2010 was an amazing year for Jersey Bites. It was in late 2009 when I decided to put out the call to other writers to ask if anyone might want to write for JerseyBites. (And, oh, yeah, did I mention there was no pay involved?) The response was unexpected and humbling. Who knew there were so many crazy people like me who share my passion for food and our often misunderstood little state? In just one year we’ve added 26 writers to the team. I imagine another 26 in 2011.
On our Jersey Bites “field trip” to the Martha Stewart Show in Manhattan, Beth Christian (Burlington County) asked me “How does it feel knowing you created all this?” The honest answer is I’m just so tickled that so many people enjoy it as much as I do.
I never dreamed when I started posting recipes on my little blog in 2007, that I’d eventually be interviewing Paula Deen or serving on the new “Potluck” blogging team for Shoprite, or hosting a swanky party at Avenue in Long Branch or on the back of a Cheerios box (granted, a picture the size of my pinky nail, but there just the same), or teaming up with PBS for the television debut of Food Inc., or, more importantly, meeting so many amazing people along the way.
And so the journey continues. I am curious and extremely excited for Jersey Bites in 2011. Our intention is to continue to grow until we have all of the counties covered which means many more writers to introduce. This month, we welcomed five new members to the Jersey Bites family. Terry Krongold, a life-long passionate baker and blogger at The Cook’s Tour will be taking over in Passaic County. In Camden County, we are thrilled to welcome two great cooks and bloggers, Colleen Wood, from jerzEATS.com and Lisa Grant of JerseyGirlCooks.com.
Coming in January, we’ll be helping all of you whose New Year’s resolution it is to lose weight by searching for Jersey’s Best “Health Food.” So, if you have a favorite restaurant that is known for serving healthy, great tasting, low calorie dishes, we want to hear about it. Personally, I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. Then again, I’ve never had a problem with my weight before now. (Welcome to your mid-forties, Deb.) Doc says I need to lower my cholesterol too so you can count on me for some waist friendly recipes in 2011, and Beth Christian will be helping out in January by reviewing a new diet book called Cinch by Cynthia Sass. While some of us have been eating more than we should there are others who are not getting enough. Coming in January, Rachel Bozek will be taking an inside look at the Community Food Bank of NJ and their need for donations especially after the Holidays.
We’ve got a bunch of restaurants to talk about this month. Heidi Raker will be taking us to Picnic in Fair Lawn, while Melissa Yurasits reviews Son Cubano, in West New York. Colleen Wood will be touring the Lacas Coffee company in Pennsauken while Colleen Curry will visit the Indian Food section of Jersey City. Phil Sikora reports on his dinner and movie experience at the opening of the new dine-in movie theater in West Orange. Tracy Goldenberg in Essex County will give us her feedback on a Wine Tasting course conducted by Kevin Zraly while Peter Culos, our Beer aficionado, will be tasting and telling about Jersey’s Finest Beer Tasting event to be held at Iron Hill Brewery in Maple Shade on January 15th.
January is going to be one action packed month so please stay tuned. And, don’t forget to join in the fun on Facebook. We love hearing from our readers. Thank you all for a fantastic year and from all of us at Jersey Bites, we wish you a very Happy New Year.
