COOL THINGS AHEAD

It only took 63 years but for my birthday I was lucky enough to have a vacation in Paris and London. It was my first time there and from the many movies I saw in my youth at the Carlton Theater, Paris was beautiful as I pictured it. The streets, the river boats, the Eiffel Tower, the side wake cafes and just about every corner and intersection visually left nothing to be desired. The food on the other hand was a disappointment in Paris.

London visually did not come close to Paris but had some of the best restaurants I have ever encountered. It was great with everyone speaking English, the signs, outdoor cafes and the menus made me feel at home. It was however the most expensive place I have ever been. With the pound being $1.80 and everything be priced in pounds picture yourself in Red Bank at dinner. Appetizer $12….pounds or $21.60, salad $10…pounds or $18…entrée $28…pounds or $50, that comes to about $90 each before drinks, dessert, taxes and tip. Dinner was always $300 dollars or more for two with lunch coming in at about $125 to $150 everyday. I loved London but was happy to come home.

It was at home the day after I returned while sitting outside at Zebu on Broad Street that I re-visited the realization how much Red Bank has changed. In the last 12 years the entire face of Broad Street has changed. It now has the charm of the 20’s and 30’s with an energy and look that that is ours today. I thought I could bring anyone from a sidewalk café in London or Paris here to our sidewalk cafes. Of course the grandeur of a large city is missing but the energy and warmth of our town matches almost anywhere. We are really a small city.

Being home brought me back to the reality of the summer not being far from over. Our town events and functions start soon and there are a number of dates you should make down. A taste of Red Bank takes place at the Two River Theater on August 19th. There is a special performance by the new Red Bank Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Joe Muccioli, Artistic Director of the Jazz Arts Project. A sample of expected restaurants include Ashes, Buona Sera, Danny's, Echo, Gaetano's, Osteria Dante, Molly Pitcher, Readie's, and Zebu Forno as well as Edible Arrangements and Starbucks. There are a number of other special events coming up that will benefit our town. You will want to get to a number of them. Once again it is great to be home.