Cleo's cranks it up in the gateway
Shayne Thompson
for The Mirror

Anyone who spends their weekends and vacations exploring small-town America knows that most of the action in a typical suburban "downtown" is concentrated in one area. For residents and guests of Highland Park, this area lies between 2nd and 5th avenues. But, Darrin Faille, owner of Cleo's Bagel Dish and Café, is hoping to bring some of that action a little further south.

Prior to taking over ownership of Cleo's, Darrin managed a club, which helped spark his interest in entertaining people.

"I want to bring in a little nightlife," he said. He also stated that he has a desire to change the café, to modernize it.

While Darrin maintains that Cleo's will always be primarily a coffeehouse, he feels that the concept of a café where people hang out and sip lattes is a little stale.

He may actually be onto something.

Of course, we all loved watching the Friends gang during a midday deliberation at their local coffee shop but, for most of us, that is just not a reality.

However, enjoying some comic relief on Humpday may be just what we need to get us through until the weekend.

From now on, Highland Park residents will only have to venture a few blocks down Raritan to indulge in a mid-week laugh fest.

Darrin recently installed a stage at the café and on February 6th, Cleo's held its first comedy night which proved to be quite a success. "There was a really good turn out," said Darrin of the varied and diverse crowd.

In fact several more events are already set for February and March.

On Friday, February 22nd Cleoís will feature a young, musical duet that actually sings in ten different languages.

Next month they will host a food drive with a twist -- an eating contest dubbed "The Stomach Olympics" that should prove amusing for patrons with strong stomachs of their own.

In addition to these, various acoustic musical acts and poetry events will be scattered throughout the upcoming months.

Anyone who would like to take a chance at the mic or just get more info on scheduled events, can visit Darrin at Cleo's (between Cedar Ave. and First Ave.) between 6 AM and 3 PM daily or check out his Facebook page at rutgers.facebook.com.

Wednesdays will be limited to comedy acts for now, but Darrin hopes to expand. So if your talent lies elsewhere feel free to inquire. Entertainers of all mediums are welcome.