Page 121 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend and Beyond

JerseyBites

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June 26, 2014

Event details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm directly before heading out!

THIS WEEKEND:

June 28: Historic Whitesbog Village is where Elizabeth C. White and Dr. Frederick Coville grew the first domesticated highbush blueberry, making the Pinelands a blueberry haven. And now the 31st Annual Whitesbog Blueberry Festival happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 28. Plenty of blueberry food items will be on hand, as well as bluegrass music and activities for the kids, including a pie-eating contest. Entry is $10 per car, or $5 per person for guests arriving on foot or by bike or charter bus. Whitesbog Village, 120 N. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills.

June 28: Viking Village in Barnegat Light holds its annual Jazzy Scallop & Seafood Festival. A number of local restaurants will be on hand preparing lovely nibbles as guests enjoy some jazzy tunes. The festival runs from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 at the Chamber of Commerce in Ship Bottom or $30 at the event. Viking Village, 1081 Bayview Avenue, Barnegat Light.

June 28: The Brigantine Beach Green Team and the city of Brigantine host a weekly farmers market that starts on June 28 and runs Saturdays until August 16, from 8:30 a.m.to noon. More than 30 local vendors will appear at the market. Haneman Park, 15th St & Revere Boulevard, Brigantine.

June 28: Do you enjoy Jersey beer? Do you like battleships? Enjoy both at the annual Garden State Brewers Festival, on board the Battleship New Jersey in Camden. More than 20 breweries will be there for you to sample from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the event are $45 per person ($55 for VIP tickets). 100 Clinton Street, Camden.

June 28: FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, the home of the BlueClaws, brings back BrewFest at the Ballpark. Two sessions will be held: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate, per session. For $55, guests can also enjoy a buffet. Order by phone at 732-901-7000, or in person at the BlueClaws Box Office. FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood.

June 28: Island Heights is the place to be for Summer Brew 2014, hosted by the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company #1 and with live entertainment by The Pickles. For a donation of $30 in advance or $35 at the door, guests can sample beers as well as partake in some BBQ, clams, and more. The event begins at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from any Island Heights firefighter. Ages 21+ only. 732-929-4683, Island Heights Fire Company, Lake and Maple Avenues, Island Heights.

June 29: Hammonton celebrates its status as blueberry capital of the world during the Red White and Blueberry Festival, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hammonton High School. From pies, to pizzas, to iced tea, to salsa, if it can be made with blueberries, you’ll find it there. And yes, there will be pie-eating contests. Admission and parking are both free. Hammonton High School, 566 Old Forks Road, Hammonton.

June 30: Come out to any participating restaurant in the Long Beach Island/Manahawkin area on June 30 to support David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation’s Dine to Donate. Created by David Caldarella, a cancer survivor himself, the foundation has received support from nearly 30 restaurants in Ocean County. Proceeds from the restaurants on that day will go directly to the foundation. Contact David at 609-548-3382 or [email protected] for restaurant details.

AND BEYOND:

July 11, 18, 25: On three Fridays in July at 6:30 p.m., Haddonfield’s In The Kitchen Cooking School welcomes chef Natalie Stone for hands-on cooking classes. July 11 features the menu from Stone’s appearance on Rocco’s Dinner Party on the Bravo Network. The July 18 class offers Italian holiday favorites and more cooking classics are featured on July 25. The cost is $75 per class. Call 609-206-4511 to register. In The Kitchen Cooking School, 10 Mechanic Street, Haddonfield.

July 20 to 25: Collingswood’s Farm Fresh Restaurant Week starts July 20 and will feature several of area restaurants including: Tortilla Press, Nunzio’s Ristorante, and more. Restaurants will include discounted specials on their most popular dishes. Check online for more information.

August 16: The EARTH Center’s Garden Field Day takes place at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. A variety of events are scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. including garden tours, live music, samples of local produce from Middlesex County farmers, and a Backyard Garden Contest where guests are welcome to bring their biggest tomato, pumpkin or pepper. Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue, South Brunswick, 732-398-5262.

August 24: Sweet tooth, anyone? Kean University is the place to be for the NJ Confection & Dessert Tasting Expo. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy workshops for all ages along with sweet samplings and goodies that will be for sale. A Sweet Demonstration Stage will feature baking demonstrations from award-winning bakers and sweet entrepreneurs. General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are available for $65. Contact [email protected] for more details. Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union.

Peruvian Flair: Coming Soon to Red Bank

Melissa Beveridge

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June 25, 2014

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Dining out in Red Bank is similar to traveling the culinary world. Eating your way through places like Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Jamaica, and more, you experience the world over without having to spend hundreds of dollars on an airline ticket. In just a few weeks, adventurous eaters can stamp another country into their diners’ passports – Peru – when RUNA: Where Food and People Meet opens on Monmouth Street.

Chef Marita Lynn has been dreaming about the day when she would open the doors to her restaurant for more than 20 years. While waiting for the perfect timing, Lynn has been busy perfecting her skills in the kitchen with her catering business, Marita Lynn Catering, for more than 10 years.

“I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant,” Lynn said. “I was warned it wasn’t easy so I started my catering business.” Originally trained in a restaurant, Lynn wanted to be close to home and still be a part of her kids’ lives, so she installed a commercial kitchen for her catering business right in her home. Now that the kids are older and she’s ready, she’s finally getting a chance to open up the restaurant she’s been dreaming of.

“With a restaurant I’ll be able to have that special connection with my customers,” said Lynn who explains that ‘runa’ means ‘people’ in Peruvian. On her Kickstarter campaign site, Lynn explains how RUNA is all about the people.

“RUNA is solely focused on community, bringing together individuals who share a passion for food and who want to try Peruvian flavor.” Since moving to the U.S. when she was 20 years old, Lynn has been envisioning a restaurant where she can marry her family’s traditional Peruvian recipes and make them accessible to everyone despite their dietary restrictions.

Lynn will be offering Peruvian dishes that entice the taste buds, including classic dishes like ceviche. She will also be focusing on making vegetarian and gluten-free dishes so that “everyone feels welcome.”

Not only will Lynn be catering to the community with Peruvian inspired plates, but she will also be offering the community a chance to learn more about the art of cooking. Every Monday, RUNA will be open for “Pay Forward Mondays” which will include “Kitchen Intuition” cooking classes, empowerment resources and comfort meals for the homeless, valuable networking nights with entrepreneurs, and special women-only development opportunities.

“I want to change the mindset of women and show that they can be independent,” said Lynn when asked about the vision behind her “Pay Forward Mondays.”

Despite the two-year delay, Lynn is looking forward to finally opening RUNA’s doors with a little help from her friends. She’s been inspired by the community to create an atmosphere where people enjoy every aspect of their night out.

“It’s not just about the food – it’s about enjoying your time while you’re eating,” said Lynn.

Marita Lynn Catering
www.maritalynncatering.com
917-272-8567
[email protected]

RUNA (Opening July 2014)
110 Monmouth Street
Red Bank

Melissa Beveridge is a freelance journalist and editor, focusing on great food, healthy living, and wellness. Her passion for eating and living well embodies her writing. A lover of all things Jersey, she is also an avid traveler, always looking to discover those hidden culinary gems everywhere she goes. Her musings can be found on her blog mbeewell.wordpress.com.

Where to Dock and Dine in New Jersey

JerseyBites

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June 24, 2014

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Looking for a spot along the NJ coast where you can dock and dine? Look no further! Check out our list of suggestions. And if you have another recommendation, please add it to the comments!

Atlantic City

- Wonder Bar: Located just two blocks from the boardwalk on Albany Avenue, Wonder Bar offers its Sunset Room, which has a view of the back bay. Open until 5 a.m., Wonder Bar is a popular late-night spot that also offers a side Tiki Bar for outdoor drinks. 300 feet of floating dock space. Wonder Bar, 3701 Sunset Ave, Atlantic City, 609-344-8888.

Wonder Bar, dock and dine Restaurants in New Jersey — Wonder Bar, Atlantic City (Photo by Sean Fitzgerald)

Bayville

- B2 Bistro + Bar – Boaters looking to dock and dine are in great hands at B2 Bistro’s Bayville location. Boat slips and moorings are available for guests along with a water taxi to take you to and from the doc. Enjoy outdoor dining on their huge deck and even a dip in B2 Bistro‘s inground pool. Take in the gorgeous views of Barengat Bay while sipping on a cocktail and savoring a fantastic lunch or dinner. Sushi, wood-fired pizza, great burgers and seafood are among a plethora of delicious offerings. Live bands are typically playing every weekend too.

Belmar

- Klein’s: Providing a wide selection of fresh food, Klein’s is a great waterfront spot for any craving. The Grill Room is perfect for indoor or outside dining, while the Waterside Café offers fresh seafood. Klein’s also has its own fish market and sushi bar in the restaurant. Klein’s, 708 River Road, Belmar, 732-681-1177.

Brielle

- Union Landing Restaurant: Another great stop at the Jersey Shore is the Union Landing Restaurant. With plenty of docking spaces available, the restaurant features a fresh raw bar and patio area with a scenic view of the marina and occasional live music. Union Landing Restaurant, 622 Green Ave, Brielle, 732-528-6665.

Cape May

- The Lobster House: Overlooking Cape May Harbor, the Lobster House sits waterfront next to a commercial fishing fleet, which provides most of the restaurant’s seafood. The Lobster House offers a raw bar with indoor and outdoor dining, along with the Schooner American—an outdoor cocktail lounge with a full bar and luncheon menu. The Lobster House, 906 Schellengers Landing Rd, Cape May, 609-884-8296.

Galloway

- Motts Creek Inn: With a spacious outdoor deck and live music on the weekends, this is a great spot for a casual outdoor dining experience. Six boat slips and one boat ramp. Can accommodate 4 to 10 boats. Motts Creek Inn, 200 E Motts Creek Road, Galloway, 609-652-1555.
  Motts Creek Inn, Galloway (Photo courtesy of Motts Creek Inn)

- Oyster Creek Inn: Just 3.5 miles from historic Smithville, The Oyster Creek Inn is a great place to dock and dine. This family owned seafood restaurant in Leeds Point features a crab room and sushi bar, along with local music. The Inn is a relaxing hangout for waterfront dining. Oyster Creek Inn, 41 Oyster Creek Road, Leeds Point 609-652-8565.

Lake Hopatcong

- The Windlass: Located at Nolan’s Point in Lake Hopatcong, the Windlass is a great place to dock and dine on Italian fare with a beautiful view of the largest freshwater body in NJ. The eatery is open Wednesday to Sunday in the summer and features an Italian patio where guests can eat outside. The docks are staffed to assist anyone arriving to the restaurant via watercraft. The Windlass, 45 Nolan Point Park Rd, Jefferson Township, Lake Hopatcong, 973-663-3190.

Manahawkin

- The Dutchman’s Brauhaus: This German restaurant, located on Bonnet Island in Manahawkin, has something for everyone. Aside from its regular dining room, The Brauhaus features The Upstairs, an entertainment room with live music, a Bavarian Tavern with draft German beers, and The Quelle, an outside bar. The Dutchman’s Brauhaus, 2500 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, 609-494-6910.

Marmora

- Tuckahoe Inn: The restaurant’s Back Bay Cafe overlooks the Great Egg Harbor and features live music Wednesday through Sunday. Families are welcome and docking is available to boaters at their own risk. Tuckahoe Inn, 1 Harbor Road Beeseley’s Point, 609-390-3322.

Point Pleasant Beach

- Jack Baker’s Wharfside Patio Bar & Restaurant: Here are two local favorites where you can dine on the water and watch boats go by. The Patio Bar is a great outdoor spot, while the Wharfside Restaurant offers a more formal dining atmosphere. On weekends the Patio Bar also has live music. Jack Baker’s Wharfside, 101 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-892-9100.

- Shrimp Box ‘Outside the Box’ Patio: Dock and dine at the Shrimp Box patio bar. The restaurant offers a casual, relaxed setting on the Point Pleasant inlet and is open for lunch and dinner. 300 feet of docking space is available. Shrimp Box, 75 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-899-1637.

Somers Point

- Baia: The restaurant features three waterfront decks for any type of dining experience. The Upper Deck is perfect for larger gatherings and includes Baia’s full indoor menu. The Lower Deck provides a casual spot with lighter summer fare, and the new and improved Side Deck is covered and perfect for the weekly entertainment offered by Baia. Eight boat slips. Baia, 998 Bay Avenue, Somers Point, 609-926-9611.
  Baia, Somers Point (Photo courtesy of Baia)

- Crabby Jack’s (at The Crab Trap): Located behind The Crab Trap Restaurant, Crabby Jack’s provides beachgoers with a casual deck bar with entertainment that opens at noon, seven days a week during the summer season. Crabby Jack’s, 2 Broadway, Somers Point 609-927-7377.

Stone Harbor

- Water Star Grille at The Reeds at Shelter Haven: The upscale-yet-casual restaurant provides guests with a beautiful view and stylish surroundings. The Grille also offers a late-night menu from 10 p.m. to midnight and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Water Star Grille, 9601 Third Avenue Stone Harbor, 609-368-0100.
  Water Star Grille, Stone Harbor (Photo courtesy of Water Star Grille)

Toms River

- Baker’s Water Street Bar & Grille: Part of the Baker family chain, Baker’s Water Street is an ideal spot for waterfront dining, with live, local music on the weekends throughout the summer. Baker’s Water Street, 4 Robbins Pkwy, Toms River, 732-240-4800.

Wildwood

- The Boathouse: Specializing in seafood and steak, the Boathouse offers guests with plenty of seating. The indoor dining room is coupled with a spacious outdoor deck with an overhang and is built almost fully over water. The Boathouse, 506 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, 609-729-5301.

House of Cupcakes: Newest Location and Giveaway!

Terry Krongold

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June 20, 2014

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Espresso Brownie Cupcake, House of Cupcakes — Espresso Brownie Cupcake

In case you missed the grand opening of the new location of House of Cupcakes in Clifton, Jersey Bites and The Cook’s Tour have the scoop!

House of Cupcakes managing partner Ron Bzdewka told me a charming story about how he and his wife, Ruthie, got started in the cupcake business. Several years ago, they were at a street fair, saw a long line in front of a cupcake stand, and Ruthie had a revelation: “I want to open a cupcake store!” Like a smart husband, he went along with his wife’s idea, and this simple chain of events evolved into House of Cupcakes.

The Bzdewkas found a small storefront in Princeton, not more than 600 square feet, and launched their soon-to-be empire. The 2008 economic downturn put a temporary crimp in their plans, but they came roaring back.

The couple reconnected with an old friend from their days as Party City franchisees, Syeve Mandell, who was looking for a new venture. Mandell loved the concept and put together a franchising plan to take House of Cupcakes to new heights.

Salted Caramel Cupcake, House of Cupcakes — Salted Caramel Cupcake

Ruthie, a self-taught baker, is always looking to try new things. And Ron said his background in construction is not so different from baking. “Mixing concrete is the same as mixing dough!” he said.

They bake 45 different flavors each day. How do they come up with the flavors? A lot of the suggestions have come from customers. When they first started out, they developed a flavor plan – whatever sells, they keep on the menu. Additionally, they don’t want anybody to walk away disappointed, so they don’t rotate flavors, they bake every flavor every day! And then they add in seasonal cupcakes like peppermint for Christmas or pumpkin for the fall. They start out with 1,000 cupcakes each day at every store and then just keep going.

The original House of Cupcakes in Princeton is temporarily closed due to a fire, but will reopen later this summer at double its original size and with seating for 30. The Bzdewkas are planning some big surprises for the reopening, so stay tuned.

House of Cupcakes, Clifton — House of Cupcakes’ managing partners celebrate their latest opening with Clifton’s Mayor. (From left to right:) Eric Mandell, Joanne Mandell, Ron Bzdewka, Clifton Mayor James Anzaldi, Ruthie Bzdewka, Steve Mandell.

The Clifton store is their most recent opening, but later this summer, an additional location will open in Wayne. I asked Ron how many stores they plan to open, and he said “as many as we can, pending the right locations.”

Ron and Ruthie are the winners of season two of Cupcake Wars on The Food Network. When they first received an email from the Food Network inviting them to audition for the series, but Ron thought it was junk mail and he deleted it! Luckily, the network followed up. Ron ran out, bought a video camera, they produced an audition tape overnight, and two days later they were on the show. Needless to say, after that, their business exploded, and they’ve been on a straight shot ever since. They’ve just introduced cheesecake and ice cream, as well as vegan and gluten-free cookies.

Ron said they want House of Cupcakes to be the kind of place where everybody leaves happy. Sounds like a good philosophy to me!

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

Now, how about winning a dozen cupcakes for yourself? To enter, click on over to House of Cupcakes and take a look at the many fabulous flavors they offer, then come back to tell us your favorite by leaving a comment below.

Be sure to leave your contact email in your entry if one is not tied to your user account. If there is no contact information, we will have to pick another winner.

You can also gain an extra entry by tweeting or blogging about this giveaway. You must come back and leave a comment and link to your tweet or blog post to be counted. Winner must be able to pick up prize at the Clifton or East Brunswick location. The contest runs from June 20, 2014, to Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be contacted on July 6. Winners will be chosen with the help of Random.org. Good luck!

Must be 18 years or older to enter. Entry must include an email address for notification.

No substitutions allowed and the prize is not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash in lieu of the prize.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR CLAIM PRIZE.

GENERAL CONDITIONS. By accepting the prize, the winner and companion agree to release and hold harmless Foxtrot Media LLC. and House of Cupcakes and its subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies from any and all liability including all claims arising from, but not limited to injuries or damages of any kind sustained in connection with the acceptance, enjoyment and/or use or misuse of any prize(s) received in this promotion. By accepting the prize, the winner is responsible for any applicable federal, state and local tax in connection with winning this prize.

House of Cupcakes
259 Allwood Road (accessible from Route 3 West)
Clifton
862-225-9536

Summerhill Square Shopping Center
593 Rt. 18 South
E. Brunswick
732-955-6026

30 Witherspoon Street (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
Princeton, New Jersey 08542
609-924-0085

Brentwood Plaza Shopping Center (COMING SOON)
1655 Route 23 South – Unit 17A
Wayne
973-832-7285

Terry Krongold is a life-long, passionate baker. In addition to a full-time job in the pharmaceutical industry, Terry has been involved with food for many years, including co-ownership of a dessert catering company in the late eighties called I Love Cheesecake, specializing in fine cheesecake and unique desserts. Terry is the author of The Cook’s Tour, a blog focused on food, baking, and travel. When not working, writing, or baking, she spends time planning vacations around restaurants to visit. She can be reached at [email protected].

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend and Beyond

JerseyBites

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June 19, 2014

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Event details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm directly before heading out!

THIS WEEKEND:

Rufus at Amanti Vino — Rufus hangs at Amanti Vino

June 20: In honor of Take Your Dog to Work Day, Amanti Vino holds its first-ever ‘Yappy Hour’ from 4 to 6 p.m. All well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to come to the shop for a cookie while their humans enjoy treats as well. Amanti Vino, 30 Church Street, Montclair.

June 21 and 22: Take a one-stop tour of South Jersey wineries at the Washington Lake Park Wine Festival in Sewell. Local eats will be available as well to enjoy with your vino. The festival will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, and the cost is $20 per person ($15 if purchased in advance). Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road, Sewell.

June 21 and 22: Tuckerton Seaport holds its annual Baymen’s Seafood & Music Festival, bringing the noise and the nosh. The festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and the cost is $8 or free for members of the Seaport. Ever wanted to learn how to shuck clams? Now’s your chance! Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main Street, Tuckerton.

June 21: Hot Rods and Food Trucks! Hundreds of cars, music, prizes, vendors, and fun for the whole family. Free admission for spectators, plus an extreme Food Truck Showdown—come hungry and leave satisfied! Bay Boulevard and Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights.

AND BEYOND:

June 28: Historic Whitesbog Village is where Elizabeth C. White and Dr. Frederick Coville grew the first domesticated highbush blueberry, making the Pinelands a blueberry haven. And now the 31st Annual Whitesbog Blueberry Festival happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 28. Plenty of blueberry food items will be on hand, as well as bluegrass music and activities for the kids, including a pie-eating contest. Entry is $10 per car $5 per person for guests arriving on foot or by bike or charter bus. Whitesbog Village, 120 N. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills.

June 28: Viking Village in Barnegat Light holds its annual Jazzy Scallop & Seafood Festival. As the name indicates, this event brings together fresh seafood as well as the sounds of jazz music. A number of local restaurants will be on hand preparing lovely nibbles as well. The festival runs from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 at the Chamber of Commerce in Ship Bottom or $30 at the event. Viking Village, 1081 Bayview Avenue, Barnegat Light.

June 28: The Brigantine Beach Green Team and the city of Brigantine host a weekly farmers market that starts on June 28 and runs Saturdays until August 16, from 8:30 a.m.to noon. More than 30 local vendors will be supplying to the market. Haneman Park, 15th St & Revere Boulevard, Brigantine.

June 28: Do you enjoy Jersey beer? Do you like battleships? Enjoy both at the annual Garden State Brewers Festival, on board the Battleship New Jersey in Camden. More than 20 breweries will be there for you to sample from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the event are $45 per person ($55 for VIP tickets). 100 Clinton Street, Camden.

June 28: FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, the home of the BlueClaws, brings back BrewFest at the Ballpark. Two sessions will be held: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate, per session. For an extra $20, you can have access to the buffet (new this year!). Order by phone at 732-901-7000, or in person at the BlueClaws Box Office. FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood.

June 28: Island Heights is the place to be for Summer Brew 2014, hosted by the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company #1. For one price ($30 in advance and $35 at the door), guests can sample beers as well as partake in some BBQ, clams, and more. The event begins at 5 p.m. 15 Lake Avenue, Island Heights.

June 29: Hammonton celebrates its status as blueberry capital of the world during the Red White and Blueberry Festival, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hammonton High School. From pies, to pizzas, to iced tea, to salsa, if it can be made with blueberries, you’ll find it there. And yes, there will be pie-eating contests. Admission and parking are both free. Hammonton High School, 566 Old Forks Road, Hammonton.

June 30: Come out to any participating restaurant in the Long Beach Island/Manahawkin area on June 30 to support David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation’s Dine to Donate. Created by David Caldarella, a cancer survivor himself, the foundation has received support from nearly 30 restaurants in Ocean County. Proceeds from the restaurants on that day will go directly to the foundation. Contact David at 609-548-3382 or [email protected] for restaurant details.

July 11, 18, 25: On three Fridays in July at 6:30 p.m., Haddonfield’s In The Kitchen Cooking School welcomes chef Natalie Stone for hands-on cooking classes. July 11 features the menu from Stone’s appearance on Rocco’s Dinner Party on the Bravo Network. The July 18 class offers Italian holiday favorites and more cooking classics are featured on July 25. The cost is $75 per class. Call 609-206-4511 to register. In The Kitchen Cooking School, 10 Mechanic Street, Haddonfield.

July 16: Chef Robert Bennett demonstrates his favorite cool desserts including gelato and sorbet, chillers and fruit soup at Classic Cake in Cherry Hill. The event is $10 per person and also includes a complimentary beverage. Guests can sign up in store, by phone at 856-751-5448, or at [email protected]. Classic Cake, 480 Evesham Road, Cherry Hill.

July 20 to 25: Collingswood’s Farm Fresh Restaurant Week starts July 20 and will feature several of area restaurants including: Tortilla Press, Nunzio’s Ristorante, and more. Restaurants will include discounted specials on their most popular dishes. Check online for more information.

August 16: The EARTH Center’s Garden Field Day takes place at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. A variety of events are scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. including garden tours, live music, samples of local produce from Middlesex County farmers, and a Backyard Garden Contest where guests are welcome to bring their biggest tomato, pumpkin or pepper. Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue, South Brunswick, 732-398-5262.

August 24: Sweet tooth, anyone? Kean University is the place to be for the NJ Confection & Dessert Tasting Expo. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy workshops for all ages along with sweet samplings and goodies that will be for sale. A Sweet Demonstration Stage will feature baking demonstrations from award-winning bakers and sweet entrepreneurs. General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are available for $65. Contact [email protected] for more details. Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union.

Chef Spotlight: Ariane Duarte

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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June 18, 2014

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Chef Ariane Duarte, Jersey Bites, Chef Spotlight — Chef Ariane Duarte

Chef Ariane Duarte’s love of cooking began as she was growing up, watching her grandmother cook family dinners. She went on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, and she has not stopped cooking since. Duarte’s desire to expand her culinary repertoire has led her to some of the most prestigious restaurant kitchens in the country: The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, NJ, The Terrace in Manhattan, Star Canyon in Dallas, Trio and Charlie Trotter’s testing kitchen in Chicago; Vine in Manhattan, and of course, CulinAriane in Montclair.

In February 2006, Ariane and her husband, Michael, opened their own restaurant, CulinAriane. Two months later, the restaurant received a four star rating from the Star Ledger and one month later received a “very good” rating from the New York Times.

When offered the opportunity to be on the fifth season of Top Chef, Ariane jumped at the chance. In 2013 she competed and won the premiere show Cook Your Ass Off. And she has continued to grow her brand as a contributing chef for several magazines and with appearances on Today, Iron Chef and the Tyra Banks Show.

After eight years and one expansion, CulinAriane, with Ariane still commanding the stoves, continues to shine as one of New Jersey’s top restaurants. This fall, the Duartes will relocate with the opening of Ariane Kitchen & Bar in Verona, just west of Montclair.

JERSEY BITES: What is your earliest food memory?
CHEF ARIANE DUARTE: The smell of a leg of lamb roasting in grandma’s oven.

When did you realize you wanted to make cooking a career? Was there an “a-ha” moment?
At 12 years old, watching Julia Child cooking.

What is your cooking style?
Simple, fresh, clean.

What has been your greatest opportunity that has come from cooking?
Cooking for two U.S. Presidents.

What is the most memorable meal you’ve had, what did you eat and where was it?
My first date with my husband. Dean Fearing cooked for us at Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas.

It’s your last day on earth, what would your final meal be?
My mom’s macaroni and gravy.

Cornmeal crusted oysters, CulinAriane, photo courtesy of Eat with Dan — Cornmeal crusted oysters (photo courtesy of Eat with Dan)

What is the best advice you have to share with young folks interested in becoming chefs?
Work in the business before deciding if you want to make it a career.

If you could choose to be any food item, what would it be?
A Jersey tomato!

What is the one “staple” food you always have in your cupboard at home?
Pasta – macaronis.

What is your beverage of choice?
Unsweetened iced tea.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Thin-crust pizza.

What New Jersey restaurant do you enjoy dining at, besides your own?
I enjoy eating and hanging with all the local boys.

If you could have dinner with any three people, living, deceased or fictional, who would they be and why?
Julia Child – she was my idol, and my two grandmothers – they’d be so proud.

Are you working on any upcoming projects our readers would be interested in learning about?
Opening a new restaurant in my hometown of Verona with an opening date of October 2014. We’ll have approximately 100 seats and will have a liquor license.

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

Brewing New Jersey Pinelands Pride

Peter Culos

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June 16, 2014

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Small Space, Big Taste

The first time I tasted Pinelands Brewing Pitch Pine Ale at the Atlantic City Beer Fest, I took notice. I had no idea it would be voted Best NJ Beer at the event, but I knew it was damn good. And I knew I wanted to have another.

I’m getting kind of spoiled. I’ve come to expect to find New Jersey craft beers wherever I go these days. In the case of Pinelands Brewing, though, there is only one place to find it. Jay Chapman, the brewer at Pinelands, told me, “We only have one account, and you’re standing in it.”

One-stop shopping at Pinelands Brewing Company

I had made the trip down to Tuckerton to visit the brewery and the place was so small that I barely needed to swivel my head to take the tour. That’s no exaggeration. It’s a 3 bbl. nano brewery that sells everything they make during their tasting hours right there on premises. I mean, they have literally run out of beer without distributing a single drop. That is some serious local support.

Arriving an hour earlier than the their new tasting hours, which are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, I found a few locals already hanging out. They talked me into trying the Evan John Porter first, instead of the Pitch Pine I had been pining for. It had an upfront sweetness and a dry finish that makes it a very drinkable porter. As good as it was, it was the conversation that impressed me the most. Those regulars couldn’t stop talking about the beer. In fact, as the tiny brewery began to fill up, it was almost impossible to talk to the staff who were busy filling growlers and pints.

14346863142_bdb5e11938_z — Head brewer, Jason Chapman (holding his son), keeps brewery guests and customers informed.

When Jay Chapman, who sports the almost obligatory brewer’s beard, and his partners cobbled together this little brewery (Jay built the brewing system from scratch), they also tapped into local Piney pride. As I listened to conversations about last names that have been around for generations, it was apparent that there was more going on here than just great beer. They are creating a tradition. While some of the guests had traveled a fair distance, it was obvious that Pinelands Brewing was a local hangout. Go for the beer, stay for the banter. And that’s exactly what I did.

There’s a small picnic area out back that made me wish I’d brought a sandwich or something. They also make their own soda, so there were quite a few kids contributing their own tasting notes. If the kids really like the soda, you can bring home a growler of that, too.

When I finally got to trying a pint of their Pitch Pine Pale Ale, it was a little under carbonated which made it drink more like a cask ale. Its piney hop essence evoked memories of the times I’ve been canoeing down in the Pinelands. It’s so popular that I couldn’t take home a growler of it. Instead, I opted for the tart and summery Saison. That turned out to be just the thing for a rapidly heating up Memorial Day weekend.

In the end, there are 4 guys with day jobs brewing up great beer in the Pinelands of New Jersey because they love it. Like a garage band, they practice their craft into the wee hours of the night. Their sound is beer and it’s reverberating through the scrub pines. You will probably be seeing Pinelands beers on tap in local establishments soon, but if you are traveling to the Jersey Shore this summer, stop by the brewery. Even if you aren’t a beer geek like me, you will undoubtedly soak up some South Jersey culture and most likely stay longer than you had planned.

After all, beer is the ultimate social stimulant and Pinelands Brewing is no exception—to say the least.

Pinelands Brewing Company
140 South 7th Avenue, Suite 15
Little Egg Harbor
609-296-6169

Peter Culos is the editor of “Beer Bites,” Jersey Bites’ coverage of breweries, bars and good beer in the Garden State. A graphic designer by day, and a lifelong New Jersey resident, Peter was first introduced to the novel idea that beer could actually have flavor during several visits to the UK. He’s been riding the craft beer bus ever since. It has been called the ultimate social lubricant and Peter’s philosophy on beer is, “I’d rather split my last good beer with a friend than drink the whole thing by myself.” Besides beer he also likes history, dogs, Jeeps and painting. In the past, he has written a History and Art blog for the Weider History Group and occasionally contributes to his own blog, history-geek.com. Life is short. Drink good beer.

Steak-Grilling Tips from a Pro

Lou Petrella

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June 14, 2014

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What better way to celebrate the start of summer than with a nice, juicy steak? While it’s not necessarily an easy task, grilling can be truly rewarding because it produces a great charred taste that everyone loves. Chef Steve Capodicasa of Kings Food Markets gave us his tips for cooking a perfect steak on the grill.

Buy thick steaks! The best steaks to cook are ones that are 1 ¼ inch to 2 inches thick. This allows them to sear on the outside without being overdone on the inside. The easiest way to ruin a steak is to get it too thin because it will get overdone in a snap.
Freezing may help for thin steaks. Buying a thin steak and grilling it while it’s frozen can help keep it from being overdone and dried out. You need a lot of heat to sear and char the outside and keep it rare and juicy (or your preference) on the inside.
Room temperature is best. In most cases (other than when the steak is thin), steaks cook the best if they are at room temperature before you start to grill them.
Don’t be afraid to turn up the heat! To cook the best-tasting steaks, you need very high heat to sear and char the steak on the outside. High heat produces a great grilled flavor and keeps the steak juicy by cooking it quickly before the juices can escape. It doesn’t really seal in the juices, as is popular belief — but it’s a good practice anyway if you want the best, and juiciest, steaks.
Let them sit. Steaks continue to cook after being removed from the grill. Remove your steak a little before it is cooked the way you like it, so that it does not become overdone. After grilling, let your steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you cut it. This will keep more of the juices in the steak, and less on the plate as you eat it.

Chef Steve also gave us the low-down about his favorite types of steak:

Tri-tip: “This smallish muscle from the bottom sirloin is popular in California and perfect for grilling.”
Flat Iron Steak: “It’s from the chuck, so it has a robust, strong beefy flavor. It’s very versatile and works well with stronger dry rubs like pepper and ginger, with jalapeno or with marinade. Great to cut up or mix in fajitas.”
Spinalis: “Strange name, but this is my absolute favorite of all, a knockout punch of texture and flavor. Also called the ‘cap steak,’ or ‘cap of rib eye.'”
Boneless Chuck Short Ribs: “You can braise them like you would regular short ribs, then you can cool them, brush them with barbecue sauce or another sauce, and heat them on a grill.”
Filet of Sirloin: “It’s not as tender as filet [mignon] but may be more flavorful – and it is far less expensive.”
Denver Cut Steak: “A continuation of the short rib from the chuck, it is very, very well-marbled, with good distribution of fat, and easily grilled. This may well be the next big thing.”

Editorial Intern: Lou Petrella is a senior at Rutgers University, with a double major in Journalism and Media Studies, and Sports Management. Having grown up in Whippany, Lou is passionate about his Morris County roots. Aside from being an avid sports lover, Lou cares deeply about food and should not be bothered while enjoying a good meal. Italian food and seafood are his favorites, but a nice summer barbecue just may trump them both. At school, Lou works as a correspondent for the Daily Targum, and is preparing for a career in writing or communications.

Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

JerseyBites

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June 13, 2014

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Event details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm directly before heading out!

THIS WEEKEND:

June 14: Crystal Springs Resort is the home for the 2014 NJ Beer & Food Festival. Saturday kicks off with a golf tournament and beer tasting, followed by a ‘Kick the Keg’ footgolf tournament. The night concludes with a Beer & BBQ Festival held on the 9th hole of Cascades Golf Course. Reservations for all events can be made on the resort’s website or by calling 855-977-6473 x3. Crystal Springs Resort, 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg.

June 14: Come join funny ‘foodist’ Bill Wurtzel at the Fairway Market in Woodland Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Create funny food art with Wurtzel at his food-art workshop, using healthy ingredients from Fairway. Reserve tickets online or at customer service in the store. Fairway Market, 1510 US 46 West, Woodland Park.

June 15: Dads: get hungry for the UPSTAIRS & Villalobos collaboration! Check out the Father’s Day brunch menu at www.villalobosnj.com for all the food chefs Adam and Chris are cooking from 12 to 5 p.m. The event will be hosted by UPSTAIRS. Call 973-744-4144 to book a table. UPSTAIRS, 608 Valley Road, Upper Montclair.

June 15: The inaugural Asbury Park Crab Boil kicks off at 6:00 p.m. at Langosta Lounge on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. Four courses will be presented along with a selection of wine and beer, all to raise funds and support for the Asbury Park Film Initiative (APFI) “On the Beach” summer movie series. Tickets to the boil are $50, with $40 from every ticket to be donated to APFI. To confirm reservations, call 732-455-3275. Langosta Lounge, 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park.

June 15: The Fourth Annual Fairway’s Firefighter Food Face-Off is ready to begin at the Fairway Market parking lot at Fashion Center Mall in Paramus. A barbecue competition between the Park Ridge, Paramus, Ridgewood and Hackensack fire departments starts at noon in front of a panel of judges including Jersey Bites’ own Terry Krongold. Music, food samples, and plenty of giveaways are also available at the event. Fairway Market, 30 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus.

June 15 to 20: Wildwood Restaurant Week returns with participating restaurants offering four-course dinners for $30. Sponsored by the Wildwood Tourism Committee, more than 25 local restaurants throughout Wildwood are scheduled to participate.

June 16: Chef Luke Palladino presents Fiori di Zucca, a must-try dish that will be available at Luke Palladino Seasonal Cooking. The dish, which features squash from Dan Graiff Farm, is stuffed with sweet corn, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano. Guests receive a complimentary order of the dish that evening, along with a free glass of Prosecco. Call 609-926-3030 for reservations and more information. 199 New Road, Central Square, Linwood.

June 16 to 21: Head down (or up) to the latest Ocean City Restaurant Week. Organized by the Ocean City Restaurant Association, the event features nearly 50 restaurants participating, with prix-fixe meals.

June 16: Escape Montclair is ready for a kitchen takeover by acclaimed Greek chef and cookbook author Peter Minakis for the evening. Chef Bryan Gregg welcomes Minaki into his kitchen for a five-course Escape to Greece dinner. Cost is $68 per person and seating is limited. Reservations can be made at 973-744-0712. Escape Montclair, 345 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair.

Saturdays through November 1: Morgan Farm and Museum hosts Cedar Grove’s weekly organic farm stand. Specializing in organically grown vegetables and local honey, the farm stand is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday until November 1. The Morgan Museum will also be open for tours during this time. Morgan Farm and Museum, 903 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove.

AND BEYOND:

June 19: Cabot Community Tour —a group of bicyclists traveling from Jacksonville, FL, to New York City—will stop at the Griggstown Farm Store for lunch. The group raises funds along their journey, particularly for Anchor House, a shelter for runaway and abused teens in Trenton. Show support by joining them from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by making a purchase. Ten percent of all proceeds for the entire day will be given to the cause. Contact [email protected] for more details. Griggstown Farm Store, 484 Bunker Hill Road, Princeton.

June 21 and 22: Take a one-stop tour of South Jersey wineries at the Washington Lake Park Wine Festival in Sewell. Local eats will be available as well to enjoy with your vino. The festival will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, and the cost is $20 per person ($15 if purchased in advance). 626 Hurffville Cross Keys Road, Sewell.

June 21 and 22: Tuckerton Seaport holds its annual Baymen’s Seafood & Music Festival, bringing the noise and the nosh. The festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and the cost is $8 or free for members of the Seaport. Ever wanted to learn how to shuck clams? Now’s your chance! 120 W. Main Street, Tuckerton.

June 21: Hot Rods and Food Trucks! Hundreds of cars, music, prizes, vendors, and fun for the whole family. Free admission for spectators. Plus an extreme Food Truck Showdown—come hungry and leave satisfied! Bay Boulevard and Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights.

June 28: The Brigantine Beach Green Team and the city of Brigantine host a weekly farmers market that starts on June 28 and runs Saturdays until August 16, from 8:30 a.m.to noon. More than 30 local vendors will be supplying to the market. Haneman Park, 15th St & Revere Boulevard, Brigantine.

June 28: Do you enjoy Jersey beer? Do you like battleships? Enjoy both at the annual Garden State Brewers Festival, on board the Battleship New Jersey in Camden. More than 20 breweries will be there for you to sample from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the event are $45 per person ($55 for VIP tickets). 100 Clinton Street, Camden.

June 28: FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, the home of the BlueClaws, is bringing back the BrewFest at the Ballpark. Two sessions will be held: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate, per session. For an extra $20, you can have access to the buffet (new this year!). Order by phone at 732-901-7000, or in person at the BlueClaws Box Office. FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood.

June 28: Island Heights is the place for Summer Brew 2014, hosted by the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company #1. For one price ($30 in advance and $35 at the door), guests can sample beers as well as partake in some BBQ, clams, and more. The event begins at 5 p.m. 15 Lake Avenue, Island Heights.

July 11, 18, 25: On three Fridays in July at 6:30 p.m., Haddonfield’s In The Kitchen Cooking School welcomes chef Natalie Stone for hands-on cooking classes. July 11 features the menu from Stone’s appearance on Rocco’s Dinner Party on the Bravo Network. The July 18 class offers Italian holiday favorites and more cooking classics are featured on July 25. The cost is $75 per class. Call 609-206-4511 to register. 10 Mechanic Street, Haddonfield.

July 16: Chef Robert Bennett demonstrates his favorite cool desserts including gelato and sorbet, chillers and fruit soup at Classic Cake in Cherry Hill. The event is $10 per person and also includes a complimentary beverage. Guests can sign up in store, by phone at 856-751-5448, or at [email protected]. Classic Cake, 480 Evesham Road, Cherry Hill.

July 20 to 25: Collingswood’s Farm Fresh Restaurant Week starts on July 20 and will feature several of area restaurants including: Tortilla Press, Nunzio’s Ristorante, and more. Restaurants will include discounted specials on their most popular dishes. Check online for more information.

August 16: The EARTH Center’s Garden Field Day takes place at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. A variety of events are scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. including garden tours, live music, samples of local produce from Middlesex County farmers, and a Backyard Garden Contest where guests are welcome to bring their biggest tomato, pumpkin or pepper. Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue, South Brunswick, 732-398-5262.

August 24: Sweet tooth, anyone? Kean University is the place to be for the NJ Confection & Dessert Tasting Expo. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy workshops for all ages along with sweet samplings and goodies that will be for sale. A Sweet Demonstration Stage will feature baking demonstrations from award-winning bakers and sweet entrepreneurs. General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are available for $65. Contact [email protected] for more details. Kean Universirty, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union.

Montclair Food & Wine Festival Does It Up Right

Deanna Quinones

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June 12, 2014

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Montclair Food & Wine Festival Does It Up Right

The Gala Chefs! Left to Right: Mitchell Altholz, Floyd Cardoz, Michael Carrino, Ariane Duarte (holding shirt of Ryan DePersio), Mario Russo, Francesco Palmieri, and kitchen/service expediter Gerry Cerrigone (photo by Keith Sly for the Manor)

The Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner, held on June 2 at The Manor in West Orange, celebrated not only fine food and adventuresome wine but also community and the art of giving back. As a fundraiser, the festival rallied Jersey foodophiles to put their dining dollars to work for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, helping to continue its outstanding mission of offering comprehensive health care services for patients from birth to age 21, as well as a culinary scholarship fund.

And what a success it was! The gala was a sellout, the room was packed and abuzz with excitement, and a rousing auction had star chefs shouting out encouragement as eager bidders raised their hands again and again for a chance to catch one of the once-in-a-lifetime-experience packages going once, going twice, sold! Overnight resort accommodations? Wine-paired gourmet meals hand-plated by your favorite culinary artist? Exclusive seats for you and your guests at the Chef’s Table at next year’s gala? Bring it on!

Montclair Food and Wine Festival, Remember Our Balloons — Artwork by Remember Our Balloons

Held in a beautifully decked-out atrium and adjoining ballroom, the event was the perfect mix of fancy, fun, and extravagant. Festival founder Melody Kettle was a constantly moving target, filling the room with enthusiasm and camaraderie. The décor featured a spectacularly impressive balloon sculpture by talented “twisticologist” Robbie Furman that captured the celebratory mood, along with centerpieces that featured live food as funky art.

The five-course meal, almost needless to say, was divine. And bumping into the famous chefs – including Ariane Duarte, Ryan DePersio, Francesco Palmieri, Michael Carrino, Floyd Cardoz, Mitchell Altholz, and Duane Hendershot — casually circulating around the room once their own courses were served, was a treat to nearly rival what was on the plates. Amanti Vino’s Sharon Sevrens worked overtime to select the wines that flowed throughout the evening and stepped to the microphone to coach attendees through their tastings that ranged from Italian Prosecco to California Pinto Noir to a Cotes du Rhone from a gorgeous little corner of France. By the end of the night, you felt like you’d traveled the globe and arrived home with the most delicious memories to savor.

Congratulations to the Montclair Food & Wine Festival for another successful year and a series of truly unforgettable events. Looking forward to what 2015 will bring! — Deanna Quinones

And here’s a look at some of the highlights from the Montclair Food & Wine Festival’s Grand Tasting, which was held at the Montclair Art Museum on May 31. Photos by Deb Smith.

Tia's Food of Love, 638 Bloomfield Ave., Verona, 973-744-0008 — Tia’s Food of Love, 638 Bloomfield Ave., Verona, 973-744-0008

Millie's Old World Meatballs & Pizza, 60 South Street, Morristown, 973-267-4992 — Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza, 60 South Street, Morristown, 973-267-4992

The Pie Store, 100 Watchung Ave., Montclair, 973-744-4424

Mausam, 379 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-744-0377 (additional locations listed online)

Java Love, 244 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, 973-744-2122 — Java Love Coffee Roasting Co., 244 Bellevue Ave., Montclair, 973-744-2122

The Little Daisy Bake Shop, 626 Valley Road, Montclair, 973-707-2157

Kielbasa, Sausage and Bacon, Oh My!

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 11, 2014

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We get a lot of requests to sample food products, and unfortunately I just don’t have time to review everything. Luckily, the Jersey Bites mighty band of biters is willing to step in and pick up the reviewing responsibilities on occasion. However, when Sam Vitiello, owner of Sam’s Butcher Shop, emailed me to ask if I would like to sample some of his smoked pork products, I have to admit, he got my attention. And this time, I decided to find the time and take one for the team.

When the package arrived on my front porch, I could smell its smokey goodness before I even cut into the cardboard. Once inside, out poured a plethora of smoked pork in every shape and size. Peter and I have a smoker, but we’re just dabblers. It was obvious this guy knows a thing or two.

Buckboard bacon from Sam's Butcher Shop — Buckboard bacon from Sam’s Butcher Shop

Since I’m a huge bacon fan, the first thing I dove into was the Buckboard bacon. I had never heard of it so I asked for some details. “It’s derived from a part of the wagon that kept the pioneers from getting bucked by the horses,” Vitiello explained. I guess “buckboard” is supposed to impart a pioneer/rustic image.” It definitely doesn’t look like your typical bacon. Actually, it’s the perfect shape for sandwich making. Now I don’t use the word “lucious” often, especially when talking about food, but this bacon was the L word for sure. Of all the products, the Buckboard bacon was my favorite.

Another product we really enjoyed was the porchetta. It’s not something we’re used to since we’re more traditional barbecue pulled pork eaters, so it was a nice treat and just may make its way onto our menu more often.

I sautéed up some baby broccoli and served it with roasted red peppers on a fresh baked roll. If you’d like to see exactly how Vitiello prepares his porchetta, here’s a video explaining the process. Porchetta is known as the “Italian pulled pork” and is very popular in South Jersey and Philadelphia. I was impressed with the bark on the meat and the balance of spices. We had company visiting from England, and they described it as “lovely.” (Gotta love those Brits.)

Next up was sausage. Vitiello makes all of his sausages by hand and they are made from his own personal recipes.

Kielbasa grillers from Sam's Butcher Shop — Kielbasa grillers from Sam’s Butcher Shop

Pictured above are the kielbasa grillers, a skinless (no casing) version of kielbasa that’s more finely ground than the original. Just add a little sauerkraut and mustard and enjoy. We also sampled the smoked andouille sausage, which Sam the Butcher’s website describes as “Cajun sausage loaded with ingredients including ancho chile powder, garlic, red pepper and gumbo filé.” This was a hit with my boys.

Kielbasa from Sam's Butcher Shop — Kielbasa from Sam’s Butcher Shop

To ensure freshness, Vitiello only ships within a one-day radius, which covers NY, NJ, CT, DE, MD, the eastern half of PA, and the DC Metro Area (including parts of VA and WV). He recently added a few new products: smoked rainbow trout and smoked salmon, as well as a few add-ons in the barbecue realm: Bonesuckin’ BBQ sauce and Fire Dancer jalapeño peanuts.

For a limited time only, Jersey Bites readers can get 10% off of their order at Sam’s Butcher Shop by using the coupon code JERSEYBITES.

Sam’s Butcher Shop
570-842-7392

Launched in 2007, jerseybites.com began as a home for Deborah’s growing collection of recipes, but soon grew into a hub for food news in the Garden State. In addition to her duties on JerseyBites, Deborah is the owner of Foxtrot Media, a full service digital marketing company that specializes in content development, social media marketing and search engine optimization. She is also a highly sought after speaker on the topic of restaurant marketing, social media and blogging. You can learn more about her services and marketing through social media on her blog www.DeborahLSmith.com.

Chef Spotlight: Francesco Palmieri

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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June 10, 2014

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Photo Credit Cathy Miller — Photo by Cathy Miller

The accomplished and visionary chef Francesco Palmieri spent eight years working at top New York City restaurants prior to opening his own restaurant, The Orange Squirrel, in November 2008, in his hometown of Bloomfield. He quickly received accolades from the New York Times with a “Don’t Miss” review and The Orange Squirrel was called “most exciting new restaurant in 2009 in New Jersey.” In 2012, The Orange Squirrel was given the distinction as a “Top 25 Restaurant” by New Jersey Monthly and named Critics’ Pick “Best American” in 2013. In September 2013, Chef Palmieri competed and won on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen. And in February 2014, Inside Jersey magazine named him one of the state’s Top 5 Chefs. He has appeared on TODAY with Katie Lee & Hoda on NBC and Two in the Kitchen on CBS. And now he can add the following to his resume: Jersey Bites Chef Spotlight. (Lucky us!)

JERSEY BITES: What is your earliest food memory?
CHEF PALMIERI: Making pancakes with our German neighbor. She was super. I would tell my mom I was going there to learn how to cook German food. Boy, was I an eight-year-old li’l s—!

When did you realize you wanted to make cooking a career? Was there an “a-ha” moment?
I was always going out to eat, traveling and whatnot, and I was doing the art thing [when] I decided to enroll in a culinary school. I visited the two best schools in the area: Johnson and Wales and Culinary Institute of America (CIA). I decided to enroll at CIA, but they had a wait list, so I needed to do something in the meantime. Since I love art and drawing and restaurants, I thought, I’ll do restaurant design. I enrolled at FIT, Fashion Institute of Technology and was loving it. Until one day I got a call from CIA and they had an opening. So I left FIT and the rest is history.

Dirt Trio Neapolitan — Three Dirt Tasting

Any interesting stories about where and with whom you started cooking professionally?
What most people probably do not know is I was cooking at Windows on the World until September 11, 2001—I was on my way in as the towers fell and sadly lost quite a few of my coworkers. I needed to keep working, so a few days after, I went on a hunch to see my first instructor from CIA. I had read in the New York Times he was the chef at Coco Pazzo, an Upper East Side restaurant. When I arrived, I learned he was no longer there, but the woman who was the overseeing chef interviewed me and hired me on the spot to be the sous chef. I began to get settled in and have a look around the dining room. It was barely lunchtime and the city at that point was extremely eerily quiet, post September 11. As I glanced into the dining room to get a feel for the space, I saw this longish-haired and bearded, salt-and-pepper man look at me. I looked at him and I went back to the kitchen. I thought it was the owner, whom I had not met yet, and the chef who hired me says, ”Have you met Mr. De Niro?” I had seen most of his movies and was definitely a fan, but silly me still didn’t recognize him, so I played it off and simply said yes. From then on he was at Coco Pazzo every Sunday for the two years I was there and I enjoyed cooking for him and his family. That restaurant was always full of celebrities, notable business people and lots of other amazing people. It helped at the time to take my mind off the horrible, tragic situation we had all been put through on September 11.

What is your cooking style?
Clean, straightforward simple, but not simplistic.

What is the greatest opportunity that has come from cooking?
My mother being mentioned in the newspaper and magazines as my cooking influence, I felt that was pretty cool — she’s like famous now. I have been on national TV a few times now and seem to be easing into it, although, my goal is to get mom on. Then I’ll need an appointment to see her. Wish my dad was alive to be here for all this, he would have loved it.

What is the most memorable meal you’ve had? What did you eat and where was it?
That’s a tossup really, Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Daniel.

It’s your last day on earth. What will your final meal be?
This is easy. On my mom’s family farm in the mountains of southern Calabria, with all my aunts and uncles cousins and their children. The view is breathtaking, like none other. As for the food nothing is bought. NOTHING! From corner to corner on the table, all the produce and protein is created on-site as well as our oil, bread, cheese, wine—it’s truly spectacular.

What is the best advice you have to share with young folks interested in becoming chefs?
My advice is that if they are asking for advice, they probably don’t want to do this and they should look for a different job.

If you could choose to be any food item, what would it be?
Kobe, hang out in Japan, do nothing all day, drink beer, get massaged and have people marvel on how sweet you taste. Ahh.

What is the one “staple” food you always have in your cupboard at home?
Mayonnaise or something pickled.

What is your beverage of choice?
Beer, wine, and the holy spirits!

What is your favorite comfort food?
Sandwiches are my thing, damn I love that invention! Add mythree favorite foods potatoes, eggs and cheese, that’s Heaven. Oh, and I have to mention hot dogs!

What New Jersey restaurant do you enjoy dining at, besides your own?
Well it’s no secret I can usually be seen at Blu on my only day off, Sunday. Chef/Owner Zod and I met when I opened The Orange Squirrel around six years ago and hit it off. I respect him and his love for food is exceptional. Although I do also try to hit all the other great restaurants that NJ has to offer, and there are many.

If you could have dinner with any three people, living, deceased or fictional, who would they be and why?
Salvador Dali is usually always on top of my list he was way to intriguing and well-traveled the conversation must be killer. [The second one] is a tough one. I teeter between dead and alive and this one is artist driven, live: I’d like to eat and chat with Lady Gaga. This person defiantly puts the amazing factor in all the she does as well as knows the food lifestyle. Dead: would have to be Marilyn Monroe same as Gaga although It makes me sad when I think of her. [Number three] relates to my favorite “foodies,” first Chef Fernand Point born Feb 27, 1897. For me, it starts here. You can visit him in my kitchen where his larger-than-life portrait hangs. And of course Vincent Price, and yes both dead.

Are you working on any upcoming projects our readers would be interested in learning about?
I have been very fortunate to be surrounded with lots of creative and extremely artistic people. This keeps me quite busy with all sorts of interesting food- as well as non-food related projects. By the end of the month, a new television chef-driven food challenge should be wrapped-up and air later this year. Also our Vincent Price dinner in October should be quite interesting this year since I recently became quite friendly with his daughter, Victoria Price, and she is interested in being involved. We will keep you posted.

The Orange Squirrel
412 Bloomfield Ave.
Bloomfield
973-337-6421

Cheers,

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

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