The Mayor is Coming!  And Jeff Savlon Too!!! – The Gulu-Gulu Café: Salem Grand Opening Extravaganza Week!

Marie and I wanted to thank everyone for their patience as we worked out the kinks at the new Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem.  The first month has been nothing less than incredible and we are very excited that we decided to make a go of it at this location. 

We had to make some major adjustments soon after opening as we found the number of customers we were dealing with was mush greater than we could have imagined from the get-go.  Now here we are a couple weeks later and we are feeling extremely good about how the staff has turned out and feel that that the time is right to have a traditional Grand Opening!

This Tuesday at 11:30, Kimberley Driscoll, the Mayor of Salem, will be cutting a ribbon at the Gulu-Gulu Café: Salem.  Ms. Driscoll has been a great friend of the Gulu and even visited us at our Lynn location well before we opened our doors in Salem.  It goes without saying that that kind of support goes a long way with Marie and me and is much appreciated.  If you have the time - please come on down, meet the Mayor, and come celebrate with us!

Now for those of you that have a 9-5 job and won’t be able to make the ribbon cutting… please don’t fret.  Our official grand opening celebration is going to take place this Friday night at 8PM!  And we are going to be having one of our favorite Gulu performers Jeff Savlon providing the musical entertainment for this evening.  Plus we will have balloons.  Lots and lots of balloons!  Don’t miss it!

Art is Cool!  Yep it is!

Those of you who have ventured over to our location in Lynn over the past couple years may have seen some of Greg Orfanos’ work (and if you don’t remember Greg - check out our Artist Archives page to check his work out).  He is one of our favorite painters from the North Shore and he produced the original Jack Fenway painting that hangs over in Lynn.  Well he has outdone himself once again with this great portrait of the “Mad” Max – Salem Gulu’s official mascot!  If you have a moment, go to Greg’s MySpace page.  He is nothing but incredible.

And speaking of incredible (and Art) – I have been absolutely astounded at how well Corey Corcoran’s paintings have been selling in Salem.  We have had several folks who have liked a piece, neglected to buy it on the spot, and then found themselves out of luck a couple days later when that piece they wanted was sold.  The shows in Salem and Lynn will be ending at the end of September – take my advice and support young artists – if you like a piece, buy it – it may be gone the next time you come in. 

Thanks!

We wanted to thank everyone who has come out to support the new Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem over the past 2 ½ weeks.  The absolute number of people that have come into our new location has been unbelievable… and at points overwhelming.  We realize that some of our patrons have had less than stellar service at moments over the past few weeks.  We wanted to thank everyone for their patience as our new staff gets up to speed.  We are doing everything we can to work out the kinks as quickly as possible and to give all of you the kind of experience that you have come to expect from the Gulu-Gulu Café.

Celebrate the "Dog Days of Summer"

Everyone knows that we at the Gulu-Gulu Café LOVES puppies! Join us in Central Square, Lynn on Thursday, August 16 for the Dog Days of Summer Parade.

Well-behaved dogs are invited to come along. Please RSVP to stephen@northofboston.org. Arrangements have been made to ensure both you and your dog have a fabulous time.

Salem Gulu Update: Open!

Gulu-Gulu Café: Salem officially opened on Thursday July 26th!  Marie and I wanted to thank everyone who came out – we purposely had a very quiet “soft” opening with no advertising whatsoever - and we were amazed how many people showed up throughout the day.  Thank you all!

We also wanted to specifically thank the members of our staff in Salem – most of them had been showing up in their off hours over the past several weeks to help Marie and I finish the buildout – they really went above and beyond the call of duty to make this place look as cool as it does – Thanks guys!  We couldn’t have done it without you!

We will be announcing a formal grand opening in the near future.  Also, those of you who have been inquiring about music at Gulu Salem never fear – we are currently booking musicians for Salem and hope to have some live music for you very soon!

Click here to see pix from Opening Day.

… and here are some more pix leading up to the opening…

Finishing Touches - July 22-25, 2007
The Art arrives - July 15, 2007
Sheet rocking the Basement - July 11, 2007

Meet Me Downtown: Lynn’s Annual Festival of the Arts - Saturday, August 4th from 11am – 4pm

Gulu-Gulu Cafe: Lynn invites you to join us for the Meet Me Downtown Festival of the Arts to be held Saturday, August 4th from 11am – 4pm in Central Square, Lynn. Check out the main stage featuring Lois Lane and the Daily Planets, Grupo Fantasia, Rumbafrica, and the Crystal Steel PanJammers, the North Shore’s only youth steel drum orchestra. This year’s festival will also feature theatre performances by Imaginary Beasts, and a separate dance stage located at the Lynn Museum and Historical Society. Shop with vendors selling items ranging from original artwork, to children’s books, to jewelry and handmade soaps. Lots to see, lots to do!

... and of course Jack & Max will be there!

Join the Gulu Posse!

Featuring the one they call Max - official mascott of the newest Gulu-Gulu cafe in Salem. The design is based on the “Obey Giant” graffiti art campaign created by Shepard Fairey. 

Only $14 Bucks (plus S&H)!

Check out our Merchandise page to join the posse!

$300 PRIZE MODEL CONSUMER Photo/Model Contest

Are you a Model Consumer?

Take a picture of yourself in the mirror of a store’s dressing room and you could be on your way to a $300 prize. Painter, collage artist, and future Gulu-Gulu Artist Kurt Cole Eidsvig (coming to Gulu-Gulu: Lynn in October 2007) is sponsoring a model/photo contest with a $300 prize for the winning image.

Anyone 18 or over can enter. Entries are due electronically by midnight on August 24, 2007.

The Details:

Entry Fee: None
Format: Entries must be digital photos submitted electronically
Contest Rules and Instructions: Visit KurtColeEidsvig.com/contest
Judging Criteria: Photos will be judged on creativity and overall image quality.

Salem Gulu Update: Close but no cigar - New Opening Date is July 20th!

Well we came pretty close to being ready to open for the end of the week but... we're not quite there. The buildout is nearly completed (floors have been sanded and stained, and the bar top is done and the signs have been carved) but we are still waiting for some very important permits... like our beer and wine license for instance. I don't know about all of you faithful Gulu Gurus out there but I can't imagine opening the new Gulu without having La Fin Du Monde on hand...

So the new official opening date is next Friday, July 20!  Fingers are crossed that everything will be good to go!

Salem Gulu Update: Movin' right along! Doog-a-doon, doog-a-doon

Marie and I are feeling a bit like Kermit & Fozzie right about now – the buildout is movin’ right along – over the past week Team-Gulu has built the bar, cleaned the exposed brick, started painting the space, and began laying the floor.  If you’ve forgotten what the place looked like here are some pix from June 5th.  It’s really looking good!

Updated: Wondering how is the new Gulu going to be set up? Click here to see pix of the mock floor layout taken June 22, 2007.

Salem Gulu Update: No one... No one! No way! Gonna stop, Now; go!

Well that’s how it’s felt for the past couple months on the new Gulu project.  Run!  Stop.  Hurry!  Wait.  Go!  Stop… But as of this last week it’s all - NOW; GO!

The rough electrical and plumbing inspections were passed and our landlord RCG has started building the dividing wall between the new Gulu and our (TBD) next door neighbors.  On Friday night we brought in the new wood for our floor and Sunday we moved all of our equipment and furniture to the new space.  BIG props to all of our friends and staff members who came out and helped Marie and I over the weekend – it was a massive undertaking and we couldn’t have done it without you!

People have been asking about the opening date - I can now say with 99% certainty we will be opening in Salem on July 13th (yes - Friday the 13th)! Mark your calendars! GO GULU!

"What difference is there between a glass of absinth and a sunset?" - Oscar Wilde

Absinthe was the trademark drink during the heady days of 19th century Paris.  Part of its popularity stemmed from its strength and artists and writers such as Picasso, Hemingway, Degas and Oscar Wilde all heavily indulged in it.  It was such a powerful drink that in 1915 it was banned in the United States because people were hallucinating and going insane.
 
Absente, Absinthe Refined, is a modern version of the original Absinthe recipe. It's the same aromatic, dazzling emerald green liqueur made from a combination of exotic botanicals.  The only difference is the Wormwood (the botanical that caused the initial ban) has been replaced with a less bitter cousin called Southern-Wormwood, which allows Absente to be served in the United States.

So come on down to the Gulu and have a sip of Absente – it’s just like Absinthe without the insanity!

Click here to check out our updated Desserts and Liqueurs list.

Memorial Day!

To our magnificent friends and guests... The Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed for Memorial Day – Monday May 28th.

We will reopen on Tuesday, May 29th at 10:00AM. Have a wicked nice holiday.

Salem Gulu Update

Things have slowed down to a crawl on the Gulu 2 front as we await numerous inspections to take place.  Gotta love a good bureaucracy!  We hope to have more to report in the coming weeks.

In the meantime click here for a sneak peak at our newest Salem-centric T-Shirt image! We should have some for sale in the coming weeks!

ART!  Part I: RAW Arts Auction! - Party with a Purpose

On May 19th, 2007 friends and fans of RAW will once again gather at RAW Space to bid on artwork, dance to some amazing music, and show their support for the kids and mission of RAW. Come check it out!

Where? RAW Space, 37 Central Square!
How Much? Only $35 a ticket!

Click here for more information!

ART!  Part II: The SOWA Art Walk

The SoWa Art Walk is held every spring in the SoWa (South of Washington Street) neighborhood in Boston’s South End. A former mill building district where pianos, canned goods, shoes and other merchandise were made in the 19th century, the district has been home to artists’ studios carved out of the old factories for the last fifty years. Today, the artists have been joined by art galleries, creative businesses, cutting edge restaurants and the recent boom in residential loft buildings.

One of the Gulu’s old friends Oneil Pimentel is showing his work at 460 Harrison Ave this year! It's this Saturday and Sunday, May 19th-20th, from 11am - 6 pm!

Click here for more information!

ART!  Part III: Mass Theatrica!

Local favorites Mass Theatrica are up for the 2007 WBZ TV A-List for Boston's Best Theatre Group! Please take a minute to cast your vote ASAP, so they can continue to bring everyone quality live theatre, music, opera and more to Lynn!

While you are at it, check out their website for details on their Summer Concert Series!

Click here to cast your vote!

Salem Gulu Update: Money, Work, and Vacations

Since our last posting we have taken some significant steps forward on the Salem expansion...

1. Marie and I passed the dreaded Salem DRB (Design Review Board) last week with the super-human help of our old friend architect and artist Jacob Higginbottom. After we had failed the design review the first time around Jacob leaped into the fray to produce some really snazzy floor plans for us.  Click here and here to check them out!

2. A nice hunk of our funding has been received from the City of Salem and we have been able to purchase the majority of equipment that we will need.

3. Meanwhile our electrical work is being put in (“laying the pipe” I think is the term - although it does sound kinda pervy). 

4. And our plumber started working on…  no wait.  He didn’t.  He abruptly left for the Bahamas last week…  Seriously.  You can’t make this stuff up.  Anyhow he got back this morning and is hard at work too.

Another Gulu Plug:  Art Shows Abound!

This weekend is the annual Fort Point Channel Art Walk as well as the RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) Alumni Spring Art Sale.  Current Gulu-Gulu Café artist Michael Hammecker as well as the aforementioned super-human Jacob Higginbottom will be selling their work at Fort Point.  Gulu-Gulu Café alumni artist Jennifer Lewis and well as upcoming Gulu artist Lauren Minco will be selling work at RISD. If you are looking to pick up some wicked cool locally produced art work check out one or both of these events.

Central Square Cares! - The Aftermath!

Every so often something happens that really makes me proud of the changes in downtown Lynn.  Last Saturday Lauren Slade, one of my Boston Machine Loft neighbors, helped to spearhead a massive downtown cleanup of the Central Square area.  Over 60 people arrived to help – neighbors of all ages and nationalities - and worked throughout the morning and early afternoon.  It was real great to see and brought a smile to my face.  Central Square really is becoming a full-fledged neighborhood and I’m thrilled to be a member of it.

Click here to see pix from throughout the day.

Salem Gulu Update – Bricks Ahoy!

Our landlord RCG started their part of the buildout on March 29.  They have started exposing the space’s brick and has been taking out the incredibly ugly lighting.

Click here to see some pix (taken March 30).

Updated: NEW pix taken from inside the space on April 5, 2007

Patroits Day Holiday!

Please note that the Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed for Patroits Day on Monday April 16, 2007.

Central Square Cares! - Earth Day - April 21st from 9AM - 4PM

Join the Gulu's very own President Marie Feldmannova and help clean-up Central Square in Lynn on Earth Day - April 21st from 9AM - 4PM. There will be food, drinks, and some very groovy T-shirts!

Click here to read the Daily Item article.

Multiple Sclerosis Journey of Hope Fundraiser - Saturday April 21, 8PM

Anthony Migliaccio is holding a fundraiser at the Gulu-Gulu Cafe on Saturday April 21st at 8PM. Anthony will be raising money for the MS Journey of Hope in Boston. It's a 16 mile walk organized by the National MS Society to support research to find a cure, and also provide education, support, and advocacy that address the needs of people living with MS today. Please join us for this very special evening of hope and beautiful music!

Cover: $5.00 - All proceeds will go towards the MS Journey of Hope walk in Boston.

Meet The Artists Night! – Saturday April 28, 8PM

Come meet these artistic super-stars before they become world famous and get all snotty! All art is for sale and can be purchased directly from the Gulu-Gulu Café.

This show we are featuring the artistic talents of Mike Hammecker (Boston), Michael Crockett (Cambridge), Barbra Lena (Stoneham), and Greg Orfanos (Beverly)!

And for the evening’s entertainment we are featuring, not one, not two, but THREE musical acts! We’ll be featuring some tremendous music by Michael Crockett, Adam Rich, and Sway. Don't miss it!

Wanna See Something Pretty? - NEW ART!!!

The current art show is ending at the end of this week - so if you have your eye on something hurry, hurry, hurry!  

Click here and here and here and here for sneak peaks of what's coming in April...

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." --Benjamin Franklin

Here we go again... a NEW and EXCITING Draft Beer of the Month!

This time we are featuring Sapporo - the greatest beer to come out of Japan since... well 'eva!

Gulu Fun Fact: Sapporo was the first Bavarian-style beer ever produced in Japan

Speaking of beer, we have also brought on one of Marie’s all-time favorite beers from the Czech Republic - Krušovice Imperial Lager! This is the first time that this golden treasure has ever been available in Massachusetts and we are wicked excited to have it here. Delight ensues!

Click here to check out our updated Beer & Wine list.

LynnArts RED HOT, Wine-Tasting and Auction - March 10 - 7PM - 10PM

The Gulu-Gulu Café is proud to support the local Lynn art scene and we strongly recommend that you attend the following event.

LynnArts Annual RED HOT Auction and Wine-Tasting supports art, artists and cultural programming in Greater Lynn. Auction items include original art, items and services provided by regional businesses, and more. Proceeds help to provide no- or low-cost classes, studio space and exhibition and performance opportunities.

Additional information and tickets are available by calling 781.598.5244, or by going to www.lynnarts.org/special_events.html. Tickets are $35.00 for regular admission and $25.00 for members of LynnArts.

It’s a Gulu World!

The Associated Press picked up the “Romancing the Stove” article that was published in the Boston Globe a couple weeks back.  This week we received a newspaper clipping from the Detroit Free Press in Michigan spotlighting the story.  Visions of Eminem eating his Sunday breakfast and reading about the Gulu-Gulu Café danced in my head. 

Also last week we received a link to the website of German photographer Johannes Horn.  Mr. Horn had recently visited the States and apparently took a liking to everyone’s favorite Gulu mascot – Jack Fenway has offically hit Europe! Make sure to check out the rest of his site – the work is absolutely phenomenal.

Gulu-Gulu II - The Wrath of Max (AKA... It’s Official!)

Marie and I are happy to announce that we have signed the lease for the new Gulu-Gulu Café!  We have found an incredible space on Washington St in Salem MA in the old Phoenix School and we are aiming for a mid-May/ early June opening.  We promise to keep you up to date with the buildout and everything. 

We have received a TON of questions concerning the new space… here are some answers…

Keep those questions coming… We’ll be updating the FAQ soon with a Salem-centric page.

Click here to see some pix of the new space.

UPDATED - 2/21/07 ... Click here to see NEW pix of the inside of the space.

A Sign of Things to Come?

Rumors have been flying about another Gulu popping up sometime in the near future. Nothing has been set in stone as of yet but we are hoping to have something more official to tell you all next week...  In the meantime enjoy this little teaser image…

60 Mile Walk for Breast Cancer

Hannah Thomas, one of downtown Lynn's new residents and a great friend of the Gulu is doing a 60 mile walk to raise money for Breast Cancer organizations in August. She needs YOUR help!

The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

For the privilege of walking 60 miles, she has agreed to raise at least $2,200 in donations to fund research on breast cancer. She has a personal website where you can make online donations: www.the3day.org/boston07/hantomtom

Thanks in advance!

President's Day Holiday!

Please note that the Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed for the President's Day Holiday on Monday February 19th and will reopen on Tuesday, February 20th at 10AM.

Have a very nice holiday.

Sin City Board Games - Tuesday February 13, 7PM

Come meet other cool game players right here on the North Shore of Boston. Learn some of the new classics like Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan and Diamant. Chat and enjoy some great food and drink at the Gulu-Gulu Café while we strike up a game of Hearts, Labrynth or Catch Phrase. Bring along your favorite games, too.

For more info check out http://boardgames.meetup.com/393/?gj=sj5

“The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.” --Humphrey Bogart

Because YOU demanded it… the Gulu-Gulu Café once again features a draft beer!  Hurrah!  We are featuring one of our all time favorites – the original Anchor Steam from San Francisco! 

Gulu Fun Fact: “Steam beer” is the only style of beer that is indigenous to the USA!  So do your patriotic duty and come on down and consume our new draft!

Speaking of beer, we have recently brought on board a handful of other mouth-watering goodies… Saison Dupont from Belgium (Steve’s personal favorite), Wachusett Black Shack Porter from our local friends in Westminster Massachusetts, the Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale from Delaware, and the Monty Python Holy Grail Ale (the only brew we know of that was tempered over burning witches!).  Rejoice!

Click here to check out our updated Beer & Wine list.

Meet The Artist Night! - Thursday February 15, 7:00PM

We have a brand new art show that is running through March – and it’s great!  It’s true! 

Come join us for Meet the Artist Night at the Gulu!  On Thursday February 15, at 7:00 our featured artists, Miss Lyn Cardinal, Jennifer Lewis, and Dan Nolan will be appearing at the Gulu to meet with guests and talk about their work. 

… and at 8PM we’ll be featuring some tremendous music by the Fluttr Effect Trio and Laura Younger. Don't miss it!

All Press is Good Press

Since our inception the Gulu-Gulu Café has received an uncanny amount of positive press.  It’s really been amazing! 

Recently it was brought to our attention that some Gulu fanatics out there have been talking about us on sites like Yelp and Chowhound!  Check these sites out – it’s a great way to spread the "Cult of Gulu" and also to check out some other local haunts like the Capitol Diner, Tacos Lupita, and the Oxford Grill (errr…  more on the Oxford in a second…).

The Oxford Grill

The Oxford Grill closed their doors right after the New Year.  They will be sorely missed. 

Soon after the Gulu opened in May 2005 the Oxford Grill opened its doors a couple blocks away.  Oxford’s proprietor Lowell Grey took a major risk by opening up a high-end Central European style bistro in downtown Lynn.  The food was unique and challenging and they won a “Best of Boston” award last year.  The Gulu shared a lot with Oxford – we were both part of the Lynn Downtown “Renaissance” as some liked to call it - we shared many of the same clientele; a love for good coffee, beer, and wine, and most of all a belief in the potential of downtown Lynn.

We’re not sure what happened as all indications were that Oxford was doing well.  Nevertheless Lowell Grey should be commended for taking a chance on our downtown.  So on behalf of the Gulu-Gulu Café and our staff let me say thanks - Lowell you did good and we'll miss you.   

Out with the Old... and In with the New

The current art exhibition staring Bren Bataclan, Greg DuBois, and Oneil P. Junior is ending on Saturday January 6th. If you’ve had your eye on a piece don't wait too much longer 'cause it might be gone the next time you pop in.

The Gulu-Gulu’s newest art show opens on Monday January 8th!  This show is continuing to feature North Shore and Boston area artists... Jennifer Lewis, Miss Lyn Cardinal, and Dan Nolan. In addition Dan Robertson's wonderful triptych will remain.

This current show will run thru March 2007 and we have made tentative plans to hold a Meet the Artists Night during February – more will be reveled soon.

As always, all art is for sale and can be purchased directly from the Gulu-Gulu Café. Check out the Gulu artist page for the entire scoop.

Martin Luther King Holiday!

The Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed for the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday January 15, 2007.

New Years Eve at the Gulu-Gulu Café

As luck would have it this year New Years Eve is falling on a Sunday - the one day of the week that the Gulu is normally closed. I know that many of you out there were worried - but never fear my friends! The Gulu-Gulu Café will be open for the 2nd annual New Year's Eve GULU BASH! from 8PM - 1AM on Sunday December 31!  

Ditch 2006 in style and start 2007 off on a fantabulous groove with Lynn's greatest DJ - Djes. He'll be spinning Latin break-beats, Boogaloo, 50's Funk, Mardi Gras, Electronica, Big Beat, Trance, Trip Hop and everything in-between.

The food! The fun! The funny hats! And a free champagne toast (for those of-age of course) at the stroke of midnight!

Click here to see the pixs from last year's New Years Eve party.

Please note that we shall be closed on Monday, January 1st - we have to sleep sometime!

Christmas Holiday! Ho-Ho-Ho!!!

To our wonderful guests and customers... The Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed for the Christmas Holiday: Saturday December 23rd – Monday December 25th. We will reopen on Tuesday, December 26th at 10:00AM.

Happy Holidays!

"South-Jack" T-Shirt Now on Sale!

The newest Jack Fenway T-Shirt is now in - just in time for your holiday shopping! You too can be as HOT as Jack with this super cool T-Shirt!

This super-cute Jack T-Shirt edition pays homage to Stan's gay dog Sparky on South Park. We know you will love it as much as we do.

Don’t wait – limited supplies are available at the Gulu-Gulu Café and also at our Merchandise page for ONLY $14 Bucks!

SHOP the SQUARE!

The Gulu-Gulu Cafe will be open on Sunday, December 10 from NOON to 6PM.

Make artful purchases at LynnArts Fabulous Holiday Show and Sale, The Lynn Museum and Historical Society, Rosina’s Florist, and Omar & Oscar’s Jewelry.  Stop in at the Gallery at Raw Art Works and have a warm one at the Gulu-Gulu Café too! 

Now on sale…

Christmas is right around the corner – the question is… Do YOU Gulu?

Well, if you don’t, or you know someone who doesn’t, we strongly recommend that you run right down to our funky little café and purchase one of the following…

Gulu-Gulu Beer Update…

Mmmm... beer. Because YOU demanded it… we have a new and exciting Belgian-style from the Ommegang brewery: Three Philosophers

Three Philosophers is a remarkably strong ale (9.8% abv) brewed by Brewery Ommegang in response to a home brewer’s description of his dream beer. Realbeer.com, the internet’s largest beer website, hosted a contest called “Create a Great Beer.” Brewery Ommegang was chosen by Realbeer.com to brew the Belgian-style ale for the winning essayist. Noel Blake, a home brewer from Portland wrote the winning description for what his “dream beer” would be like.

Click here to see our updated beer and wine list.

Everything You Wanted to Know About the Gulu…  But Were Afraid to Ask

Every day people come and ask us questions about the Gulu…  “What does the Gulu-Gulu mean?”  “What do you serve?”  “Is so and so single?”…  Well if you have a Gulu related question check out the new Gulu FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page to find out about all things Gulu.

Newsletter Update

We received several emails last week wondering why the Gulu-Gulu Café newsletter wasn’t sent out.  Starting this month the Gulu-Gulu Café Newsletter is moving from a weekly to a bi-weekly format.  You can expect to receive our newsletter at the beginning and the middle of each and every month.   

As always our Events and News sections of our website will be updated on a daily basis, so for up to the minute Gulu-ness check out www.gulu-gulu.com.

Thanksgiving Holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

In order that Marie and I can indulge in the great American turkey-fest, the Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed from Thursday November 23 and will re-open on Monday November 27.

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday and hope to see you at the Gulu!

Gulu Approved PSA: RAW Arts Kids Need YOUR Help!

Would you like to have a hand in helping Young Artists Reach their Goals? If the answer is yes please consider donating a small amount of your time...

RAW ART WORKS is looking for a few great Lynn community members who are willing to Volunteer 2-3 hours a week from October to June to help guide RAW high school seniors through the process of creating a post-high school graduation plan!

A little bit of your time could go a long way in shaping a kid's future … for more information, email Susannah at Raw Art Works: susannah@rawart.org

Columbus Day Holiday - October 9th

Just a reminder to all you Gulu-Gurus out there – we will be closed for the Columbus Day Holiday (Monday October 9th) and we’ll re-open on Tuesday October 10th. Enjoy the long weekend!

A Gulu-Gulu Special Presentation - Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth - Oct. 11th

This Wednesday 10/11/06 at 7PM the Gulu invites you for a special free presentation of the the award winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth.

Global warming is no longer a political issue - it is the biggest moral challenge facing our global civilization. Please join us.

Meet The Artist Night! - October 12th

Some of our favorite artists are back at the Gulu with new shows.  The Smile Boston Project’s Bren Bataclan will be here to meet with guests and to talk about his upcoming book (due out in November... just in time for Christmas!).  Boston Cow Parade alum and the idol of millions, Oneil Junior will be here too as will scorching hot artist Greg DuBois.

Come meet these artistic super-stars before they become world famous and get all snotty! All art is for sale and can be purchased directly from the Gulu-Gulu Café.

Gulu Approved PSA: The Boston Pops at Lynn Memorial Auditorium - 10/1/06

As you well know the Gulu isn't open on Sundays. Well here is something to do on a Sunday... the Gulu-Gulu Café is proud to be a part of Lynn’s History as we co-sponsor the grand re-opening of the Lynn Memorial Auditorium with Keith Lockhart & the Boston Pops on Sunday, October 1, 2006 at 4:00.  Don’t miss this special gala event!

There is plenty of free parking for those of you coming from out of town. For more information check out www.lynnauditorium.com.

Tickets are still available at the Lynn Auditorium Box Office from 10:00 – 2:00 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 10:00 – 12:30 on Fridays. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at: 617-931-2000.

Gulu Approved PSA II: Rock & Roll Returns to Lynn Memorial Auditorium - 10/7/06

One night of music with three great bands:

The Mystery Tramps - Original Alt-rock, punk
Plaid Daddy - original alt rock, funk rock, some covers
Chad Hollister Band - original, alt-rock, acoustic rock

Advanced Tickets are $16.00 for General Admission and $21.00 for Reserved Seats. Proceeds are being donated to local Lynn Non-Profit Organizations. Doors open at 6PM and the show starts at 7PM.

Tickets are available at www.TicketForce.com or by calling (781)724 6498.

We're Back!

After a two week hiatus the Gulu-Gulu Café re-opened this past Tuesday, September 5th with a new look, new wine, and a new art show.  To say the least it has been tremendously busy week... thanks for the support! 

Starting this Monday, September 11th, we will be serving several new menu items as well including a couple Czech inspired delicacies (including crepes!) and a new spicy Panini sandwich.  Check out our menu page for more details!

Fourth of July Holiday

Just a reminder to all you Gulu-Gurus out there – we will be closed for the 4th of July Holiday (this Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday). We’ll re-open on Wednesday July 5th. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Jack Van Gogh

We wanted to give a HUGE shout out to our friend Greg Orfanos - many of you may remember Greg's art show that took place at the Gulu over the Spring - well the man has really outdone himself with this magnificent portrait of Mr. Jack Fenway which is now hanging proudly at the café. Amazing work this - thanks again Greg!

And check out www.goart1.com to see more of Greg's art.

Gulu Approved PSA: Win $500 to help your neighborhood!

Have an idea for how you and your neighbors could come together to improve your Downtown Lynn neighborhood? Then apply today for a Neighborhood Leadership Award being offered by the community-building organization Social Capital Inc. (SCI). Applications (due June 16) and more information can be found at www.scilynn.org. You can also sign up at that site for other news regarding efforts to improve Downtown & Central Square.

Memorial Day Holiday!

Please note that the Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed for the Memorial Day Holiday on Monday May 29, 2006.

Happy Happy Joy Joy! - Happy Birthday Gulu-Gulu!

A year ago this Thursday Marie and I opened the Gulu-Gulu Café in Central Square. I remember feeling quite nervous on Opening Day. It was a fairly risky venture and we had put everything we had into it. Lynn’s downtown, once a thriving shopping district, was devoid of people and businesses.

... Would people come back to Lynn’s downtown? Would people like our place? Would they enjoy the food?

Well, here we are a year later. We’ve proved the cynics wrong… people have returned to Central Square and people have come to the Gulu-Gulu. Most importantly, people keep coming back. Marie and I are extremely grateful for everyone who has supported us during our first year. We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much!

We wanted to invite all of our friends and guests to join us at the Gulu-Gulu Café this Thursday, May 18th at 6PM to celebrate the Gulu’s 1st birthday. Our good friend John Nicholls will be providing the beautiful music! Rumors of cupcakes, balloons, and an appearance by Jack are abound!

Gulu Approved PSA #1: RAW Arts Party with a Purpose

Join Marie and I on the evening of Saturday May 20th at RAW Arts in Central Square Lynn. Come bid on some tremendous artwork, dance to some amazing music, and show your support for Lynn's kids. Tickets are still available on-line at www.rawart.org.

Gulu Approved PSA #2: Grow Food in Lynn?

Ever wondered what it was like to work on a farm? Want to help grow food in the city of Lynn? Like food and music?

Come to The Food Project - North Shore's Lynn City Farm Fest, Saturday May 20th. They'll be working on the farm from 9am to Noon. After the work, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. they will have food from Whole Foods and Rincon Macorisano, and music provided by The Sabor Latino Band.

If you're interested in working from 9:00 - 12:00, please RSVP to bhandzo@thefoodproject.org so that they know you're coming.

A New Show Begins...

The Gulu-Gulu’s newest art exhibition has begun! We are continuing to focus on artists living on the North Shore - Hilary Emerson Lay (Marblehead) is back with a brand new show! Lynn Arts' Emily Driscoll (Lynn) is featuring incredibly interesting work! And the Gulu's very own renaissance girl Nika Nikitina (Lynn) is showing some unbelievably detailed photos of Lynn and Rome.

This current show will run until Fall 2006 and we have made tentative plans to hold a Meet the Artists Night during June – more will be reveled soon. All art is for sale and can be purchased directly from the Gulu-Gulu Café.

Check out the Gulu artist page for more information about the artists.

Desserts! Coffees! Liqueurs! Cordials! Oh My!

Starting April 18th the Gulu-Gulu will feature a brand new dessert and liqueur menu!
Click here to check it out!

Our other menus have been updated as well. Check out our menu page for all the details.

The current exhibition staring Greg Orfanos (Beverly), Jacob Higginbottom (Lynn/ Boston), Hilary Emerson Lay (Marblehead), and Corey Corcoran (Lynn) is ending May 6th. If you’ve had your eye on a piece don't wait too much longer 'cause it might be gone the next time you pop in. All art is for sale and can be purchased directly from the Gulu-Gulu Café. Check out the Gulu artist page for the entire scoop.

The Gulu-Gulu Café will be closed for the Easter Holiday on Monday April 17, 2006. Happy Bunny Day!

The Gulu-Gulu Café Merchandise page in now online! Now, no matter where you live, you can purchase your favorite Gulu items online and have them delivered to your door! The wonders of modern technology never cease to amaze!

Are you on MySpace? So are we! Become an honoree member of FOG (The Friends of Gulu!) at www.myspace.com/gulugulu. Receive bulletins on all of our rockin events and read our blog about life here at the Gulu-Gulu Café!

The site is being run by marvelous Gulu staff member Ashley Santor - drop her a note and say hi!

The newest Jack Fenway design is now in and for sale at the Gulu-Gulu! You too can be as HOT as Jack with this super cool T-Shirt!

Don’t wait – limited supplies are available for ONLY $14 Bucks!

Re-New Orleans! Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser
Saturday March 11, 8PM

On the evening of Saturday March 11th we raised over $1800 - 100% of which will be sent to Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild houses destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.

We want to take a moment to thank the people who helped make the Re-New Orleans fundraiser not only possible but a real success:

If you were not able to attend and are having a hard time sleeping because you were unable to donate money - never fear! We will be sending out the check in a week - there is still time to help us reach the $2,000 mark!

Feel free to drop us a check at:
Gulu-Gulu Café
56 Central Square
Lynn MA. 01901

Click here to see the fabulous pictures from the event.

Be Wild! Get Funky! Wear Jack!!!

The hottest look for the spring season is here! Jack Fenway Gulu-Gulu Café T-Shirts are available! Ladies and men’s versions are available and are ONLY $14 Bucks!

Gulu-Gulu "Jack Fenway" T-Shirts Update...

They should be in by the end of the week!

Because YOU demanded it… we are once again serving the extremely popular Cappuccino Cheesecake! This thing is ridiculous... chocolate cookie crust and a creamy chocolate filling laced with cinnamon and coffee and topped with a bittersweet chocolate glaze and finished with chocolate shavings. Mein Gott!!!

Click here to see the updated menu.

New Beers!!!

We are incredibly pleased to introduce two new beers to our already potent arsenal:

• The Buzzards Bay Limited Black Lager from Massachusetts - an award winning German schwarzbier style beer.
• The Affligem Blond Abbey Ale from Belgium - Created in 1074 by Benedictine monks, it is surprisingly smooth and quite strong (nearly 7% alc/vol).

See our beer and wine list for all the delicious details.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Truer words have never been spoken.

July 6, 2005

We Already Know You Gulu… But!!!

Do your family and friends Gulu too? Well now you can make sure that they do not miss out on any of the fun and excitement down at the Gulu-Gulu Café right here in “Up and coming Central Square”!!

Gift Cards are now available!

In denominations of $10, $25, and $50. Buy one today and help somebody to “Smile… All day long!”

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June 28, 2005

RAW Arts!
Marie and I want to thank the students at RAW Arts for putting together a signage board for our café. The sign looks amazing! These guys really went above and beyond what we expected when we approached them to do this project!

For those of you who don’t know about RAW Arts, they are a local nonprofit youth arts organization that for the past 17 years has provided innovative ways for young people to engage in art. The art work that we’ve seen come out from RAW is phenomenal and we plan on spotlighting some of their student’s work in our Fall exhibit.

For more information on RAW Arts goto http://www.rawart.org.

Thanks to all of you who gave help and support over the last week and a half.

We also wanted to formally thank Mauricio and Anthony of the Merrimack Property Maintenance Group (617-884-1818) for putting our café back together so quickly. If anyone out there gets flooded and needs new floors call these guys!

See you at the Gulu!

Steve & Marie

As many of you have heard, the Gulu-Gulu Café was shut down last Monday, May 23rd. The water damage turned out to be much worse than we originally thought. Click here to see photos of the mess.

The rebuilding has taken longer as well. We have a crew working tirelessly here at the Gulu to try to get everything back up and running for this upcoming week. We believe that our grand re-opening will be this Thursday, June 2nd.

Marie and I wanted to thank everyone who has called, stopped by, or sent us letters of support this week. The community here in Lynn is the best!

The one good thing that came out of the chaos is that we had an opportunity to get out of town this Saturday night. We headed up to The Welch House Inn in Booth Bay Harbor (which was recently voted the "Best of the Best" by Fodor's). Need to get away? Check them out (and tell them Steve and Marie sent you)!

Thank you again for your support and understanding. We hope to see you all down at the Gulu!

Steve & Marie

Gulu-Gulu Café's Grand Opening took place on Thursday May 12, 2005! Even though we did very little traditional advertising, the café was packed from opening to closing and we were forced to turn people away over an hour after we had closed our doors!

Mayor Chip Clancy of Lynn and members of Lynn’s City Council joined the festivities and helped us in the cutting of the opening day ribbon.

Click here to see pictures of opening day.

Also some new news reports about the café have been published! Click here to read them.

Instead of boring you all with all the details of the buildout we thought that it would be best to show you. Please note that images will pop up in a new window.

05.10 - 05.11.05 - Almost there! Members of our staff are being trained on wines and cooking. The finishing work is nearly complete.

04.26 - 05.07.05 - Crunch time is here! The opening has been pushed back a couple days to give us a bit more of a cushion. The basement is being completed as we speak and we have hired our staff. Our first major artist, Boston's Bren Bataclan has delivered all of his paintings. The basement is being constructed and the floor plan for the dining area is being finalized. Chairs are being painted and reupholstered and the office is nearly finished.

04.15 - 04.24.05 - The place is starting to take shape! Molding was placed around the space and the metal was put on the bar. We also have a sneak preview of the work of our first featured artist - Bren Bataclan! The office wall was built and the floor was put down.

04.07 - 04.13.05 - My brother Michael came all the way down from the Welch House Inn (his bed & breakfast in Maine) to help build the bar and hang our signage. The equipment has been put in place and the furniture is being moved in. Zorzy Electric has completed installing the lighting. Click here to see the progress.

04.02.05 - We gathered some friends to help with the painting.

12.14.04 - Jacob and I took pictures of the gutted space.

Six weeks have passed since our last update. We had planed to have the café open by now however circumstances beyond our control pushed the project out a little bit. Although it is completely possible that we will get the work done earlier, we are currently aiming for a May 1st 2005 opening date.

Things are going extremely well. The state of Massachusetts has granted us our beer and wine license. The lease on the space has been agreed to. Our funding has been received from the City of Lynn. Plus we have been able to purchase the majority of equipment that we will need.

Our landlord should be finished with their work by next week after which we will start our build out.

A couple items of interest:

We have finalized our menu. Click here to view it. Let us know what you think!

Our good friend Jacob Higginbottom has updated the floor plan for Gulu-Gulu. Check it out here!

Thank you for your patience!
Steve & Marie

On Tuesday we were granted approval for a wine and malt beverage license, a common victualler license, and an entertainment license by the city of Lynn.

Also last Saturday the Gulu-Gulu website was made public. It is a work in progress but we hope you like it so far.

If all goes well we hope to have some big news next week!

Steve & Marie