Sweet Lula’s executive chef Anthony Asbury said the borough’s first Fourth Friday celebration of the year will also be a “thanksgiving celebration” for the restaurant, which marks its first official anniversary on Broadway.

“We’ve endured a year in rough, turbulent times and took a leap of faith in rebuilding this place into something glamorous,” said Asbury. “It has paid off and Pitman has been so welcoming as they lead the way for other towns.”

For its part in the borough’s Fourth Friday Ð a night of music, food and shopping in town Ð Sweet Lula’s will offer “a live jazz trio, a special menu of tapas, huge slices of watermelon and loads of specials.”

“The whole night will be a street fair with a happy glow about it,” said Asbury. “People can dine al fresca, there will be carriage rides up and down the street, it’s a very exciting time. For us, it’s a way to continue to grow, inspire others and educate new tastebuds. And for everyone who has been hibernating through such a rough and gruesome winter, it’s a chance to get out there and stretch your legs.”

Asbury said what the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce has done for the borough is “nothing short of miraculous.”

“I’m so grateful to John Fitzpatrick and the crew who spend all year working on this stuff,” said Asbury. “It’s great to just go out for a stroll, bump into old friends or meet some new ones and enjoy a laugh. Here, we’ll have the jazz trio outside and Lula (Louise) will be singing inside. It’s going to be really something other towns will want to emulate Ð there has been a renaissance in the town.”

Chamber of Commerce President John Fitzpatrick said Fourth Friday attendees can view classic cars in the park, visit the museum in the Grove, have dinner at one of the borough’s restaurants, watch three bands at the Bus Stop Cafe, shop 50-percent-off sales at Treasures on Broadway and much, much more.

“It should be a really kickin’ Fourth Friday,” said Fitzpatrick. “Pitman is doing terrific with its entertainment at the theater, music at the Bus Stop, food at Sweet Lula’s and other great restaurants. It’s really terrific.”

And Mayor Mike Batten says he expects a large turnout since people have repeatedly asked him when the borough’s next Fourth Friday would be.

“I’ve been getting calls all week long,” said Batten. “We’re looking forward to it being a big night. Restaurants and stores will be open late, musicians will be walking around and there will be an outstanding DJ in the park. I think this event helps people discover Pitman, and if you come downtown to stroll in Pitman on Fourth Friday, you’re going to come back to check out our restaurants and shops. We have a bustling downtown which is something you couldn’t have said a few years ago. The chamber has done an outstanding job, the economic development group is always hard at work and council has worked with them, so we’re all on the same page. It’s really starting to show.”

Fourth Friday will be held on Broadway on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Click here to view original article @ NJ.com
Thursday, May 26, 2011
By Jessica Driscoll
jdriscoll@sjnewsco.com