A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood Thursday, September 9, 1999 Page 17 ArtsArts && EntertainmentEntertainment

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CIVILE RISTORANTE ITALIANO 24 North 20th Street, Kenilworth, (908) 709-1155

By DR. JOSEPH P. DeALESSANDRO tomato. The seasoning perfumes the Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times dishes and is a wonderful effort. Let me recount a delightful dining Civile’s Farfalle con Gameri e experience at Civile Ristorante Italiano, Asparagi spotlights bow tie pasta housed in a quaint building with little with shrimp and asparagus, fresh to- white lights. As you enter this bit of matoes and basil. A mouth waterer! heaven, from start to finish, you are The Pesce dishes are all so great. It pampered with care and attention, is difficult to decide which is the best. good food and drink, marvelous atmo- I believe the Lobster Fra Diavolo sphere and great camaraderie. with lobster over linguine has to be Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader and The Times The adventure begins with a greeting the most outrageous! The lobster ROCKIN’ IN THE PARK…The Party Dolls kept the crowds rockin’ from the host/ meat is fork September 1 at Echo Lake Park during a concert they dedicated to owner Roger tender in this the memory of Kurt Baudendistel, who had been an announcer D’Amato, who is RATING: most delight- for Union County events. The group performed hits like “We Got the quintessential, ful spicy to- the Beat,” “Love Shack,” and “Turn the Beat Around.” Pictured, left marvelous host. mato sauce to right, are: Judy Wilson, Kim Konnels and Chrissy Sparks. The warm wel- served over a come is courteous bed of as you are seated linguine al ™ at your table that Highest Possible Rating: 4 chef hats dente. POPCORN features spotless, The Salmon UPCOMING AUDITIONS...The Westfield Dance Company, a young starched white tablecloths, beautifully Fileto di Alla Marichiarra, which in- The Muse: dancers performing group, will hold open auditions this Satur- folded napkins and fine glassware. An cludes an ample portion of poached invitation of things to come. salmon accompanied by whole clams day, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Company is open and shrimp with white wine, garlic, Inspires Only Moderate Laughter to dancers ages 9 and up who must study ballet two days per The restaurant is a boutique room of 15 tables, beautiful decor includ- basil and tomato, are extraordinary. week as well as modern, tap, jazz or acrobatics. As a member of They also serve a Zuppa di Pesce – a By Michael S. Goldberger ing crystal chandeliers and massive the Westfield Dance Company, the dancer gains experience mirrors to enhance the beauty wher- combination of shellfish with white One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent performing throughout the community, in the Winter Dance ever one sits. A fully operational bar wine and fresh tomatoes. Concert and the annual “Dance in the Park” to be held in May at And now the Vitello or Veal. Chef 2 & 1/2 popcorns fish. Alas, now there is new trouble. boasts of great wines and a broad The idea is great: the unconfident He has no third act. Understand, Mindowaskin Park. For more information, please call (908) 789- array of liqueurs. Katims prepared an extraordinary masses of Movieland totally dependent though: Steven is a caricature, and 3011. Off in the corner is a music facility presentation of a 26-ounce veal chop on muses. Unfortunately, the execu- it’s in his nature to whine no matter featuring the piano of Bobby Brec- broiled to absolute perfection. When tion isn’t quite so inspired. Only feign- the workings of the plot...even when cia. The tables all bear candles and speaking of this dish, Manager Raul ing an industry muckrake, comedian- things are going well. Though por- American Performance Studio the subdued lighting creates a most describes the chop in such exquisite writer-actor Albert Brooks playfully trayed by the perennially likable Mr. romantic atmosphere. detail that you have no choice but to nibbles the fickle claw that feeds him in Brooks, the instant-on malcontent One cannot speak too highly of try his recommendation. The Muse, a jovial yet plot-thin farce routine does get a tad tiring. Gears Up for Fall Session the wait staff and the room manager, The veal chop, which is a high quality of meat, is not heavily spiced, more inclined to celebrate the wicked- Earning minor redemption, the di- WESTFIELD – The American Per- shows locally for the Westfield Bi- Raul Fuksman, whose vast experi- ness of Hollywood mores and folk- rector tosses in a bit of a twist con- ence as restaurant manager in fine but with salt and pepper. A delicious formance Fall Session will begin the centennial Celebration, Edison In- experience not to be forgotten! They ways than to actually denounce them. cerning the comely Andie MacDowell termediate School in Westfield and dining establishments in New York, Prepare to giggle, snicker and occa- as Mrs. Writer’s Block, the ever- week of September 13 with classes in New Jersey and Florida are a tribute have other wonderful veal dishes sionally laugh out loud. Expect few supportive Laura. While it initially singing, vocal production, acting and Deerfield School in Mountainside. including Veal Scallopine di Vitello A soprano, Mrs. Maraffi teaches to meticulous detail in the operation guffaws, even less roars and not one looks like the yarn will have her public speaking. Private instruction in of the room. alla Francese, Veal Scallopine alla sidesplitting shriek. thinking hubby is having an affair, piano, voice, characterization and piano and vocal production for the Executive Chef/Owner Jim Katims Picatta and other delicious veal dishes. The flip-side of Bowfinger, this chide the filmmaker swings it in a different public speaking will also be available. Studios. She has performed opera also has a long list of previous restau- The poultry dishes include Chicken at show biz focuses not on Tinsel Town’s direction. Classes will be planned for chil- and in concert in Italy, Germany, rants. Savory with sauteed pieces of chicken wannabes, but on those who desper- Instead, once Steven explains dren ages 6 to 11 and 12 to 17. Group Belgium, Ireland and throughout the Mr. D’Amato advised that Civile with garlic, balsamic vinegar and ately scratch to maintain their impossi- Sarah’s role in his plight, she unself- and individual lessons will also be Eastern United States for several was established 10 years ago in Sep- herbs. Pollo La Rosa features chicken bly elevated stations in LaLa Land. In ishly suggests that they accommo- available for adults. Classes are held years. She was also a featured per- tember and features both Northern breast sauteed with artichoke hearts, fact, so great is the fear of falling from date the goddess on a wait-and-see in Mountainside and Westfield. former on a popular music televi- Italian Cuisine and other regional roasted peppers, white wine, lemon filmic grace that they’ll stoop, or, in this basis. But here’s the rub. It seems The American Performance Stu- sion program in Florida. dishes, as well. and butter. case, ascend, to anything that promises that Laura has long dormant creative dios was founded in 1996 in Westfield Her performance experience in- After being seated, your drink order When you thoroughly enjoy the to prevent said unthinkable horror. aspirations of her own, as well as a by Molly Barber and Jeanette Ferrell cludes jazz, Broadway shows, classi- is promptly taken and filled. A dish of entire meal, it is sad to think you will And since they’re all too smart and great cookie recipe. And all it takes Maraffi. The studios are part of the cal recital repertoire and opera. She most delicious tiny black olives sur- come to the end of a great dinner. But sarcastic to believe that it’s talent which is this Svengali of a muse to convince on-going activities of the Rome Fes- performs and coaches singers in rounded by large chunks of Regiano there is more to come. supports their lofty positions, the more her that she can be the next Mrs. tival, a not-for-profit public founda- Rome as a member of the Rome A most delightful and artistic, fresh mystical the choice of career elixir the Fields. Parmesan Cheese appear and a dish of tion for the purposes of education Festival Artistic staff. Locally, she has savory, tasty bruschetta accompany it. dish including melons, strawberries, better. With Sarah and Laura getting all sung as the soprano soloist with the bananas, pineapple, oranges and an So when screenwriter Steven Phillips chummy and surfing the L.A. culi- and cultural exchange. The Antipasto course offers a fine (Brooks) is told by studio bigwig Josh nary circuit together, Steven can now The Rome Festival “Young Artist” Oratorio Singers in Westfield and at array of appetizing vanities. The orange basket furnished from an or- Martin (Mark Feuerstein) that they’ll add muse envy to his bag of ail- program invites young musicians to First Night Westfield 1998. Salsiccia Grigliata Piccante, which con- ange stuffed with baby grapes, makes be canceling his three-picture deal ments. perform in Rome during the month Mrs. Maraffi has served as Musical sists of grilled hot sausage sliced and the presentation the absolute best. because he has “lost it....,” lost his By this time, the paid inspiration of July in opera and concert. Director for the Bicentennial Cel- served over sauteed broccoli rabe, is a Tortufo, tiramisu and ice cream sher- edge, that is (the callous exec prefac- has since checked out of her posh American Performance Studio stu- ebration Show in Westfield and at delicious course. The sausage is spicy bets are also available. ing that this was his polite way of but “lonely” hotel room and dis- dents participated in the 1997 and Edison and Deerfield Schools. but not offensive, combined with the The coffees, espresso, regular coffee putting it), it matters little that he has placed her clients in their very own 1998 Young Artists program, per- In 1996, members of the American bitter taste of the broccoli rabe it makes and cappuccino with a suggestion of penned 17 produced screenplays, gar- master bedroom. The assumption is forming in Humperdinck’s Hansel Performance Studio classes were fea- an excellent balanced starter. black sambuca, would be appropriate nered a humanitarian award and earned that a comfortable muse is an effec- and Gretel and in Donizetti’s L’Elixir tured in a television commercial for The Calamari Fritti, a test of a good to accompany your dining experience. an Oscar nomination. He’s finished. tive muse. Adding insult to injury, of Love. In July 2000, young singers, Wendy’s. In 1997 and 1998, the en- fish chef, was served hot with a very Manager Raul is at your beck and call, Hence only a brief moment of Miss Encouragement has begun help- dancers and actors will be eligible to semble traveled to Rome to partici- spicy tomato sauce on the side. The assuring that all is correct, hot and incredulity passes before a success- ing the children with their home- participate in the summer festival’s pate in the Rome Festival. Members calamari were wonderfully tender and prepared as you wish. Mr. D’Amato also ful writer-friend (Jeff Bridges as Jack work. They now lovingly refer to her production of Mozart’s Magic Flute. of the class have also performed for not overcooked. It melted in your mouth. visits the tables in the restaurant, giving Warrick) convinces Steven that re- as auntie. Mrs. Barber teaches acting, charac- the Children’s Specialized Hospital Civile has one of the most elegant it a great, personal touch. taining a real live muse is the an- Brooks insinuates various laugh terization, scene study and public Holiday Boutique and for the Neigh- Pasta e Fagioli that I have ever tasted. Civile also offers a catering facility swer. Why, of course they exist. And agents at different junctures of his speaking for the facility. She has borhood Council Street Fair on The portion is extraordinary and eas- with establishments off the premises. what’s more, everybody’s doing it, inconsistent but nonetheless bubbly appeared in several films and com- Cacciola Place. ily enough for two. The tiny pasta They also have a cooking school at which provides the film an opportu- farce. Here, the old stand-by is the In June, the students presented a and variety of beans float in a delec- which Raul is the Master Instructor, nity for celebrity cameos. intruder as favored guest, wherein mercials in addition to her work on the television series, “Romper Room,” benefit recital. Funds raised will ben- table, savory broth. Add some great teaching culinary arts once a week. Amusingly interspersed among the the family patriarch is relegated to Parmesan cheese and a little red raw I have often said in this column string of vignettes posing as Mr. little better than fool status while the on Channel 9 and KTV. efit students who need financial as- She has performed in numerous sistance for lessons. onions with a glass of wine and it’s that there is a major difference be- Brooks’ screenplay (co-authored with interloper is advanced to sainthood. just about as good as it gets. A tween eating and dining. Civile’s Monica Johnson), there’s a hyperki- Like most of the patchwork quilt of plays and musicals, including a lead- For further information and a class calendar, please call (908) 233-7214 Stracciatella alla Romana features a charming, romantic dining room is netic Martin Scorsese ranting about humorous mechanisms Mr. Brooks ing role in Mame at Edison’s Plays in the epitome of dining in fine style the Park. Mrs. Barber has directed or (908) 233-2910. great chicken broth with spinach and doing a Raging Bull sequel and a attempts in The Muse, the old ploy beaten egg that is superb. with excellent ambiance, a talented, very cautious James Cameron (Ti- works...somewhat. This also describes The Pasta menu is very complete. professional staff, fine food and a tanic) being warned to “stay away Mr. Brooks’ good-natured diatribe in Filmmakers Symposium Plans warm greeting upon leaving. You are from water” this go-round. general: all hook, very little story and, The Cappellini Marichiarra is angel hair pasta with shrimp, lobster and tempted to make reservations for Enters the muse. Or is it princess? no comic soul to call its own. your next fine dining experience. The professionally inspiring daughter The resultant dearth of character- whole clams in garlic with a touch of of Zeus who figures in our schlemiel’s ization makes for more flat spots Fall Sessions, Upcoming Films future, fashioned by a comically astute than can be comfortably ignored. MOUNTAINSIDE - Filmmakers is $103 for six weeks or $194 for 12 Sharon Stone, goes by the mortal name And a bail-out ending, more glib Symposium, which has hosted 267 weeks plus $20 registration fee. of Sarah. But her services will cost than satisfying, cynically points out movie premieres during the past Confirmed films for the fall ses- you. First you have to woo her with that there’s no real moral to this eight years, will begin two sessions sion include “Being John Malkovich” gifts of application, praying that she’ll sardonic tale of heartless Hollywood. at local theaters beginning on Mon- with John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, deign to take you on as a client. Still, Brooks is almost always en- day, September 27. Catherine Keener and director Spike Brooks does a funny bit with a key dearing as the Baby Boomer version of The first session at Loews The- Jonse; “Music of the Heart” with ring here as Steven first tries to Woody Allen — the neurotic schnook as aters in Mountainside will be held on Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn, Gloria obtain Sarah on the cheap. But she unlikely hero, but without the guilty dark soon reads him the riot act. It only side (and not nearly the same amount of Monday evenings, beginning Sep- Estefan, Angela Bassett and director makes sense: He stands to make a lot motion picture genius). And if you can tember 27. The second session will Wes Craven; and “Ride With The of money after she vaporizes his get past the flaws, it’s fun to watch the start on November 8. Devil” with Tobey Maguire, Jeffrey writer’s block; the muse merely wants comic auteur ply his shtick, mixing neo- Sony Monmouth Mall sessions will Wright, Skeet Ulrich, Jim Caviezel, her percentage. Thus, the writer is vaudeville routines with sitcom predica- be held on Tuesday evenings begin- Jonathan Rys-Meyers and director soon footing the bill for Sarah’s ments and standup routines. ning on September 28. The second Ang Lee. $1,700-a-night, indefinite stay at the Since The Muse is so obviously lack- session will start on November 9. Other movies are still under con- Four Seasons, scurrying to fill her ing in the denouement and climax Both sessions will be sponsored by sideration for the fall session. refrigerator with specialty foods and departments, doubtless the ready irony Monmouth University. For more in- Guest speakers who have come to personally delivering (at all hours). of a much needed third act will not be formation, please call (800) 222-7719. share their insights with Symposium For all this, she takes him on a lost on every film critic and their grand- The series is open to the public. participants include: Danny Aiello, field trip to the aquarium. The mother in search of a closing line. However, seating is limited and early Gil Bellows, Ethan Hawke, Helen aquarium? They’ll inevitably suggest that Mr. enrollment is advised. Subscription Mirren and Bruno Barreto. Now, not only is the cinema scribe Brooks might have benefited from without ideas or inspiration, but con- some outside inspiration of his own. WESTFIELD $189,000 fused to boot. Meanwhile, the meter My muse advises me to stay dignifiedly NEW LISTING is running. The writer anguishes. clear of such easy pot shots. Affordably priced 5 Bedroom Colonial in Franklin School section. Walk to town Why the aquarium? Is it a metaphor? * * * * * and NYC transportation. Affordably priced, the perfect home for a first time Eventually, Steven takes it on face The Muse, rated PG-13, is an Octo- buyer at $189,000. value and actually hatches an idea ber Films release directed by Albert for a comedy about an unlikely Brooks and stars Albert Brooks, Sharon aquarium owner, a swarm of bother- Stone and Andie MacDowell. Running some creditors and a batch of sick time: 97 minutes. Ashbrook Nursing Home Seeks Crafters for Festival SCOTCH PLAINS - Ashbrook Ashbrook Recreation Department. Nursing Home and Reha- Please mail table reservations bilitation Center in Scotch to: Recreation Director Betty Jo Plains will host its 5th Hornung, Ashbrook Nursing and WESTFIELD $309,000 Annual Arts and Crafts Rehabilitation Center, 1610 HAVE IT YOUR WAY Festival on Sunday, October 3, Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, 07076. Tamaques School is just a short walk from this versatile 4/5 Bedroom, 4 Bath from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the For more information, please expanded Ranch. Sun-filled Kitchen overlooks Tamaques Park. Sided exterior, facility’s Great Lawn. Admission call (908) 889-2586. deck and finished Rec Room. Flexible floor plan. Priced at $309,000. is free. In the event of inclement Table reservations may be pur- weather, all vendors will be pro- Westfield Office chased at $10 for a single space vided with a single space in the 215 North Avenue, West (908) 232-5664 and $15 for a double space. The facility, with a $5 refund provided sale of food and drink is prohib- to those who purchased a double ited. All proceeds will benefit the space. CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK