Page 168 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend & Beyond

Events

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September 27, 2012

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend & Beyond

Bergenfest 2012 Party & Expo, Thursday, September 27th from 5pm-9pm. Held at the Sheraton in Mahwah. Over 30 Bergen restaurants will be providing samples of signature dishes. There will also be live music, belly dancers and giveaways. Click herefor more information and tickets.

Kathleen King Book Signing & Demonstration, Thursday, September 27th at 6:30pm. In celebration of Kathleen King’s new cookbook, BAKING FOR FRIENDS: Over 120 scrumptious recipes from Southampton’s favorite baker, Chef Centralwill host a demo, book signing and Q&A with Kathleen at their Paramus, New Jersey location. Guests attending will have the opportunity to meet the author, enjoy a free baking demonstration and taste some of Tate’s delicious sweets.

Roseland Greek Fest, Friday- Sunday, September 28th-30th. Enjoy Live Greek music, cooking demonstrations, fresh authentic Greek food, dancing, private wine tasting and much more.

Sea Isle City Harborfest, Saturday, September 29th from 11am-4pm. Harborfest will feature delicious seafood, live music by the Daisy Jug Band, a clam-eating contest, nautical displays, a blessing of the fleet by local religious leaders, and a vendors market featuring crafts, fashion apparel and collectibles. Click for more info.

The Chester Lions Oktoberfest Fundraiser, Saturday, September 29th from 12pm-8pm. Keeping with tradition, the Oktoberfest will focus on celebrating traditional music, native dress and a special Oktoberfest beer only available for a short time. There will be a nice selection of German food as well. Click here for more details.

Italian Festival, Saturday, September 29th. Enjoy the many great shops at Smithville while experiencing everything Italian.

Golden Nugget Beer Festival:

Craft Beer Festival – Saturday, September 29th from 7pm-10pm. Sample over 200 varieties of craft beers paired with chef-inspired cuisine and live entertainment. Tickets are $49, buy online.

Oktoberfest on the Deck – Sunday, September 30th from 12pm-6pm. Join the Beer Maidens on The Deck for traditional Oktoberfest fare and craft beer while overlooking the Marina. Tickets available to purchase food, retail, etc. on day of event.

Apple Festival at Dearborn Market, Saturday & Sunday, September 29th & 30th from 11am-4pm. Kick off fall with Dearborn Market with lots of fresh apples and the kick off of their pumpkin picking and hay rides. There will also be plenty of kids activities. Click for more info.

Bloomfield HarvestFest, Saturday & Sunday, September 29th & 30th 11am-6pm. Bloomfield’s biggest celebration featuring vendors, live entertainment, two food courts of festival and ethnic foods, children’s activities and amusements and more. Click for more info.

Grand Harvest Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 29th & 30th from 12pm-5pm. Held at Alba Vineyard & Winery in Milford, NJ. Six of New Jersey’s finest wineries will provide samples. There will also be great food, vendors, crafters, children’s activities, and live entertainment. Click for more information.

Le Taste of France Show + La Soiree, Saturday & Sunday, September 29th & 30th at Pier 54, New York. The most renowned French food personalities and skilled chefs from New York’s top restaurants will join forces and prepare a comprehensive guide to the diverse offerings. Besides French food & drink the show will have a French flea market, live music by popular French musicians, wine tastings, the classic French game of pétanque, artwork by modern French artists, and even a French bulldog show and contest to choose the cutest French bulldog! Le Soiré will be the best chance for attendees to meet and interact with the participating chefs and personalities. A portion of the proceeds from Le Taste of France will go to benefit Action Against Hunger. Click for more details.

Jersey Fresh Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 29th & 30th from 12pm-5pm at the Burlington County Fairgrounds. Enjoy live music and wine tasting from over 15 of New Jersey’s finest wineries. Click for more info.

Chowderfest, Sunday, September 30th from 11am-4pm in Beach Haven, LBI. This family fun festival features live music, activities and unlimited Chowder tasting with the opportunity for each ticket holder to vote for their favorite red and white chowder. The event is nestled in Beach Haven surrounded by beautiful views of the bay and plenty of year end discounted shopping. It has become a tradition for family and friends to gather together to say good bye to summer and welcome in the fall.

The Epicurean Palette, Sunday, October 30th from 1pm-4pm. Fundraiser held at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton. Deliciously woven throughout the beautifully landscaped sculpture park, this crowd pleasing event is renowned for featuring more than 20 of the finest area chefs and the extraordinary culinary offerings they prepare as well as a robust selection of great wines, craft beers, and exclusive spirits from regional purveyors. New this year is a decadent twist as GFS introduces artisan chocolate by our region’s finest chocolatiers. Click for more details.

Clean Water Action’s 40th Birthday | Wine & Chocolate Tasting, Sunday, September 30th from 1pm-4pm. Held at the Pine Barrens Golf Club in Jackson. There will be wine tasting, chocolate tasting, hors d’oeuvres, charity auction and more.

And Beyond…

A Taste of Bergen | The (201) Restaurant Week Party, Monday, October 1st from 7pm-10pm. Sample dishes from Bergen County’s top restaurants. Enjoy beer, wine and cocktails. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Westwood Restaurant Week, Thursday, October 4th – Sunday, October 14th. Lunch and dinner prix fixe menus available at many Westwood restaurants. Click for a list of participating restaurants.

Lunch Break’s Fall Gala, Friday, October 5th from 6pm-10pm at Two River Theater in Red Bank. Enjoy wine and beer tastings, food by Red Bank Flavour, a special guest entertainer, live and silent auctions, raffles, and a presentation. Click for more info and tickets.

Robert Irvine Live, Friday, October 5th at 8pm. Red Bank, NJ. This show, with Chef Robert Irvine (Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible) is a high-energy, multimedia and multi-sensory theatrical experience. More than just a cooking demo, “Robert Irvine Live” is an interactive culinary show that provides multiple opportunities for audience participation while witnessing the challenging nature of the TV show come to life right before your eyes. Click for more details and tickets.

Italian Street Festival, Friday – Sunday, October 5th – 7th in Seaside Heights. The Italian festival features performers straight from Italy. Savor a weekend of delectable Italian specialties, arts and crafts, entertainment, and a parade that is bound to delight young and old alike. The festival begins Friday at 4:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday. The Columbus Day Parade starts at 1:00 pm Sunday on the Boulevard.

RHO Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 6th at 3pm. This is a cultural event that will be held at Rho Waterfront in Trenton celebrating the German culture with authentic German food, German beers, live entertainment, and more! Click here for more info and tickets.

Medford Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 6th from 3pm-7pm. Held at Ironstone Village. Enjoy a beer garden, food, live music, entertainment, local vendors and more.

Howell PBA Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 6th from 1pm-6pm. Support the Howell PBA with this fun event for the whole family. There will be unlimited beer and wine, all you can eat food and drink, authentic German cuisine and brews, family fun, music, raffles, prizes, kids entertainment and more.

Lima Bean Festival, Saturday, October 6th in West Cape May. Get your bean on with lima bean t-shirts from Flying Fish, lima bean chili, lima bean taco soup, lima bean jewelry, lima bean stained glass, lima bean birdhouses, lima bean pottery and this year a special treat- lima bean ice cream from Bliss of Cape May. Almost 100 vendors will also sell barbeque, turkey legs, crab cakes, smoothies, flowers, produce, collectibles, antiques and art… and of course fresh lima beans! Click for more info.

Historic Smithville Oktoberfest, Saturday & Sunday, October 6th & 7th. There will be over 100 Juried Crafters, an International Food Court, Music, Kids Activities, non- Profit organizations and more… All of this is on top of the over 60 shops, Carousel ride, Train ride, Paddleboats, 7 eateries, and antique arcades that are already located at the Village year round.

Cape May Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, October 6th & 7th from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy live music and sampling of some of the best local wines. Click for more information.

Harvest Fest, Saturday & Sunday, October 6th & 7th from 10am-5pm. New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Ringwood State Park. A fun-filled family weekend! Hayrides, pumpkin painting, face painting, storytellers, tasty food, music and dancing, fun photo ops, Garden tours and lots more! Plus an Autumn plant sale and an Artisan craft fair with many hand-made items. Click for more info.

Oktoberfest at Jersey Boys Grill, Sunday, October 7th from 12pm-8pm. New Milford, NJ. This year’s event will be the biggest Oktoberfest in Bergen County. Enjoy all you can eat and drink. Beer, wine, sangria and authentic German food, as well as live music. Click for tickets and more info.

Grape Stomping Wurst Festival, Sunday, October 7th from 12pm-5pm. Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City. This is the last chance to stomp grapes for the season. Renault chefs will also prepare German food. Fun for the whole family. Click for more info.

Food Network NYC Wine & Food Festival, Thursday – Sunday, October 11th – 14th. The sister festival to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. The festival will bring together the world’s greatest chefs, winemakers, spirits producers and personalities to educate palates and entertain patrons in high style—all while helping to fight hunger. For event information, click here.

Farm to Table Oktoberfest, Friday, October 12th at 5:30pm. The Promise Culinary School , Suydam Farms, The Pale Ales and other local friends are pairing local brews with seasonal food to benefit Elijah’s Promise. $50.00 donation for ticket is required for event. Join us in the greenhouse on Suydam Farms in Somerset. For more info. and tickets, click here.

Jersey Shore Wine Weekend, Friday – Sunday, October 12th – 14th. Asbury Park, NJ. From the creators of Jersey Shore Restaurant Week comes four great events to enjoy wine and food. Learn more about the event details here.

9th Annual SJ Pumpkin Show, Friday – Sunday, October 12th-14th. Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown. The South Jersey Pumpkin Show and Festival is one of the largest and best in New Jersey. Come out and enjoy live bands, great food, contests, Fall Home Show, over 150 craftsmen, NJ Largest Baked Pumpkin Pie, Amusement Rides and Pumpkin Baking Contest and more.

Our Lady of the Lake Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 13th from 6pm-11pm. Verona, NJ. The Oktoberfest festivities begin with a ceremonial beer tapping, followed by German music, great food and other live entertainment. There are also raffle baskets, 50/50 tickets and the Kinderfest. For tickets and more info, click here.

Porktoberfest, Saturday & Sunday, October 13th & 14th. Philadelphia, PA. Pig out on a plethora of porcine pleasures—and toss back some tasty German beer while you’re at it—with this seasonal Adventure: entry to Porktoberfest: an Oktoberfest-themed afternoon filled with all-you-can-eat pork barbecue, live music courtesy of CTO Entertainment, games, and more.

Brielle Oktoberfest, Wednesday, October 17th from 6pm-9pm. Held at the Brielle Fire House, there will be samplings from local restaurants, seasonal beer, door prizes, music, oh and BYOB too! Click for more info.

Amanti Vino’s Oktoberfest, Friday, October 19th from 7:30pm-11pm. Held at the Wellmont Theatre, Montclair. All you can eat food, wine and beer plus live entertainment. Click for more information.

HarvestFest, Saturday, October 20th from 11:30am-5pm. Downtown Toms River. There will be lots of kids activities, live entertainment, pumpkin decorating, fall dessert contest, a beer garden, football games on large screen TVs, food and merchandise vendors and more.

Cranberry Festival, Saturday & Sunday, October 20th & 21st from 9am-4pm. Chatsworth. Paying tribute to the 3rd largest cranberry harvest in the United States, this annual festival is filled with lots of great food, baked goods, crafts, vendors, and more.

3nd Annual Wine & Food Classic, Friday, November 2nd from 5pm-9:30pm. Join the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties for the 3rd Annual event. This year’s event benefits the Y’s Community Support Campaign that provides services to children and families in Burlington and Camden counties regardless of their ability to pay. Guests will enjoy more than 700 of South Jersey’s finest selection of wines and dishes prepared by premium chefs. A limited number of tickets will be sold for a V.I.P. reception, featuring premium wine and menu selections. For tickets, click here.

Coffee & Tea Festival Atlantic City, Saturday & Sunday, November 3rd and 4th. The event will offer two days of programming including tastings, classes, lectures and demonstrations from well-known industry professionals and pioneers. Chocolates and other sweet treats will offer a wonderful compliment to the spectacular collection of coffees and teas. Click for more info.

Queen of Hops Awards Ceremony, Thursday, November 15th at 6pm at The Copper Mine Pub in North Arlington. Taste the homebrews, meet other women home brewers and celebrate women in craft beer. You’ll also have the chance to get free swag and meet the judges. For more information about the Queen of Hops contest, click here.

Marilyn Schlossbach to Offer Charitable Cooking Series

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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September 26, 2012

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Marilyn Schlossbach to Offer Charitable Cooking Series

Restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach today announced plans to host “Cooking with Marilyn and Friends,” a charitable series of monthly cooking demonstrations that will highlight the seasonal, vacation-inspiredcuisine featured at her six Jersey Shore dining locales. The classes will be held at oceanfront restaurant Langosta Lounge every second Wednesday of the month from October through May. Each class will benefit a local nonprofit organization.

“Cooking with Marilyn and Friends” will kick-off at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception. The cooking demonstrations with Marilyn will take attendees on a culinary journey inspired by her world travels. Following the demonstration, discussion and question and answer period, guests will enjoy the exquisite meal side-by-side with the restaurateur.

In what has become a Kitschens Hospitality Group tradition, a portion of proceeds from each “Cooking with Marilyn and Friends” will be donated to a local charity.

The dates with corresponding charity beneficiaries for each series are as follows:

·October 10, Mary’s Place by the Sea
·November 14, Lunch Break
·December 12, The Center
·January 9, The Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
·February 13, Clean Ocean Action
·March 13, The American Red Cross – Jersey Coast Chapter
·April 10, Jersey Shore Chapter of Autism Speaks
·May 8, Jersey Shore Chapter of Surfrider Foundation

“Cooking with Marilyn and Friends” will kick-offat 6:00 p.m. at Langosta Lounge on the Asbury Park Boardwalk every second Wednesday of the month from October through May. Admission to each cooking demonstration is $60.00 per person and includes dinner; $10.00 from each ticket will be donated to the evening’s beneficiary. Reservations will be takenon a first-come, first-serve basis. For further information or to reserve your ticket for “Cooking with Marilyn and Friends”, please call 732-455-3275 .

Recipe: Chicken Parm Meatloaf

Jennifer Miller

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September 25, 2012

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Here’s an Italian Twist On A Traditional American Classic.

This week the weather changed into feeling like fall. It made me think of cooking a classic American dish, meatloaf with a side of creamy mac and cheese with a green salad for balance. But the idea of the heavy ground beef standard with traditional Cheddar mac and cheese just wasn’t cutting it. I wanted something a little lighter and I was in the mood for Italian. My son said he wanted Chicken Parm, but that was more work than I wanted to do and I only had ground chicken in the freezer. Hmm. How about Chicken Parm Meatloaf and an Italian twist on the Mac and Cheese! Now we’re talking. And our landscaper and friend Frank just brought over some of his Homemade Sweet Vinegar Peppers. He makes them with Cubanelle’s he grows himself. They would make a perfect addition to the Italian Style Salad I was in the mood to eat. I had never thought to make Chicken Parm Meatloaf or Italian Mac and Cheese before, but I knew it would not be hard. I am Italian after all! I found it to be a really nice change from the regular ingredients and my family loved it too! I think your family and friends will too!

Chicken Parm Meatloaf

Ingredients:

2 Lbs. ground chicken

2 eggs

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 to 1/2 cup of Locatelli cheese

1 onion, 1 large carrot, 2 ribs celery, all chopped small

1 large tomatoe, sliced

2 tbsps. olive oil

2 tbsps. parsley

1/2 tsp. basil, oregano, garlic powder,salt and pepper

1 jar of prepared good quality marinara or use your own. (shh, don’t tell!) (we like Roselli from Medford, New Jersey)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Saute onion, celery, and carrot on olive oil till translucent. In large mixing bowl add ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, cheese, parsley and seasonings and mix together along with the cooked vegetables. Add the mixture to a loaf pan add the sliced tomato first, then 1 cup of marinara to top and bake till done. Use a thermometer to make sure chicken is cooked to proper temp. Approximately 1hr. let cool for 10 minutes then cut. Add more marinara if desired.

Italian Mac and Cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Ingredients:

1 lb. whole wheat elbow macaroni

3 cups whole milk

1 cup Locatelli, Parmesan, and Mozzarella cheese.

2 tbsp. flour

1/2 tsp. salt, pepper and garlic powder.

2 tbsps. butter for sides of baking dish

1 tbsp. parsley

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to directions. In large mixing bowl whisk the milk, cheese, flour and seasonings. Add cooked pasta and mix to coat completely. Butter the sides of medium baking dish. Add mixture and bake at 45o degrees for 20 min. or until bubbling and top is browned. You can add buttered bread crumbs to the top while baking, I thought of that after!

Italian Green Salad with Vinegar Peppers

Ingredients:

1 Box of spring mix

4 vinegar peppers, rough chopped

12 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup Vinegar juice

1/4 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Dried oregano and basil to taste

(1 tbsp. Hemp seeds optional)

Whisk vinegar, oil, herbs, salt and pepper and hemp seeds if using and pour over lettuces, onion and tomatoes, and peppers then toss lightly.

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.

New Jersey Seafood Spots: The Local Dish

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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September 23, 2012

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New Jersey Seafood Spots: The Local Dish

We Jersey Shore natives call this time of year “Locals Summer.” The weather is gorgeous and the beaches are empty (and free.) After a long day of sun and sand (sans the tourists), we head to our favorite local seafood spot for fresh fare and no lines. For out-of-towners picking a spot for a fresh seafood feast may make you feel like a fish out of water. There are so many places that look like the real deal making it difficult to tell the “tourist traps” from the true pearls. To make your search a little easier, the Jerseybites team has put together a list of our favorite local seafood joints that will be “shore” to please. If you’ve got a local favorite, please leave the info in a comment. We’re always looking for new places to try.

The Crab Shack– 74 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ (732) 477-1115 ‎

Blink and you may miss this roadside seafood gem. Though this aptly named place really is a quaint little shack/ fish market with about 4 tables, but it puts out some big flavor! Having the ability to catch and eat my own seafood in the same day, I have become a bit of a “seafood snob” and The Crab Shack certainly goes above and beyond my standards. My go to dish is the beer battered fish and chips, tasty golden pieces of a lesser known Jersey fish called Ling. You get two huge pieces of flaky deliciousness that melts in your mouth and a big ‘ol side of fries. They also have variety and homemade soups and seafood cakes that are chocked full of fresh seafood. On the market side you can get fresh caught crabs, lobsters, black fish, blue fish, red fish, and just about every other kind of fish that Dr. Seuss could think of (except old fish, the seafood is fresh everyday). This is one place you won’t to miss, even fish are dying to get in!

Pisces Seafood Market– 400 New Jersey 37 Toms River, NJ 08753 (732) 270-3300

If you’re looking for fresh seafood with a twist then you’ve come to the right place. It has a right off the docks and out of the box menu. While their standard menu features traditional seafood shack fare such as crab cakes and broiled fish, the specials are unique seasonal dishes from the chef. Yes it may be a little pricey, but it is well worth it. There are not many places that combine culinary genius and fresh off the boat seafood with dishes like Buffalo Calamari and Pan-Seared Diver Scallops with a Balsamic Glaze and Roasted Asparagus. Did I mention that the sweet succulent scallops come in fresh every morning.

You can also take your seafood home, they also have a market with the same fresh seafood they serve in the restaurant. You can pick up a piece of fresh fish and create your own culinary masterpiece from the comfort of your own home. Dine in or pick up, either way you can’t lose.
You get the best of both worlds!

Mike’s Seafood – 228 43rd Street, Sea Isle City, NJ 609-263-3458

Mike’s is the place to go for fresh seafood in Sea Isle when you want to roll off the beach at 5pm,
grab your cooler full of beer or wine, and enjoy some dock style dinner.

Mike’s has the usual fried seafood platter with deviled clams, French fries, crab cakes, and fried scallops. But they also surprise with some great raw bar options. I suggest the oysters and ceviche! Don’t be put off by the name and please try the crab balls. Resembling hush puppies these bite sized crab cakes are a great app for the table.

Head over on Mondays for their Mussels Mondays deal – a free bowl of white wine and butter mussels per table with your order. Remember to ask for extra bread to sop up the extra sauce.

Kids under 12 eat free on Tuesdays and Thursdays with an adult entree.

Spadafora’s Seafood Market 932 Haven Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 609-398-6703.

While homeowners in Ocean City, we would often head to the beach late in the day. After a few hours of sunning and swimming we’d arrive back at the house, famished. Not bothering to change out of our beachwear, we would frequently call in our order to Spadafora’s then bike a few blocks to the seafood market for delicious take-out cooked seafood we could enjoy back at home on the porch or at a picnic table in one of our favorite bayside parks.
Spadafora’s is a classic beach town take-out seafood market with a huge menu of deep-fried, broiled or steamed shrimp, clams, crab and lobster dishes – exactly what lots of folks are craving while down the shore. They offer a slew of classic homemade sides including coleslaw, and potato or macaroni salad and corn on the cob. The two styles of clam chowder, Manhattan and New England, and the lobster bisque are also homemade. Specialty fish like mahi mahi or catch of the day is prepared to order in your choice of five flavor profiles: lemon butter, garlic butter, cajun, teriyaki or dijon. Shrimp is available cooked in Old Bay seasoning then cooled for you to peel and eat.
Next time you visit Ocean City, eat like a local. Spadafora’s Seafood Market is located
at 932 Haven Avenue. Call in your order to 609-398-6703. If you prefer to dine-in, Spadafora’s has another Ocean City location that’s a casual sit-down eatery. Spadafora’s Restaurant and Clam Bar is located at 843 Atlantic Avenue. (609) 398-6154. Check www.spadaforaseafood.com for off-season dates and hours.

Smitty’s Clam Bar – 910 Bay Avenue, Somers Point

I know I am in Atlantic County, but even Atlantic County residents have to admit to this. Smitty’s Clam Bar is just one of those local places that you always return to after all the great seafood at the casinos and other places. This place has been around since I was a teenager and maybe even before that, I am not sure. We used to go by boat and pull up dressed in bathing suits, and eat the freshest raw littlenecks with a squeeze of lemon and cocktail sauce and then order a dozen or so steamers and add a side of New England Clam Chowder and you were in seafood heaven! The Manhattan Clam Chowder is great too.They have lots of other fresh seafood and landlubber choices as well. You have to get there early, because they get super busy at dinner. Try a late lunch and maybe that will work. They are open from May (on weekends till the colleges get out) to September. Very casual dress required. Kids are welcome. 609-927-8783.

Shore Fresh Seafood Market, 57 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach

Since I happen to live in one of our major commercial fishing ports, it’s just a quick trip to my local fish store for the catch of the day. Chef/Owner Richard Brecka of Shore Fresh Seafood Market in Point Pleasant Beach is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Although to look at him, you might think that he spends his hours on one of the day boats moored behind his store. Rubber boots and gloves are the uniform of choice when your walk-in refrigerator opens out to the Fishermen’s Dock Cooperative, one of two active fishing cooperatives in New Jersey. You don’t get any fresher fish than this, folks. Try the amazing New England Clam Chowder, Buffalo Calimari and any number of the wonderful daily specials. BYOB, extremely casual. Inside and outside dining.

Christine Van Arsdalen is a born and raised Jersey Girl; native to central and Costal NJ. As the author of the blog the Dexterous Diner, Christine chronicles her efforts as she indulges her foodie side on her very small budget which she likes to call “champagne dining on a beer budget”. She grew up being yelled at by an old Italian woman in the kitchen who was surprisingly not her mother. Her love of food grew from a combination of cooking in a restaurant and fond memories of creating scrumptious meals from scratch with her father. Today she travels around the state of New Jersey and beyond searching for new twists on her old favorites; foods that bring you back to your childhood in a modern and sophisticated way. She loves unexpected and creative combinations, both in the food she eats and cooks. Though her palate has become more refined, she is still excited by a grilled cheese sandwich; that, and a great cup of coffee.

NJ’s Best Crab Cake Cook-Off Monday

Atlantic City

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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September 22, 2012

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We are pleased to announce the top 3 finalist for the NJ King Crab Competition. With a whopping 495 consumer votes, Nicole’s 10 ranked #1, followed by Chakra and Ice House with over 150 votes each! Congratulations to all. Watch the Live cook-off from the Viking Cooking School at Harrah’s Resorts in Atlantic City right here on jerseybites.com and on NJDiscover.com Monday, September 24th between 6 and 9pm.

Chef Christopher M. Masey of Nicole’s 10 in Randolf will be preparing his Crab Cake with Lump & Snow Crab Hakka style sauteed and crested by Rainbow Microgreens with a grained mustard Champagne-Sriracha sauce. “I am extremely excited to be one of the finalists in this competition! Through the efforts of our amazing staff & supportive guests we were able to finish first thus far! I am very excited to compete against the clearly talented and accomplished chefs who made the cut with us! “

Chef Thomas Ciszak of Chakra in Paramus will be preparing his Horseradish Crusted Crab Cake with snow pea shoots and a mustard seed vinaigrette. “My guests at Chakra and Blue Morel have been telling me for years that I serve one of the best crab cakes ever. It’s great to have JerseyBites facilitate a competition like this so I can make new friends. I don’t worry about winning. I’m appreciative that my guests voted for us in such large numbers. “ Thomas Ciszak

Ice House in Wildwood will be dishing up their Ice House Crab Cake: Classic jumbo lump crab cakes with corn relish and served with traditional tartar sauce. “We are so excited and honored to be selected by our customers as a finalist in the search for NJ’S best crab cakes. We think we are going to win because our crab cakes have been made the same way for over 30 years. They are traditional crab cakes made with pure crab meat.”
Ice House Restaurant

Chef Christopher M. Masey believes his fresh take on the traditional crab cake gives him an advantage. “I feel like we have an edge in the competition because we chose a different approach to crabcakes by embracing New Jersey’s cultural and ethnic diversity and tried to stray from the traditional approach of the Maryland style.While ours is clearly a unique recipe we did stay true to some of the elements which have made crabcakes so beloved up and down the east coast. Our guest response was positive and they appreciated that we broadened their palates and chose this route. Thanks for the opportunity and see ya at Harrahs!”

Staff from Viking cooking school will serve as judges in addition to our Executive Editor, Deborah Smith. Be sure to tune in on Monday at 6pm for all the fun.

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend & Beyond

Events

Jon Faronea

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September 20, 2012

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Hoboken Tasting & Gala | Turn Back to the 20′s, Thursday, September 20th from 7pm-10pm. Held at the Kolo Klub. The 1920′s themed evening included delicious fare from top local restaurants, wine, champagne, cocktails, live music, dance lessons, giveaways and more.

Fall Fun | Cocktail Class, Thursday, September 20th at 7pm. Held at Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Warren. Learn how to make fun fall cocktails at this class. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $40. RSVP at 866-683-3586 and save $5.

South Jersey Food Swap, Friday, September 21st from 7pm-9pm. Held at Bellview Winery. Swap locally produced foods with your community. All items must be homemade, homegrown or foraged. You can bring all the same item or several difference items. Click for more details.

Great Grape Harvest Celebration, Friday, September 21st. Renault Winery. Enjoy a cooking of the goose dinner. This is a multi course tasting menu featuring various wine tastings. This event is highlighted by the rare opportunity to taste the grape, the juice and the wine. For more information and to RSVP, call 609-965-2111.

SJ Oktoberfest, Friday, September 21st from 7pm-10pm. Held at Wedgwood Country Club in Turnersville. This event will feature German craft beers and wines from the region’s top beverage distributors and festive food sampling from the area’s finest restaurants, food suppliers and chefs. Look forward to great German-inspired foods and libations, Oom-Pah music, DJ party and dance songs, contests and prizes and much more.

QUE by the SEA, Friday – Sunday, September 21st – 23rd. Grant Ave, Seaside Heights. The highlight of the event, the Barbeque State Championship will exemplify good, old-fashioned American fun. This competition will feature contestants from throughout the tri-state, who provide the best overall BBQ in four categories including chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. Large food vendors will be selling tasty barbeque specialties along Grant Avenue, artists and crafters, as well as retail vendors will contribute to the experience of the event. All day musical entertainment includes Seaside Heights’ favorites, Little Bit of Heaven and Shorty Long to name a few. Beer will be available for purchase. Click for more details.

Greek Festival, Friday – Sunday, September 2st – 23rd. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River. There will be authentic Greek food and Greek pastries, loukoumades, Souvlakia, and Gyros. There will also be drinks, dancing by GOYANS and youth groups, music, rides and games. Click for more info.

Summit Wine & Food Festival, Friday- Sunday, September 21st – 23rd. This event features Food Network & Bravo celebrity chefs, Sommeliers, top winemakers and wineries. Enjoy chef’s demonstrations, wine expert seminars, wine tastings, food and wine dinners, mixology cocktail, spirits and beer presentations. Click for more info.

Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration, Saturday, September 22nd at 10am. A vibrant street festival featuring live music, family and children’s entertainment, dozens of craft vendors, food and more. Along Sunset Lake from New Jersey to Miami Aves. during the day. Cap off the day with a live concert and fireworks display at the beachfront. Click for more information.

Ultimate Tasting 2012, Saturday, September 22nd from 4pm-7pm. The Washington Township Land Trust of Morris County is hosting this event at Schooley’s Mountain Lodge in Long Valley. Proceeds from the event will benefit land conservation and historic preservation projects. There will be beer and wine tastings and food tastings from local restaurants. There will also be door prizes. Click for more info.

Brew Blast on the Battleship, Saturday, September 22nd from 1pm-5pm on the Battleship New Jersey, Camden. Enjoy 50 of the finest craft beers in the nation, the MGK House Band playing live on the tented deck, all on one of our nation’s most revered Battleships. For tickets and more info. click here.

Festa Italiana | In-Store Event, Saturday, September 22nd from 12pm-3pm at Chef Central, Paramus. Johnny “Meatballs” DeCarlo and Megin DeCarlo of Johnny Meatballs Catering will be at Chef Central as part of the Festa Italiana. “Johnny’s Meatballs In Sunday Gravy,” will be for sale, along with other food items. There will also be a pizza, sausage, pasta, and fresh mozzarella demonstrations. All Italian products will be 20% off all day. For information call chef Central at 201-576-0100.

Oktoberfest at Crystal Springs Resort, Saturday & Sunday, September 22nd & 23rd. Vernon, NJ. This year the event with have a bigger location, more events, more bands, more food, more beer… but this is still the same Oktoberfest you’ve come to love! Click for more info.

Wine & Beer Fest at Heritage Vineyards, Saturday & Sunday, September 22nd & 23rd from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy wine tasting, beer tasting, live music, craft vendors, activities for kids special discount on Heritage wine during the event. Click for tickets and more info.

Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival, Sunday, September 23rd from 12pm-7pm. This is a huge food and music festival. Enjoy delicious food from Red Bank’s excellent restaurants and live music from some of the shore’s best bands. Click for more info.

Locally Grown | Sunday Supper Series, Sunday, September 23rd from 4pm-7pm at the Hyatt in Morristown. Enjoy a multi-course dinner tasting celebrating Morris County chefs, farms and food innovators. There will be Grassroots Awards, a silent auction, organic wines, artisanal spirits, craft beer and live music. This event benefits Sustainable Morristown. For tickets click here.

And Beyond…

Jersey Shore Culinary Classic, Monday, September 24th from 5pm-9pm. Held at The Mill at Spring Lake Heights. One of the shore’s largest, most widely known tasting event. Enjoy food and beverages from over 36 of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries. There will also be live entertainment. This event benefits the FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties. For tickets and more information, click here.

Jersey Harvest Dinner | Vegan Dinner, Tuesday, September 25th at 6:30pm. The American Vegan Society will host a dinner this year at Carême’s Gourmet Restaurant, the Academy of Culinary Arts, Atlantic Cape Community College, Mays Landing NJ. The public is invited to experience a meal of exceptional quality prepared and served by culinary students under the direction of their chef-educator. Tours of the ACA kitchens and Atlantic Cape’s organic greenhouse begin at 5:45 p.m. Guests are encouraged to pair dinner with their favorite bottle of wine. For tickets, click here.

Bergenfest 2012 Party & Expo, Thursday, September 27th from 5pm-9pm. Held at the Sheraton in Mahwah. Over 30 Bergen restaurants will be providing samples of signature dishes. There will also be live music, belly dancers and giveaways. Click here for more information and tickets.

Kathleen King Book Signing & Demonstration, Thursday, September 27th at 6:30pm. In celebration of Kathleen King’s new cookbook, BAKING FOR FRIENDS: Over 120 scrumptious recipes from Southampton’s favorite baker, Chef Central will host a demo, book signing and Q&A with Kathleen at their Paramus, New Jersey location. Guests attending will have the opportunity to meet the author, enjoy a free baking demonstration and taste some of Tate’s delicious sweets.