Page 157 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Raw Vegan ‘from seed to sprout’ Blooms in Avon

Melissa Beveridge

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March 12, 2013

Raw Vegan ‘from seed to sprout’ Blooms in Avon

Let me just start with saying that I love food. I love good food. Tasty food. Food that combines fresh flavors and makes the taste buds do a little dance. So when I finally went to from seed to sprout in Avon, New Jersey, I almost did a little dance myself.

Alex Mazzucca and Cara Pescatore, co-owners of from seed to sprout, serve up delicious, organic, raw vegan fare in their homey restaurant (yes I just said delicious organic raw vegan fare all in the same sentence!)

A refresher on veganism (no animal products) and raw food (uncooked and unprocessed fruits and vegetables that cannot be cooked higher than 115-118 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Lunch menu items include the popular avocado grilled sandwich, tossed greens, salads, and specialty soups. Wash down your lunch with one of their smoothies or juices, or if you’re up to it, a wheat grass shot!

A “Raw” Connection

These two women aren’t new to the raw vegan restaurant scene. Alex got her start as the juicing queen at Kitchen Witch in Monmouth Beach. Around two years ago, Alex decided to move to Chicago with her husband when a childhood friend, Cara, contacted her to see what she had been doing. They had mutual interests however, the timing was off and Alex told Cara she would keep her in mind. In the meantime, Cara went back to nutrition school with “no real plan in mind” but she kept on cooking. Thankfully for us in NJ, Alex left Chicago after nine months and ventured back to New Jersey where she contacted Cara.

Back together again, they began hosting once-a-week dinners at the Kitchen Witch. Not long after, their vegan delicacies began to draw a huge following. Once the Kitchen Witch closed down they decided they needed to take the next step and open up a restaurant. They had the clientele from their dinners at the Kitchen Witch and they knew there was an opportunity to be a part of this growing movement. After some time searching, they found the perfect local and in October of 2012, from seed to sprout opened in Avon-By-the-Sea, NJ.

Passionate About Healthy Food

Both Alex and Cara are extremely passionate about raw vegan food and they “love to win people over” said Cara.

“People come in and they’re like wait, this is raw vegan food?” said Alex. For those of you reading this who are a little unsure, Alex and Cara recommend starting with the Grilled Avocado sandwich topped with a tomato or caramelized onions and either the soup of the day or the Brown Rice Bowl of marinated greens, brown rice, and toppings of your choice, which introduces diners to their greens. For the more advanced, you can add some crazy toppings and for the expert, they’re going to “load you up!”

I’m going to have to agree with them here. I had the grilled avocado sandwich with arugula and tomato on sprouted grain bread (you can also have the sandwich on gluten free millet and flax bread if you prefer) with homemade raw coconut butter. You can also add other toppings including the Japanese favorite kimchi, caramelized onions, and sprouts. I didn’t miss the cheese on the grilled avocado sandwich because the avocado provided that creamy texture I normally look for on grilled cheese sandwiches. I also had the side of marinated greens, perfect if you’re a fan of kale. It’s kale massaged in olive oil, sea salt and nutritional yeast – tart, sweet, salty, and healthy!

Other popular items on the menu include the cashew collard wrap (cashew cream, shredded carrots, red cabbage, tomatoes and sprouts all wrapped in a fresh collard leaf), sunflower taco (spiced sunflower filling, pico de gallo, cashew cream and red cabbage), raw pizza (sunflower and zucchini crust topped with cashew cream and veggies), and miso bowl (red cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, sliced scallion and brown rice topped with a warm mellow miso broth with a garnish of cilantro, chili and lime juice.)

If you try just one item on their menu, go for the Green Goodness Juice and you’ll thank goodness you did! It’s a blend of kale, grapefruit, apple, ginger, celery and cilantro. “We think it’s the best,” Cara says with a smile.

Their passion to share their knowledge, recipes, and know-how about raw vegan food will soon spill over into their plans of hosting cooking and nutritional workshops at their restaurant.

Join Alex and Cara at from seed to sprout for breakfast, lunch, Thursday night dinner theme nights, and Sunday brunch (where they have blueberry pancakes – yum!)

from seed to sprout

410 Main Street

Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey

732-774-7333

We’d love to hear from you, leave a comment or join in the Jersey Bites conversation on Facebook.

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.

Meatless Monday: Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 11, 2013

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Meatless Monday: Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Spring is right around the corner and I am giddy with excitement for the farmers’ markets that will soon be brimming with fruits and vegetables. In anticipation, I put my slow cooker to work making a meatless meal that celebrates the tastes of summer. My recipe for Slow Cooker Ratatouille serves as a reminder that warmer days are right around the corner.

A traditional French dish, ratatouille is loaded with eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, red peppers, onions, and garlic. A touch of seasoning is added from a blend of spices including thyme, marjoram, oregano, and basil in herbes de Provence.

Ratatouille can be prepared in a number of ways including a simple sauté, a layering of the vegetables in a casserole dish and baking it in the oven or my personal preference of in a slow cooker. The flavors of the vegetables and spices blend and mellow while cooking without becoming mushy. With a little chopping and measuring, the slow cooker does most of the work for this dish.

A vegetarian dish that benefits from the addition of cannellini beans, ratatouille can be a side served with grilled chicken or fish. It can also be served on top of creamy Parmesan polenta, pasta, rice or with a loaf of crusty French bread for a filling, satisfying, and healthy dinner. Any leftovers can become a filling for omelets, tossed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a cold vegetable salad or as a topping on crostini for an appetizer.

Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Serves 6 as a side or 4 as an entree

4 cups eggplant, large dice

3 cups zucchini, large dice

2 cups tomatoes, large dice

1 cup red pepper, large dice

1 cup onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

shredded Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions: In a slow cooker, combine eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red pepper, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence. Pour tomato sauce over vegetables, stir to combine, and cover with the lid.

Set slow cooker on low heat setting for 4 1/2 to 5 hours or on high heat setting for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. About 10 minutes prior to the end of the cooking time, stir in the cannellini beans.

Serve as a side dish or as an entrée over rice, pasta, or polenta topped with basil and shredded Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition information per serving as a side dish (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 153 calories; 19 calories from fat (3 percent of total calories); 2 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrate; 8 g dietary fiber; 10 g protein; 270 mg sodium.

Amy Casey, of Sparta, is a cookbook author and a food columnist for the New Jersey Herald. She has developed a wealth of recipes as a personal chef and also while cooking for her own family of five. See more of her recipes on her website www.amycaseycooks.com. Her recently published cookbook is entitled Dinner for a Year 52 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Spice Up Your Family Menu Planning. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amycaseycooks and on Twitter at @amycaseycooks.

Jersey Shore Restaurants Still Struggle after Sandy

Restaurant News

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 10, 2013

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Jersey Shore Restaurants Still Struggle after Sandy

Doorways to hope: Jakeabob’s in Union Beach, other Shore restaurants struggle to reopen after Sandy (via NJ.com)

There is little left of the homes obliterated by Hurricane Sandy in Union Beach. Except their doors, and you’ll never guess where many of them ended up. “My last name is Dorr,” says the feisty woman everyone knows as Gigi. “I was thinking, door, door, what can I do with doors?” Angelita Liaguno-Dorr…

Third Annual Jersey City Pi-e Day March 9th

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 9, 2013

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Third Annual Jersey City Pi-e Day March 9th

Do you like to eat pie, bake pie or have fun with math (pi)? Then you don’t want to miss the Third Annual Jersey City Pi-e Day at the Liberty Science Center, today, Saturday, March 9th, from 12-4pm.

Pi-e Lovers Gabby Creery and Lissa Welles created the event because “There is a shortage of good pie in Jersey City!” Local bakeries and restaurants as well as amateur bakers are stepping up to the plate to enter the Blue Ribbon Pie Bake Off.

Festivities will include pie eating/pi solving contest, pie for sale at the Pie Café, Piku (think Haiku with a twist), a Pie Walk with Pie music spun by Dancing Tony of The Rock-It Docket , songs from the Stages Pi-e Carolers, math inspired arts and crafts, pie-in-the face painting and the Blue Ribbon Pie Baking Contest ! Proceeds to benefit the Learning Community Charter School. Event included with Liberty Science Center admission. More info on the Bake Off and event at www.JerseyCityPi-eDay.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Bites and Brews in New Jersey

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 8, 2013

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St. Patrick’s Day Bites and Brews in New Jersey

Oh, it’s that time of year again. Parades are popping up in every town. Folks are foraging in their closets for anything green they can get their hands on, and every pub is preparing for their biggest day of the year, St. Patrick’s Day. It’s been four years since I hit four pubs in one day (and really don’t want to ever do it again) so, we asked our team of food sleuths to come up with their suggestions for the best places to get your green on this St. Paddy’s day (and yes, it’s Paddy not Patty). Since St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, all the more reason to turn the whole weekend into a celebration.

The Irish Pub Michele Errichetti , Atlantic County

164 St. James Place and the Boardwalk, Atlantic City 609-344-9063 or 9064

Back in the days of prohibition this historic watering hole was a speakeasy. The building dates back to the early 1900’s and is featured on the famous Monopoly board game. The dark paneled bar, Irish art and memorabilia reminds you of days gone by with a large selection of stouts and beers flowing, and irish ballads playing in the backround. Try some fish and chips, some great bar sandwiches, and if beer isn’t for you, their irish coffee may win you over.

Biddy O’Malley’s Irish Bistro & Bar Heidi Raker, Bergen County

191 Paris Ave Northvale, NJ 07647 201-564-7893

Think Irish fare means heavy meat and potato filled pies and chewy corned beef? This Northvale bistro is as charming as it is able to deliver tasty dishes which are both classically Irish and eclectic in spirit. Owners Noel and Eileen (otherwise known as Biddy) have elevated this restaurant bar location to smartly styled yet cozy heights with the addition of deeply pigmented colors on walls, quaint paintings and a corner fireplace in the dining room. Fish and chips, beef stew and Shepherd’s Pie will satisfy, but you’ll be tempted by Goffle Road chicken preparations and Pat La Frieda blend burgers topped, in the case of the Biddy O’Mally Burger ($13), with Gruyere, caramelized onions, arugula, pancetta and Malbec butter. Arugula and Brie salad is not to be missed. Bread comes from Balthazar; seafood offered is sustainable. Beer lovers will delight in a tidy array of craft and classic labels, with gluten-free suds available as well. Biddy O’Malley’s strikes a fine balance between cozy bistro comfort and classic Irish spirit. Lively bar with a great happy hour vibe, yet sophisticated enough dining room to visit for a romantic date or special occasion.

Dolan’s Irish Pub Kerry Brown Burlington County

630 U.S. 130 South; Burlington, NJ 609-747-0123

Dolan’s Irish Pub stays true to their Irish identity while supporting the local community; serving locally grown and sourced menu items including pastured chicken and grass fed beef from a local farm. Try the Harp-Battered Chicken Fingers or Fried Irish Cheddar. Traditional Irish fare includes Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers & Mash. Save room for the Jameson Walnut Tart or Chocolate Guinness Pudding. The St. Patrick’s Day party will last all weekend long, Friday, March 15-Sunday March 17 with live Irish music, DJ, $3 Trilogy Pints, $4 Imperial Kilkenny Pints, food specials and more!

Cattle ‘n Clover Irish Steak House Alison Heller, Cape May County

3817 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 609-522-3800

A lively local favorite located in the heart of Downtown Wildwood, Cattle ‘n Clover Steak House puts a nouveau twist on traditional Irish fare. Try the Irish Surf n Turf (Fish and Chips with Shepherd’s Pie), C ‘n C Strip Steak (with a tobacco Bailey’s glaze) or the Meatloaf Panini. Wash it all down with a “Big Ass Beer” or try out the Whiskey list. On March 16th and 17th, C ‘n’ C hosts their 2nd Annual Pacific Avenue Block Party which kicks off with the Cattle Drive 5k Run for charity on Saturday and features vendors, kids’ activities and a live music lineup all weekend long. It’s the place to BE in South Jersey on St. Patrick’s Day!

The Old Oar House Irish Pub Jennifer Malme, Cumberland County

123 North High Street, Millville, NJ 856-293-1200

An original 1883 three-story building in the heart of downtown Millville, and reconstructed in the best Philadelphia pub tradition, The Old Oar House boasts a wrap-around bar with more than 18 beers on tap. Featured brews include Harp, Guiness, Flying Fish, and Turtle Stone Brewing company. Irish pub specialties include Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, and Guiness Irish Stew. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Fenced-in outdoor beer garden for seasonal enjoyment.

The Cloverleaf Tavern Michael Arp, Essex County

395 Bloomfield Ave. Caldwell, NJ 973-226-9812

The Cloverleaf Tavern has been a staple of downtown Caldwell for over 75 years, serving mouth watering American cuisine with a dash of Irish Flare. In addition to their fantastic food, the Clover offers a rotating selection of 100 beers, some on tap and others in bottles, which means you can always find something to wet your whistle. Their St. Paddy’s Day celebration is second to none and it begins on March 14, 2013 with food specials and continues until Sunday March 17th, featuring the Green Breakfast of Champions which includes Irish Soda Bread French Toast served with Jameson butter starting at 9:30 A.M.. They will also have live entertainment on Saturday March 16, 2013 and Sunday March 17, 2013 to help bring out the green in us all. Whether you are truly Irish or only green one day a year, the Cloverleaf Tavern will surely make you dance a jig in honor of this fun filled holiday.

The Grasshopper –Terry Krongold, Essex County

292 Grove Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 973-239-1189

Authentic Irish pub, good anytime of year, but it really kicks into high gear for St Patrick’s Day. Their famous corned beef & cabbage is available the entire week of the holiday, and getting in there requires planning! This year, St Paddy’s Day is on a Sunday so I’m sure the place will be rockin’ all weekend. While you’re there, do not miss the Irish Soda Bread! They also have a location in Wayne www.grasshoppertoo.com.

Lazy Lanigans Publick House, Linda Arceo, Gloucester County

139 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 856-245-7040

Lazy Lanigans Publick House in Washington Township is ready for the biggest party of the year. This busy Irish Pub features traditional Irish food and a fun atmosphere. A sampling of their menu includes tasty appetizers like Irish Nachos and Hand-Cut Fry Baskets, traditional Irish Potato Soup, Corned Beef Sandwiches and signature entrees such as Shepherd’s Pie, Guinness Beef Stew and Jameson’s Chicken. For dessert try some of their homemade items including Nutella Banana Bread Pudding and Brown Bread Ice Cream. In the mood for some traditional brews? Lazy Lanigans extensive beer list includes well known names like Guinness and Harp, but also unique craft beer selections such as Kilkenny, Goose Island and Yards available in bottles or on draft. There will be live bands all weekend in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and major specials including opening early for breakfast; $5 pint offerings and $6 Irish Car Bombs.

The Alchemist & Barrister Vikki Hurley-Schubert, Mercer County

28 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 609-924-5555

Every year the “A&B” celebrates St. Patty’s Day with its annual Longbeard Contest to benefit a local charity or family in need. This year they are raising funds for the kenwood family, in memory of Michael Kenwood, an EMT who lost his life attempting a swiftwater rescue during Hurricane Irene. Along with measuring the whiskers, there is an Irish fare menu. Featured items include: Irish Kettle Chips, house made chips with crispy smoked bacon, Irish cheddar, blue cheese and scallions; Dublin Egg Rolls made with pulled corned beef, cabbage and vegetables with Guinness mustard dipping sauce; and in addition to traditional corned beef and cabbage, entrees include Guinness Braised Short Ribs of Beef with colcannon and vegetables and Bangers and Mash, grilled Irish sausages with colcannon and onion gravy.

Hailey’s Harp and Pub Jessica Perry, Middlesex County

400 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840 732.321.0777

This cozy pub in downtown Metuchen bustles year-round, so spirits are bound to soar (and pour) on the day where everyone is Irish. Start celebrating early with Hailey’s traditional Irish breakfast, accompanied by live music and Irish dancing throughout the day. For the later risers, the huge menu offers hearty, stand-up pub grub and Irish fare alike. Hailey’s has the classics covered, of course, but the twists are fun. Soak up one of their 40 rotating beers with the corned beef and cabbage spring rolls. After all, you have work the next day!

Connolly Station Melissa Beveridge, Monmouth County

711 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719 732-280-2266

If you’re planning on attending the annual Belmar’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, Connolly Station is an excellent stop for some good Irish pub grub. Start off with some Irish nachos or the Irish Potato and Leek soup then move on to the Guinness Infused Beef Stew or the traditional Corned Beef Platter. After dinner, head into the bar for music from local bands such as The Boilermakers, The Pickles, Paul Cilinski, and DJ Rob (3/17).

St. Stephen’s Green Publick House Sheila Hill, Monmouth County

2031 Hwy. 71, Spring Lake Heights 732-449-2626

Many places bill themselves as “Irish pubs”, and many come up short. Serving typically American food with Irish ales and stouts hardly an Irish pub makes. Not only does St. Stephen’s Green serve the good ol’ Irish standybys on draught, but it has Irish food specialties that pair perfectly with those ales and stouts.

The menu is chock full of Irish goodness and occasionally littered with an American treat or two. A stop at St. Stephen’s Green must include a taste of the Stout & Ale Bread, prepared on the premises using Smithwick’s Ale and Guiness Stout. Another not-to-be-missed menu item is the Baked Aged Irish Cheddar appetizer, made with Wexford cheddar blended with Murphys Stout and roasted garlic and served with beer bread crostini. Sink your teeth into the Irish Wolfhound, Irish Whiskey BBQ flavored pulled pork topped with cole slaw and served on 3 buttered and toasted rolls.

Maloney’s Pub and Grill Peter Culos, Monmouth County

119 Main Street, Matawan, NJ 07747, Phone (732) 583-4040

Maloney’s in downtown Matawan is known for their extensive draft beer list of over 100 taps. Food is not forgotten at this beer Mecca either. They offer a contemporary twist on American classics prepared with local ingredients whenever possible. Also known for their clever beer pairing dinners, there’s always something happening at Maloney’s and St. Patrick’s day is no exception! Maloney’s will run St. Patty’s Day specials from THURSDAY MARCH 14th – SUNDAY MARCH 17th. Traditional corned beef and cabbage plates, Reuben’s, corned beef on rye, fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, special soups and homemade Irish soda bread round out the food offerings. Top off your meal with house-made bread pudding and an Irish coffee. You can wash it all down with Harp, Guinness, Smithwicks, and Magners Cider. Of course, they will also tap some special craft brews in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Look for Slyfox Seamus Red, Widmer’s O’Ryely IPA, Sam Adams Tasman Red, Slyfox O’Reilley’s Stout, Victory Donnybrook Stout, and Rogue Irish Lager on tap. Finally, on St. Patrick’s Day, MARCH 17, they will open at 10 a.m and have live entertainment all day. Seating will be on a first-come, first serve basis.

The Dublin House, Tom Paolella, Monmouth County

30 Monmouth St Redbank, NJ. Phone: 732-747-6699

The Dublin House is one of the best Irish “pubs” around. Located in one of the most historic buildings in Red Bank, it stands out like the emerald isle amidst a sea of shops and parking lots. It will surely be the spot for a day of revelry on St. Patrick’s Day.

Tipperary Pub Deborah Smith, Ocean County

2313 County Route 547, Lakehurst, NJ 08733

New to the Irish Pub scene, Tipperary Pub is doing an excellent job of dishing out the expected Irish fare like Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers an’ Mash with an Irish eye to authenticity and freshness. Some more must tries on the “Irish side” are the Fish and Chips and their “To Die For” Irish Mac and Cheese complete with fried egg on top. So decadent and so worth it. Since St. Patricks day is a multi-day affair at Tipperary Pub, entertainment starts Friday and continues to Sunday with Thomas Wesley Stern and GreenSpell until the wee hours. And, just to wake you up off the bar, watch out for the bagpiper who will be making some surprise rounds throughout the day.

Thatcher McGhee’s Veronique Deblois, Morris County

53 Broadway, Denville, NJ, 07834 973-586-3377

The authentic look and old country feel of the establishment will make you feel as if you’ve just landed on the streets of Ireland. Menu features extensive options, including Irish traditional grub. Sunday brunch is offered and endless sports are shown on the lounge’s flat screens.

Klee’s Bar and Grill Christine Van Arsdalen, Ocean County

101 Boulevard Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

No trip to Seaside is complete without a stop at this neighborhood favorite. Ironically, they are most famous for their delicious bar pie, but their menu also features some comfort food favorites like crispy beer battered fish and chips, their mouth watering ½ pound pub burger made with sirloin and topped with the cheese of your choice, a thinly sliced hot corned beef sandwich, and the always delectable Mom’s meatloaf smothered in brown gravy. Klee’s is always filled with good food and friendly faces.

Mannion’s Irish Pub Amanda Waters, Somerset County

150 W. Main Street, Somerville, NJ 908-203-0700

Mannion’s Irish Pub atmosphere flows with Irish pride while boasting authentic Irish fare. They offer everything from classic dishes such as bangers and mash and shepherds to Irish twists on favorite pub foods, like corned beef potato skins and Guinness battered fish and chips. St. Paddy’s Day is a weekend long affair featuring a myriad of entertainment ranging from live celtic bands to Irish step dancers, with bag pipes popping in throughout the weekend festival. For extra fun into the wee hours of the night, hop upstairs for some to The Clubhouse for sports, games, and revelry.

Did we miss your favorite St. Patrick’s Day destination? We’d love to hear from you, leave a comment or join in the conversation on Facebook.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Foodie Things to Do this Weekend and Beyond

Events

aaccardo

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March 7, 2013

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Foodie Things to Do this Weekend and Beyond

March 9th: Jersey City: Third Annual Jersey City Pi-e Day at the Liberty Science Center.

Come to the Nerd Side: We have Pi-e! Do you like to eat pie, bake pie or have fun with math (pi)? Then you don’t want to miss this event on Saturday, March 9^th, from 12-4pm.

Pi-e lovers Gabby Creery and Lissa Welles created the event because “there is a shortage of good pie in Jersey City!” Local bakeries and restaurants as well as amateur bakers are stepping up to the plate to enter the Blue Ribbon Pie Bake Off.

Festivities will include pie eating/pi solving contest, pie for sale at the Pie Café, Piku (think Haiku with a twist), a Pie Walk with Pie music spun by Dancing Tony of The Rock-It Docket, songs from the Stages Pi-e Carolers, math-inspired arts and crafts, pie-in-the face painting, and the Blue Ribbon Pie Baking Contest! Proceeds to benefit the Learning Community Charter School. Event included with Liberty Science Center admission. More info on the Bake-Off and event at www.JerseyCityPi-eDay.com.

March 10th: Ramsey Indoor Winter Farmer’s Market

Peruse the offerings of over 25 food vendors, local musicians, artisans and rotating featured vendors each week! This event repeats weekly on Sundays until March 25, 2013.

Visit the Ramsey Farmer’s Market website for more info.

WHERE: Eric. S. Smith Middle School (73 Monroe St., Ramsey, NJ 07446)

WHEN: March 10th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

March 14: Atlantic City: The 30^th anniversary Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala will take place on Thursday, March 14, at Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino. With the theme, “Celebrate the 30 kNights,” the Gala will feature Camelot-inspired décor and an opulent feast.

The Restaurant Gala’s 30^th anniversary honorees include the Donio and Crescenzo families of Hammonton and Chef Kevin Scull of Egg Harbor Township.

The annual fundraiser celebrates food by highlighting hors d’oeuvres prepared by students in the Academy of Culinary Arts and showcasing the specialties of 50 of the region’s best restaurants at a progressive dining experience. Each year hundreds of guests attend the Gala, which also includes live music and an elegant dessert reception.

The event has raised nearly $3 million for scholarships since 1984. All Gala proceeds benefit student scholarships at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College and Atlantic Cape Foundation operations.

For more information on the 2013 Gala, contact Carrie Leahy at (609) 463-4672, [email protected], or visitwww.atlantic.edu/gala.

March 15-17: 5th Annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs, Celebrate the best chefs of the region. This year, the Festival welcomes acclaimed Chef Jose Andres of Minibar, The Bazaar, China Poblano, Jaleo, Oyamel and Zaytinya in Washington DC, Los Angeles and Las Vegas among others, as the Guest of Honor. Attendees will have a rare chance to try their hand at blending wine, crown the winner of the New Jersey Mac & Cheese Cook-off – with JerseyBites! – and taste very special wines for Crystal Spring’s late founder Gene Mulvihill’s legendary cellar in a tribute to his vision and passion for wine. (Mr. Mulvihill passed in late 2012.) For tickets and a full schedule: www.njwinefoodfest.com

March 21st: Newark: Manischewitz Cook-Off Contest. The Cook-Off will be held at the Manischewitz Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant in Newark, NJ on March 21, 2013 where Matzo and other Manischewitz goodies are produced! Click here for information on entering.

March 23rd: Somerset Hills Education Foundations (SHEF) 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Come celebrate the 10^th anniversary of delicious chili tasting, great music and dancing, western entertainment and a unique silent auction! This year’s event takes place at beautiful Tranquillity Farms in Chester, NJ. Attractions include a mechanical bull, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bar, Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda Stand, Epicure Foods cheese displays, and over twenty chefs competing for awards. The VIP Chili Pepper Lounge is hosted in the Farm’s “Champion Circle” oak bar room and has additional catering and specialty drinks.

For more information, contact Event Planner Bridget Kevorkian at [email protected] or 978-882-2879.

Tickets and event details are available at SHEF’s website.

April 2nd: Mays Landing: Gourmet dinners at Careme’s hosted by the American Vegan Society, at the Academy of Culinary Arts. Experience a meal of exceptional quality prepared and served by the culinary students under a chef educator. Call 856-694-2887 or visit www.americanvegan.org.

April 5th: Jersey Shore Restaurant Week April 5-14 Spring Breaks at The Jersey Shore 10 Days | Great Deals | Fabulous Meals

It’s a wonderful opportunity to shake off the winter blues and re-visit your favorite restaurants or try some new ones. Enjoy 3 course dinner menus for $20.13 or $30.13 and special lunch menus at participating restaurants. See their Special Events Page for all the fun details.

April 8th: 2nd Annual Taste of Montclair, at The Conference Center, University Hall at Montclair State University. Enjoy the culinary delights of more than 30 chefs who will serve up tastes in an eclectic array of food to the approximately 500 people who will once again enjoy The Taste of Montclair. Freshly shucked oysters, Italian, Spanish, American, Fusion, barbecued chicken and ribs, French, Southern, and even good old fashioned American ice cream are some of the expected treats.

Tickets are $50, and can be purchased online or from any of the ticket locations listed on the Taste of Montclair website.

April 11th: Oyster Point Hotel’s “All Hands On Deck” Re-Opening in Red Bank, New Jersey from 6:00-9:00 PM. The opening will support The Boondock’s Fishery in Red Bank. The Navesink Business Group and Red Bank Flavour Restaurants have joined forces with The Oyster Point to help Boondocks’ owner Kelly Ryan rebuild her business.

The popular lobster shack was washed away on October 29, 2012, when Sandy slammed the area. The Boondock’s Fishery, Molly Pitcher Inn, and The Oyster Point Hotel are all located on the banks on the Navesink River, which was heavily affected. The Oyster Point has been closed since Sandy hit and only recently reopened operations on February 15, 2013.

Many of the Red Bank Flavour Restaurants will be offering a palatable array of menu samplings, complemented by entertainment from Gary Philips and his Steele Drum Band.

Tickets for the event are$50.00 in advance or $60.00 at the door. Tickets are available by visiting www.allhandsondecknj.eventbrite.com. For more information, go to www.theoysterpointhotel.com or call The Oyster Point Hotel at 732-530-8200, extension 155.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling or emailing Ken Scaggs at 732-610-4587 or [email protected]. Parties interested in supporting Kelly Ryan of The Boondock’s should visit www.indiegogo.com/boondocks

Flying Fish Forever Unloved (FU) Sandy Raises $45K

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 6, 2013

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Flying Fish Forever Unloved (FU) Sandy Raises $45K

Flying Fish, New Jersey’s largest craft brewery, Flying Fish Brewing Company, is proud to announce the beneficiaries of the $45,000 proceeds from its Forever Unloved (F. U.) Sandy hybrid wheat-pale ale:

Habitat for Humanity and three shore-area chapters,Southern Ocean County, Northeast Monmouth County and Coastal; Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, the largest statewide relief organization relief organization; and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, to rebuild shore-area habitat destroyed by the storm.

The Flying Fish team, many of them proud NJ residents, announced when they debuted F.U. Sandy in February that 100% of proceeds would be donated to New Jersey victims of 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, and they’re proud to have settled on these worthy groups, nominated via social media by Flying Fish fans, to receive $15,000 each as a result of the beer’s sell-out popularity.

“New Jersey is one tight-knit state, and our fans and friends proved that with their overwhelming response to this special beer,” says Gene Muller, Flying Fish founder and president. “From our wholesalers to the local bars and restaurants that made sure no keg went unsold to the dedicated drinkers who nominated our three exceptional beneficiaries, it’s obvious that NJ residents are committed to bringing their communities back, better than ever, after the storm.”

Flying Fish eventually selected three groups to receive the F.U. Sandy funds:

· Habitat for Humanity, a powerful charitable group that works to develop communities by building and renovating houses, providing recipients with a simple, decent and affordable place to live;
· The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, a non-profit organization that raises and distributes funds to organizations that support the recovery and rebuilding efforts of New Jersey communities impacted by the storm, and aims to make a sustainable, long-term impact, focusing on programs that address the unmet needs of New Jersey communities; and
· The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, a group that works towards a future where the state is home to greater numbers of rare species, stronger populations and enough good habitat to support them, including those damaged or destroyed during Superstorm Sandy.

For more information about any of the F.U. Sandy beneficiaries, or to donate time or funds, please visit them online at the links above.

The F.U. Sandy brew produced 86 kegs of beer, sales of which have generated $45,000 directly towards the chosen charities. The beer is still available in select locations – listed on the breweries – available now. F. U. Sandy was brewed with a 50/50 blend of Two Row Pale Malt and American White Wheat. It was hopped with experimental hop ADHA 483, donated by the American Dwarf Hop Association, which had never been used in a beer before this one. Muller and Head Brewer Casey Hughes are proud of the beer’s beautiful, tropical nose of mangoes and guavas that accentuates its soft mouthfeel and contributes to a truly one-of-a-kind ale – much like their beloved Jersey shore.

Flying Fish was the world’s first ‘virtual’ microbrewery, establishing an Internet presence as early as 1995. That presence helped to generate press interest and woo investors to the fledgling brewery, which would not open for business until late 1996. Flying Fish primarily distributes in Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington D.C. They also have limited distribution in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

In 2012, Flying Fish moved into a new facility in Somerdale, making it the largest brewery built in the state since prohibition. The move will ultimately allow Flying Fish to quadruple production. The facility boasts many sustainability features, to brew their award-winning beer in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Flying Fish produces a range of beers year-round, along with a variety of seasonal specialties. They also produce the Exit Series, a special selection of beers highlighting the state through the various exits of the New Jersey Turnpike.

For more information about F. U. Sandy or any of Flying Fish’s beers, please visit them online atwww.flyingfish.com or call (856) 504-3442.

NJ Restaurateur’s Love of Italy Leads to Public Television

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 6, 2013

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NJ Restaurateur’s Love of Italy Leads to Public Television

Lidia Bastianich, Mario Batalli, and Michael Chiarello: Italian household names in the home cook’s kitchen. These famous chefs offer us recipes, lessons in the Italian language, and in the Italian culture. Well, get ready to add another name to that list: Victor Rallo, Jr.

New Jersey restaurateur, Victor Rallo of Basil T’s Brewery and Italian Grill in Red Bank and Undici Taverna Rustica in Rumson, is hoping to join the ranks of these great Italian personalities when his PBS show, “Eat, Drink Italy with Victor Rallo” premiers late this Spring. Local newspapers have even likened him to “The Next Mario Batalli.” Now those are some very big orange Crocs to fill!

Once you sit down with Rallo you understand immediately what the buzz is all about. He’s passionate, charismatic, and knowledgeable about all things Italy, not just the food and wine, but the culture and history behind the food and recipes.

Last year Rallo published his own travelogue book about the Italian food and its culture. He realized that his giant personality would be able to transform the words in his book better, so he began filming short YouTube videos where he taught viewers about Italian food and wine. The latest video shows Rallo interviewing Agostino, a winemaker for Fattoria di Magliano and lacopo Lenci (Agostino’s son) who is the brewer of Bruton Italian beers. In these videos, you’re invited to the kitchen table conversation where Rallo’s relationship with Agostino and lacopo Lenci and passion for exquisite tastes and food and drink combinations shine through.

These welcoming and informative videos quickly gained traction. Friends were even impressed, so much so that one friend urged Rallo to speak with a producer.

“I’ll have a glass of wine with anyone” Rallo said with a huge smile.

The Beginning of “Eat, Drink, Italy”

So three years ago he shared wine with the producer. Sparks must have flown because a year later they flew to Piemonte to film a pilot. They put themselves on the line, funding their own travel, film crew, and editing, with the common goal of creating an outstanding product for the public. The hard work and passion paid off when Rallo found out that NWET would be picking up his shows in late spring.

“I think the product is great, it’s something different than anything on TV today. It’s energetic. It’s a new approach to wine and food,” said Rallo.

This past summer through the early fall, Rallo and his team traveled to Italy three times, each for a two-week period, touring Italy and shooting enough footage for 13 episodes.

“Eat, Drink, Italy with Victor Rallo” isn’t your typical cooking or travel show. Watching the promotional clip with Rallo you soon realize you’re touring Italy with someone who’s in the know. In the short 5 minute clip, Rallo is seen picking olives in Sicily, cooking in Chianti, meeting a cheese ager who ages his cheese in a former Mussolini bunker, truffle hunting, cooking with the daughter of the famed de’ Medici family, touring an organic beekeeping farm, corking champagne the old fashioned way, attending a wild boar roast in Tuscany, and even yodeling in Northern Italy (he’s not too bad!).

He’s not interviewing the people on the show, he’s having a friendly conversation with them, and the viewer gets the chance to be a part of these conversations that normally would happen behind closed doors. The guests on his show are (or soon become) his friends, whether it’s from his Italian travels over the years or the relationships that he’s cultivated through his restaurants.

“I have a passion for Italy. My goal is to bring my passion and what I believe are the great things of Italy involving food and wine and a little bit of culture back to the American public and show them on TV.” He wants to connect the American public with the diversity of the Italian food, wine, and people.

After all “I could go there 30 times a year and see something new every time. How beautiful would that be to bring that to the American public.”

Bringing Italian Food and Wine Culture to American TV

The exact premiere date will be released soon (April or May). Be sure to watch out for hints of cross promotion with his show and his restaurants, but don’t go to the restaurant on the premier date expecting to see Rallo in front of the big screen. Most likely he will be at home, alone, waiting to hear what the initial feedback is from the public.

He knows he has a great product now he just hopes America likes it as much as he does.

You can stay in touch with Victor Rallo at his website www.victorrallo.com.

Melissa Beveridge was raised in Monmouth County, and has been hunting, gathering, and tasting different shore foods for as long as she could eat, while creating unique dishes in her home. She earned her Bachelors in Political Science and Masters in Public Policy at Monmouth University where she wrote her thesis on childhood obesity. She is an ESL professor, designer, cook, and editorial writer for the Greenwich Village Gazette (nycny.com). Traveling to various locales, Melissa has a taste for spicy foods and a flare for finding those hidden gems.

Zinburger Opens Third NJ Location in Cherry Hill

Kerry Brown

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March 5, 2013

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Zinburger Opens Third NJ Location in Cherry Hill

Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar opens it’s third NJ location today on Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill. Marketed as an upscale burger restaurant, Zinburger offers gourmet burgers paired with wine.

From March 5 – March 8, Zinburger will donate 15 percent of sales to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Burlington, Camden & Gloucester Counties. The organization provides one-to-one mentoring programs to over 600 youth in the tri-county area.

Zinburger’s two other NJ locations have developed a strong customer following of the made-to-order burgers, hand-dipped shakes and floats, specialty pies and large selection of wine. “With the incredible success of the Clifton location as well as the newly open Paramus restaurant, we are excited to bring Zinburger to South Jersey,” said Brad Honigfeld, chief executive officer of The Briad Group, a licensee for Zinburger.

Zinburgers are made from scratch and cooked to order on a griddle in their own juices. The Certified Angus Beef and American-style Kobe Beef are ground fresh twice a day. Signature burgers include the Zinburger (with Manchego Cheese & Zinfandel Braised Onions) and the Kobe Burger (with Vermont Cheddar & Wild Mushrooms). The new location’s burger of the week, the Brie and Beef, features a generous portion of salty Brie atop an Angus patty with a slather of truffle aioli.

Zinburger’s décor is contemporary and upbeat featuring rich wood and earth tones. Take a close look at the lighting fixtures and you see they are crafted from frosted milk bottles. The 5,300-square foot restaurant features 11 high definition televisions located throughout the restaurant and bar with a seating capacity of 189. The bar offers cocktails and 16 beer selections including 8 on tap. The wine menu includes 23 varieties priced from $5 to $15 a glass.

Two highlights on the cocktail menu include a Bacon Bloody Mary, made with bacon infused vodka, and the Jim Dandy, a summery Manhattan-like libation of bourbon, Grand Marnier, and muddled strawberries. Happy hour is available weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Wednesdays, bottles of wine are half-price.

Casa Giuseppe: 16 Years of Authentic Italian in Iselin

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 4, 2013

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Casa Giuseppe: 16 Years of Authentic Italian in Iselin

When Pasquale Parascandolo came to America in 1985. He came to find work and support his family back home in Naples, Italy. Three years later, he opened his first restaurant called Attilio’s Pizza & Restaurant in Jackson.

Attilio’s was known for its fresh ingredients and Pasquale’s personal attention to every detail. After Attilio’s, Pasquale opened Dusal’s in Milltown, where one lucky day, a pretty blond walked into his restaurant looking for a job after college. That pretty blond would one day become his wife and business partner. Trish is Pasquale’s right hand woman and does a little bit of everything, Manager, Maitre’d, Marketing and even bartender or server when needed.

In 1997, the pair opened Casa Giuseppe in Iselin. The restaurant was named after Pasquale’s father, who was a chef on merchant ships and always had a passion for food. For 16 years, Zagat Rated Casa Giuseppe has been putting out authentic Italian cuisine inspired by Pasquale’s parents and his own personal commitment to fresh everything.

risotto with three cheeses and salmon On my first visit to Casa Giuseppe, I decided to try one of their specials, the Three Cheese Risotto with Grilled Salmon. (The Salmon cancels out the three cheeses, right?) It was the perfect balance of creamy with the proper bite of good risotto. You’ll find that fish plays a big part in Casa Guiseppe’s menu.

salmon preparing crop His fish is fresh, never frozen and Pasquale made it a point of saying that he has been using the same supplier for 19 years. Some of Casa Giuseppe’s signature dishes include Stuffed Calamari, Lemon Sole encrusted with pignoli nuts, and Osso Buco. They usually have several daily specials, one sounding better than the next. When the seasons allow, he visits a farm in Monroe Township to personally pick up tomatoes, cherry peppers, zucchini, squash, peppers, fresh herbs, corn and more. “This is how we cook in Italy. Farm to Table is nothing new to us.” Pasquale commented in his captivating Italian accent.

One of the little secrets about Casa Giuseppe is that there is a special “insiders” email list for patrons who prefer truly traditional Italian cuisine, dishes you won’t typically find on the regular menu but the restaurant will prepare from time to time. So, if you are a Tripe fan, or have a hankering for Rabbit Cacciatore or Alici get on their email list. Although not typical Italian fare, they are also known for ther amazing Rib Eye Steak which is aged 21 Days. I am told when the steaks are in the house they have a long list of customers that they actually call and they sell out every time.

One of the “to die for” bites at Casa Giuseppe is their homemade pancetta. You’ll find it in a lot of their dishes and it is lovingly made by Pasquale himself.

A real testament to how the Parascandolo’s run their restaurant is in how long their Chefs and Servers have been with them. Several of their staff have been with them for over 15 years. There is a real family atmosphere among the employees and owners which I witnessed when I visited them and was invited into the kitchen for pictures. (They’re pretty camera shy, don’t you think.) On my last visit to Casa Giuseppe, I was surprised to find crepes on the menu. I devoured the crab stuffed crepes and my companion enjoyed the Crepe Suzette.

For 16 years Casa Giuseppe has been serving up fresh, authentic Italian and they don’t show any signs of slowing down. Be sure to call for a reservation on Friday and Saturday nights and Like them on Facebook for daily specials, events and to get on that VIP email list.

Casa Giuseppe

487 Route 27

Iselin, N.J.

(732) 283-9111

Monday – Friday: Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday: Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Deborah Smith , Founder and Executive Editor of jerseybites.com. Launched in 2007 as a home for her growing collection of recipes, Jersey Bites soon grew into a hub for all things edible in the Garden State. In her spare time, (Ha) she works as a Social Media consultant and speaker. You can learn more about her services and marketing through social media on her blog www.DeborahLSmith.com

The Newark Club Relaunches as Metropolitan Room

North Jersey

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 4, 2013

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The Newark Club Relaunches as Metropolitan Room

Essex County’s award-winning venue unveils new name and website .The grand relaunch of The Newark Club, an award-winning elegant venue with breathtaking views of the New York skyline, is marking 20 years of service with a new name and website (www.MetroRoomNJ.com). Now known as Metropolitan Room, the venue is situated on the 22nd floor penthouse level of One Newark Center in the redeveloped “new Newark.”

The Metropolitan Room features the same superior service, panoramic vistas and award-winning cuisine of Executive Chef Peter Parello, with the upscale environment for special events of all types from weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to corporate meetings and parties.

“For 20 years, The Newark Club has become the gathering place in Essex County for the most significant happenings,” says Harry Prott, General Manager, who has been with the venue since day one. “We anticipate the next 20 years will be just as exciting under our new name, Metropolitan Room.”

Weddings will continue to enjoy a one-event at a time promise with the ability to host the ceremony and reception or just the reception. “It’s all about location, location, location,” says Mr. Prott. The penthouse ballroom is situated in the heart of the New York metropolitan area, seating up to 400 guests.

The Metropolitan Room is also the perfect setting for any type of conference, meeting or training program for the corporate community accommodating groups of any size. “Whether a working lunch, evening cocktail party or corporate dinner, our property is designed for the perfect service options that will make planning and execution easy and successful,” says Mr. Prott.

Since its opening in late 1992, the venue has had a private luncheon club available to a broad membership including professional businesspeople, attorneys, government officials and politicians.

For more information, visit the new website at www.MetroRoomNJ.com or call 973-242-0658.

Bergen County Gets Its First Craft Brewery

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 4, 2013

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Bergen County Gets Its First Craft Brewery

Garden State’s newest brewery opens in Bergen County—another sign of Jersey’s beer boom? (via NJ.com)

RIDGEFIELD PARK — Bergen County sits at the other end of the George Washington Bridge from New York City, which is reveling this week in its vibrant craft beer scene. But until recently, it didn’t have a brewery to call its own. Bolero Snort, which launches with a series of events this week, will…

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Casa Giuseppe: 16 Years of Authentic Italian in Iselin

The Newark Club Relaunches as Metropolitan Room

Bergen County Gets Its First Craft Brewery

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