The swirly, silver handcrafted sign over the door makes a statement on Morris Avenue, only steps from the corner of Morris and Third, the crossroads of Spring Lake. This work-of-art logo is a reflection of their eclectic style.

Enter the airy, light-filled shop in one of the only downtown buildings to be renovated in a long while, and you will experience not only the partners’ flair for fashion, but also their commitment to the advanced care of their clients.

In addition to a skillfully edited selection of designer eyeglass frames and sunglasses,  including Arnette, Beausoleil, Bevel Specs, Booth & Bruce, Chrome Hearts,Dolce & Gabbana, EFEX Horn Creations, Francois Pinton, J.F. REY – BOZ, Kieselstein-Cord, LaFont, Maui Jim, Mykita, O & X / Kio Yamato, Oakley, Persol, Prada, Ray Ban, Rudy Project, Sama, Silhouette, Traction, and Volte Face, Eye Candy hosts the areas only German-made Zeiss iTerminal in the area.

The iTerminal produces the most accurate, scientific measurement possible for progressive lenses. Oftentimes, the problems with progressive lenses are a direct result from an initial inaccurate measurement. When you experience this system, you will understand why the iTerminal eliminates all measurement error resulting in the most accurate fitting measurement possible.

Below the loft, don’t miss the full range of children’s eyeglass frames, including designers like BBig, Float, Grant, Julbo, Oio, Oio Sun, Par Bleu, Ray Ban and Youpi.  Both Mark and Dave have extensive experience in fitting children for eyeglasses.

If you want the hippest pair of reading glasses ever, this is your place. To ease the pain of needing assistance with fine print, Eye Candy has a special offer to include standard reading lenses without charge when you purchase any of their great frames.

As its name implies, Eye Candy is something sweet in Spring Lake!

In this era of economic uncertainty, it is a luxury to have a salon so close by that offers a range of experience levels in staff and corresponding fair prices, as well as a complete line of Redken hair and Dermalogica skincare products.

Their first space, Salon Kokopelli at 201 Union Avenue in Brielle opened over sixteen years ago and has grown steadily since then. What’s their secret? The retention rate among staff is truly an anomaly within the industry. For example, Wendy, lead esthetician, has been at Salon Kokopelli for over ten years. Mary and Lisa respect the people they work with and the same warm feeling is extended to each of their clients.

At ShopSpringLake.com, we know the transformative quality of a good haircut, so after entrusting my unruly hair to another salon for more than four years, an initial phone call to the Morris Avenue Salon Kokopelli came with a small amount of skepticism. I requested the most experienced person and was in fact impressed with the whole experience provided.

The scalp massage that followed a shampoo completely changed my day.  A free consultation with a hairstylist is always an option at both salon locations. Kathy, who cut my hair, asked about how I am most comfortable with length and style. As she gently scissored away, she shared information about a new conditioning system, the Redken “Chemistry Shot”, that is custom blended to your hair type. For example, I would try the “Extreme Shot” for distressed hair, described as a “concentrated dose of protein that fortifies chemically distressed hair and helps reinforce the internal fiber”. Kathy shared her talent and gave me an exceptional haircut.

For this wonderful experience, I paid $63, less $15 as a thank you extended to all first time visitors for a total of $48. Adding to the value of each service at Salon Kokopelli is a new program: Loyalty Rewards. I highly recommend checking into the Hydrafacial available at Salon Kokopelli’s Brielle location. It is a serum-based skin resurfacing system offering immediate results. Hydrafacial is a next generation dermabrasion, far more gentle than the old crystals and much more nourishing to the skin. This treatment is ideal for that instant glow we all want before a special event, but best results come with a series, addressing problems like lines, wrinkles, brown spots and acne.

Welcome to our new friends on Morris Avenue in Spring Lake. Stop by soon and just say hello.

Cosimo's new abstract paintings

Is there anyone in Spring Lake who doesn’t know about Café Artiste? Back in November of 2000, I was instructed to go for the soup. It was love at first sip. The recipe: mix together one part Dan Waters, who attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, London and Sydney and one part Cosimo Maiolini, hailing from Tuscany and by birthright feeds the soul. Then add one part Moises Nino, born in Mexico, with the most admirable work ethic on the planet. The trio have provided sustenance for Spring Lakers for just short of a decade. Their first location, across Third Avenue, had a distinct European feeling which traveled with them to its current location at 306 Morris Avenue, only steps from the clock tower.

Recently, I watched a public television interview with Thomas Keller, chef and owner of the renowned French Laundry restaurant. He was asked, “Where do you go for dinner?”. Mr. Keller replied that he visits the kitchens of friends, including Daniel Boulud’s while in New York City. He does not consult a menu but trusts them to bring the best they have to offer that day. This is precisely what happens at Café Artiste. No need to be famous here though, everyone is treated this way. Whether you are a regular or it’s a first visit, Cosimo (celebrity/psychic) knows what you want. Wait a moment, talk with a friend or make a new one and savor the whole experience.

Stashed away in separate bowls are mushrooms, artichokes, field greens salad, a blend of red beans and chick peas in a delectable sauce, then there is a choice of chicken, salmon and beef. All old world healthy. Cosimo surveys this display like an artist looks at his palette, and with minimal direction, prepares a dish just for me. Only one warning: if you are not hungry, really hungry, do not come here. Cosimo delivers his alchemy of large, satisfying portions, then tempts you with a spoonful of tiramisu, which is difficult to resist – even for an avowed “no-dessert-for-me” person.

In addition to an eclectic mix of music, you will be entertained by the exchanges between Moises, Cosimo and sometimes Dan which become more animated and segue into an hybrid Ital- Spanish during busy times. This is when you want to enjoy the works of local artists that cover the walls. Every once in awhile, you may be fortunate to see one of Cosimo’s paintings – land- scapes that are full of light and reflect his life in Tuscany.

Each of the Café Artiste partners does a bit of moonlighting. Dan’s Kitchen, at 524 Brighton offers catering, party planning and cooking classes. Cosimo can be found at the new Nicchio Ristorante (a product of Mossuto’s) in Belmar on weekend evenings. Phone (732) 449-7665 for details. Café Artiste is open for breakfast and lunch everyday. Phone the café for more information (732) 974-3433.