The Westfield Leader Newspaper
The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

They agreed that the food that went into “A Taste Tour” was not designed for dieters concerned with high cholesterol and fat content. Ms. Longfield and Ms. Burner pointed out that the recipes in the cookbook are to be thoroughly relished and enjoyed.

When asked about plans to compile any other cookbooks, Ms. Longfield and Ms. Burner concurred that they would like to measure the success of “A Taste Tour,” before considering the publication of another volume.

“A Taste Tour” is available at the Town Book Store, The Westfield Leader, Lancasters, Ltd. and Periwinkles, all of Westfield, Irma’s Hallmark in Fanwood and Muhlenberg Hospital’s Pavilion Square Gift Shop. Cookbooks may also be purchased by calling (908) 2328323.

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Arts & Entertainment Arts & Entertainment Arts & Entertainment Arts & Entertainment Arts & Entertainment

The Dining Table The Dining Table The Dining Table The Dining Table The Dining Table

RATING: Highest Possible Rating: 4 chef hats

ACQUAVIVA 115 ELM STREET, WESTFIELD, (908) 2338378

DR. JOSEPH P. DeALESSANDRO

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

Dining in a new restaurant offers an extra reward. There is an excitement, an anxiety and a desire to find a new treasure. Acquiviva fulfills all of the above. It is a magnificent exponent of Northern Italian decor replete with Florentine chandeliers and warm wall sconces in a light terra cotta environment.

It is tastefully decorated and utilizes artistic seating arrangements to maximize the number of patrons, yet affords sufficient room for privacy. You are cordially invited by the Maitre D’ to a fine table and offered your choice of libation. The wait staff, which is more than ample, consists of white aproned gentlemen as well as the owner’s Mick and Carol Acquaviva. You are impressed immediately by the fact that this is not an amateur restaurant but a professionally run house of fine cuisine.

I was dumbstruck by the innovative and original dishes on the menu. The Appetizers or Antipasto contains a potpourri of great dishes, a menu that sports an offering of delectable fare becomes problematic in knowing which one to select. Acquaviva serves Crepes Alla Florentina, Crepes with Spinach, Ricotta Cheese, Mascarpone Sauce and Diced Tomato. The Carpaccio DiManzo features a thinly sliced row of Filet Mignon served with Arugula, Shaved Parmigano Cheese and Tarragon Dressing. This could suffice as a main course.

Funghi Portabello Gloria spotlights Grilled Mushrooms and Eggplant with Spinach Sun Dried Tomatoes and Fontina Cheese in Balsamic Vinegar. This still makes my mouth water. The dishes are artistic and the spicing is right on the money.

The restaurant invites you to a course of Fonnaci or Pasta with a long list of excellent pasta dishes. Pappardelle Lazio, a wide Pasta with Grilled Chicken in a Crimini Mushroom Sauce, is delectable. Capellini Al Pomodoro Belfatto, a great dish of Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato, Garlic and Sweet Italian Basil, is a simple dish but one you will remember and reorder. Penne Acquaviva, Oven Baked Penne with Jumbo Crabmeat and Brandy Pink Sauce, offers flavors which are universally pleasing to the palate.

The Secondi or Entree continues the impressive array of

Chicken, Duck, Veal, Lamb, Fish, Beef and Shrimp. The first dish that you must run to the restaurant and try is an Anatra, Breast of Duck with Green Peppercorn and Wild Berries in a Grand Marnier Sauce and Carrot Mouse. I defy any possible

adverse criticism of this dish. It is grand.

Vi t e l l o Acquaviva, Medallions of Veal with Shitake Mushrooms and Black Truffles in a Maderia Wine Sauce -these dishes give Westfield diners an exceptional evening of fine dining. The entree offerings go on to Norwegian Salmon, Pan Seared Salmon over Sauteed Spinach with a Roasted Pepper Puree Sauce. Elegant. The Seared Filet Mignon, with Gorgonzola Cheese Creamy Polenta with Brandy Sauce. You must try GamberiConchiglie, Grilled Shrimp and Sea Scallops over Vegetable Risotta in a light Truffle Oil. I think I will have to make reservations for the next five days to try everything on the menu.

Acquaviva offers a fine array of Insalata, including traditional Caesar Salad, Mista Verde with Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Insalata Milano, Baby Greens with Goat Cheese and Walnuts in a Honey Mustard Vinaigrette. Insalata Spinach, Fresh Spinach with Gorgonzola Cheese, Apple, Raspberries and Walnut Dressing.

It has been a long time since I have had the great honor of tasting and viewing service of the dishes above and as I have said in the past, the Chef fulfills the promise of this exciting menu at this new restaurant.

For dessert, Acquaviva serves a warm Chocolate Cake and Hot Apple Torte. They are out of this world. Coffee and tea round out this great menu.

I am pleasantly surprised at the prices. The antipasta are basically $7.50 with the exception of the shrimp dish which is $8.50. Major pasta dishes range from $10.50 to $13.50. The entrees run from $14 to $19.95 and the fine salad from $4.50 to $6.50.

I deem it very fortunate to have a new member of the restaurant family in Westfield -a fine exponient of Northern Italian Haute Cuisine. The ambiance, the care, the concern and the product made me feel that I have been here many times before and left me with a strong urge to return to Acquaviva with friends very soon. I predict a great culinary future for Acquiviva.

Holiday Craft Sho Holiday Craft Sho Holiday Craft Sho Holiday Craft Sho Holiday Craft Show on T w on T w on T w on T w on Tap ap ap ap ap Satur Satur Satur Satur Saturday at Deerfield School day at Deerfield School day at Deerfield School day at Deerfield School day at Deerfield School

HOLIDAY HAPPENING… Local crafters display samples of the many items that will be available for sale during the Holiday Craft Show fundraiser to be presented by the Mountainside ParentTeacher Association this Saturday, November 20, from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. The event will take place at Deerfield School in Mountainside. Pictured, left to right, are: crafter Diane Sokol; Chris Wagner, Craft Show CoChairwoman, and crafters Gus Jakubowski and Cecelia Forr.

MOUNTAINSIDE – The Mountainside ParentTeacher Association will hold a Holiday Craft Show fundraiser on Saturday, November 20, from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. at Deerfield School on Central Avenue in Mountainside.

Dozens of craft vendors will display and sell items such as handmade jewelry, pottery, doll clothes, holiday and seasonal items, candy, baked goods and a

variety of other creations. Admission is free. Refreshments will be available, along with musical entertainment for children featuring Candy Nelson of Mountainside performing songs from her children’s compact disk, entitled “Darly the Dolphin and Friends.”

For further information, please call Lauren at (908) 2326964 or Chris at (908) 2336774.

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SINGING WITH STYLE… The Happy Medium Quartet of the Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Chorus display their talents during a recent Scotch Plains Township Council meeting. The group will appear in a show entitled “Millennium Memoirs” on December 4 and 5 in the Rahway High School auditorium. Pictured, left to right, are: tenor George Schwerdt of Bridgewater, lead Steve Bonick of Milltown, bass Bill McCarthy of Linden and Kenny Friedlander of Westfielder.

RAHWAY — The Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Chorus, the local chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc., is gearing up for its 52nd annual fall show, entitled “Millennium Memoirs.”

The show, featuring a potpourri of 20thcentury musical favorites, will be held on Saturday, December 4, at 8 p. m. and Sunday, December 5, at 2 p. m. in the Rahway High School auditorium, located at Madison and Central Avenues in Rahway.

Performing will be the Jerseyaires Chorus, directed by Marty Israel; the K’Motion Quartet, spotlighting members of the Bryn Mawr and Lansdale chapters in Pennsylvania; the 5th Element Quartet of the Big Apple Chorus of Manhattan, who were district finalists, plus the Jerseyaires’ own Happy Medium and Remembrance quartets.

Tickets are $12 each, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for children

under 12. For ticket information, please call (908) 7543717 or the show Chairman at (908) 2337188.

The Rahway Valley chapter’s funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

Weavers Guild to Hold Holiday Boutique Starting Tomorrow

WESTFIELD — The Westfield Weavers Guild will hold its 13th Annual Holiday Boutique tomorrow, Friday, November 19, from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. and Saturday, November 20, from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. at 715 Dorian Road in Westfield.

Judaic items such as challa covers and tallits woven by Guild member Maxine Yablonsky will be featured, along with rugs, table linens, and apparel. Guest artists Frances Mackey, potter, and Kumiko Sato Spitz, silver jeweler, will also have items for sale.

Founded in 1947, the Westfield Weavers Guild has 25 members who meet monthly to study the art of weaving and related skills. Guests are welcome to attend meetings.

For more information, please call Catherine Marchant at (908) 6541540 or visit underspun@ home. com on the Internet.

Kid’s Corner Kid’s Corner Kid’s Corner Kid’s Corner Kid’s Corner

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SCOTCH PLAINS — The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Central New Jersey, Wilf Jewish Community Campus in Scotch Plains will sponsor a discussion of the new book “Zip Your Lips” by Dale and Renee Jacobs on Tuesday, November 23, at 7: 30 p. m.

The book is a guide to effective communication between parents and children. It includes a number of techniques for helping parents speak to their youngsters, which the authors say can be used on a daily basis.

The Jacobs will be available for a questionandanswer period

following a brief overview of their book. “Zip Your Lips” will be available for purchase as part of the annual JCC book sale.

There is no cost to attend this program but registration is required. To register, please call Susan Bennett at the JCC at (908) 8898800.

The Jewish Community Center, located at 1391 Martine Avenue, is a constituent agency of the United Way and the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey.

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WESTFIELD – A Midsummer Night’s Dream will open this afternoon, Thursday, November 18, at 3: 30 p. m. and continue on Friday and Saturday, November 19 and 20, at 8 p. m. in the auditorium at Westfield High School.

This modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedic plays will feature four separate stories, put to the music of Ricky Martin, Britney Spears, Lou Vega, LFO and The Backstreet Boys.

The cast includes Alex Dupre, Jack Gordon, Rosy Hely, J. D. Hyman, Sara Mirsky, Caroline Moore, Megan Rodd, Lyndsay Ruotolo, Gavin Shulman, Adam Sigal, Yari Sigal and Megan Steinbrecker.

Rustic artisans include Teddy Alvaro, Kevin Buckland, Ian Federgreen, Sam Fleder, Steve Krakauer and John Toriello.

Ensemble members also include Dania Aguiero, Erica Cenci, Kathryn Logan, Ginny Paynter, Marian Pomann, Megan Rodd,

Margaret Brautigam, Scott Brewster, Dave Connor, Chris Freisen, Shana Golembo, Rachel Klausner, Josh Lieberman, Ryan Maines, Julianne Mandrillo, Cara Matossian, Leanne Meriton, Katie Miller, Tyler Patla, Trevor Putnaky, Meryl Reichbach, Joanna Todaro and Dara Weinberg.

Joe Nierle, Westfield High School Drama Teacher and Play Director has set the play in the current New York City.

Tickets may be reserved by calling (908) 7894549, purchased from cast members or at the door before the performance. The cost is $6.

See cast picture on Page 24.

Looking for Local Stars? www.goleader.com

Thomas D. Cherin Moves Thomas D. Cherin Moves Thomas D. Cherin Moves Thomas D. Cherin Moves Thomas D. Cherin Moves Business to Historic Building Business to Historic Building Business to Historic Building Business to Historic Building Business to Historic Building

WESTFIELD – Susan and Thomas Cherin have described the new location for their business, Thomas D. CherinDesigner/ Goldsmith, at 153 Mountain Avenue as “a new setting for our gems.”

This is the third location in Westfield for the studiogallery, which first opened 25 years ago on East Broad Street and most recently located on Quimby Street.

The new historic location offers convenient parking, expanded space to showcase their wares, standing watch over Westfield’s Revolutionary War Cemetery.

“Several years ago, we began looking to purchase a permanent home for our studiogallery – a place in which we could feel rooted. Each time we started to search, we were drawn to the

yellow house on Mountain Avenue. There’s something here that feels comfortable and right. I hope that others feel the place’s welcome, will stop to browse, that they understand this new location is as much about being a gallery as it is about being a sales establishment,” stated Mr. Cherin.

Now, with 1,800 square feet of studiogallery space, Mr. Cherin has included antique clocks and original art to his repertoire.

“Dramatically contemporary or elegantly traditional, I create original jewelry meticulously crafted according to the finest standards and aesthetics,” revealed Mr. Cherin, who has received several awards including DeBeers’ Diamonds Internatioal and Diamonds Today awards plus an American Gem Trade Association award.

WELCOME HOME... Susan and Thomas Cherin recently relocated their business, Thomas D. CherinDesigner/ Goldsmith, to 153 Mountain Avenue in Westfield. Calling the new location, “a new setting for our gems,” the Cherins now offer 1,800 square feet of studiogallery space to customers. Antique clocks and original art are also available at the location. Thomas D. CherinDesigner/ Goldsmith was most recently located on Quimby Street. For more information, please call (908) 6543425.

Due to the Thanksgiving Edition of November 25, all press releases, photos, etc. for that edition must be in the office by tomorrow, Friday, November 19, at 4 p. m. in order to be considered for publication. Any materials received after this deadline will NOT be included in the November 25 edition.

Please send to the attention of Michelle H. LePoidevin, michelle@ goleader. com or P. O. Box 250, 50 Elm Street, Westfield, 07090 or fax (908) 2320473.

Special Notice:

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CRANFORD — Aladdin, a holiday production for children and adults will be presented by the Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre in Cranford on Saturday, December 4, at 10: 30 a. m., 1 and 4 p. m. and Sunday, December 5, at 1 and 4 p. m.

Early reservations are recommended. Tickets are $5 for children under 13 and senior citizens and $7 for adults. For ticket reservations, please call the box office at (908) 2767611. Credit cards are accepted.

Aladdin is the favorite tale of the poor boy, the beautiful prin cess and that large genie in a tiny

lamp. The musical is the original adaptation with lyrics by Jim Eiler and music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy.

The Cranford production, directed by Elliot Lanes, features a large cast of 18 performers. Production crew include Assistant Director, Becky Randazzo; Producer, Art Kusiv; Choreographer, Leilani MakuakanePotter, and Stage Manager, Bob Pells.

The Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre is celebrating its 81st season of quality community theatre productions.

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