Life + Culture

A Way With Words

Robert Pinsky's love of language has taken the Long Branch native to literary heights Article by Lauren Lovallo | Photography by Eric Antoniou & Gabriela Hasbun He’s the only person in history to serve three terms as U.S. poet laureate. Bruce Springsteen called him the “voice of the Jersey Shore.” But ask Robert Pinsky about his prolific career, and he’ll say he’s just a guy who happens to be good with words. In fact, words have always been his thing. “It’s like the kid who just picks up a...

Arts + Culture

Labor of Love

For Maggie Fischer, home - the Jersey Shore - is where the art is Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Andrea Phox On a bitingly cold December morning, with sun shining through the two-story windows of the old bank on Broadway, the warmth radiated from the walls of the Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center in the form of winter scenes created by local kids from pre-K through elementary school. There were snowmen, Santas, evergreens and more. “It looks like a refrigerator,” Maggie...

Arts + Culture

Her Own Sound

Singer-songwriter Carlotta Schmidt is manifesting her dreams, and winning over new fans Article by Lauren Lovallo | Photography by Tom Baldino & Denton Schmidt Imagine sitting in a theater, all of 7-years-old, and having an experience that was so visceral that you knew right then and there what it was you wanted to do for the rest of your life. It’s probably a familiar feeling. Plenty of us thought we had it all figured out in the first grade. We’d be teachers or doctors, football players or...

Food + Beverage

French 75

This is a drink that can make any occasion feel special Article by City Lifestyle Staff If you're looking for elegance in a glass, this is the drink for you. The French 75 is a four-ingredient cocktail that really delivers on the concept of "less is more." INGREDIENTS 1½ oz. gin ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice ¾ oz. simple syrup 2 oz. Champagne Lemon twist for garnish ASSEMBLE Aside from popping your bottle of Champagne and opening the gin, the only real "work" to...

Arts + Culture

Brushing Up On Her Skills

Get to know up-and-coming artist Rayane Moura Oliveira Article by Lauren Lovallo | Photography by Long Branch Arts Center Q: When did you start painting? RO: I started in third grade. In eighth grade, that's when I started to really get into it (and) understand the concept behind painting. I just understood that whatever I set my mind to, I could do. Q: What do you love about art? RO: The experience, the processes. It’s getting to connect with a piece, and convey something. That’s what...

Fitness

Start The Year Strong

Mark Steinfeld, who owns two Long Branch gyms, offers tips on sticking to that resolution Article by Lauren Lovallo | Photography by Andrea Phox The new year is here, and it’s finally time to cash in on that resolution to get fit. You enter a gym — either for the first time, or the first time in a while — and you’re greeted with racks of dumbbells, weight machines, and a lot of people who look like they know exactly what they’re doing. Unsure of how to start, and maybe a little too intimidated...

Health + Wellness

Palate Pleasers

Healthy options to ease cravings and soothe the soul Article by Bernie Augustine | Photography by Joel Zamora After the hustle and bustle of the holidays – the parties, the food, the drinks – it’s understandable to feel like you might need a break from having wine (or beer, or cocktails) with what feels like every rich meal that you’ve had since Thanksgiving. We’ve got you. Or, we should say that Griffy’s Organics has got you. Avry Griffin, the co-owner of the West End juice spot, was kind...

Health + Wellness

The 'Real' Deal

Sandra Valencia flipped the script after a cancer diagnosis turned real estate agent's world upside down Article by Lauren Lovallo Sandra Valencia remembers the call came on a Sunday, around noon. It was 2020, the height of the housing crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and the real estate agent was on the phone with a client, the client's father, and a seller's listing agent. The home in question had almost two dozen other bids, and Valencia was determined to get her client the...

Food + Beverage

Dry January

Something to try If you're avoiding alcohol after eating, drinking and being merry Article by City Lifestyle Staff The holidays can be a lot. A lot of food, a lot of fun, a lot of drinks. If you need a break after a couple of packed weeks, but still want a drink that packs flavor and tastes fresh, our friend Jared Gonsalves has just the thing for you. MOJITO, HOLD THE ALCOHOL 1. With a non-alcoholic drink, the ingredients are key. The mint, lime and simple syrup in a mojito do the work...

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...