MORE THAN 30 SOUTH JERSEY RESTAURANTS CONVERGE TO PRESENT A WEEK-LONG SHOWCASE OF LOCAL FARMS AND THEIR FRESHEST INGREDIENTS
Garden-fresh summer squash, plump heirloom tomatoes and sweet basil will make their way from dozens of New Jersey farms to the plates of more than 30 celebrated South Jersey restaurants with the return of Farm to Fork Week. Delectable four-course prix fixe menus featuring the finest locally-grown ingredients will be available for one week only, July 22nd through July 28th.
The South Jersey Independent Restaurant Association, most commonly known as SJ HOT Chefs, will host its annual Farm to Fork Week, now in its sixth year, as a tribute to local farmers. Participating restaurants will create four-course menus, ranging from $25-$35 using produce from nearby farms to help raise awareness of the high quality local foods that are accessible to their guests.
“Working with local New Jersey farmers allows us to offer our guests a unique variety of the freshest seasonal ingredients available. The tradition ofFarm to Fork Week allows us to continue our ongoing education of cooking with locally-grown ingredients while celebrating the wonderful partnerships between our farmers and restaurants,” said Fred Kellerman, President of SJ Hot Chefs and Chef/Owner of Elements Café.
As the pioneers of this campaign, SJ HOT Chefs hope to continue bringing fresh and unique flavors to the area. Dozens of farms will participate in this year’s initiative, including 1895 Organic Farm, Duffield’s Farm Market, Hunters Farm, Mood’s Farm Market, Muth Family Farm and Spinella Farm. This partnership with neighborhood farmers brought and will continue to bring a number of benefits to the consumer, the farmer, the SJ Hot Chefs organization, and the community throughout the years. The initiative strives to educate the community on the benefits of buying from local farms and farmers markets, including the produces’ more flavorful and longer shelf life, keeping consumers’ money in the community, and helping to the boost the local economy.
The highly anticipated week kicks off the Farm to Fork campaign, which includes a series of events that will take place throughout the summer including cooking demonstrations, dinners and the annual “Feasts in the Fields” event. For more information about the SJ Hot Chefs and the 2012 Farm to Fork Week, please visit http://www.SJHOTchefs.com.
About SJ Hot Chefs
The South Jersey Independent Restaurant Association, or SJ HOT Chefs as they are commonly referred to, are all local chefs and owners of independent restaurants in the South Jersey area. Members are passionate culinary professionals dedicated to providing great food and service, while also working to increase awareness of dining opportunities in South Jersey. SJ HOT Chefs also hosts various events throughout the year including the March of Dimes “Banquets for Babies,” Interfaith Caregivers and the Virtua Hospital Wine Dinner, “CHEF WARS,” South Jersey’s bi-annual Restaurant Week in October and March, Farm to Fork Week, and Feast In The Fields held every summer. For more information, visit SJ HOT Chefs’ website athttp://www.SJHOTchefs.com.
SJ Hot Chefs Farm to Fork Week 2012 Participating Restaurants:
Andreotti’s Viennese Cafe
Anthony’s Creative Italian Cuisine #
Arugula
Barnsboro Inn
Bella Sera #
Blackbird Dining Establishment
Braddocks #
Café Madison
Caffe Aldo Lamberti
Carolina Blue
Christopher
Coriander: an Indian Bistro * #
da Soli
Elements Cafe #
Filomena Lakeview
Filomena/Berlin
Keg & Kitchen
Kuzina by Sophia
La Campagne #
La Esperanza * #
Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti
MARLENE mangia bene
Max’s Seafood Cafe #
Monsoon fine Indian Cuisine
Nonna’s
Riverwinds
Scaturro’s
That’s Amore #
The Chophouse #
The Little Tuna #
Tre Famiglia Ristorante #
Villari’s Bistro, Bar & Grill
* Restaurants offering $25 menu
# Open Table Online Reservations
