Westfield Announcements

Check out our new Stimulus Wall of Art in the gallery! We will offer different pieces of art each week at drastically reduced prices. Stop in weekly so you son't miss out on some great deals. After one week on the stimulus wall, the art  will return to it's regular price.

A very special tribute will be paid to Charles Addams, the creator of The Addams Family, in Westfield, New Jersey. The Westfield Board of Education, The Downtown Westfield Corporation, The Westfield Historical Society and The Charles Addams Art Scholarship will be unveiling six huge wooden letters that spell out the name ADDAMS. Each letter will be decorated by the Westfield school system. It has been described as "...a cross between The Hollywood sign and The Cow Parade." It will be a combination of original artwork and cartoons. Some of those images will come from THE ADDAMS FAMILY A NEW MUSICAL, which debuts on Broadway April 8, 2010. 

Our special event will take place on Monday, April 5th, 2010 at 1 pm in Westfield. Check back for details soon!

Click here for more information about Charles Addams: http://www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com/about.php 

=> Trish McEvoy - Friday, May 14 & Saturday, May 15

=> Laura Mercier Friday, April 30 & Saturday, May 1 

=> NARS Friday, April 9

For The Love of the Irish - St. Patrick's Day is March 17th!

• St. Patrick's Day by Anne Rockwell (New Children's picture book)
• Magic Tree House #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter (Mary Pope Osborne's latest)
• Magic Tree House Research Guide: Leprechauns and Irish Folklore by Mary Pope Osborne
• A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee by Tom Coyne ( just out in paperback)
• McCarthy's Bar: A Journey of Discovery in Ireland by Pete McCarthy (#1 Irish Bestseller)
• The Irish Americans: A History by Jay P. Dolan
• Shannon by Frank Delaney (now in paperback). The acclaimed author of "Ireland" and "Tipperary" returns once more to his home terrain with "Shannon," a timeless account of salvation, belief, and the healing power of discovering one's roots. Annotation: The acclaimed author of "Ireland" and "Tipperary" returns once more to his home terrain with "Shannon," a timeless account of salvation, belief, and the healing power of discovering one's roots.  
• An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor (his latest installment that began with Irish Country Doctor)

Mystery Writer, Peggy Ehrhart, March 6th from 2-4 PM   Sweet Man is Gone The plot, with its surprising and dramatic climax, will keep readers guessing until the last few pages. Kirkus Reviews raves, "A blues singer turns detective when her guitarist's death is ruled a suicide. Maxx's debut has a real feel for the bar-music scene and is a gutsy, believable sleuth" and the Newark Star Ledger says, "blues riffs that are the next best thing to hearing them."     

Connie McNamara, March 13th from 11-1 PM   A History of Mountainside: 1945-2006: It Was Only Yesterday
McNamara provides a comprehensive look at this tight knit community that prides itself on its bucolic surroundings and its caring and cohesiveness. She recounts anecdotes, passed on by town elders, of Mountainside's prestigious historic architecture, the establishment of the nationally renowned Children's Specialized Hospital and the Badgley House, where Revolutionary residents concealed their valuables from the British.

The annual newsletter is now available online. This beautiful 4-page report highlights the efforts by the Downtown Westfield Corporation and it's Main Street Volunteers. This newsletter was distributed in the Star Ledger, Suburban News, and in The Westfield Leader with over 80,000 copies printed.

Click here to read the publication:  http://www.westfieldtoday.com/system/organization/138/attachments/2010_DWC_Newsletter_original.pdf?1266869092

As published in NJ Monthly Magazine, Posted February 17, 2010 by Jessica Remo.

It’s no secret to savvy Union County shoppers: The preppy, Main Street-vibe of downtown Westfield is the perfect alternative to the hassle and drear of the mall. And because it’s a bona fide dining town, refueling is easy—and requires no food court.

Shop till you drop: Besides mall-standard chains (Gap, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, to name a few) and a big-name department store (Lord & Taylor), this downtown is full of cute independent boutiques. Fashionable ladies will want to peruse the goods at spots like Menina (27 East Broad St., 908-654-0358) and accessories boutique Rhain (129 East Broad St., 908-518-0700). To really splurge, complete the ensemble with a pair of imported-Italian stilettos from upscale shoe store Sole (201 East Broad St., 908-654-7800, italiansole.com). Equally stylish men will appreciate the custom-tailored shirts and suits at John Robert (31 East Broad St., 908-232-9511). And for hip baby and kid gear (think teeny Led Zeppelin tees), check out Pumpkins & Petunias (258 East Broad St., 908-654-1600, pumpkinsandpetunias.com), which is way more rock ’n’ roll than its name suggests.

Great for gifts: The Farmhouse Store (221 East Broad St., 908-654-0444, thefarmhousestore.com) is fun even if you don’t buy a thing. The expansive shop is made for browsing and packed to the gills with handmade furniture, pottery, textiles, art, jewelry, and, naturally, those oh-so-farmhouse-y barn stars. In business since 1934, The Town Book Store (270 East Broad St., 908-233-3535, townbookstore.com) is the last independent bookstore in the county, and also hosts author meet-and-greets several times a month.

Take a hike: When you’ve had enough shopping, stroll through picturesque Mindowaskin Park (East Broad St. and Park Dr.), just steps from the main strip. You’ll probably spot prom-goers or brides and grooms taking photos beneath the bandstand, along the bridge or in front of the pond. Kids will love its playground, and everyone loves the summer concert series.

Bring your own: Westfield dining is mostly BYO, and Cool Vines (23 Elm St., 908-232-5050, coolvines.com) is your friendly neighborhood sommelier—literally: The first shelves you’ll see are the shop’s “Restaurant Row” picks, bottles they suggest to pair with the cuisine at different local restaurants. Even better, staffers are friendly and unintimidating (whether your wine knowledge tends to novice or oenophile), they host free weekly tastings, and bottles are organized by taste instead of region, for easier browsing. No wonder the place won our award for Best of NJ 2009.


Stay for dinner: The Brick Oven (BYOB, 117 Quimby St., 908-317-9500) serves up Italian trattoria fare with yummy thin-crust pizza (fresh out of the wood-burning oven, of course), pasta, and lots of daily specials, all at an reasonable price. 16 Prospect (16 Prospect St., 908-232-7320, 16prospect.com) offers small plates perfect for sampling and sharing (there are full-size entrees, too) and live music most nights. For fancy, authentic French, try the perennially award-winning Chez Catherine (431 North Ave. West, 908-654-4011, chezcatherine.com). Seafood-centric Limani (BYOB, 235 North Ave., 908-233-0052), the Greek word for port, is a local favorite for its raw bar and fresh fish.

Don’t forget dessert: One square block in this downtown is a chocoholic’s dream and a dieter’s nightmare. The proof is in the giant cupcakes at Crumbs Bake Shop (130 East Broad St., 908-232-5527, crumbs.com), the homemade truffles at Brummer’s Chocolates (125 East Broad St., 908-232-1904), the yummy Italian cookies at Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe (101 East Broad St., 908-232-4149), and the best gelato this side of Italy (try the dulce de leche) at The Chocolate Bar (112 Quimby St., 908-389-9000).

Photo by: James Kirkikis

By Millicent K. Brody for www.thealternativepress.com

2/10/2010

It’s time for the Official 2010 Celebration of Restaurant Week, $20$10. For one week, that is Sunday, February 21 through all day Saturday, February 27th, you will be able to dine in Downtown Westfield for the mere price of $20 for a two course dinner, and $10 for a two course lunch. (Beverages, dessert, tax and gratuities are not included. Check www.WestfieldToday.com for a complete listing of all participating restaurants and some exclusions.)

"We all need a special reason to celebrate the New Year, 2010," said Sherry Cronin Executive Director of Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC). "Some of our favorite best and trendiest restaurants are doing all they can to welcome us for an affordable lunch or dinner. During Restaurant Week, you may enjoy a selection of great meals all around Downtown Westfield for either $10 for lunch or $20 for dinner."

In addition, the DWC is offering a random drawing for a $20 Gift Certificate for each participating restaurant, as well as a bonus $10 Westfield Parking Card. Imagine, two drawings per restaurant, and YOU may be one of the lucky winners!

Drawings will take place at the end of Restaurant Week. ALL diners who complete a Restaurant Week form are eligible to win. You must provide your email address to be eligible for the bonus drawing for the Parking Card. Just fill out your entry form during or after your meal at any participating restaurant. 

Executive Chef and an Owner of Ferraro’s, Giuseppe di Pietro has been working diligently on his menu.  "Many of our favorite dishes will be featured to honor the occasion," he said. "You’ll be able to order your favorite Chicken Giuseppi and Ana’s famous sausage lasagna all-week-long. Imagine 7 whole days and nights of your favorite dishes at a very special price. Should you wish to dine on the more formal side, be sure to call for reservations: 908.232.1105."

"Visitors are always welcome to come and be part of the family tradition on our casual side," he adds. "Please remember, drinks, dessert, coffee, tax and tip are extra."

"We’re looking forward to Restaurant Week," said George Vastardis, proprietor of Limani Seafood Grill, 235 North Avenue W. "We believe Restaurant Week allows us the opportunity to showcase the great food and service we have to offer. During this special week, people who don’t ordinarily get out to lunch or dinner have the option to experience our restaurant. At Limani, we’re offering the "Best-of-Our Best". Please remember to call for reservations, and we’ll be happy to serve you." (908.233.0052)

"All of the participants are really excited about celebrating Westfield’s Second Annual Restaurant Week," said Jamie Lemberg, Online Marketing Manager for Downtown Westfield Corporation. "They are looking forward to all of the excitement generated by the occasion."

Sonny Acquaviva of Acquaviva delle fonti, 115 Elm Street, (908.301.0700), has very special offerings for Restaurant $20$10: "We change our list of specials daily, so people can look forward to new and exciting dishes all week. We’re really happy to celebrate Restaurant Week, $20$10," he said.

Adding to the pleasure of the event, CoolVines will be offering wine pairings for each BYO Restaurant. In addition, they will be offering a 10% discount to anyone who mentions Westfield Restaurant Week.

For the complete story, visit http://www.thealternativepress.com/article.asp?news=9899&Celebrate-Downtown-Westfield-Restaurant-Week-$20$10

Photo: Sonny Acquaiva awaits friends for $20$10 Restaurant Week. Photo courtesy of Millicent K. Brody

The February Issue of Westfield Today, Downtown Westfield's email newsletter is now available. Click here to read the latest issue.

Sign up for future issues.

Miller Cory House Museum, 614 Mountain Ave., Westfield will present the following Sunday programs from 2 to 4 p.m.

   March 7 – Maple Sugar Sunday (ideal for children and adults)

   March 14 – “A Spot of Tea”…the History of Tea

   March 21 – “Spiders and Salamanders”… 18^th century Kitchen Gadgets

   March 28 – Silhouette Craft for Children (ideal for children)

Admission is $2.50 for adults, $1.00 for students, children under four are free.

For information call 908-232-1776 or visit our website: www.millercoryhouse.org

 by Millicent K. Brody

You’ll Find it All at Bittersweet Design  

Westfield NJ, February 4th, 2010 -- Edie Isoldi is living her dream. As the owner of Bittersweet Design, a great “secret shop” on Lenox Avenue, she is having the time of her life. Visitors entering the bustling shop get a rush of excitement. Floors, corners, shelves and cubbies are filed with trendy jewelry, hand bags, wallets, lovely pins, pill boxes, business card holders, picture frames, bracelets, stunning scarves, belts, beautiful gifts for the home, and a thousand and one other fabulous things you not only want, you actually believe you have to have. 

Think trendy Pearls! You’ll find reams of bracelets, necklaces rings, and earrings in colors of black, pink, soft white, and even gold.   “We’re carrying a line of linen and leather bags that arrive in colorful print colors,” said the owner. We also carry carry a plethora of handbags in every style and color to fit every price point.”    

Literally born to shop, Edie made the decision to own a shop filed with fashion-forward merchandise. After scouting the area, her son Frank D., a realtor with Caldwell Banker, found her the perfect location. “I signed the lease, and hit the road shopping,” she continued. “New merchandise comes in every day. At Bittersweet Design, we like to think we have the perfect gift to suit any and all occasions.”  

From fabulous shawls, and wallets, to teeny reading glasses, to designer belts to suit ever area of our wardrobe, to candles, and decorative rings, it’s all there. Fans of sunflowers are able to purchase decorative pillows in cranberry red blazing with gorgeous yellow blooms. You’ll also like the array of Mariposa silver plates carved in sunflower designs. They’re the perfect answer to decorative serving pieces for sandwiches and sweet treats. Purchase Mariposa chickadee salt and pepper shakers for your own use, or treat friends or family with a special gift they’ll treasure.  

Visit the New Born section. Jam packed with darling gifts for the baby, choose shawls, blankets, tooth fairy boxes, cups and bowls, and cuddly stuffed animal.  Don’t forget Grandma. She’ll love a fabulous leather photo envelope for her purse. They come in joyous colors of pink, jeweled green, lavender, and black. They are also generously priced. Just half of what you’d pay in a more expensive shop. Need an evening bag? You’ll find it difficult to make a choice. An entire section is literally filled with the perfect purse to match your glamorous outfit.

Location: Bittersweet Design, 212 Lenox Avenue, Westfield Phone: (908) 389-0330 Hours: Open: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.  Description: Located just around the corner from the Westfield Post Office, Bittersweet Design is chock full of everything you must have at a price you can easily afford. . FYI: Major credit cards accepted. Glorious gift wrapping

Valentine's Dinner at Limani Seafood Grill
A special Valentine's dinner is being offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 12, 13 & 14. Their Valentine's weekend menu is all la carte and will feature specials with fresh fish and unique preparations. Call for details and reservations. 235 North Ave. W., 908.233.0052.  

Valentine's Menu at Chez Catherine
For Valentine's Week they will have an elegant tasting menu price fixed at $65 with optional wine pairing. Visit the web site to view the menu offering. This menu will be the only menu available on Sunday, February 14th, available from 4pm to 9pm. They also have a Mid-Week dinner menu (3 courses priced at $35) available Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30pm to 9pm. 431 North Ave. W., 908.654.4011. www.chezcatherine.com   

Intimate Valentine's Dinner at Feast Catering Join Feast Catering on Saturday February 13 for an intimate 5 course Valentine's dinner. Cost is $115 per person plus gratuity. Book early as seating is limited.  27 Elm St., 908.654.0045. 
www.feastcateringwestfield.com

Valentine's Brunch at Ana Beall's
Valentine's Weekend isn't JUST for lovers...  Bring your best friends, your family, or your sweetheart, and enjoy their special Valentine's weekend brunch, with a la carte pricing ranging from $6.99 to $13.95. You can also make plans for their special 5-course prix fixe Dinner ($45) on Friday and Saturday evenings, or come by with friends and share a few "small plates" and good conversation! For details on Valentine's weekend menus and to make reservations, call 908.264.4221. 415 Westfield Ave. www.anabeallstearoom.com  

Valentine's Dinner at Jeffrey's Cupid is looking for you and your special loved one at Jeffrey's of Westfield, featuring a special Valentine's menu Friday, February 12 to Sunday, February 14. Call today to make your reservation.  114 Central Ave. 908.232.4517.
www.jeffreysofwestfield.com  

Red Velvet Cakes from Bovella's Bovella's Pastry Shoppe offers Red Velvet heart cakes, cupcakes and cheesecakes, great for Valentine's Day or any day!  101 E. Broad St., 908.232.4149. www.bovellas.com    

Valentine's Cake from Cold Stone Creamery Cold Stone Creamery has created a fantastic tasting Valentine's Day Cake:  it is a Chocolate, Strawberry Cake topped with Strawberries.  $3 OFF any size you purchase with a copy of this promotion. 163 E. Broad St. 908.518.0044. www.coldstonecreamery.com

Cupid is looking for you and your special loved one at Jeffrey's of Westfield, featuring our special Valentine's menu - Friday February 12-Sunday February 14. Call 908-232-4517 today to make your reservation.

For additional information about Jeffrey's of Westfield please visit www.jeffreysofwestfield.com

Bovella's offers Red Velvet heart cakes, cupcakes and cheesecakes, great for Valentine's Day or any day!  

The Westfield Service League’s Thrift Shop will hold its annual end-of-winter Bag Day on Saturday, February 6 from 9 AM -4 PM. 

On Bag Day, customers may purchase a grocery sized bag for $5.00 and fill it to the brim with clothing, toys, books, shoes, and household items.  There is no limit to the number of bags that can be purchased and filled.  The week following the sale, the shop’s shelves and racks will be stocked with spring and summer merchandise.

For further information, please call the Thrift Shop at 908-233-2530.

For Ana Beall’s:

Valentine’s Weekend isn’t JUST for lovers…  Bring your best friends, your family, or, yes, your sweetheart, and enjoy our special Valentine’s weekend Brunch.  Or, make plans for our special prix fixe Dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, or if you like, just come by with friends and share a few “small plates” and good conversation!  For details on Valentine’s weekend menus and to make reservations, call (908) 264-4221.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Scent-ual Seduction: Couples Night at Bath Junkie  

You already have your perfect match, now you'll have your perfect scent. Come Friday night February 12th, 7-9pm. Your ticket allows you to create a custom scented hydrating body mist from Bath Junkie, experience a stimulating hand massage by in touch therapeutic massage, savor coffee from Rockn' Joe, and enjoly desserts from Bovella's Pastry Shoppe. The cost is $15 per couple, $10 per person. 221 North Avenue East, Westfield NJ 908.264.8633. Call to RSVP for your spot!

Saturday February 13, 2010

Feast Catering Presents a Valentine's Dinner & Wine Evening  

Join Feast Catering on Saturday Februaury 13, 2010 for an intimate Valentine's dinner and wine evening. Your 5-course dinner and 5-course wine paring begins with Champagne at 7:30pm. Cost: $115 per person plus gratuity, book and pay in full by Feb.1st and pay $99.99 per person plus gratuity. Book early as seating is limited. 908.654.0045.

Sunday February 14, 2010

CoolVines Offers Valentine's Day "Bistro" Dinner 

CoolVines of Westfield NJ has teamed up with the italian pantry bistro of Cranford NJ to offer an elegant Valentine's Day dinner, Sunday, February 14th at 5pm. Start with an amuse bouche of italian pantry tuna tartar, followed by Saffron infused popparadelle with sweet pepper braised osso bucco and red wine reduction, pared with Barbera Zerbetta 2007. Continue with a young mesclun salad with wildflower honey vinaigrette pared with Marco Cecchini 2007. Roasted organic chicken with Pomegranate risotto is pared with Ripasso Villa Monteleone 2004, and for dessert red velvet cupcakes with Godiva frosting pared with Muscat Mont Tauch, France. Price is $65, tax and tip included. For reservations, call CoolVines 908.232.5050.

Valentine's Tea Party Hosted by Creative Kids and Tea Time and Tiaras  

Join February 14th for a Valentine's Tea Party Hosted by Creative Kids and Tea Time and Tiaras. Cuddle with your cupids and ask them to "Be Mine" with an afternoon of cookies and tea (really your choice of Pink Lemonade or Apple Juice). Dress Up in our collection of Boas, Necklaces, Tiaras and Pirate Costumes. Get Creative with an Arts and Craft Project. Enjoy an Interactive Storytime. Each child will receive a Chocolate Teacup Lollipop from Sweet n Fancy. The cost is $25 (per one adult and one child), $15/ each additional child or adult. Registration is required. Space is limited! Session 1: 2:30-3:30 Ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old. Session 2: 4-5pm Grades K-4th. Creative Kids is located at 1008 South Avenue West, Westfield, NJ 07090. For more information, contact (973) 289-4934 or register at: http://teatimeandtiaras.com/events.htm

The Town Book Store in Westfield will host a Meet & Greet for Jenn Topper, author of 29 Jobs and A Million Lies on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 2-4 PM. Dark, twisted, and outrageous, this is not the story of your all-American girl seeking glory and success, but a glimpse at counterculture's underbelly and Topper’s attempts to succeed within that world. From demented B-movie, roach-infested film production offices chock full of freakish characters to the Cannes Film Festival; from starting a punk rock record label to its hard but inevitable crash; from a grimy, Greenwich Village restaurant kitchen to failed attempts at joining the Navy, you have to ask, “What’s a nice girl from the suburbs doing all of this dirty work for, anyway?”

29 Jobs and a Million Lies is the gut-wrenching, self-deprecating account of how ambition to stand out was wiped out by clumsy choices, immaturity and self-defeating righteousness. Energized to prove to the doubters that she could succeed despite the unorthodox approach, this litany of boneheaded decisions portrays how the author painfully hurled heart and soul into a long trail of draining pursuits, failing so often that success was invisible. 29 Jobs and A Million Lies is a post-GenX novel, except it's true, and in the vein of Sarah Vowell, Chuck Klosterman, and Dave Eggers.

A resident of Highlands, NJ, Jenn Topper is currently a corporate sellout but her two perfect little boys don’t seem to mind one bit.

Meet Jenn at The Town Book Store located at 270 East Broad Street in Westfield (corner of East Broad and Elmer Streets). If you are unable to attend this event, feel free to call The Town Book Store at (908) 233-3535 to reserve an autographed copy.

You already have your perfect match, now you'll have your perfect scent. Come Friday night February 12th, 7-9pm. Your ticket includes:

* create a custom scented hydrating body mist from Bath Junkie

* experience a stimulating hand massage by in touch therapeutic massage

* savor coffee from Rockn' Joe

* enjoly desserts from Bovella's Pastry Shoppe

$15 per couple, $10 per person. 221 North Avenue East, Westfield NJ 908.264.8633. Call to RSVP for your spot! 

Rockn’ Joe Coffeehouse + Bistro…. is proud to announce its exclusive offering of Belgian Waffles from NYC's now famous Wafels and Dinges.  

Belgium native Thomas DeGeest is known as "The Waffles Guy" to most New Yorkers. For a number of years now, he’s been offering his Liege Wafles at various locations in NYC from his now famous canary yellow “Wafels and Dinges” truck and as of 2009 he selected Rockn’ Joe Westfield as the only other distributor of these now famous waffles. Recently, world famous celebrity chef Bobby Flay challenged Thomas to a “Throwdown” for ultimate bragging rights as to who makes the best Belgian Waffles.

Of course, we never doubted the outcome, but see the results for yourself on the Food Network’s Belgian Waffles Throwdown on Saturday, February 6^th at 7:00pm. Then, come in and try one for yourself… and experience what a true ultimate Belgian Waffle is all about!!!

Forget everything you think you knew about coffee… now experience the unchallenged excellence of our exclusive “Brew Rail” system… where we offer various selections of Unique Gourmet Beans (from small independent Micro Farms, not corporately owned) from around the world… ground and brewed to order!!!

Current Bean Varietals include:

     *Ethiopian Harrar: nice dark chocolate undertones

     *Lake Tawar Sumatra: savory with smooth earthy notes

     *Alta Mogiana Brazil: hints of cinnamon and dates

     *Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Organic Aricha: honeysuckle and berry aromatics

Nutley NJ’s own Famous “Stuffed Cupcakes”, featured recently on the Today Show, WPIX, WABC, Bride Magazine and more….

Maureen Jaret is the creator of the famous cupcakes and it all started when she decided to mix things up a bit and fill the cupcakes. “My husband and I developed a recipe for a peanut butter filling.  The following Sunday, I prepared 200 chocolate cupcakes, filled with the mixture…it was an instant hit.”  Jaret said customers sang their praises and she was inundated with inquires as to what other flavors of filling she had,” Jaret took the hint from her customers and began baking cupcakes filled with everything from hazelnut chocolate cream to margarita custard.  Today, the Jarets have over 130 different varieties of stuffed cupcakes on their roster and now in addition to Nutley NJ, Westfield is now known as the “home of the stuffed cupcakes.” According to Lisa Bertone, owner of the Westfield Rockn’ Joe, to date, sales of Stuffed Cupcakes have been terrific! A true compliment to the number of unique products that we already offer to our customers.”

Rockn' Joe

Son't miss great Valentine’s Day gifts from Williams-Sonoma including heart shaped cinnamon gummy candies ($9.95), heart shaped mixing bowls ($29.95) and Valentine’s message cookie cutters, which comes with a full alphabet to enable you to bake a customized message (19.95).

www.williams-sonoma.com

On Saturday, February 20^st, Westfield Symphony Orchestra presents Variations on a Latin Beat, an exploration of the aromatic flavors of the Spanish Diaspora through its varied dance rhythms and seductive melodies, culminating in the visual spectacle of Tango masters Carolina Jaurena and Diego Blanco.

Says WSO Music Director Maestro David Wroe: “This is indeed a unique visual and musical collaboration presenting Tango at its fiery best that is sure to thrill young and old alike.”

 A TANGO FANTASY: Carolina Jaurena and friends

 GERSHWIN: Piano Concerto in F

 DE FALLA: The Three Cornered Hat

Saturday, February 20^st at 8pm at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1060 Irving St, Rahway, NJ.

Tickets $25-$70

SPECIAL OFFER: All students K-12 only $10.

For further information go to www.westfieldsymphony.org

The much anticipated Grand Opening of the New (125 Elm St. by Trader Joe's) Westfield Sleep Center is here! Look for our Grand Opening Sale postcard in your mailbox and see all of the great specials. Enjoy a Storewide 20% off coupon for anything you buy during the Grand Opening. Panera Bread coupons will be given out each day to the first 20 shoppers. The Sealy Mattress Company gave us a Grand Opening Special Purchase on the Best Selling Posturepedic Mattress come in and check it out. See our great selection of Kids Furniture and Adult Beds. Refreshments will be served Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14. So come in and say hi!

CoolVines of Westfield NJ has teamed up with the italian pantry bistro of Cranford NJ to offer an elegant Valentine's Day dinner, Sunday, February 14th at 5pm.

Start with an amuse bouche of italian pantry tuna tartar, followed by Saffron infused popparadelle with sweet pepper braised osso bucco and red wine reduction, pared with Barbera Zerbetta 2007. Continue with a young mesclun salad with wildflower honey vinaigrette pared with Marco Cecchini 2007. Roasted organic chicken with Pomegranate risotto is pared with Ripasso Villa Monteleone 2004, and for dessert red velvet cupcakes with Godiva frosting pared with Muscat Mont Tauch, France.

Price is $65, tax and tip included. For reservations, call CoolVines 908.232.5050.

Join Feast Catering on Saturday Februaury 13, 2010 for an intimate Valentine's dinner and wine evening. Your 5-course dinner and 5-course wine paring begins with Champagne at 7:30pm. Cost: $115 per person plus gratuity, book and pay in full by Feb.1st and pay $99.99 per person plus gratuity.

Book early as seating is limited.

Join February 14th for a Valentine's Tea Party Hosted by Creative Kids and Tea Time and Tiaras. Cuddle with your cupids and ask them to "Be Mine" with an afternoon of cookies and tea (really your choice of Pink Lemonade or Apple Juice). Dress Up in our collection of Boas, Necklaces, Tiaras and Pirate Costumes. Get Creative with an Arts and Craft Project. Enjoy an Interactive Storytime. Each child will receive a Chocolate Teacup Lollipop from Sweet n Fancy.

The cost is $25 (per one adult and one child), $15/ each additional child or adult. Registration is required. Space is limited!

Session 1:   2:30-3:30     Ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old
Session 2:   4-5pm          Grades K-4th

Creative Kids is located at 1008 South Avenue West, Westfield, NJ 07090. For more information, contact (973) 289-4934 or register at: http://teatimeandtiaras.com/events.htm

Looking for a little magic in your life? Join the WSO in support of the Arts at A GRAND FUNDRAISING GALA celebrating MUSIC. The Gala will be held on Saturday May 1, 2010 at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing, auctions
and enchanting entertainment!

Opportunities are available for individual or corporate sponsorships.

WESTFIELD, N.J.  -- January 21, 2010 – Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery in Westfield will celebrate its 20th anniversary by offering customers a free cup of coffee all day, every day, for the entire week of February 8th through 13th.  Additionally, each pound of coffee will be discounted by $2.00 and everything else in the store will be 20% off!

Since 1990, Ahrre's Coffee Roastery has been providing North Jersey with the finest fresh-roasted coffees available.  Proprietor Ahrre Maros fell in love with everything about coffee back in the mid-1980's, while living in the San Francisco Bay area, stating, “The cafe scene and coffee-drinking are an integral part of the culture out there." With the urging of friends, and the endless complaints about a lack of good- tasting, fresh-roasted coffee in this area, he took a job at  his favorite West Coast coffee shop, Peets Coffee & Tea, where he learned all he could about the business of roasting and providing the community with a great cup o’ java. He took the plunge and opened his first shop in Cranford on February 10, 1990. He opened his second shop in Westfield, and third shop, the short-lived Common Ground Cafe, in Summit, before celebrating his third year in business. In 1996, Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery established a web-presence and has since become a premier source for quality coffee to discriminating coffee-drinkers worldwide!

Ahrre’s passion did not end there.  Ahrre still longed for the coffee culture he left behind in California. So, in the Fall of 2000, he joined the Reverend Jeff Markay of the Springfield Emanuel United Methodist Church, in launching the Coffee With Conscience Concert Series.  This award-winning series -- now in its tenth season -- presents professional and touring singer/songwriters in concert, in Westfield. The series provides the community with an evening of excellent music in a comfortable setting, and the proceeds from each performance are donated to local nonprofit organizations.  According to Ahrre, “The events are intended to provide the type of entertainment that is missing from so many of our communities…entertainment that fosters community and friendship, is structured around a good cause, and presents a win-win situation for everyone involved.”   

Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery is located at 104 Elm Street in Westfield.  Visit the virtual roastery online at: www.ahrre.com and learn about upcoming concert performances at www.coffeewithconscience.org

Dine at Westfield's Best of the Best in 2010 for only $20 and $10!

Westfield NJ -- Enjoy lunch or dinner at downtown Westfield's best and trendiest restaurants during Restaurant Week, February 21st through the 27th. 

Downtown Westfield will continue its tradition of Restaurant Week after the popular success of its fall premiere. From Sunday, February 21 to Saturday, February 27 (including Saturday), enjoy dining at your favorite restaurant for a reduced price. Take advantage of wonderful cuisine, and order any two-course dinner for $20, and any two-course lunch for $10. Prices have been fixed at these prices to offer diners a great bargain in the year 2010. Beverages, tax and gratuities are not included in any Westfield Restaurant Week price-fixed menu.

Check your calendar! Beat the crowds! Make reservations in advance by calling your favorite restaurant directly. If you can't schedule dinner reservations, then book a table for lunch.

 
A drawing sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation will be held at each participating restaurant for a $20 Gift Certificate to that restaurant and a bonus drawing for a $10 Westfield Parking Card. There will be two drawings per restaurant. The drawings will take place at the end of Restaurant Week. Entry forms will be available at each participating restaurant and all diners who complete the form are eligible to win. An email address is required for the bonus parking card eligibility.  

Some of the participating restaurants include: Limani Seafood Grill, 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, Aquaviva delle fonti, Mojave Grille, Theresa's, Isabella's American Bistro, The Brick Oven, Splash of Thai, Jeffrey's of Westfield, Cosimo’s, Gabi’s Sushi & Noodles, and The Office Beer Bar and Grill.  

To enhance your dining experience, CoolVines will be offering wine pairings for each BYO Restaurant and offering a 10% discount to anyone who mentions Westfield Restaurant Week during Restaurant Week.

To view the list of participating restaurants and for more details, visit www.westfieldtoday.com or call the Downtown Westfield Corporation at 908.789.9444.

Photo caption:  Diners enjoying Fall 2009 Restaurant Week at Acquaviva delle fonti, just one of the many restaurants that will welcome diners during the upcoming Westfield Restaurant Week to be held February 21 through February 27. 

Contact: Jamie Lemberg (908) 789-9444, Online Marketing Manager, Downtown Westfield Corporation

Enjoy their “Small Plates” Menu

Serving a menu of tasty, shareable plates on Friday and Saturday nights, alongside their Supper menu, come over after work, meet up with your friends, or make it an informal date. BYO and spend the evening grazing through one (or many) of more than a dozen appetizers. 

Seafood Cakewalk - Mini-Crab Cakes and Mini-Shrimp Cakes served with a Red Pepper Remoulade.

Trio of Hummus, served with housemade crackers or crostini, and featuring: Spicy Chili Garlic Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Lemony Cucumber Hummus.

Ratatouille served in Wonton Crisps.

Starting on January 15th – Friday and Saturday evenings only.  

Shogun Wok A new Japanese, Chinese and Thai restaurant has recently opened at 515 South Ave. W. (next to Allstate at the circle, in the former location of Hon Bang Sushi). $1 delivery charge on phone or online orders. Call 908.232.1188 or order online www.shogunwok.com.    

Shampooch Professional dog grooming & pet supplies, now open at 205 South Ave. W. (across from CVS, next to Serenity Nails & Spa). New clients receive 20% off thier first haircut or bath.    

D&G Gift Gallery is now open at 200 Central Ave. at the corner of Central North Aves. They offer quality European Decor and accessories for home and office. 908.301.0110.  

Subway will be opening at the corner of Quimby and Central Ave. This is the second location of Subway in Westfield with the same owner as the South Ave. store. Construction is currently underway.    

Turning Point Restaurant, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch will be opening at 137 Central Ave., the former location of Bombay. Construction should begin soon.  www.theturningpoint.biz. 

Kiehl's Since 1851 is converting to a L'Oreal Designer Fragrance and Cosmetics Store at the end of January. They will offer 20-30% off retail prices for L'Oreal products. L'Oreal is the parent company of Kiehl's and the store will sometimes carry Kiehl's discontinued products. 132 E. Broad St., 908.389.1719.  www.kiehls.com  

The Westfield Running Company is planning to move from their current location at 17 Elm St. to the old Blue Tulip space at 123 Quimby Street on March 1.  908.654.9900. www.therunningcompany.net  

Westfield Sleep Center recently moved from South Ave. to 125 Elm St., the former location of Smith & Hawken. In addition to Sealy, Stearns & Foster and Tempur-Pedic lines of mattresses, they now have an expanded children's furniture line, exquisite handcrafted beds with custom finish options, plus linens, comforters and pillows. Stop in for great savings during their grand opening sale and enjoy friendly service by non-commissioned sales people. 908.232.8060. www.mymattresscowboy.com

You may have shopped for everyone on your list last month, but now is the time to visit your favorite stores for bargains for yourself! Check out these amazing deals going on now at our downtown retailers and stock up on your own wardrobe items.

Randal's Shoes UGGS for women and children are still available, including boots and slippers. 82 Elm St., 908.232.3680.

Williams-Sonoma Winter Sale up to 75% off throughout the store. Quantities are limited. 127 Central Ave. 908.301.0075. www.williams-sonoma.com  

Lucky Brand Jeans Twice Yearly Sale. Enjoy 50% off select items thru 1/10/10. 253 E. Broad St., 908.518.1794.
www.luckybrand.com  

Ann Taylor Semi Annual Sale 30-70% off. 167 E. Broad St. 908.301.9701. www.anntaylor.com  

GAP and GAP Kids Up to 70% off select styles. GAP 207 E. Broad St., 908.654.8260; GAP Kids 234 E. Broad St. 908.233.2723. www.gap.com  

Janie and Jack Season finale sale up to 60% off select items. 200 E. Broad St. 908.232.3721. www.janieandjack.com  

Nirvana Up to 50% off. 218 E. Broad St. 908.232.5774. www.shopnirvana.com  

White House/Black Market Winter Sale up to 60% off original prices. 206 E. Broad St. 908.233.1008. www.whitehouseblackmarket.com  

Esprit Up to 70% off select styles. 151 E. Broad St. 908.233.7878.
www.esprit.com  

Chico's Up to 65% off select styles. 76 Elm St. 908.301.1737. www.chicos.com  

The Children's Place Up to 50% off select items. 177 E. Broad St., 908.789.7542.  www.childrensplace.com 
 

Victoria's Secret The Semi-Annual sale - save up to 50% off select items. 233 E. Broad St. 908.518.0859. www.victoriassecret.com  

Sadie 50% off almost everything in the store. 107 Prospect St., 908.654.3800.  

Sole 20 to 70% off regular price on select boots, 50% off select men's shoe, and 30% off all handbags now through January 31.  201 E. Broad St., 908.654.7800. www.italiansole.com    

Mademoiselle 50-80% off a limited selection of suits, dresses and gowns. 107 E. Broad St. 908.233.0763. www.mademoisellenj.com    

Aerosoles Take an extra 25% off All Boots 1/7-1/18. 161 E. Broad St. 908.232.2963. www.aerosoles.com  

Douglas Cosmetics
SUPERSIZE your purchase and SAVE with Clinique! Clinique Super Size Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel or Lotion (6.7oz) ONLY $35. Clinique Jumbo Liquid Facial Soap (13.3oz) ONLY $26. While supplies last.127 Central Ave., 908.928.1122. www.douglascosmetics.com. 
 
The Eardly T. Petersen Co.
The original, portable Infrared Space Heater Sun Cloud - for over 30 years. Save up to 30% on your Heating Bills! 224 Elmer St., 908.232.5723. http://www.etpetersen.com 

Robert Treat Delicatessen is now taking orders for football playoff gatherings, Super Bowl, and all your upcoming events. They are also taking orders for their homemade chicken pot pies, made fresh every Thursday, pick up after 11am. Order early to avoid disappointment. 113 Quimby St., 908.232-0925. www.roberttreatdeli.com
 
Cold Stone Creamery suggests you order desserts now for your Football Super Bowl Party. Take $2 Off a 6 pack of their 'super' tasting ice cream Cupcakes.163 E. Broad St. 908.518.0044. www.coldstonecreamery.com
 
16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro is proud to announce that Jazz great Carrie Jackson has joined them on Thursday evenings. Ms. Jackson is accompanied by her Jazz All-stars. Stop by to experience a Jazz legend. 16 Prospect St., 908.232.7320. www.16prospect.com

For the second straight year, the Downtown Westfield Corporation has sponsored the Miracle on Elm Street shopping spree contest with great results. The event, which asked contestants to complete entry forms at their favorite downtown businesses or at the www.WestfieldToday.com website, offered weekly gift card prizes of $150, $100 and $50. The gift cards can be used at any downtown store or restaurant at the choice of the winner. There was also a bonus drawing for a $20 parking card each week.

Winners were drawn at random on December 5, 12, 19, and 26 - with the final drawing taking place on January 2. Contestants had to be 18 or over to enter, and completed entry forms were placed in either of two special mailboxes. These mailboxes were located at the corner of Elm Street and E. Broad Street and on the corner of South Avenue and Summit Avenue.  

There were 646 entry forms submitted in the first three weeks alone. Applicants originated from states as far away as Massachusetts and Virginia, which demonstrates that Westfield truly lives up to its name of 'Welcome Home to Westfield' during the holiday season.  

The first week's drawing, held on December 5, featured $150 winner Dolores Keegel of Edison, NJ, who requested gift cards from Trader Joe's and the Children's Place. The $100 winner was Annemarie Yoos of Piscataway, NJ who selected a Lord & Taylor gift card, while $50 winner Jessica Styler of Mountainside, NJ elected for a Victoria's Secret gift card. Sandi Tortorella of Scotch Plains won the bonus drawing, and received a $20 parking card. The second week's winners included Westfield residents Robert Kerwin, Helene Pacifico, and Asima Jansveld who won a $100 gift card to Ferraro's, a $50 gift card to Sweet Waters Steak House, and a $20 parking card, respectively. The $150 winner, Michael Pellino of Roselle Park, received his gift card from Lord & Taylor. The drawing held on December 19 went to $150 winner Kate Gromyko of Cranford, $100 winner Gloria Wimberly of Newark, $50 winner Patti Gibbons of Westfield and bonus drawing winner Karen Brody of Vauxhall. Gift cards were purchased from Lord & Taylor, Coldwater Creek and Eileen Fisher.  The December 26 drawing was won by all Westfield residents Pat Gibbons ($150 in gift cards to Talbot's and Xocolatz) Glen DuMont ($100 in gift certificates to Theresa's, Mojave Grille and Isabella's) Peter Warren ($50 gift card to Trader Joe's), and Gary Siegel ($20 parking card). The final drawing, held on January 2, included Westfield winners Amy Herber ($150), The Fromm Family ($100), and Jennaea Gearhart ($20 parking card). Julie Jacobs of Scotch Plains received $50. They have not yet chosen from which businesses they will receive gift cards.

According to Sherry Cronin, Executive Director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation, "We are pleased with the level of participation, not only with the community but also the merchants and restaurants which have embraced this promotion and encouraged their customers to enter the contest. Also, the range of demographics proves that Westfield continues to be a preferred shopping and dining destination".   The DWC is the management entity of the Special Improvement District and one of only 26 Main Street communities in New Jersey.

You have seen it in Men's Fitness, Self, on the Biggest Loser and in the hands of athletes and celebrities alike, now come experience it for yourself only at Westfield Fitnes Studio! Westfield Fitness is the only area fitness center with the TRX Suspension Training Zone Group Training.

The Coffee With Conscience Concert Series continues its TENTH SEASON by presenting Pat Wictor an Toby Walker, “the Saints and Sinners Tour,” at the First United Methodist Church, 1 East Broad Street (corner of North Avenue) in Westfield, on Saturday, January 16th. Doors will open at 7:30 PM and the concert begins at 8 PM. Admission is $19.00 on line and $23.00 at the door.

Advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended by going to www.wictorwalker.eventbrite.com or call the concert hotline 908-412-9105.

Pat Wictor has become the name that is being chatted about on the acoustic, blues, folk and Americana circuits.  Steeped in American "roots" music, Pat is a contemporary songwriter and interpreter drawing on the rural country, gospel, and blues traditions of our nation.


His performances--part fireside chat, part meditation on matters earthly and transcendent--feature his originals.  In addition to his own tunes, he is quick to offer up a newly-discovered lyric from another performer, or a fresh arrangement of a traditional song, delighting in introducing his audience to innovative material.  With flowing red hair and zen-like calm, Pat embraces his audience with the sincerity of his music and the clarity of his voice, inviting them in.

Toby Walker is an accomplished fingerstyle guitarist, who is also adept at ragtime and bottleneck. His mastery of the art was recognized in Memphis in 2002, when he won the International Blues Challenge Award. He is a skilled singer and songwriter, drawing inspiration from traditional and contemporary blues, folk, ragtime, and country. His passion for the music drove him to leave an apartment crammed full of recordings, books and instruments to wander around the Mississippi Delta, Virginia and the Carolinas tracking down some of the more obscure - but immensely talented - music makers of an earlier era. He spent time and swapped tunes with Eugene Powell, James Son Thomas, Etta Baker, and R.L Burnside. He draws on these travels to tell the humorous and heartwarming tales of learning the blues at the feet of these old time musicians. You can catch some of the flavor of these stories on his website in the Visit the South section. His fifth CD, Plays Well with Others, came out in 2006. 

The Coffee With Conscience Concert Series is a ten-show series running from September through June at the First United Methodist Church of Westfield. The Series supports the following charities: Contact We Care (Westfield), Homefirst (Plainfield), Habitat for Humanity (Plainfield), the Community Food Bank of NJ (Hilside) and the Keith Knost Special Needs Trust (Mountainside). Each beneficiary has two concerts dedicated to it during the season.

The Coffee With Conscience Concert Series is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Westfield Service League, and other private donations – which are enthusiastically encouraged.

For more information about the Coffee With Conscience Concert Series, the upcoming performance, or ways in which to get involved with the series, please visit www.coffeewithconscience.org. You can also call the Concert Hotline at 908-412-9105 or send an e-mail to ahrre@ahrre.com.

Join the WSO Saturday February 20th at 8.00pm, at Union County PAC, Rahway, NJ.

VARIATIONS ON A LATIN BEAT

A Tango Fantasy with Carolina Jaurena, Missy Mazzoli – These Worlds In Us, A Meet the Composer world premiere, Gershwin – Concerto in F, soloist Elena Batkst, De Falla – The Three Cornered Hat.

Explore the aromatic flavors of the Spanish Diaspora through its varied dance rhythms and seductive melodies, culminating in the visual spectacle of Tango master Carolina Jaurena!

By Millicent K. Brody, as published on www.newjerseylife.com/shopping

Ed Menapace and Bill Curtis have owned the The Farmhouse Store in Westfield for three years. Formerly located on North Avenue, the partners moved their exciting emporium to East Broad Street in August 2009. Much like a craft museum, you can’t simply stroll through the store. You must take time to enter and browse the shelves, baskets, buckets, tables, floors, and walls.

“We source our craftspeople from all over the country,” says Menapace. “We have hand-hewn tables from Pennsylvania Amish woodworkers; glass from glass blowers in Seattle, Washington; pieces from New Jersey weavers; and jewelry from San Francisco and the Catskill Mountains, in New York. Our working artists are dedicated to creating the finest American crafts.”

“I started out working as a buyer in an American crafts gallery,” explains Menapace. “As the years progressed, I gravitated to the furniture industry. I took pride in knowing that every bit of furniture was made by families living in North Carolina. When the furniture industry moved overseas, I decided to bring Americana back to New Jersey. That’s when we opened The Farmhouse Store.”

As visitors stroll the more than 3,000 square feet of The Farmhouse Store, they’re completely mesmerized by all of the merchandise lurking in every corner, hutch, basket, and wall. Every handcrafted farmhouse table is loaded with textiles, jewelry, wood, metal work, and blown glass. Stop and admire the magnificent reclaimed barnwood farmhouse tables highlighted with amazing throws from New Hampshire. There’s also handmade pottery that’s both useful and beautiful, among other offerings, such as Frazer Fir candles, which have been a hit over the holiday season.

In addition to all of the beautiful objects for your home, you’ll love the affordable jewelry. I dazzled a friend with a funky, forest green beaded ring, which she absolutely loves.

So, if you find yourself strolling around picturesque Westfield, do stop in. One word of warning, though—it’s almost impossible to leave without treating yourself to something!

The Farmhouse Store
221 East Broad St.
Westfield
908.654.0444
thefarmhousestore.com

Westfield Symphony has reached the final of the Orchestra category of NJ Arts People’s Choice awards. The Jersey Arts Marketers (JAM), a regional network of cultural institutions throughout the state, nominated their peers for the online poll with the provision that they could not nominate themselves. Those receiving the highest number of nominations in each category were identified and Westfield Symphony made it onto the final shortlist.

People’s Choice awards are designed to discover New Jersey’s favorite Arts organizations. The public vote via an on line poll which will determine the winners. The Westfield Symphony encourages all Westfield residents, as well as those in surrounding towns, to support its bid to triumph in the Orchestra category.

The online poll is not considered scientific nor does it intend to make any evaluations as to artistic excellence, instead it is designed to give the public a voice in determining the most popular Arts institutions in New Jersey .

Westfield Symphony is taking the voting seriously however, and doing what they can to garner the bragging rights that will go along with winning. “It’s all in good fun,” says WSO Music Director David Wroe, “Still, we would love to win recognition and hope that our audiences and friends from Westfield and beyond will get behind us. It means a lot to both us and our community.”

The public has until midnight, January 19, 2010 to cast their ballot. To vote for Westfield Symphony Orchestra in the Orchestra category go to www.westfieldsymphony.org and click on the People’s Choice Award ballot icon. Voters will also have the opportunity to vote in other Arts categories and five lucky voters will be selected at random to receive the items of their choice from the JerseyArts.com Online Store. Winners will be announced on JerseyArts.com on January 28, 2010.

Westfield residents encouraged to cast votes for Westfield Symphony Orchestra  

The Winter 2009/2010 issue of edible Jersey magazine features an article called "the edible 66", which lists a few of their favorite restaurants. The establishments they admire range from tiny to sophisticated, and most of the picks strive to "buy local" to support Jersey based famers and food purveyors. Their list includes restaurants that have been featured in their pages and/or recommended by their writers and advisors. Each establishment is, in their own way, helping to define and support a truly edible Jersey.

Xocotatz in Westfield has been named on this list and is the only Westfield restaurant to be included. 

Xocolatz has been in Westfield since 2002, first on Elm Street and now relocated to a larger spot on Elmer. It is a neighborhood favorite with good food and reasonable prices. Xocolatz is a modern byo restaurant, comfortable and welcoming. But it's the menu that's adventurous. Much of the food is Latin-influenced -- Barcelona paella, chicken or beef empanadas, a tropical salad with shrimp and mangoes. The menu also offers traditional American favorites -- meatloaf, baby-back ribs. Plus some dishes that defy category, like sweet potato pierogis. The result is an eclectic mix, a something-for-everyone.

Xocolatz serves lunch and dinner as well as catering for parties. 235 Elmer St., Westfield, NJ 07090, 908.232.3962.  

A Pertinent Comedy: "The Second Time Around", by Henry Denker, Directed by Fred Cuozzo, Jan. 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 2010. Call the box office at 908-232-1221 today. 1000 North Ave. W.

Williams-Sonoma - Don't miss their seasonal Peppermint Hot Chocolate $19.50, or the handmade peppermint bark (pictured above), made of premium chocolate and pure peppermint oil ($26.50). Both are delicious and make great gifts for the holidays. 127 Central Ave. 908.301.0075. www.williams-sonoma.com  

Poppyfields Home - After 12 years of business in Westfield, owners, Lori & Marlene will close their doors but will still be in town decorating out of a new, local office. In the meantime 30 - 50% off storewide with 20% off all special orders. More merchandise still coming in. Hours Tues - Sat, 1-5pm. 116 Elm Street, 908.518.9495.  

Trader Joe's - They have some terrific and affordable holiday delectables. Trader Joe's Decaffeinated Candy Cane Green Tea is $1.99 for a box of 20 tea bags. Coins of the world, a sweet derivation of traditional Hanukah gelt, or money, these Kosher-certified chocolate coins make great gifts for kids, $1.99 for each four ounce bag. 155 Elm St. 908.301.0910  
 

The Paw House - Receive 10% off your purchase of holiday gifts for your furry friends during December with mention of this Downtown Westfield Newsletter.  Edibles excluded. 217 Elmer Street, 908.232.8200.
 
 

The Couture Exchange - Receive 10% off your purchase with mention of this Downtown Westfield Newsletter. 33 Elm St., 908.232.0071. www.thecoutureexchange.com   

Rhain Accessories & Gifts - 20% off your total purchase going on now through December 9th. (photo above.)129 Elm St. 908.654.1658.

Evalyn Dunn's Gallery - Get a FREE 5x7 frame, with UV protected glass and matting, with any purchase of framing or art. It makes a great gift for someone for the holidays! And if you bring in the photo or picture, they'll even put it together for you. Not to be combined with any other promotion. One per customer.  expires 12/31/2009. 549 South Ave. W. 908.232.0412  
 
Castle Bootery - Enjoy 'Customer Appreciation Month' with 15% off the entire store, excluding UGGS and special orders. 52 Elm St., 908.233.7172.
 
Aerosoles - AEROSALE - Savings up to 70% select styles. 161 E. Broad St. 908.232.2963.
 
Douglas Cosmetics - Enjoy Holiday Happy Hours and receive 10% off. Visit 12/07- 12/11 and 12/14 - 12/18, Monday - Friday from 6-8pm. Beat the crowds, shop stress free  and receive 10% off your purchase. Shop after work, have some cider and treats and let the beauty advisors at Douglas help you pick out the perfect gift. 127 Central Ave., 908.928.1122. www.douglascosmetics.com.
 
The UPS Store - They have the expertise to pack and ship all your holiday packages safely & securely. 231 North Ave. W., 908.654.8200.
 
Brand Travel Service - Celebrity Cruises Back in Bermuda 7 night cruises departing from Bayonne, NJ beginning April 25, 2010 from $827.30 per person! 204 Lenox Ave., 908.232.0900.
 
The Eardly T. Petersen Co. - Honda #1 Compact Snowblower, Fast, Easy & Powerful, On Sale NOW. 224 Elmer St., 908.232.5723. http://www.etpetersen.com 
 
Alpha Insurance - Offering to qualified clients a 10 to 20% discount on workers comprehensive policy. Discounts for restaurants, offices, retail stores and contractors. Call for a free price quote, especially if your agent is not a local agent. 605 South Ave., 908.232.1955. 

Holiday Desserts Platters

Here are a few of downtown Westfield eating establishments offering platters of sweet treats for the holidays: Ana Beall's Tea Room 908.264.4221; Bovella's Pastry Shoppe 908.232.4140;
Crumbs Bake Shop 908.232-5527; Tutti Baci Cafe 908.317.9200; Robert Treat Deli 908.232.0925.    

Winter Menus and Holidays at Chez Catherine
Winter Menus are now being served at this fabulous French restaurant. They are open for Lunch from Tuesday to Friday, Sunday Brunch from noon to 3:00PM, and Sunday Dinner (3:30 to 8:00PM) on December 6th, 13th and 20th. They serve dinner every night Tuesday - Saturday, but will serve Sunday dinners and brunch as well during these dates only. They will be open for Christmas Eve 5:30 to 9:00PM and Christmas Day Dinner from 4:30 to 8:00PM. As always Chez Catherine will celebrate the New Year with a New Year' Eve Tasting Gala Dinner at 6:00PM and 9:30PM seatings. They will start New Year's Day with their Special Brunch from Noon to 3:30PM. 431 North Ave. W., 908.654.4011.

Complimentary Dessert with your Supper at Ana Beall's
Happy Holidays from Your Friends at Ana Beall's, Westfield's cozy and comfortable premier Tea Room. Not only is the staff ready to serve friends and family tea and delectables, you are invited to come for Supper any Friday or Saturday evening. During the month of December, enjoy one Complimentary Dessert with your Meal. In addition, you're welcome to order an array of dessert platters for the Holidays. The staff is busy baking your favorite muffins, scones, pastries, and desserts. Hours: 10 to 5 Tuesday to Thursday for lunch or tea service. Serving an eclectic Southern Cuisine until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  Open 9 - 6 on Sundays. 415 Westfield Avenue, 908.264.4221.

Holiday Cookies and Cupcakes at Crumbs

Host a holiday party that everyone will be talking about until next year. Stop by Crumbs Westfield for delicious holiday decorated cookies and cupcakes to share with your family and friends...they won't be able to resist! Crumbs Westfield, 130 East Broad St, 908. 232.5527 or visit them online at www.crumbs.com for nationwide shipping.
 
Homemade Beer Competition at The Office Beer Bar & Grill
Do you have aspirations to be the next Beer Baron? If so, The Office is hosting the perfect competition for you. The Home Brewers Wars - sponsored by High Point Brewing Company, makers of Ramstein Beer - will answer the question: who is the best amateur brewer in New Jersey? The first round of competition, "The People's Choice," will be held on Tuesday, December 8th, beginning at 8pm, at all Office Beer Bar locations. Homemade beers will be judged by customers and professional brewers alike, with a victor emerging from each of the seven Office locations. On Saturday, December 12th, the seven finalists will face off at 5pm at the Montclair Office Beer Bar, where judges from High Point Brewing Company, Nash Distributors and High Grade Distributors will choose the best home brewer. The winner will receive a $100 Office gift card, have the chance to spend the day working with the brewers at High Point to create their recipe from scratch, will receive a commemorative tap handle and plaque and the first keg will be tapped during a ceremony in late January. The winner's beer will then be sold throughout our restaurants for beer lovers to enjoy. So head down to the basement and start brewing! If you would like to enter, please email the following information to beerwars@cbsteakhouse.com. Name, Address, Email, Phone, D.O.B, Restaurant Location. 411 North Ave. W., 908.232.1207.
 
Wine Tastings at CoolVines in December, Saturdays, 2-5pm
December 5th: How Syrah became Shiraz! Join for an exploration of how Traditional Syrah became Modern Shiraz, and taste an Old World Syrah from France and a New World Shiraz from Australia. December 12th: White Wines to get you through the Winter. Who says you can't drink white wine after Labor Day?  December 19th: Wines to serve at Christmas Dinner. December 26th: Wines to help ring in the New Year! Nothing says the New Years like a little bubby and holiday cheer, come taste some sparkling wines. 23 Elm St., 908-232-5050. www.coolvines.com 

Thursday, December 17, 2009, 11-2pm 
Blue Mercury Tea & Cookies

Westfield holiday shoppers are invited to stop by Blue Mercury on December 17th from 11am - 2pm for tea and cookies provided by Ana Beall's Tea Room. A Laura Mercier makeup artist will be available for holiday makeup. 82 Elm St., 908.233.1100. www.bluemercury.com

Saturdays, December 12,19,20, 2009
Juxtapose Gallery Jewelry Trunk Shows in December
Dec 5: Designer Satna Mehra with inspirational pieces from Jewelry For the Global Sole, December 12: Designs by Suzanne, December 19 & 20: Due Sorelle. 58 Elm St., 908.232.3278. www.juxtaposegallery.com

Saturday, December 12, Brad Parks Author Signing at The Town Book Store
On December 12, 2009 from 10:30-12:00 PM, Author Brad Parks will sign copies of his book, Faces of the Gone, at the Town Book Store. Main character Carter Ross grew up in Millburn, works in Newark, lives in Nutley. He drives the Parkway, parties in Hoboken, stalks killers in Summit. He's a hero of New Jersey, by New Jersey and for New Jersey. This book will be a treat for readers familiar with the many locales that investigative reporter Carter Ross traverses in his search for a brutal murderer. 270 E. Broad St. 908.233.3535. www.townbookstore.com  

Saturday December 12 Holiday Drop and Shop Bring your child (ages 6-16) to Just Bead Yourself to make 3 gifts for $39 while you shop in town! Come from 10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm to 3:30pm, December 12. To register call 908-232-3411 or visit www.justbeadyourself.com 113 Central Ave.  

Miller Cory House December Museum Events December 13: German Christmas Customs. Ideal for children and adults. Visit their website: www.millercoryhouse.org, or email millercorymuseum@gmail.com.

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Ring in the New Year with Westfield Symphony! WSO presents one of New Jersey's most popular New Year's Eve musical celebrations....THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK. Thursday December 31st, 7pm at the Westfield High School Auditorium. Join Maestro David Wroe and WSO for a superb revue of American musical theater classics presented in glorious symphonic splendor featuring guest soloists direct from Broadway and beyond. An event for the whole family. The WSO recommends making reservations as soon as possible as tickets are selling fast and last year's concert was a sell-out. Tickets in advance are $35 for general admission and $65 for preferred seating ($40 and $70 at the door, if available.) Order by phone 908 232 9400. www.westfieldsymphony.org

The Downtown Westfield Corporation held its annual holiday open house last night at its headquarters located at 105 Elm Street in downtown Westfield.  Over 200 Westfield business owners and officials attended the gathering that featured a wide array of tastings from Westfield’s eateries as well as holiday treats. The DWC would like to thank the downtown merchants, property owners, volunteers, and council members for their support throughout the year in helping make Downtown Westifled a great place to shop, dine and celebrate.

Photo courtesy of Millicent Brody

WSO presents one of New Jersey’s most popular New Year’s Eve musical celebrations....THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK.

Thursday December 31st, 7pm at the Westfield High School Auditorium.

Join Maestro David Wroe and WSO for a superb revue of American musical theater classics presented in glorious symphonic splendor featuring guest soloists direct from Broadway and beyond.

An event for the whole family, this is a friendly cabaret–style concert for adults to reminisce to songs they all know, for kids to enjoy some of the most exciting characters to grace Broadway’s stage, and for us all to revel in the musical genius of some of America’s finest musical theater composers and professional performers.

TICKET INFORMATION

The WSO recommends making reservations as soon as possible as tickets are selling fast and last year’s concert was a sell-out. Tickets in advance are $35 for general admission and $65 for preferred seating ($40 and $70 at the door, if available.)