Page 179 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Beer Means Business in New Jersey

New Jersey Craft Beer

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April 25, 2012

I used to have a poster hanging in my office that featured a retro graphic of a smiling man hoisting a beer and it read, “Beer will save the world. I don’t know how, but it will.” It always gave me a chuckle. But now, after attending several craft beer festivals in New Jersey over the past few weeks, I find myself thinking about that sign in a very different way.

You’ve heard of the Industrial Revolution, right? The ornate aesthetics associated with the Victorian age resulted from the fact that intricate decoration could be mass produced and thus affordable to the masses. Then there was push back. At the end of the 19^th century and beginning of the 20^th, the Arts and Crafts movement was born. It promoted artisan and hand produced items as more desirable than products made in huge factories. Craft beer lovers, does that story sound familiar? Hint: the word Craft.

While I was talking to the large collection of New Jersey brewers at the festival, I kept hearing comments that would have made the likes of William Morris or Gustavus Stickley proud: Locally sourced, higher quality, fresh. New Jersey craft brewers undoubtedly make wonderful beer but that isn’t the only reason for their success. People love the story. They are excited about the fact that they can visit the place where it’s made and talk to the people who made it. They may even know someone who provided the ingredients. Off the top of your head, can you tell me who the head brewer at InBev is? There is pride and loyalty to a product made in your own backyard in much the same way a sports fan roots for the home team.

Craft brewers have known about this phenomenon since they got going in the 1980’s. The idea is catching on. The food industry is seeing a big surge in the Locavore and farm-to-table idea. Restaurants routinely highlight menu items that are produced locally. A recent report on NPR talked about the banking industry, in a reaction to “too big to fail,” seeing the growth of small, local banks. Craft banking? Why not?

I believe Craft Brewing has been a catalyst in this movement. There’s no denying their success. The Brewer’s Association reported that craft beer grew by 15% (in dollars) in 2011. Overall beer sales are down by 1.3% and have been flat for years, but the craft beer market segment is now approaching 10% of the market share. The national brands are shrinking while the small, local brewers are increasing their foothold in the market place. Those are staggering numbers in a depressed economy. Craft beer has been sustaining double digit growth for a while now too.

That doesn’t even take into account the boost to tourism, tax revenue and jobs that Craft brewing spawns. The jobs aren’t just brew house work either. All that beer has to be marketed, delivered and served. Ingredients have to be produced too. Even hop farming is on the rise. All of this is really good news for New Jersey in particular.

The Brewers Association came up with a ranking of States by how many breweries they have per capita. At the very top, Vermont has about one brewery for every 30,000 people. By comparison, New Jersey has only one less brewery than Vermont but ranks a lowly 42. There is only one brewery for every 439,595 people in this state. That means we have plenty of room left for more breweries! But wait, there’s more. There is momentum now to change the laws governing the brewing industry in New Jersey. Senate Bill S-641 will ease restrictions on how production breweries market and sell their beer and will also allow brew pubs to bottle and distribute their beer if it‘s signed into law. If I were a venture capitalist, I would be champing at the bit.

So maybe, just maybe, beer will save the world. At the very least it’s going to make New Jersey an even cooler place to live and enjoy great beer!

For more on the national craft beer scene, check out Crafting a Nation (thanks NewJerseyCraftBeer.com).

Peter Culos is the editor of “Beer Bites,” a new monthly feature about breweries, bars and good beer in the garden state. A graphic designer by day, and a life long New Jersey resident, Peter was first introduced to the novel idea that beer could actually have flavor during several visits to the UK. He’s been riding the craft beer bus ever since. It has been called the ultimate social lubricant and Peter’s philosophy on beer is, “I’d rather split my last good beer with a friend than drink the whole thing by myself.” Besides beer he also likes history, dogs, Jeeps and painting. In the past, he has written a History and Art blog for the Weider History Group and occasionally contributes to his own blog, history-geek.com. Life is short. Drink good beer.

Osteria Morini Comes to Bernardsville New Jersey

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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April 23, 2012

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By Veronique Deblois

This outpost of Chef Michael White’s flagship Manhattan restaurant aims to bring the flavorful foods of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region to New Jersey. The space, formerly occupied by Chef White’s Due Terre, has been completely transformed to feel relaxed and comfortable yet still upscale. Rich hues, Italian meats on display and a bustling semi-open kitchen help set a warm ambiance.

The food is unpretentious and simply spectacular. Chef White, the 2011 James Beard Award for Best Chef in New York, along with Chef de Cuisine, Kevin Knevals, uses ingredients from Emilia-Romagna like prosciutto, mortadella, parmigiano, and balsamic vinegar and locally-grown foods to concoct dishes that are both refined and rustic.

For starters, the cured meats board is a must and can be ordered in a choice of one ($7), three ($17) or five ($25) meats. There are six delectable options to select from: Prosciutto di Parma, Speck, Cacciatorini, Mortadella, Capocollo and Bresaola. The calamari ($12) with herbed bread crumbs, tomato and kale is tender yet crunchy and my absolute favorite starter. The Polpettines ($10) – prosciutto and mortadella meatballs baked in tomato sauce are incredible and should not be missed.

The pizzettes, individual pizzas baked in the kitchen’s brick oven, are also stellar ($11-$14). Popular options are the classic Margherita with tomato, bufalo mozzarella and basil, the Salsiccia with fennel sausage, pomodoro and mozzarella and the Funghi with salsa bianca, wild mushrooms, mozzarella and garlic oil.

Pastas are hand-made, cooked-to-order and the star at Osteria Morini. Each pasta can be ordered as a half or full dish. Do not kid yourself. You will want the full order. Some favorites are the Lumache Verde ($19) – spinach pasta, lamb ragu, artichoke, fava and ricotta salata and the Garganelli ($20) – pasta quills, cream, radicchio, truffle butter, prosciutto and peas.

Entrées to try are the Branzino ($28) – grilled sea bass, salsa verde, wild arugula and lemon, the Anatra ($29) – crispy duck breast, lentils, braised red cabbage and saba and the Stracotto ($26) – Sangiovese-braised beef short rib, potato and caramelized root vegetables.

The wine list is impressive with many Italian options but also New World wines. There are several wines served by the glass also.

Desserts ($10), if one can contemplate them after this feast, are all solid and some standouts are the Panna Cotta with citrus cream and the Torta Barozzi, a rich chocolate almond torte.

Osteria Morini

107 Morristown Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924

Telephone: 908-221-0040

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (brunch) and 3 to 9 p.m. (dinner) Sundays.

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.

Bellview Winery’s Dandelion Wine

JMalme

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April 22, 2012

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Bellview Winery's Dandelion Wine I recently attended Bellview Winery’s Spring Wine Release, specifically to taste their Dandelion Wine. This obsession with dandelions here in South Jersey is new to me. I grew up in Pennsylvania, where the only dandelions I worried about were the ones messing up my father’s pristine yard!

But here, especially in Cumberland County, dandelions are a delicacy and a source of pride. There’s Dandelion salad, Dandelion beer, Dandelion wine, and even an entire Dandelion dinner to tickle the locals’ taste buds. I wondered why?

So I headed over to Bellview Winery to do a little tasting. In the process, I got a great overview of Bellview’s history from owner Jim Quarella.

How did Bellview Winery get started?

I started making wine with friends when I was about 16. People really liked our wine, and I really enjoyed making it. I planted about 2 acres of grapes on the farm. That’s when I first started thinking about a winery. Then there was college, and when I finished in 1980, I came home to take over the family farming business. Met and married my wife, Nancy, started a family, had no money to invest in a new enterprise. I focused on making our living growing vegetables for almost 20 years, even pulled out the grapes I had planted to use the land for other crops. For some reason, in 1999 the wine making bug bit again, and I decided to plant some grapes just to make wine for the family. That rekindled the whole winery idea, only this time I was in a position to do something about it. It seemed to be a good next move for the farm as well, given the situation in agriculture at the time. So I asked my wife, Nancy if she could get behind me in the venture, and we haven’t looked back since. For the first few years, I had to keep the farm going while we also started up the winery, but I was glad to be able to quit that in 2003. Since then it’s been a full time winery all the way.

What has changed about wine making in New Jersey since then?

Wine making in New Jersey has changed with the emphasis switching from native grapes to viniferas, the European grapes, and also the shift from sweet wines to drier ones. As the industry grows, there are more knowledgeable wine makers here, and increased competition pushes everyone to make better wines. The quality of New Jersey wines has increased by leaps and bounds, and continues to improve as we get a better idea of the grape varieties that are best for our soil and climate. The Outer Coastal Plain of southern New Jersey has huge potential to become known as one of the great wine producing areas of the country, because conditions here are so very favorable for producing the highest quality wine grapes.

Dandelion Wine is unusual. When did you first make it? How does it differ from making a wine with grapes?

Dandelion wine is something my great-aunts made every spring my whole life. My oldest son, Lee, suggested we make it to sell at the winery. It was a good idea! Our first vintage was 2004, with Aunt Ada (in her nineties) overseeing the process. Every time I wanted to change something to make it more efficient to produce a much larger batch, she would shake her finger at me and say, “You’re going to ruin it!”. So I make it exactly the same way she did, using the old family recipe, my secret. Aunt Ada is gone now, but I think of her every time we make the wine.

What is your favorite – white or red?

My favorite wines used to be reds, but now I’ve grown to appreciate all of them. It really depends on the situation, what I’m eating, what mood I’m in. I can’t say I have a favorite.

What does the future hold for Bellview Winery?

The future looks bright for the winery. As the industry grows in the state, we can look forward to more people interested in New Jersey wines, more tourism, and a greater demand for our product. Our youngest son, Scott, has one more year at Rutgers, and the plan right now is that he’ll return and join us in the business. We continue to plant new grape varieties, so there will be interesting new wines coming along. I’ll keep refining my wine making techniques. I’m always trying to improve the wines – don’t want to rest on my laurels!

And how does Dandelion wine taste?

This year’s vintage was made of dandelions picked last spring, so it is one year old already. Quite sweet, this dessert wine has a unique flavor. We taste lemon and a pleasant, faintly herbal note, something like eucalyptus.

Our 2007 Dandelion wine begins to give an idea of how the wine will change and improve over time. The color is darker and will continue to deepen to a golden amber. The flavors of the wine are melding into the silky nectar it will become. We taste honey, tangerine, lemon, black tea and an almost minty flavor.

Visit Bellview Winery’s Tasting Room 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. More than 30 wines. Tours on Saturdays at 2 pm. 150 Atlantic Street, Landisville.

Jennifer Malme is a full-time mother, sometime substitute teacher, avid locavore, and enthusiastic supporter of New Jersey wines. Her lifestyle blog, Down-Home South Jersey, explores ways to live simply and eat well in and around Cumberland County. When she is not blogging, she enjoys cooking, touring local wineries, and reading. She has never met a cheese that she doesn’t like, and she especially enjoys finding new, authentic ethnic restaurants in her area. Jennifer lives in Vineland with her husband, teenage son, and very smart Siamese cat.

Curtain Up in Newark! Nico Kitchen & Bar

Terry Krongold

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April 20, 2012

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A world class performing arts center needs a restaurant of the same caliber, and NJPAC in Newark is no exception. So without further adieu, please welcome Nico to the stage.

Brought to life by the capable hands of Ryan DePersio, Nico recently opened in the space previously owned by the Theatre Square Grill. And while Theatre Square made for a decent place for a quick bite or a drink before or after a show, it was never a destination restaurant. That’s all about to change.

Between the soaring ceilings, dramatic drapes, gorgeous bar, and seductive lighting, Nico invites you to spend some time here. Order a perfectly made martini or a luscious Pinot Noir and peruse the “Italian Without Borders” menu.

Mr. DePersio, along with his family, is the force behind a growing mini restaurant empire in Essex County. You may know them from Fascino in Montclair, or Bar Cara in Bloomfield. Nico is the latest entry in this culinary kingdom. All of the restaurants are grounded in their Italian heritage, but Nico pushes the envelope just a little. At a recent press dinner, Mr DePersio showed us how far his culinary creativity reaches.

Chef DePersio is ably assisted by a wonderful team at Nico, both in the front of the house and in the kitchen. The Chef de Cuisine duties are handled by Adam Rose, and desserts are headed up by Binicio Salas, Pastry Chef.

The evening began with a Trio of Tartares consisting of Scottish Salmon, Truffled Beef, and Yellowfin Tuna, served with small slices of toasted Italian bread. I loved the mix of flavors as the seafood played off the beef. But the Beet Pinwheel was the star of the first course. Paper-thin slices of beets dusted with goat cheese “snow” and topped with a red wine syrup and mache salad were incredible. If beets were cooked like this more often, they wouldn’t be such a maligned vegetable!

The second course brought us some of the Chef’s pasta that we know and love. No one beats Ryan’s Ricotta Gnocchi – little pillows of lightness enveloped in a sweet sausage Bolognese – heaven here on earth. The other half of the pasta course was equally delicious, but diametrically opposed – black as night Squid Ink Cavatelli with peppadew peppers, pomodoro, and gremolata. Perfectly spiced with just the right bite.

A Quattro Formaggi Pizza arrived next. One of the first things Chef DePersio did upon taking over the space was to install pizza ovens, along with other significant kitchen renovations. These thin-crusted babies should be a big hit for hungry theatre goers. The crispy crust was topped with ricotta, goat, pecorino, and Parmigiano cheeses, black truffles, and lardo!

A fine new entry to the “Italian Without Borders” menu is the Cumin Scented Lamb Meatballs with roasted peppers and crumbled feta. Reminiscent of an Italian grandmother’s old world meatballs but with a hint of the Middle East peeking through – these were delectable.

But wait – there was still another course before dessert! Direct from Fascino’s much lauded menu, the Porcini Dusted Sea Scallops sitting on a crispy eggplant round, gently floating in a peperonata, red pepper emulsion. I have enjoyed these many times at Fascino, but the lightly fried eggplant platform gave the scallops a whole other delicious dimension.

Following on the heels of the scallops, Thyme Roasted Beef Tenderloin – read this description slowly and let it sink in: bone-marrow crusted tenderloin with Yukon gold rosti, and wilted Swiss chard. Cooked to a T, butter tender, and exuding all kinds of wonderful beefy flavor, this might have been my favorite dish of the night. Except, of course, for dessert, which brought down the house.

A chef’s selection of artisanal cheeses served with Acacia honey, seasonal fruit compote, and crostini was a wonderful choice for those not afflicted with a demanding sweet tooth (yours truly!).

The parade of desserts began with Praline Ricotta Cheesecake with Grand Marnier Sauce, followed by Chocolate Sour Cream Cake with Fudge Pot, Cherry Compote, and Pistachio Mousse; and bringing up the rear, but by no means a lesser player, Rum Raisin Bread Pudding with Caramel Pecan Gelato. For those of you who know me and read my articles on JerseyBites and The Cook’s Tour, you know that I am a passionate home baker (and former dessert caterer). I believe that dessert, as the final course, can make or break a meal – it’s your last impression of a restaurant. Mr Salas’ desserts deserve multiple curtain calls. All three desserts were delicious and unique, but the Chocolate Sour Cream Cake stole the show. Incredibly moist, not overly chocolate-y, with a delectable dark sour cherry compote that had us all scrambling for the last drop. But sitting innocently next to the cake, was a small white pitcher filled with what appeared to be chocolate sauce. This was no ordinary dessert sauce. This was a silky, fudgy pot de crème like I’ve never had before. After finishing the one closest to me, I started anxiously scanning the table to down another before leaving. It was that good (and let me just say, that I am not a chocolate fiend). Mr Salas has graciously supplied the recipes for the cake and fudge pot, which I am happy to share with you. Make this for your next dinner party and you take the curtain calls.

Nico brings a level of dining to Newark that hasn’t been seen here since the early 60s. When I was a child, my family frequently dined at The Newarker, an elegant restaurant set inside the original Newark Airport. With huge window panes looking out at the tarmac, we ate magnificent meals served by tuxedoed waiters, and watched as planes with names from the past like Pan Am and TWA, came and went. Men wore suits, women donned their finest dresses, and genteel waiters made a fuss over little girls – picture the Mad Men cast at dinner (without the debauchery!). Of course, that was a long time ago, in a very different world. Nico is all modern and sleek, and you needn’t dress up to visit, but the food and service lives up to that very high standard. A welcome addition to the north Jersey restaurant landscape for sure, that should be on your must-visit restaurant list. This is not just a place for when you have tickets to an NJPAC event. Although isn’t it nice to know that there is a restaurant worthy of taking a bow right outside the stage door?

Nico @ NJPAC
One Center Street
Newark, NJ
973-642-1226
Nicokitchenbar.com
Lunch: Monday through Friday 11:30am to 3pm
Happy Hour: Monday through Thursday 3pm to 6pm
Dinner: Monday through Thursday until 10pm | Friday and Saturday until 11pm
Sundays in conjunction with selected performances

CHOCOLATE SOUR CREAM CAKE

Yields 96 servings (2”x 2”)

4 eggs
6 yolks
4 oz. unsalted butter melted
16 oz. brewed coffee
4 oz. buttermilk
12 oz. sour cream
28 oz. granulated sugar
15 oz. all-purpose flour
7 oz. cocoa powder
4 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt

1. Place parchment paper in a full size sheet pan and spray with Pam
2. In a bowl, sift all the dry ingredients
3. Melt butter
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolk until combined
5. Add melted butter while you are whisking the eggs, add coffee, butter milk, sour cream and vanilla extract, mix until combined
6. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients
7. Pour into the prepared pan, bake at 300*F until cake springs back when touched or test it with a toothpick, about 10-15 minutes.

FUDGE POT

Yields 10 servings

4 ½ oz. milk
4 ½ oz. heavy cream
2 yolks
2 oz. granulated sugar
3 ½ oz. semi sweet chocolate
1 Tbs. pomegranate liquor
½ tsp. vanilla extract

1. Heat milk, cream, vanilla and half of sugar to boil
2. Temper into the yolks with rest of sugar and cook over low heat until slightly thick
3. Strain over chocolate and mix
4. Add pomegranate liqueur and mix
5. Put over ramekin and refrigerate at 2 hours
6. Tightly cover each ramekin with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic does not touch the surface of the custard

Terry Krongold is a life-long passionate baker. In addition to a full-time job in the pharmaceutical industry, Terry has been involved with food for many years, including co-ownership of a dessert catering company in the late eighties called I Love Cheesecake, specializing in fine cheesecake and unique desserts. Terry is the author of The Cook’s Tour, a blog focused on food, baking, and travel. When not working, writing, or baking, she spends time planning vacations around restaurants to visit. She can be reached at [email protected].

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend And Beyond

Events

Jon Faronea

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April 19, 2012

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Morristown Restaurant Week, Monday, April 23rd – Sunday, April 29th. Think global, dine local. Restaurant Week businesses will offer prix fix menus for lunch and/or dinner, not to exceed $35 per person, or special promotions in their establishments. Look for the 2012 Morristown Restaurant Week window decal and posters at participating businesses and ask for their Restaurant Week menu or special promotion. For complete event participation list, menus and special promotions, please visit www.morristownrestaurantweek.com

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week

The eagerly anticipated Jersey Shore Restaurant Week™ returns to the area. Nearly 70 restaurants from the Highlands to Toms River will be participating, offering three course meals with three choices in each category for $20.12 or $30.12. This year, Restaurant Week will also offer a specially priced lunch option at selected restaurants.

Thursday, April 19th
Tour de Porta
Porta, Asbury Park
Experience one of the Shore’s hottest new restaurants. Sample foods and wine, kitchen tour, cooking demo, live music.

Friday, April 20th
Ruffino Wine Dinner
Buona Sera, Red Bank
Hors d’ouvres, 4 courses, all paired with delicious Ruffino wines.

Saturday, April 21st
“Burgers, Bloodies and Brews”
Harpoon Willy’s, Manasquan.
Enjoy your choice of a specialty burger with a Bloody Mary or beer, all at a great price

Sunday, April 22nd
Countdown to Summer
-Canceled-

FOR EVENT DETAILS AND TICKETS VISIT: www.jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com

Martini Mania Class, Thursday, April 19th at 7pm. Create and sip cocktails at this fun class held at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren. Tickets are $30. For reservations please call, 908-754-1222.

Maifest 2012, Kicks off Friday, April 20th with several events through May 31st. Maifest is an annual celebration throughout Germany to welcome the arrival of spring. Join Pilsener Haus & Biergarten in Hoboken as they celebrate spring and good beer. Kickoff includes an opening ceremony and barrel-tapping. For a full list of events click here.

4th Annual Ultimate Beefsteak, Friday, April 20th from 6:30pm-10pm. Old Bridge – Sayreville Rotary, 4th Annual All You Can Eat Filet Mignon Dinner to benefit local food banks. For more information, click here.

Fundraising Event with Tuckahoe Brewing Company, Saturday, April 21st from 3pm-6pm. Raising funds for The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. The event will be held at Yesterday’s in Mamora, NJ 609-390-1757. For more information, click or call Tuckahoe at 609-827-5375.

Bring the Heat, 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, April 21st from 4pm-8pm. Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Large indoor venue, held rain or shine. Tasting tickets are $10 and children younger than 12 are free. Beer and wine available, 50/50 cash raffle, face-painting for kids, music by MidLife Crisis band. Bring a bag of nonperishable food for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry and get free Tricky Tray entries. Registration required for cook-off contestants. For more information, click here.

Food Lover’s Block Party, Saturday, April 21st from 12pm-5pm. Main Avenue, Ocean Grove. Join Historic Ocean Grove as they feature delectable edibles, live entertainment, as well as fabulous crafts and kitchen accessories. For more information, click here.

Spring Wine & Cheese, Saturday & Sunday, April 21st & 22nd from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy an exciting line-up of featured wines paired with imported cheeses. Taste Heritage Vineyards newest wine releases including Cuvée Blanc, an exciting blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris & Semillon! For more information, click here.

Brownstone Specialty Sauce Tasting, Sunday, April 22nd from 12pm-3pm. Dearborn Market, in Holmdel, will host members of the Manzo Family, from Bravo’s hit series, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as they sample and discuss the creation of their new line of specialty tomato sauces. guests will be able to taste “The Brownstone” line of pasta sauces and meet members of the Manzo family, including Albert and Caroline Manzo. For more information, click here.

Taste of Caldwells, Sunday, April 22nd from 4pm-7pm. Each of 24 participating restaurants provides 1 to 4 dishes of food for attendees to sample. Attendees get an extensive sampling of foods and never leave hungry. The event is the signature fundraiser for the Caldwell-West Caldwell Education Foundation’s (CWCEF). For more information, click here.

And Beyond…

Eat Local- Meet Local, Pot Luck Dinner, Monday, April 23rd from 6pm-8pm. Elijah’s Promise, Better World Cafe and Slow Food Central New Jersey would like to invite you for an evening of good food and good talk about strengthening our Central Jersey food community. Come and meet local farmers, restaurateurs, chefs, entrepreneurs, gardeners and other food enthusiasts. For more information and to register, click here.

Taste Of Home Cooking Show, Thursday, April 26th. Mays Landing, NJ. A traveling culinary event produced by “Taste of Home Cooking.” Each show features live cooking demonstrations of up to 10 new seasonal recipes performed by a Taste of Home Culinary Specialist. Attendees will take away cooking tips that will make anyone a star in their own kitchen. They’ll also receive a gift bag chock full of more than $40 in valuable merchandise, including cooking magazines, cooking tools/utensils, promotional items, coupons and more. For ticket & venue information click here.

Wine Tasting Event, Friday, April 27th from 7pm-10pm. Held at Heritage Vineyards. Get an exclusive chance to taste hand-selected wines from Joe Canals of West Deptford. 80+ wines from around the world will be available for tasting along with a tasty buffet of dinner items from local restaurants. To purchase tickets please call Phyllis at from the Mullica Hill Rotary Club at 856-223-9900 or Heritage Vineyards at 856-589-4474.

Spring Wine Festival, Friday, April 27th from 7pm-10pm. At the Hilton Short Hills. 100+ fine wines hand-selected for your tasting pleasure by the experts of the Wine Library. Relax, mix n’ mingle with wine lovers just like you! Sip a diverse array of wines, nibble on delicious accompanying light fare, and kick back with the smooth sounds of live jazz. For tickets and more information, click here.

Kitchen Tour Through Interlaken, Saturday, April 28th from 11am-3pm. Tour six kitchens and enjoy tastings from several area caterers. Tickets can be purchased at the Allenhurst Cleaners, 530 Main St. or by calling Vicki Hoagland at 732-531-9609.

Food & Wine Tasting, Monday, April 30th, from 6pm-9pm. Held at Branches Catering in West Long Branch. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties will be the sole beneficiary of the Red Bank Rotary Club’s 12th Annual Food & Wine Tasting. The proceeds from the event will be used to support BBBSMMC?s mentoring programs and outreach services to the children of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties. Tickets are $65 per person. Click or call 732-859-9194.

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. Meet the elite in craft beers, cheese, and chocolate who do what they do for you. Delicious appetizers provided and a cooking demo is included. To purchase your tickets call 609-851-0660.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 at 6pm. 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.

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

It’s a Food Revel-ution at Atlantic City’s Newest Destination

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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April 17, 2012

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By John Howard Fusco

When you are at a resort, the goal is to relax, admire the view, and escape the rest of the world for a while. And at any resort that’s worth its salt, you will also be able to enjoy well-prepared meals that will most likely be, let’s face it, rather pricey. It’s what we would expect.

Revel in Atlantic City, the new (and very big) kid on the sandy, planked block, is all about changing perceptions. It bills itself, first and foremost, as a resort – a resort that also has gaming if you so choose. The sheer size and architechture of the structure is thrilling all on its own. The views of the ocean are everywhere, giving your eyes and your brain an opportunity to admire the natural beauty and let go of everything else. And yes – you will certainly be able to enjoy a well-prepared meal created by one of a number of talented chefs that have been brought to Atlantic City. The hope is that your dining experience at Revel will be truly inspiring.

But here’s the unexpected part: a number of the restaurants at Revel will not require you to spend your life’s savings to pay for your meal. This concept is not only good news to those eager to try the new offerings, it is revolutionary for the dining scene at the casinos in Atlantic City.

Vive la Revel-ution!

In 2003, Borgata changed the culinary scene in Atlantic City drastically, bringing in big name celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay. The rest of the casinos had to catch up, and eventually they did. Now comes Revel, which has its own impressive collection of well-known chefs. People in the Philadelphia area (and now all around the country) know who Jose Garces is, and fellow Iron Chef Marc Forgione certainly raised his profile when he joined the show on Food Network. James Beard award-winner Michel Richard and Robert Wiedmaier have made quite a name for themselves in the Washington DC area. And Alain Allegretti has been forging his own trail in the always-exciting New York City restaurant scene.

With the collection of chefs that Revel has assembled, you could expect a sense of elitism. And yet, there is an air about these chefs and their restaurants that is inviting, fun, with even a bit of whimsy mixed in for good measure. They could exude arrogance, and yet they do not.

Not going to be held ‘food hostage’

When you talk to Chef Robert Wiedmaier, you cannot help but get infected with his enthusiasm for food and beer. Raised in Germany and Belgium and culinarily trained in the Netherlands and Brussels before coming to the US, Chef Robert’s Mussel Bar is a love letter to all things Belgian. With over 150 Belgian-style beers available, including his own signature house beer brewed in Belgium, Mussel Bar will give to Atlantic City what Philadelphia enjoys with Monk’s Café.

But Chef Robert makes it clear: you can come to his Mussel Bar and have an amazing high-end meal and spend a few hundred bucks, OR, you can keep it simple with a plate of mussels and some great Belgian beer and spend much, much less. As Chef Robert puts it, he does not want people to be held ‘food hostage’ – that is, where the menu prices are too prohibitive and exclusionary. Knowing that it will be the locals that will be frequenting his place in the offseason, he wants diners to feel included and welcome.

For something even more casual, you can go across the hall to Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina and grab something served from the Guapos Taco Truck (and it is an actual food truck parked inside) and be able to cover the cost with the cash in your wallet.

Sophisticated whimsy with an ocean view.

If the notion of having a food truck parked inside Revel gave you a chuckle, the humor does not end there. At Chef Jose’s flagship Amada, which will be opening soon, you can enjoy one of the specialty cocktails named after Pedro Almoldovar films (sadly, there isn’t one named after Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown). The entrance to Chef Michel Richard’s Central restaurant has two pillars that look like sloppily-stacked piles of dishes. The ceiling of Mussel Bar has rafters lined with bottles of his beer as well as a motorcycle hanging down from it. And when Chef Marc Forgione’s American Cut opens its doors, get ready to experience a concept known as a meat bar. Your guess is as good as mine as to what that is, but it sounds far from your usual steakhouse fare.

The thing about revolutions is that they are risky – a gamble (pardon the pun) if you will. There’s a lot riding on the success of Revel, and so far the public response has been very positive. The culinary talent they have under their massive roof is nothing short of top-notch. If Revel does not succeed, we may never see a gathering of this sort again. Come Memorial Day weekend, when all operations at Revel are open, we will see if this revolution will change the hearts and minds of the dining public.

John and Lisa Howard-Fusco Regional Editors, Ocean County. Although they and their two kids call Ocean County home, their John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey food blog has them traveling all over the southern region of New Jersey. They and their blog have been mentioned in articles by the New York Times, Courier-Post, nj.com and njmonthly.com. Lisa has written articles and reviews for South Jersey magazine as well as for Ed Hitzel’s Restaurant Newsletter and Hitzel’s Restaurant Magazine. And John could use a Gaetano’s cheesesteak right about now.

Brio Tuscan Grille Opens First Central Jersey Location

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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April 16, 2012

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Brio Tuscan Grille, serving upscale affordable Italian cuisine in a unique, Tuscan atmosphere, will open its first restaurant in Central New Jersey at the Freehold Raceway Mall on Thursday, May 3. The restaurant will feature made-to-order pastas, grilled and oven-roasted steaks, chops and fresh fish as well as delicious entrée salads, flatbreads and bruschettas. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Brio offers an extensive brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays until 3 p.m. in addition to the regular menu. Brio is a Bravo Brio Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: BBRG) concept.

As part of its grand opening, Brio Tuscan Grille will host three “Make a Difference Mondays” and donate a portion of its dinner proceeds to local nonprofit organizations. The “Make a Difference Mondays” are scheduled to be held May 21, June 4 and June 11.

Brio Tucan Grille, known for family-friendly fare, offers fresh, authentic northern Italian food in a Tuscan country villa atmosphere, with antique hardwood cypress flooring, hand-crafted walls, arched colonnades and hand-crafted Italian mosaics. The 7800 square foot restaurant is designed to comfortably accommodate 190 diners and 50 guests for bar seating. Also, Brio offers a full-service terrace that accommodates up to 56 guests. In addition to the lunch, brunch and dinner menus, Brio hosts a $3.95 Tuscan Taster Bar menu and $5 drink specials Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Close.

Bravo Brio Restaurant Group (BBRG), of Columbus, Ohio, operates 48 Brio Tuscan Grilles, in addition to 47 Bravo! Cucina Italiana restaurants throughout the United States. The restaurant group, focused on consistently high quality food, superior service, good value and unique atmosphere, will employ 120 locally.

For more information about the restaurant, visit www.BrioItalian.com where you can sign up for email alerts on specials and promotions.

Restaurant Blu: Nothing But Blu Skies For Montclair Restaurant Goers

Terry Krongold

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April 16, 2012

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Zod Arifai’s well-known restaurant, Blu, in downtown Montclair offers a sleek, professional, comfortable dining experience.

At a media dinner a few weeks ago, we were treated to Chef Zod’s take on modern cuisine with French, Asian, and Italian influences. Blu has been in business for six years, and truth be told, when I visited a few years ago, I was not as happy as I would have hoped. But the years have been good to Blu.

The road to the food business for Zod was paved through the music industry. As a musician, he traveled alot and one of his favorite things about being on the road was experiencing the food in different cities. At a crossroads, he decided that he wanted food to be his life’s work and opened his first restaurant in Lyndhurst. The kitchen wasn’t a totally unfamiliar place to him. When he was young, his best friend’s family owned a restaurant and Zod worked there as a busboy. And maybe it was in his blood. His father was a cook in the army and then at hotels in Italy. Zod learned at an early age from his mother that salt is the most important ingredient.

The menu at Blu changes constantly, based on Zod’s creative impulses. In fact, there are no recipes at Blu; it’s all done by eye and taste. One of his favorite ingredients is featured prominently on the menu – duck. The Montclair Thighs are his take on Buffalo wings. Composed of a duck thigh and leg, with skin so crisp and meat so moist, framed by whipped bleu cheese, celery root, and homemade hot sauce, I could have eaten an entire dinner of this appetizer. This beats traditional Buffalo wings any day and I sense this dish could become a classic.

We also loved the lightness and sweetness of the Bay Scallops with Fennel, Almond, Lemon Puree, and Poppy Seeds. And a bonus appetizer of Cod with Fresh Fava Beans and Truffle Foam blew us away!

It was not easy to choose an entrée from the small, but well crafted menu. A Black Angus New York Strip Steak with Sautéed Spinach, Strawberries, Peppercorns, and Bleu Cheese was perfectly seared and bursting with flavor. The strawberries were such an unusual plate-mate to the steak but their sweet juiciness was the perfect foil to the rich, meaty steak. This is a fine example of how Zod’s mind works!

Our other entrée was the Veal Short Ribs with Soft Polenta, Wild Mushrooms, and Black Vinegar. The short ribs were tender and flavorful, with a delicious black vinegar glaze. But, for me, the real winner of this dish was the “transport me to Italy” polenta. Thick and creamy, cooked to perfection, I’m ashamed to admit I considered licking the plate! A big bowl of Zod’s polenta is on my must-have list the next time I visit Blu.

Our waiter, Giorgio, appeared with the dessert menu. Your next question might be, could she really even be considering dessert after all that food? What do you think? Remember, in my world, dessert is my reason for being. The desserts at Blu are the definition of “thinking outside the box.” Consider our choices: Black Olive Cake with Orange Custard and Basil Ice Cream; Frozen Mocha Mousse with Coffee Foam and Hazelnut Crumbs; and Chocolate Truffle Terrine with Peanut Butter Ice Cream and Peanut Brittle. Has your mind exploded yet? The chocolate truffle terrine was so incredibly light it could have floated away, had it not been anchored by the crunchy house made brittle. And the icy mocha mousse surrounded by ethereal coffee foam was heavenly. Have you ever had basil ice cream? Until my dinner at Blu, I never had. It’s like your best summer day in a bowl.

When I asked Zod to describe his restaurant, he said, “not pretentious, very casual, but the food is sophisticated.” He didn’t want to open a fine dining restaurant, as it was perceived. People sometimes think of upscale food as stuffy and that is not true at Blu. With rock music playing softly in the background, and a friendly wait staff standing by, Blu invites you to relax and enjoy a fine meal.

Next door to Blu, is, well, Next Door, Blu’s sibling serving lunch and dinner. Started as a spot for serving comfort food, such as meat loaf, burgers, pastas, and salads, Zod slowly added some of Blu’s specials and noticed they were a hit. So he changed the menu at Next Door and revamped its feel to be “more restaurant.” The two restaurants share a kitchen so it made sense.

Zod also recently opened Daryl Wine Bar in New Brunswick. I wondered if it was difficult juggling three restaurants, with one being quite a distance away. The chef at Daryl worked with Zod for three months and then Zod did something unique in this business. He closed Blu and took his entire staff to New Brunswick to train the Daryl staff for three months. This might be the secret to Zod’s success – smart expansion.

So am I Blu? Only in the best sense of the word.

Blu
554 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ
973-509-2202
www.restaurantblu.com

Open for Dinner Tuesday-Sunday
BYO

Terry Krongold is a life-long passionate baker. In addition to a full-time job in the pharmaceutical industry, Terry has been involved with food for many years, including co-ownership of a dessert catering company in the late eighties called I Love Cheesecake, specializing in fine cheesecake and unique desserts. Terry is the author of The Cook’s Tour, a blog focused on food, baking, and travel. When not working, writing, or baking, she spends time planning vacations around restaurants to visit. She can be reached at [email protected].

First Annual Montclair Film Festival – Celebrated with Wine

Essex
Wines

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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April 15, 2012

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On April 3, I had the opportunity to attend a lovely benefit event hosted by Amanti Vino, the boutique wine and spirits shop on Church Street in Montclair. The event was a gathering of 35 French winemakers presenting over 150 wines in the gorgeous setting of The Vault at Bangz Salon + Spa on South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair.

The unique tasting benefited the First Annual Montclair Film Festival, which runs May 1-6, and was a rare opportunity for wine lovers to sample some premium bottles from Burgundy, the Rhone Valley, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux.

Some of the winemakers represented included:

Jean Michel Gaunoux/Meursault

Chantal Tortochot/Gevrey Cahmbertin

Jean Paul Daumen/Vielle Julienne (Chateauneuf-du-Pape)

Yves Cuilleron/les Vins de Vienne (Rhone Valley)

Romain & Damien Bouchard/DRB (Chablis)

Jean-Max Manceau/Domaine de Noire (Chinon)

Some of the outstanding wines I sampled were:

2009 Roger Belland Santenay 1er Cru “Beauregard”

2007 Jean-Michel Gaunoux Meursault 1er Cru “Genevrieres”

2009 Domaine Delagrange Volnay 1er Cru “Les Champans”

2009 Domaine Tortochot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

Billecart-Salmon Extra Brut NV

2010 Domaine de Montvac Vacqueyras Blanc “Melodine”

The first annual Montclair Film Festival will entertain film enthusiasts and professionals from across the region and country with five days of compelling independent films, comedies, documentaries, family events and work by emerging artists. The festival will provide a platform for talented filmmakers from around the world and give special recognition to New Jersey-connected work.

For more information about Amanti Vino, visit www.amantivino.com or stop by their store at:

30 Church Street

Montclair, NJ 07042

973.509.WINE

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.

Turtle Stone Brewing Company in Vineland

JMalme

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April 13, 2012

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By Jennifer Malme

What happens when you decide to start a brewery in South Jersey? Well, you get about 20 resumes per day according to Becky Pederson, co-owner of the Turtle Stone Brewing Company in Vineland. “Everyone thinks it would be fun to make beer,” she adds. But the reality is very different. “It’s mostly cleaning, and brewing, and cleaning again,” says Ben Battiata, co-owner and brewer. Not exactly the glamour that people imagine.

Still, all the hard work is starting to pay off for Pederson and Battiata. At this year’s Atlantic City Beer Fest, Turtle Stone Brewing samples ran out at both sessions. “Restaurants are calling to have our beer on tap, and people want to know where they can buy our beer,” says Ben. The Old Oar House Restaurant and Pub in Millville commissioned Turtle Stone to create their House Ale which will be released on April 21st at a special food/beer pairing event. According to Battaita, the Red Rye Ale is a dry-hopped ale that is tempered by the use of sweet rye. “It’ll be great with steaks,” he adds.

Right now, Turtle Stone is a production brewery, meaning they make beer for sale, but they are unable to serve it like a restaurant or a bar. The plan is to offer tours at their Vineland brewery with beer tastings and to sell their products in six-packs, cases, and growlers. When their 15-barrel system is up and running, they will be able to brew several times per week. Enough to satisfy craft-brew lovers in South Jersey and beyond!

Before my tour of the brewery, I asked Becky a few questions about getting started as a brewer in South Jersey.

Why Vineland?

Ben and I both were born and raised here. We liked the idea of starting the company in our hometown. Vineland’s location in New Jersey was also appealing. We are pretty much half way between Philadelphia and the shore. Our location is right off of Route 55 and we felt that it would be a great place to stop by for anyone traveling back and forth.

It’s been a long road for Turtle Stone to get to the brewing stage. Tell me more about the process of opening a brewery in New Jersey.

It has been long! We started the process back in 2006. From 2006 to 2009 we did a lot of research. We traveled to different breweries. Talking to brewers at different places helped us get a better understanding of what direction we wanted to go. Ben also traveled out to Seibel Institute in Chicago and took some commercial brewery classes. It was during that time that we decided the size and setup we wanted. After that we started to look for equipment that matched our requirements and in 2009 we found a system. We then spent a solid 2 years looking for a location. It was surprisingly hard to find something in Vineland that was the right size, height and price. The wait paid off, we really are in the perfect location for us.

What kind of beer do you like? What kind of beer will you brew?

Our intention is to brew traditional ales with our own twist. The first beers we have fermenting are a Chocolate Milk Stout, Red Rye Ale and an American Stout. The Red Rye Ale will be on tap as the house beer at the Old Oar House in Millville. We hope to have 4 regular beers with a rotating seasonal.

How important is incorporating local ingredients in your brews?

Incorporating local ingredients as much as possible is very important to us. Two of our seasonal beers will feature local ingredients. One beer we are excited about is a Dandelion Saison. Since Vineland is the dandelion capital we wanted to incorporate that into something. We also have a sweet potato beer planned as our fall seasonal.

What inspires you to do this?

Our love for beer has been the main driving factor. We also always knew that we wanted to have our own business. Brewing really is a craft. Everyday we get to take all the regular ingredients of beer and turn it into something unique and interesting that is our own interpretation.

You are one of a handful of brewers starting up in South Jersey. What does the future hold for small breweries in the Garden State?

Back when we started to plan for the brewery in 2006 people would look at us like we were crazy. Barely anyone in this area had knowledge of craft beer. I think the growth we are seeing is good for the industry in New Jersey. The abundance of new breweries in the state has helped raise craft beer awareness. Hopefully we can all continue to grow and really turn New Jersey into a beer destination like many areas in the West.

Turtle Stone Brewery is located at 1940 South West Boulevard in Vineland. They are currently producing small batches of beer for The Old Oar House in Millville. Look for expanded production and availability of their craft brews this summer.

For more on the Altantic City Beer Fest, check out the Video Here.

Jennifer Malme is a full-time mother, sometime substitute teacher, avid locavore, and enthusiastic supporter of New Jersey wines. Her lifestyle blog, Down-Home South Jersey, explores ways to live simply and eat well in and around Cumberland County. When she is not blogging, she enjoys cooking, touring local wineries, and reading. She has never met a cheese that she doesn’t like, and she especially enjoys finding new, authentic ethnic restaurants in her area. Jennifer lives in Vineland with her husband, teenage son, and very smart Siamese cat.

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend And Beyond

Events

Jon Faronea

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April 12, 2012

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The Rahway Taste of Spring! Friday, April 13^th. An event that takes up the entire site of the Arts District Recreation Center, and spills over into adjoining tents. The event hosts over 80 fine gourmet eateries, caterers, and food vendors from the Rahway metro area stretching across three counties. Included you will find well over two dozen fine wine/boutique beer/aperitif tasting stations with vendors of national stature. You will have a memorable gourmet food experience while having the opportunity to savor tastings of over 150 top shelf wine selections. rahwaytaste.com for additional details.

Wine, Spirit and Beer Tasting, Friday, April 13th from 6:30pm-9:30pm. The South Plainfield Education Foundation presents their 4th Annual Education Foundation/Oaktree Liquors Fine Wine, Spirits and Beer Tasting. Proceeds will benefit South Plainfield High School. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. For more information, click here.

American Whiskey Tasting, Friday, April 13th from 7pm-10pm. Held at Stockton Inn. Join Jeremiah Goldovitz, manager of fine spirits for Hunterdon Brewing Company, for a tasting of our country’s emerging foray beyond wine and beer, and into craft spirits. For more information, click here. To make reservations: 609-397-1250 or [email protected]

Wheels And Wishes & Delicious Dishes, Friday, April 13th from 7pm-11pm. Held at Westfield Armory. A fun-filled evening of wine, rich beers, and delicious food to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation NJ and Children’s Specialized Hospital. Sample delectable fare from 20 of Westfield’s finest restaurants as you preview a collection of exotic and classic cars. For more information click or call 973-473-2400.

The Intersection of Art & Wine, Panel Discussion & Wine Tasting, Saturday, April 14th from 3pm-7pm. GAS Gallery and Studio, Maplewood, NJ. Exhibit open from April 3rd-May 5th. This unique exhibit will provide a real opportunity for artists, art lovers, wine lovers and critics alike to experience a view of the contemporary art and wine markets. Several of the wines represented by/in the artwork will be available for sampling to attendees. For more information, click here.

Ventnors Chefs Night Out, Sunday, April 15th from 4pm- 8pm. The Ventnor City Beautification Committee is the proud sponsor of the event. Eat at TEN of Ventnor’s “Yummy-Licious” Restaurants! Plus Homemade Candy, Water Ice and a Wine Tasting. Tickets are $40 per ticket. Tickets are limited. Enjoy the talents of local musicians and artists creations as well. Call 267-980-7632 or 609-929-1710 for tickets.

All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, April 15th from 9am-12pm. Jersey City. At Saint Peter’s Prep High School Cafeteria (109 Grand St, NE corner of Van Vorst and Grand), sponsored by the Historic Paulus Hook Association (HPHA). For more information or tickets, click here.

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week

The eagerly anticipated Jersey Shore Restaurant Week™ returns to the area April 13-22, 2012. Nearly 70 restaurants from the Highlands to Toms River will be participating, offering three course meals with three choices in each category for $20.12 or $30.12. This year, Restaurant Week will also offer a specially priced lunch option at selected restaurants.

The week begins with the gala Kick-Off Party at The Breakers Hotel in Spring Lake on Thursday, April 12, 2012. “Savor the Spring” is the theme as top area chefs nourish taste buds with the freshest foods of the season. Other highlights include, an International Wine Bar, delicious desserts, a cheese station and pate bar and live music. A VIP session will start at 6pm with 90+ rated wines, a special menu and a spectacular swag bag of gifts.
Other Special Events planned for the week include:

Sunday, April 15th
Great Jersey Shore Martini Contest
The Mill. Spring Lake Heights. Area bartenders compete for the best martini at the Shore. Professional panel and “People’s Choice” awards.

Monday, April 16th
Shipwreck Point Wine Dinner
Point Pleasant
Top rated steakhouse prepares a classic steak dinner paired with boutique wines. Hors d’ouevres, 4 courses, all paired with wines.

Tuesday, April 17th
Happy Hour!
Mosouttos

Wednesday, April 18th
“Shellfish and Chardonnay” Happy Hour
Jack Baker’s, Point Pleasant
Specially priced shrimp, oysters, clams and chardonnay

Thursday, April 19th
Tour de Porta
Porta, Asbury Park
Experience one of the Shore’s hottest new restaurants. Sample foods and wine, kitchen tour, cooking demo, live music.

Friday, April 20th
Ruffino Wine Dinner
Buona Sera, Red Bank
Hors d’ouvres, 4 courses, all paired with delicious Ruffino wines.

Saturday, April 21st
“Burgers, Bloodies and Brews”
Harpoon Willy’s, Manasquan.
Enjoy your choice of a specialty burger with a Bloody Mary or beer, all at a great price

Sunday, April 22nd
Countdown to Summer
Venue: TBD
Beach BBQ, summer drinks, live music

FOR EVENT DETAILS AND TICKETS VISIT: www.jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com

And Beyond…

Taste of Gloucester County, Monday, April 16th from 6pm-8:30pm. Held at Auletto’s Catering, Almonesson, NJ. To benefit the Volunteer Center of Gloucester County. Showcasing over 20 of Gloucester County’s finest restaurants and eateries. The evening will include wine tasting, live entertainment, auctions, and much more. For more information click or call 856-415-9084.

Taste of Talent: Dining by Design, Monday, April 16th at 6:30pm. Perona Farms, 350 Andover-Sparta Rd (Route 517), Andover. On behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency, a private nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families in northwestern New Jersey. Patrons will sample hors d’oeuvres, entrées, and desserts from 30 area restaurants while bidding on creations by local interior design firms. Individual tickets are $200. For more information and tickets, call 973-940-3500.

Organic Greenhouse Dinner, Monday, April 16th at 6:30pm. Mays Landing, NJ. The dinner will be the epitome of farm-to-table dining as ingredients for the dishes will be planted and harvested in the college’s Organic Greenhouse, and cooked and served by the ACA’s talented students. The menu includes organically grown items, responsibly harvested seafood and free-range poultry. RSVP to Careme’s Restaurant at 609-343-4940. For more events from ACA’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, click here.

Broadway in Red Bank, A Red Bank Flavour Event, Monday, April 16th from 6pm-9pm. Held at Two River Theater Co. The event will include cuisine from Red Bank restaurants and a cabaret performance featuring Broadway’s rising stars, vodka, champagne, and wine tastings; passed hors d’oeuvres; premier seating in the Rechnitz Theater; and a meet-and-greet with the artists. For more information, click here.

Build a Rain Barrel Workshop, Wednesday, April 18th at 6:30pm. Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County presents Build a Rain Barrel workshop. Participants will build their own rain barrel and learn how to install it at home. A rain barrel is placed under a gutter’s downspout next to a house, to collect rain water from the roof. The water collected is great for watering your gardens. Register by contacting Jan Carrato at 732-600-1802 or [email protected]. Participants MUST register prior to event.

Martini Mania Class, Thursday, April 19th at 7pm. Create and sip cocktails at this fun class held at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren. Tickets are $30. For reservations please call, 908-754-1222.

4th Annual Ultimate Beefsteak, Friday, April 20th from 6:30pm-10pm. Old Bridge – Sayreville Rotary, 4th Annual All You Can Eat Filet Mignon Dinner to benefit local food banks. For more information, click here.

Fundraising Event with Tuckahoe Brewing Company, Saturday, April 21st from 3pm-6pm. Raising funds for The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. The event will be held at Yesterday’s in Mamora, NJ 609-390-1757. For more information, click or call Tuckahoe at 609-827-5375.

Bring the Heat, 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, April 21st from 4pm-8pm. Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Large indoor venue, held rain or shine. Tasting tickets are $10 and children younger than 12 are free. Beer and wine available, 50/50 cash raffle, face-painting for kids, music by MidLife Crisis band. Bring a bag of nonperishable food for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry and get free Tricky Tray entries. Registration required for cook-off contestants. For more information, click here.

Spring Wine & Cheese, Saturday & Sunday, April 21st & 22nd from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy an exciting line-up of featured wines paired with imported cheeses. Taste Heritage Vineyards newest wine releases including Cuvée Blanc, an exciting blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris & Semillon! For more information, click here.

Brownstone Specialty Sauce Tasting, Sunday, April 22nd from 12pm-3pm. Dearborn Market, in Holmdel, will host members of the Manzo Family, from Bravo’s hit series, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as they sample and discuss the creation of their new line of specialty tomato sauces. guests will be able to taste “The Brownstone” line of pasta sauces and meet members of the Manzo family, including Albert and Caroline Manzo. For more information, click here.

Morristown Restaurant Week, Monday, April 23rd – Sunday, April 19th. Restaurant Week businesses will offer prix fix menus for lunch and/or dinner, not to exceed $35 per person, or special promotions in their establishments. Look for the 2012 Morristown Restaurant Week window decal and posters at participating businesses and ask for their Restaurant Week menu or special promotion. For complete event participation list, menus and special promotions, please visit www.morristownrestaurantweek.com

Eat Local- Meet Local, Pot Luck Dinner, Monday, April 23rd from 6pm-8pm. Elijah’s Promise, Better World Cafe and Slow Food Central New Jersey would like to invite you for an evening of good food and good talk about strengthening our Central Jersey food community. Come and meet local farmers, restaurateurs, chefs, entrepreneurs, gardeners and other food enthusiasts. For more information and to register, click here.

Taste Of Home Cooking Show, Thursday, April 26th. Mays Landing, NJ. A traveling culinary event produced by “Taste of Home Cooking.” Each show features live cooking demonstrations of up to 10 new seasonal recipes performed by a Taste of Home Culinary Specialist. Attendees will take away cooking tips that will make anyone a star in their own kitchen. They’ll also receive a gift bag chock full of more than $40 in valuable merchandise, including cooking magazines, cooking tools/utensils, promotional items, coupons and more. For ticket & venue information click here.

Wine Tasting Event, Friday, April 27th from 7pm-10pm. Held at Heritage Vineyards. Get an exclusive chance to taste hand-selected wines from Joe Canals of West Deptford. 80+ wines from around the world will be available for tasting along with a tasty buffet of dinner items from local restaurants. To purchase tickets please call Phyllis at from the Mullica Hill Rotary Club at 856-223-9900 or Heritage Vineyards at 856-589-4474.