Celebrate the city of Bayonne! Take in the community atmosphere and enjoy delicious food from 30 food vendors, sand art, kids’ rides, a beer garden and live music featuring Who Brought the Dog and White Wing.
When
Saturday, May 6, 2022
12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where
22nd – 24th Streets and Avenue E
Bayonne, NJ
Admission: Free for Everyone!
Hosted by the city of Bayonne
Family-friendly activities — all ages welcome!
No charge to enter
Furry friends are welcome — this event is pet friendly!
Who’s Coming
Angry Archie’s
Athens Delite
Carinderia Mexi-Filipino
Carnival Concessions
Chavas
Cold Stone Creamery
El Chilango
El Cubano Express
Fusion
Horman’s Pickles
House of Cupcakes
Jersey Johnnies
Just Delicious Kettle Corn
La Belle Crepe
Fusion
Horman’s Pickles
House of Cupcakes
Jersey Johnnie’s
Just Delicious Kettle Corn
La Belle Crepe
La Coqueta
Latin Bites
The Little Sicilian
Mac Truck
Memphis Seoul
Mozzarepas
The Steak Truck
Taste of Poland
T-Bark
Tradewinds
Twisted Steak
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Merchant Vendors
Bang Cookies
Cafe 26
Cutie Pie Jewelry
Natureal works
Oxygen Theory
Spoonable Spirits
Taproot Organics
A Taste of Esme
Toys
Twin Novelties
Water sponsors: Aha Water, Simply Water, Coca Cola, Vitamin Water, and Smart Water
When
Saturday, May 6, 2023
12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where
22nd – 24th Streets & Avenue E
Bayonne, NJ.
The street will be closed down for the event.
Music
White Wing
Who Brought the Dog
(The event is held on the street, so if it is an extremely hot day please be careful of those puppy paws.)
Parking
Lots 6 and 7: 23rd and Church Lane
Lots 8 and 9: East 26th Street between Broadway and Avenue E
April showers bring May flowers. And for New Jersey, April showers bring…new restaurants! Check out these new (and coming soon) spots across the Garden State.
86 & Vine Wine & Cocktail Parlor, Norwood
86 & Vine Wine & Cocktail Parlor, from the team that introduced the much-loved De Novo European Pub to Edgewater and Montclair, NJ. 3,500 sq. ft. space featuring 500 hand-picked, personally tasted wines at all price points and from all growing regions
Three Cruvinet dispensing systems with rechargeable cards, a fun way for guests to affordably sample wines for purchase. More than 300 spirits and 20-30 beers curated with the same personal touch, from popular brands to small-batch finds.
The fourth location of Brownstone Pancake Factory, known for its incredible and often over-the-top pancakes, just opened, in Freehold. And this place is more than just breakfast. Stop in for sandwiches, pastas, and more.
With the opening of Craft Protein Bar, Cranford adds to its list of woman-owned businesses. This one belongs to 19-year-old entrepreneur Kamila Flores. Whether you need to kickstart your day or it’s time for an afternoon boost, check out their creative coffees, shakes, and teas.
Asbury Park welcomes Dolce Fantasia. With a focus on seasonal, classic Italian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Dolce Fantasia is located right on Cookman Avenue.
With its patio opening coming up on April 28, 2023, Dulce Pecado Bistro Bar is the place to be for live music. The menu features tacos, empanaditas, and crepes, as well as specialty cocktails and frozen drinks.
Coming soon to Cherry Hill Mall, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood will open its doors on June 8. Make a reservation if you’re looking for a new, upscale spot to enjoy seafood or steak.
Named after the Las Vegas cross-streets of the same names, Gass & Main opened recently in Haddonfield, NJ. This BYOB spot features seasonal dishes for lunch, dinner, and brunch.
Specializing in authentic Indian food, Godavari recently opened its third location in New Jersey, this time in Princeton. The menu features soups, appetizers, and favorites such as Babai Idly (steamed rice and lentil patties) and Bengaluru Bendi Pulusu (an okra special).
American Dream Mall welcomes an authentic Peruvian experience, with the addition of Jarana to its restaurant roster. Corporate Executive Chef Jesus Delgado is at the helm, ready to showcase Peruvian cooking in its purest form. And if you’re looking for a Peruvian cocktail, order yourself a Pisco Sour.
Recently opened in Elizabeth, Jerkies defines itself as the “best jerk cuisine in town. Located in the heart of Historic Midtown Elizabeth, the restaurant brings vibrant flavors with a menu that includes “big plates,” wings, sides, and more.
Jersey City opens its arms to Kaffa Espresso Bar, a boho-chic coffee shop. At Kaffa, check out everything from cappuccino to chai to cortados. And yes, of course, there’s espresso.
Formerly known as the Avon Pavillion, the Promenade delivers an elevated dining experience right on the boardwalk. The restaurant will serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The Promenade’s menu offers fresh sushi and poke bowls, pasta dishes, plus all the seafood you would expect from a restaurant at the ocean’s edge.
The Promenade’s owners are also the team behind Amelia’s By The Sea, in Spring Lake. You can expect the same quality food and service at this new location. And beach goers will love the convenient concession window, where they can grab salads, ice cream, and more.
RP Prime Steak & Seafood
Be on the lookout for the Fair Lawn opening of RP Prime Steak & Seafood this May. Their hand-selected steaks are center cut and aged on premises. In addition to the sit-down menu, be sure to check out the takeout selections as well.
The event takes place Friday, May 5, 2023, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Get ready to discover some new favorite beers by local craft breweries and breweries from around the globe. The event will take place at the Liberty State Park-Train/Ferry Terminal.
About the Event
Jersey City Craft Brew Fest is a perfect opportunity for guests to meet and hang out with friends and enjoy the libation of their choice.
This event is your all-access pass to check out emerging and renowned breweries from around the corner to across the globe. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy samples paired with live entertainment, food, and interactive games.
With over 100 samples to try, it’s a great place to discover new brews, and speak to brewery representatives. Enjoy everything from your favorite local brews to international beers.
Another feature of the event: gorgeous Manhattan skyline views from beautiful Liberty State Park.
21+ only. No children, infants, toddlers, or pets are permitted at the event.
General admission: $36 using code JERSEYBITES, through April 24. Regular price:$60. Includes tastings live music, interactive games, and more! (Plus tax and fees.)
Designated drivers: $15 admission (Plus tax and fees. No alcohol can be consumed with this ticket.)
Luigino’s Parmigiana opened its doors on April 5, in Montclair and the spot is quickly becoming the talk of the town.
The restaurant is located in the former home of Salute Brick Oven Bistro. Just a short walk from the Wellmont Theater, Luigino’s is a modern, clean space with rustic décor. Interior stylist Cindy Blanco designed the space.
The dining room includes some interactive elements. You’ll find a demo kitchen and cheese dispensary, where customers can watch as delicacies like fresh mozzarella, focaccia, and espresso are prepared.
“My ambition is to put fresh, simple Italian food like we eat in Italy on the table,” explained Chef Luigino “Luigi” Tripodi of his restaurant’s concept. “The menu features some of the best imported products from the Campania region in Italy which is where my family is from and sources local products when they readily available.”
About Chef Luigino
Chef Luigino “Luigi” Tripodi
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Chef Tripodi has spent a lifetime in the hospitality industry. He attended the Culinary Institute of America, served as an apprentice on the French culinary circuit, and worked around the country at various restaurants. He served as a corporate chef at the Palm Steakhouse Restaurant Group in Manhattan and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Pinsa—a Roman-style pizza made with roasted lamb, lemon zest, ricotta salata, red onions, olives, and Calabrian chiles.
Inspirational Travel
Right before the restaurant’s creation, Chef Tripodi and his son went on a month-long trip to Italy.
“I absorbed all the food ideas after a month with my son,” said Chef Tripodi. “He speaks fluent Italian and created a magnificent music playlist for the restaurant as we drove through the Amalfi Coast on our way down to our town, two hours south of Naples.”
“We’re paying homage to my Mom and Dad’s hometown in Italy, Castel Ruggero. In the restaurant we have old family photos from the garden in Italy. My wife, Kirsten—who is Dr. Tripodi, a professor of hospitality—has been helping our general manager Alex Cordova, get the restaurant ready for business.”
“I could never have pulled everything together so quickly and with such precision without the leadership that my GM, Alex, brings to the front of the house, and chefs Jose Yupa and Guillermo Tigre bring to the kitchen,” he said. “Both chefs are all about attention to detail and are hyper-focused on putting out perfectly executed food. The four of us just clicked when we all met.”
Luigino’s Menu
Chef Tripodi decided to bring his experience living, traveling, and dining in Italy, to New Jersey.
At Luigino’s, customers will enjoy many regional options like the pinsa—a Roman-style pizza, gaining popularity in Rome, but not yet here in the States. It’s made with roasted lamb, lemon zest, ricotta salata, red onions, olives, and Calabrian chiles.
Mural of Luigi’s family photos from the garden in Italy
Some highlights from the menu include mozzarella di bufala, la burrata, eggplant le Parmigiana, pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, polenta, short ribs (with borlotti beans and red wine ragu), among many other mouth-watering menu choices.
“This is going to be fun,” Chef Tripodi smiled. “We are doing polenta tableside, rolled out on a guéridon and plated right in front of customers.”
Pasta carbonara
“Our carbonara is made in the authentic way as you would eat it in Rome,” Chef Tripodi explained. “Everyone else makes it their way, but ours is just parmigiana cheese, Tonnarelli pasta, egg yolks, Mediterranean sea salt, and black pepper. There’s a hundred different ways to do it, but if you’re in Italy that’s what you’re eating.”
Cast-iron caciocavallo affumicato with roasted shallots, tomato, basil confit
“We serve a cast-iron, fire-baked provolone,” Chef Tripodi teased. “Fried Roman artichokes, and fresh porchetta too. Also, something called lardo, which is a very fatty cold cut that melts in your mouth.”
The Dessert Experience
Pasta fritta
“Pasta Fritta is a dessert my Mom Josephine and my Aunt Giovannina “ZiZi” DeSantis—her son Benny and daughter Carmelina are on the big wall mural, my first cousins—made for years during the holidays,” recalled Chef Tripodi.
“It’s fresh pasta dough, rolled thin into various shapes, and deep fried, topped with honey and powdered sugar.” The family could not wait for the Christmas season to get these flavorful treats.”
Other items on the dessert menu, like the tiramisu, inspire daydreams as well. (And hunger pangs!)
“Luigino’s is a fun place to gather with family and friends,” said Chef Tripodi. “It’s the type of place to come enjoy great food, laughter, and love. Just like we do when I visit family in Italy.”
As a longtime Produce Pete fan, I was thrilled to learn about They Call Me Produce Pete. Straightforward and easy to read, this recently released book strikes the perfect balance of honest recollections of a humble beginning and humorous tales about Produce Pete’s adventures both on and off camera. Written with New Jersey author Susan Bloom, They Call Me Produce Pete takes readers back to a simpler — though not easier — time.
The book follows Pete Napolitano’s journey from being a young fruit peddler to his experiences in the business world. And of course, the book continues into the last 30 years, covering Pete’s time as a TV personality.
As I read, I enjoyed learning many of the lessons that shaped Pete’s career. I also got a true sense of his lifetime of hard work in his family’s business, heartwarming pictures his family, and a collection of homestyle recipes showcasing seasonal produce.
Chatting with the Authors
As I prepared for my chat with Pete Napolitano and Susan Bloom, I was eager to learn how the two met and began writing together. Susan and Pete met over a decade ago at a harvest fair in Morris County, where Pete was doing a fall produce demonstration.
Susan thought he would be a great person to make contact with and to call upon for occasional comments and facts on produce that she could use in her features. They ended up working together on a monthly column for the Asbury Park Press and other Gannett papers for nine years. And they currently collaborate on articles featured in New Jersey Monthly. Susan clearly had the right idea.
When I asked what prompted them to write this book now, Susan relayed that as Pete approached his 75th birthday, they knew it was time to get his stories down on paper.
One of my favorite sentiments the authors shared with me is a little joke they developed between themselves. Pete says, “Susan writes the way I talk.”
To that, Susan replies, “Pete talks the way I write!” Their easy banter makes reading the book feel like Pete is right there in your kitchen, sharing his life story with you as you cook.
Throughout our conversation, Pete happily elaborated on many of the stories he included in the book. We got to talking about what he considers the most underrated vegetable. His answer? “Most of the greens,” explaining that not many people know how to cook them properly.
He noted that while greens are incredibly nutritious, they’re not always so exciting to look at. And when it comes to eating, he said, “People eat with their eyes first.”
Final Thoughts
More than a memoir, They Call Me Produce Pete is an in-depth recollection of a time gone by. A local history that many who grew up during this era in the Garden State can relate to. Most importantly, it is Pete’s own legacy that can be held and enjoyed by the Napolitano family — and all of us — for generations to come.
Looking for More?
Produce Pete and Susan Bloom are planning a book tour of local booksellers, farms, and produce stands throughout New Jersey. Keep an eye on Produce Pete’s website and social media for dates and locations.
Autographed and personalized copies of the book can also be purchased on the Produce Pete website.
Bonus Recipe
They Call Me Produce Pete includes some of Pete’s favorite family recipes. With spring on the horizon, Bette’s Baked Crusty-Crumb Asparagus sounded like a great option for me to try. I prepared this recipe as a side dish for oven-roasted salmon. My husband and I agree that it would be a great addition to a spring dinner
Bette’s Baked Crusty-Crumb Asparagus
A difficult vegetable to harvest, you can enjoy asparagus many ways. Try it steamed, eat it raw with a little dip, or prepare it using this family-favorite recipe from Pete.
Ingredients:
18 to 24 spears asparagus
6 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
Pinch of tarragon
2 cups bread crumbs
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F.
In a skillet of boiling water, gently blanch the asparagus.
Drain the asparagus. Place it in a shallow buttered baking pan.
In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion, garlic, parsley, and tarragon. Add the bread crumbs and mix well.
Spoon the bread crumb mixture over the asparagus and cover the pan with foil.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake at 400° F for an additional 5 minutes.
If you want to serve something truly impressive and melt-in-your-mouth amazing for a holiday dinner or special occasion, nothing beats a beef tenderloin. It slices beautifully into perfect medallions. It’s fork tender. And you don’t have to worry about an over abundance of fat.
Even so, many people complain that a lack of fat also means a lack of flavor. That’s where dry-aging comes in. By letting your tenderloin hang out naked in the fridge for up to two days, the meat will dry out just enough to create a nice pellicle that will brown very fast. This method also concentrates the flavor of the meat.
The beautiful 4.25 lb beef tenderloin I cooked for this recipe came already trussed and was shipped to my door by Chop Box. This New Jersey-based company has been supplying quality meat and seafood to high-end restaurants in the Northeast for over 100 years. Their meats come frozen, which I prefer because it’s an easy way to stock up my freezer. Just give yourself a couple of days for the tenderloin to defrost in the fridge.
Enjoy a 10% discount when ordering from Chop Box by using code JerseyBites10. Good until April 10. $99 minimum order. Good on all product except gift cards.
Dry aging beef tenderloin in the fridge for one to two days
Dry Aging
Now, I will admit, watching your naked meat live among the Tupperware and mayo for a day or two may make you nervous. It did for me too, but it’s well worth it.
The look of the meat will change a bit. The outer layer becomes darker and more firm. That’s the point. After you remove the meat from the fridge, generously salt and pepper it all over.
Beef tenderloin after dry aging for over 24 hours in the fridge.
Slow Roasting
Preheat your oven to 275°F. Place the tenderloin on a wire rack above a rimmed baking sheet or large casserole dish and bake until it registers a couple of degrees below your desired temperature. This should take about an hour but start checking your temp ahead of time.
When it comes to correct cooking temperatures, I have one source. I go by J.Kenji Lopez Alt‘s recommendations—always. He recommends a serving temperature of 125°F for rare or 130°F for medium-rare. As you can see, I was going for rare and nailed it.
Take out of oven a few degrees below your desired final serving temp
I also use Kenji’s reverse browning strategy. I brown the meat in a mixture of butter and oil after it is done cooking—not before. The purpose of the browning is to give it that beautiful color and texture.
Brown the beef tenderloin after slow roasting
After your beef tenderloin is beautifully browned, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
For Easter I would serve this with roasted asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a delectable horseradish cream sauce.
Christmas is another great holiday for a beautiful beef tenderloin and pairs perfectly with the traditional sides like green bean casserole, potato casserole, Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. Maybe whip up a Béarnaise or hollandaise sauce for the occasion.
Enjoy a 10% discount when ordering from Chop Box by using code JerseyBites10. Good until April 10. $99 minimum order. Good on all product except gift cards.
As the days get longer, so does the list of new restaurants across the Garden State. Check out these 12 new and about-to-open eateries in New Jersey.
Carmen’s Cocina, Beachwood
Calling all pernil lovers! Stop by Carmen’s Cocina, now open in Beachwood. This new spot serves authentic Puerto Rican meals, including empanadas, carne guisada, pollo frito, and more. Please check the website for hours and menu announcements.
Created by Guy Fieri and Robert Earl, a new Chicken Guy spot just hit Atlantic City. Stop by Harrah’s and walk on in for fries, macaroni and cheese, fried pickles, slaw, and of course, chicken. Be sure to check out the 22 options on the Signature Sauces menu. Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, try out one of the Flavortown shakes before you go.
The owners of East Hana recently introduced a new Japanese spot, also in Jersey City. Located at the Goldman Sachs tower on the waterfront, East Hudson Cafe offers a range of options. The menu includes noodles, dumplings, rice bowls, and more. Fresh ingredients are sourced from local farmers markets.
Garden State Plaza, in Paramus, welcomes Fogo de Chão. Enter the two-story Brazilian steakhouse and watch the chefs do their thing at the open-air churrasco grill. Or have a seat at Bar Fogo and enjoy a cocktail to remember.
Fogo de Chão 1 Garden State Plaza Blvd, Unit B2 Paramus, NJ
The Habit Burger, East Brunswick
Now open in East Brunswick, the Habit Burger got its start in California, in 1964. Stop by their 15th Garden State location for s Santa Barbara Char, served on grilled sourdough, or one of the many other charburgers or signature sandwiches.
Taste authentic Thai cuisine at Khao Thai restaurant in Englewood. Choose from an extensive list of options for dinner, including duck tamarind, a shrimp claypot, and Northern Thai-style egg noodles. And if you’re in the area for lunch, check out the lunch combo menu.
Now open in Bridgewater, Kerry & Naan specializes in Tandoori appetizers, seafood dishes, special lamb and goat curries, vegetarian dishes, Biryani specialties, and more.
Kurry & Naan 1303 Prince Rodgers Avenue Bridgewater, NJ
Luigino’s Parmigiano, Montclair
A 45-year career in the restaurant business has prepared Luigi Tripodi for his next adventure. Luigino’s Parmigiano opens April 5, in Montclair, New Jersey. Exciting menus for lunch and dinner include pork belly; soft polenta; beef, veal, and pork meatballs; and stuffed gnocchi.
Miami party vibes are on the scene in Clifton, New Jersey. Made in Miami offers a unique dining and high-energy experience inspired by Miami’s culture. Check out the menu of creative tapas and entrees. And make a note of the specialty cocktails created by award-winning mixologist Carlos Ruiz, including Only Fans, We Outside, and of course, Miami Nights. Make a night of it!
Coming soon to Plainfield, NJ, Mamajuana continues to grow. When the doors open you can enjoy Dominican and Caribbean cuisine, including paella, ceviche, baby back ribs, and more.
The fast-casual Mexican restaurant QDoba recently opened its 22nd New Jersey location in Manalapan, NJ. Conveniently located on US Highway 9, locals and passers-by alike have easy access to grabbing a quest bowl, surf-and-turf burrito, or maybe an order of chips and guacamole.
Now open in Florham Park, Taim Kitchen serves vibrant and fresh dishes featuring a range of Mediterranean herbs and spices. The build-your-meal spot originated in NYC’s West Village.
Taim Kitchen 176 Columbia Turnpike Florham Park, NJ
Editor’s note: All photos are published with permission.
The writer was invited to The Loaded Spoon, and the meal was complimentary.
We love when a new restaurant comes to town, especially when it brings something different to the area. And the Loaded Spoon does just that. It’s more than just another restaurant; it’s an experience.
The Loaded Spoon in Freehold Township, NJ, is now officially open for business.
The Vibe
Upon walking in the door you realize this is a fun and playful place, but also very chic. After walking past the “outdoor dining” section and the selfie wall, you step into a dining room which has a clear view into the dessert kitchen.
Step left and you enter the bar room, which gives off a sleek lounge vibe and has more dining space. And off to the right of the first dining room is another sophisticated, dining space with modern furniture. The aesthetic alone reveals that you’re in for a good night.
During my visit, there was a live DJ who complemented the sensibility of the restaurant. For an upscale nightlife experience, you can plan on dancing at the Loaded Spoon on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Beverages
A well-made drink is always the best way to kick off your dining experience, so we hit the bar before sitting at our table. On the website, the Loaded Spoon refers to the beverage menu as Creative Cocktails. They aren’t kidding.
While it was hard to decide on just one drink, I needed a pick-me-up. The Pistachio Espresso Martini called to me. It was just as lovely as you’d imagine. And now I’m eager to get back and try the other creations like the Blood of the Dragon and What’s Up Doc.
Blue Lagoon Smoke Show
That’s not all. They have a whole menu of drinks called Smoke Shows. These include giant glasses filled with a cocktail and candy mixture, plus dry ice to produce bubbles and smoke.
It’s really something to see (and drink). And even better: you can order these with or without alcohol, so it’s a fun option for the whole family. The Smoke Shows are truly Instagram-worthy, tasty, and most definitely shareable.
Let’s Eat
The dinner menu offers a variety of elevated dishes from pastas to prime steaks and mouthwatering appetizers. We shared the slab bacon stack, which consisted of four pieces of extra-thick bacon. Of course it was amazing, it was bacon!
I enjoyed the tagliolini vongole (littleneck clams, clams strips, garlic, olive oil, chili flake, and a biscotti and pecorino crumble). And now I have my eyes on the short rib Bolognese and cauliflower steak fritte for my next visits. The prime filet mignon was cooked to perfection. And I loved being able to choose from a variety of sauces to pair with the steak.
Slap bacon stack
Again, the Loaded Spoon goes a step above, delivering an exciting experience. They offer some shareable dishes meant for three to five people. The Burrata Balls 3 Ways sounded and looked amazing. Large burrata stuffed meatballs served with Nana’s tomato sauce, arugula pesto, and a Parmigiano béchamel. This is yet another item on my “eat this next” list.
Tagliolini Vongole
Of course it didn’t end there. We had to indulge in some desserts too. My-oh-my, the selections were exceptional. They offer loaded shakes adorned with sweets and treats like doughnut holes, potato chips, Swedish fish, cotton candy, and more.
I opted for another type of dessert, the Aphrodisiac, which was my favorite. It had layered mascarpone mousses of dark, milk, and white chocolate, cocoa nib nougatine, raspberry pomegranate molasses, and a coffee glaze. YUM!
Aphrodisiac
Brunch is also offered on weekends with options like Irish nachos, Tipsy pancakes, a doughnut tower, Maine lobster roll, and much more.
And while the atmosphere, cocktails, and food were all something special, I have to give a shoutout to our server, Maurice. He added to our already memorable experience with service that went above and beyond.
If you’re looking for the ideal place to grab drinks and bites with friends, enjoy a romantic dinner, treat the family, or indulge in a boozy brunch, this is it.
Mark your calendars for the first-ever Millburn-Short Hills Restaurant Week. The event will take place from Monday, March 20, through Sunday, March 26, 2023, throughout five commercial districts including beautiful downtown Millburn.
Restaurant Week will include more than 30 restaurants in 20+ culinary categories. The event will encourage participants to enjoy unique features and prix-fixe meals. Guests will enjoy custom wine pairings from local shops at BYOB restaurants and special baked goods and desserts from some of the best spots in Essex County.
About the Event
The event is organized and presented by Explore Millburn-Short Hills — the Special Improvement District for Millburn Township. Explore has partnered with Opportunity Project, a Millburn-based nonprofit that provides programs and services for individuals with brain injuries, including work adjustment, training, and supported employment services.
Shaun Ahern (right), owner of Boxcar Bar & Grill. He is working with Opportunity Project to provide volunteer opportunities to the organization’s members.
Participating restaurants will raise money for the nonprofit. Some will also offer Opportunity Project members (survivors of brain injury) opportunities to work in their establishments.
Leaders in the local restaurant community have committed to the event with additional restaurants signing up daily.
Common Lot’s Ehren and Nadine Ryan
“I am honored to be participating in the first annual Restaurant Week,” said Ehren Ryan, owner and chef at Common Lot. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase a growing restaurant scene in and around town. To find hidden gems that you might not know of or show support for your regular restaurant. We have such a fantastic variety of places.”
Participating Spots
Some of the participating restaurants, bakeries, and shops include:
Basilico
Boxcar Bar & Grill
Liv Breads
The Millburn Deli
Millburn Standard
Moonshine Modern Supper Club
Saigon Cafe
Taste Buddy
Unwined Boutique
Restaurant Week will include lunch, dinner, Saturday Family Brunch, and Sunday Brunch. Menus will be available, and you’ll be able to find the following options:
BYOB restaurants
Gluten free
Kosher
Vegan
Vegetarian
A Good Cause
March is Brain Injury Awareness month and it could not be more fitting than to partner with Opportunity Project. The organization trains and reintroduces people back into the workforce after they have suffered a brain injury and are on the road to recovery.
Opportunity Project has brought Bank of America Private Bank and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center as additional Restaurant Week sponsors.
To learn more about Millburn-Short Hills Restaurant Week, visit the event’s website.
For updates follow Explore Millburn-Short Hills on Instagram and Facebook.
Welcome to month eight of my year of seeking out the best and most interesting beers in New Jersey. It was fairly mild this year but February is usually a month I would like to endure on the couch — with a blanket, remote in hand.
It’s March now, and the chill is still in the air. In the culinary world, weather like this calls for comfort food. So why not comfort beer? If it’s not already, comfort beer should be a thing! Here are a few great Jersey beers I recommend snuggling up with.
Hello Jerry
Double Tap Brewing, Whippany
Part of the class of 2022’s new breweries, Double Tap occupies the old Whippany post office. Philatelists will definitely find the bar top interesting. What better way to fight the cold and damp than with an imperial stout? Hello Jerry has all the roast, chocolate, and stone fruit character that you need to keep cozy. At 10.8% ABV it’s a slow sipper that pairs nicely with a good novel. When I was there, Double Tap had a number of stouts on tap and a Wee Heavy as well. That’s quite a bit of comfort!
Sacrifice for Abundance
Czig Meister Brewing, Hackettstown
Housed in an old carriage house in historic Hackettstown, Czig Meister has a wonderfully varied tap list. Nothing says comfort more than a classic English Barleywine, and Sacrifice for Abundance is not short on boozy warmth. It’s a dark contemplative beer that calls for thoughtful nonfiction or a gripping documentary. The booze is cut by a little sticky caramel that stops well short of being cloying. So, put on your jammies, throw on a blanket and let it snow. Or sleet. We’ll deal with it in the morning.
Better Year Bitter
Bull and Bear Brewing, Summit
The comfort inherent in a British Pub is taken up another notch in the little side rooms they refer to as “snugs.” A sip of an English Best Bitter puts me right in that room with a hunting Spaniel curled up at my feet. The Bull and Bear is, itself, a snug little main street style brewery in downtown Summit. Better Year Bitter has all the toasty biscuit notes that you’d expect from this unique British style. Let’s light our pipes and have a bit of chin wag, shall we?
Black Dynomite
902 Brewing, Jersey City
After starting out as a gypsy brewery, 902 Brewing now has a beautiful brick-and-mortar location in Jersey City. And just because it’s winter it doesn’t mean we don’t need a hop fix every now and then. Call it a Black IPA or a Cascadian Dark Ale, Black Dynomite has all those comfy chocolate and cinnamon notes backed by a powerful herbal hop punch. It was the beer that bridged the gap from amateur to pro for 902 and it’s pretty obvious why. Black Dynomite is elegantly balanced and a fine example of a style that warms my heart. Where is Cascadia anyway? I kinda want to go there.
‘Tis the season! As you may have already seen, Girl Scout Cookie booths are in full swing throughout local communities. Ocean Casino Resort is joining in on the fun (with a twist) while at the same time, supporting Girl Scout Troops in the Garden State, just in time for National Girl Scout Day, which is Sunday, March 12.
From now until March 30,Lobby Bar and Makai have added four cocktails to their already extensive and eclectic beverage offerings. These options not only pack the required punch, but Ocean will be donating $1 from every sale to the Girl Scouts of Southern and Central New Jersey. Stop by either — or both — of these spots to help contribute, and enjoy a fab cocktail!
Caramel Surprise
Can’t make it to AC this month? Try making one of these cocktails at home!
Caramel Surprise
1½ oz Three Olives vodka
1 oz chocolate liqueur
1½ oz Malibu
1 oz half and half
1 bar spoon of caramel syrup
Garnish: Chocolate and caramel drizzle
Garnish: Toasted coconut flakes
Build: Shake and strain
PB&B
PB&B
2½ oz Skrewball peanut butter whiskey
½ oz crème de cacao
2 dashes chocolate bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters
Garnish: Peanut brittle, laid across rim
Build: In glass over large cube, stir
Lemon Kiss
Lemon Kiss
2 oz Three Olives vodka
½ oz triple sec
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
Garnish: Half sugar rim and lemon wedge
Build: Shake and strain
The writer was invited to visit Ming restaurant, and the meal was complimentary.
A Personal Story
When asked to recall his decision, five years ago, to leave Delhi, India, for a career in the United States, Vipul Gupta, offers a warm smile. His long-distance career move led to his current role as corporate chef for the Mehtani Group, which owns several restaurants, including Ming, in Edison. He’s culinary director of Ming, where he has established a pan-Asian culinary philosophy and menu.
“I was ready to show my skills in America,” Gupta said, noting that he began his career journey with a four-year degree at Manipal University, a culinary school in India, along with two years of apprenticeship work. He knew the move was a major decision. “I was clear that I wanted to do this. My parents supported me, but some of my friends and colleagues were not so sure. Now, everyone is proud of me and what I’ve accomplished in the United States.”
Following his university studies and apprenticeships, Gupta became well acquainted with regional pan-Asian concepts. For 15 years, he worked as a chef throughout India’s vast hospitality industry. Having learned the fundamentals, he implemented his own techniques to create Ming’s dishes. His colleagues at Ming and the Mehtani group, many of whom have worked as skilled chefs for 20 years, embraced Gupta’s suggestions.
Vipul Gupta
The results of this collaboration were on display during a stellar feast one evening in mid-February at Ming, located in the Oakwood Plaza shopping center, at the intersection of Oak Tree Road and Wood Avenue in Edison.
A Panoply of Pan-Asian Flavors
The pan-Asian concept, as defined by Gupta, refers to a mixture of diverse, distinctive culinary traditions of China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. A spectrum of dried chilies and chili oils, ranging from mild to intensely spicy, along with a curated selection of herbs such as basil, green onions and cilantro, represent the foundation flavors for pan-Asian vegetables, meats, and fish.
But that’s only half the concept. Gupta pointed out that his philosophy extends to cooking techniques — grilling, roasting, steaming, and broiling — that go beyond the familiar wok style of Chinese food preparation.
Ming interior
He credits his team of experienced chefs as being open to his concepts, creating new recipes and new styles of presentation for patrons. Gupta also indicated that the American palate (at least for dedicated foodies and restaurant goers here in New Jersey) is ready for and accepting of these pan-Asian dishes.
Gupta prepared a dazzling, nonstop feast for this reporter seated with other guests. The selection began with a fresh papaya salad. This dish, in its beautiful simplicity, hit all the bright “grace notes” of all the pan-Asian flavors mentioned by Gupta: cilantro, basil, and chili.
We moved onto Drums of Heaven chicken wings, and an especially delightful crispy corn salad with bell peppers and onions.
Drums of Heaven chicken wingsCrispy corn salad
And the evening continued with so much goodness, including the following:
Eggplant and scallion dish with herb butter
Nagasaki shrimp bao buns with spicy tempura sauce
Noodles with a mild basil/oyster sauce
Sautéed greens (broccoli, snow peas), baby corn, and water chestnuts
Tom yum fried rice
Crispy mushrooms dusted with rice flour in a rich Szechuan sauce
A hot hake platter, generously seasoned with black peppercorns and chili oil
Nagasaki shrimp bao bunsCassata ice cream cake
And yes, dessert happened. We enjoyed slices of a three-layer cassata Indian ice cream cake alongside a chocolate lava cake made for a sweet, beautiful finish to a sumptuous meal.
About the Restaurant
Ming first opened at this location in December 2000. Six months ago, the team had its rooms renovated. The restaurant’s comfortable décor features subdued, intimate lighting, grass cloth walls, hand-carved red woodwork, and colorful, rectangular-shaped chandeliers.
The waitstaff provides warm, friendly, professional service. Ming offers a full selection of wine, cocktails, and beer to pair with its savory dishes.
Throughout the evening we felt the reassuring serenity of Ming’s Buddha — a good-luck statue perched at the center of the restaurant. This gathering of foodie fans, the convivial interaction, and the beautiful meal we enjoyed were expressions of kindness, generosity, and mindfulness. Thank you, Ming. We are most grateful.
Ming
1655-195 Oak Tree Road
Edison, NJ
732-549-5051
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