CHEF SECRETS

SPRING BREAK 2009

I could only describe it as adorable when I learned the other day that the hot Russian model, with six-pack abs and just right everything else I was watching on MTV Spring Break was talking about something that could be “supersized” when he was describing his favorite American meal indulgence.

“They say it is a…umm…McRib…sandwich,” delicious model said, smiling and laughing. “I eat at McDonalds all the time. McRib has no bones.”

Hot Model Guy must have just gone on an audition for a McDonald’s commercial – his fierce beach body gave no hint of a regular diet of Mc-dining.

What’s your favorite food secret extravagance? I spoke with a few local culinary talents about what they crave when their own fare is not on the menu.

Michael Rathsmith and Bobby Johnson (25-year residents of Asbury Park) of Clementine’s in Avon:

“We will go to the Olive Garden, sit at the bar and eat breadsticks. I order the gorgonzola pasta with short ribs on top and take half home for lunch the next day. Bobby gets the stuffed chicken marsala. One other place we love is Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Route 66. We get burgers with jalapeño peppers, mayo, mustard and ketchup and regular fries. It’s so good.”

Michael also shared that he set up the restaurant’s outdoor tables last weekend featuring new Clementine-colored sun umbrellas.

Ken Le of Munch:

“I love Thai food, especially Pad Thai. I am actually having that tonight at Teak in Red Bank. I also love spare ribs from anywhere but my ultimate comfort food is a fresh baked ham.”

Beginning May 15, Munch will be open for dinner on ArtsCAP’s Collide-A-Scope Fridays. May 15 is the first day of the Tri-City Arts Tour, too.

Jeffrey Haveson from Restaurant Plan B:

“Ice cream anywhere anytime. Does not matter what kind – Breyer’s, Dairy Queen – I just love ice cream. I’ll have a Klondike bar for lunch sometimes.”

Marilyn Schlossbach, Langosta Lounge:

“My favorite place to go is Vic’s in Bradley Beach – I worked their as a waitress when I was younger – and my favorite thing to order, with my husband Scott, is a white pie with broccoli, garlic and ricotta. Their garlic bread is the best and I always get the chopped antipasto salad with herb dressing.”

I’ll take all of the above, including the model.

Briefly: The Center’s 16th Annual Center a la Carte happens next Friday (May 8). It is summer’s unofficial coming out. Call for tickets.

Cheers to this year’s participating restaurants: Asbury Park Roastery, Belmonte’s, Bistro Ole, Branches Catering, Carmines, Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County, Ducky Life Tea, The Harrison, Il Pavone Gelateria, Jesse’s Café, Kessler’s Catering, Laila’s, Langosta Lounge, Lusty Lobster, The Mix Lounge and Food Bar, Moonstruck, Mumford’s Culinary Center, Munch, Perfect Perk, Plan B, Silk Catering, Starbucks, Synaxis at the Shore, Taka, Tasty Pantry by Elaine, Windmill.

Finally, this is the last weekend to attend ReVision Theatre’s “Kingdom”. Please go. My mom loved it. I loved it. You will love the songs, story and dynamic cast.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

THE DOG ISSUE

Asbury Park saw its best weather of the year, so far, last weekend – eighty-five degrees and sunny with a beautiful breeze. Spring fever was all over. I love the first days of guys in shorts after a long winter.

Saturday and Sunday were perfect days to take a walk on the boardwalk with your family – however “family” is defined for you.

I hope, however, you did not bring your dog to the boardwalk, as I saw a few misguided out-of-towners with money to spend, do.

On Sunday, as I was petting the dogs, an ever-so-gentlemanly police officer kindly explained to the couple that “no dogs are allowed on the boardwalk, ever.”

The surprised couple – again, wanting shop, eat, enjoy our boardwalk and regale their friends with great boardwalk stories about Asbury Park, got in their cars and left.

The issue of allowing pets on the boardwalk has gotten a lot of attention lately – it’s one of the hottest topics on the “Yahoo! List”, initiated a community meeting at Asbury Bark (see previous article at TheCoaster.net) and, as a result of the meeting, the city council has organized to develop a solution to the “dogs on the boardwalk” issue.

“Can you imagine Hudson River Park or the Santa Monica beach if everyone had to walk their bike or leave their dog at home?” said resident Dan Guevara. “We want to enjoy what we rightfully deserve and pay for with our taxes.”

I, and many others, agree with Dan. It seems that politicos in town are listening regarding this simple quality of life issue.

“We can come to a compromise for dog access to the boardwalk during peek hours, during peek season,” said Councilman Ed Johnson, owner of two cats and, to his credit, who I saw as the first outspoken politico on the subject. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t work together – dog owners, dog lovers, people who don’t have a preference to enable everyone to enjoy all the city has to offer.”

Since the meeting at Asbury Bark, many scenarios and suggestions have been proposed.

“I am in support of a pilot program of allowing dogs on the boardwalk possibly making it a revenue generator for the City by selling doggie badges,” said Councilwoman and owner of two dogs Sue Henderson.

The badge concept sounds like a lot of bureaucracy to me, however anything is better than what we have now.

“Even with leashed dogs there has got to be some kind of enforcement as far as controlling your animal and waste. I am not the only council member who has gotten calls to please not allow dogs on the boardwalk,” said Councilman John Loffredo who is also leaning towards some sort of compromise.

Last week, City Manager, Terry Reidy reached out to council and community members, including resident Scott Schechter, to participate in a committee – whose first meeting was on Tuesday evening – headed by Councilwoman Henderson. The results of the meeting were not known by deadline.

“This issue comes down to common sense for dog owners,” said Scott. “Naturally there are times when dogs should not be on the boardwalk – for their own safety.”

Dog lovers unite so this issue does not drag out or take up too much valuable time for our over-imposed upon politicians.

“There is a key way to help influence the resolution of this issue,” said Jim Modica, owner of Asbury Bark. “Voice your opinion to the council immediately.”

“This can and should be resolved by Memorial Day,” said Johnson.

Councilwoman Henderson and Amy Quinn, currently running for City Council – and a vocal supporter of this issue concurred.

Lets all hold them to that.

Councilman James Bruno declined to comment and the Mayor did not respond to two email inquiries.

FIERCE TRADE

Earth day is becoming Earth Month is becoming Earth Year.

Finally, we are seeing tons of modern “green” options for every part of your fabulous life – from fashion to grooming to items for every part of your home.

You know Jurlique is one of my favorites. This Earth Day, my Jurlique friends are going beyond beyond by encouraging you to recycle three Jurlique product containers at one of their area boutiques and be rewarded with a sample of one of their three bestsellers (until April 25).

After I recycled at Jurlique, I sought out two leading resources to provide insight into making it easier to be green, everyday.

I went to the Green Products Expo in New York City – where US companies premier the newest, latest and greatest “green” products, and I spoke with Asbury Park’s own Nancy Ehrlich, owner of Organic Style on Cookman Avenue, to learn about 21st Century responsible living.

TBP: What does “fair trade” mean and how does it impact the Earth?

Nancy: Every fair trade product has been made by a company that pays a living wage for workers to support their families in that country. Typically, workers get medical benefits and work seven to eight hour days. No children work in the factories.

Fair trade is the complete opposite of what we know as a “sweatshop.” When people purchase fair trade products they are helping families around the world create a better life for themselves and their community.

Organic Style exclusively sells products that practice fair labor – I turn away companies that don’t have supporting documentation.

TBP: What are some simple tips that everyone here can do to make a big impact on the environment and ultimately the world?

Nancy: Stop buying bottled water. Why even buy it to recycle it? There are so many canteen and reusable bottle options available now.

Another tip is to eat a meatless meal at least once a week. Factory farming is one of the worst things done to pollute our earth.

Finally, get in the habit of bringing your own reusable shopping bag wherever you go – from Cookman Avenue to the Mall. Those reusable bags are not just for the food store.

TBP: What about for men?

Nancy: Look for simple, neutral, solid colored bags. I sell a couple of different organic cotton options at Organic Style. My husband Bob uses one.

TBP: Great Nancy, bring on the shopping.

At the Green Products Expo I previewed some really cool products that you will love having in your life:

Kids Konserve: My favorite from the show was this line of waste-free lunch kits. Ultra cool looking, reusable food containers for kids for school or adults for the beach or office. I’ll be using the stainless steel stackable food carrying “bento box” – two containers in one – this summer. The company was launched by one of the first employees of Design Within Reach, so you know it blends style and function.

KIDSKONSERVE.COM

Ecover Car Wash and Wax: phosphate-free, fully degradable, low foaming, pH neutral cleanser (translation – it won’t suffocate the fish in our lakes and ocean or kill your grass among other things) uses the power of nature to clean and degrease any car or boat, for less than $5.

FlushPuppies: Dog doodie bags that are 100% biodegradable and water soluble (you can flush it), so the “package” is treated properly in a sewage treatment plant and does not add to the 210 million tons of trash in the US each year. $4.

Richard@TheBPlot.com

BRUCE, HOWARD AND THE DONALD

Two weeks later, I still get goose bumps when I think about Bruce Springsteen saying to the audience “every time we get ready to go on tour, we come to Convention Hall to find out who we are now, as a band. We don’t really know who we are together until we play in this place.”

For two and a half hours Bruce and his team “found themselves” and gave it their everything at Tuesday’s show. (Additional exclusive video and images below).

I walked in to Convention Hall that night not a Bruce fanatic. Out of the twenty or so songs he sang, I probably recognized four of them. It turns out Bruce is one of those performers that you don’t need to know his entire oeuvre to appreciate him, actually I mean love him.

I seriously do have a love for him now. I walked out of Convention Hall a believer that night. I pray at the altar of Bruce Springsteen.

Throughout the show, he did not stop moving – and the audience, including myself, could not stop dancing. Normally stoic straight guys rocked their heads and mouthed the worlds to songs including “Badlands” and “Hard Times”.

It was an amazing Asbury Park moment – seeing the unofficial mayor of Asbury Park perform his brilliant new show in that architecturally brilliant and grandly intimate space…in our own backyard.

It’s a moment I have been looking forward to for years and am so thankful to finally have had the opportunity, thanks to Asbury Park resident Carolyn Curtain.

I told my friends at the Howard Stern Show all about the concert when I saw them last Thursday to tape part of a new special series about the “Best of the ‘90s.”

I joked with Executive Producer, Gary Dell’Abate that the old studios and offices at KROCK were like dumpster diving compared to what the show has now at satellite radio. I just wish the stock price reflected how fancy-pants the studios are. Ug.

A new producer from Sirius XM interviewed me for almost two hours about everything involved in my years at the show – from meeting tons of celebs (including Alec Baldwin, Pamela Anderson) to infamous guests (Mary Jo and Joey Butafucco) to memorable moments (Fred’s bachelor party and Howard’s birthdays) to life behind the scenes (arguments, book launches).

I revealed a few insane experiences I have never talked about since my time working for the show. Even Howard will be surprised when he listens to the special. Ah memories.

It was pretty darn special to see one of Howard and Bruce’s friends – Donald Trump – feature two fab Asbury Parkers on his show last week.

President of the Chamber of Commerce, Dan DiBenedetto, and Designer, Anthony Perotta celebrated their birthdays as guests on “Celebrity Apprentice’s” hotel management task.

“A friend of a friend works for the production company and invited us to be part of the show,” said Dan.

Six-foot eight-inch Dennis Rodman loved Dan and Anthony so much that he ditched his team for hours to join them for dinner at the fancy-pants Tao restaurant.

“He ordered everything from the bar and menu and then went back to the hotel right before the bill came,” said Dan, laughing.

Hottie Anthony, what’s it like to be called “honey” by Dennis Rodman while he is holding your hand?

MORE PHOTOS FROM HOWARD’S STUDIO:

BENJI, A SHOW WRITER - GREAT BLUE EYES

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Richard@TheBPlot.com

SCENE STEALER

The 7th Annual Garden State Film Festival is…rolling and it’s always great to see the hugely creative people – and their fans – running around our city brushing stray pieces of popcorn off their chest and laps.

One of the many under-praised heroes of film and theatre are the people that design and build the spectacular sets and props for your viewing pleasure.

Asbury Park resident Quinn Stone has been building film and theatre sets for almost 20 years in Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles and recently founded her own scene shop – StoneDog Studios in Neptune.

“My job is part artist, construction coordinator, sculptor, painter, costumer, electrician and architect,” said Quinn. “The set is another character in a production. I make sure that character plays its role excellently.”

Quinn also serves as the technical director for the New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch. Currently, she is installing the set for the upcoming premier of “Housewives of Mannheim.”

Quinn has recently built props or sets for the Two River Theatre Company, Tinton Falls Middle School, Merline Films, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Showroom – the first independent cinema to open in downtown Asbury Park in the past 30 years.

“I usually take the set designer’s draftings and build the actual space,” said Quinn, a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. “My team and I figure out what needs to be done, considering the budget and time and make it happen.”

Team Quinn builds and paints the projects in her studio and then moves the pieces to the performance venue – putting the finishing touches on the work at the theatre or on location. It takes three or four weeks to construct and install the average stage set.

“If a theatre company called today and said they needed a five-foot tall television remote next week, I would say ‘What type of TV is the remote for?’” said Quinn. “We can and will make anything. And we work with any type of budget.”

I learned from my time at the Maury Povich Show that set building is its own art, morphing function with fiction (“Quick, I need a loveseat shaped like hot red lips, in velvet…that glows.”)

It’s about “smoke and mirrors,” making something look real, dynamic and believable – temporarily. I have heard nothing but praise for Quinn from the “theatre folks” around town.

For The Showroom on Cookman Avenue, Quinn was charged with creating a lobby with a “deco” feel that needed to double as office space. Her dynamic work debuts – along with the exciting new theatre – this weekend.

“Quinn is a craftsman and has produced for our theatre a functional and exquisite piece of art,” said Asbury Park resident Nancy Sabino, partner in The Showroom with her partner Michael Sodano. “She was so easy to work with and it was our good fortune to support a local, women-owned business.”

Pass the popcorn.

Briefly: Speaking of The Showroom, Nancy told me exclusively that the formal launch of the theatre will be the weekend of April 10, featuring the 2009 Oscar-nominated animated and live-action shorts. The film choices will always be “high-quality films that you may have missed or would like to see a second or third time.”

And she and Michael want to hear from you.

“We want to encourage people to suggest films to feature. We would love to have a theatre curated by its audience.”

Richard@TheBPlot.com