Eating at Nathan's

Today I stopped in for lunch at the new Nathan's Famous at 3rd and Market in Camden. I had a cheeseburger, onion rings, and lemonade. The food is made to order, not kept hot under a lamp, and the grills are right behind the counter where you can see them. I watched the burger cook on the grill, saw the onion rings go into the fryer. You know what is happening to your meal and who is preparing it. The burger was good, as you might expect being freshly made; the bun was lightly toasted. The onion rings were exceptional, light and crispy. The lemonade was just right.

There was a long line when I went in a little after noon. Things were just calming down when I left about 30 minutes later. There was ample seating for all those who wanted to eat in as opposed to take out.

The staff was courteous and well-organized considering it was only their third day in business.

I will definitely be going back.

Nathan's Famous Now Open

At 3rd & Market Streets in Camden, we have four great tastes in one place. You can find:

• Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs
• Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips
• Kenny Rogers Roasters Express
• Breyers Ice Cream

Be sure to stop in and say hello.

Holiday Cheer at the Camden Post Office

A big shout out to the very pleasant, always smiling young woman who works at the downtown Camden post office. This must be a busy stressful time of year for postal employees but she stays sunny side up.

Recharging My PATCO Freedom Card

This morning I was able to successfully recharge my PATCO Freedom Card at one of the card machines. You select the add value option on the machine, tap your card to the spot on the machine, then select one of the amounts listed, and feed in your money. You tap your card again at the end. The turnstiles will flash the amount on your card each time you go through so you can keep track of your account balance (though that can be done at the card machine as well).

So far, so good.

Santa's All Wet!

From the Adventure Aquarium:

Before (and after) he delivers toys to girls and boys all over the world, Santa will SCUBA dive at Adventure Aquarium! During Fishmas, Santa will swim with the shark rays, Pearl and Opal, sea turtles, cownose rays, and thousands of fish in the Aquarium's 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit. Other Fishmas activities include a "Twelve Days of Fishmas" scavenger hunt with FREE prizes, weekend dance parties led by hippo mascots Bert and Belle (dressed for the season, of course), and interactive storytelling of "Twas the Night Before Fishmas." Kids and families can get their picture taken with an Aquarium Elf and an animal friend, or Scuba Santa. Could be a great family holiday portrait! And don't forget about the limited showing of The Polar Express^TM 4D Experience! All the activities are sure to put your family in the holiday spirit!

In other aquarium news:

Adventure Aquarium is pleased to announce that it has a brand new parent company - Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) - which recently purchased the Adventure Aquarium, along with its sister aquarium, the Newport Aquarium, in Newport, KY.

PATCO Freedom Cards

PATCO is switching over more stations to the new Freedom cards, and permanently phasing out the old magnetic tickets. You can still buy paper tickets if just one or two trips are needed. I've had my Freedom card for 2 weeks now and it was worked perfectly. Every time I go through a turnstile it tells me how much money I have left on the card. The next challenge will be recharging it.

Renovations in the Student Center

The cafeteria in the student center on campus has been gussied up. The sit down restaurant is gone. There are a number of food stations to chose from, deli, grille, pizza and pasta, a large salad bar, and so on. I've been in for breakfast and lunch. The corn muffins are especially filling. Someone I shared a table with highly recommends the pasta. The new decor is striking, complete with a curved stone wall and a fireplace. The fireplace will work though when I asked about toasting marshmallows for s'mores the answer was no.

It's definitely worth a look.

Riverwalking Notes

There are more and more people out walking along the river these days, undaunted by the heat and humidity. Two fishermen today, and a large tour group at the Battleship New Jersey. The aquarium was hosting a number of school groups, as it does on a daily basis.

Today, along my route, I noticed that the windows (and some doors) have been installed at the Coopers Grant Commons. The doors look quite a ways off the ground so a porch or stairs will have to be added. It is interesting to see the work progress.

Another nice touch at the Victor Building: a few tables on the sidewalk outside the Riviera Bistro and the Subway sandwich shop. If there is a breeze you can sit outside and enjoy it.

Camden Riversharks

I recently took my friends and their children (5 and 2) to a Camden Riversharks game and I will continue to enthusiastically report on my experiences at this ball park. I have gone there many times before, but this was the first time with children and as usual the experience was positive for adults and children.
The tickets are inexpensive and there is not a bad seat in the house, the concessions are reasonably priced. My friends who frequent minor league parks in the Boston area were astonished at the price of the ticket, the free program and the quickness of the concession lines. The ball park however continued to impress when the children took a free ride on the carousel, watched the Fireworks after the game and had the opportunity to run the bases. The children's zone looked like fun, but we arrived too late for the children to enter (they seem to close the children's zone about the same time they stop serving beer- top of the seventh, though this may only have been because of preparations for the fireworks).
Between inning entertainment is fun to watch and of course so is the baseball game! The view of Philly and the bridge during sunset is worth the price of admission alone.

And to make things even more appealing...the Riversharks are in the Atlantic League Playoffs, having clinched the Southern Division championship for the first half of the season. Check out their promotions and events and spend a summer day/night enjoying some baseball!

Restaurant Review: The Victor Pub

A few weeks ago I went with a group of friends to try out the Victor Pub in the Victor Building. The larger tables tend to be near the back of the room which is too near an air duct when trying to talk across a distance but it wasn't loud enough to be annoying. It was crowded so neighboring conversations also impacted the table talk.

Everyone liked the food. We had a combination of soups, sandwiches and salads. It is a little pricey for a frequent lunch spot ($10 for a burger and fries), at least for our budget, but makes a great place for a special outing.

Other people who have gone for lunch have liked the food and report that there is a good crowd when they've been there. Those who have gone for dinner have said the same.

The Victor Pub makes a nice addition to the restaurants in the city.

Harry Potter at the Adventure Aquarium

On Saturday, July 21st, Camden's Adventure Aquarium is celebrating the release of the 7th Harry Potter book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) by offering a special $7.00 admission price to any child 2-12 who dresses as their favorite witch or wizard. Some aquarium employees will also be in costume and the gift shop be decorated for the occasion and have special merchandise, wands and such, in stock.

Miscellaneous Updates

Miss G's grocery and convenience store in the Victor Building now sells fresh popcorn.

I've stopped in at La Riviera for pizza at lunch for a few days recently. It has all been good.

Update on Cooper Grant

The townhouses going up as part of Cooper Grant are progressing. The framing is done and most of the plywood has been put up.

New Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Rutgers University Board of Governors has a approved a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program to be offered jointly by Rutgers University and UMDNJ’s School of Health Related Professions, which is located in Stratford.

The DPT will upgrade significantly the existing master of physical therapy program currently offered in order to better prepare students for success in the discipline. Rutgers will begin enrolling DPT students in Fall 2008.

Summer Farmers Markets in Camden

Sometimes it is easy to forget that we live in the "Garden State", but during the summer it is impossible to resist the Jersey Fresh Produce that comes from our local farms and gardens. More and more farmers markets are appearing because of our demand for fresh local produce and I encourage everyone to support the local farmers and enjoy healthy, yummy produce!

Here is a listing of the Camden Farmers Markets:

Camden Farmers Markets

Camden Neighborhood Renaissance Book Drive

The Ferry Avenue Library is looking for book donations, new or gently used children's books (age 3 and up) and on up to adults.

The library is located at 426 Broadway in Camden.

Volunteers of America and Leavenhouse

Leavenhouse published it's final newspaper this month. For those unaware, for 26 years Leavenhouse has provided meals and transitional housing for Camden's homeless. Volunteers of America will assume the housing duties but the soup kitchen and breakfast program are closing. There are more options for meals in the city now that there were when Leavenhouse started. A bouquet of roses for all those who volunteered at Leavenhouse over the years, for all the good work they have done. Best wishes to the Volunteers of America as they take on this responsibility.

Ramona's

I've been walking by Ramona's (415 Cooper Street) for some time now, wondering when it would open and what kind of food it would be. I noticed a menu in the window and was excited to learn they would be serving "Authentic Hispanic Food".

I am now happily sitting in front of a generous portion of roasted pork, rice and beans with a fried plantain on top. YUM.

It looks like Ramona's hs relocated from Haddon Ave, according to a review from the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2002 that is hanging on the wall.

The menu includes soup of the day, house salad, empanadillas, platters (a selection of meats and fish served with beans and rice), sandwiches, a kids menu (standard kid fare; chicken tenders, hot dog, hamburger), side dishes (those yummy plaintains) and desserts.

Their hours are M-F 11:00-3:30. I stopped in and ordered take-out and my order was ready in about 15 minutes.

Aquarium Updates

There are a lot of things going on at Camden's Adventure Aquarium!

Starting Memorial Day weekend interactive attrations will be available.

On Saturday, May 19, $1 of every admission will go towards the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Collingswood Farmer's Market Opens This Weekend

Starting this Saturday, through Thanksgiving, the Collingswood Farmer's Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon, between Collings and Irvin Avenues, along PATCO. In addition to fruits, vegetables, beef, lamb, and pork, you can also find flowers and other plantings. Cheese, breads, preserves and other ready to eat items are also available. Special events and performances are scheduled for some weekends. See www.collingswoodmarket.com for details.

Nathan's Coming to Camden

Out on a walk recently I noticed some renovations in a storefront around 3rd and Market. One of the workmen told me a franchise of Nathan's Famous would be moving into the building. He said the area didn't have a coffee shop or a place nearby to get hotdogs or french fries. When asked he assured me that onion rings would also be available. No idea on when it will be opening but I will keep an eye on it.

Riverwalking Notes

It's a rainy day today, perfect for sitting in the office with a cup of hot chocolate from the Starbucks in the Campus Center.

Yesterday, though, it was a great day to stroll up the brick walkway along the river. On my way there I noticed some progress on the Coopers Grant project. The foundation has been dug and some concrete is in place. With the warmer weather the fisherman are back. I counted 6 or 7 fishing poles and at least one family group out to see what they could catch. The Delaware River itself was calm. Construction is nearly complete on the new building next to the aquarium and a sign is up announcing space for lease. Small children and parents trying to keep up with them were in evidence outside the aquarium but no school groups in sight. On my way back I exchanged greetings with one of the friendly employees of Miss G's convenience store. Three college kids were playing frisbee on the lawn of the Walt Whitman Cultural Center. The new benches along the walkway there are very nice.

It was an early spring day in Camden and people are starting to get out and enjoy the weather.

Summer Camps at Adventure Aquarium

This time of year parents start to plan out the summer week by week, summer camp by summer camp. If there are some empty weeks in July, consider the camps offered at Camden's Adventure Aquarium, run by the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences (full camp information here).

Sessions include:

Operation: Open Ocean!
July 9—13
Children ages 7—12

You'll need your life jacket as we explore a feature that covers over 70% of the surface of the earth -- the open ocean!

Voyage: Venom!
Departs: July 16—20
Children ages 7—12

Stingers, fangs, and even electricity are used by many animals to defend themselves and stun prey. Come join us as we take a close (but not TOO close!) look at how they do it!

Junior Oceanographer Seafari
July 16—27
Children ages 13 & 14

Take an in-depth look at animal care, research, collecting, and lots of hands-on science in this special 2-week adventure for older campers.

Biotech-Life Sciences Business Incubator at Rutgers Camden

The U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded the Rutgers Camden Technology Center 1.5 million dollars to construct wet lab space for 18 laboratories in the new Biotech-Life Science Business Incubator. It is expected to create 255 jobs and generate more than $17 million in private investment. The RCTC currently serves 35 on-site client companies and 15 virtual client companies, representing 155 jobs with a combined payroll of $6 million.

More information is available here.

Feminist Fairy Tales at Rutgers Library

This afternoon the Paul Robeson Library of Rutgers University, Camden, hosted a talk by Dr. Holly Blackford of the English Dept. on "Feminist Fairy Tales." She discussed the standard versions of stories such as "Cinderella" and "Little Red Riding Hood" as well as modern interpretations of fairy tales by writers such as Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter. To top it off she talked about an article which describes "Shrek" as more of a male buddy film than a princess-oriented fairy tale. Twenty-five people attended. This was the third faculty research presentation the library has sponsored and hopefully there will be more next year.

Yu Wei Comes to Camden

Internationally known dancer Yu Wei will be giving a free performance of Chinese dance this Thursday, March 22nd, at 12:15 in the Black Box theater on the Rutgers Camden campus. The performance is free and open to the public. Not to be missed!

Riverwalking Notes

With the warmer weather it's been nice enough to go out walking again. The river has been quiet the days I've been out, and the water calm. Today there was one fisherman along the brick walkway. In summer there are usually a number.

Miss G's Lunch Specials

While out for a walk today I stopped in at Miss G's, the convenience store in the Victor Building. They now have lunch specials. Although subject to change, they are at present:

Monday
Soup -- Popi's Pasta Fagiole
Hot Roast Beef w/ provolone, cherry peppers and garlic relish on the side

Tuesday
Soup -- Grammy's Potato Leek
Oven Roasted Turkey Breast w/ lettuch temoatoes, homemade mac salad w/ ricotta salada

Wednesday
Soup -- Rosei's Pasta Bise (pasta w/ peas)
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich w/ sauteed peppers on side

Thursday
Soup -- Chicken w/ spinach
Joe's Italiano Wrap, genoa salami, cappicole, provolone cheese w/ lettuce, tomatoes, Italian dressing

Friday
Soup -- Manhattan Clam chowder
Tuna salad sandwich

Everyday
in-season fresh fruit
homemade chili
Mama's marinated mozzerela

Victor Pub Now Open

The Victor Pub, in the Victor Building on the side facing the waterfront, is now open. I poked my head inside today. It looks like what is intended to be, a high class sports bar, with several big screen tvs strategically place. There were a number of people there, who seemed to be enjoying the food and the ambience. They serve lunch and dinner.

Hippo Birdies to Button

Remember those old birthday cards that had a hippo and two birds on the front? It said Hippo Birdies! as a variation on Happy Birthday.

This month it actually is Hippo Birdies at Camden's Adventure Aquarium as Button the Hippopotamus is having a birthday. A number of festivities are planned in her honor. There are special events each weekend and you can reserve a "breakfast with the hippos." For details see the Adventure Aquarium website's Button page.

Missing Monday: Jessica Paolini

This Missing Monday post is later than usual. Some local bloggers set aside the first Monday of each month to post about a missing persons case.

Jessica L. Paolini

Jessica was last seen on September 10, 2006 when she was taken to Cherry Hill, NJ at 6:00 pm. She was last seen wearing a green shirt, jean skirt, tan slip on shoes, and carrying a tan purse. Jessica does have a pierced lip, belly button and tongue. She does have a burn scar on her back and left arm. She also has a tribal tattoo on her lower back.

Jessica is known to frequent Camden City, NJ. She may possibly be in the Jersey City/Newark, NJ areas.

Race	Caucasian
Date Of Birth	07/19/1984
Place Of Birth	PA
Height	5'3
Weight	130 pounds
Hair	Brown
Eyes	Brown
Complexion	Olive

Restaurant Review: La Riviera

A new restaurant has opened in the Victor Building. It is next to the Subway Sandwich Shop and across the lobby from the dry cleaners.

La Riviera has, as you might have guessed from the name, Italian food. It was very busy when I was in and pizza was a popular item for people in a hurry. Those of us with a little more time chose other options. I had a tuna rustico sandwich, tuna salad on focaccia bread, with tomoatoes, mixed greens and red onions. It came with fries and more greens as a salad ($7.50). My lunch buddy had a hot eggplant parmigiana sandwich (with fries and drink, $9.90). We both enjoyed the meal. The fries are wonderful!!! Thick cut with just the right amount of crunch. The sandwich was really good, too. Large enough for me to take half home for dinner, so the meal was a real bargain.

The menu also features steak sandwiches, salads, pasta and entrees. You order at the counter and wait for your meal. Ours was brought to our table.

The ambience is good. The pizza / warming oven in plain sight and it is fun to watch the slices, pizza, and hot sandwiches being warmed and cooked.

La Riviera is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and closed Sundays. I will definitely be going back.

A worthwhile walk across the PATCO parking lot

I've been commuting to Camden from the Lindenwold PATCO station for almost 4 years now and I finally went to the Indian restaurant that I've looked at from the platform almost every day.

Curry Cafe is located on Rt.30, but parking is in the back, across the street from the PATCO parking lot. If you take the train across the Delaware (the food is well worth it) you can see the blue sign on the building when standing on the platform and facing Rt.30.

The menu includes items from North and South India and everything that we sampled was excellent and the prices are reasonable. There is a nice selection of vegetarian choices at this BYOB. I'm looking forward to trying the lunch buffet.

The Philadelphia City Paper wrote this review confirming my feelings that it is worth a trip from either side of the river.

Staring a conversation

Taking public transportation across the Delaware (and all around) can be an opportunity to see new things and meet new people. Here is an interesting guide on how to start a conversation with someone on the train, bus or subway. I encourage people to try the suggestions out as I would much prefer to overhear a two-sided conversation among humans than the usual one-sided cell phone conversations!

New MFA Program at Rutgers Camden

Starting this fall Rutgers Camden will offer a Masters of Fine Arts degree, as part of the creative writing program. A Masters of Arts in English is already available. The campus has already been able to attract known writers. Carol Plum-Ucci, author of the award winning novel, The Body of Christopher Creed, took graduate classes in the existing program. MA graduate Susan Muaddi Darraj has a collection of short stories forthcoming, as well an impressive list of existing works. The department's faculty can boast of Lisa Zeidner, novelist as well as professor, Joe Barbarese, a professorial poet, and program coordinator / short story writer Lauren Grodstein. The new program will be part English Department.

Miss G's is Open!!!

The past few weeks it has been too cold and icy to venture out much but today I took a walk to check on the progress of Miss G's, the new convenience / grocery store at the Victor Building. It is open, and has been, they said, for about a month (how did I miss that?).

It's a nice place. There are the usual things you would expect at a convenience store -- frozen meals, staples, coffee (in the back), items you might need once you realize there's nothing in the fridge for dinner or you're out of cat food or you would really like a warm pan of brownies. However, they also have a selection of greeting cards and party supplies -- paper plates and napkins, gift wrap, even some boxes of chocolate. They also have a selection of fresh fruit.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. They deliver to the Victor.

It is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.

Rutgers Professor Edits Business History Journal

From the web:

The Business History Conference is pleased to announce that Philip Scranton will assume the editorship of its journal, Enterprise & Society: The International Journal of Business History, for a four year term commencing January 2008. Scranton is Board of Governors Professor at Rutgers University and Director of the Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society at the Hagley Museum and Library. Rutgers and Hagley will provide support for Enterprise & Society, which is published by Oxford University Press. Scranton succeeds Kenneth Lipartito, professor of history at Florida International University.

Campbell's to Expand Camden Presence

This is late being posted, but is good news nonetheless:

The Campbell Soup Co.'s plans to expand its world headquarters and build an office park in Camden city, where it opened 138 years ago, has justifiably won the praise of state, county and city officials.

The $98 million project -- including $72 million Campbell will spend -- is fantastic news for the city. It means new development, jobs, infrastructure improvements, new tax ratables, the investment of private dollars and the hope that this commitment to the city by a Fortune 500 company will make other businesses consider locating in Camden.

(Source: "Campbell's plan is a triumph for Camden," Camden Courier Post 2/11/07)

Eat more soup!!

Gordon Theater Jazz Festival

From January 27 through March 31, each Saturday the Gordon Theater will present FREE performances and workshops by great Jazz musicians from across the Delaware Valley, plus three special concerts with some of the most respected names in Jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Miguel Zenón and Robert Glasper, hosted Bob Perkins.

A complete lineup is here.

This Saturday, Feb. 10th there will be a program teaching the basics of tap and drum.

Missing Monday

It's the first Monday of the month -- Missing Monday, and here is this month's regional missing person's case:

Susann E. Costello

Susann was last seen on December 31, 2006 in Gloucester Township, NJ. She was last seen wearing a brown sweater, blue sweatshirt, and blue jeans. She does have a tattoo on her right arm that says Suzie and a burn scar on her lower back.

She is 21, 5' 4", 100 lbs, brown hair, hazel eyes

More info here.

Upcoming Aquarium Events

This weekend, February 3rd and 4th, Camden's Adventure Aquarium will be hosting some special events to celebrate African American History Month.

Baba Abiodun, an African storyteller, tells animal, folk, family, and community tales.

Diego, a live action version of the tv show "Go, Diego, Go" will meet aquarium guests and be part of a sea turtle show

The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble of Camden will give a presentation as well.

Details here.

New Production at South Camden Theatre Company

The South Camden Theatre Company is currently presenting "The Exoneration," by Jessica Blank and Eric Jensen. The play won the Outer Circle Critics Award for best off-Broadway play of 2003. It is based on interviews with forty exonerated death row inmates.

"The Exonerated" will run from January 19th through February 4th, 2007 in the basement of Sacred Heart Church located at the intersection of Broadway and Ferry Avenue in Camden, NJ. Shows will be on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8PM and Sunday afternoons at 1:30PM.

Tickets are $15 [ seniors and students $12] and reservations can be made; contact information is on the theatre's website, www.southcamdentheatre.org. Seating is limited. There is plenty of on-site parking.

Coming Soon: Miss G's

One day this week I went down to the Subway store in the Victor building to get some lunch (good sandwich, okay chips, great cookie) and noticed a few things:

The New England Soup Company is closed. Sorry to see it go.

An Italian restaurant will be opening. The area is under construction now.

Miss G's Convenience Store should be opening soon. It looked like the shelves were being stocked. From the outside looking in there seemed to be a lot of floor space and I look forward to
stopping in a soon as they open.

Merchantville Native to Take Lead Role in Iraq

From the Courier Post on January 6th ("S.J. Native Gets Role in Bush's Iraq Strategy," by Carol Comegno) :

Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, who was raised in Camden and Merchantville, has been chosen to oversee U.S. forces in Iraq.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended Friday that President Bush nominate Fallon as new chief of the U.S. Central Command overseeing the Middle East, calling him "one of the best strategic thinkers in uniform today." The command is based in Tampa.

Stem Cell Research Center Coming to Camden

There was a lot to celebrate on New Year's Eve in Camden. According to an article in the Inquirer, "Camden looks forward to new stem cell center," by Troy Graham (12/31/06), the city will see a new research center, built near the Cooper Hospital. It could take 3 years to plan and build, and eventually house 100 researchers, complete with its own business incubator to develop potential commercial applications. More good news for the city!