The Asbury Book Cooperative is interested in being more than just an independent bookstore. The ABC also seeks to be a strong partner in the overall community of Asbury Park, said board member Michael Connolly.
Some time ago, Connolly developed the concept of creating a calendar entitled “Asbury’s Best Cocktails” to show support for the local bar and restaurant community which had such a rough time in 2020. The calendar is designed to remind everyone to support these establishments throughout 2021.
Members of the cooperative involved photographers and a local artist in creating the calendar. They also spoke with nearly 100 small business owners in the Asbury Park community. So many supported the project by purchasing ads to defray our printing costs and agreeing to sell the calendar in their stores.
It truly is a community project and the ABC’s first in-house publication, Connolly said. This is truly a homegrown, grassroots, labor of love to show support for our bar and restaurant community in very trying times. It was created by local artists to rally for a great local bookstore and the amazing community of Asbury Park as a whole.
Each month of the calendar features a photograph of a signature cocktail from a different local establishment. The calendar also includes the drink recipe and additional pictures of the featured establishment. As many photographers were involved, the calendar has an eclectic style, with each month having a different look and feel thereby reflecting the diversity of Asbury Park.
The calendar also includes coupons from most of the featured establishments and several local businesses. The coupons offer generous discounts on meals, free deserts, drink specials, and other offers. The ABC also includes coupons for a free book with another purchase. The calendar pays for itself thanks to the coupons.
The project was put together by Connolly along with assistance from Debbie Furman Zimmerman, Louise Millmann, Patricia Skea, Drew Alexander, Kevin Cooper, and Adelle Marcero.
The calendar are $20 each and will be on sale at various locations in Asbury Park (including the bookstore located on Cookman Avenue) and can be ordered online using this link: https://www.asburybookcoop.org/abc-cocktail-calendar-2021
