Founded in February 2008 by Victor Stabin and his wife Joan, The Carbon County Cultural Project (CCCP) has truly become a premiere locavore destination in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Formerly a wireworks factory c. 1850, the space consists of three galleries, a “thing” shop, a farm-to-table organic cuisine restaurant and pub. Visitors to The CCCP will agree that there is plenty of local flavor to “ponder, explore & sample” under one roof. Stabin, a renowned illustrator and fine artist, found his way to the small mountain town of Jim Thorpe while still dating Joan. At the time working as the Director of Internet for Reuter’s in New York City, Joan felt the Jim Thorpe row house to be a perfect escape from the hectic pace of the city and corporate America. After battling cancer, Stabin decided he would leave the commute behind and stay in Jim Thorpe joined by Joan, who felt as though she had gone as far as she could in the corporate world. Together they have created a feast for the senses up a winding road in Jim Thorpe where the sights, sounds and smells within the building invite you to stay and relax. The zoning process was difficult, but guided by the philosophy of “let the building tell us what to do,” the couple hired a “Motley-Artist Crew” of workers that helped to make the amazing space of The CCCP come to life. Stabin reminisced and laughed about having to teach “spackling 101” at one point during construction. What started from the idea of a gallery space quickly turned in to a special place open to all.
FOOD
Knowing the gallery would always have shows and openings that required catering, the couple decided to create their own restaurant and pub to accommodate the need. “If we were going to create a restaurant,” Stabin said, “it might as well be really good.” And really good FLOW is. Featuring organic farm-to-table cuisine for lunch and dinner, the chefs prepare each meal with a rustic simplicity. Executive Chef Nate Weida, Sous Chef Austin Hollis and Lunch Cook Adrianna Gritz, source the best local ingredients to bring to table. Stabin said, “Trattoria 903 used to have the best lunch in the area, but now that Adrianna Gritz has come to FLOW, we have the best lunch.” House-made Apple Tree Dairy Chevre Potato Pierogies and Friendly Farms Free Range Chicken Breast served with Friendly Farms Corn Risotto, Grilled Kauffman’s Farms White Peaches and Foie Gras Butter make up just a sampling of the small, but confident menu. Main courses range in price from $10.00 (for the Starving Artists Special, of course) to $28.00. Reservations are accepted with early bookings suggested, especially on weekends.l Call 570.325.8200 and ask for the table for two by the glass box overlooking the creek that “flows” through the restaurant... it’s my favorite.
Knowing the gallery would always have shows and openings that required catering, the couple decided to create their own restaurant and pub to accommodate the need. “If we were going to create a restaurant,” Stabin said, “it might as well be really good.” And really good FLOW is. Featuring organic farm-to-table cuisine for lunch and dinner, the chefs prepare each meal with a rustic simplicity. Executive Chef Nate Weida, Sous Chef Austin Hollis and Lunch Cook Adrianna Gritz, source the best local ingredients to bring to table. Stabin said, “Trattoria 903 used to have the best lunch in the area, but now that Adrianna Gritz has come to FLOW, we have the best lunch.” House-made Apple Tree Dairy Chevre Potato Pierogies and Friendly Farms Free Range Chicken Breast served with Friendly Farms Corn Risotto, Grilled Kauffman’s Farms White Peaches and Foie Gras Butter make up just a sampling of the small, but confident menu. Main courses range in price from $10.00 (for the Starving Artists Special, of course) to $28.00. Reservations are accepted with early bookings suggested, especially on weekends.l Call 570.325.8200 and ask for the table for two by the glass box overlooking the creek that “flows” through the restaurant... it’s my favorite.
ART
Stabin’s artworks have appeared in major publications such as Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, Rolling Stone and have also appeared on more than a dozen postage stamps commissioned by the USPS. His recent Turtle Series was inspired by a snorkeling trip in the Caribbean, during which Stabin swam with a sea turtle for 30 minutes. When the turtle left his side, Stabin felt a sense of longing. The Turtle Series paintings hope to represent and nuture the relationship between man and animal, with 10% of sales benefitting the Audubon Society. The limited edition prints are housed in the Stabin Morykin main gallery. The Dynasty Gallery houses the work of Skyler & Arielle Stabin, daughter’s of Victor and Joan, who show their art and are a part of the sales process. At only five and seven years old the girls are already learning the business. Named after its first contributor Marshall Arisman, the Arisman Gallery showcases new work by predominant mid-career artists. Currently showing is the photography exhibit of Tom Storm, “World in a Bubble.” The “Thing Shop” acts as a gift shop of sorts and brims with all-things Stabin; there his cards, books and small prints are available for sale. The CCCP has plans for a flexible performance space debuting in 2011, the Hiatt Center will offer rotating shows in the venue. Visit the gallery online @ TheCCCP.org
Stabin’s artworks have appeared in major publications such as Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, Rolling Stone and have also appeared on more than a dozen postage stamps commissioned by the USPS. His recent Turtle Series was inspired by a snorkeling trip in the Caribbean, during which Stabin swam with a sea turtle for 30 minutes. When the turtle left his side, Stabin felt a sense of longing. The Turtle Series paintings hope to represent and nuture the relationship between man and animal, with 10% of sales benefitting the Audubon Society. The limited edition prints are housed in the Stabin Morykin main gallery. The Dynasty Gallery houses the work of Skyler & Arielle Stabin, daughter’s of Victor and Joan, who show their art and are a part of the sales process. At only five and seven years old the girls are already learning the business. Named after its first contributor Marshall Arisman, the Arisman Gallery showcases new work by predominant mid-career artists. Currently showing is the photography exhibit of Tom Storm, “World in a Bubble.” The “Thing Shop” acts as a gift shop of sorts and brims with all-things Stabin; there his cards, books and small prints are available for sale. The CCCP has plans for a flexible performance space debuting in 2011, the Hiatt Center will offer rotating shows in the venue. Visit the gallery online @ TheCCCP.org
DRINK
The Carbon County Cultural Pub serves a delightful list of fine wine and artisanal beer. The pub also shows off a private label wine available for purchase by the bottle. Each sip on the list pairs with a bite on the menu, foodies rejoice.
The Carbon County Cultural Pub serves a delightful list of fine wine and artisanal beer. The pub also shows off a private label wine available for purchase by the bottle. Each sip on the list pairs with a bite on the menu, foodies rejoice.
