Many people spend Memorial Day weekend at the shore or at a barbeque, but there are other events to attend besides these usual ones.  The following lists local events that take place Memorial Day weekend:

            Wildwood International Kite Festival- If you are going to the shore, consider attending the festival. Kit builders from around the world will fly their kites and show demos on how to make them. This event takes place all weekend.

            Morey’s Pier Curley Fry Food Festival- If you will be down the shore, and enjoy food festivals, than attend this event on Saturday May 28 at the Surfside Pier. Be prepared to observe a massive mess of curley fries. 

            Haddonfield Parade on Main Street on May 30.

            Philly Riverlink Ferry- Enjoy a 12-minute tour of Philadelphia from a ferryboat. This relaxing trip lets you enjoy the scenery and historic landmarks of the city while floating through the Delaware River. 

              Whatever you chose to do on Memorial Day weekend, remember to take a moment and honor those men and women who gave their life for our country.

            The Camden Center for Environmental Transformation, which is partnered with Sustainable Cherry Hill, makes its home on several blocks of Camden’s Waterfront South neighborhood, with which Ferich has a special connection.

            “I just bought my house about a year ago. I live right here,” said Ferich.

            Rather than ignore the unfair disadvantage right on her doorstep, Ferich actively works for retribution and neighborhood cleanup. The Center for Environmental Transformation, right in Ferich’s backyard, educates, employs and rebuilds to improve the city. Ferich describes her work as “a great way to unify the neighborhood and educate.”

            Ferich’s deep concern for her community is not unfounded. The neighborhood shares a home with more than seven scrap metal recyclers and junkyards, a petroleum transfer station, a paint varnish factory and many abandoned industrial sites. Arsonists recently burned down its playground and 50 percent of its houses were abandoned by the time Ferich moved in. The city has 28 known EPA environmental hazards and little is done to rectify these wrongs. Moreover, Camden is at the terminal end of the sewage line, and a whiff of the neighborhood makes this very real offense putridly clear. So unique is Camden’s location at the butt-end of nearby sewage lines that Ferich and volunteers have coined a term to describe it.

            “Sewer shed is a term we came up with for the place where, when it rains, or when you flush your toilet, it all comes to one place. Here, it’s Camden city,” said Ferich.

            To fight their environmental woes, Ferich encourages volunteers at the center to reduce their water usage and has implemented an active water conservation system. Ferich employs people in the neighborhood to create storm barrels to be sold.

            “The more storm water we can keep in one area, the better we can make life here,” said Ferich.

            Recently, this project found success when Haddon Township purchased one hundred of their rain barrels, a major victory for the center. In addition to employing neighbors in green projects, she invites local school children to help out, for fun and learning. She also hosts a myriad of classes and workshops for locals.

            “Every Friday, we have cooking classes. Whatever’s in season, we cook to bring in the aspect of health and renewability, “ Ferich said.

            Especially important here is growing and using fresh food for the neighborhood, which Ferich said has only one supermarket. Their medium-sized yard has a high-tech greenhouse, a chicken coop appropriately decorated with a peace sign and a large, compost-friendly plot ready for planting. Boys from across the street, known affectionately as “chicken cowboys,” come over to tend to the chickens and the plants.

            “It’s really important to have great places to play,” said Ferich.

            While the cowboys’ joy in wrestling chickens is palpable, it is also, as is everything in Ferich’s work, a great boon for the community. The chickens peck the garden plots, thus fertilizing and weeding to make way for food for the community. Ferich is always thinking of new ways to use and reuse what can be used to benefit the area.

            “Maybe we can have some sort of creative neighborhood Easter egg hunt,” Ferich suggested lovingly to the chicken cowboys.

            Their greenhouse is filled with hundreds of seedlings, occupying planters as well as bathtubs, which will soon be fresh fruits and vegetables. 

            Walking into the greenhouse, a chicken cowboy exclaimed, “It’s like heaven! This is the most wonderful thing in my life.”

            However idyllic their indoor garden is, it is also a great display of hard work and ecological ingenuity. The plants are watered through a self-rigged hydropump, which collects rainwater and is powered by a repurposed bicycle.

            “It’s a great way to get exercise, saves energy and it’s better for the plants because the water hasn’t been treated,” said Ferich.

            In the greenhouse, Ferich is also working on an innovative new irrigation system, known as “closed-loop aquaponics.” 

            “It’s called closed-loop because waste is used to feed the plants,” said Ferich.

            With this seemingly science-fictional contraption, a tank of live tilapia would start off the irrigation line and the nitrate-rich fish water would circle though the system, providing water and fertilizer for the plants. 

            The center has done no shortage of good for the community. In the fall, they planted an 18-tree fruit orchard for the fresh produce deprived neighborhood. Ferich has also organized a vast project to create an environmental retreat, which recently ran its first program. The retreat center occupies an abandoned twin-home and former convent, which has been miraculously converted into a bright, clean and comfortable hostel, which employs neighborhood people as cooks. Ferich has also involved local children in painting a mural depicting important neighborhood figures, including writers and activists.

            “[The mural is] to say we shall rise, like a phoenix coming out of the ashes,” said Ferich.

            Their efforts in community renewal have not gone unacknowledged. Ferich was recently recognized by the EPA for her work in environmental transformation, an announcement that produced rousing applause from volunteers. Poet’s Walk at the center, an alley with bricks honoring neighborhood dwellers favorite poets (Pablo Neruda and God made the list), too, houses a symbol of their revitalization, known as the James Joyce brick.

            “There was an international lawyer from Ireland, who brought us a brick from James Joyce’s house, which he gave to places of great resurrection,” said Ferich.

            And the Camden Center for Environmental for Transformation truly is a place of great resurrection. Though Ferich’s neighborhood is unfairly ignored and unjustly subject to everything its neighbors get rid of, it is on the rise thanks to those who care enough to nurture it. Like all the plants Ferich and her neighborhood friends grow, the community needs a bit of love, time and hard work to bloom.

Moriah Schervone (’11)/Eastside Global Commentary Editor

Courtesy of rizzierispahaven.com.

Getting away from the hubbub of Cherry Hill may not seem that easy when faced with returning from a Spring Break, but it is not as hard as it may initially seem. For a relaxing experience, one does not need to travel to a paradise resort. In fact, it is easier (and cheaper) to go to a spa right around the corner.

One such spa is Rizzieri’s Spa in Marlton, which provides the same ambiance that resorts from afar provide. With its soft lighting and remote environment, it is the perfect place to relax after a long day. Rizzieri’s also offers a Relaxation Area for guests to unwind further. To put the cherry on top, the Spa offers coffee, tea and snacks to its guests. In a fancy resort, those snacks and drinks would probably cost extra money.

The only difference between Rizzieri’s and a tropical spa is that one must exit back into the streets of Cherry Hill, instead of island roadways. Even though it is located in Cherry Hill, a place that may seem far from paradise, Rizzieri Spa offers a soothing heaven in reach of home.

Those longing for white-washed villages and sea air need not splurge on a vacation this year; local restaurants offer patrons a taste of the Mediterranean without the pricy airline ticket.  Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern food have found brotherly love in Philadelphia and the region, where the flavors of afar have met growing audiences of discriminating foodies.

Z

Courtest of tripadvisor.com.

ahav, Chef Michael Solomonov’s restaurant which opened May 2008, offers tasty Israeli and Middle-Eastern bites, ranging from crispy flatbread to house-made Merguez.  For those searching for delicacies more daring than the fried chickpea staple, falafel, at Zahav, Solomonov cooks up rare treats such as duck hearts, testicles and rabbit kidneys, all cooked in the traditional Jerusalem style.

Those unwilling to try the offal offerings at Zahav, however, can still enjoy the complex flavors of the Middle-East from the rest of their lengthy menu.  Zahav has options for the pickiest of eaters, with vegetarian, kosher and just about every other kind of dish.  The restaurant, which topped Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” list, is a bit pricey for high school students, but for traditional Israeli eats, Zahav is unrivalled.

For those looking for a more low-key take on Mediterranean dining, there is Kuzina in Sawmill Village which is located in Cherry Hill.  The restaurant, newly renovated from the Athens Grill, offers an expansive selection of traditional and modern Greek dishes, with vegetarian and kosher options offered.

In the area, there’s also Norma’s Mediterranean Restaurant in Barclay Center, Kanella Restaurant at Washington Square and Pumpkin in Grays Ferry.

Though falafel and schwarma may never replace the cheesesteak, Mediterranean cuisine is spicing up the greater Philadelphia area.

Bahama Breeze

Sydney Gore (’11)/Eastside Staff

Bahama Breeze at the Cherry Hill Mall ships guests away on a lovely vacation in the Bahamas with its fine dining and beach atmosphere.

When hearing the name “Bahama Breeze”, one automatically thinks of something relaxing and peaceful. Bahama Breeze is exactly that kind of restaurant. Located at the Cherry Hill Mall, Bah

Courtesy of cleveland.com

ama Breeze is the perfect place for anyone looking for good food and conversation with friends. Upon entering the restaurant, guests feel like they have washed onto a beach hut in the islands. The sounds of street drums and calypso music fill the atmosphere along with divine scents of sultry food from the kitchen. One literally feels like they have been transported to the sandy shores of the Bahamas without actually leaving Cherry Hill. Guests have the choice of dining indoors or outdoors on a spacious roof topped wooden deck with ceiling fans, a warm fireplace and steel drum player.

The menu ranges from a variety of seafood dishes to steak, and chicken coated with jerk seasoning and other unique spices. But for the vegetarians, Bahama Breeze has wonderful pasta dishes, salads and more. For dessert, Bahama Breeze offers specialities like its key lime pie, “Chocolate Island” cake, and even banana milkshakes. In addition to the fantastic food, Bahama Breeze makes delightful drinks. Excluding alcoholic beverages like their signature drink the “Mojito”, Bahama Breeze has its very own one-of-a-kind lemonade made with real sugar cane. It’s simply the best drink on the entire menu; everyone who has ever dined at Bahama Breeze loves it.

There’s no need to miss out on an island retreat this Spring Break; drive on over to Bahama Breeze, the perfect get-away.

Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat

Courtesy of www.flickr.com Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat provides a comfortable setting where its customers can start their days with a bright start.

By just walking in, it’s obvious that dining at Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat will be a unique and delicious experience. Located at 800 North Fourth Street in Northern Liberties in Philadelphia, Honey’s is a cool, low-key, funky restaurant that serves amazing breakfast all day.

Courtesy of www.foodaphilia.com The breakfast quesadillas are a breakfast favorite at Honey’s.

In the front window of Philly Cupcake stands this mannequin dressed in a cupcake decorated outfit. Picture by: Julie Coben ('11)/Eastside Community Editor

Philly Cupcake

Julie Coben (’11)/Eastside Community Editor

Located on 1132 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Philly Cupcake, the “Cupcakery Boutique”, raises the bar on how to make creative, interesting, and delicious cupcakes.As one enters the small yet welcoming and colorful bakery, he or she can find a large boutique cabinet filled with Philly Cupcake’s daily specials and “everyday cupcakes” such as the Chocolate cupcake, the Red Velvet cupcake, the Carrot Cake cupcake and the Jewish Apple Streusel cupcake, all of which are priced at three dollars.Since the bakery opened on December 15, 2009, it has quickly gained recognition around the area, so much that it was recently featured on NBC’s “The 10! Show” on its “Sweet Treats around Town” special. Also since its opening, Philly Cupcake has sold over 12,000 of its delicious treats.“[Cupcakes] are [popular because they are] simple treats, very easy to access and a delight to have in the middle of the day,” said a co-owner of Philly Cupcake featured on the 10! Show. “People just really love our cupcakes.”If ever in need to satisfy a sweet tooth, walk towards 12^th street and Chestnut where exceptionally delicious cupcakes await at Philly Cupcake.

Max Brenner Chocolatesin Philadelphia. Courtesy of maxbrenner.com

Max Brenner

Moriah Robbins (’11)/For Eastside

Located on 1500 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, Max Brenner, “A Chocolate Love Story”, is a Willy Wonka lovers’ dream. A man named Max Brenner, a romantic and a writer, started the Max Brenner store. Brenner’s favorite movie is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, so his life long dream was to create a place for chocolate lovers. According to his website, Brenner’s main goal is to “create a new chocolate culture worldwide.” He owns restaurants in New York, Philadelphia, Australia, Singapore, Philippines, and Israel.

In the Philadelphian restaurant, as soon as one walks in, his or his is greeted by the delicious smell of chocolate pumping through the vents. Upon waiting for a table, the liquid chocolate churns in large vats in front of mesmerized guests. Adding to the chocolate effect, all of the seats are dark brown leather. The walls of Max Brenner are covered in pictures and quotes that appeal to the typical chocolate lover.  The sayings on the walls range from “Look mom, Willy Wonka is alive” above the kitchen entrance to “Eat more chocolate” above almost every table.

Throughout the restaurant, pipes, which contain the flow of pure milk chocolate, lead from every corner into the kitchen. The dessert menu is filled with delicious choices; one cannot help but rush to order. Some deserts include:  make your own sundaes, chocolate fondues, 15 different kinds of hot chocolate and much more.

Along with a mouth-watering menu, the restaurant provides guests with an exciting ever-changing atmosphere. During the day, when the brunch menu is severed, the restaurant is a great family fun experience. However, the dinner atmosphere is very different. The restaurant is not called “A Chocolate Love Story” for nothing. The mood lighting, the candles on every table, the special dessert menu for two, and the fantastic music that pumps through the restaurant makes it a perfect place for a date. The dinner atmosphere is also great for special birthday parties. Inside the restaurant is “The Chocolate Shop”. There, one can buy all kinds of chocolate treats and souvenirs. Included in the shop are pumps that dispense pure milk, white, or dark chocolate into containers that can be brought home.

To finish off the Max Brenner experience, customers’ checks comes in tin boxes that look like a candy boxes, with “Money for life, Chocolate for the Soul” written across the front.

If one is looking for amazing chocolate desserts, walk towards walnut and 15th street to enter a chocolate lovers’ heaven.

A sample of Bayard's chocolate. Courtesy of seashoretaffy.com

Bayard’s

Laura Kane (’11)/Eastside Community Editor

Ordinary boxes of chocolates can be purchased anywhere, but a local chocolate company, Bayard’s, offers costumers with delicious chocolate treats right out of the bakery. Since 1939, the family company owned by James Bayard, has been selling tasty desserts from scratch.

The delectable home made quality goods are sold in ‘chocolate houses,’ which are combinations of a home, bakery, and store. The closest chocolate house is located on 2325 Route 70 in Cherry Hill. The friendly homey feel of the store coincides with the right out of the oven taste of the chocolates. Unlike like traditional candy boxes, customers customize their own boxes, picking from various sweets that appeal to them the most.

Bayard’s offers a wide variety of chocolate goods from flavorful chocolate covered fruits to a mesh-mass of chocolate covered pretzels. However, Bayard’s signature treats, pure chocolate candies, remain as the most popular products. Raspberry and strawberry crème chocolates as well chocolate cameral are just a mere glimpse into the long-established list of Bayard’s sweets.

Although the traditional chocolates are nothing less than mouth watering, Bayard’s allows customers to try new flavors of chocolate as well. Adding a twist to the typical chocolate flavors, Bayard’s offers interesting choices such as maple crème filled chocolates and the Brazil nut chocolate.

Chocolate lovers in the South Jersey area will love the deliciously homemade taste of Bayard’s chocolates. The newly filled chocolate box will quickly disappear after just one taste of the treats’ sweetness.