Page 125 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Wonderfully Raw’s Snip Chips and Brussel Bytes

Sabrina Szteinbaum

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May 5, 2014

Wonderfully Raw’s Snip Chips and Brussel Bytes

Snip Chips & Brussel Bytes – two of Wonderfully Raw Gourmet Delights’ new and healthy snack options.

I am always looking for healthy snacks to feed my kids (and myself)! At home, I usually serve fresh fruits and vegetables, but those don’t work as well when we’re on the go, so I find myself on the hunt for delicious, nutritious pre-packaged snacks that travel well.

When I got the offer to try Wonderfully Raw Gourmet Delights’ new products – Snip Chips and Brussel Bytes – I couldn’t wait to try them. Raw foods chef Sequoia Cheney and her chef son, Eric Hara, developed the snacks, and their entire family is involved in the company.

The snacks I tried were raw, gluten free, vegan, organic and made using two of my favorite vegetables – Brussels sprouts and parsnips. I was in love before I even opened the bag! I was even more in love after tasting the products. They’re crunchy, full of flavor and truly satisfying. And yes, the kids loved them, too.

The Brussel Bytes come in Chili Pumpkin Seed and Tamarind Apple flavors. I have to admit that I never had a chance to try the Tamarind Apple. I went away for the weekend and left my parents at my house watching the kids (and the snack bags hidden in my home office to sample upon my return). When I returned I found an empty bag and a very satisfied father! I did, thankfully, get to try the Chili Pumpkin Seed flavor and loved them. Not only are they low-cal and filled with nutrients, but they are also delicious. The chipotle gave them a kick balanced by the sweetness of the raw coconut. Each bag contains two servings, but the calories are low enough that you can enjoy the entire bag in one sitting, guilt free!

The Snip Chips were just as satisfying. They’re made using a combination of parsnips, coconut and cashew and come in a variety of flavors … Cheesy Herb Truffle, Chipotle Lime Cilantro and Dill Pickle. My kids and I really enjoyed them and I felt good offering them as a snack. I will definitely be adding them into our snack rotation.

Wonderfully Raw Gourmet Delights was created when Sequoia was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She decided that she wanted to reclaim her health through nutritious food and enrolled in a Raw Food Chef program. She has been creating and enjoying raw foods ever since and living a healthy and energized life. Her company allows her to share that lifestyle and her nutritious snacks with everyone. You can find them in Whole Foods as well as a variety of health food stores throughout New Jersey ).

Hillary Irwin is a registered dietitian and the founder of Simply Beautiful Mom, a nutrition counseling and consulting practice based in New Jersey. In her practice, Hillary counsels children, adolescents and adults on many nutrition issues, with a focus on clean, balanced eating and weight management. She is an expert at teaching clients how to fit proper eating and healthful cooking into a frantic lifestyle, taking the busiest of the busy and teaching how simple changes can create fantastic results. Hillary holds a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences with a concentration in Dietetics from Cornell University and a Master’s Degree in Applied Anatomy and Physiology from Boston University. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND—formerly the American Dietetic Association), the New Jersey Dietetic Association, and various Dietetic Practice Groups of the AND, including Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition and Weight Management. Hillary lives in Westfield with her husband, Greg, her two children, Oscar and Lola, and their dog, Willard. She loves food, traveling, cooking and spending time with her family.

It’s Burger Time at Iron Hill

JerseyBites

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May 5, 2014

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With locations in Maple Shade and Voorhees (plus several in Delaware and Pennsylvania), Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is doin’ it up right for National Burger Month. Here’s their list of burger-a-day offerings from today through the 31st. Dig in!

May 5 – The Flaming Lips Burger, with sautéed poblano peppers and onions, mushrooms, pepper jack cheese and spicy chipotle mayo

May 6 – The Educator Burger, with bacon, American cheese, bread and butter pickles and special sauce

May 7 – The Bahn Mi Burger, with pickled vegetables, cucumber, sriracha mayo and cilantro

May 8 – The Voodoo Burger, with grilled peppers and onions, smoked gouda cheese and spicy barbecue sauce

May 9 – The Reuben Burger, with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing

May 10 – The Bacon Lover’s Burger, with tomato-bacon jam, black pepper bacon, bacon aioli and smoked cheddar cheese

May 11 – Hamburguesa Mamacita, with pickled red onions, guacamole, lettuce, pepper jack cheese, bacon and ancho honey mayo

May 12 – The Hangover Burger, with fried egg, bacon, Vermont cheddar cheese, sriracha aioli and crispy onion rings

May 13 – The Souvlaki Burger, with tomato-cucumber relish, pickled onions, arugula, feta cheese and tzatziki sauce

May 14 – The Godfather Burger, with capicola, roasted long hots, grilled onion, tomato and provolone cheese

May 15 – The French Quarter Burger, with spicy ham, olive-pepper relish, provolone and roasted garlic mayo

May 16 – The Arc de Triomphe Burger, with bacon-onion jam, baby arugula and Roquefort cheese

May 17 – The Armed Forces Tribute Burger, with pulled pork, ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, onion rings and barbecue sauce

May 18 – The Jersey Diner Burger, with Taylor pork roll, fried egg, cheddar cheese and ketchup

May 19 – The A2 Burger, with roasted mushrooms, Swiss cheese, crispy onion rings and house-made steak sauce

May 20 – The Popper Burger, with pickled jalapeño, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon

May 21 – The Sweet Caroline Burger, with pulled pork, mustard sauce, grilled Vidalia onions and coleslaw

May 22 – The Spanish Burger, with chorizo, Manchego cheese and romesco sauce

May 23 – The Smoky Steer Burger, with hickory smoked brisket, griddled onions, smoked cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce

May 24 – The Chili Cheese Burger, with chorizo chili, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onion, jalapeño and tomato (“Fork and knife required!”)

May 25 – The Black Sabbath Burger, with blackening spice, chorizo chili, fried egg, pepper jack cheese and red onion

May 26 – The Yogi Bear Picnic Burger, with potato salad, onion rings, bacon, barbecue sauce and American cheese

May 27 – The Hot Mess Burger, with sweet potato fries, jalapeño, bacon, onion, bread and butter pickles, lettuce and Thousand Island dressing

May 28 – The Magic Goat Burger, with roasted exotic mushrooms, chevre and basil-pesto aioli

May 29 – The Gringo Burger, with poblano aioli, bacon, red onion jam and smoked Gouda cheese

May 30 – The Big Cheesowski, with balsamic onions, chipotle ketchup, lettuce, tomato, Cabot sharp cheddar cheese and provolone cheese

May 31 – The Hawaii Five-O Burger, with grilled pineapple, shaved ham, crispy onion rings and teriyaki-barbecue glaze

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
@ironhillbrewery
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Last-Minute Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

Holidays

JerseyBites

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May 4, 2014

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Fabian Quiros, executive chef of Salt Creek Grille in Princeton, offered up these last-minute recipes to spice up your menu for Cinco de Mayo—or any night! In this post, you’ll find recipes for the following: Blackened Scallops with Mango & Papaya Salsa, Grilled Rib-Eye with Red Pepper Salsa, Filet Mignon Empanadas with Poblano Pepper and Tomatillo Salsa, and Cinco de Mayo Sangria. Enjoy!

Blackened Scallops with Mango & Papaya Salsa

Ingredients
5 fresh U/10 day boat dry scallops
1 ounce blackening seasoning
2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 ripe papaya, diced
½ red onion diced
1 pinch paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions
1. Combine mangoes, papaya, onion, paprika, olive oil and red wine vinegar, and let marinate for 3 hours.
2. Place cast iron skillet on stove top for 20 minutes before starting preparations.
3. Season scallops with blackening spice both sides.
4. Place scallops in pan for 3 minutes for each side.
5. Top with salsa and enjoy!

Grilled Rib-Eye with Red Pepper Salsa

Ingredients
For salsa:
6 red bell peppers
1 or 2 jalapenos
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

For steak:
4 (1 1/2-inch-thick) bone-in rib-eye steaks (7 pounds)
3 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper

Directions
Salsa:
1. Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderately high heat for gas).
2. Oil grill rack, then grill bell peppers, covered only if using a gas grill, turning occasionally, until slightly softened and charred, 15 to 20 minutes.
*Chef’s note: Instead of grilling the peppers, you can broil them on rack of a broiler pan about 2 inches from heat, turning occasionally with tongs, until skins are blackened, 20 to 30 minutes, then proceed with recipe.
3. Transfer bell peppers to a large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then let stand 20 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel peppers, discarding stems and seeds, and cut lengthwise into thin strips. Toss with remaining salsa ingredients.
*Chef’s note: The salsa can be made 1 day ahead, without parsley, and chilled, covered. Stir in parsley just before serving.

Steaks:
1. Prepare grill for indirect-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderately high heat for gas).
*Chef’s note: If you’re using a charcoal grill for the peppers first and then the steaks, the coals will need to be replenished and rearranged before you grill the steaks.
2. Pat steaks dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Oil grill rack, then sear steaks directly over coals, uncovered, turning over once and moving to area of grill with no coals underneath if flare-ups occur, until well browned, 4 to 6 minutes total. Move steaks to area with no coals underneath and grill, covered, until thermometer inserted into center of meat (do not touch bone) registers 120°F for medium-rare, 8 to 12 minutes more.
3. Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let stand 15 minutes.
*Chef’s note: For indoor cooks, steaks can be grilled in a hot, lightly oiled, well-seasoned large (2-burner) ridged grill pan, uncovered, turning over once, about 10 minutes total. Reduce heat to moderately low and cook steaks, covered with an inverted roasting pan, turning over occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes more for medium-rare.

Filet Mignon Empanadas with Poblano Pepper and Tomatillo Salsa

Ingredients
16 oz. filet mignon (julienne raw)
½ pound fresh tomatillos
2 large poblano peppers
1 garlic clove minced
1 ounce fresh cilantro

Directions
1. In a sauté pan, caramelize filet mignon slices until slightly brown seasoning with salt and pepper during cooking add minced garlic set aside.
2. Place poblano pepper over fire and roast until charred placing in bowl and covering with plastic wrap.
3. Quarter tomatillos and sauté with garlic until mushy with a touch of beef stock. Mash tomatillos. Peel charred skin from peppers small dice and add to tomatillo sauce.

Empanadas:
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large egg
1/3 cup ice water
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Assemble using empanadas and refrigerate. Fry in deep pan until golden brown. Top with salsa.

Cinco de Mayo Sangria

Ingredients
½ cup fresh raspberries
½ cup blackberries
½ cup strawberries
1 orange thinly sliced
3 cup fresh or frozen lemonade
8 oz. patron silver
One splash grenadine
2 bottles Prosecco, chilled (Zardetto)

Directions
Mix all ingredients except Prosecco for twelve hours to meld the flavors and add Prosecco before serving over ice.

Mother’s Day 2014: Reservation Time!

JerseyBites

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May 2, 2014

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Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11, 2014. If you’re still undecided on where to take Mom, check out our list—but be sure to make a reservation soon. Enjoy!

Atlantic City

The Iron Room at the AC Bottle Company will have traditional a la carte brunch items with Chef Kevin’s signature twist, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every mom at the table will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé. Call (609) 348-6400 for reservations. 648 N. Albany Avenue, Atlantic City.

Beach Haven

The Gables will be serving from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm a special menu featuring 4 courses, with 3 choices of entrée $48 per person. Children’s Menu Available. Call (609) 492-3553212 Centre Street Beach Haven, NJ 08008

Bloomfield

The Orange Squirrel offers a Mother’s Day brunch with three seatings, at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2p.m. Adults are $35 and children are $30. The price includes a main dish, dessert and one complimentary cocktail or beverage. Click here for the full menu. Call (973) 337-6421 for reservations. 412 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield.

Carlstadt

Terre à Terre‘s Mother’s Day brunch will run from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and their menu will be available with specials from featured farms, including steak from Stony Mountain Ranch and lamb chops from Elysian Fields. Call (201) 507-0500 for reservations. 312 Hackensack Street, Carlstadt.

Edgewater

HAVEN Riverfront Restaurant and Bar hosts Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gourmet meal will include a carving station, raw bar and dessert station, as well as entrees like eggs benedict, peeled shrimps, roasted salmon and apple cider brined pork tenderloin. Cost is $40 per person or $50 with the addition of two mimosas, two bellinis or two bloody Marys. Call (201) 943-1900 for reservations. 45 River Rd., Edgewater.

Fairfield

Cielo Restaurant is celebrating Mother’s Day from 3 to 9 p.m. Their a la carte menu will feature starters like inside out meatballs, pear salad and shrimp arrabiatta and entrees like pappardelle with short rib ragu and Atlantic halibut. Call (973) 808-1414 for reservations. 168 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield.

Hamburg

Crystal Springs Resort hosts multiple Mother’s Day brunch events at its various restaurants. All of the details, including time, prices and menus, can be viewed here. Call (973) 827-5996 ext. 3 for reservations. 1 Wild Turkey Road, Hamburg.

Hoboken

Anthony David’s has sidewalk seating and will serve its regular menu this Mother’s Day. A prix fixe menu is available, and brunch is $22.95 per person. Call (201) 222-8399 for reservations. 953 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken.

Bin 14 will also offer a prix fixe menu, and Mother’s Day brunch is $22.95 per person. Call (201) 963-9463 for reservations. 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken.

Kenilworth

Red Knot Restaurant at Galloping Hill hosts a three-course, prix fixe menu this Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults are $48 plus tax and 20% gratuity. Kids are $15. Call (908) 686-1556 for reservations. 3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth.

Maplewood

Restaurant Lorena‘s Mother’s Day brunch will be a three-course prix fixe menu for $85 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Call (973) 763-4460 for reservations. 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood.

Montclair

Escape Montclair holds its Mother’s Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as a three-course dinner from 4:30 to 8 p.m. The brunch will be $32 per person, and the dinner, featuring starters like pork belly and entrees like roasted local beef, will be $59. Call (973) 744-0712 for reservations. 345 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair.

Fricassee hosts its Mother’s Day meal from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and they will serve their regular dinner menu augmented with various specials. Call (973) 744-2191 for reservations. 6 Park St, Montclair.

Morristown

Blue Morel will offer a menu of spring flavors from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Mother’s Day, including signature dishes from Executive Chef Kevin Takafuji and Culinary Director Thomas Ciszak. The three-course menu is $59 for adults and $29 for children 12 and under. Call (973) 451-2619 for reservations. 2 Whippany Road, Morristown.

Paramus

Chakra will serve its Mother’s Day menu from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Chef Thomas Ciszak prepare some of his favorite dishes, many of them featuring spring ingredients such as ramps, white and green asparagus. The three-course menu, which will cost $58 per person, features multiple options for each course. Chakra is also offering Mother’s Day drink specials, including house-made sangria at $12 a glass or $28 for a 1 liter pitcher, and all wines by the bottle are 10 percent off. Call (201) 556-1530 for reservations. 144 W. State Route 4, Paramus.

Randolph

Morris Tap & Grill will have a breakfast bar and omelet station from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Mother’s Day, as well as a dinner bar and pasta bar from 3 p.m. to closing. The cost is $37 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under. The restaurant will be offering a $15 unlimited bloody Mary, sangria and mimosas special. Call (973) 891-1776 for reservations. 500 Route 10 West, Randolph.

Rutherford

Café Matisse will open at 4 p.m. with a Mother’s Day tasting menu. Options include three-, four- or five-course meals, priced at $68, $88 and $108 respectively. Call (201) 935-2995 for reservations. 167 Park Avenue, Rutherford.

Whitehouse Station

The Ryland Inn hosts in its ballroom for Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $65 for adults and $29 for children 13 and under. Call (908) 534-4011 for reservations. 115 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse Station.

Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

Events

JerseyBites

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April 30, 2014

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

THIS WEEKEND:

Through May 1: Chakra Executive Chef Thomas Ciszak puts his spin on some old Chakra favorites for three days only. Each dish will be $20.04 and include selections like coconut shrimp with mango chili sauce, skate wings with fennel, capers and lemon vinaigrette, and short ribs of beef with glazed cipollini onions and mousseline potatoes. Both appetizers and the dark chocolate tartuffo with black Perigord truffle will be served. The full regular menu will be available as well. Also during the anniversary celebration, General Manager and Beverage Director Evelyn Ciszak will pull some special older wines from the cellar (that would not otherwise be poured by the glass), many from the 2004 vintage, to serve by the glass for $20.04. Also, all wines by the bottle from the 2004 vintage will be 20.04% off. Seating is limited so call 201-556-1530 for a reservation. Chakra, 144 W. Rt 4, Paramus.

May 2: The Grand Café in Morristown will host its Qupé Leap Wine Dinner at 7 p.m. The Grapeful Palate continues its popular wine dinner series with a five-course meal accompanied by Qupé wine, named one of the Top 100 Wineries in America. Courses include Chef Quang’s Spring Roll with Hoisin Sauce, Soft Shell Crab with Ramps and Beurre Blanc and Garlic Sausage with Warm Green Lentil Salad. Cost is $88 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call Walter at 973-540-9444. Click here for more information. The Grand Café, 42 Washington St., Morristown.

May 3: Pilsener Haus & Biergarten kicks off Maifest and keeps the springtime festival going throughout the month: pig roasts and all. Grammy-winning polka rocker Alex Meixner & His Band performs on Saturday. NJ craft brewer Ramstein will provide a keg of seasonal Maibock beer for Saturday’s ceremonial keg-tapping. Pilsener Haus’s Viennese Chef Thomas Ferlesch has created a menu of Maifest specials to be served all month. 201-683-5464. 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken.

Through May 4: The Montclair Film Festival kicks off Monday, April 28, at 7 p.m. with Chef, the new comedy directed by and starring Jon Favreau. In the film, Favreau changes pace from his blockbusters like Iron Man, portraying a chef who gets fired by his restaurant’s owner (Dustin Hoffman) after running afoul of an influential critic (Oliver Platt). Party ticket holders are invited to an Opening Night Reception after the screening to enjoy free-flowing drinks and food. The festival will host more than 90 films and special events. Ticket prices range from $25 to $125. Tickets can be purchased here.

May 4: April 30 marks the one-year anniversary of Escape, and to celebrate, Escape host a casual BBQ with a ton of delicious, a la carte comfort food, prizes and festivities. To reserve a table, call 973-744-0712. Escape Montclair, 345 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair.

AND BEYOND:

May 5: To celebrate the book, eNJoy: A Taste of New Jersey, the students who created the restaurant guide are hosting a Chef’s Night at Branches Catering in Long Branch, where attendees can sample exclusive dishes from top chefs and their respective restaurants along with a tasting of some of New Jersey’s finest wineries. The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Along with exceptional food tastings, guests will enjoy live entertainment. Chef’s Night tickets for students and Monmouth University faculty members are $15 and all non-student tickets are $35. 123 Monmouth Rd, West Long Branch.

May 5: To preview his soon-to-open Villalobos, Chef and owner Adam Rose hosts a Cinco de Mayo pig roast with all the traditional fixings at Pig & Prince Restaurant and Gastro-Lounge. The event, which will everything from tacos to chicharrones to churros, is from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and costs $45 per person, with wine, beer and cocktails sold separately. For reservations, call 973-233-1006 or email [email protected] to add your name to the guest list. 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair.

May 7: A Toute Heure opens its doors earlier for guests to enjoy a “community hour” menu from Wednesday through Friday. This will include a special dinner menu which will include ATH’s burger. The restaurant will donate $1 from the sale of every burger to support community organizations. A Toute Heure, 232 Centennial Ave, Cranford.

May 7: Chef Eric LeVine (Chopped), and Morris Tap & Grill host Savoring the Shore to benefit ongoing New Jersey Shore Sandy recovery efforts. In addition to their regular menu, the evening will feature special dishes and a ‘tap takeover’ by Flying Fish Brewing Company, NJ’s largest craft brewing company. Call 973-891-1776 with any questions. Morris Tap & Grill, 500 New Jersey 10, Randolph.

May 8: Terre à Terre hosts a farm-to-table Spring Foraging Dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Chef Todd Villani and his culinary team have crafted an innovative multi-course dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors of spring. Anthony Bracco of Bracco Farms and Rob Nicolosi of Nicolosi Berkshire Pork will mingle with guests so they can meet their farmers. The dinner is $49 per person for a four-course meal. Terre à Terre, 312 Hackensack St, Carlstadt.

May 10: Pay a visit to America’s Grow-a-Row’s Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser from 5 to 10:30 p.m. at the Life Camp in Pottersville. Former Governor Christine Todd Whitman will make an appearance as the guest speaker. This unique fundraiser features local food artisans, a farm-fresh dinner and fine auctions. To participate or attend, visit americasgrowarow.org. LifeCamp, 67 McCann Mill Road, Pottersville.

May 10: Unionville Vineyards’ Spring Wine Festival. Speakers tent will feature Jersey Bites’ own Deb Smith, mozzarella demonstrations from Fulper Family Farms, worldwide wine trivia, and career reflections from winemaker Cameron Stark. Bring chairs or a blanket, enjoy 90 acres of sprawling New Jersey farmland. Tickets include a wine tasting flight and Unionville logo wine glass. General admission: $20. Youth, 13-20 years old, and designated drivers: $10. 12 and under: free. Click here for tickets. Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. 908-788-0400.

May 10: Spirit of the Jerseys History Fair will take place at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are partnering with I Run New Jersey to bring food trucks to the event, along with a 5k race in the morning. Participating food trucks include ahh! Le Cart, Chimney Cake Factor, Empanada Guy, Zinna’s Bistro and many more. Visitors will find a wide selection of foods from hot dogs to lobster to ice cream and cupcakes. Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville.

May 13: Temple Beth Am is hosting a wine tasting at the Knoll East Country Club from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event will feature a fascinating lesson on sensory perceptions, as well as hors d’oeuvres, food stations and raffles. Tickets are $70 and need to be purchased in advance. To reserve your spot for this special event, mail your check to: Temple Beth Am PO Box 5305, Parsippany. 25 Knoll Lane, Boonton.

May 24 to 26: Food Trucks Showdown returns to Monmouth Park Racetrack, featuring 26 of the best trucks in the NJ-NY-PA area. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., and admission is $3, parking $4 and children under 12 enter for free. Join “Party Marty” from Rockin’ Country Thunder 107.1 on Saturday and then Sunday is Family Fun Day. Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport.

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 7-9 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 any session! 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, NJ 07073

June 9: The Jersey Shore Partnership will host 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 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 on www.jerseyshorepartnership.com

June 29: 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.

7th Annual New Jersey Spring Wine Festival

Sabrina Szteinbaum

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April 30, 2014

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Story Sponsored by New Jersey Wine Festivals

An array of hors d’oevres and light fare—along with more than 150 wines—will define the 7th Annual New Jersey Spring Wine Festival next Friday, May 9.

The festival, set to take place at the Hilton Short Hills, will feature acclaimed jazz guitarist Matt Marshak and his band, who will play as guests taste food made by the Hilton’s AAA 4-Diamond award-winning chefs. Wine selections include new- and old-world styles, covering regions such as Bordeaux and Rioja as well as newer selections from California, New York, Chile, Australia, to name a few.

“It’s wonderful to be back at the Hilton Short Hills with our seventh spring tasting,” notes S.W. Kimball, founder of New Jersey Wine Festivals. “We look forward to another tremendous selection of wines handpicked by the aficionados of the Wine Library as well as tasty light offerings from the Hilton’s culinary team and select artisan food sponsors, plus great live music.”

Tasting tables will be set up in three spots: the Grand Ballroom, the Livingston Room, and the Patio Pavilion. Festival attendees will be able to take advantage of the WiFi access to use Winevento, a free iPhone and Android app, to rate, favorite, save and share wines. Screens within the venue will display the event’s top-rated wines.

Tickets are $79 until May 3, and $89 until the day of the event. Get a $5 discount by using Promo Code NJB5. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as the event typically sells out. Guests can add on a VIP wine class for $25. Attendees can also secure a reduced $149 room rate by calling 1-800-HILTONS and mentioning the promo code “SWF.”

Event sponsors include Andegavia Cask Wine, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks, Cheeky Monkey Foods, Jams by Kim, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, 2 Chicks with Chocolate, The Naked Grape Wine, The Well Dressed Nut, Take Things Personally, Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Kelly & Jones, and Sherry’s Short Cakes.

Chakra 10th Anniversary Food and Wine Specials

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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April 29, 2014

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Chakra 10th Anniversary Food and Wine Specials

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an invitation-only event at Chakra as the popular Paramus restaurant begins celebrating its tenth anniversary. Beautiful Chakra, which I describe as “South Beach meets Marrakesh,” was transformed into a walk-around food haven, buzzing with top New Jersey chefs, members of the media and longtime patrons of the restaurant.

To continue the tenth anniversary celebration, Executive Chef/Partner Thomas Ciszak is for three days, April 29 to May 1, putting his own spin on old Chakra favorites. Each of these dishes will be priced at $20.04 and include dishes like Skate Wings with fennel, capers and lemon vinaigrette, Coconut Shrimp with mango chili sauce and Short Ribs of Beef with glazed cipollini onions and mousseline potatoes. Both of the appetizers and the Dark Chocolate Tartufo with black perigord truffle will be served for the table to share. The full regular menu will also be available.

Also, during the three-day anniversary celebration, General Manager and Beverage Director Evelyn Ciszak, will pull some special older wines that are not typically poured by the glass, many from the 2004 vintage, from the cellar to serve by the glass for $20.04. Also all wines by the bottle from the 2004 vintage will be 20.04% off.

Chakra 10th Anniversary Menu – April 29 to May 1, each item $20.04:

APPETIZERS (for the table)

Oyster Platter – ginger, lemon, soy caviar

Coconut Shrimp – mango chili sauce

ENTRÉES

Short Ribs of Beef – glazed cipollini onions, mousseline potatoes

Skate Wings – fennel, capers, lemon vinaigrette

Brick Chicken – confit lemon, garlic, rosemary

DESSERT (for the table)

Dark Chocolate Tartufo – black perigord truffle

Wine Specials – ALL 2004 vintage wines by the bottle are 20.04% off, wines by the glass $20.04

White Wine

Blend, Scubla Pomédes 2004, Friuli

Chardonnay, Varner Amphitheater Block 2004, Santa Cruz

Chenin Blanc, Nicolas Joly Clos de la Bergerie 2005, Savennières

Red Wine

Merlot, Côte Bonneville DuBrul Vineyard 2004, Yakima Valley

Refosco, Antico Broilo 2004, Friuli

Gevrey-Chambertin, Dominique Gallois 2008, Côte d’Or

Seating is limited for the 3-day celebration so call right away for a reservation.

Chakra
144 W. Rt 4
Paramus
201-556-1530

Cheers,

Veronique

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.

eNJoy: A Taste of New Jersey

Melissa Beveridge

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April 28, 2014

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Monmouth University Students Spotlight Culinary New Jersey

At the beginning of the semester, the students of Professor John Buzza’s entrepreneurship class at Monmouth University set out to make a difference. Inspired by their love for New Jersey’s cultural explosion of noteworthy restaurants, they decided to put together their own tribute to the state’s culinary best.

This year, the group created eNJoy: A Taste of New Jersey, a restaurant guide featuring popular Garden State restaurants and wineries. The book features more than 50 eateries throughout the state, and includes each one’s signature recipe as well as a brief history and description of each locale’s unique atmosphere.

eNJoy Cover New Jersey

“Monmouth University is based on the Jersey Shore,” said Marissa Cusanelli, student and CEO of eNJoy. “We wanted to commemorate New Jersey culture, so that when people buy the book on their visit to the Shore, they can bring a piece of New Jersey back home with them.”

The book features recipes from restaurants including Joe Leone’s in Point Pleasant, Harpoon Willy’s in Manasquan, Stone House in Warren, and Danny’s Steakhouse in Red Bank.

To celebrate the book, the students are hosting a Chef’s Night at Branches Catering in Long Branch, where attendees can sample exclusive dishes from top chefs and their respective restaurants along with a tasting of some of New Jersey’s finest wineries. The event will be held on Monday, May 5, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Along with exceptional food tastings, guests will enjoy live entertainment.

It wasn’t just the students’ love of food that inspired them to create a recipe book infused with New Jersey flavor, it was also a way they could honor their fellow students and the University. All profits from the book and the upcoming Chef’s Night will be donated to endowed scholarship funds at Monmouth University in memoriam of Joseph Adelhardt, Chairman of the Leon Hess Business School, and Christopher Mejia, a business student of Monmouth University, who passed away in December 2012.

The mission of the Monmouth University Center for Entrepreneurship (MUCE) is to nurture entrepreneurial thinking through a community of business partners committed to achieving social and economic progress. Past successes from the MUCE include pasta sauce, dog treats, and perfumes that are still on the market today. Students in this current class don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon “We’re hoping to expand into more volumes,” said Cusanelli. “New Jersey has so many different facets such as Italian and dinners. The possibilities are endless!”

Chef’s Night tickets for students and Monmouth University faculty members are $15 and all non-student tickets are $35. For more information on eNJoy: A Taste of New Jersey or to purchase tickets to Chef’s Night, visit www.enjoynjfood.com.

enjoyNJfood.com
twitter.com/enjoyNJfood
facebook.com/enjoyatasteofnewjersey
[email protected]

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.

Sunday Brunch at The Ryland Inn

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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April 25, 2014

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Just a few weeks ago, gorgeous The Ryland Inn began serving Sunday brunch. The space is beautiful, inviting and has a calming effect each time I visit. We were seated in what I’ll call the main dining room off the attractive courtyard where a band was setting up. Cello, mandolin, banjo and guitar in hand, the foursome played country-ish folk music. One might consider this type of music a bit odd for the upscale, luxurious setting, but it’s actually brilliant and transforms the formal setting to a more casual one.

As far as drinks are concerned, when it comes to brunch, bubbly is simply fitting and a large ice-filled bucket welcomed us as we walked into the dining room. Nice touch. Being very familiar with Mixologist Christopher James’ cocktail program, we couldn’t settle for plain old bubbly, we instead opted for the School Road Sparkler a delicious concoction of Stoli, St. Germain, grapefruit and sparkling wine—absolutely divine and a brunch drink I’m borrowing for the summer.

The Sunday brunch menu is varied, interesting and pleases fans of breakfast for brunch or lunch for brunch. First up, fresh baked breakfast pastries with seasonal preserves were ordered for the table. The basket featured doughnuts, biscuits, cinnamon buns and the best ever chocolate scones. All were divine but I was warned the scones were addictive and I concur—moist, flaky, buttery goodness.

Next up were the house-cured and smoked salmon and the Ryland Inn pear salad. The salmon isn’t only visually appealing on its white plate with crème fraiche, cucumber and brioche, it’s smoked and cured with just the ideal level of intensity—a stellar dish. The pear salad featured mixed lettuces, candied pecans, smoked blue cheese and pear vinaigrette—a lovely rendition of a favorite.

Our favorite dish of the brunch was the gnocchi with pork broth gilded with paper-thin Prosciutto slices. This is one of the best dishes I’ve had recently with pillowy soft gnocchi bathing is salty, porky broth and topped with slightly barnyardish-in-aroma, premium slices of Prosciutto—simply amazing. Another delectable entrée is the braised beef short rib served with baby vegetables, fingerling potato purée in a red wine reduction—comforting, rich and satisfying. There are a few side dishes and we couldn’t pass up the slab bacon and maple syrup. The pork belly was crunchy on the outside and moist, fatty on the inside—exactly as it should be.

While dessert wasn’t remotely necessary, a stunning plate of macerated strawberries, with a Meyer lemon sauce, nutty bread, crunchy brittle and refreshing sorbet was shared—a light, perfect ending to an outstanding, luxe brunch.

I’ve previously documented the incredible food Executive Chef Anthony Bucco and Chef de Cuisine Craig Polignano craft in The Ryland Inn kitchen, and brunch is no exception. We experienced a complete sense of pampering from the professional staff while enjoying delectable food in one of the nicest settings in the northeast.

The Ryland Inn
111 Old Rt 28
Whitehouse Station
908-534-4011

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.

Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

Events

JerseyBites

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April 24, 2014

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

THIS WEEKEND:

April 24: More than 150 restaurants in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley will be participating in Dining Out for Life, an annual event to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. One-third of the proceeds will be donated to the cause. Click here for a list of participating restaurants, and all you have to do is dine at your favorite one!

April 25 to May 4: Celebrate springtime at the shore during the Cape May Spring Festival. Events include the Cape May Wine Trail, the Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting, and a Pork & Pints pig roast. Contact the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts at 609-884-5404 or check their website for the schedule of events.

April 26: The Best of Downtown Jersey City Food Tour takes a group of up to 16 guests to six restaurants in Jersey City every Saturday. In honor of Earth Day, this Saturday is $10 off the regular price of $45 per person. Aside from food tastings, guests get an insider look into how select items are made. The tour is ‘grab-and-go,’ meaning the group hops from one location to the next, sampling the food at award-winning restaurants and meeting locals and tourists. Click here to see available dates and to purchase tickets.

April 26: Kings Food Markets hosts a cooking class with Sara Moulton from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. She will cook up smoked salmon rillettes, open faced zucchini omelets with spicy tomato sauce and feta, falafel salad with creamy garlic dressing, Korean-style burgers and cannoli stuffed strawberries. The class is $100 per person. Call 973-258-4000 with any questions. Kings Food Markets, 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills.

April 26 and 27: Six Flags Great Adventure hosts its first-ever Fast Tracks and Food Trucks Festival from 12 to 7 p.m. There will be more than 20 trucks as well as award-winning wines to sample and purchase from seven New Jersey wineries from 1 to 6 p.m. Entrance to the festival is included with theme park admission, wine sampling and food is extra. Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd. Jackson.

AND BEYOND:

April 28 to May 4: The Montclair Film Festival kicks off Monday, April 28, at 7 p.m. with Chef, the new comedy directed by and starring Jon Favreau. In the film, Favreau changes pace from his blockbusters like Iron Man, portraying a chef who gets fired by his restaurant’s owner (Dustin Hoffman) after running afoul of an influential critic (Oliver Platt). Party ticket holders are invited to an Opening Night Reception after the screening to enjoy free-flowing drinks and food. The festival will host more than 90 films and special events. Ticket prices range from $25 to $125. Tickets can be purchased here.

April 29 to May 1: Chakra Executive Chef Thomas Ciszak puts his spin on some old Chakra favorites for three days only. Each dish will be $20.04 and include selections like coconut shrimp with mango chili sauce, skate wings with fennel, capers and lemon vinaigrette, and short ribs of beef with glazed cipollini onions and mousseline potatoes. Both appetizers and the dark chocolate tartuffo with black Perigord truffle will be served. The full regular menu will be available as well. Also during the anniversary celebration, General Manager and Beverage Director Evelyn Ciszak has will pull some special older wines from the cellar (that would not otherwise be poured by the glass), many from the 2004 vintage, to serve by the glass for $20.04. All wines by the bottle from the 2004 vintage will be 20.04% off. Seating is limited so call 201-556-1530 for a reservation. Chakra, 144 W. Rt 4, Paramus.

April 30: The We stminster Hotel and Strip House Restaurant have been named the 2014 Businesses of the Year by the Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce. An awards reception and dinner will take place on Wednesday at 6 p.m. for town notables, members of the Chamber of Commerce, fellow award winners and enthusiastic fans of good food and drink. The evening will showcase the establishment’s music, décor and special touches. With the purchase of an $80 ticket, attendees will receive a weekend overnight stay followed by morning brunch for two at Strip House ($200 value). To purchase tickets for the Awards Reception, call 973-992-4343 or visit the Livingston Chamber of Commerce website . The Westminster Hotel and Strip House Restaurant, 550 W. Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston.

April 30: Escape Chef and Owner, Bryan Gregg, will cohost a five-course wine-paired dinner with acclaimed Chef James Laird of Restaurant Serenade in Chatham. Cost is $95 per person with 50% of the proceeds being donated to benefit cancer research and treatment in New Jersey. Menu, wines and details can be found on Facebook and reservations can be made at 973-744-0712. Escape Montclair, 345 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair.

May 2: The Grand Café in Morristown will host its Qupé Leap Wine Dinner at 7 p.m. The Grapeful Palate continues its popular wine dinner series with a five-course meal accompanied by Qupé wine, named one of the Top 100 Wineries in America. Courses include Chef Quang’s Spring Roll with Hoisin Sauce, Soft Shell Crab with Ramps and Beurre Blanc and Garlic Sausage with Warm Green Lentil Salad. Cost is $88 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call Walter at 973-540-9444. Click here for more information. The Grand Café, 42 Washington St, Morristown.

May 4: April 30 marks the one-year anniversary of Escape, and to celebrate, Escape host a casual BBQ with a ton of delicious, a la carte comfort food, prizes and festivities. To reserve a table, call 973-744-0712. Escape Montclair, 345 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair.

May 7: A Toute Heure opens its doors earlier for guests to enjoy a “community hour” menu from Wednesday through Friday. This will include a special dinner menu which will include ATH’s burger. The restaurant will donate $1 from the sale of every burger to support community organizations. A Toute Heure, 232 Centennial Ave, Cranford.

May 7: Chef Eric LeVine (Chopped), and Morris Tap & Grill host Savoring the Shore to benefit ongoing New Jersey Shore Sandy recovery efforts. In addition to their regular menu, the evening will feature special dishes and a ‘tap takeover’ by Flying Fish Brewing Company, NJ’s largest craft brewing company. Call 973-891-1776 with any questions. Morris Tap & Grill, 500 New Jersey 10, Randolph.

May 8: Terre à Terre hosts a farm-to-table Spring Foraging Dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Chef Todd Villani and his culinary team have crafted an innovative multi-course dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors of spring. Anthony Bracco of Bracco Farms and Rob Nicolosi of Nicolosi Berkshire Pork will mingle with guests so they can meet their farmers. The dinner is $49 per person for a four-course meal. Terre à Terre, 312 Hackensack St, Carlstadt.

May 10: Pay a visit to America’s Grow-a-Row’s Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser from 5 to 10:30 p.m. at the Life Camp in Pottersville. Former Governor Christine Todd Whitman will make an appearance as the guest speaker. This unique fundraiser features local food artisans, a farm-fresh dinner and fine auctions. To participate or attend, visit americasgrowarow.org. LifeCamp, 67 McCann Mill Road, Pottersville.

May 10: Unionville Vineyards’ Spring Wine Festival. Speakers tent will feature Jersey Bites’ own Deb Smith, mozzarella demonstrations from Fulper Family Farms, worldwide wine trivia, and career reflections from winemaker Cameron Stark. Bring chairs or a blanket, enjoy 90 acres of sprawling New Jersey farmland. Tickets include a wine tasting flight and Unionville logo wine glass. General admission: $20. Youth, 13-20 years old, and designated drivers: $10. 12 and under: free. Click here for tickets. Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes. 908-788-0400.

May 10: Spirit of the Jerseys History Fair will take place at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are partnering with I Run New Jersey to bring food trucks to the event, along with a 5k race in the morning. Participating food trucks include ahh! Le Cart, Chimney Cake Factor, Empanada Guy, Zinna’s Bistro and many more. Visitors will find a wide selection of foods from hot dogs to lobster to ice cream and cupcakes. Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road,
Titusville.

May 24 to 26: Food Trucks Showdown returns to Monmouth Park Racetrack, featuring 26 of the best trucks in the NJ-NY-PA area. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., and admission is $3, parking $4 and children under 12 enter for free. Join “Party Marty” from Rockin’ Country Thunder 107.1 on Saturday and then Sunday is Family Fun Day. Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport.

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 7-9 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 any session! Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair.

Langosta Lounge’s Chef Peter Morris: A Big Winner

Sabrina Szteinbaum

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April 23, 2014

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Langosta Lounge’s Chef Peter Morris: A Big Winner

At the New Jersey Restaurant Association’s 2014 Restaurant Operators Conference (ROC’14), the year’s Top New Chef award went to Chef Peter Morris of Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park for his creation that evening: umami filet mignon with prawns.

The competition, which industry leaders judged on taste, creativity, appearance and food safety, required the four participants to get innovative with six ounces of filet mignon, on the spot.

Marilou Halvorsen, president of the New Jersey Restaurant Association (NJRA) said, “Each chef had fun and the audience loved seeing them in action. Peter’s dish was superb. Not only was his presentation gorgeous but he added touches that made his dish stand out from others, like star anise and black garlic!”

Before joining the Langosta Lounge, Morris graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and later went on to work in esteemed kitchens around the country, including that of President George W. Bush.

The competition was part of the NJRA’s 2014 Restaurant Operators Conference, which took place at the Pines Manor in Edison on April 7. The NJ Top New Chef Competition was a new addition to this year’s conference. Other headlining elements of the evening included the Mixologist of the Year competition, which was won by Christopher James, head bartender at the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station (for his pink-lady-inspired creation, “Ms. New Jersey”), and a blind wine tasting, led by Master of Wine Patrick Farrell.

Sabrina Szteinbaum is a sophomore at Rutgers University majoring in Journalism & Media Studies, but those are just the basics! She is a Jersey-born, city-loving foodie who can be found running around New York City in search of the best cupcake, cookie, or piece of cake to feature on her baking blog. Sabrina has been baking since age 12, and has been documenting her confections at The Sugarcoated Life since August 2012. At Rutgers, Sabrina works as a correspondent for The Daily Targum. Her love of journalism has landed her the roles of newscaster and assistant news director on WRSU, one of Rutgers’ radio stations.

Chef Spotlight: Thomas Ciszak

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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April 22, 2014

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Chakra, in Paramus, is about to ring in its tenth year in business. Jersey Bites decided to celebrate by featuring Chef Thomas Ciszak.

Born in Waltrop, Germany, and trained in some of the best kitchens in the world, Chef Thomas Ciszak brings a European sensibility and passion for seasonal, high-quality ingredients to the farm-to-table cooking at Blue Morel (in Morristown) and Chakra’s eclectic Modern American menus.

JERSEY BITES: What is your earliest food memory?
CHEF CISZAK: Not sure how old I was, but I helped my grandmother clean peas that she picked from her garden. She cooked them with just a little butter. I think that was the first time I enjoyed eating vegetables.

When did you realize you wanted to make cooking a career? Was there an “a-ha” moment?
I was in high school, about 14 or 15, working during the weekend and summer break in a fine dining restaurant, the Rotisserie Stromberg, which was in my town. When I saw the teamwork of the brigade and how passionate they were about food, that really spoke to me.

Any interesting stories about your early days of cooking professionally?
The first two years, I was just helping out at the restaurant and felt like a kid, not a professional. But the third year, the chef greeted me with a chef’s jacket, pants and apron. From that point on I was treated, talked to, and yelled at like a professional cook.

What is your cooking style?
I don’t like to follow any particular style. I think I am somewhat analytical about what makes a dish special or what a guest likes about a particular dish. I try to focus on the essentials of the dish and not add anything extraneous just for the sake of it.

Crab Cake at Chakra, Chef Thomas Cizsak — Crab Cake at Chakra

What is your greatest opportunity that has come from cooking?
I was asked to cook at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. when I was a cook in Germany. And I went to Japan to showcase an American degustation menu, but what makes me feel good every time is when I do benefit events. It’s really neat that I can help raise funds for a good cause just by doing my craft.

What is the most memorable meal you’ve had, what did you eat and where was it?
I am lucky to have had so many amazing meals, from my first three-Michelin-star experience when I was 19 years old, to a Japanese omakase dinner in Kyoto. One of my most memorable meals was at Jean Georges. He cooked a 10-course meal for my wife and me. What was really amazing is that we each got ten different dishes so we were able to taste twenty items. It may have helped that my wife worked with him in the past!

It’s your last day on earth, what would your final meal be?
Personally I appreciate the most basic foods. I think fresh baked bread and a great cup of coffee would do it.

What is the best advice you have to share with young folks interested in becoming chefs?
Work in a professional kitchen for a few months before deciding if you want to become a chef.

If you could choose to be any food item, what would it be?
I guess honey. I would be around for thousands of years without showing my age.

What is the one “staple” food you always have in your cupboard at home?
A jar of Nutella.

What is your beverage of choice?
Hot coffee or a chilled beer.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Salami and cheese.

What New Jersey restaurant do you enjoy dining at, besides your own?
Many! There are too many to single out just one. New Jersey has great chefs and a lot of great restaurants. I try to go out in NJ as much as I can.

If you could have dinner with any three people, living, deceased or fictional, who would they be and why?
Simple answer would be to get my deceased grandparents together. To tell them how much they meant to me. I’m not sure if I told them enough.

Are you working on any upcoming projects our readers would be interested in learning about?
I am working on a new concept but that’s all I can say now.

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.

Jersey Bites

Wonderfully Raw’s Snip Chips and Brussel Bytes

It’s Burger Time at Iron Hill

Last-Minute Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s Day 2014: Reservation Time!

Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

7th Annual New Jersey Spring Wine Festival

Chakra 10th Anniversary Food and Wine Specials

eNJoy: A Taste of New Jersey

Sunday Brunch at The Ryland Inn

Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

Langosta Lounge’s Chef Peter Morris: A Big Winner

Chef Spotlight: Thomas Ciszak

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