Meet the Brigantines

They're from Red Bank but call themselves the Brigantines. That at least deserves a quick post, right?

I like this one, too, off their EP Next Summer. And not just because I like Ray-Bans

Free eBook alert: JINXED by Beth Ciotta

Beth Ciotta is a Jersey Shore-based romance author (featured on this blog in January 2009) who set a few of her previous novels in Atlantic City. One of them, Jinxed, has been re-issued as an ebook, and is free for a limited time. I read most of it while on the train to and from New York this weekend, and it's a fun, frothy read.

Get it while you can.

News from Around the South Jersey Shore

WHAT?! I don't check my google alerts for a week, and I miss THIS?! The guy who owns Jamaican me Crazy in Sea Isle was arrested of alleged arson. He plead not guilt.

Shakespeare in Cape May!

There's a fish council? And it has a chief? What does his chief hat look like?

More on the bizarre situation that unseated Wildwood's mayor.

Jay Gillian's running for mayor of Ocean City.

Antique's Road Show is coming back!

Dogs might be allowed off leash in Brigantine soon.

Wildwood Catholic is set to close -- and, I'm not surprised -- people are protesting. I'm not surprised. It's a state wide trend, which, yes, I wrote about. Plus, there are so many fewer year round residents at the shore that even public schools are having problems.

Why does the odd stuff happen in Sea Isle?

Cue the Fabio

I have a story in today's Philadelphia Inquirer about what I call the "secret life of romance writers." The article starts with an interview with Beth Ciotta of Brigantine, author of All About Evie and other books in the Evie series. I also wrote about here briefly on January 14 when I interviewed her for the story.

Enjoy!

Brrrrr on the Boardwalk

Shiver me timbers! It was a cold one down the shore today. With temperatures hovering between "brrr" and "OMG get me inside NOW," today was chilly around the shore. But since assignment deadlines are looming, and I happen to like the shore in the winter, to the beach I went.

My first stop was in at Brigantine Beach Bagel to interview author Beth Ciotta, whose book All About Evie I reviewed on my other blog.



What a nice, lovely woman! I'm writing about Ciotta for an article on romance novels and romance fiction writers in the area. Fun conversation.

Then I wound my way down to Wildwood, stopping to see how the winter was treating the shore. I was also reminded that, even though I hate driving in Philadelphia, I hate driving in Atlantic City even more. Ugh.

Anyway, the Ocean City boardwalk was just about empty, but it was still lovely:





Hey, we got a runner!



Even though Shriver's was closed, of course -- OF COURSE! -- Mac and Manco's was still open (9th street location only):



I took a quick walk on the beach, too. Yes, it was cold, but so very pretty. Plus, that combo of Columbia fleece and Northface jacket kept me pretty darn warm (thank you, REI January sale).









AGH! Oh, wait. That's not an alien or the Unibomber. That's just me. Yes, with very chapped lips. If anyone has advice on how to keep my lips from shedding like a snake in this very cold weather, please please let me know!

Then it was south down to Wildwood to interview Jack and Will Morey of Moreys Piers. I have written on the blog about all the hub bub surrounding Wildwood's choice to use rainforest wood as boardwalk wood. But I didn't realize where that project was taking place: smack in the way of getting to the Moreys offices:



I gotta say, it's jarring to see part of a boardwalk just gone. Same thing about seeing an empty and winterized amusement pier:







My interview with the Moreys went really well, and I think it'll be a great article. Because of my contract with the magazine for which I'm writing the piece, I can't say much more than that. But I can share this:



That's a picture of me and Jack Morey. He's wearing a "Team Iz" hat -- it belonged to Steve Izenour, who he quoted heavily and often and credited has having a huge influence on the businesses. Aside from being an influential architect, Izenour loved to bike, and that's his biking hat that Morey is wearing (and I'm wearing quite possibly the most comfortable fleece I have ever owned -- seriously. I couldn't find a direct link or I would link to it). I was also flattered that Morey had a copy of my book already in his office. You can sorta see it in the picture (it's by the book slightly to the left with the book with the Empire State Building on it with the left books leaning on it).

Next up was a quick trip down to Cape May to see if I could find that handbag with my face on it I've heard about (no go -- store was closed) and visit to the offices of Exit Zero to take a sneak peek of the books they're working on.



OK, that's not the offices of Exit Zero. That's my office with an Exit Zero mug I picked up today. Their offices are much cooler than mine (with the coldest bathroom in the world. Brrrr, Jack!)

Overall, it was a great trip. I wish I could have stayed longer, but work and the dog called me home. I hate, though, leaving Cape May home right before sunset because the view in the rear view mirror is so pretty. Today's sky was a wonderful blur of yellows, oranges and purples surrounded in a haze of dusty pink. Leaving town right when those colors hit their peak always makes me feel that I'm leaving something important behind.

I had a lot of time to think on that drive home, especially today. Why today? Because tomorrow is a big date for me: I'll have been freelancing full time for four years, so my drive both to and from the shore was filled with memories of a lot of stories I've written and people I've met along the way.

And even now, I can't believe it. I know a lot of freelancers who take their anniversary day off. I can't -- I have too many deadlines. That fact alone is comforting. I've nearly thrown the towel in many times, the latest (believe it or not) in May. So thank you to everyone who's helped me out along the way. I appreciate it.

Enough sap. Let's get another look at the bug lady:



AGH!!!!!!

Another tip from the trip: for most of my drive time, I listened to matt pond PA's "The freep." As the title suggests, it's a free ep. Go get yours now. Like today was for me, it's lovely.

I also twittered today's trip (my tweet about Mac & Manco's triggered a lot of replies and commentary about pizza). If you'd like to follow me, I'm @jerseyshorejen.

Down the Shore with...Maureen Siman

Hope every had a nice holiday, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. Mine was good (except for the morning when I slipped on ice and landed on my tailbone...ouch).

But now it's time to get back at it with another installment of "Down the Shore with..." This time, I'm interviewing Maureen Siman, vice president of marketing at the Atlantic City Convention and Visitor's Authority. She's also the person behind the ACCVA's twitter feed. If you're on twitter, follow her (and me while you're at it) for lots of great Atlantic City info.

1. I usually ask people what they consider their favorite shore town and why. OBVIOUSLY you're going to say Atlantic City! So...what is your favorite shore town other than Atlantic City?
My family and I go to Brigantine beach every weekend of the summer, without fail, weather permitting. It is absolutely a magnificent beach, with a spectacular view of Atlantic City! Our favorite vacation spot along the Jersey Shore, other than AC, is Cape May. For years and years, my family and I have spent one full week there each summer in a rental home. Typically, the group consists of my family of four and my four brothers, their spouses and children. It’s a blast! Nothing but beach all day and relaxing at night

2. How do you think AC's changed over the last 10 years? How much time do you have?
Seriously, the changes are astounding. As the destination marketing organization for Atlantic City, our job is to promote AC. My favorite thing to say to people at the beginning of a conversation is: If you haven’t been to Atlantic City in the last three to five years, then you haven’t been to Atlantic City. It has, seriously, changed that much. Ten years ago was a lifetime ago in this destination. We were still a day trip market with little more than gambling to offer our visitors. Today, we are a full service destination that offers fantastic dining, shopping beyond anyone’s expectations, nightlife that will keep you up all night and spas to help you recover. In fact, we’re doing the first Atlantic City Restaurant Week in 2009 and we could not have even thought about such a promotion ten, even five years ago. As of today, we have 68 restaurants participating! We’re absolutely thrilled with that.

3. What about AC might surprise this blog's readers?
Our selection of spas and shopping is, perhaps, the biggest surprise. Our dining options have emerged and are getting lots of attention but the surprising things are definitely spas and shopping. When a visitor drives into AC for the first time, arriving on the Atlantic City Expressway, they are greeted by a fantastic shopping district called Atlantic City Outlets: The Walk. It’s a beautiful, pedestrian shopping district that spans six city blocks. Plus, The Pier Shops at Caesars opened last year and there is no other place like it in the US. Designer stores on a pier that juts out 900 feet over the ocean. Amazing views!

4. When did you start twittering for the ACCVA?
About a month ago. I ‘tweet’ daily Monday through Friday about Atlantic City, and it’s been fun. We’re slowly building our ‘followers’ and hopefully, contributing something to the twitter universe.

5. Are you guys doing any other social media projects we should know about? I'm a "fan" already of Atlantic City's restaurant week on Facebook...
Actually, we just launched our AC Restaurant Week myspace page late last week. As an organization, we’re still learning about social networking and social media, particularly how it relates to marketing a destination like AC. We think it’s a perfect way to market our city as we continue to attract a younger demographic. Next year, we’ll launch Atlantic City on facebook and myspace and who knows where else! We’re also looking into mobile messaging for ACRW as well as the destination as a whole.

6. And what's your favorite place to eat in AC? I know some folks in your office favor Angelos... :-)
Ahhhh, Angelo’s! Who doesn’t love Angelo’s! It’s the great neighborhood Italian place and still has that feel, even though they’ve grown by leaps and bounds and expanded in the last few years! It’s particularly fun at lunch to walk in there, find Angelo himself sitting at a table doing paperwork, with his staff running around serving the locals. Just this morning, I was driving past on my way to work and watched what I thought was a scene out of a time long ago: an old Italian guy carrying two huge bags of fresh Italian bread from Formica’s around the corner and up the street to Angelo’s. Quite a sight and one that warms my heart J So, back to your question: my favorite place to eat has to be The Knife & Fork. Truly ‘old’ Atlantic City, amazing food and great wine. Not to mention the history of the place (it used to be a men’s club and was even a speakeasy). The second floor, the Ladies’ Lounge, is fantastic with beautiful architecture and design. Just a fantastic place.

Down the Shore with...Chris Illuminati

Hey, it's back! The latest and greatest installment of the "Down the Shore with..." series. During the rush of the summer, I had trouble keeping up with it, but I'm happy to bring it back, starting with the one and only writer and blogger Chris Illuminati, who not only loves the shore but has been writing some interesting posts about his and his wife's quest to get in top shape. He also runs a funny site called 9 to Fried for those who love to hate their jobs. But here's his thoughts on the shore.

1. What's your favorite shore town and why?
This is honestly a rough question so I'll answer it by saying "it depends on my mood." For example, if I am looking for a night out with the wife where we can get a taste of Jersey shore the way it was when we were little ankle biters, we will take a trip to Wildwood. We ride the coasters, get a sausage and peppers sandwich, lose our paycheck on the cranes. Oh, and did I mention fudge? Well, fudge. If we want to go out and have a good time with a younger crowd, catch a decent band, and drink probably more than my liver would allow I'll meet friends down in Manasquan. If we are looking for the best of both; the beach and food and a step away from nightlife, we go to Brigantine. If you twisted my arm and made me choose just one I'll take Brigantine.

2. How's Wildwood now different from the Wildwood you knew as a kid?
This is what I love about Wildwood; it feels exactly the same as when I was a kid. The old hotels are restored to look the way they did when they were first built and all of the new buildings follow the rule of trying to look retro. Everything is just stuck in freezeframe of time from my childhood. I went down last summer to find Duffers Ice Cream almost exactly as I left it back in 1987 -- except they have new video games. I was hoping they still had Pole Position with my name in the Top Ten scorers but EVERYTHING can't stay the same forever.

3. Manasquan's a bit out of the range of what this blog covers. Are beaches further north that much different than the southern shore?
I feel the Jersey Shore is the Jersey Shore (profound, I know). I think each beach has its own feel, its own history, and its own type of people that it attracts. You won't feel uncomfortable anywhere along the coast but there are certain places that don't feel warm to certain people. So you scope out a different area and mark it as your summer destination.

4. How long have you been going to Brigantine?
This will be my fifth summer. My parents were going to AC frequently. They aren't big gamblers, they just liked to gamble, get drinks, and my dad is a sucker for a good buffet. It felt like they were throwing money away by constantly staying at a casino. They've always wanted a place at the shore to call their own, so they took the money they were going to spend on my writing lessons and bought a condo in Brigantine. At first I thought, "where the heck is Brigantine?" and thought it was a bad idea, but I went for a visit and immediately fell in love with the town. Sure, I am a so so writer but at least I got a beach house out of the deal.

5. What's your favorite place to eat down the shore?
Right as you come out of the tunnel from Brigantine into Atlantic City there is a place on the corner of Fairmount and Mississippi Avenue called Angelo's Fairmount Tavern [Jen note: I also LOVE this restaurant]. My wife is an incredible cook, and my mother is of course one of the best around, but while they are both fighting for the top spot Angelo's is fantastic for authentic, home cooked (if you live in a bar/restaurant) Italian food.

6. When did you start your blog?
I started my blog about two years ago. I had all this personal writing that didn't fit it in my daily content for work, and it wasn't quite material I'd use for freelancing. It was just personal experiences, funny situations, or stupid thoughts that ran around my brain. It started to get an audience, which came as a huge shock because it meant people where interested in my personal life. It's an odd thing to think about so I try to forget that I am telling friends and strangers about all of the things that should usually be kept a secret.

7. How's the fitness/dieting going?
The wife is doing absolutely fantastic. I can't explain how much I admire her for doing this fitness competition. I am going along for the ride, blogging about it, and trying to be as supportive as possible. I slip up constantly, especially where diet is concerned, but I make sure she stays on track. She has much more will power than I do. She could sit in front of a cake and not think about a single bite while someone in Utah says cookie and I get a craving so bad I am hijacking a Tastykake truck like I am in a scene of the Italian Job.

8. Tell us about 9 to Fried.
Well when I was hired at phillyBurbs, one of my assignments was the Job Search section. Basically, it got a ton of traffic and management wanted to figure out a way to keep people interested even after they finished looking for a new job. So it started out as a blog to help people; info about resumes, how to dress for interviews, etc. It bombed. Then one day I found an article online that was job related but completely absurd. So I posted that article and ripped it to shreds. I was merciless. Of course, people loved it. So it got me thinking that people checking out jobs are obviously ticked off about their own so why not a blog for people that HATE their jobs? 9 to Fried was born and it's now one of the most popular sections on the site. I even have a group of dedicated readers called the 5 O'clock Shadows. It's honestly my favorite thing to work on because of the subject matter and my "shadows." I am like a proud parent of a dysfunctional child.

9. And apparently you went to college with my sister. What was Rider like?
Rider was probably one of the smartest moves I made in my life. I was at a small school in Pennsylvania that was celebrating their first year of running water. I was miserable. I was a Jersey kid stuck in farm land. I trasnfered after my Sophmore year and it was like a whole new world. My grades improved, I made a ton of great friends, and I wasn't far from home, my family and childhood friends. I have everything I could want in life for those two years. Blast you graduation!

Down the Shore with...Elizabeth McGlinn

When I got an email from the ladies at Atlantic Creations, I was intrigued. What a great idea! They create shore-themed gift baskets for any number of occassions, all of which you can check out on their website.

I emailed Rev. Elizabeth McGlinn, a partner in Atlantic City, to see what was up. She's a life-long shore gal, and, without further adou, this week's "Down the Shore with..." interviewee.

1. What do you consider 'your' shore town and why?
I actually have three towns that I have to consider as “my” shore towns. From the age of 11 until two years after college, I lived in Cape May for a total of eight years. Then, as a young adult and new mom I lived in Wildwood Crest for seven years. Currently, I have been a resident of Brigantine for the past 27 years. And I have loved living in each! On another note, as a wedding officiate who does beach ceremonies all along the Jersey Coast, I can actually say each town that I “celebrate love in” is my shore town for that day!

2. Some people go down the shore just to eat. What are your favorite spots?
With all the new dining venues at The Pier, The Quarter, and all the casinos, (and I have had great meals in each one!) I could not pick a “favorite.” You can pick a theme or cuisine and truly find a great restaurant, (casino and non-casino) in Atlantic City to accommodate your desires! I have to say that I am spoiled when it comes to having sampled so many fine fares, one of the benefits of networking groups, local associations and being involved with so many great women’s groups!

3. As someone who lives there, how different is Brigantine from Atlantic City?
Brigantine’s motto, on their signage as you drive in, is “An island you’ll love for life”, and I have to say I believe that. Having lived in Cape May and Wildwood, witnessing the huge influx of summer tourists there as well as in all the other shore communities I visit or work in, to me, a most wonderful aspect of Brigantine is that it is a shore town, without the typical “resort” features. With very few commercial businesses, as well as the fact that no one drives through Brigantine to get to another town, there is not the huge influx of seasonal tourism or traffic, only the increase of summer vacationing homeowners and their families. As a shore town, with a true small community feeling year round, we sit quietly along the ocean, with uncrowded beaches that rival the best.

4. Tell me about Atlantic Creations.
Atlantic Creations LLC is a Woman’s Certified, hospitality and specialty gift basket business featuring our custom-made, “Taste of the Jersey Shore” hospitality gift. Working together as professional bridal consultants and event planners my partner, Mari Dattolo and I listened to the needs of brides, couples and corporate clients who were looking for a unique hospitality gift for their guests. We designed our “Taste of the Jersey Shore” gift to fulfill those needs, and other markets are joining in to utilize this great gift.

This ideal piece combines the favorite tastes from the Jersey Shore, including seashore lemonade, salt water faffy, peanut brittle, caramel popcorn, and candy coated, chocolate dipped pretzels. We have even included a postcard from the area and a bottle opener for convenience, and it’s all beautifully hand wrapped in our reusable, custom gift box. This concept combines the best of a beautiful gift basket with the compactness of a powerfully delicious gift. The beverages and snacks for two make them ideal as a welcome amenity in a hotel room or bed and breakfast. Destination and area brides enjoy surprising their out of town guests with a gift in their rooms, just as hotels like having them on hand for their VIP Service and overnight packages. They work well to appease a disgruntled guest, to show appreciation for a job well done or to say thank you for a new idea presented. They also make the perfect closing gift for a new home at the shore, and as an alternative to wine for your next dinner party host or hostess gift!

We’ve brought the ease of online ordering together with unique, quality selections and value pricing, to one location where you know who is behind the screen, and what we represent in customer service. We truly believe a giving heart knows joy, and our goal is to not only enhance the experience of a guest, client or recipient, but to also enhance our customer’s joy of giving!

5. How long have you been in business?
Atlantic Creations, LLC was newly formed in November of 2007, becoming a Certified Women’s Business in January. We are currently awaiting our trademark for our signature gift 'A Taste of the Jersey Shore.” As Mari and I have over 60 years of combined experience in the hospitality, wedding, event planning and customer service fields, we have been “in the business” for many years!

6. Any new things in 2008 that we should know about?
We are excited to be growing and look forward to fulfilling the needs of our many markets with business depending upon referral business more than ever, companies competing for repeat business, couples looking for a meaningful way to welcome and thank their out-of-town guests,and when, in our hurried, stress-filled lives, feeling appreciated means more today than ever, providing a hospitality or thank you gift is the perfect way to accomplish fulfilling those needs and goals.