This issue is jam-packed with pieces that explore Haddonfield’s storied historical past and profiles of intriguing people who live or work in town.
For Valentine’s Day, we wanted to feature a Haddonfield restaurant that’s romantic, intimate, and that serves extraordinary food, so we had New York Times writer Lia Miller profile Alan Lichtenstein, the chef and owner behind The Little Hen, a French bistro. At 68, he decided to become his own boss and buy the restaurant at which he had been chef de cuisine for two years. A man of restless curiosity and inventiveness, Lichtenstein constantly reads, researches, brainstorms, and compares recipes in his quest to turn out delectable fare. Escargots in hazelnut garlic butter, croustades of crab with saffron butter, coq au vin, and duck frites are just some of the delectable favorites on the menu.
We’re also introducing two exciting new series to the magazine. The first is called “ProFile.” The idea behind this first-person series is to demystify the careers of people who live and work in Haddonfield by letting people explain what they do, what projects they love the most, and what first drew them to their field. In the process, we hope that we can all better get to know the people in our community. In this issue, I interviewed Kim Otto, the chairman of the Haddon Fortnightly’s evening membership department. Her life has long been interlaced with public service, but it was only after she had children that she became involved in volunteer work. “I needed to advocate for a kinder, safer, and more equitable world for my children,” she told me, of her first forays into civic engagement.
It’s no secret that the historical homes in town have rich histories, and we’re excited to introduce a new series, “Brick by Brick,” in which we tell the story of a notable home in the area. In this issue, Katrina Janco chronicles the history of Lullworth Hall, which Doug Rauschenberger, a historian and co-author of the “Images of America” Haddonfield book, calls “one of the most outstanding examples of Victorian architecture” in Haddonfield. “Everybody who’s working on this house is literally in love” with it, says the owner, Michael Rigolizzo, who is currently restoring the home.
Elsewhere, Christine Barcia reports on Artwalk, a hidden gem on Mechanic Street. The Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust helped transform a small alleyway that was once a hub of transportation into an open-air exhibition for artists to display and sell their pieces. Now the street transports people in a different way.
Enjoy these illuminating stories!
