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Foodie Things To Do This Weekend & Beyond

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Pig Roast at the Vineyard, Friday, May 18th from 6pm-9pm. Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ. Succulent portly roasted pig with hors d’ oeuvres and a buffet provided by Ol’ West BBQ. Dinner includes an assortment of Unionville’s classic wines. A walk in the vineyard will be guided by acclaimed winemaker, Cameron Stark. He will explain how vine are nurtured and tended throughout the year. Live entertainment will be provided by singer, song writer John Sonntag. Tickets are $75 per guest and must be purchased in advance. For more information click or call the winery at 908-788-0400

Shot@Life Fundraiser, Friday, May 18th from 7pm-10pm. MOMS Club of Middletown-South will be raising funds to benefit Shot@Life at the Red Oak Diner & Lounge in Hazlet. The benefit will feature appetizers and desserts, cash bar and an amazing auction. Click here for more information.

Taste of Revel, Friday-Sunday, May 18th-20th. Revel Resorts, Atlantic City. Presented by FOOD & WINE and created in partnership with TRAVEL + LEISURE. This three-day epicurean extravaganza will feature exclusive experiences developed specifically for the 6.3-million-square-foot beachfront destination. For more information, click here.

Chili & Salsa Cook-Off, Saturday, May 19th from 11am-5pm. Come to one of the biggest events in Downtown Toms River to taste tons of chili and salsa. There will be live entertainment, vendors and crafts. For more information: Chili & Salsa Cook-Off

Food StockCommunity Food Drive, Saturday, May 19th from 12pm-4pm. Lunch Break, in Red Bank, will hold a food drive at the Red bank Middle School. There will also be food, fun and music.

Beer vs. Wine, Saturday, May 19th from 7pm-11pm. Held at Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk Hall, this one of a kind event is a concept created to solve that age old question: Beer or Wine, which is the ultimate beverage and how do they pair with delicious foods? 15 American craft breweries and 15 American wineries will be showcased, all complementing  Atlantic City’s finest restaurants. For more information, click here.

11th Annual “Wine and Wildlife” Festival, Saturday, May 19th from 4:30pm-8pm. Enjoy a wine tasting featuring over 2 dozen different wineries, a beer sampling consisting of microbrews and a gourmet ‘picnic’ dinner. Hosted at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, guests are given the opportunity to meet the ‘animal ambassadors,’ wander through the wildlife housing area, and enjoy the beauty of the Pinelands in the spring. There will be live music as well as several artists displaying their ‘nature-themed’ work at the Nature Center. For more information, click here.

South Jersey Food Swap, Saturday, May 19th from 3pm-5pm at The Sweet Life Bakery in Vineland. Swap goodies with some foodie friends. Swapping homemade, home grown, or foraged items. For more information, click here.

Glassboro Vintage South Jersey Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, May 19th & 20th from 12pm-5pm. The South Jersey Tourism Corp. and Glassboro Marketplace are proud to present the first ever wine festival featuring Outer Coastal Plain wines exclusively! This event is held on Rowan Boulevard. For more information and tickets, click here.

Red Bank Food & Wine Walk, Sunday, May 20th from 2pm-6pm. On the third Sunday of the month from May to August, sample wine and food from restaurants throughout the entire Red Bank Business District. Click here for details.

6th Annual Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival, Sunday, May 20th from 11am-5pm. Tuckerton Seaport. Kick off the summer with the down home sounds of bluegrass and the sweet smell of barbecue. Crafters, vendors, food, refreshments, family activities, demonstrations, decoy carvers, boat building and boat rides. For more information, call 609-296-8868.

Taste of the Nation, Sunday, May 20th from 2pm-5pm. Chef/owner Jim Weaver will be hosting the Taste of the Nation event as a launch party for his new book, Locavore Adventures: One Chef’s Slow Food Journey, at his restaurant, Tre Piani, in Princeton. One hundred percent of the ticket sales will benefit anti-hunger organizations. 2 to 5 PM; $85. For tickets and more information, visit www.strength.org/princeton.

The Big Burger Bite, Sunday, May 20th. Be a Food Blogger for the day and tell us about your special spot for the best Jersey Burger. In honor of National Hamburger Month, our Jersey Bites writers will be heading out to their favorite Burger spot this Sunday, to indulge in a juicy Jersey Burger, and we would like you to participate and share your beautiful burger photos here our Facebook. No reservations required.

Taste of Manasquan, Sunday, May 20th from 12pm-4pm. Sample a variety of cuisine from more than 20 local eateries. Live entertainment and free shuttle. To benefit the Manasquan Food Pantry and the Manasquan Chamber of Commerce. For more information, click or call 732-223-8303.

Taste of Evesham, Sunday, May 20th from 1pm-4pm on Main Street in Marlton. Sample amazing food from some of the best local restaurants. There will also be beer and wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, and live music. For more information, click here.

And Beyond…

Grand Tasting XVIII, Monday, May 21st Held at the Pleasantdale Chateau, West Orange, to benefit the Jersey Battered Women’s Service. This JBWS signature gala is a sampling of signature dishes prepared by notable local chefs and restaurants. The evening will also include a variety of spirits, raffles, and an auction. For tickets, click here.

An Evening in Memphis, Tuesday, May 22nd from 6pm-9pm. The Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape offers amateur chefs and food enthusiasts alike the opportunity to learn how to prepare three- and four-course dinners. Explore different sauces for pork, chicken and assorted sides, including slaws, biscuits and desserts. Savor the flavors of historic Beale Street BBQ joints with a sampling of dry and wet rub ribs. For fees and to register, call 609-343-4829, or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

Livingston Kings: Grand Re-Opening Celebration, Wednesday, May 23rd from 12pm-2pm. Join Chef Bill Zucosky, executive chef of Strip House at Livingston’s Westminster Hotel, as he creates a Kings-inspired twist on one of his signature dishes from noon to 2 pm. A portion of the day’s proceeds will benefit the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW). Click here for contact info and directions.

Balls with Attitude Competition, Thursday, May 24th from 6pm-8:30pm. Greater New Jersey Society for Healthcare Food Service culinary competition. Savory meat, vegetarian, futuristic, all balls qualify. For more information, click here.

Pizza Slaughterfest 2012, Saturday, May 26th from 10am-9pm. The annual Tony Baloney’s pizza eating competition and celebration with feature over 100 vendors, a beer garden, and live music. Tony Baloney’s in Atlantic City, a Jersey event not to miss. Click here for more information.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars, Sunday, May 27th. Join us for the first ever Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars! The top food trucks in town (and out of town) will be rolling in to serve up their delicious dishes and try to earn your vote for People’s Choice. JS Food Truck Wars

Wine Tasting Benefit, Friday, June 1st from 7pm-11pm. Stafford Township PBA and Rt. 72 Buy Rite Liquors present their annual wine tasting fundraiser, all proceeds benefit the Southern Regional Scholarship fund. There will be over 100 wines to taste, a buffet style dinner and unlimited draft beer. For more information, click here.

Garden State Beer Expo, Saturday, June 2nd. Two sessions: 12pm-3:30pm & 5:30pm-9pm. Come sample some of the best brews available in the great Garden State at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Tickets are available online or at Spirits Unlimited locations. Click here for more information.

22nd Annual SummerFest, Saturday, June 2nd from 11am-7pm. Point Pleasant Borough. Enjoy five bands and a huge childrens section. For adults there will be a beer and wine diamond complete with waitress service! More than 30 food vendors and 100 craft vendors will fill the park. Plus special performances by the local dance academy, boot camp instructor, childrens parade and more!

Apple Farm Arts & Music Festival, Saturday, June 2nd from 11:30am-8:30pm. Elmer, NJ. Enjoy live music on two stages, a variety of food vendors, and a beer/wine tent available, a juried crafts fair including ceramics, basket-weaving, jewelry and more plus fun children’s activities in a beautiful country setting. For more information, click here.

Jersey Shore Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 2nd & 3rd from 12pm-5pm. The BlueClaws host the annual wine fest at FirstEnergy Park. Sample a variety of award-winning wines from throughout New Jersey. Enjoy live musical entertainment throughout both days, crafters, vendors, and food, plus a play area for the kids. For more information, click here.

Cape May Restaurant Week, From June 3rd-June 10th. Known for its variety of fine dining experiences, from casual sit-down to formal dining, Cape May, NJ will showcase its best restaurants for the eight-day event, with restaurants offering fixed prices that make our culinary adventure both affordable and tempting. For more information, click here.

Opening Day: Ventnor International Farmers Market, Wednesday, June 6th from 3pm-7:30pm. St. James parking lot. In celebration of opening day there will be, in addition to local foods, arts & crafts, live broadcasting from 96.9, local musicians, demonstrations and a guest speaker. Please be green and bring your own shopping bag.

An Evening With George Taber, Friday, June 8th from 6pm-9:30pm. Unionville Vineyards. Tickets are $15 per guest and advance purchase of tickets is strongly recommended. George Taber is a wine expert and world famous author of the novel “Judgment of Paris”,  the book in which the movie “Bottle Shock” was based on. George will make a presentation about his first hand experience at the 1976 wine competition in France and offer a special wine tasting presentation with acclaimed winemaker Cameron Stark where they will make comparisons of wines grown in different wine regions around the world. For more information about this event, and for tickets, click here.

LBIfest 2012, Saturday, June 9th from 11am-6pm. A day-long event featuring local artists and crafters, retail vendors, family fun, live entertainment and delicious local eats from your favorite restaurants. Held at Bay View Park and Long Beach Township Municipal Complex. Click here for more information.

Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser, Saturday, June 9th from 5pm-10:30pm. Brady Life Camp in Pottersville, NJ. There will be a farm fresh meal catered, live entertainment, 50/50 and live and silent auctions. Proceeds go towards America’s Grow-a-Row’s mission to positively impact as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce. For more information and to be a sponsor, please visit: America’s Grow a Row

New Jersey Irish Festival, Sunday, June 10th. Join us for live entertainment on two different stages, Pipe & Drum Band Competition, Catholic Mass, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Irish Step Dancing, Family Activities, 50/50 Raffle and a full day of live Thoroughbred racing. 42nd Annual Irish Festival

Chef’s At The Shore, Thursday, June 21st from 5:30pm-9pm. Historic Gardner’s Basin. In conjunction with Professional Chefs Week, the fundraiser attracts local chefs from casino and regional restaurants. Enjoy some of the area’s finest foods. Proceeds from Chefs at the Shore benefit the Atlantic City Aquarium and the Professional Chefs Association (PCA), the latter of which uses the funds to support its education and scholarship programs. For more information, click here.

North Wildwood Italian American Festival, Friday-Sunday, June 22nd-24th. Friday: 4pm-10pm. Saturday: 10am-10pm. Sunday: 12pm-6pm. Takes place along Olde New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood. Annual celebration of Italian-American heritage, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Features vendors, food and live entertainment. FREE to attend!

BrewFest at the Ballpark, Saturday, June 23rd. Two sessions: 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10pm. Held at the Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium. There will be over 100 styles of beers to taste. There will be local, regional, national, and international brews. There will also be giveaways and a live broad casting from the WRAT. For more information and tickets, click here.

Blueberry Festival, Saturday, June 23rd from 10am-4pm. Celebrate all things BLUEBERRY at the 29th Annual Whitesbog Blueberry Festival. Great family fun. Enjoy blueberry picking, live country music, exhibits & demonstrations, lectures & tours, great food and an array of children’s activities. Enjoy the famous pie eating contest. Whites Bogs Road, Browns Mills, NJ. 609-893-4646

“Rythm at the Shore” Music Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 23rd & 24th. Formerly the Jazz and Blues Festival, this Point Pleasant Beach festival features great music, food and wine. This is an admission FREE event. Wine tasting at a nominal fee. For more information, click here.

Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival, July 26th-29th. Festival will enjoy four days of events, tastings and celebrity chef appearances that showcase the city’s abundant culinary offerings. www.acfoodandwine.com

Gary’s Wine + Marketplace – Beyond an Oenophile’s Haven

New Napa Technology Wine Dispensing System

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate gathering of food and wine writers at Gary’s Wine + Marketplace in Wayne, NJ.  The event was graciously hosted by Gary Fisch, the very engaging owner of the establishment bearing his name, who presented an overview of the facility’s wine operations and also its extensive liquor, beer and food presence.

There are three Gary’s Wine locations in northern New Jersey: the original in Madison, one in Bernardsville and the newest, flagship location in Wayne.  The 24,000 square feet location in Wayne has a European marketplace feel with over 3,000 wine bottle selections, a temperature-controlled wine room, a gourmet giftware department and an extensive specialty food assortment.

The wine selection might be overwhelming if not for the well-versed, helpful staff at Gary’s Wine.  There is an array of organic, biodynamic and Kosher wines to please every palate.  Wines are arranged by country of origin within the facility and many wines feature shelf talkers – tags denoting the wines’ characteristics and ratings – making it simple for wine enthusiasts of any knowledge grade to make informed purchasing decisions.

During our visit, the group had an opportunity to not only visit the gorgeous, climate-controlled wine room with its many cult classics, we had the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the temperature-controlled warehouse with its hundreds of wine cases.  The scope of the operations became clearer as we visited the shipping department charged with the daunting task of packing and sending thousands of cases of wine yearly.

The specialty food area, larger in size than many local delis, features over 150 fresh-cut cheeses and a selection of gourmet-prepared foods and meals to go.  There is even a flower shop where guests of the store will find high-quality flowers at moderate prices.

An exciting new tool at Gary’s Wine is the Napa Technology wine dispenser system in the wine bar area.  The week-old system allows the staff to pour samples of eight wines to patrons from opened bottles that will stay fresh-tasting for up to 60 days.

Wine might be king at Gary’s but the store offers an extensive selection of spirits, including a wide array of single-malt Scotch and single-barrel bourbon.  The ever popular craft beer is also prominently showcased at Gary’s with a 26-door cooler dedicated solely to beer.  The interest in beer has even urged the staff to create the “6-Pack of the Month” which features six, 12-ounce bottles in a 6-pack carrier of various beers ranging from small-batch craft to more popular labels.

Gary's Cheese Selection

Gary’s Wine has a web presence that accounts for about 10% of its business and growing.  Fisch considers the web his “4th and fastest growing store” and as such, the marketing team, headed by Sue Guerra, has invested in a new website with easy-to-maneuver navigation, rich specials and a food and wine pairing tool that will prove invaluable to online buyers.

Gary’s Wine + Marketplace is more than just a wine shop, it’s a food and wine destination where shoppers experience a friendly, knowledgeable staff, find interesting foods to serve at their next gathering and where wine is demystified to make buying a bottle exciting for connoisseurs and less daunting for newbies.  Make a visit to Gary’s Wine, the 2012 “Retailer of the Year” as chosen by Beverage Dynamics, part of your upcoming shopping plans.

Gary’s Wine + Marketplace

1308 Route 23 North, Wayne, NJ 07470

973-633-3900

www.garyswine.com

 

Cheers,

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

Here’s your hot restaurant buzz from Montclair!

Chef Michael Carrino, formerly of the acclaimed Restaurant Passionne, has decided to take the train! For the past several months Chef Michael Carrino, has been working on one of the most historic restaurant projects in New Jersey. The renowned chef plans to open his new restaurant concept this summer at Lackawanna Railroad Station, located at 1 Lackawanna Plaza. Visit Hot From The Kettle for more on the story, and  scenes from inside the station.
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Church Street has long been called  “the gem” of Montclair; blossoms, boutiques, benches, and great breakfast! But one thing seemed to be missing. Restaurant enthusiasts have often lamented – albeit secretly -the absence of a world class chef on this picturesque, pedestrian friendly street.  Gastronomes can now rejoice over the arrival of acclaimed chef, Patrick Pierre-Jerome. Chef Pierre is heading up the kitchen at Albert’s Montclair, the re-imagined site of Cafe Amici.   Unlike Cafe Amici, Albert’s Montclair offers a menu as diverse and inspired as Montclair itself.  Read more about the tasting on Hot From The Kettle.

In other restaurant news, some new openings to anticipate include the return of Lance Knowling’s Indigo Kitchen to Montclair, as well as Olive That! and More, a purveyor of fine olive oils and balsamic vinegars on Bellevue Ave. in Upper Montclair.  On Walnut Street, a quaint cafe/market, Le Salbuen, is due to open shortly, while right across the street, Red Eye Café is setting up shop!

And finally, we break from newsworthy content for a bit of foodie fantasy. Imagine! One chef, one week, and thirty-one courses.  Zod Arifai, the fascinating, rocker-turned-chef, invited me to dine at his restaurants, Blu, Next Door, and daryl – a Tour de Zod, if you will.  The dining experience left me, in a word: seduced.  In the afterglow, one question remained: how does this untrained culinary genius do it?  Read all about the extensive tasting on Hot From The Kettle!

 

 

 

 

 

Melody Kettle, owner and executive editor of Hot From The Kettle LLC, currently resides in Montclair with her husband and two children. She grew up in Bergen county, and spent most of her time beside her grandmother in the kitchen, where she developed a love for cooking, food, and entertaining.  After receiving a B.A. in English from Rutgers University, Melody attended Rutgers Law School where she earned a Juris Doctorate. In 2010 Melody began blogging and “vlogging” (video blogging), and in March of 2011she launched Hot From The Kettle®, One Steamy Wine & Food Destination.  Hot From The Kettle has established itself as the definitive on-line source for restaurant news and reviews in Montclair and surrounding areas.  Hot From The Kettle also publishes content such as culinary demonstrations, recipes, and methods that have attracted national and international interest.

Happy Memories of Mom’s Cooking

So much of what brings us back to our childhoods are the fond memories of the food we enjoyed growing up. Whether Mom was a gourmet cook or a casserole queen, her food was the best. When we asked our Editors to share their favorite memories of Mom’s cooking, the responses came fast and furious, a tribute to great Moms everywhere.  We’d love to hear from you in a comment below. What was your Mom’s best dish?

Heidi Raker, Bergen county:  My mother Marcia was a very good cook, even though my palette was pretty narrow as a kid.  My favorite meal was fried veal chops.  I’d help her bread the chops (seasoned flour, egg and breadcrumbs) and then once they were fried, she’d toss in sliced potatoes to crisp up in that flavored oil.  The smell of frying veal was intoxicating and I will never forget that crunchy, juicy goodness and chomping on those bones.  What a treat that was!  I loved being her sous chef and enjoy the same with my kids today.

Alison Heller, Cape May County: My mother had a cookbook titled “365 Ways to Cook Chicken.” Most meals were inspired by that book. Sometimes though, she would make my Grandfather’s homemade macaroni and cheese, letting me not-so-stealthily sneak cubes of Velveeta from the counter. When she served it, the cheese bubbled on top under a dark crust. As simple as it is, that macaroni and cheese recipe has always brought us together as a family.

 

Beth Christian, Burlington County: My mom got more into cooking once we were grown and she had more time to play around in the kitchen. She started relying less on convenience foods and started cooking different vegetables. She got me totally hooked on roasted beets (which I believe she learned about from one of Mark Bittman’s cookbooks). If you have grown up with those soggy jarred beets, give roasting a try.  Mom tops hers with a little crumbled Gorgonzola cheese-yum! Thanks, Mom!

Melissa Beveridge, Monmouth County: The smell of dumplings, frigadellas (aka German frikadellen), and mashed potatoes wafting out of the kitchen will always remind me of my mom and my grandma. Only about three dumplings actually ever made it to the table (we would have to “taste” them while she was cooking). The meal still brings back all those Sunday family dinners where we would just enjoy each other, and eat, a lot. Thanks for the memories and the recipes mom!

Kerry Brown, Burlington County: Everyone loves my Mom’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Prepared and cooked in a cast-iron skillet, it starts on the stove where the butter and brown sugar are melted together. This simple combination will transform during baking into a sweet and gooey caramelized topping on the finished cake. Golden pineapple slices are arranged on the bottom of the pan and a bright red maraschino cherry is popped into the center of each ring. Vanilla cake batter is poured over everything and then placed in the oven to bake.
When cool, the finished product is inverted onto a cake plate and slides easily out of the well-seasoned pan.  As a kid I was very impressed the first time I saw this . . . the ‘bottom’ of the cake is now the sweetly decorated top. Such a classic – simple, pretty and delicious!

Michelle Stavrou, Union County:  The dish my Mom is known for is her macaroni and cheese.  My brother has requested it more times than I can count and it’s become a staple at holiday gatherings.  There’s something about my Mom’s Macaroni and Cheese that makes it not just delicious, but comforting as well.  I have the recipe so I can recreate it whenever I want, but it never tastes quite as good as when my Mom makes it.

 

Veronique Deblois, Morris County:  My mom, Diane, is an amazing cook.  Growing up in Quebec, Canada, she cooked classic Quebecois dishes and added her creative spin on them.  While her style of cooking leans towards comfort, she often dresses up dishes to give them an upscale vibe.  One of my favorite meals made by mom is her mushroom stuffed whole filet of beef with mashed potatoes, peppercorn sauce and cauliflower au gratin. This became my birthday menu while a teen and I love it to this day.

Jennifer Malme, Cumberland County:  My mom’s cooking was very typical for the seventies – she was a casserole queen!  I remember coming home from school to the enticing aromas of scalloped potatoes, spinach gratin, lasagna, and stuffed peppers.  Her baked beans are still a family favorite!  Since my own family is so picky (they dislike “sauce”), I still go home to Mom when I want to enjoy the comfort food from my childhood.

 

Michele Errichetti, Atlantic County: Mom was a great  “everyday” cook, by that I mean she was a firm believer in eating a “balanced meal” every day, making it from scratch as much as possible. She wasn’t a gourmet cook, she made American food staples! Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and string beans with bread crumbs, roasted chicken with roasted potatoes and carrots, pork chops with sauteed cabbage, and apple sauce, t-bone steak with baked potato and broccoli, and every meal had a salad with oil and vinegar! She instilled cooking fresh food with fresh ingredients that I still adhere to till this day! Thank you Mom, I know you are listening!

Sheila Hill, Monmouth County: During the week, my mom would stick to basic, no-frills meals. On Sundays, however, she kicked it up a notch in the kitchen. I loved her Pennsylvania Dutch-style chicken pot pie. It’s not your typical chicken pot pie. There is no pie plate. No crust. It was similar to a thick soup. My mom would roast the chicken to perfection. While the chicken was roasting, she sauteed onions and celery and prepared the dough by combining flour, water, and an egg. I always helped roll out the dough and cut the squares. The combination of fresh chicken, a hearty broth, tender vegetables, and big, thick squares of dough was heavenly. I’ve tried many times to replicate the recipe, and but it never comes close to mom’s.

Terry Krongold, Passaic County: My Mom was a good cook but an excellent baker. All my baking skills I owe to her. To this day, I still bake some of my most cherished recipes from her. Her Apple Crumb Cake was always a staple at summer BBQs, and at Christmas, her Half Moons, Love Knots, and Crispeles were always on the table. But her most famous dessert was her cheesecake. This is the recipe I built my dessert catering business around, and the recipe people request most. Thanks, Mom!

Gina Glazier, Middlesex County: My mother was and still is a wonderful cook. She and my father raised both my brother and I pretty much in the kitchen! One of the best meals she ever made us was probably her chicken parmesan. Her marinara alone was enough to make me happy but when partnered with the pan-fried chicken cutlets and fresh melted mozzarella, it was outstanding. I distinctly recall always dipping my pieces of “mozz” into her sauce while it was simmering, which was like our appetizer course before the main meal was served. To this day, we spend most of our time together in the kitchen and because of her I truly feel the kitchen is the heart of my home. Thanks Mom!

John Howard-Fusco, Ocean County: Mom was a good cook, but she was an even better collector of recipes. She rarely, if ever, strayed one grain of salt more or less from what was written on the page. So as much as I want to give Mom a big smooch on the cheek for her oh so good lasagne, the person who created the recipe should get a smooch as well. That being said, Mom did a wonderful job recreating a stick-to-your-ribs, healthy-yeah-that’s-a-laugh lasagne that was always a family treat. And even now, when Mom makes lasagne when we visit, or if she brings it over to our house for dinner, it’s a gesture of love that will keep us together around the table for hours. Then again, we have no choice – we’re physically incapacitated after a slice or two. Thanks Mom.

Kate Morgan Jackson, Bergen County: My mother is the most adventurous cook I know!  As a kid, every morning I would stumble into the kitchen and there she would be, surrounded by cookbooks and planning dinner.  We grew up with sandwiches made from the sourdough starter that was always on our counter, and we knew the taste of frogs legs and stuffed grape leaves and scallion pancakes.  Back then, there were days when I wished I could just have peanut butter and jelly on Wonder Bread like all the other kids…today I realize that her exotic meals made me the enthusiastic eater that I am today.  This morning she is bringing her famous Irish scones that she and only she can make to our three generation Mother’s Day brunch…my mouth is watering already!  Love you, my amazing mother.

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor: My mother, Lonnie, was not a huge fan of cooking. Given the fact that she was a single mom, fixing dinner at the end of her work day just wasn’t high on her fun-things-to-do list. Now being a working mom myself, I totally get it. That is probably what made those days when she’d refrain from the Campbell’s Cream of something soup recipe and reach for her recipe book so special. My Brother and I had a few favorites which I still make today. Her lasagna was a dish I started making in High School. Her meatloaf comes from Better Homes and Garden and is a sure bet.  I think my love of cooking came from the smell of the house on those special days.

Princeton Bakers Head to L.A. for “Cupcake Champions”

A Princeton bakery is hoping to hold onto cupcake domination this week as they get set to compete on a brand new Food Network show called “Cupcake Champions.” Cupcake Wars champions Ron and Ruth Bzdewka from Princeton-based House of Cupcakes were invited back to compete in the five-episode arc that begins at 8 p.m. on May 13.

The show brings back 16 “Cupcake Wars” winners to compete for a $50,000 prize in a grand finale, very similar to how the recently-ended “Chopped Champions” was set up. The first four episodes will each have four bakeries competing, those episode winners will then compete in the fifth episode for the prize.

The Bzdewkas did not return calls for comment by press time and when reached earlier in the week, Ms. Bzdewka did not want to comment about the show because of contractual obligations.

The couple’s first win was in February 2011 when their Cirque du Soleil theme cupcakes took the top prize. They got to go to the album release party in Las Vegas for the Cirque du Soleil show, “Viva Elvis,” and serve their cupcakes. This time, they will be baking cupcakes to go with the theme of the smash Broadway musical “SPIDERMAN Turn Off the Dark.” Each episode of the show is divided into three rounds.

The first round is to bake three cupcakes using ingredients inspired by the show; one of the four bakeries will be eliminated. The second round focuses on cupcake decoration and at the end of the round another bakery will be eliminated leaving two to create a 1,000 cupcake display for the judges who will then decide who gets to continue into the grand finale to compete for the $50,000 prize.

In the series premiere, bakers use their “Spidey” senses to channel the famous superhero and be the star attraction at a VIP party for the hit Broadway show, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark.  The Bzdewka’s episode was filmed about three months ago in Los Angeles.

Episode two brings the lovable characters of DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted to life, with a special twist for the final two teams having their own Hollywood special effects designer to give their display some movie magic. In episode three, bakers aim to hit a high note with their school lunch-inspired cupcakes to serve at a wrap party for the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning show, Glee!

Episode four showcases the all-stars’ cupcakes for a party at Pixar Animation Studios, where bakers use Scottish-based ingredients inspired by the new Disney-Pixar movie BRAVE and create a royal castle filled with cupcakes.

In the star-studded finale, the champion bakers create a cupcake work of art inspired by the brightest Food Network stars. Guest judges (and Food Network Star regulars) Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson, who look for the “it” factor and the winner’s cupcake concoction is presented to Food Network Star mentors, Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay at the Food Network Cupakes! app for iPad launch party.

The show premieres with the Princeton bakers at 8 p.m. on May 13.

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.

 

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend And Beyond

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Garden State Brewfest, Saturday, May 12th from 2pm-6pm. Support your local community! Come on out to sample great beers from local breweries while supporting charities. Enjoy music from live local bands. For more information and tickets: Garden State Brewfest

Wine & Spirits Festival, Friday, May 11th from 6:30pm-9pm. Wine, spirits, appetizers and desserts will be held at Avalon Community Hall, 30th St and Avalon Ave, Avalon. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For ticket information, call Pat at 609-967-5647.

Riverfront Food & Wine Festival, Saturday, May 12th from 1pm-8pm. Riverfront Park, Pt. Pleasant Borough. Enjoy great food, wine tastings, cooking demos, live entertainment and more.

Spring Wine Festival at Unionville Vineyards, Saturday, May 12th from 12pm-5pm. Delicious food, cheese tasting, chocolate tasting, wine tasting, sangria tasting, complimentary wine seminars, vineyard tours, winery tours, children’s train rides, pony rides, craft vendors, local product artisans, flower pot painting, live music with Meatloaf’s CC Coletti and Anthony Krizan of the Spin Doctors.  For more information about this event click here.

Art & Music Festival – Toms River Food Fest, Saturday, May 12th from 12pm-9pm. This will be an amazing outdoor festival with food vendors/demos, Beer & Wine Garden – all celebrating live music, visual arts and fine crafts of our region. Held in downtown Toms River at Huddy Park and 1 Washington Street. For more information, click here.

Clam Bake For Two: A Cooking Class, Saturday, May 12th at 11:30am. Phillips Seafood, Pier Shops at Caesars Atlantic City will host a cooking class which includes a chef demo, wine, lunch and a swag bag to go. Call 609-348-2273 for reservations and more information.

Men Who Cook, Saturday, May 12th at 3pm. WSPC Fellowship Hall, Princeton. Enjoy great food prepared by local chefs, buffet style. Take out is also available! For tickets ($25 for adults; $12 for children under 12) contact the church office at 609-924-1666.

Herb Class, Saturday, May 12th at 10:30am. Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Pam Mount talks about culinary herbs used in cooking, and how to set up an herb garden, and how to harvest and use herbs. Rain or shine. To register, call 609-924-2310.

Jim Weaver Book Signing, Saturday, May 12th at 2pm. Barnes & Noble, Princeton Marketfair 609-897-9250.  Jim Weaver, author of ‘Locavore Adventures: One Chef’s Slow Food Journey’ and owner/ chef at  Tre Piani Restaurant in Plainsboro, will be having a book signing event.

Beltane Festival at Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, Sunday, May 13th at 1pm. Milford, NJ. Watch the cows grazing in the field while you feast on roast suckled veal, pastured poultry, winter and spring vegetables, cheese, and other gleanings. A tent will be set up, and there will be ales from the Ship Inn and elsewhere. For more information, call 908-86-GRASS or e-mail [email protected].

Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend, Saturday & Sunday, May 12th & 13th. At participating wineries across the state. Many New Jersey wineries will offer a special wine tasting during this trail weekend; a perfect way to spend time with Mom. For trail maps, click here.

Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 13th. Take a look at this great article showcasing some Mother’s Day Brunches Across New Jersey.

And Beyond…

Forks & Corks: A Culinary Experience, Monday, May 14th at 7pm (6pm for VIP). Jersey City. This exciting new culinary event with Host Chef Chris Siversen, will include some of New Jersey’s most popular restaurants preparing delicious bites alongside unique wine and cocktail pairings. Proceeds from the event will go to support critical programs and services for people living locally affected by multiple sclerosis and to help fund research to find a cure for MS. For tickets and more information, click here.

Green Solutions Conference for the Restaurant Industry, Tuesday, May 15th from 9am-12pm (Breakfast at 8am). Informative conference where industry experts will discuss how to make sustainability part of your culture, the cost of doing nothing, practical green solutions for small and large operations, and how to implement a “buy local” produce plan and green-influenced kitchen design. For more information, click here.

Winemaker’s Dinner, Wednesday, May 16th. Enjoy a five-course meal paired with wines from Ramey Wine Cellars. Please call for reservations and more information; 609-921-0153.

Wine and Whiskers, Thursday, May 17th from 7pm-9:30pm. Join Companion Animal Advocates for an evening of wine tasting, fabulous food, great prizes and more at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. You will have the opportunity to order your favorite wines from the evening at the event discounted price, and CAA will receive a generous donation for each bottle ordere, courtesy of Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirit World. For tickets or more information, click here

Pig Roast at the Vineyard, Friday, May 18th from 6pm-9pm. Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ. Succulent portly roasted pig with hors d’ oeuvres and a buffet provided by Ol’ West BBQ.  Dinner includes an assortment of Unionville’s classic wines.  A walk in the vineyard will be guided by acclaimed winemaker, Cameron Stark.  He will explain how vine are nurtured and tended throughout the year.  Live entertainment will be provided by singer, song writer John Sonntag.Tickets are $75 per guest and must be purchased in advance.For more information click or call the winery at 908-788-0400.

Shot@Life Fundraiser, Friday, May 18th from 7pm-10pm. MOMS Club of Middletown-South will be raising funds to benefit Shot@Life at the Red Oak Diner & Lounge in Hazlet. The benefit will feature appetizers and desserts, cash bar and an amazing auction. Click here for more information.

Taste of Revel, Friday-Sunday, May 18th-20th. Revel Resorts, Atlantic City. Presented by FOOD & WINE and created in partnership with TRAVEL + LEISURE. This three-day epicurean extravaganza will feature exclusive experiences developed specifically for the 6.3-million-square-foot beachfront destination. For more information, click here.

Chili & Salsa Cook-Off, Saturday, May 19th from 11am-5pm. Come to one of the biggest events in Downtown Toms River to taste tons of chili and salsa. There will be live entertainment, vendors and crafts. For more information: Chili & Salsa Cook-Off

Beer vs. Wine, Saturday, May 19th from 7pm-11pm. Held at Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk Hall, this one of a kind event is a concept created to solve that age old question: Beer or Wine, which is the ultimate beverage and how do they pair with delicious foods? 15 American craft breweries and 15 American wineries will be showcased, all complementing  Atlantic City’s finest restaurants. For more information, click here.

11th Annual “Wine and Wildlife” Festival, Saturday, May 19th from 4:30pm-8pm. Enjoy a wine tasting featuring over 2 dozen different wineries, a beer sampling consisting of microbrews and a gourmet ‘picnic’ dinner. Hosted at the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, guests are given the opportunity to meet the ‘animal ambassadors,’ wander through the wildlife housing area, and enjoy the beauty of the Pinelands in the spring. There will be live music as well as several artists displaying their ‘nature-themed’ work at the Nature Center. For more information, click here.

South Jersey Food Swap, Saturday, May 19th from 3pm-5pm at The Sweet Life Bakery in Vineland. Swap goodies with some foodie friends. Swapping homemade, home grown, or foraged items. For more information, click here.

Glassboro Vintage South Jersey Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, May 19th & 20th from 12pm-5pm. The South Jersey Tourism Corp. and Glassboro Marketplace are proud to present the first ever wine festival featuring Outer Coastal Plain wines exclusively! This event is held on Rowan Boulevard. For more information and tickets, click here.

6th Annual Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival, Sunday, May 20th from 11am-5pm. Tuckerton Seaport. Kick off the summer with the down home sounds of bluegrass and the sweet smell of barbecue. Crafters, vendors, food, refreshments, family activities, demonstrations, decoy carvers, boat building and boat rides. For more information, call 609-296-8868.

Taste of Manasquan, Sunday, May 20th from 12pm-4pm. Sample a variety of cuisine from more than 20 local eateries. Live entertainment and free shuttle. To benefit the Manasquan Food Pantry and the Manasquan Chamber of Commerce. For more information, click or call 732-223-8303.

Taste of Evesham, Sunday, May 20th from 1pm-4pm on Main Street in Marlton. Sample amazing food from some of the best local restaurants. There will also be beer and wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, and live music. For more information, click here.

An Evening in Memphis, Tuesday, May 22nd from 6pm-9pm. The Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape offers amateur chefs and food enthusiasts alike the opportunity to learn how to prepare three- and four-course dinners. Explore different sauces for pork, chicken and assorted sides, including slaws, biscuits and desserts. Savor the flavors of historic Beale Street BBQ joints with a sampling of dry and wet rub ribs. For fees and to register, call 609-343-4829, or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

Balls with Attitude Competition, Thursday, May 24th from 6pm-8:30pm. Greater New Jersey Society for Healthcare Food Service culinary competition. Savory meat, vegetarian, futuristic, all balls qualify. For more information, click here.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars, Sunday, May 27th. Join us for the first ever Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars! The top food trucks in town (and out of town) will be rolling in to serve up their delicious dishes and try to earn your vote for People’s Choice. JS Food Truck Wars

Wine Tasting Benefit, Friday, June 1st from 7pm-11pm. Stafford Township PBA and Rt. 72 Buy Rite Liquors present their annual wine tasting fundraiser, all proceeds benefit the Southern Regional Scholarship fund. There will be over 100 wines to taste, a buffet style dinner and unlimited draft beer. For more information, click here.

Garden State Beer Expo, Saturday, June 2nd. Two sessions: 12pm-3:30pm & 5:30pm-9pm. Come sample some of the best brews available in the great Garden State at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Tickets are available online or at Spirits Unlimited locations. Click here for more information.

22nd Annual SummerFest, Saturday, June 2nd from 11am-7pm. Point Pleasant Borough. Enjoy five bands and a huge childrens section. For adults there will be a beer and wine diamond complete with waitress service! More than 30 food vendors and 100 craft vendors will fill the park. Plus special performances by the local dance academy, boot camp instructor, childrens parade and more!

Jersey Shore Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 2nd & 3rd from 12pm-5pm. The BlueClaws host the annual wine fest at FirstEnergy Park. Sample a variety of award-winning wines from throughout New Jersey. Enjoy live musical entertainment throughout both days, crafters, vendors, and food, plus a play area for the kids. For more information, click here.

Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser, Saturday, June 9th from 5pm-10:30pm. Brady Life Camp in Pottersville, NJ. There will be a farm fresh meal catered, live entertainment, 50/50 and live and silent auctions. Proceeds go towards America’s Grow-a-Row’s mission to positively impact as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce. For more information and to be a sponsor, please visit: America’s Grow a Row

42nd Annual New Jersey Irish Festival, Sunday, June 10th. Join us for live entertainment on two different stages, Pipe & Drum Band Competition, Catholic Mass, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Irish Step Dancing, Family Activities, 50/50 Raffle and a full day of live Thoroughbred racing. Irish Festival

Chef’s At The Shore, Thursday, June 21st from 5:30pm-9pm. Historic Gardner’s Basin. In conjunction with Professional Chefs Week, the fundraiser attracts local chefs from casino and regional restaurants. Enjoy some of the area’s finest foods. Proceeds from Chefs at the Shore benefit the Atlantic City Aquarium and the Professional Chefs Association (PCA), the latter of which uses the funds to support its education and scholarship programs. For more information, click here.

BrewFest at the Ballpark, Saturday, June 23rd. Two sessions: 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10pm. Held at the Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium. There will be over 100 styles of beers to taste. There will be local, regional, national, and international brews. There will also be giveaways and a live broad casting from the WRAT. For more information and tickets, click here.

“Rythm at the Shore” Music Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 23rd & 24th. Formerly the Jazz and Blues Festival, this Point Pleasant Beach festival features great music, food and wine. This is an admission FREE event. Wine tasting at a nominal fee. For more information, click here.

Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival, July 26th-29th. Festival will enjoy four days of events, tastings and celebrity chef appearances that showcase the city’s abundant culinary offerings. www.acfoodandwine.com

May is Riesling Month in the Finger Lakes

Photo Courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Country.

By Veronique Deblois

Being a fan of Riesling, I’m excited about May being Riesling Month.  Being a huge fan of Finger Lakes Rieslings, I’m excited to have yet another reason to sample some of my favorites and some new finds for the next month.

Finger Lakes Wine Country wineries continue to be recognized globally for their award-winning Rieslings.  For those of you who think Riesling equal overly sweet wine, here are some good news – there are fabulous dry, food-friendly Rieslings from the Finger Lakes!  Finger Lakes Rieslings fall into three main categories of sweetness: dry, semi-dry and late harvest, the sweet ‘dessert’ wine some, including me, enjoy.

Below are some favorite Rieslings from the region:

  • Anthony Road Wine Company – 2011 Dry Riesling ($15.99).  Floral aromas, citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
  • Dr Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars – Château Frank Célèbre ($20), a crisp sparkling Riesling.
  • Hermann J Wiemer Vineyard – 2009 Late Harvest Riesling ($23):  Mouthful of honey and ripe green apple.
  • Heron Hill Winery – 2009 Ingle Vineyard Riesling ($20).  Single vineyard wine with nutmeg and citrus aromas and crisp line flavors.
  • Red Newt Cellars – Dry Riesling Reserve ($22) and Red Newt Circle Riesling ($13).  Circle Riesling is award-winning and delicious.
  • Red Tail Ridge – 2009 Dry Riesling, Estate Grown ($19).  Floral nose with ginger, Meyer lemon flavors.

Here are some of our favorite New Jersey wine shops:

Gary’s Wine – Bernardsville, Madison and Wayne

Cool Vines – Westfield

Princeton Corkscrew – Princeton

Joe Canal’s – Multiple locations in South Jersey

Tewksbury Fine Wine & Spirits – Oldwick

Wine Works – Marlton

Passion Vines – Somers Point

Hops and Grapes – Glassboro

Spirits Unlimited  – Point Pleasant Beach

For those of you on Twitter, join the Riesling conversation by sharing your wine thoughts with others via hashtag #rieslingmonth.  For those on Facebook, please share with Jersey Bites on its Facebook wall.

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

 

Nothing Small About Revel’s Amada in Atlantic City


Amada, a tapas or “small plate” restaurant which recently opened at the Revel in Atlantic City is big on flavor with an impressive selection of traditional and not so traditional Spanish fare. According to Amada’s website, the term Tapas goes back to the 13th century Castilian King, Alfonso the Wise, who attributed his recovery from illness to small bites of food in between meals with wine. The dining room with breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and fabulous New Jersey beach is the perfect addition to the staggering amount of top notch restaurant choices available in Atlantic City. Amada’s Chef, Jose Garces, of Chicago and Philadelphia has also opened a Guapos Taco truck and Distrito Cantina both with Spanish flavors and relaxed atmosphere on the casino floor at Revel as well as Village Whiskey the popular go-to-place in Philadelphia noted for burgers and fries done in duck fat that taste amazing. Chef Garces even has his own 40- acre sustainable farm outside Philadelphia where he grows much of the produce for his area restaurants.

Amada’s rustic wood ceiling, tables and chairs contrasted by modern booths with globe lights wrapped in metal cocoon-like shells provide a warm, hip dining area. The open  kitchen lets the diner view the line whipping up plate after plate of delicious entrees served hot by an attentive staff that moves stealthily from table to kitchen and back again catering to your every need. The wait staff were extremely knowledgeable and offered suggestions to make the experience of navigating the many small plate choices complement one another. Did I mention the plates are as visually stunning as they taste? All the food is served family style, by that I mean in the middle of the table for all to taste and share. You might want to make it clear from the beginning that what you ordered is yours alone, before the others get at it. Trust me they will if they are anything like my family and friends.

The server brought out a complimentary basket of flatbread with Tuna Caper Mayo that quickly disappeared and we decided on a couple traditional tapas appetizers to start. Gambas Al Ajillo, Garlic shrimp came out in a sizzling iron cooking crock plump and full of garlicky goodness, next out were the Patatas Bravas, Spicy potatoes with smoked paprika aioli, who doesn’t like potatoes and these were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of kick from the paprika. We all agreed to the salad Ensalada Verde, finely chopped arugula and endive with fava, green beans and asparagus and shaved Manchego cheese curls (my new cheese to buy) tossed in a sherry vinaigrette that included avocado which made for a slightly creamy texture.  The salad was a smash and something I would love to be able to recreate for my own table. The taste is unforgettable! I know all this for a salad, try it and you will understand. After the salad it was a whirlwind of gastronomic ecstasy. I don’t remember everything, it happened so fast. Good thing I took notes.

Habas a la Catalana, warm fava and lima bean salad, Alcachofas ala Parmesana, perfectly fried artichokes encrusted in parmesan cheese, Setas, sautéed wild mushrooms in season, Esparragos con truffas, grilled asparagus with a poached egg perched on top and Mahon crisp with truffles in a decadent béarnaise like sauce to finish. Beautiful and sexy. The meat for everyone was A La Plancha, from the grill, lamb chops cooked till just pink enough with grill marks to die for. Plump and juicy and three dipping sauces,Romanesco, Basil Apple Chimichuri, and a Whisky based puree with red peppers.The sauces were not even needed but eaten with a spoon, shh, don’t tell!

We basked in the glow of a meal well prepared and enjoyed contemplating how to finish the night with just the right dessert to complement such a beautifully satisfying meal. We decided on the light as a feather Donuts with cinnamon sugar and filled with orange vanilla custard with a honey dipping sauce and dollop of Banana Saffron Ice Cream and Crema Catalana,vanilla custard with caramel and pine nuts. Do not miss the donuts! I have never tasted a donut that light in my life, I don’t think there could possibly be any calories in them…really!

I highly recommend taking a big bite out of Amada and the many other fantastic restaurants created by Jose Garces as well as checking out the Revel. It is an amazing addition to the landscape of Atlantic City.

For more pictures from my evening, check out our album on Facebook.

500 Boardwalk
Revel Beach
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

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.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Jersey style


You don’t need a Mexican background to love guacamole, carne asada, and margaritas. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a holiday commemorating a victorious Mexican battle, this Saturday at one of these Jersey Bites-recommended restaurants:

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Las Lomas Fresh Mexican Grille at Landis Marketplace will host a Cinco de Mayo festival Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. featuring food, music, and dancing. (631 East Landis Ave., Vineland, 856-238-4445)

For an extensive selection of authentic Mexican cuisine, try Fiesta Mexicana. The restaurant’s diner-like menu offers salsa verde, guacamole, pico de gallo, and more. It’s on the way to and from southern shore points for those traveling Route 206 to the Atlantic City Expressway. To top it off, Fiesta Mexicana offers free WiFi. (327 12th St., Hammonton, 609-704-1611, www.fiestamexicana-nj.com)

BERGEN COUNTY

For a hole-in-the-wall vibe and authentic Mexican cuisine, try La Batalla. (83 North Washington Ave., Bergenfield, 201-385-0303)

Another Bergen County hotspot is Pancho’s Burritos. (214 Main St., New Milford, 201-225-2554, www.panchosburritos.net)

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Living up to its name, the Mexican Food Factory is always packed — especially for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. (601 Route 70 West, Marlton, 856-983-9222)

CAMDEN COUNTY

At the Mexican-influenced Tortilla Press Cantina, don’t miss the Nachos Lydia, an appetizer of crispy tostadas topped with beans, cheese, guacamole, and more. The Achiote Fish Tacos are another favorite. (7716 Maple Ave., Merchantville, 856-356-2050, www.tortillapresscantina.com)

The Tortilla Press is the Cantina’s BYOB counterpart. (703 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, 856-869-3345, www.thetortillapress.com)

At Los Amigos, try the crab and shrimp enchiladas. In the summer, check out the restaurant’s Farm to Fork menu. (461 Route 73 N, West Berlin, 856-767-5216, www.losamigosrest.com) The restaurant also has an Atlantic City location.

CAPE MAY COUNTY

El Portal offers make your own margaritas (BYOB) and, on Wednesdays, a live mariachi band that strolls the restaurant taking requests. (3704 Bayshore Rd., North Cape May, 609-886-1169)

If burritos are your bag, don’t miss Big Wave Burrito. (1400 Texas Ave., Cape May, 609-898-8646)

ESSEX COUNTY

Senorita’s Mexican Grill serves up a festive atmosphere every day of the week. (285 Glenwood Ave., Bloomfield, 973-743-0099, www.senoritasmexicangrill.com) The restaurant also has a Clark location.

HUDSON COUNTY

Try Taqueria for authentic, BYOB Mexican food. (236 Grove St., 201-333-3220)

For a traditional Mexican feast, including mango margaritas, visit Baja. (117 Montgomery St., Jersey City, 201-915-0062, www.bajamexicancuisine.com) The restaurant also has a Hoboken location.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

When most of the clientele doesn’t speak English, that’s a clue you’re in an true Mexican haunt. That’s the atmosphere at La Tapatia. Beef lovers shouldn’t miss the bistec alambre topped with peppers, onions, and melted cheese and served with fresh corn tortillas, rice, refried beans, and guacamole. Mangoes are peeled to order for the restaurant’s mango margarita. (707 Main St., Asbury Park, 732-776-7826)

Langosta Lounge, another Asbury Park destination, has been gearing up for Cinco de Mayo all week. With sunny weather expected
tomorrow, their beach front location will be the perfect spot for margaritas and more. Be sure to try their Langosta-rita, fresh lime, Organic Agave Nectar and Blanco Tequila with a splash of Ruby Red Grapefruit.  (1000 Ocean Avenue at 2nd Avenue, Asbury Park. 732-455-3275)

MORRIS COUNTY

Relatively new to the Mexican scene, La Estacion serves up chunky guacamole, fish tacos, and crispy tostadas. (94 Elm St., Morristown, 973-538-1111)

Christina Hernandez Sherwood‘s culinary goal is the perfect pasta dish — and she tracks her kitchen exploits on the Italian food blog, Spaghetti & Meatballs. When she’s not elbow-deep in fresh pasta dough, Christina enjoys the restaurant scene in her Collingswood neighborhood. As a full-time freelance writer, Christina’s work has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, New Jersey Monthly, SmartPlanet, and many other publications. She’s also a college journalism instructor. Christina tweets as @tinahernandez.

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend And Beyond

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Big Brew Beer Festival, Friday & Saturday, May 4th & 5th. 3 Sessions: Friday, 7-11pm. Saturday, 12-4pm & 6-10pm. Held at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset. Enjoy great food, music, live entertainment, games, and of course, BEER! There will also be a mechanical bull and a mariachi band. For tickets and more information, click here.

Carol’s Creative Chocolatez, Saturday, May 5th from 2pm-4pm. Bound brook Memorial Library. If you love chocolate join us for this fun and tasty presentation. Carol Freedman, an award winning chocolatier, will discuss the history of chocolate and talk about where it comes from, where it grows, and how it is processed into what we call ‘chocolate.’ Carol will also be making some delicious chocolate nut bark and other delectable delights that attendees will be able to sample. Call 732-356-0043 to register.

Spring Craft Beer Fest, Saturday, May 5th from 2:30pm-6:30pm. High Street Grill, Mount Holly. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican food, live music and great craft beer. For more information, click here.

Wines of the World Fundraiser, Saturday, May 5th at 7pm. South Orange, NJ. A wine tasting fundraiser for the Kindersmile Foundation. A silent auction will take place along with entertainment from Hunter Hayes. For more information, click here.

Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting, Saturday, May 5th at 1pm. Taste, Tour, Vote! Historic properties and B&B inns are vying for Cape May’s Chocolate Champion title and you’re the judge.  Visit each competitor’s property, sample their signature chocolate dessert and vote for your favorites. For tickets and more information, click here.

Beer, Cheese and Chocolate Party, Saturday & Sunday, May 5th & 6th. Chocolate Lovers’ Club, Princeton. Come all you beer lovers, cheese lovers and chocolate lovers. We’ve included everyone’s favorite food groups in this 2 hour tasting extravaganza. Delicious appetizers provided and a cooking demo is included. This event is BYOB, so please bring some beer (preferably local) to pair with our cheese and chocolate. This is a great opportunity to support New Jersey breweries. Here is a great list of New Jersey breweries and brewpubs from New Jersey Craft Beer. To purchase your tickets call 609-851-0660.

Red Bank International Flavour Festival, Sunday, May 6th from 12pm-7pm. Twenty-five of Red Banks finest restaurants will be serving international favorites outdoors at the event. They will also feature international beer, wine and great entertainment on two stages. Family Friendly! For more information, click here.

And Beyond…

Beer Sommelier Basic Training Event, Monday, May 7th. Morris Tap & Grill , New Jersey Craft Beer and Civilization Of Beer education consulting are teaming up to hold a one day intensive workshop for beer servers, sellers and bartenders, and others who have an interest in learning about beer across the state. Great opportunity! For more information, click here.

Garden State Brewfest, Saturday, May 12th from 2pm-6pm. Support your local community! Come on out to sample great beers from local breweries while supporting charities. Enjoy music from live local bands. For more information and tickets: Garden State Brewfest

Riverfront Food & Wine Festival, Saturday, May 12th from 1pm-8pm. Riverfront Park, Pt. Pleasant Borough. Enjoy great food, wine tastings, cooking demos, live entertainment and more.

Spring Wine Festival at Unionville Vineyards, Saturday, May 12th from 12pm-5pm. Delicious food, cheese tasting, chocolate tasting, wine tasting, sangria tasting, complimentary wine seminars, vineyard tours, winery tours, children’s train rides, pony rides, craft vendors, local product artisans, flower pot painting, live music with Meatloaf’s CC Coletti and Anthony Krizan of the Spin Doctors.  For more information about this event click here.

Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend, Saturday & Sunday, May 12th & 13th. At participating wineries across the state. Many New Jersey wineries will offer a special wine tasting during this trail weekend; a perfect way to spend time with Mom. For trail maps, click here.

Forks & Corks: A Culinary Experience, Monday, May 14th at 7pm (6pm for VIP). Jersey City. This exciting new culinary event with Host Chef Chris Siversen, will include some of New Jersey’s most popular restaurants preparing delicious bites alongside unique wine and cocktail pairings. Proceeds from the event will go to support critical programs and services for people living locally affected by multiple sclerosis and to help fund research to find a cure for MS. For tickets and more information, click here.

Green Solutions Conference for the Restaurant Industry, Tuesday, May 15th from 9am-12pm (Breakfast at 8am). Informative conference where industry experts will discuss how to make sustainability part of your culture, the cost of doing nothing, practical green solutions for small and large operations, and how to implement a “buy local” produce plan and green-influenced kitchen design. For more information, click here.

Winemaker’s Dinner, Wednesday, May 16th. Enjoy a five-course meal paired with wines from Ramey Wine Cellars. Please call for reservations and more information; 609-921-0153.

Wine and Whiskers, Thursday, May 17th from 7pm-9:30pm. Join Companion Animal Advocates for an evening of wine tasting, fabulous food, great prizes and more at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. You will have the opportunity to order your favorite wines from the evening at the event discounted price, and CAA will receive a generous donation for each bottle ordere, courtesy of Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirit World. For tickets or more information, click here

Pig Roast at the Vineyard, Friday, May 18th from 6pm-9pm. Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ. Succulent portly roasted pig with hors d’ oeuvres and a buffet provided by Ol’ West BBQ.  Dinner includes an assortment of Unionville’s classic wines.  A walk in the vineyard will be guided by acclaimed winemaker, Cameron Stark.  He will explain how vine are nurtured and tended throughout the year.  Live entertainment will be provided by singer, song writer John Sonntag.Tickets are $75 per guest and must be purchased in advance.For more information click or call the winery at 908-788-0400.

Taste of Revel, Friday-Sunday, May 18th-20th. Revel Resorts, Atlantic City. Presented by FOOD & WINE and created in partnership with TRAVEL + LEISURE. This three-day epicurean extravaganza will feature exclusive experiences developed specifically for the 6.3-million-square-foot beachfront destination. For more information, click here.

Chili & Salsa Cook-Off, Saturday, May 19th from 11am-5pm. Come to one of the biggest events in Downtown Toms River to taste tons of chili and salsa. There will be live entertainment, vendors and crafts. For more information: Chili & Salsa Cook-Off

Beer vs. Wine, Saturday, May 19th from 7pm-11pm. Held at Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk Hall, this one of a kind event is a concept created to solve that age old question: Beer or Wine, which is the ultimate beverage and how do they pair with delicious foods? 15 American craft breweries and 15 American wineries will be showcased, all complementing  Atlantic City’s finest restaurants. For more information, click here.

Glassboro Vintage South Jersey Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, May 19th & 20th from 12pm-5pm. The South Jersey Tourism Corp. and Glassboro Marketplace are proud to present the first ever wine festival featuring Outer Coastal Plain wines exclusively! This event is held on Rowan Boulevard. For more information and tickets, click here.

6th Annual Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival, Sunday, May 20th from 11am-5pm. Tuckerton Seaport. Kick off the summer with the down home sounds of bluegrass and the sweet smell of barbecue. Crafters, vendors, food, refreshments, family activities, demonstrations, decoy carvers, boat building and boat rides. For more information, call 609-296-8868.

An Evening in Memphis, Tuesday, May 22nd from 6pm-9pm. The Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape offers amateur chefs and food enthusiasts alike the opportunity to learn how to prepare three- and four-course dinners. Explore different sauces for pork, chicken and assorted sides, including slaws, biscuits and desserts. Savor the flavors of historic Beale Street BBQ joints with a sampling of dry and wet rub ribs. For fees and to register, call 609-343-4829, or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

Balls with Attitude Competition, Thursday, May 24th from 6pm-8:30pm. Greater New Jersey Society for Healthcare Food Service culinary competition. Savory meat, vegetarian, futuristic, all balls qualify. For more information, click here.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars, Sunday, May 27th. Join us for the first ever Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars! The top food trucks in town (and out of town) will be rolling in to serve up their delicious dishes and try to earn your vote for People’s Choice. JS Food Truck Wars

Wine Tasting Benefit, Friday, June 1st from 7pm-11pm. Stafford Township PBA and Rt. 72 Buy Rite Liquors present their annual wine tasting fundraiser, all proceeds benefit the Southern Regional Scholarship fund. There will be over 100 wines to taste, a buffet style dinner and unlimited draft beer. For more information, click here.

Garden State Beer Expo, Saturday, June 2nd. Two sessions: 12pm-3:30pm & 5:30pm-9pm. Come sample some of the best brews available in the great Garden State at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Tickets are available online or at Spirits Unlimited locations. Click here for more information.

22nd Annual SummerFest, Saturday, June 2nd from 11am-7pm. Point Pleasant Borough. Enjoy five bands and a huge childrens section. For adults there will be a beer and wine diamond complete with waitress service! More than 30 food vendors and 100 craft vendors will fill the park. Plus special performances by the local dance academy, boot camp instructor, childrens parade and more!

Jersey Shore Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 2nd & 3rd from 12pm-5pm. The BlueClaws host the annual wine fest at FirstEnergy Park. Sample a variety of award-winning wines from throughout New Jersey. Enjoy live musical entertainment throughout both days, crafters, vendors, and food, plus a play area for the kids. For more information, click here.

Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser, Saturday, June 9th from 5pm-10:30pm. Brady Life Camp in Pottersville, NJ. There will be a farm fresh meal catered, live entertainment, 50/50 and live and silent auctions. Proceeds go towards America’s Grow-a-Row’s mission to positively impact as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce. For more information and to be a sponsor, please visit: America’s Grow a Row

42nd Annual New Jersey Irish Festival, Sunday, June 10th. Join us for live entertainment on two different stages, Pipe & Drum Band Competition, Catholic Mass, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Irish Step Dancing, Family Activities, 50/50 Raffle and a full day of live Thoroughbred racing. Irish Festival

Chef’s At The Shore, Thursday, June 21st from 5:30pm-9pm. Historic Gardner’s Basin. In conjunction with Professional Chefs Week, the fundraiser attracts local chefs from casino and regional restaurants. Enjoy some of the area’s finest foods. Proceeds from Chefs at the Shore benefit the Atlantic City Aquarium and the Professional Chefs Association (PCA), the latter of which uses the funds to support its education and scholarship programs. For more information, click here.

BrewFest at the Ballpark, Saturday, June 23rd. Two sessions: 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10pm. Held at the Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium. There will be over 100 styles of beers to taste. There will be local, regional, national, and international brews. There will also be giveaways and a live broad casting from the WRAT. For more information and tickets, click here.

“Rythm at the Shore” Music Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 23rd & 24th. Formerly the Jazz and Blues Festival, this Point Pleasant Beach festival features great music, food and wine. This is an admission FREE event. Wine tasting at a nominal fee. For more information, click here.

Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival, July 26th-29th. Festival will enjoy four days of events, tastings and celebrity chef appearances that showcase the city’s abundant culinary offerings. www.acfoodandwine.com

Girls Night Out – Culinary Demo with Ariane Duarte at Meadowlands Racetrack

Ariane Duarte, former Top Chef contestant and owner of CulinAriane in Montclair,  will be hosting a culinary demo at the Meadowlands Racetrack in honor of the 138th Kentucky Derby, May 5th. Receive $15 off the ticket (see below). The festivities start at 4PM and include a $5 betting voucher as well as a How To Bet lesson with a top female handicapper.

Tickets can be purchased here, be sure to enter the code HATSOFF to receive $15 off. http://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/girls-night-out-at-the-kentucky-derby

Tickets Include:
• Cooking demo & food sampling
• Cocktail in souvenir mint julep glass
• Derby t-shirt
• Betting basics with a top female handicapper
• $5 Derby bet
• Pegasus admission, Kentucky Derby program

Mother’s Day Brunches Across New Jersey

Mothers day brunch restaurants New JerseyMother’s Day brunch seems to have become a tradition for many families. (Personally, I think a cruise for Mother’s Day would be a more appropriate tradition. Who’s with me?) I’m pretty sure I saw all the moms raise their hands.  While I work on overhauling our Mother’s Day celebration guidelines, we’ve got some great restaurant suggestions for brunch on Mom’s special day.  We’ve started the list.  You finish it. We welcome restaurateurs who are offering Mother’s Day Brunches and Dinners to leave a comment with the details for your restaurant.

B2 Bistro Point Pleasant Beach – 709 Arnold Avenue,Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (732-295-0709).
5 Seatings
https://www.b2bistro.com/point-pleasant-beach-mothers-day-brunch.html

B2 Bistro Red Bank – 141 Shrewsbury Ave. Red Bank, NJ (732) 268-8555
https://www.b2bistro.com/red-bank-mothers-day-brunch.html

Bibi’z Restaurant – 284 Center Avenue, Westwood, NJ (201-722-8600)
Mother’s Day Brunch – 10:00AM – 3:30PM on Sunday, May 13
Price:  $35 for adults (includes unlimited mimosa/bloody mary cocktails), $15 for kids 12 and under, and no charge for kids under age 2, excluding tax and gratuity.
Menu sample:  Buffet set up offering made to order eggs, turkey and beef carving stations, pasta station, signature nibbles and salads, savory lunch specialties and delectable homemade sweets.
Prix fixe dinner also served from 3:30-8:00PM – price $35 per adult

The Mill at Spring Lake Heights – 101 Old Mill Road, Spring Lake Heights, NJ 07762 (732-449-1800)
Brunch Buffet – Seatings start at 10am in the Waterview Room and Blue Room, Café, and Bar with the last seating at 1pm for Brunch in the Waterview Room, and 2pm in the Blue Room, Café, and Bar. $32.95 per person plus tax and gratuity for Adults; $16.95 per person plus tax and gratuity for Children 10 and under; Children under 3 free. Seating for Brunch is a two hour limit on the table.
Features muffins, bages, croissants, danishes, Belgian waffles, French toast, omelet station, scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, sausage, bacon, home fries, fresh fruit, carving station, filet mignon, chicken Francaise, penne vodka, fresh salmon, rice pilaf, and seafood crepes, and desserts. In addition to above, children also have a choice of chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese. All complemented with your choice of a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, orChampagne Cocktail!

Dinner Buffet – Seatings start at 4pm in the Waterview Room. $32.95 per person plus tax and gratuity for Adults; $16.95 per person plus tax and gratuity for Children 10 and under; Children under 3 free. Seating for Dinner is a two hour limit on the table.
Features assortment of breads, Caesar and mixed salad, lobster bisque, corn chowder, carving station with turkey, lamb, and ham, chicken Francaise and chicken marsala, filet mignon, fresh salmon, stuffed pork loin, stuffed flounder, eggplant rolatini, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, an assortment of pastries and desserts. In addition to above items, children also have a choice of chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese.

Salt Creek Grille – 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson (732-933-9272)
Reservations recommended.
Price: A la carte
Menu Sample: Artichoke and Parmesan Spinach Dip ($13), Seafood Chowder ($7), Salt Creek Grill Pork Chop ($25), Prime Rib ($30), Shrimp and Scallop Linguine ($25).

BRIO Tuscan Grille in Cherry Hill and Marlton, N.J. are helping to make Mother’s Day a memorable – and delicious – experience for the special women in families’ lives with a dedicated Mother’s Day Brunch menu combined with lunch selections on Sunday, May 13 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Reservations for the Mother’s Day Brunch are highly recommended by calling (856) 910-8166 (Cherry Hill) or (856) 983-0277 (Marlton). The perfect complement to the delightful Mother’s Day Brunch is the day’s featured cocktail – the BRIO Bellini. The refreshing libation is a mixture of Peach Daiquiri mix, Peach Schnapps, Prosecco and crushed ice.
Menu Sample: Berries & Cream French Toast, brioche stuffed with Marscapone cream cheese, sautéed until golden brown and topped with fresh berries and vanilla cream cheese drizzle; and Fruit & Ricotta Crêpes topped with fresh fruit, granola and vanilla cream cheese drizzle.

Atlantic City Country Club – 900 Shore Rd., Northfield NJ, 08225, (609-236-4400)
Mother’s Day Brunch- Sunday, May 13th, Seatings: 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm
Price: $39.95 /Adult, $17.95/Children, Children 4 and under eat Free!
Complimentary roses for all Mothers.
Menu Sample: Buffet- eggs benedict, omelet station, carving station with seafood, beef, chicken, salads, kids station with waffles, pancakes and much, much more.

Wherever you opt to take mom on May 13th, make it a memorial day for her and let her know how much she’s loved…a great brunch is a great place to start.

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

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