The Backup Plan January 2014

Driving

Driving is not simply an act, it is a skill.   Most adults can drive a car, especially after some rudimentary training and practice, but not everyone can drive a car well.   Now if you factor in some bad weather, a larger then normal vehicle, time constraints and or severe traffic conditions your abilities are really put to the test.  That’s why at All Star Limousine we hire and train only the best and most qualified individuals as our chauffeurs. 

To be a good, safe and reliable driver takes talent.  People often misunderstand the professionalism involved in proper driving, or the talent needed to be a true chauffeur.   All Star trains, screens and vets all of their drivers extensively, we employ and dispatch only the very best.   Traveling on long Island and in New York can be stressful and trying even in the most optimal conditions, when weather, time and traffic are factored in you need someone who is a professional behind the wheel. 

A good example is snow.  This year has been bad with the extensive snowfall we have been experiencing in New York.  All Star Limousine does not shut down, we do not cancel, we are there on time every time and when we say we are going to pick you up we don’t let you down.   The gentlemen we send are experienced, trained chauffeurs, their ability and professionalism is impressive and extraordinary.  They are there on time without issue because they know how to do their jobs.  These gentlemen know the roads best to take in bad weather, preventative maintenance on the vehicles and real time traffic tracking software help to facilitate the process in a snow storm, and being practiced and cautious are the best ways to handle a vehicle on icy roads.

Ultimately it comes down to the difference between drivers and chauffeurs, some companies simply employ drivers, All Star employs chauffeurs.  These men and women are simply the very best.  They are masters of their craft because we know that when you book with All Star that is what you are expecting and that is what we deliver.  Be safe out their on those icy roads and know that if you ever need a ride All Star Limousine is available 24/7/365 without exception.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

3 Great Restaurants Near Newark International Airport

Newark International Airport in Newark New Jersey is a massive complex.   With over 30 airlines operating non-stop and a flight cap of 81 flights per hour (put in place in 2008 due to the over whelming traffic volume) Newark International is second in the world in terms of passenger traffic and first in the world in terms of total flight operations.  As you may imagine this HUB is incredibly busy.  Because of the phenomenal amount of traffic this airport sees they have several great places to eat and dine located right within the facility.   Places like Grand Central Oyster Bar and Vino Volo are located right in terminal C they are excellent places to stop in after a long flight and grab a quick bite or glass of wine.  But if your interested in a more traditional dining experience check out these three great restaurants located within five miles of Newark International Airport.

Spanish Tavern.   Spanish Tavern is located just 4 miles from Newark International in Northern Jersey.  This Zagat rated restaurant serves fine Spanish cuisine and wines and there food is as great as their service.  Offering lunch, dinner and even a to go menu Spanish Tavern also provides free round trip service Mondays thru Fridays from 5:00pm to 10:00pm to all Newark Airport Hotels.

Don Pepe’s Restaurant.  Another incredible restaurant located less then 5 miles from Newark International Don Pepe’s offers a fantastic selection of mouth watering classic American dishes.  From steaks to shellfish Don Pepe’s offers up an incredible menu of Aged Beef, Broiled Sirloin and delectable seafood.   The Ambiance in Don Pepe’s is formal fine dining in a very traditional and elegant style.  After that Filet Minion or Lobster tail be sure to check out the amazing wine list!

Sol-Mar Restaurant and Marisqueira is also less then 5 miles from Newark International and is located in the center of Newark’s Ironbound.  The Ironbound neighborhood has recently gained renown for some of the culinary gems being discovered within.  Sol-Mar is Zagat rated and serves up some of the best Portuguese cuisine this side of the Mediterranean.  Sit and relax in the Via Nova Sol-Mar gorgeous dining room, or, if the weathers right, dine outdoors in their sidewalk café.  Sol-Mar also offers free shuttle services to all area hotels as well as some of the more traffic heavy locations in the area like Penn Station and RedBull Stadium.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Social Proof

Social proof is not exactly a new term but for the purposes of this discussion the most recent meaning of Social Proof has only been introduced within about the last decade or so.  Like many terms or phrases the words social proof can mean many things, today we are going to talk about the term social proof in so far as its meaning of lending authenticity or legitimacy though affirmations of users and clients typically in the form or digital testimonials.  Examples such as likes or shares through the more popular social media platforms and or reviews left on third party sites like Yelp or Google.

Really social proof is all about credibility.  When a potential client clicks on your website and sees video or written testimonials (video testimonials are the best) it shows that potential client that your business is reputable or that others have used your services and been satisfied.   This is social proof, the affirmation or endorsement by a credible or unbiased source.  Social proof is the marketing tool of the digital age and studies have shown substantially increased conversion rates due to higher levels of social proof.

There are many ways to increase a company’s social proof.  Some of the simpler and more easily attainable are gaining “likes”, “plus 1’s” or “followers” via the more heavily trafficked social media platforms like Google plus, Facebook and Twitter.  Another way to increase credibility is to work on your SEO or search engine optimization.  One of the best and most authentic ways of increasing social proof is to have video testimonials imbedded into your website, real clients that have had positive experiences and who are willing to share their opinions and feelings.

Now once you have that social proof it is important to make the most out of it.  Make sure you showcase it on your website and any other relevant platform.  Let people know what others have said about you, show them the proof.  Its one thing to be able to get those Facebook likes its another thing to be able to use them properly.

So social proof today is about building that digital reputation through user affirmation.  There are several ways to gain that coveted social proof, SEO, social media and client reviews are just a few, see what works best for you or try them all.  Then once you have that proof use it, its worth nothing if your not making the most of it.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick

Wedding Traditions

We have all heard of them and probably have a decent idea about a few of them but what are the real wedding traditions?   Things have changed significantly since the first marriage, the ceremony of matrimony dates back to ancient times all the way back to the Celtics and the Greeks.  The modern incarnation of the wedding began to manifest fully somewhere around the middle of the 1400’s.  Again much has changed since this time.  Many things have effected these changes, chief amongst them technology, practicality and the advances made in communication and transportation.

Originally marriage was more about protection, procreation and religious beliefs then it was about love.  The reasons, ceremonies and traditions of marriage vary greatly across cultures and time but one thing remains a constant, it is the bond (usually and originally) for life between two individuals formed before the eyes of their loved ones and God (Gods).  For us westerners some of the traditions we may be familiar with include; the bride wearing white (to symbolize purity), the groom proposing with a ring (a tradition first established in 1477 when Mary of Burgundy was presented a diamond by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria), and the saying something old something new, something borrowed and something blue (stems from an Old English rhyme having to do with good luck) and these are just a few.

Today we like to believe that marriage has to do primarily with love as opposed to practicality.  Many of the traditions we know are still honored, some have changed and some have been forgotten over time.  The bride usually still wears white, vows are usually still recited and the tradition of proposing with a ring is one that seems to be a main stay in western society.   Remember though traditions are a guideline, they are not the rule, make sure you are doing what you want and what will make you happy, it is after all your day.

Whatever you believe or wherever you are from most of us adhere to some form of custom or tradition.  Things change however and what may have been done in the generation of our grandparents may not be what is done today.  Remember your marriage is about you, do what makes you and your significant other happy, traditions may come and go but your marriage should be forever.

All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!

by Jarrad Kulick