Page 149 ⋆ Jersey Bites

AC Food & Wine Festival Preview & Giveaway

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

-

July 18, 2013

I had the pleasure of attending a sneak peak of the 2013 Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival just a short time ago. The Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival will take place July 25-28 2013 at Ceasars Atlantic City. (Psst, We’re giving away tickets, details at the end.) This 4 day event, is filled with a star-studded roster of the world’s most renowned culinary experts and TV personalities, including Robert Irvine, Rocco DiSpirito and The Neelys. The event, which sells-out annually and is the largest food and wine festival in the market, takes place across all four Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City casinos and resorts – Caesars, Harrah’s Resort, Showboat & Bally’s.

Since I am a local to the area, you would think that my husband and I are always in Atlantic City taking advantage of the amazing restaurants the city has to offer, right? I mean literally we are 15 minutes outside of Atlantic City. In reality, it’s quite the opposite! We hardly ever make it into Atlantic City, so this was certainly an eye opening experience and boy have we been missing out!

On this particular evening, there were just too many tasting options to list them all, so I am going to tell you about my personal favorites.

First up, the mini meatballs with homemade tomato sauce and micro basil from Sammy D’s inside of Harrah’s. (pictured above) These meatballs may have been mini but they were packed with flavor, and oh so filling! Pleasing to the eyes with a great pairing of bright red sauce and just the right amount of green basil and oh, so pleasing to my stomach! I only wish I had room for more.

As far as appetizers go, the roasted plantain empanadas from Dos Caminos were my personal favorites. The contrasting colors of brown empenada with bright orange aoli on top caught my attention immediately. I immediately was able to taste and feel the heat of the spice and as I kept tasting and chewing, the flavor changed to just the right amount of sweetness. I’m still not sure how they created this amazing combination of sweet and spice, and quite frankly I don’t care. It was out of this world amazing!

Last but definitely not least, were the amazing desserts that Head Pastry Chef, Deb Pelligrino, created for us. Deb is a local from Ocean City and has worked at Harrah’s for 13 years. She has also been featured twice on The Food Network’s cake challenges, one of which she brought home the Grand Prize!

Now, let me start by saying that sweets are the way to my heart and, Oh was I in heaven when I saw the table Deb had set up for us! The list of goodies included: S ‘mores Cheesecake Bites, Hypnotic cake pops (red velvet & chocolate Grand Marnier), Pistachio Chocolate Clouds, Popcorn Cream Shooters (with Canadian Bacon Bites), Sea Salt Fudge, and Double Chocolate Fudge Cubes (with passion gelee). They all sound so amazing, right?! RIGHT!! By far my favorite was the sea salt fudge. In my opinion you can never go wrong with sweet & salty and Deb Pelligrino definitely hit the nail on the head when she created this delectable dessert!

I was so thankful to have been able to preview a sampling of the foods that will be served during the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival this year. Also a big thank you to Ceasar’s Entertainment for hosting our group. I know you will enjoy these delicious foods just as much as I did and that is why we are giving way 2 pairs of tickets to the Grand Market on Sunday, July 28th between 12:00pm – 4:00pm.

ENTER TO WIN: We are giving away 2 pairs of tickets ( 4 total) to The Grand Market! July 27th, between 12:00pm and 4:00pm at Bally’s Grand Ballroom.

The Grand Market is a huge “tasting village” featuring a wide selection of foods, wines, craft brews and liquors from world-renowned culinary masters, you will experience a true flavor adventure during your three-hour gourmet journey. And when you find something you love, take it home with you! Purchase your favorite flavors while culinary demos by celebrity chefs provide you with tips to enhance your home dining experiences.

Just leave a comment below this post. We will randomly select 2 winners on Monday July 22nd, 2013. Deadline for entry is Sunday, 7.21.13 at 11:59pm.

Good luck and Happy Tasting!

Erica Acosta is a full-time working mom to 3 handsome boys and 1 amazing husband. In her downtime she enjoys reading, sewing, and taking her boys to the beach! Her passion for writing began in High School, and one day she hopes to add “Book Author” to her list of accomplishments.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ “Iced Coffee Cash & DDash”

Food News

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

-

July 16, 2013

0

Dunkin’ Donuts’ “Iced Coffee Cash & DDash”

In the midst of this week’s heat wave, Dunkin’ Donuts surprised one cool customer, Shanel Williams, 20, a South Brunswick resident, when she stopped in to Dunkin’ Donuts this morning as she does every day on her way to work. Crew members greeted Shanel with confetti, cheering and a giant check for $1,000 right after ordering breakfast. As to be expected, Shanel was excited about her “icy cool” loot, and when asked how she was feeling she responded that she was shocked and excited, saying that this morning’s prize was the best thing that’s ever happened to her before she’s had her coffee. She then called her boss to explain that she would be late because “I just won $1,000 at Dunkin’ Donuts!”

In addition to the cash, Shanel also received a month’s supply of Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee, a Keurig® K-Cup® Brewing System, and a box of Dunkin’ Donuts’ new Original Blend Iced Coffee K-Cup® packs. The surprise is part of Dunkin’ Donuts’ “Iced Coffee Cash & DDash.” Every weekday from July 8 through July 31, Dunkin’ Donuts is surprising at least one guest somewhere in the U.S. with these cool prizes. Iced Coffee Cash & Dash recognizes the brand’s fans who depend on Iced Coffee and other menu items to keep running all summer long.

This month Dunkin’ Donuts introduced Original Blend Iced Coffee K-Cup® packs, a new variety of the brand’s K-Cup® packs for use with the Keurig® K-Cup® Brewing System. Specially crafted to deliver the great taste of Dunkin’ Donuts’ Original Blend Iced Coffee in a single-serve portion, at the touch of a button, Iced Coffee K-Cup® packs are available through August at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.

Community Members Dish It at The Warren County Farmers’ Fair

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

-

July 15, 2013

0

Community Members Dish It at The Warren County Farmers’ Fair

Sponsored Story

The Warren County Farmers’ Fair is famous for its Hot Air Balloon Festival, but those glorious balloons aren’t the only attraction worth the trek.

Visitors to the Fair have a huge selection of food choices from fresh baked pies to pulled pork and everything in between. And the best part, everything falls in the $5-$7 dollar range. Try doing that at most events these days. You can even find some cool, refreshing Snapple water at the Snapple Tent for just $1 a bottle.

Did we say pie? How about freshly made every evening by the members of the Stewartsville Grange. We are not just talking the flavor of the day here folks, we are talking 15 different varieties of homemade pie.

What’s a Grange you ask? (Even if you didn’t ask, we’re gonna tell you) A grange is a fraternal organization that encourages families to work together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture. There are two remaining that run food stands at the Fair – one just mentioned and the other is the Warren Pomona Grange.

The Warren Pomona Grange offers the only sausage sandwiches and fresh cut French fries on the Fairgrounds. Their all-American menu includes hamburgers, pork roll and the like.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, visit The Warren Hills Wrestling Club’s booth were they will be serving up their healthy beef and chicken taco salads. This group also organizes the Invitational Wrestling Tournament on closing day Saturday, August 3. The event begins at 8 am, when they begin serving up breakfast for the day.

Are you a member of a Lions Club? Show your support to one of several represented at the Fair. The Harmony Lions Club is known for its pulled pork and a menu with so many choices it’s hard to decide. The Knowlton Lions Club serves up funnel cakes and Jersey Fresh roasted sweet corn with their own special blend of spices to add a little kick, and fresh squeezed lemonade. For one night only, on opening day Saturday, July 27, support the Belvidere Lions Club and their Chicken BBQ fundraiser.

Lastly, let’s talk more about desserts. How about a fresh Peach Sundae from Mackey’s Orchard and Ice Cream Barn. Or support the 4-H Milk booth and purchase an ice cream, cold milk or other beverages. If you visit on Sunday you can partake in the largest sundae – a HUGE sundae build and scooped out by the directors and Fair Queen and Princess, for free, while supplies last.

Gates Open at 11 am from Saturday July 27 to Friday August 2, and 8 am on closing day Saturday, August 3. On select days and for your enjoyment some of our local clubs have shows that begin prior to our official open times. Exhibit buildings, vendor booths, food stands open by 12 noon. http://www.warrencountyfarmersfair.org/

The Art of Artisan Coffee at Small World Roasters

Vikki Hurley-Schubert

-

July 14, 2013

0

The Art of Artisan Coffee at Small World Roasters

Fifteen seconds is a long time in the coffee world. Those few seconds make a huge world of difference in the flavor and roast of the beans. I learned what an exacting science and art coffee roasting is at a “Backstage Pass” tour of the Small World Roasters, given by Jon March, owner and Master Roaster and Tim Hinton, quality control manager.

Small World Roasters, roasting beans since 1997, offers “Backstage Pass” tours monthly. The facilities are tucked in a small industrial complex in Skillman, about four miles north of Princeton. Roasting beans in 50 pound batches takes between 12 to 15 minutes. The beans tumble in a cast iron drum reaching a temperature of up to 430 degrees.

During the first six to seven minutes of the roasting period, a lot of moisture comes out of the bean, causing the bean to puff up and crack or pop as the water evaporates. Two to three minutes later the beans will pop again and thirty seconds after the second pop, the beans are ready to come out of the roaster, where they are cooled under a fan to stop the cooking process.

The roasters look for the beans to turn a chocolate color and develop a sheen from the oils coming to the surface. The shiniest beans are used in a dark roast called “Crispy Hippie,” which is roasted a mere 15 seconds longer than the regular roast. The beans are slightly burned, giving the dark flavor. Each bean in a blend is roasted individually for maximum control over the flavor and roast, since beans from different locations have varying roasting times. Up to 150 pounds of coffee can be blended in the cooling trays at a time.

To make their two decaf coffees, Small World uses a Royal Water process from Mexico to remove the caffeine. Decaf coffees lose a lot of their nuances, due to the nature of the process, which changes the flavor of the bean. Another caffeine removal process not used by Small World is methanol chloride.

Balance between acidity and body make the best tasting coffee. Acidity is the vibrancy of the flavor and the liveliness on the palate. The weight of the coffee makes up the body, along with viscosity and the fat content of the milk. The body also affects the finish of the coffee in your mouth.

The best coffees are grown in countries along the equator and the most flavorful are grown in higher altitudes. In the higher altitudes, the less oxygen in the air produces a denser bean that keeps its flavor longer. Coffee grows like cherries on a shrub-like tree. This tree takes seven years to mature and the coffee beans are the “pits” of the cherries.

There are two species of coffee–robusta, which has the most caffeine and more acid per cup and is the most common type of bean, or the arabica, which is used in specialty coffees. When coffee is roasted, it should be consumed within two weeks for maximum flavor, as it has been at Small World. Coffee served at the two cafes in Princeton and partner restaurants is delivered from the roaster within three days of roaming for freshness.

The tour, limited to small group, was very informative and I learned way more than I could fit into this story. All coffee lovers should take it, especially since it’s followed by a tasting.

The Backstage Pass tours are offered once a month and cost $25, including a half pound of freshly roasted coffee. Information can be found on the Small World website at http://store.smallworldcoffee.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=Backstage+Pass

Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Regional Editor Ocean County, is a true Jersey girl. Raised in Marlboro, Vikki has lived in the area her whole life. She loves to experiment in the kitchen and is happiest when feeding a houseful of friends and family. A journalist for 10 years, she now serves as media coordinator at the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Vikki is happiest on the road, so it should be no Surprise she is a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations. Follow her on Twitter @vikkihs. – See more at: http://www.jerseybites.com/the-team/#sthash.PakB0XJ9.dpuf

Martha Stewart on “Living the Good Long Life”

Melissa Beveridge

-

July 13, 2013

0

Martha Stewart on “Living the Good Long Life”

Martha Stewart. A New Jersey native. An all around domestic guru. She’s known for being the go to source for throwing a party (catering to decorations), mastering the perfect soufflé, and being the domestic goddess. So, when I was invited to a Princeton HealthCare System event where Stewart would be speaking about her 79^th book entitled, Living the Good Long Life: A Practical Guide to Caring for Yourself and Others, I knew this may be my chance to ask her some burning food questions.

At 71, Stewart has shown no signs of slowing down. Her recent release of this book coincides with her JCPenny launch of “Martha’s Pantry” and her announcement that she will be joining popular dating site Match.com. She continues to be one of the ‘go to’ women for baking, cooking, organizing, and countless other activities. So how does she do it? She eats well and exercises every day, which is one of Living the Good Long Life’s pillars of health.

Waiting to meet Stewart, I practice my yogi breathing in order to stay relaxed. I made sure my shirt was pressed and then realized I had worn jeans (jeans to meet Martha Stewart!) Before I could berate myself anymore about the jean fiasco, another journalist and I were ushered into the backroom where Stewart was sitting on the couch, reading over her notes for the session ahead. I was pleasantly surprised to see that as soon as we walked in, she immediately welcomed us with a warm smile.

Different from her previous books, Stewart’s latest book started after she made a pledge to the Clinton Global Initiative and opened the Martha Stewart Center for Living in 2008. She realized the subject of aging was scary, but in need of attention, so she started researching and writing what would become Living the Good Long Life. The book covers countless topics on aging including my favorite part, what to eat. However, eating healthy has become an obstacle for countless people and therefore a major health threat.

“It’s harder and harder to find good/organic food” and it’s “very expensive” and even “elusive” to some people said Stewart. For example, on her way from NYC to the event, she found it difficult to stop somewhere quick for a meal where the food was healthy and organic. “And this is New Jersey!” exclaimed Stewart. So how does one stay healthy?

“Learn how to cook good, simple meals. Supermarkets have healthy foods such as rice, beans, and grains that aren’t expensive. Also, buy in season. Many people don’t buy butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or acorn squash because they don’t know how to cook it.” Learning how to cook these inexpensive and very nutritious vegetables is an important part of keeping yourself and your family healthy.

I was also surprised to find out that Stewart frequents her local ‘mercado’ to buy her coconuts for $1 instead of buying the $5 coconut water found in most grocery stores. With just one dollar, she gets fresh coconut water, which she prefers, and gets to eat the flesh! Your local ethnic food store is a great place to find deals on spices and fresh fruit, not just coconuts.

Stewart’s main recommendation was making sure people understand that eating healthy can be simple and easy. It’s just a matter of learning a few more recipes and being creative with food shopping. Living the Good Life offers easy and nutritious recipes such as baked sweet potatoes with toasted nuts and oranges, brown rice with black beans and avocado, white bean salad with spicy roasted tomatoes and broccoli. There are also a few recipes for juices and smoothies. Stewart starts her morning off with a green juice concoction. That particular morning it included spinach, cucumber, parsley, ginger, oranges, and mint (the oranges and mint came from her greenhouse at her farm). She recommended that I get a juicer as well after telling me that she recently gave a juicer to her assistant, who exclaimed that she was a huge fan already. I told her it was on my list, but that it would probably have to wait because my boss wasn’t Martha Stewart!

Along with easy recipes, Living the Good Long Life provides insight into how to live your own ‘good long life’ by exercising, staying mentally active, understanding the effects of aging, and of course eating healthy.

“Food is the most powerful-and fundamental – tool we have for leading a full, healthy, and happy life. “ ~ Living the Good Long Life

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.

Shop and Savor: Cherry Hill Mall’s Restaurant Week

Colleen Wood

-

July 11, 2013

0

Shop and Savor: Cherry Hill Mall’s Restaurant Week

It wasn’t long ago when eating at the mall meant a slice of pizza or a soft pretzel between changing rooms. Don’t get me wrong, Auntie Anne’s is the mall to a Jersey girl like me, along with Orange Julius and Cinnabon calorie splurges. While most of those options are still available, it adds a little special occasion feel to be able to toast the perfect wedding guest dress find with a nice steak and martini. The array of culinary choices has exploded at the Cherry Hill Mall and has been a key factor in raising the status of the retail center. It has come a long way from its inception in 1961 to include top department stores, boutiques and nine restaurants ushering in the inaugural Cherry Hill Mall Restaurant Week.

While the new stores and air-conditioned space might seem like a no-brainer on sweltering days, the Cherry Hill Mall Restaurant Week debuts this July to breathe some life into what is regularly a slow time for the mall’s eateries.

“Summer is slower than February at the mall restaurants. We wanted to create an event that would introduce mall visitors to what we have to offer,” said Robert Wahlquist, senior regional manager for the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) which owns both the Cherry Hill and Moorestown Malls.

“With so many premier dining destinations in one location, Cherry Hill Mall is an ideal venue to host a restaurant week,” said Lisa Wolstromer, mall marketing director. “The quality of dining experiences complements our exclusive retail selection and we are looking forward to introducing an event that offers our shoppers an entertaining way to sample excellent cuisine.

As host of the restaurant week’s kickoff event, The Capital Grille previewed items from both the lunch and dinner menus, and at the price of $18 and $35 I will be going back during the main event for at least one meal. Standouts included a lobster roll that hit the right balance between savory dressing and letting the shellfish shine, pleasantly salted parmesan fries, a 21-day dry-aged Kona crusted sirloin crowned with shallot butter, and a flourless chocolate espresso cake so decadent it bordered on dark chocolate fudge.

Executive Chef Kevin Kramer demonstrated a few recipes, including Seared Scallops with Israeli Cous Cous and Sweet and Sour Tomatoes, without revealing too many secrets. Note to everyone, remember to dry your scallops before searing and do not be afraid to add a little fat to your dish!

Next week’s event will feature special prix fixe menus including a $12 burger, fries and soda combo from Bobby’s Burger Palace; baked to order dessert selections from Grand Luxe Cafe; and a three-course meal for two with two take-home pastas from Maggiano’s Little Italy. All menus can be view here.

Cherry Hill Mall Restaurant Week – Route 38 & Haddonfield Road

Sunday July 14 to Saturday July 20

Restaurants: The Capital Grille *, Seasons 52*, California Pizza Kitchen, Maggiano’s Little Italy*, Grand Luxe Cafe, Bahama Breeze, and Bobby’s Burger Palace, Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe, and the Bistro at Cherry Hill Mall.

* – Open Table reservations available, reservations available via phone for other venues.

All photos: Copyright Gary Horn Photography.

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend and Beyond

Events

Marina Kennedy

-

July 11, 2013

0

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend and Beyond

July 10th – 16th: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Fair – The Mt. Carmel Society in Hammonton is celebrating its 138th Feast of Our Lady Mt. Carmel with an Italian festival. In addition to music and entertainment, the fair will feature Italian delicacies, including steak and meatball sandwiches, Italian pork and broccoli rabe, and cannolis!

July 12th – 14th: New Jersey State Barbecue Championship℠ – The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship℠ is a three-day open-air festival in North Wildwood featuring championship barbecue competition, live cooking demonstrations, special displays, and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite. This year, it will take place in conjunction with the Anglesea Blues Festival so that you can enjoy blues music with your barbeque ribs, chicken, brisket, pork, and more. Admission is free!

July 13th: Farm to Table Family Brunch – Mommies 24/7, a Hoboken-based organization, will host a family friendly brunch at 9 am this Saturday. Kids under five eat free, brunch is fixed at $22.95 for regular tickets and comes with cartoons and skee ball for the youngsters!

July 13th: South Jersey Caribbean Festival – The South Jersey Caribbean Cultural organization presents its third annual festival, from 12 – 8 pm this Saturday. The cultural celebration, held at Wiggins Park in Camden, has free admission and will feature plenty of music, dancing, and entertainment in addition to Caribbean food!

July 13th: Pick of the Season Cooking Demonstration: Chef and Master Gardener Cynthia Triolo will showcase ways to use the bounty of the season–blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and peaches. The demonstration will take place at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township from 1 – 3 pm this Saturday. Tickets are $25.

July 13th – 14th: Bradley Beach Lobster Festival – Enjoy free admission to the Bradley Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Lobster Festival, Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am – 6 pm. The celebration will feature lobsters on lobsters in all shapes and forms, live music from six bands, dozens of vendors, and entertainment for children, including a giant water slide!

July 13th – 14th: BlueBEARy Blast and Celebrate NJ Day – The Camden Children’s Garden will celebrate both blueberries and New Jersey pride this weekend. Bring your little ones for crafts, fun, and blueberries!

July 14th: Barefoot Grape Stomping – The Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere offers this unique opportunity on select dates throughout the year. For $53.50 per person, you will receive a formal wine tasting and buffet style meal, along with the main attraction–grape stomping! Shed your shoes and squelch grapes beneath your toes; finish off the occasion with a wine cellar tour and dessert wine tastings. Call 908-475-3671 for tickets.

July 14th: All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival – Enjoy “Sundaes on Sunday” at The Alcove Center’s Ice Cream Festival this Sunday from 12 – 6 pm. Admission is just $5 (and free for children under 2) for access to crafts, games, vendors, and obviously, ice cream!

July 14th – 20th: Cherry Hill Mall Restaurant Week – Break up your shopping next week with visits to any of the 9 restaurants participating in Cherry Hill Mall Restaurant week. Menu discounts and deals are listed here.

July 14th – 28th: New Brunswick Restaurant Week – Monday marks the beginning of New Brunswick’s third annual Restaurant Week. Dozens of restaurants will offer special discounts and offers, detailed here. What better excuse to go out every night?

July 16th: Tea 101–A Brief Introduction – The Bradley Beach Public Library will host Catherine Felegi, author of the blog Tea Love, this Tuesday at 6:45 PM. Join her to learn about the basics of tea and the perfect brew. In addition, enter a raffle sponsored by Tea Spot!

July 19th: Crabulous Crab Day – You won’t leave this festival without extensive knowledge of crabs, and a belly full of them! The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor will host this fun day, from 9:30 am – 3 pm next Friday. Enjoy a crab cake cook off, crab cooking lessons, a crabbing tournament and crab trivia.

July 20th: New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival – Xfinity will sponsor the 11th annual NJ State Ice Cream Festival this year in downtown Toms River, from 11:30 am – 5 pm on July 20th. The fair involves ice cream tastings, games, rides, food, and entertainment, with a more detailed schedule to be posted soon on their website. Who doesn’t love ice cream?

July 20th: NJ State Crab Festival – Ice House Restaurant, 4415 Park Blvd., Wildwood. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. “Crabby” fun for all ages! Blue Claw crabs! Beer Garden, “must try” crabby bloody mary! Vendors and exciting things for the kids including a crab race at 6 p.m. Live outdoor entertainment all day.

July 25th – 28th: Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival – Headlining talents include: Robert Irvine, Rocco Dispirito and The Neely’s. Join us this summer at the Atlantic City shore for four days of fabulous foods, winning wines and celebrity chefs at the 2013 Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. View Food & Wine Event Schedule This Years Celebrity Appearances Purchase and Event Package

July 31st- Food Truck Mash-Up Fun and trendy food trucks will make their inaugural visit to Bergen County on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Overpeck Park’s Amphitheater in Ridgefield Park, N.J. Sponsored by Holy Name Medical Center, the Food Truck Mash-Up will showcase more than 20 food trucks selling a variety of delicious foods from Thai to Puerto Rican barbeque to healthy wraps and unique desserts. Holy Name Medical Center will be promoting wellness and living a healthy lifestyle. Admission and parking are free of charge.Live music will be performed by School of Rock all-star and house bands, Bergen native Heather Brave, and 5 Track Mind. Heather’s debut EP, Simply, is now available on iTunes, featuring all self-written songs. For more information visit http://www.northjerseyevents.com/

Month of July: Nationwide Cheese Pairing Contest – Tenaya Darlington, author of Di Bruno Bros. House of Cheese and acclaimed cheese enthusiast, has announced a month-long, nationwide cheese pairing contest. Even better, your cheese plate entry must represent your state! Submit a photo of a cheese plate featuring local cheeses or a dish you created involving a cheese from your state. There will be a winner from each of the 48 contiguous states and each will win a copy of her new book, as well as inclusion in a winners post on her blog. Visit her blog for full details.

Amateur Baking Contest for “Perfect Peach Pie”

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

-

July 9, 2013

0

Amateur Baking Contest for “Perfect Peach Pie”

Grab your fresh Jersey Peaches, grease your baking dishes, and go. Enter your Peach Pie (or cobbler, no other peach dish allowed) at any farmers market listed below. You could win a choice of overnight w/dinner for two in either Atlantic City or Cape May.

Professional chefs will judge your peach pie or cobbler at farmers markets listed below. They will select a finalist from each farmers market. Finalists will go on to compete for two grand prizes (one from south/central Jersey, one from north/west Jersey).

The Contest is open to any amateur baker and must be either a pie or a cobbler.

Contact your preferred farmers market (or visit their website) to register. Provide your name, city or town, phone # or email, & what you will be baking. Then show up with your entry on the day designated at your market of choice. Contest sites and email contacts are below:

STATE AREA	FARM MARKET/CONTACT
South Jersey	July 18-Margate [email protected] www.steveandcookies.com
North Jersey	July 21-Riverview Farmers Market, Jersey City Heights Mory Thomas, director of Culinary Development at the Food Network, judge [email protected]
South Jersey	July 28-Gloucester 4-H Fair,Mullica Hill Chef Jim Malaby, blueplate restaurant, judge [email protected]; [email protected] http://gloucester.njaes.rutgers.edu/fairfest
South Jersey:	August 3-Collingswood Chef Mark Smith,Tortilla Press, judge [email protected] www.Collingswoodfarmersmarket.com
Central Jersey	Aug 4 -Terhune Orchard, Princeton [email protected] www.terhuneorchards.com
Central Jersey	Aug 7-Woodbridge [email protected] www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us
Central Jersey	Aug 11-Hunterdon Land Trust, Flemington Chef/owner Leslie McEachem, Angelica Kitchen, NYC, judge [email protected] www.cpcchester.org
North Jersey	Aug 11-Ramsey Pastry Chef Michael Volpe, chef/owner L’Arte della Pasticceria, Ramsey’s new authentic Italian café and bakery, judge [email protected]; [email protected] www.ramseyfarmersmarket.org
South Jersey	Aug 14-Westmont [email protected] www.westmontfarmersmarket.com

The Perfect Peach Pie contest is sponsored by the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council. For further information on Jersey peaches, visit www.jerseypeaches.com, Find jersey peaches on facebook.com/newjerseypeaches

Meatless Monday: Grilled Eggplant Stacks

Gina Glazier

-

July 8, 2013

0

Meatless Monday: Grilled Eggplant Stacks

I truly am trying to do this Meatless Monday thing. You would think it would be easy since I’m a veggie-loving gal who grew up eating pasta 5-7 nights a week. But I guess things get hectic and before you know it, you’re eating grilled chicken every other night and all your noodles are speckled with sausage. To be honest, that diet sounds pretty darn delicious. But as we all sort of know, we need to make our veggies the star not the supporting actor.

So here is a recipe I made a few weeks back when I wanted something hearty, grilled and healthy. I served it as an appetizer and followed it up with some roasted Cod. I thought it would add some excitement to yours and my Meatless Monday nights. To me, add the word appetizer to any night and I’m thrilled! So give it a whirl, enjoy a first course sans meat and enjoy every last cheesy bite.

Grilled Eggplant Stacks

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant, ends cut off and cut into ¼ inch rounds

¼ C Extra Virgin Olive Oil

¾ C whole milk ricotta cheese

¾ C shredded mozzarella

½ C freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tomato, thinly sliced

2 TBS dried parsley

6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

S & P: salt and pepper

Red pepper flakes, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat grill over medium flame.

2. Brush both sides of sliced eggplant with olive oil, and then liberally season both sides with S & P. (you may have extra, just fine for drizzling later).

3. Grill eggplant on both sides for a combined 8-10 minutes or until golden and a bit charred, remove from grill and transfer to cutting board.

4. Lay out 4 slices eggplant, top each with 1 heaping TBS ricotta, pinch of parsley and 1 TBS mozzarella

5. Lay another piece of eggplant on top of previous layer, and then top that with 1 heaping TBS ricotta, pinch of parsley and 1 slice of tomato.

6. Top the tomatoes with fresh basil, 1 TBS mozzarella and some Parmesan.

7. Sprinkle each stack with S & P, red pepper flakes and a slight drizzle of olive oil.

8. Place stacks on grill pan or directly over grates and grill for about 5-8 minutes over low flame, or until oozy and golden.

Gina Glazier is a born and raised Jersey Girl. She recently earned her Master’s degree in Reading & Literacy and is currently a teacher. Gina lives with her husband, Matt, who is her number one fan and shares in her passion for the culinary arts, minus the cooking part! Her “culinary life” became a reality a few years back when she was chosen to be a guest of The Star Ledger’s Munchmobile. This ignited Gina’s desire to be around food and all its counterparts all the time, meaning restaurants, cookbooks, TV shows, cooking, etc. Gina says her “biggest and most monumental experience” was being a part of The Star Ledger’s Pizza Patrol two years ago where she traveled the entire state, eating at 3, 4, sometimes 5 pizzerias a night for just about 6 months! You can check out her Hungry Teacher adventures, on her blog www.ahungryteacher.blogspot.com. – See more at: http://www.jerseybites.com/the-team/#sthash.mMapSN2X.dpuf

Atlantic City Bottle Co. brings Craft Beverages to AC

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

-

July 6, 2013

0

Atlantic City Bottle Co. brings Craft Beverages to AC

The highly anticipated destination where you can shop, taste, learn and enjoy opened its door this weekend in Atlantic City. Atlantic City Bottle Company(ACBC) debuts as the area’s premier destination for all that is Craft Beverage with the opening of the retail store. The Bar & Lounge area will debut a few weeks later, in mid-July.

Located at the resort’s entryway on Albany Avenue across from Bader Field, Atlantic City Bottle Company promises to please the palates of all by offering the best selections of Whisk(e)y, Wine, Microbrews and Imported Beer for tasting and enjoying there or take it to go. In addition, upon opening of the Bar & Lounge, ACBC will offer a seasonal and ever changing small plates menu, hand-crafted by Executive Chef Kevin Cronin.

A friendly and knowledgeable staff eager to share their love of craft beverages will greet all who enter ACBC. With the goal of making wine and whiskey more approachable, guests will have the opportunity to shop for their choice beverages at all price points. Later in July, those who want to stay and relax, can proceed past the retail area to the relaxing bar and lounge, reminiscent of a prohibition-era speakeasy. Here visitors can enjoy and sample a range of recommended and rare Wines and Whisk(e)ys, from $6 to $400 a glass.

Atlantic City Bottle Company is located at 648 North Albany Avenue in Atlantic City. ACBC’s Wine & Spirits Store will be open seven days a week. Shop: Sunday -Thursday 10:00a – 7:00p; Friday and Saturday10:00a – 10:00p. Visit the Bar and Lounge Sunday 1:00p – 11:00p; Monday – Thursday 3:00p – 1:00a; Friday -Saturday 3:00p – 2:00a. Street parking is available as well as behind the building.

For more information on Atlantic City Bottle Company, call 609-348-6400 or visit www.acbottlecompany.com.

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend and Beyond

Events

Marina Kennedy

-

July 5, 2013

0

July 1st – 7th: Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival – This weeklong patriotic festival hits its peak on July 6th with a day filled with fun. Enjoy barbeque food, “Freedom Challenge” rides and obstacles, a magician, an apple pie eating contest, fireworks, and even a zoo on wheels! $10 admission for some attractions.

July 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th: Whole Foods Cooking Classes – Whole Foods of Princeton offers one time cooking classes in a variety of helpful areas. Upcoming classes include a kids cooking class, “Cool as a Cucumber” class, a pasta sauce demo, and a muffin workshop. Prices range from $3.65 to $20 per class, with many at just $5.

July 6th and 7th: Terhune Farms Blueberry Bash – Terhune Farms of Princeton will host a two day Blueberry Bash celebrating everything blueberry from 10 AM-5 PM each day. The family friendly event will feature Pick-Your-Own blueberries, live country music, wagon rides, pony rides, children’s games, a blueberry bake-off and best of all, a blueberry themed buffet! Admission is free.

July 12th – 14th: New Jersey State Barbecue Championship℠ – The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship℠ is a three-day open-air festival in North Wildwood featuring championship barbecue competition, live cooking demonstrations, special displays, and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite. This year, it will take place in conjunction with the Anglesea Blues Festival so that you can enjoy blues music with your barbeque ribs, chicken, brisket, pork, and more. Admission is free!

July 20th: NJ State Crab Festival – Ice House Restaurant, 4415 Park Blvd., Wildwood. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. “Crabby” fun for all ages! Blue Claw crabs! Beer Garden, “must try” crabby bloody mary! Vendors and exciting things for the kids including a crab race at 6 p.m. Live outdoor entertainment all day.

July 25th – 28th: Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival – Headlining talents include: Robert Irvine, Rocco Dispirito and The Neely’s. Join us this summer at the Atlantic City shore for four days of fabulous foods, winning wines and celebrity chefs at the 2013 Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. View Food & Wine Event Schedule This Years Celebrity Appearances Purchase and Event Package

July 31st : Food Truck Mash Up – Fun and trendy food trucks will make their inaugural visit to Bergen County on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Overpeck Park’s Amphitheater in Ridgefield Park, N.J. Sponsored by Holy Name Medical Center, the Food Truck Mash-Up will showcase more than 20 food trucks selling a variety of delicious foods from Thai to Puerto Rican barbeque to healthy wraps and unique desserts. Admission and parking are free of charge. For more information visit NorthJersey.com/exposure

Little Saigon Big On Flavor In AC

Jennifer Miller

-

July 3, 2013

0

The only thing small about Little Saigon is the size of the restaurant. This Vietnamese gem established in 1990 is located just up the street from AC’s famous White House Hoagies, close to the Tanger Outlets and a short walk or ride from the famous AC Boardwalk and Casinos. You’ve got to put this spot on your list of go to restaurants when you come into town! The food will blow you away! Their extensive menu has something for everyone. Meat, fish, noodles, rice, veggies you name it. Everything is fresh and flavorful and oh so00 pretty. And your taste buds are in for the time of their lives. (do taste buds have lives?) It’s like a party in your mouth. Crispy, bright veggies masterfully julienned, chopped,serrated, sliced, spiraled into spaghetti,and served with fresher than fresh cilantro, lime and Tai basil just to name a few of the herbs and spices used and infused. All the dishes are cooked to order with tremendous care and it shows and this is true for their take out which is what we did this night. But you need to go and eat ” in” first to experience the food the way it was meant to be served and enjoyed. You can ask questions, they are so accommodating and friendly! And learn how to add the herbs and spices in just the right combinations to bring out all the lively flavors to finesse the dishes the way they are meant to be eaten. It is an art you see. Something American food doesn’t focus on, which is the whole olfactory involvement used in other cultures.

Their Noodle Soups are chock full of yummy noodles, rice or egg. We had the Deluxe Beef Rice Noodle Soup complete with tendons. It may sound strange but it brings such richness to the broth, and is so flavorful and let’s not forget all the noodles! You will be addicted! My son’s favorite! He loved the tender crunchy tendons. He eats them on the chicken as well. As do I. Like mother like son. We also had the Vegetable Noodle Soup (see above) with rice noodles and big chunks of veggies and cilantro, fabulous! The Spring Rolls are delicious works of art. See through rice wrappers filled with sliced pork and shrimp and the thinnest veggies packed to perfection that you dip in a secret sauce. I asked, but was not successful in obtaining. They also come fried and are delish too.

I ordered the Salad with cucumber, turnips and special spicy dressing, which is so tasty and fresh. The dressing is a perfect foil to the crunchy veggies. I am already planning my next visit! (like tomorrow!) Next up was the Grilled Shrimp on a Sugar Cane appetizer. A tasty morsel of shrimp that is batter dipped and sitting on a sugar cane. Love the look and taste. They would be great at a cocktail party! It has a slight sweetness combined with the shrimp making for a tasty bite. They went fast! Then came the Scallion Pancakes warm and full of scallions and a great dipping sauce sweet and savory which we all scarfed down with lightning speed.

Our main courses were Lemon Pepper Chicken over Rice Noodles with a squeeze of lime and cilantro and some crispy sprouts to top it off. And Short Ribs in Red Wine with Pea Pods a big hit with the men folk. The taste is hard to compare and verbalize when you are not used to eating this kind of food. And I can not do it justice with words, this is food you have to experience. The sights and tastes have to be yours to truly understand the many sweet and savory tastes bombarding your senses! Please try this wonderful cuisine it is a sightseeing trip to the far east in your mouth. The prices are very reasonable so you can order and try many different dishes.

Try the French Coffee to top off your meal for a real treat and a Young Coconut water which has the perfect sweetness and refreshing taste and is great for you! ( They used it as a replacement in blood transfusions in war time because it is so close to our own!) You never know what you may learn reading JerseyBites! LOL Cash Only. No credit cards. BYOB.

Little Saigon, 2801 Arctic Ave., Atlantic City, 609-347-9119

Michele Errichetti is from South Jersey born and fed. She comes from an Italian family where they eat, live, and breathe FOOD. Michele was cooking and eating under her grandmom’s feet every Sunday for “gravy” and at home with her mother (a Medigan or American) during the week. Nowadays, she cooks for her two sons, husband, and father most days of the week. She takes “Girl Road Trips” with her friends at least once a month that always culminate with you guessed it, FOOD. She hopes fresh, local, organic, and free range will become the norm. Michele is searching Atlantic County for everything that has anything to do with good food and she’s taking you along for the ride. – See more at: http://www.jerseybites.com/the-team/#sthash.52m1nBL7.dpuf