Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Upper Stewartsville, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Upper Stewartsville, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Upper Stewartsville, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933
NJ released its controversial system that grades every school on a 0-100 scale. Find out how your school did and how it ranks in 2020.|Updated Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 8:00 am ETNEW JERSEY – For the third year in a row, New Jersey has released its controversial rating system that graded every school on a 1-100 scale — a system educators say paints an incomplete picture of the state's 2,100 schools (see entire list below).The new 2020 ratings were established to comply with the federal Every Stu...
|Updated Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 8:00 am ET
NEW JERSEY – For the third year in a row, New Jersey has released its controversial rating system that graded every school on a 1-100 scale — a system educators say paints an incomplete picture of the state's 2,100 schools (see entire list below).
The new 2020 ratings were established to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced the controversial No Child Left Behind Act. Patch obtained scores that are supposed to compare all schools together, although some complain that it's unfair to rate elementary schools against high schools.
The ratings were also determined before the coronavirus outbreak and the shutting of school buildings in March. Many districts plan to begin the coming school year with remote instruction. Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know
The ratings for high schools have been based on graduation and absenteeism rates and standardized scores, while elementary and middle school scores are based on absenteeism, standardized test scores and student progress, according to the state Department of Education.
PARCC scores were factored into past scores. Now the test is named as the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA).
The ESSA was enacted in 2015, and it was intended to "build on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country," according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The New Jersey School Boards Association has said a single number or letter grade by itself "draws an incomplete picture of school performance and the quality of education provided to its students."
On the other hand, the New Jersey PTA president has said "parents now have more information than ever before."
"They have the tools to ask questions of their teachers and other stakeholders such as the superintendent, principal, and Board of Education," the PTA said.
Based on the reports, it appears that schools that finished with at least a 50 score could be considered average. Schools that finish in the top 20 percent are considered above average.
Patch obtained the "summative determination" scores from the state Department of Education, which shows schools in Manalapan, Millburn and Cherry Hill as having the highest scores, getting a 96.75 or higher. Some schools got a 1.84 or lower (see below).
Some of the analysis gives elementary schools more weight in their scoring because they don't have the exact same criteria as high schools (like graduation rates).
Here is the complete list of scores:
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ITHACA, N.Y. – The #4 Ithaca wrestling team improved its dual-meet record to 7-0 with a 35-6 win over Oswego (1-1) Saturday at Ben Light Gymnasium. The Bombers won the first five bouts of the meet, scored two major decisions in the win and won the last two bouts by pin.Bomber senior David Sbriscia (Warren Hills/Stewartsville, N.J.) pinned his opponent in just 22 seconds at 197 pounds. Sbriscia is 2-0 this season...
ITHACA, N.Y. – The #4 Ithaca wrestling team improved its dual-meet record to 7-0 with a 35-6 win over Oswego (1-1) Saturday at Ben Light Gymnasium. The Bombers won the first five bouts of the meet, scored two major decisions in the win and won the last two bouts by pin.
Bomber senior David Sbriscia (Warren Hills/Stewartsville, N.J.) pinned his opponent in just 22 seconds at 197 pounds. Sbriscia is 2-0 this season. Sophomore Matt Mahon (Brighton/Rochester) earned a third-period pin (6:01) at heavyweight. It was Mahon's team-leading seventh win by fall this year.
After senior Jon Gregory (Phillipsburg/Phillipsburg, N.J.) won by forfeit at 125 pounds, sophomore Seth Ecker (Pottstown/Pottstown, Pa.) scored a 14-1 major decision at 133. Ithaca sophomore Derek Brenon (Immaculate Heart Central/Watertown) scored a major decision at 157 pounds by a 16-3 score. It was Brenon's first major decision of the season and he improved to 12-4 on the year. Gregory is ranked fourth nationally in his weight class.
The featured bout of the afternoon saw Ithaca junior Blaine Woszczak (Wall/Manasquan, N.J.) earn a 7-3 decision win over Oswego's Chris Payne. Woszczak is ranked first nationally in that weight class and Payne was a place-winner earlier this year at the Ithaca Invitational.
Other decision winners for the Bombers were junior Junior Amazan (Uniondale/Hempstead) at 141 pounds and freshman Josue Mendez (Brentwood/Brentwood) at 174.
The Bombers return to action Jan. 9 at the North-South Duals hosted by Ursinus in Collegeville, Pa.
#4 ITHACA 35, Oswego 6 125: Jon Gregory (I) won by forfeit 133: Seth Ecker (I) major dec. Omar Santiago (O), 14-1 141: Junior Amazan (I) dec. Chris Payne (O), 4-3 149: Blaine Woszczak (I) dec. Blake Fisher (O), 7-3 157: Derek Brenon (I) major dec. Nick Rodgers (O), 16-3 165: Marc Collins (O) dec. Antonio Doldo (I), 5-4 174: Josue Mendez (I) dec. Ethan Johnson (O), 10-6 184: Ethan Phillips (O) dec. Jamie Facenda (I), 7-6 197: David Sbriscia (I) pinned Kyle Sheridan (O), 0:22 285: Matt Mahon (I) pinned Eric Leusch (O), 6:01
The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society operates a history museum that explores the history of the county through artifacts and documents. This museum is a great place for local history buffs.Get Directions Visit Website within 25 miles525 W Monroe StEaston PA 1804211 N 4th StEaston PA 18042...
The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society operates a history museum that explores the history of the county through artifacts and documents. This museum is a great place for local history buffs.
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By Danielle DeGerolamoPublishedApril 27, 2023 at 6:14 PMBasking Ridge, NJ – The Pingry School has welcomed 28 members of the Class of 2023 into The Cum Laude Society. Established in 1906 as the secondary school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, the country’s oldest collegiate honor society, The Cum Laude Society honors academic excellence and superior scholarship. Membership in this prestigious academic organization is limited to 20 percent of the Senior class....
By Danielle DeGerolamo
PublishedApril 27, 2023 at 6:14 PM
Basking Ridge, NJ – The Pingry School has welcomed 28 members of the Class of 2023 into The Cum Laude Society. Established in 1906 as the secondary school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, the country’s oldest collegiate honor society, The Cum Laude Society honors academic excellence and superior scholarship. Membership in this prestigious academic organization is limited to 20 percent of the Senior class.
New Members:
Cayden Barrison (Watchung) Adam Bauhs (Summit) Ella Budenbender (New Vernon) Julia Flood (Fanwood) Nubia Gooding (Bridgewater) John Grissinger (Summit) Mirika Jambudi (Edison) Meher Khan (Warren) Lauren Kim (Warren) Sydney Langer (Short Hills) Katie Lin (Basking Ridge) Maximus Liu (Warren) Alexander Massey (Far Hills) Morgan McDonald (Maplewood) Milenka Men (Colonia) Gordon Oatman (Summit) Caleb Park (Westfield) Diego Pasini (Warren) Amanda Pfundstein (Far Hills) George Shavel (Summit) Luca Shum (Morristown) Grace Stowe (Flemington) James Thomas (Chatham) Stephanie Ticas (Bernardsville) Max Watzky (Short Hills) Leo Xu (Basking Ridge) Luis Zavala (Stewartsville) Rachel Zhang (Bridgewater)
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According to The Cum Laude Society, each Chapter may elect students who are enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum and “who have had an honor record up to the time of election andstand in the first fifth of their class…Each Chapter shall determine the method in which an honor record and class standing shall be ascertained…Chapters shall be free to elect members who have demonstrated academic excellence in accordance with the philosophy and policies governing their individual schools.”
Pingry students must meet each of the following criteria to be considered for election: maintain at least an A- grade point average, achieve honor roll status throughout their years in the Upper School, be in good academic standing, and carry a full college preparatory course load.
However, The Cum Laude Society emphasizes more than academic grades. It recognizes individuals who—in all areas of their lives—love to learn, share their knowledge with others, and demonstrate scholarship, honor, integrity, and good character. The Society also hopes that all of its members will continue their cooperative and selfless pursuit of knowledge while serving as lifelong examples of The Cum Laude Society motto: Aréte (Excellence), Diké (Justice), Timé (Honor).
Shown in Photo:
Front row: Rachel Zhang, Stephanie Ticas, James Thomas, Amanda Pfundstein, Luca Shum, Sydney Langer, Maximus Liu, Katie Lin, Milenka Men, and Ella Budenbender.
Back row: Diego Pasini, Luis Zavala, George Shavel, Leo Xu, Grace Stowe, Meher Khan, Caleb Park, Gordon Oatman, Morgan McDonald, John Grissinger, Nubia Gooding, Alexander Massey, Julia Flood, Adam Bauhs, and Cayden Barrison.
Not pictured: Mirika Jambudi, Lauren Kim, and Max Watzky.
About The Pingry School:
The Pingry School, a K-12 coeducational, independent country day school, is recognized throughout the United States for its academic excellence, Honor Code, arts, athletics, and community and civic engagement. The school’s mission is to foster in students a lifelong commitment to intellectual exploration, individual growth, and social responsibility, while preparing them to be global citizens and leaders of the 21st century. Dr. John F. Pingry founded the school in 1861 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and today there are three campuses: Grades K-5 in Short Hills, Grades 6-12 in Basking Ridge, and a shared campus for Grades K-12 in Pottersville that focuses on experiential education. The diverse student body is composed of more than 1,100 students from nearly 100 towns in New Jersey and New York. For more information, visit the school’s website, pingry.org, or follow The Pingry School on Facebook and Twitter.
Modesty is one of the rarer commodities on the Munchmobile. We don't mean our Munchers, but rather restaurant owners and employees, who often brag that their sandwich/salad/burger/pizza/pasta/steak/whatever is the best we'll ever have.Pat Tirotta took bragging to Olympian -- or is that Promethean? -- heights. At Pat's Lunch in Middle Township, where you can buy both bisque and frozen bait, a sign advertises "World Famous Cheesesteaks." Inside the seafood diner/shack, the 88-year-old Tirotta will inform you his soups are &quo...
Modesty is one of the rarer commodities on the Munchmobile. We don't mean our Munchers, but rather restaurant owners and employees, who often brag that their sandwich/salad/burger/pizza/pasta/steak/whatever is the best we'll ever have.
Pat Tirotta took bragging to Olympian -- or is that Promethean? -- heights. At Pat's Lunch in Middle Township, where you can buy both bisque and frozen bait, a sign advertises "World Famous Cheesesteaks." Inside the seafood diner/shack, the 88-year-old Tirotta will inform you his soups are "unbelievable," and his lobster bisque is "the best soup in the country."
"If you don't like it," he says, smiling, "walk out the door. I don't care."
Tirotta may have been the most memorable -- and brazen -- owner of this or any other Munch summer, but he wasn't the only one singing chowder's praises. Every Jersey Shore restaurant, or so it seems, claims its New England or Manhattan clam chowder is either "award-winning" or "world famous." World famous? Wait. Are people in Copenhagen and Kuala Lumpur really talking about it?
Maybe all the hyperbole is just a way of making up for the chowder's humble beginnings. Clams, for one, were not exactly prized by the Pilgrims, who called them "the meanest of God's blessings," according into one account.
The earliest chowders were a dizzyingly democratic hodgepodge of ingredients -- anything that swam, flew or grew in the garden was likely to end up in the pot, according to whatscookingamerica.net. In fact, "chowder" -- which may have derived from the Old English word "jowter" or fish peddler -- came to describe any fish or vegetables cooked in a cauldron.
We didn't spot any witches on our journey, although we did encounter some rather glum employees (smile, the summer's almost over!), one great bartender (April at the Gateway in Ship Bottom) and at least one feeding frenzy.
"Crabby patty was OK but we were there for chowda," Maria Brennan of Clark wrote in her report.
Let the record show there was no one named Patty on this trip; Brennan was referring to the crab cake sandwich at Sharky's Feeding Frenzy in Lower Township.
We tried chowders of all kinds and colors, and fished for words to describe them. But this is one soup that's always been tough to pin down and reel in.
We drove through Upper, stopped in Middle and Lower, cruised down the boulevard on LBI, and ended the day spreading a dozen takeout containers and one Key lime pie on a picnic bench in Point Pleasant Beach.
Key lime pie? How did that end up on this trip? You probably could live on chowder alone, but our Munchers deserved some sugary reward.
"I feel like this was an Olympic event that I had been training for all my life," Allison Rebenack of Hillsborough said.
Were any of our 20-plus chowders and bisques gold medal-worthy? The modest report can be found below.
MEET THE MUNCHERS:
Sharky's Feeding Frenzy, 997 Ocean Drive, Lower Township; (609) 898-3377
Definitely a Big Dog kind of place -- backroad location, a dozen tables spread under a tent. Thyme has come today -- the New England clam is loaded with the herb. Some found it overpowering; others liked the soup's aggressiveness. The jury was less divided on the spinach, corn, tomato and crab soup. "At first taste, it was too sweet, but the flavor grew on me," Allison Rebenack reported. The crab cake could have used seasoning or spice, but it's an honest, bountiful one. Excellent, crisp fries; Bob Kivetz rated them the day's best side.
Pat's Lunch, 1105 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Middle Township; (609) 368-6379
There is only one Pat's Lunch, and only one Pat Tirotta. Fortunately. The proprietor is far from modest, and his soups are expensive, but he's a character. His "world famous" chowders are famous somewhere, but not on the Big Dog. Maria Brennan called them "egg-drop soupy," while Katie Henry likened the New England clam chowder to "oatmeal." The Maryland crab was the best of the bunch. Nick Giaquinto definitely was Pat's biggest booster; he gave the bisque, Maryland crab and the she-crab each 9[?] stars out of 10. Catherine Ambos' summary: "Beautiful blue skies, breeze across the marsh, great blue heron, lumpy chowder. Come for the stories."
Country Kettle Chowda, Bay Village, Beach Haven; (609) 492-2858
Little more than a hole in the wall, but they do chowda right. Jeff Kaminski found the day's top four chowders here. We'll take this Manhattan; Maria Brennan admired its "perfect texture" and "great aftertaste." But Rick Lewinski said the potatoes "needed to be more uniformly cut." Different: the Rhode Island red, half Manhattan, half New England. "I like the creaminess of the New England swimming with the flavor of the tomato-based Manhattan," Allison Rebenack said. Katie Henry loved the lobster bisque. "It was buttery and almost floated on my tongue," she said. The girl behind the counter was as friendly as a nor'easter, but we really liked the soups.
Bistro 14, Ninth and Bay, Beach Haven; (609) 492-6100
Casual, attractive second-floor restaurant in Bay Village in the heart of Beach Haven. The Breton Clam Chowder, the 2007 ChowderFest grand prize winner for red, is daringly different. It's a thick, almost salsa-like concoction, with tomatoes, vegetables, fresh herbs and potatoes, but the "lots of tender clams" didn't materialize. The Munch driver liked it, but Joe Jewell called it "a minestrone," awarding it a mere one star. Our grand prize winner? The crab and corn bisque, which Katie Henry described as "velvety." Catherine Ambos called it "a silky, gentle soup whose sweet opening notes segued into a dance of rich crab, fresh corn and sherry."
The Gateway, Outbound Causeway, Ship Bottom; (609) 494-1661.
"Gateway on LBI. Contest over," wrote "loyal reader" Mark Murray. The Munchers largely disagreed. "Tastes like store bought," Joe Jewell said. "A little plebeian; standard comfort food," added Catherine Ambos. Biggest fan was Debbie Schluter, who said the New England happily reminded her of the Howard Johnson's clam chowders of her youth. Raves for the mussels. "Some of the best I've had in New Jersey," Allison Rebeneck said. Skip the wings, though.
Spike's Fish Market Restaurant, 415 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach, (732) 295-9400.
Don't feel like waiting an hour or more for a table? Do takeout; our order was ready in 20 minutes, as promised. The Manhattan better than the New England; Joe Jewell called the former "great," although Allison Rebenack was "concerned/confused" by the piece of chicken in hers. Katie Henry said the New England tasted "a lot like Thanksgiving gravy," which didn't sound like a good thing. Most of our entrees top-notch. Maria Brennan loved the stuffed shrimp, with its "sublime" crab stuffing. The red snapper New Orleans style, a special, was spicy and seductive. Flounder francaise a group fave. Great pies at a seafood joint? The Swedish apple pie is fine, the Key lime outstanding.
Morgan Fishery, 1812 Route 35 north, Sayreville; (732) 721-9100.
Blue-awninged, tile-floored seafood shack on Route 35 across from the old Club Bene. "Funkytown" plays on the radio, cook Mateo Martinez is behind the grill, and owner Joe Rescinti is out back, prepping. Check out the immense hanging lures, big enough to nab "Jaws." The Maine lobster, clam and corn chowder is terrific; it may have been the best single soup sampled on this trip. The lobster bisque is almost as good. The New England clam chowder is tasty enough, but may be a turnoff to those expecting something thicker and more substantial. The Manhattan, weak and watery, seemed to come from another kitchen, or port. The soft shell crab sandwich and the fried calamari Morgan Fishery style are both first-rate. The latter, enlivened with Pecorino Romano, extra virgin olive oil and fresh tomatoes, will make you forget every sports-bar calamari you've ever known.
TELL US WHERE TO GO
Baby, baby, where did our love -- and the summer -- go? The Munchers hit the road one last time tomorrow on our annual readers' choice trip. Which means anything is in play -- breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, you name it. Where should we go? Call the Munchmobile Hotline or e-mail [email protected]
JERSEY EATS
What better title for the ultimate guide to roadside food and casual eating in New Jersey? The Munchmobile's first 10 years are vividly captured in this 220-page book, including capsule reviews of every Big Dog stop since the beginning, plus excerpts, photos, behind-the-scenes stories, best-of lists and more. It's a must for any Munch follower. The book is almost ready to be shipped! For information, visit munchmobilebook.com.
CRAB CAKE CONTEST
Jersey restaurant owners: Think you make a great crab cake? Now's your chance to prove it! The 2008 Crab Cake Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, concurrent with the New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival. The Munchmobile will be there, along with our costumed superhero, Mighty Munch. You don't have to be a Shore restaurant to qualify for the contest, as long as you're located in New Jersey. For participation forms and information, visit sparkmybiz.com or call the Munchmobile Hotline.
MUNCH BLOG
Can't wait for the weekly Munch installments? Read Pete Genovese's on-the-scene blog of each trip by visiting the Munchmobile Blog at nj.com/munchmobile. For full field reports from each Muncher, visit the Big Dog Blog at blog.nj.com/bigdog.
T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY
Each week, we give away limited-edition T-shirts to the first two people who guess our trivia answer correctly. Last week's question: At what Munch stop can you find a sign that says, "Please abduct me"? The answer: Shut Up and Eat! in Toms River. The winners: Jeanine Berg of Millburn and Mike Dowd of Belleville.
This week's question: What's in bear tracks? Call the Munchmobile Hotline; you must leave your name and number.
LETTER OF THE WEEK
I am a special education teacher. Let me quickly explain why I should be on this year's Munchmobile. I am a food lover. I'm probably the only 24-year-old who cooks dinner from scratch six days a week, makes hand-made lunches every day and aligns her treadmill to the Food Network schedule. When I eat breakfast, I am thinking about lunch; when I eat lunch, I am looking forward to my afternoon snack, and this cycle continues all day, so much that I go to bed looking forward to breakfast.
I am currently working on a cookbook. I'm thinking something along the lines of "Living Without the Rock: A Couple's Guide to Quick, Cheap and Delicious Recipes," or maybe "Untie the Knot and Turn Up the Flame."
I feel that being on the Munchmobile would be a great experience for me and fulfill a part of me that is screaming to come out. Pleeeease choose me.
-- Gina Bruno, South Amboy
