It’s back and we can’t wait to get cooking. Join us February 9 to 11 at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison for three days of cooking demos from New Jersey chefs and food personalities. We’re incredibly excited about this year’s lineup for the Jersey Bites Cooking Pavilion—take a look! (Follow this link to purchase tickets with coupon code BITES for 50% off admission.)
Friday, February 9
5:30 p.m. Chef Marita Lynn
Dish: Shrimp and artichoke ceviche
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Chef Marita Lynn is a true ambassador for Peruvian cuisine and culinary tradition in the United States. The multifaceted cuisine of Peru has been heavily influenced by Incan, European (Spanish, Basque, Italian, French), African, and Asian elements that reflect its history and colonial past. Dating back at least 6,000 years and boasting the most diverse crops (4,000 varieties of potatoes, 2,000 of fish), Peruvian food combines flavors of four continents. Tapped as the “next big cuisine” in the past few years (including by Bon Appétit magazine), Peruvian cuisine is poised to finally get the attention—and champion—it deserves in Chef Lynn.
Saturday, February 10
11 a.m. Cassie Fishkin, Owner of The Spot and Casita
Dish: Roasted butternut squash salad and bacon kale mac ‘n cheese
Former attorney turned restaurateur times two, Cassie Fishkin’s restaurants serve up wholesome comfort food at her comfy “joint” in Montclair and authentic Mexican fare at Casita in Millburn. Both restaurants offer extensive gluten-free menus, as Cassie was diagnosed with celiac disease several years ago. She knew firsthand how hard it was to dine out with her friends and not end up sick, so both her restaurants are safe havens for anyone dealing with celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities. From mac and cheese to breakfast all day, you are going to find something for everyone to enjoy at her restaurants.
3 p.m. Chef Josh Gryvatz, of Deliboy Delivery
Dish: Crostini with crab, crawfish, avocado and hearts of palm
Chef/Proprietor, Josh Gryvatz ostensibly grew up in the food business. From stocking shelves and sweeping floors in his parent’s small New York convenience store at age eleven to almost thirty years later, managing the full-service deli/butcher/market and catering service they own and operate down the shore.
Although he worked in advertising and marketing for over a decade, there was always something simmering away on the back burner of his mind (besides food puns); the allure of the professional kitchen. So he ditched his suit and tie for an apron and clogs and rejoined his family in business.
Now, he’s taking his passion for everything culinary one step further. With the support of his wife and two young boys, he’s feeding you door-to-door with Deliboy Delivery, a custom made, prepared meals delivery service. Busy people of New Jersey rejoice!
5 p.m. Joe Vrola of the Vrola Meat Company
Dish: Red wine braised boneless short ribs
From his time working alongside his father in the family-run Jersey City butcher shop, Vrola learned how to cut meat, choose only the best cuts, and cook the entire animal. Today, as president of the Vrola Meat Company, Center of the Plate Specialists, Vrola combines these early lessons with 30 years of experience providing chefs with the highest quality and most innovative items around. From lollipop short ribs, to “sailing” lamb chops, to hand-selected, dry-aged steaks, restaurants throughout the Garden State have come to rely on Joe and the Vrola Meat Company for quality and service.
Sunday, February 11
11:30 a.m. Chef Julie Hartigan, of Cooking w/ Julie
Dish: Tandoori roasted cauliflower soup and dark chocolate sea salt tartlets
Julie Hartigan is a professional chef and recipe developer who left a career as an engineer to pursue her passion for all things food, cooking, cocktails, and fun! A longtime Jersey resident, Julie splits her time between Hoboken and Asbury Park and loves exploring both cities’ ever-changing dining and cocktail scenes…while she talks shop with the chefs. By day, Julie works with brands including Weight Watchers, Bed Bath Beyond, Real Simple, Food Network, and shoots cooking videos, writes recipes, and appears on TV to share her tips and tricks. She’s thrilled to bring a chef-to-chef perspective to Jersey Bites and introduce you to the standout spots, dishes, and drinks on her must-try list! Follow Julie’s culinary adventures and get her recipes, cooking tips, and easy entertaining ideas on Instagram @cookingwjulie and on Facebook at Cooking w Julie.
1:30 p.m. Chef Sushant Mhatre, of Aarzu
Dish: Kerala chemmeen roast (pan-roasted shrimp, glazed in pepper sauce)
Sushant started his career with the Leela Mumbai and worked there for four years before he left India to work for Carnival Cruise Lines. He joined Arora Hospitality Group recently and is the executive chef at Aarzu in Freehold.
This is an encore appearance for Aarzu. The restaurant’s cooking demonstration last year was so popular we just had to have them back. Be sure to get your seat early—you won’t want to miss this.
3:30 p.m. Chef Jesse Jones
Dish: Apple cider-brined Pork tenderloin on toast points
Personal chef to the stars and Author of POW! My Life in 40 Feasts. This is the third appearance for Jesse at the Jersey Bites Cooking Pavilion. His presentations are always lively and food delicious—a perfect way to close out another year at the NJ Home Show.
Purchase tickets here – Use Coupon Code BITES to save 50% on admission (only when buying tickets online)
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue
Edison, NJ
