Wellness

Give a little bit

Charitable organizations put their whole hearts into helping others. Article by Lauren Lovallo When it comes to helping others, Michele Gannon and Bob Huegle go above and beyond. Gannon, executive director and co-founder of Mary’s Place By The Sea, and Huegle, president and executive director of the Frances Foundation, strive to provide everything they can for those who need it most. FRANCES FOUNDATION The Frances Foundation launched following the death of Bob Heugle’s mother, Frances, in...

Food + Beverage

On 'Broadway'

Alessandro Difede's bustling 21A on Broadway is the next step in his culinary journey from Sicily to Long Branch Article by Lauren Lovello | Photography by Andrea Phox At Alessandro Difede’s core is a work ethic that’s second to none.  Known as Alex to friends, the Italian-born business owner has worked hard to earn everything in life, from his two restaurants, Bella’s Pizzeria and 21A on Broadway, to his health-forward vending machine business Revive Healthy Vending — and, of course, his...

Local Services

Gifts of Gab

Deliver the present that everyone will be talking about this holiday season with these experience gifts. Article by Laure Lovello Everybody has that one person on their gift list who is really hard to shop for. The "Person who has everything" type. We've all got them in our families and friend groups.  This year, instead of a scented candle subscription or big-box gift card, knock their holiday socks off with an experience gift.  FOR THE CREATIVE ONE Blue Skies Pottery Learn the basics...

Life + Culture

Winter Wonderful

Neighborhood kids share their favorite holiday traditions Article by Shannon Littlehale & Linda Gammel Correna, 11 "My favorite tradition is putting all the Christmas decorations up after Thanksgiving and decorating the tree and drinking hot cocoa." Alana, 8 "I love baking some cookies with the family and I also enjoy eating them!" Esther Grace, 9 "I love the night that our family drives around looking at Christmas lights because I get to spend time with my family and see all these...

Food + Beverage

Bye, bye birdie

Tired of the same old Thanksgiving dinner? Consider a departure from the norm. Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Photo illustration by Andrea Phox Let’s talk turkey.  The golden, roasted bird has become the Norman Rockwell ideal of what Thanksgiving is supposed to be. Placed at the center of the table and surrounded by sides, it’s billed as the star of the show. But more often than not, it’s dry — sometimes really dry, so your gravy game better be on point — and it’s not terribly...

Wellness

The Power of Positive Thinking

Lisa Matthews could have caved. She chose to thrive. Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Andrea Phox At the end of her emails, Lisa Matthews signs off with an idealistic notion. “Always with warmth & gratitude” Always? “I do get down,” Matthews admits. “But you gotta be grateful for things. I try to practice gratitude both at work and in my personal life.” Speaking with Matthews, you can understand why she chooses to have such an aspirational outlook on life, even – or perhaps...

Entertainment

Seen. Heard. Wow.

At Sea. Hear. Now., two Long Branch locals appreciate having a hand in making sure the show goes on. Article by Ryan Gallagher | Photography by Kevin Doherty & Bobby Siliato With A-listers all over the lineup, Sea. Hear. Now. in Asbury Park has become a staple on the festival circuit. Bruce Springsteen’s epic, 30-song set to end the weekend made national news, and The Boss shared the stage with acts like Noah Kahan, The Gaslight Anthem and Trey Anastasio, among others, back in September. But...

Food + Beverage

Everything but the Turkey

Side dishes are the star of this show! Enjoy my favorite family recipes for Thanksgiving. Article by Amy Dimes Cornbread Casserole Ingredients: 1 package Jiffy cornbread mix 1/2 stick salted butter, melted 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn kernels, drained 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn 1 egg 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup diced green onions (optional) 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp sugar Directions: Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cornbread...

Food + Beverage

Spiked Apple Pie

Article by Brielle DiMauro | Photography by Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant This drink just screams fall. The Spiked Apple Pie from Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant is a whiskey cocktail with autumnal notes throughout. Here's how to make one. INGREDIENTS Jameson Irish Whiskey Apple cider (you can get some locally at Griffy's Organics) 2 cinnamon sticks 3 green apples DIRECTIONS Slice the apples and add them to the bottle of Jameson along with the cinnamon sticks. Let the whiskey infuse with...

Food + Beverage

Back To Basics

At Birdsmouth Beer, 'drinkability' is the name of the game. Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Andrea Phox Andy Gioia was pretty content with his job as a line cook at Mumford’s Culinary Center in Tinton Falls. He had a degree in microbiology, and the food industry allowed him to put some of that knowledge into practice, using it in a more approachable setting than, say, laboratory work. But then, the cable guy knocked on the door.  “He came over to install the cable, and it was...