ORGANIC WITH STYLE

Every day is Earth Day at Organic Style in the Shoppes at the Arcade, Asbury Park. 

 

Founder of Organic Style, Nancy Ehrlich dedicates 20 hours every month to find the best, hard-to-unearth, planet-friendly products for you and your home. 

 

I am not talking Birkenstocks, granola and unkempt underarms.  I am talking reasonably priced, useful, quality products designed for the 21^st Century, which make a difference in your house, health and Earth. 

 

“I always want to share and learn and teach what I learn about being environmentally aware,” stated Nancy, a Wanamassa resident.  “My store enables me to do this and hopefully enables my customers to easily find products that help them positively impact the environment in their everyday lives.”

 

Some of the many great products that would make the King of Coaster “green” columns, Tom Pivinski, happy include:

 

Kiss My Face

A fabulously huge line of natural and organic products for your body including: lotions, lip balms, sun care, hair care, shave cream, cosmetics, toothpaste and super soaps made of 86% olive oil –  with zero foamers and artificial colors.  “Mediterranean Olive oil has been used for centuries to naturally moisturize the skin,” Nancy continued.

 

My favorite is the Liquid Rock deodorant.  Founders Bob and Steve were the first to liquefy crystal deodorant stones for personal use 20 years ago. 

 

Earth Friendly Products

A variety of plant-based, all-natural, essential oil cleaning products – pet care, detergents, soaps and more.  Pet Dander-Out got the Day’s stank off of my Truman, naturally.  They tell me that they are the only formaldehyde-free green cleaners made in the USA. 

 

BioKleen Cleaning Products

“Every cleaning choice you make affects the health of your family and the planet,” stated Nancy.  BioKleen’s products for your laundry, home and pet are Ozone safe and release no phosphates or hazardous materials. 

 

Glee Gum

If you know me, you know I love me my bubble gum and this is my new favorite.  Glee Gum is the only chewing gum around that is made with chicle – sap of the Sapodilla tree and the original main ingredient in gum – a renewable resource from the rainforests in Central America.

 

Nancy’s stock does not stop there.  You’ll also find baby clothes, lady’s accessories and cosmetics.

 

Even the gorgeous sales counter and shelves in her store are green.  The counter is made of oak floorboards and the shelves are treads from old stairs, salvaged from a 200 year old Pennsylvania farm. 

 

More bargains on the products I mention are available at Nancy’s Earth Day celebration this Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm.  She’ll also have food samples and educational presentations, including the conversion of a camping trailer into a biodiesel vehicle (way cool).    

 

Briefly:  Cheers to Alex and Ramon, new owners of the completely renovated and re-launched Fisher’s Chat & Nibble, which celebrates its grand opening throughout April and May.  You’ll find the same yummy fare with new additions and the incomparable Raphael.  For those fresh to the area, Chat & Nibble is a local landmark and was the original “center of the universe” for everyone participating in our City’s rebirth.

 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

EVENTFUL GUY

The sleek blonde you see running around Asbury Park faster than a lesbian to a U-Haul is Aaron Coleman, events coordinator at Mattison Park and brilliant guy packed with the talent and creativity to rock this town. 

 

For more than one year Aaron has been organizing some of the best, inspired and grand events in our City.  Aaron knows how to throw a party New York-style and make everyone feel welcome.

 

“My goal is to get the fun, glamorous feeling that Asbury Park had years ago, back,” stated Aaron.  “I want everyone to feel great and that they are part of something special when they come to have fun in town.”

 

Prior to moving full-time to Ocean Grove last year, with his partner Nicholas, Aaron spent the previous 10 years in New York City developing his event and marketing expertise by working directly with one of the top hair stylists in the U.S. 

 

You and I both know a number of people in town that are all smoke and mirrors, trying to be a big fish in a small Sunset Lake.  Aaron is the real deal – quality, originality, taste and substance with the background and energy to hold it all up. 

 

He’s got a pulse on what’s great and special, translating a familiar cosmopolitan atmosphere to a new demographic in our one-of-a-kind City by the Sea. 

 

At 32 years old, he is one of the ones to watch in our City.  At 42, I predict he will have played a huge part in our City’s nightlife and entertainment successes.  He is the new Shep Pettibone. 

 

And I am just one of a sea of people who see a star in Aaron.  Last week, Starline Films chose Aaron and Mattison Park to coordinate their Film Festival party for 50 VIPs and bold-faced names including: Danny Aiello, Vinny Pestore, Montel Williams, Randy Jones, Kwame Jackson and Chris Noth. 

 

In seven days, Aaron rallied the troops, secured sponsors, developed a theme and seamlessly executed the Starline Party, complete with red carpet, velvet ropes and sky tracker lights for the entrance – leaving the best, first-class impression of Asbury Park on genuinely influential people.

 

“Having an interesting, diverse group of people and a great location are the major components to a great party,” stated Aaron.  “Asbury Park and Mattison Park have this component built right in.”

 

Mattison Park, located in the former First Merchant’s National Bank building – renovated last year to the tune of $800,000 by owner Kris Karcich – celebrated its one year anniversary last month.

 

Aaron gave me a preview of the upcoming events he is planning at Mattison Park, and you should Blackberry:

 

Dinner and a Movie, Sundays in April.  Continuing the Film Festival theme, every Sunday in April at 7 pm, the main room will be transformed into an intimate lounge theatre screening the movies Rent, Across the Universe and Moulin Rouge.

 

Tuesdays in May, starting the 13^th, see Viva Vagina (yup, I said it) directed by Marjorie Conn of Ocean Grove.  Similar to the Vagina Monologues, ladies offer poignant performances about their most feminine of areas.  Special guests each week include Dr. Geena and Susan Pelligrini.

 

First weekend in June, Mattison Park sponsors the Gay Pride Festival and a parade float celebrating our City’s diversity.   

 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

EVENTFUL GUY

The sleek blonde you see running around Asbury Park faster than a lesbian to a U-Haul is Aaron Coleman, events coordinator at Mattison Park and brilliant guy packed with the talent and creativity to rock this town. 

For more than one year Aaron has been organizing some of the best, inspired and grand events in our City.  Aaron knows how to throw a party New York-style and make everyone feel welcome.

“My goal is to get the fun, glamorous feeling that Asbury Park had years ago, back,” stated Aaron.  “I want everyone to feel great and that they are part of something special when they come to have fun in town.”

Prior to moving full-time to Ocean Grove last year, with his partner Nicholas, Aaron spent the previous 10 years in New York City developing his event and marketing expertise by working directly with one of the top hair stylists in the U.S. 

You and I both know a number of people in town that are all smoke and mirrors, trying to be a big fish in a small Sunset Lake.  Aaron is the real deal – quality, originality, taste and substance with the background and energy to hold it all up. 

He’s got a pulse on what’s great and special, translating a familiar cosmopolitan atmosphere to a new demographic in our one-of-a-kind City by the Sea. 

At 32 years old, he is one of the ones to watch in our City.  At 42, I predict he will have played a huge part in our City’s nightlife and entertainment successes.  He is the new Shep Pettibone. 

And I am just one of a sea of people who see a star in Aaron.  Last week, Starline Films chose Aaron and Mattison Park to coordinate their Film Festival party for 50 VIPs and bold-faced names including: Danny Aiello, Vinny Pestore, Montel Williams, Randy Jones, Kwame Jackson and Chris Noth. 

In seven days, Aaron rallied the troops, secured sponsors, developed a theme and seamlessly executed the Starline Party, complete with red carpet, velvet ropes and sky tracker lights for the entrance – leaving the best, first-class impression of Asbury Park on genuinely influential people.

“Having an interesting, diverse group of people and a great location are the major components to a great party,” stated Aaron.  “Asbury Park and Mattison Park have this component built right in.”

Mattison Park, located in the former First Merchant’s National Bank building – renovated last year to the tune of $800,000 by owner Kris Karcich – celebrated its one year anniversary last month.

Aaron gave me a preview of the upcoming events he is planning at Mattison Park, and you should Blackberry:

Dinner and a Movie, Sundays in April.  Continuing the Film Festival theme, every Sunday in April at 7 pm, the main room will be transformed into an intimate lounge theatre screening the movies Rent, Across the Universe and Moulin Rouge.

Tuesdays in May, starting the 13^th, see Viva Vagina (yup, I said it) directed by Marjorie Conn of Ocean Grove.  Similar to the Vagina Monologues, ladies offer poignant performances about their most feminine of areas.  Special guests each week include Dr. Geena and Susan Pelligrini.

First weekend in June, Mattison Park sponsors the Gay Pride Festival and a parade float celebrating our City’s diversity.   

Richard@TheBPlot.com

CENTER A LA CARTE 2008

Last Thursday, I eavesdropped on the closed-door planning meeting for the biggest and most exciting benefit our area sees all season.  I am talking about the Center a la Carte Gala – signature benefit for The Center in Asbury Park.  From what heard, this year’s will be the best one yet.

 

The room was filled with the area’s iconic restaurant owners, chefs and event organizers – all cooking up (I couldn’t resist) great plans for your fun. 

 

The Captains of Cuisine revealed that this, the 15^th Anniversary of the event, will feature three big “firsts:” a record number of participating restaurants serving signature dishes and drinks, a never-before number of Asbury Park restaurants involved and a move to a great new location (reported first in The Coaster five weeks ago) – the Convention Center on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park. 

 

This event is an Asbury Park Classic, last year raising more than $70,000.  It’s an elegant, energetic, fresh tulip-filled, casual night of familiar, smiling faces thanks to many volunteers, including five-time co-chairs of the evening Amy Grandinetti and Sam Nativo, owner, Mix Lounge & Food Bar. 

 

“It’s a magical night,” stated Amy.  “Guests will enjoy a spectacular new venue at the ocean and Asbury Park boardwalk, partnered with the same tradition of a joyous event organized by genuine people who care about an organization and the community it serves.”

 

Tons of your friends and neighbors – decked out in perky pastels, debuting newly liposuctioned bodies – burst out of hibernation to play, eat and drink.  It’s the unofficial kick-off of the summer entertaining season and the perfect way to preview every hot restaurant’s fare before the crowd descends on the area.

 

“Center a la Carte is quintessentially Asbury Park,” stated Jeffrey Haveson of Plan B, a new participating restaurant.  “All the restaurants involved are committed to the community.”

 

Additional new participating restaurants, as of press time: Asbury Park Roastery, Baker Boys, Carmine’s, D&L BBQ, Harrison, Isabella’s, Market in the Middle, Mattison Park, Munch, Saltwater Beach Café, Synaxis, Taka and many more to be confirmed.

 

Returning restaurants:  Cask 591, Ducky Life Tea, Kessler’s Caters, Freddy, Jesse’s Café, Lusty Lobster, Mix Lounge & Food Bar, Moonstruck, Mumford’s Culinary Center, The Perfect Perk, Silk Caterers, Starbuck Coffee, Tasty Pantry, Windmill Restaurants and more.

 

“Moonstruck founders Luke and Howard are local heroes,” stated Clark Shannon, The Center.  “They continue to pay-it-forward and are a huge reason for the success of this event and the City.”

 

Center a la Carte, Friday, May 16, 7 p.m.  Call 732.774.3416, ext. 14.  Tickets $100.  Reserved table for 10, $1,000.  Valet parking courtesy of Madison Marquette.

 

BRIEFLY:  See you at the New Jersey Film Festival, kicking off tonight.  Howard Stern’s fiancée Beth Ostrosky stars in “Saturday Morning.”  I hear she and he or more probably, simply, she may appear in our great City.  I also hear most of the films around town on Sunday have a ‘queer’ slant – some more defined than others.  Looking forward to another amazing year of beyond amazing creativity.  How lucky are we to have this in our backyard?  All the scoop is at GSFF.org.  More next week. 

 

…and huge congratulations to Ken and his Munch Restaurant on Cookman Avenue.  He celebrates Munch’s first anniversary this Saturday, during First Night, with merriment and a special menu.  Maybe cake – I love cake.  Reservations: 732.775.0444.

 

Richard@TheBPlot.com