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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Park Beverage Settles into New Home

The liquor store moved over to 1923 Westfield Avenue at the beginning of March.

Park Beverage Owner Chris DeMaio says he's settling in nicely at his liquor store's new location on Westfield Avenue. The Scotch Plains business owner shut down his shop on Park Avenue at the end of February and moved his inventory one street over to the former home of Palmer Video, a space that's twice the size of his previous property. Last week, DeMaio and his staff were still getting the place in order, but already finding that their inventory fills the large space quite well. They're now better able to space out their stock and face the shelves with multiple bottles, which was harder to do in their previous location.  "It's double the space for the same price," DeMaio said, noting that the new property is 4600 square feet, compared to…

I'm a landlord in SP. I'm sick to death of the town running our businesses out with their incessant fees. I have had to be flexible with my tenants - each one has received a rent decrease so I can keep my units rented. I make very little money every month - between the taxes, the SID fees, the inspection fees (every inspection you can imagine!) I don't make much money at all. Unless this town …  more ›

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Mezzogiorno Goes Out of Business

The Italian restaurant offered homemade pastas and authentic dishes.

Downtown Scotch Plains has one less restaurant now. Mezzogiorno, the Italian restaurant located at 45o Park Avenue right next to the municipal building, has gone out of business. Owner Franscesco Sabetta told Patch that his closure was the result of hardships in this tough economy, citing specifically issues with his landlord. "Unfortunately, I succumbed to the economic tsunami," he said via e-mail. A native of Salerno, Italy, Sabetta opened Mezzogiorno a decade ago to do what he enjoys best: cooking authentic Italian food, singing and entertaining patrons with his rich, baritone vocals, and sharing a bit of Italian culture with Scotch Plains residents. The restaurant, which served homemade pasta and a variety of authentic Italian dishes, …

Sad. I have never enjoyed a restaurant more than Franco's Mezzogiorno. It pleased me that the town embraced the mural art on the north wall of the restaurant. The restaurant contributed a real grace note to Scotch Plains, and I felt proud of it.  more ›

Friday, February 19, 2010

'Big Event' Draws Over 100 Networkers

Program featured attendees from Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Springfield.

Networkers crowded the Mattress Factory in Fanwood Wednesday night for an evening of appetizers, wine and building business. The "Big Event," a joint program of the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Scotch Plains Business Professional Association, the Business and Professional Association of Fanwood, and the Springfield Patriot Chamber of Commerce, drew in business people from the four towns, along with several neighboring towns, for an evening of networking and building business relationships. Over 100 people attended the event. Neil Pinkman, executive director of the Westfield chamber, said the goal of the event was to find new ways for local businesses to interact and build relationships. The concept of co-hosting with business groups…

Friday, February 12, 2010

Top Local Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

What to buy and where to buy it for that special man in your life.

Stuck on what to get your guy this Valentine's Day? Most women will agree that men have it easy on February 14th. All they have to do is make dinner reservations, grab some flowers, and—if they're really splurging—buy a piece of jewelry. Any jewelry will do. Really. Shopping for men, though, can often be much more challenging. Clothes are boring, sports cars are too expensive, and the male species doesn't typically appreciate a box of chocolates. But, fear not! There are a lot of unique Valentine's Day gifts perfect for your guy just steps away from your home. Why not try… Sports Equipment & Accessories If golf is your guy's thing, nab a gift certificate for a private lesson or a round of golf (or mini golf!) at the Scotch Hills Country …

Top Local Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

What to buy and where to buy it for that special gal in your life.

There's no doubt that February 14 is the most high-pressure holiday of the year. Most, if not all, women have pretty high expectations for the entire day, and the bar is set the minute they open their eyes in the morning. There is the gift to consider, as well as the dinner. Many a valentine have stumbled foolishly with kitchen appliances, drugstore chocolates, and lingerie (which is really a gift for the gifter, not the recipient). On behalf of women everywhere, don't do it! There are lots of romantic Valentine's Day gift options out there that are sure to make her swoon and fall in love with you all over again. Some of the more traditional options are… Jewelry Let me be absolutely clear about this: you can't go wrong with jewelry. …

Monday, February 8, 2010

FW, SP Business Organizations Help Plan 'Big Event'

The event aims to be a major networking opportunity for local business people.

The Mattress Factory in Fanwood will be hopping on February 17, with potentially hundreds of small business people gathering for a night of networking. The Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce is working with business groups in Fanwood, Scotch Plains and Springfield to host what is being called the "Big Event," that evening. Neil Pinkman, the chamber's executive director, said the event is a way to bring together members of the regional business groups for the evening. "Between the four groups there are over 500 members," Pinkman said. "If we can continue networking together it is good for business." Pinkman has been in contact with his colleagues from the Scotch Plains Business Professional Association, the Business and Professional …

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Panettone's Gone for Good?

The deli and catering company closed a few weeks ago.

Many residents who've passed by the the Italian Delicatessen and Catering Company Panettone's in recent weeks have been surprised to find its lights off and doors locked. The downtown Fanwood establishment shut up shop a few weeks ago, and according to neighboring store owners and individuals at borough hall, the deli is gone for good. There's no sign on the door, but inside, equipment, tables and other goods are all stacked up on the sides. On Monday night, workers were inside the shop laying new tile on the floor. One of the workers also confirmed the closure to Patch. Because businesses aren't required to notify the town when they've closed, borough hall has no official record of what happened. Got any details? Share them at lindsay@…

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Local Builder Hopes 'Green Apartments' Will Help Revitalize Downtown Scotch Plains

The apartments featured the latest in environmentally-friendly construction.

Downtown Scotch Plains isn’t exactly a hot spot for renters, but one local builder is trying to change that with his recent opening of a luxury, energy efficient complex right off Park Avenue.Steve Needle, the president of Needle Point Homes, was the brainchild behind the 12-unit apartment building, located at 549 Park Avenue, just across from Park Middle School.Called Park Avenue Green, the complex houses one and two-bedroom units that feature all the latest in green technology.Needle, a Scotch Plains resident himself, has worked as a green builder since 2002, primarily focusing his efforts on designing customized luxury homes in the Westfield-Scotch Plains area. The apartment building in Scotch Plains is the first of its type that he’s …

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Essential New Year’s Eve Party Guide

Ring in 2010 in style at these local venues.

Tired of watching the ball drop with Dick Clark, ho-humming it at home? Ready to put on those dancing shoes and rock the night away? If hitting the town is on your party agenda this New Year's Eve, check out this round-up of festive count-down celebrations…but be sure to make a reservation so you don't get caught without a champagne toast and that special someone for a New Year's kiss! Scotch Plains Stage House Restaurant & Wine Bar is offering DJ music and three different NYE options in their tavern, restaurant, and bar. Tavern: a 3-course meal in a casual setting at two different seatings, 5 to 6:30 p.m. for $55 per person and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. for $75 per person. Restaurant: a 3-course meal in a formal dining setting at two different …

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

More For Less For Your Spouse: 12 Gifts for Christmas $25 or less

There are plenty of inexpensive yet thoughtful options for gift-giving if you're trying to keep the budget low.

If you and your spouse are watching the bank account, but still want to surprise each other with some special holiday keepsakes, there are plenty of $25 and under gifts available at local stores that will give him/her a big grin. Enchantments in Fanwood is one store that's keeping busy this holiday season. Owner Helen Ling tells Patch that American-made silver initial necklaces, $24, are a top seller right now. "Also long-beaded necklaces that are very colorful with crystals, we sell a lot of them," she said. With a variety of low-cost options right in your own backyard, it's easy to give your true love something that will not break the bank. Here's some tips on what to buy.   Beautifying Hand-Made Soap: Novelty soaps are hot sellers this …

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