Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>MONTCO</strong><br />
HOMES,GARDENS<br />
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • GARDENING<br />
& LIFESTYLE<br />
Decorating<br />
for the<br />
Holidays<br />
PLANNING A<br />
BASEMENT MAKEOVER<br />
CHEF’S RECIPES<br />
BAIR & BAIR<br />
Winter 2016/17<br />
$4.95US<br />
$4.95US<br />
64<br />
64<br />
0 71486 02861 1<br />
0 71486 02861 1
CONTENTS<br />
WINTER 2016/17<br />
<strong>MONTCO</strong><br />
Issue 4, Volume 2<br />
<strong>MONTCO</strong> HOMES, GARDENS & LIFESTYLE<br />
Departments<br />
5<br />
6<br />
8<br />
10<br />
20<br />
24<br />
26<br />
58<br />
61<br />
68<br />
70<br />
74<br />
78<br />
80<br />
FROM THE EDITOR<br />
TRENDS<br />
NOTEWORTHY<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
ART<br />
PEOPLE<br />
CRAFTS<br />
IN THE GARDEN<br />
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE<br />
HOME<br />
DINING OUT<br />
DINING OUT GUIDE<br />
STAYING FIT<br />
FINALE<br />
39 50<br />
Features<br />
28<br />
38<br />
44<br />
52<br />
A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE<br />
Diana Farrow uses her creative abilities<br />
to make decorating for Christmas<br />
an experience that goes beyond traditional<br />
colors and forms.<br />
FINE HOLIDAY CUISINE<br />
Three area chefs share their favorite<br />
holday recipes.<br />
PLANNING A BASEMENT<br />
MAKEOVER<br />
Today’s basements are way beyond<br />
the dark space with a workshop,<br />
laundry area, and holiday decorations<br />
LATE WINTER DUSTING<br />
A photo essay<br />
36<br />
On the Cover<br />
This painting of a girl in a red<br />
coat is the by our artist-in-residence<br />
Jennifer Hansen Rolli.<br />
70
Kathi<br />
Double<br />
Lung Transplant Survivor<br />
THE HARRON LUNG CENTER IS #1 IN THE REGION, TOP 10 IN THE<br />
NATION.<br />
Being born<br />
with Cystic Fibrosis never<br />
prevented me from living a full life, including becoming a<br />
mom to twins. But soon after giving birth, I went into respiratory failure. With careful collaboration,<br />
considering<br />
my advanced lung disease, my multidisciplinary<br />
team at Penn’s<br />
Harron Lung<br />
Center<br />
helped me through a double<br />
lung transplant and<br />
got me back home to my two babies.<br />
Ten years<br />
later, I’m breathing easier,<br />
enjoying a life cent<br />
ered around health and<br />
happiness.<br />
See my story at PennMedicine.org<br />
g/BreatheEasier.<br />
To schedule aconsultation, call 800.789.PENN (7366).
If You Love Christmas...<br />
You’ll Love Bucks Country Gardens!<br />
Publisher<br />
William N. Waite<br />
Associate Publisher<br />
Frank Boyd<br />
Executive Editor<br />
Bob Waite<br />
Art Direction<br />
BCM MEDIA CO., INC.<br />
Advertising Director<br />
Vicky M. Waite<br />
Administration<br />
Melissa Kutalek<br />
Calendar Editor<br />
Mary Beth Schwartz<br />
Cover Artist<br />
Jennifer Hansen Rolli<br />
Contributing Writers<br />
Beth Buxbaum, John Cella, Patti Guthrie,<br />
Lew Larason, Frank Quattrone,<br />
Lori Pelkowski,<br />
Mary Beth Schwartz, Bob Waite,<br />
Vicky Waite<br />
Circulation<br />
BCM MEDIA Co., INC.<br />
Contributing Photographers<br />
Jess Graves,<br />
Melissa Kutalek, Paul Wesley<br />
Account Executives<br />
Frank Boyd, Lisa Bridge,<br />
Kathy Driver, Lisa Kruse<br />
e<br />
Everything to Create<br />
the Perfect Christmas Night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
G A R D E N S<br />
<br />
e<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Delaware Valley’s Most Incredible Christmas Shop & Gift Boutique located in the Heart of Bucks County!<br />
<strong>MONTCO</strong> Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle<br />
Magazine, 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville,<br />
PA 18923, phone 215-766-2694 • Fax<br />
215-766-8197. www.montcomag.com. Published<br />
quarterly by BCM Media Company Inc.,<br />
Fountainville, PA. All contents copyright by<br />
BCM Media Company DBA/Montco Homes,<br />
Gardens & Lifestyle Magazine. All Rights Reserved.<br />
Published quarterly. Four-issue subscription<br />
for U.S. is $15.95, in Canada $35.00, U.S.<br />
dollars only. Standard postage paid at Lancaster,<br />
PA. Single-copy price is $4.95 plus $3.00<br />
postage and handling.<br />
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to<br />
<strong>MONTCO</strong> Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle<br />
Magazine, PO BOX 36, Morrisville, PA 19067.<br />
This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible<br />
for, manuscripts and photos unless accompanied<br />
by a stamped, self-addressed return<br />
envelope.<br />
4 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
From the Editor<br />
In 1843 Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol where we<br />
meet that cranky old miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge has<br />
over the years become eponymous with someone who thinks<br />
holidays are a waste of time, “Humbug!” he says. And I have to<br />
admit that sometimes the preparation, fuss, and of course, the<br />
spending for Christmas makes me want to chime in with old Ebenezer<br />
and shout, “Humbug!” I think that is true of all of us, but then we take<br />
it all back and like the Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’ novel, we repent<br />
and embrace the friends, the family and, yes, even the Bob Cratchits<br />
and Tiny Tims that God places in our paths.<br />
So our winter holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, are<br />
special and a cause for celebration. One of the ways we celebrate them<br />
is to make our homes a celebration by decorating them.<br />
Our Winter 2016 issue of <strong>MONTCO</strong> Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle,<br />
we show how professional decorator Diana Farrow uses her abilities to<br />
make decorating for Christmas both a celebratory and creative experience<br />
in our article “A Touch of Elegance” by Beth Buxbaum.<br />
Three of the top area chefs share with us their special holiday<br />
dishes. In “Fine Holiday Cuisine,” Frank Quattrone writes about Aliza<br />
Green, Franco Federico and Patrick Feury and gives us a special holiday<br />
recipe from each of these highly sought after chefs.<br />
When we think of basements, we commonly think of areas where<br />
we keep our Christmas ornaments, washing machines and dryers. But<br />
basements can be an addition of extra rooms. In her article, “Planning<br />
a Basement Makeover,” Mary Beth Schwartz shows us how basements<br />
are being used as recreation rooms, family rooms, man caves and more.<br />
Jess Graves, a gifted area photographer, shares some photos from<br />
last winter in the photo essay called “Late Winter Dusting.” The photos<br />
show the aesthetic effects of a light snow in a rural area.<br />
In our departments we look at overwintering plants, Frank Quattrone’s<br />
newest book, a woodworker, an abstract expressionist artist,<br />
kitchens and baths and many places to go and events to attend. And<br />
we hope you thoroughly enjoy this Winter Holiday Issue of<br />
<strong>MONTCO</strong> Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle.<br />
ART<br />
YOU CAN LIVE<br />
AND play ON<br />
Bob Waite<br />
Editor<br />
781 Route 113 (Souderton Rd.)<br />
Souderton 215-723-1221<br />
souderton.tenthousandvillages.com<br />
rugs.tenthousandvillages.com<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 5
Trends<br />
<strong>MONTCO</strong><br />
COOKIE JAR<br />
… this Biscotti Jar, Italian for Cookie, is<br />
the perfect addition for any kitchen countertop.<br />
There is ample room to store cookies,<br />
dog treats, crackers or anything you<br />
need in a pinch. Its exclusive design is<br />
handcrafted in Italy, which features a<br />
rooster, the notorious welcome symbol of<br />
Tuscany. Available at Via Bellissima,<br />
855 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA;<br />
610-581-741; www.viabellissima.com.<br />
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
SHOW<br />
... handcrafted with fine Italian leather, Swarovski Crystal and freshwater<br />
pearls. This classic-contemporary arm candy is a must-have! Available at<br />
Accent On The Rocks, 4064 Skippack Pike, Skippack PA; 610-615-5901;<br />
www.accentontherocks.com.<br />
... pottery by Royce Yoder along with fine<br />
art and other crafts is featured at the<br />
“Christmas Feast Show & Sale” at the<br />
Mennonite Heritage Center, 565 Yoder<br />
Road, Harleysville from Dec. 3 to 31. For<br />
more information, call 215-256-3020 or<br />
visit www.mhep.org.<br />
6 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP<br />
… once installed, a geothermal heat pump system exchanges heat with the<br />
earth’s vast reservoir of low temperature thermal energy and acts as a natural<br />
source for heating and cooling for your home or business. In the cool winter<br />
months, water circulating inside a sealed loop absorbs heat from the earth and<br />
carries it to the geothermal unit. Available at IT Landes Company, 247 Main<br />
St., Harleysville, PA; 215-256-4221; www.itlandes.com.<br />
GABRIEL & COMPANY RING<br />
...considered the number one brand in bridal jewelry today,<br />
Chiccarines Fine Jewelry carried this beautiful line along with<br />
other leading ring designs by manufactures like Zeghani<br />
Bridal.You pick a specific setting and we will put a price on it.<br />
Available at Chiccarines Fine Jewelry, 201 Second Ave. (Rt.<br />
29), Collegeville, PA; 610-489-2007; www.chiccarines.com.<br />
DIAMOND BAR NECKLACE<br />
FARMHOUSE TABLE<br />
... this beautiful farmhouse table seats up to eight depending on chair size. Table<br />
top lightly painted in mix of white, gray and natural wood tones. A great piece to<br />
add as your dining table. Available to order in any size and color. Prices are<br />
based on size. A variety of chairs & accessories are available. Pick your size, choice<br />
of stain colors and turned leg styles. Available at Urbanlux Home, 450 E. Main<br />
St., Collegeville, PA; 610-409-1999; www.urbanluxhome.com.<br />
... our custom made Diamond Bar Necklaces are each handcrafted in 14k. gold, and are set with high quality round full cut diamonds. The<br />
necklaces are made with 14k white, yellow or rose gold chains and are adjustable for any length. This classic item is the perfect gift for someone<br />
that wants to wear a gorgeous necklace every day. Available at Rosnov Jewelers, 320 York Road, Jenkintown, PA; 215-885-4218;<br />
www.rosnov.com; email: Info@rosnov.com.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 7
NOTEWORTHY<br />
What’s happening in Montgomery County<br />
Kawai Hybrid Pianos Receive<br />
National Award<br />
Music Inc. magazine awarded the Kawai<br />
CA97 and CA67 with the “Product<br />
Excellence Award”. This is the 11th<br />
award for this category alone.The prior year for<br />
they received the same award for the CS10,<br />
now CS11 model. The CA97 and CS11 are hybrid<br />
pianos—a new breed of piano created by<br />
the fusion of digital and acoustic piano elements.<br />
They include solid wooden keys in the action<br />
and a wood soundboard. Kawai’s reputation for<br />
innovation and quality is what attracted Grafton<br />
Piano & Organ Co. to carry the entire line of<br />
Kawai pianos. Kawai’s acoustic pianos have also<br />
received numerous multi year awards. Grafton<br />
Piano & Organ Co. carries a complete selection<br />
of new, used, restored, pianos, digital pianos and<br />
player pianos. They’re’ located at 1081 S County<br />
Line Rd, Souderton PA. You can reach them at<br />
215-723-6900 or visit www.graftonpiano.com.<br />
Holiday Candy & Nuts<br />
At the Edwards Freeman Nut Company there are a delicious<br />
variety nuts and candy. This candy and nut company has been<br />
making delicious peanut butter, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts,<br />
gift baskets, and much more in Conshohocken, Pennsylvaniasince<br />
1899. By using advanced-performance, production equipment, it is<br />
guaranteed that the products are the of superior quality. There are<br />
many different promotions throughout the year including National<br />
Peanut Month in March, Peanut Butter Lover's Month in November,<br />
and a Baseball-Peanuts-Kids Day in the Spring to usher in the little<br />
league baseball season. Other promotions include a cookie baking<br />
demonstration, a Halloween pumpkin coloring contest, and donations<br />
of peanut butter to children's hospitals and nursing centers. Holidays<br />
are also very special at the store, which specializes in all different kinds<br />
of holiday treats for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day,<br />
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Passover. Edwards-Freeman<br />
Nut Co. is located at 441 E Hector St, Conshohocken PA 1942.<br />
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–<br />
4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information and extended<br />
holiday hours call 610-828-7440.<br />
8 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Trains Under The Tree<br />
Since the early 1900’s, the toys that meant Christmas to young boys<br />
and girls were the Lionel electric trains that chugged around a circle<br />
of track under the Christmas tree. Though Henning’s had recently<br />
built an incredible 12-foot tall custom one of a kind Christmas tree train<br />
layout that has been seen around the world in various publications, social<br />
media and television. The toy electric trains at Christmas for many families<br />
have been a tradition, a family heirloom, passed down from one generation<br />
to the next. If your family doesn’t have a train, then it is time to visit Henning’s<br />
Trains of Lansdale and start a new tradition. Henning’s Trains is located<br />
at 128 S. Line St., Lansdale, PA., and can be reached at 215-362-2442<br />
or www.henningstrains.com.<br />
Ultimate At Home Experience<br />
Come home to the Park at Westminster and Warrington Crossings, two lovely<br />
apartment communities located in Warrington, PA. Owned and managed by<br />
Lindy Communities, these award-winning properties offer residents a great<br />
lifestyle without the hassle of home ownership woes. Beautiful landscaping and rolling<br />
greens provide a relaxing environment for ultimate stress-free living. Offered are designer<br />
kitchens with gorgeous granite options. Amenities at both communities include<br />
a free pool, fitness center, spacious floor plans with ample closet space, and a number<br />
of monthly activities. Plant your own vegetables or herbs in our community garden.<br />
Apartment homes range from Studios to 3-bedrooms with a wide range of choices to<br />
fit any style or budget. Centrally located in Warrington, we are only minutes from shopping,<br />
dining, and major roadways.<br />
This outstanding service to the<br />
residents makes this the ultimate ‘at home’ experience. Call us: 215-343-3324 or visit us at<br />
www.comehometolindy.com.<br />
The Blue Room Tree<br />
Bustard’s Christmas trees, founded in 1929 have been the centerpiece in holiday<br />
homes for 85 years. In 2015 Christmas season, a Fraser fir soaring to nearly 19<br />
feet graced one if the most famous interiors in America – the White House Blue<br />
Room. Last summer, the Lansdale-based Christmas tree grower, Bustard’s, was named<br />
2015 National Grand Champion, which means it was designated the best in the land. It<br />
also meant providing the official White House Christmas tree for Christmas 2015, the<br />
one designated for the Blue Room. The initial victorious tree, however, is not the one<br />
to command the Blue Room at Christmas. That tree is chosen in the fall and cut immediately<br />
before traveling to Washington. Over the years, Fraser, Douglas and Noble firs<br />
have been the most popular trees chosen as the official White House Christmas tree.<br />
In 2015, it was a majestic Fraser fir selected on September 30 at Bustard’s Christmas<br />
Trees’ Lehighton location by a White House official. The Bustards presented this tree to<br />
Michelle Obama to mark the official start of the 2015 holiday season. Bustard’s Christmas<br />
Trees is located at 2210 Bustard Road, Lansdale, PA 19446. For information about trees,<br />
call 610-584-4058 or visit www.bustardschristmastrees.com.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 9
What to do Winter 2016<br />
Photos: Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board<br />
Washington and his troops educate children at Valley Forge.<br />
ANTIQUES<br />
SANFORD ALDERFER<br />
December 1, 29: Estate Auctions<br />
December 7: Luxury Gifts & Jewelry Auction<br />
December 8: Discovery Art Auction<br />
December 8: Fine & Decorative Arts Auction<br />
December 13: Coin & Currency Auction<br />
December 20: Firearms Auction<br />
501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA. 215-393-<br />
3000; www.alderferauction.com.<br />
POOK & POOK, INC.<br />
December 3: Toys, Trains, and Vintage<br />
Advertising<br />
463 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown,<br />
PA. 610-269-4040; www.pookandpook.com.<br />
HISTORIC HOME SHOW<br />
January 28-29: The ultimate show for restoring,<br />
renovating, and preserving our Nation’s<br />
archi-tectural heritage. Admission. Valley<br />
Forge Casino Tower Hotel, 1160 First Avenue,<br />
King of Prussia, PA.<br />
www.historichomeshows.com.<br />
THE PHILADELPHIA FURNITURE<br />
SHOW<br />
March 31-April 2: This annual show highlights<br />
artisan quality furniture and furnishings<br />
to suit all tastes. Admission. 22 South 23rd<br />
Street, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
www.philadelphiafurnitureshow.com.<br />
ANTIQUES 10<br />
ART 11<br />
CRAFTS 12<br />
ENTERTAINMENT 13<br />
EVENTS 14<br />
FAMILY 15<br />
GARDENS 16<br />
HISTORY 17<br />
NATURE 18<br />
10 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
THE PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUES &<br />
ART SHOW<br />
April 21-23: This prestigious show offers diverse<br />
furnishings and decorative arts for both<br />
the pe-riod and modern American home. Admission.<br />
The Navy Yard on the Marine Parade<br />
Grounds, South Broad Street and Intrepid<br />
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
www.philadelphiaantiquesandartshow.com.<br />
DEAR GARDEN ASSOCIATES, INC.<br />
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE<br />
RENNINGERS<br />
April 27-29: Antiques and Collectors<br />
Extravaganza<br />
Admission. Rain or shine. 740 Noble Street,<br />
Kutztown, PA. 570-385-0104;<br />
www.renningers.net.<br />
ART<br />
BRYN MAWR REHAB HOSPITAL<br />
Through January 29: Annual Art Ability<br />
Exhibition and Sale<br />
414 Paoli Pike, Malvern, PA. 484-596-5607;<br />
www.mainlinehealth.org.<br />
PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF<br />
THE FINE ARTS<br />
Through January 29: Thomas Eakins:<br />
Photographer<br />
Through March 5: Melt/Carve/Forge:<br />
Embodied Sculptures by Cassils<br />
Through April 9: World War I and<br />
American Art<br />
118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
215-972-7600; www.pafa.org.<br />
WOODMERE ART MUSEUM<br />
Through January 16: A Million Faces: The<br />
Photography of John W. Mosley<br />
Through March 19: Arthur B. Carles and His<br />
Expanding Circle<br />
9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
215-247-0476;<br />
www.woodmereartmuseum.org.<br />
THE BARNES FOUNDATION<br />
Through January 9: Live and Life Will Give<br />
You Pictures: Masterworks of French<br />
Photography, 1890-1950<br />
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia,<br />
PA, 215-278-7000; 300 North Latch’s<br />
Lane, Merion, PA, 215-278-7350.<br />
www.barnesfoundation.org.<br />
BRANDYWINE RIVER<br />
MUSEUM OF ART<br />
Through January 8: A Brandywine Christmas<br />
Through January 22: Rural Modern: American<br />
Art Beyond the City<br />
Bill Dear, Horticulturist • 215.766.8110 PA • 609.919.0050 NJ<br />
www.deargarden.com PA LIC #PA063572 - NJ LIC #13VH05607800<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 11
Scenic sleigh rides at Northern Star Farm.<br />
Santa makes a visit during Illuminaire nights at Skippack.<br />
Washington’s headquarters at Valley Forge.<br />
Through May 30: New Terrains: American<br />
Paintings from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest<br />
February 25-May 21: From Homer to Hopper:<br />
Experiment and Ingenuity in American Art<br />
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA.<br />
610-388-2700; www.brandywine.org.<br />
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART<br />
Through January 1: Classical Splendor:<br />
Painted Furniture for a Grand Philadelphia<br />
House<br />
Through January 8: Paint the Revolution:<br />
Mexican Modernism, 1910-1950<br />
March 1-May 14: American Watercolor in<br />
the Age of Homer and Sargent<br />
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,<br />
Philadelphia, PA. 215-763-8100;<br />
www.philamuseum.org.<br />
BERMAN MUSEUM OF ART<br />
Through December 16: David Goldes: Zap<br />
and Flow<br />
Through March 19: A Stratigraphic Fiction<br />
Through July 30: Amanda Burnham: In the<br />
Weeds<br />
Ursinus College, 601 East Main Street,<br />
Collegeville, PA. 610-409-3500;<br />
www.ursinus.edu.<br />
ABINGTON ART CENTER<br />
Through December 10: Solo Series<br />
515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, PA.<br />
215-887-4882; www.abingtonartcenter.org.<br />
WAYNE ART CENTER<br />
December 2-January 28: Craft Forms<br />
February 17-March 18: Elisabeth Braun and<br />
Frank Bernard Exhibits<br />
413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne, PA.<br />
610-688-3553; www.wayneart.org.<br />
MAIN LINE ART CENTER<br />
December 2-January 5: Members Exhibition<br />
January 13-February 11: Professional Artist<br />
Members Exhibition<br />
746 Panmure Road, Haverford, PA.<br />
610-525-0272; www.mainlineart.org.<br />
CHELTENHAM CENTER FOR THE ARTS<br />
January 8-February 3: CCA Members’<br />
Show 2017<br />
439 Ashbourne Road, Cheltenham, PA.<br />
215-379-4660; www.cheltenhamarts.org.<br />
CRAFTS<br />
BYERS’ CHOICE<br />
Through December 31: Byers’ Choice<br />
Christmas Market<br />
December 9-10: A Christmas Carol performed<br />
by Gerald Dickens<br />
4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA,<br />
215-822-6700; www.byerschoice.com.<br />
CHRISTKINDLMARKT<br />
December 1-4, 8-11, 15-18: This noted Lehigh<br />
12 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Valley holiday market offers aisles of handmade<br />
works from around the globe. Visitors<br />
also can enjoy live Christmas music, food,<br />
craft demonstrations, and St. Nicholas. PNC<br />
Plaza, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem,<br />
PA. 610-332-1300; www.artsquest.org.<br />
KRINGLE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE<br />
December 2-4: Plan on attending this annual<br />
holiday event by the Haycock Historical<br />
Society. There will be work by over 30 locally<br />
renowned juried contributors, books by local<br />
authors, fine art, sculpture, jewelry, sweet<br />
treats, and much more. Admission is free.<br />
Latvian Baptist Church, 1142 Apple Road,<br />
Quakertown, PA.<br />
www.haycockhistoricalsociety.org.<br />
The First Thing We<br />
Build is Trust<br />
Award Winning Remodeling Specialists<br />
SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVALS<br />
March 17-19: Greater Philadelphia Expo<br />
Center (Oaks, PA)<br />
Admission. www.sugarloafcrafts.com.<br />
ENTERTAINMENT<br />
PEOPLE’S LIGHT & THEATRE<br />
Through January 15: Sleeping Beauty: A<br />
Musical Panto<br />
February 15-March 12: The Matchmaker<br />
March 29-April 23: I and You<br />
39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA.<br />
610-644-3500; www.peopleslight.org.<br />
2016<br />
Awards<br />
MONTGOMERY THEATER<br />
Through December 4: Handle With Care<br />
124 Main Street, Souderton, PA.<br />
215-723-9984; www.montgomerytheater.org.<br />
MITCHELL PERFORMING ARTS<br />
CENTER<br />
December 1-3: A Charlie Brown Christmas<br />
December 15: ANC Christmas Concert<br />
January 27-February 4: The 39 Steps<br />
February 19: Bryn Athyn Orchestra Winter<br />
Concert<br />
February 24: ANC Winter Arts Night<br />
800 Tomlinson Road, Bryn Athyn, PA.<br />
267-502-2793; www.mitchellcenter.info.<br />
KESWICK THEATRE<br />
December 1: Donovan<br />
December 4: Art Garfunkel<br />
December 8: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy<br />
Holiday Show<br />
December 9: David Crosby<br />
December 10: Holiday Doo Wop<br />
January 21: Pat Metheny<br />
January 25: Kris Kristofferson<br />
March 24: The Temptations & The Four Tops<br />
291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA.<br />
215-572-7650; www.keswicktheatre.com.<br />
STEEL RIVER PLAYHOUSE<br />
December 2-18: A Wonderful Life, The<br />
Musical<br />
February 3-19: Clybourne Park<br />
March 10-26: The Laramie Project<br />
245 East High Street, Pottstown, PA.<br />
610-970-1199; www.steelriver.org.<br />
DUTCH COUNTRY PLAYERS<br />
December 2-11: The Best Christmas<br />
Pageant Ever<br />
January 27-February 11: Much Ado About<br />
Nothing<br />
February 24-March 5: Stuart Little<br />
795 Ridge Road, Telford, PA.<br />
215-234-0966; www.dcptheatre.com.<br />
PLAYCRAFTERS OF SKIPPACK<br />
December 2-4: Reader’s Theatre Series<br />
2011 Store Road, Skippack, PA.<br />
610-584-4005; www.playcrafters.org.<br />
ACT II PLAYHOUSE<br />
December 6-24: This Wonderful Life<br />
December 17-29: Murray the Elf<br />
56 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA.<br />
PA#3699<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 13
February 6: Leon Russell<br />
March 5: Los Lobos<br />
24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, PA.<br />
215-257-5808; www.st94.com.<br />
Family Owned and Operated<br />
since 1973<br />
THE VILLAGE PLAYERS OF<br />
HATBORO<br />
January 13-28: Murder Room<br />
March 10-25: One Flew Over the<br />
Cuckoo’s Nest<br />
401 Jefferson Avenue, Hatboro, PA.<br />
215-675-6774; www.thevillageplayers.com.<br />
EVENTS<br />
PEDDLER’S VILLAGE<br />
Through January 2: Gingerbread House<br />
Competition & Display<br />
December 3-4: Christmas Festival<br />
Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, PA.<br />
215-794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com.<br />
Heat Pumps • Air Conditioning • Gas • Oil Heating Systems<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
www.act2.org.<br />
This Winte<br />
er Keep Out The<br />
Cold<br />
and Sea<br />
al In The Warmth<br />
h!<br />
Installation ti & Service on All Major<br />
Brands<br />
Free Estimates On New Installs<br />
Fast Emergency<br />
Service<br />
215-799-0515-TOLL FREE 1-800-564-3382<br />
www.cc.hvac.com<br />
BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE<br />
December 9-31: Murder for Two:<br />
Holiday Edition<br />
January 11-22: Menopause the Musical<br />
January 26-February 5: Triple Espresso<br />
February 11: The Everly Brothers Experience<br />
March 2-12: One Funny Mother: Dena<br />
Blizzard<br />
March 23-April 9: My Son the Waiter, A<br />
Jewish Tragedy<br />
70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA.<br />
215-862-2121; www.bcptheater.org.<br />
PENNSYLVANIA BALLET<br />
December 9-31: George Balanchine’s<br />
The Nutcracker<br />
The Academy of Music, 240 South Broad<br />
Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-893-1999;<br />
www.paballet.org.<br />
SELLERSVILLE THEATER<br />
December 10: Marshall Tucker Band<br />
December 11: Irish Christmas in America<br />
January 12: Vanilla Fudge<br />
January 20: Johnny Winter All Star Band<br />
January 22: Ricky Skaggs<br />
FUN IN SKIPPACK<br />
Through December 23: Illuminaire Nights<br />
in Skippack<br />
Skippack, PA. www.bestofskippack.com.<br />
CHRISTMAS IN BUCKS COUNTY<br />
December 2: Christmas Tree Lighting in<br />
Quakertown<br />
December 3: Yardley’s Christmas Parade and<br />
Tree Lighting<br />
December 4: McCaffrey’s Food Markets<br />
Newtown Holiday Parade<br />
December 4: Quakertown’s Christmas<br />
House Tours<br />
EVENTS IN LANSDALE<br />
December 2: Tree Lighting<br />
December 3-23: Santa House<br />
December 4: Merry TubaChristmas Concert<br />
December 4-19: Festival of Trees<br />
December 19: A Charlie Brown Christmas<br />
Concert<br />
December 26: Hanukkah Celebration<br />
Lansdale, PA. www.lansdale.org.<br />
AMBLER MAIN STREET<br />
December 3: Holiday Parade<br />
December 8: Santa Arrives by Train at<br />
Ambler Station<br />
Ambler, PA. 215-646-1000;<br />
www.amblermainstreet.org.<br />
COME TO CHESTNUT HILL<br />
December 7, 14, 21: Stag & Doe Nights<br />
Chestnut Hill Visitor’s Center, 16 East Highland<br />
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-6696;<br />
www.chestnuthillpa.com.<br />
14 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
MOUNT HOPE ESTATE & WINERY<br />
December 9-23: Holidays at Mount Hope<br />
2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA.<br />
717-665-7021; www.parenfaire.com.<br />
Work from<br />
home in style!<br />
AMERICAN CONSUMER SHOWS<br />
January 6-8: Greater Philadelphia Spring<br />
Home Show (King of Prussia, PA)<br />
March 24-26: Bucks & Montgomery Spring<br />
Home Show (Warminster, PA)<br />
888-433-3976; www.acshomeshow.com.<br />
PHILADELPHIA HOME SHOW<br />
January 13-16, 20-22: The 2017 Home Show<br />
features guest appearances by DIY celebrities,<br />
along with designed rooms and the Cooking<br />
Stage. The Xfinity Experience Stage featuring<br />
presentations on remodeling, renovation,<br />
organizing, décor, gardening, and outdoor<br />
projects. Admission. Pennsylvania Convention<br />
Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
215-418-2003; www.phillyhomeshow.com.<br />
PHILLY HOME AND GARDEN SHOW<br />
February 17-19: Visit this annual show for<br />
decorating and remodeling ideas, learn more<br />
about companies, and stroll through gardens<br />
by area landscapers. Admission. Greater<br />
Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station<br />
Avenue, Oaks, PA. 484-754-EXPO;<br />
www.phillyexpocenter.com.<br />
Call now to schedule<br />
your consultation!<br />
closetcity<br />
.com/office<br />
(215) 855-4400<br />
FAMILY<br />
NORTHERN STAR FARM<br />
Winter: Custom old-fashioned sleigh rides<br />
96 Third Avenue East, Trappe, PA.<br />
215-859-7302; www.northernstarfarm.net.<br />
JENNIFERHANSENROLLI<br />
THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE<br />
Through April 2: Robot Revolution<br />
Through April 23: Jurassic World: The<br />
Exhibition<br />
222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
215-448-1200; www2.fi.edu.<br />
THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL<br />
SCIENCES OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY<br />
Through January 16: Dinosaurs Unearthed<br />
February 4-May 14: Frogs: A Chorus<br />
of Colors<br />
June 9-September 10: Backyard Adventures<br />
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,<br />
Philadelphia, PA. 215-299-1000;<br />
www.ansp.org.<br />
KOZIAR’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE<br />
Through January 1: Come visit one of area’s<br />
greatest Christmas displays. Celebrating 60-<br />
plus seasons, this holiday destination features<br />
<strong>MONTCO</strong> MAGAZINE COVER ARTIST<br />
ROUTE 2O2<br />
HOLICONG PA<br />
215-794-43OO<br />
silvermangallery.com<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 15
more than a half million Christmas lights<br />
adorning buildings, gift barns, and landscape.<br />
The various buildings are filled with decor,<br />
Christmas displays, souvenirs, baked goods,<br />
refreshments, even miniature train displays.<br />
Be sure to visit Santa in his headquarters on<br />
Santa Claus Lane. Admission. 782 Christmas<br />
Village Road, Bernville, PA.<br />
www.koziarschristmasvillage.com.<br />
LINVILLA ORCHARDS<br />
Through December 23: Cut Your Own Trees<br />
December 3, 10, 17: Caroling Hayrides<br />
137 West Knowlton Road, Media, PA.<br />
610-876-7116; www.linvilla.com.<br />
WEST CHESTER RAILROAD<br />
Through December 18: Santa’s Express<br />
December 4, 11: Christmas Tree Train<br />
230 East Market Street, West Chester, PA.<br />
610-430-2233; www.westchesterrr.com<br />
ELMWOOD PARK ZOO<br />
December 3-18: Brunch with Santa<br />
(weekends)<br />
December 30: Zoo Year’s Eve<br />
1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA.<br />
800-652-4143; www.elmwoodparkzoo.org.<br />
PHILADELPHIA ZOO<br />
December 3-11: Zoo Noel (weekends)<br />
3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
215-243-5254;www.philadelphiazoo.org.<br />
PEEPSFEST<br />
December 30-31: This dynamic, interactive<br />
family event highlights the beloved marshmallow<br />
confection PEEPS. The two-day celebration,<br />
presented by Just Born, Inc. and<br />
ArtsQuest, includes live music, art, and<br />
PEEPS-related programming. The festival<br />
culminates December 31 at 5:30 p.m. with the<br />
dropping of the 85-pound, 4.5-foot-high<br />
lighted PEEPS chick and fireworks to welcome<br />
in the New Year. ArtsQuest Center at<br />
SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem,<br />
PA. 610-332-1300; www.artsquest.org.<br />
GARDENS<br />
THE MORRIS ARBORETUM OF THE<br />
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA<br />
Through March: Winter Wellness Walks<br />
December: Friday Night Lights<br />
December: Holiday Garden Railway<br />
Admission. 100 East Northwestern Avenue,<br />
Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-5777;<br />
www.morrisarboretum.org.<br />
LONGWOOD GARDENS<br />
Through January 8: A Longwood Christmas<br />
Through January 8: Garden Railway<br />
January 21-March 31: Orchid Extravaganza<br />
Admission. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett<br />
Square, PA. 610-388-1000;<br />
www.longwoodgardens.org.<br />
WINTERTHUR<br />
Through January 8: Yuletide at Winterthur<br />
Admission. 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington,<br />
DE. 302-888-4600; www.winterthur.org.<br />
JENKINS ARBORETUM & GARDENS<br />
Through December 11: Land and Sky: An<br />
Exhibition of the Paintings of Valerie Craig<br />
631 Berwyn Road, Devon, PA. 610-647-8870;<br />
www.jenkinsarboretum.org.<br />
THE SCOTT ARBORETUM OF<br />
SWARTHMORE COLLEGE<br />
December 1-2: Green Wreath Workshops<br />
December 3: Holiday Sale<br />
January 15: Winter Celebration<br />
Admission. 500 College Avenue,<br />
Swarthmore, PA. 610-328-8025;<br />
www.scottarboretum.org.<br />
335 South York Road<br />
Hatboro, PA<br />
215-672-4100<br />
2555 Pottstown Pike<br />
Pottstown, PA<br />
484-985-8021<br />
Rt. 29 & Little Rd<br />
Zieglerville, PA<br />
610-287-9643<br />
221 Boot Rd<br />
Downington, PA<br />
215-873-2001<br />
16 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
PENNSYLVANIA<br />
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY<br />
December 3: Meadowbrook Farm Holiday<br />
Open House<br />
December 7: Holiday Tours at Brandywine,<br />
Winterthur, Longwood Gardens<br />
Advance registration required. 100 North<br />
20th Street, Fifth Floor, Philadelphia, PA.<br />
215-988-8800; www.phsonline.org.<br />
TYLER ARBORETUM<br />
December 3: The Country Gardeners<br />
Annual Greens Sale<br />
February 25: Pancake Breakfast and Maple<br />
Sugaring Celebration<br />
Admission. 515 Painter Road, Media, PA.<br />
610-566-9134; www.tylerarboretum.org.<br />
2017 PHS PHILADELPHIA<br />
FLOWER SHOW<br />
March 11-19: This year’s flower show,<br />
“Holland: Flowering the World,” celebrates<br />
Dutch cul-ture, from flower fields to ecodesign.<br />
Admission. Pennsylvania Convention<br />
Center, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia,<br />
PA.www.theflowershow.com.<br />
HISTORY<br />
PENNYPACKER MILLS<br />
Through January 8: Holiday Tours<br />
December 10: Victorian Christmas<br />
Open House<br />
5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA.<br />
610-287-9349;<br />
www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.<br />
POTTSGROVE MANOR<br />
Through January 8: Twelfth Night Tours<br />
December 11: Pottsgrove Manor by<br />
Candlelight<br />
100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA.<br />
610-326-4014;<br />
www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.<br />
MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTER<br />
December 3-4: Christmas Market<br />
December 3-31: Christmas Feast Show & Sale<br />
565 Yoder Road, Harleysville, PA.<br />
215-256-3020; www.mhep.org.<br />
HOPE LODGE<br />
December 3: Holidays at Hope Lodge<br />
553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington,<br />
PA. 215-646-1595;<br />
www.historichopelodge.org.<br />
PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN CULTURAL<br />
HERITAGE CENTER<br />
December 3: Christmas on the Farm<br />
22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown, PA.<br />
610-683-1589; www.kutztown.edu.<br />
PETER WENTZ FARMSTEAD<br />
December 3: Candlelight Tours<br />
2030 Shearer Road, Worcester, PA.<br />
610-584-5104;<br />
www.peterwentzfarmsteadsociety.org.<br />
THE HIGHLANDS MANSION AND<br />
GARDENS<br />
December 4: A Visit with Santa<br />
Admission. 7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort<br />
Washington, PA. 215-641-2687;<br />
www.highlandshistorical.org.<br />
DANIEL BOONE HOMESTEAD<br />
December 9-10: Christkindlmarket<br />
400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA.<br />
610-582-4900;<br />
www.danielboonehomestead.org.<br />
MORGAN LOG HOUSE<br />
December 10-11: Holiday Candlelight Tours<br />
850 Weikel Road, Kulpsville, PA. 215-368-<br />
2480; www.morganloghouse.org.<br />
KITCHEN CABINET<br />
REFINISHING & PAINTING<br />
REUSE<br />
YOUR<br />
EXISTING<br />
CABINETS<br />
before<br />
after<br />
100% CUSTOM COLORS & FINISHES • NO SPRAYING / ARTISAN FINISHES<br />
7 LAYER PROCESS OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED<br />
i FOR MORE INFORMATION j<br />
215.519.0188 | GrandeFinaleDesigns.com<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 17
VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL<br />
HISTORICAL PARK<br />
December 19: March In of the<br />
Continental Army<br />
January-April: Join the Continental Army<br />
January 16: MLK Day of Service<br />
February 20: Washington’s Birthday Party<br />
1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia,<br />
PA. 610-783-1099; www.valleyforge.org.<br />
NATURE<br />
BUCKS COUNTY COVERED<br />
BRIDGE TOUR<br />
Ongoing: The Bucks County Conference &<br />
Visitors Bureau and the Bucks County Covered<br />
Bridge Society present this self-guided<br />
tour of Bucks County’s covered bridges. The<br />
tour begins at Washington Crossing Historic<br />
Park. The 90-mile tour makes a large circle<br />
through Bucks County and is designed so that<br />
travelers can start at any one of the bridges.<br />
GPS coordinates are given for each of the<br />
bridges. Pick up a copy of the brochure Visit<br />
the Historic Covered Bridges of Bucks County<br />
at locations throughout Bucks County.<br />
www.visitbuckscounty.com;<br />
www.buckscountycbs.org<br />
GREEN LANE PARK<br />
December 3: More Holiday Crafts<br />
2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA.<br />
215-234-4528; www.montcopa.org.<br />
HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY<br />
December 3: Christmas Bird Count for Kids<br />
1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA.<br />
610-756-6961; www.hawkmountain.org.<br />
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CENTER AT<br />
MILL GROVE<br />
December 4: Holiday Open House<br />
1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA.<br />
610-666-5593; www.johnjames.audubon.org.<br />
NORRISTOWN FARM PARK<br />
December 4: Reindeer Guide for Kids<br />
December 11: Natural Ornaments<br />
2500 Upper Farm Road, East Norriton, PA.<br />
610-270-0215; www.montcopa.org.<br />
LOCK 60 AT SCHUYLKILL<br />
CANAL PARK<br />
December 10: Holiday Luminaria<br />
400 Towpath Road, Mont Clare, PA. 610-917-<br />
0021; www.montcopa.org.<br />
RIVERBEND ENVIRONMENTAL<br />
EDUCATION CENTER<br />
December 10: Full Moon Night Hike and<br />
Campfire<br />
December 19-30: Year Round Exploration<br />
Camp<br />
1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA. 610-<br />
527-5234; www.riverbendeec.org.<br />
FRIENDS OF THE DELAWARE CANAL<br />
December 29: Hike Out the Old Year<br />
215-862-2021; www.fodc.org.<br />
PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER<br />
January 14, 28; February 11: Science Saturdays<br />
January 25; February 1, 8, 15: Winter Wildlife<br />
Detectives<br />
April 19, 26; May 3, 10: Spring Wildlife Detectives<br />
170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA.<br />
215-345-7860;<br />
www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org<br />
TO HAVE YOUR EVENT FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE<br />
OR ONLINE EMAIL CALENDAR EDITOR, MARY BETH<br />
SCHWARTZ, MARYBETH_SCHWARTZ@YAHOO.COM. VISIT<br />
WWW.<strong>MONTCO</strong>MAG.COM FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF<br />
EVENTS AND OUR LATEST INFORMATION.<br />
Y OUR O NE-STOP S HOP F OR R EMODELING<br />
18 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
whoo knew?<br />
We are more than the<br />
newspaper you already know!<br />
Video Shows • Special Sections & Guides<br />
Investigative Reporting<br />
Local High School Sports Coverage<br />
Apps • Roku • Kindle Fire • Comcast<br />
TheIntell.com
Art<br />
Rita<br />
Siemienski<br />
Smith<br />
Driven to paint whatever<br />
appeared to her from the<br />
right side of her brain - by John Cella<br />
RRITA SIEMIENSKI SMITH IS A PAINTING<br />
whisperer. An abstract painter inspired by nature and<br />
linear sketches, she embraces the intuitive process<br />
of making art. She allows the inner qualities of colors<br />
and canvas to reveal themselves to her. “I sketch<br />
when I am traveling and the impressions left in my<br />
brain come forth later. The colors and rhythms<br />
move me forward. I apply a lot of color to the<br />
canvas, arbitrarily at first. Then I move it around<br />
with brushes or a palette until something<br />
emerges. I love the physical part of putting colors<br />
down onto canvas.”<br />
Applying a great deal of color to a canvas on a<br />
table, Rita works flat at first. This makes it easier to<br />
20 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
move the paint around. Eventually she<br />
puts the canvas on an easel where she<br />
spends a lot of time looking at it. “This<br />
is when the work speaks to me. It tells<br />
me what it needs, what it wants to be.<br />
Sometimes I paint all day from one direction.<br />
Then I turn the canvas around<br />
and it says to me, ‘This is the way I’m<br />
supposed to be,’” she laughs.<br />
Siemienski works in acrylic primarily.<br />
“I used to do lots of watercolor and oil,<br />
but got headaches. Acrylic dries fast,<br />
which is good because I paint quickly.”<br />
Her large industrial studio within a factory<br />
in Port Richmond is a feast for the<br />
eyes with large vivid abstract paintings<br />
everywhere, one more marvelous than<br />
the next.<br />
Summer’s End, featured in this article,<br />
is a 48 by 48-inch acrylic on canvas that<br />
reveals various shades of orange sky. A<br />
I see this blank<br />
surface and create<br />
something out of<br />
PA023382<br />
Top Quality Furniture at Discount Prices!<br />
Oak • Maple<br />
Cherry • Pine<br />
Dinette Sets - Desks<br />
Rockers - Painted Furniture<br />
Counter Stools –Bookcases<br />
Occasional Tables -Table Lamps<br />
Tiffanys - Chandeliers<br />
nothing. It truly<br />
amazes me.<br />
green landscape of trees appears to run<br />
across the work dividing sky from land.<br />
In the foreground there are many colorful<br />
shades and shapes. “I paint without<br />
fear. A big canvas excites me. I never<br />
worked this large until I was commissioned<br />
for it. I love the challenge!”<br />
Initially trained as an illustrator at<br />
Moore College of Art and Design, she<br />
first painted ‘literally,’ from her intellect.<br />
But soon she was driven to paint from<br />
her ‘right brain’ emotional side. “I let myself<br />
go and painted whatever appeared to<br />
me. I see this blank surface and create<br />
something out of nothing. It truly<br />
amazes me.”<br />
Married 52 years, Rita has four<br />
grown children and lives in Elkins Park<br />
with her husband, Jerry, a retired inves-<br />
Since 1925<br />
R E E D ’S C O U N T R Y S T O R E<br />
Rts. 202 & 73 • Center Square, PA. 610.275.9426<br />
Hours: Mon.,Tues.,Thurs., 9-6 / Wed. & Fri. 9-9, / Sat. 9-6 & Sun 12-5<br />
Hate the Wait?<br />
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY THAT JET!<br />
No Lines / No check in or baggage claim / No TSA Shakedowns / No Lines<br />
Let us show you the way!<br />
609-408-5155 / www.papayajetmanagement.com<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 21
Ask about our Winter Specials!<br />
tigator for the Supreme Court of New<br />
Jersey. She grew up in Kensington and<br />
attended Fleischer Art School as a child.<br />
“I grew up in a rowhouse neighborhood<br />
surrounded by factories. Now I work in<br />
a factory surrounded by rowhouses!”<br />
After working many years in illustration<br />
and advertising, she followed her<br />
heart into fine art. It took her 20 years to<br />
get her own studio. As a child she drew<br />
all the time—pictures of her family or<br />
copying other art. “But when I was 10,<br />
my dad told me I was only rendering. An<br />
artist’s work is original and comes from<br />
within themselves. “After that she went<br />
in her own direction, continuing her stilllifes<br />
and landscapes, but tending toward<br />
After working<br />
many years in<br />
illustration and<br />
advertising, she<br />
followed her heart<br />
into fine art.<br />
STANDBY<br />
GENERATORS<br />
PA #096218<br />
NJ #13vh07282400<br />
For all your electrical and electronic needs<br />
Serving the community for over 60 years<br />
NEWTOWN ELECTRONICS<br />
Professional Sales, Ser vice & Installation<br />
557B Durham Road • Newtown, PA • 215-598-9900<br />
newtownelectronics.com<br />
the abstract.<br />
One painting done on commission<br />
for a hospital is quite large, 70 by 70<br />
inches, vibrant colors and just the impression<br />
of a landscape. It will be placed<br />
in a women’s medical center and she<br />
hopes it will radiate ‘meditative energy.’<br />
What other artists influenced her? “I<br />
studied with Paul Gorka at Cheltenham<br />
and Abington Arts centers. His work<br />
was so beyond anything I had ever seen<br />
before, gigantic, breathtaking pictures.<br />
His ideas were amazing and seemed to<br />
explode on the canvas. He would take a<br />
melon and cut it in half, dropping seeds,<br />
and make a fabulous painting out of it.<br />
He showed me color can move me in an<br />
emotional way and you don’t need to<br />
paint a literal subject.”<br />
The many colors she uses interact to<br />
22 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
create moods—tension or calm, space or<br />
light. Often someone tells her they don’t<br />
like abstract art, but then they enter her<br />
studio and are stimulated by the colors<br />
and movement in her<br />
paintings, which give an<br />
overall impression like seeing<br />
a landscape from a<br />
moving car window. “It is<br />
also gratifying that many<br />
people who have bought<br />
one of my paintings tell me<br />
they see something new<br />
every time they look at it.”<br />
Always experimenting<br />
and opening herself up creatively,<br />
Rita shows me Time<br />
Fragment, a pattern of various<br />
shades of green rectangles<br />
pitted with black and white ones<br />
with patterns in them. Are they chairs?<br />
Is that a moose? This piece was created<br />
when Rita was using a rag to clean her<br />
brushes and then decided to put it down<br />
on paper to create the patterns we see.<br />
“I’ve painted with all kinds of things—<br />
cardboard, my hair, grass. I don’t need a<br />
brush. When you have the urge to create,<br />
it doesn’t matter what tools you have. You<br />
Always experimenting and opening<br />
herself up creatively, Rita shows me Time<br />
Fragment, a pattern of various shades of<br />
green rectangles pitted with black and<br />
white ones with patterns in them. Are they<br />
chairs? Is that a moose?<br />
just jump in and do it.”<br />
The recipient of more art awards<br />
than can be mentioned, she recently won<br />
the abstract painting award at the prestigious<br />
87th Annual Phillip’s Mill Community<br />
Association Art Show in New<br />
Hope. Long represented by Rosenfeld<br />
Gallery, in Philadelphia, which recently<br />
closed, she will be featured in the Members<br />
Show at the Cheltenham Center for<br />
the Arts running from<br />
January 9 through February<br />
3, 2017. Check<br />
out her website at<br />
www.ritasiemienskismith.com<br />
to keep<br />
abreast of her showings<br />
and see more of her art.<br />
Consider a trip to her<br />
studio at 3245 Amber<br />
Street in Port Richmond.<br />
There is secure<br />
free parking. “You really<br />
should see my paintings<br />
in person to get<br />
their full effect,” Rita tells me. But don’t<br />
take her word for it. Take mine.<br />
JOHN CELLA IS A FREELANCE WRITER FROM<br />
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 23
People<br />
Photo: Paul Wesley<br />
Frank<br />
Quattrone<br />
Frank Quattrone has just finished a<br />
book about the incredibly interesting<br />
history of Penn State Abington<br />
and has had lifelong success in both<br />
writing and teaching –Patti Guthrie<br />
24 M O N T C O M A G . C O M<br />
PPENN STATE ABINGTON AND THE OGONTZ SCHOOL<br />
is Frank Quattrone’s newest book. It traces the evolution<br />
of what Frank calls one of the best campuses in the Penn<br />
State University system. “It also is one of the most diverse<br />
in the country. Nearly half of the student population is<br />
African American, Latinas, Asian or International representing<br />
29 countries.” It was started in 1850 as an elite finishing<br />
school for wealthy young ladies called the Chestnut<br />
Street Female Seminary.<br />
Penn State Abington began as an elite finishing school<br />
for wealthy young ladies called the Chestnut Street Female<br />
Seminary. It was located at 1615 Chestnut Street in and was<br />
founded by Mary Vonney and Harriet Dillaye. They had attended<br />
the Troy Female Seminary in New York State and<br />
decided to open their school in Philadelphia. The building<br />
had four stories and could accommodate up to 20 girls who
esided there. They were taught liberal<br />
arts, painting, how to entertain and run<br />
a household—in short the skills a young<br />
woman would need as the wife of a<br />
diplomat, politician or other prominent<br />
man. The school rapidly gained national<br />
recognition for excellence. That success<br />
led to their need to move, since in time<br />
they outgrew their building.<br />
Enter Jay Cook who had achieved<br />
fame during the Civil War. Frank explained<br />
Cook had grown up in Sandusky,<br />
Ohio where, as a boy, he knew a Native<br />
American named Chief Ogontz, whom<br />
Jay never forgot. Cook came to Philadelphia,<br />
became a successful banker and<br />
moved to a huge mansion in Elkins Park<br />
that he named Ogontz after his childhood<br />
friend. When his family got too<br />
large for the mansion, he offered to rent<br />
it to the Chestnut Street Female Seminary<br />
for $15,000 a year. So, the school<br />
moved to the suburbs. The larger building<br />
enabled them to quintuple their enrollment<br />
from 20 to 100 students. In<br />
addition, it was spacious enough to accommodate<br />
the teachers, school staff,<br />
gardeners, cooks etc.<br />
In the new building it was the Ogontz<br />
School for Young Ladies and drew students<br />
from all over the US. The list of students<br />
reads like a Who’s Who of<br />
prominent American families with names<br />
like Strawbridge, Campbell, DuPont and<br />
the like. Among their famous alumnae are<br />
Mary Curtis, founder of Philadelphia’s<br />
world-renowned Curtis Institute of<br />
Music and Cornelia Forte, the first person<br />
to spot Japanese planes on the horizon on<br />
their way to attack Pearl Harbor.<br />
However, as far as Frank is concerned,<br />
their most famous alumna is<br />
Amelia Earhart. He explained, “Her<br />
family wasn’t wealthy. But, she wanted to<br />
go to Bryn Mawr and knew if she attended<br />
Ogontz, she’d be a shoe-in.” At<br />
that time, the school had four sororities.<br />
“A friend of Amelia’s wanted to join a<br />
particular one but was denied. So, Amelia<br />
went to see Abby Sutherland, the school<br />
President, making an inquiry for her<br />
friend, saying, ‘I thought we were a democratic<br />
society’. The result was the disbanding<br />
of the sororities,” he said, continuing,<br />
“Abby and Amelia respected<br />
each other completely.”<br />
In April 1916, because they once<br />
again had outgrown their space, they<br />
began construction of Sutherland Hall at<br />
their new location, the present site of<br />
Penn State Abington. The building was<br />
completed by the end of 1916, just in<br />
time for classes in January 1917. With it,<br />
they were able to increase their enrollment<br />
substantially. Frank explained,<br />
“Earhart was a student at both campuses,”<br />
adding, “I fell in love with her<br />
while researching this book.”<br />
By 1916, finishing schools almost<br />
were finished. So, Sutherland, who now<br />
owned Ogontz, expanded her school’s<br />
mission, enrolling students from kindergarten<br />
through the first two years of college.<br />
She also continued military drills as<br />
part of the curriculum, the first women’s<br />
school in the US to have them. It was a<br />
distinctive program teaching teamwork,<br />
discipline and camaraderie, which the<br />
girls hated but also valued.<br />
In 1950, at the age of 80, Abby<br />
Sutherland donated the Ogontz School<br />
to Penn State. By 1957, they had to eliminate<br />
dorms because so many wanted to<br />
attend. Their enrollment jumped to<br />
today’s 4,000 students. From 1957<br />
through 2016, they’ve been a commuter<br />
school. Frank explained, “All of that’s<br />
about to change because we’re adding<br />
dorms.” In 1997, it became Penn State<br />
Abington and now has a dozen buildings<br />
on campus.<br />
In October 2015, Frank Quattrone<br />
met with the head of their marketing department<br />
to suggest a book because, “It’s<br />
our Centennial. Since 1916, the college<br />
has been teaching.” The result of that<br />
meeting is Penn State Abington and the<br />
Ogontz School.<br />
Frank grew up in South Philly. After<br />
graduation from Bishop Neumann, he<br />
earned a B.A. in English from Villanova<br />
and an M.A. in English from Purdue<br />
University in Indiana. He explained, “I<br />
thought my life’s work would be writing<br />
and editing, but discovered I also enjoy<br />
teaching. I got a fellowship at Purdue that<br />
required teaching two classes each semester,<br />
which I wasn’t looking forward to.<br />
However, I loved it. For me, it goes both<br />
ways. I learn as much as I teach. I love the<br />
stimulation of being in the classroom.”<br />
After Purdue, he returned to Philadelphia<br />
and taught for a year at Neumann<br />
before landing a teaching job at Spring<br />
Garden College. He stayed 24 years, the<br />
last 10 as Chairman of the Arts and Sciences<br />
Department. He now refers to this<br />
period in his life as the big bubble. “It was<br />
between college and what I’m doing now.”<br />
The bubble burst when Spring Garden<br />
closed. “They couldn’t compete,” he said.<br />
However, while there, he met and married<br />
Eve who had two children. They now<br />
have 5 granddaughters.<br />
After the college closed, Frank<br />
worked for an educational consulting<br />
company for three years, saying “I was in<br />
a holding pattern.” He also started freelance<br />
writing for Montgomery Newspapers<br />
and eventually became editor of<br />
Ticket, the arts and entertainment section<br />
for Montgomery Newspapers, commenting,<br />
“In the second year and again<br />
in 2010, Ticket won the award as the best<br />
entertainment and lifestyle section in<br />
North America from Suburban Newspapers<br />
of America.”<br />
Frank left Montgomery Newspapers<br />
saying, “I worked for a non-profit before<br />
getting my present job as a full time<br />
member of Penn State Abington. I have<br />
a half and half contract: I teach two<br />
courses each semester and am a communications<br />
specialist. Right now, I’m enjoying<br />
the perfect marriage of my two<br />
passions teaching and writing.”<br />
Arcadia Publishing has published<br />
three of Frank’s books. So, enjoy Penn<br />
State Abington and the Ogontz School,<br />
available at Barnes & Noble or directly<br />
from www.arcadiapublishing.com.<br />
PATTI GUTHRIE IS A FREELANCE WRITER AND ANTIQUES DEALER<br />
FROM CHALFONT, PA.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 25
Crafts<br />
Photo: Melissa Kutalek<br />
The Bair<br />
Legacy<br />
Bair & Bair began in 1945 as a<br />
furniture repair shop and is still<br />
doing an exemplary job repairing<br />
and refinishing furniture –by Lew Larason<br />
IIN 1945 PAUL BAIR BEGAN REPAIRING<br />
broken Furniture in his barn. As time passed and he built<br />
up a reputation for doing a good job, he became so busy<br />
he had to relocate. After a couple of moves and a fire, he<br />
bought and renovated Bair & Bair’s present location in<br />
Creamery, just outside of Skippack. The building was<br />
once the school bus garage for the old Skippack elementary<br />
school. This building has 4,800 square feet of open<br />
workspace. The present owner Mike Todd is impressed<br />
how long the company has been around.<br />
Mike began working for Bair & Bair when Paul’s<br />
son George who came into the business in 2004 when<br />
the business was owned by Paul’s son, George Bair.<br />
Things clicked between Mike and George and in 2011,<br />
Mike bought the business. Most people assumed the<br />
26 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
usiness was still owned by the Bairs.<br />
“We did everything the Bairs had<br />
done,” Mike said. “So, nobody noticed<br />
the new ownership.”<br />
Mike proudly showed off the well<br />
laid out set-up of the shop. He pointed<br />
out the tanks used for stripping old finishes<br />
and the various power tools. These<br />
include a 10-inch table saw, a 12-inch<br />
band saw, a six-inch jointer, a thickness<br />
planer, a drill press, a cut-off saw and a<br />
lathe. There also is a well-ventilated spray<br />
booth. “We can do everything, from<br />
patching a small piece of veneer to refinishing<br />
a whole house full of furniture.”<br />
His main helper is Paul Kostyrka. In<br />
addition, they have two part-timers.<br />
Mike and Paul work well together, with<br />
Mike doing much of the woodwork,<br />
while Paul handles most of the finishing.<br />
Paul said, “We each can do whatever<br />
needs to be done.” Mike explained, “We<br />
examine everything carefully when it<br />
comes in. Sometimes, a person thinks the<br />
top of a stand needs to be refinished.<br />
After we look at it and see it’s only a<br />
scratch or a spot where the finish is worn,<br />
we tell the customer we can repair the<br />
spot without refinishing. It saves them<br />
money and makes them happy.”<br />
When there is a situation like a<br />
scratch in the finish, they sand off some<br />
of the top finish and apply a new coat.<br />
Although it isn’t always that simple, it’s<br />
a lot better than refinishing an entire surface.<br />
“Saving an old finish on vintage furniture<br />
or an antique is what we like to do.<br />
It’s better for the furniture and the<br />
owner,” Paul said.<br />
Because of the tools they have and<br />
their combined talents, they also build<br />
furniture for clients. Paul commented,<br />
“Usually, a person comes in with a photo<br />
or a page from a magazine showing<br />
something they like. Generally we can<br />
make what they want.” They use old<br />
barn wood on some projects and softwoods<br />
or good hardwoods on others, depending<br />
upon what the customer wants.<br />
A piece can be finished in a clear coating,<br />
a stain or paint.<br />
When asked about the finish they<br />
use, Mike replied, “We use lacquer.”<br />
When something is to be stained, they<br />
stain the surface first with a lacquer<br />
stain, then seal it. After that, a clear finish<br />
is applied.<br />
When a piece of furniture has such a<br />
damaged finish that it can’t be revived,<br />
they strip off the old finish and start over.<br />
This is where the shop really stands out.<br />
The finish on the damaged item is removed<br />
in the stripping tank. Then, the<br />
piece is allowed to dry. Next, the surfaces<br />
are sanded. The first grit is coarse enough<br />
to smooth down the wood grain that<br />
has been raised from the stripping. The<br />
next grit is 120. After that sanding, a<br />
220 grit is used to prepare the surfaces<br />
Also they have all<br />
of the classic hand<br />
tools that are used<br />
in any woodworking<br />
shop.<br />
for stain or a sealer. Once that has been<br />
completed, the final grit, which is 320,<br />
is fine enough so the surfaces are ready<br />
to apply the final finish.<br />
Because their lacquer finish is so fine,<br />
that last coat is it. There usually is no<br />
need for further rubbing or waxing.<br />
Sometimes, there are exceptions. But,<br />
generally, this procedure is all that’s<br />
needed for a durable finish.<br />
When a chair comes in with a spindle<br />
or stretcher missing, it’s no problem.<br />
A new piece is fabricated, installed, colored<br />
and finished. Once they have completed<br />
the job, the replacement piece<br />
looks exactly like the original. If something<br />
arrives with a leg missing or broken,<br />
it gets the same attention. Again,<br />
when completed, the repair can’t be<br />
found. “This comes from our years of experience<br />
and our desire to do the best we<br />
can. It brings customers back. Our best<br />
advertising is word of mouth. And, doing<br />
a good job for a customer always is good<br />
for business,” according to Mike.<br />
Along with the classic woodworking<br />
tools and construction methods, these<br />
craftsmen also take advantage of modern<br />
equipment such as biscuit joiners and<br />
pocket screws. These two tools save a lot<br />
of time in both new construction and repairs.<br />
The biscuit joiner is like a double<br />
mortice and tenon joint without all of<br />
the time-consuming measuring, cutting,<br />
shaping and fitting. The pocket screws<br />
hold two pieces of wood together as well<br />
as any hand-cut joint. With these methods<br />
of joining, plus modern glues, Bair &<br />
Bair can guarantee their work.<br />
In addition to the power tools and<br />
modern devices, there are lots of workbenches<br />
for doing handwork and several<br />
clamps of differing sizes. Also they have<br />
all of the classic hand tools that are used<br />
in any woodworking shop.<br />
Mike explained that they have a seat<br />
weaver who does their cane, splint and<br />
rush seats. They also do some wicker repair.<br />
He said they truly are a “one stop<br />
shop.” Nearly anything that needs to be<br />
restored or repaired on a piece of furniture<br />
can be handled here. Mike does the<br />
bookwork. Although he said he doesn’t<br />
mind, it does take him away from the<br />
shop where he’d rather be.<br />
When they were asked about their<br />
customer base, they responded that they<br />
have clients from up and down the East<br />
Coast. However, most are from Montgomery,<br />
Bucks, Berks and Philadelphia<br />
counties, with some from New Jersey.<br />
Although they don’t do “on-site” work,<br />
they can arrange pick up and delivery for<br />
a small fee. As an added service, they also<br />
do insurance estimates.<br />
Bair & Bair is located on Route 113<br />
in Creamery, PA. For more information,<br />
call 610-831-1000 or visit online at<br />
www.bairrefinishing.com. You can email<br />
Mike at miketodd68@verizon.net.<br />
LEW LARASON IS A FREELANCE WRITER WHO<br />
SPECIALIZES IN ANTIQUES AND FURNITURE.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 27
00 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Photos: Glenn Race<br />
A Touch of<br />
Elegance<br />
Professional decorator Diana Farrow uses her creative<br />
abilities to make decorating for Christmas an experience<br />
that goes beyond traditional colors and forms<br />
D<br />
by Beth S. Buxbaum<br />
DRESSING UP THE FARROW'S HOME, IN AMBLER, FOR<br />
Christmas has been something that Diana Farrow has been doing for years. Tapping<br />
into her creative side, using special Christmas decorations, provides her with<br />
the outlet to create a unique look. “This is my passion,” Diana exclaims, “it is what<br />
I was born to do.” With her sense of taste, style and color palette she adorns every<br />
room in the house for the Christmas season. Intertwining traditional and contemporary<br />
styling, Diana creates vignettes throughout her living space that add color<br />
and interest to the room, with a subtle holiday appeal. “I like the Christmas accents<br />
to look more like an actual decor,” she explains, “blending well with the home and<br />
adding to its presentation.” Diana's holiday dressings depart from the traditional<br />
red, white, green and silver. She fills her house with bold, rich tones that are warm<br />
and inviting.<br />
“My decor styling is not in your face,” she continues, “everything mixes well<br />
with the room's primary elements.” Diana uses a color palette that is non-traditional<br />
that creates a more contemporary look. Diana's room interiors are accented<br />
with touches of copper, gold, rust and tan. With these tones throughout her living<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 29
space, the additional holiday finery always complements each room,<br />
infusing it with softness and sparkle. “When it is more elegant, you<br />
can get away with it longer into the season,” she continues, “because<br />
it blends and appears to be part of the room decor.”<br />
How does she decide what to use and where to place<br />
everything? “When I design a space, there's one thing<br />
in mind, how do I make the old look new,” she explains.<br />
And its different every year. Diana packs everything up at<br />
the end of the season. “I take everything apart at the end of the<br />
holiday and next year I create a completely different look.” When<br />
it is time the next year to begin her decorating, she assesses all her<br />
materials. “I try to alternate materials every year to give it a fresh<br />
look,” she adds, “and it keeps me creative.” Often times she will<br />
purchase some new materials to freshen up her designs. She enjoys<br />
switching things up and changing the combination of materials<br />
or placement of her decorations from year to year.<br />
In creating each space's decorations, Diana puts together her<br />
materials to embellish a specific spot in the room. Whether decorating<br />
over the mantel, the staircase or a window sill, all the materials<br />
are arranged to present a vignette, adding a subtle touch to<br />
the space. “For my house I use bold, rich tones, with muted shiny<br />
finishes.” Metallic pearl finished balls and gold tulle ribbon are<br />
two of the items she uses to create many of her groupings and to fill<br />
spaces. “I don't always have a plan, it organically happens for me,”<br />
Diana adds. She looks through magazines or the internet or TV for<br />
ideas and inspiration. “Once I see an idea I like, I make it my own<br />
by adding other touches and creating my design,” she explains.<br />
Preparing the home for the Christmas begins in November.<br />
30 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
“The week before Thanksgiving I get to work,” she explains, “that's<br />
my official decorating week.” Dian’s focus is mantels, tabletops,<br />
staircases, shelves, windows and draperies with her signature vignettes.<br />
Ribbons, feathers, beads, rhinestones, leaves, birds, and<br />
vines are essential materials for her holiday decorating. She uses<br />
mostly artificial materials and assembles all the pieces for each<br />
little setting with wire or hot glue. Diana shops at the arts and<br />
crafts stores, as well as a few local nurseries, to gather any new<br />
materials to fill in her already extensive collection. “I would say<br />
that my rule of thumb is to add touches on a small scale, not an<br />
abundance, to bring the look together,” she notes.<br />
Focal points for her are the entranceway staircase and the faux<br />
tree sitting next to the fireplace in the family room. “An elegantly<br />
finished staircase, done with just enough and not too much, really<br />
Left, an overall view of the family<br />
room reveals a tree with a mix of<br />
metallic-toned ribbons, ornamental<br />
balls, and vases interspersed with<br />
greens, feathers and pine cones to<br />
give that Christmas feel. Bursts of<br />
gold, copper and brown, with a<br />
touch of wine red, fill the space<br />
with a bold finish. Above, an elegantly<br />
finished staircase is accented<br />
with simple greens and small<br />
groupings of decorative metallic<br />
balls. Gold tulle is intertwined and<br />
draped throughout the balustrades<br />
with a flurry of feathers.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 31
32 M O N T C O M A G . C O M<br />
Top, an elegantly finished staircase is<br />
accented with simple greens and small<br />
groupings of decorative metallic balls.<br />
Gold tulle is intertwined and draped<br />
throughout the balustrades with a<br />
flurry of feathers. Below, against the<br />
backdrop of the white and brown<br />
kitchen, simple high vases are filled<br />
with mixed metallic ribbons, fruit, and<br />
pine cones and then finished as<br />
planters using lush and lifelike greens.<br />
Opposite, a closer look reveals the<br />
planter, sitting on one of the kitchen<br />
islands, is flanked on each side with<br />
copper-hued champagne glasses to<br />
complete the vignette.
makes a statement,” she says. Diana starts with some simple greens<br />
and small groupings of decorative metallic balls. She pulls this together<br />
by draping gold tulle throughout and adds some ostrich<br />
feathers. For an extra touch, she embellishes the newel post with<br />
a colorful flutter of tiny metallic balls, along with red and green<br />
feathers, and finishes it with tulle. In the family room decorations,<br />
Diana incorporates the color tones in the room with the decorates<br />
on the mantel and the tree. “I use mixes of metals, finishes and<br />
layers, with a variety of materials to decorate this space,” she describes.<br />
On the mantel she combines garland with larger copper<br />
glitter contemporary flowers and infuses some traditional touches<br />
of branches and ornaments. “My application of golds, coppers and<br />
browns; with a touch of wine red, give it a bold finish,” says Diana.<br />
For the tree decoration, she stays with the same colors and finishes.<br />
To give the tree a fullness, her secret is to stuff tulle inside.<br />
Dressing up the dining room is also a focus, since this room<br />
hosts the holiday festivities.<br />
“We entertain a lot for the holidays,” she adds, “with twenty<br />
to twenty-five guests for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.” In<br />
this room the color palette features similar each tones with subtle<br />
metallic finishes. The room is accented with a brownish-copper<br />
drapery, rich wooded furniture and an earth-toned rug to pull the<br />
room together. Diana chooses that same palette of rich earth<br />
shades in her holiday decorations so that it blends with the room.<br />
She uses glitter, greens and golden matte metallic balls and fruits<br />
to accent the drapes with holiday finery. Her Thanksgiving table<br />
follows through with the same coppers and golds in metallic finishes.<br />
Branches, flowers and birds are added to the place settings<br />
for some extra pops of color and dimension. Aglow in rich tones<br />
and finishes, Diana's holiday finery is always a focus of conversation.<br />
Friends and family enter the Farrow home during the holidays<br />
and are struck by Diana's decorations. “People starting asking<br />
me to come and decorate their home for the holidays,” she adds.<br />
As she began to take on holiday decorating, that expanded to her<br />
doing special occasion decorating, like bridal showers, birthdays<br />
and other holiday settings. Diana has developed a signature approach<br />
to her designing that is unique and soothing. “My goal<br />
when I work with clients is to help them bring together their vision,”<br />
she adds.<br />
For those do-it-yourselfers, Diana offers a few simple tips<br />
to accomplish this style of holiday decorating. Most importantly,<br />
she feels that home decorating does not have to<br />
cost an excessive amount. “Use things that are not expensive, but<br />
when you put them together it makes a big impact,” she advises.<br />
For the tree, her suggestion is to try new tree tops every year and<br />
add a soft tulle or fabric to your tree. Also, she recommends you<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 33
34 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Opposite, a view of the table setting<br />
showcases the intricately designed wire<br />
and mesh pieces interspersed around the<br />
place settings. Branches, flowers and birds<br />
are added to dress up the table setting<br />
and add extra pops of color and dimension.<br />
In the corner of the room a vase is<br />
filled with curly large-wired ribbon covered<br />
in glitter, adding a bold bronze touch<br />
with tall stick like branches to match.<br />
Above, at the foot of the staircase, on a<br />
glass console table, are gold reindeers,<br />
flanked by a grouping of stylized coneshaped<br />
tress finished in metallic tones<br />
with glitter. In the center is a gold metal<br />
-lic finished dish overflowing with pine<br />
cones and an array of ornamental balls.<br />
For a touch of holiday cheer is a glistening<br />
“Joy to the World.” Bottom, a more traditional<br />
vignette, at the foot of the staircase<br />
in the foyer, is a traditional Santa in elegant<br />
gold tones. Santa is adorned with sparkly<br />
fur and velvet fabrics.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 35
A grouping mixed with glitter, greens and golden matte<br />
metallic balls and fruits accents the drapery with holiday<br />
finery in the dining room. Opposite, shiny ornaments in<br />
a variety of finishes and design, in metallic and glitter.<br />
00 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
use a variety of materials and change them around each year.<br />
“Don't get stuck always putting things in the same place<br />
every year,” she says. The wreath you hang on the front door<br />
one year could go over the mantel another year. Get your<br />
creative juices flowing. “Don't be afraid to be creative and<br />
add your own spin,” she continues. She explains that when<br />
she purchases a wreath or table centerpiece, she will add<br />
more materials like a bird, colorful ball, flower or ribbon for<br />
that extra pop. To finish a look and give it life, add materials<br />
to make it look rich and full, like tulle or other fabric, greens<br />
and branches. For a more subtle look, scale down your decorations<br />
just to add small touches and not overwhelm the<br />
room. Blend your decorations with the room decor, using<br />
complementary colors and styles.<br />
“It's about the extra little things to give the decorations<br />
a touch of elegance,” she adds. Diana's goal is to create a<br />
look that flows with the color palette of the rooms so that<br />
it is tasteful. Your holiday decor should blend with your<br />
home and add an element of design to the living space.<br />
“For me, holiday decorating is about creating a beautiful<br />
space that makes you feel cozy and surrounding yourself<br />
with the things you love.” Diana does just that. The Farrow<br />
residence is all sparkle and shine, with a touch of elegance.<br />
If you are interested in commissioning Diana Farrow<br />
to decorate your home for the holidays or for any special<br />
occasion, she can be reached at 267-241-4667.<br />
BETH S. BUXBAUM IS A FREELANCE WRITER FROM THE PHILADEL-<br />
PHIA AREA.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 37
Fine Holiday<br />
Cuisine<br />
THREE AREA CHEFS SHARE THEIR<br />
FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES<br />
BY FRANK QUATTRONE<br />
ALIZA GREEN<br />
Although she and her family celebrate<br />
Chanukah rather than Christmas,<br />
world-renowned chef, restaurant<br />
consultant, and cookbook author<br />
Aliza Green enjoys the holidays as<br />
much as anyone. But because she’s<br />
always behind the scenes creating dishes that brighten<br />
spirits and tantalize taste buds with sweet or savory holiday<br />
flavors, the longtime resident of Elkins Park is often<br />
working while many of us are out shopping, eating, or<br />
otherwise enjoying this festive season. One of her favorite<br />
mantras—please, take her literally on this—is that “I love<br />
to cook to make people happy.” So she’s come up with a<br />
recipe she feels “will appeal to people who love to bake.<br />
This is a baking time of year, and this recipe is pretty<br />
adaptable. It’s a little sweet, a little savory; it goes well<br />
with drinks; and for pot-luck dinners, it’s easy to transport.<br />
Friends and family will love it because it has some<br />
pizzazz and it stands on its own. Plus, it makes the whole<br />
house smell good.”<br />
Green, who has served as executive chef or consultant<br />
for countless fine restaurants, including Ristorante<br />
DiLullo, White Dog Café, where she pioneered the farmto-table<br />
movement, and Apropos, is now the chef manager<br />
of Baba Olga’s Kitchen & Supper Club at Material<br />
Culture, a sprawling store, auction center, and caterer located<br />
in the East Falls section of Philadelphia.<br />
As such, this enthusiastic and lifelong world traveler<br />
brings her expertise and inspiration to the multicultural<br />
weddings and other large catering events that take place<br />
at Material Culture, including bar or bat mitzvahs; popup<br />
dinners; fundraisers; Caribbean buffets; holiday parties;<br />
Indian, German, Cambodian, Korean, gay or lesbian weddings,<br />
and much more.<br />
Because of her extensive background in cooking and<br />
her avid interest in international cultures, Aliza Green has<br />
been leading culinary tours around the world for several<br />
years, including a sold-out tour to northern India in January<br />
2017. Her next culinary adventure will be to Morocco<br />
in January 2018. People need to book early, as these popular<br />
tours, given by this proud member of the Philadelphia<br />
Inquirer’s Culinary Hall of Fame, sell out quickly.<br />
So do her acclaimed cookbooks, field guides to food<br />
types, and tomes on celebrity chefs. Some of these titles<br />
are The Bean Bible: A Legumaniac’s Guide to Lentils, Peas,<br />
and Every Edible Bean on the Planet!; ¡Ceviche!: Seafood,<br />
Salads, and Cocktails with a Latino Twist, co-authored<br />
with Guillermo Pernot (a James Beard Award winner); Le<br />
Bec-Fin Recipes, co-authored with Georges Perrier; Starting<br />
with Ingredients: Quintessential Recipes for the Way We<br />
Really Cook; Field Guide to Meat: How to Identify, Select,<br />
and Prepare Virtually Every Meat, Poultry, and Game Cut;<br />
Field Guide to Produce: How to Identify, Select, and Prepare<br />
Virtually Every Fruit and Vegetable at the Market; The Soupmaker’s<br />
Kitchen; Making Artisan Pasta; and her latest, The<br />
Magic of Spice Blends.<br />
Aliza Green is Chef Manager, Baba Olga's Kitchen at<br />
Material Culture, 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia,<br />
PA 19144; 215-849-8030 www.materialculture.com;<br />
email:aliza@materialculture.com.<br />
Photos: Paul Wesley<br />
recipe continued on page 73<br />
38 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 33
FRANCO FEDERICO<br />
Franco Federico, one of the region’s premier<br />
restaurateurs, was born in Calabria,<br />
in Italy’s boot, and recalls with warmth<br />
and fondness the grand meal and the boyhood<br />
holidays he enjoyed with his large<br />
family at the end (and beginning) of every<br />
year. In America, we call this grand meal the Feast of the<br />
Seven Fishes. In southern Italy, it was called La Vigilia, as<br />
it celebrated the vigil, or the wait, for the birth of the baby<br />
Jesus. La Vigilia, said Federico, “was a combination of reverence<br />
and joy, of abundance. We would fast on the day of<br />
the vigil. It was a kind of cleansing before the big meal.<br />
“Every Christmas Eve,” he continued, sitting across<br />
from me at his acclaimed Fountain Side Seafood & Grill,<br />
“the kids couldn’t wait. The whole family would come together<br />
and everyone contributed to the meal. Some would<br />
bring the vegetables, others the bread, and some would<br />
bring the baccala,” the salted cod fish that was a staple of<br />
this meal. “The kids would put the letters they wrote to<br />
Santa underneath their dishes. They would kiss the hands<br />
of their relatives and their fathers would open the letters.”<br />
These letters, of course, contained the various gifts<br />
each child wished to receive for the holidays. However,<br />
Federico pointed out, the gifts weren’t “delivered until the<br />
Feast of Befana [the Greek word for epiphany] on January<br />
6, also known as the Epiphany.” Befana is the kindly<br />
witch, as the legend goes, who flies from rooftop to<br />
rooftop to deliver all the gifts she failed to deliver when<br />
invited to by the Magi, who arrived in Bethlehem to bring<br />
their gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.<br />
Federico smiled at the recollection. The family would<br />
abstain from meat until Christmas Day itself. But what a<br />
meal they enjoyed on La Vigilia. And to this day, in<br />
America and other parts of the world, Italian (and other)<br />
families celebrate by preparing seven or more types of<br />
seafood dishes. Readers who would like to enjoy the Feast<br />
of the Seven Fishes can do so at two of Federico’s four<br />
restaurants —Fountain Side Seafood & Grill in Horsham<br />
and Ariana’s Ristorante & Raw Bar in North Wales. He is<br />
also the owner of BBQ: A Real Barbecue Restaurant, a<br />
few doors down from Fountain Side in Horsham, and coowner<br />
of Boccadito, a cozy little tapas restaurant located<br />
in Doylestown.<br />
For this story, Federico, who has been cooking for<br />
years alongside his other executive and sous chefs in more<br />
than a dozen suburban restaurants, prepared seven<br />
seafood dishes, including a baccala salad, sautéed shrimp,<br />
broccoli au gratin with anchovies and breadcrumbs, fried<br />
smelts, baby polpetti (octopus), stuffed calamari, and<br />
Capesante Gratinate (breaded scallops), which he has graciously<br />
provided below.<br />
The presentation of the scallops dish is quite symbolic.<br />
Imagine the halo behind the heads of saintly figures in<br />
medieval and Renaissance paintings and sculptures, and<br />
there you have Franco Federico’s holiday treat for you.<br />
Franco Federico is Chef Owner, Fountain Side<br />
Seafood & Grill, 537 Easton Road, Horsham, PA 19040;<br />
215-957-5122; www.fountainsidegrill.com.<br />
RECIPE<br />
Capesante Gratinate<br />
1 clove garlic<br />
2 tablespoons butter<br />
1 bunch parsley<br />
9 capesante (scallops in shells)<br />
5 ounces fine bread crumbs<br />
¼ teaspoon nutmeg<br />
2 ounces brandy<br />
salt and black pepper to taste<br />
Cut butter into small cubes and begin to melt in<br />
medium-sized sauce pan.<br />
Once melted, add crushed garlic clove until golden<br />
brown.<br />
Add chopped parsley and mix together (take pan off<br />
heat).<br />
Slowly add breadcrumbs and mix until you have a<br />
homogeneous mixture.<br />
Add salt and pepper to taste and then add nutmeg.<br />
Add brandy to breadcrumb mix. If too dry, add a few<br />
drops of water.<br />
Place clean capesante neatly back into their shells.<br />
Put 2 smaller spoonfuls of breadcrumbs over each<br />
capesante and level the crumbs with the back of a spoon.<br />
Place capesante in the oven pre-heated at 420˚F. and<br />
bake until brown—for 5 to 7 minutes maximum! DO<br />
NOT OVERCOOK!<br />
Serve piping hot.<br />
40 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 00
PATRICK FEURY<br />
It might seem unusual that Patrick Feury, the Chef<br />
Partner of Nectar, the sumptuous pan-Asian dining<br />
palace in Berwyn, would choose venison as the centerpiece<br />
of his holiday recipe. After all, wasn’t Nectar<br />
named the Best Asian Fusion restaurant in 2015 by<br />
County Lines Magazine? But isn’t this the restaurant whose<br />
menu boldly begins with a quote from the Dalai Lama: “Approach<br />
love and cooking with reckless abandon”?<br />
Of course. And anyone who knows Patrick Feury’s fierce<br />
independence and boundless imagination knows that he<br />
loves “fooling around” with possibilities when it comes to fine<br />
food. And he is very much hands-on. That means he cultivates<br />
his own herb and vegetable garden behind the restaurant.<br />
He has become a certified artisan cheese maker. He also<br />
happens to be a hunter. He’s been hunting with a bow and<br />
arrow for more than thirty years. And, very much aware of<br />
the cooler months’ “gifts” on the calendar, he says, “Venison<br />
correlates with hunting season.”<br />
But isn’t venison a challenge to find? After all, personally<br />
hunted game is not permitted in restaurant kitchens. But<br />
Feury, who was named one of the country’s top chefs in the<br />
inaugural edition of Best Chefs America in 2013, says that<br />
venison can be purchased at Trader Joe’s or online at<br />
D’Artagnan, which offers exotic gourmet foods for sale, and<br />
elsewhere.<br />
Feury’s recipe also calls for the use of a smoker, a valuable<br />
tool in a professional kitchen and one easy enough to acquire<br />
(hint, hint) for the holiday (or any) season. Camerons stovetop<br />
smokers are available at Targets for roughly $60 a unit.<br />
Think of the possibilities!<br />
Tea Smoked Venison, served with two interesting side<br />
dishes, parsnip puree and lingonberries (easy to find at<br />
Whole Foods or at IKEA), is a dazzling alternative to traditional<br />
holiday fare. Consider: what meat could be more<br />
American than venison? Buffalo, perhaps? Technically, any<br />
large game, including elk, moose, caribou, and antelope, is<br />
considered venison.<br />
The fruits of Feury’s hunts might find their way onto the<br />
chef ’s home holiday table. His favorite holiday is Thanksgiving,<br />
one of only three days Nectar is not open, the other two<br />
being Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. At home on<br />
Christmas Eve, Feury says that he and his family might do a<br />
modified Feast of the Seven Fishes, because his wife is Italian.<br />
But his mother is from England, so lamb might also find<br />
its way onto the table. Eclectic is the order of the (holi)day.<br />
Do visit Nectar, co-owned by one of the region’s leading<br />
restaurateurs, Michael Wei (Yangming, CinCin, Mandarin<br />
Garden), as soon as you can. Then you’ll understand why<br />
Nectar was awarded the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence<br />
Award for hospitality excellence in 2014, why it is consistently<br />
named the best or one of the best restaurants on the<br />
Main Line, why it regularly appears in Philadelphia magazine’s<br />
Top 50 Restaurants of Philly edition, and why Philadelphia<br />
Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan recently named Nectar<br />
one of his five favorite restaurants in the Philadelphia suburbs<br />
in his Ultimate Dining guide.<br />
Patrick Feury is Chef Partner, Nectar, 1091 Lancaster Avenue,<br />
Berwyn, PA 19312; 610-725-9000; www.tastenectar.com.<br />
RECIPE<br />
Tea Smoked Venison, Parsnip Puree, Lingonberry, Fresh<br />
Herbs<br />
Tea Smoked Venison Marinated<br />
2 pounds venison tenderloin<br />
2 whole shallots, chopped fine<br />
1 teaspoon rosemary chopped fine<br />
2 ounces olive oil<br />
Combine shallots, rosemary, and olive oil and rub onto the<br />
venison meat. Refrigerate overnight.<br />
Tea Smoke<br />
1 ounce rice<br />
1 ounce flour<br />
2 ounces jasmine tea<br />
½ ounce juniper berry<br />
Mix the rice, flour, jasmine tea, and juniper berry and<br />
spread on the bottom of the smoker.<br />
Place the venison on the rack, then in the smoker, and place<br />
the smoker on the stove top at medium heat. When smoke<br />
fills the smoker, remove from heat. Let sit for five minutes.<br />
Parsnip Puree (side dish)<br />
8 parsnips<br />
2 quarts milk<br />
salt and white pepper to taste<br />
Peel the parsnips and cut into one-inch pieces. Combine the<br />
milk and the parsnips in a pot and cook until the parsnip is<br />
soft. Then puree in a food processor, adding the milk little by<br />
little to get a creamy consistency.<br />
Lingonberry side dish<br />
2 cups lingonberries<br />
12 ounces sugar<br />
1 ounce sea salt<br />
Combine the lingonberries, sugar, and sea salt. Mix and let<br />
sit overnight.<br />
You may substitute fresh cranberries if you can’t find lingonberries.<br />
42 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 00
Planning A<br />
Basement<br />
Makeover<br />
Today’s basements are way beyond<br />
the dark space with Dad’s<br />
workshop, Mom’s laundry space,<br />
and storage for holiday decor<br />
BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ<br />
YOU LONG FOR THAT MUCH NEEDED<br />
extra space in your home, but you just don’t have the<br />
extra green to put on an expensive addition. For much<br />
less, you can tap into the underground space in your<br />
home with a basement makeover. Modern basements<br />
now include wine cellars with cozy tasting spaces,<br />
game rooms, family rooms, man caves, custom home<br />
theaters, home offices, play rooms for the kiddies,<br />
home gyms, dry/wet bar areas, bedrooms, bathrooms,<br />
even closets. To make over your basement properly<br />
takes the work of a concerted effort between the architect<br />
and the builder. Custom Carpenter Justin Simonet<br />
of Justin’s Carpentry & Home Improvements<br />
LLC and Susan M. Rochelle, AIA, Architect offer<br />
helpful information to homeowners thinking about<br />
44 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 45
46 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
asement makeovers.<br />
According to Justin Simonet, there are two steps to consider in<br />
basement renovations. Step one is to determine if you have a<br />
water/moisture problem. A mild case of water intrusion will show<br />
on the walls. This is called efflorescence, which is the migration of a<br />
salt to the surface of a porous material, where it forms a coating. This<br />
can be treated inexpensively using a brush cleaning and a masonry<br />
paint like UGL Drylok. If your water problem is more prominent<br />
like standing water on the slab floor or pouring through the walls<br />
with a heavy rain storm, dramatic basement waterproofing is required.<br />
This can be achieved by a reputable basement waterproofing<br />
contractor installing a French drain piping system, dimple board,<br />
and sump pump. “After these steps are taken, I usually inform my<br />
clients to wait at least a year before finishing the space. This way you<br />
can be certain the waterproofing has worked and your new space<br />
will be dry and unharmed by moisture for years to come.”<br />
Step two to your basement remodel, Simonet says, is to<br />
find a reputable design/build contractor and/or architect.<br />
The professional will know the latest in basement<br />
technology. For instance, according to Simonet, basement<br />
partition wall framing has moved from wood to<br />
steel stud construction. The environment in a basement tends to have<br />
more moisture than the first or second floor of the home. Mold is<br />
less of a problem on a steel frame versus wood. The only disadvantage<br />
of using steel versus wood is that the electrical wires need a plastic<br />
insert or insulator through every stud or steel penetration that they<br />
cross. If you have the budget, go for the under tile floor heating. He<br />
says that it can be costly, but money well spent, especially on a slab<br />
floor. In addition, Simonet always uses a drywall contractor to hang<br />
and finish the drywall. “I highly recommend this step being left to<br />
a professional. The spackle work is an art and a bad job will reflect<br />
in the finished product and haunt you forever. Remember that a finished<br />
basement will add much needed space to your growing family<br />
and great resale value to any home if done properly.”<br />
When it comes to planning basement makeovers, Susan M.<br />
Rochelle, AIA, Architect offers homeowners six important tips. One,<br />
if you can get the laundry room out of the basement, go for it. Two,<br />
consider putting a bathroom in the basement, especially if the redesigned<br />
space will be used often. Three, have the ductwork rerouted<br />
to the perimeter of the room so that the central area of the basement<br />
is higher. Four, you will need a safe way of existing the basement in<br />
the event of an emergency. The new design should include such elements<br />
as French doors, sliding glass doors, a large window, or a large<br />
area well. Five, think of having your finished basement be open to<br />
grade. You can have sliding doors that walk right out to the backyard.<br />
This way, when you are in the basement, you do not feel as much<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 47
00 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 00
50 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
that you are in the basement. If you home does not naturally have<br />
the grade, retaining walls can be installed on either side of the doors<br />
so that you can walk out and get to grade. Six, if you have the green<br />
to build a new home and want to have a family room in your basement,<br />
plan on a deeper basement than normal. This takes care of the<br />
ductwork issue right away.<br />
Rochelle has quite a portfolio of basement<br />
makeovers. Her clients have requested custom<br />
home theaters with theater seating and giant<br />
screens, wine cellars with cozy tasting areas, and<br />
man caves. “We put a beautiful bar in one space<br />
with a wood stove. The homeowner was a hunter and had all of his<br />
trophies displayed on the walls. Another part of the space included<br />
a game room where we had a pool table, darts, and ping pong. He<br />
could walk outside and enjoy a cigar.” One client requested a complete<br />
basement overhaul complete with a wine cellar/tasting area,<br />
exercise room, home office, and billiards room. There was a wet bar<br />
where guests could fill a glass of wine or get a drink as opposed to<br />
having a bartender setup. Another homeowner wanted a finished<br />
basement for the ladies. The client installed a built-in swimming<br />
pool with retaining walls adjacent to sliding glass doors. From the<br />
pool, you go into the basement to find a very upscale locker room.<br />
The basement includes two changing rooms, a shower, and an exercise<br />
room with painted wood. Rochelle’s most memorable basement<br />
makeover was a truly livable space. The design list included bedrooms<br />
with fireplaces, a sitting area, a bathroom, a sleeping room, a full bar,<br />
a movie theater, a gorgeous wine cellar, and a card room. There even<br />
was a large room with a fireplace where the homeowner often entertained.<br />
It had enough room to accommodate a guest band.<br />
When it comes to decor in your new basement space, Better<br />
Homes and Gardens offers some creative additions. Add some windows<br />
to your space. They will bring in natural light and add charm.<br />
Window treatments can be added to frame the windows. For your<br />
standard concrete walls, add some thought provoking art. To create<br />
functional spaces, you can add built-in dividers. Some ideas include<br />
bookshelves, unique shelving, storage cabinets, or a custom cabinet.<br />
Add some wainscoting to your basement. This could be a ledge for<br />
accent pieces or texture on walls. Last but not least, you can dress up<br />
the load bearing poles in the basement to match the style of your<br />
new room.<br />
So forget the horrid paneling, Styrofoam looking suspended<br />
ceilings, and orange shag carpeting—that is ancient history. Today’s<br />
basements should flow with the home’s design. Whether you want<br />
a family room area, cozy reading nook, or a modern guest suite with<br />
a deep fireplace, there are so many possibilities for your new basement<br />
space. For more information from Justin Simonet of Justin’s<br />
Carpentry & Home Improvements LLC, you can visit Facebook<br />
and Houzz. For Susan M. Rochelle, AIA, Architect, log onto<br />
www.susanrochellearchitect.com.<br />
MARY BETH SCHWARTZ IS A FREELANCE WRITER WHO FREQUENTLY CON-<br />
TRIBUTES TO REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 51
00 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M
Late Winter<br />
Dusting<br />
Photo Essay by Jess Graves<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 00
54 M O N T C O M A G . C O M<br />
A light snowfall is often missed while driving on the overly salted roads. It disappears before we can see<br />
its beauty. Off the road, walking the Delaware Canal Trail, a light snow brings a quiet beauty and gentle<br />
contrast to an iconically Bucks County scene. Against a the snow covered countryside, Bowman’s Tower<br />
seems to be a lonely soldier, forlorn, waiting for a watchman and a season of activity.
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 55
56 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
The water overflow on the Delaware Canal Trail lets us know that the snow is is only a harbinger of things<br />
to come. Soon daffodils will come marching across the land, claiming it for another more restless season.<br />
Late winter dustings are frail and patches of earth eagerly pop through the thin layer of snow, while trees<br />
quickly return to their stark winter nudity, knowing that their time to bloom is close at hand.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 57
In the Garden<br />
Kept From<br />
The Cold<br />
Plants that are not frost-sensitive<br />
and not hardy enough to make it<br />
outside can be brought inside over<br />
the winter –by Lori Pelkowski<br />
WWINTER IS COMING. IT’S THAT TIME OF<br />
year again. A bright window or fluorescent lights on a<br />
timer will keep your plants, and you, happy over the dreary<br />
days of winter. Some can cope with the short days of winter<br />
and dry indoor air better than others, and beware of<br />
either hot or cold drafts, and of placing plants too close to<br />
radiators or hot air outlets. The plants may not flower or<br />
look their best in February, but if you can hold out until<br />
the frost has passed, you can bring them back outside again<br />
for another season of lush beauty.<br />
The easiest plants to store over the winter are the bulbs<br />
and tubers that are not frost hardy, such as cannas, caladiums,<br />
elephant's ears, gladiolas and dahlias. Dig the tubers<br />
up after frost has killed the foliage. Cut off the stems and<br />
58 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
leaves and let the tubers rest and dry for<br />
several days in a cool place, like a shelf in<br />
the garage or shed. Store the tubers in labeled<br />
mesh bags filled with damp peat<br />
moss. Check the peat moss occasionally<br />
to make sure it's still damp and to remove<br />
any tubers that may have rotted.<br />
The next easiest plants to store over<br />
the winter are the frost-sensitive ones<br />
that can be grown as houseplants, including<br />
fuchsia, bougainvillea, and hibiscus,<br />
tropical such as bananas, palms<br />
and citrus trees, and tender perennial<br />
herbs like rosemary, lemon verbena and<br />
bay trees.<br />
When night temperatures dip into<br />
the 40s, gradually reduce light levels by<br />
moving plants from sun to light shade<br />
to heavy shade over the course of one<br />
week. Then, inspect the plants carefully,<br />
removing any dead, damaged, or diseased<br />
parts, and any visible insects.<br />
Wash the leaves and stems and allow<br />
them time to dry. Spray the entire plant<br />
(upper and lower surfaces of leaves)<br />
with an insecticidal soap. Before repotting,<br />
submerge each pot in a bucket of<br />
water. This will cause any insects crawling<br />
in the soil to float to the top.<br />
Remove as much garden soil from<br />
the roots as you can, and use a commercially<br />
prepared houseplant potting mix<br />
in clean pots. Garden soil will not drain<br />
as well and may contain weed seeds, insects,<br />
disease organisms and other pests.<br />
Once the plant is potted up, water it and<br />
place it in a shady spot to recover and<br />
prepare for its journey indoors. Keep<br />
these plants separate from other indoor<br />
plants for at least a few weeks in case<br />
pest problems develop.<br />
Plants are more likely to grow compact<br />
and bushy and flower indoors if<br />
you grow them under fluorescent tubes<br />
rather than natural light. A mixture of<br />
cool-white and warm-white bulbs is<br />
recommended, but all cool-white bulbs<br />
are fine too. Place the bulbs no more<br />
than 12 inches above the plants. To simplify<br />
the lighting, put the lights on a<br />
timer set so the plants receive 12 to 16<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 16 59
The Kitchen of your Dreams is waiting for you.<br />
Handcrafted here for you at our workshop.<br />
Pa Lic#16366<br />
F U R N I T U R E , L T D.<br />
hours of light a day.<br />
The common geranium makes an<br />
attractive houseplant. Not to be confused<br />
with the true geranium, which is<br />
a hardy perennial in our area, the common<br />
geranium that everyone knows<br />
and loves is actually an annual named<br />
pelargonium. Both the upright and ivyleaved<br />
varieties can be grown indoors<br />
for their ornamental value, as well as to<br />
maintain them for re-use in the garden<br />
or container next spring. They do best<br />
in full sunlight indoors but will tolerate<br />
moderate light.<br />
There are three basic methods of<br />
over wintering geraniums: dry storage,<br />
potted or cuttings. To over winter your<br />
favorites using dry storage, carefully dig<br />
V<br />
isit our beautiful Bucks<br />
County Showroom<br />
filled with furniture<br />
and accessories.<br />
Hours:Tuesday thru Friday 10-5; Saturday<br />
10-4:30<br />
Closed Sundays and Mondays<br />
911 S. Perkasie Road,<br />
Blooming Glen, PA 18911<br />
Between Route 152 & Blooming Glen<br />
Road. Please call for directions.<br />
215-257-5700<br />
www.rswfurniture.com<br />
whole plants before frost, tie them in<br />
bundles, shake off the soil and hang<br />
them by the root ends in a cool basement<br />
or moist area for the winter. Storage<br />
temperature should be between 35<br />
and 45°F, and the humidity should be<br />
80 percent or higher.<br />
You can also store the plants in their<br />
pots in a garage or storage area, provided<br />
they won’t get below freezing.<br />
Give them limited water and allow<br />
them to go dormant. Next spring, water<br />
them well, cut off the dead tips, and<br />
they should begin to grow again.<br />
To over winter pelargoniums as<br />
houseplants, dig them up in the fall before<br />
the first frost, taking as much of the<br />
root system as possible. Follow the directions<br />
above for reducing light and<br />
eliminating pests. Use a container large<br />
enough to accommodate the root system,<br />
cut back to a height of six to ten<br />
inches, place in a sunny window or<br />
under fluorescent lights, and water<br />
them as needed, once a week or so. They<br />
will grow and even bloom during the<br />
dreariest days of winter, and even if the<br />
plants do get a bit leggy, flowers in winter<br />
are always welcome.<br />
To propagate pelargoniums from<br />
cuttings, first select containers about<br />
four inches deep and fill them with<br />
moist houseplant potting mix. Cut off<br />
shoot tips three or four inches long and<br />
remove the leaves on the lower part of<br />
the stem. Insert the cuttings into the<br />
mix about an inch and a half deep. Put<br />
the container in a clear plastic bag,<br />
They will grow and<br />
even bloom during the<br />
dreariest days of winter.<br />
twist-tie the top closed, and place the<br />
container in a warm location that receives<br />
bright but indirect sun. Check<br />
the condensation on the plastic bags occasionally,<br />
and open the tops of the bags<br />
now and then to release some excess<br />
moisture.<br />
However you choose to overwinter<br />
pelargoniums, wait until the danger of<br />
frost is past in spring, then cut plants<br />
back by about one-third before transplanting<br />
them back into the garden.<br />
Keep them shaded and well watered for<br />
a few days as they make the transition<br />
back to the outdoors.<br />
Try the cutting method of over wintering<br />
with other annuals like coleus or<br />
begonia, or even shrubs such as acuba,<br />
pussy willow, or burning bush. Have<br />
fun, and enjoy the beauty of growing<br />
plants even on the bleakest winter days.<br />
LORI PELKOWSKI, THE MIDNIGHT GAR-<br />
DENER, IS A TEMPLE UNIVERSITY CERTIFIED<br />
MASTER HOME GARDENER.<br />
60 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Holiday<br />
Gift Guide
Holiday Gift Guide<br />
64 South Main • Doylestown 215-345-7541• fxdougherty.com<br />
62 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Holiday Gift Guide<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 63
Holiday Gift Guide<br />
Keep Us in Your Sights<br />
When You Shop<br />
This Holiday Season!<br />
Target World Gift Cards<br />
$25.00 to $1,000.<br />
We Target All The Outdoor Sportsman’s needs...<br />
We offer one of the largest selection of guns, safes and<br />
sporting goods and accessories in the Delaware Valley.<br />
Hunting and Fishing Licenses Black Powder Supplies<br />
New Pistol/Rifle Ranges<br />
New Hepa Ventilation System<br />
County Line Rd. & Rt. 202<br />
Chalfont, PA (5 minutes north of Montgomery Mall)<br />
Showroom and Range Call<br />
215.822.3900 / www.targetworldinc.com<br />
We accept all major credit cards<br />
We are Open Tues-Thurs 9-9 • Sat & Sun 9-5, Closed Monday<br />
64 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Holiday Gift Guide<br />
“...Your Diamond Destination”<br />
“Remount<br />
HER<br />
diamond for the<br />
holidays!”<br />
“all the newest designs”<br />
We also carry new<br />
diamonds for HER<br />
#1 jeweler in the perkiomen valley for over 23 years. We carry all<br />
the latest ring designs by manufacturers like Gabriel & co and<br />
Zeg hani bridal. Go to chiccarines.com to view the selection.<br />
Chiccarines.com<br />
Rt. 29 Collegeville PA<br />
610-489-2007<br />
Tues-Fri 10am-6pmm • Sat 10am-5pm<br />
Closed Sun & Mon<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 65
Amazing Variety of:<br />
• Chocolate<br />
• Dried Fruits<br />
• Spices<br />
• Asher’s Chocolate<br />
• Sugar Free Candy<br />
• Laccas coffee<br />
• Lacolombe coffee<br />
• Confectioners<br />
supplies<br />
• Melting chocolates<br />
• Candy Bar Candy<br />
• Wedding Candy<br />
• Corporate Accounts<br />
• Party Candy<br />
• Special Handmade<br />
Chocolates<br />
• Handmade dog<br />
treats & bones<br />
Factory<br />
Tours<br />
Hours daily 9-6<br />
Saturday 9-5 • Sunday 10-3<br />
Call for extended holiday hours<br />
610-828-7441<br />
441 East Hector Street<br />
Conshohocken PA 19428<br />
EDWARDSFREEMAN.COM<br />
66 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Holiday Gift Guide<br />
D<br />
SCO<br />
VER<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ACC<br />
CENT<br />
On th<br />
Your Style!<br />
PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM PRESENTS<br />
NOW<br />
OPEN!<br />
th<br />
he Rock<br />
ks<br />
e<br />
Eclect<br />
tic<br />
Unique!<br />
learn more at<br />
PleaseTouchMuseum.or<br />
g<br />
Chic!<br />
4064 Skippack Pike<br />
Skippack PA<br />
610-615-5901<br />
ww ww.accentontherocks.comth<br />
4231 Avenue of the Republic<br />
Philadelphia, PA19131<br />
215-581-3181<br />
Additional support provided by: Debra Altshul-Stark and Brian Stark | Greater<br />
Milwaukee Foundation<br />
The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD exhibit was created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with Hasbro.<br />
MR. POTATO HEAD is a registered trademark of Hasbro, Inc. and is used with permission. © 2016 Hasbro. All rights reserved.<br />
National Tour sponsored by:<br />
• Painted & Custom Furniture<br />
• Custom Farmhouse Tables<br />
• Home Decor • Gifts<br />
• Paint • Workshops<br />
450 E. Main St.<br />
Collegeville, PA 19426<br />
Tel: (610) 409-1999<br />
www.urbanluxhome.com<br />
Hours: Wed-Fri: 11AM-6PM<br />
Sat: 11AM-5PM<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 67
Home<br />
Creative<br />
Contracting<br />
For 29 years this North Wales<br />
design/build firm, Creative Contracting,has<br />
specialized in kitchens,<br />
baths, and additions –by Mary Beth Schwartz<br />
TTHE WINTER MONTHS ARE THE PERFECT<br />
time to contemplate projects for spring. Perhaps the<br />
exterior of your home is in need of new siding, windows,<br />
and roof. Maybe you would like to finally get<br />
started on the master bathroom oasis that you have always<br />
wanted. How about turning your builder grade<br />
kitchen into a connoisseur’s retreat? When you are<br />
ready to start, Creative Contracting, Inc. is there to<br />
handle every type of project, both interior and exterior,<br />
specializing in additions, kitchens, and bathrooms.<br />
Designer Kimberly DuBree, along with husband<br />
and CEO Bob, run Creative Contracting, Inc. They<br />
work together to meet the needs of clients, most who<br />
reside in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and help<br />
68 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Opposite, white continues to be the first choice in kitchen colors. There is<br />
much in this kitchen that follows trends, which include designing options<br />
to increase space and to make the kitchen more open and functional. Above,<br />
a family room that has custom molding, a warm fireplace and new hardwood<br />
floors to accompany the color scheme of gray and white. Bottom, a<br />
large bath with an expansive shower and an ornate chandelier.<br />
turn their visions into reality. “In a family owned<br />
business, everyone does a bit of everything. I handle<br />
all of the marketing and meet with clients to help select<br />
products that best meet their tastes and budgets.<br />
I frequently attend design meetings and offer another<br />
perspective in determining the best solution to design<br />
questions. My experience in envisioning the final<br />
product is helpful to clients who aren’t’ as familiar<br />
with looking at small samples and blueprints,”<br />
DuBree says.<br />
Over the years, Creative Contracting, Inc. has received<br />
awards for construction, design, and project<br />
management from the National Association of the<br />
Remodeling Industry (NARI) and Bucks-Mont<br />
continued on page 79<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 69
Dining Out<br />
–by Frank Quattrone<br />
Photos: Paul Wesley<br />
TRAX RESTAURANT & CAFÉ<br />
Executive Chef Steve Waxman, longtime owner of<br />
Trax Restaurant & Café at the Ambler train station,<br />
refuses to rest on his laurels—and they are considerable.<br />
His courageous opening of Trax Café in 1998,<br />
when Ambler was not everyone’s first choice for a serious<br />
restaurant location, helped pave the way for the<br />
borough’s resurgence. Today, largely because of its dining and entertainment<br />
scene (think Act II Playhouse, the art-film Ambler<br />
Theater, and the Ambler Symphony), Ambler has become one of<br />
the most popular destinations in Montgomery County. Some fondly<br />
call it the county’s “downtown,” where they come to enjoy a walk<br />
down Butler Avenue after dinner and a show (and yes—Trax offers<br />
a dining discount to Act II theatergoers), or just to window shop in<br />
one of the last bastions of friendly mom-and-pop retail stores.<br />
But Waxman modestly demurs when kudos come his way—<br />
even when borough residents thank him for his role in introducing<br />
the Ambler Farmers Market, in the parking lot adjacent to the<br />
restaurant, onto the scene. Now, after a hugely successful fourth year<br />
of nearly two-dozen local vendors offering fresh produce, breads,<br />
and services each Saturday from May through October, it has become<br />
a welcome staple of Ambler’s economy. Waxman graciously<br />
patronizes these vendors and their products—like old-fashioned<br />
tomatoes from GreenWorks Farm in North Wales, breads and confections<br />
from Alice Bakery in Ambler, and mushrooms from the<br />
newly opened Ambler Mushroom Company.<br />
The night of our most recent visit, Eve and I enjoyed a delightful<br />
appetizer special called Roasted Trumpet Mushrooms with Grilled<br />
Asparagus and Shallots, accompanied with another refreshing<br />
starter, Roasted Golden Beets with Goat Cheese and Seasonal<br />
Greens.<br />
Yes, Waxman and his lovely wife Claire love eating vegetarian<br />
foods. Their niece, Jaime Morris, who works at the restaurant, is a<br />
vegan, so Waxman is gradually introducing vegetarian items onto<br />
the menu. In fact, with maybe four exceptions, the menu is essentially<br />
gluten-free. Waxman is presently becoming re-certified as a<br />
chef with Beyond Celiac, the national celiac disease awareness and<br />
70 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
continued on next page<br />
TAQUERIA FELIZ<br />
The vibe at Horsham’s Taqueria Feliz on a cool autumn<br />
night was unmistakably festive. That is strictly by design.<br />
You see, feliz is the Spanish word for “happy,”<br />
and this is precisely the experience that co-owners<br />
Brian Sirhal and Executive Chef Tim Spinner have<br />
succeeded in creating ever since they opened Cantina Feliz in Fort<br />
Washington five years ago. Since then, these two boyhood friends<br />
and longtime restaurateurs have launched three more popular Mexican<br />
restaurants — La Calaca Feliz in the Fairmount section of<br />
Philadelphia, Taqueria Feliz in Manayunk and, since the beginning<br />
of this year, Taqueria Feliz in Horsham.<br />
All four restaurants are clearly built for fun. Just perusing the<br />
playfully colorful murals, most of which are inspired by the Day of<br />
the Dead, makes one smile. But the co-owners’ passion for Mexican<br />
culture, most specifically, its underrated cuisine, is what fires the loyalty<br />
they’ve generated with their loyal guests. While Cantina Feliz<br />
offers Chef Spinner’s sometimes offbeat interpretations of traditional<br />
Mexican cuisine, La Calaca Feliz is known for its upscale<br />
reimagining of Mexican street food. Manayunk’s Taqueria Feliz is<br />
an even funkier rendering of modern Mexican street food, where<br />
Tacos de Chapulines (or crispy grasshopper tacos) still amaze local<br />
palates.<br />
Spinner and Sirhal have gained valuable experience working<br />
closely with Philly’s great cosmopolitan restaurateurs—Spinner, at<br />
Stephen Starr’s El Vez and at José Garces’ Amada, and both, at<br />
Garces’ Distrito, where they felt emboldened enough to open their<br />
own Mexican (Cantina Feliz).<br />
But Horsham’s Taqueria Feliz is no carbon copy of its Manayunk<br />
sister. With able assistance from Executive Chef Michael<br />
Brenfleck, a three-year veteran of La Calaca Feliz, the partners put<br />
their heads together to develop some “similar flavors,” as Sirhal calls<br />
it, like coconut-crusted Coco Loco Shrimp with sriracha aioli, and<br />
Brisket Enchiladas. But there are some brand-new offerings at the<br />
Horsham location, such as Crab Enchiladas, filled with lentils,<br />
tomato and crema in a chipotle cream sauce, and Mexican Pizzas.<br />
These extremely thin-crusted pizzas, made with corn masa (or<br />
dough), are quite original. While the Chicharrón is topped with<br />
crispy chicken skins, braised kale, and smoked mozzarella, topped<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 71
TRAX RESTAURANT & CAFÉ<br />
advocacy group founded by his friend Alice Bast in Ambler in 2003,<br />
after her long struggle with undiagnosed celiac disease.<br />
“We have been moving toward all sustainable products, products<br />
that use no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. For instance,” Waxman<br />
said, “our chickens that we use for stocks, soups, sauces, barbecue,<br />
and entrées are all Pennsylvania organic. Bell & Evans, our pork<br />
belly ribs, are from the Midwest and are all natural, as is the brisket.”<br />
Self-effacingly, Waxman calls himself “a dinosaur, old-school.”<br />
Yet despite increasing competition from restaurant chains across the<br />
region, Trax Restaurant still thrives in its independence, in its new<br />
American cuisine. In actuality, that simply means the kind of food<br />
Steve Waxman has always loved to eat.<br />
During his nearly 20 years at the helm, with No. 1 man Jamaican<br />
Chef de Cuisine Dewdney Reynolds by his side in the<br />
kitchen, trading good-natured barbs while engaged in meticulous<br />
prepping and cooking for loyal guests at the cozy little café, the chef<br />
owner has featured close to 200 items on the menu. Crab cakes,<br />
salmon, and sirloin, in various preparations, remain staples, yet they<br />
always find new ways to keep each item fresh and appealing.<br />
The present menu offers Porcini Crusted Pan Seared Salmon<br />
with BBQ Sauce; Lump Crab Cake with Roasted Pepper Remoulade;<br />
PA Organic Chicken Breast with Caper Sauce; and Eve’s<br />
favorite—she claims nobody does it better—House Smoked BBQ<br />
plate, with the best homemade cole slaw she’s ever tasted.<br />
On this latest visit, Eve thoroughly enjoyed the hearty salmon<br />
entrée, which broke off easily with her fork and tickled her taste<br />
buds with Waxman’s unparalleled barbecue sauce. For my part, I<br />
trusted the chef owner’s recommendation of Braised Brisket with<br />
Country Gravy and was rewarded with the best brisket I’ve ever had<br />
(and it’s far from one of my favorite meats) this side of my own wife’s<br />
special recipe.<br />
As you can see, Trax Restaurant’s modest menu is still as eclectic<br />
as ever. It runs from appetizers such as Brussels Sprouts with House-<br />
Smoked Bacon to main courses such as Sweet Italian Sausage Pomodoro<br />
over Penne Pasta and Pepper and Herb-Crusted Rack of<br />
Lamb with Red Wine Demi to desserts like Dark Chocolate Cognac<br />
Mousse with Whipped Cream and Fudge Chocolate Brownie<br />
with Bassetts Raspberry Truffle—an all-American menu to satisfy<br />
virtually every palate.<br />
And for the holiday season, guests can enjoy Chef Waxman’s 7<br />
Fishes Dinner from December 22 through 24 and a special, eminently<br />
affordable New Year’s Menu from December 29 to 30.<br />
Featured in the 2015 Arcadia Publishing pictorial history Legendary<br />
Locals of Ambler for his contributions to Ambler’s culinary<br />
renaissance as well his community activism, Steve Waxman continues<br />
to make his case for repeated visits to one of the most understated,<br />
if consistently excellent restaurants in Montgomery County.<br />
TRAX RESTAURANT & CAFÉ IS LOCATED AT THE AMBLER TRAIN STATION,<br />
27 W. BUTLER AVE., AMBLER, PA 19002; 215-591-9777; WWW.TRAX<br />
CAFE.COM. OPEN FOR DINNER ONLYTUESDAY–SATURDAY, 4:30–10 P.M.<br />
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. BYOB. AVAILABLE FOR OFF-PREMISE<br />
CATERING.<br />
TAQUERIA FELIZ<br />
by ranchera sauce, Eve and I enjoyed the tangy Brussels Sprouts &<br />
Bacon pizza, topped with manchego cheese, caramelized onions,<br />
rajas (green chilies, onions, and cream), whipped ricotta, lemon, and<br />
jalapeños.<br />
While tacos are understandably a mainstay at all of the Feliz<br />
restaurants, the Horsham location is the only one to offer its tacos<br />
on bibb lettuce — a refreshing and healthful variation on a theme.<br />
Another innovation at Horsham, which we also found delightful, is<br />
the Taco Flight, a sampling of the restaurant’s signature Baja Fish<br />
(two tacos filled with plantain-encrusted tilapia, avocado chipotle<br />
aioli, and cabbage slaw), Carnitas (two tacos stuffed with pulled<br />
pork, salsa raja, cilantro, onion, and avocado), and Chicken Tinga<br />
(two tacos filled with chicken stewed in chipotle, avocado, pickled<br />
cabbage, queso, and crema).<br />
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You must begin your meal<br />
with the taqueria’s exquisite guacamole, served, of course, with chips<br />
and salsa. But the variations are absolute tongue-ticklers. We especially<br />
enjoyed our samplings of the Bacon & Fig Guacamole, laced<br />
with candied almonds and Cabrales bleu cheese; the Shrimp Ce-<br />
You must begin your meal with<br />
the taqueria’s exquisite guacamole,<br />
served, of course, with chips and<br />
salsa. But the variations are<br />
absolute tongue-ticklers.<br />
viche, spiked with spicy tomato sauce and scallions; and the healthful<br />
Super Seed, mixed with pepitas (edible pumpkin seeds), sesame,<br />
chia, hemp, and almonds, tossed with honey, olive oil, and sea salt.<br />
72 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Taqueria Feliz<br />
Continued from opposite page<br />
Next we tried two of the chefs’ distinctive<br />
appetizers: Shrimp Ceviche Tacos, filled<br />
with spicy tomato and scallions in crispy<br />
corn tortillas, and tender Wood Roasted<br />
Octopus, artfully arrayed in our plate and<br />
served with crispy fingerling potatoes and<br />
adobo (a piquant dark-red chili sauce),<br />
nicely balanced with orange marmalade.<br />
Our excellent hostess, general manager<br />
Kelly Fink, a five-year veteran of Cantina<br />
Feliz and La Calaca Feliz, recommended<br />
several of the dishes we tried. Among them<br />
were a satisfying Seared Tuna Taco, stuffed<br />
with adobo-marinated albacore, taqueria<br />
guacamole, and sesame cucumber salad; a<br />
most unusual Southern Fried Chicken Taco,<br />
which would go over well in Nashville, married<br />
with chili honey sauce, cheddar grits,<br />
and arugula; and some truly delicious Steak<br />
& Chicken Fajitas, the closest we had to an<br />
entrée, wrapped in a flour tortilla, served<br />
with a pleasing mix of onions, peppers, salsa<br />
verde, pico de gallo, crema, and refried black<br />
beans. I washed it down with a refreshing<br />
frozen Spinirita Margarita swirled with red<br />
sangria.<br />
Although we left no room for dessert,<br />
the restaurant offers the likes of Butterscotch<br />
Budino of dulce de leche and a<br />
churro cookie, and a brownie-based<br />
“Domingo” Sundae, brimming over with<br />
fried plantains, churros ice cream, caramel<br />
cajeta (a thick, dark syrup) and pepitas.<br />
Did I mention that Taqueria Feliz is<br />
family-friendly, with an appealing Little<br />
Amigos Kids Menu (featuring a Peanut<br />
Butter, Jelly & Fluff Quesadilla), margaritas<br />
and specialty cocktails for mom and dad —<br />
plus a lively Happy Hour to sweeten the end<br />
of a day.<br />
TAQUERIA FELIZ IS LOCATED AT 303 HORSHAM<br />
ROAD, HORSHAM, PA 19044; 215-323-4530;<br />
WWW.TAQUERIAFELIZ.COM. OPEN FOR LUNCH<br />
MONDAY – FRIDAY, 11:30 A.M. –3 P.M.; DINNER<br />
MONDAY–FRIDAY, 3 P.M.–CLOSE, AND SATURDAY<br />
AND SUNDAY, 4 P.M.–CLOSE. HAPPY HOUR:<br />
MONDAY–FRIDAY, 3–6:30 P.M. AVAILABLE FOR<br />
TAKEOUT AND CATERING PRIVATE PARTIES ON<br />
AND OFF PREMISES.<br />
Chefs<br />
Continued from page 38<br />
RECIPE<br />
Red Grape, Gorgonzola and Walnut<br />
Focaccia<br />
Red grapes, potent but lusciously creamy<br />
Italian Gorgonzola, and soft-textured walnuts<br />
top soft, light focaccia tinted golden<br />
with semolina. Red globe grapes are fabulous,<br />
though they must be pitted. In their<br />
short fall season, inky blue Concord grapes<br />
bake up dark and sweet. Serve this sweetsavory<br />
focaccia with red wine, or cocktails.<br />
(Adapted from Starting with Ingredients:<br />
Baking by Aliza Green)<br />
Yield: 1 large rectangular focaccia, 12 to<br />
16 servings<br />
1/2 pound (1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons)<br />
unbleached all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 pound (1 cup) semolina flour<br />
2 teaspoons fine sea salt<br />
1 (1/4-ounce) package (2-1/4 teaspoons)<br />
active dry yeast<br />
1-1/2 cups lukewarm water<br />
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided<br />
freshly ground black pepper<br />
1/2 pound large red grapes, halved and<br />
pitted if necessary<br />
¼ pound Gorgonzola cheese, cut into<br />
small bits<br />
¼ pound (about 1 cup) walnuts, roughly<br />
chopped<br />
Line an 18 x 13-inch half-sheet pan (or<br />
other large baking pan) with parchment<br />
paper.<br />
Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour,<br />
semolina, and salt and reserve. In a large<br />
bowl or mixer, beat together yeast, 1/2 cup<br />
water, and 1 cup of the flour mixture.<br />
Cover and rest in a warm place until bubbling,<br />
about 20 minutes. Beat in remaining<br />
water, ¼ cup olive oil, and the flour<br />
mix. Beat until the dough is smooth, elastic<br />
and comes away from the sides of the<br />
bowl, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the dough<br />
to a large oiled bowl; cover with plastic<br />
wrap and allow the dough to rise until<br />
doubled in size, about 2 hours, at warm<br />
room temperature.<br />
Punch down dough and use oiled hands to<br />
press the dough into the pan without folding<br />
it over (don’t worry if it doesn’t reach<br />
all the way into the corners). Using your<br />
index finger, poke indentations over the<br />
surface of the dough about every inch or<br />
so. Brush dough with remaining olive oil<br />
and grind fresh black pepper over top.<br />
Press the grapes into the dough, leaving a<br />
1-inch border. Sprinkle with cheese and<br />
walnuts, then mist with water from a<br />
plant mister. Allow the focaccia to rise at<br />
warm room temperature until soft and<br />
puffy, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to<br />
400°F. Bake 25 minutes, or until nicely<br />
browned. Remove from the oven, cool<br />
about 10 minutes, then remove the focaccia<br />
from the pan and cut into squares to<br />
serve.<br />
Make ahead and storage instructions: The<br />
dough may be made one day earlier, allowed<br />
to rise, punched down and then refrigerated<br />
overnight for use the following<br />
day. Allow the dough to come to room<br />
temperature before proceeding. Store<br />
loosely covered and refrigerated up to 3<br />
days. To reheat, wrap in foil and bake in a<br />
preheated 375°F oven 30 minutes, or<br />
until bubbling.<br />
Note: Bob’s Red Mill is a good brand of<br />
finely ground semolina flour available in<br />
most supermarkets or substitute slightly<br />
more all-purpose flour for the semolina.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 73
DINING OUT GUIDE<br />
Bay Pony Inn, 508 Old Skippack Rd., Lederach, PA;<br />
215-256-6565; www.bayponyinnpa.com.<br />
The Bay Pony Inn is where informal elegance and warm hospitality come<br />
quite naturally. A blend of American and international culinary traditions,<br />
gracious service and warm hospitality await you. We invite you to visit us<br />
and allow us to share with you a bit of this old world charm and elegance.Lunch,<br />
Tues.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sunday Brunch, 11:30 a.m.–<br />
2:30 p.m.; Dinner, Tues.–Thurs., 4:30–9 p.m., Fri.-Sat, 4:30-10:30 p.m., Sun.<br />
4:30-8 p.m. Closed Monday. Banquet and wedding facilities.<br />
Blue Bell Inn, 601 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA;<br />
215-646-2010 www.bluebellinn.com.<br />
The Blue Bell Inn began welcoming guest in 1743 and a regular patron<br />
was George Washington. Now recently remodeled, yet retaining its historic<br />
integrity, the Inn is known for fine Contemporary American food,<br />
which includes premium cuts of meat, a raw bar and seafood and outdoor<br />
dining on the flagstone patio is available by request. Hours: Monday–Thursday<br />
11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.,<br />
Sunday brunch 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and dinner 5 p.m.–7 p.m.<br />
Capone’s, 224 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA;<br />
610-279-4748 www.capones-pa.com.<br />
For over forty years Matt Capone and his family have provided the East<br />
Norriton area with great food at a great price. The restaurant is familyoriented<br />
with a touch of sports bar, primed with some of the best beer<br />
you can find in the region.Our extensive menu includes traditional pub<br />
fare, delicious entrees, and even a kids menu. For the beer connoisseur in<br />
all of us–take a moment and visit our Bottle Shop in the back of the<br />
restaurant to browse our incredible selection of beers from local micro<br />
breweries, domestic craft breweries, and international micro breweries.<br />
Ristorante Castello, 721 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA;<br />
215-283-9500; www.ristorantecastello.com.<br />
Castello Ristorante is located in Blue Bell off of Route 73, Skippack Pike<br />
and offers fine dining and authentic Italian cuisine with the option to BYO<br />
wine and has full bar available. Serving lunch and dinner Monday through<br />
Saturday 11am to 10pm and Sunday's 3pm to 9pm reservations accepted.<br />
Accepts all credit cards.<br />
DaVinci’s Pub, 217 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA., 19426, 610-831-<br />
1955; www.Davincispub.com; davincispub@gmail.com.<br />
Full service, upscale, casual dining experience in a historical pub setting.<br />
Since 2007, DaVinci’s has been occupying the historic, circa,1861, location<br />
of the original Collegeville Inn. Italian influenced Seafood, Pasta, steaks and<br />
veal and creative appetizers, salads and house made desserts complete an<br />
exquisite meal. An eighteen craft beer selection, Enjoy live entertainment<br />
every Friday and Saturday beginning at 9:30 pm. Hours of operation,<br />
11:30 a.m to 1 a.m, Monday thru Thursday. 11:30 a.m to 2 a.m., Friday and<br />
Saturday. 11:30 a.m to 11 p.m. on Sundays.<br />
Gourmet Seafood & Grill, Skippack Village, 4101 Skippack Pike,<br />
Schwenksville, PA; 484-681-0838; 484-991-8130;<br />
www.gourmetseafoodgrill.com.<br />
Gourmet Seafood & Grill is a family owned Mediterranean cuisine desti-<br />
74 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
nation with freshest seafood for all cuisine and delicious pastries. Culinary<br />
master Chef Jimmy uses his talents, knowledge and love for food to<br />
transform the space into a relaxed destination where you can experience<br />
the best of various cuisine flavors, spices and cooking techniques. With<br />
over 50 combined years of food and restaurant experience, the<br />
owners of Gourmet Seafood & Grill, are bringing a culinary adventure<br />
worthy of Skippack’s foodie’ community. Serving brunch and<br />
dinner, along with catering services, the Gourmet Seafood & Grill<br />
offers a varied menu rich in traditional Mediterranean favorites.<br />
From Bronzini to New York Strip, crab cakes, stuffed grape leaves<br />
and more, the menu is sure to have just the thing to entice your<br />
taste buds. For the less adventurous crowd, Gourmet Seafood &<br />
Grill also has burgers, pasta, salads and a kids menu! Dinner daily 5<br />
p.m.–11 p.m. Lunch Tues.–Sun. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.<br />
DINING OUT GUIDE<br />
Gypsy Blu, 34 East Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA; 215-283-6080; .<br />
www.GypsyBluRestaurant.com Upbeat & Lively Atmosphere with an<br />
Eclectic menu that ranges from small plates to delectable entrees. Beautiful<br />
patio. on-site & off-site catering. Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner 7<br />
Days a Week. Serving brunch every weekend. Hours: Monday & Tuesday<br />
Kitchen 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Bar until 12a.m. Wednesday & Thursday:<br />
Kitchen 11:30 am-10 p.m. Bar until 2 a.m. Friday: Kitchen 11:30–11 p.m.<br />
Bar until 2 a.m. Saturday: Kitchen 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Bar until 2 a.m. Sunday:<br />
Kitchen 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Bar until 12 a.m. Live music every Friday & Saturday.<br />
Reservations accepted.<br />
La Pergola, 726 West Ave, Jenkintown, PA;<br />
215-884-7204 www.viewmenu.com.<br />
La Pergola’s international cuisine takes you to culinary fare around the<br />
Mediterranean. Testing the unique authentic dishes and appetizers, would<br />
make you feel as if you are sitting at a sidewalk cafe or restaurant in Tel<br />
Aviv or Athens.Enjoy contemporary cosmopolitan cuisine based on pure<br />
pleasure. La Pergola Restaurant offers healthy and delightful dishes from<br />
every corner of the Mediterranean. We offer casual fine dining at reasonable<br />
prices. Hours: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10<br />
p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.–9 p.m.<br />
Panache Woodfire Grill, 602 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA;<br />
215-641-9000; www.panachewoodfiregrill.com.<br />
Located on the corner of 73 and Penllyn Bluebell Pike, all american cuisine<br />
featuring wood fired pizza, steak, seafood, sandwiches, and salads and<br />
more. 2 full bars and 3 dining rooms. Open everyday from 10:30 till close,<br />
reservations accepted. Pentacle friendly. Visa Master card and American<br />
Express accepted.<br />
Ristorante San Marco, 504 Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA; 215-654-<br />
5000; www.sanmarcopa.com.<br />
Dining in a 19th century schoolhouse on a small hill. San Marco’s regular<br />
menu emphasizes traditional dishes from Southern Italy and Sicily. There<br />
is a beautifully appointed piano bar featuring nightly live music. Private<br />
parties for special occasions. Open Mon.-Fri., 11:30a.m.–3 p.m., 5p.m.–<br />
10p.m., Sat. 5p.m.–10p.m., closed on Sundays.<br />
Joseph Ambler Inn, 1005 Horsham Rd, North Wales, PA<br />
19454;215-362-7500; www.josephamblerinn.com.<br />
Exquisite cuisine, attention to detail, and an award-winning wine list combine<br />
to make Joseph Ambler Inn one of the most popular places to dine in<br />
F A L L 2 0 1 6 75
DINING OUT GUIDE<br />
"Make your Holiday Party & New Year's reservations now"<br />
Eastern Pennsylvania. The restaurant’s random-width hardwood floors,<br />
handcrafted cherry tables, Windsor chairs and original, exposed stone walls<br />
create the ambiance for savoring a fine meal.Joseph Ambler Inn has earned<br />
a well-deserved reputation for its eclectic lunch and dinner menus, which<br />
offer many creative flourishes. Featuring only the finest quality fresh meats,<br />
fish, and produce, and seasonal herbs and vegetables, every dish is a delight.<br />
Hours. Lunch: Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lite Fare Luncheon: Sat. &<br />
Sun. Noon to 4 p.m. Served in the JPUB-No Reservations Necessary.<br />
Dinner: Mon–Sat 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations<br />
suggested. Accepts all major credit cards.<br />
Mainland Inn, 17 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA;<br />
484-704-2600; www.mainlandinn.com.<br />
In January 2015, farmer Sloane Six and her family reopened the doors to<br />
Mainland Inn, an elegant eco revival of the historic Montgomery County<br />
inn that acts as an extension of her farm, Quarry Hill located just a mile<br />
and a half away. With an emphasis placed on culinary craftsmanship and<br />
nutritionally rich preparations, they have committed to sourcing only<br />
100% organically grown and sustainably sourced ingredients on our<br />
menu. Heirloom vegetables and heritage, pasture-raised meats from its<br />
own onsite gardens and farm, as well as other local farms allow our frequently-changing<br />
seasonal menu to offer you the freshest ingredients of<br />
the suburban Philadelphia region. Lunch: Tuesday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–2<br />
p.m. Dinner: Tuesday–Saturday 5 p.m.–9 p.m.<br />
Skippack Village Italian Market 4101 Skippack Pike Skippack<br />
610-584-4050; www.skippackitalianmarket.com.<br />
Full service dining room and outdoor patio. Gourmet hoagies and<br />
salads,specialty desserts, and coffee bar. Homemade meatballs and roast<br />
pork, Italian deli items. Wooden shelves fill the front room, packed full of<br />
the authentic Italian groceries, and packaged sweets that keep hungry visitors<br />
coming back. The Italian Market is a great place to have lunch, shop<br />
for groceries, or just browse for snacks. On and off site catering is available<br />
for any size function. Open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.– 7 p.m. Friday,<br />
Sat. to 8 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m.<br />
Tex Mex Connection, 201 E. Walnut St., North Wales, PA; 214-699-<br />
9552; www.texmexconnection.com.<br />
Tex Mex Cuisine: Characterized by the adaptation of Mexican food by<br />
Texan cooks. Often exemplified by the extensive use of meats and spices<br />
(foreign and native) resulting in creative seafood dishes, great steaks, tender<br />
ribs, and juicy pork as well as our interpretation of standards like<br />
chile con queso, nachos and fajitas. Not Mexican, not Texan, just Tex-Mex.<br />
Dining Room: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.<br />
Bar: 11 a.m.–2 a.m.<br />
Villa Barolo Ristorante & Wine Bar, the corner of Route 611 and<br />
Bristol Road, 1373 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976; 215-491-9370;<br />
www.villa-barolo.com.<br />
Having almost 100 items on the menu with nearly 25 specials, every day,<br />
Barolo serves fish and seafood, organic meats, pasta, chicken, and veal dishes<br />
and has a large raw bar. Named after an Italian wine, Villa Barolo boasts of<br />
having more than 100 wines in its wine cellar. Private parties and special<br />
events. Online menus. Hours: 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday;<br />
11:30 a.m.—11:30 p.m. Friday—Saturday, 2-10 p.m. Sunday. No reservations<br />
necessary. Major credit cards.<br />
76 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
DINING OUT GUIDE<br />
William Penn Inn, 1017 Dekalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA;<br />
215-699-9272; www.williampenn.com.<br />
Established in 1714 as a public house, the William Penn is an historical<br />
venue based in the rich tradition of hospitality. The Inn is renowned for<br />
its dedication to a tradition of continental country dining in a relaxed,<br />
cordial atmosphere along with exquisite cuisine, fine wines, personal<br />
service and flawless coordination. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.–3<br />
p.m, Saturday 11:30 a.m–2:30 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.–10 p.m.,<br />
Saturday: 4:30 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday Sunday: 2 p.m.–8 p.m. Sunday brunch<br />
10 a.m.–2 p.m.<br />
Zakes Café, 444 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA;<br />
215-654-7600; www.zakescafe.jimdo.com.<br />
Zakes Cafe is an American Fusion Restaurant featuring an innovative cuisine.<br />
It has been said of Zakes Cafe that they are a hidden Gem–an under<br />
the radar BYOB. Lunch–homemade soups, quiche, specialty salads & gourmet<br />
sandwiches. Dinner–warm and inviting, the pace is more relaxed and<br />
the menu has an eclectic American/Asian flair. The Dessert Case at the<br />
Cafe is worth the trip to Zakes on its own. Every day we feature a selection<br />
of our desserts individually sliced and in whole cake form for you to<br />
take home and enjoy. Whether you are buying one or two slices or a selection<br />
to offer your dinner guests, this is a great way to sample Zakes Cakes.<br />
Zakes is open for dinner Wed–Sun, Breakfast and Lunch Monday–Saturday<br />
and Brunch on Sunday.<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 77
Staying fit at Any Age<br />
HANG YOUR WAY<br />
TO FITNESS<br />
It seems that wherever I go, there it is, on the TV,<br />
infomercials, advertisements in fitness magazines, on my<br />
Jeep radio waves and even popping up on my cell phone<br />
even though I didn’t ask for it. I am talking about the<br />
Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Table.<br />
I took an interest in this because I would like to let it be<br />
known that it’s not all about the relief of back pain, which the<br />
Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Table is<br />
known for. I would like to express the<br />
fact that there is some very effective<br />
exercises here due to the fully inverted<br />
position. So I ordered the Teeter Hang<br />
Ups EP-560 LTD Inversion Table<br />
from Amazon.<br />
To speed things up I went for the<br />
one-day shipping. Such a big selection<br />
to choose from. I went with this one<br />
particular model due to its popularity. It<br />
arrived on time. Bill started to put it<br />
together without me saying anything.<br />
My kinda guy! I was ready to give it a try<br />
now with Bill finishing up with the last<br />
minute assembling.<br />
Viewing the full guide it recommends<br />
to start off with the Partial<br />
Inversion stretching exercises first before<br />
going on to the full Inversion stretching<br />
exercises second. I took my shoes off,<br />
kept my socks on and got started. I followed all these stretching<br />
exercises and now I was all charged up and ready to do<br />
the workout exercises.<br />
I started with the inverted crunches. I put my hands<br />
behind my head and lifted up my torso halfway to my knees<br />
as stated. Just with this one exercise alone I had a strong pull<br />
in my stomach area. As I lifted up I knew this Teeter Hang<br />
Ups was going to be a winner. I went to the next exercise,<br />
which is the sit-ups. I placed my hands again behind my head<br />
and did a sit up to my knees.<br />
Since the inverted position makes the sit up difficult, I<br />
By Vicky Waite<br />
find this a great exercise with the scientists claiming that just<br />
by doing one inverted sit up is the same as ten normal sit ups!<br />
Next I’m going for the squats. I followed the directions<br />
telling me to place each hand on the legs of the inversion<br />
frame and to bend my knees. Then I began lifting upwards.<br />
This is like a standing squat with your legs also exercising.<br />
Studies show that exercising while upside down on an<br />
inversion table is very effective and<br />
quite interesting that studies report<br />
it is most effective for the chest<br />
area. Who cares if I look like Don<br />
King back in the 90’s, I am just<br />
having too much fun entertaining<br />
myself on the Teeter Hang Ups<br />
Inversion Table!<br />
I went to search online on the<br />
reviews on joint pain and neck<br />
pain. Interesting enough it goes on<br />
and on review after review on how<br />
it’s great for arthritis, pinched<br />
nerves, stenosis, back pain, herniated<br />
discs, sciatica, and the list goes<br />
on. Whether you choose to use the<br />
Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Table<br />
for basic exercises or for pain relief<br />
exercising or for both, all you have<br />
to do is simply set your height,<br />
lock-in, recline and begin your<br />
exercises, lean back and let the gravity do everything for you.<br />
The exercises listed go from beginners to advanced. For<br />
you Yoga lovers out there, yes there is a list of Yoga exercises<br />
too. There are many accessories available you can find online<br />
to add to your Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Table.<br />
It was founded in 1981 by Roger and Jennifer Teeter. I<br />
have to give this couple a lot of credit for putting out such a<br />
product! The Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Table can turn<br />
your world upside down! Please visit teeterhangups.net. And,<br />
with any exercise program, always consult your physician<br />
before you begin.<br />
78 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Home<br />
continued from page 69<br />
NARI. Remodeler magazine has designated<br />
the firm as a national Big 50 remodeling<br />
company.<br />
According to DuBree, sometimes<br />
clients approach them just for a room<br />
update. One of their favorite ways to<br />
add some timeless details is with custom<br />
trim and molding. “Wainscoting<br />
and decorative trims add a richness to a<br />
room which may otherwise have<br />
seemed unremarkable. Today’s homeowner<br />
also likes to paint dark dated<br />
woodwork and add windows to lighten<br />
and brighten a space.” For a family<br />
room in North Wales, Creative Contracting,<br />
Inc. transformed a family room<br />
from a dark space to a light area for<br />
gathering. The space now has custom<br />
molding, a warm fireplace, and new<br />
hardwood to accompany the color<br />
scheme of gray and white.<br />
How about bathrooms? DuBree<br />
notes that large scale tiles and luxury<br />
finishes are popular in master bath renovations.<br />
“Many families are opting to<br />
remove large Jacuzzi tubs and install<br />
sleeker freestanding tubs or larger<br />
showers. Decorative mosaics continue<br />
to be a standard accent for much of our<br />
tilework. Custom cabinets in a painted<br />
finish are popular and tend toward neutral<br />
beiges and grays more often than<br />
white.” One bath project in Bala Cynwyd<br />
featured an expansive shower and<br />
an ornate chandelier. The National<br />
Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)<br />
also has outlined top bath trends for the<br />
year. Among them are aging in place accommodations,<br />
open shelves and floating<br />
vanities, built-in storage<br />
functionality, spaces for technology, undermount<br />
sinks, polished chrome<br />
faucets, and increased shower amenities,<br />
such lighting, built-in benches, and a<br />
hand shower to go with a mounted<br />
showerhead. Increasing numbers of<br />
master bath designs are incorporating<br />
coffee bars, wet bars, microwaves, and<br />
saunas.<br />
Creative Contracting, Inc. also has<br />
worked on several kitchens for area<br />
homeowners, including a blue and<br />
white kitchen in Fort Washington.<br />
“White kitchen cabinets continue to be<br />
our number one choice for kitchen remodels.<br />
Kitchen design often includes<br />
designing options to increase the space<br />
to make the kitchen open and functional.<br />
Removing walls or opening<br />
doorways between rooms creates an<br />
open and inviting place for people to<br />
gather. We thoroughly discuss every<br />
function of the kitchen from entertaining<br />
space to storage space as we create<br />
the design,” DuBree says. Unique elements<br />
in today’s kitchen design include<br />
charging stations, spice racks, built-in<br />
steamers, streamlined stovetop controls,<br />
expanded cabinet spaces, and secret step<br />
stools built into cabinets.<br />
The NKBA also offers some top<br />
kitchen trends. One, the increase in designed<br />
spaces with pull-outs, tilt-outs,<br />
and tilt-ins for storage. These spaces<br />
help conserve both pantry and countertop<br />
space. Two, look for wood and ceramic/porcelain<br />
tile for kitchen floors.<br />
Three, quartz and granite are the top<br />
picks for countertops. Four, look for<br />
more built-in stations for coffee and<br />
espresso, along with mini wet bars. Five,<br />
there has been an increase in pocket<br />
doors to save space in kitchens. Last but<br />
not least, family pets are getting special<br />
places in kitchens with built-in crates,<br />
feeding stations, and storage for treats<br />
and food.<br />
Kimberly and Bob DuBree of Creative<br />
Contracting, Inc. will be at the<br />
Philly Home & Garden Show at the<br />
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at<br />
Oaks, February 17-19, 2017, at Booth<br />
#530. You can visit them on Houzz,<br />
Facebook, or their website, ww.creativecontracting.biz.<br />
If you prefer, you can<br />
call them at 215-661-8581 or send an<br />
email to kim@creativecontracting.biz.<br />
MARY BETH SCHWARTZ IS A FREELANCE<br />
WRITER WHO FREQUENTLY CONTRIBUTES<br />
TO REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS.<br />
Montcomag.com<br />
W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 79
Finale<br />
A Special Blessing<br />
A special blessing is applied to the destitute, to those whose<br />
lives have driven them to their own end and now rest, oblivious<br />
to circumstantial hardship, in hand of Him whose words breath<br />
out universes.<br />
80 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
Function<br />
with<br />
Design<br />
CUSTOM HOMES<br />
BUILT<br />
IN CABINETRY<br />
RENOVATIONS<br />
N<br />
I M<br />
M<br />
I<br />
I<br />
L<br />
N K<br />
R U N<br />
K<br />
R<br />
L W O<br />
O R<br />
ADIVISIONOFJ.R. MAX<br />
XWELL BUILDERS, INC.<br />
Creating Custom Wood Cabinetry & Millwork<br />
ADDITIONS<br />
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE<br />
Finished Proje ects:<br />
@JRMaxwellBuilders<br />
Works in Progress:<br />
@JRMaxwellBuildersInProgress<br />
Facebook:<br />
J.R. Maxwell<br />
Builders<br />
215.345.1953<br />
jrmaxwellbuilders.com
MO ORE T HA<br />
N 35<br />
STORES<br />
S&REST<br />
TA<br />
AURAN<br />
NTS<br />
DSW SHOES•ULTA<br />
BEAUTY•EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS•VICTORIA’S SECRET<br />
BANANA REPUBLIC•WHITE HOUSE | BLACK<br />
MARKET•J. JILL •JOS.<br />
A. BANK<br />
NEW:<br />
TURNING POINT•COWABUNGA COFFEE ROASTERS<br />
MOD<br />
PIZZA•ANTHONY<br />
VINCE NAIL SPA
Change language