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Foodie Things to Do this Weekend and Beyond

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Foodie Things to Do this Weekend and Beyond

THIS WEEKEND:

September 27 – 29th: Kings Food Markets is hosting a weekend-long Fall Tasting Event at its Gillette, NJ location (977 Valley Rd Gillette, NJ 07933) which invites customers to: Give your Taste Buds a Tour as the entire store becomes a taste-as-you-go experience. Also during the three-day event, their experts will assist you in planning the perfect party to wow your guests, with cooking demonstrations and nutrition recommendations that highlight the best-of-the-best.

September 28th: “Grape Expectations: a unique food & wine event with a “Twist” to benefit The Montclair Public Library. Featured guest will be Eric Asimov, wine critic for The New York Times. Mr. Asimov will lead a Wine Master Class for a small group from 6:30-7:30 and will make remarks and answer questions at the main event beginning at 7:30.  Top local chefs contribute dishes inspired by the novels of Charles Dickens so it will be a delicious and enjoyable event for a great cause. For tickets and information, visit http://www.montclairlibrary.org  or e-mail Montclair Public Library Foundation Administrator, Anita Peterson [email protected]

September 28th: Food Trucktoberfest at Monmouth Park. Usher in the fall with a special Oktoberfest Celebration…Food Trucktoberfest featuring a German Beer Garden presented by The Star-Ledger! Your favorite mobile eateries from Food Truck Wars are BACK to help showcase brewers’ Oktoberfest creations. Enjoy live music provided by an Oompah Band, unique German brews, as well as all of your favorite food trucks! As part of Food Trucktoberfest: all fans wearing lederhosen receive FREE Grandstand admission!

September 28th: The Big Brew Beer Festival Fall-Fest. The Morristown Armory 430 Western Ave. Morristown, NJ 07960 Session 1 1:00 pm-4:30pm (VIP extra hour 12pm-1pm) Session 2 7:00pm-10:30pm (VIP extra hour 6pm-7pm) Discounted advance tickets are available online.  Remember, save $10 off your ticket with code: JERSEYBITES

September 28th: Taste of Medford and Business Expo:  Noon-3 pm at Kirby’s Mill, 275 Church Road in Medford. This event showcases Medford as a place to visit, to dine and to do business. More than a dozen Medford restaurants will showcase their foods. Local candy, snack and beverage providers will also participate. Local business will offer information, discount coupons and other promotional items.

September 30th: DISH: The (201) Restaurant Week Party, a paid-admission event at Seasons in Washington Township from 7:00 – 10:00 P.M. At $75 per person, ticketholders will enjoy three hours of food samplings from more than 30 local restaurants, an assortment of desserts, open bar and music. “Dish is a low-cost way to sample the specialty dishes of the participating restaurants and decide where to dine out during (201) Restaurant Week,” says Melissa Koronakis, (201) Marketing & Promotions Manager. See the complete list of participating restaurants at bergen.com/restaurantweek.  To purchase tickets to DISH, visit bergen.com/dish.

 

AND BEYOND:

October 5th & 6th: LBI Chowderfest – 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the annual LBI Chowderfest. There will be unlimited chowder tasting, live music, a food court, a merchant market, and beautiful views of the bay! General admission tickets are $20 ($10 for kids) and may be purchased online.

October 6 to 10th: (201) Restaurant Week planned for Oct. 6 to 10 and again Oct. 13 to 17, 2013.  This year, 46 participating restaurants spanning four counties will offer a three-course prix fixé menu ($12.95 to $19.95 for lunch and $19.95 to $39.95 for dinner). See the complete list of participating restaurants at bergen.com/restaurantweek.  To purchase tickets to DISH, visit bergen.com/dish.

October 9th: Escape Montclair – Holds its first co-hosted farm-to-table dinner benefiting the Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center. Joining Chef Bryan Gregg in the kitchen is Michael Weisshaupt. Bracco Farms and Heights Beer & Wine Emporium also part of the event – just a few seats left! http://on.fb.me/17DMvKt

October 12th, Unionville Vineyards Fall Harvest Festival will be their biggest and best festival yet, with more areas to taste wine and food, two exciting regional rock’n’roll talents, new demonstrations and pairing classes, the return of the grape stomp, opportunities to interact with the winemakers, and plenty to keep kids of all ages happy and interested. Tickets available at www.unionvillevineyards.com/fallfestival 

October 12th: Point Pleasant Beach Chowder Fest.  Located on Inlet Drive overlooking our beautiful Manasquan Inlet from 12-6pm. Food, Live Music, Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts, and of course Chowda! Rain Date 10/13/2013.  For more Information  732-899-2424. Presented by The Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce.

October 17th: “A Taste of the Good Life” Food and Wine Tasting Featuring more than 20 restaurants from Hudson, Essex and Passaic Counties At the People Who Make a Difference Gala Celebrating Planned Parenthood of New Jersey’s 85th Anniversary Gala from 6-9 pm At the Newark Museum. For more information on purchasing tickets, check out their Facebook event page. https://www.facebook.com/events/601130886586217/

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October 19th & 20th: The Chili & Beer Challenge at the Last Fling Pumpkin Sling After all that slingin’, you’re likely to be hungry and thirsty. Here’s the perfect event to whet your whistle and your appetite – the Chili & Beer Challenge. This friendly competition offers those inspired to cook with savor and spice, or brew lagers, ales, wheats and ryes a chance to shine. And those wanting to do more than just savor the flavors, you’ll be able to get into the action by sampling the offerings and then helping to select the “People’s Choice” winners.

October 24th: An Evening of Hot Chili & Cool Brew at the Newark Museum Taste the finest local, domestic and international beers from more than 25 breweries and sample 12 varieties of meat and vegetarian chili, along with other delicious treats. For a donation of $125 (Pint Level Individual Sponsorship) or $50 for a general admission (all but $15 of each ticket is tax deductible), guests can sample unlimited beers and chili, hot dogs, cornbread and desserts. Participants will have exclusive access to the historic Ballantine House – once home of the famed beer and ale brewing family – and the exhibition Ming to Modern: Elevating the Everyday in Chinese Art. Tickets (restricted to purchasers 21 and older) may be purchased by calling (973) 596-6559; visitingnewarkmuseum.org

October 26th: Fall Foodtruck Festival at Raceway Park. Monster trucks, drag races, BMX exhibitions, classic cars, boulder climbing, live entertainment, and of course FOOD TRUCKS in Englishtown, NJ!

October 28th: Signature Chefs Auction Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club, 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale.  Bring together top local chefs showcasing their culinary masterpieces, a generous sampling of fine wines and spirits, fabulous entertainment and a lively auction featuring one-of-a-kind packages, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a Signature Chefs Auction. This event, which helps raise much needed revenue for the March of Dimes, pays tribute to the culinary excellence of local chefs and caterers in the Central Jersey area.

Forks & Corks to benefit the Algonquin Arts TheartreNovember 18th: Jersey Bites Presents Forks & Corks to benefit the Algonquin Arts Theatre at the Mill, Spring Lake Heights from 6 to 9pm. This event will showcase deliciously diverse cuisine from the area’s most popular restaurants along with a cast of renowned wines and beers.  $65 per person. Entertainment: The Paul Marino Band Dress: Business Attire Sponsorship Opportunities contact Teresa Staub Development Director, 732-528-4336or [email protected]

http://njenvironmentnews.com/2013/09/19/farm-table-dinner-benefit-hunterdon-land-trust/

Help Develop Flying Fish’s New Release: NJ350

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Help Develop Flying Fish’s New Release: NJ350

 To honor the upcoming 350th Anniversary of the state of New Jersey,Flying Fish Brewing Company, the largest brewery built in the state since prohibition, will brew a commemorative beer named NJ350 Anniversary Ale.  Beginning in early 2014, NJ350 will be available in 750ml bottles and on draft at bars, restaurants and retail stores throughout the state of New Jersey, and regionally in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

 “We’re Jersey proud and very excited to be part of the official NJ350 celebration.  For this momentous brew, we’d like input from Jersey beer lovers to suggest ideas for the recipe,” says founder Gene Muller, who has been crafting beer in the state since 1995.

Over the next few months, leading up to the NJ350 brew in February 2014, Flying Fish would like to invite New Jersey beer lovers to help them determine NJ350’s style and ingredients by posting suggestions to Flying Fish’s Facebook page: Jersey Fresh Ale.

NJ350 will join Flying Fish’s other Garden State tribute beers, including Forever Unloved (F.U.) Sandy and the popular Exit Series.  F.U. Sandy, a hybrid wheat-pale ale, raised more than $70,000 for the victims of the storm-ravaged Jersey shore after Hurricane Sandy, and the on-going Exit Series highlights a distinctive aspect of each exit on the New Jersey Turnpike through the ingredients in the brew.

Flying Fish produces a range of beers year-round, along with a variety of seasonal specialties.  The brewery recently moved into a new facility in Somerdale, which will ultimately allow them to quadruple production.  The facility boasts a wealth of sustainability features, enabling the very eco-conscious business to brew their award-winning beer in the most environmentally friendly way possible.  A new tasting room just opened to the public, and tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday every week.

For more information about Flying Fish, please visit them online at www.flyingfish.com or call(856) 504-3442.  Beer lovers can also follow Flying Fish on social media: via Facebook and Twitter.

Newark Food Pantry Seeks Miracle to Stay Open

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Newark Food Pantry Seeks Miracle to Stay Open
Founder of Newark food pantry seeks miracle to keep feeding the hungry (via NJ.com)

The church community center was packed 300 deep, maybe more. The people were sitting in folding chairs, rows of them, waiting to lug food that others before them were struggling to carry down the stairs onto a Newark street.…

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Chef Spotlight – Bryan Gregg, Executive Chef of Escape

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie
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Chef Spotlight – Bryan Gregg, Executive Chef of Escape
Chef Bryan Gregg
Chef Bryan Gregg

Interview by Veronique Deblois

Chef Bryan Gregg is a native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts. Early in his career, Chef Gregg honed his skills at some of the most highly-regarded restaurants and with world-class chefs in New York and New Jersey. The crusader for local New Jersey food producers then had a chance to “stage” at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in both France and England. These experiences led him to solidify his commitment to nose-to-tail cooking while still maintaining respect for the food he is given to work with.

Chef Gregg brings the ultimate farm-to-table experience to Essex County with Escape. Gregg, whose résumé features Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Michael Anthony’s as previous employers, brings southern fine cuisine to Montclair.

Jersey Bites: What is your earliest food memory?

Chef:  I would say holiday dinners at my dad’s house. They seemed to always be big to-dos. I tried to help my step mom out with prep and setting up.

Jersey Bites: When did you realize you wanted to make cooking a career? Was there an “a-ha” moment?

Chef: Definitely an a-ha moment. I had tried college and I was not getting what I wanted out of it. I have always been a hands-on type of person. I had some friends who were in the profession working at the highest levels and saw some of their passion and their way of life and I was just drawn towards it -cooking that is.

Jersey Bites: Any interesting stories about where and with whom you started cooking professionally?

Uni in Cucumber Juice - Escape
Uni in Cucumber Juice – Escape

Chef:  In this profession there are always interesting stories. I spent my early years in local dining establishments. Then I went to culinary school and once I finished that, I stepped on to the fine dining scene in Manhattan working for Gray Kunz and Peter Hoffmann. I also staged at many other highly-regarded restaurants. This is where I gained a knowledge for what it takes to be a cook at the highest level. I got myself a back bone along the way too, so to speak… lol.

Jersey Bites: What is your cooking style?

Chef:   My style is “local”. At Escape, we focus on southern influence but for me, it’s all about technique and quality of product.

Jersey Bites: What is the greatest /neatest opportunity that has come from cooking?

Chef:  Being able to stage at the Waterside Inn in Bray, England and work under Alain Roux.

Jersey Bites: What is the most memorable meal you’ve had, what did you eat and where was it?

Chef:  That is easy – French Laundry in Yountville, California. I think it was like 16 courses. Hands-down the best meal, ever.

Jersey Bites: It’s your last day on earth, what would your final meal be?

Chef:  Also easy! Bone-in ribeye, two dozen oysters and a bottle of Screaming Eagle.

Jersey Bites: What is the best advice you have to share with young folks interested in becoming chefs?

Escape Montclair
Escape Montclair

Chef:  Make sure you have what it takes. This job involves long hours on your feet, being screamed at and doing all this while in a high-pressure environment and in a hot kitchen. Oh yeah, and the money stinks in the beginning. But, I will tell you this, I would not change a thing. It’s made me a better person.

Jersey Bites: If you could choose to be any food item, what would it be?

Chef: Potato.

Jersey Bites: What is the one “staple” food you always have in your cupboard at home?

Chef: Good Soy Sauce.

Jersey Bites: What is your beverage of choice?

Foie Gras with Raspberries - Escape
Foie Gras with Raspberries – Escape

Chef:  I drink way to much soda, it’s my downfall.

Jersey Bites: What is your favorite comfort food?

Chef:  I love a good Cassoulet.

Jersey Bites: What New Jersey restaurant do you enjoy dining at, besides your own?

Chef:  Restaurant Serenade in Chatham.

Jersey Bites: If you could have dinner with any three people, living, deceased or fictional, who would they be and why?

Chef:  Julia Child, Ferran Adria and Art Rooney. Julia would just be a hoot. Ferran, well, that is pretty self-explanatory and Art because I am a huge Steelers fan.

Are you working on any upcoming projects our readers would be interested in learning about?

Chef:  Well, we are about to kick off our chefs series dinners at Escape where we will be raising money for cancer and cancer awareness. We are also always trying to increase our think local food group with alternate locations so there will be some fun things coming in the upcoming years.

Escape. 345 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ.

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. 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.

Pancho Villa Taqueria, Fresh Mexican fare in Dover

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Pancho Villa Taqueria, Fresh Mexican fare in Dover

Pancho Villa Taqueria (via EthnicNJ)

Dover, NJ, home to excellent Latin American food at family-owned spots like El Marino (EthnicNJ’s favorite Peruvian restaurant), also boasts wonderfully authentic Mexican comfort food. Pancho Villa Taqueria is a tiny spot just down the street from…

Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week kicks off in Salem City

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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New Jersey Farm to School Week
Left to right: James Harmon, US Dept. of Agriculture, Mid Atlantic Region,Food and Nutrition Service; Debra Gralley, Gen. Manager for Metz Culinary Management; and Secretary Fisher talk to students about Jersey Fresh produce.

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher kicked off 2013 Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week on September 24 with a visit to John Fenwick Academy in Salem City. The school began its 2013-2014 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program by providing local produce to students for sampling. The Department of Agriculture’s third annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week, taking place September 23 to 27, highlights efforts to connect schools with New Jersey farmers to purchase local produce for school meals. It also seeks to teach children where their food comes from by growing it themselves in school gardens.

“Farm to School Week is all about encouraging schools to serve healthy, local produce to their students,” said Secretary Fisher. “The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program fits right in this week since it is focused on getting kids to eat more fruits and vegetables.”

John Fenwick School has participated in the Department’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for three years. Debra Gralley, General Manager for Metz Culinary Management said they serve the students the fresh produce twice a week. In the past, Fenwick students have sampled peaches, apples, pumpkins, plums and pears.

“It’s important that our kids know as as the parents that we are serious about nutritious eating,” said Principal Syeda Woods.

Fenwick school is one of the 144 New Jersey schools will participate in the FFVP for the 2013-2014 school year. The United States Department of Agriculture allocated $3,934,586 for New Jersey for the program, which provides fresh produce to students during the school day, along with nutrition education. The goal of the program is to expose children to healthy foods, increase their fruit and vegetable consumption and set them on the road to improved lifelong dietary habits.

For more information about the Farm to School Program, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/childadult/farm_to_school.html.

To learn more about the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, go to www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/childadult/fruitandvegetable.html.

It’s All in the Family at these North Jersey Farms

MStavrou
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It’s All in the Family at these North Jersey Farms

Growing up in Bergen County our weekends usually revolved around heading to one of the many, many malls in the area. So when I was contacted to tour farms in Bergen County, I was surprised – how had I grown up in the area and not realized that there were working farms so nearby? The truth is, both DePiero’s Country Farm in Montvale and Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff have been around for decades, selling quality produce and goods and creating a devoted following in the process.

DePiero's Farm
DePiero’s Farm Store

DePiero’s in Montvale is open 7 days a week, closing only for Christmas and New Years. The farm first opened in 1924, while the actual store was built in the 1980’s. DePiero’s is a true family operation, with the 4th generation currently working there and overseeing all aspects of the farm. This summer DePiero’s grew and sold a number of New Jersey staples including eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. If there is any additional produce they need they turn to other local farmers so they can sell it at the store.

Bakery at DePiero's
Bakery at DePiero’s

The first thing you notice when you walk in the door at DePiero’s is the smell of fresh-baked goods. The bakery offers an impressive selection of baked goods including breads, pastries, pies, and their famous black and white cookies. Once fall rolls around the bakery will sell apple cider donuts and a variety of pies including pecan, coconut custard, apple, and pumpkin. The fall season is by far the busiest on the farm as it offers hay rides, a corn maze, and pumpkin picking. DePiero’s also has a greenhouse that will be filled with mums shortly, a customer favorite when the weather gets cooler.

The list of items DePiero’s sells is staggering. The farm sells goods from other local purveyors including pickles, olives, and peppers from Picklelicious in Teaneck and pasta and sauce from Vitamia and Sons Ravioli Co. in Lodi. The farm also sells coffee, oils, vinegars, honey, cheese, sausage, and even has a butcher. DePiero’s was extremely lucky last year during Hurricane Sandy as the farm never lost power. Many of their customers weren’t as lucky and flocked to the store.

Abma's Farm Store
Abma’s Farm Store

Over in Wyckoff, Abma’s Farm is also a family operation, with the fourth generation currently working on the farm. On its grounds the farm has a market, greenhouse, and petting zoo. Abma’s started as a chicken coop operation, but it soon became clear that the family couldn’t make enough money just on eggs. The chickens were moved out of the barn and the space was reinvented as a store. The family makes a point of only selling things that they would eat. Besides fresh produce grown at the farm, they also sell baked goods, farm fresh eggs, honey from beehives on the premises, and pork from pigs on the farm. Abma’s apple pie and chicken salad are two of the farm’s claims to fame – both are made in-house, of course.

Farm Fresh Eggs at Abma's
Farm Fresh Eggs at Abma’s

Abma’s makes a large effort to involve the surrounding community. This was the first year that the farm offered a CSA program and the response was overwhelming, with 67 customers signing up. Abma’s also held a Corn Fest this summer and offers free workshops throughout the year. Just like DePiero’s, Abma’s also gets very busy in the fall with hayrides and pumpkin picking. The life isn’t an easy one, but the farmers at Abma’s were resolute that they’re in it for the long haul. Their enthusiasm for the farm is evident everywhere you look, and we should be so lucky that the farm is around for at least another 4 generations.

Field of flowers at Abma's
Field of flowers at Abma’s

DePiero’s Farm
300 Grand Ave., Montvale
www.depieros.com

Abma’s Farm
700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
www.abmasfarm.com

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.

Cinnamon Honey Apple Loaf Cake Recipe

Tom
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Cinnamon Honey Apple Loaf Cake Recipe

The evenings are getting cool and the mornings are crisp, a sure sign that fall is here. Since September is National Honey Month, and also the start of apple season, I’m sure you’ll agree that the timing is just right for baking up a Cinnamon Honey Apple Loaf Cake! Studded with chopped apples that have been tossed in cinnamon sugar, this cake is not only sweetened with honey, it’s also topped with a sugar honey glaze! A cup of tea and a slice of this fabulously delicious Cinnamon Honey Apple Loaf Cake and you’ll be all set to snuggle in on a cool autumn evening.

Recipes and Photo by Gwynn Galvin, Culinary Consultant and Creator of Swirls of Flavor

Cinnamon Honey Apple Loaf Cake

1 Gala apple, peeled, cored and chopped, 1 1/4 cups
2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
10 Tbs. butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 container (6 oz.) apple-flavored or vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup + 1 Tbs. honey, divided
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
fresh apple slices, optional garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Coat 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In small bowl combine chopped apple, 1 Tbs. granulated sugar and cinnamon; reserve.

3. In another bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; reserve.

4. With mixer on medium-high beat butter and remaining granulated sugar until light and fluffy, scraping sides of bowl occasionally, about 3 minutes.

5. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until blended, about 1 minute.

6. Reduce mixer speed to medium. Alternately add reserved flour mixture and Greek yogurt. Add 1/4 cup honey and beat until a thick smooth batter forms, 2 minutes.

7. Fold in reserved apple mixture until combined.

8. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Bake 55-65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.

9. Cool 20 minutes in pan on wire rack. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.

10. In small bowl combine confectioners’ sugar, 1 Tbs. warm water and remaining 1 Tbs. honey, stirring until blended and a smooth glaze forms.

11. Drizzle glaze over top of cake. Garnish with fresh apple slices, if desired.

Makes 12 slices.

Gwynn GalvinGwynn Galvin, Chef and Blogger, is delighted to share her original recipes on Jersey Bites. Born and raised in Jersey and a lifetime resident of Bergen County, Gwynn is Jersey through and through!  Having been in the culinary field for over twenty years, you can say that Gwynn is definitely well seasoned! With over a decade as Test Kitchen Director for a nationally published magazine as well as working for major food corporations and being partner and chef of a family-owned cupcake shop, Gwynn is also the creator of her blog, Swirls of Flavor. Her award-winning recipes have been featured in national ad campaigns, cookbooks, magazines, social media and on the internet. If you’ve ever made a recipe that was on the package of a food product or in a magazine or cookbook, chances are you’ve already made one of her fabulously delicious recipes!

 

September 20th to 29th is New Jersey Wine Week

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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September 20th to 29th is New Jersey Wine Week

Governor Christie signed a proclamation declaring September 20 to 29 New Jersey Wine Week, honoring the wine industry for being a growing contributor to the state’s economy.

“Not only do New Jersey’s wineries produce some of the best and unique wines in the world, but they are an integral part of the state’s agricultural industry and help preserve open space,” said Secretary Fisher.  “Wineries, such as 4 JG’s Vineyards, also are important parts of the community and tourist destinations, bringing revenue to the surrounding area.”

New Jersey has more than 45 licensed wineries.  New Jersey is 7th in the nation in wine production, with more than 1.5 million gallons produced in 2010.  Many wineries now offer shipping of their wines within New Jersey and into other states thanks to a 2012 law signed by Governor Christie.

Four JG’s Orchards & Vineyards is a 60-acre farm named after its four owners, John and Janet Giunco and their two children, John and Jill.  The Giunco family has farmed in Monmouth County for more than 60 years.  John’s parents raised apples and peaches.  John, a lawyer, and Janet, a former IBM marketing employee, opened 4 JG’s in 1999.

“We opened our winery because of our love of wine and collecting wines,” said Janet Giunco.  “Our grapes are grown with passion and care and we make a great product that pleasantly surprises most folks.”

The Giuncos are hand-harvesting their grapes right now to produce a variety of “estate” wines, made only from grapes grown on their property.  In addition, they sell many tons of grapes to other New Jersey wineries.

Four JG’s is one of 38 member wineries of the Garden State Wine Growers Association.

“We are very proud to have the Governor recognize the important role that New Jersey wineries are having on the state’s economy by declaring NJ Wine Week,” said Ollie Tomasello, Chairman of the Garden State Wine Growers Association and owner of Plagido’s Winery in Hammonton. “We are producing a great product here in the state as our wines are winning awards throughout the country. We hope all New Jerseyans come out and visit our vineyards and tasting rooms not only during wine week but throughout the year.”

New Jersey wineries have many fall activities.  For a listing of wineries, visit http://bit.ly/1a743yf.  For more information about the Garden State Wine Growers Association, go to www.newjerseywines.com.

 

New Book & Tour: The History of Diners in New Jersey

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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New Book & Tour: The History of Diners in New Jersey

Diner Book Cover High RezThe Garden State is universally recognized as the “Diner Capital of the World.”  How and why did we earn that distinction? In Michael Gabriele’s new book, The History of Diners in New Jersey, the author explains how location, transportation and dense population created the perfect environment for a thriving diner industry.

Gabriele’s book takes us back to the early days of lunch wagons and diners, providing detailed information, first-hand interviews, context and perspective. The book gathers important pieces of the historical puzzle (people, events, places, dates, facts and figures) and assembles them into a cohesive narrative that traces New Jersey’s diner history. The tome is lavishly illustrated with over 75 photos (many taken by the author), along with scans of vintage postcards, rare photo prints, technical illustrations and a special eight-page color insert.

Along with profiles of memorable, vintage diners and the people who owned them, the book pays tribute to the independent diner manufacturing companies that were based here in New Jersey. New Jersey was the hub for diner production during the 20th century. Today the Garden State’s diner manufacturing sector is virtually extinct—a forgotten chapter of New Jersey’s history.

Mustache Bill Platters finalThis is Gabriele’s second book with The History Press. The first, The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey, was published in 2011.

Michael Gabriele author of The History of New Jersey DinersA lifelong New Jersey resident, Gabriele has been a journalist for more than 35 years. He is a 1975 graduate of Montclair State University; a member of the executive board of the Nutley Historical Society; and serves on the advisory board of the Clifton Arts Center.

Meet the Author this Sunday at Bookends bookstore, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, during the annual Ridgewood Fall Arts and Craft Street Fair to unveil his new book, The History of Diners in New Jersey. The street fair runs from noon to 5 p.m. Call Bookends at (201) 445-0726 for more information.

The History of Diners in New Jersey Book Tour:
Sept. 22: Ridgewood Street Fair, Bookends book store, 1-4 p.m.Oct. 5: Mendham Books, 2 p.m.Oct. 18: Nutley Museum, book launch, gala reception, 7 p.m.Oct. 19: Bridgewater Barnes & Noble, 1 p.m.Oct. 26: Watchung Booksellers, Montclair, 1-2 p.m.Nov. 3: Words Bookstore, Maplewood, 2 p.m.Nov. 8: Book Towne, Manasquan, 8 p.m.

Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

THIS WEEKEND…

September 20 to 22: On Friday, September 20, the Summit location of Kings Food Markets celebrates its Grand Re-Opening with a Pasta Cutting Ceremony at 11am and tastings and in-store events including Cooking Studio demonstrations and nutritionist consultations. The ceremony will include remarks from Kings Markets President & CEO Judy Spires, Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson and Store Manager Ken Rizzie. Event runs until 4pm. And as part of its “Act Against Hunger” initiative, Kings will mark the occasion by making a $1,000 donation to St. Teresa’s Loaves & Fishes, a local non-profit committed to ending hunger in the Summit area. Nutritionist Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RD, will offer complimentary consultations on Friday and Saturday. Finally, Cooking Studio Demonstrations and special tastings will take place between 11am and 4pm, Friday through Sunday. King’s Food Markets, 784 Springfield Avenue, Summit, 908-598-4500, kingsfoodmarkets.com. 

September 21st:  Alfresco at the Farm in Morristown 5pm to sundown. Live Music~ Gourmet appetizers featuring Urban Farm Produce~ Pizza by Millie’s of Morristown~ Desserts by The Artist Baker and Strawberry Fields New for 2013: Children’s activities, a garden themed silent auction and family photos on the farm! You won’t want to miss this DELICIOUS and FUN way to support Grow It Green Morristown in our mission to serve the Greater Morristown Area. Tickets: Adults 40.00, children 20.00

 September 21st:  Festival of the Sea, Point Pleasant Beach. 10am to 7pm. Rain date is September 22, 2013. This street fair is located in the heart of downtown Point Pleasant Beach on Arnold and Bay Avenues. Vistors sample dishes by the area’s finest restaurants serving everything from Lobster, Steak, Chowders, Pasta, Desserts and everything in between. Hundreds of Arts and Crafts vendors display their crafts. Free Shuttles run from noon until 7pm. They stop on Broadway and Baltimore Avenues, Broadway and Ocean Avenues, Ocean and Arnold Avenues, and the Train Station. One also leaves from Point Pleasant Boro High School on Beaver Dam Rd. and drops off on Lincoln Avenue, so there is plenty of FREE on street parking. For more information please call 732-899-2424

September 21 – 22nd: Highlands Festival at Waterloo. The Highlands Festival at Waterloo is a “Celebration of All Things Local” including home-grown FOOD! food vendors will be asked to source local food and clearly state where it comes from. Chef run workshops, locally produced food products and more at this weekend long, family friendly event.

September 21 – 22nd: Jersey Skyline Wine Festival.  With a perfect view of the NY skyline as a vantage point more than a dozen of the finest New Jersey wineries will be on hand at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park for the inaugural Jersey Skyline Wine Festival, promoted by the Garden State Wine Growers Association. Paid attendees receive a complimentary wine glass with their admission ticket which is $25 at the gate and $20 in advance ordered through www.newjerseywines.com.

September 22nd: The Morris County Sunday Supper is returning to the Hyatt Morristown from 4 – 7.   A night of farm-to-table tastings from local gourmet chefs and farms. In addition to the gourmet tasting, the night will feature a silent auction, open bar, and live music. Details on the Sustainable Morristown website: http://sustainablemorristown.org/2013/06/our-3rd-annual-locally-grown-sunday-supper/ .

AND BEYOND…

September 23rd: FBCC Culinary Classic – The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties presents their 22nd Annual Culinary Classic at The Mill at Spring Lake Heights. The event will raise awareness and funds for hunger in the New Jersey community, especially with regard to the increased need post-Hurricane Sandy. Dozens of popular restaurants from the Jersey Shore will be present to offer samples of signature dishes, wine, cocktails and local craft brews. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit the event Facebook page.

September 25th: Classic Cake Academy: Wednesday, September 25. 7-9 pm.  Classic Cake 480 Evesham Road Cherry Hill. Chef Robert Bennett celebrates one of the most popular fruits of the season. From Apple Tarts to Applesauce Cake to Caramel Apples – watch, learn and taste the fruits of his labor. Must register to attend. Seating is limited. Sign up in the store; by phone at 856-751-5448; or by email [email protected].

September 28th: “Grape Expectations: a unique food & wine event with a “Twist” to benefit The Montclair Public Library. Featured guest will be Eric Asimov, wine critic for The New York Times. Mr. Asimov will lead a Wine Master Class for a small group from 6:30-7:30 and will make remarks and answer questions at the main event beginning at 7:30.  Top local chefs contribute dishes inspired by the novels of Charles Dickens so it will be a delicious and enjoyable event for a great cause. For tickets and information, visit http://www.montclairlibrary.org  or e-mail Montclair Public Library Foundation Administrator, Anita Peterson [email protected]

September 28th: Food Trucktoberfest at Monmouth Park. Usher in the fall with a special Oktoberfest Celebration…Food Trucktoberfest featuring a German Beer Garden presented by The Star-Ledger! Your favorite mobile eateries from Food Truck Wars are BACK to help showcase brewers’ Oktoberfest creations. Enjoy live music provided by an Oompah Band, unique German brews, as well as all of your favorite food trucks! As part of Food Trucktoberfest: all fans wearing lederhosen receive FREE Grandstand admission!

September 28th: The Big Brew Beer Festival Fall-Fest. The Morristown Armory 430 Western Ave. Morristown, NJ 07960 Session 1 1:00 pm-4:30pm (VIP extra hour 12pm-1pm) Session 2 7:00pm-10:30pm (VIP extra hour 6pm-7pm) Discounted advance tickets are available online.

September 28th: Taste of Medford and Business Expo:  Noon-3 pm at Kirby’s Mill, 275 Church Road in Medford. This event showcases Medford as a place to visit, to dine and to do business. More than a dozen Medford restaurants will showcase their foods. Local candy, snack and beverage providers will also participate. Local business will offer information, discount coupons and other promotional items.

October 5th & 6th: LBI Chowderfest – 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the annual LBI Chowderfest. There will be unlimited chowder tasting, live music, a food court, a merchant market, and beautiful views of the bay! General admission tickets are $20 ($10 for kids) and may be purchased online.

October 12th, Unionville Vineyards Fall Harvest Festival will be their biggest and best festival yet, with more areas to taste wine and food, two exciting regional rock’n’roll talents, new demonstrations and pairing classes, the return of the grape stomp, opportunities to interact with the winemakers, and plenty to keep kids of all ages happy and interested.
Tickets available at www.unionvillevineyards.com/fallfestival 

October 12th: Point Pleasant Beach Chowder Fest.  Located on Inlet Drive overlooking our beautiful Manasquan Inlet from 12-6pm. Food, Live Music, Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts, and of course Chowda! Rain Date 10/13/2013.  For more Information  732-899-2424. Presented by The Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce.

October 17th: “A Taste of the Good Life” Food and Wine Tasting Featuring more than 20 restaurants from Hudson, Essex and Passaic Counties At the People Who Make a Difference Gala Celebrating Planned Parenthood of New Jersey’s 85th Anniversary Gala from 6-9 pm At the Newark Museum. For more information on purchasing tickets, check out their Facebook event page. https://www.facebook.com/events/601130886586217/

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October 19th & 20th: The Chili & Beer Challenge at the Last Fling Pumpkin Sling After all that slingin’, you’re likely to be hungry and thirsty. Here’s the perfect event to whet your whistle and your appetite – the Chili & Beer Challenge. This friendly competition offers those inspired to cook with savor and spice, or brew lagers, ales, wheats and ryes a chance to shine. And those wanting to do more than just savor the flavors, you’ll be able 
to get into the action by sampling the offerings and then helping to select the “People’s Choice” winners.

October 26th: Fall Foodtruck Festival at Raceway Park. Monster trucks, drag races, BMX exhibitions, classic cars, boulder climbing, live entertainment, and of course FOOD TRUCKS in Englishtown, NJ!

October 28th: Signature Chefs Auction Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club, 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale.  Bring together top local chefs showcasing their culinary masterpieces, a generous sampling of fine wines and spirits, fabulous entertainment and a lively auction featuring one-of-a-kind packages, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a Signature Chefs Auction. This event, which helps raise much needed revenue for the March of Dimes, pays tribute to the culinary excellence of local chefs and caterers in the Central Jersey area.

Forks & Corks to benefit the Algonquin Arts TheartreNovember 18th: Jersey Bites Presents Forks & Corks to benefit the Algonquin Arts Theatre at the Mill, Spring Lake Heights from 6 to 9pm. This event will showcase deliciously diverse cuisine from the area’s most popular restaurants along with a cast of renowned wines and beers.  $65 per person. Entertainment: The Paul Marino Band Dress: Business Attire Sponsorship Opportunities contact Teresa Staub Development Director, 732-528-4336or [email protected]

The Ryland Inn Wine Series Dinner – Bodegas Finca Allende

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie
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The Ryland Inn Wine Series Dinner – Bodegas Finca Allende
Left to Right: Ray Ankton, Anthony Bucco, Rosario Toscano, Miguel Angel de Gregorio
Left to Right: Ray Ankton, Anthony Bucco, Rosario Toscano, Miguel Angel de Gregorio

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to attend the Bodegas Finca Allende wine dinner at Ryland Inn. While I’d dined at the gorgeous property, I’d not yet attended one of the wine dinners.

Courtyard
Courtyard

A cocktail hour was set in the courtyard and there, we had the opportunity to mingle with the other guests and the Winemaker, Miguel Angel de Gregorio. Prior to the event, Ryland Inn’s Sommelier, Rosario Toscano, had told me Miguel only visits the United States occasionally and never more than a week per year. It was an absolute pleasure to hear about the vineyard, the winemaking process and the wines from the man who actually makes them.

Passed canapés ranged from a seared beef and horseradish crostini to a Jersey tomato gazpacho. The canapés were paired with the 2010 Finca Nueva Blanco, a bright, light and crisp white wine that was nice served with the food but was equally enjoyable sipped on its own on that warm summer evening.

View from the Kitchen Dining Room
View from the Kitchen Dining Room

After the cocktail hour was finished, the group made its way into a very special space – the kitchen dining room. The richly-appointed room offers a table that can likely accommodate over 20 guests and an oversized window offering a perfect view of the bustling kitchen. Executive Chef Anthony Bucco and his team are focused and display a calm, quiet intensity I’d not experienced in a professional kitchen before. Very impressive.

Another thing that was impressive was the food and wine lineup.

Here’s how the menu looked:

1st

Fluke Crudo, Summer Melons, Heirloom Tomatoes, Garden Herbs

2009 Viura

2nd

Roasted pork Tenderloin, Apricots and Chanterelles

2006 Finca Allende

3rd

Slow Roasted Filet Mignon, Salt Baked Fingerling Potato, Chimichurri

2006 Calvario

4th

“Peaches and Cream”

Roasted Pork
Roasted Pork

The progression from light to heavier in food and in wine was executed to perfection. Chef Bucco and Sommelier Toscano obviously play off each other very well and this meal reflected that food and wine coordination.

Slow Roasted Filet Mignon
Slow Roasted Filet Mignon

A very special treat by Winemaker Miguel was a tasting of his 2009 Martires Blanco. This wine is so exclusive that just a few bottles have made it into the United States. This very special wine is hand-harvested from Viura grapes and only 1,350 bottles are produced. It retails for $225.

Fluke Crudo
Fluke Crudo

The Ryland Inn offers interesting events and classes so be sure to visit its website to stay abreast of upcoming events. Speaking of special events, I had an opportunity to speak with Chef Bucco prior to the wine dinner and he enthusiastically shared that a 6,000 square addition to the existing structure would be completed by the holidays to further accommodate special events and weddings. I’m looking forward to a holiday visit and to experience another exceptional meal at The Ryland Inn.

Cheers,

Veronique

Veronique Deblois is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

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