LOOKPapa’s Got a Brand New Bag ............................... 51
FOOD & DININGPalate .................................................................... 57
BACKPAGEVenti, Vidi, Vici ...................................................... 62
CONTENTS
dtownmag.com / 7
For advertising information contact 215-896-2767 or [email protected]
is proud to publish...
dtown Magazine is a monthly digest, chronicling the people and places that make Bucks, Hunterdon and Mercer Counties special. By drawing inspiration, our staff and our sources from the dynamic outlet our area offers, we pledge to provide the best coverage on what makes our hometowns truly remarkable places.
LATITUDE is a bi-annual publication designed to promote your business to visitors and residents of Bucks, Hunterdon and Mercer Counties. Utilizing QR codes, smart-phone users can directly access your web site for promotions and specials, strengthening your web equity. Increased web traffic is vital to ranking higher in search engine results.
AROUND TOWN1. Kaity Taylor and Jacqueline Quenzer enjoying
drinks at the Penn Taproom in Doylestown.
2. Dr. Howard Koh, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health (middle), receives the Hepatitis B Foundation’s inaugural Baruch S. Blumberg Prize with (from l-r) Joan Block, Jean Blumberg, Paul and Janine Witte, Timothy Block and Brad Segall.
3. Mike Cline and Rob Worth happy to be at the Amber Inn in Doylestown.
4. Committee members (from l-r) Jacqui Griffith, Joel Rosen, James Revels, Leah Ludwig, Brad Segall, Annie Buniewicz and Bonnie Chang celebrate at the Hepatitis B Foundation’s Crystal Ball Fundraiser.
5. Frederic Daniel Orfe playing guitar outside of Kline’s in Lambertville.
6. The Partridge Family enjoys lunch with their dog, Binah, in Lambertville.
7. Andrea O’Neal and Rodell Hageman out for an evening in New Hope.
8. Johnathan Dempf shows off his Crayola skills at the children’s coloring table at Mac Outfitters in Warrington.
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5
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2
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8 / AROUND TOWN / JUNE 2012 dtownmag.com / 9
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BY JUSTIN ELSON EDITOR’S LETTER
dtownmag.com / 11
And for those of us who have poured blood, sweat and tears into achieving what we have and where we are today, we couldn’t be prouder. Or more gracious. Happy birthday to us and a big thank you to our readers for their support. It’s been a party at times and a trial at others. But as we cross the threshold into year five, change is afoot. You see, publishers are akin to bulbs and squirrels. Let me explain. Just like the flowers we use to add beauty and decoration to our yards and public spaces, things seem a little bit more comfortable for us as the days get warmer and longer. And like the steadfast squirrel, which surely has their own instinctual advent calendar posted to the side of their nest, we keep one eye on the advancing months. Not only are we out and about gathering story ideas, but the advertising revenue we depend on seems to coincide with the rising Mercury. Not to bore you with business talk or the ever-popular “changing landscape” cliché, but we live in uncertain economic times. And in our industry, it can feel like feel like walking in cinderblock shoes down a balsawood plank. Minus the fun eye patches and accents. Case in point: the Philadelphia Media Network, publishers of the Inquirer, the Daily News and philly.com, sold
their holdings for $55 million in April. In comparison, when the conglomerate purchased the properties in 2006, they paid $515 million. For all you non-math majors out there, that’s roughly an 89 percent decrease in value in only a mere six years. Imagine that happening to your bank account in 2018. But despite the foreboding horizon, we are pressing on. Call us stubborn, call us foolish, call us passionate. But whatever label you choose, we believe in print. We believe in its purpose, its presence and its future – whatever that might hold. But in undecided environments, change is the only constant. Like the bulb and the squirrel are both products of evolutionary success, we’re determined to reinvent ourselves to ensure our survival. It’s likely only a few issues of dtown remain under its current name. Our readership has grown, and our mission has always been to be inclusionary. With that, there’s sure to be a fresh look and style, as well more-challenging content. We’re even looking at different avenues such as Latitude, our sister publication, whose current edition hits the streets shortly. It’s a rolling process that, at the very least, keeps us on our creative toes. And we hope you’ll join us for the journey as you have in the past.
It’s my honor to announce that this month’s issue marks our fourth birthday.
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BeezerUsually reserved for celebrities, bi-coastal living is typically only necessary for the rich and famous. But if you could ask Beezer, he would likely tell you to count him among the ranks. At least the famous part that is. While the playful bulldog spends some of his time on the East Coast, he escapes the winters by jetting off to sunny Southern California. Once back at home among the palm trees, Beezer spends much of his time doing what bulldogs do best: napping. But during his awake hours, he loves a good run on the beach, rides around town on a golf cart and, after recently getting over an aversion to water, lazy cruises around the harbor. His outings naturally add to his local fame, and, of course, all are good reasons for another hard-earned snooze.
Holiday House Pet Resort is proud to offer every dtown Dog of the Month 2 nights of free lodging and a premium bath.
On autumn Sundays, Beezer enjoys watching football on the couch. He does his own impression of the players once he finds his rope toys, barreling about the house looking for a worthy opponent. And if he picks you, prepare for a battle followed by a shower of kisses.
MON-THUR: 10-6 FRI-SAT: 10-9SUN: 11-7 & by appointment
VILLAGE ARTWORKSPeddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA215-794-5744VILLAGE ARTWORKS
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Featuring...
Fern CoppadgeArthur MeltzgerBruce CranePaulet VanBurenWalter BaumJane Peterson
Robert SpencerChristpher WillettJoseph BarrettMaynard DixionJohn CarlsonJohn Wells JamesCoropsey
Christopher WillettFull Moon River Road, oil/canvas
Spr i n g Art ShowOpe n Ho us e
June 9 & 10 • 1 pm til 6 pmCocktails & Refreshments
SPOTLIGHT
dtownmag.com / 15
On June 9 and 10, Village Artworks in Peddler’s Village will be hosting their annual Spring Art Show and Open House. But this year there’s a twist. “The economy has affected everybody,” says Christopher Willett, owner of the gallery and a local painter. “Many of our regular clients have looked to downsize their collections recently. There will be works featuring the best of the New Hope/Bucks County Impressionists. Some haven’t been available for a long time and some have never been seen before.” And while the opportunity is a certain draw, so is Willette’s refreshing approach. “As opposed to the high-end auctions houses that hold paintings for months and take a big commission, if I see that someone loves a certain piece, I’ll work with them,” he says. “Whether it’s talking price or even financing, we make sure each work finds the right home.”
The Spring Art Show and Open House will be held June 9 and 10 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Village Artworks. For more information, call 215-794-5744.
It Takes a Village
BY OLIVER WHITE PHOTO BY NICOLE CORDISCOA “Cyndi Kitchen”
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18 / MUSIC / JUNE 2012
BY JACK FIRNENOPHOTOS BY WENDY MCCARDLE
dtownmag.com / 19
MUSIC
When the Music Business wrapped their very first rehearsal, bassist Joe Simek made an observation about the trio’s sound: “We’re totally going take the late ‘90s by storm.” Just one problem. It was the summer of 2010. And while Simek’s wry commentary was meant as a good-natured rub, there was also truth in his words. The Music Business’ first single, All The Kids, features throaty, almost-shouted vocals, stripped-down guitar riffs and ever-so-slightly-bigger choruses all artfully paired with an unwavering backbeat, lyrics that are just the right amount of poetic and a hook that resonates in your aural memory. But it’s certainly redolent of the tail end of the Clinton administration, as well. “We’re all in our 30s, and it’s not like we stopped listening to new music,” Simek explains, “but I don’t think we’re fooling anybody. We’re obviously indebted to 10-year-old bands.” The
Dads Who (Still) Wanna Rock
Music Business, he says, won’t take the world by storm. “The name is tongue-in-cheek. We know the allure and also the absurdity of the industry. We’re three guys with wives, kids and jobs. Yeah, we’re in the business,” he laughs. Still, that hardly means Simek, along with singer and guitarist Mike Kenny and drummer Justin Davids, are any less passionate about making music than their younger colleagues. Rather, they approach their craft in a different way. “Even with all our other obligations, we’re musicians. It’s sort of stamped in our genetic makeup to be in bands and make music,” Simek explains. “For me, it fills that creative void. It’s easy to get caught in the rut of a suburban nine-to-five life. That redundancy can be overwhelming.” Kenny, their band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, is a firefighter in Philadelphia. “You wouldn’t think of a firefighter as an indie-rock kid, but
The Music Business
20 / MUSIC / JUNE 2012
BY JACK FIRNENOPHOTOS BY WENDY McCARDLE
he is,” Simek laughs. “He goes home and writes these kind of sad, angry and frustrated songs. He’s not some artsy, woe-is-me guy though. He has actual, real-world concerns. It’s his release from work and family responsibilities.” But for a bunch of self-described “working-class guys in our 30s,” getting together with guitars, drums and amps isn’t always the easiest endeavor to fit into their tight schedules. “The time commitment is probably the hardest part,” Simek explains. “But we’re all in the same boat. All three of us have daughters under six years old. If one person can’t make it to practice one week, it’s cool because the next time it’ll be someone else.” And that dichotomy, straddling the line between dad and rocker, is what drives the Music Business and their sound. “There’s a part of it that’s just fun. It’s our chance to hang out with friends,” Simek says. “And there’s the part where you want people to hear your music and making that happen is a nice contrast to the other realities of life.” In fact, he adds, many of Kenny’s lyrics revolve around themes the band and their peers can relate with on a daily basis: “A lot of it [the songs] is about your place in the world: how things change and you have to wrap
your head around the end of some relationships and the beginning of new ones.” And whether interpersonally or with the world at large, the Music Business has already forged quite a few new relationships. “It’s funny. Back in the day, you’d check the alt-weeklies [newspapers] religiously for local shows and buy the band’s record when you saw them,” Simek recalls. “Then things shifted toward digital, and now you can hear a band from Japan just as easily.” Fortunately, it’s a phenomenon they’ve been able to tap into. Take, for example, their newest single. Before being released online via the band’s Web site, it was featured on Trakart, an iPhone app created by a friend of the trio. “He mentioned he needed music for it, so I told him I was in a new group, and we’d record something for him,” Simek says. “We figured it’d be cool and trendy.” Just the right fit for a bunch of 30-something fathers.
The Music Business will be performing at Mother’s Bar and Grille in Easton on June 30.
For more information or to check out clips, go online at thisisthemusicbusiness.com.
“ Even with all our other obligations, we’re musicians. It’s sort of stamped in our genetic makeup to be in bands and make music.” – Joe Simek
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PHOTOS BY WENDY McCARDLE AND ANDREW WILKINSON
dtownmag.com / 25
READERS’ CHOICE
With summer quickly enveloping our area, nothing says the season more than good friends, good food and the great outdoors. And while the backyard barbeque is a time-honored way to combine these crucial elements, sometimes the recipe is even better without any preparation or eventual clean up. We sought the most-aesthetically pleasing and mouth-watering spots Bucks and Hunterdon Counties have to offer and let you, our reader, decide. The votes are in and without further ado, dtown presents the Readers’ Choice Best Outdoor Seating.
Readers’ Choice
Best Outdoor Seating
The Freight House194 West Ashland St., Doylestown, Pa.thefreighthouse.net
Featuring an urban ambience smack in the middle of the suburbs, the Freight House’s outdoor deck leaves a lasting impression. Situated next to Septa’s Lansdale/Doylestown line, guests are not only treated to arriving trains, but outdoor lounge furniture, flat-screen TVs, a fire pit and shuffleboard, as well as some of the best food and drink in the area. If you’re looking for an unforgettable night, the Freight House is a good place to start.
Triumph Brewing Company400 Union Square, New Hope, Pa.triumphbrewing.com
When you’re long dedicated to crafting the finest beers, it almost goes without saying that a party is in order. And there’s no better spot in New Hope than the Triumph Brewing Company’s outdoor deck. Tucked neatly beside the New Hope-Ivyland Railroad providing an old-time feel, there’s never a shortage of good times – or good food – to make your evening or afternoon a hit.
The Stockton Inn1 North Main St., Stockton, N.J.stocktoninn.com
At the Stockton Inn, they’ve redefined garden dining. Within their impossibly tranquil outdoor dining area, guests are surrounded by natural beauty, including two waterfalls and a wishing well made famous in Richard Rogers’ song There’s a Small Hotel With a Wishing Well. Serving some of the region’s finest food and drink, patrons are also treated to live entertainment all summer long.
The Lambertville Station11 Bridge St., Lambertville, N.J.lambertvillestation.com
Housed in a former train station, the converted platform turned dining area at the Lambertville Inn has an ambience all its own. Whether it’s the adjacent train tracks or the opportunity to watch people on the busy streets of Lambertville, there’s plenty to grab your attention. Of course, don’t forget the culinary delights available from their kitchen. They serve as the perfect complement.
They’ve redefined garden dining.
PHOTOS BY WENDY McCARDLE AND ANDREW WILKINSON READERS’ CHOICE
The Frenchtown Inn
7 Bridge St., Frenchtown, N.J. frenchtowninn.com
If quaint is what you seek, look no further than the Frenchtown Inn. Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River in one of the most-picturesque towns in the region, the simple elegance of the front-porch dining area captures the Frenchtown vibe perfectly. Never one to put on airs, patrons can expect exceptional, high-end meals in a relaxing environment.
The Black Bass Hotel3774 River Rd., Lumberville, Pa.blackbasshotel.com
Situated next to the rolling Delaware River, the Black Bass offers a serenity nearly impossible to find in any other local eatery. In the shadow of the Lumberville Bridge, the encompassing natural splendor is the perfect complement to any evening. And with a kitchen providing equally beautiful plates, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better setting for you and yours.
The Washington Crossing Inn1295 General Washington Memorial Blvd., Washington Crossing, Pa., washingtoncrossinginn.com
Set among the footsteps of arguably the most important event of the American Revolution, the Washington Crossing Inn is awash in history. But instead of the hardships the Continental Army endured, patrons are treated to the immaculately landscaped brick patio and gardens of the legendary establishment. But it’s hardly just a charming setting. Their culinary chops will leave you wanting more, as well.
The Logan Inn10 West Ferry St., New Hope, Pa., loganinn.com
You can’t get much more New Hope than the Logan Inn. Opened originally in 1727, its long been focused on entertaining guests. These days, featuring one of the largest outdoor bars and dining areas in the area, the Logan Inn offers old-world charm in the heart of the bustling borough next to the Delaware. And whether you stop in for a drink or a meal, it’s sure to be one to remember.
26 / READERS’ CHOICE / JUNE 2012 dtownmag.com / 27
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TinicumArts Festival
TinicumArts FestivalA Great Bucks County Tradition
July 14, Sat. 10-6 July15, Sun. 11-5300+ Artists and Artisans in BeautifulTinicum Park, River Rd, Erwinna, PALive Entertainment, Kids Activities
Summer Fun for EveryoneTinicumArtsFestival.org
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BY SCOTT HOLLOWAYPHOTOS COURTESY OF RANDY BYE
The Art of the BarnBridging Bucks County Traditions
Bucks County’s history, landscapes and ambience have long been celebrated in literature, poetry and song. But perhaps the best medium for capturing the area’s essence has always been the artist’s canvas, lens or hands. And this July, a unique event is combining both the visual representation with the trademark look of the local scenery. “When you think of Bucks County, two things immediately come to mind: a rich artistic history and a bucolic, barn-studded countryside,” says Ann McCauley, chairperson for the Bucks County Audubon Society’s (BCAS) The Art of the Barn, a unique barn tour and art show that builds on the success of its renowned Barns of Distinction event. “We thought it would be wonderful to combine these two assets and display the artworks within the breathtaking settings that inspired them.” Set for the weekend of July 13, 14 and 15, The Art of the Barn will pair the traditional barn tour with an art show, featuring several of the region’s best-known artists at each locale. Each barn will feature both two and three-dimensional works, including paintings, photographs and stone, wood and metal sculpture. Artists will be on hand at each display to provide additional information and insight on their work, and each will donate a portion of the proceeds from sold works to the BCAS. “The Art of the Barn will be an extraordinary experience for people who attend,” McCauley explains. “They will be able to tour amazing properties they would never otherwise have access to, and they can interact individually with the artists. They will be
supporting not only the art community, but also the important environmental- education mission of the BCAS at Honey Hollow, as well.” Founded in 1969 as a local chapter of the National Audubon Society, the BCAS has been dedicated to conserving wildlife, promoting awareness of environmental issues and educating the community about the interdependence of humans and the world since its inception. Serving as its largest fundraising event for the year, The Art of the Barn aims to help the BCAS recover from a devastating year for its Honey Hollow “outdoor classroom,” a 100-plus-acre property preserved solely for conservation education. Excessive spring and summer rains followed by unseasonable ice and snow in the fall caused extensive damage to trails and other facilities.
For more information, a complete list of events and ticket information, go online bcas.org or facebook.com/ theartofthebarnevent.
30 / SPOTLIGHT / JUNE 2012
32 / ARTIST / JUNE 2012
BY CORINNE PULSINELLEPHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN SCHMIDTBERGER
John Schmidtberger’s SFA Gallery is situated in Suite 7 of Frenchtown’s appropriately named Gem Building, but he finds his true studio space by stepping outside. On his way to work, Schmidtberger carries a briefcase in the form of a French easel, setting it up on firm ground yet keeping a close eye on moments in constant transition. “When I make the decision to just start painting, it can be for a number of reasons. In one painting, I remember being drawn to the way the light reflected off this one window,” he says “And in another painting of trees along the Delaware River, I was focused on the way the trunks were curving. That painting was about movement.” When Schmidtberger sets up to paint, the resulting canvas seemingly reflects the creation of visual bookmarks to remind us where the plot revealed its most-striking subtlety. Sometimes, the experience he captures is just a few
An Individual Approach to Art
steps away on a Frenchtown sidewalk, and, on other occasions, he takes the opportunity to respond to a mountaintop view on a stretched-linen canvas. But in either case, Schmidtberger is conscious of the complexity surrounding him. “Painting on-site is like juggling 15 or 20 balls in the air at once,” he explains, reflecting on the intricacies inherent in his process. “You are dealing with color, texture and movement. There is a basic light and dark, but, within every small part of that, you find infinite nuance.” The approachability of Schmidtberger’s work reflects both his meditative brush-strokes and his unique, ongoing study of painting, drawing and printmaking. With the support of his parents, he made a leap from the life of a pre-med student to that of a studio artist in his early years of study at the University of Pennsylvania. Schmidtbergers’ collegiate experience pushed him to work with oils, which he uses to make most of his finished, gallery-
John Schmidtberger
dtownmag.com / 33
ARTIST
“There is a basic light and dark, but, within every small part of that,
you find infinite nuance.” – John Schmidtberger
ready work today. And while he did participate in foundational coursework, such as a class in color theory based on the work of Joseph Albers, it was his individual explorations that led him to his artistic muse. “I didn’t learn much technique in school,” he recalls. “They really left it to the individual person to figure out how they like to work.” And with enough support to develop his distinctive method of painting, Schmidtberger eventually received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Ivy League school in its Studio Arts program. In addition to his ever-evolving painting acumen and development, Schmidtberger’s drawing ability, a skill he continues to develop by attending figure-drawing groups, plays a crucial role in his work. Employing his lure to en plein air painting, part of Schmidtberger’s dynamic “juggling act” involves a real grip on proportion and depth. “I don’t paint from photo-
graphs, because they deal with monocular space,” he explains. “In other words, everything becomes flattened on one plane and the visual information you are left with can almost become distracting.” For Schmidtberger to paint his experience sitting between buildings in Frenchtown or resting on a dock in Maine gazing toward a deep, inviting horizon, he sometimes needs adequate time to sketch, capturing the setting as a brief drawing first. Relying on varying mediums, his gesturing brushstrokes then deliver both the essence and accuracy of the scene. Along with his ability to draw, Schmidtberger’s relationship to color is also a continually evolving process. For a while, he was mixing his paints based solely on what his eye could glean. Schmidtberger would find an area to observe and focus his attention on merely recreating the colors on his palette. However, in recent years, his
34 / ARTIST / JUNE 2012
attention has shifted due in part to the inspiring approach of another artist. Drawing from the work of Marsden Hartley, an American Modernist who painted primarily in the first half of the 20th century, Schmidtberger incorporates Hartley’s revolutionary view of depicting space and color and adding his own twist. “Hartley had a very expressive way of creating a traditional landscape,” Schmidtberger explains. “As I’ve gained more experience, I’ve also become more subjective. The relationship between colors has become more important than trying to precisely match what I am seeing. In a scene with a deep blue-green background, I found a tree reflecting a peach-colored light. I might even exaggerate a color to really show these relationships at play.” And whether Schmidtberger finds his best studio 10 feet from his gallery doors or hundreds of miles away on a serene New England dock, he remains driven to
create by capturing the subtle nuances he wants to share. His goal with every painting is to communicate, to share with his audience the same experience he had while painting. “It’s not about money. It’s a discipline,” Schmidtberger says. “It’s a meditation; it’s a religion. With all of the distractions in the world, I focus best when I paint. No extraneous thoughts. I’m just flowing with what I’m doing.”
John Schmidtberger’s work is featured in both current and upcoming exhibitions. Observations at the Quiet Life Gallery in Lambertville is open through June 17. Hot Fun in the Summertime opens at the SFA Gallery on June 9 with an opening reception scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Go online at: sfagallery.com johnspaintings.com
BY CORINNE PULSINELLEPHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN SCMIDTBERGER ARTIST
dtownmag.com / 35
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BY ANNA PALIJPHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE SALVO
For the Home Outside Your HomeA New Take on Hardscaping
For many years, outdoor living spaces were relegated to the simple. Perhaps a wooden porch. Maybe a surrounding garden for good measure. Both beautiful and serene, few questioned conventional design wisdom. But a less fuss and maintenance-free option has hit the scene as of late. You’ve seen it on the Home and Garden channel and in the myriad of lifestyle magazines on your local racks. And with summer and the outdoor entertaining season about to kick into high gear, it’s time to look toward one of the most abundant and natural elements in your backyard. We sat down with Mike Salvo, owner of Salvo Contracting, to learn how stone and hardscaping can serve not only as a great accent, but can also set your space apart from the rest.
Advantage: PaversIf you’ve managed to avoid the deck route, there has long been one traditional material that has dominated the backyard- living-space scene: concrete, a single monotone and unimaginative slab laid across a portion of your available entertaining area. But pavers, pre-cast, interlocking pieces of stone or concrete, are changing the game rapidly. “They provide a more-refined look,” says Salvo, who brings over 15 years of experience to his business and is a certified E.P. Henry, the leading name in paver sales, installer. “Pavers offer a homier feel especially when compared to your concrete slabs.” Available in a variety of shades, these brick look-a-likes do not fade over time, giving homeowners the option to tackle large projects over a variety of years or seasons. “If someone doesn’t want to spend a large sum all at once,
dtownmag.com / 41
“ They just provide a nicer look. Pavers offer a homier feel.
– Mike Salvo
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they can split the cost up pretty easily,” Salvo explains, expounding on one of the many benefits. “For example, I had a client who had a patio installed over the summer. The next year, I put in the fire pit and the sitting wall around it. And the third summer, we built a canopy with an outdoor kitchen underneath.”
You Break It, You Bought ItWhile concrete is certainly moldable, if a crack appears in a large section, you’ll probably need to replace the whole slab. “That’s just one more advantage of the work we do with pavers,” Salvo says, referring to their aversion to breakage or wear. “With traditional concrete hardscaping, you typically have to break that off and replace it should it fail. But with pavers, you really don’t even have to think about it. Once the work is done, all you have to be concerned about is how much you’re going to enjoy the new areas of your home or property.”
And if you think cost might be a mitigating factor, think again. “Concrete isn’t that much cheaper anymore,” Salvo explains. “And if you get a crack or it shifts, not only is it never the same, but the repairs will wind up being much more costly. Pavers might be a little more upfront, but, over time, they’re the real value.”
A World of PossibilitiesAnother added value is pavers’ versatility. Assuming you’ll be using your outdoor spaces for years to come, nearly anything you can conjure up is possible. “There’s so many different things that you can do: patios, walkways, sitting walls, retaining walls, pillars,” Salvo says. ““There are just so many different variations.” And while you might have to dip into your rainy-day fund depending on how extensive your vision is, Salvo and his crew can provide both custom and high-end accoutrements, as well. “We do outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. It can get expensive, but the look and functionality is pretty impressive,” he adds. Salvo also recommends taking an honest look at how you use your outdoor spaces before deciding how intricate to go or how much money you’re willing to spend. “It all depends on what the client wants,” he says. “We’ll work with them to implement a design to suit their needs. Some people use their patios any day the sun is out. That tends to be the customer who really weighs their needs gets pretty in-depth with the process. Others just want something to put a grill and some chairs on to entertain once in a while.”
For more information on all of Salvo Contracting’s services, go online at salvocontracting.com.
42 / HOME / JUNE 2012
BY ANNA PALIJPHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE SALVO
BY ANNA PALIJPHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSEPH KUZEMKA
44 / COMMUNITY / JUNE 2012 dtownmag.com / 45
COMMUNITY
Art defines us. Whether it’s the written word, the painted visual, the musical medium or even the crafted textile, a lost art or a new form of expression, creation helps us make sense of a sometimes-confusing world. So it makes perfect sense that art should also bring us together as a community. Channeling both that singular passion and connection, Artworks, a Trenton-based organization that serves as catalyst for inner-city development by shining a spotlight on the region’s creative talent, has created an event, which brings the artistic community together in concert with the general public to celebrate the creative spirit. Since 2007, Art All Night has served as Mercer County’s premier stage for artists of all mediums, from the novice to the professional. The inaugural event was held in the Artworks headquarters and was spearheaded by one of its original
organizers. “The executive at the time brought the idea with him from Pittsburgh, where the original Art All Night takes place,” says Joseph Kuzemka, Art All Night’s planning committee chairperson and creative director. Kuzemka has helped in the planning and details since the first showing. “We saw this as an opportunity to try something to start rebuilding the community,” he continues. “I think a lot of people understand that the arts are one of those things that generally do strengthen community ties.” In recent years, Art All Night has moved to the historic Roebling Wire Works Building, which itself is deeply rooted in the community’s history. “The building was actually used to create the original wire work of the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge: the Brooklyn Bridge,” Kuzemka says. The 50,000-square-foot building stands as a testament to Trenton’s
Art All NightBuilding Community Through Art
46 / COMMUNITY / JUNE 2012
BY ANNA PALIJPHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSEPH KUZEMKA
rich architectural history. “We like to showcase the artistic legacy within the city,” Kuzemka adds. “This building has had such an important history; it’s been a cornerstone for many years. We definitely like to showcase that kind of longevity.” In its first year, Art All Night drew over 1,700 people to view work created by over 300 artists. This year, on June 16 and 17, the event is expected to draw crowds up to 18,000, and top last year’s record of over 900 artists displaying their creations. “It’s really grown so quickly and so fast.” Kuzemka says, reflecting in both awe and pride. “And it’s one of those things that’s just really incredible to witness.” But it’s the diversity of work and artists that the team behind Art All Night pride themselves on, bringing the variety of what the area offers together on one stage. “We like to empower the artists to showcase their work,” Kuzemka says. “I think there’s too many people out there who are creating something but may not consider themselves an artist. But they are. And we like to offer that opportunity by putting their work in the show, so that people can see.” The 24-hour event kicks off at 3 p.m. and ends the next afternoon without a moment of hesitation or slack. Highlights from this year include the return of the Black Light Lounge,
featuring the work of Leon Rainbow who paints under black lights with glow-in-the- dark paint. The New Jersey Blacksmith Association will be forging candelabras. Handmade quilts along with nearly countless paintings and photographs will also be on display. And with both an indoor and outdoor stage for local musicians to perform, music plays a central role. “It [music] doesn’t really stop. Even at six o’clock in the morning, there’s still people showing up to come and see, because they don’t want to miss the opportunity,” Kuzemka explains. During the day, softer music accompanies the artwork, drawing what Kuzemka describes as more of the “true art gallery crowd.” But once night falls, Art All Night encompasses a different vibe. “At 2 a.m., we have the DJ set, and that brings out an entirely new group. And probably a crowd that may not have gone to an art gallery, who are now being exposed to something they may not have been otherwise.” And for those who still might be wary of a visit to Trenton, Kuzemka says another benefit is to break down long-standing stereotypes surrounding the city. “Trenton has a stigma attached to it as a town that some folks may not want to come to,” he admits. “But one of the things that we like to do with this event is draw people in from outlying areas, who might not come to Trenton’s inner city. It has its problems, but it also has its good points. It’s no different than any inner city. I feel Art All Nigh is so important to the community and such a truly positive event that I can’t say enough good things about it.”
For a complete schedule or to volunteer, go online at artworkstrenton.org/ artallnight.
“ Even at six o’clock in the morning, there’s still people showing up to come and see, because they don’t want to miss the opportunity.”
– Joseph Kuzemka
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48 / HEALTH & BEAUTY / JUNE 2012 dtownmag.com / 49
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Get LeanA New-Fashioned Approach to Weight Loss
If you’re anything like me, that gym membership you bought back in January is either cancelled or collecting dust. I hit the treadmill and the weights a few times with perfectly honest intentions of making it a habit, but life, as it has a tendency to do, presents a lot of seemingly more-entertaining options. And now that those options include invites to newly opened pools or weekends down the shore, you might be regretting forsaking those habits when warmer weather appeared only as a distant possibility. If you need to shape up fast, there are other ways to reach your goals other than the painfully slow diet and exercise. We sat down with Dr. Anthony Wehbe, medical director at the Bouari Clinic, a national weight-loss center that has recently opened its newest location in Doylestown, to learn how you can still shape up in time for summer.
Get Down With the QuicknessThe key to looking and feeling your best is hardly a mystery; it’s merely the execution and patience that escape many. Perhaps months of little progress can certainly serve as a deterrent and might eventually derail even the best-laid plans. But there are alternatives. “Our clients typically see results in as little as a few weeks,” Wehbe says. “The Bouari plan instills confidence by both delivering tangible changes, as well as providing support throughout what can be a difficult adjustment for some. There is really no better inspiration than seeing the changes to your body appear right before your eyes.”
The Science of SkinnyWhile sometimes claims that seem to be good to be true are just that, Bouari’s time-tested and FDA-approved regiment employs hard science to get results. “The plan is structured around a nutrient-dense diet, consisting of four to five meals a day. There is no pre-packaged food to buy or calorie counting,” Wehbe explains. “And you can eat ‘real’ food: fish, chicken, beef. We look toward limiting specific carbohydrates. In turn, your body is forced into fat-burning mode, drawing from its own fat stores for alternative energy and fuel.” But it’s more than just the newest diet in a sea of weight-loss schemes. The Bouari plan also works to curb the cravings that impede the desired results. “Typically, when a person starts a diet, they eat less, and this sends specific signals to the brain,” Wehbe says. “The dieter, with the best of intentions, will quickly find themselves hungry, irritable and ready to raid the refrigerator.” But by regulating the hypothalamus gland, your body’s appetite and metabolism control center, hunger can be curbed while sustaining weight loss. “When you follow the Bouari program you won’t feel like you’re on a diet, because you’re not skipping meals, your glucose and insulin levels will stabilize and hunger is no longer an issue,” Wehbe continues. “You will lose actual fat, not muscle or skin elasticity as seen in patients who have used extreme weight-loss measures. The only side effect of this diet is looking great.”
Teaching a Man to FishWhile losing the pounds is a challenge in and of itself, keeping unwanted weight from returning is another hurdle most dieters face. Under the Bouari plan, the lessons learned can be employed for a lifetime. “While learning to eat healthy foods to maintain your weight-loss goals is always the central focus, many clients also discover the keys to optimizing their nutrient intake while avoiding unnecessary and unhealthy calories,” Wehbe explains. “Learning to eat foods that promote fat-burning while restricting those that quickly convert to fat is an important part of not only losing weight, but preparing for a healthy, maintainable lifestyle. The guidance and support our patients receive during the program makes a certain difference in your health and vitality.”
For more information on the Bouari Clinic’s program and their services, go online at philaslim.com.
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BY JACK FIRNENO A CLOSER LOOK
dtownmag.com / 51
Scott DeFlavis has joint custody of his two teenage children. He and his ex-wife agreed to equal time. JR Jaramillo worked diligently with his ex-wife over two years for the same arrangement with his three kids. Ranging from an infant to five years old, the court only awarded him limited custody despite his efforts. Arthur Carroll ended up with sole custody of his children; their mother pays no support and has one supervised visit a week. And in the interest of admitting any possible bias, I have full custody of my two elementary-school-aged children. Their mother gets them one day a week and every other weekend. Culturally and statistically, single fatherhood is on the rise. I had visions of this article being a cornerstone text on the subject, filled to the brim with stats, facts and figures alongside vivid emotional passages and clear-cut instructional literature. Unfortunately, construction got delayed. At 30 years old and back in college, I had a semester to finish at the start of this story. Add my son’s field trip and my daughter’s school play to the mix. A stomach bug kept each of them home for another few days. And every Wednesday, I teach my daughter’s class how to play the recorder. This, all on top of my freelance jobs, which, while time-consuming, offers the flexibility my schedule needs to accommodate all my other commitments. However, I make no excuses for not writing the words I originally envisioned. Perhaps it took me living this article to be sure it was honest. And maybe better than it would have been otherwise. Time always has a way of slipping away from you. Ask any parent. It’s not until
you have kids – other lives symbiotically entwined with yours – that you truly learn the value of every second. Ultimately, this is the story of how three fathers decided to spend their time and what I’ve learned from them.
The Choices We MakeWhen Jaramillo’s first marriage ended in 1999, it served as a wake-up call. “For a long time, I was stuck in being only the provider of money and stability. But when people go through a divorce, they come to realize what’s important. They can choose whether or not to face forward,” he says. “I may have been a crappy husband and made equal mistakes in a failed relationship, but I knew I didn’t want my relationships with my children to be in jeopardy, too.” And it almost cost him. “California wasn’t a very dad-friendly state back then,” Jaramillo says. “But I took my attorney’s advice to be present and available. Through my actions, my ex saw that I was willing to be there.” Over the following two years, he was granted more time with his children until he ultimately reached his goal. Alternately, DeFlavis and Carroll didn’t experience long, drawn-out custody battles. DeFlavis and his ex-wife agreed early on to split their time with the children equally; Carroll was quickly able to get a court order for full custody as his ex-wife struggled with drug addiction. Both say that their marriages ending “weren’t their choice.” But the choice that all three did make was to be an active father. And through their tribulations, all learned that being
Papa’s Got a Brand New BagSingle Dads Get Their Due
52 / A CLOSER LOOK / JUNE 2012 dtownmag.com / 53
BY JACK FIRNENO A CLOSER LOOK
talent. Speaking as a musician and for my colleagues, he’s not just an over-proud father. She’s good. The applause after each song was strong, but no one clapped louder than Caroll. “Look at this,” he said to me, with a mixture of unbridled pride and a hint of audacity. “This isn’t PTA parenting.” No, it’s not. It’s what happens when the dads are in charge. “I think fathers approach things a little differently when there’s no discussion to be had,” Carroll laughs. “There’s no one to tell me my daughter can’t be out late on a school night, because she’s playing her guitar. This is my family’s trade. But if her mom was around, she could put the brakes on it if she wanted to.” Jaramillo has a name for this sort of thing: Daddy Engineering. “There are certain things that are just a father’s solution to a problem,” he says. I bring up a video a singledad.com member posted on the site. In it, a father ties dental floss to his child’s loose tooth and attaches the other end to a toy rocket. It takes off, and the offending incisor gets yanked out. “It was hilarious. I remember my mom doing the same trick only with a door,” Jaramillo says. “The kid is worried about his tooth, but he’s also excited about the whole thing.” Through his Web site, Jaramillo sees an emerging culture of single fathers. “Dads have evolved over the last few decades. I think man was wired to be fundamentally drawn to systematically working on something and immersing themselves in it. But modern fathers have the ability to do a great job at multi-tasking and compartmentalizing what needs to be done. The single dads, the divorced dads, the stay-at-home dads: it’s the modern fraternity. We have our own codes. I still have poker night once a month – guys only. We prioritize our
quality time. We may not be able to hit the club on Saturday, because it’s our weekend with the kids. But we’ll meet up with other dads and their kids at the beach instead.”
The Silver Linings We FindWhile divorce is rough on everyone, all these dads agree that there are positive way to let circumstance enrich, rather than dampen, one’s life. “Dads tend to be uptight sometimes, and we forget we’re raising children. They live in a world of laughter and playfulness,” Jamarillo says. “You’re the barometer, the weather channel for the family. You can’t be stormy and gloomy all the time. We all need to relax and make sure we have fun.” For Jaramillo and DeFlavis, their custody arrangements mean less time with their kids. But it’s forced them to also take stock. “The relationships my kids and I have are much closer and stronger than they were before,” DeFlavis says. “We’ve had more meaningful conversations and have been able to open up with each other. I know I’ve changed significantly as a person and for the better.” Carroll’s divorce has actually had a long-term positive effect on his family. “Things were so bad for so long before my wife and I finally split up. We were in the soup and didn’t realize how hot the water was,” he says. But once things settled down, his children seemed much happier: “I went to back-to-school night for my son, and the teachers were telling me how he’d changed. He was a joy to be around, always smiling and helping out. And Allie really sprung loose. She started writing more songs and striving ahead.”
The Friends I’ve Made Did you notice how flippantly I reeled off all the things I had to do before writing this article? That Jaramillo pretty much just put
a single parent means that the time you have with your children becomes much more important. “It wasn’t that I didn’t focus on the kids when I was married,” DeFlavis recalls. “I saw them every day and wasn’t always conscious of how I spent the time.” Now, he says, he schedules anything he wants or needs to do on the days his children are with their mother
The Challenges We FaceBy the time Carroll’s divorce was finalized, he had already been taking over many of the household responsibilities – a role single parents know all too well. But handling it all was still a bit overwhelming. “Every ride to practice, every meal, every school meeting. The shopping, cooking and cleaning. And going out and making the money. It was a lot,” Carroll remembers. “The biggest challenge was just getting it all done. All of a sudden, nobody was there to help with any of it.” And being a single father typically produces a unique set of obstacles. DeFlavis initially had worries about taking on responsibilities outside his usual skill sets. “For me, I was concerned about making my house into a home. That’s not usually a guy skill,” he explains. “I can paint walls and get furniture, but I didn’t know if I could make it all come together.” There are also the challenges of dealing with the divorce itself. “The loss is so much bigger than people anticipate. Financially and emotionally, it encompasses so much of your life,” DeFlavis says. “That was the tough thing for me, realizing just how broken my heart was” And the parents, he notes, don’t go through it alone: “It definitely affects your kids. They take their cues from you.” Carroll recalls his youngest son, now eight, acting out: “He was just very difficult to deal with for a while.” Conversely, DeFlavis’
children turned inward. “My daughter just stopped wanting to spend any time with me, which I thought was weird because we had a good relationship,” he remembers. “It’s tough because you want to fix these thing right away, but you have to be patient.” But if dads are good at nothing else, it’s fixing stuff, right? Carroll consulted a psychiatrist and was surprised to learn that full disclosure was his best option. “It was something I didn’t want him to know about,” he says. “But after I explained things to him, it was like a light switch turning on.” DeFlavis also found that open, honest communication was the way to lead his children back to their usual lives. “I just had to be there and be consistent,” he says. “Through time and many conversations, things got better.” DeFlavis also became” very intentional” about spending time alone with each child: “Our thing became going to concerts. They both like different groups, and over the last few years, I’ve gone to a number of concerts with each.”
The Way We Do ThingsLate last year, I got an e-mail from Carroll. Rock ‘n’ roll was the subject line. As a drummer, I had met him at an open mic night I frequent. He wanted me to play drums along with his daughter, then-16-year-old Allie, who had been playing guitar for years. He had begun bringing her out so she could get comfortable performing in public. “She needs to stand up more when she plays,” he wrote. The next time I saw the Carrolls, the sign-up sheet to perform filled quickly. Allie didn’t go on until well after mid-night. It was a Sunday during the school year. But Carroll knew what he was do-ing. His father had played guitar, and his kids were now taking the reigns. Allie was still a little shy, but he knew she had
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his head down and begin barreling toward single custody? That DeFlavis seemed to just magically solve his own problems? It’s all true, and it’s how single fathers speak. These things had to be done, so we did them. End of story. Except it’s not. I’d like to thank these three men for speaking so frankly with me, especially knowing their words would end up in print. But I don’t think they truly plumbed the emotional depths of their situations. And if I’m right, I wouldn’t fault them for it. It’s stuff nobody wants to get into. But they’ve done most of the talking. It’s time for me to do my own. On a recent morning, in the lead-up to preparing this article, I calmly excused myself from the daily get-ready-for-school routine. I went in my room, locked the door and set the alarm for 20 minutes later. Then I cried into a pillow until it went off. It was a singular event, and I don’t know exactly what brought it on. Maybe it was just a bad day. Maybe the stories from these interviews swirling in my head. Maybe I’d just reached maximum capacity. But whatever the reason, it was a torrent of confusion, frustration, blinding anger and utter despair. For those 20 minutes, I felt like it must have been someone else running this house for the past two-and-a-half years. It surely couldn’t be the kid here now, who couldn’t keep a marriage together and barely keeps the house clean. At some point, a real man had stepped in. And now he’s gone. The alarm went off. I washed my face, went downstairs and walked the kids to school. Then I sat down and started to write and saw bits and pieces of myself everywhere in this story. I had come to terms with the devastating changes in my life and figured out how to move forward. These weren’t things I could do, but things I was already doing.
BY JACK FIRNENO
54 / A CLOSER LOOK / JUNE 2012
15 South Main StreetNew Hope, PA215.862.7044
marshabrownrestaurant.com
BY INGRID WEIDMANPHOTOS BY WENDY McCARDLE
Defying Culinary Expectations
In the demanding world of the restaurant industry, the inspiration that drives purveyors of the culinary craft can vary greatly. For Justin Kaplan, owner and executive chef at Palate, located at 31 South State St. in Newtown, his first taste came almost as soon as his earliest memories. “I come from a family of in-house cooks and adventurous diners,” Kaplan says. “From a young age, I was taught to view food without fear or inhibitions.” Incorporating both familial traditions and the constant need to challenge himself into his epicurean philosophy, Palate is quickly cementing its place as a unique and creative option among the crowded Bucks County dining scene. With his already well-developed passion for food, Kaplan earned a degree in the culinary arts and hospitality and management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. And while his education helped Kaplan earn his stripes, it was
his experience behind the line in some of the area’s finest kitchens that provided the inspiration for what would one day become his bistro-style restaurant. “I knew I wanted to have my own place,” Kaplan says. “We converted a toy store into what is now Palate. Construction began in November 2009. Eight months later, we opened our doors.” Melding the best of different cultures and styles, Palate’s menu is refreshing and imaginative in both their execution and ingredients. Utilizing local sources such as Blue Moon Farm, the Tubby Olive, Milk House Farm and Shady Brook Farm, Kaplan has abundant opportunities to create fresh and exciting dishes. Changing their menu with the seasons, typically about five times a year, Palate leaves their customers with constant reasons for return visits. “We live in an area where we can take advantage of fresh produce and seasonal ingredients,” Kaplan explains.
Palate
FOOD & DINING
“I love what I do, and our entire concentration is on food.”
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31 South State StreetNewtown, PA 18940
215.860.2898palatenewtown.com
city dining close to home
byob
dtownmag.com / 57
BY INGRID WEIDMANPHOTOS BY WENDY McCARDLE
58 / FOOD & DINING / JUNE 2012
FOOD & DINING
“I wouldn’t call myself hyper-local or hyper-seasonal, but I do take advantage of what’s around me.” Palate’s spring menu features appetizers including seared foie gras with a strawberry-and-maple bread pudding and the crab-and-lobster salad with avocado, grapefruit, basil and radish. “We serve a mixed-squash soup with a Tubby Olive black-currant Balsamic that has been so popular we haven’t been able to take it off the menu,” Kaplan says. “We had one customer, who was pregnant, that craved it so much we delivered it to her in the hospital.” Palate’s spring menu also features entrees that are sure to delight the epicurios and casual diner alike. The pan-roasted tri-tip steak with spring-root veloute, spring peas, salsifiy, tomatoes and a Tubby Olive dark-chocolate Balsamic is quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Another popular option is the scallops with
roasted cauliflower, chorizo, littleneck clams, broccoli rabe and raisins or Arctic char with Kalamata relish, blood orange, sherry stewed tomatoes and crispy potatoes. Kaplan has also been careful to offer more causal fare on both their lunch and dinner menus, as well. “At first, I wanted to keep our menus high end, but I saw a need for lighter choices,” he says. “And the opportunity for another challenge.” Palate’s house-ground short-rib burger is served with either three-hour onions, aged cheddar, hickory-smoked bacon and their signature burger sauce or with wild mushrooms, roasted peppers, a sunny-side egg and farm-tomme cheese. Either option has left Kaplan’s customers with a distinct impression. “Many people have told me it’s the best burger they have ever had,” he says. And if sandwiches are your thing – and you know your Vietnamese
Palate is open for lunch Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday brunch is also offered from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
dtownmag.com / 59
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street food – you’ll be happy to find a bahn mi sandwich on Palate’s menu. The distinct offering is a traditional concoction of Vietnamese shredded pork with carrots, cucumber, cilantro and a spicy chili mayo. Diners are invited to bring their favorite wines to accompany their meals. Palate is proudly a BYOB establishment and is also available for catering on or off-site. “We have a room available for private parties, or you can rent the entire restaurant for up to 55 guests,” Kaplan says. “We can cater weddings, graduations, anything. We will even open on a Monday for an event, as well.” But beyond mere dining, Palate is also an active community member. On June 10, Kaplan will participate in Shir Ami’s, 5K Run for Food, a fundraising event sponsored by the Newtown synagogue. All proceeds will donated to the Penndel Food Pantry. Later that day, Palate will be part of Newtown’s Strollin’ Down the
Street. A three-course progressive dinner for only $40, patrons are invited to an introduction to fine olive oils and vinegars at the Tubby Olive, appetizers at the Temperance House, dinner at Palate and the Zebra Striped Whale for dessert. And while succeeding in the restaurant business is an ever-evolving challenge, perhaps Kaplan’s biggest test is keeping his offerings as inventive and imaginative as it’s been over the past three years. “The term ‘New American Cuisine’ has been so watered down. I’d much rather say I cook delicious,” Kaplan says. “I really like to listen to my customers and get their honest feedback. I love what I do, and, being a BYOB, our entire concentration is on food. We put our heart into everything we do here, and I truly hope our customers can see that.”
For more information and a complete look at the menu, go online at palatenewtown.com
BY INGRID WEIDMANPHOTOS BY WENDY McCARDLE
60 / FOOD & DINING / JUNE 2012
62 / BACKPAGE / JUNE 2012
BY CARLA MEROLLA ODELL
It’s 10 a.m., and I’m sitting at Starbucks. I have some time to kill, so I thought I’d get a little work done. But instead of preparing for a presentation I have in an hour, I feel compelled to recount what has just occurred. While waiting for my coffee and toasted bagel with cream cheese – and I sure do wish Starbucks would smear the schmear themselves – the middle-aged man behind me in line placed this order: “I’ll have a large coffee.” The guy in the green apron standing on the other side of the counter pointed to the new uber-size, the Trenta, and the man shook his head no. “Well, do you want a Venti then? And what kind of coffee would you like?” After a somewhat-lengthy Q&A considering there was a line, the customer ordered a Tall Blonde Roast, since he thought it rather fun to ask for a tall blonde. But then, he requested cream! I find this astounding. At first, I tossed the “large” up to customer rebellion, as my somewhat-rebellious best friend refuses to use Starbucks-speak. However, the request-to-add-cream thing seemed to indicate a greater issue. Who was this guy who didn’t know that patrons add their own? And sweetener too? Could this possibly be his first visit to a Starbucks?
I remember my first visit to a cash machine, which was at a Chemical Bank – I am that old – outside the Time-Life Building in New York. My pulse quickened with every step forward, afraid the people behind me would know this was my first time if I took too long to read the selections or if I made a mistake and had to cancel out and start all over again. I knew starting again was an option, because I’d watched my then-best friend use her Chase card on West 57th before mine arrived. So I wonder if Mr. Large Coffee was nervous. Had he pulled into the parking lot and given himself a pep talk before crossing the threshold into uncharted waters? My apologies for mixing metaphors. Either way, nervous or confident, I applaud him for bucking the trend this long. There are certain aspects of the hip, modern life I am considering abandoning due to exhaustion or “downsizing,” like my Facebook account, Living Social, several of the groups I joined to make my LinkedIn profile look sexier and my iPhone because the touchscreen drives me batty. But as long as I have work to do, time to kill and free wifi, I’ll still be living la vida grande.
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