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East meets West. Fóumami Asian Sandwich Bar melds savory flavors to create a fresh new alternative in downtown Boston.

Flavorful fresh food is united with family tradition at Fóumami (pronounced “Foo-mah-mee”), an inventive new Asian sandwich bar that offers breakfast and lunch, to stay or to go, in the heart of Boston’s financial district. Located at 225 Franklin Street, Fóumami is the brainchild of owner and general manager Michael Y. J. Wang, a Harvard Business School grad and third generation restaurateur who has based his Asian concept sandwich bar on age old elements of Asian cuisine, drawing from Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influences and prized family recipes to develop a variety of uniquely Asian sandwich creations.

The Food

What exactly is an Asian sandwich? At Fóumami, freshly baked bings (artisan bread) with origins in the Beijing-Shandong style of cooking are essential. The foundation of each Fóumami sandwich is freshly baked Shao Bing, unleavened bread that is crisp and flaky on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. Shao Bing is paired with high quality meats or vegetables steeped with spices to draw out their flavor in recipes ranging from Wang family favorites to Chinese, Korean and Japanese inspired fillings. Whether it’s Chicken Katsu or Atsuage Tofu, the principal ingredient in each sandwich becomes the star, rounded out with supporting elements (including crisp or caramelized vegetables and freshly snipped herbs) that complement rather than overpower.

Cong Yóu Bing (scallion pancakes) accompany Fóumami’s wide range of Asian soups and salads, and is the star of Fóumami’s breakfast sandwich. Fresh ginger root and fresh cinnamon bark form the basis of Fóumami’s selection of teas, and dessert offerings include a hard-to-find favorite, red bean shaved ice.

Fóumami Asian Sandwich Bar

Fóumami is an inventive Asian sandwich bar that draws its inspiration from the food of China’s Shandong province. The Chinese characters depicting “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” reflect the origin of the name Fóumami, a contraction that loosely translates to “what Buddha finds to be most delicious,” based on “Foo” the Chinese word for Buddha and “Umami” Japanese word meaning “flavor” or “taste.” According to old Chinese folklore, Buddha, though a vegetarian, was so enticed by the flavorful aromas of food cooked by a villager outside the monastery that he jumped over the wall just to taste it, just as contemporary diners are enticed by the creative melding of flavors offered by Fóumami.

Featuring an open kitchen and a sophisticated but relaxed environment with seasonal patio seating, Fóumami’s goal is to introduce people to an exciting new variety of Asian tastes and flavors, offering breakfast and lunch, to stay or to go; soups and salads that can easily be a main course; and a great selection of specially made hot and cold beverages, snacks, and desserts.

Fóumami is committed is to bringing food lovers closer to earthy, lovingly prepared dishes that Asian families enjoy at home and to-go at the bustling shops and open-air markets that thrive throughout the region.

Fóumami is located at 225 Franklin Street (at the corner of Oliver and High Streets) in the heart of Boston’s financial district. Fóumami is open Monday through Friday, serving breakfast from 6:30am-11am, and lunch from 11am-5:30pm. For additional information about Fóumami, please call 617.426.8858 for general information or to order takeout; call 617-426.8865 for catering; email info@foumami.com, or visit www.foumami.com. For information about new menu offering, special offers or events, follow Fóumami on Facebook or Twitter or join Fóumami’s email list.

East meets West. Fóumami Asian Sandwich Bar melds savory flavors to create a fresh new alternative in downtown Boston.Read More

Listen up – Verbal Branding speaks out to South Shore Ad Club, March 9

Author and founder of the theory of “Verbal Branding” Stephen Melanson will speak on the topic to the South Shore Ad Club on Stockholders Steakhouse, Route 18, 1073 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA on Wednesday, March 9.

Melanson is the author of “Jaw Branding” and his second book “Verbal Branding INSTEAD!” will be released this year. Melanson challenges many conventional theories of branding, sales, and marketing. His core theory is that all members of an organization – from the janitor to the CEO – should understand and then be able to convey why they are “different and better” than the competition in 5 seconds or less.

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 6 p.m., then the presentation from Melanson at 7:00 p.m. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the South Shore Ad Club is NOT required. Reservations are required. Registration Fee is $30 per person and includes hearty appetizers. South Shore Ad Club members receive $10.00 off.

“Verbal branding is designed for simplicity and to be the clearest and most concise way of communicating what is different and better about your offering,” says Melanson. He added, “Once the ideas and language becomes consistent through an organization they can also be used to improve certain management and operational activities.”

His background also includes being a trained non-practicing Psychotherapist, professional tennis player, and on-air talk radio host. Stephen Melanson is the President of Melanson Consulting based in Arlington, MA.

“All too often advertising professionals try to overwhelm clients and prospects with industry lingo that is impossible to understand or care about,” notes Steve Dubin, President of the South Shore Ad Club and founder of PR Works, a full-service public relations firm based in Kingston, MA. “Verbal branding is direct, honest and compelling. Stephen Melanson is an entertaining and dynamic speaker who quickly shows business audiences how to completely shift their view of the marketing process.”

About The South Shore Ad Club
The South Shore Ad Club is a non-profit organization committed to the personal and professional development of communications professionals located south of Boston. It’s the club’s mission to improve, strengthen and advance career goals through learning and networking opportunities; and to serve as a resource for local and Boston-area businesses requiring marketing, advertising, public relations and/or communications services.

To RSVP, visit www.SouthShoreAdClub.com or email mcelroyassociates@comcast.net.

Listen up – Verbal Branding speaks out to South Shore Ad Club, March 9Read More

Makeovers Salon & Spa’s Edward Blum Invited to Elite Team L’Oreal for Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B. Show

Edward Blum

Edward Blum, internationally recognized expert stylist/colorist and owner of Makeovers Salon & Spa, one of the largest salon and spas in Massachusetts, will be a part of the elite L’Oreal team for the Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B. show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Fall 2011 (February 10-17, 2011). 

Blum, a renowned expert in hair color, design and styling, was invited to serve on L’Oreal’s exclusive team of the most famous hairdressers and fashionistas in the industry for the A-list only Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B. Show – the most sought after event at Fashion Week.

Last year, Blum served on the Wella style/color team for celebrity designer Donna Karan who was introducing the DKNY Fall 2010 collection at Fashion Week.

Blum and his wife Norah own the prestigious Makeovers Salon & Spa, a state-of-the-art facility located in Easton that is a collaborative of an amazingly talented staff of nearly 100.  Known for his artistry and technical knowledge, Blum has been a hair stylist for 32 years and a salon owner for more than two decades.  Makeovers Salon & Spa is his fourth salon.

He is a contributing writer to many professional beauty publications including Modern Salon Magazine, American Salon Magazine and Salon Today Magazine.  Blum has been the stylist for “One Life to Live” soap opera’s Christian Alfonso and Judge Maria Lopez of the “Maria Lopez Show” as well as for Buena Vista Studios-Disney, New England Today, Boston Channel 5 and Channel 4.   He has won numerous awards and worked on many other stage, hair and fashion award shows over the last three decades. 

On the local level, Blum holds the Northeast Cutting and Styling Championship title and his salon has been honored 15 times with First Place Reader’s Choice Award in all beauty categories.  Additionally, he frequently serves as a consultant to many cosmetology schools in New England.

About Makeovers Salon & Spa
Makeovers Salon & Spa is owned by the internationally recognized, award-winning designers Edward and Norah Blum.  As one of the largest salon and spa in Massachusetts, Makeovers Salon & Spa is a 13,200 square foot “paradise” with 26 styling stations, nine large treatment rooms and a staff of more than 80 providing hair styling and coloring; nail and spa services.  Makeovers Salon & Spa has been honored 15 times with “First Place Reader’s Choice Award” in all beauty categories. 

Makeovers Salon & Spa designers travel to New York for training in the latest color and cutting techniques each Spring and the salon frequently hosts renowned international guest trainers.  Services offered at the Day Spa include facials, laser treatments, massage, manicures/pedicures, wraps, body treatments, waxing, reflexology and aromatherapy.   Their line of high quality products include G.M. Collin and Glymed Spa products, Glominerals Makeup and Wella, Sebastian, Rene Furtier, Alterna and Icon hair care products.

Makeovers Salon & Spa is located at 574 Washington Street in Easton, MA.  For  more information, visit the website at www.makeoverssalon.com or contact (508) 238-1211.

Makeovers Salon & Spa’s Edward Blum Invited to Elite Team L’Oreal for Gwen Stefani L.A.M.B. ShowRead More

Plymouth School Superintendent to bike from Washington, DC, to Plymouth, MA, to raise funds for education.

Dr. Gary Maestas, Plymouth Public Schools superintendent
Dr. Gary Maestas, superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools

PLYMOUTH, MA…

It’s no secret that the cost of providing a quality education has increased. It’s also no secret that federal and state aid to school districts like Plymouth has been reduced. Deciding that the current level of funding was just not going to be enough, Plymouth Superintendent Gary Maestas, Ed.D., had an idea. He would raise money for Plymouth students by riding a bicycle from Washington, DC, to Plymouth, MA, giving birth to the DreamRide. Through DreamRide, Dr. Maestas’ goal is to raise $100,000 in donations for the Plymouth Education Foundation, the premier, non-profit organization established to support and enhance the education of the students and citizens of the Town of Plymouth.

Beginning June 6, Dr. Maestas, accompanied by a DreamRide Team comprised of students, teachers and a nurse, will bike approximately 600 miles from DC to Plymouth over a seven-day period. While the primary goal will be to raise funds via sponsorships, the DreamRide has many layers and opportunities for growth and learning.

“Sure, the goal is to raise money, specifically $100,000, but we’re just as interested in setting an example for students,” said Maestas. “When faced with a problem or challenge, I want students to learn to think outside the box.”

Dr. Maestas will record daily video reports/blogs from the road. In addition, his progress will be recorded via GPS online as will his heart rate and other vitals. The video/media element of the DreamRide will provide a number of educational and curriculum opportunities both for the crew working the ride and students back home in Plymouth. Those include: 

  • Health and Wellness – How to train, eat and prepare physically and mentally for a physical challenge.
  • Math – Problem solving, charting and estimating Dr. Maestas’ progress.
  • Social Studies – Historical and geographical aspects of sites visited along the route.
  • Science – Weather, mechanics of bicycle, drag coefficients, and more.
  • English Language Arts – Literacy, and much more.
  • Community involvement – How getting involved with your community can help students and their families accomplish incredible things.

Proceeds from the DreamRide will go directly to the Plymouth Education Foundation (www.plymoutheducationfoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that solicits, manages, and distributes funds for educational purposes and activities that may not otherwise be funded.

In addition to raising $100,000, the DreamRide is also looking for sponsors to underwrite expenses associated with the seven-day ride. Serious Cycles of Manomet has donated a SPECIALIZED bike for the ride. In addition, Serious Cycles Owner Seth Lawrence is training two students as repair technicians for the ride. Other sponsors to date include Jordan Hospital, First Student Bus Company, and the Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company.

“We are honored to support education in Plymouth through Superintendent Gary Maestas’ journey to raise funds for the education foundation and to promote general health and wellness awareness in the community,” says Jordan Hospital President Peter Holden. “As the region’s leading provider of healthcare, we are committed to working with Gary and the community to ensure that the DreamRide is a success—and I look forward to riding with him from Boston to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth.”

“The DreamRide is about much more than ‘Dr. Maestas’ getting on a bicycle and hopefully getting himself in good enough condition not to fall apart somewhere in New Jersey,” said Maestas. “It’s about people caring about the education our children are receiving and wanting something better.”

For complete information on the DreamRide, including sponsorship and volunteer information, please visit www.dreamride.us or contact Mrs. Nicole Manfredi, DreamRide Director at (781) 831-0731 or nsmanfredi@aol.com.

Plymouth School Superintendent to bike from Washington, DC, to Plymouth, MA, to raise funds for education.Read More

Old Sandwich Road Race seeks volunteers for June 2011 race.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The Old Sandwich Road Race (OSRR), part of which takes place on America’s oldest road—Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth—is looking for volunteers for the 2011 race, to be held on June 4 and June 5.

“The response in our first year was tremendous with more than 500 participants. For our second year, we’ve upped the ante and added a 5k, in addition to the half marathon, the Entergy 10k and the Kids Classic,” said Craig Valentine Brenner, OSRR race director. “What that means is that in addition to probably more participants, we’re going to need a lot more volunteers to help out.”

Volunteers are needed for race planning, fundraising and race weekend activities ranging from registration, water stations, security and more. If interested, send an e-mail to info@oldsandwichroadrace.com with “Volunteer” in the subject line or visit www.oldsandwichroadrace.com and click on the volunteers link.

The 2011 Old Sandwich Road Race will take place over the course of two days, Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5. The Saturday race will feature the Kids Classic and a new addition to the Old Sandwich Road Race, the OSRR 5k. Sunday’s main events include the OSRR Half Marathon, which takes place on Old Sandwich Road, and the Entergy 10k, beginning at Plimouth Plantation. All races end at Plymouth South High School.

“Volunteers are really the backbone of any race of this nature,” said Brenner. “Based on the initial registrations, the Old Sandwich Road Race is really on the verge of becoming a destination race. If you’re a runner, or used to be a runner, or just somebody who wants to help out a race that’s trying to raise money for a worthy cause, you couldn’t ask for a better race to be a part of,” said Brenner.

All profits from the 2011 Old Sandwich Road Race will go to The Home for Little Wanderers’ Baird Center School, located in Plymouth.

The Baird Center School is a year-round residential and day school treatment program for youth aged 10-18 with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, educational and psychiatric issues. Adding yet another historical element to the Old Sandwich Road Race, The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest non-profit child and family service agency, with roots dating back to 1799.

For complete information on the Old Sandwich Road Race, you can visit the Old Sandwich Road Race Web site at http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com. Selected by Runner’s World, as “one of the five races not to miss in 2010”, The Old Sandwich Road Race also has pages on Facebook and Twitter. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring next year’s race, please contact Craig Valentine Brenner at 617-680-4230 or info@oldsandwichroadrace.com.

Old Sandwich Road Race seeks volunteers for June 2011 race.Read More

A small craft advisory… G-Force Shipping announces water sport division.

HANOVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Over the past few years, water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking have seen exponential growth. For small to mid-size dealers and distributors, the increased demand breeds logistical challenges that can impact profits if not handled correctly. In response to the specialized needs of paddleboard, kayaks and other small craft companies, G-Force Shipping, a third-party logistics provider based in Hanover, MA recently announced the formation of a new water sports division.

“Small craft items like kayaks and paddle boards create some shipping challenges based on their length and their composition,” said Gordie Macfarlane, president of G-Force Shipping. “With our new water sports division, small shops and dealers have a dedicated shipping department/freight consultant and more than 80 carriers at their disposal on our Web site to help tailor a shipping solution to best meet their needs.”

G-Force’s Bob Howard will lead the Water Sports Division. The benefits that new division provides small craft companies include:

  • Direct Point A to Point B shipping – Many smaller companies will deal with one shipping company and in some cases are unaware that said shipping company subcontracts the shipment. This can create delays and major confusion in the event of a claim. With more than 80 carrier partners, customers can select the best shipping service available for that specific lane along with the confidence that their shipment – from point-of-pick-up to point-of-delivery – will be handled by the same carrier.
  • Avoiding costs based on size – Many shipping companies charge extra based on length. With G-Force’s knowledge of the industry, customers can avoid those extra charges by using carriers that do not penalize for additional length. G-Force can also recommend the companies known for following best practices when boxing shipments.
  • Coordinating warehousing – G-Force can arrange warehouse accommodations as a means for companies to reduce costly cross-country deliveries and longer delivery times (e.g. arranging warehousing for a Florida-based company in the Midwest for west coast deliveries).
  • Direct consultation services – G-Force’s knowledge of the pricing and capabilities of more than 80 carriers is a resource that is available to Water Sports customers.
  • Cost savings – G-Force customers spend more than $100 million with its carrier partners. G-Force can often leverage that fact to provide optimal savings. Typically, G-Force can save its water sports customers in the 15 percent range.

“My shipments typically consist of one to four stand-up paddleboards. The one element that stands out for me is the customer service of  Bob Howard.  He is very professional, very quick in getting back to me on shipping quotes, and provides the lowest prices,” said Mitzi Archer, owner of Yolo Board L.L.C. in Santa Rosa, Florida. “After obtaining quotes from five freight brokers over the years, I am currently using G-force exclusively.”

In addition to its services tailored toward water sports companies, G-Force Shipping provides all its customers an easy-to-use, Web-based shipping utility, www.GForceship.com, which delivers instant quotes and multiple carrier choices in seconds. There’s no long-term commitment. Access to a free on-line account or a toll free number is all G-Force customers need. The only fees associated with an account are those directly connected to the shipping costs.

For more information, please call 877-7-GFORCE or visit www.gforceship.com.

More carriers, more choices, more savings.

G Force Shipping and Consulting, Inc. is a non asset based third-party logistics provider based in Hanover, Massachusetts. Through its Web site, www.gforceship.com, G-Force provides its customers with direct access to quotes from more than 70 carriers on LTL, FTL and small parcel shipments. In addition to helping customers find the right shipping company at the right price, G-Force offers white glove service that includes 24/7 customer service, freight consulting services, online warehouse management capabilities and much, much more.

For more information, visit www.gforceship.com or call 877-7-GFORCE (877-743-6723).

A small craft advisory… G-Force Shipping announces water sport division.Read More

Ensure Cupid Hits the Mark this Valentine’s Day – Tips from eLove’s Paul Falzone

Paul A. Falzone, matchmaking expert and CEO of eLove, the fastest growing matchmaking firm in the country with over 50 matchmaking offices nationwide and home offices in Norwell, MA and Los Angeles, CA, shares tips with men on what women generally want.

Whether you’ve been dating for weeks, years or you’ve already tied the knot, Falzone offers men insight into what women want in general, to help ensure Cupid hits the mark this Valentine’s Day or any other day.

Here are Falzone’s tips on what women want:

A man who listens.

A man who comes to the rescue. You’re an everyday hero if you can stop her dishwasher from leaking, fix her email problems or get rid of that big spider in the house.

A man who can ‘fry the bacon up in the pan’. Even the most talented female cooks don’t enjoy making meals all the time. If you can cook – do so. If you can’t, dine out.

A man who tells her what he thinks or how he feels. If you think she looks beautiful, makes you laugh, impresses you or you really enjoy being with her – tell her.

A man who is willing to share responsibility. Whether it’s the responsibility of taking care of a home or children, or of nurturing your relationship with each other.

“These are some general tips for men to consider to ensure Cupid hits the mark on Valentine’s Day or any other day for that matter. Be her Valentine all year long. All the ‘little things’ really do add up because she DOES notice them. Yes, your sweetheart will love receiving two dozen long stemmed red roses for Valentine’s Day, but you know what? She’ll also appreciate your other efforts. These are a few ways you can show her you care about her,” explained Falzone.

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived. eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate. Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With over 50 matchmaking offices in 23 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in: Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, San Diego, Santa Rosa, Westlake); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Schaumburg, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms);Minnesota (Edina); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Iselin, Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

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Verbal Branding speaks loudly to the New England Franchise Association (NEFA), March 8

Author and founder of the theory of “Verbal Branding” Stephen Melanson will speak on the topic to the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) on Tuesday, March 8, Doubletree Hotel 550 Winter Street, Waltham, MA.
Melanson is the author of “Jaw Branding” and his second book “Verbal Branding INSTEAD!” will be released this year. Melanson challenges many conventional theories of branding, sales, and marketing. His core theory is that all members of an organization – from the janitor to the CEO – should understand and then be able to convey why they are “different and better” than the competition in 5 seconds or less.
The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m., and then the presentation from Melanson. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required. Registration Fee is $50 per person and includes dinner. NEFA Members receive $10.00 off.
“The traditional elevator pitch simply doesn’t work – making the average consumer suspicious – and must be replaced with an entirely different mindset and tactic”, says Melanson. He added, “Verbal Branding applies uncommon simplicity to “manage” what a consumers’ remembers and creates a more valuable offers in the market. Well known examples are ‘Volvo, safe and reliable’. Or Geiko, ‘Give us 15 minutes, we’ll give you 15 percent.’ Great Verbal Branding is direct, honest, and moves action both internally and externally.”
His background also includes being a trained non-practicing Psychotherapist, professional tennis player, and on-air talk radio host. Stephen Melanson is the President of Melanson Consulting based in Arlington, MA.

“In working with advertising agencies and marketing companies over the past 25 years I’ve endured a lot of verbal posturing and techno speak. Verbal branding is a refreshing answer to today’s marketing noise and makes marketing messages more authentic and understandable ,” commented Steve Dubin, President of the New England Franchise Association and founder of PR Works, a full-service public relations firm based in Kingston, MA. He continued, “Stephen Melanson is an entertaining and dynamic speaker who quickly shows business audiences how to completely shift their view of the marketing process.”

About NEFA
New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.
Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.
To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling Barbara Arena, 781-294-2244.

Verbal Branding speaks loudly to the New England Franchise Association (NEFA), March 8Read More

eLove’s Paul Falzone shares Valentine’s Day Tips in New England Fine Living

“While Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a day for lovers, it can be a source of frustration for many couples. For women, it can be especially frustrating because their significant other doesn’t put much thought into the day or, worse, labors through Valentine’s Day plans as if it’s another chore on the dreaded “honey-do” list. That’s why many women have adopted a “take charge” approach to Valentine’s Day to recapture the spirit of the day…”
Read full article:
http://bit.ly/eURQhw

eLove’s Paul Falzone shares Valentine’s Day Tips in New England Fine LivingRead More