Saturday, August 21st
Location: LITM, Jersey City
Time:  12p-2:30p
Cost of Class: $97 per student

You may be waiting until the economy improves to start your ownbusiness, or until you have enough money or when you have years ofexperience.  But if you have, at this moment, the desire to have yourown business then you have a way to make it happen.

I understand the apprehension, especially when everything around usis telling us not to do anything.  When I started pursuing myrestaurant, we were going through the internet bubble recession.  But Iwas so focused on having my own place that the economy didn't affect mydecision.  What did touch me was the aftereffect of 9/11, and the needwe had to stay close to home.

Right now, there is an opportunity for your business to succeed inthese economic conditions.  With tremendous and sudden change, comesopportunity.  Your business is not a pipe dream, some frivolous ideathat won't really get anywhere.  Someone needs your product orservice.  Or just needs to see you step up and go after your dream toinspire him to do the same.

I invite you to start where you are and take action regardless ofyour circumstance.  One day last week, I thought to myself that Ishould hold another entrepreneurship class before back to school kicksin.  That same day hours later, a young chef asked me if I was going tooffer an entrepreneurship class any time soon.  Your business ideaworks the same way.  Someone needs it, is searching for it and waitingfor you to show up in his life.  And it doesn't matter what it is- itcould be a hot dog stand with a twist or a handmade scarf or a picture- you are going to bring joy to someone's life by being there.

On Saturday, Aug 21st, I'm having an entrepreneurship class that'llget your engine started.  We'll map out ways to get you started RIGHTNOW,  answer your questions about starting a business, confront thefears that may get in the way (which are the same fears we allencounter ), get a business plan going and have fun fun fun doing it!!

A DJ will be playing music to help you get in the mood, food willbe served to help keep your focus and a cocktail for the heck of it.

Only advanced ticket purchase is available as I need to know howmany students to prepare for.  The ticket is $97 per student and withit you'll get:

*A business plan started + a plan of action to follow.
*Your questions about starting a business answered - If I don'thave the answer on the spot, I'll ask everyone I know until I get it.
*One-on-one time with me during the class and a private follow up session with me after the class
*Music, hors d'oeuvre + a free drink ticket

PLUS.... a FREE copy of my book - Restaurant from Scratch - that isofficially being released on September 1st.  (This book was supposed tocome out last fall, but I got in my own way for months.  I'll share thestory in class as it relates to us all.)  It's a motivational how-tobook on starting and growing your own successful restaurant or businesssince the principles are the same.

Reserve now.   Your business is waiting to happen.


Jelynne Jardiniano

        

        

        

{A letter that was written for our email list, but information that I'd still like to share here}

A question that you may have and one that constantly occupies mine.

From the first day we opened, what's next has been a constant question of mine.  First out of necessity because we opened with what we had---if you remember our first bathroom with the red flickering light bulb-- then you know what I'm talking about. You've seen us redefine the food menu from pretzels + potato chips to the paninis and the Tokyo Express menu (remember the shrimp shumai), to Filippo's Italian, Tod's crab cakes, and now the bistro fare from Alex. 

You've always been game for change from the start. It's what  defines us, with the rotation in art being our true constant.  Thank you for being part of it, for your enthusiasm, love and friendship that has propelled us forward.  It has been a dream come true. 

This November we're nearing the 7 year mark. And now that LITM has become a full-service restaurant from its humble beginning as an art bar, I can't help but to ask myself, again---what's next?

Besides getting a second bathroom (and not the secret one in the basement), I've concluded that the BIG NEXT for us is YOU!!  I want to step up your experience.  It's time to put the chit chat aside, and talk about what matters to you at LITM.   What  do you want that you ain't getting?  What are you getting that you don't want?  What do you love?  What do you hate?  We're looking for answers and I'm calling you to get it!  We're talking turkey.  I've got your number, and if I don't let me know. 

I'm making calls.  And when it's your turn, you may be in the shower, at the gym or away on vacation.  Whatever the scenario, my question is simple:  what's next for LITM?  

We're promoting more employees to full-time management positions.  We'll have a floor manager at all times.  The person in line for the position loves to serve, smile, laugh and give hugs.  Sound like someone else you know here   I also have an assistant Judy, that you'll be hearing from as well.  They're both Filipino--so to answer your next question--no, I didn't hire my cousins from the Philippines.  But seriously...

I get comments like "It's not the same when you're not here."  And whether it's because of service not being up to snuff, or you missing my goofy jokes or me laughing at yours.  I don't want it to be that different if I'm not at LITM.  I'll train the staff on how to laugh at anything if I have to. 

Another question I get, more from hearsay than direct, is "Am I selling LITM?".  The answer is we get approached by interested buyers.  I never denied an inquiry.  But it's never been worth the sell for me or my family.  And while I bring up my family, they are the people sitting quietly in the background watching me live my dream while they wait to get paid back. 

In 2013, it'll be 10 years since they gave me the green light and the green paper to open.  I think, and ponder and imagine how I can set them free completely.  And selling it doesn't sit well with me like an artist who can't let go of his art.  But I understand the value in not being my own collector.  You have to let your art go, in the hands of people who appreciate it as much as you do.  My conclusion is: I want to make LITM employee-owned.  There's nothing more I want to see happen at LITM than to have Andrea own a piece of it.  I'm getting emotional.  And if you ask me about this letter when we see each other, don't cuz you just may see the boss lady cry. 

It's almost 4 am, and I think I've expressed all that I wanted to.  My mind is blank and so I'll take this time to make a few announcements for LITM:

Friday, July 2
--We open @10am for the World Cup games.  Brazil vs Netherlands, then Uruguay vs Ghana.  Kitchen opens at 11am
--Groupon is promoting LITM gift certificates, get $30 worth for $15.  It ends Sunday night.
--Lifetime Channel honors me as a "Remarkable Woman" and will air it for a week starting tomorrow.  I haven't seen the short reel yet, but they have a lot of LITM pics.  You may see yourself on it too. 

Saturday, July 3rd
--We open again @10am for the Maradona vs Germany battle, then Paraguay vs Spain.  Kitchen opens at 11am.

Tuesday, July 6th
--Robert Piersanti's Art Opening @7pm.  Come get your "Pop Rocks" on!

Wednesday, July 7th
--Chocolate DAY!!  Whether you like it white, milk brown or dark--baby we got your flavor. 

So on that sweet note, I say thank you.  I love you and have a good night and a joyous 4th of July holiday!

Yours truly,
Jelynne Jardiniano



Years ago~the memories in this place. [Photo: Beth Achenbach]

        

Three years ago I decided to reserve one day a week to an activity unrelated to work.  I chose horseback riding.  It has been fulfilling from the start.  A few weeks ago, I went on a horseback riding adventure to Bordeaux, France.  And met a French cowboy who was inspired by  Clint Eastwood's spaghetti westerns and even looked like him.  I met chateau owners, restaurateurs, sommeliers and curators who all had one thing in common besides being French.  Everyone loved what they did. 

We galloped through vineyards, past chateaus, into the forest, crossed the Gironde river and headed west to the beaches of the Atlantic.  The camera crew was part of it, so you will get to meet the people and see the places that have left me with a lot of joy in my heart.  More details in the coming weeks.  Hope you are enjoying your summer as well.  And hope to see you soon.  Love, Jelynne


With Oscar waiting to take the ferry that crossed the Gironde River.


Headed to our final destination, the beaches of the Atlantic.  "Clint" leading the way!

        

In a few weeks, "Restaurant from Scratch" is coming out of press.  It is my book that was conceived in 2007 and is now ready for reading.  It was inspired from the people asking me for advice on how they too could open a restaurant or food-related business.  I share how I started with a small budget and grew my business over time.  It is filled with technical how-to's, but balanced with the human variables that every entrepreneur encounters.  I get fired up on the topic of entrepreneurship because I feel it is the most rewarding journey someone can take.  Starting and growing a business requires personal improvement and empowerment. 

The time is always right to do what you love.  Set aside what you assume is stopping you and give yourself a chance to pursue your dream.  You don't need years of experience, you don't need your life's savings and you don't need the approval of others.  Give yourself permission to express your creativity.  And if you need help, this book will give you a lift. 


Go to the official Restaurant from Scratch website , where you can buy the book, watch video interviews of people in the industry, read my latest posts and get up to speed on current events in the restaurant world. 

        

Another side of me comes out at about this time.  Robert and I were watching the UEFA Cup yesterday and by the way I was yelling at those players, boy you'd think they at least listen to me.  Four years ago Robert was adamant about showing the World Cup games happening that summer.  World cup who?  I still called the game soccer.  But that was then.

On June 11th, the World Cup games in South Africa will be aired live at LITM .  If you were with us four years ago, you may remember seeing Jelynne's crazy twin.  But we can say the same for all you football fans.  Join us and bring that other side of you.   I'll be waiting!  Go Italia!!!


Four year old design of the Germany games for LITM.  We had t-shirt raffles, free hot dogs,
and a whole lotta fun condensed in a month!  You can expect the same this time around!  Go ITALIA!!

        

If you're a member of our Royalty Rewards program , you would already know that my cats are on vacation.  Well, at least you know Whiskey is.  Sylvester is the scaredy cat of the two, but he eventually starts doing what his curious brother does.  Silly has a few places he's choosing from...check your mailbox to see where he ends up! 



Can you guess where Whiskey is?  If you guess right,  you get a free plate of
homemade pasta (guess wrong and you still get it).  This is just the tip of that huge rock
of what you get as a member of our rewards club.  Join today and enjoy yourself!

        

I first knew of Mark Finne's 3D art when the subject was floral, and that was a few years ago.  Well the time has come.  We're finally exhibiting his work at LITM.  For the month of April, Mark will be showing his latest three dimensional abstract paintings that were inspired by skydiving and scuba diving.  So if you want to have an excuse to wear 3D goggles while sipping on a cocktail and possibly getting trippy on the art popping out at you, JOIN US!!!

"Uther Worldz" by Mark Finne opening Tues, Apr. 6th @7pm.
Complimentary finger food, free wine with postcard invitation and Jersey wine + beer on special all night. Come early to nab your free goggles!!

Table reservations available via email, click here.

        

Let's give it up to bloggers, especially those that do it every day.  I'm sending you guys a lot of love knowing the virtues it takes to get it done.  My quarterly blogging is unacceptable.  I know some of you who read my posts, and if I still have your attention, kisses to you! 



Love is the message this week.  And while we still have the time, let's plan what that message can look like.  Guys, if you have an inch of inclination, go for the letter.  It's at the height of the unexpected. And may get you points to last beyond this Sunday.  Wink wink.  And by the way, you don't have to sound like Shakespeare; just sincere. 

Then there's dinner.  At LITM, you can have dinner set with romantic movies to help move the conversation along, fill in the silence, or even express what you've been meaning to say.  The dinner will come with a surprise free glass of sparkling wine.  So don't be alarmed if we start pouring without you asking.  Just pretend it was all part of the plan. 



Now for the chocolate.  If you live in Jersey City and think your mate will appreciate you supporting a local business, go to Lee Sims for some of the best chocolate, ever.  Go for the cherry cordials, milk chocolate covered crackers and strawberries.  In my opinion, you can forego the flowers if you have the chocolate. 

Most of all, do what you're compelled to.  There are far too many ways to express your love.  And many more days to make an event out of it.