My View of Life on the Dock
Biennial GMG Bloody Mary Competition sponsored by Ryan & Wood Distilleries at Khan Studio & the GMG Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gallery 3 on Rocky Neck. Sunday, September 15th 9:30am. Be there, or forever be sorry you missed it.
PS. There will be coffee, deviled eggs and whatever goodies others bring along to share. You don’t have to drink Bloody Marys to come and have fun.
E.J. Lefavour
If you missed the last one, you don’t want to miss this one. If you were part of the last one, you’ll want to be part of this one too. On Sunday, September 15th, Ryan & Wood Distilleries will be sponsoring the Biennial GMG Bloody Mary Competition during Mug Up at Khan Studio & the GMG Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gallery 3. Mug Up starts at 9:30 and judging begins at 10:00. Bring on a batch of your most creative Bloody Mary mix. We will add the Beauport Vodka here so that all Bloody Marys contain the same high quality locally distilled vodka, and are of a consistent, acceptable strength (so no one stumbles out of here afterwards).
Speaking of judges, we are looking for a few good men and women with discriminating palates who know and love good Bloody Marys. Ed Collard has already committed, but we need another 3 or 4 judges. If you are interested in being a judge, please email me at khanstudio@comcast.net with your Bloody Mary judging credentials. Fred, you’re already vetted, as is Maureen Malloy, if either of you are interested. Paul Morrison, you’re a shoe-in. We’re always looking for new blood for judgeships, so don’t be shy about applying – James Eves.
If you are interested in entering your amazing Bloody Mary mix in the competition, please email me and let me know, so we’ll know how many entrants there will be. Ryan & Wood will be providing great prizes on top of the world renown you will receive as the best Bloody Mary mixologists in the known GMG universe. Kathy Chapman, Richard Rosenfeld, Talitha Jackson – you need to come back and defend your titles.
If you just want to come to Mug Up for the great comraderie and fun, feel free to bring along some Mug Up type fare to share. There will be coffee and deviled eggs, per usual.
UPDATE: We now have Ed Collard, Fred Bodin, James Eves and Karen Ristuben confirmed as judges. It would be great to have another female judge.
BREAKING NEWS 4:12pm: Kathy Downer of Long Beach is now our final judge for the competition. She has impressive experience as a bartender trainer for 7 years and she ran a bartending school, and on rainy days when she used to be on the other Cape, she and her friends would barhop to find the best bloody mary.
Now we just need some blood mary makers to enter the competition.
E.J. Lefavour
There was intense competition this morning at the GMG Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition Mug Up. Five excellent entries were received, which were blind tasted and judged by the attendees. The runaway winning chocolate chip cookie was submitted by Alexandra’s Bread of Gloucester. The 2nd place chocolate chip cookie was lovingly baked by Sue McDermott of Magnolia. Paul Morrison was awarded Best in Show for the most artistic and creative cookies baked in the shape of a duck, set onto a boat of vanilla ice cream and surrounded by waves of whipped cream. I didn’t get a shot of a completed presentation of Paul’s creation, so if anyone did, please send it in or upload it. Other entries were submitted by Alicia Cox from Mamie’s Kitchen and a 2nd entry was submitted by Alexandra’s Bread
In my book, although all the cookies were excellent and I had a hard time picking the best one, my absolute favorite contribution to the morning was Al Bezanson’s schooner fare of crispy fried Spam and pineapple chunks. It was just incredible. I haven’t had Spam in probably 50 years, and have never it served like that. True genious. If I’m ever stranded on a deserted island, all I want is cans of Spam and pineapple chunks (and of course a can opener – it would be a total drag if I didn’t have a can opener).
Thanks to Donna & Rick Ardizonni for the fruit salad and whipped cream, Kathy Chapman for the fruit salad with yogurt, Gigi Mederos for making the coffee and bringing cookies, Alma McLaughlin for hosting in her beautiful back patio area and providing the doughnuts from Jim’s Bagel & Bake Shop, and all the others who brought contributions but I didn’t see who brought what, although I think Giclee James brought the blueberry muffins.
Another great Mug Up.
E.J. Lefavour
This Sunday, August 11th at 9:30AM, there will be a joint Madfish Wharf Mug Up on the patio behind Alma’s Arts & Antiques and Carol McKenna’s Gallery.
OK, Rubber Duck is going to crush the competition with a stiff and crunchy (not soft and limp) self likeness of the one and only.
Test Kitchen Run 1:
Just trying to work out all the variables. Quiet down in the peanut gallery. Yes I know this is not the right dough to make into animals. But there’s a will, there’s a way.
Oh, I think I nailed it. Not only did I make two ducks but I made a seal and a walrus too! Testing is over and the baking begins at 8AM tomorrow so these succulent crunchy Rubber Ducks will be ready to accept the blue ribbons.
It is obvious that if I go with no feet, I make them smaller (sheesh the big ones go nuclear) and I make a small head with an exaggerated beak I will end up with a flock of perfect rubber duck facsimiles.
ROCKPORT FIREWORKS: they are warming up. The start 9:30PM The Granite Pier.
This Sunday, August 11th at 9:30, there will be a joint Madfish Wharf Mug Up on the patio behind Alma’s Arts & Antiques and Carol McKenna’s Gallery – a lovely, cool undercover outdoor spot with a gorgeous view of Smiths Cove. Come by for some Sunday morning socializing and sharing of food with friends old, new and not yet met. Parking is a breeze on Sunday mornings. This Mug Up will also include the first annual Chocolate Chip Cookie competition, so bring on your favorite Chocolate Chip cookies for a friendly competition. Cape Ann Giclee James is judge #1, who else can we convince to judge chocolate chip cookies? Paul? Ed? Joey?
Then from 6-8:00 pm, Kathy Roberts will be having an opening reception for her View of Beaches, Back Shores and Seaports of Cape Ann exhibit of paintings at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery.
E.J. Lefavour
Gigi Mederos has again agreed to host Mug Up at her beautiful space, Aquatro Gallery at 77 Rocky Neck Ave., G4. 9:30 am Sunday, July 7. Join us for a nice new tradition this year – moveable mug ups. All are welcome. Feel free to bring along something to share. Can anyone guess what I’m bringing?
E.J. Lefavour
www.khanstudiointernational.com
This Sunday’s Mug Up will be held at Alma’s Art & Antiques at 75 Rocky Neck Ave. #15 (next to the Rudder). Alma has a wonderful back patio on Smiths Cove behind her gallery, if weather cooperates so we can be outside. If not, inside her gallery is great too. Bring along something to share. 9:30am Sunday, June 30. See you there.
Due to a private memorial service that will be taking place Sunday for Evelyn Howe with her family, there will be no Mug Up at Khan Studio and the GMG Gallery this Sunday, June 23. There will however be a Mug Up at Aquatro Gallery next door, 77 Rocky Neck Ave., G4, hosted by Gigi Mederos and Stevie Black.
At 1:30 pm Sunday, there will be an Evelyn Howe Memorial Mug Up at Khan Studio for family, friends and acquaintances of Evelyn that would like to come have a champagne toast, cheesecake and other goodies and companionship in Evelyn’s memory.
E.J. Lefavour
Contestants and judges left to right Janet, EJ, Joanne, Linda, Paul, Adam, Joey, Ed, Richard, with Gigi in the front
1st Place Winner Linda Sadja
Judges Adam and Joey
EJ Wins 2nd Place
Gigi Wins 3rd Place
Nick Avelis and Dahlia
Brian and Emilia
Emilia and Dahlia
Emilia
Honorable Judges Paul M, Adam, Joey, Ed and Richard
This is not to be missed. If you haven’t experienced a GMG Mug Up Food Competition at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, you have been missing something big.
It is time for the World Famous GMG Biennial Deviled Egg Competition. Those who would like to have their special deviled eggs included in the competition, be featured on the blog, and go down in deviled egg history, just bring ‘em on Sunday, June 9th at 9:15 am at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gallery 3. All those masterful in the art of deviled egg making are welcome. Beware, I did not enter my world famous deviled eggs in the last competition to give people a fair chance. Not so this year – I’ll be there with my eggs and will show no mercy. Gigi Mederos has already started posturing, as she wants to go home with the ribbon again this year. We’ll just see about that Ms. Gigi. Haven’t heard a word from Kathy Chapman yet, but she is a strong contender who has a couple of GMG food competition ribbons under her belt.
We’ve assembled a distinguished panel of experienced deviled egg competition judges, including: Joey C., Ed Collard, Paul Morrison, Adam Bolonsky and newcomer, Richard Rosenfeld. If you missed our first GMG Deviled Egg Competition in 2011, or are not sure how the judging works, you can see the distinquished panel at work here https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/2011-good-morning-gloucester-deviled-egg-competition/
People who don’t like deviled eggs or are not entering into the competition, feel free to bring along something non-egg related to share for Mug Up. Mug Up is alot of fun and everyone is invited and welcome. Come meet GMG peeps and make some new friends.
E.J. Lefavour
www.khanstudiointernational.com
It is time for the World Renowned GMG Biennial Deviled Egg Competition. Those who would like to have their special deviled eggs included in the competition, be featured on the blog, and go down in deviled egg history, just bring ‘em on Sunday, June 9th at 9:30am at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gallery 3. This is way bigger than Topsfield Fair competition and doesn’t cost anything to enter. I’m specifically calling out Kathy Chapman, Gigi Mederos/Stevie Black, Paul Frontiero, Sue Lovett and Joanne Souza – competitors in the last Deviled Egg Competition; but all those deft in the art of deviled egg making are welcome. Beware, I did not enter my world famous deviled eggs in the last competition to give people a fair chance. Not so this year – I’ll be there with my eggs and will show no mercy.
We’ve assembled a distinguished panel of experienced deviled egg competition judges, including: Joey C., Ed Collard, Paul Morrison, Adam Bolonsky and newcomer, Richard Rosenfeld. If you missed our first GMG Deviled Egg Competition in 2011, or are not sure how the judging works, you can see the distinquished panel at work here https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/2011-good-morning-gloucester-deviled-egg-competition/
People who don’t like deviled eggs or are not entering into the competition, feel free to bring along something non-egg related to share for Mug Up.
E.J. Lefavour
These are some photos from last Sunday’s Grand Opening Mug Up at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery – some great ones by Charlie Carroll and some by me. The Grand Opening Mug Up was an amazing event, made even better by the fact that Joey was able to come and stay most of the morning. Kudos, shout outs and thanks for Ann McKay for her delicious cheesecake with strawberries, Deb Schradieck for her awesome peanut butter and jelly muffins and egg and sausage casserole; Ann & Bob Kennedy for the infamous carmelized bacon and chocolate dipping sauce; Donna Ardizzoni for being the health conscious one to bring a bowl of fresh fruit salad (with whipped cream on the side); Greg Bover brought one of his famous GMG logo cakes (chocolate this time); Sister Felicia’s scicilian pizza and baba rum cakes made with Ryan & Woods Folly Cove Rum were a big hit; Pat Ciaramitaro came bearing coconut madelines and candy; James & Anna Eves brought pastries from Cafe Cecelia’s; Kim Smith adorned the place with fresh picked flowers from her garden; Alicia Cox sent over a batch of Maime’s Kitchens famous muffins and sweet rolls. There were many other contributions to an amazing Mug Up, but as always, I lost track in the confusion. We had a nice toast of champagne and pomegranate juice for Evelyn, and a good time was had by all.
Don’t miss the ongoing tradition when Mug Up happens again this Sunday, June 2 at 9:15am. Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gallery 3.
E.J. Lefavour
Great time at Mug Up on Sunday Morning
Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery
2013 Season Grand Opening Mug Up
Sunday, May 26th, 9:00-11:30 or so
77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gallery 3
All are invited and welcome – come for coffee, tea, mimosas, deviled eggs, cheesecake and more. Check out new works by Joey Ciaramitaro, Deb Schradieck, Donna Ardizzoni, Fr. Matthew Green, Craig Kimberly, Kim Smith, E.J. Lefavour and guest artists, Judith Monteferrante and Roger Salisbury.
SNEAK PREVIEW OF WHAT’S IN STORE: In addition to pomegranate mimosas, deviled eggs, key lime and regular cheesecake, special unidentified Sister Felicia treat and Deb Schradieck’s egg and sausage casserole, some early treats got delivered this afternoon. Anne and Bob Kennedy can’t be here tomorrow, so they dropped off a batch of her carmelized bacon with chocolate dipping sauce. Uncle Marty Daley was in the house and got to try some. I bet he’ll be back tomorrow for more. Then Deb dropped off a batch of peanut butter and jelly muffins. I had to try one, just to make sure they were ok for everyone. They are to die for. BEWARE! This Grand Opening Mug Up is not for dieters.
E.J. Lefavour
www.khanstudiointernational.com
No one can say we don’t have lots of fun at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery at Madfish Wharf on Rocky Neck. In case anyone is wondering what the bunch of us are doing – we’re downing these amazing jello shots made by Alicia Penderosa.
The gallery is now open and the first major event will be our Grand Opening Mug Up on Sunday, May 26th from 9:00am-11:30 or so. Most galleries have their openings in the evening so they can feed you lovely little tidbits and ply you with alcohol to entice you to buy something. Since this is Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, we’re going for a Good Morning grand opening with deviled eggs, cheesecake and mimosas (in memory of Evelyn), so some plying will take place along with good morning fun and food. There will of course be coffee and tea for those who don’t imbide that early in the day – but as Wendie Demuth always said, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
E.J. Lefavour
www.khanstudiointernational.com
The first guest artists of the 2013 season at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery will be Judith Monteferrante and Roger Salisbury. Their work is already hanging, so stop by any time to check it out. Judith has some amazingly beautiful metal print still lifes, as well as a spectacular canvas giclee closeup photo of a peony, and a lovely bathing nude that you will have a hard time believing is not a pastel painting. Roger’s powerful and moody pastel paintings will captivate and move you. Their opening reception will be on Friday, June 7th from 5:00-8:00pm, so mark your calendars now.
Also, don’t forget the Khan Studio and Good Morning Gloucester Gallery grand opening Mug Up will take place on Memorial Day weekend Sunday, May 26th at 9:00am.
E.J. Lefavour
www.khanstudiointernational.com
This was my scheduled post for today, sharing the wonderful time we all had at Mug Up yesterday. Early this morning, we learned of the death of Evelyn Howe, a dear personal friend and paddleboard buddy, devoted single mom, avid volunteer and supporter of the Center and Rocky Neck Art Colony (where she had moved this past fall), volunteer on the painting/cleanup crew at the paint factory, a dedicated friend of Good Morning Gloucester, and an avid lover of everything Gloucester, a place she so dearly loved. Evelyn is pictured above with her amazing lemon/lime cheesecake and champagne and pomegranate juice that she so generously slaved over and brought to share for Mug Up. Evelyn was an incredibly generous, funloving, sharing young woman, quick to smile and make a room light up. She apparently drowned while trying to save her good friend who had come up to visit from Rhode Island with his wife and had gotten into trouble after being swept into the water at Brace Cove beyond the Retreat House. They both were lost.
To those of you who knew Evelyn and her beautiful spirit and bubbly energy, we will all be getting together this evening at The Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street at 6:00pm, to be with each other, share our feelings and thoughts, and grieve the loss of this beautiful woman. Please come, and feel free to bring along something to share, if you like.
Here’s Evelyn, the trooper, during and after her plunge this New Year’s Day with Amanda Nash at the Rocky Neck Plunge. Evelyn was always up for an adventure and into trying anything. She lived her life and enjoyed it immensely, and made everyone around her enjoy it too.
On the Night SUP on Smiths Cove – the night little fish swarmed our boards and jumped all over our feet – creepy but very cool. SUP on a morning paddle with Becky Bernie over to Capt. Joe & Sons to visit Joey.
And Evelyn at Mug Up at the gallery.
This was sent in by a co-worker of David Machado, Evelyn’s friend who she died trying to save.
I worked with David Machado who passed away with Evelyn Howe this weekend. He worked at Materion Technical Materials in Lincoln, RI. I have attached a picture below for your blog. He was a great guy. He was really looking forward to spending time with his wife Kristen this weekend. That was the last thing he said to me when he left work on Friday. Everyone here at Materion is extremely upset and in disbelief. We will pray for Evelyn Howe and her family and also David Machado and his family.
We had a great pre-season Mug Up on Cinco de Mayo, reconnecting with old and new friends after a long winter, and enjoying some amazing treats that were brought for everyone to enjoy. A bunch of people arrived at the same time, so I lost track of who brought what, but I do know Evelyn Howe made the most incredible lemon/lime cheesecake with homemade whipped cream and brought pomegranate juice and champagne for yummy and healthy mimosas. Peter Quarato made the most wonderful Mexican wedding cookies. Ann and Bob Kennedy are back in Gloucester again from Missouri for the month of May and she brought her notorious thick cut bacon dipped in chocolate sauce – decadent. Greg Bover made his delicious ginger molasses cake. Gigi Mederos and Stevie Black brought Gigi’s famous drunken bread pudding drenched in rum. Mona Faherty brought Margaritas (I had suggested it, and was hopeful, but didn’t really think someone would bring them – yea Mona). Fred and Janet came late, but came heavy with shrimp roasted with mango sauce and were dressed for the occasion and bearing maracas. Donna and Rick had them too. Of course, Paul Morrison was in the hizzy with a new, bigger, better Rubber Duck – the original one having been misplaced. Also Amy Bell and Richard Mils came by, as did Richard Rosenfeld, Len Burgess and Mary Bowles bearing bunches of tulips.
The new digs got filled up with a bunch of great energy and everyone had a good time.
E.J. Lefavour
On Sunday, May 5th at 9:00am there will be a pre-season Cindo de Mayo New Digs Blessing Mug Up at my new Rocky Neck digs overlooking Smiths Cove, up the stairs at 1 Wonson Street (behind Sailor Stan’s – the peach house across from Side Street Gallery and sculpture garden). There will be coffee, tea and huevos rellenos (if I don’t mess them up) and whatever anyone cares to bring along to share (a batch of margaritas would be ok). Come by and bless my new place with your presence and energy.
Also, from 7:30-12:00 that morning, Sailor Stan’s will be offering muchos especiales for Cinco de Mayo including: Shrimp Vera Cruz Omelette, Mexican Omelette (with Chorizo cheese and chilis), Chili Cheese Omelette, Breakfast Burrito (scrambled, diced ham and salsa), Huevos Rancheros, Gold Rush (spicy Benedict on cornbread), and Avocado Bacon Omelette (plus their full Breakfast Menu). So if you like, come early and hungry, have breakfast at Sailor Stan’s and then come round back for Mug Up, or vice versa.
Let’s get spicy and kick off the season, and fill up my new place with the great energy of Rocky Neck and GMG.
E.J. Lefavour
Good Morning Gloucester 