I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.
Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.
Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.
As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Long Branch to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.
What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.
Here’s to being uniquely you!
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Amy Dimes | amy.dimes@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Molly Gregor | molly.gregor@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Amanda Bergman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Vivian Pisano
AMY DIMES, PUBLISHER @LONGBRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @longbranchcitylifestyle
Sidepiece is the newest offering from Marilyn Schlossbach and her team at Whitechapel Projects. Located at 15 2nd Avenue, this fun eatery offers an elevated concept in pizza—and soft-serve ice cream. Menu options include local, sustainable and seasonal products, with many ingredients grown onsite. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Sidepiece offers takeout when closed for private events. Check Instagram and Facebook for closings, along with their website for calendar of public events.
Scan to read more.
Vanessa of Simply Sorted Co. is a professional organizer. She has always
With more than a combined 50 years in the business, the Katz Team is excited to announce they're starting a new chapter with Douglas Elliman. They're ready to serve as your local guide, whether you're interested in buying or selling a property or simply want to stay informed about the market. As both agents and members of the community, they possess the expertise and local knowledge needed to navigate today's real estate landscape successfully.
had a passion for organizing—and lives by the motto of “Organization is the key to success.” She knows the importance of an organized home, which will allow for you to have more freedom and enjoy life a little bit more. Vanessa is excited to shared her passion as she helps organize closets, playrooms, basements, pantries, rooms and more. Want
CityLifestyle.com/LongBranch
INFLUENCER CHRISTINE JOHNSON OF CHRISTINE ON POINT SHARES SOME OF HER FAVORITE FINDS FOR FALL
1. Gold flameless candles—operated by remote—can add a decorative touch to those hard-to-reach corners and shelves.
2. This set of four decorative yet affordable coupe glasses is such a fun way to serve drinks at your next party—or each night at dinner. They can even be filled with yummy desserts.
3. Rechargeable cordless gold table lamps come in handy when you don't have an outlet nearby. Dinner tables, desks, patios, hallways, bathrooms and more can be instantly transformed with a little bit of light.
For more details, go to @christineonpoint on Instagram.
In a world that often moves at a frenetic pace, it's easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about the struggles others face. However, there is incredible value in giving back through volunteering. Not only does it benefit those in need, but it also nourishes our own souls and helps build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Volunteering allows us to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. By dedicating our time, skills and energy, we can support causes that align with our values and passions. It offers unique opportunities to forge connections, broaden perspectives and develop empathy.
The sense of fulfillment derived from lending a helping hand is unparalleled and can boost mental well-being, combat stress and provide a renewed sense of purpose.
So where can you find a charity that matches your interests and skill sets? Start by exploring online resources, reach out to community centers, and ask friends and family for recommendations. We’ve included three here that are dear to our heart and a great place to start making a lasting impact on the lives of others.
The mission at Food for Thought is to not only work with local organizations to alleviate youth food insecurity in Monmouth County, but to also train these teens for future careers. Headed by local chef and restauranteur Marilyn Schlossbach, they’ve distributed more than 150,000 meals since 2020. Every time the Food for Thought food truck hits the road, it’s either training teens, collecting proceeds that will be used for the organization’s efforts, or a combo of the two.
Foodforthoughtap.com
This no-kill shelter for homeless, abandoned and abused animals is dedicated to protecting, caring and advocating for all animals. Since they’re a nonprofit, they’re always in need of help, which can be offered in a variety of ways: adopt or foster—freeing up space for other animals in need—make a donation, walk dogs, clean enclosures, socialize puppies, do laundry, etc. The facility is beautiful and clean, and the animals are well-loved and cared for. monmouthcountyspca.org
The Frances Foundation is devoted to bringing smiles to children fighting cancer. They hope to alleviate any physical and emotional challenges they may be facing with a surprise gift, special gesture or fun group events. They also provide financial assistance to families and support researched aimed at terminating childhood cancers. Their 19th Annual Gala will be held next month at Ocean Place Resort & Spa on Saturday, October 21, 2023. francesfoundation.net
There’s nothing like the fresh catch of the day, especially when you add in a great glass of wine and a beautiful setting. Lucky for us that Long Branch has no shortage of restaurants with a variety of seafood options. Here we share our favorite dishes from some of the top spots in town.
ARTICLE BY AMY DIMESThis casual family restaurant consistently serves great Italian dishes, along with a seafood section that includes Grouper Francaise, Shrimp Scampi, yellow fin tuna and Seafood Fra Diavolo. We loved the panseared salmon over mashed potatoes, spinach and lemon sauce.
Enjoy beautiful ocean views at this openair restaurant and bar with a bi-level deck. The extensive seafood menu includes more than seven types of fish prepared just the way you like it. Don’t miss the oysters or the Seafood Cocktail.
In addition to great burgers, small bites and craft brews, this self-proclaimed dive bar does a great job with their mini fish tacos. They’re especially satisfying at their late-night happy hour from 11 pm to 2 am.
This authentic Portuguese restaurant offers a large variety of seafood entrées including Seafood Paella, Salmon Com Camarao and many choices of fish including sea bream, tilapia, flounder, red snapper and sea bass. The Seafood Pasta is out of this world.
You're sure to find a variety of seafood options at this fine-dining American-Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Grilled octopus, branzino and pan-seared salmon over seafood rosa are some of the standouts. But our favorite is the Calabrian mussels.
Inspired by the coast of Portugal, Mar Belo offers authentic Portuguese dishes with the freshest of ingredients. A large variety of seafood dishes include grilled baby octopus, pan-seared halibut and grilled whole branzino. Our favorite is Mariscada in Red Sauce: lobster, shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari and clams in tomato sauce.
Chef Pat Trama uses the freshest farmto-table ingredients to create seasonally inspired menus at this Tuscan Italian eatery on Brighton Avenue. In addition to daily specials, seafood options include mussels in tomato gravy, spaghetti with white clam sauce, branzino with a butter-bean purée and sun-dried heirloom tomatoes, and organic salmon in a citrus glaze. But it’s the sea scallops that really shine, served with smashed spring peas, crispy pancetta, sage leaves, brown butter and pea tendrils.
This seaside restaurant serves up great ocean views, tropical cocktails and a diversified menu with a variety of seafood options, including tuna tartare, drunken clams, PEI mussels, lobster tacos and grilled octopus. But no list would be complete without the Chill Out Combo—a classic raw seafood tower.
Even after retiring as a revered football and wrestling coach, Danny George doesn’t get to enjoy a relaxing off-season. His responsibilities as beach manager for the city of Long Branch keep him occupied year-round, well after the throngs of sun worshippers head home after Labor Day. We spoke to Danny recently about his coaching career, his family’s strong ties to Long Branch sports and sand, and his ongoing commitment to the community he loves.
LBCL: You were a coach for 30 years. Was that the career you planned on?
DG: I actually majored in accounting [at Ohio State] and worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for two years after I graduated. But I really just missed being involved in athletics so I came down and started coaching part-time at Red Bank Regional. My brother was a coach there and I went to help him out and fell in love with it. Other than those two years in the City, my whole life until that point had been getting up, going to school and going to practice. There was no adrenaline in office work, and I missed that.
LBCL: Who inspired you the most as a coach?
DG: My father. He was a college football player, got an education degree, taught for a couple years, then went into the business world—the opposite path that I took. But he knew the draw that sports had, and he supported me and my older brother when we chose to do what we loved and were passionate about. He might have known
I was destined to be a coach before I was. He always had that fire, that passion for sports that never left, which we all admired. All five of us kids in the family, we all played sports—the boys did football and wrestling, and my sister swam and played soccer.
LBCL: What’s the most challenging part of running the Long Branch beaches?
DG: You might expect the answer to be the weather, but we don’t control the weather, so I can’t worry about that. The biggest challenge is that there are just a lot of pieces that need to come together every day. Managing the workforce, hiring, training— especially in this business—can be tough. Sometimes they’ll just work for a year, but others come back for four or five years, and some people keep coming back because it becomes a solid second job. In terms of keeping the beaches safe and clean, the support of the mayor and council is phenomenal.
LBCL: And on the flipside—what's been rewarding about the job?
DG: We’re blessed to have attracted and retained a really solid group of lifeguards, starting with our junior lifeguard program. And a lot of the kids I coached would work for me in the summer at the beach. It was great because it kind of kept everyone’s eyes on each other and became another way we could take care of each other.
LBCL: What makes Long Branch beaches so special?
DG: We’re one of the longest—if not the longest—public beach in New Jersey, with almost four miles of beach and 23 lifeguard stands over that stretch. The Pier Village area is one of the great local destinations in the state, but we also have areas with a really welcoming, local feel. Our beach fees are among the cheapest, too, which is great because so many different people from all over get to share that experience.
“We’re one of the longest—if not the longest—public beach in New Jersey, with almost four miles of beach and 23 lifeguard stands over that stretch.”
ESCAPE TO THE TROPICAL ARCHIPELAGO OF TURKS & CAICOS FOR A FUN FALL BREAK
ARTICLE BY MOLLY GREGOR
The breathtaking destination of Turks & Caicos is the perfect choice for a stylish and truly rejuvenating vacation for Fall break this year. With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts, this Caribbean paradise offers an irresistible combination of relaxation, adventure and indulgence. One of the best parts is how accessible these islands are. Direct flights out of Newark Liberty International allow for you to be transported from crisp, cold weather to this tropical haven in just a few hours.
Turks & Caicos is renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, attracting beach enthusiasts from around the world. Grace Bay Beach, consistently ranked among the world's top beaches, stretches for 12 miles along the coast of Providenciales Island. Here, visitors can relax on powdery white sands, take leisurely strolls along the shore or dive into the calm and inviting waters for snorkeling and swimming. You’ll be able to bask in the sun, immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and rejuvenate your soul.
For those seeking more adventure, Turks offers an array of water sports and activities. Some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Caribbean allow visitors to explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter marine life and witness the mesmerizing underwater world. Kiteboarding, paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular options for those looking to enjoy the turquoise waves.
A wide range of luxurious resorts and spas cater to every need and desire. From boutique hotels to lavish resorts, you can choose your ideal accommodation style. These establishments offer worldclass amenities, including private villas, infinity pools, beachfront access and gourmet dining experiences. We've included some of our favorites, with one being more luxurious than the next. You can't go wrong at any of these stylish yet relaxing resorts.
The newest addition to the lineup of luxury resorts on Grace Bay is the Ritz-Carlton, with its sleek industrial-looking towers that have some Turks purists shaking their heads. But as soon as you step foot in the grand lobby you’ll find everything a Ritz stands for: meticulous service, gorgeous grounds, beautiful rooms, great restaurants and lots of fun activities. Guests love everything about this swanky resort and keep coming back for more. The resort offers 182 guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views, four restaurants, oceanside spa, casino, live entertainment, two pools including one for adults only, beach biminis (fancy shaded beach chairs), pool lounge cabanas, fitness classes, nonmotorized water sports, sailing lessons, snorkeling trips, sunset sails on the Lady Grace catamaran, kids club, and the Club Lounge for an even higher level of attention. ritzcarlton.com ; 649-339-2222.
This luxury resort nestled in the heart of Providenciales offers unparalleled views, warm hospitality and fantastic service. With 115 elegant and spacious suites overlooking the pristine Grace Bay Beach, Seven Stars boasts a rejuvenating spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, adult and family pools, water sports and beachside cabanas. Beach attendants spoil you with cool drinks, ice-cold towels and refreshing surprises. Don’t-miss eateries include fine-dining at Seven and a more laid-back vibe at The Deck, which is perched on the ocean. The Farm restaurant is brand-new and offers fresh, vegetable-forward dishes with ingredients grown onsite at their hydroponic farm. A large breakfast buffet is complimentary. It’s the perfect destination for either a family trip or a private getaway for two. sevenstarsgracebay.com; 866-570-7777.
This luxury resort is perfectly situated on the edge of the calm and quiet Long Bay Beach. Elegant villas and suites, four pools, four restaurants, two bars and the Dune Spa come together to create a sumptuous experience that offers a more private feel while still remaining family-friendly. You can take the resort shuttle to their sister properties for dinner or more active beach activities on Grace Bay, but you’ll love returning to the peace and serenity of The Shore Club at the end of your day. theshoreclubtc.com ; 649-339-8000.
Amanyara is a secluded oasis set on the western shore of Providenciales that epitomizes barefoot luxury. This exclusive sanctuary harmoniously blends contemporary design with its natural surroundings, boasting just 56 pavilions and private villas offering stunning ocean views. Guests are pampered with unparalleled amenities, including infinity pools, personal villa hosts and an award-winning spa, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Adventure seekers can explore the crystal-clear waters with snorkeling and scuba-diving excursions, while the resort’s pristine beach invites relaxation and tranquility. With world-class dining options, nature walks and yoga pavilions, Amanyara presents an idyllic escape for those seeking serenity, seclusion and ultimate indulgence. aman.com
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Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?
Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.
We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.
OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.
“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”
Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.
“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.
If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”
Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:
HOURGLASS FIGURE:
• V-necklines
• Cinched-in waistlines
• Tailored/fitted dresses
PEAR OR TRIANGLE
FIGURE:
• Tailored dresses
• Off the shoulder
ATHLETIC FIGURE:
• Embellished
• Ruffles
• Empire waist
• Volume is your friend
APPLE FIGURE:
• Drop waist
• A-line
The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
West End Farmers’ Market
WEST END PARK | 9:00 AM
The West End Farmers’ Market is open every Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm and features a variety of fresh vegetables, delicious breads and cheeses, pickles, crumb buns, flowers and more. Stop by and take home fresh, locally grown produce. The market runs through October 19. Free Long Branch tote bags will be distributed to shoppers.
High Tide Makers and Artisan Market
PIER VILLAGE CAROUSEL PROMENADE | 11:00 AM
September 1st & 8th: The High Tide Makers + Artisan open-air market offers unique creations from local makers and artisans on the Carousel Promenade. From 11 am to 6 pm.
Bubble Show
PIER VILLAGE CAROUSEL STAGE | 1:00 PM
Immerse yourself in the magical world of bubbles at this family-friendly interactive bubble show by the sea. Experience a wide variety of bubbles—foam bubbles, smoke bubbles, bubble nets, giant bubbles and much more—for a 45-minute complimentary show at Pier Village's Carousel Stage.
Tim McLoone and the Shirleys
PIER VILLAGE | 7:00 PM
Don't miss the last Thursdays by the Sea of the season, which was postponed from last June. Bring your beach chair and enjoy music until 8:30 pm. There will be no inclement weather location or rain date.
15th Annual Long Branch Professional Firefighters Dinner
ROONEY'S OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT | 6:00 PM
Attend the 15th Annual Cigar Dinner Fundraiser and enjoy a great night of brotherhood. There will be a fourhour open bar, 6+ cigars and gift bag, gourmet buffet dinner, gift auction and 50/50. Tickets can be purchased for $150 at Event Brite.
Welcome to Matteson
NEW JERSEY REPERTORY COMPANY | 8:00 PM
This world premiere by Inda Craig-Galban runs through October 29. A suburban couple hosts a welcome-to-the-neighborhood dinner party for their new neighbors—a couple recently (forcibly) relocated from Chicago's roughest housing project—and it's anything but welcoming. A dark intra-racial comedy about reverse gentrification and how we deal with the "other" when the other looks just like us.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ LongBranch
QUESTION: My nose is always stuffy, worse on one side. And not only that...I am told by my spouse that I snore loud! What can I do?
ANSWER: Your best bet is a full evaluation by an ENT specialist who can determine what is causing your nasal obstruction and the most effective treatment. Often, once the nasal breathing is restored, the loud snoring is then diminished or even eliminated. There are several steps necessary for a thorough exam:
HISTORY: Questioning the patient about previous trauma to the nose and also anything that may cause chronic swelling inside the nasal cavity like recurrent sinus infections, allergies and overuse of intranasal sprays such as Afrin.
EXAM: Fiberoptic scope of the nose and throat to look for septal deviations, polyps, abnormal enlargements of other intranasal structures, and draining secretions which can be cultured. Check the external nasal structure for cartilage collapse that can result in a valve obstruction. Also allergy tests, home sleep studies and CT scans if indicated.
TREATMENT: Customized to the patient’s cause of obstruction. Can be as simple as a regimen of intranasal and oral medications or more complex involving surgical procedures.
ADVANCED SURGICAL TREATMENT: The latest techniques allow for quick recovery, no bruising, more precise repairs and open breathing immediately after surgery. Technology has improved with the use of 4K camera/monitors and microscopic visualization, laser guided infrared navigation and new methods and instrumentation for septum repair, turbinate reduction, valve collapse reconstruction and sinus blockage. Rhinoplasty techniques have also advanced and can often be performed at the same time if there are external nasal cosmetic concerns.
American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT)
•
American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery
•
Top NYC Metro Doctor 2006-2023
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In-office NJ state licensed accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center
• Jack Anderson Prize award for highest score in board certifying exam.
70 E Front St. 3rd Floor | Red Bank, NJ 732-747-5300 www.riversideface.com
Frank J Scaccia, MD FACS
