SAG/AFTRA California Representation:
Management - Theatrical,  777 Group,
     Marcello Robinson, 424.288.0492
Commercial - Xpose Entertainment, Inc
     Veronica,  626.240.4674

Andy Prescott, Actor


Andy Prescott
Photo by Elizabeth Ige, Los Angeles, CA








Andy Prescott
Photo by Dave Bass, Hollywood, CA
http://www.greatphotos.me












Andy Prescott
Photo by Theo and Juliet Photography,  Santa Monica, CA










Andy Prescott
Photo by Theo and Juliet Photography,  Santa Monica, CA









Andy Prescott
Photo by Bill Zasadil, Los Angeles, CA
















HERE IS ANDY'S LA STORY...

   
  Andy Prescott was in Los Angeles, California for the first few weeks of January 2007. He made it a very successful trip ... attending the International  Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) Convention in L.A., where many great industry connections were made.  The IMTA Convention
showcased talent from all over the world, and included competition in many theatrical categories. Andy Prescott earned high marks in many acting categories, but, most
importantly, he was selected for "call-backs" with six agencies. Andy  has received a management contract offer from one of those
"call-backs", starting with the 2007 television pilot season (Feb-Mar-Apr 2007), reading parts for many TV shows that are in the
planning stages for potential broadcast. That marked the beginning of Andy's acting career in Hollywood.

     After spending the 2010 Spring hiatus working an East Coast Piano Bar Reunion Tour, Andy returned to his Hollywood apartment on July 21, 2010, and looks forward to another great acting season in LA.


     Stay tuned!









Andy Prescott
Reflected in the departures screen at
PHL - Philadelphia International Airport
Photo by Gary H.






Andy Prescott
in his LA apartment

Photo by Pat P.




ANDY PRESCOTT
The Vermont Restaurant
Los Angeles, CA
Photo courtesy of The Vermont.

Bryan at The Vermont
wrote in his newsletter,
"What can you say about Andy except the audience
really loves him!"






ANDY PRESCOTT
The Piano Bar, Hollywood, CA
Photo by Anita & Bob B.







ANDY PRESCOTT
The Piano Bar, Hollywood, CA
Photo by Anita & Bob B.







Reciprocal Links:


                                                                  


In the PA, NJ, NYC, DE, MD area?
 
Single? Check out  
http://www.PBSNinfo.com/

Do you Own or Manage a

 Restaurant / Lounge in  Southeastern PA, or NJ, or DE?
 Want to talk about PBSN hosting    a Singles Night at your location?  

Please contact Gary H.,
Singles Event Host, at

GaryH4PBSN@aol.com

                                                                  
 




  reciprocal links end here.  



Andy Prescott appreciates
your support!




    PAID ADVERTISING:   



 
http://www.prescottins.com/




      paid ads end here        





Andy Prescott, Actor


Andy Prescott
Photo by Theo and Juliet Photography,  Santa Monica, CA













Andy Prescott
Photo by Theo and Juliet Photography,  Santa Monica, CA











Andy Prescott
Photo by Bill Zasadil, Los Angeles, CA








 Would email newsletters, delivered to your inbox, be good for you? It is easy, just send us an email, with the subject "add me to the list" ...

Andy4piano@aol.com

Keeping you posted on everything Andy Prescott!











JEST FOR FUN ...
 
Imagine: Whirled Peas.

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
 
Things were so different
before everything changed.
 
Change is inevitable in everything except a vending machine.

She was kicked out of band class for stealing ... she was caught taking notes.

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger... and then it hit me.

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.


To write with a broken pencil
is pointless.

Dead batteries were given out
free of charge.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.

You are stuck with your debt
if you can't budge it.

She broke into song because
she couldn't find the key.

He had a photographic memory which was never developed.















Andy Prescott's
Spring-into-Summer
East Coast Piano Bar Reunion Tour ...

May 5 - July 21, 2010



ANDY PRESCOTT
Bowman's Tavern,
New Hope, PA
Photo by Gary H.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Bowman's Tavern,
New Hope, PA
Photo courtesy of Bowman's.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Whitemarsh Valley Inn,
Lafayette Hill, PA
Photo by Michael M.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Whitemarsh Valley Inn,
Lafayette Hill, PA
Photo by Sharon G.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Dock's Oyster House,
Atlantic City, NJ
Photo courtesy of Dock's.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Dock's Oyster House,
Atlantic City, NJ
Photo courtesy of Dock's.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Baci Ristorante Italiano,
Buckingham, PA
Photo courtesy of Baci.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Washington Crossing Inn,
Washington Crossing, PA
Photo by Gary H.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Angelo's Sempre Famiglia,
Warminster, PA
Photo by Gary H.

____________________________
"We Will Miss You Andy!"
his East Coast fans proclaimed,
as Andy headed to Los Angeles ...


Grand Piano Cake by Sandy G.
Photo by Gary H.

AND ... away he goes ...

Andy Prescott
About to board his flight to LAX from PHL
Photo by Gary H.



A FEW MORE RECENT
East Coast Venues of
ANDY PRESCOTT...


ANDY PRESCOTT
Castello's, North Wales, PA
Photo by Gary H.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Lime Light, Doylestown, PA
Photo by Jack M.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Lime Light, Doylestown, PA
Photo by Sue D.



ANDY PRESCOTT
Roberto's Trattoria, Erdenheim PA
Photo by Gary H.


AND...
We fondly remember
these former venues...

ANDY PRESCOTT
Cosmo Lounge, New Hope, PA
Photo by Gary H.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Fingers Piano Bar, Erdenheim, PA
Photo by Gary H.


ANDY PRESCOTT
Luigi's Ristorante, Warrington, PA
Photo by Gary H.


ANDY PRESCOTT
The Old Mill Inn, Hatboro, PA
Photo by Gary H.


ANDY PRESCOTT
The Piano Bar at 20th & Arch,
(aka Cascamorto),
Philadelphia, PA
Photo by Gary H.


and... ONE MORE
very special blast
from the past...
 

ANDY PRESCOTT
Odette's,  New Hope, PA
Photo by Jane A

If you enjoyed Odette's as much as we did, scroll down to read the history and new info about this beloved venue, complete with great pictures.
>>>


Odette's
New Hope, PA

Odette's Front View: June 2006


Odette's Rear View: June 2006


The Delaware River begins to pull back from its grip on Odette's: June 2006...


A few memories from the
Odette's that was...

Andy Prescott
Odette's Cabaret Theater Room
Photo by Top Guns Corp., Wynnewood, PA



ANDY PRESCOTT
Odette's Piano Bar, New Hope, PA
Photo by Jack M.

Odette's - Aerial View - 2007

Microsoft Virtual Earth Photo

A zoom-in on the above photo, and cropped to size ...

Odette's - Aerial View - 2007





Odette's - 2010
(South side view)
Photo by Jane A.


Proposed exterior of
The New Odette's...

FRONT VIEW ...
"The River House at Odette's"
... an artists rendering 


REAR VIEW ...
"The River House at Odette's"
...an artists rendering


River House

an old file photo seen recently in
Bucks Life Magazine.


The sign on this familiar
structure has
four lines ... and reads as follows:

River House
Dining Room
Guest Rooms
Bar

an old file photo, circa mid-1900's,
seen recently in Bucks Life Magazine.

Note: the original historical portion of "Odette's" is all we see above. On the left, other buildings sit on what would later become Odette's parking lot. Gary H.


Odette Myrtil Logan's
Chez Odette

Pub. by Mayard Clark, Lebanon, NJ
... this postcard image, circa 1960's ,
is from the private collection of Gary H.
Updated
Aug 28, 2010
 

  

 Hollywood...  Los Angeles...  New York City...  Philadelphia 
 A N D Y  P R E S C O T T  O N  T H E   W E S T  C O A S T

 
BREAKING NEWS...
Andy Prescott returns to
the East Coast in September,

for an extended Fall / Winter trip,
September 11 through Mid-January.

Now booking weekly gigs, or one night fill-ins.
ALSO, now booking private party events
for the Holidays. Contact: Andy4piano@aol.com
 
ENJOY...   a GRAND time at the piano
 
Andy Prescott's upcoming East Coast Schedule:
  • EVERY SATURDAY - Starting September 11 ... 7-11pm ...                   Baci Ristorante Italiano, Buckingham, PA
  • EVERY MONDAY - Starting September 13 ... 6-10pm ....                       Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA 
see you around the piano
 
Baci Ristorante Italiano
Rte 202 & Rte 413, Buckingham, PA 18912
215.794.7784
 
Every Saturday... starting 9/11/10,
Andy Prescott at the piano, 7-11pm

"Make every Saturday night a romantic evening with our new Piano Bar."

http://www.baciristorante.com/


Bowman's Tavern
1600 River Road, New Hope, PA 18938
215.862.2972
 
Every Monday ... starting 9/13/10,
Andy Prescott at the piano, 6-10pm
 
"Bowman's Tavern has a casual, comfort style cuisine."



Andy Prescott - in CA
Working in LA, Andy Prescott is seeking
Character Actor roles in television and film.

Meanwhile ... Andy is also seeking a few local piano bar gigs too! 

Watch for updates,
posted as news breaks.



Andy Prescott
at Dave Bass Studios, Hollywood, CA

...from the desk of Dave Bass:
"ANDY PRESCOTT has been recording some
hilarious voice & piano duets in my studio."
Dave Bass continues,
"A link to one of those videos is provided below.
Watch Andy Prescott
 singing
'I who have nothing' ... and being his usual hilarious self."


 
Andy Prescott - "I who have nothing" 

"Andy is SUCH a funny man!"

Dave Bass continues,
"SOMEONE needs to write him a character part on
a sitcom ... Andy OOOZES humor, (particularly when you
least expect), plus he's a nice guy, to boot."
 
Dave Bass - artist, recording engineer, producer.

Flight of The Doritos
Directed by Zach Guerra, casts Andy Prescott as
"Lawn Chair Guy #2" in a tailgating party scene.
 
This USC project commercial for Doritos is an entry in a contest
to get a commercial on the Superbowl. Filmed on Parking Lot D,
at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, on October 31, 2009.
 
Synopsis of the shoot:
A wayward "game-day-parking-lot-wide-receiver" crashes through
multiple tailgate parties in order to get to the object of his desire...
 
See Andy Prescott in this commercial:


Andy Prescott, on right, in: "Flight of The Doritos"
 
Andy Prescott co-stars in a Sketch Comedy Show:
LazRael Lison presents
KRAZY UNLEASHED
the #1 online sketch comedy show

     Andy Prescott is glad to be part of this new group of comedic actors, creating scenes and improvisations. Please follow links below to view some of the KRAZY UNLEASHED episodes from the First Season, and check back for new webisodes.

KRAZY UNLEASHED - Episode 7:
"Breaking News. Part 2 - What T.C. Saw"  6/02/09
with Andy Prescott in a lead role of "Henry" the liquor store robber #2
A robber with a heart? In this sequel, we see what T.C. actuallly
witnessed in Krazy Episode 2: Breaking News (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIDp30mxJlI
 

KRAZY UNLEASHED - Episode 4: "TC Goes to Therapy"  5/04/09
with Andy Prescott in the lead role of "Psychiatrist"
T.C., the homeless guy, walks into a therapist's
office and creates....oh you better watch it.


KRAZY UNLEASHED - Episode 8: "Wanna Dance...Let's Battle"  6/15/09
with Andy Prescott in a lead role of "Papa Timmy" the funny dancer.
The KU team shows off their best dance moves as
 they challenge you to a battle. Are you up to it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eks_Oepbr6U

KRAZY UNLEASHED - Episode 3: "Elevator Encounters"  4/27/09
with Andy Prescott in the role of an "Elevator Occupant"
Unexpected encounters happen in elevators leading to
awkward, funny and sometimes weird moments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anjEMklCNkU

KRAZY UNLEASHED - Episode 5: "Leading the Blind"  5/18/09
When Tucker, who is sight impaired, got a personal assistant as
a birthday gift from his friends, he thought his life would be easier.


 
Andy Prescott's opening credit in...
KRAZY UNLEASHED
Photo by Elizabeth Ige, Los Angeles, CA


     KRAZY UNLEASHED cast (from left to right): Andy Prescott, Eric Sweeney,
     Charles Allen (kneeling), Dave Johnson, Melissa Graham (kneeling), Sascha
     Stucky, Vincenza Blank, and Linda Kang. Missing from photo: Willis Turner.

For more details about the Krazy cast, please go to:
     KRAZY UNLEASHED is a comedy ensemble formed in Hollywood, California, whose goal is to deliver original comedy sketches to a worldwide audience through new media. Contents are free form comedic and artistic expressions of a collective group of professional actors, comedians, writers, cinematographers, directors and producers.
Presented by Gjenius Productions,
in collaboration with Stellar Pictures.
Executive Producer, Director: LazRael Lison
Producers: LazRael Lison, Bruce Montana
Creators: LazRael Lison, Bruce Montana, Eric Sweeney
Copyright © 2009

See Andy Prescott in
Tim & Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job!
on the Cartoon Network's
[Adult Swim]

Andy Prescott is a supporting actor in a
sketch comedy segment titled "Cigarette Juice."

Check out "Cigarette Juice" now on "[Adult Swim]" Video...
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a250595209f3f430120a044f34e004c



Andy Prescott ... in "Cigarette Juice"


Andy Prescott co-stars as "Milton"
in a USC thesis short film:
"Open Mic"
in the fictional setting of
"The Throne Room Café"
      "Open Mic" is the story of Sam Harvey, a bright-eyed musician who stumbles upon a surreal open mic night at the Throne Room Café, only to find that once you enter, there's no way out. At least not through any door. As Sam battles a bad case of stage fright, he joins the Throne Room's eccentric cast of crooners in an effort to outsmart the omniscient gatekeeper, Papa Joe. But in the end it is a disdainful barista named Isabel who helps Sam find his voice and discover a portal back to the real world.
      Milton (played by Andy Prescott) is the only regular who actually savors the soup du jour. It inspires him to write an entire notebook of songs. The only thing Milton loves more than soup is…Jenny. He loves her a lot. Mixed tapes a lot. Bathroom stall style graffiti a lot. He once managed to escape from the Throne Room, but girls on the outside just couldn’t compare. So he came back for round two, completely unaware that his behavior might strike some critics as stalker-esque.
 

“MILTON” played by Andy Prescott

   "MILTON" (Andy Prescott) approaches “JENNY” (Tracey Leigh)
 
Some of the cast of "OPEN MIC" clockwise from left: Andy Prescott, Missy Hairston,
Robert W. Evans, Mario Sellitti, Anup Sugunan.
 


Andy Prescott as the "Angry Marijuana Farmer"
in Blue Yonder Films:

"Jeffie Was Here"
Directed by Todd Edwards


Andy Prescott (left) and John Michael Herndon (right), flank Todd Edwards
(JEFFIE), as first-time actor Daisy admires the awesome Jeffie Shorts.


Sacramento Premiere Presentation
Friends in the Sacramento area saw
"Jeffie Was Here" - a feature film presentation by Todd Edwards
on April 24, 7pm, in the Sacremento Film Festival.
Go to: http://www.ncwfonline.org/april242010.html
 
Trailer now available on the above website.


Newport Beach Presentation
Friends in the Newport Beach area saw
"Jeffie Was Here" - in the Newport Beach Film Festival on
Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 pm.
 http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/

Los Angeles Presentation
was on Friday, April 30, 7pm.


Movie Poster: Jeffie Was Here
Running time is 109 Minutes.
 
Andy Prescott in Gjenius Productions,
"RIFT"
a sketch horror
 Directed by LazRael Lison


Andy Prescott in "RIFT" with co-star, Catherine Lyn Scott.

Filmed in April 2010, with Andy Prescott in the role of "Psycho"
Andy's character has six lines in one frightening scene:
a young girl is about to be murdered, as the sick and twisted
30ish "Psycho" circles around her.


http://www.gjeniusproductions.com/


Andy Prescott in USC short film,
 "Jurassic Park: The Musical".



Andy Prescott as "Mark"
In this photo, Mark (Andy Prescott) auditions for
the role of T-Rex in the movie "Jurassic Park: The Musical"


     Andy Prescott is working in Los Angeles, developing his acting career, and seeking acting work in movies, television shows and commercials.
     Andy Prescott completed the intermediate level classes at The Groundlings, a Los Angeles theater/school where they teach improvisation to professional actors.
     Andy Prescott's recent acting work includes ...
  • "April's Fools" --- an independent feature film, directed by Imani Shakur --- casts Andy Prescott in a lead role as "Alvin" filmed in May, 2009... Andy brought to life a seedy, creepy kind of guy named "Alvin" 
  • "Big Road" --- a LA Film Studies Center student film --- Peter Vertefeuille, Director --- casts Andy Prescott as "Grocery Store Manager" ... In February 2010, Andy was filmed in one scene, which was set in the store manager's office. "Big Road" is a short, about an old school truck driver who loses his license and must reconnect with his daughter, in a world where he feels increasingly obsolete. 
  • "Rift" --- a TV Sketch Horror --- Directed by LazRael Lison --- casts Andy Prescott as "Psycho" ... filmed in April 2010, Andy's character has six lines in one frightening scene: a young girl is about to be murdered, as the sick and twisted 30ish "Psycho" circles around her.
  • "Jeffie was Here" --- an independent movie, directed by Todd Edwards, produced by Blue Yonder Films, casts Andy Prescott in the part of "Angry Marijuana Farmer" with his scenes filmed in May, 2009. In the audition for this role, Andy did an improvisation as if the angry farmer was carrying a rifle and chasing after kids who were stealing his plants. The LA premiere of this 109 minute film ... April 30, 2010. 
  • "KRAZY UNLEASHED" --- a Sketch Comedy series by Gjenius Productions, in collaboration with Stellar Pictures, casts Andy Prescott in various ongoing roles, such as: "Elevator Occupant" (Episode 3), "Psychiatrist" (Episode 4 - lead role),  "Henry, liquor store robber #2" (Episode 7 - lead role), "Papa Timmy, the funny dancer" (Episode 8 - lead role) --- KRAZY UNLEASHED is currently presented as weekly webisodes, Monday nights on You-Tube. Andy is very excited about being on the world wide web as part of this new sketch comedy group. Andy's training in improvisation at The Groundlings School over the last year and a half has come in very handy. You have to be fearless creating characters and scenes.This sketch group will hopefully be a great way for Andy to be seen online playing a variety of funny characters. Ten episodes were planned in March/April, with more anticipated. Some links are at the top of this page, please follow each link and enjoy! 
  • "Flight of the Doritos" --- a USC TV Commercial, directed by Zach Guerra, casts Andy Prescott as "Lawn Chair Guy #2" in a tailgating party scene  ... a USC project commercial for Doritos: a contest entry to get a commercial on the Superbowl. The spot was filmed at Parking Lot D, at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, on October 31, 2009. 
  • "Grace Makes Haste" --- a New York Film Academy short movie --- casts Andy Prescott as "Funny Security Guard"... In April 2009, Andy was filmed in one scene playing a funny Security Guard. Andy gave it his all when a lady told him that her car was stolen, and Andy responds, "Not in my parking lot!"
  • "Jurassic Park: The Musical" --- a USC Short Film --- casts Andy Prescott as "Mark" ... At the end of the filming of another USC movie, Andy Prescott got an audition for this USC short film, "Jurassic Park: The Musical". Andy got the part of a guy named Mark who, in the movie, is auditioning for the role of the T-Rex. Mark is desperate to get the part because his parents say they will cut him off financially if he doesn't get a part soon. Perfect casting! Jurassic Park: The Musical was filmed on March 27, 2009.
  • "Open Mic" --- a USC thesis short film --- casts Andy Prescott as "Milton" ... In March, Andy Prescott got an audition for, and then got the part of Milton in a USC thesis short film called (of all things!) "Open Mic." Milton (Andy Prescott) is obsessed with, and writes many songs for a girl named Jenny at the open mic. Songs like: "I love soup, 'specially with grilled cheese. But I love Jenny more, she's got me on my knees." Milton also loves soup. Filming started March 17th, and wrapped March 21, 2009. We'll let you know when it comes out and you can hopefully see it somewhere.
  • "Donny Clay" --- Webisode of the series pilot --- casts Andy Prescott as "Family Man" ... Andy Prescott was selected, from all submitted photos, for a close background role in this project by Jason Alexander (best known for his role as "George Costanza" on Seinfeld), the star of this webisode. Filmed on Monday, 2/16/09, with Jason Alexander as "Donny Clay" ... this pilot webisode is the precursor for a TV Pilot. (A "webisode" is a short episode which airs initially as an Internet download or stream, as opposed to first airing on broadcast or cable television.)  Andy Prescott appears in the role of "Family Man" while Jason Alexander stars as "Donny Clay", an inspirational speaker like Tony Robbins, who, in the scene, points out to "Family Man" (Andy Prescott), that while "Family Man" considers himself a family man, he is really never home with his family ... out Monday nights for Monday Night Football, Tuesday nights he's out for poker, Wednesdays for something else...  Andy Prescott portrays a funny moment of realization when hearing this truth. If this show gets "picked up" and turned into a TV show, it could mean more work for Andy.
  • "Tim & Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job!" --- Cartoon Network's Adult Swim ... Andy Prescott is a supporting actor in a sketch comedy segment titled "Cigarette Juice" on the Cartoon Network. UPDATE: A link to this segment is now available on the web, and the link appears above on this page with a still from the segment.
  • "Criminal Minds" --- CBS Network ... Andy Prescott participated in the filming of an episode of "Criminal Minds" ... playing a background role of a "Clerk to a Desk Sergeant" in a police station... Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again.  
  • "Wizards of Waverly Place" --- A Disney Channel Original Series  ...  Andy Prescott was in an episode of the show "Wizards of Waverly Place" as one of fifteen wizards. The episode is titled "Alex in the middle." The Plot ... The Russos are a lot like the families in their Manhattan neighborhood with one significant difference …they come from a long line of wizards and now the three teens in the house – Justin, Alex and Max – must learn to hone their budding magical powers or soon risk losing them. "Wizards of Waverly Place," is a comedy series created and executive-produced by Todd Greenwald ("Hannah Montana") and executive-produced by Peter Murietta ("Greetings from Tucson," "Hope & Faith").  


   Hollywood...  Los Angeles...  New York City...  Philadelphia    


ANDY PRESCOTT'S
RECENT EAST COAST VENUES appreciated your support, and welcome you back while Andy
is working in Hollywood...

Please mention andyprescott.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bowman's Tavern
1600 River Road, New Hope, PA 18938
215.862.2972
 
"Bowman's Tavern has a casual, comfort style cuisine."

 http://www.bowmanstavernrestaurant.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whitemarsh Valley Inn
474 Germantown Avenue, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610.941.0555

"Whitemarsh Valley Inn, where fine dining in a colonial setting
is aimed to please even the heartiest of appetites."

http://www.whitemarshvalleyinn.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dock's Oyster House
2405 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609.345.0092
 
"In 1897, Harry 'call me Dock' Dougherty opened Dock's Oyster House...
after several refurbishments and four generations of leadership,
Dock's still retains the charm for which it has always been known."

http://www.docksoysterhouse.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Baci Ristorante Italiano
Rte 202 & Rte 413, Buckingham, PA 18912
215.794.7784

"Make every Friday night a romantic evening with our new Piano Bar."

http://www.baciristorante.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Washington Crossing Inn
On Route 532 at Route 32 (River Road)
1295 General Washington Mem Blvd (Route 532)
Washington Crossing, PA 18977

215.493.3634  or  877.882.1776
  

"From daring attack to hospitable acts, the site of our
colonial style inn
holds
a significant place in America’s history."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angelo's Sempre Famiglia
Angelo's "Always Family" Italian Restaurant
41 York Road, Warminster, PA 18974
215.957.4777

"The home of spectacular Italian cuisine in a casual upscale atmosphere"

http://www.angelosusa.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andy Prescott's Spring-into-Summer
11-week, 2010 East Coast Piano Bar Reunion Tour!
 
  • Wed., May 5, Andy arrived in Philadelphia, from Hollywood
  • Fri., May 7, 7-10pm - Baci Ristorante Italiano, Buckingham, PA
  • Mon., May 10, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Sat., May 15, 8-11pm - Private Party
  • Mon., May 17, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Fri., May 21, 2-3pm - Private Party 
  • Sat., May 22, 1-4pm - Private Party
  • Sun., May 23,  1-3pm - Private Party
  • Mon., May 24, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., May 26, 6:30-10pm - Angelo's, Warminster, PA
  • Fri, May 28, 7-10pm - Baci Ristorante Italiano, Buckingham, PA
  • Mon., May 31, OFF - Happy Memorial Day!
  • Fri., June 4, 10am-12noon - Private Party
  • Sat., June 5, 6-10:30pm - Dock's Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Mon., June 7, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., June 9, Angelo's, Warminster, PA CANCELED at very last minute.
  • Fri., June 11, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Sat., June 12, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Mon., June 14, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., June 16, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Fri., June 18, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Sat., June 19, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Mon., June 21, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., June 23, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Thu, Jun 24, 6-10:30pm - Dock's Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Fri., June 25, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Sat., June 26, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Sun Jun 27 6:30-9:30p Washington Crossing Inn, WashCross, PA
  • Mon., June 28, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., June 30, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Thur, July 1, 6-10:30pm - Dock's Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Fri., July 2, 7-10pm - Baci Ristorante, Buckingham, PA
  • Fri., July 2, Road House Grille, Skippack, Pa  CANCELED the booking.
  • Sat., July 3, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Mon., July 5, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., July 7, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Thur, July 8, 6-10:30pm - Dock's Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Fri., July 9, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Sat., July 10, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Mon, July 12, 6-10pm - Bowman's Tavern, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., July 14 - Andy is OFF this night - tour extended One Week
  • Thur, July 15, 6-10:30pm - Dock's Oyster House, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Fri., July 16, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Sat., July 17, 7:30pm - Whitemarsh Valley Inn, Lafayette Hill, PA
  • Mon, July 19, 6-10pm - Bowman's Farewell Gig, New Hope, PA
  • Wed., July 21 - Andy departed Philadelphia, and arrived in Hollywood


TO ALL EAST COAST FRIENDS:


It was great to... see you around the piano

Thank you for your continued support!

We sure did have...
a GRAND time at the piano
Stay tuned for updates regarding his next tour!


We update this website regularly, SO ...

PLEASE BOOKMARK, AND VISIT AGAIN SOON.


Odette's
New Hope, PA

"Reopening remains on the menu for former restaurant..."

See the details near the bottom of this page!



Write to Andy Prescott at
Andy4piano@aol.com



Thank you to everyone attending September 2006 performances of 
Andy Prescott: About Face
A Dramatic Comedy About Plastic Surgery

Produced as part of the 2006 Philly Fringe festival.

     Andy presented eight performances of his play at Plays and Players Theater, during the first two weeks of September, and greatly appreciates your support!



Odette's
River Road, New Hope, PA

     Odette's (piano bar, cabaret theater room, and restaurant) was named one of the top ten venues of it's type in the United States, by USA Today. Odette's carries a rich history, and Andy Prescott is proud to have been an Odette's entertainer for over 15 years. One day, hopefully, he will have the chance to entertain there again someday... 


Odette's: 2006-2011 flood time line.
by Gary H.
  • 6/28/06 ... Odette's CLOSED, due to major flood. 
  • 6/29/06 ... Odette's reports six feet of water is expected throughout the first floor. Pianos (both of them) and other cabaret equipment are moved to higher ground, just in time, before flood waters entered the Piano Bar and Theater Room.
  • 6/29/06 ... Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Delaware River was expected to crest at some 14+ feet over flood stage level.
  • 7/01/06 ... Philadelphia Inquirer reports: "... Perhaps the worst damage was to Odette's, the venerable restaurant along the canal. Mud covered newly installed hardwood floors and carpeting. New windows were shattered by water pressure. Kitchen equipment lay in ruins, and drywall and insulation were soaked five feet up. Still, Lee and Marie Schwartz, who have owned Odette's for 21 years, hoped to rebuild and reopen in about six weeks. 'You know,' Marie Schwartz said, 'We could almost hire ourselves out as flooding consultants.' ..." (Marc Schogol, Inquirer Staff Writer).
  • 7/03/06 ... Odette's Cabaret website indicates the possibility of a LATE AUGUST reopening.
  • 7/14/06 ... An email update from Bob Egan said ... "Odette's is still closed due to June 28th's devastating flood. Expected re-opening is late August, 2006. Many thanks, for your concerns and support. We'll keep you up to date, and hope to see you all very soon. Sincerely, Bob Egan & the Barbone Family."
  • 7/15/06 ... A visit to Odette's today revealed a half-dozen emergency flood response trucks and trailers parked in the muddy parking lot ... 15" diameter flexible air ducts connect to the building in multiple places ... the other end connected to the trucks that pump hot treated air inside 24/7 ... it is like seeing your best friend connected to a ventilator. A 30-yard dumpster is bulging with debris. A peek in the windows reveals barren rooms, except for extractors and air handling equipment inside. Mud traces can be seen on the outside of the building, chest high on a tall man. BUT, this building is expected to be returned in a short time to again be one of our favorite venues..
  • 7/22/06 ... an email update from Bob Egan said ... "As of today, Odette's is still closed with no re-opening date set. This of course is due to June 28th's devastating flood - the third in only 20 months. Measures are being persued to prevent this level of damage for the future. With three floods this soon, it seems apparent that the time has come to act in a different manner and look into how Odette's can remain on it's lovely river setting. Stay tuned. Odette's WILL be back, and better-than-ever! A temporary space for the Cabaret is being worked on, and you'll be among the first to know when and where. We thank you for your support and concerns. Most sincerely, Bob Egan and The Barbone Family."
  • 8/2/06 ... a fundraiser for the "Cabaret at Odette's" was held by New York friends of Bob Egan, at Iridium Jazz Club, on Broadway at 51st, in NYC. Over 30 performers (including Andy Prescott) were rotated on stage during this FOUR HOUR cabaret show. Performers included all types of Cabaret, Jazz, Saloon, and Broadway talent, from New York City and from New Hope. Iridium is a great venue ... if you are in NYC, please check it out!
  • 8/14/06 ... Visiting Odette's building today, I discovered that the building is now off of the "ventilator" and is breathing on it's own! The muck and water-soaked debris has been cleaned out after the flood. An investigation of ways to protect the place from flooding so badly in future storms is still continuing, before interior repairs are completed.
  • 8/20/06 ... Bob Egan Entertainment released the following statement:  "Odette's, as we knew it, will sadly not be re-opening. Still, I hope to have better news soon-- of a new location for Odette's. It's my wish that Andy, George, Liz and I are all performing, once again, under the same roof. Meanwhile, some of the Cabaret shows will take place at the Stockton Inn (1 Main Street, Stockton, NJ 08559.) Many many thanks, for your support over the years, and for your good wishes through this rough time. Best to you always, Bob Egan, Bob Egan Entertainment, Inc. Producer of; Cabaret at Odette's.
  • 8/30/06 ... Bob Egan Entertainment released the following statement:  "I regret to say that Odette's will not be reopening, after the third flood in only 20 months time. Sad end to a wonderful 21 years there. Many thanks to all of you for your love and support over my time there. The Barbones - Marie, Lee, Diane, Marijane, David, and Mrs. B., miss all of you and asked me to extend their thanks and best wishes to all of you over the years. Sincerely, Bob Egan, Bob Egan Entertainment, Inc."
  • Fall 2006 ... Odette's property has been SOLD. 
  • 11/15/06 ... The famous piano from Odette's Piano Bar has been relocated to the NEW Bowman's Tavern, 2.2 miles South of Odette's on River Road. Check it out!
  • 4/01/07 ... NOTE: The link we have had for the former Odette's Piano Bar and Restaurant , has been removed from this page of our website, as their website is no longer functioning.
  • 4/29/07 ... BREAKING NEWS ... Bob Egan Entertainment writes ...  "Odette's will reopen.  Estimated reopening is late 2009, early 2010.   www.thenewodettes.com  will be up and running by summer.  No more information ... at this point."
  • 9/13/07 ... Bob Egan writes ... "A detailed presentation of the preliminary plans and architectural concepts for Odette's has been scheduled at next week's meeting of the New Hope Borough Council ... and what a plan! ... Odette's will hopefully rise again from the flood waters in the form of the original tavern, revival of the historic riverside Inn, and of course, the return of the cabaret! ... The ambitious plans anticipate not only elevating the historic building, but also restoring and reconstructing the surrounding state park and the original canal bridges!" NOTE: The meeting will start promptly at 7:30pm on September 19th, at the New Hope Solebury Upper Elementary School, 180 West Bridge Street, and all interested individuals are welcome to attend.
  • 9/21/07 ... in The Times of Trenton ... "Michael Amery unveiled a $6 million plan to resurrect the historic flood-ravaged Odette's restaurant and restore the canal in the area surrounding the building. Amery ... said his concept was to make Odette's a showcase gateway to New Hope. In a presentation to the borough council (on September 19th, 2007), Amery illustrated how the building would be elevated by 11½ feet, which is 1½ feet over the high-water mark set by the flood of 1955. The restaurant, situated next to the canal and overlooking the Delaware River, has been a favorite entertainment attraction since World War II and in the past 20 years was the site of a nationally known cabaret that drew Broadway stars. The 1794 structure, when restored, would sit on stilts with parking space under the building. 'It will be an English-style tavern, which it probably always was, an inn with 12 guest rooms, a cabaret and an apartment for a manager,' said Amery."
  • 10/25/07 ... by Jean Cervi in The Intelligencer and on phillyBurbs.com ...
         "The audience applauded ... Michael Amery's presentation on his plans to resurrect Odette's ... at the New Hope Chamber of Commerce (meeting on October 23rd) ... he began with photos of the historical structure and the many buildings surrounding it that have disappeared from the site over the years ... he pointed out that in 1955 the river was 3 feet higher than in the 100-year flood and that the flood of 2006 was actually 5 feet lower than the 1955 flood ... the $7 million to $8 million plan calls for raising the building 11 feet above flood level. Amery (said that) the elevation would not be noticeable from the road since Odette's presently sits 5 feet below the grade of River Road. The space under the building would provide parking for 96 vehicles. The plan includes elevating and restoring the original building plus constructing an English-style tavern and inn. All work done would include using the original stonework and murals. Colors and materials would be ... based on the original plans and what was typical in local bars and mills from the area during that era. The interior decor of the tavern would be much like the English taverns with smaller spaces to encourage interaction, multiple fireplaces and low ceilings with intimate lighting. There would also be a piano bar/restaurant. The inn would be a 12-room bed and breakfast with river views and a balcony 80 to 100 feet in length overlooking the river."
         "...The state owns all of the property surrounding Odette's. 'Step out the front door and you are on state property,' Amery said ... his plan, which includes the restoration and reconstruction of Odette's, would be funded privately while the restoration of the surrounding state-owned property would be publicly funded. The state has committed $1.5 million to the nearly $3 million project to clean out and restore the land around Odette's for a public state park. Restoration would include replacement of both the northern and southern bridges, cleaning out the canal in front of Odette's, reconstructing the factory lock gate, installing a new pedestrian bridge, and extending the towpath from the southern tip of New Hope to the state land surrounding Odette's ... if things go according to plan, the new Odette's would open in 2 1/2 years but work needs to begin by spring of 2008."   
         The complete article can be found at ...
  • 3/1/08 ... An artist rendering of the proposed exterior of The New Odette's became available, and is now shown at the bottom of this page. The original building (where the piano bar was located) is shown in white, with a black roof, in this drawing. Remember, it is proposed that the original building be elevated by 11 feet or so, and the rest is proposed new construction.
  • 5/31/08 ... After a brief discussion with Michael Amery, regarding Odette's, I created the following mock up to illustrate the new conceptual name for the old location ... it is  "The River House at Odette's" ... here is my rendering:
 
Created by Gary H. on 6/10/08,  using the former Odette's logo for illustration purposes only.
(Please read the history of Odette's below.) 

  • 6/15/08 ... The Bucks County Courier Times ..."Odette's plan gets warm reception" By FREDA R. SAVANA, The Intelligencer/Bucks County Courier Times

         New Hope's iconic cabaret may be back for its encore. An ambitious plan for the second act of Odette's would turn the River Road location into a riverside destination with a 200-seat banquet facility, 120-seat restaurant, 12-room inn, English-style tavern, small spa and, of course, a cabaret. Borough council gave owner Mike Amery a government equivalent of a standing ovation last week, offering unanimous approval to Amery's new southern gateway. “It was a very significant step forward,” said the retired corporate executive. Odette's closed in 2006 and was later bought by Amery after three floods ripped through the centuries old building that sits five feet below grade. Already two years in the planning, the project has the conceptual name The Riverhouse at Odette's.
         “We're going to get Odette's...we're going to get a cabaret,” said a clearly pleased Councilwoman Gerry Delevich after the vote. While Amery said he intends to reestablish the cabaret-style theatre so loved by the community within the new development, it will be more than that. Calling it a “small, eclectic performance venue,” Amery said the theatre will host children's magic shows, comedy acts and other special performances New Hope is known for.
         Much remains to be done before the project can begin, however. Still, Amery said work could start early next year. All the property surrounding the site is owned by the state, a fact that has complicated the project but will also add to its overall natural beauty. Pennsylvania has committed millions of dollars to clean and restore the property around Odette's for a public state park and Amery intends to elevate the building 11 feet, adding a deck to enhance what he called, “one of the most dramatic views of the river for miles.” He credited the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with being extremely cooperative, as the project includes restoring two historic bridges that cross the Delaware Canal, reconstructing the waterway's factory lock gate, installing a pedestrian bridge and extending the towpath from the southern tip of New Hope to the state land surrounding Odette's. Amery sees the towpath illuminated with period lighting too. Enthusiastic and passionate about his project, Amery believes it will be a shot in the arm for the town's business and arts communities. He said it will be a multi-million dollar project but declined to be specific about the cost. “I do believe it's critical to the evolution of New Hope. It will be a magnet, attracting investment into the historical district.” Delevich, along with her fellow council members, agrees. “It will do a great deal for the vitality of the borough. We would like to see it move along.”   
    http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-06152008-1549352.html

  • 6/23/08 ... BUCKS LIFE MAGAZINE ... "Back in a very big way" by Scott Edwards.  
    Closed since being ravaged for a third time in less than two years by flooding, Odette’s has become a symbol of the way the tide has turned in weary New Hope. But ambitious plans for its revival could spark renewed interest –and investment. Long before the Pennsylvania Impressionists discovered the Phillips’ Mill and nearby New Hope, there was the River House, which is better known today as its most recent existence, Odette’s.
     
    The River House predates even the canal. It was built in 1794 as a private home for the Van Sant family, about 40 years before Delaware Canal came into existence and essentially converted the property that the estate sat upon into a manmade island. The stone house that  comprises the core of the former Odette’s is the lone remnant of that estate, which once was comprised of several large structures.

    But, as with many structures around New Hope, it wasn’t the history that tugged at the heart strings of longtime locals when the building went deep underwater during each of three major floods over a nearly two-year span between 2004 and 2006. At least not the aforementioned history, of which very few have a comprehensive knowledge. Many, however, are familiar with its more recent history and the wildly flamboyant woman who set it all in motion, Odette Myrtil.

    Myrtil opened Chez Odette’s in the early sixties, a time when New Hope found itself at the center of a star-studded universe. The Bucks County Playhouse was a testing ground for potential Broadway productions, and it drew some of the biggest actors at the time to the tiny riverside town. When the shows let out, those celebrities typically headed for either the Canal House on Mechanic Street or Chez Odette’s, where the cocktails flowed freely and the sing-alongs around the piano extended deep into the night.

    Odette’s became synonymous with entertainment in that moment and remained so long after Myrtil’s death thanks in large part to local piano man Bob Egan, who operated the highly regarded cabaret theater at the restaurant for nearly 20 years.

    Today, though, Odette’s is more commonly referred to in the context of an ongoing debate on the cause of the recent rash of flooding. The restaurant was renovated and reopened after each of the first two floods. But the Barbone family, which had owned Odette’s since 1985, decided the third was too much to bear. It was promptly put up for sale and has sat vacant since.

    In that two-year span, Odette’s, in part because of its prime location at the south end of town and because of the vibrant social scene it once was, has developed into a symbol of sorts for the state of life in New Hope. Residents and businessowners picked up the pieces relatively quickly after each flood, all determined to put the most recent catastrophe behind them and move forward. But something was off. Business seemed to rebound a little less completely each time. Residents determined to sport confident facades couldn’t help but wonder when the river would rise again. It was no longer a question of if. And there, just by the “Welcome to New Hope” sign sat Odette’s, arguably the hardest hit property on either side of the river.

    For those passing through, it appeared simply to be closed for the day. But, for those who knew, it was rotting from the basement on up.

    In February 2007, local innkeeper and retired corporate executive Michael Amery made an offer and ignited the first flickers of hope. 

    Amery’s plan is not simply to renovate and reopen Odette’s. It’s been done before, and it proved to be rather shortsighted. His perspective is settled on the long-term, though the acts that will be required to get from the present point to that day are ambitious, if not downright miraculous.

    For starters, the building will be elevated 11-and-a-half feet. Two disclaimers: First, this is not a random number. Amery has become as well-researched on the nuances of flooding along the Delaware as anyone, but more on that in a bit. Second, by “building” I mean a dramatically new structure that ultimately will be 35,400 square feet, more than three-and-a-half times the size of the current Odette’s.

    It would be too easy to read that and think that Amery is overreaching. But this is a man determined to do right by the town, first and foremost. The attention that’s been devoted to ensuring that even the most nondescript details are accurate is impressive. Amery has spent the better part of the last year-and-a-half uncovering photos of the property through various points in history and presenting his ideas and eventually his renderings at every opportunity, to neighbors of the property, to the chamber of commerce, to government agencies.

    “The idea was to let me put up some nice stone building that maybe matches Odette’s,” Amery says. “Absolutely not. [The Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission and other involved agencies] do not want you to do that. First of all, you can never do it so that it looks correct. Secondly, if you do it, it really takes away from the historic building. So, what they want is some sort of appropriate (replacement).”

    Amery visited the Prallsville Mill in Stockton, NJ, and gleaned ideas from it because the building, he said, was built in the same year as the River House. “We’ve looked at the roof angles and the window structure,” Amery says. “So this represents something, which is why it’s big.”

    As with the current arrangement, the River House comprises the heart of Amery’s plans. The historical nature of the property will be played up in the streetfront view, which includes a two-story glass-enclosed room, of which the south side of the River House comprises one of two nontransparent walls.

    The riverfront side of the building, though, on which the River House is not visible, provides a completely contrasting perspective. Amery says he was encouraged by New Hope’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) to be more adventurous with the design there. The look is boldly more contemporary. A large deck that spans two-thirds of the length of the building overhangs the canal. Much of the three stories of the riverfront wall is comprised of balconies and windows, including a dramatic two-story glass roof that appears to exist more as an artistic expression than as serving any functional purpose. Project designer Ian Smith of BKT Architects says they accepted HARB’s challenge as an opportunity to “respond to the river,”which, he says, was one of his leading influences for the look of the building.

    “If you think about New Hope and how different it looks in different parts of the town, this is what we’re trying to achieve with that type of look,” says Ed Duffy, a nearly 30-year New Hope resident and the New Hope Borough Council HARB liaison. “Okay, let’s preserve the historical aspects, but let’s do something contemporary too that moves the property on to bigger and better things.”

    The new Odette’s, which Amery plans to rename the Riverhouse at Odette’s as an homage to both aspects of the property’s history, will feature an English-style tavern, a 12-room inn and a banquet hall, which Amery says is essential – more so than the other components – to making this a financially stable if not even profitable operation. A press release he began circulating shortly after acquiring Odette’s in 2007 put the price tag for the project at around $4 million. It now appears closer to $12 million, according to Amery.

    “The thing is, it’s not voodoo economics. It’s real,” Amery says. “You’ve got major costs. I’m into it for a half-million already. You have major, major costs in just getting it done, in getting the foundations in place, in elevating the building. If all you’re going to do is put in another 10,000 feet, you couldn’t do it. You couldn’t pay the bills. It’s just not economically viable. With this, it should pay back in about five years with a fairly aggressive – actually, I should say fairly conservative projections.”

    Amery is, as of June, the lone investor in the project, though he plans to court others once all of the necessary approvals are in place – it was expected to go before New Hope Borough Council for final approval in June –and the economy started to show signs of ending its downward spiral. He had hoped to break ground before the end of the year. A more realistic goal, he said in June, is March. If that happens, he expects construction to be finished by the summer of 2010.

    When asked how many investors he’d like to involve, Amery says, “The fewer the better.” For the time being, he’s willing to perform alone the impossible task of navigating the endless government agencies whose approvals are essential to bringing such a plan to fruition. The land on which Odette’s sits is owned by the state, which Amery already has lured into making a $1.5 to $3 million commitment to reconstruct the nearby canal and associated bridges. Amery says he would never have considered the project without the state’s willingness to rebuild the grounds. “If I couldn’t get some traction for the surrounding area, I probably would never have done the project,” he says. “Who would ever want to build a palace in the middle of a bomb site?”

    Odette’s patrons were known for being a forgiving lot. The building was far from pristine even before it was ravaged by the recent flooding. Egan says a dirt craw space under the cabaret room made it a constant struggle to keep his piano in tune. Once, he was asked by then owner Rocky Barbone to discourage guests from getting up and dancing because the wood floor noticeably bowed under the pressure of some enthusiastic leg kicks. But everyone, including Egan himself, seemed willing to look past the nuances because they were part of the character of the place.

    Amery understands that. He was a loyal patron of the place long before he made his first offer to buy it after the second flood (which was rejected). “Let me put it this way,” he says, “I wouldn’t be here if it didn’t have history. I’m not interested in building a restaurant. That has never been my objective. Odette’s is better known than the name New Hope. It is the basis of a cultural history. And that is the piece that I think is going to make this really happen.”

    That said, this will not be the Odette’s of old. Amery is interested in capturing the essence of the famed restaurant’s vibe, of keeping it the type of place where bartenders and waitresses are encouraged to come out of the woodwork and perform. But that’s where it ends. “We need to be realistic about what it is we’re trying to restore,” Amery says. “I want to keep as much as I can of the walls and that feel in the old part, and, in many ways, to replicate it in the extensions that we’re adding on. But it’s going to be different.”

    Amery already has made sure that Egan is integrally involved in the planning, though his role has yet to be specifically defined. In the vein of remaining connected with the past, but using it as a catalyst for a new age at Odette’s, Egan and Amery have begun discussing general concepts for the entertainment end of the operation. There will, of course, be cabaret, but the menu will be far more expansive than that. They see the new Odette’s as the ideal venue for a range of performances, from flamenco dancing to vaudeville acts, which is a direction that Egan says he always hoped to take Odette’s prior to the floods but never found the opportunity.

    “I always felt that we could only do so much there because of the situation. It was limited,” says Egan, who expects nothing to be lost with diversifying the acts. “I wouldn’t want to do any one type of music seven nights a week anyway. What we had at Odette’s was a mini center for entertainment. There was always a buzz, there was always something going on.”

    The threat of future flooding is never downplayed in any conversation surrounding the future of Odette’s. In a day, however, when development is largely discouraged throughout Bucks County along the river, the overwhelmingly positive reception that Amery and his plans have been greeted with at almost every turn is also not to be downplayed. “He’s presented to HARB, to council, to everything,” Duffy says. “I mean to all of our different boards. And they all loved it and they all fully supported it. What he’s proposing should happen, as far as I am concerned.”

    Amery is constantly aware of setting a dangerous precedent with this project, with potentially opening the doors to a rash of riverside development. Duffy, though, says that Amery’s plans are indicative of the direction that local officials would like to steer future construction along the river in New Hope. “His project’s going to be a definite example of how to work in a flood plane, raise a building, make it functional, but yet keep the integrity of the history and the surrounding area intact,”he says.

    As I mentioned, the 11-and-a-half feet that Odette’s will be elevated is not a random figure. Ask whether that will be enough and Amery will tell you that there has been significant flooding in New Hope in eight different months, spanning all seasons. He will tell you that the flood of 1903 may have wiped out the bridge that connected New Hope to Lambertville, NJ, at the time, but it still fell far short of the flood of 1955, which is widely considered the worst to hit the region in the modern day. It exceeded the 100-year flood plane, even though, according to Amery, that designation was not defined by FEMA until some 40 years later.

    So, that is his reference point, not a height singled out by the government. The first floor of the new Odette’s will sit several inches above the height at which the flood of ’55 crested at that location. “Are there any absolutes in life? No,” says Brian Tracy, the owner of BKT Architects, the firm handling the project’s design. “Do we think this is a sensible use of money and resources? Absolutely. This is Mike Amery thinking ahead, thinking bigger. Codes are minimal. Flood plane elevation requirements by FEMA are minimal. We’ve gone above and beyond. We’re not just drawing the pictures because somebody asked us to. We do believe it’s a responsible approach to developing the site.”

    Amery believes the ramifications of his proposals extend far beyond the actualization of one man’s dream. Practically speaking, any number of parties both in and outside of New Hope are waiting to see whether to see he can actually pull this off. He has become their guinea pig. Should he succeed, it could open New Hope up to an influx of renewed interest – and investment. “Stepping up and looking at it from 20,000 feet, you’ve really got to look at New Hope and the way in which New Hope is evolving,” Amery says. “There’s been a lot of people holding back on the investments because of the three floods in two years. (The new Odette’s is) something that everyone realizes they need. It’s going to be a foundation for the future. It’s that big. It sounds very dramatic, but that’s the way people see it. It’s iconic.”

    At one point during our first meeting, Amery shares a funny aside. We’re discussing the ebb and flow of Odette’s over the years, including a rather tough stretch of several years after Myrtil died. This is not the first time that Odette’s was down and out, but the last two years, at least before Amery produced his first renderings, may have been its lowest point. Amery then confesses that he fields two to three calls for dinner reservations a day. He had the phone number for Odette’s forwarded to his BlackBerry. Even funnier, some of the calls come from locals who should know better.

    Not entirely believing him, the interview moves on only to be interrupted several minutes later by his ringing BlackBerry. He answers hello and then smiles at me before launching into a brief explanation to the person on the other end as to why he would not be able to grant a 6:30 p.m. reservation, at least not tonight.

    Amery takes every one of those calls, careful not to overlook a single potential customer, even, as was the case this particular time, his incredibly ambitious renderings for the New Hope institution sit before him. 

  • 12/03/08 ... As I drove past Odette's today, I noticed a piece of heavy equipment parked near the building ... so, I was excited, thinking that work is underway ... but research with Odette's owner, Mike Amery, revealed that the equipment is not there to work on Odette's ... but rather, work is being done on the grounds surrounding Odette's. (The land is owned by the Commonweath of Pennsylvania.)
  • 7/10/09 ... Heavy equipment remains parked near the building, along with construction trailers ... STILL, the equipment is not there to work on Odette's, work is still being done on the grounds surrounding Odette's. (The land is owned by the Commonweath of Pennsylvania.) The work on Odette's buildings has not yet started, so a 2010 opening is NOT likely. Much work is needed before it can reopen.
  • 9/08/09 ... The latest news about Odette's  --- "Reopening remains on the menu for former restaurant"   By: Freda R. Savana, The Intelligencer ... Despite its rather rough appearance, Odette's is "still alive," according to the owner of the unique River Road property, Mike Amery. His ambitious plan to both restore and expand the New Hope landmark restaurant and nightclub came up against the deepest recession the country's seen in decades, stalling - but not derailing - the multimillion-dollar project. "We're in the process of raising capital and working with private investors," said Amery ...  About $3.5 million is needed, he said, to complete the approximately $12 million project that calls for an inn, a tavern, a performance center, some retail space and a 200-seat banquet facility. And, Amery added, the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources needs to wrap up its extensive repair project on the Delaware Canal. "Even if we were clear financially, we could not move ahead yet," explained the businessman.

    Odette's, likely to be renamed The Riverhouse at Odette's, (The River House at Odette's) sits next to the canal, which is parallel to the Delaware River. A series of floods had severely damaged the canal, including a section directly behind the former restaurant. Floodwaters ripped through the centuries-old building, which sits 5 feet below grade, too. The business has been closed since 2006. While the canal work is complete, DCNR officials said the business's parking lot is being used as a staging area for the rest of the repair project from New Hope to Yardley. An office trailer and construction equipment will be there through much of the fall (2009), said Rick Dalton, director of the Delaware Canal State Park.

    Amery has already cleared a number of hurdles to gain approvals for his plan, which was first proposed two years ago. The borough changed the zoning to fit his needs, making it a historic river hospitality zone. Final land development has been approved and requirements for a host of permits from 12 state, local and federal agencies, have been met. He intends to elevate the structure 11 feet. There's one outstanding permit that'