April 27
...serving up your daily dish.
We know a lot of our readers drove up to Clifton the last time The Frame Factory had a one-day warehouse sale, and some even reported back about how impressed they were. Well, this Saturday, it's happening again. From 9 to 3, the Frame Factory will be offering deep discounts on custom and ready-made frames, already well below retail prices. Yes, we're sucking up to an advertiser here, but for anybody in the market for frames (think Mother's Day), it's an opportunity worth noting.
Here's what you need to know to find it.
April 27, 2006 in Happenings | Permalink
when you VISIT Clifton, please feel free to ask about my tax bill.
Posted by: Kevin Lee Allen | Apr 27, 2006 2:57:48 PM
cathar,
are there any pubs near the frame factory? I need to frame off my thirst for a cold one.
Posted by: Iceman | Apr 27, 2006 3:06:12 PM
I share KLA's enthusiasm for Clifton.
I'd also like to point out that, as someone who's usually in places like Michael's on a weekly basis, they too generally seem to be running a "long term" 50% off sale on both ready made frames and framing. Makes me sure frames must be an awfully high mark-up item at onset.
Posted by: cathar | Apr 27, 2006 3:07:25 PM
Ice, I've never heard of the street this place is on. But Clifton is a warren of streets, as well as a virtual mother lode of drinking establishments with over 100 licensees. So I'm sure you'll find someplace nice, ethnic and cheap. Toros is right on Hazel Street hard by the GSP exit, and you can even sample Turkish beer and wines there.
Posted by: cathar | Apr 27, 2006 3:11:00 PM
Although I've only lived in Clifton for a short time, I understand the above poster's enthusiasm for Clifton.
People I've met in my neighborhood are friendly, the people at city hall are helpful and polite, property taxes are reasonable, and compared to where I used to live, municipal services are excellent. Once per week bulky waste pick-up, twice per week garbage pick-up, and I can still rake my leaves into the street.
I love the cookies at Allwood bakery too.
Posted by: cheri | Apr 27, 2006 3:15:43 PM
Fitzgeralds Harp & Bard, 363 Lakeview Ave, Clifton, NJ(973-772-7282).
Take 46 E until it turns into Piaget Avenue in Clifton - go past Main Avenue (at the White Castle) a couple of blocks and hang a left on Lakeview.
Slainte!
Posted by: Conan the Grammarian | Apr 27, 2006 3:17:12 PM
People should also check out Fitzgeralds Harp & Bard on Lakeview Avenue in Clifton.... its a great Irish pub (with good food) that I used to go to all the time when I lived a few blocks away from it. (Now I live in Wayne)
Posted by: Mike | Apr 27, 2006 3:18:56 PM
Cathar,
If you take Grove Street to Broad Street in Clifton, doesn't Broad street end at Hazel? I seem to remember getting to Toros that way.
Posted by: cheri | Apr 27, 2006 3:19:51 PM
Yeah, you can take Grove into Broad and at the end of Broad make a right onto Hazel. You can also take Route 46 East and take the Paulison Avenue/Hazel Street exit. Should take less than 10 minutes.
Posted by: Mike | Apr 27, 2006 3:23:30 PM
And a quicker way to Harp and Bard on Lakeview Avenue is take Route 46 East and stay towards the left and avoid the Piaget Avenue exit and on the 2nd street past two commercial buildings, make a right before a brick apartment building, make a quick left, and another left and then you're on Lakeview Avenue. This way is quicker and you won't have to deal with the three traffic lights on Piaget.
Posted by: Mike | Apr 27, 2006 3:27:51 PM
cheri, like so many locals, I regrettably "know the turns" rather than, many times, the named streets. My GPS is emotional, so to speak, rather than visible on a screen. But I still think you're right.
And of course The Harp & Bard is a fine place. They sometimes even have live music on Saturday afternoons. It is Egan's (remember that place?) with a genuine patina and genuine generations of happily served rummies. Mike's also right on re the food.
Posted by: cathar | Apr 27, 2006 3:29:01 PM
I'll leave a trail of corned beef & cabbage for you, Ice...
Try them at www.fitzgeraldsharpnbard.com
Posted by: Conan the Chowdahhead | Apr 27, 2006 3:33:32 PM
Cathar, since you're a local and, I presume, long time resident, do you have any opinions on the upcoming elections?
Posted by: cheri | Apr 27, 2006 3:33:51 PM
i've been going to the harp and bard since the 70s. i also lived in clifton from 79-81 so i'm well versed in local gin mills. i was specifically asking about the frame factory.
Posted by: Iceman | Apr 27, 2006 3:38:47 PM
cheri, all I know is really what I pick up from the mailings. I like the one I got from one John Chidiac today, that he's spent 25 years as a Postal Inspector indicates he's at least someone of probity and dedication, those guys do a pretty knotty job.
And pick up some issues of "Clifton Merchant" magazine, either in local stores or at their offices on Main Ave. east of White Castle a block. Editor Tom ("Tomahawk") Hawrylko does a pretty good, passionate job of laying out all the issues before every municipal election.
I hope that helps.
Posted by: cathar | Apr 27, 2006 3:40:54 PM
Thanks Cathar, I'll look for that magazine next time I'm out exploring.
My neighborhood seems to favor the incumbent mayor,James Anzaldi, and incumbent councilors, Steven Tatarenko and Frank Gaccione, judging by the plethora of lawn signs.
Posted by: cheri | Apr 27, 2006 4:02:35 PM
I go to the Harp all the time to see my fave Irish band "Paddy and The Pale Boys" play. They will be there again on May 13th. A bunch of us will be there....we should have a Barista contingent come - way more fun than going to Red Cheetah's!
Band starts at 9pm sharpish.
Posted by: Anne Prince | Apr 27, 2006 4:13:18 PM
I found the Harp after a less than stellar experience at Eagan's. Wonderful place, now I'm a semi-regular. The potato soup is delicious, especially on a dreary day.
Posted by: shelly | Apr 27, 2006 4:19:36 PM
anybody ever go to "A Touch of Country" in Clifton way back when (I think it no longer exissts but could be wrong)it's been so long...
Posted by: cstarling | Apr 27, 2006 7:45:39 PM
Settle down folks, all this chatter about getting to Clifton to save money on frames that have been previously marked up. Save yourselves the time and trouble and shop in your own backyard at the Pat Gail Gallery, Custom Framing and More, (973 509-0601) located at 326 North Fullerton Avenue, in the Watchung Plaza. It's the home of low carb framing and our pricing is very fair. I'll work within almost all framing budgets, you get personal service from the owner, me, and more importantly you are supporting small business in Montclair. It's that one of the reason you like living here? Small business and personal service. Throw in great pricing and I think it's a winner!!
Posted by: Pat | Apr 27, 2006 8:31:46 PM
If you can sell an 8x10 for $3.50
and a 16 x20 for $7.50 , then you can compete with the Frame Factory.
This is the real deal--- a wholesale manufacturer who is selling frames at wholesale prices!!!!!
Posted by: jjay | Apr 27, 2006 8:40:28 PM
Pat,
I'm sold...i like to support businesses in Baristaville.
How much to frame my 8x10 of Bush telling Michael Brown...."Nice job Brownie"
Posted by: Iceman | Apr 27, 2006 8:49:43 PM
I just framed the front page of the New York Times the day Nixon was impeached. You gotta love it!
Oh, and Jay, $3.50 humm, plastic frame looks like wood, made in China....sounds like you're getting a great deal. Does the person from China, actually frame your artwork? Do you get acid free backing to preserve photos and such for future generations? Oh, and the glass, is it ultra violet, so that your colors stay true and vivid rather than fade from the lighting in your house?? Will this anonymous person deliver your framed piece if you are too busy to pick it up?? Will this person stay late and wait for you to get home from work because your train or bus was delayed? Will this dealer let you take home samples of the frames or better yet come to your house with samples so that you are sure you love what you are purchasing?? Sounds like a great deal Jay........and let's talk matting. Your wholesale dealer has discussed with you the purpose of a mat. Originally mats were created to keep the glass off the artwork...especially photos. There are chemicals in photos that tend to stick to glass and become foggy in humid weather. I've seen too many clients next to tears because a favorite photo that cannot be replaced was ruined because of improper framing. But, hey Jay, I'm sure your wholesale framer will go over all of this with you the day you are sorting through cartons of frames. Good luck.....
Posted by: Pat | Apr 28, 2006 5:43:42 AM
