Entertainment, Dining &GUIDE 2018 Thejournal

Arts, Entertainment, Dining &GUIDE 2018 TheJOURNAL

Check out this month’s special section for places to go, things to do and dining destinations. Arts, Entertainment, Dining &GUIDE 2018 BY LORI DRAZ2017 Summer is here at the Jersey Shore. There is a reason this magnificent area is known all over the country as a recreation hotspot. Nobody does fun like we do. Dining, theater, thrills, relaxing, sports, surf, dancing, you name Aqua Rentz Boat Rentals at it, we do it – Jersey Shore style! We present our arts, entertainment & dining guide to give you a sample of Ocean Beach Marina 3245 Route 35 South, Lavallette the many wonderful ways to celebrate a summer day and Aqua Rentz 732-597-1957 Ocean Beach Marina 732-793-7460, Ext. 34 night. Get out and enjoy! Aquarentz.com Open seven days a week, beginning at 8 a.m.

If you’ve dreamed of being a boat owner, at least for a day or two, you can rent your choice of a great lineup of powerboats and pontoon boats at Aqua Rentz Boat Rentals in Lavallette. Spend the day fishing, get the greatest tan of the summer, or cruise and fish in the Barnegat Bay. Your powerboat options include bowriders, center consoles, and pontoon boats 26 West on the Navesink that can accommodate parties of up to 10 passengers. Aqua Rentz offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day rentals based on your preferences. No boat- 26 West Front St., Red Bank er’s license required, but you must be at least 25 years old. Prohibited are 732-383-5664 drugs, alcohol and tow sports. 26westonthenavesink.com Celebrate, relax, or treat your out-of-town guests to a real slice of the Open Monday 4 to 10 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday noon to 10 p.m.; Jersey Shore. You can even pick up breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Chan- Thursday noon to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday noonCheck to midnight; out this month’s special section for places to go, nel Marker Café, also at the Ocean Beach Marina. Be the captain of your ship Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. things to do and dining destinations. at Aqua Rentz at Ocean Beach Marina. A taste of Nantucket on the Navesink awaits you at 26 West on the Navesink. With the gorgeous backdrop of the spectacular Navesink River, 26 West on the Navesink offers coastal cuisine, two bars with a huge wine and beer selection and craft cocktails, along with a raw bar, Happy Hour specials and early week dining specials. The cool blue and white interior offers you numerous dining and congregating areas, including a main dining room, cozy alcoves, two private party rooms, and a new rooftop dining room for an Blu Grotto Beer Garden and Ristorante unparalleled view of Red Bank’s most breathtaking sights. 200 Port Au Peck Ave., Oceanport In addition to their regular menu, they have gluten and allergy sensi- 732-571-7900 tive menus. They also have daily specials, like a Monday through Friday “Appy Blugrottonj.com Hour” from 4 to 7 p.m. with a selection of appetizers and $5 alcoholic bever- Open Wednesday and Thursday noon to 9 p.m.; Friday noon to 10 p.m.; ages. Every Monday is All You Can Eat Mussel Monday in your choice of a red, Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday 4 to 9 p.m. white wine and garlic, or a lemon grass saffron cream with one free glass of wine or beer. On Tuesday, it’s half off at the raw bar and specially priced rose Check out the Beer Garden at Blu Grotto, Oceanport’s nighttime enter- wines. Wednesday is two for $20 burgers and half off drafts. Thursday is a tainment destination. wine and cheese pairing night, and $3 off Fat Tires on Fridays. Located on the grounds of Monmouth Park Racetrack, the Beer Garden 26 West on the Navesink is the perfect spot to relax, celebrate, and breath in the beauty of the Navesink. continued on page 36

2 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE

at Blu Grotto is open Thursday thru Sunday all summer long. With nightly food and drink specials including house-made, authentic piz- zas and other Italian specialties, the Beer Garden at Blu Grotto is the perfect summer spot for a relaxed night out. Over 20 beers are on tap at the Beer Garden, and everything is served in a relaxed, yet sophisticated, environment. Nightly entertainment includes many local bands. Whether you’re looking for a spot to hang out after a day at the races, or a place to spend a relaxed Friday night, the Beer Garden at Blu Grotto has something for everyone. For those looking for an elegant dinner, look no further than Blu Grotto Ristorante, located directly above the Beer Garden. Blu Grotto Now servesOpen modern andfor classic adaptationsthe Season! of regional Italian classics, handmade and imported pastas, fresh seafood, and prime steaks Tuesdays through Sundays. The state-of-the-art restaurant also features a deep and eclectic wine and cocktail list, served in an environment that has to be seen to be oming Summer 2018 believed. C Dinner reservations are recommended. Call 732-571-7900 or via Open Table.

SHREWSBURY 454 SHREWSBURY PLAZA Book Your Special Event Now! Greens and Grains is a fully plant based quick service PartiesThe Channel from 20-100 Marker People Café restaurant using fresh, clean, local and organic ingredients Let our breathtaking backdrop3245 Route and 35 friendly South, Ocean staff Beach make Marina your partyin Lavallette one you’ll 732-793-7559 SALADS • GRAINS BOWLS • WRAPS • SANDWICHES • COLD-PRESSEDnever JUICE forget. We’ll help you with every detail, you just send out the invitations! channelmarkercafe.com SMOOTHIES • ACAI BOWLS • BREAKFAST MENU • COFFEE For parties contact: Jason (732) 232-1169 Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week gift cards B Y O B Available The real spirit of the Jersey Shore awaits you at the Channel THEMarker FUN Café. TheSTARTS casual, friendly, MAY and delicious 3RD locale is right on the channel,Thursday behind - theSunday Ocean for Beach dinner Marina., They made a lot of changes (Thursdayto bring from you 4:00 more - 9:00 ofp.m., what Friday you from love. 4:00 New - 10:00 Executive p.m.) Chef Mark Longo Open for breakfast,promises lunch many newand and dinner exciting on menu Saturday surprises, & Sunday in addition to all (Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.) your favorites like the freshest fish in the area, big beautiful salads, andMake the best Your fish Reservationand chips this side Today! of Boston. There’s a refreshed dé- cor and even(732) a raw bar.793-7559 3245Channel Route Mark 35er S Café• Lavallette, is open again NJ for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. Enjoy one of the most scenic locations and the most gorgeous sunsets in the area. Dine indoors, outdoors on the wrap- around deck, even on your boat. The Channel Marker has plenty of choices for kids, dock and dine, daily specials, and live entertainment every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You can have a quick bite to go, savor a seafood lunch of dinner, try out their signature burgers (with a special blend of beef ground exclusively for them), share some tasty appetizers, and relax. The Chan- VISIT OUR OTHER LOCATIONS nel Marker Café can even host your next party of up to 50 people, and ∙ GALLOWAY, NJ ∙ *NORTHFIELD, NJ ∙ *MARGATE, NJ your guests will never forget the easy, breezy waterfront fun. *EXPRESS LOCATION You will love the food, the boats, the view, and lots more. Just bring the bottle, they’ll supply the buckets along with plenty of smiles! WWW.GREENSANDGRAINSNJ.COM [email protected] continued on page 38

4 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE Open Every Thursday-Sunday

• Outdoor Dining and Entertainment • Nightly food and drinks specials. Authentic Italian pizza oven. BBQ grills. • 20 Draft Beers FINE DINING • Live entertainment daily including live bands and DJs by Rock the House Entertainment • Blu Grotto Ristorante Open Tuesday-Sunday • All-Glass Conservatory Dining Room • Three Large Patios • Serving Regional Italian Favorites, Hand-Made Pastas, Fresh Seafood & Prime Steak • Eclectic Wine List and Artisanal Cocktails • Reservations available via Open Table

Thursday/Friday – 4pm to closing Saturday/Sunday – 12pm to closing

200 Port Au Peck Avenue, Oceanport NJ • 732-571-7900 VisitTHE JOURNAL blugrottonj.com | JUNE 2018 for | more www.TheJournalNJ.com information. 5

Blu Grotto the Journals ad.indd 1 5/7/18 12:45 PM Community YMCA The Gravity Vault At 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank, 732-741-2504 37 Kanes Lane, Middletown At 201 Broad St., Matawan, 732-566-9266 732-856-9599 At 3911 Herbertsville Road, Wall, 732-836-9177 www.gravityvault.com/locations/middletown-nj For general information, hours, camp information and more, visit EMAIL [email protected] theCommunityYMCA.org/bestsummerever Open Monday through Friday 12:00 to 10:00 p.m., Saturday and EMAIL [email protected] or CALL 732-671-5505 Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The best summer ever happens at YMCA Camp. The Community YMCA The Gravity Vault is an indoor rock climbing facility in Middletown is offering kids their best summer ever through enriching camp activities offering two great options for campers this summer. Camp Rocks is a full and learning experiences to help them get more out of the summer break week of fun and climbing for ages 7-14, open to both beginners and ad- – more learning, more exploration and more achievement. From arts to vanced climbers. Summer Break Camp for ages 5-13 is a great blend of archery, canoeing to cannonballs, at Y camp, kids make new friends, learn climbing, bouldering and games for two hours a day, plus climbers have new skills, build confidence, and most of all, have fun! the option of participating in a single day per week, or all four days at a dis- Discover safe and unforgettable experiences for kids ages 2 ½ to 15 counted rate. Your climber will have fun with us this summer in an exciting at YMCA summer camp locations across Monmouth County. and safe environment. At the Child Achievement Center in Matawan, kids learn, grow and CAMP ROCKS - The Gravity Vault’s Rock Climbing Summer Camp - thrive over the summer months at climate-controlled Summer Daze Camp Ages 7-14 — Five full days of climbing; four weeks to choose from: July for grades K through 6 and Preschool Summer Camp for kids ages 2 1/2 to 5. 9-13, July 23-27, August 6-10, August 20-24; three different styles of In Red Bank, kids ages 5 to 12 will explore teamwork and sportsman- climbing; two outdoor climbing trips per week; one great summer guar- ship through a variety of recreational activities including sports themes, anteed! Our camp is great for both beginners and advanced climbers. swimming, arts and crafts and trips to local parks. Aquatics specialty camps Harnesses and equipment are provided for all participants. Participants are are also available. asked to bring their own lunch, wear sneakers and comfortable clothing, At Camp Zehnder in Wall, preschoolers to teens of all abilities enjoy and we’ll take care of the rest! outdoor adventures on 140 acres, with an outdoor aquatics complex, Ka- Cost: $599 per 5 day camp. Boom! Playground, shade pavilions, biking trails, soccer fields, basketball Break Camp – Ages 5-13 — Sign-up for 1, 2, 3, or all 4 days! July 2-5; July 16-19; July 30 to August 2; and August 13-17. Time: 12:00 to 2:00 court and fishing pond, plus a dose of social responsibility for teens. p.m. each day. Cost: 1 Day $45, 2 Days $85, 3 days $125, 4 days $165 Y camp adventures run June 18 through August 31! One week or the Gravity Vault offers kids classes, Scout programs, walk-in and climb- whole summer. Indoors or out. On their own or in a group. At YMCA sum- ing programs and memberships for adults and kids. mer day camps, kids enjoy enriching experiences in a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment. DeMarco’s Catering & Gourmet Deli FIRST TRIAL Since 1975 Monmouth County Music LessonsLESSON IS 1121 Route 34 & Lloyd Rd. Aberdeen, NJ (next to Bed, Bath & Beyond) Serving all of Monmouth County FREE DeMarcos732-566-2112 Catering & Gourmet Deli 732-872-4053 Visit1121 www.demarcoscaterers.com Route 34, Aberdeen for BBQ and Catering specials! HOURS: MON-SAT 9-6, SUN 9-4 monmouthcountymusiclessons.comIN-HOME PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS. 732-566-2112 Hors D’oeuvres Prepared Foods EMAIL [email protected] All Bread demarcoscaterers.comAppetizers Gourmet Platters We teach students of all ages and for most any instrument or musical genre. Salads Handmade Italian Specialties Party Subs BBQ Party Packages If you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, you can study in Open Monday toBaked Saturday Homemade 9 a.m. Soups to 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 732-872-4053 MonmouthCountyMusicLessons.com Cold & Hot Buffets & Sauces • Sandwich Trays On Premises Butcher on Premises the comfort of your home, regardless of your age or skill level, thanks to Sides Fresh Daily Catering for FDessertsamily owned and operatedALL Occasions since 1975, De Marco’s Catering has Monmouth County Music Lessons. They offer private music instructions for beenVOTED BEST trusted ITALIAN DELI by FOR thousands MONMOUTH COUNTY for BY fineNJ MONTHLY Italian MAGAZINE food and delicious catering. dozens of instruments in your home. Monmouth County Music Lessons Eugene DeMarco says, “We’re a family here. We love to see happy believes that music is a verb; it’s something you do, and you will not only customers and to treat them like family.” learn a new instrument but unlock new levels of critical thinking. DeMarco’s wide variety of catering items include hot buffets, cold buffets, Their team of highly qualified, degreed teachers bring their expertise party platters, carving station, seafood, pizza, and a host of delicious salads and and passion to your own home. There is no instrument they cannot teach. specialty breads. Those who enjoy traditional Italian food will recognize the Every instrument has a unique voice and so does every student, so they gourmet delicacies. Be sure to grab a gift basket full of baked cookies and you customize instructions based on the individual’s specific needs. will be the hit of the party. Daniel Lotito, a professional musician and teacher, started Monmouth The deli features popular brands including Boar’s Head, Thumann’s, County Music Lessons in 2015 because of his love of helping people dis- Deitz & Watson, and a variety of specialty salamis, meats and cheeses, in- cover themselves through music. They teach all ages, skill levels and musi- cluding homemade mozzarella, made daily in the store. cal genres. Students then showcase their efforts in bi-annual recitals. Their soups and sauces are all made fresh, never frozen, and there’s a Dan earned a master’s degree in music education from Monmouth selection of over 25 different daily take-out entrees too. University. He is a certified and licensed music teacher for grades K-12 and DeMarco’s was voted Central Jersey’s Best Caterer by NJ Monthly has taught music in public and private schools. He has been the conductor magazine and they offer full off-premises catering, with waiter/waitress ser- of a 60-piece band, and has performed both locally and abroad. “It is a priv- vice, bartenders, and barbeque catering for those sizzlin’ summer affairs. ilege to guide students through music and to witness the personal growth

6 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE BBQ Season is Here! JUNE 3 Customer Sal Faenza & Vinny LaFranca Appreciation SPECTACULAR SUMMER Day - 11-3pm Marlboro Location

BBQCATERING

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21 YEARS CATERING BAKERY BUTCHER DELI PRODUCE GIFT BASKETS

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MARLBORO MANALAPAN 130A South Main Street, Marlboro, NJ • 07746 • (732) 308-1118 285 Gordon’s Corner Road, Manalapan, NJ • 07726 • (732) 972-2500 Mon-Sat 8am-7pm • Sunday 8am-4pm Mon-Sat 8am-7pm • Sunday 8am-4pm

that music and my lessons creates,” he said. The dedicated staff is amazing; most of them have been at Patricia’s Monmouth County Music Lessons offers the first lesson for free, so since day one. Owner Frank Brusco thanks their loyal customers: “We instructors and students can create a foundation to begin the rewarding wouldn’t be who we are today without the continuous support of our din- journey into music. Fees are comparable to in-store lessons, with the con- ers. We are so excited to see what the future brings us.” venience of staying in your home. Call Amanda for any party or general questions.

Patricia’s of Holmdel Phoenix Productions 2132 Route 35 in The Commons at Holmdel 732-747-0014 732-275-0234 59 Chestnut St., Red Bank patriciasofholmdel.com phoenixredbank.com EMAIL [email protected] Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m Open Monday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Satur- day 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday noon to 8 p.m. Red Bank’s Phoenix Productions is proud to have mounted close to 150 full-scale productions at the Count Basie Theatre over its 30-year You’ll find Italian Cuisine, just like your Nonna used to make, at Patri- history. The company takes pride in fulfilling the part of its mission state- cia’s of Holmdel. All their dishes are made with the finest ingredients. The ment that reads “For our performers, designers and craftspeople, we aim most popular dishes are pappardelle Bolognese, and short rib and Sunday to provide a nurturing, professional-quality environment in which they can sauce, but all their dishes get great reviews. There are specials each day with polish and display their talents.” different seafood and meat selections that are always delicious. That goal, according to Arts Education Director Jennifer Grasso, led to Patricia’s of Holmdel is consistently top rated on Open Table, Yelp, Tri- the development of the Rising Star Academy, a unique initiative and launch- pAdvisor and diners guides. ing pad for young talent. Dozens of youngsters have advanced to mainstage Keep your eyes open for their gorgeous, brand-new, all-seasons pri- productions at the Count Basie, with some moving on to professional careers. vate banquet room that will feature glass walls and ceiling. It’s scheduled Take Lily Grace Riddle. After paying her dues in Phoenix’s triple-threat to open sometime in early summer. Rising Star program, and appearing in several Phoenix shows at the Count Patricia’s of Holmdel offers build-your-own family style menus for par- Basie, she played roles in summer stock and will soon be seen with Emma ties of eight or more. Stone in a forthcoming television series. They are happy to accommodate those with a variety of food allergies, “We are constantly astounded at the level of talent among area and they even offer a wide variety of gluten-free options labeled (G) on the youngsters,” notes Grasso. “We are honored to help develop that talent, menus. They are happy to replace any pasta or pizza dish with gluten-free and overjoyed when our work bears fruit and they blossom.” products as well. continued on page 40

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 7 The Phoenix Rising Star Academy offers after-school classes in musical theatre, one-day master classes hosted by Broadway performers, and intensive sessions leading to the junior productions of hit Broadway shows. The summer camp offers two sessions of three-week full-day and half-day sessions beginning July 9. Spring Lake Community House Theatergoers, get your tickets for In The Heights at the Count Basie Theatre on June 22, 23 and 24, and the Camp Phoenix junior productions of Aladdin, and 13 the Musi- and Theatre cal, beginning July 9 at the Phoenix Performing Arts Center. 300 Madison Ave., Spring Lake 732-449-4530, springlaketheatre.com • EMAIL [email protected] Box Office hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nestled in the center of the charming seaside village of Spring Pinot’s Palette Red Bank Lake, the 95-year-old Community House serves as the home of the 12 Broad Street, on the first floor in Red Bank Spring Lake Theatre Company. The company has been presenting 732-219-9222 Broadway quality shows for over 40 years. Patrons know they will al- pinotspalette.com/redbank • EMAIL [email protected] ways be treated to consistently lavish sets, exquisite costuming and

Hours change daily – visit the website for current events and classes exceptionally talented casts at all of their productions. They never disappoint. Anyone can be a Picasso at Pinot’s Palette - the upscale paint and sip destination Additionally, for over 35 years The Spring Lake Community in Red Bank. You don’t need to have paintbrushes, art supplies or even any art expe- House and Theatre has also offered one of the best children’s theatre rience to join in a fun night of painting, music and friends. In two or three hours, you workshops and dance programs in the area. The Summer Programs can create a festive painting by following our artists’ directions at the front of class. You provide a fun, safe, healthy and nurturing environment for children are also welcome to be bold and create your own masterpiece! It’s your art! Pinot’s to express themselves. Each year, students return for the authentic Palette Red Bank has public group classes or you can book a private party for any occasion - bachelorette party, birthday parties for kids and adults, class trips, fundraisers, theatrical experience of performing with their friends on the beautiful team building, corporate parties and more. stage of this landmark theatre where the facilities are second to none. Pinot’s Palette Red Bank also sells gift certificates online or in the studio. They They invite you by saying “Please visit soon- There is Always make the perfect gift for anyone looking for a fun experience! Their mission is to bring Something Wonderful Happening Here.” art to the masses in a fun and entertaining way with extraordinary customer service! The Spring Lake Community House is a nonprofit organization So come - Paint. Drink. Have Fun. Cheers! that depends on the success of its theatre productions, children’s programs and donations to maintain this historic building. Treat yourself to an upcoming show, you’ll be glad you did.

RED BANK’S RIVERFRONT DINING DESTINATION

Taste of Italy

OPEN 7 Days 4060 Asbury Ave., The Shoppes at Tinton Falls, Tinton Falls (south) Kitchen . Cocktails . Raw Bar 732-922-9393 HAPPY HOUR Monday - Friday 4-7 pm 1201 Sycamore Ave., Falls Village, Tinton Falls (north) $5 Select Beer, Wine & Cocktails plus Special Appetizers at the Bar! 732-542-2700 BRUNCH Sunday’s 11 am - 4 pm Tasteofitalymarket.com Enjoy Brunch with one of the most Spectacular Views Open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on the Jersey Shore Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS Our Two New Private Party Rooms Have Arrived Rooftop Deck Coming this Summer! Since 1996, Jimmy Pecci’s Taste of Italy has been bringing you the very best that Italy has to offer. Visit either of their Gourmet Mar- ket/ Delis/Caterers and you’ll see that maybe just a taste won’t do. You will taste that Italian pride in all their dishes. They treat their guests as though they were members of their family. Their mission is to serve the freshest and highest quality foods with a delicious Valet Parking Conveniently located on the Corner of Front Street & Boat Club Court - Friday and Saturday Evenings personal touch. Follow us on Reservations suggested Jimmy Pecci’s Taste of Italy has been recognized through the 26 WEST FRONT STREET | RED BANK, NJ 07701 | 732.383.5664 | 26WESTONTHENAVESINK.COM years and received many awards including the Best Market from

8 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE Monmouth Health and Life, and Monmouth and Ocean County Best of the excellent delectable dishes and baked goods. Owners Vinny LaFranca Best by the Asbury Park Press. Why cook when you can bring home some of and Sal Faenza have devoted their masterful culinary skills and pen- their well-known homemade entrees that use family recipes? There’s fresh chant for detail to create the winning combination of flavor, freshness, homemade mozzarella and sausage, the incredible Brooklyn bread and and service to make Tuscany the high caliber emporium it is. cookies, and for a fast lunch or dinner, choose one of their famous subs. Summer means barbecue foods and outdoor entertaining. Tuscany Let Jimmy Pecci’s Taste of Italy cater your next party, large or small. has specialty barbecue foods and custom menus for every gathering. They do it all and even offer full-service wait staff, bartenders and servers. Graduation parties, birthdays, family reunions, Father’s Day, vacation They come to you, or check out some of their beautiful venues. get-togethers and easy backyard pool parties are seasonal times to enjoy. They say, “From Our Family to Yours” so visit one of the markets and Tuscany is ready with its fresh meats, poultry, and seafood that taste be a part of the family too. great on the grill. Combine this with Tuscany’s quality produce, imported cheeses, and melt-in-your-mouth savory summer salads. Tuscany Cater- ing is full-service as it provides sensational food and everything from grills, grillers, wait staff, bartenders, and linens. All you do is relax, eat, and enjoy your family and friends. Tuscany’s fabulous bakery items include fresh bread baked daily, biscotti, heavenly pastries, pies and custom cakes created and baked on the premises by Tuscany’s accomplished baker from Italy. As always, Tuscany’s delectable eggplant dishes, myriad choices of pasta, brick oven Tuscany Specialty Foods and Catering pizza (Marlboro location only), outstanding homemade mozzarella and ricotta, dry sausage and soppressata are yours for the asking. 130 A South Main St., Marlboro Gatherings small and large, at home or work, Tuscany is a crowd 732-308-1118 pleaser. Tuscany is built on love of people, love of food, quality, and care- 285 Gordon’s Corner Road, Manalapan ful attention to detail. Call or visit Tuscany today, and if you don’t see your 732-972-2500 favorite, just ask. They do everything, including gluten free. TuscanyCateringNJ.com Sunday, June 3 is Customer Appreciation Day at Tuscany (Marlboro Open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. location only). Visit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to enjoy food samples and fun Tuscany — all around excellence. Authentic, superior, and proven for the children. best describe the reasons for Tuscany Specialty Foods and Catering’s continued on page 42 tremendous success. Tuscany celebrates its 21st year of preparing its

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 9 Union Jacques 317 State Route 34 North, Colts Neck 732-414-6991 UnionJacques.com and FACEBOOK UnionJacquesColtsneck Open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Colts Neck’s newest eatery, Union Jacques Restaurant, offers diners a delicious merger of French and New England cuisines that is sure to de- light. You’ll find steak, seafood and chicken with a French infusion, as well Modern Indian Restaurant as the best New England style steak and seafood. You’ll never be bored at Union Jacques. The creative culinary team prides itself on bringing the best of the daily market to your table, so the menu changes weekly to highlight whatever is the freshest and finest that day. Specials and weekly menu selections are updated by Thursday after- noons on facebook.com/UnionJacquescoltsneck. There are classics like French onion soup and chowders, plus featured dishes like Coq au Vin, Angus prime rib, and fondues. Union Jacques also offers a friendly brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, along with onsite and off-site catering for all your parties. The chefs of Union Jacques are graduates of The French Culinary Insti- tute and are dedicated to providing patrons with a pleasant atmosphere and unique takes on traditional cuisine. Additionally, they are very sensitive to those with food allergies. The chefs are trained in safe handling and have worked in the medical field and have training in Anaphylaxis shock /food allergies.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church to Host Greek Festival he Jersey Shore Greek Festival, hosted by St. George Greek Orthodox Savoring journey for your taste buds... Church, will take place, rain or shine, from June 29 through July 1 at 1033 West Park Ave. in Ocean Township. T In addition to the traditional food and pastries, this year’s festival 732-530-1598 will offer a greater selection of rides and games and a tour of the Byzan- tine-style church. Raffle tickets are available for a big 50/50, with the grand www.BombayRiver.com prize winner selected in July. Tickets are $50 each (only 1,000 tickets will | be printed). To purchase tickets, call the church office at 732-775-2777. 90 Broad Street Red Bank, NJ 07701 Admission to the festival is $2; children under 6 are admitted free. A portion of the admission fee will be donated to 501C3 charities in Mon- mouth County. Free parking is available at Ocean Township Middle School and High School with shuttle transportation all day. For more information, visit THE BEST SUMMER EVER HAPPENS jerseyshoregreekfestival.com. AT YMCA CAMP! > Wall > Red Bank > Matawan

> Enriching Fun > Flexible Hours > Specialty Camps

THE COMMUNITY YMCA SIGN UP FOR SUMMER FUN! 170 Patterson Avenue P: 732.671.5505 TheCommunityYMCA.org Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 [email protected] 418-4237-ADMIN

10 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE TRAVEL 5TRENDS DeMarco’s Catering & Gourmet Deli Since 1975 to Inspire Your Next Vacation 1121 Route 34 & Lloyd Rd. Aberdeen, NJ f you're like most people, you're probably dreaming of your next vacation (next to Bed, Bath & Beyond) the moment you step off the plane from your last trip. With summer around the corner, now is the time to start planning your next escape, whether it be 732-566-2112 Iover the winter holidays or Spring Break 2019 – it’s never too early! Visit www.demarcoscaterers.com for BBQ and Catering specials! HOURS: MON-SAT 9-6, SUN 9-4 Just like in fashion, travel industry trends are always changing. Wheth- er you are itching to get away or just daydreaming, the following travel Hors D’oeuvres Prepared Foods trends should definitely be on your radar: Appetizers All Bread Gourmet Platters IMMERSIVE TRAVEL: Travelers these days are looking to get off the Salads Handmade Italian Specialties beaten path and seek out the true culture of the area they are visiting. True Party Subs BBQ Party Packages Baked Homemade Soups immersive experiences are not found in a guidebook or on Expedia. This Cold & Hot Buffets & Sauces kind of exploration includes getting involved with local charities like Rhinos Sandwich Trays On Premises Butcher on Premises Without Borders in South Africa or authentic foodie tours such as Mezcal Sides Fresh Daily Catering for tasting and food truck tours in Mexico City. Desserts ALL Occasions GLAMPING: Glamping started with the idea of bringing comfort and VOTED BEST ITALIAN DELI FOR MONMOUTH COUNTY BY NJ MONTHLY MAGAZINE luxury to the great outdoors for a unique travel experience. Off-the-beaten-path accommodations far from any downtown are in high demand, and other luxury-meets-outdoor retreats have become more widely available. Montana's lux- urious The Ranch at Rock Creek and Clayo- quot Wilderness Re- sort in British Colum- bia are among some of North America’s top glamping spots. Activities from fishing and horseback riding to clay-pigeon shooting make for an active vacation without sacrificing the luxury of fine dining and a big soaking tub. WELLNESS RETREATS: As travel prior- ities shift toward experiential wellness retreats are becoming more popular. Activities like morning hikes, beach yoga, daily spa treatments and meditation are working their way onto more itineraries, as are un-plugged “Digital Detox” retreats. (We love The Body Holiday in St. Lucia and Canyon Ranch in Massachusetts for this.) MULTI-GEN TRAVEL: Gone are the days of booking an all-inclusive trip to get away from your ex- tended family. Whether taking over a villa in the Caribbean for a celebration with loved ones or going on an African safari, hotels are stepping up their game to accommodate families of all sizes and ages (kudos Singita Lebombo in South Africa with their family suites and over-the-top kids’ clubs like Andaz Maya- The Journal Brushes koba’s in the Riviera Maya). Looking to stay local? Look no further than The Asbury Hotel’s Octo Rooms, furnished with eight bunk beds. Up on Team Building PERSONALIZED SERVICES and highly SPECIALIZED TRIPS are the most important trends of all. Whether it's a boutique hotel or a special kind of restaurant, you need someone who will listen By Deirdre Flanagan Ward and cater to your needs. he Journal staff recently channeled their inner Picas- so in a team building painting class hosted at Pinot’s Kait Daly is a former Middletown resident and co-owner of Roam Travel Com- Pallet in Red Bank. Under the creative direction of the pany, a luxury travel agency based out of Asbury Park, NJ and Los Angeles, Tinstructor, participants transformed blank canvases into CA, who focuses on exclusive vacations, unique experiences and intelligent unique and colorful works of art. The “Jersey Shore Sun- hotel design. Contact her at [email protected] or follow RTC on set” theme, interpreted in different ways for each bud- Instagram at @roamtravelcompany. ding artist, collectively captured the beauty and essence of the setting sun along the Jersey Shore.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 11 Colts Neck Man Making ‘MuckleyEye’ Whiskey with Monmouth Ingredients By Nicholas Deckmejian

n 1780, a small town named Scobeyville became home to America’s first com- mercial licensed distillery, best known for its apple brandy – even George Wash- ington’s diaries mentioned it. Commonly known as Applejack, these cider spirits Iwere created by William Laird, and his family continued his legacy for centuries. Eventually, Scobeyville became Colts Neck Township, and while Laird & Company continues its operations in town, a new chapter of novel distilling is just beginning. A few years ago, Geoffrey Karch of Colts Neck was a television executive for National Geographic, promoting other people’s brands - until one day he decided to make something of his own. Today, Karch is founder of Colts Neck StillHouse, New Jersey’s first full-service farm distillery. Karch always had a passion for home brewing and admired Americana pride associated with whiskey and bourbon. After laws on distilleries changed, he decided to turn a dream into reality. Karch attended Moonshine University, a distilling epicenter in Louisville, Ken- tucky, where a rigorous training course taught him about equipment, chemistry, and recipes. After that, Karch was determined to build his own distillery. He sought approval from his family - which he said was the only hurdle – and started developing his brand. He reached into his family history and picked the term “MuckleyEye” - a word his grandfather used for eureka moments. “I didn’t realize it wasn’t a real term until later in life,” Karch admitted, adding that it describes his mantra of distilling with “white-knuckle enthusiasm and exuberant pride.” In searching for potential distillery locations, nothing other than Colts Neck worked out for him. “Thank God,” he exclaimed, “because this is the perfect location.” As a 20-year resident, Karch understands the town’s character: an old, horse-country town with history rooted in farmland. He embraced that history when designing the distillery: “I could have done something industri- al and have been open a year ago, but that was not the vision,” he said. Opening this summer, Colts Neck StillHouse will make bourbons, rye whiskeys, and other spirits like gin and vodka. Karch has been “tapping into local farms” for ingredients like heirloom corn, rye, even rosemary and cranberries for botanical spirits. The venue will offer tours, tastings, cocktails, and private events. Vis- itors “are going to learn how it’s made, they’re going to experience the Market | Deli | Catering history of it, the enjoyment of it, and they’re going to be able to hang out and have a good time,” Karch said. Let our Family Cater to Yours Lunch • Catering • Prepared Foods Italian Desserts • Gift Baskets Boar’s Head® Cold Cuts • Dine in or Take Out www.TasteofItalyMarket.com Tinton Falls (South) Tinton Falls (North) (732) 922-9393 (732) 542-2700 4060 Asbury Ave 1201 Sycamore Ave In the Shoppes in the Falls Village

12 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE PERFECT SUMMER PARTY Owner of The French Market Carli filled with unique finds culled from Windsor’s passion for food, decorating, out-of-the-way markets. In short, and perhaps even the roots of her busi- The French Market was visualized ness, trace back to her years growing up and exists as a place to come on the family organic wine farm. There she and muse, to lose yourself observed and absorbed the sights, smells, to the strains of Edith Piaf tastes and rhythms that surrounded her. while enjoying an espresso, Carli shares with The Journal: croissant, or any of the delights My earliest memories are of digging in from our extensive menu. We the sun-drenched soil, picking ripe figs and are now approaching our third grapes, and preparing olives for jarring. year in business and our menu These Joyful formative years helped shape and services continue to evolve and my aesthetic sensibilities and provide an expand. We offer catering from simple inexhaustible reference of memories from cheese platters to fully catered events. At this which I continue to draw. stage in our business we also offer elevated My creative urges stem from these event and party design, food styling, and memories and impressions. They trigger floral design services. passions deep inside me to first capture, The French Market is located at 114 East recreate and then communicate them River Road in Rumson. Call 732 530-1692 with others. They are the beginnings to inquire about events, catering and floral from which The French Market sprung. I arrangmenets. really wanted to create a space that would This June, The French Market will transport everyone who enters, to a place celebrate its third anniversary and there will at once reminiscent of a café in Paris, a also be a Bastille celebration in early July. workshop filled with freshly cut flowers, Go to The FrenchMarketNJ.com, follow them or a stop along the Paris brocante circuit, on Facebook or drop by for more details.

CARLI’S FAVORITE TIPS FOR CREATING THE PERFECT SUMMER PARTY: • Start with adding “petites touches d’amour” that are expressions of your own personal touch - I love adding details such as mini fresh herb bouquet garni to each plate setting or adding ice cubes with fresh herb leaves and edible flowers to the ice bucket. • Add a scent to your charcoal to create a cloud of aroma to surround your outdoor party by the grill. Simply place some sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme or other fresh herbs either directly on the coals and then use the rest in your marinade. • Serve refreshing drinks. Our favorite is The French Market’s signature French Lavender Lemonade which we serve in a beautiful pitcher with fresh lavender sprigs and lemons. It makes for a refreshing summer drink that can be enjoyed with or without a shot of vodka. • Table scape- a beautifully set table excites the senses. Today’ hottest trends in colors are rooted in natural tones like pink beige, grey, charcoal, taupe, white and soft pinks. They set a grounded and soothing space then add your floral delights. No table-scape is fully complete without a beautiful floral arrangement. Bring the garden inside. I love making an arrangement that looks as if you just picked the most beautiful flowers right from your garden. • Lastly set the mood with music that fits the occasion. Rolling Right Along by Lori Draz

Shrewsbury Bicycles opened 47 years ago. Scott Doran has been road, cruisers, youth, and BMX bicycles, as well as tricycles, by respected names the owner/manager for the last 27 years. Over those years,” Shrews- like Cannondale, Giant, Schwinn, Raleigh, Diamondback, GT, Electra, Chris King, bury Bicycle has served thousands of cyclists and has helped three Felt, and others. And best of all, you can try out your bike on their outdoor test S and four generations of families find the bikes ride park, where you can safely test your new bicycle on a variety that fit them just right. With the increased num- “Finding the right of terrains. As they say, Shrewsbury Bicycles is where people and ber of bicycle lanes being installed all over the area, the num- bicycle is like choosing bikes get put together. ber of cyclists enjoying the convenience and health benefits of the right pair of shoes; The staff, including Doran’s new partner Rob Martignetti, cycling is growing more every season. And the technology of bi- you’ve got to find the are all experts who know riding and are happy answer all your cycles continues evolving too. right pair for the right questions. Shrewsbury Bicycles’ repair team headed up by Brian Choosing the right bicycle to fit your level of skill and use job and it has to be a Gray, professional service manager will keep your bike running is no easy task. Scott Doran says, "Finding the right bicycle is perfect fit. smoothly for its lifetime. Shrewsbury Bicycles is located at 765 like choosing the right pair of shoes; you’ve got to find the right Broad Street (Route 35) in Shrewsbury. They’re open Monday pair for the right job and it has to be a perfect fit. At Shrewsbury through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 Bicycles, you’ll find more than 400 bicycles on display in their newly renovated p.m., ”Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 732- “state-of-the-art” 4000-square-foot facility, plus they have several hundred more in 741-2799 or visit shrewsburybicycles.com. stock and can even do special orders. You’ll find mountain, hybrid, sport comfort,

Fashion ‘Reigns’ in Red Bank By Nicholas Deckmejian ed Bank is home to some of the trendiest stores in the area, and the cream of image given the event’s title. the crop showcased their spring styles at the Red Bank Crystal Reign Fashion Guests mingled at the bar and enjoyed cocktails and light bites prior to the Show held in early May. The event, hosted by the Red Bank Business Alliance, big event. Amid a staccato of flashing lights, models took to the runway showcasing Rtook place at The Downtown and attracted a crowd of local fashion enthusiasts the latest styles and trends from local businesses including A.H. Fisher Diamonds, who joined in a celebration of spring fashion and local businesses. The venue was Sweetest Sin Boutique, Madison Boutique, Garmany, The Haute Maven, Physhion, decorated with everything purple, including pastel paper parasols which were and Sorella Bella Boutique. The evening ended on a fashionably high note with suspended from the ceiling, creating an illusion of purple rain – an appropriate shop owners and attendees excited about stepping out in style this spring.

14 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE SOURCE Farmhouse Brewery By Nicholas Dekmejian

ll good things come in pairs: Colts Neck StillHouse is getting ready to open for the summer, and Source Farmhouse Brewery is right behind it – literally. The new brewery will open in the fall directly behind the distillery. A Philip Petracca of Howell and Greg Taylor of Asbury Park have turned their vision into a reality - taking a historic 125-year old barn and creating a farm-to-glass, locally sourced microbrewery. They made painstaking efforts to maintain the barn’s historic beauty and honor Colts Neck’s agricultural past. According to their website: “Small independent breweries often become the fabric knitting a local community together. That is our vision, and when we first saw the 125-year-old dairy barn on a beautiful farm in the agricultural town of Colts Neck, we knew we had found the right place and set off on our mission to curate the ideal beer drinking experience.” The renovations will bring the barn up to code for the 21st century and enhance the overall experience for the modern-day crowd. On 1.75 acres, the brewery will feature an indoor tap room, courtyard in the front, beirgarten in the back, upstairs mezzanine, and a second-level porch facing the sunset. The owners say, “Our expansive farm includes plenty of space for fun, outdoor activities like bocce, corn hole, giant Jenga, and giant beer pong. Or you can take a load off and get comfortable by a fire pit with a fresh ale while watching the sun set.” With pride in their new community, they use ingredients sourced from local farmers “in sync with the local harvests,” they explain on their website. In addition to seasonal beers, they will offer a variety of IPAs, farmhouse saisons, German-style lagers, and stouts on tap. The duo notes, “We believe variety is the spice of life, so there will always be something new, unique, exciting, or experimental available.” For those under 21 and non-beer drinkers, Source Brewery makes cold-brew coffees and handcrafted sodas. If you can’t wait until fall, Source Brewery has released a special handcrafted soda called Fizz, now served exclusively at Frutta Bowls.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 15 Fort Monmouth Takes on Art

ort Monmouth was once well known for being a military hub and a vital resource original Inkwell coffee shop to the surrounding towns. That all changed in 2011 when Fort Monmouth shut- in Long Branch, and never tered its doors and left Monmouth County with over 1,000 acres of empty land looked back. Fand abandoned buildings. The Fort will soon be bustling once again, thanks to the Schwartz’ vision for the “I’m not an artist, Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, which has developed plans to artist community that he in- but I want to create turn the area into a mini community, with cultural, retail and residential facilities. tends to create is simple: “I One of the most interesting projects is being developed by local businessman want it to be like Woodstock opportunities for and art lover Kenneth Schwartz, who purchased six former Army barrack buildings without the pot,” he joked. emerging artists and in Eatontown and plans to convert them into a diverse arts community. A long-time Schwartz envisions an lover of art and owner of Detour Gallery in Red Bank, Schwartz hopes to create an artistic and cultural gather- help them achieve inclusive, creative environment that will attract people from around the world. ing place that will be a set- their goals and create A well-known entrepreneur in the Monmouth County area, Schwartz is best known ting for conversation, both for his ownership of the area’s World Auto Group car dealerships and two local pubs, literally and visually. “I’d like great works. McDonough’s and Old Glory, located in Keyport. His first love, however, is art, and he it to be a catalyst for commu- has been collecting for nearly 50 years. He bought his first piece of art in 1969 from the nication; an inclusive place where people can exchange ideas and create,” he said. ” Schwartz, who has always enjoyed restoring old buildings, had a feeling when he saw the buildings that he could turn them into something special. “I’ve always had a good gut instinct on business ventures,” he said, “and I always saw business as way to build something else.” With art as the driving factor, Schwartz sold portions of his World Auto Group dealerships and purchased six box-shaped barracks on about four acres. He also purchased the adjacent two acres referred to as Sol- diers Park. The buildings need updates, repairs and renovations, which Schwartz hopes to begin soon. He plans to turn the park into a sculpture park featuring works by American and international artists. The park will be a focal point, since it’s located on Avenue of Memories, which is visible to traffic on Route 537. Schwartz has plans for painters to create eye-catching murals on the outside of the barracks. He would like at least two of the murals to pay hom- age to the history of Fort Monmouth and the military who once called the Fort “home.” One of the buildings will be a short-term Artist’s Residence, where artists can live and work for no cost for up to 90 days. “I’m not an artist,” Schwartz said, “but I want to create opportunities for emerging artists and help them achieve their goals and create great works.” The other four buildings will be rented out at a low cost to other artists, musicians or the like. Schwartz wants to make it a place that allows other people to carry out their creative vision. Schwartz will allow other artists to rent the space directly from him and then carry out their own personal vision, hopefully making a bit of profit in the process. “This isn’t about adding more business to my business,” he said. “With this project, I’m trying to lay the groundwork for artistic freedom.” Anyone with a proposal or an idea for the remaining barracks can email Kenneth Schwartz at [email protected]. He is open to any ideas as long as they are of a cultural, artistic, musical or other creative background.

16 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE Local Artists Lift WeWe BBringring TheThe MusicMusic toto YOU!YOU! Spirits at Memorial

FIRST TRIAL Sloan Kettering LESSON IS By Lori Draz FREE

he power of the mind-body connection in wellness is undeni- IN-HOME PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS. able. Music, touch, color, and art can have a big impact on heal- We teach students of all ages and for most any instrument or musical genre. ing. Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth in Red Bank (MSK) 732-872-4053 • MonmouthCountyMusicLessons.com Thas an art gallery on the lower level dedicated to local artists. Every six months, MSK’s art curator, Jay Davis, works with local artists to pull together a small collection with a central theme. The current exhibit is an uplifting grouping of summer-inspired works from local artists Ellen Martin of Red Bank and Mike Quon of Fair Haven. Both artists Meet Our make very different work - but both capture different elements of their Monmouth County surroundings. Mike Quon’s work focuses on the daily themes of a simple sum- Artists mer at the shore including things like the beach, the boardwalk, or a lighthouse at the end of an island. Here are some of our talented artisans. Over a dozen under one roof selling As a counterpoint to his work, Ellen Martin’s photographs of handbags, jewelry, artwork, vintage recycled items and much more. abandoned buildings, reclaimed by nature, invite you to see the Crystal Kodada Carol Bruno beauty in the scenes you might otherwise roll by. Every detail on a Crystal Her watercolor & acrylic Together their works display the beauty of now and the reflection Kodada handbag has a paintings are inspired of memories. To see more, visit and reason to coexist. We by the love of beach, ellenmartin.com quonart.com. design with purpose. animals, and flowers. “The current exhibit, the third exhibit at our Monmouth com- A “stylish” trustworthy munity art gallery, is up until early August,” Davis said. “We are in the companion made in NJ. planning stage of the next exhibit. I try to keep each show interesting crystalkodada.com and growing off the previous exhibit. This often involves reinterpret- Asja Jung Steve Schiro ing how the patients might interact with each changing exhibit. a German artist. From the famous to the “It’s never going to be the same exhibit twice at any of our sites,” The high level of mundane, he brings sophistication, a unique bold and fresh perspec- Davis said. “That planning does add a little challenge when preparing combination of styles tive to all his work. His and executing these exhibits, but I think it also adds another layer of with unorthodox art consists of mixed choices of material interest and veers from the usual predictability that exhibits in health media, watercolor, make her art stand out. marker, acrylic, pen, care institutions often suffer from.” asjajung.com and pencil. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Tim Aanensen Rusty Old Man space is open to the public, but visitors must check in at the security An artist aiming to in- Creates functional desk on the Concourse level to receive a pass before visiting the art gal- fuse joy into the world. metal art from lery. MSK Monmouth is located at 480 Red Hill Road in Middletown. Light hearts are lifted recycled, re-purposed by his birds, focusing rusty & vintage mate- on watercolors, pen, rials, for home, office, ink, and lampshades. and garden.

Mary Ann McKay Andromeda’s Devotes her time in Attic her studio in Keyport, Modern Gifts for the NJ. Her work has been Modern Girl. shown in galleries throughout NJ, PA, and MD.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 17

An Artist’s Painful Life Journey Inspires His Unique Artistic Vision By Nicholas Deckmejian

very morning, Francis Mesaros competes with the sun to see who can start their day first. Francis springs out of bed in Middletown, heads to Red Bank Studio, grabs his pallet knives, and creates three-dimensional Panc- Eture© paintings with a surgeon’s precision and a rabid ambition. In his personal life, he was a son, a brother, a friend, and a husband. Professionally, he was an employee and owner several times over. Spiritually, he is an old soul and an enthusiast for enlightenment. Most of these titles were temporary; some he left behind willingly while others were stolen from him. Today, he goes by simply as Francis Mesaros, Artist -- and he is now close to selling paintings for $100,000. Praise for Francis’s paintings started when he was 13, but his Hungarian father urged him not to pursue a career in painting. At 19, Francis lost his brother, Sgt. Robert Mesaros, US Air Force, in a car crash in Spain. Francis would continue to lose loved ones, and soon enough, his heart broke again when he lost his mother and sister to cancer -- the two passing within weeks of each other. in response, someone purchased a Francis Despite his losses, Francis gained not only mon- Mesaros original for the first time. etary wealth from business ventures, but created a rich “That was the very first time I sold personal life as he married his soul mate, Carol. “We a painting, for $3,700!” Francis reflect- bought a house in Ocean Port, and that’s where this ca- ed, still astonished someone valued his reer started.” work so much. “There was no way that I Francis had the home, the wife, and when Carol be- was ready for that encouragement…this came pregnant with their daughter, he would soon have the was like divine intervention, man. First, I sold a painting for $3,700, then I family – soon, he would have everything. Except, having everything wouldn’t be sold a painting for $5,500, then one for $7,200, then $9,000, then $11,000” the spark that began his career as an artist. First, he had to lose it all. and the numbers continued to climb. Their baby girl died four months into the pregnancy. A year later, Carol was “At my darkest moment… I’m given a painting technique that’s never diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. When Carol died, the light in Francis’s life had been done before, and I do my first show in Red Bank. If that didn’t happen, gone out. After burying his wife, Francis underwent open-heart quadruple by- none of this would have happened.” pass surgery and was lost in depression. “I was as broken as a man can be.” Recognizing he had an opportunity within reach, Francis sold everything To cope with the pain, Francis painted. He painted “Infrared Pier” when he owned, went to Florida, and poured every ounce of himself into honing his his brother died. He painted “Harmony” when Carol became pregnant. He skills. He bought $30,000 of art supplies, $5,000 of food, and locked himself painted “Life is Black And White Now” when the baby died and his wife was away to paint incessantly for seven years. At his most isolated, he went three diagnosed cancer. He painted “The Unforgiving Sea” when he was told his months without leaving the house. Francis left his confines reborn and opti- wife will die. He painted “No More Sunshine” after he held her dead body in mized his technique of using painting knives to sculpt massive amounts of oil his arms. with mind-bending precision. He trademarked his style and created the brand © After burying his wife, he traveled for several months, but eventually Pancture Paintings. returned and found himself in Sandy Hook one night, gazing into the ocean. His work was being featured in galleries between Red Bank, New York, Suddenly, he thought “look at all those little waves out there. Thousands of Florida, and Colorado with acquisitions across the US, Japan, and Canada. Baf- little waves. You know what I’ll do? I’ll paint that.” fled by his mounting fame and fortune, his skyrocketing success culminated The tedious task was daunting, but he embraced the challenge and took in what Francis considers a pivotal moment in his career, selling two of his the first step into his ‘Eternal Ocean’ style, which would lead to his ‘Caribbean’ large seascape works to Guy Laliberte, the founder of Cirque du Soleil. series. This is when he truly began to heal. In July 2015, Francis reached an uncharted zenith for an artist. The Unit- A few years after Carol died, Francis found a new friend named Izola Fix. ed States Patent and Trademark Office awarded Francis the exclusive patent © “She was my strength at the time – an angel.” Izola became his mate, helped for the unprecedented technique of his Pancture paintings and design of his nurse him back from depression, and gave him the push he needed to contin- pallet knives. His work truly exists in a world of its own. ue his journey. “She saw my work and bolstered me to continue.” Francis Mesaros walked a path unlike any other. His artistic career started Francis, having suffered unfathomably, always found himself back in front with that first show in Red Bank, and through all the twists and turns, that path of an easel. Creating art in response to major life events gave him the reclu- still leads back to Red Bank where he spends his time with Izola and painting sion needed to realign himself. His art not only helped him heal but served in between trips to Florida. What he lost and what he gained along the way are as entries to his life’s diary. Over forty years, Francis had a collection of fourteen both equally incomprehensible to most – especially himself. He seems to still paintings, and with Izola’s support, Francis brought these paintings to the Asher feel like he’s about to awake from a dream at any moment, but until that hap- Neiman Gallery in Red Bank for his first art show in 2008 -- an exhibit titled pens, he is grateful for every minute spent on this wild journey. “My whole life “Paintings From A Life.” He laid bare his most intimate moments in life, em- has just been a blessing and I thank the universe for giving it to me, for giving bodied in works of art done in a style as eccentric as the life they mirrored, and me the chance, and I hope I don’t let anybody down. I won’t let anybody down.”

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 19 Enjoy June in a County Park pend those long, lazy days of June in local parks. It’s never been easier thanks to the Monmouth County Park System and all the family-friendly activities planned during the Smonth. For more details, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks and Recreation agency. Here’s what is happening in June:

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell Cookstove Demonstration Friday, June 1 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 2, 16 and 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, June 2/3, 9/10, 16/17, 23/24 and June 30/July 1, Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m. Visit the out kitchen and see what’s cooking on the woodstove. FREE! Park System Naturalists narrate these 45-minute tours that include opportunities to view local wildlife. The cost is $6 per adult and $4 per children age 12 Open Ceramics and under. Call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather- and water-level Sunday, June 3 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft Choose from a large selection of bisque-fired pottery pieces to glaze and make Superb Summer Saunter your own. Children age 12 and under are welcome, but must be accompanied Engage your curiosity as you explore the trails with a Park System Naturalist. by an adult. The cost is $6 per hour, plus price of bisque ware; cash or check Each tour is FREE and runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. only. Pieces will be fired in about a week. • Friday, June 1 at Huber Woods Park, Middletown. Meet in Environmental Center parking lot. Climb Time • Friday, June 8 at Clayton Park, Upper Freehold. Meet in Emley’s Hill Road Sunday, June 3 from noon to 4 p.m. parking lot. Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen • Friday, June 15 at Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Meet in Ramanessin section Try the Park System’s 25-foot portable climbing wall. Climbers must be 42 parking lot. inches or taller and age 8 or older (under 18 with adult). FREE! • Friday, June 22 at Tatum Park, Middletown. Meet in Holland Activity Center parking lot. Seabrook Wilson House – Open Sundays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Bayshore Fishing Derby Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to noon Visit this house, which dates back to the early 1700s, and see displays on the Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth ecology of the bay and local history. FREE! Participants must supply their own fishing poles, tackle and bait. Prizes are awarded for the longest fish caught in three different age categories. Only Concert in the Park fishing from the beach is allowed. The cost is $8 per person; $4 per additional Thursday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. person. Walk-ins are welcome. Cash or check only on site. Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft Enjoy an evening of music and fun with the Colts Neck Community Band. The SPUR 2018 Horse Show concert features selections from popular music and show tunes. Indoor seat- Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ing available or bring your lawn chairs. FREE! Sunnyside Equestrian Center, Lincroft Join us for a fun FREE day as riders of Special People United to Ride (SPUR) Antique Auto Display showcase their talents. Saturday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold Smocking Demonstration See pre-World War II automobiles on display, weather permitting. FREE! Saturday, June 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Thompson Park Canoe Rentals See this delicate craft demonstration. FREE! Saturdays and Sundays, June 9/10 and 23/24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thompson Park, Lincroft Pine Snake & Wood Turtle Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; lim- Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 at 1 p.m. ited number of canoes available. Open to ages 3 and up, under 18 with adult. Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per boat for 1 to 3 Meet these threatened species up close. FREE! people for two hours. Cash or check only.

20 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE Deep Cut Gardens Open House available; maximum three people per boat. Open to ages 5 and up; under Sunday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 18 with adult. Cost per boat is $25 for 30 minutes, $40 for 1 hour; cash or Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown check only. Enjoy garden tours and horticultural activities. FREE! Nature Lecture Series: Sharks and Shark Bites Blacksmith Demonstration Thursday, June 21 from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Park System Naturalist will discuss the history and ecology of local sharks, as Come see what the blacksmith is making in his workshop. FREE! well as why they are important to protect. FREE!

Find Your Path in Volunteering 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration Wednesday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Learn about many unique opportunities the Volunteer In Parks Program has See how 19th century woodworking tools were used to create various items. to offer. Open to ages 14 & up. FREE!

Roving Naturalist Felting Demonstration Saturday, June 16 at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. Clayton Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Emley’s Hill Road parking lot. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Join our Roving Naturalist for a walk. We’ll discuss seasonal points of interest, Learn about the process of felting wool and how it was used in garments. search for signs of wildlife, and identify a bird or two. The program runs 90 FREE! minutes to 2 hours, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point. Dress for the weather as light rain is not a deterrent. FREE! The Roots of Root Beer Sunday, June 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold Saturday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sample a dozen different root beers while learning about entrepreneur Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck Charles Hires and his wife, Emma Waln. FREE! Browse vendors at this outdoor market for the one-of-a-kind item you did not even think you needed. Admission and parking are free. Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay Monday, Wednesday & Friday, June 25, 27 & 29 from 11 a.m. to noon Open Shoot Archery Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull a seine net Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft through the calm waters of Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. All equipment is provided. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an Meet on the beach near the park entrance. Parents or guardians are required instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. Open to ages 10 and up; to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. under 18 with adult. Cost is $10 per person; cash or check only. Weather permitting. FREE!

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s The Casual Birder Saturday, June 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at 9 a.m. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Weltz Park, Oakhurst - Meet in the West Park Avenue parking area. Hear music from yesteryear played on an accordion. FREE! Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of Freshwater Fishing Derby binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. Open to ages 11 and up; Saturday, June 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. under 16 with adult. FREE! Manasquan Reservoir, Howell Sunday, June 17 from 2 to 5 p.m. Daylily Day Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Park System hosts its annual fishing derbies for beginners as well as ex- Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown perienced anglers. Free hands-on clinics will be available from 12:30 to 1:30 The Monmouth County Park System and Garden State Daylily Growers pres- p.m. Bring your pole or rent one ($5 per pole); limited number available. A ent Daylily Day. See daylily displays and enjoy our large selection of daylilies container of worms included with each registration. The cost is $25 per family on the grounds. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. Admission and of 4; $8 per person. Walk-ins welcome. Cash or check only on site. parking are free.

Look! I’m Sailing! Crochet/Lacemaking Demonstration Sunday, June 17 - Sailboats will leave the dock between 10 a.m. and Saturday, June 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Manasquan Reservoir, Howell See Dorothy Gratton demonstrate the art of crochet and lacemaking from the We’ll provide the captain, you provide the crew. Limited number of boats Victorian era. FREE!

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 21 Local Concert & Theatre Calendar GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Tickets PNC BANK ARTS CENTER On Sale Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel, NJ 07733 Now JUNE 2 Saturday at 5 p.m. - Slayer JUNE 9 Saturday at 7 p.m. - Imagine Dragons: EVOLVE TOUR JUNE 17 Sunday at 7 p.m. - Logic Presents: Bobby Tarantino vs. Everybody Tour with NF and Kyle JUNE 21 Thursday at 6 p.m. - Thirty Seconds To Mars JUNE 22 Friday at 6 p.m. - Lynyrd Skynyrd: Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour UPCOMING SHOWS JUNE 23 Saturday at 7 p.m. - Poison with special guests Cheap Trick JUNE 29 Friday at 7:30 p.m. - Rascal Flatts: Back To Us Tour 2018 JUNE 30 Saturday at 7 p.m. - Foreigner - Juke Box Heroes Tour Shrek the Musical JULY 6 Friday at 7:30 p.m. - Steely Dan With The Doobie Brothers: The July 6 | 7 | 8* | 13 | 14 | 15* | 20 | 21 | 22* Summer Of Living Dangerously Curtain at 7:30pm *Matinée at 2:00pm JULY 13 Friday at 7 p.m. - Gov’t Mule’s Darkside of the Mule + The Avett Brothers JULY 14 Saturday at 11 a.m. - Vans Warped Tour Presented By Journeys JULY 15 Sunday at 7 p.m. - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts / Styx with special 42nd Street guests Tesla August 16 | 17 | 18 | 19* | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26* JULY 18 Wednesday at 8 p.m. - Dave Matthews Band Curtain at 7:30pm *Matinée at 2:00pm JULY 19 Thursday at 6:30 p.m. - Coheed and Cambria & Taking Back Sunday JULY 20 Friday at 7:30 p.m. - Weezer / Pixies JULY 24 Tuesday at 7 p.m. - Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson: Twins Of Evil The Addams Family JULY 27 Friday at 7 p.m. - The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore October 12 | 13** | 19 | 20** | 26 | 27** JULY 28 Saturday at 6:30 p.m. - WRAT & WDHA Present: STP * BUSH * THE Curtain at 7:30pm CULT - Revolution 3 Tour **2:00pm Matinée & 7:30pm Curtain JULY 29 Sunday at 7:30 p.m. - Chicago / REO Speedwagon JULY 31 Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. - End Of The World Tour: Avenged Sevenfold Scrooge With Prophets Of Rage Nov. 30, Dec. 1** | 2* | 7 | 8** | 9* | 14 | 15** | 16* AUG. 3 Friday at 7 p.m. - Lady Antebellum & Darius Rucker: Summer Plays On Tour 7:30pm Curtain *2:00pm Matinée AUG. 8 Wednesday at 6 p.m. - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th **2:00pm Matinée & 7:30pm Curtain Anniversary Tour AUG. 10 Friday at 7 p.m. - Lindsey Stirling + Evanescence Legally Blonde AUG. 11 Saturday at 7 p.m. - 3 Doors Down & Collective Soul: The Rock & Roll Express Tour Feb. 8 | 9** | 15 | 16** | 22 | 23** 2019 AUG. 12 Sunday at 7 p.m. - Stars Align Tour: Jeff Beck & Paul Rodgers and 7:30pm Curtain Ann Wilson of Heart **2:00pm Matinée & 7:30pm Curtain AUG. 14 Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. - PMCounting Crows with special guest +LIVE+: 25 Years and Counting The Producers AUG. 19 Sunday at 4 p.m. - KIDZ BOP LIVE 2018 March 29 | 30** | April 5 | 6** | 12 | 13** 2019 AUG. 20 Monday at 8 p.m. - Pentatonix 7:30pm Curtain AUG. 22 Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. - 311 & The Offspring: Never-Ending Summer Tour **2:00pm Matinée & 7:30pm Curtain AUG. 25 Saturday at 7 p.m. - Breaking Benjamin and Five Finger Death Punch (732) 449-4530 | springlaketheatre.com AUG. 30 Thursday at 7:30 p.m. - Brad Paisley Tour 2018 300 Madison Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762 AUG. 31 Friday at 6:30 p.m. - G-EAZY - The Endless Summer Tour

22 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE COUNT BASIE THEATRE 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, NJ 07701 JUNE 1 Friday at 8 p.m. - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert with the NJSO JUNE 2 Saturday at 4 p.m. - Basie Summer Jazz Fest JUNE 3 Sunday at 6:30 p.m. - Basie Summer Jazz Fest JUNE 6 Wednesday at 7 p.m. - INTERMEZZO! Connecting and Celebrat- ing The Arts JUNE 7 Thursday at 8 p.m. - Chris D’Elia JUNE 8 Friday at 7:30 p.m. - Doo-Wop and Rock N’ Roll BUY TICKET JUNE 9 Saturday at 8 p.m. - Shaham Plays Brahms JUNE 11 Monday at 7 p.m. - Jaws (1975) JUNE 12 Tuesday at p.m. - The Decemberists JUNE 13 Wednesday at 6 p.m. - Asbury Park Press Sports Awards JUNE 14 Thursday at 7:30 p.m. - David Feherty JUNE 15 Friday at 7:30 p.m. -Shaun T: Purpose + Action = Resilienc JUNE 16 Saturday at 8 p.m. - The Fab Faux JUNE 17 Sunday at 3 p.m. - Rockit! Academy: California Dreamin’ JUNE 22, 23 & 24 Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Thursday at 3 p.m. - Phoenix Productions Presents: In the Heights JUNE 25 Monday at 8 p.m. - The Monkees present The Mike & Micky Show JUNE 28 Thursday at 8 p.m. - Pretenders JUNE 29 Friday at 8 p.m. - Lake Street Dive JUNE 30 Saturday at 7:30 p.m. - Leslie Odom Jr. TWO RIVER THEATER 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701 SONGBIRD JUNE 9, Saturday at 8 p.m. JUNE 10, Sunday at 8 p.m. JUNE 13, Wednesday, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. JUNE 14, Thursday, at 8 p.m. JUNE 15, Friday, at 7 p.m. JUNE 16, Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. JUNE 17, Sunday at 3 p.m. JUNE 20, Monday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. JUNE 21, Tuesday at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. JUNE 22, Wednesday at 8 p.m. JUNE 23, Thursday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. JUNE 24, Friday at 3 p.m. JUNE 27, Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. JUNE 28, Sunday at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. JUNE 29, Monday at 8 p.m. JUNE 30, Tuesday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. THE SPRING LAKE COMMUNITY HOUSE & ME, THEATRE COMPANY KISS 300 Madison Ave., Spring Lake, NJ 07762 SHREK THE MUSICAL JULY 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, at 7:30 p.m. JULY 8, 15 and 22, at 2 p.m. 42ND STREET KATE AUG. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. AUG. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. Book by Music and Lyrics by MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER Cole Sam and Bella 36 Church St., Middletown, NJ 07748 Porter Spewack Summer Concert Series, the performances are on Tuesday evenings from

7 to 9 p.m. on the Lawn of the MAC. In case of inclement weather, the UNNYSIDE MANOR concerts will be moved indoors. Sponsored by: JULY 10 Chailo JULY 24 Revolution Rewind AUG. 7 Weeklings October 6-21, 2018 AUG. 21 Jersey Jukebox KISS ME, KATE is produced by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 23 Nominations for Basie Awards Announced By Les Pierce

ount Basie Theatre has announced the nominations for the 13th annual Outstanding Musical Direction Basie Awards. The Count Basie Theatre Basie Awards began in 2005 to Red Bank Catholic – Thoroughly Modern Millie – Shawn Mack honor and recognize high school-level actors, actresses and productions in Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof – Matthew Anderson Cthe Monmouth County area. For Monmouth County high schools, the “Basies” Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables – Cindy J. Dwyer are the local version of Broadway’s Tony Awards and a nomination is a great Outstanding Choreography honor. This year, the Basie nomination committee attended and evaluated 22 Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof – Christina Rak dramas and 29 musical performances. For the fifth consecutive year, the Basie Middletown South – Heathers – Jacqui Fischer Awards is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health – Monmouth Medical Center. Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables – Samantha Amaral Red Bank Catholic – Thoroughly Modern Millie – Rachel Wasser NOMINEES FOR DRAMATIC PRODUCTIONS Outstanding Set Design in a Drama Outstanding All Student Orchestra Red Bank Catholic – Moon Over Buffalo –Carla Valentino Middletown South – Heathers – Michael Raguseo Christian Brothers Academy – Don’t Drink the Water – Collin Swabsin, Noah Outstanding Student/Adult Orchestra Hoffman, Will DeNooyer Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof – Matthew Anderson Les Miserables Outstanding Lighting Design in a Drama Mater Dei Prep – – Cindy J. Dwyer Trinity Hall – Hiding in the Open – Alexandria Principe Outstanding Chorus Colts Neck – Moon Over Buffalo – Chris Rocco Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof Red Bank Catholic – Thoroughly Modern Millie Carole Malik Award for Outstanding Costume Design in a Drama Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables Mater Dei Prep – – Peggy Baumgartner Heathers Middletown South – Pygmalion – Jacqui Fischer & Laura Mazza Middletown South – Trinity Hall – Hiding in the Open – Patti Frees & Niyah Robinson Outstanding Featured Ensemble Group Red Bank Regional – Macbeth – Claudia O’Connor Saint John Vianney – The Little Mermaid – The Mersisters Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof – The Bottle Dancers Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Rumson-Fair Haven – The Secret Garden – The Snake Charmers Kaylin Iannone – Middletown South – Pygmalion Rumson-Fair Haven – The Secret Garden – The Servants Camille Pugliese – Middletown South – Pygmalion Rumson-Fair Haven – The Secret Garden – The Gardeners Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Outstanding Featured Male Performer Macbeth Sam Zatorski – Red Bank Regional – Matthew Curti – Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables The Killing Game Carmine Mastrokostas – Ranney School – Dylan Higgins Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables Stephen Weihs – Christian Brothers Academy – Don’t Drink the Water Chris Coleman – Christian Brothers Academy – Don’t Drink the Water Outstanding Featured Female Performer Matt Glenn – Middletown South – Pygmalion Molly Hurst – Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical Thoroughly Modern Millie Jacqueline Hennessy – Red Bank Catholic – Moon Over Buffalo Maggie Skalecki – Red Bank Catholic – Sara Burke – Colts Neck – The Wedding Singer Outstanding Direction in a Drama Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical Cindy J. Dwyer – Mater Dei Prep – The Wedding Singer Alana Herron – Red Bank Catholic – Moon Over Buffalo CJ Pinheiro – Colts Neck – Michael Guarino – Trinity Hall – Into the Woods Outstanding Production – Drama Zackary Abbey – Trinity Hall – Into the Woods Red Bank Catholic – Moon Over Buffalo – Alana Herron Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical Julia Forsyth – Henry Hudson Regional – Little Women NOMINEES FOR MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS Sarah Coleman – Red Bank Catholic – Thoroughly Modern Millie Outstanding Set Design in a Musical Red Bank Catholic– Thoroughly Modern Millie – Ashley Cusack Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables – Jim Vail and Tyler McClain Cash Zhang – Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables Griffin Cole – Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical Michael Guarino – Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof Red Bank Catholic – Thoroughly Modern Millie – Robert Rutt Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables – Scott Goldstein Outstanding Direction in a Musical Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof – Jonathan Rocco and Logan Ward Marcos Orozco & Christina Rak – Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof Alexis Kozak – Middletown South – Heathers Carole Malik Award for Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical Alana Herron – Red Bank Catholic – Thoroughly Modern Millie Christian Brothers Academy – Fiddler on the Roof – Cecilia Heidelberger and Cindy J. Dwyer – Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables Hanna George Middletown South – Heathers – Laura Mazza and Jacqui Fischer Outstanding Production – Musical Les Miserables Mater Dei Prep – Les Miserables – Peggy Baumgartner Mater Dei Prep – – Cindy J. Dwyer Heathers Red Bank Catholic – Thoroughly Modern Millie – Jacquie Revier, Donna Silo- Middletown South – – Alexis Kozak Thoroughly Modern Millie gy-Gigante and Joanne DeLuca Daly Red Bank Catholic – – Alana Herron Fiddler on the Roof Christian Brothers Academy – – Pegasus Production Company

24 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE Does your child have a dream of performing on Broadway?

New Destination Getaway Lands in AC Then By Deirdre Flanagan Ward Camp Phoenix is the place to be he buzz up and down the Jersey Shore is that Atlantic City, a destination getaway for many Monmouth residents, is raising the stakes with this summer! the addition of a new high-end luxury resort – the Hard Rock Hotel & CasinoT Atlantic City. Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chairman & CEO, It’s the day camp for kids announced the grand opening date will be Thursday, June 28. who love to perform. “The grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will set the tone for a new era of entertainment in Atlantic City,” Allen said. Triple-threat instruction in “Our $500 million, newly reimagined property will offer something for acting, singing and dance everyone and we’re thrilled to welcome our first guests in June.” in a fun-filled atmosphere. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is slated be the go-to destination for world-class entertainment, rock star service - and it’s only an This summer featuring hour’s drive from Monmouth County. The music-inspired hotel will fea- Aladdin, Jr. or 13 The Musical. ture “dynamic culinary experiences, superstar performances, sporting events, a beach bar and a spectacular casino complete with more than 3-week sessions begin July 9. 2,100 slot machines and 120 table games.” Limited enrollment. Register at phoenixredbank.com The entertainment lineup set to kick off the summer will include A-list talent and performances, such as Amy Schumer and Friends, Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, plus over 50 other shows and events booked for And on the Count Basie stage . . . the new casino resort. PHOENIX PRESENTS MORE Situated on 17 acres with the legendary Atlantic City boardwalk as BROADWAY IN THE BURBS its backdrop, the new, music-inspired property will offer lavish rooms and suites featuring the “Sound of Your Stay” music amenity program which June 22-24 allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam Sponsored by Jonathan out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. In addition, there D’Agostino & Associates, P.C. will be the standard high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi; 24 hour in-room dining; towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool; and 24-hour access to Body Rock fitness. To feed the fun at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, hungry guests will discover exceptional cuisine and all-day dining options at their doorstep. The Hard Rock Café, centrally located within the property in a new 400-seat venue, boasts a new and improved stage and conve- nient beach access for guests. The resort is designed to be a destination getaway while still enjoy- October 12-14 ing the beauty of the Jersey Shore. Visitors can come for the music, stay

for the spa treatment and return home feeling like a rock star. Training for Musical Theatre For more information, visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com or call 609-449-1000. Tickets available at Atlantic City is a resort city on New Jersey’s Atlantic coast that’s the Count Basie box office, known for its many casinos, wide beaches and iconic Boardwalk. Estab- online at www.thebasie.org lished in the 1800s as a health resort, today the city is dotted with glitzy or by phone at 732-747-0014 high-rise hotels and nightclubs.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 25 Happy 50th Anniversary to the PNC Bank Arts Center By Joanne Colella

his summer, the PNC Bank Arts Center, formerly known as the Gar- den State Arts Center, reaches a significant milestone, marking a half century of providing outstanding entertainment to countless Tfans of every genre of music, plus comedy shows, trade shows, cultural and music festivals, and more. The amphitheater, located at Garden State Parkway exit 116 in Holmdel, can accommodate about 17,500 guests, with 7,000 seats and a lawn area that holds about 10,500 people. Ranked among the top five most successful amphitheaters in the country and now managed by Live Nation, the Arts Center comes alive during the summer season, with a lineup of diverse performances scheduled from May through September. Way back in 1954, when the Garden State Parkway was created, plans were also included to establish recreational facilities along its route. In 1964, the area of Holmdel known as Telegraph Hill was selected as the site for a center for music and the performing arts. The venue was managed (and is still owned) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which also operated the Garden State Parkway. The structure was designed by the modernist architect Edward Durell Stone, with open sides and a saucer-like roof supported by huge concrete pillars. Originally, the center offered seating for just 5,197 people, with room for another Does it Match the Couch? 5,000 on the lawn area. at the Monmouth Museum Opening day was June 12, 1968, featuring a performance by pia- nist Van Cliburn, conductor Eugene Ormandy, and the Philadelphia Or- To match or not to match, that is the question! In this whimsi- chestra. The beloved Judy Garland gave two performances there shortly cal summertime exhibition running through September 2, after, on June 25 and 26. In the years that followed, much of the Garden at the Monmouth Museum. Does It Match the Couch? A Ju- State Arts Center programming included classical music, and free day- T ried Exploration of Color, will have the visiting public delve time programs were presented for students, senior citizens, and special into that question and more. Should you buy a piece of art because it will needs audiences. There were also a number of international heritage festivals, held before the start and after the end of the regular season, compliment your décor or because you like it? Is it taboo to commission that were established in 1971 by the center’s nonprofit foundation. The an artist to create an artwork to compliment the color scheme of a room? Garden State Arts Foundation continues to provide free shows to this How do interior designers select art for the spaces they design? How does day; for more information, visit gsafoundation.njta.com/events.html. color theory play a role in the creation of art? How does the color palette During the 1990s, the Arts Center went through a series of sig- of a space affect your mood? nificant, and sometimes controversial, changes. Classical music- per This Juried Exploration of Color sets the state of the Main Gallery formances diminished and the venue took on a major expansion in with numerous couches in a variety of styles and colors, each with artwork 1996, adding 2,000 seats and removing trees in the surrounding area strategically placed nearby. Inspire your inner artist as you explore the to double the capacity of the lawn seating. That same year, PNC Bank purchased the naming rights, eliminated the “Garden State” wording, role of artwork in design. and it became the PNC Bank Arts Center. To add to the fun of this exhibition, the furniture will be sold through Enhancements in recent years have seen the emergence of VIP a silent auction which will be available to visitors all summer. Sponsored seating, parking, and hospitality areas, as well as an expanded assort- by: British Cottage; Bassett Home Furnishing; Ethan Allen; Anthropolo- ment of food and beverage offerings throughout the venue, with items gie; Platypus; Tri-Space Interiors; and West Elm. to appeal to a diverse range of tastes. On Wednesday, July 25 7 p.m, The Art of Design – a discussion with Performers over the decades have included James Taylor, Ringo professionals: to explore the notion, should artwork be selected for its in- Starr, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, The Spice Girls, Glen Camp- trinsic value or just to match the color of one’s couch? bell, Dionne Warwick, Jackson Browne, the Allman Brothers Band, Barry Manilow, The Osmonds, Aerosmith, Blondie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Sting, The Museum is as well as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Alice located on the campus of Cooper, Rod Stewart, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Luke Bryan, Backstreet Brookdale Community College, Boys, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert, The Goo parking lot #1, Lincroft, NJ. Goo Dolls, The Zac Brown Band, Sam Hunt, Third Eye Blind, Dave Mat- 732-747-2266 thews, Joan Jett, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, Marilyn Manson, Steely monmouthmuseum.org.

26 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE Dan, Carlos Santana, Barenaked Ladies, Pitbull, Meatloaf, Journey, Foreign- er, Chicago, Peter Frampton, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Kenny Chesney – and too many more to mention. Last month, the summer concert schedule kicked off on May 19 with country star Dierks Bentley and John Fogerty, with ZZ Top on May 26. Upcom- ing shows this season will include Slayer, Imagine Dragons, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Poison with Cheap Trick, Rascal Flatts, Foreigner, Steely Dan with The Doobie Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts with Styx, Dave Matthews Band, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, Chicago with REO Speedwagon, Avenged Sevenfold, Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker, Lauryn Hill, Lindsey Stirling and Evanescence, 3 Doors Down, Counting Crows, Pentatonix, Breaking Benjamin, Brad Paisley, Deep Purple and Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Willie Nelson, Kevin Hart, and more. For the complete list and to purchase tickets, visit livenation.com/ venues/14235/pnc-bank-arts-center.

Film Competition is Cinematic Success

he Atlantic Highlands Arts Council’s FilmOneFest partnered with Mon- mouth University on April 20 and 21 to host the third annual Film Slam at Monmouth’s Lauren K. Woods Theatre in West Long Branch. T The Film Slam is a free 24-hour filmmaking competition in which teams of any size compete to create an original film under two minutes in length, which must include specific elements assigned to them. At the start of the competition, all teams received a prop, location, and line of dialogue that they had to incorporate into their film. The criteria given for this year’s competition was a bird as the prop, a cemetery as the location, and “how about this weather” as the line of dialogue. Teams had precisely 24 hours to write the script, film, edit, and deliver the finished product to the Woods Theatre by Saturday evening. Seven teams com- peted in this year’s Film Slam. First place winners were Kevin Meberg and Kevjack Manberg of team KevJack Manberg. Second place winners were Cole Vallis, Alex Clyde, Mercedes Griffeth and Luke Falkenstern of team Popcorn Playaz. Third place winners were The Bagsville Initiative, previous winners of the 2017 Film Slam. This year’s People’s Choice Award winners were Michael Manheimer, Victoria Regine, Thomas Hernan- dez, Alexandra James, and Carly Vena of team MCM Films. FilmOneFest and its fundraisers are 100 percent volunteer-produced; proceeds support Monmouth County Foodbank, Atlantic Highlands Arts Coun- cil (AHAC), and AACC Food Pantry. FilmOneFest is a project of AHAC, a regis- tered 501(c)3 organization. Its mission is to strengthen community through the arts. For information, visit aharts.org. For information about FilmOneFest and its events, visit filmonefest.org. FilmOneFest is made possible in part by Monmouth Arts through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 27 THE FROM FRONTROW BY JOANNE COLELLA

Spreading the News-ie! Have you heard the big news? Newsies is coming to the Axel- rod Performing Arts Center (APAC) in Deal Park! The venue has been earning applause as the Garden State’s newest professional theater, and is conveniently located just five minutes from downtown As- bury Park, with free parking and numerous restaurants nearby to enjoy dinner and a show. At this lovely, modern, intimate theater, there’s not a bad seat in the house – in fact, it seats just 500, so don’t fret if you don’t happen to have a view from the front row. Residents and visitors from throughout the area are encour- aged to come and take the opportunity to see all that APAC has to offer to their enthusiastic audiences – including their latest production, which runs this month from June 1 through June 17. The Disney musical Newsies was a smash hit on Broadway, delighting fans of all ages. Before landing on the Great White Way, the show, which was based on a 1992 film, made its world premiere completely handicap accessible. Be sure to check their website and their onstage 19 years later at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. It received Facebook page for details on this and other stellar productions, programs, tremendous acclaim from critics and fans alike and moved to Broadway in and concerts that are planned throughout the year. Upcoming events include 2012, where it was honored with eight Tony Award nominations and won for Disney’s High School Musical, a 50th anniversary celebration of Hair in Con- Best Score and Best Choreography. cert, the Doo Wop Project, a ballet of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the opera With an experienced and talented cast, Newsies reenacts the true story Carmen, and the musical “Annie.” about a group of New York City newsboys who formed a union in 1899 and protested against the publisher of a prominent Manhattan newspaper, going on a two-week strike for fair wages and treatment and ultimately impacting two major newspapers. Through a litany of rousing musical numbers, beau- Upcoming Shows at tiful ballads, and high-energy dance, the show provides insight on the poi- Axelrod Performing Arts Center gnant backgrounds and intertwined relationships of the newsboys and the actions they take. Axelrod Artistic Director proudly notes, “Newsies is one of JUNE 24 those heart-stopping musicals that explodes with energy and emotion. It’s Celebrate Israel’s 70th with Moshe Bonen & Ha Taklitim (The Vinyls) perfect for the entire family!” AXELROD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER True to their mission of presenting main-stage musicals with casts and 100 GRANT AVE., DEAL PARK production teams from New York City and beyond, the Axelrod staging of The sounds of pure Israeli music will be brought to life at the Axelrod Newsies is directed and choreographed by renowned Broadway veteran Mar- PAC with the audience favorite band Moshe Bonen and HaTaklitim - “The cos Santana. His recent production of the show earned a Carbonell Award, Vinyls.” Band Leader Moshe Bonen opens his heart and his vast knowl- which recognizes excellent theater in South Florida each year. This will be edge base from his Israel radio days and each show comes to life with his debut event at the Deal venue, and he brings with him an impressive anecdotes, Israel’s favorite music and of course, superb sound. The con- list of credentials for his work on Broadway, including Guys and Dolls, In the cert will feature the top Israeli Cover Music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90’s. Led by the sensitive and talented Moshe Bonen, HaTaklitim transports Heights, On Your Feet, and Rocky. He received Tony nominations for both On the audience to simpler times, before Spotify and WiFi, when music was Your Feet and Rocky for his contributions as choreographer. played on a hi-fi stereo and the songs told real stories. Israel Food and The music for Newsies was created by Alan Menken – the famed com- Wine Tasting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Concert/Israeli Food/Wine Tasting: poser whose work includes Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Little Shop of Hor- $42; $26 students. Concert only: $30; $18 students. rors, and A Bronx Tale – with lyrics by Jack Feldman, performed under the musical direction of Andrew Sotomayer. The musical’s book was written by JULY AND AUGUST four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. High School Musical Newsies Disney’s Mark your calendar and spread the news! Disney’s will take the Based on the smash Disney Channel Original Movie, Disney’s High stage on June 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 16 at 8 p.m.; on June 3, 10, and School Musical, directed and choreographed by Nickelodeon and Disney 17 at 3 p.m.; and on June 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are: Premium Adult star Lane Napper (Victorious, Suddenly Susan), tells the story of the stu- $45; Premium Senior $41; Regular Adult $42; Regular Senior $37; and Stu- dents at East High singing and dancing to an infectious pop score. Don’t dents $29. They are available online at axelrodartscenter.com, by phone at miss this musical for the whole family with an amazing cast of talented 732-531-9106 ext. 14, or in person at the box office. The Axelrod Performing teens from New Jersey and beyond. Performance time and dates are: 3 Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park. The theater offers senior p.m. July 29 and Aug. 5; 8 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2. Tickets: Adults $28; Senior and student discounts, plus ample, free, onsite parking. The venue is also $26; and Students $20.

28 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE The Journal Supports the Jersey Shore Wine Festival Sample limited edition wines at the Jersey Shore Wine Festival Eight of New Jersey’s top wineries will participate in the 8th Annual Jersey Shore Wine Festival at Lakewood’s FirstEnergy Park on June 9 and 10. Festival-goers can try exclusive, and in some cases, limited-edition wine varieties presented only at the festival. Wine tastings will be offered by a variety of Garden State vineries, Camp Rocks! including Chestnut Run Farms, DiMatteo Winery, Monroeville Vineyard Full week of indoor and outdoor & Winery, Plagido’s Winery, Valenzano Winery, Villari Vineyards, Wagon- house Winery and Four Sisters. ROCK CLIMBING!

Call us for more information! 732.856.9599 we also offer Birthday Parties!

Chestnut Run Farms will offer its semi-sweet Asian Pear Wine. Pro- duced from a blend of their own Asian pear varieties, this off-dry, subtly sweet fruit wine has a smooth, mellow character that enhances a wide range of foods. It can pair nicely with grilled pork or poultry, tilapia, and other light flaky fish or light pasta salads. Villari Vineyards, a fourth-generation family farm in South Jersey, The will offer a dry chardonnay, a dry rose, cabernet sauvignon, a semi-sweet moscato, and will highlight its special One Nation 21 Blue, a delicious JOURNAL port-style dessert wine made from a blend of blueberries and apples, and MEDIA SOLUTIONS GROUP fortified with brandy. Your trusted local print source is now offering Wagonhouse Winery of Gloucester County, will feature its Three Boys’ Brand wines, such as Fallen Quaker, Daisy-Grace, Ornery Apple, and Digital Audience Extensions. myriad reds and whites. Highlighted at the festival will be their Three Boys Brand’s Shore Thing. Plagido’s will offer their exquisite rose, refreshing yet refined with a vibrant strawberry floral nose, raspberry and cherry leading into bright acidity, with a light cream and rhubarb finish. The Jersey Shore Wine Festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Satur- day, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, rain or shine. It will feature live musical performances from solo guitarist Tony Costa and the Crabdaddy Band, and dozens of artisan crafters, including I See Spain, Art Corner, and The King’s Essential; and retail vendors such as Lularoe, Scentsy, and Origami Owl. A variety of food will be available for purchase from Cousin’s Main Lobster, Tiki Grill, Hoffman’s Ice Cream and Shark Bait. Tickets for guests over age 21 are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Designated drivers are admitted free. No dogs, hovercraft/hoverboards, drones, bicycles or skateboards are allowed during festival days. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/jersey-shore- Audience Targeting • Contextual Targeting • Geo Fencing wine-festival-8th-annual-tickets-41357399094; through the Blue Native • Run Of Network •Site Retargeting • And so much more! Claws website or box office, or call Allen Consulting at 732-946-2711. Event sponsors include Journal Publications, WJRZ 100.1 FM and CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS WRAT, The Star-Ledger, Asbury Park Press, and New Jersey Monthly. All net proceeds will be donated to Sylvia’s Children, a Holmdel-based 501(c)3 848.456.4824 www.TheJournalMediaSolutions.com organization working over the past 16 years to improve living conditions for more than 1,000 children in the village of Mbiriizi in Uganda, Africa.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 29

Ladies and Gentlemen: Meet Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen By Joanne Colella

ometimes, when the planets – and on Saturday, Aug.11, they’re back at The Orange talents – align just right, a group of Lantern in Paramus for a Summer Send-Off. college friends will join forces and Their first EP, “Homecoming,” was pro- Sfind themselves working in perfect- har duced at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn mony. That’s apparently the case with and released in June 2017, and enthusiastical- the musical group Dan Amato & The Sen- ly celebrated with a release party at The Saint. timental Gentlemen, formed when the Songs include “Old Fashioned Way,” “Miss band members were all students togeth- Psychopath,” “Roosevelt,” “Next Time You Need er at Monmouth University in West Long Me,” “Beautiful to Me ’17,” and “Hometown Girl Branch. They include Dan Amato on lead ’17.” The band’s singles to date include “Ex’s vocals and guitar, Nicole Govel on back- Best,” “Roses for Rosie,” “December 26th” (re- up vocals, Owen Flanagan on drums, Jon leased last December), and their latest single, Bass on bass (yes, really – Bass on bass), “Lindsay,” which was released in February 2018. and JJ Fabricatore on saxophone. Nicole, As this issue of The Journal was going to Owen, and JJ all just graduated from press, the group had just finished spending Monmouth U., and the lessons learned time at Retromedia Sound Studios in Red Bank by them and their fellow music scholars and were wrapping up the final mixes for their have obviously paid off. new LP that is due to be released in mid-June, Citing Bruce Springsteen, The Beat- entitled “The Big Picture.” les, and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Be sure to like Dan Amato & The Sentimen- as their creative influences, the band com- tal Gentlemen on Facebook, subscribe to their bines classic rock, modern pop, and timeless soul, belting out original songs video channel on YouTube, follow @sentimental_gentlemen on Instagram, and look written by Dan Amato and developing a unique sound they can call their for their music on Spotify and iTunes. You can also check out their website at senti- own. And that sound has certainly been keeping these “Gentlemen” very mentalgents.com. busy since they first began playing together in November 2016! They’ve been taking the stage at various venues in Monmouth County, including The Saint, Wonder Bar (for a Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show), The Asbury Ho- tel, the Asbury Park Yacht Club, and Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park and AtlanticPROUDLY highlands PRESENTS FireTHE Dept. The Chubby Pickle in Highlands. In March, they were guests on Brook- dale Public Radio 90.5 The NIGHT, playing a few songs and giving an interview for the station’s Our Week segment. They delighted FiveFIreman’s nights OF FUN & ENJOYMENT fair audience members at Fox Hol- low Vineyards in Holmdel with a performance this past April, and JULY 3 ★ 4 ★ 5 ★ 6 ★ 7 they’ve also been seen at The Or- LIVE @ 6:00 in the Atlantic Highlands municipal harbor ange Lantern in Paramus, where MUSIC they will be performing again NIGHTLY this month, on Friday, June 8. GAMES ★ RIDES ★ FOOD On Sunday, June 24 from COME ENJOY OUR FOOD COURT WITH LOCAL FOOD VENDORS 1 to 3 p.m., Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen will be performing backup with Rock BRACELET and Roll Hall of Fame drummer FIREWORKS NIGHTS and former E Street Band mem- PAY ONE PRICE ber Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez at the FRIDAY JULY 6TH RIDE ALL NIGHT! EXCEPT Bradley Beach Lobsterfest. On @ 9:45 PM FIREWORKS NIGHT Saturday, July 28, the band will RAIN DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 7TH be appearing at the Eighth An- nual Soulsational Music Festival Additional parking & shuttle buses will be available fireworks night at at Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ; St. Agnes Church, Center Avenue; Fireman’s Field, Ave C & W. their set is scheduled to begin at Highland Avenue & Masonic Lodge, E. Garfield Avenue 1:15 p.m. on the Field Stage. And Questions? Call 732-291-1444 Ext 3605

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 31 WHENEVER YOU WANT & LEAVE THE REST TO US!

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Summer Style at Shadowbrook For information on how to become a vendor, Annual Skim Bash JUNE 5, 11:30 A.M. visit njirishfestival.com. For information about JUNE 23 AND 24, 8:30 AM SHADOWBROOK AT SHREWSBURY Monmouth Park, visit monmouthpark.com/ 1167 OCEAN AVE., SEA BRIGHT 1 OBRE PLACE, SHREWSBURY event_detail.aspx?id=11602. Skimboarders of all ages, from beginners to The Friends of the Monmouth Museum professionals, gather for this annual action-packed are hosting a fashion show fundraiser featuring Invitational Golf Classic & Tennis event to show off their skills, and compete for summer chic fashions by 606 in Fair Haven. Tournament prizes and cash. The SkimBash is the premier Pro/ The event will include lunch, a fashion show JUNE 14 (RAINDATE JUNE 21) Am skimboarding contest on the Jersey Shore. and unique boutique vendors. Tickets: $65 HOLLYWOOD GOLF CLUB The day includes a mandatory riders meeting at for members; $70 for non-members. For 510 ROSELD AVE., DEAL 8 a.m. followed by rider check-in at 8:30 a.m. The reservations, contact Helen at 732-224-1993 or Monmouth Medical Center Foundation is Competition begins 9 a.m. sharp. Riders must be [email protected]. hosting a Golf Classic and Tennis Tournament prepared to spend the entire day at the beach. fundraiser. Golf Classic starts at 7 a.m. with Bayshore Greek Festival first round registration and a continental Holiday Express Golf Classic JUNE 7 THROUGH 10 breakfast. Tennis Tournament starts at 9:30 a.m. JULY 16 KIMISIS TIS THEOTOKOU GREEK CHURCH with registration and breakfast. Tickets start MANASQUAN RIVER GOLF CLUB 20 HILLCREST ROAD, HOLMDEL at $100 for cocktail party reception. For more RIVERVIEW DRIVE, BRIELLE Guaranteed fun for the whole family at information, call 732-923-6886 or visit rwjbh.org/ The Holiday Express Golf Classic, presented by this long-standing traditional favorite event with golfandtennisclassic. Saker Shop Rites, is one of the nonprofit’s biggest Greek food and pastries, music and dancing, fundraisers. The cost of $450 per golfer includes specialty booths, amusement rides, games, Magic Show with George the Magician green fees, cart, golfer’s gift, on-course refreshments, cooking demonstrations and more. Free parking JUNE 15, 6 P.M. a special gourmet treat at the halfway house, lunch, and free shuttle bus. Hours are Thursday 6-10 MONMOUTH MUSEUM cocktail reception and awards dinner, gift auction and p.m.; Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 1-11 p.m.; 765 NEWMAN SPRINGS ROAD, LINCROFT entertainment. A forecaddie will be provided for each and Sunday noon-8 p.m. For information, visit George the Magician will perform various foursome. Don’t golf? Non-golfers can still enjoy the greekfestivalholmdel.com. acts including a puppet show, a magic show, a cocktail hour and dinner for $75. For reservations, call bubble show, a snowstorm and a giveaway! Price 732-544-8010 or visit holidayexpress.org. Annual Irish Festival for members: $10 child; $12 adult. Non-members: JUNE 10, 11 A.M. $12 child; $15 adult. Tickets at the door: $15 all. For Comedy for a Cause MONMOUTH RACE TRACK tickets, contact 732-747-2266; jeisenberg1953@ JULY 26, 8 P.M. (DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 P.M.) 175 OCEANPORT AVE., OCEANPORT gmail.com or visit Monmouthmuseum.org. MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER Start your day with a traditional Irish mass 36 CHURCH ST., MIDDLETOWN at 11 a.m., followed by a fun-filled day of live Ocean Grove Giant Craft Show A Comedy for a Cause fundraiser will benefit thoroughbred racing, Irish step dancing, crafters, JUNE 16, 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. RAIN OR SHINE Stephy’s Place: A Center for Grief and Loss, a food, pipe and drum competition, two human OCEAN PATHWAY AT OCEAN AVENUE nonprofit organization that provides free support horse races and more. Authentic Irish music and OCEAN GROVE groups to those who have lost a loved one. The step dancing will be performed throughout the The Giant Craft Show features close to lineup of comedians for the comedy night includes day. Plus, enjoy free Family Fun Day with face 300 craft vendors offering high-quality, unique, Mike Gaffney, Jimmy Failla and James Goff. The painting, pony rides, a bounce house and more! handcrafted items including apparel, jewelry, home evening is sponsored in part by Carlos Bakery Grandstand admission: $5; children 12 and décor, and much more. in Red Bank. Tickets are $65, which includes the under admitted free; general parking $5. For more information, contact 732-775- show, one drink and dessert. To buy tickets, email Gates open 10 a.m.; First race 12:50 p.m.; 0035; [email protected] or visit [email protected]. Note: Purchase no pets allowed. oceangrove.org/craft-show. tickets early as the show is expected to sell out.

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 33 Watching movies on the sand – and under the stars Day Tr ip by Joanne Colella

here was a time, perhaps, when a day trip to the beach Aug. 1 Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl was simply that: a few hours spent lying on the sand, Aug. 22 Double feature: Grease and Top Gun frolicking in the surf, and soaking up the sunshine before Tpacking up the towels and tote bags and heading home at the CAPE MAY – Music before the movie starts at 7 p.m. end of the day. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays on the beach next But Jersey Shore day trippers love to linger long after dusk to Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave. Rain location is inside to enjoy a variety of seaside fun and festivities, including an Convention Hall. assortment of family friendly movies near their favorite spot on July 12 Flubber the sand. On beaches up and down the coast, audiences are July 19 X-Men Apocalypse invited to gather ‘round, settle down on their beach blankets or July 26 Sword in the Stone folding chairs, pop open the coolers and picnic baskets, and take Aug. 2 The Sound of Music – Sing Along! in these entertaining sights and sounds of summer – all for free! Aug. 9 Jaws As the sun goes down, the lights come up on the silver Aug. 16 Trolls screen – or perhaps a giant inflatable screen that’s been set up Aug. 23 The Greatest Showman on the sand for the projection of summertime movies. Look for Aug. 30 The Peanuts Movie these titles – some classic favorites, some more recent hits – available at press time, coming soon to a beach near you. POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Fridays beginning at dark near And if you happen to miss a flick you’d like to see on a Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, weather permitting. particular date, it might be appearing again elsewhere. Be sure June 22 Despicable Me 3 to check this list and websites of other shore towns for more June 29 The Emoji Movie updates as the summer season unfolds. July 6 The Little Mermaid July 13 The Incredibles BELMAR – Saturdays beginning at dusk on the 8th Avenue July 20 Cars 3 Beach, weather permitting. July 27 Frozen July 14 Despicable Me 3 Aug. 3 The Lego Ninjago Movie July 21 Cars 3 Aug. 10 Moana July 28 Wonder Woman Aug. 17 The Descendants 2 Aug. 4 Coco Aug. 24 Disney’s Coco Aug. 11 The Nut Job 2 Aug. 31 Jumanji 2017 Aug. 18 Sherlock Gnomes Aug. 25 Paddington SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Sundays and Tuesdays beginning at Sept. 8 Jaws 8 p.m., weather permitting. July 3 Jaws July 8 The BFG July 10 Smurfs: The Lost Village July 15 Finding Dory July 17 Moana July 22 Storks July 24 Casper July 29 The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature July 31 Cars 3 Aug. 5 The Secret Life of Pets Aug. 7 Despicable Me 3 Aug. 12 Hotel Transylvania 2 Aug. 14 The Emoji Movie Aug. 19 The Lego Ninjago Movie Aug. 21 Beauty & the Beast Aug. 26 The Lego Batman Movie BRIGANTINE – Wednesdays beginning at 7 p.m. on the 16th Aug. 28 Coco Street South beach, and Friday, July 27 at Brigantine Cove. Sept. 2 Leap! July 11 The Little Mermaid Sept. 4 The Wild Life July 27 Jaws

34 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE AHOY! Now Open for the Season!*

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Make Your Reservation Today! (732) 793-7559 3245 Route 35 S • Lavallette, NJ Making Heart Healthy Choices While Dining Out By Aristotelis Vlahos, M.D., a cardiologist affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center

ho doesn’t love a good meal at a nice restaurant every now and then? a margarita, select a nice glass of red wine, or consider a drink such as vodka Dining out can be a lot of fun and a delicious experience, but it can with club soda and lime, which pack less of a calorie punch. Walso have a negative impact on your health. Here are a few tips I share with my cardiology patients to help them enjoy a nice night on 4. Don’t be shy: Restaurants want you to have a fantastic ex- the town without breaking the heart health bank. perience and that means honoring your requests. They may not love it, but if asked, chefs will make your food the way you 1. Before you go: Before you leave for the restaurant, check want it. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions about how a the menu. Most restaurants offer an online version of their meal is prepared, requesting it be prepared a healthier way, menu that will enable you to plan ahead. Checking the asking for extra veggies in lieu of a starch, having them box menu in advance will help you make smarter decisions and half of the meal before it’s brought out to help with portion if need be, select another restaurant with healthier choices. control, or asking for fruit for dessert even if it’s not on the menu. 2. Start the meal right: When you’re first seated, ask the waiter or waitress to remove the bread basket. Also, ask for 5. It’s all in the text: Watch the wording on menus. Words a water right away. Sipping water throughout your meal will such as “loaded” are a nice way of saying a dish is not healthy help you feel full faster. Be selective in your appetizers as Aristotelis Vlahos, M.D. for you. Instead, look for words such as baked, broiled or well. Opt for a broth-based soup, a salad without the cheese grilled. Meal descriptions that contain words like “sauce, fried and bacon and with a light dressing on the side, or a dish or sautéed” are also indicative that the meal will contain extra such as shrimp cocktail. butter, oil, fat and calories.

3. Beware of cocktail calories: Many restaurants offer an entire menu Indulging in calorie and cholesterol rich foods on occasion isn’t going to dedicated to their drink concoctions alone. What they don’t share is that cause you harm, but consistently making poor choices can. By following many of those drinks are loaded with sugars and empty calories. Instead of these tips, you can still enjoy a night out with a significant other or friends without having a negative impact on your health.

Expect the Best. When it comes to your childbirth experience, you want the best doctors and exceptional amenities. The Childbirth Center at Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center delivers. From pre-conception to post-partum, you can count on Riverview’s childbirth team of board-certified OB/GYNs, specialists, pediatricians and Magnet-recognized nurses to provide the best care for you and your baby. Expect the best at Riverview. To connect with a doctor on our childbirth team, please call 800-560-9990.

RMC-0225-Childbirth Center-8.25x4.875-Journal-18.indd 1 5/17/18 4:18 PM 36 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE Straight from the Table Dining with Draz By Lori Draz Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant Summer has returned, so we decided to slip out for some oceanfront breasts, filled with stuffing dining before the summer rush. Off we went to Rooney’s Oceanfront Restau- enriched with Parmesan rant in Long Branch. This scenic spot, at the north side of Pier Village, has been and mozzarella, served It tasted like a there since 1995, long before all the revitalization of the area, a tribute to its in a house marinara, and “ loyal fans and good reputation. topped with broccoli rabe ‘nibble-down-the- It has real eye appeal with a sunken dining area and bar, high vault- and artichoke hearts. I ed wood beam ceilings, and wrap-around windows that overlook the palm thought the marinara was boardwalk stroll.’ tree-lined Tiki bar. It’s like a California resort with a touch of ski lodge. We strongly flavored, bordering went on a rainy Tuesday night, and the dining room was nearly full. Mother on a fra diavolo sauce, and a Nature treated us to an impressive lighting show as we ordered our cocktails little strong against the veg- and made our choices. The big rectangular bar dominates the mid-level of the etables. I also thought the restaurant, and the bartenders are skillful. The wine list is fairly extensive and chicken was a little dry. That said, I would probably not order that dish” again. just a little expensive, but there are lots of good choices on the list. After all, Rooney’s is a predominately seafood restaurant; it has paella and a We chose three appetizers to start. Our first was Shishito Peppers with Fisherman's Cioppino with pan-seared mahi, clams, shrimp, mussels, tomato an Asian dipping sauce. This is a nice, big plate of peppers and lucky us, we broth, and linguini that seemed interesting. I’ll try either of those next time. got all sweet ones. The peppers were very large for this time of year and well For dessert, we chose three, including a warm chocolate cake with ice done. We also had Pretzel Crab Bites. These are five golf-ball sized crab balls cream and caramel sauce. The lava-like cake had a deeply decadent brown- made with plenty of lump crabmeat, crushed pretzels and Old Bay Season- ie taste, nicely rich and especially good for chocolate lovers. Coconut risotto ing. The pretzel flavor punches through, and the mustard aioli dipping sauce was very creamy and loose, not quite a pudding. It was topped with toasted could not have been a better combination. It tasted like a “nibble-down-the- coconut – and was tropically tasty! And a special, butter pecan cake with va- boardwalk stroll.” nilla ice cream and a gooey butter pecan sauce, featured two thick slabs of a Our third appetizer was a Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip – a creamy very dense, almost shortbread-like cake with a thick layer of brown sugared combination of spinach, artichoke, Parmesan and garlic sauce. It comes in pecans. Try it if it’s available on your visit. a bread bowl with “everything” flat breads for dipping. Don’t miss tearing Rooney’s also offers three oceanfront rooms for parties of 20 to 100. The into that bread bowl, because it’s amazing; soft and tender, and we ate every website has some wonderful pictures if you would like to take a peek at the last bite of the strong artichoke-flavored dip. Do try it. Rooney’s also offers a inside. It has a private parking lot, too. stuffed artichoke appetizer, which we came very close to trying. It’s a rare find Cost: on menus, and will probably be on the table at our next visit. We skipped the High. raw bar, soups and salads, moving right into the entrees. What we liked: Panoramic ocean views, large bar with well-made cocktails, Diner one made a straightforward choice – the nine-ounce Brazilian Lob- high ceilings and good acoustics, the tiki bar, menu selections, and appetizers. ster Tail. It’s a simple dish, just a broiled tail with corn on the cob and drawn What could be better: Service was a little distant. Bathrooms are upstairs butter, and she said it was juicy and good. Diner two selected a barbecued on the main entry level. 14-ounce Bone-In Pork Chop with jalapeño cornbread, creamy herbed polenta, black bean corn relish, and house-made gold Vidalia barbecue sauce. It was a beautiful, showy dish. The cornbread was sweet and soft, and the ja- lapeno was so mild that everyone would enjoy it. The creamy polenta mar- We give it 4 and a half J’s ried beautifully with the light barbeque sauce, and the huge pork chop was dressed in the black bean corn relish. It’s a really nice choice for landlubbers, Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant and big enough to take some home. 100 Ocean Ave. North in Long Branch Diner three ordered from a Fish Your Way board, giving you a choice of five 732-870-1200 or rooneysocean.com. different fish, five methods of preparation, four sauces and five sides. His -com Open seven days a week. bination was broiled swordfish with lemon butter sauce, wild rice and aspara- Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; gus spears. It was a plate-filling and attractive presentation of the three simple Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., ingredients with no extra flourishes. He enjoyed the dish, remarking that each and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. component was well-prepared: the rice was fluffy and nutty, the asparagus was tender but not mushy, and the swordfish done right. It’s a nice option for diners who like to have a little control over their entrée. I had Chicken Braciole, three rolled “logs” made from pounded chicken

Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com 37 Let’s Talk About Eclairs

By MaryAnn Miano

on appetit” may be the expression the French use when speaking about enjoying your meal, but when “Bit comes to la patisserie, there is nothing more fondly loved by France than the classic French éclair. The French are well versed in dessert, and the iconic éclair has its moment on June 22, National Éclair Day. Eclairs are a small, lightly golden, crispy pastry shell made by piping choux pastry into a “finger” shape. The pastry shell is soft and nearly hollow, and it perfectly envelopes a very generous amount of chocolaty custard filling or vanilla cream. When the pastry is finished baking, it is split in half in order to RECIPE OF fill it with cream. The top of the éclair is slathered with a sweet Chocolate Eclair chocolate “glacage,” or glossy icing, and it seems to gleam as it THE MONTH beckons you to eat it. As a matter of fact, the word “éclair” means “lightning” in French, earning its name because of the dazzling shine glistening from its chocolate coating. A number of pastries are closely related to eclairs that are made from INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS the choux pastry base. Cream puffs and profiteroles are made in a similar way to the eclair. Choux paste, or pate a` choux, is unlike any other pastry dough. DOUGH CUSTARD FILLING The flour is first cooked with water and butter. Using a wooden spoon to stir Heat to a rolling boil in a saucepan: Mix in saucepan: the mixture in the pot, the mixture begins to resemble dough. The dough • 1 cup water • 1/2 cup sugar then starts to coat the bottom of the pan. • 1/2 cup butter • 1/2 tsp. salt It is then removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly before add- • 1/3 cup flour Stir in: ing the eggs. If the eggs hit the dough when it is too hot, they may scramble. Stir in all at once: • 2 cups milk Once the eggs are added, the texture of the dough should be pulling when you • 1 cup sifted flour Cook over medium heat, stirring until stretch it with your fingers. It’s almost the consistency of a batter, but a bit stiffer. it boils. Boil one minute. Remove from At this point, the choux paste can be piped into whatever shape needed. In the Stir vigorously over low heat until heat. Stir a little over half of this mixture case of eclairs, they will be made into long finger-like shapes. mixture leaves the pan and forms into: How did the éclair come to be? Originating in France around the turn into a ball (about 1 minute). Remove from heat. Let cool. • 4 egg yolks (or 2 eggs), beaten of the 19th century, the story of the éclair goes something like this: A well- Blend into hot mixture in saucepan. known chef by the name of Marie Antonin Careme had a sad life. He was Beat in thoroughly, one at a time: Bring just to boiling point. Cool and abandoned by his parents in Paris when he was only 8 years old, and by age • 4 eggs blend in: 14, he was working in kitchens to survive and pay his rent. Although his situ- • 2 teaspoon vanilla or other ation was not by choice, he began to develop a passion for cooking. Beat mixture until smooth and flavoring Marie earned the reputation as one of the first chefs to practice grande velvety. Put dough through pastry cuisine. This is another way of saying “gourmet,” and it involved cooking as bag or shape with spatula into 12 THIN CHOCOLATE ICING an art-form done with a flourish and elaborate design. He became a celebrity fingers 4 to 5 inches long and 1inch Melt together over hot water: (can use a of sorts as a chef in France and went on to open his own pastry shop. He later wide. Leave about two inches of double boiler) moved to London to cook for George IV. space between them on the baking • 1 square unsweetened chocolate Marie Antonin Careme loved both food and architecture. He brought sheet. (1 oz.) these two together by creating beautiful structural desserts such as the • 1 tablespoon butter Charlotte and Napoleon cakes. It is believed that he created the delicious Use a 350 degree F moderate oven Remove from over hot water. French éclair. and bake for approximately 20 to Blend in: While eclairs are known as a sweet confection, there is also a savory cheese 30 minutes. Bake until dry, lightly • 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar éclair baked with a grated cheese topping, then filled with a cheese-flavored golden, and puffed; allow to cool • 2 tablespoon boiling water cream sauce. Unlike a sweet éclair, this type may be eaten hot. completely. Fill with custard filling, Beat only until smooth, not stiff. Eclairs have evolved into many combinations of fluffy fillings and shiny either by cutting the fingers in half Frost the baked and filled shells with or by piping in. coats, but for our recipe of the month, we’ll honor the original. the chocolate icing.

38 THE JOURNAL | JUNE 2018 | TheJournalNJ.com Arts, Entertainment Dining GUIDE