Page 122 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Local Roots in Cranford Welcomes Summer

MStavrou

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June 9, 2014

After opening their second restaurant in Cranford, you might think that Andrea and Jim Carbine would be content to sit back and relax. “Relax” is just not in their vocabulary, though, as their two restaurants—under the umbrella of Local Roots Cranford—A Toute Heure and 100 Steps, have quite a bit coming up.

100 Steps is the newer restaurant and one of the reasons it was started was to give Executive Chef Kara Decker the freedom to create her own menu based on the ingredients and dishes she loves. In April, Chef Decker overhauled the menu to adapt to the changing seasons and will continue to tweak it depending on what’s available. The current menu includes dishes like king salmon with marinated cucumber, snapper crudo, beef and chorizo meatballs, and duck ragu with homemade pasta. 100 Steps also recently started a Happy Hour, which is every Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and welcomes customers to just walk in and enjoy mocktails, bar sandwiches, and oysters.

Even as the Carbines and Chef Decker nurture 100 Steps through its first year they maintain their focus on A Toute Heure, their flagship restaurant. A Toute Heure recently started offering Community Hour, on Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. where they offer their famous burgers, along with a few other items. A dollar from each burger is donated to a monthly charity, with May’s recipient having been American Farmland Trust, an organization dedicated to farming and farmers. A Toute Heure is also planning Pop-Ups this summer, including one with the owner of &grain in Garwood and the chef from Arturo’s and Razza.

For all of the latest information on the events Local Roots Cranford has planned make sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter. It would be hard to find restaurant owners who work as hard as the Carbines and the fruits of their labor can be seen in not only the success of their restaurants, but in the loyal following and goodwill they receive from their customers.

100 Steps
215 Centennial Avenue
908-276-6600
Facebook

A Toute Heure
232 Centennial Avenue
908-276-6600
Facebook

Michelle Stavrou, the Union County regional editor, grew up in Bergen County, then moved to Hoboken (after a stop over in Queens) before finally settling in Cranford where she lives with her husband and daughter. Michelle was amazed to discover all of the delicious food in the Cranford area, which she documents on her blog, What’s Cooking In (& Around) Cranford.

Doughnut Recs from NJ Going Strong

JerseyBites

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June 6, 2014

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Shore Good Donuts in Ship Bottom (photo courtesy of Todd Hunt)

Our good friends at New Jersey Going Strong are here to help us celebrate National Doughnut Day, shore style, with some recommendations for great doughnuts—or are they donuts?—along the NJ coast. Have another place to suggest? Tell us in the comments!

Doughnuts have long been a way for early risers to grab a mouthwatering breakfast before a day at their favorite Jersey Shore beach. Check out three shore-town favorites today—or on your next visit to the Jersey Shore!

The Fractured Prune in Ocean City (photo courtesy of Joanne Jenkins)

Ocean City: Fractured Prune

The Fractured Prune is truly a local favorite of Ocean City, NJ (and there’s also a location in Ocean City, MD). The popular establishment is all about experimentation and encourages customers to use imagination to come up with a unique doughnut. Each year they run a doughnut contest with an assortment of new flavors. They hand out samples and after about a month of voting they pick the doughnut of the season. According to the Fractured Prune, creating the perfect doughnut requires consistent temperature of the air, water and secret-ingredient flour. At the Fractured Prune, your imagination is the limit, and they encourage visitors to create their own concoctions. With varieties like the Black Forest Donut (raspberry, mini chocolate chips, coconut) or the Orangesicle (orange, powdered sugar), why wouldn’t you go? Fractured Prune, 1225 Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ, 609-399-0482.

Must try: The Ocean City Sand (honey glaze and cinnamon sugar)

Ob-Co's in Toms River — Ob-Co’s Donuts in Toms River (photo courtesy of Rick Browner)

Toms River: Ob-Co’s Donuts

More of a traditional doughnut shop; this hot spot is a must-try on your next trip through Toms River. Using only top quality products, Ob-Co’s creates the perfect raised donut. Going strong since 1953, the establishment has always opened at 5 a.m., shutting the doors as soon as they sell out. Ob-Co’s is open year round and will feature key lime and apricot flavored donuts for the summer. A great indication of a successful business is what the locals think – and a lot of their most loyal customers grew up along the Jersey shore. Ob-Co’s Donuts, 547 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, 732-270-3882.

Must try: Try the Pistachio Frosted Glazed or the Cannoli Imagine Mini

Ship Bottom: Shore Good Donuts

The doughnuts are made as you order them and are served warm – you can’t get a fresher doughnut that that! Stop by this keeper for their world famous Shore Good Donut Sundae, served with your favorite doughnut and ice cream, piled high with toppings such as warm fudge, sprinkles, assorted candies, icings, whip cream and many more. And attention all beer lovers! Shore Good Donuts just introduced its beer donuts last month, featuring a Stout donut and an IPA Donut. Shore Good Donuts features friendly staff, a fun atmosphere, and kids will love watching the donut-making process. Shore Good Donuts, 1211 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom, 609-492-0100.

Must try: French Toast is the best seller, with others not far behind, including the Inside Out, Boston cream and Mape N Bake.

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Farm-Fresh Friday Market in Princeton

Lou Petrella

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June 5, 2014

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As farmers markets get underway across the Garden State, the Forrestal Village of Princeton recently announced its Farm-Fresh Friday Market lineup.

Every Friday starting June 6 (and running through the end of September), Forrestal Village will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering the area’s best meats, vegetables, cheeses, wines, dairy, and much more.

Princeton Forrestal Village Sr. Property Manager, Brian Hannan, arranged the event.

“With our eclectic mix of vendors and family-friendly atmosphere – plus great dining and shopping – we hope area residents will make our farmers market a regular Friday destination throughout the summer,” he said.

Stark, Unionville Vineyards — Cameron Stark of Unionville Vineyards

Among the vendors is Cameron Stark of Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes. Stark is passionate about his vineyard and is excited to get the opportunity to change the perception of New Jersey wine.

“The farm markets are our exposure,” Stark said. “It is our firm belief that New Jersey wines don’t necessarily have the best reputation, so the best way to change that is for customers to have a glass of our wine in their hand.”

On the fruits-and-vegetables front, Robson’s Farm will be one of the local farms supplying produce for the market.

Rose Robson is the fourth generation to farm in her family. After downsizing the farm a few years back, Robson started up production again last year and will contribute to the market to help reestablish her family’s farm.

“It’s about getting back out there,” Robson said. “I really enjoy these farmers markets. It’s great to have that face-to-face interaction with our customers and educate them on what we grow, and how we grow it.”

Robson’s Farm will provide more than 75 varieties of tomatoes—most of them being heirloom—as well as peaches, lots of
greens, beets, beans, and more.

The open-air, all-weather market will also feature cooking classes, an e-newsletter with recipes, and a new food blog.

Participating businesses include the following:

Beechtree Farm (Hopewell): grass-fed meats, eggs and honey

Double Brook Farm (Hopewell): cured meats, “farmstead” jarred foods and bread

Fulper Family Farm (Lambertville): sustainably farmed dairy products including cheese and yogurts

Herb N Zest: natural artisan foods

Lillipies (Princeton): locally sourced, seasonal pies, focaccia, brioche and other baked goods

Rolling Hills Farm (Lambertville): “Beyond Organic” fresh-farmed vegetables

Robson’s Farm (Wrightstown): farm fresh fruits and vegetables

Stults Farm (Cranbury): farm fresh fruits and vegetables

Taking Tea In Style (Princeton): custom-blended teas, and iced teas

Tre Piani Restaurant (Princeton): fresh, made-to-order mozzarella, and slow-food recipes

Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes): award-winning artisanal wines

The market will be held in the Plaza of Princeton Forrestal Village between CanDo Fitness and Tre Piani Restaurant. Free parking. Princeton Forrestal Village is located on US Route One South and College Road West next to Princeton’s Westin International Hotel and Conference Center. For more information visit pfvillage.com or call 609-799-7400.

Thanks to DeSio Associates for providing photography.

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 5, 2014

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

THIS WEEKEND:

June 6: Every Friday until the end of September, the Forrestal Village of Princeton holds its annual Farm-Fresh Friday Market. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market will offer fresh vegetables, cheeses, wines, meats and more from vendors in the Princeton area. Be on the lookout for cooking classes, local recipes, and a new food blog. Farm-Fresh Friday Market, 155 Village Blvd Princeton, NJ 08540.

June 6: Do you love Argentine wine? On Friday, The Grapeful Palate in Morristown hosts a luxurious dinner event at The Grand Cafe, featuring Pulenta Estate wines of Argentina, at 7 p.m. An hors d’oeuvres reception will be followed by entrees featuring scallop ceviche, pan-seared Arctic char, fusilli with sage-basil pesto, and grilled Argentine steaks, each paired with a select Pulenta Estate wine. The meal concludes with coffee and a banana-mango crepe with dulce de leche. $88 per person plus tax and gratuity. Call 973-540-9444 or email [email protected] for reservations. The Grand Cafe, 42 Washington Street, Morristown, 973-540-9444.

June 7: The Montclair Farmers Market‘s Walnut Street location reopens for the summer (or just keeps on keepin’ on, for those of you who went over the winter!) on Saturday, June 7, at 8 a.m. The market runs every week until October and vendors carry only Jersey-grown items. South Park Street, Montclair, on Tuesdays, and 25 Depot Square, Montclair, on Saturdays.

June 9: The Jersey Shore Partnership hosts its Summer Celebration, the Foundation’s annual friend raising/fundraising activity in a huge open tent at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook (overlooking Sandy Hook Bay). More than 450 guests are expected to attend the event representing elected officials, the educational community, corporations, not-for-profits and individuals from Cape May to Monmouth County to enjoy fantastic food prepared by New Jersey chefs with seafood contributed by Jersey coast fisheries. Local restaurateur Tim McLoone will be honored with the Tom Gagliano Leadership Award for his commitment to the Jersey Shore. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased in advance at jerseyshorepartnership.com.

AND BEYOND:

June 12: The semi-annual Lambertville NiteFare is back, with a wide variety of exciting activities. The event will feature cuisine from Lambertville’s top restaurants, Philadelphia-area food trucks, a Yards Brewing Company Beer Garden, and live entertainment all night long. The NiteFare is a free, public event that will take place on four blocks of North Union Street in Lambertville. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle at the New Hope Solesbury School at West Bridge Street. More info is available online.

June 12: Surf Liquors and Pj’s Place in Seaside Heights kick off their wine and dine series. Starting at 6:30 p.m. enjoy a complementary tasting of Portuguese wines, followed by a seafood dinner. Email for more information at [email protected] or 732-793-6000 x105. 13 Boulevard Seaside Heights.

June 12: It’s a Chakra Pre-Father’s Day Scotch & Rum Dinner: Chef Thomas Ciszak of Chakra will host a four-course dinner paired with single malt scotches and rum all aged in sherry casks on 6/12 at 7 p.m. Menu and pairings: Cured duck (arugula salad, “granola bar,” the Macallan 12 Years Old). Smoked pork tenderloin (coffee-cocoa nib crusted, fennel and grapes, The Macallan 15 Years Old). 40-hour short rib (pastrami spices, duck fat potatoes, Highland Park 18 Years Old). Milk chocolate and raisin bread Pudding (caramelized bananas, hazelnut ice cream, Brugal 1888). Dinner is $79 including food and spirits (tax & gratuity additional). Reservations can be made by calling 201-556-1530. Chakra, 144 Route 4 West, Paramus.

June 13 and 14: Crystal Springs Resort is the home for the 2014 NJ Beer & Food Festival. The event starts Friday night with a reception that features the area’s top chefs, a menu that is paired with local craft brews and the welcoming of the guest of honor, Steve Weatherford of the NY Giants. 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 x 3. Crystal Springs Resort, 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg.

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 16: Escape Montclair is ready to undergo a kitchen takeover as it welcomes 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.

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.

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.

Chef Adam Weiss of Due in Ridgewood

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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June 4, 2014

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Chef Adam Weiss Gets His Due

Chef Adam Weiss is the new Executive Chef of Due in Ridgewood. Weiss, who was born and raised in northern New Jersey, takes the reins from Chef/Owner Chris Tarta, who will now focus his efforts in the kitchen at his Hillsdale restaurant, Bella Campagnia.

I had a chance to catch up with Chef Weiss, a CIA graduate, at an event a few weeks ago and when asked what his plans were for the menu at Due, he shared that he would slowly incorporate his style and vision into the restaurant’s already popular menu over the next few months. During a recent interview, Weiss expanded on the topic, saying, “Currently, I am focusing on making dishes that are Italian eclectic.”

He shared his thoughts about specific types of dishes. “I am focusing on making great, comforting dishes that bring seasonal elements to the plate without using some of the latest modern trends like sous vide and really small dishes,” he said. “However, I do like to follow the so-called trendy produce items like kale and rhubarb.”

The two-time winner of Ultimate Chef Bergen County was the Executive Chef of Esty Street when the restaurant garnered an impressive 3½ stars from The Record. (His tenure there ended in the spring of 2013.)

When asked if he gets inspiration from any local chefs, Chef Weiss said, “All chefs in the industry should be acquainted with local chefs and their styles. That being said, I really admire chefs Christine Nunn, Thomas Ciszack, Steve Santoro, Steve Christianson, Peter Lauria and Kevin Kohler.”

With this type of inspiration on his side and given his past successes, Weiss’ future at Due certainly seems promising. I look forward to visiting soon—more to come.

Due
18 East Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood
201-857-3231

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.

Heritage Vineyards Takes Top GSWGA Honors

Lou Petrella

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June 2, 2014

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Heritage Vineyards Takes Top GSWGA Honors

A familiar name came out on top at the annual New Jersey Wine Competition over Memorial Day weekend. Heritage Vineyards of Mullica Hill was named NJ’s Winery of the Year for the second time in four years at the Garden State Wine Growers Association’s Blues and Wine Festival held at Natirar Park in Peapack-Gladstone.

The winery earned 21 medals for its wines, including four gold, while going up against nearly 300 different wines from 29 New Jersey vineyards. Top prizes, each awarded with a Governor’s Cup trophy, went to the best wines in categories such as best grape, fruit, or dessert wines. Among the wineries’ four top-placing wines were Heritage’s estate Cabernet Sauvignon and its own Jersey Blueberry, which took home the top spot in the fruit category.

Rich Heritage is the director of sales and marketing at the vineyard, and said the awards are really a testament to how hard everyone works to produce the best tasting wines. “Both my father Bill, who manages the vineyard, and our winemaker, Sean Comninos, worked really hard to get to this point,” Heritage said in a statement. “To win the trophies and medals is a great accomplishment.”

Heritage Vineyards produces various collections of wines consisting of premium dry wines, along with a Jersey Wines collection, which can be found in Wegmans locations across the state.

In the dessert category, Tomasello Winery of Hammonton earned the Governor’s Cup for the second time in five years for their Vidal Blanc Ice wine. Meanwhile, Sharrott Winery took home its first-ever top prize in the grape category for its Vignoles. Sharrott, of Winslow Township, has only been in existence for eight years and is one of only two NJ wineries to produce Vignoles.

This year, close to 5,000 wine enthusiasts came out to sample some of the top wines from all over the Garden State.

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.

The Dog Day of Summer is… Monday

JerseyBites

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June 1, 2014

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In honor of the start of summer, a few restaurants in Bernardsville and Basking Ridge will allow dogs to dine alongside their owners.

Three restaurants owned by Hampshire Destination Properties—The Bernards Inn, The Station and Bella’s Burger Shack—will all welcome canines for outdoor dining all summer long.

On Mondays beginning June 2, The Bernards Inn in Bernardsville will sponsor “Yappy Hour,” during which dogs may dine on the upscale terrace. The Station, also in Bernardsville, and Bella’s Burger Shack in Basking Ridge will also invite dogs to join their owners for family and casual dining on their respective patios during regular business hours.

Harold Imperatore is the executive director of Hampshire Destination Properties and the proprietor of The Bernards Inn. Since coming up with the idea three years ago at the Inn, Imperatore said it was well-received by the community and he is excited to extend the experience to the two other restaurants.

“Right now we’ve reserved it for Monday afternoons, but depending on the demand we will probably spread it out,” Imperatore said. “We do try to take everyone into consideration because some people do not want to sit next to ‘dog dining,’ but for the most part it’s been very well accepted.”

After spending around $3 million over the past eight years to refurbish The Bernards Inn, the owner believes it’s all about comfort and making his guests feel at home. Allowing dogs to dine with their guests is another example of this. Imperatore says, “We feel that dogs are really parts of the family. It makes people feel more comfortable—they are more at ease. If they are attached to their dog, they don’t have to worry about leaving it at home, they can come here and relax while enjoying a meal.”

All well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to the establishments, and will be served all-natural gourmet treats provided by Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies of Philipsburg and Bedminster. Reservations are only required at The Bernards Inn and can be made at 908-766-0002.

Bella’s Burger Shack
52 S. Finley Avenue
Basking Ridge
908-340-4545

The Bernards Inn
27 Mine Brook Road
Bernardsville
908-766-0002

The Station
45 Mine Brook Road
Bernardsville
908-204-1227

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.

‘Savoring the Shore’ Supports Sandy Recovery Efforts

Jennifer Miller

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May 31, 2014

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Nearly a year and a half ago, Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc on the east coast, devastating many parts of the New Jersey shore. Results of the storm can still be found and the rebuilding continues as Summer 2014 begins. In an effort of help residents who lost everything, New Jersey mother-and-daughter team Cheryl Larkin and Kate Kurelja have self published Savoring the Shore, a cookbook whose proceeds go directly to those affected by Sandy.

On a rainy afternoon last month, I met with Larkin and Kurelja to learn more about their cookbook and the story behind its creation. Their story is a personal one: they have a shore house that was spared by Sandy but many of their neighbors were not so lucky. Kurelja described some of the devastation and talked about how, for many homeowners, only “fragments of houses remain that will never be fixed because the houses were owned for generations and the families can’t afford to fix them.” In addition, some schools don’t have the money to replace toys and art supplies so the kids go without. Larkin and Kurelja mentioned many sad stories of New Jersey residents who might never recover from Sandy—and this is why Savoring the Shore was created: to help the people and schools that still need assistance.

So what makes this fundraising cookbook so special? Larkin and Kurelja are home cooks and “foodies,” but not recipe developers, so they reached out to the media, celebrity chefs, bloggers and home cooks to see if they would like to contribute a recipe or story and they were “overwhelmed by the response,” says Kurelja. So many people generously donated recipes for the cookbook in an effort to help rebuild the shore. Filled with 150+ fun and delicious recipes from all-star chefs, restaurant owners, home cooks, and the 2013 Miss America, Mallory Hagan, Savoring the Shore is totally user friendly. “Every recipe has a story and it’s been a wonderful journey” says Larkin.

Larkin and Kurelja truly believe that “Nothing could be more appropriate than a cookbook to celebrate and raise money for Sandy recovery: food equals togetherness.” The cookbook is traditionally categorized into sections including appetizers, brunch, breads, salads and sides, main dishes and sweets. From personal recipes like Kate’s Jersey Style Breakfast Sandwich to salivating cocktail recipes like white sangria by Chef Marilyn Schlossbach to broccoli casserole by Mallory Hagan (Miss America 2013), this is one fabulous cookbook!

Grilled Whole Salmon with Grilled Vegetables and Tomato Vinaigrette" (in progress on the grill), recipe from Chef David Burke, photo credit Cheryl Larkin. — Grilled whole salmon with grilled vegetables and tomato vinaigrette, in progress on the grill (recipe: Chef David Burke, photo: Cheryl Larkin)

In addition, Savoring the Shore is fun and relaxed in a way that’s reminiscent of days spent at the Jersey shore while also making you feel as though you’ve been invited to a fabulous dinner party.

Larkin’s favorite recipe is Nancy’s Fish to Shore by Lucia Harvilchuck and Kurelja’s favorite recipe is grilled whole salmon with grilled vegetables and tomato vinaigrette by Chef David Burke. Both recipes are sea-to-table fresh, easy to make and simply delicious. I truly love this cookbook and how it’s a celebration of the shore, filled with love, stories and togetherness—and the proceeds benefit the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts for the Garden State.

To order a copy or to learn more, visit Savoring the Shore online.

Jennifer Miller: I am a mom on a mission: to help others foster a love of eating and preparing wonderful food. I am a passionate home cook, wine enthusiast, meal-planning specialist and budding food blogger, with a love of eating, drinking, food photography and serving fresh farm to table meals. As a mother of three, I am committed to raising “foodie” children who enjoy farmer’s markets, restaurants and artisan food shops. In addition, I share healthy, in-season recipes and tips on my web site http://mealdiva.com and on Facebook as MealDiva. I am very excited to be contributing to Jersey Bites from Hunterdon County!

May is for…Martini

JerseyBites

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May 30, 2014

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Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

JerseyBites

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May 29, 2014

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

THIS WEEKEND:

May 31: The Montclair Food & Wine Festival kicks off with a Grand Tasting at the Montclair Art Museum. Event tickets are $95 (general admission) from 7 to 9 p.m. VIP tickets are offered at $120 (6 p.m. early admission). The museum’s stunning galleries will be open to attendees for viewing. Approximately 30 restaurants from Montclair (and beyond) will be on hand with samples of choice bites. Tickets and details can be found here. Use promo code JerseyBites (case sensitive) for 10% off admission into the Grand Tasting as well as the Gala! And check out our coverage of the sessions on Sunday, June 1, to find discount codes for 25% off the cost of each seminar. Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair.

May 31: Jersey Fest featuring Food Truck Mash-Up. Specialty Food Trucks (15+), Beer Garden, Live Music, Family Entertainment, Great Vendors and Harness Racing. Free Admission and free parking. Meadowlands Racetrack, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford.

May 31: Morgan’s Farm Organic Farm Stand in Cedar Grove kicks off its summer season on May 31, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and runs through November 1. All proceeds support the garden and maintenance for the Morgan Museum. Morgan Farm and Museum, 903 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove.

May 31: Uber-hopped IPAs and fire-breathing sauces come together for the Hop Sauce Festival on Bay Avenue in Beach Haven. It’s a celebration of craft brews, hot sauces and local eats. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission is $10 ($25 to sample beer).

June 1: Bergen Community College hosts its First Annual Gourmet Food Truck Festival, featuring a wide- variety of mobile eateries (20, in fact!), an all-day concert and raffles! Come on down at 11 a.m. and stay until 8 p.m. Rain or shine. Free admission. Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, 201-301-1298.

AND BEYOND:

June 6: Do you love Argentine wine? The Grapeful Palate in Morristown is hosting a luxurious dinner event at The Grand Cafe, featuring Pulenta Estate wines of Argentina, on Friday, June 6, at 7 p.m. An hors d’oeuvres reception will be followed by entrees featuring scallop ceviche, pan-seared Arctic char, fusilli with sage-basil pesto, and grilled Argentine steaks, each paired with a select Pulenta Estate wine. The meal concludes with coffee and a banana-mango crepe with dulce de leche. $88 per person plus tax and gratuity. Call 973-540-9444 or email [email protected] for reservations. The Grand Cafe, 42 Washington Street, Morristown, 973-540-9444.

June 3 and 7: Tuesday, June 3 marks Opening Day for the Montclair Farmers Market at its new location on South Park Street, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Walnut Street location reopens for the summer (or just keeps on keepin’ on, for those of you who went over the winter!) on Saturday, June 7, at 8 a.m. The market runs every week until October and vendors carry only Jersey-grown items. South Park Street, Montclair, on Tuesdays, and 25 Depot Square, Montclair, on Saturdays.

June 9: The Jersey Shore Partnership hosts its Summer Celebration, the Foundation’s annual friend raising/fundraising activity in a huge open tent at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook (overlooking Sandy Hook Bay). More than 450 guests are expected to attend the event representing elected officials, the educational community, corporations, not-for-profits and individuals from Cape May to Monmouth County to enjoy fantastic food prepared by New Jersey chefs with seafood contributed by Jersey coast fisheries. Local restaurateur Tim McLoone will be honored with the Tom Gagliano Leadership Award for his commitment to the Jersey Shore. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased in advance at jerseyshorepartnership.com.

June 12: The semi-annual Lambertville NiteFare is back, with a wide variety of exciting activities. The event will feature cuisine from Lambertville’s top restaurants, Philadelphia-area food trucks, a Yards Brewing Company Beer Garden, and live entertainment all night long. The NiteFare is a free, public event that will take place on four blocks of North Union Street in Lambertville. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle at the New Hope Solesbury School at West Bridge Street. More info is available online.

June 16: Escape Montclair is ready to undergo a kitchen takeover by welcoming 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.

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.

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.

Going Caveman in Avon with Cavé

Melissa Beveridge

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May 28, 2014

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For my gluten-free foodies out there, it’s not always easy to find inspiring new food choices, especially in a restaurant setting. Fret no more because Cavé, a Paleo-inspired restaurant in Avon-by-the-Sea, is here to rescue you from boring and tasteless dishes.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14098822059_a5940883aa_z.jpg — The Bison, The Duck, and The Egg

Doug Stehle, owner and head chef of Cavé, opened his doors in October 2013. His success and the growing popularity of innovative, healthy food allowed him to expand to the entire building in mid May. But before I get to the food, let me tell you how Stehle was able to open up a restaurant based on a “diet.”

Twenty years ago, Stehle graduated from Atlantic Community College, and went on to work at various restaurants, then as the campus catering chef for Princeton University, and finally as a chef at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, where he realized just how lousy he felt every day.

“Something had to change,” said Stehle. So he started training at his brother’s Avon gym and lost 35 pounds over a period of six months. Stehle, who claims he has added a few pounds on since then (I doubt it), now “feels awesome.”

Part of his success came from changing his diet to Paleo, also known as the “caveman diet.” The Paleo diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, seafood, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats while avoiding dairy, grains, processed food, sugars, legumes and starches. The belief is that you’re eating the way your body naturally wants to, not what the modern world wants you to eat, and this allows your body to perform optimally.

“I thought to myself, what can I do to turn this into something?” said Stehle, who wanted to share what he learned with others about conscious eating. He began cooking for his gym friends where he was able to use his friend’s kitchen for two weeks before moving into Cavé’s current Avon location.

“At that point, it was just the kitchen,” said Stehle. But that soon changed when he introduced Cavé. “I love trying to explain to people (about Paleo). They come in and say, ‘Wait, you’re telling me bacon is good for me? That it’s not the enemy?’” said Stehle. It’s not.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/14098863850_d68ccc3ab2_z.jpg — “Tacos”

Cavé features fresh ingredients with lots—and lots—of flavor and absolutely no convenience foods except for Sriracha. All of the cooking is done on site from fresh, raw ingredients. Stehle serves grassfed New Zealand beef, Berkshire pork, pasture-fed lamb, and chicken from Griggstown Farm in Princeton. There’s no soda and if you ask for sugar and milk in your coffee you’re going to be pleasantly surprised with Cavé’s “Uncle Mike’s Next Level” coffee, which features butter and coconut oil.

My personal favorite is The Bison, The Duck, and The Egg burger which features a grass-fed bison burger, cooked in duck fat, and topped with avocado and—what else? A cage-free chicken egg. The burger is perfectly cooked. The perfect bite is juicy, crispy, creamy, and yolky. All my favorite texture components. Or try out the Fresh-Grilled Tuna salad “taco.” The lettuce “taco” is just the right vehicle to get all that tuna in your mouth.

Cavé is open Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The same menu is available all day, with the addition of dinner specials Wednesday through Friday, which include innovative dishes such as shredded lamb “tacos” and braised pork belly.

Where else can you go to eat a delicious burger and still be on a “diet?”

Cavé, A Paleo Eatery
515 Sylvania Avenue, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ
732-776-8558

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.

Countdown to the Montclair Food & Wine Festival

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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May 27, 2014

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We’re gearing up for the 2014 Montclair Food & Wine Festival, which kicks off this weekend. New to the itinerary for 2014 is a series of four gastronomic-focused seminars set to take place on Sunday, June 1. Melody Kettle, president and founder of the festival, explained the thinking behind the seminars. “The selection of seminars we arrived at serves a dual purpose: demonstrating micro and macro gastronomy,” she explained. “We showcase the enormous talent and passion in our immediate community with people like Lou Palma, Laura Schenone, and Sally Owens, but we also want to broaden the scope of seminars—in both geography and doctrine.”

The schedule is set up in such a way that foodies can register for multiple sessions, as there is very little overlap. “As a leading food town of New Jersey, I felt it our responsibility to address topics beyond what’s currently trending in the food world,” Kettle said. “We want to explore larger ethical issues like foie gras and sustainable practices in NJ aquaculture—which will affect not only what we eat now, but what—and how—our children will eat as well.”

Seminars will be held at the Commonwealth Club, 26 Northview Ave, Montclair, unless otherwise noted.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Pasta Show with Lou and Laura

Lou Parma Photo Credit: LifeMosaic Photography: Christina Nuzzo — Lou Parma
Photo Credit: LifeMosaic Photography: Christina Nuzzo

Laura Schenone, the James Beard-Award-winning author of The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken, and A Thousand Years Over a Hot Stove, will partner with “The Gastro-Mechanic” culinary guru, Lou Palma, for The Pasta Show with Lou & Laura. The duo will show attendees how to make and roll out basic pasta dough that can be used for many different shapes and types of pasta, and they’ll demonstrate ravioli and tagliatelle while discussing different varieties of flour, fillings and sauces. Guests will receive a tasting portion of freshly prepared pasta topped with Lou and Laura’s own tomato sauce, paired with wine. Enter code “sauced” to receive 25% off admission.

1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
New Jersey Aquaculture: Consider the Oyster + The Clam

Attendees of the NJ aquaculture presentation will enjoy four varieties of oysters and New Jersey hard clams. Oysters are donated by Chris Cannon of the soon-to-open Jockey Hollow Bar + Kitchen in Morristown.

Gef Flimlin, a professor and marine extension agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, who has been working with commercial fisheries and aquaculture for over 35 years will be a panelist. Flimlin runs the Barnegat Bay Shellfish Restoration Program and has recently formed a hard clam growers cooperative, Heritage Shellfish Coop.

Matt Gregg, Edible Jersey local hero and grower at Forty North Oyster Farms, will also be on the panel. Gregg will provide a crash course on oyster tasting and discuss the fundamentals of becoming a connoisseur.

Oysters will be custom paired with a wine by Chris Cannon. Enter code “NJshell” for 25% off admission.

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Debunking Myths of Foie Gras with Ariane Daguin + Ariane Duarte

The vibrant Ariane Daguin, owner of D’Artagnan, will discuss the controversial topic of foie gras, including policy and D’Artagan’s role in the market. Celebrity chef Ariane Duarte, chef/owner of one of New Jersey’s most popular restaurants, CulinAriane, will create a custom D’Artagnan foie gras dish for guests to savor, while they sip a custom paired wine. Enter code “foie” to receive 25% off admission.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Latin Vegan Tapas with Sally Owens of SO Tasty Vegan and LEAF Vodka
NOTE: This seminar will be held at Designer Appliances, 208 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

From vegan ceviche, to masa cakes with jalapeño crimini hash, to cabbage slaw and cilantro lime sour cream, guests will learn about—and enjoy—custom, Latin vegan tapas. LEAF Organic Vodka will be the exclusive beverage sponsor for the event, serving up custom paired signature cocktails.
Enter “VeganVodka” to receive 25% off admission.

Seminar costs vary and can be found on the event website along with additional details on the panelists: http://montclairfoodandwinefestival.org/seminarseries/. Also, promo code JerseyBites (case sensitive) will get you 10% off entry to the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 31, and the Gala Dinner on Monday, June 2.

The Montclair Food & Wine Festival also serves as a fundraiser for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and the Montclair Food & Wine Festival Culinary Scholarship.

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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