By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Courtney Apple

Otto’s BMW general manager Michael Vadasz with his guest Ashleigh Wilson. Otto’s was the corporate sponsor of Be Mine on the Main Line II.

Be Mine on the Main Line II, AML’s second annual winter fundraiser which aims to raise funds and awareness for a local animal charity brought out over 200 partygoers for a fantastic night of fundraising for Philadoptables. The festive night, on Thursday February 4th, hosted by the popular bar and nightclub Spamps in Conshohocken, was sponsored by AroundMainLine.com client Otto’s BMW. “Be Mine on the Main Line was a very successful event with great food, drinks, and conversation. Otto’s BMW is proud to have been part of such a great event that supports such a wonderful cause – Philadoptables,” said Otto’s general manager Michael Vadasz.

Spamps, Conshohocken’s most popular nightclub, was transformed into a festive and fun Valentine’s-themed space thanks to major Be Mine sponsors Beautiful Blooms boutique and Eclatante Event Design—both of Northern Liberties. In addition, Blue Bell’s Secrets Limousine provided transportation for the AroundMainLine.com staff and family in the form of an elegant Asanti Charger limo.

The friendly and talented staff at Spamps made Be Mine a great success for all the partygoers!

The most important focus of the night was for the chosen local animal charity, Philadoptables. Profits raised at Be Mine will support this new local nonprofit, which was formed to assist in alleviating the overwhelming needs of Philadelphia Animal Control. Also known as ACCT, the West Philadelphia headquarters sees over 34,000 animals a year-from stray and abandoned animals to ones that have been surrendered by their owners for personal or financial reasons.

Formed in January of 2010, Philadoptables is an independent non-profit corporation that promotes and provides support for adoption, welfare, and outreach programs that benefit the 30,000+ animals received each year by the Philadelphia animal control shelter, the Delaware Valley Region’s largest open-door municipal animal shelter. By working with volunteers, animal welfare groups, organizations outside the animal network, and communities throughout the Delaware Valley Region, Philadoptables’ goal is to save lives and to build a better community for people and animals alike by increasing the number of adoptions, fosters, and rescues from the Philadelphia animal control shelter; improving conditions at the shelter by supporting essential services not funded by the city’s animal control budget; and educating the public and generating community involvement with the shelter and the animals in its care.

Special thanks to our premium sponsors below who generously contributed to the success of Be Mine on the Main Line II.

Beautiful Blooms boutique
www.beautifulblooms.com
Beautiful Blooms is a full service floral and décor design company based in Northern Liberties. Donna O’Brien and her team at Beautiful Blooms create events ranging from dream weddings, stylish large scale corporate events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate décor, intimate dinner parties and more. Beautiful Blooms accented the focal point of the restaurant, the main bar at Spamps, with two beautiful, dramatic centerpieces.

Maryellen Bowers, West Chester’s renowned cupcake queen, and official ‘rock star’ of every AML event, wowed the guests again with her delicious display of over 600 mini gourmet cupcakes.

Cakes and Candies by Maryellen
www.cakesandcandiesbymaryellen.com
West Chester chocolatier and baker Maryellen Bowers wowed our guests once again with her delicious, gourmet mini cupcakes.

Eclatante Event Design
www.eclatantedesign.com
Eclatante Event Design is an event design and coordination firm dedicated to providing highly personalized service with matchless grace and panache. Owner Kendall Brown has been involved in creating some of the Philadelphia region’s most renowned social events.

Secrets Limousine
www.secretslimo.com
Secrets Limousine company is the official limo company of AroundMainLine.com. Look for the fantastic limos and staff at our upcoming parties and events across the Main Line and beyond.

Two Paperdolls
www.twopaperdolls.com
Wayne’s Two Paperdolls designed the fantastic logo for Be Mine on the Main Line and assisted with postcard and poster promotions around the region. Two Paperdolls, founded by owner Vanessa Kreckel, has a booming letterpress, stationery and design business catering to the region’s most discriminating brides and local businesses.

Verdi Spumante Champagne
www.chibrands.com/verdi_spumante.php
The fine folks and awesome AML friends from Verdi Spumante provided delicious sparkling beverages for Be Mine on the Main Line II. In keeping with the Valentine-themed annual event, guests were served fun cocktails with the brand’s Raspberry Sparkletini. As one of America’s most recognized names in the champagne industry, Verdi Spumante is the official sparkling beverage brand of AroundMainLine.com.

Weyerbacher Brewery
www.weyerbacherbrewery.com
Weyerbacher Brewery is the official craft brewery of AroundMainLine.com. Attendees of Be Mine on the Main Line II at Spamps were treated to $2 bottles of Merry Monks’ and Hops Infusion. Weyerbacher, based out of Easton, PA, has worked with AML from our inception-helping us serve delicious craft beer to our loyal fans.

AML would like to offer a very special thank you to Philadoptables board member Kim Wolf for her awesome friendship and tireless efforts on behalf of the region’s most deserving furry friends. Kim has been an instrumental part of Be Mine’s success the past two years. Thank you Kim Wolf!

“We wanted Aisle Style to be very approachable and chic-a cocktail party where ladies can mingle and enjoy themselves,” explained Beka Rendell of Innove Events. Photo courtesy of Spark Photography

AroundMainLine.com is thrilled to be sponsoring its first ever Main Line bridal event! Aisle Style, a sophisticated Sunday afternoon cocktail party and chic gathering of the region’s best bridal businesses, is the brainchild of Beka Rendell, of Innove Events. The event will take place on Sunday, March 14th from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne. Rendell, who holds a degree from F.I.T. and has established a very successful Center City events business, decided it was due time to bring a wedding event to the Main Line that offers a unique experience and atmosphere. “It’s a sophisticated event that is geared towards brides, but also other special events too. So, ladies planning a baby shower or child’s birthday party, bar mitzvah, anniversary party—any event can be inspired from this show and the incredible businesses that will be on hand. We wanted Aisle Style to be very approachable and chic—a cocktail party where ladies can mingle and enjoy themselves. This is much different than a traditional wedding trade show atmosphere with vendors and booths. It is very ‘loungey’ with ottomans set up to relax and an amazing focus on design. The people we are working with are pulling out all the stops for Aisle Style—it will be something to see,” promised Rendell.

Innove Events launched in January of 2005 after Rendell, 28, left her position working as an event planner for a clothing company in New York City and moved to Center City. Rendell draws her company’s creative visions from an extensive background in fashion marketing. “When I left New York, I knew that I wanted to get involved in event planning but more on the social side. We wanted this to be a fun company, appeal to our clients and speak to an audience that wants a sleek, fresh modern approach to their wedding, bat mitzvah, baby shower, you name it. The brides we work with want very Martha, very DIY, but of course it’s not DIY. That’s the feel that Innove offers to our clients,” explained Rendell.

Malvern’s renowned Campli Photography has been capturing Main Line brides beautifully for over two decades and will be featured at Aisle Style.

Innove recently brought on Kimberly Fink, formerly of Kimberly Fink Events, an established Center City planner as a new partner to join herself and Rendell business partner Melody Appel. The three women are the team behind the booming company. “Our clients hire us for the event but it’s a different relationship from a usual planner. We work very closely with our florists; we will create a storyboard with an illustrator to come up with the full conceptual design behind the event. We start with the save the date and follow through with that vision all the way up to and including, of course, the champagne toast the day of the wedding or party and the thank you notes. From welcome bags to favors to styling the wedding party—we are very involved,” said Rendell.

Main Line mompreneur Margaux St. Ledger of Millefleurs is one of the prestigious designers participating in Aisle Style. St. Ledger and Ilonka Comstock created Millefleurs six months ago—a collaboration of their two boutique local floral design firms. “Ilonka and I wanted to team up together to cater to the larger weddings, the corporate events in Philadelphia that we were being approached to work on. Ilonka and I can now handle events that have 50 tables or more and this has opened up our businesses to a whole new marketplace,” explained St. Ledger.

Main Line floral designer Margaux St. Ledger of Millefleurs will be displaying her creative artistic arrangements. Photo courtesy of Spark Photography

A native of Medford, New Jersey, Margaux holds an art degree from Rosemont College. Her home studio is based on the Main Line-and her approach to floral design keeps a sophisticated suburban clientèle in mind. “I like to summarize our philosophy with Millefleurs with the idea ‘When there are no words, flowers speak.’ We take the beauty of nature and I use my artistic background-knowing about form and shape and color-to create my designs. In my art classes in college, I was always taught to look at and study a painting from different angles and levels. So, I encourage that approach with my brides. Every centerpiece does not have to be the same size and height—and the design elements can compliment but they don’t have to be exactly the same. It’s a fun approach,” explained St. Ledger.

Margaux said the floral design business is always changing and dynamic—and an established designer, who has relationships with major distributors, can resource almost any flower year round “short of a peony” from around the globe. St. Ledger said the current color trends that are being requested by her Main Line brides are Tiffany-blue and dark brown, pink and chocolate, lime green and navy blue and a rustic approach using elements of nature-as in branches and leaves. “On the Main Line, the brides stick to their roots. It’s a fresh look and concept but they are always keeping it tailored. Main Line women have great, refined taste and they know what’s in for fashion and design. So, they are not afraid to go modern in a sophisticated approach with their flowers,” said St. Ledger.

Secrets Limousine, AroundMainLine.com’s official limo company, will be a part of Aisle Style.
Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple

A former on air host with QVC and HSN, St. Ledger has an extensive background in dynamic, high profile industries. In the early ’90s, she developed experience in floral event design working in L.A. with a prestigious firm that held an office on Rodeo Drive. Margaux’s celebrity clients included actresses Meg Ryan and Jaclyn Smith, for whom she assisted with their holiday decorations. Later, she worked in D.C. for two years with an event planner who handled the embassies and the highest profile hotels and event locales in the nation’s capital. “D.C. was exciting for me, but my experience in Los Angeles was where I really developed a great knowledge of floral design and had my first important years in the industry. It was so rewarding in L.A. to work on such a high end level, with the clientèle I had. That’s what I feel I bring to my clients here on the Main Line now. If a bride wants a sleek, fresh modern style with a vintage twist, that is Millefleurs,” said St. Ledger.

Aisle Style: Sponsored by AroundMainLine.com

What: Aisle Style, “I Do” Inspirations from the Main Line. Aisle Style is a chic and sophisticated wedding event for discriminating brides and ladies with style.

When: Sunday, March 14th 1-4 p.m.

Where: St. Davids Golf Club, Wayne, PA

Hosted by: Innove Events

Sponsored by: AroundMainLine.com

Facebook Event: RSVP on AML’s Facebook Aisle Style event page

Goodie Bag: Provided by The Knot

Cost: Brides can attend for free, $20 general admission

Participating Vendors:
Innove Events, design & styling
Two Paper Dolls, paper products
Secrets Limousine, transportation
Millefleurs, floral
Beke Beau, makeup artist
CTO, entertainment
Polished Spa, manicures and massage
Amanda Andrea, hair
Van Cleve/The Wedding Pavilion, couture dresses
Whipped Bakeshop, sweets & desserts
Roberts Personal Training
Eventions Productions, lighting and draping
Campli Photography
Arsenal AV, video
Select Event Rentals, table top décor and chairs
Total Table, linens

RSVP: RSVP on AroundMainLine.com’s Facebook Event Page ‘Aisle Style’ or send an email to: rsvp@aroundmainline.com.

Fly Like an Eagle
From Robson’s personal collection, an extra large 48" vintage cast metal wall eagle, $125

Interior designer Kelly Galvin Robson has a love of everything vintage. Her prolific Etsy site is brimming with irresistibly preppy, distinguished home accents-from an old set of German framed bird prints to cocktail glasses, Vera linens, milk glass, a vintage large brass horse head door knocker, McCoy pottery and more. If you are a fan of the AMC series Mad Men (the Golden-Globe winning series which depicts the lives of a group of Madison Avenue advertising executives in the ‘60s) then you will fall in love with High Street Market’s uber-chic retro collection. “I love the Philadelphia area, and I just love the creativity here among the design community. When I worked for a very high profile interior design firm in L.A., our clients always challenged us to find these amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces. They were not interested in hiring us for a living room that ended up filled with mass produced items. Every day there was the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of discovering special items for their home,” explained Robson.

But, Robson, an Orange County native, found the scarce amount of L.A. flea markets impossible to source regularly for those perfect vintage treasures. So when she and her husband moved to Bucks County a little over a year ago, she was thrilled. “I love how easily I can go to a bunch of flea markets and antique stores in one afternoon here. It was not that convenient in L.A., they were not that prolific and just working through the traffic was nuts! The Philadelphia suburbs are a treasure trove for me as a designer.”

Robson scours suburban Philadelphia flea markets regularly for great treasures for her booming Etsy shop.

Robson’s prices are also very competitive, substantially less than a local antique store. “Keeping my price (points) at a certain level has been the key. I could raise my prices but then I would be losing my customers and not offering the great value that High Street is known for,” explained Robson. And Robson’s taste has a charming country feel-in a mod Ralph Lauren way. She emphasizes that, in the current economy, clients don’t want to take risks with home design and prefer to keep it classic. “I know what I like and I have been in this business long enough to know what will stand the test of time for a home. I do like a little bit of an edge with my home accents—classic pieces with detail, interesting color palettes, something that makes a statement,” explained Robson.

One of the best parts of High Street Market’s line is her comprehensive collection of vintage Vera table linens (not to be confused with known designer Vera Bradley) which she will be circling back into her Etsy store come spring. Vera Neumann started designing linens during World War II—and is best known for her bold table linens and striking silk scarves. Neumann was an artist turned textile designer who created a booming business with her husband and who once employed designer Perry Ellis. “I adore Vera’s line-it is so timeless. She has these bright bold colors, geometric patterns and graphic images that are so appealing.”

Large sized pink depression glass square serving bowl on a pedestal, $56

Etsy Site: highstreetmarket.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: April 28, 2008

Price Range: $18 and up

Sales on Etsy: 1,942

Current Items for Sale: 134

Blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Email: highstreetmarket@gmail.com

Hometown: Orange County, Los Angeles

Current Residence: Bucks County

Age: 27

Occupation: Interior Designer

Undergrad: American History, University of San Diego

Graduate: Interior Design, UCLA

Freelance Interior Design Consulting Business: Kelly Robson Design

The Name: Robson and her husband lived on High Street in the Lehigh Valley for a few months when they first landed on the East Coast, thus the name inspired her Etsy shop, High Street Market.

Blog Love: If you want to find some amazing design inspiration, just take some time to visit Robson’s blog, highstreetmarket.blogspot.com. From a shout out to fellow Etsians who just landed commercial deals with a Robson retail favorite Urban Outfitters, to her personal win at landing a stunning Windsor Chair at a yard sale, Kelly has created a warm and welcoming space filled with constant inspiration, whimsy and breathtaking taste.

Vintage Frog Box, $34
Robson suggests this is perfect for keeping taller items together (like q-tips in the bathroom, or business cards in the office).

Thanks for the Memories: “When I was growing up, my grandparents entertained in such style. When we would go over to their house in Orange County at Christmas, and everything was meticulously set up-the ice bucket on the wet bar, the different dishes to hold the condiments. Everything was sterling or silver plated and everyone was allowed to use them, the children included. We have these amazing wine glasses in my family that were inherited from my great grandmother; they are stunning and a family heirloom, of course. But, we use them all the time. There is never a second thought about saving them for a ‘special occasion.’ It’s something I just believe in, making use of these wonderful objects.”

L.A. Confidential: Robson hails from Los Angeles, and brings a wealth of design experience as she worked for one of the premiere interior designers, who shall remain nameless, in the city of lights. She is still retained on a consulting basis with them.

Movie Buff: “When I watch a movie, I am obsessed with the set décor. I find myself not paying attention to the storyline sometimes because I’m too enamored with the vintage wall paper or the wicker furniture on the porch! I am always looking for inspiration and paying attention to details and design.”

Robson’s Etsy Favorites:

13 Bees (“This gal used to work for Gucci, now she sells vintage clothing on Etsy.”)

Virginia Geiger Jewels (“Perfect wedding accessories!”)

Alicia Bock (“I am a huge fan of her photography.”)

The Leather Store (“Handmade leather handbags…gorgeous!”)

Dog Art Studio (“Custom dog portraits…so darn cute!”)

Publisher’s Pick: Vintage black Halls ironstone ball jug pitcher, $48

Mad Taste: Robson’s taste, although classic, is also very en vogue at the moment as the popular AMC series Mad Men has inspired a resurgence of interest in all things ‘60s. Think Sinatra in his heyday and what Ol’ Blue Eyes would be reaching for at his living room bar…come happy hour.

Future Plans: “I love having my Etsy shop, but maybe a few years down the road I would love to develop my blog into my ‘virtual’ brick and mortar store. That is what everyone is doing in L.A.; they are always on the cutting edge of what is working in business. I have customers who come to me for freelance design consultation and then buy on my Etsy shop—and they are from all over the United States. That is the new wave of commerce and the way business is headed, especially in interior design. You can’t limit yourself to a geographic region and it’s just better business not to-my customers from Etsy have been from Austin, Texas, Australia, New York City, and San Francisco. Make the world your client base! That is the beauty of Etsy…and beyond.”

A full selection of Kelly Galvin Robson’s collection can be found on her Etsy store, highstreetmarket.etsy.com. Kelly’s decorating tips and trends are available on her blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

Wayne’s famed Aux Petits Delices Bakery set the scene for a fun afternoon of sweets and suds.

Beer and candy go together like…well, actually quite nicely. A most unusual couple for any diehard beer lover and foodie like myself, it never occurred to me to pit gourmet chocolate, desserts and even fruit paste with the world’s finest beer. But when my friend ‘Dr.’ Joel Armato of New Holland Brewing Company suggested this would make for a most unique piece of winter editorial, I was game—albeit slightly skeptical. Turns out it is a gourmand’s dream.

Armato, I and three others (noted below) joined AML senior staff photographer Heather Berkenstock for an intriguing afternoon of several pairings and conversation at Chef Patrick Gauthron’s wildly successful Main Line bakery, Aux Petits Delices. Gauthron has been in the heart of Wayne for almost a quarter of a century—a phenomenal feat for any small business.

A former pastry chef at Le Bec Fin, Chef Patrick has carved out a loyal following among Main Line brides with his award-winning wedding cakes. His quaint bakery, open six days a week, attracts visitors from as far away as central Jersey who have deemed the travel worthy of his fine pastries, cakes and chocolates. Lucky for me Aux Petits Delices is in my hometown so I can pop in there any time!

For beer lovers, AML brought in our resident beer expert Matt Guyer, owner of Wayne’s Beer Yard. Guyer grabbed a handful of the best beers from his 1,000-plus beer selection for our unique tasting and foodie ‘experiment.’ We were also joined by Andy Dickerson, partner of the Main Line’s Belgium beer bar Teresa’s Next Door.

Looking for a fun way to wow your Main Line guests this winter? I recommend hosting a beer and chocolate party! Since the Beer Yard and the bakery are within walking distance in Wayne, you can make a quick shopping spree into one chic entertaining event for friends and family.

Lost Coast’s Tangerine Wheat was paired with the bakery’s candied orange ‘La Palma.’

Beer: Tangerine Wheat, Lost Coast Brewery
Eureka, California
www.loastcoast.com
Sweet: Palma chocolate
Cointreau Ganache, Candied Orange, Dark Chocolate, Grand Marnier

Lost Coast’s Tangerine Wheat is a brand new beer from the award-winning California brewery and, of course, brand new to Guyer’s inventory. A citrus ale, Tangerine Wheat combines Lost Coast’s Harvest Wheat with natural tangerine flavors. “One of the things I did before hand for this article, from a research perspective, is taste the beer and chocolate with Andy (Dickerson) and one of my Troegs sales reps-but not all in obvious ways. I did not want to be too literal with these pairings because beer and chocolate is an exciting experiment and I think it’s to each their own, to a degree. As far as this first pairing, there is a little bit more bitterness in the Tangerine Wheat then I expected,” explained Guyer. “It’s pretty bitter, there a lot of hops. My chocolates are not that sweet, my chocolates have 72% cocoa paste so this candied orange is a bittersweet chocolate. I feel like a sweeter beer, like a Leffe, would be better pairing with this or even a Chimay or Blonde,” countered Gauthron.

“I expected with the strength of the citrus aroma, a bright crispness would wash things away—as far as countering the bitterness of the chocolate—but that’s not the case with this beer,” added Armato. Even though Guyer and the crew did not feel that the Tangerine Wheat paired best with the candied orange chocolate, they all gave big kudos to this ale. Guyer added he thinks this new beer on the block from Lost Coast is going to be one of his best sellers for the late spring and summer months at the Beer Yard.

A wonderful winter dessert awaits with New Holland’s Dragon Milk and Chef Patrick’s delectable mini pecan pies.

Beers: Dragon’s Milk, New Holland Brewing Company
New Holland, Michigan
www.newhollandbrew.com

Three Philosophers, Brewery Ommegang
Cooperstown, NY
www.ommegang.com
Sweets: Pecan Torte, Caramel chocolate, Muscadine chocolate/Hazelnut, Cointreau, Mousse

Ommegang’s Three Philosophers was originally paired up with Gauthron’s Griottine chocolate. A blend of Belgian dark strong ale and Lindeman’s Kriek, Three Philosophers is a Belgian Style Quadrupel with a 9.8% ABV. Griottines are small sour cherries preserved in alcohol: they’re pitted and macerated in light kirsch syrup. But Chef Patrick felt Three Philosophers was competing, and not complimenting, the sour cherry-based chocolate. So, it was paired up with his milk chocolate caramels. Three Philosophers is a rich, cherry limbic that exudes a flavor of dark chocolate and cherry cordials. It should be served as close to room temperature as possible to fully appreciate its complex, velvet profile. “A lot of people still think beer is beer and chocolate is chocolate. These are both very complex foods and I think if you take the time to taste and discuss fine food and beer, it will really open your eyes to a whole new, exciting world,” explained Guyer.

Weyerbacher’s Merry Monks’ is the perfect complement to Gauthron’s white peach fruit paste.

Dragon’s Milk, from Michigan’s New Holland Brewing Company, is ale aged in bourbon barrels. “This is the absolute perfect beer with my pecan pies, with the molasses, it just brings out the flavor very well,” enthused Gauthron. A sweet, dark malt Dragon’s Milk matched well with both the caramel chocolates and Gauthron’s mini pecan pies. With a 10% ABV, its best served in a brandy snifter to bring out the bourbon and vanilla flavors. Armato suggested pairing Dragon’s Milk with a caramel or vanilla ice cream as well.

Beer: Merry Monks’, Weyerbacher Brewery
Easton, PA
www.weyerbacher.com
Sweet: White Peach Fruit Paste

Merry Monks’ is a fruity Belgian Tripel with an aroma that hints of pear, strawberry and lemon. It is the Easton, Pa brewery’s most popular ale to date and Guyer and Gauthron chose to match it with the bakery’s white peach fruit paste. Aux Petits Delices’ fruit pastes are one of the pastry chef’s most coveted sweets. “It is very difficult to make a good paste, extremely challenging. It is really a science. My paste has to be cooked at 108 degrees and when you are making paste each fruit behaves differently. Making fruit paste in the summer is a nightmare! It cannot be too gooey or chewy, I am very proud of my paste and my marmalades,” said Gauthron.

Griottine chocolate features small sour cherries that are preserved in alcohol. Guyer cleverly paired the sweet with Lindeman’s Cassis Lambic.

Beer: Cassis Lambic, Brouwerij Lindemans
Vlezenbeek, Belgium
www.lindemans.be/start/home/en/
Sweet: Griottine chocolate/cherries with kirsch

A gold medal winner at The World Beer Championships, this beloved and well-known fruit lambic, which is best served very cold in a Lindemans flute glass (available at the Beer Yard), offers a woodsy, fruity aroma with a black currant profile. Black currants have been used for centuries as an ingredient in beers and liquors in Belgium and Northern Europe. The strong beery flavor is balanced by a perfect amount of carbonation. Dickerson suggested to Guyer that this tart lambic would pair well with a cherry chocolate. And, he was right on. “The acidity of the black currant cuts right through the sweetness, it’s a good pairing.”

Chef Patrick’s verdict on this sophisticated pairing? “Incredible, this is really a wine.” Gauthron is a native of Burgundy and his cassis sorbet is a summer favorite for his Main Line customers. “Cassis has ten times the flavor of raspberry; there is no other fruit like it. This beer is awesome, just awesome!” Guyer advised when having a beer and chocolate tasting to start with a small sip of beer to warm your palate, then a nibble of the chocolate or candy and then another sip of beer. “This is not about throwing back beers and scarfing down chocolates. It’s a tasting, just like you would approach wine and cheese, so it’s small bites at a time. This way you really get a chance to appreciate the interesting flavors you are experiencing,” advised Guyer. For 24, 12 oz. bottles of this lambic, it’s about $120 a case at the Beer Yard. Guyer said the lambics age very well so a case can stand for quite some time.

A Few Good Men
The fellas who were given the tough task of tasting Chef Patrick’s gourmet chocolate and some of the world’s best beer. Clockwise from left to right; Chef Patrick Gauthron, Joel Armato of New Holland Brewing Company, the Beer Yard’s Matt Guyer and Teresa’s Next Door partner Andy Dickerson.

Beer: Hop Back Amber Ale, Troegs Brewery
Harrisburg, PA
www.troegs.com
Sweet: Espelette chocolate, Dark chocolate, Armagnac, Espelette, Pimento

Troegs’ Brewery flagship beer is a winner of the Washington Post Beer Madness. With a 6% ABV, Hop Back offers a deep amber color with a spicy and bold flavor. It is balanced with caramel malt, which brought Guyer to consider originally pairing this with a caramel chocolate. Instead, it was matched with Gauthron’s Espelette. Espelette is a mild but very flavorful chili pepper from the French Basque country. “I think it is doing very well with this chocolate—this is my favorite chocolate I carry. This beer is very round, it’s not too bitter and has many different layers-the caramel I can definitely sense,” said Gauthron. “I think the beer is really bringing a lot out of the chocolate. This is a strong match,” added Armato.

DeuS is a premium Belgium beer that complimented Gauthron’s raspberry fruit paste.

Beer: DeuS, Bosteels Brewery
Buggenhout, Belgium
www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be
Sweet: Raspberry Fruit Paste

DeuS, with a purposeful capital ‘S’, is a premium Belgium beer manufactured in Buggenhout, Belgium by a brewery that was founded in 1791. Known on the company’s website as ‘the sparkling divine drink,’ DeuS delivers a well-disguised 11.5% ABV and is most refreshing served as an aperitif in a chilled flute glass. The crowd favorite of the day, the bakery’s succulent raspberry fruit paste packed quite a punch coupled with DeuS. “Nose to nose this pairing has the ultimate wow factor,” enthused Armato. DeuS is matured in the Champagne region of France. Its corked bottle is the same shape used for Dom Perignon champagne. As for the raspberry fruit paste, Chef explained it’s a never ending, and equally complex, process. “My recipes I am always tweaking, they can never be the same. Chefs are always moving forward-with my pastes especially the flavor is so important,” explained Gauthron. Both Dickerson and Gauthron concurred the bakery’s white peach fruit paste would pair well with the bubbly, creamy DeuS too.

Aux Petits Delices is located at 162 East Lancaster Avenue in Wayne. Visit auxpetits.com or call 610-971-0300 to place an order. The bakery is open Tues-Fri 7:30 to 6pm, Saturdays 7:30-5:30 and Sundays 7:30 to 1:30pm. Aux Petits is closed most Mondays.

The Beer Yard is located at 218 East Lancaster Avenue Wayne, PA behind the Wayne Starbucks. Visit beeryard.com for weekly updates about the inventory in stock. Call 610-688-3431 for or you can email Matt Guyer directly at info@beeryard.com.

Whipped Bakeshop’s Valentine designs are almost too pretty to eat!

Pastry chef and owner Zoë Lukas is an artist by trade. And one glance at her elegant creations of cupcakes, cookies and cakes on her website, whippedbakeshop.com, and its clear this is no ordinary bakery. Her intricate, custom designs-from Yoda cupcakes to elegant wedding cakes to oh-so-Martha vintage Valentine replicas-and attention to detail are part of her booming business and soaring city reputation. “Baking and art are my two loves so my cookies and cakes are really my canvases…in essence. I love looking at patterns and fabrics and I enjoy knitting and sewing. If I go to a museum, it reignites my creativity. I can see a vintage plate or a piece of beautiful stationery and get a concept for a wedding cake or a new cookie pattern; it’s a constant process for me. I really love and appreciate anything that is designed well and I try to transform that to my work,” explained Lukas.

Lukas started Whipped Bakeshop in 2007 and this past October opened the doors to her Fishtown storefront to much aplomb, with the support of her husband, Brennen. “We started getting a ton of momentum with the business the first year through our Flickr site. My husband encouraged me to take pictures constantly and upload them on a regular basis and that really kept people engaged. Then the website followed, and Twitter took off. Now, we are here and business is very, very good,” said Lukas.

Cake Boss Zoe Lukas credits social media, a strong following on Twitter most notably, with her shop’s speedy notoriety in just three months of business. Follow Lukas on Twitter: WhippedBakeshop

Zoë credits social media, most notably a strong following on Twitter, for her shop’s speedy growth in just three months of business. “Networking with my Twitter followers is huge for my business—its incredible how one blog post or retweet can ignite orders and notoriety,” said Zoë. Her Twitter followers number over 1,000 and she keeps them entertained and engaged with clever and comical daily posts. A recent tweet begged for someone to “…order a Bruce Springsteen cake.”

Lukas earned her stripes as an apprentice at a petit four bakery in Olde City and worked in an administrative role at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in between other pastry gigs. The sweet creations at Whipped Bakeshop certainly look appealing but Lukas is quick to explain her creations are also delicious. Her team works tirelessly editing recipes to perfect their taste. They will also customize and incorporate logos for corporate catering and events.

Lukas, 33, is a native of Red Bank, New Jersey who grew up in Bel Air, Maryland and earned a degree in painting from The Maryland Institute of Art. This December in the heat of the holiday rush the phone rang in her shop and a certain name beginning with the letter “O” appeared on the screen. A flustered Lukas, knee deep in chocolate ganache and cream cheese frosting, took a deep breath before saying hello. “The phone was upside down but I could still read the caller i.d. It said the name Oprah Winfrey. I had no idea what was going on,” recalled Lukas.

The call was indeed from Harpo Studios-a staff member was placing a holiday order for their local ABC affiliates and, after a review of the bakery’s website, they choose to send WPVI four dozen sets of Zoë’s cupcakes. “They googled around and found my website and checked out our style. Business is so different these days with the power of the internet and the possibilities are endless. We are getting noticed and utilizing these tools, like Twitter and Facebook, to generate business and its working and is just an exciting time for me. We are really having a lot of fun!”

Whipped Bakeshop will be delivering Valentine’s Day weekend. Pricing for delivery to Center City is $20, pickup is free.

Whipped Bakeshop’s Valentine’s Menu
www.whippedbakeshop.com

Cookies ($22.50 & up for 1 dozen)

Gift-wrapped Valentine cookie collections come in all shapes and sizes, from lovebirds and personalized heart tattoos to X & O cookies and big scalloped Vintage Valentine hearts.

Cupcake Box Sets ($21.50)

These specially decorated Valentine cupcakes come in sets of 6, nestled in a cute eco-friendly tote box and all tied up with a festive bow. Choices are as follows:

Red Velvet: 6 moist red velvet cupcakes iced with our old-fashioned vanilla buttercream and topped with pretty handmade fondant St. Valentine decorations.

Über Chocolate: 6 rich chocolate fudge cupcakes—2 Chocolate-Peanut Butter, 2 Triple Chocolate, and 2 Chocolate with Vanilla Buttercream. Decadent!

Valentine Cakes ($45)

The Whipped Bakeshop Chocolate Waterfall Cake is a 6” chocolate fudge cake iced with chocolate Italian meringue buttercream and topped with a bittersweet ganache waterfall and pretty handmade sugar flowers. Choose your filling: yummy peanut butter buttercream or decadent whipped chambord ganache. We’ll even add a fun inscription of your choice. The cake will serve 4-8 guests.

The Whipped Bakeshop Store is located at 636 Belgrade Street at the corner of Berks and Belgrade Streets in Fishtown. Visit their website, whippedbakeshop.com, for more information. Also, follow Whipped on Twitter @WhippedBakeshop. They are open Saturdays only from 10-6pm. Sunday through Fridays Whipped accepts appointments and pick-ups. Call 215-598 5449 or email owner Zoe Lukas at zoe@whippedbakeshop.com.

Haverford School Alum and Main Line native Steve Sabol “What I got at the Haverford School was a sense of competition and accomplishment. Many people are creative but they lack the skill to harness those ideas effectively. And, that’s what I learned from my education at The Haverford School.”

You would be hard pressed to find a Main Liner, even a Philadelphia sports fan, who does not recognize the name Steve Sabol. Sabol is the renowned alum of The Haverford School and, most notably, founder of NFL Films along with his father Ed. From second grade to his senior year in high school, Sabol roamed the halls of The Haverford School and hit the field every fall as part of the football team. The 1960 graduate, is, of course now the head of NFL Films, headquartered in Voorhees, New Jersey. Sabol Field was christened at The Haverford School this past September and, is, in essence where NFL Films was born.

Ed Sabol, a spry 93, according to his son, and retired in Arizona, began filming Steve playing football at his son’s prep school. He enjoyed it so much he parlayed the hobby into shooting pro football. As the well-known story goes, Ed Sabol paid then NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle $4,000 for the rights to shoot the 1962 NFL Championship game. Sabol’s film, with its dramatic close-ups and stirring music, impressed Rozelle. Ed convinced the owners to kick in $20,000 apiece to create the company now known as NFL Films.

AroundMainLine.com: I know you love the Main Line and growing up there, the experience of Haverford. When I met you Mr. Sabol years back during my previous sports television career, I succinctly remember you telling me how much you wish you could live on the Main Line. But, you had to live in Jersey and be near your office. And, you seemed to bemoan the fact.

Sabol, who is on the board of The Bryn Mawr Film Institute, has won 30 Emmys. NFL Films boasts over 90.

Steve Sabol: That is because New Jersey has no class.

AML: I guess I’ll handle the hate mail on that comment! In all seriousness, what is it that you so cherish about the Main Line and your days at The Haverford School.

SS: The teachers forced me to look at things differently. My homeroom teacher at Haverford had just as much influence on me, at the time, as my mother and father. He made learning fun. In the fourth grade, instead of just having a normal spelling bee for the class he had a huge treasure map with real Spanish coins as prizes. His energy and understanding of what we were going through as young boys was what I remember.

Back then at Haverford, it was a bit of a different time too. Everyone had three names, came from very wealthy families and it was so competitive. High school was my life and there was a lot of pressure to thrive and be at the top of the class. I think the description under my picture for my senior year in high school of my activities was two pages long-Spanish club, editor of the yearbook, football, speaking contest winner. And the feeling was, since I was third in my class that I would go to any college in the country. Neither of my parents were college graduates and I was encouraged to apply to Harvard. I did not get into Harvard and it was a huge mystery and a tremendous embarrassment to the school. Here I was magna cum laude, all Inter-Ac, part of every school activity, great athlete and nothing. All my classmates were receiving acceptance letters from Yale, Stanford, Penn. And for the first time, I was not successful. Steve Sabol-‘zero’.

AML: That’s interesting, you think the expectations are so strong on kids these days but that is quite a pressure cooker. How did Colorado College come about then—not exactly the same league as Harvard?

Ed Sabol, a Philadelphia clothing salesman by trade, with his young son. Ed used a 1940’s Bell and Howell movie camera to film Steve's football games at Haverford School starting in 1951. Photo published with the consent of Steve Sabol/NFL Films

SS: My mother put me into a college admission center in the Northwest and we received a letter from Colorado College and there were the Rocky Mountains in the background. And, since I was a huge football fan, I knew that’s where Dutch Clark went, the Hall of Famer. As a kid, football was my life—which is really the other part of my story. I was totally immersed in this sport—I looked at football not only as competition but I looked at the game in dramaturgical terms. The uniform, the physical struggle, the sounds your cleats made on the concrete when you were walking to the field, the smell of the leather pads-all of that combined with the romantic appeal of Colorado College I told my mother to sign me up. And, of course, thanks to The Haverford School, when I got there I was so way ahead of everyone else scholastically. I walked onto the football team, spent six years at Colorado College, and came out of college with a major in art. I wanted to be an artist.

Sabol’s original artwork has been shown in New York and on the Main Line in Philadelphia, and has been nominated to be shown at the Smithsonian Museum of American Design in Washington DC.

AML: Before we talk about how you have come full circle now with that passion for art, I want to talk about you and your dad and those early days. One thing I love about this conversation, the evolution of NFL Films and this journey of yours with your dad from your days at The Haverford School to now is, in its simplest terms, this is a story about the love between a father and a son.

SS: My dad theory’s in life has always been if you want something, you double it. If you buy a sport jacket, buy two. If a doctor tells you to take two, take four. Everything is doubled.

AML: Is that a good or bad philosophy?

SS: It’s a great way to look at life; it also applies to purchasing Mercedes and other things. And, he used that approach when he formed NFL Films and approached Pete Rozelle. He doubled the money on the table. My father also embraced the idea that every business plan is improved by two martinis.

AML: I like that. You are one of America’s most successful run family businesses in essence.

SS: I have a theory on that. The third generation ‘kills it’. The third generation is removed from the passion, vision and initial energy that made the business successful. My father was a business man and a visionary and he had a great ability to look at the bad ideas and weed them out. When we started NFL Films, my dad was there to champion my concepts-the good ones-and put them into place. My father was my role model, my boss, the funniest person I have ever met, and an incredible salesman. He was the kind of person who walked into a room and everyone liked him.

AML: How could you summarize what this business of filming football is all about?

Sabol’s “Art of Football” Exhibition is on display for Super Bowl week in Miami, through January 9th, at the Avant Gallery. To see more of his art, visit his website at stevesabolart.com.

SS: To me this is a love affair of the game of football, this is not about marketing. And, it was a love affair expressed as love often is—through art. And, that’s the art of film. I think of NFL Films as a style of movie making—just as you can watch two people in a movie falling in love and sitting across from each other in a coffee shop, with no script and just music playing. We are able to create the same effect with the way we approach the game of football.

If you think of what we do (here at NFL Films), there is a very definite process creatively. If you are a writer or a photographer, artistic ideas hit you like a bolt of lightning. It begins with a passion to create, to do something. Then, it’s what I call ‘research’, researching everything you are about to do. Then after that its organization-organizing thoughts on your film, on your work.And, after that, the most important part is concentration. Many people are creative but they lack the skill to harness those ideas effectively. And, that’s what I learned from my education at The Haverford School.

AML: One of the goals I had when I started my publishing company Mr. Sabol—on my wish list of people I wanted to sit down and interview—was a chance to speak with you. So, I am soaking in every part of this chat and am really learning so much about your creative process. You paint a picture with everything you say, I could sit here all day!

I wanted to ask you about the late, great Harry Kalas.

SS: I was very privileged to work with two of the greatest voice over talents in the history of sports television—Jon Facenda and Harry Kalas. If there was a speaker at the Last Supper, after dinner was over, it would be Jon Facenda. He was the voice of God whereas Harry Kalas was the voice of the people. With Harry, the warmth and friendliness of his voice was really a mirror of his personality. Harry had a sportscaster’s voice with an actor’s delivery—he just knew how to read a script really well. Harry touched all the bases.

AML: I am curious…are you on Facebook or Twitter?

SS: I don’t own a cell phone and I don’t have a Facebook or Twitter or what is the other thing called? My Space? I don’t mean to sound like an old fart. It just goes back to what I was saying before about concentration and maintaining your focus in business and those things are just distractions to me. All this technology has not changed the way NFL Films does business and our process. Yes, with one touch of a button now you reach millions of people but it is still the same approach that my father and I started out with. It is still a group of young people who love to make movies, love pro football and want to share it with our audience. NFL Films has had one continuous, creative vision for 47 years. These are timeless things; timeless stories that we capture just like people go back and read Greek mythology.

The ‘King of Football Movies’ reflects in his office.

AML: Let’s talk about your second act here, your art work.

SS: It is funny because it is really my first act; my degree in art was my first love. So, I have these collages and they represent Americana. We have had shows here in New Jersey and the Main Line and interest from the Smithsonian. I’ll be exhibiting in Miami at The Super Bowl. It’s an exciting time for me.

AML: You are so inspiring; your life is an incredible story in itself. My final question here-for the young men who are at The Haverford School now and read this interview—what is your message to them? I know we have only scratched the surface to the full story of Ed and Steve Sabol and NFL Films. But in 20 seconds or less, can you give me one last gem to pass on.

SS: I hope they realize that this is really not about being good on the football field. Life is about having a dream and believing in that dream and following through with that dream. And, this is about a father and a son and the value of that relationship. That relationship can build and become a whole life’s work. That’s NFL Films.

Steve Sabol’s “The Art of Football” exhibition is on display at the Avant Gallery in Miami through February 9th. “The Art of Football,” an exhibition of Steve Sabol’s thought-provoking, very colorful football-themed art on display from January 19 to February 9. Steve has shown in New York and on the Main Line in Philadelphia, and has been nominated to be shown at the Smithsonian Museum of American Design in Washington DC. Steve will be making appearances during the week leading up to Super Bowl. For more information, call Vanessa Almerico/Avant Gallery at 305-573-8873 or email valmerico@avantgallery.com. The gallery is located at 3850 North Miami Avenue in the historic Miami Design District. To see more of Steve’s art go to his website at www.stevesabolart.com.

Dr. Catherine Foote, a Lower Merion high school grad who boasts an undergraduate and medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, is a third generation dentist.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. So, there is no better time to catch up with one of the Main Line’s most beloved orthodontists—Bryn Mawr’s Dr. Catherine Foote. Foote, an Ardmore native, Lower Merion grad and third generation dentist holds an undergraduate degree from The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Foote dedicated ten years to higher education at the University of Pennsylvania where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology followed by a DMD degree and Certificate of Orthodontics. In her state of the art, newly renovated office across from Bryn Mawr Hospital, Dr. Foote treats both children and adults, offering traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and take-home whitening.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country. According to the ADA, developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

Foote Orthodontics’ mission is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a comfortable and welcoming environment where patients are treated with excellence personally and clinically. Dr. Foote deals with some of the most common issues parents and prepubescent children face and she advises that the earlier a patient is seen, the better a plan can be put in place for proper care. “Interceptive orthodontics helps to take advantage of growth. By evaluating the bite when there are still baby teeth, we can deal with any issues and plan accordingly from there.”

AroundMainLine.com: What is the common age or scenario where a parent would bring a child into your practice for the first time?

Dr. Foote: The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children be screened at the age of seven to evaluate for issues such as thumb sucking, cross bites, spacing, or crowding. Generally, between the ages of 8-10 years old is an ideal time to begin interceptive orthodontics, if necessary. This is often referred to as Phase I treatment.

AML: Thumb sucking with an older child, I would assume, is a sensitive issue. How do you approach the parent and child to deal with the habit?

Dr. Foote with her friendly staff at their renovated, state-of-the-art Bryn Mawr office. You can follow Dr. Foote on Twitter: FooteOrtho

DF: I find that thumb sucking is a very pacifying behavior for young children. I don’t think parents have to be too worried about it until it starts to affect permanent dental structure. With time, consistent thumb sucking will affect the shape of the palate and can flare the upper teeth. School age children should not be sucking their thumb all day. If that is the case, there should be an evaluation for some type of orthodontic intervention, which is typically around 7-8 years old.

AML: You are a female in a medical field primarily dominated by men. But, considering your background it’s not so surprising since you come from a big dental family and are the oldest of seven!

DF: My grandfather was a dentist, my father is an oral surgeon, as is my uncle, and two other uncles are orthodontists. That is all on my mother’s side of the family. My father’s brother is a general dentist. I was lucky enough to attend dental school at Penn with two of my cousins, and one of my brothers is in dental school now. Dentistry is a great profession, especially for women, and I am beyond lucky and blessed to be fortunate enough to do what I do!

AML: I’ve mentioned you to a few people lately, and it was evident to me you have a stellar reputation across the Main Line. What makes your practice such a success?

DF: I treat my patients as I would want to be treated. I feel like we are a very comfortable, caring office that is genuinely concerned with the best interests of the patient and giving them the attention that they need.

Dr. Foote’s office is located in the heart of Bryn Mawr on South Bryn Mawr Avenue between Lancaster Avenue and Haverford Avenue across from Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Address: 101 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 320, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

For office hours and additional information, call 610-525-6142. Visit their website at www.footeorthodontics.com or follow them on Twitter. Dr. Foote can also be reached via email at: footeorthodontics@yahoo.com.

By AML Publisher
Photos by Belle Vie Photography

Chef and ‘Mommy Martini Night’ hostess Olga Sorzano is available for private parties and functions around the Main Line and Delaware Valley.

Chester County chef Olga Sorzano wants her clients to consider her “a party chef, not just another caterer. I am bringing the experience of a gourmet restaurant and my love of people into your home,” insisted the former personal chef and house manager to a prominent Chester County family. Sorzano, mother to daughters Tessa, 15 months, and Kira, 2 months, left quite an impression on AML staff photographer Heather Berkenstock recently when the two met up in the checkout line at the Downingtown Wegman’s. With a shopping cart brimming with gourmet food (enough to feed dozens), a curious Berkenstock struck up a conversation with the 33-year-old statuesque blond. Turns out, Sorzano was preparing for a private holiday party she had been hired to cater in December. A brief business card exchange and a follow up email from Sorzano and AML had happened upon one great connection.

Sorzano, who grew up in Siberia, has been a successful figure in the local restaurant scene for years. She is a graduate of The Restaurant School of Walnut Hill College and studied in Italy, Thailand and Switzerland. Most notably, Olga trained with renowned Chef Jim Coleman of Normandy Farm in Blue Bell. She continues to work with Chef Coleman with television appearances and occasional cooking classes at the Dilworthtown Inn.

Chef Olga’s Cranberry Apple Pie Martini

Today, as a young mother, Olga is looking to work her way back into private functions for clients across the Delaware Valley. I asked Olga to keep Heather and myself in mind the next time she had a girlfriend get-together so we could check out her yummy faire and drinks.

The email invite that came across my desk a week later mentioned a fun ‘Mommy Martini Night’ at Olga’s Downingtown home-girls only! Suffice to say, Heather and I were game. Below are the recipes for the trio of marvelous martinis Sorzano selected to serve and two of my favorite appetizers. “You always want to look at what you are serving guests for drinks and consider your appetizers. For the Mommy Martini Party, we did not have overpowering food because our drinks were very fruity and stood on their own. Be sure to be seasonal with your food selections as well,” explained Sorzano.

My pick of the night-hands down the French Silk Pie Martini. Berkenstock selected the Key Lime and also raved about Sorzano’s scrumptious artichoke dip. Planning a house party for the big game or having friends over for a winter ‘chill?’ Check out Olga’s awesome recipes below.

Cranberry Apple Pie Martini

1 T fresh cranberry puree^*
1/2 oz Goldschläger liqueur
2 oz bitters
2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz apple cider
Fresh cranberries for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into chilled Martini glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries on a skewer.

^* To make cranberry puree put 1 cup of cranberries in a small food processor, add a few tablespoons of water and puree for 15 sec. Left over puree can be frozen for later use.

Key Lime Pie Martini

1 lime wedge
Graham crackers for garnish (optional)
1 part vodka
1 part Limoncello
2 part Licor 43
2 parts fresh lime juice^*
2 parts heavy cream

Pour the graham cracker crumbs in a shallow dish. Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a chilled martini glass and roll the edge in the graham cracker crumbs.

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into the prepared martini glass.

^* Fresh squeezed lime juice really makes a difference. You will realize that the effort is paid off when you take the first sip of this outstanding martini!

Note: Do not use light cream or half and half instead of heavy cream because the mixture will curdle.

Decadent and delicious French Silk Pie martinis were made with Godiva liquor.

French Silk Pie Martini

1 part vodka
1 part cream of cocoa
1 part chocolate Godiva liquor
1 part Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 part Half and Half
Chocolate Syrup

Chill the glass until ready to use. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the martini glass for decoration.

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into the prepared martini glass.

Hot Artichoke Dip

1 cup sweet Vidalia onions, medium chopped
1 T oil
2 14-oz can artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
1 roasted red pepper, medium chopped
2 cups light mayo
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 t fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 t fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 t marjoram, finely chopped

Special equipment: Fondue pot or small chafer dish, tea candle or sterno

1. Saute the onions in the olive oil over medium heat until very soft, about 7-10 min.
2. In a medium bowl mix onions with remaining ingredients.
3. Transfer to the heavy pot. Cook over medium low heat until the cheese is melted and mixture is heated thoroughly, stir frequently.
4. Serve in fondue pot with toasted lavash or pita bread.

To make in advance follow steps 1 and 2. Wrap and refrigerate up to 12 hours.

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Glazed Figs

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Glazed Figs

1 French baguette
8 oz fresh goat cheese, room temperature
Glazed figs, recipe follows

1. Cut baguette into rounds.
2. Spread about 2 t goat cheese on top.
3. Cut glazed figs into thin slices and place 2-3 slices on the cheese.
4. Drizzle with reserved orange balsamic reduction.
5. Enjoy!

Orange Balsamic Glazed Figs

1 cup dried Black Mission figs
2 cups Orange juice
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1/2 vanilla bean, cut length wise
1 anise star (optional)

1. Place the figs, juice, vinegar and spices in the heavy pot.
2. Bring to boil and cook over medium heat until the figs are soft and the liquid is reduced to 1/3 cup.
3. Cool.

Figs can be kept in the refrigerator up to two weeks.

Chef Olga Sorzano, of OnCallGourmet.com, is available for private parties and functions around the Main Line and Delaware Valley-including Mommy Martini Nights! Contact Chef Olga at 267-738-1973 or send an email to Olga directly: olga@oncallgourmet.com

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography

Be Mine on the Main Line is Thursday, Feb 4th at Spamps Restaurant in Conshohocken. RSVP is highly recommended so we can plan accordingly.

Be Mine on the Main Line, AroundMainLine.com’s annual winter fundraiser, is back! In its second year, Be Mine focuses on bringing hundreds of Main Liners and animal lovers together from across the Delaware Valley to raise money and awareness for a local animal charity. On Thursday, February 4th, Conshohocken’s hottest restaurant Spamps will play host to hundreds of locals for a festive and sophisticated Valentine’s-themed party. AML will have the entire spacious restaurant dedicated to Be Mine—to welcome the Main Line and region’s finest for an important night of awareness and fundraising.

This year’s beneficiary of the proceeds of Be Mine on the Main Line II is Philadoptables (philadoptables.org). A brand new nonprofit that was formed over the past few months to address the overwhelming needs of Philadelphia Animal Control, also known as ACCT, Philadoptables’ goal is to bring awareness and funding for the 34,000 animals a year who are brought through the doors of ACCT. A visit to Philadelphia’s animal control a few weeks ago with Philadoptables board of directors’ member Kim Wolf really drove home the overwhelming need of what Wolf describes as “Philadelphia’s best and worst kept secret.” Cage after cage of hundreds of fabulous faces and furry friends were staring back at us as we walked the aisles—a shelter that is clearly overwhelmed with the city’s stray animals, abused dogs, and pets that owners have surrendered to ACCT due to personal or financial hardships.

Over 34,000 animals a year come through the doors of Philadelphia’s animal control.

Be Mine on the Main Line II is proud to be working with Otto’s BMW, the official corporate sponsor of this year’s party. Michael Vadasz, General Sales Manager of Otto’s, is part of one of the region’s most successful family businesses with locations in West Chester and Exton. Otto’s reputation for quality customer service spans over 40 years. “Otto’s, since the beginning, has always been known as the ‘place to go’ for all automotive enthusiasts. We have a knowledgeable staff that shares the same passion for these vehicles as our customers. Being a family-owned business, our atmosphere lends itself to be a more comfortable environment to purchase and service your car. We pride ourselves on having a customer-focused relationship not only during the sale but mainly the service experience after the sale,” explained Vadasz.

Otto’s chose to support AML’s annual fundraiser because animal causes and community awareness is an important part of their mission, said Vadasz. “Otto’s is and always has been a pet-friendly facility. When we were growing up, my parents would bring their German Shepherd to work every day. My parents always believed in giving back to the community in which we operate and part of that giving has included helping animals since they really don’t have a voice of their own.”

Be Mine on the Main Line II Event Details

What: AroundMainLine.com’s Annual Winter Fundraiser

Beneficiary: Philadoptables (philadoptables.org) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and adoption of the 30,000+ animals that arrive each year at the Philadelphia animal control shelter, the region’s largest open-admission, high volume, public facility. They are the only charitable organization whose mission is dedicated solely to these animals and to serving as an independent resource for the community at large. A portion of the proceeds of Be Mine on the Main Line II will benefit Philadoptables.

Corporate Sponsor: Otto’s BMW (ottosbmw.com)

When: Thursday, February 4th, 2010 6p.m. to 10p.m.

Where: Spamps Restaurant, Conshohocken, 16 East First Avenue (spampsrestaurant.com)

Music: One of Delaware Valley’s best known DJ companies, Lansdowne’s Ryan Rhythm, will be rocking out the evening with great dance music!

Courtney Apple, a Philadelphia-based photographer who has generously donated her time and photos to AML, is one of the official sponsors of Be Mine.

Drink Specials: Weyerbacher Brewery is the official craft beer sponsor of Be Mine. Spamps will be offering specials on bottles of Merry Monks’ and Hops Infusion, two of Weyerbacher’s most popular ales. In addition, fun and delicious champagne cocktails will be served with Verdi Spumante sparkling champagne, a major event sponsor.

Faire: Spamps will be offering a special discounted menu for all attendees. A complimentary gourmet cupcake table courtesy of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!

RSVP: RSVP is highly recommended but not required. Please RSVP via our rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Facebook: Check out our event listing on Facebook and forward to your friends!

‘Fly Away’ Early Birds: Doors will open promptly at 6 p.m. AML will be working with Eclatante Event Design and Beautiful Blooms, Northern Liberties dynamic event duo, to decorate the restaurant and prepare for the party. Please do not arrive before 6 p.m. so our teams can have sufficient time and space for event setup. Thank You!

Northern Liberties’ dynamic event duo of Eclatante Event Design and Beautiful Blooms Boutique will be transforming Spamps into a festive, Valentine’s-themed atmosphere you do not want to miss! Photo courtesy of Marie Labbancz

Attire: It is a sophisticated party atmosphere! Show your ‘Valentine colors’ by sporting red or pink attire. Our motto for Be Mine is: Dress to Impress, Donate to Make a Difference^TM

Cover: $10 cover, Cash Only. Additional contributions over the cover charge at the door will support the fundraising efforts of Be Mine for Philadoptables.

Restrictions: This event is strictly 21 and over, no children or pets permitted.

Door Prize: Bring your business cards! One attendee who provides a business card complete with email address will win dinner for two courtesy of Spamps. Winner will be chosen Friday Feb 5th and announced on AML’s Facebook Fan Page.

Supporting Sponsors: Eclatante Event Design, Beautiful Blooms, Two Paperdolls, Courtney Apple Photography, Cakes and Candies by Maryellen, Secrets Limousine, Weyerbacher Brewery, Verdi Spumante, Elite Training Sports, Kiss and Makeup Boutique

AML goes one-on-one with Kim Wolf, a board member of Philadoptables, to learn about the incredible needs and realities of the tens of thousands of animals at ACCT.

AroundMainLine.com: Let’s talk about your mission at Philadoptables.

Kim Wolf: There are a number of amazing groups out there that advocate on behalf of a specific shelter or rescue group, but one of the biggest gaps we found was that there was no way to assist the animals coming through animal control. That is how, and why, we formed Philadoptables.

AML: We talked about the numbers, which are simply mind-boggling to me. Where do the 34,000 plus animals that are part of animal control come from?

KW: These are the stray animals that you see roaming around the city. These are the animals that an owner drops off because they no longer want the dog or cat, or they are moving away, they were evicted from their house, or they can’t afford them anymore. These are also animals that may have been abused or neglected and many times there’s no way to trace the owner. It’s a mix of all very sad circumstances.

AML is encouraging all our Facebook fans to forward our event listing on Facebook to their friends to make Be Mine II a fantastic success.

AML: Kim, when we toured Animal Control a few weeks ago, I was really taken aback. I don’t know if you can put into words, for those who have not been there, the emotion that runs through the shelter. I was particularly moved by the positive, smiling volunteers. Talk about a group of very special people!

KW: I can’t stress enough that the volunteers are the lifeblood of a shelter. They are the ones that champion for the animals and work with them to give them the best chance of being adopted—who walk the dogs, who help market them to the public via a blog. That is why it is so important.

AML: I am very thankful to be working with you, Kim and up until about a month ago I had never even heard of ACCT. So, I hope that Be Mine really brings the work of the volunteers, the mission of Philadoptables, to many people.It’s a very sad situation, which most people will deduce from our conversation, but there is great hope for these animals now thanks to your board and the vision of Philadoptables!

KW: This is Philadelphia’s ‘best’ and ‘worst’ kept secret. ‘Best’ in the sense for whatever reason people just do not know about it. But, it is the ‘worst’ kept secret because they should know about it. This is the where the majority of adoptable animals across the Philadelphia region come. It truly is a treasure chest of awesome dogs and cats who would make amazing pets for thousands of families.

The ACCT shelter is located at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia, PA, 19140. They are open for adoptions 7 days a week! Adoption hours are: Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 pm; Friday, 12 to 7 pm; and Saturday & Sunday, 12 to 5 pm. Visit philadoptables.blogspot.com for more info.

By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Belle Vie Photography

Meridith’s in Berwyn, one of the Main Line’s finest restaurants, was the perfect setting for AML’s January 11th business networking event.

Berwyn’s popular Meridith’s American Bistro was the perfect setting for AroundMainLine.com’s first ‘Monday Night Meetup,’ a new free business networking series for Main Liners to meet, make great connections and new friends. Over 70 attendees, 80% of whom were AML Facebook fans, enjoyed fine food and company on the evening of January 11th. “It was really a great group to network with, we were very pleased with the turnout” enthused owner Meridith McLoughlin.

As Philadelphia’s first emagazine, AML has established a very strong, loyal local following with over 1,000 Facebook fans and 1,600 followers on Twitter. Our successful night of networking was exclusively marketed via these social media channels. The vast majority of our attendees told us they had seen the event via our Facebook fan page or via a tweet/retweet from our Twitter account!

Attendees of our Monday Night Meetup at Meridith’s included: members of Wayne’s Deme spa, a dental and medical collaborative; Heather Berkenstock of Lansdale’s Belle Vie Photography and AML’s senior staff photographer; owners of Malvern’s hottest new business, Kiss and Makeup Beauty Boutique, Lisa Biernacki and Darcy Miller; Wayne Helms, owner of Bryn Mawr’s Elite Training Sports and AML client; Trevor Geise and Mark Surkin of Wayne’s Voonder and AML client; Nicole Nelson and Greg Zakowicz of Gluten Free Promise; Julie Clark of Capa Graphics and dozens of other local business owners.

Danielle DiJulio Causey and Jill Ranoia of Wayne’s Deme, and Lisa Biernacki and Darcy Miller of Malvern’s Kiss and Makeup Beauty Boutique mingle at AML’s Monday Night Meetup.

AML’s business networking events and upcoming weeknight parties will continue in March with a cool Girls Night Out party on the Main Line. We will be seeking out other fine restaurants and locations across the Main Line to play host to our next soirée.

AroundMainLine.com’s next party is our highly anticipated annual fundraiser, Be Mine on the Main Line, Thursday February 4th from 6-10pm at Spamps in Conshohocken. Proceeds from Be Mine on the Main Line II will benefit Philadoptables, a new animal charity created to support funding the needs of Philadelphia Animal Control (ACCT). Be Mine on the Main Line II is sponsored by Otto’s BMW! For full event information, visit our AroundMainLine.com Facebook Fan Page, follow our live updates on Twitter (twitter.com/AroundMainLine) and and look for a complete preview article coming soon to AML.

Want AML to host a successful event at your local business? Send us an email at: info@aroundmainline.com.

Meridith’s provided a generous, complimentary buffet for over 70 attendees to enjoy.

Meridith’s is offering 3 course pre-fix menu Sunday through Wednesdays for $35 or with wine for $40. On Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will be offering a 4 course preset menu for $65 per person. Menu details are pending.

Meridith’s American Bistro is located at 575 Lancaster Avenue in Berwyn, PA, 610-251-9600. Breakfast and lunch is served on Sunday from 9am-3pm; lunch is served on Monday through Saturday from 11am-3pm and dinner is served nightly from 5pm-9pm and 5pm-10pm on Saturday & Sunday. Visit their website meridiths.com and their Facebook page.