Criminal Cuisine

Restaurant goers in Salem are now paying to be put in jail. Well, sort of.   The historic Salem jailhouse has been converted to The Great Escape Restaurant, an Italian mobster-themed dining experience providing diverse and delicious dinners

Built in 1813, the Salem jailhouse is America’s second oldest jail, and was still housing inmates until 20 years ago when it was abandoned.  Recently, The Great Escape Restaurant celebrated its first anniversary. 

Founder and general manager, Shane Andruskiewicz, a Salem native, was inspired by Clink, a prison-themed restaurant in downtown Boston, and wanted to open a similar restaurant on the North Shore.  He spent many years in the restaurant managing business and wanted to create a new spot for tourists and locals to enjoy a unique dining experience.  The historic jailhouse was the perfect place.

“It’s fun and unique,” said Andruskiewicz.  “You can go anywhere and get steak.  You can’t go anywhere and get steak the way we do it, the “Mafia Steak’.”

Andruskiewicz is at the restaurant almost every night and enjoys interacting with customers.

“My favorite part is meeting the guests and getting a chance to talk with them and get to know them,” he said.

The atmosphere in The Great Escape is creative and authentic.  The original walls, floors and cell bars bring a realistic feel to the mobster-themed restaurant.  The sheriff’s office was converted into the main dining area and decorated with posters and artwork.  Behind the main dining room, a small walkway leads to the old laundry room, which is now a full-service bar set in a cave-like environment.

Fredie Barbosa , head of the culinary team at The Great Escape has compiled his favorite recipes from over 20 years to create the restaurant’s menu.  Each dish has a mobster-themed name such as, “Scarface,” a plate consisting of shrimp, fresh tomatoes and garlic in a white wine sauce over linguini.  Fans of the popular television series 24, recognize the name “Jack Bauer” on the menu: a chicken dish covered in mozzarella cheese and a creamy lemon herb sauce.  “The CIA and KGB” is a combination dish of salmon and scallops smothered in a creamy dijon mustard sauce served with roasted potatoes, is also favorite.  Recommended by my waiter, Matthew Harrington, I had the Pappardelle Mare E Monti, a homemade pasta dish with shrimp, scallops and a cherry tomato sauce.  The ingredients were fresh and flavorful.  It was to die for. . . or at least put back in prison for.  After eating a meal here, it’s hard to return to Lane.

Harrington began serving Escapees since the opening of the restaurant on Sept. 20, 2010.  He loves working in this jailhouse because of the atmosphere and history that engulfs it. 

“It attracts many curious people from around the world,” said Harrington.

He recalled a family from France who was enamored by the historicity and nostalgia of the restaurant.  Harrington is excited to share stories with the guests of Civil War Confederates being imprisoned and hung in the backyard of the jailhouse. 

Service at The Great Escape is exceptional, from the free valet parking to the charming wait-staff, each Escape guest feels far from punished.  The average meal here costs between $16-$24.  Coming away from such a dining experience may feel like a crime, but it’s one worth committing.   

Crepes, Cappuccinos and College Bands

In the heart of downtown Salem is the Gulu Gulu Café, an eclectic hot spot where local aspiring artists and musicians perform. Gordon talent regularly highlights the stage.

Every Wednesday night Gulu’s “Open Mic Shindig” begins at 8pm.  This is an opportunity for local bands to showcase their talent. Gordon-student band, Trickster, featuring Craig Ramsey, Nick Carmer and Jeremiah Gallant have been appearing on this stage weekly during these shindigs along with the Gordon singer-song-writers, Lydia Nenno and Sarah Nenno. 

“It's very open and relaxed,” said Carmer, “almost like you're hanging out with a big group of friends.” 

Carmer, a junior Art major at Gordon, enjoys going off campus to play and engaging in the other genres such as jazz and acoustic that are performed by other artists. But the atmosphere and community of locals at Gulu is what sets this cafe apart for Carmer. 

“All in all it's a great venue because you can connect with the audience very well and play to them, not just at them,” said Carmer. “And afterwards there are lots of handshakes and congratulatory pats on the back from friends and fans.”

Sarah Nenno, senior Art major at Gordon, enjoys connecting with the local community found at the café. 

“Lydia and I have been sharing our music at Gulu for fun, and because it is something we hope to pursue further in the future,” Nenno said. “We feel that performing there is a good way to be a part of the community, to give in some way, and to build relationships with others that share similar passions.  It's been a great experience to grab an evening cup of coffee with friends while listening to and discovering other local artists.”

Besides great music, local artists and classic-movie-Tuesday nights, Gulu offers a wide variety of crepes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, coffee and bar beverages day and night.  Unique dishes include their famous choose-your-own “cheese and meat coalition” plates, ham & brie crepes, strawberry nutella crepes, and Barcelona Paninis.  Specialty coffees include the “White Cloud Cappuccino” and “Crème Brulee Latte.” 

Gulu is a diverse and unique favorite of college students and locals alike.  The outdoor patio is a great place for a Sunday morning brunch or afternoon coffee break.  At night however, this quiet café becomes a modern hangout filled with lively music and eccentric entertainment, attracting a wide variety of audiences.  “Simply put,” said Carmer, “playing at the Gulu is fun.”

Sports Illustrated Signs On Gordon Grad

Thomas Lake was a curious paperboy in a small town when he chose the topic for his first-ever news article, an elderly subscriber who wrote historical novels.  Today, Lake covers the world’s most well known athletes for the world’s leading sport magazine, Sports Illustrated.

On Wednesday, October 5^th, Gordon College will welcome back Gordon alum, Thomas Lake 01, to the AJ Gordon Memorial Chapel.  After earning his bachelor’s degree in communication arts, Lake's love of sports and passion for writing drives him to write professionally.  While a senior at Gordon, Lake interned for The Salem News.  He now holds the title of “Senior Writer” for the most influential sports publication in the world. 

           

Now 31, Lake still thrives on his satisfying this curious nature, and writing about the latest news in the world of sports.  He lives in Decatur, Georgia with his wife, Sarah (also a Gordon grad of ‘01) and their 16-month old daughter, Juniper.

Lake is quick to admit that the life of a “senior writer” is not always glamorous.  Writing for such a prestigious media company, he is held to high standards to produce top-notch articles.  “It’s terrifying,” he said “but a lot of fun.”

Following his interests, Lake has developed a common theme of self-sacrifice among his articles over the years.  Stories of coaches and athletes surrendering their own needs for the sake of their team have characterized his pieces time and again. 

“It’s not something I planned for,” he said about his trademark theme.  “I think it was probably not an accident that these (self-sacrificial stories) were the types of stories that I would look for.  That theme was ingrained in me growing up.  The son of a pastor, home-schooled, and one of six kids, I was basically reading all the time and getting immersed in stories like this.”

Lake wrote his first article on the theme  of self-sacrifice in 2005 for the Florida Times Union.  The story was about a racial conflict involving a young black boy who risked his life to save a smart-mouthed white boy from the beatings of a group of black teens.

 “It was a very hard story to report,” he said.

Although reporting is not always easy, Lake knows that this is the career path for him.  He is thankful for his years at Gordon and attributes a lot of his knowledge and growth to the teaching and writing of the former journalism professor at Gordon, Steve Crowe, who worked at the college from 1998 to 2004. 

“I thought I knew how to write,” said Lake. “But he showed me how much farther I had to go.  He introduced narrative journalism to me.  He told me, ‘It’s like writing news but you actually tell a story from beginning to middle to end.’  I got the chills and I thought, ‘I’ve got to try that sometime.’”

Crowe, now 59, works as the news editor for The Hellenic Voice in Lexington, MA.  Crowe spoke highly of Lake as a student.  He was impressed with him immediately.  “Of all the people I’ve seen at Gordon,” Crowe said, “he’s the best journalist or news writer.” 

Crowe wasn’t afraid to push Lake to reach his full potential. 

“The first time he turned something in I gave him a B, although I would have given the average Gordon student an A for that paper,” he said. “I knew he could do better.”

Lake reflects on Crowe’s teaching with deep gratitude.

“There was always an element of faith in everything,” he said.  “I’m sure that I look at each story differently then other writers in acknowledging how real that is in peoples’ lives. But still, the facts are the facts.  You’ve got to dig out the truth.  At that point it’s all in how you present it and what you’re willing to believe about it.”

Gordon professors, other contacts with major writers, and investigations of curious scenarios that lead to great stories, Lake acknowledges that getting his career off the ground took hard work and faith in God.  "It took a bunch of pretty surprising circumstances,” he said, “that made me feel very blessed.” 

Lake’s favorite writer, Gary Smith, has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 1983.  Smith, one of the most decorated magazine writers in America, has earned four National Magazine Awards. Lake wrote a fan letter to Smith and  “Amazingly,” said Lake, “Two or three days later, I get an e-mail back.” 

Lake and a few of his writer friends visited Smith’s home in South Carolina.  Lake’s great talent and vigor for sports news impressed Smith who ended up calling his boss with the words, “You’ve got to look at this kid.”

Although Sports Illustrated was in no need of more writers, they couldn’t deny that Lake had talent.  When they first published a story of his, Lake’s dreams began to become his reality.

Lake knows that although he cannot incorporate the Gospel directly in his Sports Illustrated articles, he can stand for right morals and Christian values. 

“It’s about getting the bigger ideas in,” said Lake,  “and letting people interpret them however they want to.  It all sort of connects to a way of living that a lot of us should be striving toward.  So hopefully people will read the stories and find the truth.”

Page One: Inside The New York Times

"Page One: Inside The New York Times" was a unique experience in itself.  The film took me through a journey inside what the life of a news reporter really looks like.  David Carr was inspirational and hilarious in his unprecedented and uncensored guidance through working for the Times.  I was quite surprised at the level of engaging and interesting information that was displayed throughout this documentary.

While I was entertained by this film, I also experienced some fear and doubt about being a news writer.  The future of newspapers is unknown in our modern, technological society.  Even though many are being laid off as writers, David Carr's fervent pursuit of representing the truth through journalism really made me excited to enter into the world of news.  News is important; people need and want to know what is happening in our world and someone has to report the information.  As Jo Kadlecek, instructor of journalism at Gordon College and author of the book, A Desperate Faith, said, "Whatever makes your stomach burn, that's what you were made to do."  I have a burning passion to write and inform the people of my community, which I cannot and will not ignore.

Fighting Scots' Fall Team Previews

Men’s Soccer

2010 Record: 10-4-6

Coach: Jake DeClute

Assistant Coaches: John Whallon and Joel Spruance

Captains: Alex Sosler, Blake Berkey, Micah Linn.

Returners: Travis Masters, John Reagan Moore, Archie Reed, Trevor Henshaw, Ryan Daily, Kellen Kasiguren, John Clancy.

Strengths, Concerns, and Keys to Success: “Experience, defense, unity,

Tough Schedule, attacking ability, intensity, Our Team Motto: My life for yours.” -Captain Blake Berkey

Women’s Soccer

2010 Record: 10-8-1

Coach: Marc Whitehouse

Assistant Coaches: Bess Watson, Erin DeClute, Nicole Dumas

Captain: Liz Cheesman, Hala Coker, Katie Thompson

Returning starters: Liz Cheesman, Hala Coker, Katie Thompson, Kari Christensen, Rachel Ashley, Julia Miller, Kendra Woudenberg, Karina Scavo, Caitlin Nedde

Strengths, Concerns, and Keys to Success: “Our team is like a family which is always encouraging going into any season. The first year players have become an integral part of the team and their additions seem natural. They have stepped into some important roles on and off the field, adding to the chemistry that our team has always had. Like every season, injuries are always an issue and we have several key players sidelined with injuries. Newcomers Claire Brooks and Krysti Leach both have significant back injuries, while a nagging achilles is keeping sophomore defender, Julia Miller off the field for the time being.

Since the restructuring of the conference, there are no easy games for us. Every team in our conference will prove to be a challenge. This along with a strong nonconference lineup will be vital in our preparation for the post season. This year we are really trying to keep love as the central focus of our team. This involves not only a love for Christ, ourselves, our coaches and our teammates, but also a love for the game, competition, excellence and ultimately winning games. This will push us to grow together and individually as we encourage one another in on and off the field.” - Captain Liz Cheeseman

Tennis

2010 Record: Overall 4-10; in the conference 4-7
Coach: Coach Bill “Whitey” Davis
Captain: Senior Kallie Garrett
Returners: Junior Katie Madison, Sophomores Alyssa McCarthy, Kristin Dillon, and Addy Stamenova.
Strengths, Concerns, and Keys to Success: “We have a strong team across the board with some new players coming in that will definitely help us out. Everyone on the team is incredibly motivated and works hard; they will fight to win every point they can. We play some challenging teams and that can be intimidating, but I know that we will step up to the challenge and do our best to win as many matches as we can! I strongly believe God wants the players to have fun and enjoy competing.” -Coach Whitey

Volleyball

2010 Record: 7-26
Coach: Ruth DeLuca, 3rd Season
Captains: Keri Hustus and Andrea Amado
Returning Starters: Andrea Amado, Claudia Amado, Keri Hustus, Alex Nawoichik, Lauren Kranyak
Strengths, Concerns, and Keys to Success: “I look for us to be a strong serving and serve receive team. I also expect us to be scrappy on defense and run a quicker offense this year. We have some tough teams in our conference and those will be challenging matches. We always use the phrase “For Him” at the end of our practices and timeouts. We talk a lot about what it means to play for Christ, which carries over to how you treat your teammates, the attitude you bring to the game, and what you do with the gifts and potential God has given you. Keeping Christ as our focus will be key to accomplishing our goals this year.” - Coach DeLuca

Field Hockey

2010 Record: 6-14
Coaches: Cory Ward, Emma Gates, Chyanne Wilson
Captains: Bri Gilbert, Sam Neverett, Clara Baker, Ashley Moulton
Returning Starters: Bri Gilbert (M), Sam Neverett (F), Clara Baker (F), Mindy Fowler (D), Kelsey Spotts (D), Eleanor Helai (D), Heidi Lavigne (F), Megan Wernig (D), and Anna Bury (GK).
Strengths, Concerns, and Keys to Success: “We have a very deep bench this year and a lot of talented returners and newcomers. We are very excited by our potential and look forward to turning our record around. We will win more this season and I am very excited for the team. This year’s team is very hardworking and dedicated to being their best. Our captains have worked tirelessly to set the example for the team in their work ethic but also in their approach to team unity and service. They have been challenged by the team to lead the way on and off the field and to be the example that they should all follow after. The team set three main goals for the season. To be hardworking, focused, and encouraging. If they reach for these every day, there is no telling what this team can accomplish. Our major rivals in conference this year are Nichols, UNE and Endicott. Even though NEC has left the conference, we have kept them on our schedule because they are in my mind, our truest, longest and toughest rival. Our team motto/theme for the year is P.E.A.C.E. – Pursue Excellence After Christ’s Example. Colossians 3:15-17 is our verse. Talk to Ashley Moulton to get some expanded insight in to the theme. She has led the way on this. Feel free to stop by practice to ask questions as well.” - Coach Ward

Cross Country

2010 Record: Men finished 4th in the conference and women finished 5th in the conference
Coach: Andrew Shaw (2nd year as head coach, 6th year coaching total) Assistant Coach: Brian Wilmarth (2nd year)
Returners: Thais Ziegenhals, Allison Lynch, Katie Hakanson-Stacy, Capt. Samantha Goedeke, Kelcy Rich, & Alissa Watson

Strengths, Concerns, and Keys to Success: As with last year we are aiming to focus our efforts on a strong showing at our Conference championship (10/29) & New England Regional championship (11/11). We have a great chance to improve upon our finish at both of these events from last year with all the depth we have added to an already strong returning team. Our Concerns: Keeping everyone healthy for the end of the season / championships. Our motto is “God. Team. Self.” This is what we focus our races, our training and hopefully all aspects of our lives on - God being most important, team & others next, and ourselves least important of those 3.” - Coach Shaw
http://athletics.gordon.edu/

Love For Each Other and Love For The Game

After a short six-week engagement, Erin Hodina couldn’t wait to tell the head coach for the men’s soccer team, “I do.”

Two years ago, Erin DeClute (formerly Erin Hodina) was recruited as an assistant coach for the Gordon women’s soccer team by men’s head coach, Jake DeClute.  Three months ago, DeClute proposed.  The two coaches soon decided that a winter wedding was too far off.

 “Originally we planned on a wedding in December,” said Hodina, “But we both realized we didn’t want to wait that long.” 

Hodina graduated from Wheaton College in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology. Hodina played four years of soccer for the Wheaton Thunder, collecting two NCAA National Championships during her time.

It was at Wheaton that she met her future husband, Jake DeClute, at that time the assistant men’s soccer coach for the Thunder.  DeClute is now the head coach of the Gordon College men’s soccer team. During his undergrad years at Wheaton College, DeClute was a vital member of the 1997 National Championship team and also the 1999 team that went undefeated in 66 matches consecutively. 

Declute was hired in 2007 as the head coach at Gordon, two years before he recommended Hodina for the women’s assistant position.  Shortly following her arrival, the two started dating.  After two years of dating, DeClute proposed to Hodina this past June at Ocean Lawn in Manchester by the Sea, MA. Hodina admits admitted she was surprised at the timing, but more than happy to accept. 

Hodina and her new fiancé began looking at wedding dates when they realized how crazy their schedules were about to become.  DeClute was planning for summer camps and the men’s missions trip to Brazil, not to mention both of them would be heading into the fall season in only two short months.

They only had one other choice, July 15^th. 

Devoted to their coaching jobs and wanting to give their time, attention and energy to their Fighting Scots in the fall season, the two coaches worked fast to put the wedding together.  When Hodina and DeClute told their families and friends that they would be having a short six-week engagement they received nothing but confirmation.  Hodina recalls that the most common response was, “That’s perfect for you guys.” Six weeks later the two coaches walked down the aisle in Chicago, Illinois, where they both grew up. 

“Everything fell into place so quickly,” said Hodina.

 The wedding was small, but that’s what they had hoped for.  And though a few of their closest friends couldn’t make it, they went ahead with the planning.

Hodina did not regret their fast-paced engagement at all.  She said that she loves married life.  Instead of going back to two empty apartments after work, two of Gordon’s soccer experts go together to their very own home. 

“The best part,” Hodina said, “is the effortless time spent together."