Westfield Announcements

We are a full-service salon with highly trained professionals who offer the latest in cutting-edge techniques. Our experts make your visits memorable, whether you require a consultation, hair care service, nail care, waxing or advice in purchasing the right product.

You can find out more about all our services and discounts on our website.

For first time customers only:

Click here for our coupon to receive:
10% Off Hair Straightening
20% off your first 2 visits for any hair or nail service

Headturner Salon:
928 South Avenue Westfield, NJ
Phone: (908) 233-0171

There are many exciting cooking and technique classes scheduled for August at Williams-Sonoma in Westfield, NJ. Classes take place at the Westfield store, 127 Central Ave., at 10am Sundays according to the following schedule.

 

Sunday, August 15, 10am 

The Art of Seasoning

Enhance your favorite dishes with spices, which add distinctive flavor and enticing fragrance. We’ll teach you the fundamentals of spices, including the best way to maintain their freshness and how to combine them to create new and exciting blends. Take your cooking to a whole new level by learning how to correctly season foods with aromatic spices.

 

Sunday, August 22, 10am 

Lessons in Dairy

This class will cover the basics of dairy—from assembling a cheese plate to preparing homemade butter and transforming it into savory and sweet spreads. You’ll learn how to make fresh ricotta, which is delicious slathered on bruschetta and topped with vine-ripened tomatoes. We’ll also show you how a few simple additions can turn whipped cream into a decadent topping.

 

Sunday, August 29, 10am 

Knife Skills and Knife Sharpening

A sharp edge, the correct grip and proper placement of the food are all essential components of good knife skills, as we’ll demonstrate in this class. You’ll learn how to slice, dice and chop and to make advanced cuts, including chiffonade and juilienne. We’ll also offer complimentary knife sharpening; limit one knife per customer, please.

The Town of Westfield is gearing up for the annual “America in Bloom” competition (locally known as ‘Westfield in Bloom’) as the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) and Williams Nursery co-lead the effort for Westfield to be considered for the 2010 "America in Bloom" award. Westfield is among 28 towns nationwide to compete this year. Westfield has the distinction of being the only town in the state of NJ to participate in the 2009 and 2010 competition.

 

Judges will be heading to Westfield on July 12 and 13 to view and critique various landscapes, homes and business fronts for the annual America in Bloom Competition. Final results will be announced in October at the national symposium. In 2009, Westfield received a four-bloom rating out of a possible five bloom rating (a significant achievement for a first-year competing community) and special mention for the Floral Displays category.

For local information about Westfield's involvement, to volunteer or to participate by submitting stories and photos of your Westfield residence, businesses or outdoor environment contact Sherry Cronin at the DWC or Dave Williams at Williams Nursery at info@westfieldinbloom.com. To inquire about the national program, contact America in Bloom at 614-487-1117 or visit www.americainbloom.org.

 

Photo caption;  Young volunteers Emily Kirschner, Sara Kirschner (and their father, Joe Kirschner), Isabella Salerno, and Lauren Fazio took to the streets to clean up Central Avenue underpass and to plant some flowers around the trees. As part of the Westfield in Bloom initiative, they are proud of the work they accomplished and encourage other young volunteers to get involved.

The Westfield Historical Society held its 41^st Annual Dinner Meeting on May 26, 2010 at Echo Lake Country Club and proudly hosted a record crowd.  The Thomas Glasser Foundation was honored for its leading gift to the Reeve House project and its important philanthropic work in the community.  Lee M. Hale presented the award to Gerry Glasser on behalf of The Thomas Glasser Foundation.  Sherry Cronin presented The Presidents’ Award to Karrie Hanson for her commitment to the Westfield Historical Society and for leading the Reeve House Building Committee.  Marilyn Shields was honored with The Trustees’ Award for her revered work as a landscape architect in many Westfield landscapes amd gardens.   Karrie Hanson presented Letty Hudak with a Trustee Emerita award and George Gross with a Trustee Emeritus award.

 

In addition, the Westfield Historical Society Selection Committee inducted five individuals/families into the Westfield Hall of Fame. This is the second year that the Historical Society has inducted prominent Westfield residents into its Hall of Fame.  All the nominees are accomplished in their fields, as well as having made a significant impact on the town, the state or the nation. “The list of inductees suggests that the community has fostered people of importance and achievement,” said Lee M. Hale, Chairman of the Selection Committee. Members of the Hall of Fame will be permanently honored at the Reeve House History and Cultural Center, located at 314 Mountain Avenue in Westfield. The Reeve House is being rehabilitated and restored as the historical society’s permanent home and educational center.

 

The 2010 inductees of the Westfield Historical Society Hall of Fame included:

1) Charles Apgar (1830-1915) – Known as the “wireless wizard” for his pivotal role in saving British and American freighters during World War I, he assisted the Secret Service in shutting down a German wireless station that was broadcasting tips to German U boats about approaching Allied merchant ships. He built and developed one of the most powerful wireless radio systems in his house on Carleton Road.

2) Sigismund Ivanowski (1874-1944) – A graduate of the St. Petersburg Academy and a renowned portrait artist, he came to the Westfield /Mountainside area with his wife, Helen Moser, and established a studio in his house on Mountain Avenue.It was there that he painted portraits of Admiral George Melville and Theodore Roosevelt, both of whose paintings are in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

3) Jeff Torborg (1941-  ) – An All State Catcher at Westfield High School and an All American at Rutgers, he spent 10 years in major league baseball with the Dodgers and the Angels, where he caught no-hitters for Sandy Koufax, Bill Singer and Nolan Ryan. Mr. Torborg went on to serve as a major league manager for Cleveland, the White Sox, the Mets, the Montreal Expos and the Florida Marlins.

4) The Fairbairns – Robert M. Fairbairn (1839- 1891) lived in Westfield when the population was 800 and all the roads were dirt. As chairman of the Township Committee, he set about financing and improving township roads with crushed stone and gravel. His son, Robert A. Fairbairn (1866-1951), was active in many Westfield and New York City business and civic organizations, but was best known as a sportsman. In 1900, he built and owned the Fair Acres Drivers Club, a half-mile harness racing track. His greatest triumph was as the breeder of the 1940 Kentucky Derby winner Gallahadion and the 1945 winner Hoop Jr.

5) William Reeve (1872-1963): One of the founders of the Westfield YMCA, Mr. Reeve was responsible for the World War I monument at the town center. Perhaps his most enduring contributions were the donation of the 11 acres that became Mindowaskin Park and later the donation of his family home, which is now the Reeve House History and Cultural Center.

 

For more information about the Westfield Historical Society or to become a member, interested persons are asked to call (908) 645-1794, e-mail the society at info@westfieldhistoricalsociety.org or visit www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

 

Photo caption:  Jeff Torborg was one of five inductees of the Westfield Hall of Fame at the recent Westfield Historical Society Annual Dinner.  Pictured (left to right):  Alma Kehler, Jeff Torborg, Westfield Hall of Fame Inductee, Suzie Torborg, and Nancy Priest, President of the Westfield Historical Society.  Photography courtesy of Robert Meiklejohn.

 

 

Westfield is home to a plethora of unique and stylish boutiques that you just can’t find at the mall. Next time you need a gift, a new dress or pair of jeans, a handbag, accessories, shoes, or any other clothing, fashion or gift item, try one of these terrific retailers before driving to Target or the Short Hills Mall.

 

Print and keep this list handy, or visit www.westfieldtoday.com/organizations for a complete list of downtown businesses and services.

 

Fashion & Accessories:

 

Anais Boutique

51 Elm Street, 233-3777 (Find them on www.Facebook.com)           

             

Anthology

125 Quimby Street, 233-8255, www.shopanthology.com/  

             

Bittersweet Designs

212 Lenox Avenue, 389-0330   

 

The Couture Exchange

33 Elm Street, 232-0071, www.thecoutureexchange.com/

           

Felice

266 E. Broad Street, 233-1474  

 

Francolino Clothier (for men)

129 Elm Street, 233-1273, www.francolinoclothier.com/

 

Funk and Standard

111 Central Avenue, 654-8707, www.funkandstandard.com/

             

John Robert of Westfield (for men)

31 E. Broad Street, 232-9511      

 

Mademoiselle

107 E. Broad Street, 233-0763,  www.mademoisellenj.com/

 

Melinda Lane

208 Lenox Avenue, 233-7033, www.shopmelindalane.com/   

 

Menina

27 E. Broad Street, 654-0358    

 

Nirvana

218 E. Broad Street, 232-5774, www.shopnirvana.com/          

 

Rhain Accessories & Gifts

129 E. Broad Street, 518-0700  

 

Roman Boutique and Tailoring

106 Elm Street, 654-1658          

 

Sadie

107 Prospect Street, 654-3800, www.sadie4lady.com/

 

Sole

201 E. Broad Street, 654-7800, www.italiansole.com/              

 

Splash Boutique

15 E. Broad Street, 228-2381    

 

 

Gifts:

             

The Bath Junkie

221 North Avenue E., 264-8633,            www.bathjunkie.com/

 

Bittersweet Designs

212 Lenox Avenue, 389-0330   

 

The Farmhouse Store

221 E. Broad Street, 654-0444, www.thefarmhousestore.com/            

 

Funk and Standard

111 Central Avenue, 654-8707, www.funkandstandard.com/             

 

Inspire

431 South Avenue W.,  232-2330 www.inspirenj.com         

 

J. Winthrop & Company

233 North Avenue E., 232-8199

 

Just Bead Yourself

254 E. Broad St., BEAD-411, www.just-bead-yourself.com/     

 

O’ Ireland

28 Prospect Street, 654-3490, www.oireland.com/  

 

Presidential Pen & Gifts

112 Central Avenue, 317-9600, www.presidentialpen.com/    

 

Rhain Accessories & Gifts

129 E. Broad Street, 518-0700  

 

Success Express

57 Elm Street, 233-9909

 

The Town Book Store

270 E. Broad St., 908.233.3535, www.townbookstore.com

 

Shoes:

Castle Bootery (children)

52 Elm St. 233-7172

 

Randal’s Shoes (women & children)

82 Elm St. 232-3680

 

The Running Company

123 Quimby St., 654-9900, www.therunningcompany.net/

 

Scott’s Shoes of Westfield (men & women)

109 Quimby St., 233-5678, www.westfieldnj.com/scotts/

 

Sole (men, women & children)

201 E. Broad St., 654-7800, www.italiansole.com/

 

 

National Chains are here too!

 

Large, familiar retailers are also in Westfield, so you can count on the merchandise you know and love to be here, mixed nicely among the boutiques.  These local stores won’t get the credit for your purchase if you shop online, so if you want to keep these anchor stores here in Westfield, help keep them in business in our town by shopping at these fine clothing, shoes, gifts & accessories stores locally.

 

Aerosoles

161 E, Broad St., 232-2963

 

Ann Taylor

167 E. Broad Street, 301-9701

 

Banana Republic

137 Central Avenue, 301-1553

 

Chico’s

76 Elm Street, 301-1737

             

The Children’s Place

177 E. Broad Street, 789-7542  

 

Claire’s

141 E. Broad Street, 317-9157  

 

Coach

249 E. Broad Street, 654-5047  

 

Coldwater Creek

126 Cental Avenue, 233-2873 

 

Eileen Fisher

9 Elm Street, 233-7133 

 

Esprit

151 E. Broad Street, 233-7878

 

Game Stop

121 E. Broad St. 233-5435

 

Gap

207 E. Broad Street, 654-8260  

 

Gap Kids

234 E. Broad Street, 233-2723

 

Janie and Jack

200 E. Broad Street, 232-3721

 

Jos. A. Bank Clothier

121 Quimby Street, 928-9363   

 

Lord & Taylor

609 North Avenue W., 233-6600          

 

Lucky Brand Jeans

253 E. Broad Street., 518-1794

 

Talbots

217 North Avenue W., 232-4434          

 

Tuxedos by Cozy

222A North Avenue W., 301-0040        

 

Victoria’s Secret

233 E. Broad Street, 518-0859

 

Williams-Sonoma

127 Central Avenue, 301-0075

 

 

 

This year's Memorial Day parade was held on Monday, May 31 at 9:30am. The only parade held in Town and pays tribute to the men and women who gave their lives fighting for our freedom, many people marched in the parade and many people watched the parade.

 

The ceremony started at 9am at the tall World War Monument at the circle (North Ave. and E. Broad St.). The parade began after the ceremony at 9:30am, marching up E. Broad St. to Fairview Cemetery.  

 

 

Click 'more' for information.

Never one to leave home without her camera, Millicent K. Brody began the artful side of her life when it became a requirement to accompany each of her newspaper and magazine stories with a photograph.   

 

“I was definitely not camera savvy,” She said. “I only knew when I accepted my first restaurant job my editor quipped, “You’ll need a camera. All of your stories must be accompanied with a photograph.”  

 

Finally, relying on the expertise of a  camera maven, she purchased her first ‘point-and-shoot’ and headed to Girasole Ristorante in Bound Brook where her first restaurant story and photo are featured in the popular BYO’s lobby. That was about fifteen years ago.  Last year at the Union County Senior Art Exhibit held at the Elizabethtown Gas Co., Liberty Hall Center, in Union, she received first place honors for her photograph entitled “Medium Rare”.   

 

A freelance writer, photographer, and public relations consultant, Millicent K. Brody’s mantra has always been, “I want to write what you read”.   Taking a cue from her passion, people can find her stories in many of our Tri-State’s magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times. With a giant passion for food and contemporary issues, her columns appear in Edible Jersey Magazine, The Courier-News, Home News Tribune, Asbury Park Press, and Online for The Alternative Press, WestfieldToday.Com, and New Jersey Life Magazine.  

 

A former Westfield New Jersey public school teacher, Millicent continually urged her students to write something each and every day. Not one to not do what she asks others to do, she taught school during the day, while pursing a career as a freelance journalist. After attending The New School in Manhattan, her first story appeared in The New York Times. From there, she was invited to write a column for The Westfield Leader. It was titled: Musings.

 

Today, she not only takes pictures and writes stories, she serves as a public relations consultant penning articles for clients as well as business magazines and newsletters. A member of The Contemporary Art Group of Union County, her first solo exhibit of her photographs is titled Musings and will show at the Pearl St. Gallery in Elizabeth June 8 to July4. Millicent K. Brody is looking forward to the launch of her food blog: Central Jersey Eats.

 

Contact Millicent K. Brody, writer - photographer
public relations consultant, at 908.232.3889 or 908.232.3888. cell:908.377.8588.

 

(May 3, 2010) - The Westfield Memorial Library was recently honored by the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) as a winner of a PR and Marketing award in the category of Public Relations Campaign. The campaign was judged along with other libraries that have budgets between $1 and $4 million dollars.

 

The campaign, "It's your Library . make the most of it," was created by publicist Roz Giuditta. Originally designed as a newspaper ad, the campaign spotlights all the free and low cost services that are available to library patrons, such as the most recent CDs and DVDs; best sellers; books, newspapers and magazines; programs for adults, teen and children; over 20 public computers with free Internet service; numerous research databases, professional reference service; free Wifi and book clubs.

 

"We have so much to offer here," said Ms. Giuditta. "I wanted people to go beyond the services that they use, and to take advantage of all that the Library has. Ultimately, it belongs to them."

 

After the newspaper ad ran with an accompanying article by Director Phil Israel, signs of the public relations campaign sprouted all over the library at 550 East Broad Street. Small stand-up displayers sat on tables and the tops of shelves, while flyers and posters decorated the walls and lobby. The monitor at the Circulation Desk began flashing the message throughout the day as well.

 

In conjunction with local cable television station TV-36, public service announcements highlighting six library services were also created. They can be viewed on the library's website www.wmlnj.org.

 

The plaque from the NJLA is mounted on the wall next to the Circulation Desk.

 

Founded in 1879, the Westfield Memorial Library strives to provide the Westfield community an environment that promotes a love of reading and ensures free access to ideas and information. For more information call 908.789.4090, visit the library's website at www.wmlnj.org, and sign up for the monthly e-newsletter "Library Loop," or stop by the library at 550 East Broad Street for a copy of the quarterly newsletter "Take Note."

The Town of Westfield is gearing up for the second annual “America in Bloom” competition.  Co-leading the efforts are the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) and Williams Nursery.  Working together, their focus is the 2010 America in Bloom award.  

 

Nationwide, Westfield is among 28 towns to compete this year.  Westfield has the distinction of being the only town in the state of New Jersey to participate in the 2009 and 2010 competitions. 
 
A team effort, the Downtown Westfield Corporation and Williams Nursery are working in concert with the Town of Westfield and its residents, as well as local businesses and organizations to hopefully garner the grand prize. Along with an array of colorful hanging flower baskets, decorative planters containing an assortment of flowers will be adorning storefronts, restaurants and shops in the downtown district.  As patrons and visitors drive through our town, beautiful flowering baskets will be installed on the historic utility poles.  

 

Be sure to welcome America in Bloom judges, Bruce Riggs and Marlboro Packard as they travel around Westfield on July 12 and 13 viewing and critiquing our various landscapes, homes, business fronts, schools, houses of worships, parks and recreational facilities.   Final results will be announced in October at the national symposium.  In 2009, Westfield received a four-bloom rating out of a possible five bloom rating (a significant achievement for a first-year competing community) and special mention for the Floral Displays category.
 
Be a part of Westfield in Bloom.  Volunteer and participate by submitting stories and photos of your Westfield residence or businesses.  Let us know about your outdoor beautification efforts.  Contact Sherry Cronin at the DWC or Dave Williams at Williams Nursery at info@westfieldinbloom.com. To inquire about the national program, contact America in Bloom at 614-487-1117 or visit www.americainbloom.org.
 
Photo caption: Westfield in Bloom boasts colorful flower boxes in downtown Westfield.

With this month's debut of "THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL" on Broadway, cartoonist and Westfield native Charles Addams was honored by two special events.  

 

At an unveiling ceremony at Westfield High School on April 5, there was an outdoor art exhibit of the letters that spell out ADDAMS. Conceived by Ronald MacCloskey, the founder of the Charles Addams Scholarship Fund, the letters were uniquely decorated by students from Westfield High School, Roosevelt Intermediate School and Edison Intermediate School. The artwork on the letters focused on original themes and drawings of Charles Addams' work.  

 

"I wanted a cross between the Hollywood sign and the Cow Parade," MacCloskey said, citing the public art exhibit of ceramic cows throughout Manhattan.

 

The letters will become a public art exhibit for the community. They will first be displayed for several weeks at the schools. The Downtown Westfield Corporation helped fund this effort and plans to use them as public art around the business district. According to DWC Executive Director Sherry Cronin, the letters will be on exhibit in October, in time for Halloween. 

 

Also in celebration of the upcoming musical, an Addams Family Autographed Poster was auctioned on eBay, March 23rd through Thursday, April 1, 2010. The original, brand new, full color poster from THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL was donated by the producers of the Broadway show. It was signed by members of the cast, which include the stars, Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. The poster was professionally framed by Galeria West, 111 Quimby Street, and was put up for auction with assistance from the DWC.  

 

The poster sold on eBay for $442. The net profits will be given to the Charles Addams Art Scholarship. Each year a student who is majoring in art and graduating from Westfield High School in Westfield is awarded the money. 

 

Charles Addams created the original "kooky" Addams Family characters as a cartoonist for the New Yorker Magazine.

The Brick Oven to Continue Restaurant Week Lunch

Enjoy a great Italian $10, 2-course lunch as Brick Oven extends their Winter Restaurant Week offering through the end of April. Monday - Friday, lunch only. Don't miss this great deal!117 Quimby St., 908.317.9500.   

 

Feast Catering Now Delivers Through Delivery Now
Feast Catering of Westfield and Delivery Now have joined forces to bring Feast Catering to your home. Check for daily specials and don't worry about parking! 27 Elm St., 908.654.0045. www.feastcateringwestfield.com 

Cosimo's is Expanding This popular Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria will be expanding their dining room into the adjacent building, which is currently an empty storefront and was formerly Little Treasures. 118 E Broad St., 908.654.8787. www.cosimosrestaurant.com    

 

CoolVines Mentioned in New York Times 
Wednesday March 24, 2010 -- Eric Asimov of the NY Times, wrote..."The recent vintage of shops can be found in pockets of wine enthusiasm around the country, including DomaineLA in Los Angeles, Terroir Natural Wine Merchant in San Francisco and CoolVines in Princeton, N.J. But enthusiasm seems to burn hottest in New York City." Read the Article: www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/dining/24pour.html 
23 Elm St., Westfield NJ, 908.232.5050 www.coolvines.com    

 

Complimentary Dessert at Ana Beall's Tea Room
Spring is here, and the great flavors of the season are making a grand entrance!  Stop by for dinner on Friday or Saturday night, and enjoy a delicious Strawberry Shortcake on them!  Mention this promotion, and receive this or one of their other delicious desserts, free with your meal.  Weather permitting, enjoy al fresco dining on their patio! 415 Westfield Ave., 908.264.4221. www.anabeallstearoom.com
 

Double Stuff Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches at Cold Stone
This new ice cream creation is made with Cold Stone's new Oreo Creme Filling ice cream, sandwiched between 2 big Oreo Wafers. For a limited time only, they will be available at $8.99 a 4-pack. 163 E. Broad St., 908.518.0044. www.coldstonecreamery.com 
 

Autism Awareness Month at Rockn' Joe
April is Autism Awareness Month and Rockn' Joe is doing its part to help raise awareness and support families with autistic children. Every time you visit Rockn' Joe during the month of April, you are welcome to select from the free autism awareness items at the counter. Child alert decals, rubber bracelets, books and DVDs will all be available. The child alert decals notify police, fire and EMTs that a child with autism is in the home or car the sticker is affixed to, which helps them respond appropriately in the event of an emergency. The rubber bracelets read "I Have Autism," "I Have Asperger's," or "I Love Someone With Autism." The books and DVDs are educational resources that can help educate children about autism. Rockn' Joe has made a donation to Autism Speaks in support of Autism Awareness Month. The coffeehouse & bistro will also be selling Bachman Puzzle Piece Pretzels throughout the month of April, proceeds are donated to Autism Speaks. 20 Prospect St., 908.232.1660. www.rocknjoe.net 

This is your chance to help your favorite fundraising organization raise money in style! With the purchase of a $5 ticket, you will receive a 20% coupon to be used on one sale or regular priced item, and a 15% savings pass, valid all day, on almost anything in the store including cosmetics and fragrances! 

 

On this day, there will be special events throughout the store, including national makeup artists who will be on hand to provide complimentary makeovers at any cosmetic counter. Other events include special guest appearances, gift with purchases, and much more. Plus register for your chance to win one of many great prizes.

 

For more information or to purchase your ticket in support of your favorite charity, visit http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/Gifts-Westfield__NJ__Tuesday__May_4th-lordandtaylor/141983 

 

Lord & Taylor, 609 North Ave. W., 908.233.6600.

Dean Nahas, owner of the two Westfield Subway locations recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Attending were (left to right):  Amanda Werner, Subway customer, Mayor Andy Skibitsky, Marcello Sam, Subway employee, Dean Nahas, Subway Owner, Neil Pinkman, Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Diane Barabas, Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) Board of Director, Nil Majmundar, Subway employee, and Sherry Cronin, DWC Executive Director.   

 

106 Quimby St., 908.232.4760

Don't miss four days of outdoor shopping and bargains when downtown Westfield, NJ merchants open their doors and bring their goods out onto the streets! Enjoy the deals for four days only, Thursday, April 29 through Sunday May 2, 2010. 

Don't be Alice and Wonder about Spring Makeup! Join the newly opened Designer Fragrances & Cosmetic Co. (DF&CCO) along with Ana Beall's Tea Room for our Grand Opening Tea Party, April 15th. Tea time is from 5pm-8pm, and appointments are available from 1pm-7pm. Receive a free makeup application and 25% off when you purchase $50 or more. Please RSVP by April 8, 2010 by calling 908.389.1719.

The Coffee With Conscience Concert Series continues its TENTH SEASON by presenting Lucy Kaplansky.  This show will take place at the First United Methodist Church, 1 East Broad Street (corner of North Avenue) in Westfield, on Saturday, April 17th. Doors will open at 7:15 PM and the concert begins at 8 PM. Admission is $23.00 on line and $27.00 at the door.

This concert will benefit  the Keith Knost Special Needs Trust. Touring Singer/songwriter, Randall Williams, will open the show. Advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended by going to www.lucykaplansky2.eventbrite.com.

Lucy Kaplansky started out singing in Chicago bars. Then, barely out of high school, Lucy Kaplansky took off for New York City. There she found a fertile community of songwriters and performers - Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Bill Morrissey, Cliff Eberhardt, and others - where she fit right in. With a beautiful flair for harmony, Lucy was everyone's favorite singing partner, but most often she found herself singing as a duo with Shawn Colvin. People envisioned big things for them; in fact, The New York Times said it was "easy to predict stardom for her." But then Lucy dropped it all! Lucy left the musical fast track to pursue a doctorate in Psychology!

Upon completing her degree, Dr. Kaplansky took a job at a New York hospital working with chronically mentally ill adults, and also started a private practice. Yet she continued to sing. Lucy was often pulled back into the studio by her friends, (who now had contracts with record labels) wanting her to sing on their albums. She harmonized on Colvin's Grammy-winning Steady On, on Nanci Griffith's Lone Star State of Mind and Little Love Affairs, and on four of John Gorka's albums. She also landed soundtrack credits, singing with Suzanne Vega on Pretty in Pink and with Griffith on The Firm, and several commercial credits.

Then Shawn Colvin, who was itching to produce a record, hooked up with Lucy, her ex-singing partner. They went into the studio, and it all came together. When Lucy's solo tapes got into the hands of Bob Feldman, president of Red House Records, he was blown away. Suddenly, Lucy was back in the music business. She signed with Red House and started playing gigs. Red House released The Tide in 1994 to rave reviews, and within six months Lucy signed with a major booking agency, and began touring so much it required leaving her two psychologist positions behind.

Five albums behind her, Lucy rediscovers her musical roots and returns to the more acoustic sound of the music she first fell in love with - folk and classic country. Lucy's new life as a mother has enhanced the emotional depth of her songwriting. Her sixth album "Over the Hills," released in Matrch, 2007, explores universal themes of love, joy, loss, and dreams for the future, through reflections on family. The record features guest vocalists Eliza Gilkyson, Buddy Miller, Richard Shindell and Jonatha Brooke. It is pure Americana, wonderfully raw and rich with heartache and hope.

For more info about this concert and the featured artist, please visit www.lucykaplansky2.eventbrite.com or http://www.lucykaplansky.com
 
The Coffee With Conscience Concert Series is a ten-show series running from September through June at the First United Methodist Church of Westfield. The Series supports the following charities: Contact We Care (Westfield), Homefirst (Plainfield), Habitat for Humanity (Plainfield), the Community Food Bank of NJ (Hilside) and the Keith Knost Special Needs Trust (Mountainside). Each beneficiary has two concerts dedicated to it during the season.

The Coffee With Conscience Concert Series is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Westfield Service League, and other private donations – which are enthusiastically encouraged.

For more information about the Coffee With Conscience Concert Series, the upcoming performance, or ways in which to get involved with the series, please visit www.coffeewithconscience.org. You can also call the Concert Hotline at 908-412-9105 or send an e-mail to ahrre@ahrre.com. Volunteers are always appreciated!

On Sunday, April 25th from 10AM to 5PM, The streets of Westfield will be lined with hundreds of vendors,and plenty of food & entertainment. It is a fun filled day for everyone.  Don't miss it!

 

Join Westfield Symphony on a fantasy-filled and educational musical journey for the entire family! Featuring an exciting display of instrumental virtuosity, and narrated by former New York Giants Super Bowl 21 champion, Bill Ard, WSO’s performance of  A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra is an exciting introduction to orchestral music. The concert will also present the Grand Finale of the Youth Stars of Tomorrow Tri-State Concerto Competition where three exemplary young musical protégés will compete for a grand prize of $3000. The audience will even have the opportunity to vote and participate in the selection of the winner.

The concert will be held at 4pm at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield. Arrive before the concert for a free interactive program with Dr. Barbara Thomson. Learn about the music, meet musicians, and get an up close view of selected musical instruments.

 SPECIAL OFFER: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY $5, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS $10.

For further information: 908-232-9400, wso@westfieldsymphony.org, or go to www.westfieldsymphony.org

Wednesday March 24, 2010 -- Eric Asimov of the NY Times, writes in today's column..."The recent vintage of shops can be found in pockets of wine enthusiasm around the country, including DomaineLA in Los Angeles, Terroir Natural Wine Merchant in San Francisco and CoolVines in Princeton, N.J. But enthusiasm seems to burn hottest in New York City."

Read the Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/dining/24pour.html

America in Bloom competition planning has begun to prepare for the judges' visit in July. Named "Westfield in Bloom", community organizations, volunteers, DPW staff and committees will continue to beautify our community with plantings and hanging baskets, landscaping, tidiness, etc. Volunteers and interested organizations should contact co-chairs Sherry Cronin at the DWC s.cronin@westfieldtoday.com or David Williams of Williams Nursery at dave@williamsnursery.com.  

Westfield's premiere boutique personal training studio will, for the first time, offer a small group summer athletic development program, designed specifically for soccer players. Athletes who have trained with WFS have gone on such prestigious programs as St. Benedict's and Seton Hall Prep; Fordham, Elon and Brown Universities.

Applications are being accepted now. Space is limited. Please call or email the studio for an information package.

 

A beautiful, original, brand new, full color poster from THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL has been donated by the producers of the Broadway show. It is signed by members of the cast, which include the stars, Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. It is being put up for auction and all the net profits will be given to the Charles Addams Art Scholarship. Each year a student who is majoring in art and graduating from Westfield High School in Westfield, New Jersey is awarded the money. The poster was professionally framed by Galeria West, 111 Quimby Street in Westfield, NJ. The size of the poster before framing is 14" x 22". The bidding will start at $250.00 and will run from Tuesday, March 23rd through Thursday, April 1, 2010.

Charles Addams created the original "kooky" Addams Family characters as a cartoonist for the New Yorker Magazine. He lived in Westfield, NJ.

Galeria West Art & Framing, 111 Quimby St., 908.301.9217.

Join the WSO in support of the Arts at A GRAND FUNDRAISING GALA celebrating MUSIC. The Gala will be held on Saturday May 1, 2010 at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing, auctions and enchanting entertainment! Opportunities are available for individual or corporate sponsorships. www.westfieldsymphony.org

Spring designs are arriving and they are OH SO PRETTY, like this pencil skirt from Boston designer Sara Campbell. Regina would like to send a sincere thank you to her customers who trust her when sharing her knowledge in dressing and looking as wonderful as they feel in her designs. She will also be hosting" A Spring has Sprung"  evening out in her shop in April. Look for details next month.  107 Prospect St., 908.654.3800. www.sadie4lady.com   

The Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) has just concluded its first ever winter Restaurant Week with excellent results. The event was held from February 21 to March 4 and included two-course dinners for $20 and two-course lunches for $10. Over 20 restaurants in the downtown area participated in the event, and Cool Vines offered 10% off their wine during the week.

 

Though the event was originally scheduled to end February 27, the event was extended an extra five days due to inclement weather. The blizzard did not deter guests from enjoying the event, however, as many local residents and far away visitors were able to sample some of Westfield’s finest cuisine.  Participating restaurants included:  16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, Acquaviva delle fonti, The Brick Oven, Boulevard Bistro, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Clyne & Murphy, Cosimo’s, Ferarro’s, Gabi’s Sushi & Noodles, Isabella’s American Bistro, Jeffrey’s of Westfield, Limani Seafood Grill, Mojave Grill, The Office Beer Bar and Grill, Robert Treat Deli, Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse + Bistro, Shogun Wok, Splash of Thai, Theresa’s, Tinga Taqueria, and Windmill.

 

Almost 500 guests from all of the participating restaurants completed entry forms for a random drawing sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation for a $20 gift certificate and a bonus drawing for a $10 parking card. The drawings were recently held and the following winners were announced:  $20 restaurant gift certificates: Jane Ambrosia, John Corbin, Marie Elaine Degnan, Johnny Gil, Judy Johnston, Helen Leong, Scott Loucks, Liz Morgan, Jennifer Novy, Nicole Radumski, Don Seeley, Mary Shea, Bailey Verdone, Donna Walsh and Alec Wasserman. $10 parking card contest: Hank Bartolf, David Buckman, Jill Carnucci, Bret Coffey, Sheri Goldszeft, Paul Hymanson, Ken Kandigian, Peter Lagatta, Patty McGuire, Danielle Mirzwa, Barbara Mitchell, Ankita Patel, Debra Schranck, Nicholas Smith and Eileen Spitler.

 

According to Saul Drittel, DWC Promotions Chairman, “The contest component of Restaurant Week was very interesting.  While almost half of the entrants were from Westfield, we drew visitors from all over Union County and almost 20% came from areas outside of Union County including shore towns.  Winners of the contest were particularly thrilled when they learned they would be welcomed back with a gift certificate to the participating restaurant and/or a refillable parking card.  We look forward to building this momentum at the next Restaurant Week planned for the week of September 19.”

The 9^th annual Downtown Westfield 5K & Pizza Extravaganza will be held on July 21, 2010 with a start time of 7:00 pm.  This year for the first time, the race will be pre-registration only by July 17. All on-line registrations close at midnight on July 17, and all mailed entries must be postmarked by July 15. T-shirts and d-tag pick up can be picked up as early as 5:00 pm on race day. 

 

This event, which is one of the largest non-corporate 5K in the state, attracted over 2,500 runners and over 6,000 spectators last year for an evening of running, pizza, prizes, and entertainment.  According to Sherry Cronin, Executive Director of Downtown Westfield Corporation, “The event has become well known as the ‘pizza run’ and is a great way to showcase the business community and surrounding neighborhoods.  Given the popularity of the event, we decided to make it pre-registration only this year.  Last year, almost a third of the runners registered on the night of the event making it challenging to register everyone and start the event on time. Mark Zenobia of On Your Mark Productions does a great job in directing the event and has recommended pre-registration only and introducing new ChronoTrack d-tag scoring.” 

 

Trinitas Regional Medical Center is the 2010 Platinum Sponsor of the event, the first one in the nine-year history of the race.  So far, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has returned with a silver sponsorship. Overlook Hospital and Westfield Pediatric Dental Group have returned with bronze sponsorships. PSE&G and State Farm Insurance Christine Consenza Agency are contributing sponsors.  Creative Dental Care has returned with a supporting sponsorship.  According to Beth Brenner, Assistant Executive Director of Downtown Westfield Corporation, “We are thrilled with the level of enthusiasm expressed by sponsors so far and have a goal to hopefully make a small profit on the event this year.  We expect many other sponsors to join this elite group.  Any proceeds would be earmarked for downtown streetscape improvements.”

 

The race will be held on the USATF certified course for the following route: On E. Broad Street Left onto N. Euclid Avenue, Left onto Park Drive through Mindowaskin Park, Cross Mountain Avenue, Right onto Lawrence Avenue, Left onto Sylvania Place, Right onto Elm Street, Left onto Newton Place, Right onto Prospect Street, Left onto Brightwood Avenue, Left onto Embree Crescent, Left onto Eaglecroft Road, Right onto Clark Street, Left onto W. Dudley Avenue, Right onto Elm Street, and Finish just past E. Broad Street.  Pizza and dessert will be provided to all registered runners. Entertainment will be provided by the ever-popular Michael Craig Band with an awards ceremony immediately following the race.   Register by mail or online at www.PracticeHard.com.  Technical t-shirts will be provided to the first 2,000 entrants.  Embroidered caps will be provided to the first 600 entrants.

    

To find out more about the Downtown Westfield 5K & Pizza Extravaganza, contact Sherry Cronin or Beth Brenner at the Downtown Westfield Corporation at 105 Elm Street , Westfield, NJ 07090 (908) 789-9444. Click here to download a pdf of the race application.  

 

The Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), formed in 1996, is the management entity of the Special Improvement District. It is governed by a seven member Board of Directors, has two full-time and one part-time staff members, and numerous volunteers serving on Design, Promotion, Economic Development and Organization committees. The vision of the DWC is for Westfield, NJ to be a preferred destination where people want to live, work, and visit.  Westfield is also honored to be one of 26 designated Main Street Communities in New Jersey , a program of the National Trust’s National Main Street Center . 

 

Photo caption:  A sea of runners lined the streets at the 2009 Downtown Westfield 5K & Pizza Extravaganza.  This year’s event will be held on July 21, 2010 and will require pre-registration only.   Photo by Millicent K. Brody.

 

For one day only, Lisa will lead sessions sharing the latest tips, tricks, and techniques for Fekkai fabulous hair. All attendees will receive personalized recommendations at the end of each session. Appointments are limited so please call 908.233.6600 ext. 203 or ask a Beauty Consultant for more details.

 

Friday, March 19th

at Lord & Taylor, Westfield NJ

11am-12:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm

by Millicent K. Brody

February 28th, 2010

 

Create your own big Splash and watch for the opening of Splash Boutique. Located at 15 E. Broad Street, owner Otha Vykhopen is bringing her special brand of style to Downtown Westfield.

 

“We’re excited about opening our first store in beautiful Downtown Westfield,” said Ms. Vykhopen. “We’re exceedingly proud of our European and American collections. We’re gearing our brands to meet the desires of our clients.”

 

Visitors to Splash will find J-Brand Jeans-USA, True Religion-USA, Kova & T-USA, Class Roberto Cavalli-Italy, RED Valentino-Italy, Celyn b-Italy, Rizal-France, Guerriero, Italy, Scervino Street-Italy, and Angelo Mozzillo-Italy.

 

=> Trish McEvoy - Friday, May 14 & Saturday, May 15

 

=> Laura Mercier Friday, April 30 & Saturday, May 1 

 

=> NARS Friday, April 9

Mystery Writer, Peggy Ehrhart, March 6th from 2-4 PM   Sweet Man is Gone The plot, with its surprising and dramatic climax, will keep readers guessing until the last few pages. Kirkus Reviews raves, "A blues singer turns detective when her guitarist's death is ruled a suicide. Maxx's debut has a real feel for the bar-music scene and is a gutsy, believable sleuth" and the Newark Star Ledger says, "blues riffs that are the next best thing to hearing them."     

 

Connie McNamara, March 13th from 11-1 PM   A History of Mountainside: 1945-2006: It Was Only Yesterday
McNamara provides a comprehensive look at this tight knit community that prides itself on its bucolic surroundings and its caring and cohesiveness. She recounts anecdotes, passed on by town elders, of Mountainside's prestigious historic architecture, the establishment of the nationally renowned Children's Specialized Hospital and the Badgley House, where Revolutionary residents concealed their valuables from the British.

Westfield, NJ/ February 2, 2010 -- Weichert, Realtors announced Harvey Tekel of the Westfield office was named Manager of the Year for the region for 2009. The award recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional management skills and led their office to achieve outstanding results in 2009. The region consists of more than 20 offices throughout Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union and Mercer Counties and the Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania.

 

In 2009, the Westfield sales team helped numerous families and individuals realize their dreams of homeownership by providing informed sales associates, customized marketing plans and by offering clients financial and moving-related assistance through Weichert Gold Services.

 

"This award recognizes Harvey’s management ability and dedication to see his office succeed," said Joe McDonald, regional vice president for Weichert, Realtors. "Harvey understands the needs of his sales associates and is committed to providing the support and tools for them to stay productive and beneficial for clients."

 

Tekel joined Weichert in 1996 and was named a manager in 1999. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Westfield office which specializes in providing high quality real estate services to clients in Union, Essex, Middlesex, Morris and Somerset Counties.

 

To speak to Tekel or one of his experienced agents please call the Weichert’s Westfield office at (908) 654-7777, located at 185 Elm Street.

 

Photo above: (From left to right) Jace´ Botti, Head of Residential Sales, Harvey Tekel, Weichert Manager of the Year, Joe McDonald, Regional Vice President, James Weichert, Jr., Vice President and James M. Weichert president and founder of Weichert, Realtors.

 

Photo courtesy of Weichert, Realtors

 

Join this free hip and knee replacement seminar Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the Kessler Rehabilitation Center, 190 Elm St., Westfield. RSVP by March 19th to 908.232.0460. Seating is limited! Light refreshments will be served. 

 

The annual newsletter is now available online. This beautiful 4-page report highlights the efforts by the Downtown Westfield Corporation and it's Main Street Volunteers. This newsletter was distributed in the Star Ledger, Suburban News, and in The Westfield Leader with over 80,000 copies printed.

Click here to read the publication:  http://www.westfieldtoday.com/system/organization/138/attachments/2010_DWC_Newsletter_original.pdf?1266869092

The annual newsletter is now available online. This beautiful 4-page report highlights the efforts by the Downtown Westfield Corporation and it's Main Street Volunteers. This newsletter was distributed in the Star Ledger, Suburban News, and in The Westfield Leader with over 80,000 copies printed.

 

Click here to read the publication.

 

The apartments featured the latest in environmentally-friendly construction.

 

By Lindsay Wilkes-Edrington as published January 5, 2010 on www.scotchplains.patch.com. 

 

Downtown Scotch Plains isn’t exactly a hot spot for renters, but one local builder is trying to change that with his recent opening of a luxury, energy efficient complex right off Park Avenue.

Steve Needle, the president of Needle Point Homes, was the brainchild behind the 12-unit apartment building, located at 549 Park Avenue, just across from Park Middle School.

Called Park Avenue Green, the complex houses one and two-bedroom units that feature all the latest in green technology.

Needle, a Scotch Plains resident himself, has worked as a green builder since 2002, primarily focusing his efforts on designing customized luxury homes in the Westfield-Scotch Plains area.

The apartment building in Scotch Plains is the first of its type that he’s constructed.

“I believe we need to revitalize downtown Scotch Plains,” Needle said of why he decided to build the apartments. “I think it’s a diamond in the rough. It’s got potential that’s unbelievable.”

To read the entire article, visit http://scotchplains.patch.com/articles/local-builder-hopes-green-apartments-will-help-revitalize-downtown-scotch-plains

As published in NJ Monthly Magazine, Posted February 17, 2010 by Jessica Remo.

 

It’s no secret to savvy Union County shoppers: The preppy, Main Street-vibe of downtown Westfield is the perfect alternative to the hassle and drear of the mall. And because it’s a bona fide dining town, refueling is easy—and requires no food court.

 

Shop till you drop: Besides mall-standard chains (Gap, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, to name a few) and a big-name department store (Lord & Taylor), this downtown is full of cute independent boutiques. Fashionable ladies will want to peruse the goods at spots like Menina (27 East Broad St., 908-654-0358) and accessories boutique Rhain (129 East Broad St., 908-518-0700). To really splurge, complete the ensemble with a pair of imported-Italian stilettos from upscale shoe store Sole (201 East Broad St., 908-654-7800, italiansole.com). Equally stylish men will appreciate the custom-tailored shirts and suits at John Robert (31 East Broad St., 908-232-9511). And for hip baby and kid gear (think teeny Led Zeppelin tees), check out Pumpkins & Petunias (258 East Broad St., 908-654-1600, pumpkinsandpetunias.com), which is way more rock ’n’ roll than its name suggests.

Great for gifts: The Farmhouse Store (221 East Broad St., 908-654-0444, thefarmhousestore.com) is fun even if you don’t buy a thing. The expansive shop is made for browsing and packed to the gills with handmade furniture, pottery, textiles, art, jewelry, and, naturally, those oh-so-farmhouse-y barn stars. In business since 1934, The Town Book Store (270 East Broad St., 908-233-3535, townbookstore.com) is the last independent bookstore in the county, and also hosts author meet-and-greets several times a month.

Take a hike: When you’ve had enough shopping, stroll through picturesque Mindowaskin Park (East Broad St. and Park Dr.), just steps from the main strip. You’ll probably spot prom-goers or brides and grooms taking photos beneath the bandstand, along the bridge or in front of the pond. Kids will love its playground, and everyone loves the summer concert series.

Bring your own: Westfield dining is mostly BYO, and Cool Vines (23 Elm St., 908-232-5050, coolvines.com) is your friendly neighborhood sommelier—literally: The first shelves you’ll see are the shop’s “Restaurant Row” picks, bottles they suggest to pair with the cuisine at different local restaurants. Even better, staffers are friendly and unintimidating (whether your wine knowledge tends to novice or oenophile), they host free weekly tastings, and bottles are organized by taste instead of region, for easier browsing. No wonder the place won our award for Best of NJ 2009.


Stay for dinner: The Brick Oven (BYOB, 117 Quimby St., 908-317-9500) serves up Italian trattoria fare with yummy thin-crust pizza (fresh out of the wood-burning oven, of course), pasta, and lots of daily specials, all at an reasonable price. 16 Prospect (16 Prospect St., 908-232-7320, 16prospect.com) offers small plates perfect for sampling and sharing (there are full-size entrees, too) and live music most nights. For fancy, authentic French, try the perennially award-winning Chez Catherine (431 North Ave. West, 908-654-4011, chezcatherine.com). Seafood-centric Limani (BYOB, 235 North Ave., 908-233-0052), the Greek word for port, is a local favorite for its raw bar and fresh fish.

Don’t forget dessert: One square block in this downtown is a chocoholic’s dream and a dieter’s nightmare. The proof is in the giant cupcakes at Crumbs Bake Shop (130 East Broad St., 908-232-5527, crumbs.com), the homemade truffles at Brummer’s Chocolates (125 East Broad St., 908-232-1904), the yummy Italian cookies at Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe (101 East Broad St., 908-232-4149), and the best gelato this side of Italy (try the dulce de leche) at The Chocolate Bar (112 Quimby St., 908-389-9000).

 

Photo by: James Kirkikis

 

By Millicent K. Brody for www.thealternativepress.com

2/10/2010

 

It’s time for the Official 2010 Celebration of Restaurant Week, $20$10. For one week, that is Sunday, February 21 through all day Saturday, February 27th, you will be able to dine in Downtown Westfield for the mere price of $20 for a two course dinner, and $10 for a two course lunch. (Beverages, dessert, tax and gratuities are not included. Check www.WestfieldToday.com for a complete listing of all participating restaurants and some exclusions.)

 

"We all need a special reason to celebrate the New Year, 2010," said Sherry Cronin Executive Director of Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC). "Some of our favorite best and trendiest restaurants are doing all they can to welcome us for an affordable lunch or dinner. During Restaurant Week, you may enjoy a selection of great meals all around Downtown Westfield for either $10 for lunch or $20 for dinner."

 

In addition, the DWC is offering a random drawing for a $20 Gift Certificate for each participating restaurant, as well as a bonus $10 Westfield Parking Card. Imagine, two drawings per restaurant, and YOU may be one of the lucky winners!

 

Drawings will take place at the end of Restaurant Week. ALL diners who complete a Restaurant Week form are eligible to win. You must provide your email address to be eligible for the bonus drawing for the Parking Card. Just fill out your entry form during or after your meal at any participating restaurant. 

 

Executive Chef and an Owner of Ferraro’s, Giuseppe di Pietro has been working diligently on his menu.  "Many of our favorite dishes will be featured to honor the occasion," he said. "You’ll be able to order your favorite Chicken Giuseppi and Ana’s famous sausage lasagna all-week-long. Imagine 7 whole days and nights of your favorite dishes at a very special price. Should you wish to dine on the more formal side, be sure to call for reservations: 908.232.1105."

 

"Visitors are always welcome to come and be part of the family tradition on our casual side," he adds. "Please remember, drinks, dessert, coffee, tax and tip are extra."

 

"We’re looking forward to Restaurant Week," said George Vastardis, proprietor of Limani Seafood Grill, 235 North Avenue W. "We believe Restaurant Week allows us the opportunity to showcase the great food and service we have to offer. During this special week, people who don’t ordinarily get out to lunch or dinner have the option to experience our restaurant. At Limani, we’re offering the "Best-of-Our Best". Please remember to call for reservations, and we’ll be happy to serve you." (908.233.0052)

 

"All of the participants are really excited about celebrating Westfield’s Second Annual Restaurant Week," said Jamie Lemberg, Online Marketing Manager for Downtown Westfield Corporation. "They are looking forward to all of the excitement generated by the occasion."

 

Sonny Acquaviva of Acquaviva delle fonti, 115 Elm Street, (908.301.0700), has very special offerings for Restaurant $20$10: "We change our list of specials daily, so people can look forward to new and exciting dishes all week. We’re really happy to celebrate Restaurant Week, $20$10," he said.

 

Adding to the pleasure of the event, CoolVines will be offering wine pairings for each BYO Restaurant. In addition, they will be offering a 10% discount to anyone who mentions Westfield Restaurant Week.

 

For the complete story, visit http://www.thealternativepress.com/article.asp?news=9899&Celebrate-Downtown-Westfield-Restaurant-Week-$20$10

 

Photo: Sonny Acquaiva awaits friends for $20$10 Restaurant Week. Photo courtesy of Millicent K. Brody

 

The February Issue of Westfield Today, Downtown Westfield's email newsletter is now available. Click here to read the latest issue.

 

Sign up for future issues.

 by Millicent K. Brody

 

You’ll Find it All at Bittersweet Design  

 

Westfield NJ, February 4th, 2010 -- Edie Isoldi is living her dream. As the owner of Bittersweet Design, a great “secret shop” on Lenox Avenue, she is having the time of her life. Visitors entering the bustling shop get a rush of excitement. Floors, corners, shelves and cubbies are filed with trendy jewelry, hand bags, wallets, lovely pins, pill boxes, business card holders, picture frames, bracelets, stunning scarves, belts, beautiful gifts for the home, and a thousand and one other fabulous things you not only want, you actually believe you have to have. 

 

Think trendy Pearls! You’ll find reams of bracelets, necklaces rings, and earrings in colors of black, pink, soft white, and even gold.   “We’re carrying a line of linen and leather bags that arrive in colorful print colors,” said the owner. We also carry carry a plethora of handbags in every style and color to fit every price point.”    

 

Literally born to shop, Edie made the decision to own a shop filed with fashion-forward merchandise. After scouting the area, her son Frank D., a realtor with Caldwell Banker, found her the perfect location. “I signed the lease, and hit the road shopping,” she continued. “New merchandise comes in every day. At Bittersweet Design, we like to think we have the perfect gift to suit any and all occasions.”  

 

From fabulous shawls, and wallets, to teeny reading glasses, to designer belts to suit ever area of our wardrobe, to candles, and decorative rings, it’s all there. Fans of sunflowers are able to purchase decorative pillows in cranberry red blazing with gorgeous yellow blooms. You’ll also like the array of Mariposa silver plates carved in sunflower designs. They’re the perfect answer to decorative serving pieces for sandwiches and sweet treats. Purchase Mariposa chickadee salt and pepper shakers for your own use, or treat friends or family with a special gift they’ll treasure.  

 

Visit the New Born section. Jam packed with darling gifts for the baby, choose shawls, blankets, tooth fairy boxes, cups and bowls, and cuddly stuffed animal.  Don’t forget Grandma. She’ll love a fabulous leather photo envelope for her purse. They come in joyous colors of pink, jeweled green, lavender, and black. They are also generously priced. Just half of what you’d pay in a more expensive shop. Need an evening bag? You’ll find it difficult to make a choice. An entire section is literally filled with the perfect purse to match your glamorous outfit.

 

Location: Bittersweet Design, 212 Lenox Avenue, Westfield Phone: (908) 389-0330 Hours: Open: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.  Description: Located just around the corner from the Westfield Post Office, Bittersweet Design is chock full of everything you must have at a price you can easily afford. . FYI: Major credit cards accepted. Glorious gift wrapping

You already have your perfect match, now you'll have your perfect scent. Come Friday night February 12th, 7-9pm. Your ticket includes:

 

* create a custom scented hydrating body mist from Bath Junkie

* experience a stimulating hand massage by in touch therapeutic massage

* savor coffee from Rockn' Joe

* enjoly desserts from Bovella's Pastry Shoppe

 

$15 per couple, $10 per person. 221 North Avenue East, Westfield NJ 908.264.8633. Call to RSVP for your spot! 

Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse + Bistro…. is proud to announce its exclusive offering of Belgian Waffles from NYC's now famous Wafels and Dinges.  

 

Belgium native Thomas DeGeest is known as "The Waffles Guy" to most New Yorkers. For a number of years now, he’s been offering his Liege Wafles at various locations in NYC from his now famous canary yellow “Wafels and Dinges” truck and as of 2009 he selected Rockn’ Joe Westfield as the only other distributor of these now famous waffles. Recently, world famous celebrity chef Bobby Flay challenged Thomas to a “Throwdown” for ultimate bragging rights as to who makes the best Belgian Waffles.

 

 

Of course, we never doubted the outcome, but see the results for yourself on the Food Network’s Belgian Waffles Throwdown on Saturday, February 6^th at 7:00pm. Then, come in and try one for yourself… and experience what a true ultimate Belgian Waffle is all about!!!

 

Son't miss great Valentine’s Day gifts from Williams-Sonoma including heart shaped cinnamon gummy candies ($9.95), heart shaped mixing bowls ($29.95) and Valentine’s message cookie cutters, which comes with a full alphabet to enable you to bake a customized message (19.95).

www.williams-sonoma.com

On Saturday, February 20^st, Westfield Symphony Orchestra presents Variations on a Latin Beat, an exploration of the aromatic flavors of the Spanish Diaspora through its varied dance rhythms and seductive melodies, culminating in the visual spectacle of Tango masters Carolina Jaurena and Diego Blanco.

  

Says WSO Music Director Maestro David Wroe: “This is indeed a unique visual and musical collaboration presenting Tango at its fiery best that is sure to thrill young and old alike.”

 

 A TANGO FANTASY: Carolina Jaurena and friends

 GERSHWIN: Piano Concerto in F

 DE FALLA: The Three Cornered Hat

 

Saturday, February 20^st at 8pm at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1060 Irving St, Rahway, NJ.

 

Tickets $25-$70

SPECIAL OFFER: All students K-12 only $10.

For further information go to www.westfieldsymphony.org

 

 

The much anticipated Grand Opening of the New (125 Elm St. by Trader Joe's) Westfield Sleep Center is here! Look for our Grand Opening Sale postcard in your mailbox and see all of the great specials. Enjoy a Storewide 20% off coupon for anything you buy during the Grand Opening. Panera Bread coupons will be given out each day to the first 20 shoppers. The Sealy Mattress Company gave us a Grand Opening Special Purchase on the Best Selling Posturepedic Mattress come in and check it out. See our great selection of Kids Furniture and Adult Beds. Refreshments will be served Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14. So come in and say hi!

CoolVines of Westfield NJ has teamed up with the italian pantry bistro of Cranford NJ to offer an elegant Valentine's Day dinner, Sunday, February 14th at 5pm.

 

Start with an amuse bouche of italian pantry tuna tartar, followed by Saffron infused popparadelle with sweet pepper braised osso bucco and red wine reduction, pared with Barbera Zerbetta 2007. Continue with a young mesclun salad with wildflower honey vinaigrette pared with Marco Cecchini 2007. Roasted organic chicken with Pomegranate risotto is pared with Ripasso Villa Monteleone 2004, and for dessert red velvet cupcakes with Godiva frosting pared with Muscat Mont Tauch, France.

 

Price is $65, tax and tip included. For reservations, call CoolVines 908.232.5050.

   

Join Feast Catering on Saturday Februaury 13, 2010 for an intimate Valentine's dinner and wine evening. Your 5-course dinner and 5-course wine paring begins with Champagne at 7:30pm. Cost: $115 per person plus gratuity, book and pay in full by Feb.1st and pay $99.99 per person plus gratuity.

 

Book early as seating is limited.

WESTFIELD, N.J.  -- January 21, 2010 – Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery in Westfield will celebrate its 20th anniversary by offering customers a free cup of coffee all day, every day, for the entire week of February 8th through 13th.  Additionally, each pound of coffee will be discounted by $2.00 and everything else in the store will be 20% off!

 

Since 1990, Ahrre's Coffee Roastery has been providing North Jersey with the finest fresh-roasted coffees available.  Proprietor Ahrre Maros fell in love with everything about coffee back in the mid-1980's, while living in the San Francisco Bay area, stating, “The cafe scene and coffee-drinking are an integral part of the culture out there." With the urging of friends, and the endless complaints about a lack of good- tasting, fresh-roasted coffee in this area, he took a job at  his favorite West Coast coffee shop, Peets Coffee & Tea, where he learned all he could about the business of roasting and providing the community with a great cup o’ java. He took the plunge and opened his first shop in Cranford on February 10, 1990. He opened his second shop in Westfield, and third shop, the short-lived Common Ground Cafe, in Summit, before celebrating his third year in business. In 1996, Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery established a web-presence and has since become a premier source for quality coffee to discriminating coffee-drinkers worldwide!

 

Ahrre’s passion did not end there.  Ahrre still longed for the coffee culture he left behind in California. So, in the Fall of 2000, he joined the Reverend Jeff Markay of the Springfield Emanuel United Methodist Church, in launching the Coffee With Conscience Concert Series.  This award-winning series -- now in its tenth season -- presents professional and touring singer/songwriters in concert, in Westfield. The series provides the community with an evening of excellent music in a comfortable setting, and the proceeds from each performance are donated to local nonprofit organizations.  According to Ahrre, “The events are intended to provide the type of entertainment that is missing from so many of our communities…entertainment that fosters community and friendship, is structured around a good cause, and presents a win-win situation for everyone involved.”   

 

Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery is located at 104 Elm Street in Westfield.  Visit the virtual roastery online at: www.ahrre.com and learn about upcoming concert performances at www.coffeewithconscience.org

 

Dine at Westfield's Best of the Best in 2010 for only $20 and $10!

 

Westfield NJ -- Enjoy lunch or dinner at downtown Westfield's best and trendiest restaurants during Restaurant Week, February 21st through the 27th. 

Downtown Westfield will continue its tradition of Restaurant Week after the popular success of its fall premiere. From Sunday, February 21 to Saturday, February 27 (including Saturday), enjoy dining at your favorite restaurant for a reduced price. Take advantage of wonderful cuisine, and order any two-course dinner for $20, and any two-course lunch for $10. Prices have been fixed at these prices to offer diners a great bargain in the year 2010. Beverages, tax and gratuities are not included in any Westfield Restaurant Week price-fixed menu.

 

Check your calendar! Beat the crowds! Make reservations in advance by calling your favorite restaurant directly. If you can't schedule dinner reservations, then book a table for lunch.

 
A drawing sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation will be held at each participating restaurant for a $20 Gift Certificate to that restaurant and a bonus drawing for a $10 Westfield Parking Card. There will be two drawings per restaurant. The drawings will take place at the end of Restaurant Week. Entry forms will be available at each participating restaurant and all diners who complete the form are eligible to win. An email address is required for the bonus parking card eligibility.  

 

Some of the participating restaurants include: Limani Seafood Grill, 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, Aquaviva delle fonti, Mojave Grille, Theresa's, Isabella's American Bistro, The Brick Oven, Splash of Thai, Jeffrey's of Westfield, Cosimo’s, Gabi’s Sushi & Noodles, and The Office Beer Bar and Grill.  

 

To enhance your dining experience, CoolVines will be offering wine pairings for each BYO Restaurant and offering a 10% discount to anyone who mentions Westfield Restaurant Week during Restaurant Week.

To view the list of participating restaurants and for more details, visit www.westfieldtoday.com or call the Downtown Westfield Corporation at 908.789.9444.

 

Photo caption:  Diners enjoying Fall 2009 Restaurant Week at Acquaviva delle fonti, just one of the many restaurants that will welcome diners during the upcoming Westfield Restaurant Week to be held February 21 through February 27. 

 

Contact: Jamie Lemberg (908) 789-9444, Online Marketing Manager, Downtown Westfield Corporation

 

Enjoy their “Small Plates” Menu

Serving a menu of tasty, shareable plates on Friday and Saturday nights, alongside their Supper menu, come over after work, meet up with your friends, or make it an informal date. BYO and spend the evening grazing through one (or many) of more than a dozen appetizers. 

 

Seafood Cakewalk - Mini-Crab Cakes and Mini-Shrimp Cakes served with a Red Pepper Remoulade.

 

Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders on miniature potato rolls with extra BBQ Sauce for dipping.

 

Caprese – Crostini topped with fresh Mozzarella and Oven Roasted Tomatoes.

 

Champignon – Crostini spread with Herbed Goat Cheese and topped with Sautéed Mushrooms, Baby Arugula, and accented with Truffle Oil.

 

Castillian – Crostini topped with Manchego Cheese, Spicy Chorizo, and a Sweet Red Pepper Chutney.

 

Burmese Shrimp -- Jumbo Shrimp marinated in a Burmese Curry and grilled. Served with a Yogurt and Cucumber sauce for dipping.

 

Vegetarian Quartet, featuring our housemade pickled

 

Saffron Red Onion slices, Black Pepper Sesame Cucumbers, Sweetened Rice Wine Radishes, Smoked Paprika Carrots.

Trio of Hummus, served with housemade crackers or crostini, and featuring: Spicy Chili Garlic Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Lemony Cucumber Hummus.

 

Ratatouille served in Wonton Crisps.

 

Starting on January 15th – Friday and Saturday evenings only.