PRIME PHILADELPHIA

Starry, Starry Nights... "Van Gogh Up Close"

"And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you"
... Don McLean

One of the world's great artists had some serious issues. Van Gogh attempted suicide by shooting himself in the chest, which ultimately led to his death two days later.

A quick study of his life clearly indicates his mental problems (such as severing a part of his ear and sending it to a prostitute). This exhibition focuses on the
tumultuous years that began when van Gogh left Antwerp for Paris in 1886 and continued until his death in Auvers in 1890.

It's very difficult to understand his art, and its relationship to his life. Having said that, his work speaks for itself, and "Van Gogh Up Close" represents yet another reason that the Philadelphia Museum of Art is so critically important to the City of Philadelphia.

From February 1st to May 6th, the people will come from literally everywhere to experience this event. It's great for the hotels and the restaurants, and proof positive what the Arts mean to a community.

The connections are interesting. Georges Perrier recently suggested that closing his venerable Le Bec-Fin would be like closing the Museum of Art. For some three months, a ton of people will do their share in keeping Chef Perrier extremely happy as there are soon to be many Starry, Starry nights.

Two Celebrity Chefs in Philadelphia...

Is it possible that our unending infatuation with celebrity chefs has gone too far?
There I sat with a sold-out audience in the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia. The tickets were priced in excess of $200, and we had the unique privilege of watching and listening to two celebrity chefs talk to each other.

The chefs in question were Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert. Chef Bourdain might be the most interesting chef in America, and Chef Ripert might be one of the nicest chefs known to mankind. It promised to be a very interesting evening.

My worst prediction materialized when the audience(myself included) had little or no idea what the the great French chef was saying. It just didn't work. We did hear the F-bombs and almost everything else from Chef Bourdain, so all was not lost.

Maybe it was the sound system in the theater to blame, but the experience was somewhat of a disaster. The theater experiment just didn't get it done, and maybe the celebrity chefs should stick to what works the best. Trust me when I tell you that it's not two chefs talking to each other in the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia.

Reservations at KFC

John Travolta has done pretty well for himself, and one would think the man could grab a reservation in the busiest of restaurants (celebrities have a way of making impossible reservations possible).

The actor was in London for a Scientology meeting, and why else would one go to London? The man loves great food so it was hardly a surprise that he chose one of London's very best - and that would be KFC (believe it or not). The actor wanted a reservation, and an employee of the London Kentucky Fried Chicken basically suggested that he stand in line like everyone else.

A spokesperson for KFC headquarters responded upon hearing of the incident, their regret over their employee’s decision. "In hindsight, of course, we would have reserved a table for him," explained the spokesperson. "It's not every day you get a Hollywood star eating in your restaurant."

The employee stands by the original decision to deny the actor, "To me, customers are customers, no matter who they are. It doesn't make a difference if someone is famous."

In my mind,that employee is absolutely correct, and in terms of the actor, I could care less. The man is in London for a Scientology meeting. What else do you want to know?

I remember when an owner in Philadelphia (Neil Stein of the prestigious Striped Bass) refused the reservation on a Saturday night for President and Ms. Clinton and their entourage because the Secret Service insisted that he had to close his restaurant to the public.

He did exactly what the KFC employee did, and it was the right thing. The publicity would have been unbelievable, but Neil Stein did it for his loyal customers. I can remember the basic quote..."I have people who get engaged on a Saturday night in my restaurant. I'm not going to ruin that moment for anybody - including the President of the United States".

I would suggest a pink slip for the KFC spokesman, and his or her replacement would be the employee who said no to Mr. Travolta.

It's Prime Time!

We are about to launch a dramatic presentation designed to reach an audience of local residents and visitors. The two print publications are Prime Philadelphia and the new Travelhost. We have developed a marketing program for our launch which will begin on October 31st.

The One-Time Promotional Cost to participate is $395.00. The benefits are as follows:

Full Page in the Prime Philadelphia Digital Magazine with a circulation of 25,000 (sent by email to a local audience in Philadelphia and South Jersey).

A One-Third 4/color page in the Prime Philadelphia Printed Edition –
Circulation – 20,000

A One-Third page in the TravelHost Edition –
Circulation - 20,000

A display ad with a link to your site on www.primephiladelphia.com

The total circulation (including Social Media) is in the range of a minimum of 65,000. All for $395.00!

"The safety of our guests is our paramount concern."

Dennis Gomes is the new owner (Chief Executive Officer) of Resorts, and you have to love this guy. He is a former police officer and a Las Vegas mob investigator, so one should not be totally surprised that he holds a black belt in karate and trains in other martial arts. He is a mere 67 years old, but recently chased and captured a burglar who attempted to steal a package from an unsuspecting lady at an event in a Resorts restaurant. He happened to be dining with his wife when he noticed the burglar grabbing the package.

"When I realized what was happening, I jumped over my wife and took off after him," said Gomes, The chase then went through the casino's gaming floor and Gomes eventually caught-up to and captured the burgler with the help of a Resort's security officer.

A message to would-be criminals ... Avoid Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. The owner will chase you down and make your life more miserable than it already is.

Again, you have to love Mr. Gomes.

Some Good News - Thomas Capano is Dead!

The man died in prison of apparently natural causes. I'm only sorry it took so long. In 1996 he murdered a beautiful young lady named Anne Marie Fahey and the rest is history that will never go away.

The following is from the Philadelphia Inquirer...

"On June 27, 1996, Capano took Fahey to dinner at Panorama, a Philadelphia restaurant, trying to persuade her to resume an affair she had ended the previous fall. A month earlier, Fahey wrote in her diary that she had brought "closure" to her relationship with Capano, describing him as a "controlling, manipulative, insecure, jealous maniac."

Later that night, prosecutors said, Capano shot Fahey to death in a large house he had rented after separating from his wife of 23 years. He then dumped Fahey's body 70 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, in a shark-infested area known as "mako alley."

It is a terrible tragedy, but I have one question which is somewhat insignificant, but it bothers me. Why does the media keep reminding us about their dinner at Panorama? I see Panorama as quietly one of Philadelphia's all-time great restaurants. It doesn't deserve to be remembered as the place where this couple dined before this monster murdered this beautiful young lady.

The Spectrum R.I.P.

Section Y
Row 17
Seats 5 & 6

by Lauren Hart



From the day I was born, this was the place where so many of the Hart family memories were created. A young mom took her three babies, one by one, to see their first hockey game. We saw the first Stanley Cup come to Philadelphia. There were victories, defeats, and a real loss. The Russian Army team took on the Flyers while the Cold War was actually happening. Brother and sister bonded. Mother and daughter went through the dreaded teens. A son saw his dad hold the coolest job on earth, and friendships were made. Mischievous kids ran through the concourse, hid under the bleachers, and worked on sneaking past the security guards. We watched in awe as our heroes walked like giants through the hallways underneath the building. Nervous boyfriends tried to impress, and a young aspiring singer longed to get a chance to sing on that ice. Proud kids watched from afar as their father grew into a legend and Dad reigned as a king from the press box. Fifty nights a year we cheered our team on as they took the ice, and more importantly, our family grew, connected and learned to dream.

How many times did we cross that bridge from our home in South Jersey and headed to “THE” building? I walked proudly through the parking lot next to my father. I took my seat and watched him make the climb to the press box all the way at the top of the Spectrum. On his way up, the regulars stopped him to talk, or they just cheered him as he made his way. Somewhere in that building, he was always busy holding court.

In between games I saw my first concert (Billy Joel). I thought about running away with the circus and becoming a trapeze artist. I put on my blue costume at the annual Flyers Christmas Skate party with visions of Dorothy Hamill in my head. I hung out with Cindy Lauper and Captain Lou Albana (OK, now who remembers that!) and I got to sing before a Tori Amos concert.

And…..one day I got the chance to sing the Anthem with knees knocking and breathless in the zamboni tunnel while Wayne Gretsky walked by. I certainly never would have guessed what this song and the relationship with this team would eventually become, and I would never have imagined what a building could become to mean to a human being.

I’m sure many other fans have shared these exact same memories. For our family, they were life changing. Time has a way of turning regular moments into legend. Somehow they became larger than life itself. Over the years, my Spectrum memories have been folded and tucked away safely into my world.

On October 1st, the Flyers played their last official game in the building. I was preparing for my final God Bless America alongside the memory of Kate Smith. I heard my father’s voice ringing out: “Good Night, Good Hockey”. All at once I felt the emotion of a lifetime. I wasn’t ready to feel breathless that way again, but I did. The reality of the moment suddenly occurred to me. I was letting go of something very special, and I wasn’t sure the words and the song would find their way. Fortunately it worked, and I felt extremely proud. I felt so thankful that I was able to be the one standing there after all this time.

Tony at the Academy of Music

Tony Bennett is coming to the Academy of Music in November, and we had the opportunity to go back a few years and speak with Sid Bernstein (the legendary promoter who brought the Beatles to America in the 1960's). He became instrumental in the career of several classic performers, and Tony was and is certainly one of them.



Sid: I feel so good about Tony because he is such a great guy. I was in a position to help re-launch his career and in so doing, he helped launch my career. Tony was singing at the Copa - two shows each night, seven days a week. He hadn’t had a hit record in years and couldn’t get himself back on the Ed Sullivan Show. Worst of all, he wasn’t making the money.

He asked me for my help and I immediately suggested a concert at Carnegie Hall, but they were afraid his best days were behind him and a Tony Bennett concert would be too much of a risk. I wasn’t about to tell Tony that he might be finished, so I took a gigantic gamble and Tony took a major risk. We found a way to rent the Hall ourselves and we had to sell tickets or Tony would lose some $10,000.

I ran some ads on my credit but our real campaign consisted of hanging posters with a caricature of Tony that simply said … "Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall". My wife drove the car night after night in every Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn and I jumped out and hung poster after poster. It was illegal, but we did what we had to do.

With only some two weeks to go, we had sold the grand total of 200 tickets in a hall with 2380 seats. It was very tense, but our only choice was to keep hanging posters and keep sweating it out. On the evening of the concert, the good folks from those Italian neighborhoods came in droves, and it became a complete sell-out. Hundreds were turned away and one can only imagine how excited we were as Henny Youngman warmed up the crowd with joke after joke and a gracious and excited Tony Bennett followed with the concert of his life.

The press loved it and Ed Sullivan called to invite Tony back on his show. It was an event that turned his career completely around and to this day; he is still as great as ever. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.


Academy of Music - Friday, November 4th - 8 PM

Mayor Nutter Speaks Out...

Philadelphia Restaurants - The Good; The Bad; and the Ugly.

The GOOD:

In terms of quality, Philadelphia Restaurants are better than ever. This City has positioned itself in the upper tier of the National restaurant scene, and the list of young and talented chefs continues to grow. If anything, one could argue that there are too many outstanding restaurants to choose from (if such a thing is possible).

The BAD: (not necessarily in this order)

The Philadelphia Parking Authority - These folks do absolute wonders when it comes to killing the concept of hospitality in our City. They even earned the right to have their own TV Show which makes things even more embarrassing. Just ask the majority of folks in our own suburbs who simply avoid the aggravation of dining in our great Center City restaurants. I believe the following message should be on every Parking Authority vehicle - "Welcome to Philadelphia - We are here to make your visit as painful as humanly possible".

The 10% Drink Tax that was formulated to help our school system (and basically to hurt our restaurants).

The PLCB is high on my list because it's not a level playing field when the cost of alcoholic beverages are inflated to accommodate the depressing State Store system (and we are still paying for the 1889 Johnstown flood). There is a hidden 18% tax on all wine and liquor sales in the State of Pennsylvania which inevitably impacts negatively on our local restaurant community. And what a truly wonderful idea to sell wine in vending machines.

Do I dare mention the unions that dominate this City and make opening a restaurant infinitely more difficult, and infinitely more expensive. The Convention Center is one of our most important assets, and we continue to hold our breath that the various unions involved will actually behave themselves.

McDonald's on Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square - Possibly the worst decision in Philadelphia restaurant history.

AND THE UGLY:

In the wake of yet another mob attack in Center City (lovingly known as "flash-mobs") - it certainly doesn't help when we get continued national exposure featuring a group of kids attacking innocent people on our streets in Downtown Philadelphia. I give credit to the Mayor for leading the charge against this insanity, and it absolutely must stop. If the flash-mobs continue, our restaurants (and everything else for that matter) will eventually make Philadelphia a very different destination - one to avoid! This is one problem that simply has to go away.

www.primephiladelphia.com

TRAVEL - The Brazilian Court

One does not have to be rich or famous to enjoy the splendor of Palm Beach in Florida (although rich is highly recommended). I'm really talking about the luxurious and trendy Worth Avenue, which is always worth a visit just to see how the other half lives (actually, how the other one-percent lives). One can stroll for free and visit one of the world's most interesting shopping destinations while enjoying the art galleries and the overall beautiful architectural presentation of the area. And only steps away from the Avenue, one can walk the beach and take in the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. And only a few steps from the Avenue was our destination for forty-eight very memorable hours... the charming boutique hotel known as The Brazilian Court. Make no mistake, I am not a member of the "rich and famous", but once in a while one can splurge and at least pretend to be, and even enjoy one of the best experiences of a life-time.

The hotel is tucked away on a beautiful tree-lined street (Australian Avenue) and consists of Spanish-style buildings with lush tropical gardens and a look of the 1920's. The hotel was actually built in 1926, and was designed by the Sicilian architect Rosario Candella, known for building some of the finest pre-war residences along Manhattan’s famed Park Avenue. The hotel has recently undergone a major renovation that succeeded in maintaining the original charm while creating a more modern version that is unique and comfortable. In 2010, Travel & Leisure Magazine rated The Brazilian Court the number-one hotel in South Florida, and we certainly had no argument in regard to their lofty rating. The overall hospitality of this property had much to do with a number one rating and the friendly and professional service was delivered on a 24/7 basis. I believe that so much of the popularity of The Brazilian Court lies in it's privacy factor and certainly in the actual size of the property. There is an audience for the smaller hotel and certainly for the privacy factor, and when you think about other hotels such as the Breaker's, which is located more on the beach, it is actually more than seven times the size of the Brazilian Court.

The Brazilian Court offers 80 beautifully renovated studios, and one, two and three bedroom suites. Each of the 80 rooms is spacious and airy. Square footage ranges from 400 to 1600. All Studios, One and Two Bedroom suites are equipped with an honor bar, wet bar, refrigerator, hairdryer, robes, DVD/CD player, 2-line phones, complimentary high speed and wireless internet connection and individual climate control. Each suite offers its own unique and irresistible charm, designed with luxurious fabrics, provincial colors, and mahogany millwork. Every guest is introduced to modern Palm Beach amenities and accommodations designed with luxurious style and a wealth of comfort including jet baths and the latest technology to create an ambiance of relaxation and sophisticated style.

I must mention the fact that a world-class restaurant in Café Boulud is located in The Brazilian Court Hotel. The chef/owner is in the same world-class. Chef Daniel Boulud is possibly the best chef in America with his highly rated Daniel in New York as well as his Café Boulud in Manhattan and Palm Beach. I would not characterize Café Boulud as inexpensive by any means, but it is a typical Daniel Boulud concept, and by definition, the value will speak for itself.

The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Zach Bell, who is an alumnus of Café Boulud in New York and has twice been nominated “Best Chef in the South” by the James Beard Foundation. I's all about traditional French-American cuisine, seasonal favorites, the freshest and locally grown vegetables, and of course, the chef's own rendition of world cuisines. The bar and lounge are always a popular local destination and the relaxing outdoor dining terrace is always a favorite spot for guests from all over the world. One doesn't have to be a guest of the hotel to dine at Café Boulud, and one need not be a member of the rich and famous to experience this classic restaurant. Having said that, if you spend even one night at The Brazalian Court, and you experience just one session at the famed Frédéric Fekkai Salon and Spa, and have at least one meal at Café Boulud, somehow, someway, your life is going to be noticeably better.

Some interesting dinner entrees include the likes of Tuna Tartare Japonais - shiitake mushroom, shiso leaf ponzu gel, sesame, & fresh wasabi; Mushroom Bolognese -strozzapretti pasta, fresh ricotta, & pea shoots; Moroccan Spiced Black Grouper - duo of cauliflower: roasted and purée crunchy okra, curry leaf, & watercress salad; and Natural Chicken a lItalienne with roasted tomato, artichokes, rapini creamy polenta, & charred lemon.

In terms of the salon, from world-renowned celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai, the theme is pampered luxury and unprecedented personalized service. Enjoy spa services from soothing massages to European facials delivered by highly trained aestheticians. A guest may choose from massage, facials and select spa treatments.

The new Brazilian Court Beach Club guests will enjoy complimentary access to the hotel's private Beach Club located less than five minutes from the main hotel. Discover the fun of a day at the Brazilian Court Beach Club as you stroll the beautiful gold-sand beach, enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or simply relax and indulge in an oceanfront setting as the Spa staff pampers you with a massage, facial or the treatment of your choice. Chauffeured car service is available to and from the private beach where beach-side dining and cocktail services are available. There is also access to the Fitness Center with treadmills, bikes, saunas and free weights will make you feel even better.

The pool is beautiful, and everything is first class, and if you live in the Atlantic City area, Palm Beach is an easy place to get to thanks to our most convenient airport. The hotel is only fifteen-minutes from the West Palm Beach International Airport. The area (Palm Beach) has some 47 miles of beaches, and over 100 miles of freshwater canals, rivers, and lakes. There is a plethora of golf courses and restaurants, and you have to love the weather.

And yes, there is Worth Avenue and better yet, there is a beautiful boutique spot called The Brazilian Court Hotel and of course, the wonderful Café Boulud.


The Brazilian Court
301 Australian Avenue
Palm Beach, Florida
phone: 561-655-7740 (toll-free - 800-552-0335)

www.thebraziliancourt.com
www.cafeboulud.com

Barbara's Kitchen

Barbara loves to cook and her passion for the subject has made her a very good cook. So good that she has the capability of opening her own restaurant and something that has been suggested many times by friends and family members who have experienced one or more of her great meals. For sure, the lady could have been a very successful chef. That being said, she never desired to be in the restaurant business.

Her love for cooking is basically reserved for family and friends, and this feature (Barbara’s Kitchen) will include information and recipes for the home cook (a segment that is growing at a record pace). Barbara keeps it simple, and also keeps it as healthy as possible. She knows what she is doing and we plan to present her thoughts and recipes on an ongoing basis.

Cooking is very subjective and like most creative cooks, Barbara has her own way of doing things. She freely admits that seafood is not something that she enjoys cooking, and yes, she uses real butter and never margarine; heavy cream and rarely milk; and she will never use an ingredient that has more than five grams of sugar. She shuns the use of rosemary and is always looking for more creative ways to use bacon, cheese, and definitely garlic.

Her food is not meant to be fancy - it ís meant to be good. We look forward to sharing her ideas and her many recipes with our audience. As she so often says to her husband, "I'm trying something different tonight, and if you don’t like it, we can always do pizza".

PASTA & BRIE

(Serves four)

• 1 Pound of Mini bow tie pasta

• 1Tbs. Olive Oil

• 2- Cloves garlic minced

• 2- 35 oz. cans imported Italian tomatoes (I prefer Cento)
(crush by hand)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup of Fresh Basil

• 1 cup of Fresh Parsley

• 1 Tbs. Granulated garlic (garlic powder)

• 2 wedges Brie cheese

NOTE: At this time, I also include about a pound of sausage, chicken or whatever is your favorite meat. Start by cutting the white crust around the Brie and dish. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

In a large pan heat the oil and add the garlic (approximately 1 minute) until tender. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, parsley and garlic powder. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the Brie and do NOT stir. Let it simmer until the cheese melts into the sauce.

When the pasta is ready add a small amount of the sauce into the pasta. Put the remaining sauce into a gravy cup and serve with the meat as a side dish.

ENJOY!

It's Over Johnny!

I supported Starbucks for many years even while so many of my contacts told me my support was highly misplaced, and even embarrassing. There are tons of people in the restaurant business who see Starbucks as highly overrated and most certainly over-commercialized.

I was working in Washington, DC when they opened a branch in Georgetown. I went out of my way to purchase their coffee and bring it home to Philadelphia every weekend. All of a sudden, they opened in Philadelphia, and I have been a fan ever since.

Over the years, I graduated to their Sumatra brand that was bold and always great. I must admit that the over-commercialization bothered me, but for Ten dollars and ninety-five cents for a pound of coffee (plus tip), I remained a loyal customer.

Last week I walked into a local Starbucks with twelve dollars in my hand and was informed that the new cost is a staggering thirteen-dollars and ninety-five cents.
That would be a three-dollar price hike that I find totally unacceptable. I walked out without my pound of Sumatra, and I realized at that moment my love and respect for Starbucks was gone - possibly forever.

I hear what they say about the rise in costs of Arabica coffee beans, but I keep going back to the over-commercialization. Starbucks was everywhere including my local Acme and my local Target. They got greedy, and a three-dollar price increase is ridiculous.

Last night I picked-up a 14-Ounce package of French Roast at Trader Joe's ($4.99). It proved to be the best coffee I've ever tasted.

It's Five O'Clock Somewhere!

After years of being away from the Catholic Church a fellow goes into the confessional box. He is amazed at what he saw. There's a fully equipped bar with liquor and Guinness on tap. On the other wall is a dazzling array of the finest cigars and chocolates.

Then the priest comes in. “Father forgive me for it’s been many years since my last confession. I must admit that the confessional is much more inviting than it used to be.”

The priest replies “Get out. You’re on my side.”


Allow me to begin this journey with a drink that one can enjoy day or night - early morning, afternoon, or late evening. It's a Bloody Mary (and if you are drinking a
martini for breakfast, we have to talk about it. I do love my Bloody Marys' and herein is my "secret" recipe.

I use a 15-Oz Glass

1&1/2oz Vodka (You are permitted to use 2oz if necessary)

A Pinch of Ground Pepper

1 tsp of Worcestershire Sauce

Add my Concoction - See the ingredients for my secret concoction below.

Fill glass with Bloody Mary Mix (I prefer Tabasco (mildly seasoned) - Have Tabasco Hot available on the side for those who like it Hot).

Add one wedge of Lemon



My Concoction:

I use a 12oz Salad Dressing Container

Add 5 Beef Bouillon Cubes

1/2 tsp of Celery Seeds

Fill with water

Place in Micro-wave for 1 minute (in order to dissolve the beef cubes)

Let me know you think!
Jim Sanford - satinjim@gmail.com

Children & Restaurants

If you happen to have children under the age of six, and if you find yourself in Monroeville (PA)... you are not welcome at Michael Vuick's place (McDain's Restaurant). Actually, you and the wife are totally welcome, but you have to leave the kids (under the age of six) in the car. Needless to say, the car is not a good idea, and we suggest that you try another establishment.

Kids tend to make noise, and noise can be a bad thing while folks are dining, so it is what it is. It's certainly not a brilliant public relations decision to ban kids from your restaurant, but it's his place, and there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants to choose from, so this situation is not exactly the most critical news story of the day.

It does remind me of a discussion I had with a chef in New York City. I was talking about the ongoing child obesity issues along with my disdain for the fast food industry and their role in the subject of unhealthy dining. I talked about the growth and influence of McDonald's, and I was somewhat stunned by his spin on children and dining.

The chef suggested that "most upscale restaurants dread the moment that children enter their restaurants, and their fear of children has been in place for years and years. In the meantime, McDonald's continues in the opposite direction. They market to the entire family, and even go so far as building playgrounds on their properties.

"Generations grow-up with McDonald's and we continue to discourage families with kids. The children eventually graduate to the chains at the expense of our so-called fine dining restaurants. After X amount of years, fine dining finds itself in some trouble".

It's only one chef talking about kids and restaurants, and I'm not so sure that fine dining is related to the issue in question. I am suggesting that a single restaurant is banning children under six, and I don't see this as the beginning of a movement to drive even more people to fast foods. It's really a non-story that is generating tons of unnecessary publicity.

BYOB in Ocean City - Part Two

"This is how it all starts, next there will be bars and soon OC will be crappy and dirty just like Wildwood".
— beans36

The above reader response is one of many in a Philadelphia Inquirer article on the BYOB debate in Ocean City. In our last issue, I suggested that BYOB was not the way to go in Ocean City. The response to my column was split right down the middle, but I admittedly feel guilty for not supporting the Ocean City chefs. The truth is that I have never seen anything like this. There are literally thousands of dry towns, but even the dry towns allow BYOB. Ocean City represents a very unique situation.

Rather than apologize to the chefs, I have no other choice than to get real. I have to report what I really think. I would never advise a serious chef to open a spot in a place that had a 134--year history of maintaining a law that prohibited BYOB. In point of fact, I believe that a restaurant needs a liquor license to survive, even though a BYOB establishment can certainly make it. Give me a situation that suggests that even BYOB is impossible, I would run (not walk) away. Operating a restaurant is as difficult as it gets - and very frankly, a chef-driven concept (at least in my mind)doesn't work in Ocean City

I have just succeeded in making the Ocean City chefs even more angry with me, but they all knew what they were getting into, and while a change in the law is possible, I would never bet on it. BYOB in Ocean City would absolutely be helpful to the local restaurant community, but the chances are that it's not going to happen. And I freely admit that maintaining the status-quo is not all that bad.

BYOB in Ocean City?

I actually think that Woodrow Wilson or Abe Lincoln was President when I first discovered Ocean City. My father worked at Simm's Restaurant on the Boardwalk for years during his college days, so naturally, Ocean City became a big part of our lives. There are so many memories including the dances on 6th Street and the baseball games and the outdoor movies on 34th Street. I must admit that my favorite years were spent in Somer's Point during the 7 for a Buck days. I even met Conway Twitty and Mike Pedicin at Tony Mart's during those "Glory Days". I have also been around the restaurant business for more years than I wish to think about, and based on the above, I wanted to weigh-in on the BYOB debate as it relates to the chefs of Ocean City.

First let me say that I don't know how a restaurant owner can make it without the ability to sell the most profitable item in the house, which would be an alcoholic beverage. It's incredibly difficult without a liquor license, and I always wonder how the BYOB places stay afloat. In Ocean City, we carry this thinking to the next level - even BYOB is an impossibility. Again, I have to wonder how an Ocean City chef/owner can possibly make it. Like it or not, the overwhelming majority of the dining public wants a drink with their dinner. If even a glass of wine is not a possibility, most will go elsewhere - and they do. It's not a level playing field, and I would even suggest the word unfair applies.

I tend to side with the restaurant owners on almost every subject, and the Ocean City thing really bothers me. I honestly don't believe that allowing BYOB will lead to something more sinister like bars on every corner. I don't see it as a bad thing, and it hurts for me to say it, but I just can't side with the chefs on this one.

Ocean City is special for a reason, and the founders way back when set some standards that simply haven't changed for all these years. It's a special thing so why mess with it. I say this with respect to the people who reside on the island. I don't think they want to change this law and it is what it is. Things have changed everywhere but Ocean City is the same as it always was, and in my mind, that's a very good thing.

My sincere apologies to the chefs... and you haven't lived until you spend a night on the second street beach.

LifeStyle Center City and The Days of Wine and Roses...

First and foremost, allow me to explain the "Center City" in our name. We see "Center City" as a way of life rather than simply a piece of geography. If you happen to reside in the suburbs of the aforementioned "Center City", our concept was also designed with you in mind.

Our audience is passionate about our restaurants; our sports teams; our theaters and museums; our statues and our fountains; our beautiful city and our incredible neighborhoods; etc., etc. If you love Philadelphia, you will love our publication, and what's not to love? Our mission is to celebrate the good things that contribute to living the good life. And guess what, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.

We are certainly aware that nothing is perfect, and not all is about the days of wine and roses. Our premiere issue includes a piece on the SS United States that has been unceremoniously parked in Philadelphia since 1996. A lot of babies have been born in the past fifteen years, and yet this historic ship still sits on Delaware Avenue. It is a positive piece (although the results are yet to be determined). It has become a Philadelphia story, and a tragedy. Needless to say, there is more to come.

We are here for the long run, and there is much to be done. All we hope to do is to be a part of it.

A Major-League Win For Philadelphia, Michael and Zahav ...

More importantly, it's a great moment for a very talented Philadelphia chef, and it becomes part of the process of convincing the world that Philadelphia is a much better culinary destination than most people realize. In my opinion, the James Beard Association is the most prestigious culinary organization in the country, and receiving an award such as the "Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic Region" is a very big deal and one that will place Michael in a class where he most certainly belongs.

You look around our area, and all of a sudden you see more and more amazing talent in
our kitchens. Michael Solomonov is part of this picture and I might add, part of our prestigious 22 Spots. If you come upon a top ten list of U.S. restaurant cities, something is very wrong if Philadelphia is missing.

Zahav Restaurant
237 Saint James Place (Across from the Sheraton Society Hill)
215–625–8800

www.zahavrestaurant.com
Cuisine: Modern Israeli

www.22spots.com (Philadelphia)

My Apology to the Industry...

I have never owned a restaurant, and I will freely admit that I have always struggled with math. I made some assumptions that have proven to be incorrect, and I must apologize to the very industry that I pretend to help. I won't bore you with the details, but my mistake was assuming that giving away some 75% (Groupon and the multitude of copycat programs) would basically be a disaster for the owners that choose to participate. I now discover that these owners are smarter than I will ever be and the results are all that matters.

I obviously made many mathematical errors because I was thinking the wrong way. I was actually convinced that if your total costs were more that the 75% that you are giving away, somehow there would be a problem. And without compromising their quality, the restaurants (all by themselves) figured a way to make this work.

I forgot about all the new people who discovered your restaurant and had such an amazing experience that they returned time and again (even without the coupons). I forgot that all these Groupon folks told all their friends about your restaurant and it becomes a tremendous marketing benefit. One of my biggest mistakes was thinking your waitstaff would not be happy with this crowd. Now I discover that they tip on a dramatic basis and everybody wins.

I almost suggest that some of these owners should be involved in our Government. I now believe they are more than capable of solving most, if not all, of our nation's economic problems.

While I continue to feel like an idiot, there is one thing that bothers me. I can't understand why the restaurants that have great food and great chefs haven't embraced
these much needed programs. I now fear for their survival, and I urge the really good restaurants to get involved with the popular discount craze as soon as humanly possible. I am aware that all the costs are rising, and that 75% seems prohibitive -
but if it wasn't working, why would all these restaurants be doing it?

We all make mistakes... I am sorry.

The Beatles

PRIME PHILADELPHIA & 22 Spots

Our audience is upscale by definition, and the definition is as follows:

We mail our presentation to a pre-selected audience on a monthly basis in the form of an email newsletter. Our monthly mailing is 12 to 15,000 local names including the key law firms of the Delaware Valley. Our strategy is not to wait to be discovered - we give you a substantial audience immediately with twelve mailings per year plus constant visibility through the Social Media.

We have successfully published the Restaurant Report for the past fifteen years,and over this period of time,we have developed key contacts in the upscale restaurant community that gives us a major edge on reporting the news and presenting a
colorful and always interesting slant on our favorite subjects - Food, Dining Out,
Travel and Entertainment.

Our marketing program gives you valuable exposure 24/7 on both sites (Prime Philadelphia and 22 Spots). It also gives you exclusivity in terms of your business category.

We thank you in advance for your consideration, and we urge you to visit our sites:

www.primephiladelphia.com
www.22spots.com
www.restaurantreport.com

Robert Bickell, Editor & Publisher
bickellb@comcast.net
cell: 267-235-3721

Taste of the Nation

Event Details

100% of ticket sales supports Share Our Strength's efforts to end childhood hunger.

Monday, June 20, 2011
V.I.P. Admission: 5:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
General Admission: 6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.

VIP Admission
Advance Tickets: $135
At-the-door Ticket: $145

VIP Admission attendees will be admitted to the event an hour early, affording exclusive access to Philadelphia’s top chefs, the opportunity to preview a fabulous array of auction items and other special surprises.

General Admission - Advance Tickets: $85 - At-the-door Ticket: $95

General Admission attendees will sample the best cuisine Philadelphia has to offer along with a fabulous selection of cocktails, wine and beer. Join our chefs and mixologists in our fight to end childhood hunger.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel - Millennium Ballroom
1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
(215) 627-1200

It's The Only Answer....

It Helps relieve stress and anxiety...
It Encourage relaxation ...
It Improves your mood and certainly your happiness ...
It Promotes positive feelings ...
It Supports healthy,and natural mental functions ...
It helps you enjoy times with friends and family ...
It most assuredly helps you live a happier, and a more interesting life ...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I've tried everything, and I have come to the conclusion...






BOOZE IS THE ONLY ANSWER!!!

Jennifer and Eric at Ten Arts ...

Two great chefs (Philadelphia's Jennifer Carroll, and New York's Eric Ripert) present a magnificent six-course dinner at Ten Arts on Tuesday, April 26th. The food will feature the classic Le Bernardin (Manhattan) and the "soon to be classic" Ten Arts (at the Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia).

Chef Ripert will present his Pounded Yellowfin Tuna with foie gras, toasted baguette and shaved chives, and Chef Carroll will feature her Jamison Farms Rack of Lamb with quinoa and feta tabbouleh, and pomegranate jus. Pastry chef Monica Glass (of Ten Arts)will be serving a Lemon Dessert with lemon cream, meringue and pistachio dust.

Seatings will be available between 5:30 and 10pm. Dinner is $125 per person with an option wine pairing available for $50. Call: 215-523-8273

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

She was born on the worst day in the history of the United States - September 11, 2001. She died a mere nine years later in a hail of bullets from yet another terrorist.

One can suggest that a home-grown terrorist is far worse than the ones from 9/11, but what is the real difference? A beautiful nine-year-old girl is dead, and there is no excuse for such an unspeakable tragedy.

The temptation is to ask the obvious - How in the world can a known mental case purchase a gun that can shoot 31 bullets in a matter of seconds? I already know the answer, and we continue to be our own worst enemy. We allow this to happen and an innocent little girl just paid the price. Forget the background checks; all you have to do is look at him. Who in their right mind would allow this guy to purchase a gun like this? Once again, I already know the answer.

This tragedy even has a local connection. Her grandfather is a former Philadelphia Phillie's player and manager named Dallas Green. He just lost his "princess" and somehow, we are all in this together.

Christina Taylor Green was the granddaughter of everyone of us, and we all just lost our princess.