I recently saw the movies Love in the time of Cholera and Purple Violets.  Two different settings with one common theme: follow the love.  I love sappy movies.  If you've seen one lately, tell me about it.  I look for that kind of stuff. 

In May I was in LA and had a chance to eat at Valentino's and meet an industry legend, Piero Selvaggio.  Having been in business for over 30 years, Pierro has certainly followed the love.  I'm wrapping up my book - Restaurant From Scratch - and will be interviewing Piero for the final chapter.  He started with $4500 at age 26 and created a multi-million dollar business.  Just the kind of story befitting for the book.  My final manuscript is due at the end of this month, but I'm having an entrepreneurship class just before.  If you have a love for this business or a retail concept, and want to learn how to get started, join me on Saturday, June 27th. 

Here's a picture of me and Robert with Piero.  Robert and Pierro became friends when Robert was in LA in the 80's pursuing his acting career.  We had a 7 course meal of Sicilian love.  Mille grazie!

        

In seventh grade I attempted to learn a word a day by randomly choosing a page in the dictionary and pointing my finger on it.  My first try got me the word soporific.   I quizzed my friends and to my delight no one knew it except for me.  I don't recall how many times I did this, but I do know that that's the only word I remember from doing that exercise...

With all the bad rap that rain gets, I do enjoy its soporific quality.  But even more so, I am most inspired to write when it rains. 

I spent all of last week in Vegas for a personal development (or more like unfoldment) seminar.  It's interesting how separatist our mind works.  Did I really think I would be the only one there?  With my reaction you would think so.  I was amazed at how many entrepreneurs showed up.  LITM has taught me many life lessons.  And for years, I bought into business isn't personal.  But time and again, when I forced myself to push through business frustrations, I felt the residual effects personally.  As it turns out, the two go hand in hand...

Looking at the recent tumultuous change that's occurred in our world, I still can't help but be optimistic.  The only thing that's constant is change.  And when a business resists - it's forced to.  So now that our banks have to reinvent themselves, how about they start listening to the people they're meant to change for?  What if the next wave of banks were run like your favorite neighborhood restaurant?  Why not?  Banks are all about money and who doesn't like money?  So imagine, you're greeted at the bank doors by a hostess (or even the owner), and you can either make a simple transaction at the bar, or be seated for a full-course money matter.  And what if the guests were as well versed in financial terms like they are about exotic food ingredients.  And instead of the banks spending money on marketing, they instead spend it on complimentary food and drinks for their customers.  Mondays can be Monopoly Night.  

If this appeals to you, and you want to start a bank, give me a buzz.  But all banking aside, it's really about what we're passionate about.  Soporific should describe rain, not what we do with our lives.  Although, evidently, rain can be inspirational.  It all depends how we choose to use it. 

In love and service,
Jelynne

        

I've been holding my breath every time I'm alerted of a tagged photo in facebook.  My high school class is having our 12th year reunion at LITM.  And as you can imagine, pictures from the past are popping up.  We're ok as long as we avoid freshman and sophomore year.  But in all honesty, I'm having a blast.  We were the last graduating class of McNair Academic when it was still on Bentley Ave.  A small and tight bunch, especially towards the end. 

I can't wait to see you guys.


In physics class showing off our snacks......?

Almost certain this was freshman year.

This picture reminds me of the show Saved by the Bell.

Senior cut day.  Went to a lake in upstate NY.

Ms. Felton's team.  City champs 3 out of 4 years.

        

If you're on our email list, you'd already know that I've been spending a lot of time in my bathroom.  Our apartment is freezing.  So with my laptop and space heater, I've managed to turn our toilette into a warm working paradise.  February is certainly a bitter sweet month.  Chilly days, cupid and chocolate aren't such a bad combination.  But mainly because of the chocolate. 

We're having our first Chocolate + Wine Pairing event on Tues, Feb. 10th.  This one strikes sweet memories for me as we feature Jersey City's fine chocolate maker, Lee Sims.  My first job was brushing and boxing chocolate for Valerie at Lee Sims.  Eating them also came with the job.  So from first hand tasting, I can't rave enough about the chocolate covered caramarsh, raspberry jelly, apricot, pretzels....   Ladies, need I convince you more?  (If by chance you can't make it, you can order chocolate from their online store.  My fave is the milk chocolate covered crackers!)  Our chocolate and wine pairings can be pre-ordered online, Click here.



For the cupids who are earnestly planning for the 14th, our Valentine's Day dinner menu has been decided.  And here it is...

    

      Valentines  Day 2009

 

      Chefs Amuse Bouche

      ****

      Butternut Squash Gnoccci  with Cocoa Cardona Cheese cream sauce

      ***

      Organic Greens, Mocha Walnut Vinaigrette

      ***

      Grilled Rack of Lamb rubbed with Juniper Berry & Cocoa Bean

      Braised Leek and endive Barlotto, Mint Lamb Jus

      Or

      Jersey Day Boat Scallops dusted with Cocoa & Saffron

      Sweet Potato Confit, Sautéed Rainbow Swiss Chard, Blood Orange Beurre Blanc

      ***

      Warm Valrhona Chocolate Tart

      Fresh Berries  and creme anglaise

This menu is $45 per person, rose petals included at Love is the Message.  Make your reservations today, 201-536-5557 or email Leah@litm.com     .




This may be a short month, but we definitely didn't skimp on the number of activities for you to choose from.  So if I still have your attention, here are some more sugar and spice...

On Wed, Feb. 18th we're taking a chartered bus to Fairfield, NJ's Cricket Hill Brewery.  You may have noticed by now that I've got some Jersey pride going on.  Rick Reed is the master brewer and he's been so generous to give LITM's 99 Beer Club a private tasting and tour that night.  For $36 you'll get 5 beers, a boxed dinner, free ride on the beer bus and entertainment from the "Awesome" Rick Reed.  Tickets are available online or at LITM. 



On the 21st, which is a Saturday...we have "Mastering Martinis", the second LITM bartending class with Andrea.  There is so much information to share about this one, so click onto Brown Paper Tickets or read below...


That Sat. evening on the 21st, we have the fabulous, the fantastic and the funky Cate Musiq Group!  Performing again and again and again...Their set starts @ 9:00 PM. 

And lastly, you won't believe this but the bathroom story comes full circle with our final event of the month.  Are you ready for this one??  LITM is going to put in a 2nd BATHROOM!!!!  Yes, it's been a long time coming and you've been a long time waiting for your chance at the toilet.  So we're cutting the line, finally!  We are having a TIDY BOWL FUNDRAISER PARTY!!!  And tidy bowl shots are just the beginning... this his happening on Thursday, Feb. 26th.  Stay in line for the rest of the details.  Are you as excited as I am?!! 

Tidy Bowl Fundraiser Party!!


xoxoxoxoxoxo jelynne
 

        

Hey there!  Can't believe it's been over a month since I last wrote here.  First off, happy new year.  I hope  you had a fulfilling holiday season...making the best of what matters most in life.  I feel like I've been watching the days pass by since the end of December til now.  But I may have just discovered a pattern of mine.  By the end of December I usually come to a halt at the realization that the year is about to come to a close.  And then spend the beginning of January realizing it's already a new year.  Did that make sense?  If it didn't, just imagine I was waiting to exhale and today I did. 

So let's catch up from last time.  Robert and I went to Vegas for New Year's Eve for two reasons- my 30th and Chef Theo Schoenegger at Encore.  Theo is a dear friend of Robert's from when they worked in the kitchen of Andrea da Murano at Palio NYC, 1986.  Foodies may know the name.  Chef Andrea is an intriguing story of a culinary genius ahead of his time.  Ask Robert about Andrea, the stories are captivating.  Theo was Andrea's protege, and in a short time received 3 stars from the NY Times for San Domenico and then a Michelin star.  Fast forward to today (after some more touting in LA) and Theo is the Executive Chef at Sinatra's in the new Encore by Steve Wynn.   What a place...

Back in JC, we hosted a "Neighborhood Ball" with President Barack Obama.  He managed to have time to visit LITM that night (see pics below)   History was made.  And if  Washington were to take a cue from Vegas, we'd know inaugural balls will never be the same too. 

Soon we'll catch up on what's coming up at LITM...



This was at Switch Restaurant in Encore.  Where the decorative walls switch
every 20 minutes. 

The restaurant has 3 stylish portraits of Sinatra.  Here's 2 of them.


With Sinatra's Executive Chef, Theo Schoenegger

Sinatra's Pastry Chef, Kevin Cauldwell.  He's from NJ!

Sinatra's dining room.  The 3rd portrait is in the back between the 2 vases.

XS club in Encore.  Grand opening night was New Year's Eve.

Back in Jersey City, President Obama stopped to thank his supporters.

And the President's supporters thanking him, very much

What a day.

        

Ladies, we need to give beer a chance.  There's a whole world we're leaving untapped.  Now I know I can't speak of every gal, but the majority of us dismiss it.  I sure did.  For years I was glued to my favorite glass of red wine (partly because of the health benefits) and the nobility of the grape. 

But then came the rise of craft beer.  And before I knew it, we were carrying sixty beers, some of which were fruity and exotic, with a collection of cool mugs.  Could beer be really that exciting?  My curiosity kicked in...

Knowing that the best way to drink beer is with other beer lovers, we formed a club.  And soon enough, I began proclaiming Heck yeah beer's exciting.  It's got so much going for it that I wish my tolerance could keep up.

These days I've traded the pinot for porter.  And will be talking it up with you ladies until you too believe that yes, we can drink beer. 

This was our 3rd beer club event with NJ's River Horse Brew Master introducing
his seasonal brews.

Christian Ryan, the master brewer of River Horse with Andrea and Nancy from
Hunterdon Brewing Company.

The beer club experiencing a flight of six totally different beers.

Christian and his wife, who is now a beer drinker herself.

Christian's brews...thanks to our beer for beginners class, I finally understand
the hoppy bitterness and malty sweetness lingo.  The Hop-A-Lot-Amus was
my favorite. 

        

We're buying our Christmas tree today.  Which means I'll be going to Target to buy the decorations as well.  Every Spring I get an urge to purge and wound up throwing out just about anything that I haven't used in months.  Unfortunately, holiday decorations get tossed too.   I doubt keeping them will be on my list of resolutions. 

One resolution that is surfacing is being 2 months ahead with our events.  From conception to execution, every event needs about a six to eight week lead time to get the logistics, details and marketing completed and effective.    We're fine tuning the events remaining in December and the ones coming up in January. 

All this information will soon be under the Events section on our website.  But I have the details now, so why wait to give you a heads up...

Take your iPhone or if you're still a paper lover like me, your planner out and mark your calendar.  Something is bound to catch your interest. 


::::::: DECEMBER HOLIDAY TREATS ::::::::


Wed, Dec. 10th 
Schmooze with Master Brewer Christian Ryan
[99 Beer Club Exclusive Event]



NJ's River Horse Brew Master, Christian Ryan, lives in Jersey City, and....
is giving us a formal introduction to his seasonal brews:

6 Flights of Seasonal Brews for Only $10 -

Lager - Non pasteurized Irish lager
Hop-A-Lot-Amus (tap) - Double IPA
Double White (tap) -  Belgian style wheat beer
Special Ale - Extra special bitter
Belgian Freeze - Amber winter ale
Oatmeal Milk Stout - Brewer's reserve, limited edition

PLUS...

• FREE River Horse Mug
• One-on-One Talk with Master Brewer, Christian Ryan!
• 15% off all River Horse Beers for 99 Beer Club Members

This is a 99 Beer Club Exclusive Event.  Become a member today, it's free to join.
Reserve Your Seat Today!  Email Leah


________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sat, Dec. 13th
Chillfest Film Screening at 2:30pm
"Were the World Mine"

Only bar service available.  No food.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sat, Dec. 20th
"Become A Master Mixologist"
Bartending Class



Ever wondered what goes into the drinks that you order?  From Manhattans to Cosmopolitans, learn how to make ONE and you'll know how to make them ALL!

Andrea, LITM's head bartender, will teach you the "Bartending Basics"...

    * Learn To Use Bar Tools, Glasses & Bar Lingo
    * Hands-On Training & Mixing
    * Make& Taste Your Own Cocktails - 4 Drinks Included
    * Holiday Cocktail Recipes:  shot, hiball, martini & punch
    * FREE Mixologist Kit - shaker, wine key, glasses & recipe cards
    * PLUS... A Bonus DVD of the Class If You *Enroll By Dec. 11th*

Class begins 12pm sharp.

ALL for ONLY $57 per student.  Buy your ticket online.
P.S...Looking for a great holiday gift?  Buy your loved one a ticket to this class and we GUARANTEE he or she will love you for it!  Or your money back!

P.S.S....The second class will cover "Advanced Martini Making" and the 3rd Class will be on "Getting Creative - Using Seasonal Ingredients in Your Drinks".  Build your foundation with this first class so that you'll be knowledgeable for the rest.
NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sat, Dec. 20th
Cate grooves his "After Party" live music with a Christmas touch*



Experience the energy and soul.  $5 cover.  Begins 9pm

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thurs, Dec. 25th
~CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY~



________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wed, Dec. 31st
"New Year's Eve Hollywood Dinner "



Enjoy cocktails inspired by memorable movie characters, as well as a 6-course dinner inspired by some of the greatest directors. 

*No Cover Charge, but Reservations Are A Must*
Buy Tickets Online

Seatings are 5:30p, 8:00p and 10:30p.  If you'd like to watch the ball drop while having dinner, we recommend the 10:30p seating.  You are welcome to stay at the bar after dinner.

Dinner Menu
$89 per person with Glass of Rose Champagne

Roasted Chestnut Soup with Apple Julienne
-Gus Van Sant. Good Will Hunting "How 'bout them apples?"

Beef Tartar, Avocado, Mache, Truffle, Crispy Shallot
-Quentin Tarantino, Reservoir Dogs "Mr. White cuts off policeman's ear leaving it raw."

Chopped Asian Salad, Bean Sprouts, Snap Peas, Julienne Carrots, Sweet & Spicy Peanut Sauce
-Ang Lee, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Lemon Verbena Broiled Lobster Tail, Lump Crab Risotto, Oven Roasted Tomatoes, Beurre Blanc
-Steven Spielberg, Jaws

Slow Braised Short Rib, Porcini Mushroom, Foie Gras, Asparagus Spears, Tornado Whipped Ramp & Potato Puree
-Victor Flemming, Wizard of Oz

Chocolate Ganache with Rose Champagne Center
Tim Burton, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Favorite Hollywood Character Cocktails



James Bond - A classic vodka martini, medium dry with a lemon twist and of course: shaken not stirred  $11

Holly GoLightly - This one is purely divine, dahling!  Rose champagne spiked with cherries & elderflower liqueur  $9

Scarlett O'Hara - A stiff but refreshing mix of fine bourbon, peach liqueur & peach juice.  Perfect for a high-spirited Southern belle  $9

Captain Jack Sparrow - Beware ye scurvy landlubbers!  This concoction of golden rum and lime may seem like a treasure, but it'll put a piratical swagger in your walk!  $9

Willy Wonka - This delectable treat of blueberries and chocolate will take you straight to Wonka's factory!  $10

Yoda Shots - It's small.  It's green.  And the force is with it.  $5


::::::::: THE START OF 2009 - JANUARY::::::::::::::::::

Tues, Jan. 6th
January Art Show Opening 7-10pm
Free hors d'oeuvre & $3 glasses of wine

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wed, Jan. 14th
Rare & Exotic Winter Brews!
[99 Beer Club Event]


A special preview of our winter menu available for 99 members.
Become a member today!  It's free to join, email leah@litm.com

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thurs, Jan. 15th
WINTER FOOD & COCKTAIL MENU UNVEILED!



Be the first to try our new dishes and cocktails off our seasonal winter menu.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sat, Jan. 17th
Cooking Class with Chef Todd Villani
"Soups, Stocks & Sauces"



Learn the foundation of cooking and expand your culinary abilities.  Chef Todd will give you an in-depth lesson on butchering a whole chicken, cutting the breast, using the carcass for stock and the legs & thighs for soup.

You'll Get -

• One-on-One Training by Chef Todd Villani
• Pan Seared Chicken Breast with a Roasted Garlic Sauce, Sauteed Greens & Mashed Potatoes for Lunch
• Free Glass of Wine
• Recipe Cards
• FREE DVD of the Class for future reference
• FREE Tote Bag of goodies if Enrolled by Jan 1st, 2009.

Class begins 12:00pm Sharp.

All for ONLY $65 per student.  15% off for Alumni
Tickets available online -or- at LITM

WATCH A CLIP OF CHEF TODD'S FIRST CLASS AT LITM - CLICK HERE

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tues, Jan. 20th
Inauguration Party


Celebrate our new President with Obama's favorite food and drinks!  We'll screen the CEREMONY on the Big Screen all night. 
   

        

Put the happy and familiar faces all in one room and you get one evening to remember.  With a red carpet, guest list, coat check, bar full of champagne, butlered hors d'oeuvre and a six foot raw bar, the evening had all the earmarks of a great party.  But if there's anything I've learned in my young life, it's that the company makes a party.

Over the years I've lost count of how many times I've had to answer the question, "What is LITM?"   It's still a difficult question.  Partly because we're much more than a restaurant & bar.  And partly because the answer is a feeling that only experience can describe.  If this rings true for you, I'm grateful.  It is a dream come true. 

i wish I could tell you what the next five years will bring.  Although I have an idea, I'm only certain of the next step or two.  And as long as I know what those are, so will you.

More pictures on Facebook!

        

I cried for the last episode of Cheers.  I must have still believed in Santa, for I asked my mom where Sam was going after the bar closed.  All along I thought I had the privilege of watching this family of strangers without them knowing.  I felt their relief as they made their way down the stairs...And now I know why.

For the past five years, I've met so many people wishing to open their own bar/restaurant because of Cheers.  Although I attest that it's far from just hanging out with Norm, I admit that the feeling is the same.  A place of comfort, camaraderie and care.  A place where you can hang your hat, share your story and start all over again. 

This weekend, LITM gets to do just that.   Our 5th Year Anniversary is here and we're giving thanks to the past and celebrating the present.  On Friday, everyone is invited to join as we sing Happy Birthday.  "5" is the theme, so you'll get $5 picks of food, drinks and raffles.  On Saturday, we're closed for our private birthday celebration.  Dinner and dancing is definitely on the menu...

So here we are.  A milestone that was made possible by a dreamer and believers...

In love and profound gratitude,
Jelynne

        

This month, your options at LITM are pouring in.  Here's the tip of the iceberg that Andrea, Chef, Leah and I plan out every week during our Monday meeting.  We aim to please.  So tell us how we're doing (email me at jelynne@litm.com). 

Tomorrow, Nov. 4th
56th Presidential Election Gathering

It's all about the red, white & blue!  After you get your vote on, come join your friends at LITM.
All-American fare will be served - we're talking burgers, fries, mac 'n cheese and fried chicken!
Red, white and blue cocktails served all night.  And $1 off American beer & wine.

LIVE ART STUNT!  By Ken Bastard.
Thursday, Nov. 6th - Friday, Nov. 7th
Never before has this been done at LITM - 24 paintings in 24 hours.
That's right...Ken is staying up all night.  And when he's done painting, his Opening reception will be starting. 
All 24 pieces are for sale, with 5% going to charity.  Read about this popular pop comic artist in the Jersey Journal.  And be on the lookout for the NJ Star-Ledger's filming of his live painting.
Art Opening following- Friday, Nov. 7th @7pm.  Free hors d'oeuvre and $3 wine til 10pm. 

"Learn How To Make An Award-Winning Salmon Dish"
Saturday, Nov. 15th @12pm
Hey Foodies, this one's for you.  Be part of the first cooking class at LITM.  Chef Todd will teach you how to make the award-winning pan seared Atlantic salmon, Moroccan couscous, cauliflower puree and horseradish sweet soy.  Plus, you'll learn how to make Thanksgiving side dishes just in time for the holidays.
Here's what you'll get -

• One-on-One training by Chef Todd Villani
  
• Salmon dish for Lunch
• A Glass of Wine
• Recipe cards
  
• Tote bag of goodies
• And a Free Video of the Class for future reference!

All for only $45.  Buy your tickets HERE.

Cate's Groove Music!
Saturday, Nov. 15th @9pm

Every third Saturday of the month, this dynamic group plays their original 'groove' music.  They play til 1am and the cover is only $5.  Cate's been known to pull singers from the crowd.  You'll love his spontaneity.  We guarantee it.

Beer for Beginners... [99 Beer Club Exclusive Event]
Wednesday, Nov. 19th @7pm

Attention beer geeks!  We need your help.  Some of your fellow members have just started to get their mugs wet...
And need some explaining.  Like what the heck does hoppy mean?  Malty?  Ales versus Lagers?  If you have the same questions or the answers, join us for this insightful and hoppening time. This is what's in store for you-

• 11 Craft Beer Samples
• One complimentary beer of your choice
• Cheese, Meat and Hors D'Oeuvre
• Beer talk with Nancy from the Hunterdon Brewing Company
• And Free Goodies for Members!

$28 for members.  $35 for members' guests.  (BTW, it's easy & free to become a member - email me at jelynne@litm.com or sign up with the bartender).  Only 20 tickets available, so buy your tickets now.


***************Halloween 2008 Pictures*************************

It was a 50/50 between the costumed and un-costumed.  But by far, this year was the best dressed staff at LITM.
Thanks to Mike, the music topped the night!  And hours before he started, his wife gave birth to their second son, Phoenix!  Congratulations!!!  We hear he has dimples .... trouble....


Megan as the killer bee babe!


Michael as the cutest scarecrow ever, Megan with her
bug eyes made out of strainers, Andrea as the dead bride
and Eileen as Frida reincarnated! 


Mike Myers and Tomas in a face off....guess who won?


This lasted for a couple of minutes...My tummy hurt
from laughing so much. 


Miguel as the Joker.


The lion and his tamer.


Friends in costume.


A hot group in costume...Dracula won Best Costume!


Bonnie & Clyde and friends....Robert and I originally wanted
to be Bonnie & Clyde but it seemed every store we went to,
we were beat out of the costume.  Now we know who beat us to it!


So we chose Herman and Lily Munster...LOL!  No one
could recognize us at first! 


Chef was in a pimp outfit but I missed it with my camera. 
Chef and Jeremy after a busy night in the kitchen.


Pirate babes


Two thumbs for the un-costumed!


None topped this one... Elvis and his big babe