A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, July 8, 2010 Page 15 WESTFIELD FOOD 4 THOUGHT WESTFIELD FOOD 4 THOUGHT Summertime Salmon

By JAYNE BOOK SALOMON Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times SALMON SALAD Salmon may be consumed all year WITH HARDBOILED long, but during the summer, it just seems to be particularly more enjoy- EGGS able. After all, it tastes great poached INGREDIENTS and served at room temperature, cooked 1 can (7 ounces) salmon on the grill or chopped with mayon- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise naise and served with mixed greens. 3 hardboiled eggs Salmon hasn’t always been en vogue. 7 scallions, tops removed and diced As a matter of fact, I don’t remember it 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard PROCEDURE THAR SHE BLOWS…Members of the International Alphorn Ensemble, a being a popular cuisine in the ‘60s and division of the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, will perform a series of free ‘70s. But for the last 20 years or so, In a mixing bowl, finely mash the outdoor concerts this summer at various locations throughout Westfield. there is hardly a Continental, Ameri- salmon. Blend in the mayonnaise. can, Japanese or Italian restaurant that Finely chop in the eggs. Add the scal- doesn’t offer some type of salmon dish lions and mustard and blend until Premiere Stages Literally MAKING NOISE...Co-founder of the Traveling Guitar Foundation, guitarist on the menu. It is almost as much a smooth. Serve with crackers or atop a and songwriter Damon Marks of Scotch Plains, above, is teaming with Yamaha staple in our diet these days as chicken. bed of mixed greens, a bed of lettuce, Puts Audience in the Jury Box to help provide guitar kits and digital keyboards to local schools. Americans love salmon. And not on a sandwich or stuff tomatoes with surprisingly so; it is nutritious, high in the salmon salad. UNION – Premiere Stages, celebrat- can be years,” noted artistic director omega 3, low in calories, high in flavor ing its sixth year as the professional John Wooten. “When we discover a Yamaha, SP Fdn. Partner and easy to find and prepare. Back in COOL DIJON theatre-in-residence at Kean University, dramatist we believe in, our play-festi- the day, it was only canned salmon that has announced the premiere of The Good val process allows Premiere Stages to found its way into the kitchens of mod- YOGURT SAUCE Counselor, by Kathryn Grant. fully commit the time, talent and re- To Better Music Programs ern food enthusiasts, but it could never INGREDIENTS The Good Counselor is a new drama sources necessary to share that writer’s SCOTCH PLAINS – For 50 years, are the two hottest instruments of choice hold a candle to the almighty canned 1 cup plain yogurt about a chosen son’s quest for truth. A work with a broad regional audience.” Yamaha has been a strong supporter of for students, and Yamaha makes some tuna. 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard bright, young public defender, hounded Standard tickets are $25, with special 2 teaspoons fresh chives, snipped music education in the United States. of the best guitars and keyboards in the Today, salmon is more popular as a 1 teaspoon sugar by his community and haunted by his rates for seniors, students, Kean alumni In its latest educational initiative, the world.” ¼ teaspoon paprika past, struggles to defend two neglectful and groups. The Premiere Package (a company has announced a working The Traveling Guitar Foundation’s 2 scallions, finely diced mothers: one his client, the other his new subscription series) saves patrons relationship with the Traveling Guitar name derives from two custom guitars PROCEDURE own. A thought-provoking and beauti- up to $30 and includes discounts on Foundation – whose founder hails from that are constructed each year by foun- Combine all ingredients in a bowl fully written play, The Good Counselor restaurants and free admission to staged Union County – pledging to provide dation co-founder Keith Ballurio of and chill for at least 30 minutes. literally prompts the audience to serve readings and other special events. For low-cost Gigmaker Electric Guitar kits Ballurio Guitars in Manassas, Va. as the jury in determining what it means reservations (highly recommended) or and digital keyboards that the founda- These guitars are placed in the hands to be a good parent. to receive a brochure, call the Kean tion will donate to worthy schools. of famous guitarists, who play and sign Summer Alphorn The play opens Thursday, July 15, in University Box Office at (908) 737- “We are always seeking ways to put them. The guitars are auctioned off Fresh Salmon Salad the Zella Fry Theatre and continues SHOW (7469), or visit Premiere Stages instruments into the hands of students after a year of travel, and the proceeds Series to Continue through Sunday, August 1. The cast online at kean.edu/premierestages. because the value of active music-mak- help the foundation fulfill its mission. dinner item than its friend tuna,but still WESTFIELD – The International features Edward O’Blenis, Erik LaRay All performances take place on the ing in a child’s life is incalculable,” said Thanks to extensive media cover- lags behind in the lunchtime arena. Alphorn Ensemble, a division of the Harvey, Susan Louise O’Connor, Kean University campus, located at 1000 Rick Young, senior vice president of age, Mr. Marks’ foundation is func- Salmon salad, prepared from fresh New Jersey Workshop for the Arts Socorro Santiago and Geany Masai. Morris Avenue in Union, in the Zella Fry the Yamaha Corporation of America. tioning as a “well-oiled machine,” he cooked salmon, resembles the taste of (NJWA), will perform an outdoor A jury box has been incorporated into Theatre of the Vaughn Eames Building. Gigmaker Electric Guitar kits in- said, and there is no shortage of schools canned salmon, but as far as quality, concert series this summer at various the audience seating, and patrons who Saturday and Sunday matinee perfor- clude everything a beginner guitarist seeking him out for musical equip- freshness and taste go, there simply is locations throughout Westfield. arrive early have the opportunity to sit as mances begin at 3 p.m.; Thursday, Fri- needs to get started, including a Paci- ment. no comparison. Directed by Ted Schlosberg, the jurors to hear Vincent, the young de- day and Saturday evening performances fica PAC012 guitar, an amplifier and a When he visits a school, he tries to Using the leftover salmon from last ensemble will play a range of music, fender, deliver his opening and closing begin at 8 p.m. host of other accessories. Yamaha makes bring along well-known music person- night’s dinner to create a delicious salad including solo, duet, trio and quartet. arguments directly to them. It is a fun Premiere Stages provides free or dis- a range of keyboards that offer unparal- alities to help deliver the message and is a good idea on warm summer after- The concerts, which begin at 7:30 way for audiences to feel like they are counted tickets to patrons with disabili- leled quality and value for keyboard the goods, including Darryl McDaniels noons. I usually cook more than is p.m., are free and open to the public. part of the action while watching and ties. All Premiere Stages facilities are players at every level of proficiency. of Run-DMC, music producer Kasseem necessary in anticipation of tomorrow’s The series began with a performance considering the unique events surround- fully accessible spaces. Please call the Co-founder of the Traveling Guitar (Swizz Beatz) Dean and producer lunch. at the First Baptist Church on June ing the case. box office for a list of sign-interpreted, Foundation, guitarist and songwriter Conrad Robinson of MBK Entertain- Poaching salmon is very easy, and 30. The schedule for the remainder of The Good Counselor is the winner of audio-described or open-captioned per- Damon Marks of Scotch Plains, has ment. although this dish is not seasonal, the series is as follows: the 2010 Premiere Stages Play Festival formances. Assistive listening devices performed and recorded with top names Sponsoring artists include renowned poached salmon seems more appropri- July 14 – First Congregational and was selected from more than 300 and large-print programs are available in the music business, but he also en- guitarists Eric Johnson, Bruce Kulick ate in the summer. Probably because its Church; July 28 – First United Meth- submissions. The festival features “a upon request. Publications are available joys giving back. His foundation, based and Steve Lukather. preparation does not include turning on odist Church; August 4 – Redeemer uniquely accelerated process” in which with advanced notice in alternate for- also in Scotch Plains, provides musical The new relationship with Yamaha a hot oven in the heat of the day, and it Lutheran Church and August 11 – the region’s most promising new plays mats. instruments for schools that lack well- “lets us continue to grow, so now we is often served at room temperature or The Presbyterian Church in Westfield. are developed and fully produced within For information about special events developed music programs. can increase our presence and bring the chilled. Lawn chairs are suggested. In the a year of submission. Playwrights also and Premiere Packages, call Erica Nagel “Yamaha is a legendary company value of music education to a bigger Additionally, the sauces that accom- event of rain, the concert will be are afforded the opportunity to retain the at (908) 737-4092. For group and dinner that helps bring strength and expertise audience,” said Mr. Marks. pany a good poached salmon are gen- cancelled. coveted “world premiere” brand. theater packages, call Paul Whelihan at to the Traveling Guitar Foundation,” Learn more about the foundation at erally made from cool ingredients like For additional information on the “In many professional theaters, the (908) 737-4077. said Mr. Marks. “Guitars and keyboards travelingguitar.org/. yogurt, sour cream and cucumbers. NJWA, call (908) 789-9696 or log on time span between meeting a writer, To learn more, contact Mr. Wooten at ™ This poached salmon recipe is ac- to njworkshopforthearts.com. staging a reading and producing the play [email protected] or (908) 737-4360. POPCORN companied by a cool yogurt-based dressing that doesn’t include cucum- Joan Rivers: A Piece bers but does include other fresh ingre- dients. It is a little different than an PrudentialNewJersey.com Of Work – Oh, Please…See It ordinary cucumber/dill sauce; differ- ent is more exciting and, in this case, tastier as well. SEARCH 70,000+ HOMES, UPDATED DAILY One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent The remaining two recipes are for By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER all. She is a peddler, a high-pressure salmon salads that are also a little dif- OPEN HOUSE • SUNDAY, JULY 11 • 1:00 - 4:00 PM 3 popcorns saleswoman promising a legend and ferent; both short on work but long on “Can we talk!?” Thus has comedi- her bag of shtick. flavor. My philosophy is: simple is enne and showbiz icon Joan Rivers Surrounded by her coterie and cel- best, especially during the lazy, hot asked for most of her storied career. It’s ebrating a lifestyle epitomized by an days of summer. These recipes are sim- an invitation to dish the dirt, solely apartment she describes as “how Marie ply deliciously easy! entre nous, as if you were both sitting at Antoinette would have lived if she had the kitchen table. Unsinkable and as money,” she divulges her proclivity for POACHED SALMON well-worn as your favorite jammies, expensive trappings. She also notes the IN WHITE WINE she is now evocatively deconstructed many people she supports, as if all in the documentary Joan Rivers: A these factors might explain her bound- INGREDIENTS Piece of Work. less zeal and workaholic ethic. But 2 ½ cups white wine (e.g. Chardonnay) 2 ½ cups club soda (lemon-lime or unflavored) Consider it the back-story, the extra- that’s not it. 1 tablespoon butter added content chronicling her latest While made official here, it’s no 1 to 1 ¼ pound salmon fillet, skinless reinvention. Directors Ricki Stern and surprise that Joan Rivers has an addic- Anne Sundberg enticingly put a face on tion common to most performers whose PROCEDURE the stand-up dynamo behind the fame spans several generations. It’s a Boil the liquid. Reduce to medium Guinness-worthy series of plastic sur- passion for success, an undying dedi- and add the salmon, making sure the geries. Scathingly objective and warmly cation to the craft, and that relentless liquid covers the salmon. Poach uncov- SCOTCH PLAINS $699,900 FANWOOD $549,900 subjective via interview and narrative, need for the roar of the greasepaint and ered for 10 minutes or until the salmon 24 Briarcliffe Drive 212 Second Street it is bittersweet, eye-opening entertain- the smell of the crowd. Taken into this is cooked through. Carefully remove MLS #2771949 • www.24briarcliffedr.com MLS #2779501 • www.212-2nd-st.com ment. confidence, you’re soon rooting for her the salmon from the pan. Serve warm, Acre property setting; Expanded Ranch features 5 BRs, 3.1 BAs! Renovated 4 BR, 2 BA Colonial, stunning EIK/FR! Point of disclosure: I like the lady triumph. at room temperature or cold. and agree with her perhaps vainglori- That is, unless you just plain don’t *Note: For a nice fall dinner, poach LIKE NEW! ous contention that, in the royal succes- like her. Undeniably, when she is not the salmon in 5 cups of sparkling apple sion of stand-up comediennes, she tearing herself apart and second-guess- cider with 1 cinnamon stick. reigns just after Moms Mabley and ing her talent, she is brazen, opinion- Phyllis Diller. The signature, cutting- ated, arrogant and rude. While others FRESH SALMON edge look at people, places and things hide their fiercer appetites beneath a that has comprised her act was one of cuddly façade, she informs that at least SALAD WITH RELISH the signals in the 1960s that the times she’s honest about it. It’s all a matter of INGREDIENTS they were a-changin.’ whether or not you buy in and allow her 1 – 1 ¼ pound salmon fillet, poached or 1 can Here, battle scarred but no less vitu- dispensation. (14.7 ounce) salmon 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (or to taste) perative and still instinctively compas- At points, the act seems not a modus 3 tablespoons relish sionate despite the image, she lets us operandi, but an obstreperous charac- 1 scallion, diced peek at the propelling self-doubt and ter flaw…the vehement need, nay, the Salt and Pepper to taste bravado behind her practically surreal demand, to receive love and approba- PROCEDURE mask. She’s forthcoming, engaging and tion, especially from those you treat Finely chop the salmon. Add the WESTFIELD $545,000 FANWOOD $445,000 vulnerable. But, like a coquette schooled unfairly. What that’s about, perhaps 503 Scotch Plains Avenue 210 Burns Way mayonnaise, relish, scallion, salt and MLS #2764825 • www.210burnsway.com by Dickens’ Mrs. Haversham, she re- only Dr. Freud knows. But if you’ll pepper. Mix well. MLS #2755853 • www.503scotchplainsave.com serves the right to keep us enthusiasti- allow me, Doc, I’d say it’s an egoistic, Renovated 4 BR, 2.1 BA Custom Cape. Ideal for NYC commuter! Updated 3 BR Colonial! cally guessing. near delusional need to be seen on a True, we don’t know how much say pantheonic level. Rick Cantor Band Prudential Miss Rivers wielded behind filmmak- Or, it could just be a function of that New Jersey ers Stern and Sundberg’s lens. But the famous, career-driving insecurity that Returns to Garwood Properties inviting, hopeful style of candor allows has motivated the success of countless WESTFIELD – The Rick Cantor has a better way! she is at once prey and predator. Steady celebrities. In either case, Rivers leaves Band will premiere its new album, Considering as she goes, carving her destiny in full, nothing to chance, her pounding man- “Upstairs At Graceland,” as well as a a career in survival of the fittest mode, it occurs tra an obsessive caution that talent with- selection of classic-rock covers, at real estate... that she is the entertainment industry’s out ambition is a ticket to failure and the The Crossroads in Garwood on Sat- PNJP's version of both Aesop and Darwin’s poorhouse. We pause to consider the urday, July 17. The band will appear difference turtle. hard work that goes into the magic of stems from our from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. dedication to Indeed, there’s enough Pagliacci- fame. Members include Travis Hudelson your growth and sized heartache to fill a steamer trunk Miss Rivers’ travail is displayed as (drums) and Rick Cantor (bass) from development... bound for New Haven, from why a microcosm of the human comedy, Westfield, as well as Mike “Bubba” Johnny Carson virtually blackballed from familial happiness to defining Bange (guitar, vocals) of Cranford, Visit our our girl to her husband Edgar’s shock- one’s role in society. And even though, Brett Levine (keyboards) of Berke- SCOTCH PLAINS $389,000 Interactive ing suicide. There are no jokes on said by the very nature of her occupation, 512 Donato Circle Business Plan ley Heights and Jim Sampson (guitar, at: subjects. Otherwise, it’s stiff upper lip, the example is one of high relief, sym- vocals) of Short Hills. MLS #2783784 • www.512donatocir.com self-effacing and filled with textural pathetic viewers will nonetheless find All have played for more than 30 Stunning 3 BR, 2.1 BA Townhome at "The Reserve" www.NewJeresyCareerInRealEstate.com/index.php detail. Balancing all the heavy stuff, it’s hilariously validating the labor of love years. Their material started as a col- also very funny. deliberated in Joan Rivers: A Piece of lection of covers and has now evolved The documentarians give the doings Work. to include their own material. a latest hurrah aura. Aware that the * * * Recorded in a few days in Mem- WESTFIELD OFFICE cameras are on, Rivers occasionally Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, rated phis, “Upstairs At Graceland” is a plays to them, but is then seemingly R, is an IFC release directed by Ricki tapestry encompassing anthems, 908.232.5664 • 215 North Avenue West oblivious as she fights the good fight Stern and Anne Sundberg, and features haunting acoustic/electric pop, South- with agents and potential employers. Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers and Billy ern rock and the particular angst of © 2010, An independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

EQUAL HOUSING The hunt for bookings is the be all, end Sammeth. Running time: 84 minutes. America in the 21st century. is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity. OPPORTUNITY REALTOR®