Delicious Food, Spectacular Art & Remembering Others this Holiday Season....

Happy Holidays! The holiday season is fully upon us - and at Boca we're feeling the spirit! Why not make a day of it and visit the beautiful christmas tree on River Drive, followed by some ice skating at Newport Skates (grand re-opening 12/14; http://www.newportskates.com/).  When you're done, what better way to warm up then at Boca Grande?  Why not try an order of "Pollo Guisado en Hoja de Plantano." This delicious dish is a half chicken with achiote adobo baked in a banana leaf - mmmmm!  Or how about our amazing Paella for two?  Have a cocktail, and follow up your meal with a decadent fried ice cream or a slice of tres leche cake. Gift certificates are also available for purchase if you're looking for holiday gifts for your nearest and dearest!

For those who have procrastinated a bit this season, there are still dates available to book your holiday party with us.  Host it in our private gallery, or bring the party to your home or office with our stellar Catering Team! We offer a wide array of food and drink packages, from buffet-style dining to a build-your-own-tacos, or a prix fixe a-la-carte menu designed and tailored specifically to your needs. We can also easily accommodate vegetarian requests. Talk to us about the many more options available! Pricing packages available to fit a variety of budgets. Contact Keith or Kate at info@bocagrandenj.com or by phone at 201.626.6646 to schedule a complimentary tasting or for information and to discuss how to make your special day even more unforgettable! 

DON'T FORGET JC FRIDAYS IS TONIGHT! (December 2)

Based in Jersey City, Art House Productions inspires, nurtures and promotes the arts in our community through accessible, multi-disciplinary initiatives including JC Fridays. JC Fridays is a quarterly event, held four times a year at the start of every season: March, June, September, December (from: http://jcfridays.com/about/)

Boca Grande is proud to be participating in December's JC Friday with a showing by four amazing artists:

-Michael DiFeo

-Agnieszka Wszolkowska

-Koni Allen

-Mark Finne

(For more info on the artists, see last week's post).

Can't make it in tonight? No problem!  The art will be on display for the next month, and all pieces are for sale - and make excellent and unique gifts!

REMEMBERING THE LESS FORTUNATE THIS HOLDAY SEASON
While we enjoy the overindulgent nature of the season, worry about gaining the inevitable 5 lbs., and enjoy ourselves with friends and family, let's not forget our neighbors in Jersey City who will struggle to keep warm as the temperatures plunge.  


In light of this reality, Mayor Jerramiah Healy has announced the the City of Jersey City is partnering with the volunteer organization Jersey Cares for the 16th Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive.


Clean, gently used coats in all sizes will be collected in a large bin at City Hall, 280 Grove Street, now through December 15, 2011.  Residents wishing to make donations can go to City Hall between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.


"During this Holiday season, we are asking everyone to take a few minutes, go through their closets, and see if there is a winter coat they no longer use and donate it to someone in need," said Mayor Healy.  "If everyone does this, I know we can reach hundreds of children and adults."


The coats will be distributed to shelters, religious organizations, and community centers in Jersey City that have people in need of warm clothing for the winter.  Those organizations who have contacted Jersey Cares to receive coats are: The Sharing Place, Hope House, the International Institute of New Jersey, Mt. Sinai Gospel Church, the York Street Project, and the Parish of the Resurrection. 

(Reprinted from the official Jersey City website; visit http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/ for more info).


We hope you'll help out in any way that you can!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It's that time! The holiday season is upon us - and Boca has many extra wonderful things planned to help you enjoy the coming weeks. From our already fantastic regular specials, Wednesday night Open Mics, Thursday night live comedy, and Friday night live jazz with the Don Carter Trio... to Holiday parties and art tours... there's a little something for everyone. So get into the festive spirit and come over and join us. As always, we can't wait to see you! 


IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US! Host your holiday party this year at Boca Grande in our private gallery, or bring the party to your home or office with our stellar Catering Team! We offer a wide array of food and drink packages, from buffet-style dining to a build-your-own-tacos, or a prix fixe a-la-carte menu designed and tailored specifically to your needs. We can also easily accommodate vegetarian requests. Talk to us about the many more options available! Pricing packages available to fit a variety of budgets. Contact Keith or Kate at info@bocagrandenj.com or by phone at 201.626.6646 to schedule a complimentary tasting or for information and to discuss how to make your special day even more unforgettable! 


NOT TO BRAG, BUT WE HAVE THE BEST HEAD CHEF EVER!
Our talented head chef, Serafin Sarduy, was recently profiled by Eat Drink Jersey City (eatdrinkjerseycity.com). Here's an excerpt:


"Let's dig into his background for what shaped this culinary master's repertoire and creativity.  The story begins in Havana, Cuba in 1984 where Sarduy graduated from college with a degree in business management and an emphasis in gastronomy. He began working at the Hotel Sevilla and continued his studies in Human Resource Management in Cuba.  Throughout his career, he studied at places like the original Cordon Blue University in France and Hudson County Community College in Jersey City.


When he was 25 years old, he opened up his first restaurant, "Rainbow Buffet," in Fairview, New Jersey. Though, that's just the tip of the iceberg.


Sarduy is a culinary nomad, wandering around the world attaining knowledge of different cooking styles.  He credits this informal education in Beijing, China (learning Mandarin cooking techniques and dishes) and in Italy for helping him with his style.  That very style, which incorporates world class techniques with a penchant for fusing different cooking styles, can be seen in the many new dishes on Boca Grande's new menu (from cerviche to fried ice cream and paella)."


To read the whole article, go to: http://eatdrinkjerseycity.com/2011/11/behind-the-skillet-chef-serafin-sarduy-from-boca-grande/


JC FRIDAYS! Friday, December 2
Based in Jersey City, Art House Productions inspires, nurtures and promotes the arts in our community through accessible, multi-disciplinary initiatives including JC Fridays. JC Fridays is a quarterly event, held four times a year at the start of every season: March, June, September, December (from: http://jcfridays.com/about/)


Boca Grande is proud to be participating in December's JC Friday with a showing by four amazing artists:


MICHAEL DIFEO

Fundamentally, Michael DiFeo identifies more with abstract impressionist painters than other photographers. He likes to open and drag the camera's shutter to paint with the lights of the city or whatever available sources he can find. His work is shot in camera, with very minimal Photoshop processing. Because of his training using film, he views the digital file more like a negative than a starting point for digital manipulation.

In his post film industry years he became involved in the Jersey City arts scene. He was a resident at 143 Christopher Columbus (AKA The Waterbug Hotel) and had his first post collegiate exhibition at the Lex Leonard Gallery.  His current show, “Pyrology” has shown at the Kora Mancini Design Studio in Manhattan.

From Union, NJ he studied photography, filmmaking, and audio production at NJCU. After college he worked in the film industry for a number of years as an Assistant Cameraman and Remote-Head technician in the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600). He enjoyed the work for a while but eventually felt an artistic void and decided to quit to concentrate more on his art, rather than being a cog in the commercial moviemaking machine.

PYROLOGY (the study of fire) is a new series of light paintings by Michael DiFeo made exclusively using fireworks. This collection of long exposure photographs continues his exploration of photography as an abstract art form. He finds that fire has a more rich and complex quality of light then electric sources and lends itself well to abstraction.  He has immersed himself even more in the work by charring the frames with a blowtorch and painting over the prints for texture.  This work tries to capture and preserve the fleeting ecstasy that is intertwined with the setting off and watching of fireworks. 

AGNIESZKA WSZOLKOWSKA 

Agnieszka Wszolkowska was born in Poland and has been in the United States since she was a teen. She went to Rutgers University where she discovered her passion for art and earned a BA with a concentration in painting and a minor in Anthropology. Agnieszka earned her MA in education at Seton Hall University. She teaches at the Main Street School in Orange, NJ and is also an art educator at The Montclair Art Museum.

Agnieszka began working with fabrics of different textures, designs and colors. Agnieszka uses wood panels and mixed media that include acrylic, latex paint, different fabrics, wire and staples, she calls these “Quilting Paintings.” She is also working with embroidery and acrylic paint to create a series of works based on communication and the Braille system. Visit http://www.agnieszka-wszolkowska.com/ for more info!

KONI ALLEN           

Koni Allen picked up her first camera at age 12. Today, her skill and sensitivity attests to the fact that she's never put the camera down. At age 41, Koni has evolved into a modern day photo naturalist. -- even when she's shooting an urban environment! While her pictures of open countryside would receive a knowing smile from the likes of Ansel Adams and John Muir, her cityscapes and urban details would elicit an enthusiastic round of applauses from greats like Margaret Bourke White and Irving Underhill.

In 1999, during her travels through the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, Koni met, fell in love with and subsequently married Michael Allen. Michael, a fellow photographer, is the technical master who helps turn what Koni captures into the poignant images we all enjoy. Ask Koni what her photography is all about and she'll tell you that, "For me, there's nothing more exciting than capturing that unique scene, detail or life's moment that so many harried or jaded adults miss or dismiss." Remarkably, Koni Allen was self-taught to age 39, when she began studying under Raphael Vasquez at Union County College, NJ. Today, Koni and Michael Allen make their home on the waterfront of Jersey City, NJ.

MARK FINNE 

Mark Finne is a Jersey City-based artist. In his words: “I strive to create work that jumps out at you, but does not attack you. If the work does not jump out at you, then it should invite you to come in...hang out within the layers, swim in seas and fly in skies of blues, roll in hills and climb trees of greens, sunbathe in the yellows, waltz in the whites, run in the reds. Feel your emotion. See mine. See movement without motion. Colors battling without violence. Juxtaposition without prejudice. Harmless contradiction on purpose. To rouse you. For me, there’s no turning back. Art runs through my veins. If you cut me, I will bleed a rainbow. And then paint a canvas with those colors.”

Giving Thanks for Amazing People, Places and Things!

Whatever Thanksgiving is to you - a joyful celebration, or a stressful event; a tradition you've participated in your whole life, or a holiday that's new to you; a coming together of different people and cultures, or a misguided (or just plain evil) celebration of imperialism and genocide - it, and all it stands for, is upon us.  The unofficial (or is it official?) launch of the holiday season is only days away.

Before we let ourselves get swept into the chaos, both of the good kind and the bad, that is the holiday season, why don't we just take this holiday at it's name and give some Thanks!  No matter how rough things may be out in this mad, mad world - life is good.  Although I often give in to the temptation to bitch about all that's wrong, I'm making a conscious effort not to do that, because - honestly - I can't even begin to list all the things I'm thankful for - there are just too many. 
So here's to all the amazing people, places and things that make my life, Jersey City, Boca Grande and the world in general a pretty kick ass place to be...

Here's our line-up of some of the great things going on at Boca during Thanksgiving week. Come on by for some great company, art, music, food and libations. Bring friends, and meet new friends, bring family, or come to get away from family - whatever you decide, we'll see you at Boca!

* Missed the art opening for Mark FInne on November 4? No problem! There's still time to check out Mark's work, which will be up until the end of this month.  Don't forget to ask for 3D glasses to fully appreciate the experience!

FRIDAY, November 18 (7:00pm)
Live Jazz with the Don Carter Trio

WEDNESDAY, November 23 (4:00pm)
Give Thanks for Scotch, Tequila & WIne!
Join us  for drink specials and promotions on Scotch and Mexican Wine & Tequila and take the edge off before the family fun begins on Thursday!

*NO COVER and complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be served*

Brian Slattery of International Spirits & Wines will lead us in a tasting of:
-Douglas XO Blended Scotch
Campo Azul Tequilas:
- Anejo Tequila
- Reposado Tequila
- Blanco Tequila
L.A. Cetto Wines:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chenin Blanc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Zinfandel
- Petit Sirah

Live Jazz with the Don Carter Trio beginning at 6:00pm

FRIDAY, November 25 - BLACK FRIDAY
Swing by to take a break from the madness of holiday shopping. A margarita (or shot of tequila) has been proven to make the crowds more agreeable and sales people more attractive and helpful :-)

Lots of specials all day!

At the bar:
$4 Margaritas
$3 Draught Beer
$4 Import Bottled Beer
$3 Domestic Bottled Beer
$5 Mojitos
$5 Well Drinks 

Bar & Tables:
$5 Dark & Stormy
$10 Buckets of Corona (5)
$6 Nachos

Live Jazz with the Don Carter Trio beginning at 7:00pm

Indulge Your Desire for Culture this Weekend at Boca

Did you know Boca is available for private parties? Call (201) 626-6646, facebook message us or email us at info@bocagrandenj.com for information about office holiday parties, wedding brunches, and more!

Thanks to everyone for coming out this past weekend for the phenomenal Halloween bash! Good times were had by all....

Time to gear up for this weekend!

MARK FINNE OPENING RECEPTION (Friday, November 4 @ 8:00pm)

MARK FINNE is a Jersey City-based artist. “I strive to create work that jumps out at you, but does not attack you. If the work does not jump out at you, then it should invite you to come in...hang out within the layers, swim in seas and fly in skies of blues, roll in hills and climb trees of greens, sunbathe in the yellows, waltz in the whites, run in the reds. Feel your emotion. See mine. See movement without motion. Colors battling without violence. Juxtaposition without prejudice. Harmless contradiction on purpose. To rouse you. For me, there’s no turning back. Art runs through my veins. If you cut me, I will bleed a rainbow. And then paint a canvas with those colors.”
www.markfinne.com

Cecilia Celeste as CC Roots will be performing some groovyfunkybluesyreggaeswag for you starting at 11. 3D Glasses will be provided. No Cover charge!


CASA FLAMENCO SOUL (Saturday, November 5 @ 7:00pm)

Allow your mind – body and soul to be taken on a sonic journey… Intoxicated with exotic rhythms from Spain, Brazil, Cuba and New York’s Central Park, Blended with the rich Melodic stories via a delightful fusion of Flamenco, Jazz and Mediterranean influences Welcome to ~Casa Flamenco Soul~ This exuberant Guitar and Cajon combo that has dazzled audiences with it’s larger than life sound in a duo setting, always brings listeners to the edge of their seat or up dancing with their best friends, this is clearly an experience for all ages and a genre mixing type performance. From Large festival stages to intimate personal concerts ~Casa Flamenco Soul~ is a sure Hit! Casa Flamenco Soul Are: Joel Chassan – Hand Percussionist – Cajon Drum Shan Kenner – Acoustic Guitarist – Classical Flamenco Guitar.