Known for his southwestern favors like chipotle and jalapeño, one would think celebrity chef Bobby Flay had western roots. Not so much. He was born and raised in New York City. And like most New Yorkers spent his summers on New Jersey beaches and boardwalks. “I spent my first five or six summers at the Jersey Shore,” said the 47-year-old Flay, who noted his mother lives in Spring Lake. “I’ve always had a connection with Jersey.”
His childhood summers and the classic barbecues that took place during them helped shape the chef he would become. “Because I’ve done so many shows about outdoor cooking, grilling and barbecuing, people always ask me, you’re from New York City, how is that a grilling environment?” said Flay. “The answer is it’s not, it came from my summers in New Jersey and being inspired by my parents cooking outside. Things that are part of your childhood become part of you for the rest of your life.”
Burgers, steaks, lobsters, corn and tomatoes were key ingredients during the summer months.
“Hence, I’ve been a burger guy,” he said, noting after working in the kitchen all night long, he would go out for a burger, his favorite go-to food. “It’s always been my go-to comfort food. I was always interested in one day opening my own burger place, that’s how Bobby’s Burger Palace was born.”
The Princeton location is the fourth BBP in New Jersey and 11 in the chain, which only serves burgers, fries and shakes.
“All three of those things have to be great for me to be successful,” said Flay. “I find a lot of burger restaurants the burger will be great and the fries will be ok. To make a great restaurant, even in a casual environment like this, all three things, if you are going to serve them, have to be top notch.”
The Burger Palace’s 10 burgers are all unique and are themed to different regions of the country and can be ordered with beef, turkey or chicken breast.
The Napa Valley turkey burger I had, which had a generous glob of goat cheese was good and moist when it came, but since it was a press event, I didn’t get to eat it in its ideal state when it came fresh off the grill because I was so busy taking photos and talking to folks!
My only two tiny complaints would be the Meyer lemon sauce that came with the burger was disappointing because the Dijon flavor overpowered the lemon and the bun had sesame seeds all over it and I’m not a sesame seed bun kind of gal, but that’s purely a preference of mine.
Burgers also come topless on a bed of salad greens. There are griddled, four cheese sandwiches and a salad with chopped vegetables and tortilla strips as vegetarian options.
The sweet potato fries are really, really good. They are a nice long cut, salted well and come with a creamy honey mustard that I think would be good on just about anything.
The star of the show for me was the milkshake.
Every shake in the menu contains a whopping 11 ounces of premium ice cream, which accounts for the super thick texture and whole milk adds additional creaminess.
The dark chocolate shake is decadent, really chocolatey and completely divine, worth all the guilt! I was dreaming about that shake the night before the opening!
One of Flay’s challenges-not of the Iron Chef or Throwdown kind-in the near future is teaching his 16-year-old daughter to cook before she goes off to college. “I can’t send my daughter off to college not knowing how to cook,” he said. “She’ll be ridiculed.”
Flay is a French Culinary Institute graduate after dropping out of high school. “I think everybody learns differently, we are seeing that more and more these days. When I was going to high school there were very few options. You went to school, you took liberal arts and hopefully you went to college and you went off and lived the rest of your life,” said Flay. “I was so disinterested in school, it was not the way I wanted to learn. I wanted to learn with my hands. I needed a craft and I didn’t know that at the time. When I started working in a restaurant, it was the first thing I really got excited about in my life in terms of doing something and it took off from there.”
Working in the culinary industry for 30 years, he has savored the way his world revolves around food. “It’s about that one four-letter word, food,” he said. “I’ve learned as I’ve gone.” His food empire revolves around his restaurants, books and television shows.
His latest show, “Three Days To Open,” ended after only six episodes, despite it’s success.
“It proved to be so difficult,” Flay explained. “When I open a restaurant, I have six key people who work on different facets of the restaurant. In ‘Three Days To Open’ I’m basically doing everything to get these people, who have never done this before, to open…and ultimately it was so physically and emotionally exhausting that I decided I couldn’t do it anymore.”
Despite the show not working for him, Flay has multiple restaurants in New Jersey, New York and Las Vegas, several cooking shows on the Food Network, and many cookbooks, including a book called “Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries & Shakes” for a fix when you can’t get to his burger palace.
Note there are detailed directions for making his magical milkshakes in the book, although there isn’t a plain dark chocolate one like the one at the Burger Palace. Le sigh. I guess that means I’ll be back for that and the sweet potato fries.
BBP menu includes 10 signature burgers such as the Philadelphia Burger with Provolone cheese, griddled onions and hot peppers; the Buffalo Style Burger with red hot sauce, blue cheese dressing and watercress; the Dallas Burger spice crusted with coleslaw, Monterey Jack, BBQ sauce, and pickles; the Santa Fe Burger with queso sauce, pickled jalapeños, and blue corn chips; and the Palace Classic Burger with American cheese, lettuce,tomato and red onion – are all served on a sesame seed bun.
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 on the staff of the Princeton Packet. 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.
Hoboken Italian Festival, Thursday – Sunday, September 6th – 9th. This is the 85th year of the feast in Hoboken. The origin of the feast dates back over 800 years in Molfetta, Italy. The procession through the streets is how we honor that tradition. Enjoy the feast fun! The vendors, the entertainment and the procession, but the real highlight of the feast has to be our famous fireworks. 
Feast of San Gennaro at the Jersey Shore, Saturday & Sunday, September 8th & 9th. Downtown Belmar. The festival will feature plenty of Italian foods, wines, games and activities, starting with the traditional procession of the statue of San Gennaro, benefiting The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Look for eating contests, dancing, games for young and old, live entertainment and exciting special guests. 
Seafood in Seaside Festival, Sunday, September 9th from 10am – 7pm. Grant Ave, Seaside Heights. Mouth watering seafood specialties from local restaurants. They will be serving a variety of seafood, such as, sushi, clams, shrimp, calamari, crab cakes, seafood kabobs, and blackened scallops just to give you a sampling of what will be offered. The festival features all day musical entertainment from bands such as local favorite, Shorty Long. Shoppers will be able to browse artists and crafters merchandise and a flea market with over 80 vendors.
Living Social’s Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival, Saturday, September 15th. Brooklyn, NY. I don’t normally post NY events but this one is big and for a great cause! Unlimited 5-ounce tastings of craft beer, top-notch food trucks, DJ dance party, art, games, and more—all at Skylight One Hanson. A portion of all proceeds will go to benefit 
Atlantic City Seafood Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 15th & 16th. A two day extravaganza of fun, food and entertainment celebrating the treasures of the Atlantic Ocean while highlighting our sea side city. The festival will offer event goers the opportunity to treat their taste buds to a large variety of dishes prepared by area restaurants and culinary personalities. Click for more details.
Champion of the Grill | BBQ & Blues Festival, Sunday, September 16th from 12pm-5pm. Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta. Get your ears and appetites ready for bbq tastin’ and the blues. Free admission, free parking, free tasting, and free music plus a classic car show, motorcycle show, vendors and exhibitors.
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. 
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. 
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.
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.
Fairway Market
Until recently, my idea of Brazilian fare included images of meat—and lots of it. Since I don’t eat red meat, I’ve always considered Brazilian food something that’s probably really great, but just not for me. That all changed one night this summer when I made my first visit to Samba in Montclair.
The nine-table dining room is compact, to say the least, but does not feel crowded. The décor is richly-appointed, the linens are of fine quality and the conversations are muted and relaxed. Even the butter is served in an elegant way.
Must-try entrees are the Wild Caught Local Barnegat Sea Scallops with Bacon and Butter Braised Napa Cabbage and Chive Spaetzle, the 14-Hour Braised Boneless Black Angus Beef Short Ribs, Gorgonzola and Local Mushroom Polenta Cake, Glazed Baby Carrot and Beef Braising Jus and the Black Olive and Yuzu Glazed Rack of Lamb, Goat Cheese and Rosemary Bread Pudding and Lamb Jus. The scallops were ultra-fresh and sweet and complimented perfectly by the bacon and Napa cabbage. The short ribs were served as if a solid piece of tenderloin, but melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful and decadent. The lamb was masterly-cooked and its sides were delectable.
Less than one week left! Have you voted for your favorite NJ Crab Cake yet? Here is the second half of our contestants spotlight and their tantalizing entries.
McLoone’s Pier House, Long Branch: McLoone’s Pier House has made quite a name for itself since its opening in 2005. With dazzling oceanfront views, delicious cuisine and friendly service, McLoone’s Pier House has become THE place for weddings, parties, entertainment and scrumptious indoor & outdoor dining! Chef Joe Racioppi is well-known in the two river area as the former owner of Racioppi’s restaurant in Red Bank for more than 15 years. The Entry: McLoone’s Crab Cakes: Pan seared lump crab cakes served over a spicy remoulade & citrus tartar sauce with grilled asparagus & broccoli slaw.
Nicole’s 10, Randolph: Nicole’s Ten offers casual dining with an upscale feel; emphasis is placed on personal service, creativity, and above all, taste. From a delightfully fresh seasonal menu to the additional variety of nightly specials, every lover of inspired cuisine will assuredly find a classic favorite or a new… temptation to stimulate their palate. Our eclectic menu also boasts a selection of Certified Angus Beef steaks, Black Waygu, fresh seafood, sustainable, natural & organic options, sautés, sushi rolls, & fresh oysters. Chef Christopher M. Masey, Executive Chef / Manager calls upon his background in fine art & photography on a daily basis throughout the restaurant, be it through some of the original art and décor or in the kitchen as a Chef. His artistic vision can be seen through his style of cooking, utilizing a variety of methods through the fusion of multiple ethnic preparations.The Entry: Hakka Style Crab Cake: Lump & Snow Crab Hakka style sauteed and crested by Rainbow Microgreens with a grained mustard Champagne-Sriracha sauce.
Sweet Waters Steak House
The Barge
Windansea Restaurant
Coconut Lemon Lime Bars Melissa Baratta (Ocean County)
Jazz It Up Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, September 1st & 2nd from 12pm-5pm. Allaire State Park in Farmingdale. Sponsored by the Asbury Park Press, the event will once again feature over two dozen GSWGA wineries, sampling nearly 300 different, locally-produced wines along with great live jazz music, craft and food vendors and the ability to tour Allaire State Park’s historic 19th century village. Click for more details.
West Cape May Jersey Tomato Festival, Saturday, September 1st from 9am-5pm. Featuring Jersey fresh grown tomatoes, Tomato jewelry, tomato soups, tomato tacos & all things tomato, fine vendors, South Jersey Artists, handmade jewelry, and stained glass. Located in Wilbraham Park. Call 609-884-9325 for information.
Robert Irvine Live, Friday, October 8th 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.
Join us for a Jersey Local Celebration at Dearborn Market. Jersey Bites Executive Editor, Deborah Smith, will be on hand along with the ladies from 
