February 2009 Archives

Pastries and Prose

Savory Cafe is introducing Poetry Open Mic Nights on Mondays beginning March 2nd from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  Readings are held in the downstairs parlor. Beauty is, as someone sort of said, in the ear of the listener.

Who knows, you might be the next Poet Laureate....

"Ink runs from the corners of my mouth
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry."

~Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry," Reasons for Moving, 1968

....or not

"There was a 4th grader who met an alligator.  And then there wasn't."

~ The Bee, surprisingly unpublished

Savory Cafe, 7071 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD  20912

301-270-2233

www.savorycafe.com

Madison Avenue Earned Their Paycheck This Week

"We don't need this space to say our name.  Or show our logo.  Or give you reasons to believe.  You know who we are, and what we've represented for over 100 years.  Many have tried to copy us, and many will continue to try.  But rest assured, we haven't changed our commitment to growing the category through proprietary technology, innovation, and quality.  And we will do everything in our power to protect our brand and those who have come to trust us."

Directed at purveyors of toys large and small, this advertisement was published in a trade association magazine and distributed to toy dealers globally and locally to attendees of the annual Toy Fair, held this past weekend in New York.  This is the complete text of the advertisement and, indeed, the name of the company is not mentioned.  The above photo is not altered.  We do know who they are.

It is perhaps the most brilliant marketing strategy I have ever seen.  Clear, concise, confident.  That is what we as consumers and business owners are missing in the current economy.....confidence.  Perhaps they are exhibiting a bit of false bravado.  I think we could use a little bit of that, too.

Happy 1/2 Price Chocolate Day Eve

Who is to say that there has to be a special someone in your life to celebrate Valentine's Day? Or rather, who is to say what the definition of a special someone is? My spouse is not a big believer in this Hallmark manufactured holiday. While in principle I agree, after twenty-something years in retail watching that last minute frenzy of boyfriends and husbands (sorry, but you know I'm right) scurrying to buy sentimental cards, gourmet chocolates, sparkling jewelry, and exotic flowers I was, admittedly, feeling left out.

This year, instead of spending the evening with a DVD and a stale box of chocolates, dinner reservations were made and flowers were ordered and, since it was going to be a girls' night out, all was planned well in advance. Wearing our best evening finery and adorned with beautiful orchid wrist corsages from Park Florist (www.parkflorist.us), my friend and I arrived at Nicaro Restaurant with great anticipation.

With the sounds of live jazz floating throughout the dining room, we hungrily ruminated over the special four-course Valentine's Day menu prepared by Chef Pedro Matamoros. Our first course was a shared House Made Duck Proscuitto with Hungarian Salami served with Grilled Fiselle.  It was, in a word, sublime. I chose the Lobster Fricasse with fresh dill to follow, while Alexandra opted for the Artichoke Heart Salad with shaved Parmesan drizzled with an Olive Tapenade Vinaigrette. 

Both courses were just the perfect taste, not too much, so as not to overwhelm the palate or the appetite. The piece de resistance of the evening arrived as the third course -- a Grilled Veal Chop in a red wine reduction sauce for me and Moulard Duck Breast Crepinette for Alexandra. Complementing our meal was a '07 Shiraz from the Hope Vineyards and a Cosmo Kiss, respectively and deliciously. The grand finale arrived in the form of a tangy Passion Fruit Lemon Tart with Raspberry Coulis and a moist, yet light Chocolate Layer Cake with Vanilla Creme Anglaise accompanied by a glass of crisp sparkling rose.

Three hours of exceptional cuisine, solicitous service, inviting ambience, and great conversation with a good friend made for a truly memorable Valentine's Day.

Nicaro Restaurant
8229 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD  20910
301-588-2867
www.nicarorestaurant.com

The bygone era of "Doc" ushers in a new era of pharmacopoeia

It's been ten years since "Doc" Fishbein hung up his smock for the final time, closed Park Pharmacy, and metaphorically sailed off into the sunset.  Residents of Takoma Park still mourn the loss to this day and I am no exception.  There was something familial in the way that Mrs. "Doc" scowled at you as you handed over a $20 bill for the Sunday Washington Post.  Or the way "Doc" called out your prescription when it was ready....for everyone to hear.

Don't misunderstand me, I promise I am not being sarcastic.  I really do miss them.  It is the people we come in contact with on a daily basis, idiosyncrasies and all, that truly make up our sense of community, of place, of being.  It's what defines the best of small town living.

The advent of CVS seemed to sound the alarm that the idyllic charm of our main street was nearing the beginning of the end.  And yet....

Earlier this week I was picking up my prescription at CVS.  Hundreds of people participate in this monthly ritual.  What set this particular time apart from all the others, however, was that before I had fully approached the counter Amy, the technician, looked up and said hello to me by name!  How on earth had she known my name before I had even uttered a word?  But wait, there's more.  Amy confirmed my prescription in a barely audible tone.  I was a little befuddled.  Why on earth was she whispering?  And then the proverbial light bulb went off over my head.  Dah!  Amy was being discreet.

With the passage of time, and perhaps a broadening of perspective, what once seemed a harbinger of doom might actually be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

New Opportunities for Local Business in Hard Global Times

How does a progressive, deliberate, and self-aware community like Takoma Park handle the current global financial crisis?  How can we as consumers be financially responsible to ourselves and our families and still find the means to contribute to the economic health of our community?

Defenders of globalization, free markets, and free trade insist there is no alternative to megastores like Wal-Mart.  Michael Shuman begs to differ and makes a compelling case for an alternative business model, one in which communities reap the benefits of "going local".  Local businesses give more to charity, adapt more easily to rising labor costs and environmental laws, and produce more wealth for the community with their tax dollars.  They also spend more locally in re: labor and suppliers, thereby increasing community income and creating jobs (adapted from Publisher's Weekly review of "The Small-Mart Revolution").

Come hear Michael Shuman speak at the Old Takoma Business Association General Meeting on Thursday, February 5 at 8:00 am.  The location is the third floor of the Masonic Building at 115 Carroll Street, NW (corner of Maple and Carroll, above the Big Bad Woof).

This event is free and open to the public.  All are welcome!

*Michael Shuman is the Director of Research and Public Policy for BALLE - the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and the author of five books, including The Small-Mart Revolution:  How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition and Going Local:  Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age.  His articles have appeared in The Nation, The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and the Washington Post.