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Amanda’s Restaurant for Top Brunch in Hoboken

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie
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Housed in an intimate 1895 Hoboken brownstone, Amanda’s Restaurant exhumes understated elegance.  On a recent visit, our party was warmly greeted and led to one of the cozy rooms to settle at a beautifully-set table.  Mismatched antique china and flatware sit atop a fleur-de-lis draped table, creating a homey (if your home featured antique tableware for brunch) atmosphere.

The first thing to order at brunch at this establishment is the Balthazar’s Bread Basket ($8), a scrumptious array of fresh baked mini scones, cherry focaccia, croissant, raisin Danish and orange brioche.  Good butter and homemade strawberry jam were a perfect complement to the baked treats.

Next, order a fabulous drink.  The menu features several “Hair of the Dog” cocktails to brighten up any brunch.  The selection includes Amanda’s Mimosa ($6.50) – cava with fresh squeezed orange juice, Eugene’s Bloody Mary ($7) made with sundried tomato-infused Vodka, Classic Bellini ($7) – sparkling wine with peach purée and The Chocolate Muse ($6) – milk, Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur and Crème de Cocoa.

Must-try brunch starters include the delicious Warm Mushroom and Goat Cheese Salad ($7) and the comforting Creamy Polenta with Raisin Compote ($7).

The ever-popular eggs Benedict are served in three ways at Amanda’s:  in the classic manner ($10), with pork tenderloin and fresh tomato salsa ($12) or with cured salmon and spinach ($13).  All three are solid options, but the pork version is simply outstanding.

Other creative and tasty brunch entrées are the crispy eggs with Parma ham over sautéed Shitake mushrooms, croissant French toast with seasonal fruit compote $10) and the poached eggs with crab hash and orange Hollandaise sauce ($13).

Amanda’s is an ideal place to take out-of-town guests or someone dear to you to.  After an excellent meal, walk over to the nearby waterfront, with its lovely Manhattan skyline and boardwalk, to contemplate your next visit to Amanda’s.

Amanda’s Restaurant

908 Washington St # A

Hoboken, NJ 07030-5152
(201) 798-0101

Amanda’s is open seven days a week:

Monday – Thursday: 5PM – 10PM

Friday: 5PM – 11PM

Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11AM – 3PM

Saturday Dinner: 5PM – 11PM

Sunday Dinner: 5PM – 9PM

Tip:  Early dinner is an affordable way to experience Amanda’s.  Dinner for two is $32, includes a three-course meal and is served from Monday – Saturday at 5PM and 5:30PM.

Cheers,

Veronique Deblois 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.

Dinner in a Pinch in Cranford

MStavrou
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Crab cakesThere are definitely too many nights when I ask my husband what he’d like for dinner and I’m met with a shrug. I usually make it home by 7, but he doesn’t get to town until nearly 8, which doesn’t leave much time for dinner at a reasonable hour. Our default takeout dinners usually involve a call to the local Chinese food restaurant. However, with the October opening of Dinner in a Pinch in downtown Cranford, our dining options have definitely expanded.

Dinner in a Pinch is owned by Sara Shaunnessey, who came up with the concept on one of her many train rides to and from her job in New York City. She recognized that many people don’t have the time or energy after putting in a full day of work to fix dinner. In a change from the normal takeout food options in most towns, Dinner in a Pinch offers home-style comfort food.

Though Sara has a background in finance and no formal cooking training, her enthusiasm and passion for food is evident in the meals she serves. The restaurant allows customers to choose one main dish with a serving size of 2, 4, or 6, as well as two side dishes to accompany it. The menu offers a number of comfort food favorites, including crab cakes, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, pork chops, and pot roast. Sides run the gamut, from steamed vegetables, to macaroni and cheese, to mashed potatoes. The menu is always evolving as Sara is already looking ahead to summer, where she believes lighter choices will be more in demand. Sara also introduced the concept of Menu Crashers, a new main dish that will make an appearance on the menu for about two weeks. The first Menu Crasher was the result of a collaboration with Westfield’s Savory Spice Shop – a healthy, juicy chicken breast cooked with Hidden Cove Lemon Garlic blend. Sara followed that up a few weeks later with another Menu Crasher, 9 Layer Lasagna.

Mac and cheese
Like every restaurant, Dinner in a Pinch depends on repeat business. On my first visit there I met with a customer who reeled off the dishes he’s tried in the short time the business has been open (New Orleans fettuccini, meatloaf, crab cakes, risotto, chicken pot pie). His comments about their food ranged from “very good” to “out of this world.” He’s not the only one singing their praises, as Sara mentioned the one customer who let her in on the secret that she’s been passing off Dinner in a Pinch’s meals as her own home cooking. Is there any higher praise than that?

Dinner in a Pinch
908-272-5136
1 South Ave. East, Cranford, NJ 07016
http://dinnerinapinch.com

Michelle Stavrou, the Union County regional editor, has hop-scotched across the Garden State, growing up in Bergen County, then moving to Hoboken (after a stop over in Queens) before finally settling in Cranford. After too many years stuck in tiny kitchens Michelle finally has a kitchen that can accommodate multiple batches of cookies. Her husband and her co-workers are probably even more thankful than she is. Michelle’s baking adventures are documented here: jerseygirleats.blogspot.com.

Gallo’s Pizzeria — A Double-Bite Review

Deanna Quinones
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pizza slices at Gallo's Pizzeria
Lauren: The best Italian food around Westfield is a highly contested matter. I sometimes feel like I live in pizzaland—there are more pizza and pasta places in town than any other type of cuisine, and they each have their loyal following. There seems to be no saturation point for pizza joints around here, as new ones continue to open and thrive. My pick is Gallo’s Pizzeria. The restaurant itself is a few miles to the west, in Plainfield, but for years my family and I have been enjoying their food via catered parties and special events right in my own ‘hood.

The inspiration for this review was a lunch with Morris County editor Deanna Quinones at Tomato Pie in Morristown, where we wrote our first Double-Bite restaurant review. Deanna used to live in Westfield and said she loved Sorrento’s. They have changed ownership since she left town, and besides, I had another place in mind.

Deanna: The search for good pizza knows no bounds. In the fall, I tempted Union County editor Lauren Weiss into the wilds of Morris County for a sampling of Morristown’s recently opened Tomato Pie. Then Lauren countered with an invitation to her neck of the woods to try Plainfield’s Gallo’s Pizzeria. I braved the rain and unknown terrain last month to meet Lauren for the second in our “Double-Bite” tasting series. Mangia!

Continue

Dine Out for Education Tuesday, Feb. 7

Kerry Brown
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It’s an age-old dilemma. Everyone is hungry but it’s been another long busy day so who has the time or energy to cook? And, don’t forget, there’s also homework to be done.
So, what’s for dinner? Well, for one glorious day each school year, the answer to that question is easy and guilt-free. Dine Out for Education Day, sponsored by the Medford Education Foundation (MEF) on Tuesday, February 7 gives families a great excuse to visit any one of the participating Medford restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even carry out meals because a percentage of the profits will be donated to the MEF to support Medford Township Schools.
When ordering, customers must present their Dine Out for Education flyer, which will be available at the restaurants and also emailed to all school families from their child’s school. The restaurant will give a percentage of the patron’s bill to the MEF.
Dine Out for Education will be held in conjunction with Black Out Homework Night. Students in all grades throughout the district will have no homework, a great way to support schools and encourage family time.
Participating restaurants include: Zinc Cafe, 679 Stokes Rd; P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Grille, Stokes Rd; Jasmine Oriental Cuisine and Toto Fresco Pizza, both at Sharps Run Plaza; Illiano Cucina Mediterranea, Village of Taunton Forge; Medford Bagel Shop, 15 Jackson Rd; Medport Diner and Tarantella Ristorante, both at Medford Plaza; Ott’s, 656 Stokes Rd; MaraVillas Grill, 208 Medford-Mt Holly Rd; Riviera Pizza, 620 Stokes Rd; Rustic Grille, 519 Stokes Rd.; and Femmina Italian Grill, 408 Stokes Rd.
Restaurants generally donate between ten and twenty percent of the increased revenue received that day. The MEF expects to raise approximately $3000.00 through the event.

Vineland’s Sandwich of the Year Contest

JMalme
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On Saturday, February 4th, eight finalists competed in Vineland’s first ever Sandwich of the Year contest, sponsored by The Landis Marketplace.  For the contest, residents were asked to submit recipes for an original sandwich that best reflects the city, taking into account Vineland’s rich heritage as a poultry center and farm area.

Of the nearly 50 recipes entered, 8 were chosen as finalists and have been available for sale at the Marketplace over the past few weeks.  On Saturday, February 4th, a panel of judges chose the winner.  Judging was based on taste (50 percent), originality (20 percent), sandwich name (20 percent), and how it reflects Vineland (10 percent).  Mayor Robert Romano issued a proclamation to the winner, naming their creation the 2012 Sandwich of the Year.

The finalists were:

Boulevard Station Beef submitted by Will Breese

Charles Landis Sandwich submitted by David Berry

Broccoli Rabe Chicken Cheese steak submitted by John Platanella, Jr.

Cranscuitto submitted by Kendra Lewis

Sweet & Fluffy Eggplant Pollo submitted by Pearl Giordano

Gorgo’s Spicy Gobbler Parm submitted by Ronnie Gorgo

Romano Chicken Shooter submitted by Sal Tedesco

Jessica’s Sassy Chicken Salad submitted by Jessica Bernhardt

Jessica was kind enough to share her recipe for a sassy sandwich that pays tribute to Vineland’s poultry industry and the contributions of Welch’s grape juice to the Vineland community.

Jessica’s Sassy Chicken Salad

Vineland Joe’s Rotisserie chicken

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 T spicy brown mustard

1 cup red grapes, halved

2 T finely chopped onions

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 handful chopped flat leaf parsley

salt and pepper to taste

Crust and Krumb’s bakery Kaiser rolls

Pull apart chicken and tear in small pieces, set aside.  In a large bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, and mustard.  Combine chicken into wet mixture and stir.  Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Pile high on a bakery roll and enjoy!

And the winner? That honor went to Sal Tedesco for his tasty Romano Chicken Shooter.  Sal says that his sandwich “was made with the heart of Vineland in mind.”  He notes, “Being a farmer and food entrepreneur, my passion and love for food and agriculture led me to build a sandwich that was truly a reflection of Vineland commerce and agriculture.”  Sal’s sandwich starts with chicken to honor Vineland’s poultry heritage.  Then he breads the chicken in a Romano cheese crust as a nod to Vineland Mayor Robert Romano.  Locally produced broccoli rabe and cherry hot shots top this delicious sandwich.  You can taste the Romano Chicken Shooter for yourself at The Landis Marketplace in downtown Vineland.    Congratulations to Sal Tedesco and all the finalists for a tasty nod to Vineland’s rich local history.

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.

10 Romantic New Jersey Restaurants for Valentine’s Day and Beyond

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie
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It is February and with the flip of the calendar page, comes an overload of information about the sweetest day of the year. To help navigate through the cupid clutter, Jersey Bites’ writers have compiled a list of some sexy restaurants that are sure to put a little romance in your evening – whether in February or any other special time of the year.

Giumarello’s Restaurant and The G Bar – Westmont, NJ (329 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, NJ 07108) 856-858-9400. Sip on one of 32 martini variations while enjoying some of the award-winning dishes at this top south Jersey steakhouse.

Chakra – Paramus NJ (144 West State Route 4, Paramus, NJ 07652) 201-556-1530. Feast on Chef Thomas Ciszak’s eclectic new American cuisine in one of the sexiest restaurant in New Jersey.

Cafe Madison – Riverside, NJ (33 Lafayette Street, Riverside, NJ 08075) 856-764-4444. Two special Valentine celebrations: 2/12: 4-course dinner + bottled wine specials – $49.95/person and 2/14: 4-course surf & turf dinner – $65.95/person (prices do not include tax or gratuity). Evenings include piano music, live entertainment and dancing.

Gina’s Ristorante – Vineland, NJ (3600 East Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ) 856-205-0049. Fine Italian cuisine in a small, romantic setting. Reservations recommended. BYOB.

Janice A Bistro – Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ (23 Sheridan Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ) 201-445-2666. Great atmosphere – simply an inviting, intimate and happy place. BYOB.

Above – South Orange, NJ (1 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079) 973-762-2683. Beautiful 2/14 dinner menu featuring a la carte items including foie gras, sea bass and dessert / after dinner drinks.

Crystal Tavern at Crystal Springs Resort – Hamburg, NJ (One Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419) 973.827.5996 Ext 3. 2/11 and 2/12 offers a very special dinner: First Course – Maine Lobster Bisque “Encroute”, Second Course – Shaved Celeriac & Watercress Salad Toasted Hazelnuts, Dates, Pomegranate, Sherry Vinaigrette, Third Course – Grilled Filet of Grass-fed Beef Vegetable Strudel, Glazed Candy Cane Beets, Black Truffle Sauce, Dessert – White Chocolate & Strawberry Mousse Vanilla Anglaise, Strawberry Compote. $70 per Person or $105 Paired with Wine. Price does not include applicable tax and gratuities.

Ninety Acres: (2 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, NJ 07977) (908) 901-9500 Occupying the space of the historic carriage house and garage on the estate turned luxury resort known as Natirar, in Somerset County, Ninety Acres retains the original exposed brick in the 70 seat main dining room complemented with new, rich materials such as warm wood flooring, butternut millwork, walnut furniture and ceilings, green stressed-leather seating, and banquette fabric inspired by traditional equestrian blankets.  Opt for the more traditional a la carte menu and sit at a copper top table in the Main Dining Room, or should you prefer something more unique, request to sit and dine BMF (Bring Me Food) style and you will find yourself near the open kitchen with a linen covered bistro-style table, or you can even pop in without a reservation to see if there is space at their live-edge communal dining table in The Cognac Room where you can feast on tapa-style small plates.  If the weather cooperates, dining on the back patio adjacent to the farm will be sure to leave you relaxed and smiling.

A Toute Heure – Cranford, NJ (232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016) 908.276.6600. Valentine’s Day menu: – plate 1 – crispy bluepoint oysters with a smoked bacon & horseradish aioli – plate 2 – east coast bay scallop crudo with shaved black truffle, fennel, red onion & golden beets in a citrus vinaigrette – plate 3 – crispy “scampi” shrimp in a panko crust, with a pan-sautéed chickpea cake, fresh herb salad and garlic parsley scampi sauce – palate cleanser – passion fruit sorbet – plate 4 – brined, roast, crispy skinned quail with herb gnocchi, porcini confit, arugula, and a mascarpone crema – plate 5 – black & white chocolate ganache tart with a vanilla whipped cream and coca nib tuille dessert plate includes choice of regular or decaf ATH blend coffee with two seatings at 6PM and 8:30PM. $100/person includes tax and gratuity. BYOB.

The Ryland Inn – Jersey City (115 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889) 908-534-3586. The Ryland Inn aspires to make guests feel like they are walking into a friend’s home – warm, hospitable and welcoming while being inspired by the setting and their creatively-prepared meal.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Jersey Bites!

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.

Foodie Things to Do This Weekend and Beyond

Jon Faronea
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International Great Beer Expo, February 4th. Meadowlands. This international beer tasting extravaganza will showcase more than 50 breweries from across the globe, each providing samples of their country’s proudest brewing achievement. Shoulder to shoulder with some of America’s best breweries, will be amazing breweries from Japan, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Austria, Nicaragua, Thailand, Poland, New Zealand, Indonesia, Sweden, China, and others. For more information: Beer Expo

Beer Tasting Dinner, Saturday, February 4th at 7pm. Salt Creek Grille. Enjoy a flavor-filled 4 course menu created by Executive Chef Fabian Quiros. Each course is perfectly paired with a beer from Dogfish Head Brewery.  Don’t miss out! $49.95 per person, reservations required, call 609-419-4200.

Meet the Rockstars of Fairway Market, Saturday, February 4th from 11am-3pm. Meet Fairway Market’s experts as they talk, demonstrate, and offer samples. Expertise from Master Butcher Ray Venzia, Seafood Director Captain Tony Maltese, Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins, Master Roaster Benny Lanfranco and Dan Glickberg and Mitchel London. At the PARAMUS STORE (Fashion Center Mall, Route 17)

Oyster Bowl, Sunday, February 5th from 11am-2pm. Blue Point Grill, Princeton. The annual oyster eating contest benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central and South Jersey. Individual and corporate team contests. $45 includes shirt and all the oysters you can eat in two minutes. Register. Lunch available., www.oysterbowlnj.com

Pancake Brunch & Maple Sugaring, Friday, February 5th from 10:30am-12:30pm. Come and enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup fresh from the campfire griddle in our campfire ring! Learn how to identify a maple tree. Discover the  history of syrup making and how technology has changed the gathering of sap over the centuries. The group will check tapped trees and boil down sap to make fresh warm maple syrup- a sweet treat for all to taste. Coffee and hot cocoa will be served with pancakes. For more information: Tenafly Nature Center

Maple Sugaring, Friday, February 5th from 2pm-3pm. Learn how to identify a maple tree. Discover the  history of syrup making and how technology has changed the gathering of sap over the centuries. The group will check tapped trees and boil down sap to make fresh warm maple syrup- a sweet treat for all to taste. For more information: Tenafly Nature Center

And Beyond…

From Land to Sea: Cooking With Marilyn, Wednesday, February 8th at 6:30pm. Learn from the best: Marilyn Schlossbach will teach a cooking class highlighting the fabulous vacation-inspired cuisine served at each of her four restaurants. Proceeds are donated to Clean Ocean Action and other local charities. Cost: $50 per person. Reserve your spot by calling 732-455-3275 or emailing [email protected].

A Taste of Spring, Friday, February 10th. Join members of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church for an evening of tasty food samples show-casing delicious foods from a variety of local restaurants and caterers, including On Call Catering in Flanders, NJ, All in the Icing in Netcong, NJ, the Budd Lake Diner in Budd Lake and many many more! Tickets are $20 purchased in advance and $25 at the door.  To purchase tickets please call 973-898-0751.

Wine & Chocolate Trail, Saturday & Sunday, February 11th & 12th from 12pm-5pm. Join the Garden State Wine Growers Association at wineries throughout the state as they pour their hearts out to you in loving thanks for all your support for the successful wine shipping legislation. NewJerseyWines.com

Wine Tour at Pagido’s Winery in Hammonton, February 11th & 12th from 12pm-5pm. Admission is only $10.00 and you receive a souvenir wine glass. As requested the Plagido Family will be featuring homemade specialties made by the family themselves prepared with their own wine. Sample their award winning wine along with luscious desserts from chocolate dipped strawberries, eclairs, cream puffs, cakes and cookies yummy! Call 609-657-4633 for information or visit www.plagidoswinery.com.

An Evening in Tuscany, Tuesday, February 14th from 6pm-9pm. Culinary Workshops Offer Taste of Global Cuisine at Atlantic Cape. There are few things better than the flavors of Italy. Learn to prepare Fennel and Aged Pecorino Salad, Artichoke Custards with Fava Bean Sauce, Sausage Bread and Chicken Liver Spiedini, and Meringata with Chocolate Espresso Sauce. To register, call 609-343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

LBI Chocolate Week 2012

Lets Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels – Free Program. Saturday, February 11th from 10:30am-11:30am. 15 person limit – come in and make a chocolate covered pretzel surprise for your parents/friends/ or sweetie.  For ages 9 and up.  Stop in the Tuckerton Library on 380 Bay Avenue in Tuckerton, Call 609-296-1470 or go online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/ to register.

Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels for your sweetheart! Tuesday, February 14th. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by coming in and making chocolate covered pretzels for that special someone! All ages, drop in at the Long Beach Island Branch of Ocean County Library in Surf City. 609-494-2480

Platinum Design Build Company presents Post Valentine’s Party and 20 ways to re invent your Kitchen- Wednesday, February 15th from 5:30-7:30pm. Join Platinum Design for complimentary chocolate martinis and chocolate covered strawberries, raffles and fun conversation at  Dave’s Appliance in Oscar Huber.  For more information or to RSVP 609-994-3244 or visit www.platinumbc.com/chocolate

TGI Friday’s Chocolate Week Bartenders Competition, Thursday, February 16th at 8pm. Add some flair to your Thursday with the best local bartenders mixing the best drinks in town to benefit the Southern Ocean County Community Foundation Hunger Relief Dinner. The bartenders will be creating libations featuring chocolate while being judged for their showmanship. Drinks will be auctioned to crowd! $5 entry to benefit Hunger Relief Dinner For more information contact TGI Friday’s Manahawkin, 609-489-0950 http://www.worldbtc.com/about Come out and be part of the live video broadcast and meet the B98.5 van for prizes and giveaways!

Death By Chocolate: Murder Mystery Dinner Show, Friday, February 17th at 6pm. The Engleside Inn. Death by Chocolate will be the perfect ending to Long Beach Island’s Chocolate Week and a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend. Proceeds from the dinner theatre event will benefit Tuckerton Seaport’s educational programs. For more information or tickets: 609-296-8868, [email protected], Tuckerton Seaport.

Eat Slow Winter Farmers Market, Sunday, February 19th from 11am-3pm. Music – Prepared Foods – Full Bar. Tre Piani is the original site where the Markets started seven years ago with Slow Food Central New Jersey. For directions to Tre Piani, visit www.trepiani.com.

Individual Chocolate Desserts, Wednesday, February 22nd from 6-9pm. The Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape offers amateur chefs and food enthusiasts alike the opportunity to learn how to prepare a variety of confectionery creations with Chef Mary Lou D’Angleo. Learn how to prepare Truffles, Lava Cakes, Chocolate Obsessions and more. To register, call 609-343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

An Evening in Spain, Tuesday, February 28th from 6pm-9pm. Culinary Workshops Offer Taste of Global Cuisine at Atlantic Cape. Experience the classic tastes of the Iberian Peninsula. Start with assorted Tapas, Almond Soup and Paella Valencia. The night wouldn’t be complete without a classic Flan. To register, call 609-343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

5th Annual New York Wine Expo

Friday, March 2, 2012
6:00 – 10:00 PM

Saturday, March 3, 2012
2:00 – 6:00 PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to sample over 760 wines from over 190 winemakers from around the globe in the Grand Tasting. The Expo is open on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon allowing consumers to take a tasting tour around the world. Several seminars will be available as well.

This event will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in NY. For more information: NY Wine Expo

Atlantic City Restaurant Week, March 4th – March 10th. During the week, fine restaurants throughout Atlantic County will offer value priced three-course lunches for $15.11 and three-course dinners at just $33.11. A full list of participating restaurants, menu items, chef biographies and other details are available online. Restaurant Week hotel packages will also be available through the site, as well as the ability to book reservations online through Open Table at restaurants that use the Open Table reservation service. www.acrestaurantweek.com

A Taste of the Two Rivers, Monday, March 5th from 6pm-9pm. The Molly Pitcher Inn hosts area restaurants serving up a night of delicious food, decadent desserts and wine and spirits to benefit The Community YMCA. Participating restaurants and purveyors will be vying for the “Best Display” and “Best Dish,” as selected by votes from the evening’s guests. There will be live music and a chance to win prizes. For more information call 732-671-5505 ext. 20 or visit cymca.org.

Taste of Montclair, Monday, March 19th.  AND  Montclair Restaurant Week, March 20th – April 1st (no Joke). For more information: Montclair

15th Annual Taste of Middlesex on March 19, 2012, at the Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Highway/Route 27, and Edison, NJ presented by the Edison Chamber of Commerce.

29th Annual Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala, Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30pm. Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino. The event celebrates food by highlighting thousands of hors d’oeuvres prepared by students at the Academy of Culinary Arts and showcasing the specialties of 40 of the area’s best restaurants at a progressive dining experience. The Gala raises money for student scholarships. Tickets are $200 per person and can be ordered by contacting Lauren Canzanese at (609) 463-4672, [email protected], or online at www.atlantic.edu/gala.

Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival 2012

The focus of The Atlantic City Beer Festival is the promotion of craft beers and the brewers that create them. Now in its 7th year the festival has taken a truly organic turn with the addition of original music from artists across the Tri-State area.

Session 1: Friday, March 30th from 7pm-11pm. Session 2: Saturday, March 31st from 12pm-4pm. Session 3: Saturday, March 31st from 6pm-10pm.

The 2012 Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival will not only highlight great beer and music but will also feature culinary demonstrations from local area chefs, beer seminars hosted by author and television personality Gary Monterosso as well as others and we can’t forget the amazing festival vendors… lots and lots of food and beer related vendors. This year’s festival will appeal to absolutely everyone.

For more information and tickets: AC Beer & Music Fest

Make Your Own Mozzarella Cheese, April 21st. ***This event sells out FAST.  The cost is $85.00 per person or $160.00 per couple and includes the following: Hands-on instructions on how to make your own mozzarella, Notes and recipe provided, and much more! To reserve tickets and more information: The Grape Escape 609-409-9463

***SAVE THE DATE:  Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser, 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

Jersey Biters Dish Up Their Favorite Super Bowl Recipes

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie
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Super Bowl Party RecipesTo me, the Super Bowl is just a big excuse to eat appetizers all day long, and that’s why I like it. I’m not much of a sports fan, so the highlight for me is coming up with the menu and putting it all together. This year, we asked our Editors and our Facebook and Twitter friends to give us a list of their favorite Football watching fare. Go ahead, loosen your belt and dive right in. Oh, but we do offer some vegetarian alternatives like Jennifer Malme’s Spicy Baked Chickpeas and Michele Errechetti’s Unshrimp Cocktail and Raw Avocado Chocolate Mousse. (We’ll just have to trust her on that one.) Our lead picture is thanks to Michele’s dive into the vegetarian side. Thanks Michele.

Deborah Smith’s Pulled Pork Nachos:

Use your favorite Pulled Pork recipe. Then load each individual tortilla chip with a spoon full of the pork and a little shredded cheddar. Pop them in the oven for a few minutes and then finish off with a dollop of cole slaw. Warning, they are highly addictive. Here’s my PP recipe. You could even use store bought in a pinch.
1/4rockpot-pig-roast-with-insane-barbecue-sauce/

Gina Glazier’s Potato Skins and Mozz & Pesto Bites:

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

3 baked potatoes

6 slices bacon, cooked to your liking (FYI- I microwave slices for easiest cleanup and best results)

¼ C olive oil

½ C shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

S & P- salt and pepper

Sour cream, optional for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Cut potatoes in ½ length wise, scoop out inner potatoes, leaving a “skin” with a thin layer of white potato still on

Using a pastry brush, generously brush olive oil all over potato skins, both sides

Sprinkle S & P all over, both sides, place on a baking sheet

Bake, skin side down, for 8-10 minutes or until edges are beginning to crisp and oil is slightly bubbling

Flip over and bake skin side up for up for 8-10 minutes. Then, turn back over and bake for 2 minutes

Take baking sheet out; crumble about 1 slice of bacon on top of each “skin”, sprinkle about 1 TBS cheddar on top of bacon, repeat with remaining “skins”, bacon, and cheese

Place in oven for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and edges are crisp

Place on platter with sour cream on the side

Mozz & Pesto Bites

Ingredients:

1 Pint cherry tomatoes, cut in ½

I loaf of ciabatta bread

1 container of store bought pesto (I used Buitoni)

1 fist size ball of fresh mozzarella

Salt & Pepper (S & P)

Directions

Cut the bread into 1 inch slices, then cut the slice in ½ lengthwise, then make 3 cuts down the middle to form cubes of bread

Cut your mozz in the same fashion:  ½ inch slices, then cut in half lengthwise, then cut 3 times down the middle to form cubes of cheese

Assemble: Spread about 1 tsp of pesto on each top of bread, place cheese on top of that, then S & P, then the ½ cherry tomato, use toothpick to secure

Repeat with remaining bread, pesto, cheese, and tomatoes. Makes about 70 appetizersJ

** I must admit, I felt bad using store bought pesto because my mother taught me how to make AMAZING pesto myself. However, the time limits I had and the lack of fresh basil at the store led me to buy the pesto and actually, it tasted wonderful. I would definitely use it again in a pinch. **

Veronique Deblois’ Beef Chili for a Crowd

This simple and delicious chili recipe makes enough to feed an army…or at least 15 of your friends at your next party.

5 lb. ground beef

1 large onion diced

2 Tbs. chopped garlic

4 – 28 ounce cans whole tomatoes, hand-crushed

small can kidney beans

2 packages Shelby’s Chili Mix, spice packets only

1/3 cup chili powder

2 ounces Worcestershire sauce

Sauté onion, and garlic on high heat for 5 minutes.  Add beef and cook until cooked through and no longer pink, about 8 minutes.  Add Worcestershire sauce.  Sauté until completely gray in color.  Add spices and blend well.  Add beans and tomatoes.  Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours.

15 Servings.

Jennifer Malme’s Spicy Baked Chickpeas

2 (15 oz.) cans chickpeas

2 T olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (to taste)

salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Rinse the chickpeas with cool water and drain in a colander.  Dry chickpeas by rolling them in a clean kitchen towel.  Combine the oil, paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt in a large bowl.  Add chickpeas and toss to coat evenly.  Transfer the chickpeas to a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer.

Bake until golden and crispy, 30 to 35 minutes, shaking the tray to toss after 15 minutes.  Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the chickpeas to a serving bowl.

These are great for game day, parties, even in a packed lunch in place of chips.  They can be stored for several days in an air-tight container at room temperature – if you have any left!

Terry Krongold’s South of the Border Super Bowl Baskets

Here is the recipe for our award-winning Super Bowl snack!

(this recipe makes approximately 12 baskets)

1 package flour tortillas
PAM Cooking Spray
1 can Ro-tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
2-3 links fresh chorizo sausage
1 can refried beans
Shredded Mexican cheese
Guacamole
Sour Cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Take small ramekins and place in large roasting pan. Spray ramekins with PAM.

Heat a saute pan. Split the chorizo sausage casing down the middle and remove the casing. Drop the sausage into the pan and break up. Cook thoroughly.

Using an upside down glass bowl, cut tortillas to fit ramekins and place one in each ramekin. Bake tortillas for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Move rack to top level and set your oven to broil.

While tortillas are still warm, spread approximately 1 tablespoon of refried beans on bottom of each tortilla. Next, add about a tablespoon of cooked chorizo, followed by a tablespoon of Ro-tel Tomatoes and Green Chilies, and cover with small handful of shredded cheese. Slide pan of ramekins under broiler and broil for approximately 2 minutes. Watch carefully. Remove from oven when tortillas are crisp and brown around edges.

Remove tortillas from ramekins, arrange on serving platter. Top with a dollop of guacamole and sour cream. Enjoy!

A Vegetarian Spread

Superbowl food is notoriously fattening and somebody’s got to say it… not very good for your health. There, I said it. I know, I know, I can hear everyone now, it’s just one day what’s the big deal? Well here’s the rub, I don’t like the idea that  Superbowl Party food has become synonymous with food that is bad for you! Who said we had to eat all this junk anyway? And the celery that comes with the wings doesn’t count, come on don’t try that one! I say it’s high time veggies be invited to this party too, after all they have been left out for too long and they deserve equal time!  Hank Aaron, former MLB player, Desmond Howard, former Green bay packer, tennis stars Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, Joe Namath, former New York Jets star quarterback, New York Nicks Carmelo Anthony and superstar singer Sting  are all vegetarians. If these veggie-licious recipes don’t make you a believer, I’ll eat my hat! Did I mention it was my Chiquita banana hat?! Remember her? Oh, nevermind! For a yummy appetizer try the “Unshrimp” Cocktail, the vegan answer to shellfish, great for people with allergies.  And for a “Beefy Burger” that switches up meaty Portobello Mushrooms for the beef or turkey with special sauce.  I didn’t forget dessert. Raw Avocado Chocolate Mousse, the rich, chocolatey goodness  knocks it right out of the ball park. Oops, sorry wrong sport. You know what I meant!  They will never taste the difference, trust me! And best of all, there is little or no cooking for all these recipes! So sit down, kick off your shoes and enjoy the game with the rest of the gang. We from the Southern end of the state will have to force ourselves to cheer for the Giants, so the food will be our main attraction! No offense! Michele Errichetti

Unshrimp Cocktail

1 cup Old Bay Seasoning

1/4 cup Kosher salt

2  yellow onions, quartered

5  garlic cloves

3  lemons halved

2 heads of cauliflower

cocktail sauce

Directions

Clean and cut cauliflower into approximately 2 inch florets. Squeeze lemons into pot and add lemon halves and combine all ingredients except cauliflower into a large (12 quart pot ).  Bring to boil for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Add cauliflower  and turn off heat. Cover tightly for 5 to 10 minutes until fork tender, but firm. Remove cauliflower with slotted spoon and drain on dish to cool. You can make and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Serve with cocktail sauce. Basically ketchup and horseradish, you can add a splash of Tabasco for more heat. Warning: You may hear moaning at first, but I bet there will nothing but lips smacking after the first bite.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Special Sauce

Portobello Mushrooms, 1- 2 per person

Whole grain buns or buns of your choice

Spring mix, a few leaves per sandwich

Red onion, 2 slices per sandwich

Jersey tomatoes, (What else?!) 1-2 slices per sandwich

Veganaise

Grey Poupon mustard

Garlic powder

Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper

Dill

Lemon juice

Directions

Brush the Portobello mushrooms with olive oil and balsamic vinegar add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste and grill top side down for 4-5 minutes. Grill bun at the same time. For special sauce enough for for 4 “burgers”, combine  5 tablespoons of Veganaise, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon dill, 1/4 tespoon garlic powder, salt and pepper and juice of 1/4 of a lemon and mix together. Plate bun bottom first, then the portobello, spring mix, tomatoe and onion. On inside of top bun smear 1 tablespoon of special sauce. They may never ask for meat again! O.K. almost never…

Raw Avocado Chocolate Mousse

4 avocados

2/3 cup of raw cacao powder

1/2 cup Maple syrup or to taste

1 TBSP vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients into food processor starting with peeled avocados and blend until smooth. You may garnish with fruit or plain Greek yogurt drizzled with honey as “whipped cream” . Let your imagination go!

We also asked our Facebook and Twitter friends what they’d be serving. Here are some standouts we thought we’d mention.

Facebook Fan Wendy Offered up Her Favorite Recipe: Chipotle Queso Nachos

The Dip starter is available for purchase at www.TSWendy.com Chipotle Queso Nachos
Ingredients
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 jar Chipotle Queso Dip Starter
16 oz. processed cheese (such as Velveeta®), cubed
Blue Aztec Chips
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeno peppers

Directions
Brown ground beef; drain fat. Stir in Chipotle Queso Dip Starter and cubed cheese; stir over low heat until cheese melts. Spoon warm cheese mixture over Blue Aztec Chips on a large platter; garnish with tomatoes and jalapenos. Makes 16-20 servings.

Elmina, another Facebook Fan gave us the whole run down. We already discussed this in our household: here we go…#1) Ground lamb sliders with a feta cheese spread and cucumber relish, #2) Homemade Jalapeno poppers with goat cheese, #3) Traditional wings, #4) Pigs in a blanket made with chorizo and creole mustard for dipping! Can’t wait!

Oh, Elmina, we’re comin’ over.

The Adirondack Chick share some of her recipe links. Bacon and Cheddar Potato Skins ~ http://ow.ly/8EbK9 and Broccoli and Cheddar Potato Skins ~ http://ow.ly/8EbLu

What are your favorite Super Bowl recipes? Feel free to share them in a comment below or Join in the Fun with your fellow Biters on Facebook and Twitter. Go Giants!!

Valentine’s Day Special from Bella’s Biscotti

Kerry Brown
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Bella's Biscotti

When Natalie Mazzu Stone, an actress and mother of five from Medford Lakes, NJ, isn’t appearing in Tony and Tina’s wedding, or working on the pilot for her own show about a crazy cucina, she is more than likely preparing a batch of  her Bella’s Biscotti.
Handmade, twice baked, crunchy and delicious, Bella’s Biscotti is inspired from years spent at her Grandmom’s side in the kitchen. It has been perfected, and handed down with love, by the baby of the family. Available in seven different varieties through her website, www.bellasbiscotti.com. Taste that Sicilian passion!

This Valentine’s Day enjoy 30% off Bella’s classic flavor: Celebrate with one pound of New Jersey made “Biscotti a la Anise & Orange” for $16.00 (Reg. $24.00)

Visit bellasbiscotti.com to order

FireCreek Voorhees Super Bowl Sunday Specials

Kerry Brown
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FireCreek  Tail-Gate Party Super Sunday February 5, 2012

Firecreek Restaurant and Bar is located On the Boulevard at Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees, NJ.
The restaurant’s ambience pairs unrefined surfaces with contemporary accents

The Tail-Gate Party Menu Includes:

STEAMED LITTLENECK CLAMS: Prepared with zesty imported Chorizo sausage
shallots and fresh Thyme $10.00

MARINATED CHICKEN NACHOS: Char-grilled chicken breast sliced over crisp Tortilla chips
with an Ale cheese sause, Jalapenos black beans, tomatoes , olives and guacamole $7.00

HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE : Grilled sausage with sautéed peppers and onions steeped in I.P.A. Served on a Italian roll $8.50

BLACK ANGUS SHORT RIBS: Beer braised boneless short rib served on a kaiser roll with a
I . P. A Beer glaze, Havarti cheese and Porter Tempura onion ring $9.50

Bar features FireCreek’s signature drinks, wine and seasonal beers on tap

Burnt Mill Rd. and Somerdale Rd.
http://www.firecreek-restaurant.com
(856) 344-7901

The bar at FireCreek Voorhees features signature cocktails and seasonal beers on tap

Meet Fairway Market’s Rock Stars of Food

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Fairway Market’s Master Butcher Ray Venezia, Seafood Director, Captain Tony Maltese, Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins, Master Roaster Benny Lanfranco and Dan Glickberg, and Mitchel London to offer their expertise and samples on Saturday, February 4th, 2012 from 11am to 3pm at the Paramus Store. (Fashion Center Mall, Route 17 ( www.fairwaymarket.com)

Dan Glickberg and Mitchel London Farm to Fairway!

Get a sneak peak of the Farm to Fairway — Valentine’s Day Special that will air on NBC, Saturday, February 11th at 7PM. Dan and Mitchel will share their tips for preparing the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner. They will be sharing their experiences of procuring only the best from a Lamb Farm and Orange Orchard in Northern California and a Chocolate Factory in Brooklyn, New York.

Meat Demo with Master Butcher Ray Venezia!

Get expert advice for your game-day meats from Fairway’s Master Butcher Ray Venezia as he demonstrates how to cook a perfect filet mignon, and shares his recipes for chicken veggie burger and healthy chili

Seafood Demo with Captain Tony Maltese!

Captain Tony goes down to the docks at the crack of dawn for the freshest pick of fish and seafood to supply our stores. Sample Fairway ‘s fresh cooked shrimp and Fairway’s cocktail sauce.

Cheese Demo with Master Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins!

Join Fairway’s Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins — who has been tasting cheeses for 37 years! — for a delicious and educational cheese demo! Steve will share three of his favorite cheeses and the best foods to pair with them.

Coffee Demo with Fairway’s Master Roaster Benny Lanfranco!

Benny Lanfranco is Fairway’s Master Roaster. He’s been around coffee beans his whole life. It’s safe to say, he knows everything about coffee and roasting. Come chat with him about the roasting process and tricks of the trade.

Prepared Foods Demo with Fairway’s Own Chef de Cuisine!

Fairway’s fresh salsa, guacamole, homemade chips, and turkey chili are perfect game-day eats. Sample Mitchel London’s delicious eats and learn how to dazzle friends and family.

5 New Jersey Hot Spots to Watch the Super Bowl

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie
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New Jersey has some of the best sports bars in the nation and here are five suggestions where you can catch the Big Game on Sunday and catch some nice specials as well.  Where will you be spending the Super Bowl? Leave a comment if you’ll be going out for the big game and tell us where. If you’ll be staying in, stay tuned for some of our favorite Super Bowl recipes.

Morris County

NJ Bar & Grill – Mine Hill, NJ (100 Randolph Ave., Mine Hill, NJ 07801)

$16.99/person – $8 pitchers of Bud or Bud Light

  • Platter of chicken chips for the table at the start of the game
  • 1st quarter: Choice of either homemade chili or soup of the day
  • 2nd quarter: Choice of platter: spinach & artichoke dip, bacon-wrapped chicken with jalapeno and BBQ sauce, nachos (buffalo chicken or chili)
  • 3rd quarter: Choice of one per person: penne a la vodka, fish n’ chips, blackened burger with blue cheese topping, pulled pork sliders
  • 4th quarter: Assorted dessert platter (one per table)

PLUS – 6′ sub served at halftime

Reserve by February 2nd at 973.989.1999.

Morris Tap & Grill – Randolph, NJ (500 Route 10 West, Randolph, NJ 07869)

Super Bowl Bash 2012 – All You Can Drink Craft Beer and Open Bar

$50 gets all you can drink beer, including our acclaimed craft beer selection, or for $60 you can have open bar.

Included is:  Endless appetizers: signature wings, chicken quesadilla cigars and hearty chili.

Six – 50″ HD TVs / 70″ projection and audio throughout the game.

Call for information or to reserve: 973.891.1776.

Monmouth County:

The Downtown – Red Bank, NJ (10 West Front Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701)

  • 4-Hour Open Bar Package $35
  • Special secondary NFL menu with kicked up classics from Chef Will
  • $1 drinks for ladies ($3 wine) and $3 drinks for the guys

Tons of giveaways including iPads, iPods, Ahmad Bradshaw signed ball, Darrelle Revis Autographed Jets Helmet and more.

Reservations suggested. Call 732.741.3232.

Salem County

Ten22 Bar & Grill – Pittsgrove, NJ (1022 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318)

Super Bowl Sunday Special:

  • ½ price wings (any style)
  • ½ price nachos grande
  • $8 domestic draft pitchers and $12 Coors Light buckets.

Touchdown Specials for patrons wearing a Giants or Patriots team jersey (ask for details).  Win a Ten22 gift certificate if you guess the winning team and final score before the game.

Call for information:  856.358.3325.

Hudson County

Pilsener Haus & Biergarten – Hoboken, NJ (1422 Grand Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030)

NJ’s most traditional biergarten featuring Chef Thomas Ferlesch’s authentic Austro-Hungarian cuisine – SUPER Sausages from the grill, SUPER Pretzels – SUPER Beer Selection.

Three – 20 feet wide projection screens (largest in Hoboken).  Bowl Special: $4 for ½ liter of Radeberger Pilsner during the game.

Call for information: 201.683.5465.

Whatever your plans are for the Big Game, drink responsibly and be sure to select a designated driver if you opt to go to one of these fine establishments.

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.  Cheap Sports Tickets  Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

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