NAME GAME

As you enjoy our great area businesses with your family and friends this summer, here’s Chapter 2 (the first, published last Fall, see TheCoaster.net) in the story of how some businesses got their names. 

Laila’s Latin Infused Cuisine

“I was working for a big corporation when I learned my daughter was pregnant,” sated Wanda Lamboy, co-owner with her partner Diane Contreras.  “At that time, I wanted two things: to be able to have lots of time with my grand daughter and own a restaurant.  I quit my job and in May, 2007 we bought the restaurant and my granddaughter Laila, was born.  We named the restaurant after my beautiful grand daughter who was the inspiration for me to follow my dream and leave the corporate world.”      

Clementine’s in Avon

“Bobby and I wanted a name for our restaurant that had a southern feel, since his cooking is a mixture of Creole, New Orleans and southern,” stated Michael Rathsmith, co-owner and 35 year resident of Asbury Park.  “The original name, ‘Clementine’s Café and Collectables’ sounded great and it summed up the restaurant and the vintage items we sell in the restaurant, too.  Now, we love, the shorter, ‘Clementine’s’.”

I love elegant southern food and Bobby and Michael do it in an amazing, uber-special way.  Fried oysters, Cajun Ribeye, and Bobby’s grandmother’s secret recipe for bread pudding are some of the most popular dishes.  I seriously love everything they serve. 

D&L Bar-B-Que

“Our passion for food is very personal,” stated Lisa Devon, co-owner, with Devon McLean.  “To demonstrate how personal our business is to us, we used the initials of our first names for the name of our restaurant.  We stand behind using the freshest ingredients and offering great service.  Our name represents our dedication to our customers.”

The only way to describe the ribs at D&L is “insanely outrageously good.”  They celebrate their first anniversary serving amazing ribs next month. 

Munch

“I wanted a name that was fun, playful, memorable, just like the food I serve,” stated Ken Le.  “I also wanted it to be visual.  I went through at least 50 names before choosing ‘Munch’.”

Synaxis at the Shore

“The name had to capture my vision of what I wanted the restaurant and bar to be,” stated Savas Tsivicos, owner.  “I wanted it to be a destination at the shore – an additional reason to come to Asbury Park.  A place where friends could come together.  I was in church one day and there was a celebration of the Synaxis of the Apostles.  Synaxis comes from the Greek word ‘synago,’ meaning ‘gathering, assembly or big reunion.’  When I saw the joyous celebration at my church, at that moment, I realized Synaxis was the right name.”

Stellar names, stellar businesses.

Briefly:  The reviews are in for ReVision Theatre’s production of Hello, Dolly!  “A great New York theatre experience in our backyard” – Billy Mecca.  The raving buzz went on and on and on.  Cheers to David, Thomas, Stephen, Richard and the entire ReVision team.  We want more.

Prediction – Rihanna’s new single, Disturbia, will become the Anthem of Summer 2008.  The lyrics were made for our City:  “Throw on your break lights…we are in a city of wonder.”  Can’t wait to see you dance to Shep’s remix at Paradise.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

BEACH BREATHS

Between contractors not finishing on time, the economy, property values, the redevelopment of the boardwalk, the election and other more personal tribulations, many of us are crazed and rarely take enough time to breathe, relax and enjoy the fabulousness of our town and friends. 

Inhale stress, exhale love, as my friend Lory Torgerson says.

I recently discovered a great new way in town to take a moment and relax.

Every Saturday morning, area resident Arthur Fama facilitates an extraordinary meditation program for a diverse group of men and women on the best beach around. 

“We work together on calming the mind in both seated position and through walking meditation and explore together ways to bring this practice into everyday life,” stated Arthur, who has been studying meditation for years.  “By observing the mind in meditation, we come to know our true selves – what pushes our buttons, how we habitually react and what we can do to learn to be with our feelings and to just let things pass rather than getting all knotted up.”  

The “knotted boys and girls around here” list I started was longer than Mr. Big from Sex in the City.  See you guys on Saturday.   

“Although I draw from Eastern traditions in my approach with the Group, I make sure the practice is accessible to everyone – regardless of religious, philosophical or spiritual background,” continued Arthur. 

My mom, a regular morning walker of the “boards,” always says that early after sunrise is the most beautiful time of day at the beach.

“No prior meditation experience is necessary,” stated Arthur.  “Everyone is welcome to come with simply good intentions and an open heart.  If you try it and find that it’s just not for you, no problem.”

What an amazing new way to enjoy our beach thanks to another turbo-talented local.

Meditation with Arthur Fama:  Every sunny Saturday at 8.30 am (arrive early), Asbury Park beach, between Sunset Avenue and Sixth Avenue.  Rainy Saturdays at Trinity Church.  Bring a large towel to sit on.  More info:  arthurfama@yahoo.com.

Briefly:  Show off your tan at Gay Bowling this Saturday, 7 pm, in Asbury Lanes, Fourth Avenue.  Gay card not required.  Hosted by Barron of Bowling, Michael Delia.  The next Gay Bowling is in September. 

Also, huge kudos to Brett Colby, chairperson of ArtsCAP, for the amazing work he and his team did on the Tri-City Arts Tour.  The streets being filled with visitors, in spite of the 95 degree-in-the-evening temperature, was a testament to his dedication to the promotion of the arts in our community.

And, check out PBS’s fascinating “Anyone and Everyone.”  It’s a documentary about how parents from every imaginable background – rich, poor, black, white, cowboy, Mormon, Jew, Catholic, and Hindu – managed when they learned their child was gay.  “I wanted to document a variety of stories to create understanding and compassion,” stated Filmmaker Susan Polis Schultz.    

Richard@TheBPlot.com

FATHER’S DNA 2008

Everyone in Asbury Park resembles a character from Sex in the City.  For Sex in Our City, which character are you?  I think I channel Miranda most often.

Some friends believe I most resemble the character Charlotte.  This, partially because Truman is the baby I adopted from Asbury Park Animal Control.  Kind of similar, I guess, to when Charlotte adopted a child from China. 

This Father’s Day, Truman celebrates his second year as my adopted baby.  He is definitely a Virgilio family member – making me crazy and love him concurrently. 

I received the results of my baby’s Wisdom Panel doggy DNA test.  The eight-pages of customized results were surprising and the information that accompanied the results was cooler than I ever imagined. 

A few weeks ago I told you Truman and I went to the Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital and visited with Asbury Park resident Dr. Danielle Rawlins D.V.M.  Dr. Danielle graciously and patiently explained the test, its implications and extracted a teeny vial of blood from him.         

Two weeks later I received the results.

The most surprising revelation was that Truman has zero of the Boxer breed in him.  You and I – judging from the emails you sent me – really would have put money on the fact that he was partially Boxer.

Truman is comprised of five different breeds of dogs, demonstrating – when I think about it – noticeable traits from all of them:  Irish Terrier, Border Terrier, Mastiff, Bulldog, Bullmastiff and Staffordshire Terrier.

There’s tons more amazing detail in the “results package” however I refuse to become one of “those people” who drone on about how perfectly, dynamically genetically interesting their baby or grandchild is.

The results of this, the most extensive canine DNA test around (detecting 134 AKC recognized breeds), will prove invaluable for the long and short term – immediately to explain some of his personality and more; for years to come, to help determine potential health risks and how to avoid these risks, as Truman ages. 

The info empowers his veterinarian and I – actually saving me money by eliminating the need for some potential future health screenings. 

Doesn’t it just blow your mind that there is a DNA test for dogs?  I know Carrie Bradshaw would be impressed.

Wisdom Panel DNA test:  $124.95 (online) plus vet fees, which should simply be for a standard exam. More info at: WisdomPanel.com. 

Briefly:  See you this Saturday, 8 pm, at ReVision Theatre’s debut one-night performance of Richard Skipper as Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!, at the Paramount Theatre.

Also, I am loving David Sedaris’ just-launched tome “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.”  David is totally one of my favorite writers.  Great gift for Dad – it’s what my dad is getting.  Great beach read, too.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THEBPLOT – THE AREA’S MOST-READ LIFESTYLE SITE

SEXY IN OUR CITY

Take a “staycation” this year and stay at home during your summer vacation.  Enjoy our beach and all the town has to offer.  Asbury Park’s beach was voted the sixth top beach in New Jersey, in a new poll of beachgoers conducted by the Marine Sciences Consortium.

For those behind the eight-ball, here are some instant gratification ways to get on the Fifth Avenue beach fashionably and happily:

Suiting Up

Bob Reuter, owner of Etc. on Cookman Avenue offers tips to help you find a bathing suit that hides your muffin top and gets you attention like paparazzi to a Britney Spears Starbucks run:

1. Don’t be afraid to look in the mirror and realize what is hot on you. 

2. Wear a bathing suit that makes you smile inside and others smile outside.

3. Take a risk.  And wear it confidently.

Check out Bob’s great selection of bathing suits from Frivole, Priape Wear and Ruf Skin, along with a fab assortment of beach bags, housewares, underwear and more.

Beach Body

Speaking of bathing suits, I have a buddy in town that was dreading – as many of us were – getting into a bathing suit this summer.

He did the Jenny Craig program and was so pleased and happy with the results, I had to tell you about it.  It was inspiring and exciting to see him energized.

Every diet he tried in the past he hated or did not work effectively for his life.  Jenny worked for him.   

I was impressed with how great the food was.  I sampled some of the meals and they were not the least bit like eating chemicals or a block of salt.  The meals and snacks were so good, I would buy it just for the appropriate portions and convenience.

What’s even better is that Jenny has a section of her website dedicated to her gays – the “Rainbow Support Group.”  A ton of members live in our area.

Jenny may be right for you, too. 

Protection

Being as red as a Sunday morning Bloody Mary is not sexy.  Clinique has a great variety of quality suncreens and post-sun skincare products – that won’t irritate your skin.  My skin is ultra-sensitive and Clinique always does me proud.

Cocktail:

The new, fun summertime cocktail is the Asbury Fluffer – Ginger Ale with Peach Schnapps.  Garnish with a peach slice. 

Briefly:  Last weekend you observed the mating rituals of the gays at the GLBTI Pride Festival, this Saturday evening check out the mating rituals of the Horseshoe Crabs.  A Wanamassa resident, who heads the Marine Sciences Consortium, coordinates this annual event (the first full moon in June) in Sandy Hook, which details the unique connection horseshoe crabs have to the moon.  It’s genuinely great fun for adults and kids, like the best of the National Geographic Network – live and a testament to the spectacular wonders of Mother Nature.  Happiness is a Horseshoe Crab:  children’s crafts, brief lecture and twilight walk begin at 6.30 pm.  Dress warmly.  Call: 732.872.1300 ext. 22, NJMSC.org.

Richard@TheBPlot.com