Kennebunkport on the Nile

Aladdin Restaurant (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Barry, the eccentric owner of Mediterranean restaurant Aladdin, purchased a somewhat unfinished, over-sized family portrait at an estate sale this week and placed it temporarily behind an antique Middle Eastern table featuring a smoldering incense holder, creating this unlikely, surreal tableau.

P.S. I've had three falafel sandwiches there this week already. Affordably priced, using fava beans instead of chick peas, and heavy on the tahini. He's even added burgers and fries to the menu for the kids.

Aladdin is located at 82 S. Main St. in New Hope; (215) 862-1110.

Lambertville Music Hall to hold initial concert series in New Hope

By Charlie Sahner

Lambertville Music Hall will hold its initial production at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope Oct. 3-13.
 
The concert series will feature artists Travis Tritt, Ginger Baker, Ana Popovic, Joan Osborne, Casey Abrams, Eddie Money, and musical groups Jefferson Starship and Well Strung, among others. Music clinics, a comedy night, and a local talent search will round out the series.

“We are really excited about producing this event for the community and being able to showcase the extensive local talent at this concert series, said Tanya Cooper, President of the Bridge Street Foundation, which oversees the Lambertville Music Hall and Bucks County Playhouse. “This series is just as much about the community as it is about the performances,” she added.

The Lambertville Music Hall on July 10 withdrew its application to begin renovation and construction of its namesake venue in the former Baptist church on Bridge Street amid some resistance.

In a letter obtained by this publication dated June 12, the owner of Lambertville’s famed Hamilton’s Grill Room restaurant exhorts readers to “fight to save the Lambertville we all know and love.”
A chief concern discussed in the letter was parking: “Music Hall patrons will monopolize parking to the detriment of local businesses and restaurants,” it was asserted.

“Quality of life” was another theme of the document, which said, “We live and work in Lambertville because of the atmosphere — beauty, tranquilty and small town ambience. How will this be impacted by the club scene — a music hall open daily with dancing serving alcohol until 2 a.m.?”

The letter also questioned the impact of the proposed performing arts center on area real estate values. “There is a potential for a decrease in home and property values with the identification of Lambertville as a club destination.”

Music Hall organizers say the show will go on, both in terms of moving their main venue toward completion and in demonstrating to the community their value and quality as a performing arts resource.

Last night at carnival...

(Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Egyptian figurehead on amusement ride looks to the setting sun at last night's final run of the Midway Volunteer Fire Company Carnival.

Rush hour in New Hope

(Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Lambertville Music Hall withdraws application

By Charlie Sahner

The Lambertville Music Hall announced that it will “temporarily withdraw the current application that is before the Lambertville Board of Adjustment without prejudice.”

According to Lambertville Hall Foundation (LHF) President Tanya Cooper, “Hearing concerns of the community inspired our decision. We are, therefore, temporarily withdrawing our application to re-focus our efforts to best reflect the community’s input and preferences, with respect to rescuing and re-purposing this architectural landmark.

“As we have stated throughout this process, our goal continues to be focused on developing a venue that will enhance the lives of all who participate in its’ programming, while positively contributing to the quality of life in both the neighborhood and the city as a whole,” she added.

Cooper went on to say, “We are thankful for all who have taken the time and expressed genuine interest in our project to date. We are looking very forward to working collaboratively with the City to arrive at a successful resolution to produce a truly magnificent and authentic addition to the city of Lambertville”

In the same announcement, Lambertville Mayor David DelVecchio commented, “I applaud the Bridge Street Foundation [parent organization of LHF] for taking this proactive step. While we all want to see the live arts flourish in Lambertville, it is obvious that this proposal had issues that needed to be addressed. I appreciate the Foundation’s commitment to our city and I look forward to working with them on a new proposal that can best meet our shared values.”

 

Stay tuned.

2013 New Hope Film Festival July 12-21

By Charlie Sahner

The New Hope Film Festival, an event that seems to be gaining momentum with each passing year, comes to town in July and features some especially interesting entries this year. For more info on dates, times, locations and the latest gossip, follow the New Hope Film Festival on Facebook.
Founded by D. F. Whipple in 2009, Marianne Speiser and Danny Sailor soon lent their skills to the event, along with Thom Michael Mulligan, an award-winning independent film producer and actor who oversees the festival’s selection process as Executive Director – Submissions. Hollywood screenwriter Mark Rosenthal serves as an ongoing festival advisor. 

The festival’s core mission is “to discover and nurture independent filmmakers, many of whom are seeking world and U.S. debuts and remain overlooked and/or under-appreciated by other forums. This broad and inclusive group includes filmmakers from outside the United States. With the exception of special events, this film festival is a competition with strict rules.”

A time of rainbows all about New Hope

Rainbow over Bucks County Theater in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Aladdin restaurant in New Hope a winner

By Charlie Sahner

I’ll say it from the get-go: I’m impressed by this place.

The fare ranges far beyond Middle Eastern in derivation. Yes, the obligatory kabobs and falafel abound, but this is Mediterranean fusion with a decidedly Egyptian bent and pronounced Moroccan, Israeli, Greek and Italian influences.

The decor is authentic, expensive and well chosen.

The owner Barry is maniacally fastidious. One night last week he yelled at me when I tried to take his arm, “Don’t touch, don’t touch, I’m cooking tonight.” The place is spotless — they don’t pour oil or ghee over every item, and they swap out fava beans for chickpeas on the falafal…all of which means one can completely gorge oneself and not feel bloated or queasy afterwords.

The food tasted fresh, and used in simple combinations felt, well, healthy. This spot will be a blessing for vegetarians, and while not cheap, a $15 platter will feed two, so the value is there.

What’s good? Stordallia, a homemade mashed potato salad with fresh garlic, olive oil and parsley; hummus, smooth and balanced; smokey and subtle babaganoush; crisp, fresh-tasting tabbouli salad; sweetly spiced kofta; a lovely bechamel macaroni; and the oven-baked tagines (mine was made with shrimp and expertly seasoned). For dessert, I’ll be coming back for the rice pudding.

The snapshot of Alladin? Moderately priced, big portions, healthy food, good service, welcome variety. Worth a try.

Aladdin is located at 82 S. Main St. in beautiful downtown New Hope; (215) 862-1110.

Andrea McArdle returns Bucks County Playhouse in ‘Mame’

Broadway’s original “Annie,” Andrea McArdle returns to the Bucks County Playhouse in Mame, one of Jerry Herman‘s most celebrated musicals. She plays a fun-loving, wealthy eccentric whose independent lifestyle is interrupted when she is left to care for her young nephew. With a razor sharp wit and her own view of the world, she is anything but the traditional caregiver.

Lea DeLaria (On the Town, The Vagina Monologues) takes the stage as Mame’s best friend and “world’s biggest lush” Vera Charles. The score includes “Bosom Buddies,” “We Need A Little Christmas,” and “If He Walked Into My Life.”

May 23, 2013 — June 9, 2013

Tuesdays at 7pm
Wednesdays at 4pm
Thursdays at 2:30pm & 8pm
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 4pm & 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Additional Sunday performance on 5/26 at 6pm

Tickets Prices:
Front Orchestra: $57.50
Middle Orchestra: $39
Rear Orchestra: $29

Aerial View of New Hope in the 1970s