Tag: Bhavna

Lunch at Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette with Bhavna and Kiran

Aunt Chubby’s

Went here for breakfast on a Saturday morning shortly after reading about Aunt Chubby's in MercerMe. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I took my family back several times even after road construction on CR 518 cut Hopewell Township off from Montgomery Township where I live.

Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (38.8 mm, 0.000 sec at f/4.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams

The staff and management were friendly and willing to give me an abbreviate history of Aunt Chubby's. I was introduced to several local business owners, all of whom had a story to tell about Chubby's Luncheonette, the name that was used when the current owner's aunt ran the place. I don't remember the old Chubby's, but from talking with several patrons, it seems a lot of work has been put into restoring the bright and straightforward interior while keeping some of the charming features of the old restaurant. The vibe reminded me of when I lived on the island of Bequia, where everyone knows your name and neighbours look out for each other.

Aunt Chubby's —FujiFilm X-T2 + SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 @ (50 mm, 0.010 sec at f/5.6, ISO2000), © Khürt L. Williams

On my first visit, I sat at the counter and ordered the "Cheesy Grits and Greens" with an egg on top and a few slices of bacon. It was delicious and was my instant favourite. I could tell that quality ingredients were used to make the food. The menu offers updated modern versions of luncheonette classics. The service was very attentive. Many of the ingredients on the menu were sourced locally with the eggs and meat coming from sustainable sources.

  • Eggs: Joe Grinbaum, Ringoes, NJ
  • Pork: Greenflash Farm, Skillman, NJ
  • Beef: Bridgepoint Run Farm, Montgomery, NJ
  • Bacon: John F. Martin & Sons, Stevens
Aunt Chubby's Cheesy Grits and Greens —FujiFilm X-T2 + SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 @ (50 mm, 0.010 sec at f/5.6, ISO5000), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s Classic BLT —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (38.8 mm, 0.001 sec at f/5.6, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s Grilled Cheese with Gruyere and Fries —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (38.8 mm, 0.002 sec at f/5.6, ISO200), © Khürt L. Williams

For subsequent visits with my family, we sat at one of the tables near a well-lit window. I love the way the light streams in. After I raved about my experience on my first visit, Bhavna and Kiran agreed to have a late brunch with me at Aunt Chubby's Luncheonette. The welcome was just as warm and friendly as the first time I visited. I had a cappuccino and a grilled cheese sandwich. Kiran had a BLT sandwich. Bhavna had a cheese omelette wrap. I loved my food.

Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.017 sec at f/8.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, 0.013 sec at f/8.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams

We ate, drank a few cappuccinos, and hung out for a while. I felt comfortable. Like I had been coming here for ages.

We will be back.

Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (33.2 mm, 0.002 sec at f/4.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby's Pastries —FujiFilm X-T2 + SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/2 @ (50 mm, 0.010 sec at f/5.6, ISO1000), © Khürt L. Williams
Aunt Chubby’s —FujiFilm X-T2 + XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (31.1 mm, 0.003 sec at f/4.0, ISO800), © Khürt L. Williams

Bradley Beach

The clouds are mostly gone and we can feel the sun. Finally!

After lunch at FINS Tropical Cuisine, we drove on 2nd Avenue toward Bradley Beach. We parked on Ocean Avenue and crossed the street to enter the beach.

One thing I don’t like about New Jersey is that one must pay to access the beach. It just feels wrong. The rationale is that the beach must be cleaned and maintained, and the fees help with the cost of that. Ok, fine, but it also pays for the salaries of people like this woman pictured who collect the beach access fees. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to install a turnstile? In states like California, the beach is public access and are a part of the state parks system. New Jersey could do the same and ensure that ALL New Jersey residents, not just the ones who can afford the $9 fee. Some beaches in New Jersey are free. Belmar and Avon-on-the-Sea, and Bradley Beach are not among them.

beach scene
Lawn | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 16 mm | 1⁄200 sec at f/16 | ISO 200
seagull
beach rat | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 55 mm | 1⁄240 sec at f/16 | ISO 200

The clouds were mostly gone, and we could feel the sunlight. Finally!

Bhavna
Bhavna, Bradley Beach | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 55 mm | 1/1400 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200

It’s a beach scene.

chairs | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 55 mm | 1⁄3500 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200

We set up our beach chairs and sat down to enjoy the smell and sound of the ocean, the warmth of sunlight on our skins, and the salty sea breeze.

treasure hunter | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 55 mm | 1⁄3200 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200
peace | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 32.1 mm | 1⁄3200 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200

The day didn’t start on a good note, but it turned out better than I expected. I had a few hours to chat with my family and forget about work. My only regret is that we didn’t do this earlier in the summer and that our daughter, Kiran, could not join us.

beach scene
Hat | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 55 mm | 1⁄3200 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200
The Bradley Beach Trio?
The Bradley Beach Trio? | Tuesday 21 August, 2018 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ 33.2 mm | 1⁄800 sec at f/5.6 | ISO 200

Bhavna

Until I start my new gig next week, I have a lot of time on my hands. This week I found myself perusing my Adobe Lightroom catalogue revisiting and re-editing some of my earlier photos. There was a time when I shot with more basic camera equipment, my image composition and understanding of light and the technical aspects of photography were limited, and my photo editing skills were less developed. In some ways, I think some of my earlier images are stronger than some of my recent images.

The image above is one I took eight years ago (August 2010) on a day after my wife had her hair done. I wanted to capture the look but I also wanted to experiment with portraiture, my newly purchase AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lens and the golden hour. I captured her portrait in the Montgomery Veterans Park in Belle Mead, Montgomery Township.

This time around, I used Nik Define 2 to remove some noise in the image, and then use the output sharpener in Nik Sharpener Pro 3.