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Aka, tales of a misspent youth. In my youth I was fond of libations, and pleasant retreats in which to enjoy them. My mind recently turned to two, now gone many years,
Both happened to be situated in West Orange, NJ, an upscale suburb of both Manhattan and a once thriving Newark. The suburb remained quasi-rural until the '20's - '30's. Abundant wooded hillsides with smaller clusters of buildings beyond the town center. The two establishments' histories echo the histories of the town and the times in which they grew and thrived.
The first began as a hamburger stand in the late '20's - early '30's established by the Horn family. It grew in bits and pieces adding additional dining rooms, with more ambitious menus, and of succeeding elegance, reaching its culmination in the Tap Room. A room of polished wood, brass and indirect lighting. The photo below shows the room late in its history, in daylight, grown a bit seedy and populated by seniors in very casual clothing.
30 years earlier it was quite a different thing, particularly in the evening with the indirect lighting turned down low and the wood and brass glowing while outside lights twinkled in the dark. Men were in suits and ties, and ladies appropriately dressed. There was a Steinway in the corner which guests were welcome to play if they wished. While dining one evening, a gentleman was entertaining himself and the rest of we guests by doing so. He played extremely well. As I was seated not far from him, after he finished a piece, I thanked him and told him how well I had enjoyed it. He asked if there was anything I'd like to hear, and I said yes, On Green Dolphin Street.
It was hauntingly beautiful, and I thanked him again, then asked if he performed often, and he said hardly at all. I asked what he did, and he said he was the music director for WNBC.
![Pal'sCabin02.jpg]()
Ever want to go to a roadhouse speakeasy? I used to. Begun in the '20'S as a discreet (Wink, wink!) but elegant speakeasy on a rural mountain road. Rod's Roadhouse was the real thing with a lavish (garish?) melange of rich colors and authentic Tiffany lamps and Art Nouveau sculpture. Their signature drink, The Stinger. Made from 3 oz of 1/3 DeKuyper white creme de menthe and 2/3 Christian Brothers brandy, stirred, not shaken. And then a good night's sleep.
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The Billiard Room -
![Rods04.jpg]()
Both happened to be situated in West Orange, NJ, an upscale suburb of both Manhattan and a once thriving Newark. The suburb remained quasi-rural until the '20's - '30's. Abundant wooded hillsides with smaller clusters of buildings beyond the town center. The two establishments' histories echo the histories of the town and the times in which they grew and thrived.
The first began as a hamburger stand in the late '20's - early '30's established by the Horn family. It grew in bits and pieces adding additional dining rooms, with more ambitious menus, and of succeeding elegance, reaching its culmination in the Tap Room. A room of polished wood, brass and indirect lighting. The photo below shows the room late in its history, in daylight, grown a bit seedy and populated by seniors in very casual clothing.
30 years earlier it was quite a different thing, particularly in the evening with the indirect lighting turned down low and the wood and brass glowing while outside lights twinkled in the dark. Men were in suits and ties, and ladies appropriately dressed. There was a Steinway in the corner which guests were welcome to play if they wished. While dining one evening, a gentleman was entertaining himself and the rest of we guests by doing so. He played extremely well. As I was seated not far from him, after he finished a piece, I thanked him and told him how well I had enjoyed it. He asked if there was anything I'd like to hear, and I said yes, On Green Dolphin Street.
It was hauntingly beautiful, and I thanked him again, then asked if he performed often, and he said hardly at all. I asked what he did, and he said he was the music director for WNBC.
Ever want to go to a roadhouse speakeasy? I used to. Begun in the '20'S as a discreet (Wink, wink!) but elegant speakeasy on a rural mountain road. Rod's Roadhouse was the real thing with a lavish (garish?) melange of rich colors and authentic Tiffany lamps and Art Nouveau sculpture. Their signature drink, The Stinger. Made from 3 oz of 1/3 DeKuyper white creme de menthe and 2/3 Christian Brothers brandy, stirred, not shaken. And then a good night's sleep.
The Billiard Room -
Not a simple matter after a liter, or so.
