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[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] A Man’s Dream: An Entire Bar Devoted to Bacon!

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : January 30, 2014
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Category: Been, Columns, Going, Kickin' Back with Jersey Joe, Topics, Travel

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You take bacon, you take beer, you dedicate a bar to serving them both and you’ve got just about every man’s dream!  It’s happening – in New York City!

 

NYC certainly has no shortage or great restaurants and bars.  Just about any theme or cuisine you desire can be found here.  But, every once in a while a new place just commands special attention – and the new BarBacon is it!  The only question is – what took so long for someone to come up with an entire bar devoted to bacon?

 

Inside BarBacon, New York City.

Inside BarBacon, New York City.

BarBacon opened their doors in December 2013 and judging by the crowd; this place is already a hit!  Last Friday, it was packed with after work New Yorkers hungry for beer and bacon!  As the evening rolled on, the place became standing room only.  By 5pm the bar was completely full.

 

BarBacon's Old Fashioned

BarBacon’s Old Fashioned

Their concept is simple, assorted craft beer and spirits mixed with a menu where just about every item features bacon.  Beers start at $6 ($3 during 4-7pm Happy Hour) and their specialty cocktail menu starts at $13, which includes cocktails like the Bacon Bloody Mary, Smoked Maple Lemonade (lemonade with Maple Syrup), and a Bacon Old Fashion (which comes with a Brown Sugar rim).

 

Their location at 836 9th Avenue between 54th & 55th streets makes it convenient for both locals and tourists.  The interior design features warm wood wall coverings, black bar and table tops, with an open view into the stainless steel kitchen.  Exposed soft lighting helps add to the warm, yet rustic industrial feel.

 

One of the highlights of the appetizer menu is a $20 beer and bacon flight.  Four 4 oz. draft beers are paired with four different types of bacon.  Or, you can opt for a $12 bacon only sampler.

 

Even the garnish on the bacon slides features bacon!

Even the garnish on the bacon slides features bacon!

The restaurant proudly serves the following bacon varieties:

 

• Nueske’s Smoked Applewood Bacon – family smoked bacon from Wisconsin

• Nodine’s Peppered Bacon – fine coated in course black pepper and smoked with hickory & maple hard wood, from the New England Berkshires

• BarBacon Lamb Bacon – salty, smoky, sweet lamb bacon

• Father’s Country Maple Bacon – from a family farm in Kentucky, features flavor of natural, hickory smoke with a glaze of brown sugar

• Peppered Turkey Bacon

• BarBacon Veggie Bacon

 

This place has cooking bacon down to a science!  While bacon is generally really greasy, it is not the case here. Each slice is cooked medium-well.  Not too crispy, but not rubbery, either.  They have found the perfect cooking temperature!

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The bacon lobster roll.

 

The sandwich menu features multiple specialty burgers, sandwiches, and rolls – all of course, come with bacon.

 

While I opted for the classic BLT (which was awesome with a huge stack of bacon for $11), my friend Craig ordered their much hyped lobster bacon roll ($18), featuring chunks of real lobster, which he said was absolutely fantastic.

 

The bacon popcorn.

The bacon popcorn.

Another of their crazy menu items is the bacon popcorn, which features small chunks of bacon shaken into a funnel of popcorn – another home run!

 

The BLT with a side of bacon potato salad. Note: sides do cost extra & are not included with all sandwiches.

The BLT with a side of bacon potato salad. Note: sides do cost extra & are not included with all sandwiches.

To go with my sandwich, I also tried a side of their bacon potato salad.  It featured large chunks of bacon, mixed in with large chunks of potatoes, egg, and a light mayo.  I enjoyed it, but found the egg taste a little much.  I’m not a fan of giant chunks of hard boiled egg and yoke, which this prominently featured.

 

They also offer a small dessert menu, which includes ice cream and cookies.  As of now, none of the dessert items really feature bacon, but online rumors state they are working on their own bacon ice cream and hope to have that ready in a few weeks.

 

With the Super Bowl in town this weekend, I’m sure fans would love to make this place a highlight of their Big Apple experience!

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THE 411

 

What: BarBacon

 

Location: 836 9th Avenue, New York City

 

Ambience: bar/casual dining

 

Website: www.barbacon.com

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS

 

This place is quickly becoming one of New York City’s best kept secrets and is part of the new gastropub restaurant phase.  Once the place fills up, it can get a little loud, but I was there on a busy Friday night and people were drinking the work week away.  We got there before the crowd, but the volume went up as the place got packed.  I saw multiple people walk in and walk back out when they saw how busy it was.  Your best value is definitely during the 4-7pm happy hour.

 

Expect to pay around $50 for a meal that includes appetizer, beer, entrée, and dessert.  Of course, the more drinks you have the higher the bill.  The cost for the beer is about $1 more than you generally pay around the Hell’s Kitchen area in my opinion for a name brand draft.

 

IMG_1339It’s a great meal and a great place to talk about.  It’s in a convenient location for locals and would be great for tourists as well.  I plan on bringing my out of town friends there and definitely will be back for another meal.  While it’s probably not the best place to take a first date or kids, more established couples or guys out on the town will find it the perfect spot.  Besides, who doesn’t like bacon!?!?

 

While there is a small vegetarian menu, sadly this is probably not their scene!

 

You’ll find more information about the restaurant on their Facebook page.  Their main website is still under construction.  Also, look for daily specials on the blackboards above the kitchen.

[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] Caught on Tape: Fight over Fried Chicken

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : January 23, 2014
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Sometimes you just end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Last weekend, my friends and I had one of those moments when simply trying to get some late night fried chicken.

 

(WARNING: strong language in video)

 

 

After living in Northern New Jersey / New York City area for all these years, one thing that I’ve come to learn is that each town, city, and suburb has their own iconic fried chicken joint.  Many of these places are open until the wee hours of the morning and Hollywood Fried Chicken on Newark Avenue in downtown Jersey City is no different.

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Hollywood Fried Chicken on Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

 

The fried chicken is super cheap, super tasty, and probably not the best for you.  The breading is not too spicy, but is crisp while the chicken inside remains moist.  Their menu consists of fried chicken and all the sides, plus burgers and gyros.  There are three locations in New Jersey and this restaurant has been a neighborhood staple for decades.  Just say the name – and most locals know all about it!

 

And by cheap, I mean you can purchase a 15 piece chicken box with 2 sides and biscuits that will feed the entire family for $13!  While there are dozens of door buster meal deals, an individual chicken wing starts at the rock bottom price of 75 cents!

 

The restaurant opens at 10am and doesn’t close until 4am.  Those late night hours often make the place a last stop for those who’ve had a little too much to drink bar hopping all night.

 

We’re not sure what started the brawl.  As we turned the corner from Jersey Avenue, you could hear lots of commotion and arguing going on inside the restaurant.  Next thing you know it, one group is pushing the other and within a minute, people spill out the front door onto the street.

 

No one was seriously hurt and we left right after I stopped recording.  We had a conversation with two other customers who were inside when everything happened.  As one of them told us:

 

“It was stupid.  One girl bumped into the other and things got out of hand.”

 

The Jersey City police heading toward the scene.

The Jersey City police heading toward the scene.

Within about 10 minutes after everything broke up and being called, the Jersey City police finally arrived on the scene.

 

The sad thing is in this day and age with all the lawsuits and cameras, a simple misunderstanding like this can really blow up into big trouble.  While some of it was fueled by alcohol (and you could clearly see at least one girl, barely able to walk) too many people are looking to sue.  Just watch daytime TV with all the injury lawyer commercials!

 

Hollywood Fried Chicken has a 3½ star rating on Yelp with reviews mixed from really good to really bad.  Many of the reviews note the rowdy customers and late night drunks, but thank Hollywood for saving them from a massive hangover.

 

But, like it or hate it, the restaurant has a profitable business model.  The place is always busy no matter what time of day and they turn out lots of chicken during business hours.  They may want to add some more late night security, however.

 

Does your neighborhood have a late night chicken place like this?

 

THE 411

 

What: Hollywood Fried Chicken

 

Where: Jersey City, New Jersey

 

Date of incident: after midnight, January 20, 2014

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

banana pudding

The Hollywood Fried Chicken banana pudding.

 

The neighborhood along the Jersey City waterfront across the river from New York City continues to gentrify.  What were once railroads and warehouses are now expensive rentals and high rise condos.  Hollywood Fried Chicken has certainly seen the changes in the neighborhood over the decades.

 

The food is really good; sadly the crowd sometimes is not.  I eat there on a regular basis; I just scope it out, first.  If it looks packed and rowdy inside – I pass.

 

But, you’ve got to try their banana pudding!  It’s absolutely succulent and quite the little hidden bonus item on their menu!

 

Image credit – Paul Lowry

[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] Is This Broadway or a Seat in Coach?

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : January 16, 2014
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Category: Been, Columns, Going, Kickin' Back with Jersey Joe, Topics, Travel

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Love that feeling being crammed in coach on a long flight?  Now, you can have that same feeling on Broadway!

 

My seat for No Man's Land on Broadway.

My seat for No Man’s Land at the Cort Theatre on Broadway.

Broadway – dozens of shows and thousands of butts pack the seats every night.  But, it seems like the theater owners are taking a page from the airlines and jam packing more and more people in.

 

A few weeks ago, I went to see No Man’s Land with two friends, starring Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.  We had $150 tickets, which put us in the front row of the upper balcony of the Cort Theater on West 48th Street.  Thankfully, being in the front row allowed us for a few precious inches of leg room.  I looked back and the people sitting behind me, who basically had their knees in their chests.   While the entire play was good, the first act of the show was a little long and dry.  It was becoming harder and harder to sit as the act drug on, with my legs falling asleep and fighting for possession of the narrow arm rest. Not to mention, the air conditioning was off and it really started to heat up in there.  I actually heard someone snoring behind me and saw several people nodding off all around.

 

Quite frankly, it was just flat out uncomfortable.

 

Sitting there that long reminded me of being on a long flight.  The seats are expensive, there’s little room, and you’re crammed in there for hours at a time.

 

Space in New York is at a premium, but have the Broadway theaters have gone too far?

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Take a trip to the restroom, you’ll always find a line.  At the Foxwoods Theatre where I saw Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark (read my original review, here), men actually had to turn to the side to use the urinal.  They may be the smallest bathrooms – I’ve ever seen!

 

Being local, I usually see at least one show a year.  To me, I love the magic of the live stage performance, but the way they pack you in, I feel like a piece of cattle… just like on an airplane.

 

I get it.  The shows are expensive to produce, with actors, stage hands, advertising, story rights, and theater rent all adding up to big bucks.  So, the shows and venues are looking to maximize every dollar they can – and one way of doing so is by packing more people into the house.

 

Same deal with the airlines, the more fuel costs go up, the more seats they are adding to planes.

 

Sadly, the result for both is an uncomfortable experience for customers.

 

Another way both Broadway and the airlines are looking to cash in is the sale of alcohol.  Up until a few years ago, only a few Broadway shows sold liquor, now almost all of them have multiple bars and allow patrons to carry a cocktail to their seats.

 

At No Man’s Land, they had a guy walking up and down through the lower seats selling candy!

flight attendant

Where else have I seen that?  Oh yeah, on an airline!  $6 for a giant box of Milk Duds or a half canister of Pringles!

 

Around 1850, theaters first began opening in their current Times Square location on Broadway.  As smaller shows began closing downtown, the area was saturated with new auditoriums to satisfy New Yorkers and tourist demand for the shows.  In order to be classified as a full Broadway theater, the venue must seat at least 500.  (the same classification for a production to win a Tony Award.)

 

THE 411

 

What: Broadway Theaters

 

Location: Times Square Area, New York City

 

Number of seats: 500+

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS

 

So, where is the best seat in the house for a Broadway show?  Take the advice of Ryan Dixon, who taught me years ago to always sit in the front row of the middle or upper mezzanine.  You will get to see the whole stage and you’ll get a little more room!

 

Coincidentally, I now also find myself sitting there at Yankees games!

 

Image credits – Willem van Bergen, Peter Bellis, David Lytle

[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] The Final Moments of the Sands Casino Atlantic City

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : January 9, 2014
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It becomes a big deal when a legendary casino shuts down and in just a few days, another will fold up in Atlantic City.  It got me thinking back to the night in 2006, when I was there for the final roll of their old Sands casino.  It’s kind of a surreal moment to be there when security pushes everyone out the door.

 

The hotel tower of the Sands Atlantic City

The hotel tower of the Sands Atlantic City

On that night, I had my old cell phone, and did my best to document the final moments of the casino.  I caught on camera everything from the final blackjack bets to the employees saying good bye.  I uploaded these to the web years ago, but decided it was time to take another look back at that historic moment caught in time.

 

The Atlantic City Sands casino opened on August 31, 1980 as the Brighten Hotel & Casino at the corner of Indiana Avenue and Brighten Park.  Shortly after opening, it was bought along with the Las Vegas Sands and was officially renamed the Sands Casino Hotel Atlantic City to cash in on the famous “Rat Pack” name.

 

The resort featured 532 rooms in a 21 story hotel tower.  The casino was 2 levels, with a 3rd floor restaurant area.  After opening and become a sister to the Las Vegas property, it attracted big name entertainers including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Cher, Whitney Houston, and more.

 

Inside the people mover that connected the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Sands Casino, and Claridge Casino.

Inside the people mover that connected the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Sands Casino, and Claridge Casino.

While the resort was set back from the famous Boardwalk, a block long people mover was constructed featuring three Dunlop moving belts to take people directly inside either the Sands or neighboring Claridge Casino.  The belt was kind of springy and you could actually bounce up and down a bit on it.

 

The flashy exterior of the Sands Atlantic City at night.

The flashy exterior of the Sands Atlantic City at night.

The Sands was quickly surpassed by the newer resorts that opened in town and went bankrupt in 1998.  The property block was purchased by Pinnacle Entertainment, with their own plans to demolish the resort, and create their own $1.5 billion mega-resort known as Pinnacle Atlantic City.  They erected billboards all around town advertising their coming and gave Sands employees 60 days lay off notice in September.

sandscasinoweb

My friends Simon, Chris, and I decided to be there for the Sands final night and with my old fashioned camera phone in tow.  We arrived around 10pm and the place certainly wasn’t a ghost town.  In fact, it was quite packed.  In the madness, I tried to snap as many phone shots as possible and here’s what I captured that night.  I apologize in advance for some of the blurry photos.

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From the people-mover, the O in casino had lost part of its covering.  Nobody cares; this will be the last time this sign is lit.

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To access the Sands, you had to take a sharp right after the second long belt on the people mover.  You would then descend down a high flyover ramp, decorated in white and blue K-Mart rope lights.  The next day, this flyover was sealed with a temporary wood partition.  Only a few weeks later, the entire people mover to the neighboring Claridge was closed.

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After exiting the people mover flyover, you would descend down an escalator to the main floor of the casino.  There was a large atrium where a three story escalator would take hungry gamblers to the dining level. By the time we were there that night; only a small deli was still open.

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It’s only 10pm, but this part of the casino floor was nearly dead… that will change as we delve further in.

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Just steps from the door – this place is happening.  Gamblers are trying to make the most of every last second the Sands is open!

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The band plays on at Swingers, a bar/nightclub that was located in the center of the casino floor.  Only 6 hours later, this place would be dead forever!

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These signs were posted all around the properly informing players of the Sands closure.  These signs would be up for months after the doors were locked.

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We took a quick walk outside to check out the impressive front facade of the building.  This was the final night for these signs and logo to be lit.  Within 7 months, all of these signs went up for auction, and what was left was bulldozed 9 months later.

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We went back inside to play the slots.  Check this old machine out!  It’s a unique nickel slot that offers a gold watch as a prize!  Hit the right combination on the screen, push the button, and it’s yours.  Two of the watches were already gone at this point.  Too bad, they don’t have slots like these anymore!

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We decided to explore the property a bit and came across this little used walkway to their hidden kids’ arcade.  It looks like they didn’t want kids anywhere near the casino floor!

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Here is the last open place to get a bite to eat… a late night deli.  The Sands used to have a really neat themed buffet, where you sat on chairs that were designed to resemble the rolling chairs on the Boardwalk and the whole room was boardwalk/ocean themed.  I ate there once; it wasn’t bad from what I remember.

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Nobody was around in the poker room on the last night!

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We took a final ride from the 3rd floor dining area down the long escalators back o the casino floor.

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We took a stroll up the Boardwalk to the Irish Pub and returned at about 4:30am.

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We again circled the casino to find that many of the machines had already been taken offline, such as this machine at 4:41am.  There was quite a buzz floating around the floor as the casino had paid off many of their progressive jackpots earlier in the evening.  There were stories of quite a few gamblers who hit it big!

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By 5:11am, lines were forming at the casino cages as many of the tables began to close.

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By 5:20am, one by one the tables were closing.  Most of the staff began saying goodbye and swapping stories with one another.

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By 5:21am, only two table games were available for play.  $25 baccarat and $250 blackjack!  The tables that were open now had rows of spectators.

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…and at 5:22am, here’s one of the last blackjack tables that was open.

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At 5:27am, I sat down at a still working Hollywood Squares slot machine.  At this point, security was walking around telling players to cash out.

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…and at 5:35am – a big win!  My $20 turned into $186.50!  Thanks Sands!  A security guard stood next to me to finish my bonus round, then asked for a third and final time to leave the machine.  Seconds after I got up, an attendant disables the machine.

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…at 5:37am one of the last blackjack tables still going strong.  At one point in the last years, the Sands had removed all of their table games.  Some players said that was the final nail in their coffin.  They brought them back not too long before closing.

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One of the very last slot machines that was still online.  You can tell by the red lights on top, which machines are offline.

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At 5:43am, here’s that Hollywood Squares machine I was playing… now locked off!

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Another view of that great win!

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Here’s a bank of disabled Price is Right nickel slot machines.  Funny, how the sign says TEMPORARILY OUT OF SERVICE.

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Someone should take a Sharpie and change the sign to PERMANENTLY OUT OF SERVICE.  These machines were probably shipped to another casino.  I doubt they’re still in service in 2014!

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…and at 5:46am here it is – the very last deal at the very last blackjack table.  An announcement is made over the intercom – the Sands Casino is now officially closed.  The woman won the last hand with a 20!

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The staff says goodbye as security begins to usher patrons out of the building.  A series of rope barricades had been put up at the edges of the casino floor.  Once you crossed the line – you couldn’t get back in!  Local news crews were waiting outside.

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More of the staff taking pictures, hugging, and saying goodbye.  There were still guests in the hotel rooms and they had to leave the building by 9am.

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It’s now 5:54am, a look at one of the many security barriers in place.

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Security ushering everyone out.

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…and past the security barricade to the outside.  The casino is nearly empty and closed.  It’s 5:56am.

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A cameraman from CBS 3 in Philadelphia takes some b-roll shots.

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Another of the many signs announcing the casino’s closure.

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A reporter from CBS 3 Philadelphia doing interviews.

It was $10 admission to get into the Sands Casino liquidation sale in 2007.

It was $10 admission to get into the Sands Casino liquidation sale in 2007.

7 months later, after the casino was officially closed, the entire property, and everything inside went up for sale at an auction.  I was able to check that out as well.  It was neat to walk through every nook and cranny of the place.  People were buying up everything. from old TV’s, to copper pipes, to hot tub parts, everything (except slots and table games, which were gone by this point) had a price tag on it.  I originally went there, hoping to score a deal on an HDTV, but those were gone early in the auction.  I did pick up a few small kitchen items: a serving dish, some wine glasses, and salad tongs!  Every room in the building was open to explore.  We even found a secret elevator that only went between the top three floors for high rollers to access their exclusive lounge.

 

Pinnacle made $31 million from the sale, including finding an additional $17,193.14 in found cash when the original slot machines were removed.

 

The entire property was imploded in a big Las Vegas style spectacle on October 18, 2007.  Numerous viewing parties lined the Boardwalk for the festivities.

After being the smallest Atlantic City casino when it closed, Pinnacle had big plans to open their mega-resort by 2012 at the latest.  Those plans never happened.  Shortly after the building was imploded, the housing bubble burst, and Pinnacle was no longer interested in opening in the AC market.  The site has sat vacant, except for an art installation, ever since.  In March 2013, Pinnacle sold the land to developer Boardwalk Piers who has plans to build another casino or a family friendly complex.

 

The Dizzy Dolphin video poker bar inside The Atlantic Club.

The Dizzy Dolphin video poker bar inside The Atlantic Club.

It was a fun time at the Sands that last night and now sadly, another Atlantic City casino is closing their doors.  The Atlantic Club Casino, at the very southern end of the Boardwalk, will shut down on January 13th.  The casino was originally built at the Golden Nugget and helped casino mogul Steve Wynn fund his Las Vegas empire.  The Atlantic Club is currently the smallest of the city’s casinos.

 

The Atlantic Club will be the third Atlantic City casino to ever close, after the original Playboy Casino/Trump World’s Fair site and the Sands.  The only portion of the original Sands that still remains is the adjacent Madison House Hotel that was once used as an overflow hotel tower and a parking garage.

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THE 411

 

What: Sands Casino Hotel Atlantic City

 

Operating Dates: 1980-2006

 

Rooms: 532

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

 

Pinnacle made a mistake closing the Sands Atlantic City.  While they had big plans for their mega-resort, even the city’s newest resort Revel, is having trouble making a buck.

 

The Sands could have stayed on as a local’s casino and certainly had enough space to expand or re-brand.   Pinnacle should have waited until they had all the proper funding before imploding the place.  They could have at least flipped the property over to someone else.

 

It’s only a matter of time, until Atlantic City loses another of their smaller casinos and only time will tell what will happen to the Atlantic Club property after the doors are sealed in a few days.

 

Image credits – iirra, Laura Gomez, Mori Claudia, Cavalier92

[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] Put Your Shopping Carts Back

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : January 2, 2014
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After you’ve walked up and down the aisles of your local store, stood in line at the checkout, and the finally make it back to your car… do you ever return your shopping cart to a cart return, or back inside the store?  Meet the baby that does!

 

 

Baby Esme Poglein sure knows how to return the shopping cart, right?  This video was given to me by the Poglein family to share.

 

shoppingcart1One of the earliest designs for a shopping cart was created by Sylvan Goldman, the owner of the Piggly Wiggly supermarket chain in 1937.  He was looking for a way to entice shoppers to buy more groceries and got inspiration from a folding chair in his office.  After tinkering with his design, he was issued a patent from the federal government for his invention in 1940.

 

Shopping carts were not popular when they were first introduced.  Men found them effeminate and women found them similar to pushing baby carriages.  Goldman had to hire men and women models to demonstrate and greeters to push for their use.  Americans quickly fell in love with the carts.

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In 1946, American inventor Orla Watson came up with a way to nest the carts together for easy storage that we use today.  After scoring a patent of his own, Goldman was forced to pay Watson $1, after filing a patent for a redesign that was too similar to Watson’s.  Goldman also worked out a licensing right to allow for the modifications of his design and the mass production of modern shopping carts was on!

 

While most stores in the United States, offer cart return facilities in the parking lot, many customers choose just to abandon theirs right where they park, and leave.  While this is not illegal, it can lead to accidental dents and scratches to cars, when a driver accidentally hits or brushes up against one.

 

In Canada and Europe, to encourage customers to return carts to the store, they must place a coin deposit to remove one and get their coin back when the cart is properly return.  Most Aldi supermarket store locations in the US as well as a few Costco warehouse stores, use this system.  In Australia, it’s the law.

 

Later shopping cart designs feature a small basket toward the rear that can be used to store small items, or for mothers to place small children where they can be supervised while shopping.  However, 24,000 children are injured by carts each year.  To improve child safely, many stores now offer special “kid carts” where the child can be placed in a special set under the cart that is lower to the ground.

 

In the past few years, Sears department stores have introduced shopping carts and check out lines for customers, which the company says has led to an increase in sales.

 

An abandoned shopping cart.

An abandoned shopping cart.

While shopping cart designs haven’t changed much in the last 50 years, Target stores have introduced a completely plastic cart, that not only makes it easier for the store to repair and replace parts, but it also won them multiple design awards for innovation.

 

Depending on where you are, shopping carts can be called a shopping trolley, shopping carriage, wagon, lunga, barrae, or shopping buggy.

 

A typical cart costs a store $75 – $400, depending on the model.  Remember that, the next time you see one abandoned along the road!

 

THE 411

 

Name: shopping carts

 

What: carts designed to allow shoppers to carry large quantities of goods around the store and to their cars

 

Introduced: 1937

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

 

It drives me nuts seeing tons of abandoned shopping carts littering store parking lots.  My vehicle has been hit and scratched by them again and again.  Stores provide cart returns for a reason.  Be polite to your fellow shoppers and use them!  If Baby Esme can return her cart, I think we all can, too!

 

Image credits – Sharon Drummond, malavoda, Chris Orbz, Lis Bokt

[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] Cats vs. Christmas

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : December 26, 2013
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Category: Columns, Kickin' Back with Jersey Joe

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Hot off the success of my Dogs vs. Elevators blog, only on a much more lighthearted note for Christmas, we have hilarious videos of cats taking on Christmas.

 

Sure, cats love to climb trees, but when they were domesticated centuries ago, no one had planned ahead for the holiday season.  Who cares… bring on the funny videos!

 

They’ve worked hours and spent lots of money on a beautiful tree, meticulously decorated with white lights and matching garland… that’s until this kitty gets a hold of it!

 

 

This cat is ticked off, when it ends up stuck in the tree tangled in Christmas light wires.  Remember this on your next bad day at the office!

 

 

Here’s another cat stuck in the tree… and this one is not going to allow the owners to remove him without serious injury!

 

 

These cats are about to get a surprise when this singing Christmas tree is activated!

 

http://youtu.be/U9Z1jieHDIM

 

Cats were originally thought to have been domesticated by the ancient Egyptians in which they were regarded as sacred animals.  Graves with humans and pet cats goes back as far as 9,600 years.  I don’t think the ancient Egyptians were thinking about cats and Christmas decorations all those years ago!

 

THE 411

 

What: Cats vs. Christmas trees

 

Info: Funny videos posted on Youtube

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

 

My family has always been cat owners.  I’ve seen our cats upset the Christmas tree, run away with the bulbs, eat tinsel, and even lick candy canes.  There’s a zillion videos on the web of cats destroying trees – I tried to find some of the more unique ones!

 

While Christmas trees are fun for you and I, they can be hazardous for cats.  Just keep and eye on them during the holiday season and train your pet to stay away from the tree, if possible.  I know, easier said than done.  But, what might be a fun night our for your cat, if they eat the wrong thing, you have a good chance of ending up with a high veterinarian bill!

 

And now just for fun – a Jersey Joe holiday bonus!  See what happens when Keifer Sutherland – aka Jack Bauer from 24, tangles with a Christmas tree in a hotel lobby!  You pretty much know Jack Bauer is going to win!

 

{Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] A Jersey Joe Tip to Fast Holiday Decorating

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : December 19, 2013
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Category: Columns, Kickin' Back with Jersey Joe

Living in a big city, storage space in my apartment is at a premium, and really can’t accommodate multiple boxes of Christmas decorations when we’re out of the season.  But, I’ve come up with a simple decoration that will work whether you live in an apartment or a mansion — and is light on your wallet!

jerseyjoechristmas1

A few years ago, I threw a summer margarita party and still have dozens of those plastic glasses left over.  I originally purchased them a Jack’s World dollar store in New York City.  A dozen only cost a few bucks and they’ve just been sitting in a box ever since.

 

After putting up the tree, just about everybody has a few extra Christmas tree bulbs on hand.  If not, you can buy a box at the dollar store for cheap.  So, let’s put all those extra bulbs to use!

 

Having green, red, and white glasses, I placed them in various locations around my entire apartment – even in the bathroom.  But, instead of filling them with booze, I place a few Christmas tree bulbs inside and it’s an instant decoration!  You can mix and match to make the colors work to your taste.  If you really want to add an extra touch, throw in a little tinsel and you’ll have a decorative looking faux cocktail!  .

 

Plus, it gives you something to do with all those extra bulbs that you don’t have hooks for on the tree!

 

When the holidays are over, packing these away is a simple affair.  They go right back into a little box that goes right back in the closet.  The whole thing is over in less than 5 minutes.

 

I first got the idea for this after seeing a fancy display at my local Macy’s department store.  To highlight some holiday sale, they simply took expensive clear glass vases and bowls, and then just filled them full of bulbs.  I simplified their concept.

 

Of course, you can add your own flair. Maybe add some pine cones, incense, holly berries, or battery operated lights.  The choice is up to you!

jerseyjoechristmas4

THE 411

 

What: Jersey Joe’s simple decorating idea

 

Materials needed: plastic margarita glasses, Christmas bulbs

 

Cost: cheap

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

 

I miss the days of being at home, living in a big old house, and decorating every square inch.  But, living in the city, I’ve had to cut back.  These holiday glasses are simple to display and to store.

[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] I Ate Inside a Train on the Roof of a New York High Rise

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : December 12, 2013
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Category: Been, Columns, Kickin' Back with Jersey Joe, Topics, Travel

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letrainblue10You take an old fashioned train car, park it on top of a New York high rise and you’ve got one of the city’s best kept secrets that’s been there for decades!

 

Recently, I’ve undergone a new philosophy – and that’s to break out of my normal pattern and find new places to eat, drink, visit, and dine.  Working in New York City, my options are just about endless.  I’ve ate and drank everywhere from a log cabin, to a trailer home, and now a railroad car parked high in the sky!  We’ve shared many of these experiences in my blog and I’m happy to share another with you!

 

Le Train Bleu is parked on top of the 6th floor of the Bloomingdale’s flagship department store at 59th St. & Lexington Avenue in New York City.  The restaurant is named after an actual French luxury train that would travel from Calais via Paris to the French Rivera from 1886 – 2003.

 

Le Train Bleu as seen from an over head view via Google Maps.

Le Train Bleu as seen from an overhead view via Google Maps.

While the restaurant is listed on Bloomingdale’s web page, only a few little signs inside the store actually list its existence.  Zoom in on Google Maps and you will see the strange train parked on the roof of the original building.

 

The Bloomingdale’s flagship offers multiple dining options on various floors.  The most notable are Magnolia Bakery and a David Burke restaurant, with other side cafes and a Starbucks. But, I was looking to try this unique train car experience.

 

A co-worker and I ventured over for lunch – and it was that, an adventure!

 

To access the restaurant, you will want to enter on the Lexington Avenue side and take either the elevator or escalator to the 6th floor.

 

One of the few signs directing hungry guests to Le Train Bleu.

One of the few signs directing hungry guests to Le Train Bleu.

Upon arriving on floor 6, there are no signs directing to the restaurant.  We had to circle the floor for a few minutes (and this store his HUGE, so it did take a little time) and finally started smelling some yummy food, so we knew we were close.

 

The stairs up to the platform where Le Train Blue awaits hungry Bloomingdale's customers.

Stairway up to the platform where Le Train Blue awaits hungry Bloomingdale’s New York City shoppers.

Indeed, that yummy was coming from a coffee shop area at the rear of the floor.  But, right near the coffee, is a big sign on the ceiling pointing to a carpeted stairway.  We walked down an aisle of a zillion Keurig K-Cups and arrived at the steps with a sign displaying the menu for Le Train Blue.

 

Upon climbing the steps, you actually arrive on a train station platform with a waiting train car!

 

While there are two sets of doors, the restaurant uses one as an entrance and the rear doors as the exit.  So, we followed the paper sign, entered into the train car, and were promptly greeted by a hostess.

 letrainblue9

This must be a replica train car, but that doesn’t mean that the inspiration for the interior pieces aren’t from a real vintage train.  If they’re not, there’s no way to tell.  The car is wider than a standard train to allow for two rows of tables and a center aisle.  There are doors at both ends, with one leading to the kitchen (the restaurant has its own kitchen up there) and the other leading to the platform exit.

letrainblue2

The inside is decorated in early 20th century wood that features two long overhead racks, just like in a passenger train where shoppers can place their coveted Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bags.  The walls are covered in green velvet and the tables with white linens and cloth napkins.

 

Overhead racks, just like those found in a real train car, are ready to hold shoppers bags at Le Train Blu at Bloomingdale's flagship store in New York City.

Overhead racks, just like those found in a real train cars, are ready to hold shoppers Big Brown Bags at Le Train Blue at Bloomingdale’s flagship store in New York City.

This restaurant is a little upscale, as is the Bloomingdale’s flagship store, but not like dining at the White House.  We were both dressed appropriately in our work clothes.

 

Could this be outdoor seating?

Could this be outdoor seating?  A spectacular view of New York City, Upper East Side high rise apartment buildings.

We were seated at a table by the window which offers a view of the neighboring high rise apartment buildings and a little roof porch.  Maybe at one point, they offered outdoor seating?

 

While, the train could hold probably 200+ diners, only one other table was taken at 2pm and with that, only one other group arrived for lunch.  With so few diners, the wait staff was basically waiting around, but was spot on with attention.

 

The Le Train Bleu menu.

The Le Train Bleu menu.

I feel bad that I don’t remember the name of our server.  But, she promptly greeted us and it felt like she’s worked there for decades.  Her attitude was electric and she was like your New York City mother that makes sure you’re taken good care of.  She loved to joke around and definitely enjoys her job and the unique location.

 

The lunch menu features everything from simple burgers, crab cakes, and salads to upscale continental cuisine such as steak frites, pecan chicken, grilled sea scallops, and sautéed calf’s liver.  Sounds like the menu on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen TV show, right?

 

You can also opt for the Prix-Fixe menu which includes an appetizer, entrée, and desert for a flat $42.  They also offer an extensive menu of wines and other limited adult spirits, along with a kids menu.

 

Butter... Le Train Bleu, style.

Butter… Le Train Bleu, style.

We decided to go al a carte.  I ordered a Caesar salad and the Sirloin burger.  After taking our order, she was right back with a basket that contained several types of bread, and offers us a choice from the basket.  She also gives us a large bowl of butter with the restaurant’s logo embossed in wax paper on the top.  Classy!

 

The Caesar salad arrived and it was huge!  It featured large slabs of Parmesan cheese with toasted rye bread croutons.  It seems like there was almost a whole head of lettuce in there!

 

While starting on our appetizers, I noticed our waitress was attentively waiting off to the side and was right there the second we needed anything, including refilling our water.

 

Le Train Bleu burger.

Le Train Bleu burger.

About 20 minutes later, our burger entrees arrived.  These are not your typical greasy spoon platters.  Each featured bacon, sauteed onions, and Gruyere cheese.  They were accompanied by a generous helping of steak fries and a hidden bonus underneath – beer battered onion rings!

 

All of the food is hand made to order.  There’s no reheating a food service bag, here.  Those were honestly the best onion rings I ever had.  I could have done with an entire plate of those!

 

The burger was awesome and cooked to medium-well perfection.  There’s definitely a blend of spices inside and the burgers were huge.

 

I was barely able to finish the meal, but it was so good, I was disappointed when it was over.

 

We got the check and were on our way back to work.  Lunch was quick and the whole experience took around 50 minutes.

 

Bloomingdales opened their first New York City store in 1861.  They moved to the present Upper East Side location in 1886 and eventually grew to take over the entire city block.  The store is huge and encompasses several interconnected buildings, one as high as 10 floors.

 

The store is a throwback to the grand old days of downtown department stores.  Before malls, stores like these were a destination, where families could shop for hours – hence the need for restaurants.  This location is also known for their over the top Christmas display windows that draw large crowds every year.

 

There is another unrelated upscale Le Train Bleu restaurant located inside the Gare de Lyon railway station in Paris.

 

Interior of Le Train Bleu, situated on the 6th floor of Bloomingdale's flagship department store, New York City

Interior of Le Train Bleu, situated on the 6th floor of Bloomingdale’s flagship department store, New York City

THE 411

 

Name: Le Train Bleu

 

What: restaurant located inside a train car on the 6th floor of Bloomingdale’s flagship department store

 

Address: 1000 3rd Avenue, New York, New York, 6th floor

 

Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30am-5pm; Thursday 10:30am-7pm; Sunday 11:30am-4pm

 

Website: Bloomingdales.com (New York City, Upper East Side location)

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

 

What a great, unique experience!

 

I asked other New York friends if they knew about this place and only one, did.  This is a great experience for both tourists and locals and I will definitely make another visit.  The hours are limited, so make sure you check their schedule, and remember they are not open late into the evening.

 

The total cost of my meal: $36.99 and was absolutely worth it for the experience.  If you’re looking for a fun place to splurge in the Big Apple… this is it!

[Kicking Back with Jersey Joe] New Jersey Antes Up to Online Gambling, But Not Without Glitches

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Posted by :Jersey Joe On : December 5, 2013
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Category: Columns, Kickin' Back with Jersey Joe

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Real online casino games are now legal in New Jersey and two other states.

Real online casino games are now legal in New Jersey and two other states.

Last week, after days of beta testing, anyone inside the borders of New Jersey can lawfully sign on to one of the state’s 13 online casinos and place a bet.  While online gambling is seen as a boon to the state’s casino and tax wallets, the launch has not gone without technical difficulties.

 

Commercials advertising the online casinos have saturated TV stations, radio stations, mailboxes, and the internet.  Every time I sign onto Facebook, I see at least a couple of ads for the new casinos.

 

On November 26th at 12:01, 13 online casinos were allowed to start taking real money wagers inside New Jersey’s borders.  All 13 online casinos are connected to six real brick and mortar casinos in Atlantic City. AC has been losing gamblers for years, since neighboring states began opening casinos of their own a few years ago.  Now, each is legally allowed to open multiple online casinos and take a share of the profits.  Most have already affiliated with existing online casinos that were mostly barred from the US, after a silly law was passed and their domains seized by the feds in 2006.  While these operators couldn’t run sites in the US, they ran at full force overseas.

 

The Atlantic City skyline as seen in a recent episode of American Dad on FOX.

The Atlantic City skyline as seen in a recent episode of American Dad on FOX.

So far, three states in the US permit online gambling: Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey.  This is the first major expansion of gambling in the Garden State, since it was legalized in 1978.  Over 52,000 online accounts have been created since the beta test started and 5,000 being opened on Thanksgiving Day, alone.

 

The six casinos offering online gambling sites are:

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort

Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino

Tropicana Casino & Resort

Bally’s Atlantic City

Caesar’s Atlantic City

 

The Golden Nugget Atlantic City is working out some technical issues (rumored to involve social security numbers) that kept its license on ice.  They should be back online soon.

 

A game of online roulette in progress.

A game of online roulette in progress.

New Jersey governor Chris Christie expects online gambling to bring more than $1 billion to the state by July 1.  $160 million of that would directly go to the state in taxes.

 

The casino software uses geo-tracking to make sure the computer or mobile device is within the states borders.  If the software cannot verify the location, it will not permit any real wagers to be made.  Unfortunately a little known hiccup of this limits all wagering to be done on Wi-Fi networks.  No hard wire computers are able to make bets, since the location cannot be verified according to state law.

 

A typical error message players will see if they try to play from outside New Jersey's state borders.

A typical error message players will see if they try to play from outside New Jersey’s state borders.

When opening an account, the player is required to enter their name, address, social security number, and wireless phone number.  The wireless number is used to send verification texts to the account holder.  Another red flag happens to players who have multiple addresses which can cause the software to be unable to verify their location via a background check.

 

Since I live in the Garden State and have for years, I tried three different sites.  But, even I had a great deal of trouble signing on.

 

Star Trek online slot as featured in the Borgata online casino.

Star Trek online slot as featured in the Borgata online casino.

BORGATACASINO.COM

 

The casino that made Atlantic City hip has opened two online casinos, borgatacasino.com and borgatapoker.com.  While both use the same account, two different software downloads are required to play.  Borgata does offer a few games to play directly on their web sites, downloading the software gives access to more games and richer graphics.

 

Borgata has partnered with IGT Gaming (a legend in the business and their games are all over casino floors.)  This allows the Borg to offer authentic casino video poker machines, but also big name slots that you would find on a real casino floors such as Star Trek, Ghostbusters, Kitty Glitter, Wolf Run, Cleopatra, and more.

 

Star Trek online slot bonus round from the Borgata online casino. Most of the online slots feature bonus rounds.

Star Trek online slot bonus round from the Borgata online casino. Most of the online slots feature bonus rounds.

Once you open an online account, the Borgata offers you $20 in free play.  During signup, you will be required to download a small plug-in that will verify your New Jersey location.  It’s safe and you have no choice but to activate the plug in or you can’t play by law.

 

I also deposited an additional $20 via electronic check from my checking account, which was very easy.  All they require is your bank account and routing number.  Borgata, along with other sites, also offers credit card deposits.

 

They also have an online player card loyalty system that offers comps similar to what you will find in the MyBorgata slot card program.  They offer the same tiers, such as Red, Black, and Titanium level that rewards comps and free play the more you wager, but on a monthly basis.  Unfortunately, it is NOT connected to the physical Atlantic City account.  Hopefully, that will change immediately.  I would like to use my comps across both platforms, online and in the real casino in Atlantic City.  I might be inclined to play more, if I know there is a chance I might be offered a free room at the hotel.

 

In fact, I just noticed while signing onto their site to write this blog, they just added a new Monopoly online slot.  Applause to them for already upgrading!

 

Borgata online casino error message.

Borgata online casino error message.

Unfortunately, many of the games have the tendency to crash and completely lock up the software.  They offer a rich, graphic environment, complete with bonus rounds – but the slots constantly crash.  Sometimes, you only get in a spin or two before the game peters out.

 

That gets even more frustrating when you are in a bonus round and the software loses connection to the server and causes a major crash.  You don’t lose any money and the game usually will re-launch and continue your bonus.  But, many times, I was only offered a blue screen and had to CONTROL+ALT+DELETE to hard crash and relaunch the entire application.

 

If the software crashes in the middle of a bonus round, it's OK -- it will start off where you stopped once the game is reopened.

If the software crashes in the middle of a bonus round, it’s OK — it will start off where you stopped once the game is reopened.

Last Saturday, most of the games were offline and offered weird errors as “the game could not be played with the current currency selected.”  Even though, I was playing in American dollars.  I called the 800 number for help and was on hold more than 20 minutes both times before I gave up.

 

When the games do work, I’ve had quite a bit of fun, and have gotten a ton of play for my $20 investment, plus the $20 bonus.  In fact, I’m up!

 

Sadly, all of their technical glitches may permanently turn off some players, who can easily sign on to more trustworthy sites.  I would suggest waiting a bit and letting the Borgata completely overhaul their software before giving their site a try.

 

Rating: Average (Excellent once glitches are fixed)

Borgata also operates borgatapoker.com

 

virgincasinoonlineusa1

VIRGINCASINO.COM

 

Partnered with the Tropicana Atlantic City, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin empire has moved into the online gambling business.  Virgin Casino offers up to a $50 reimbursement of your initial loss within the first seven days.

 

Virgin’s site does not require any software downloading.  While they offer all of the same IGT games as the Borgata, playing inside a web browser can make the games appear small on the screen.  A recent software fix seems to have addressed this as the games are now appearing in a larger size.

 

The Ghostbusters slot machine at the Virgin online casino.

The Ghostbusters slot machine at the Virgin online casino.  Virgin makes it easy to understand your total balance by constantly displaying it near the top of the screen.

Virgin offers Virgin points for the money you wager.  These can be cashed in for free money to play the games.  I opened my account with $50 (which I was able to deposit via electronic check from my checking account) and went through that in a couple of days.  They instantly added the $50 bonus.

 

I somehow earned 6 points for my $75 in play.  It seems to take thousands of points to get any online cash back.  They have the exact offers posted on their site.

 

The Virgin online casino withdraw screen. This was a fairly easy process.

The Virgin online casino withdraw screen. This was a fairly easy process.

I played for some time longer and cashed out with $25 remaining.  The cash out was fairly easy and they sent an email the following day noting the withdrawal had been processed and would be in my checking account in 3-5 business days.  Why is withdrawing so easy, but depositing taking several days?

 

Rating: Average

 

ULTIMATE CASINO (UCASINO.COM)

 

They have the flashiest commercials for online gambling airing on TV.

 

Their site offers a large selection, but not all, of the IGT games from Borgata and Virgin casinos.

 

Sadly, I was unable to play.

 

What happens if an online casino can't verify your location... you get this.

What happens if an online casino can’t verify your location… you get this.

I was successfully able to open an account in which they offer $5 in free cash and $20 in poker table play (only said in the fine print, their splashy ads offer a flat $25.)

 

According to their site, the games can be played online in a web browser or by downloading their app.  Unfortunately, their app is online for Android devices, so sorry IPhone users.

 

The Loki plugin installing over and over again, with no luck.

The Loki plugin installing over and over again, with no luck.

Like Borgata, in order to play you are required to download a browser plug-in known as Loki to sign up and play.  However, the plug-in would not work to locate me, even though I’m inside the Garden State and installed it again and again.  I tried for over and hour rebooting the computer, checking their help FAQ, installing Mozilla Firefox as they suggest… but nothing.

 

Another option on their FAQ was to change the Windows registry to allow the games to play.  Sorry, I am not a computer programmer and the registry file they offered for download won’t launch, either.  There’s no reason to ask any player to alter their Windows registry.  That’s just asking for trouble and its way more time than the $25 in free play is worth.

 

After two hours and two different days of attempts – I gave up on them.

 

They need to redesign the software, so installation is not this complicated.  There are easier sites to sign onto out there.

 

Rating: Fail

 

I’ve also briefly checked out caesarscasino.com and harrahscasino.com, both operated by parent company Caesars Entertainment.  These sites offer their own non-copyrighted slots and a few games found on the other sites.  Many of the bigger slot games seemed to be missing here, however.

 

There are several more sites that I plan on checking out in the future and will report back here.  My early findings seem to be that most operate with the same IGT games.

 

Sure, not everyone is ready for online gambling and it can be very easy to get in trouble.  Some of the slots offer wagers as high as thousands of dollars on a single spin.

 

One night, in research for this blog, I was lying in bed playing the slots.  While it is fun, it isn’t a substitute for a night out at a real casino.  However, it does make it easy for those with a gambling problem to play at any time.  You definitely will need self control, especially now that you can basically turn any dorm room, hotel room, service plaza, kitchen, and library into a casino.

 

New Jersey state law has online account deposits capped at $2,500.  The online casino is required to contact the player at this point and verify if the player wishes to deposit more.  Once the total reaches $15,000 in accounts across all state casinos, another warning check will be issued.  The player also has the ability to control how much they can deposit at once as well.

 

As inside a real casino, a gambling hotline is available for anyone who needs help at 1-800-GAMBLER.  While that’s a creative number, spelling out your troubles on a touch tone keypad seems to be the last kick in the teeth.

startrekslots

Playing Star Trek while watching Star Trek… only in New Jersey!

 

THE 411

 

What: online gambling

 

Where legal: Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware – other states coming soon

 

Wagers start at: 1 cent

 

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS

 

New Jersey is by far not the only state that is looking to ante up to online gambling.  Eight other states are working on similar laws: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Texas. New York representative Peter King is also working on making it a federal law.

 

It looks like this technology is here to stay.  Just as I’ve told you before – it’s up to you to bet with your head and not over it.  If gambling is against your nature or religion, then you will most likely not be happy with this latest online offering.

 

And in full disclosure, I have shared with you my experiences signing up with these three particular online casinos.  As with any form of wagering, your experience may differ.  I’d love to hear how it goes for you!