An Abundant Life - Making It Happen

I first heard about Chef Ingrid Wright when Chef Paul Gerard told me that she was the new Chef at Stern and Bow Restaurant in Closter, New Jersey. I've written about Stern and Bow and Chef Paul Gerard in these pages before, and anyone who knows me or has read my posts knows that I give them glowing reviews because I have the highest regard for the Chef and the restaurants he is a part of. The first time I went to Stern and Bow was for the opening for friends and family, and it was wonderful. I returned a few months later with a friend and wrote a blog post, and then returned again this past fall to do an update to talk about all of the wonderful things they are doing now, including their outdoor dining. I've been telling friends that I feel so blessed to live in New Jersey during this time, and it's places like Stern and Bow that make me feel that way. So many challenges are facing so many businesses, and restaurants that are the very heartbeat of communities have been given almost insurmountable odds to keep their doors open. To have places where we can go where we feel welcomed and safe and cared for and where the food and experience are special and out of the ordinary is a gift any day, and in these current times it's something that can encourage us to keep going and moving forward with hope for the future.

Chef Ingrid is a treasure. Her skill is exemplary and her years of hard work and discipline in practicing her craft show in every choice she makes in her kitchen. She also has that special something that a uniquely talented Chef has which makes it possible to create a dish that is memorable. She is also very warm and kind, and I'm sure that her sense of humor must be a lovely one as the joy that radiates from her made me smile the first time I met her in person. She told me a story that in a way I think defines her character. When the restaurants were first shut down for only takeout and delivery and she was discussing with the Russel Stern, the owner of Stern and Bow, what steps the restaurant could take to move forward, she said that they would do takeout and delivery, something the restaurant had not done before and that wasn't really done particularly often if ever in that area. She had just started working there as the Executive Chef, and if takeout and delivery was what she had to do, she would do it and not only do it, but make it work. There is something in that story that is so heartening to me, this woman who said it can be done when it would have been so much easier to say it can't. To see her now flourishing in her job and to see the creativity that comes out of her kitchen is inspiring to me in a way that helps me know that whatever it seems like and whatever is daunting now can be overcome and moved beyond, and we can be triumphant.

I've had two meals at Stern and Bow since Chef Ingrid has been there, and as I've written before I'd be there more often if I lived closer. The range in the menu and presentation of foods makes it possible to enjoy so many different things and have a taste treat with each one. I often say that great Chef's are Artists, and Chef Ingrid Wright is one. She is also an admirable spirit who makes wonderful things happen and encourages us all to keep our own spirits alive.

From The Kitchen Of Chef Ingrid Wright

At Stern and Bow

171 Schraalenburg Road

Closter, New Jersey

https://www.sternandbowrestaurant.com/

From A Second Visit

As Lovely As The First

Blessings,

Jannie Susan

An Abundant Life - Tastemaker

 The first time I met Joel Liscio I discovered that he was an excellent Mixologist, and as I sat and spoke with him while I was enjoying the creation he had made with Misunderstood Whiskey, I learned that he was also a Sommelier and an Artist. Because I enjoy putting together events with Artists that involved wine and delicious food, I kept in touch with Joel and followed up with him regularly about ideas for ways we could work together to plan events show his work. I introduced him to people and he introduced me to people, and when I was planning an Art Event at the Antique Loft in November of 2018 I made sure to include him in the group of three Artists whose work I was bringing together and curating in that very special space.

Joel's work is excellent and he is reliable. He's often juggling many things, and he keeps them all together and moving forward with the focus they need to be successful. Recently when I began discussing ideas with him for the Love & Plenty project I've been developing to help restaurants get funding to provide meals for people in need, we began planning a wine tasting and pairing and an Art show at Antique Bar & Bakery and The Antique Loft. The first wine pairing and tasting was on September 24 at Antique Bar & Bakery, and it was a truly beautiful afternoon. Joel and I had between us filled the limited capacity seating before it had been publicly announced or advertised, and it was such a refreshing experience to work with someone who did what he said he would do and could be counted on to create a wonderful experience with the part of the afternoon that was his responsibility. He brought his lovely Assistant Doris along and though I did need to focus on taking photographs and speak to the guests at times, overall I was able to just sit back and enjoy the experience. I highly respect Chef Paul Gerard and his Partners and staff at Antique Bar & Bakery, and when I bring people into their restaurant I want to make sure that they are adding value and understanding the quality of respect that these professionals deserve. Joel's work before, during and after the event was excellent, and because of his professionalism and respect and high level of work, we are now able to plan another event.

Joel currently has his artwork on the labels for two wines, Rife which is a red wine and a white wine that is a Riesling and that Joel describes as being closer to an Orange wine. The labels are lovely and the wines are from an excellent vineyard. Though I haven't tried the red, I've heard it's excellent and the white has such a wonderful look to it, with its bottle seeming almost like something handmade like the art that adorns its label.

It's a rare person who can fit into multiple worlds and excel in them all. In addition to being all of the wonderful things I've already described, Joel is also an excellent father who takes care of his family and takes responsibility for their well being. In the world of social media we hear about tastemakers all the time, but it's a very special kind of person who has good taste and style and who makes the effort to excel in the things he does, and to share his knowledge and skills with others.

Joel Liscio

At 313 Gallery

In Jersey City

Blessings,

Jannie Susan

An Abundant Life - Trustworthy

Luis Sepulveda worked with me for the first time when I was teaching nutrition education with a group of food pantry volunteers on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Some of the volunteers spoke Spanish as a first language and some spoke very little English, but there were also some who spoke English only and didn't understand Spanish. At the time, Luis was still being trained as a Community Educator, and he was assigned to work with me as a translator for the group. I speak very little Spanish and there was no way that I could have taught the whole group myself and help everyone feel comfortable in the learning environment, so we worked together to teach the class. I would speak a few words, Luis would translate, people would ask questions in their own language of comfort and Luis and I would translate back to the others. It was a long process, creating classes that were at times four or more hours in length including the time that we would cook together and discuss the nutritional value of the meal that we made as we ate it. I got to know Luis through that process and was impressed by not only his ability to translate even technical terminology well and effortlessly, but also the care he took to learn and understand the concepts so that he could share them with the class clearly and easily in ways that they could not only understand but put into practice in their own daily lives. It was during that time that I saw one of the core values that Luis carries with him at all times which has to do with wanting to do his best and to respect the time and needs of others. It's a quality that is rare and that over the years as I have worked with people in different environments I've come to not necessarily expect. But with Luis it's a norm, and it's the way he lives his life.

Since that time we have both moved on to other jobs and worked on other projects, but I kept in touch with him because of the personal integrity that had so impressed me. He's also someone who is fun to talk to, full of knowledge but also inquisitive, always learning and discovering new ideas and information, and he has a wonderful sense of humor. We can talk about very serious topics, as well as those that are just part of the enjoyment of life. He has taken me to see movies like "Wonder Woman" and "Black Panther" that I would not have seen otherwise and I enjoyed them so much that I'd turn to him afterward wide-eyed with gratitude and tell other people about what a wonderful time I'd had. He shares suggestions with me for books and films, TV shows and articles, and he's read my writing and given an honest critique based on his own experience of reading what I have written. When I moved into a new apartment a few years ago, he was one of the people I asked to help me. Another person who had offered without my asking didn't really follow through fully, but when Luis says he will do something he is there and reliably does what needs to be done. It was a great deal of work for him to do, and he asked his brother to help, making sure to put the most time and energy he could into it. I couldn't have done it without him.

In every job that he has had while I've known him he has worked to his fullest capacity, not being satisfied to do the basics only but rather he has always gone above and beyond, putting his utmost energy and time and focus into it. He is also kindhearted, helping people when he can in whatever way he can, politely, respectfully and wholeheartedly. Luis is someone who can be trusted, a friend in times of need, someone to laugh with when times are better, someone to confide in, to share ideas, emotions and vulnerabilities with who will hold them carefully and recognize them as precious. He is trustworthy and reliable, and his personal code of honor is priceless.

Luis Sepulveda

In New York City

Blessings,

Jannie Susan

An Abundant Life - History Lessons

Greta Watson's work is lovely in it's use of colors and textures and form. But her current show contains so many images that are startling and haunting that it's within a deeper context that we have to look at the work. Reflecting her own experiences of living through the protests of the Viet Nam War and her recent job working as an on camera Sketch Artist for the Aaron Sorkin film "The Trial of the Chicago 7" the pieces were created from images from that time and her own imagination, a combination of factual news and media based photographs and stories, including some that were recreated in the film, her travels to Viet Nam and her life lived during that extraordinarily powerful time in history.

I met Greta through my friend the Gallerist Paul Calendrillo who I have written about in these pages before. Because of the current health crisis, Paul had decided at first to postpone and then to cancel all of his New York shows until at least 2021. Paul contacted me one day and asked if I would be interested in speaking with Greta as he knew from our conversations over these past months that I have continued to work with Artists in whatever ways that I can, earlier on creating online forums and Artist talks through Zoom calls that were then recorded and transferred to YouTube, and when possible as the world began to open up again to bring collectors to Artist's studios to view work as we maintained all the health and safety protocols. It's been such a difficult time for many Artists, not only to show their work but also in some cases to feel the impetus to create. In many ways I feel that the greatest service I have been able to do for the Artists I know and love is to encourage them to do the work they love to do.

When Paul first contacted me I looked Greta up online, doing my research as I always do to see more of what her work was about. The first pieces I saw were very beautiful in a very positive and color-filled life giving way, and so when I began to look at the pieces in her current show I was surprised by the vast difference in not only style but feel of them. The pieces she created for "The Spirits of Peace" are difficult to view sometimes because of the painful subject matter and dark history surrounding them, but they are important pieces because the Artist is not afraid to show the stark reality that inspired them. They tell a story that needs to be told and retold, especially in the world we are living in now when so many of the youth and younger generations do not know it. As I wrote a few months ago when I acted in a live on Zoom version of the play "Days of Possibilities" by Rich Orloff, my own history has overlapped with areas of the Viet Nam War and the protests around it. Though I am much younger than those who were an integral part of the youth of that time, I have older brothers who felt almost light years away from me in age, and one in particular who went to Berkeley in the late 60's whose life was forever changed by his experiences of what it meant to be a thinking and caring teenager facing danger because of his belief in truth and justice, freedom and civil and humanitarian rights.

"The Spirits of Peace" will run at it's current location at 75 Greene Street in Soho through October 28, and it is my hope that I will be able to help Greta find more outlets to tell both the story of this historical time and her own and to show the powerful images she has created that describe a country and a people, a war and the individuals and societal systems involved. This is work that is complex and full of depth of meaning, with each piece sharing a lesson from history that if we are brave enough to view and to heed it will help us learn from the past.

The Art of Greta Watson

Image And Invitation

From Her Collection Of Work

And Her Exhibition In Soho

"The Spirits Of Peace"

Blessings,

Jannie Susan

    

An Abundant Life - A Story Worth Telling

I have known TS, as I will call her, for many years. Because I know that she doesn't like to be put in the spotlight I won't identify her by name, but when I was thinking about who to write about this week, I realized that though I've admired her and called her a dear friend for many, many years I've never written about her in these pages before. This past week someone asked me what he could do that would make me want to write about him, and as I was telling TS the story later I realized that anyone who would ask me to write about them I probably wouldn't want to write about. As I've mentioned before, I am a very contrary sort of person. If everyone is raving about something I'll walk the other way and if someone is telling me how great they are I'll have a very hard time not being skeptical. I don't know exactly why that is, but it's the way I am, and it's always the people who don't expect to be written about, who don't think that they are anything special, who are the people that I find special and noteworthy and extraordinary.

TS is a teacher, and again in honor of her privacy I won't say where, but she has been teaching for most of her adult life both in and after graduate school. We met in college, and the thing that drew me to her in friendship was the fact that she always said what she felt and believed, and there is such a strong sense of honesty, integrity and authenticity about her that she is one of those rare people that you can trust will always tell the truth. She can also keep a secret when it comes to other people's personal lives, something that is also extremely rare. She's known me through some of my darkest days and wildest times, and she's never held it against me. She also has allowed me to grow and change and is one of the few people I've been friends with so long who has seen me at different stages of my life without judging or asking me to be someone I am not.

She's very hard working and reliable, a friend and mentor to students, fellow teachers, professionals and paraprofessionals alike. As a teacher she is well liked and admired, and over the years I have had the opportunity to see her teach which was always a surprising and lovely experience for me because I enjoy seeing people I am friends with excel in their work and the things they love to do. Her students always give her very high marks and she is regularly reviewed by them as being a favorite. She writes papers and does research as part of her job, but it is more than that because she is always seeking to learn more and to find information and reach a place of clarity and understanding about a variety of subjects in her field and afar.

An avid gardener and lover of animals, she travels and hikes, searching out wonderful places to explore and take others to while also finding contentment in reading and doing needlepoint at home. She loves art and museums, theater and film and dance, and regularly gives to charitable and community causes with her time and resources and by speaking up for those whose voices may not otherwise be heard. She is what would be considered the ideal woman in Proverbs 31:

"Strength and honor are her clothing;

She shall rejoice in time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, 

And on her tongue is the law of kindness."

Over the years that I have known her we have traveled together and visited some of the most memorable places because of the research she did to find them, and the memories are all the better because of our time shared there together. I can always call on her as a friend to listen to my heart, whether it is full of woe or challenges or happily filled with laughter. In answer to the person who asked me recently what he could do to get himself written about, I have a simple answer. Be extraordinary in the way that TS is, honorable and kind, honest and hard working. Let your life tell your story, and then your story will be worth telling.

With TS In The First Year That I Met Her

Blessings,

Jannie Susan

 

An Abundant Life - Sensational

As the world begins to open up again, though I am not traveling as much as I used to there are still some places that are so special that I will make the extra effort to visit when I can. When I heard that Rocco Ancarola would be hosting a series of Sunset Dinners at The Antique Loft I made my reservation for the first one immediately. I've written about Rocco Ancarola before and I've also written about the Antique Loft. The combination of such a special person and such a beautiful venue made it a priority on my list of a place where I needed to go. All these long months, though I have kept in touch with Rocco's adventures through social media, there is no comparison to seeing him in person. He's a rare and unique personality, a nightlife aficionado and also a host with the most. When Rocco is around it's always joyful and fun and wherever he is feels like a party. Combine that with the beautiful design and stunning views of the Antique Loft and the sublime menu of food created by Executive Chef and Partner Chef Paul Gerard from his kitchen at Antique Bar & Bakery and it's a must go to adventure.

The owners, management and staff of the Antique Loft are taking the utmost care for everyone's comfort, safety and health. They have installed a new state of the art ventilation system that actively purifies the air, and have put every procedure and protocol in place to insure that the experience of every guest is as safe and enjoyable as possible. As we sat on the terrace watching the sun set and the city lights brighten the Manhattan skyline, my friend and I couldn't have been happier. The ticket price for these dinners is arranged for food only with the option to bring your choice of beer or wine, and I had decided to make a little party of it and match the outstanding food with a choice of Rosé Cremant to start followed by a Morgon. The evening was truly spectacular and the service outstanding. The views, the location and the design of the space are sensational, and the food as always was an absolute dream. It's always a special blessing to attend an event at the Antique Loft, and after these many dark and difficult months we have experienced this year being able to enjoy an evening like this in this gorgeous place with this amazing food and excellent service was a celebration of the beauty we can still enjoy.

Rocco will be hosting sunset dinners all through October, every Wednesday on the terrace when the weather is fine. They have heat lamps now that make even cooler evenings more cozy, and with the incomparable menu from the kitchen of Chef Paul Gerard and the breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline from midtown all the way down to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, our senses will be full of the lovely gifts that life has to offer. Having a stunning place like this with a dinner that is the finest there is would be an experience that is over the moon. Add in a host like Rocco Ancarola, and you've got an evening to not only remember but to savor and one that you'll want to return to.

Sunset Dinners

At The Antique Loft

Hosted By Rocco Ancarola

Venue By Joe Castelo

Menu By Chef Paul Gerard

 https://www.thelofthoboken.com/

Blessings,

Jannie Susan

An Abundant Life - A Writer's Voice

 A few months ago I saw on Instagram the the Writer, Actor, Producer and Artist Daniel Damiano had started writing poetry during the time when our area was experiencing shutdowns and tragedy during the height of the current health crisis. I've written about Daniel in these pages before, and he is a marvelous writer and performer whose work I always enjoy. When I started to read the posts of his poems on Instagram I was very moved by them. Sometimes very funny and often deeply touching, they told a day to day story of how he was experiencing life in New York City and the boroughs during some of the darkest days we have collectively known.

Titled "104 Days of the Pandemic," the poem cycle he wrote covered the time between March 19th and June 30th, with a poem written every day that reflected his thoughts, his emotions and his experiences during that time. He sent me a copy of the entire cycle a little over a month ago and I waited until I had time to sit and read them all together because I wanted to experience them as a whole.

The work is lovely and very powerful, and it speaks of a collective experience and truth that though he makes very personal can be a reflection for us all in our own individual experiences. Reading his words is in many ways healing and cathartic, a way of recognizing the trauma that we have all sustained while also helping us to focus on our shared and individual humanity.

As a book of poems it is very powerful when read all together, but the poems in the cycle also work individually. Each one has its own perspective, and even in the more humorous or lighter passages there is a yearning for the time when our lives didn't know the devastation that we have experienced in these past months of this year.

I have been speaking with a friend who has said that he feels that during this time what has been missing is the encouragement to collectively and individually grieve over what we have lost. For some the losses have been very deeply personal - loved ones, family members, friends, their livelihoods, their businesses, their way of life - but whatever the personal cost of this collective devastation, we have all lost something of our innocence and the way we experienced our lives. I realize this most acutely when I see someone I care about who I haven't seen in a while and we must stand apart with our faces covered and not share a hug as we would have before.

It's part of the human experience to desire closeness and affection and warmth of human touch, and it's painful at times to experience that separation from those who we love. "104 Days Of The Pandemic" gives us a place to start our collective grieving process, and by sharing his writer's voice, Daniel Damiano has given us an opening to begin to share our own.

Daniel Damiano

In New York City In 2018

https://www.instagram.com/danieldamiano630

Blessings,

Jannie Susan