This summer’s all about trying new things! We’re adding lots of new elements to our Shore Fire client campaigns, including more social media, contests, and lots of other goodies. And on vacation, I stayed in Ocean Grove (home of Shore Fire’s NJ office) and planned daily adventures including ‘firsts’ for me such as surfing, paddle boarding , and parasailing.

Marilyn and Margaret Laverty enjoy a refreshing dip courtesy of Belmar Parasails

Then recently, Ocean Grove-based music producer and generally cool guy David Spelman introduced me to a hip new cafe in Asbury Park. Cafe Volan (510 Bangs Avenue) is already attracting a who’s who of local artists, musicians, surfers, and entrepreneurs. Owners Paul Cali and Doug Parent offer a selection of teas and espresso drinks featuring coffee by Philadelphia-based roaster La Colombe, which is also served at top New York restaurants including Daniel and Le Bernadin.

Parent describes the owners’ intention as creating “an environment where people can come to meet a friend or make a new one. There’s zero pressure for customers to leave at any time, in fact the greatest pleasure we have is to introduce people and foster creativity.” In fact, I was only in the shop a few minutes when another creative Asbury resident, hipster and writer Tim Donnelly burst in, bubbling with excitement over a new free surfing clinic for Asbury’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club that’s being sponsored by some of the city’s community oriented entrepreneurs. BTW, Cali and Parent keep their surfboards at Café Volan, and regularly take surf breaks when the conditions cooperate.

Marilyn Laverty with Cafe Volan owners Paul Cali (left) and Doug Parent in front of their La Marzoco espresso machine from Florence, Italy

We’re still fans of the many wonderful businesses on Ocean Avenue and Cookman Ave, but are enjoying getting to better know this neighborhood some are calling NoCo (short for North of Cookman). In addition to Cafe Volan, this block of Bangs is also home to Chakra Salon & Spa, Rebirth Art Supply, Wood Shop Skateboards, M Studio Design & Marketing, and Sweet Joey’s (featuring vintage clothing and custom jeans).