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Win 2 Tickets to the Grand Market at the Food Network’s Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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UPDATE: 7.29.2010

The Winners of the Two Tickets to the Grand Market are Frank and Lynn from Flemington NJ. Congratulations!!

Exciting News for Jersey Bites readers. We have 2 tickets compliments of the Food Network for the Grand Market event on Saturday, July 31 at the Atlantic Food & Wine Festival to give away. Hurry to enter. We will draw the winner on Wednesday, July 28. The Grand Market is the signature event of the festival and will truly be the dining highlight of your year! This world of indulgence will excite, inspire and amaze as you eat and drink your way through this tasting village. Showcasing more than 200 stations featuring foods, wines, ales, liquors more from world renowned restaurants and brands, you will experience it all during a 3-hour journey. Culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs will provide you with myriad ways to enhance your own dining experiences.  Just leave a comment below to enter. Make sure you include your email address.

About the Festival: Harrah’s Entertainment Atlantic City, Food Network and Conde Nast Traveler are teaming up with some of the world’s most prestigious chefs for the second annual Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. Featuring world-renowned chefs, the three-day festival will be held at all four Atlantic City properties, Harrah’s Resort, Caesars, Showboat & Bally’s, from July 29-August 1, 2010. A portion of the proceeds from the festival benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The inaugural Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival was met with huge success and the 2010 event promises to be even larger and more prestigious.

Showcasing an array of national and local culinary talent including Guy Fieri, Sandra Lee, Sunny Anderson, Pat & Gina Neely, Ted Allen, Claire Robinson, Melissa d’Arabian, Anne Burrell, Alex Guarnaschelli, the festival will include more than 40 lavish events including cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits seminars, and walk-around tasting events.

For more details and to purchase event tickets for the Food Network Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival visit www.acfoodandwine.com.

Deadline for entries is Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 11:59pm. The The winner will be chosen with the help of Random.org and announced on July 28th. Value of the two tickets is $90 ($45 for each ticket). The event is 4-7 pm on the 6th Floor at Bally’s

Samdan Middle Eastern Restaurant in Cresskill

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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While the northeast swelters through more dog days of summer, ways to get through lunch and dinner without turning on a BBQ or heat-producing appliance are essential. In Bergen county, Samdan (pronounced Shahm-den), a middle eastern restaurant, provides the ideal range of cold appetizers for those who want only to cool off in a tasty kind of way, and loads of spiced up hot options for others. Located in Cresskill, Samdan enjoyed a makeover a couple years ago and has two large rooms, floor to ceiling windows and a fine dining ambience. Joined by a reception area with fire place, the rooms bustle with large families, couples and business customers. It’s the warm atmosphere, solid service, generous portions and consistent product that keeps the place busy year-round.

Start with a Shepherd Salad (large $8.50), a bright, crispy medley of finely diced tomatoes, parsley, cucumber, scallion in a vinegar and oil dressing. It’s perfect for 5-6 people. Sop up all those juices with the warm airy, slightly smoky, sesame seed-studded Turkish bread and traditional pita that will be served alongside. My kids love the shredded Bulgarian feta cheese which can be ordered on the side for an additional $1.50. Hot apps include cheese and parsley filled pastry, falafel, deep fried calamari and fried calves liver($5-6). I prefer the cold apps (ranging from $4.75 -$6.50) and recommend the Babagannus, Patlican Soslu, fried eggplant in a fresh tomato, garlic sauce and Tabuleh, the traditional salad of parsley, scallion and cracked wheat, with lemony brightness and tang.

Samdan serves fine grilled fish and patrons will have a wide selection of seasonal seafood specials to choose from. My favorite Sicaklar (main courses, starting at $11) are the Doner Kebab (lamb and beef gyro, thinly sliced), Sis Kebab (moist cubes of lamb), Kiymali Tavuk (skewered ground chicken) and Adana Kebab, spiced ground beef patties. Grilled entrees are served atop buttery, well-seasoned rice, gently charred whole plum tomato and green pepper and a mound of shaved red onion. As the serving indicates, filling pita wedges with the entree and its accoutrements is highly encouraged. My family tends to order family style and share platters so everyone enjoys a range of different taste experiences. Samdan offers several combination platters for the grilled items, making it easy to enjoy a couple baby lamb chops with a variety of other grilled meats.

Desserts, also known as Tatlilar, are made on premises and are about $3.50 each. Easily split and all quite sweet, our favorite is the milk pudding known as Kazandibi, as it is lighter than the other honey drenched and nut coated options. Essentially a Turkish panna cotta, this combination of milk and gelatin is cooled in sheet form, sprinkled generously with cinnamon and served jelly roll style. Its silky, creamy texture and delicate taste make it the perfect finish to a meal filled with well-spiced appetizers and entrees.

The restaurant offers a reasonable lunch menu, an early bird dinner menu and take out service complete with online ordering.  www.samdanrestaurant.com.

Samdan
Middle Eastern Restaurant

178 Piermont Road

Cresskill, NJ

201-816-0254.

Heidi Raker Goldstein is our Bergen county regional editor.  A locavore, cooking enthusiast, publicist and mother of three junior gourmands, Heidi is equally comfy in greasy spoons and high-end restaurants.  When not visiting local farmers markets and farm stands in Bergen and Rockland counties, this New England native, former Manhattanite and Bergen county resident is busy running her PR and green marketing agency, Raker Goldstein & Co., buying food, planning menus, cooking food, writing about food or simply eating.  To reach Heidi, email her at [email protected].

This is New Jersey: Two River Theater in Red Bank

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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(Photos by T. Charles Erickson)

TWO RIVER THEATER COMPANY is a professional not-for-profit regional theater company in Red Bank, New Jersey. Providing outstanding plays and educational programs for audiences of central New Jersey and beyond since 1994, the TRTC has won numerous awards including the “Theatre of the Year” award from the New Jersey Theatre Alliance in 2006, and The Star-Ledger in both 2006 and 2008. The above photo was taken during the recent run of Picasso at the Lapin Agile a play written by Steve Martin.

The theater is located within walking distance from the Red Bank Train station and has ample off street parking.  It is situated within walking distance to many great restaurants in Red Bank as well.  Click here for a list of upcoming shows.

For some of our Red Bank dining reviews check out:  Dish in Red Bank and Tommy’s Coal Fired Pizza

“This is New Jersey” is our Saturday “way of life” feature bringing you images of New Jersey that may be new to you or at least a reminder of all that is wonderful about New Jersey.  We welcome submissions from photographers and amateur photographers, so please send us your photos.  [email protected]

Food Network Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Harrah’s Entertainment Atlantic City, Food Network and Conde Nast Traveler are teaming up with some of the world’s most prestigious chefs for the second annual Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival.  Featuring world-renowned chefs, the three-day festival will be held at all four Atlantic City properties, Harrah’s Resort, Caesars, Showboat & Bally’s, from July 29-August 1, 2010.  A portion of the proceeds from the festival benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  The inaugural Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival was met with huge success and the 2010 event promises to be even larger and more prestigious.

Showcasing an array of national and local culinary talent including Paula Deen, Guy Fieri, Sandra Lee, Sunny Anderson, Pat & Gina Neely, Ted Allen, Claire Robinson, Melissa d’Arabian, Anne Burrell and Alex Guarnaschelli, the festival will include more than 40 lavish events including cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits seminars and walk-around tasting events.  Some of the highlights include:

  • Sommelier Showdown: The Ultimate Blind Tasting where three top sommeliers will go head-to-head in a blind tasting moderated by celebrity sommelier Michael Green.
  • Jersey Tomato Brunch with Claire Robinson featuring a five course brunch paired with Jersey Tomato-inspired specialty cocktails.
  • Sweet & Stylish Hosted by Sandra Lee blends designer fashion and sensual desserts in a nightlife event featuring Food Network stars Ted Allen, Alex Guarnaschelli, Claire Robinson, Melissa d’Arabian and Anne Burrell. Sandra Lee will showcase specialty cocktails while featured chefs serve favorite desserts as models walk the catwalk in today’s trendiest fashions.
  • Guy Fieri’s Cheesesteak Battle where regional chefs go head to head in the ultimate battle of the best judged by Guy Fieri and event participants to see who will receive the award for top cheesesteak.

“We have a supremely talented line up of chefs for this year’s Food and Wine Festival,” said Don Marrandino, President Eastern Division Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. “Our partnership with Food Network and Conde Nast Traveler ensures that our guests will enjoy a sensational event unrivaled by anything seen in Atlantic City to date.”

Tickets for the Food Network Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival start at only $30.  Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.acfoodandwine.com or by calling Ticketmaster.

Partying For Peaches…..

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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JERSEY-GROWN PEACHES CELEBRATED WITH ‘PEACH PARTIES’ ACROSS THE STATE

Since the 1600’s, when peaches were first grown in New Jersey, the ‘fairest fruit of summer’ has been gaining fans. Yellow, white, flat “donut” and nectarines have been eaten raw, grilled, baked in pies and cobblers and preserved for the seasons without them through canning, freezing and turning into jellies. With consumers increasingly nutrition-conscious, peaches are seen as not only juicy and delicious, but also nutritious. A medium-size peach has only 35 calories, with 2.6 grams of fiber, 333 mg of potassium, antioxidants Vitamins A & C and other important vitamins and minerals.

Now, Jersey-Fresh peaches are getting their just attention, celebrated with Peach Parties all over the state, at community farmers markets, on-farm markets, restaurants and supermarkets, starting in late July and running throughout August, officially proclaimed “Jersey Fresh Peach Month.”

Kicking off the Peach Party season, July 22-25, is the annual Peach Festival, held during the Gloucester County 4-H Fair. Following a 28-year tradition, last year’s lovely Peach Queen will crown a new one, selected from several contestants in different age groups. Winners from each age group make up the queen’s court, chosen on Friday evening July 23. Leading into the parade of lovely contestants, at 7 pm, will be the Secretary of Agriculture’s awarding of the Governor’s Cup for the best “box,” selected from among the state’s commercial peach growers and packers, judged by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Quality Grading Inspectors. Over the next two days will be the annual peach bake-off competition, Saturday, July 24th, and the Little Mister and Miss Peach Blossom Parade for kids, Sunday, July 25th.

Let the Peach Parties Begin–variations on the Theme

Each Peach Party will be slightly different at each community farmers market, styled by the creative efforts of the market managers. At every market will be Jersey Fresh Peach banners; peach recipe booklets, compiled from New Jersey’s finest restaurants; brochures on the care and handling of peaches and more.

Markets include Woodbury, Jamesburg, Hunterdon Land Trust, Flemington; Downtown Milburn, Salem

Collingswood, Ramsey , Nutley, Bernardsville, Highland Park, Chester Community Presbyterian Church, Chatham Borough, Long Branch, West End; Toms River, Burlington, Denville and Morristown.

Among the various special activities will be peach baking/cooking competitions with prizes, peach samplings, raffles for a basket of peaches, donated by attending growers. Participating restaurants will offer cooking demonstrations and tastings. For kids, there will be “Peach Quizzes,” with prizes and other kids’ activities, such as face painting, story telling (James and the Giant Peach is one story), coloring books and more.

Following is a listing of participating community farmers markets with their peach growers; supermarkets and restaurants, with a calendar of events. Check the market websites for details not listed below. All participating farmers markets and restaurants are posted on the website of the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, with links to the participants. Go to www.jerseypeaches.com

Participating Markets

July 22 & August 5: Salem Farmers Market, 11am-2pm, 367-679-7589

July 22-25: Annual Jersey Peach Festival, Mullica Hill, 856-307-6450×1

July 24: Bernardsville Farmers Market, 9am-2pm, 908-766-5836

Activities: peach tastings, peach cake, peach ice cream, drawing for basket of peaches

Peach Growers:

Silver Lake, Blairstown; Hensler’s, Belvidere

July 25: Peach Blueplate Restaurant & Holtzhauser Farms Dinner in the Orchard, Mullica Hill, 4pm,

856-478-2112  (reservations recommended)

July 27: Downtown Milburn Farmers Market, 10am – 2pm, 973-379-2341

Activities: Peach samples by Alstede and Ort Farms, Peach Pie samples by Gina’s Bakery and Vacchiano Farm, Food demonstration by Osteria Mediterrania (10:00 – 12:00), Food tasting by Epicere Fine; Peach Gelato tasting by Café Luna, Peach pairing by Hoboken Farms. Peach recipes and a peach themed coloring book for children (including crayons donated by Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse). Entertainment provided by the Chatham Brass Quintet and a free drawing for a peach themed gift basket of peach jam, peach tea, peach and raspberry shea butter soap, peach and raspberry cocktail napkins and luncheon napkins and one-year subscription to Edible Jersey Magazine.

Peach Growers:

Alstede Farm, Chester; Ort Farms, Long Valley; Vacchiano Farm,Washington

July 31: Jamesburg Farmers Market, 9am – 2pm, 732-723-1863

Activities: peach samples from growers, raffle for basket of peaches, free recipes, kids peach quiz activity

Peach Growers:

Farmer Al’s, Von Thuns Farm

August 1: Nutley Farmers Market, 8am – 2pm, 973-284-4978

August 4: Toms River Farmers Market, 11am – 5pm, 732-946-2711

Peach Growers:

August 5: Salem Farmers Market, 11am-2pm, 367- 679-7589

Peach Growers:

August 6: Highland Park Farmers Market, 11am – 5:30pm, 732- 828-8444

Activities: peach tastings, recipes, raffle for basket of peaches, kids quiz & games stories at Nighthawk Books (next to the Market), specials at Peachepot Boutique and much more!

Peach Growers: Joseph Skeba Farms, Hightstown; Melick’s Town Farm, Oldwick; Donaldson Farms, Hackettstown; R&K Farms, Jamesburg; Von Thun’s Farm, Dayton; Suydam Farm, East Brunswick

August 6: Woodbury Farmers Market, 3pm – 7pm, 856- 845-1300, ext. 123

Activities: grilled peach samples and peach a-la-mode samples

Peach Growers:

Orchardview Farm

August 7: Chatham Borough Farmers Market, 8am – 1pm, 973- 635-0674, ext. 588,

Activities: peach tastings, recipes, raffle for basket of peaches, kids quiz & games

Peach Growers:

Melick’s Town Farm, Oldwick

August 7: Collingswood Farmers Market, 8am – 12noon, 856-559-0234

Activities: Peach samplings, cooking demonstrations, kids’ quiz, face painting ??????

Peach Growers:

Schober Orchards, Moneroeville, NJ ; AT Buzby Farm, Bridgeton; DanLynn Organic Farm; Formisano Farms, Vineland; Fruitwood Farm, Moneroeville; Hymer Farms, Moneroeville; Viereck Farms, Woolwich Twp.; Eckert’s Farm, Tabernacle; Mind Your Own (beekeeping), Wrightstown; Holly Acres Nursery, Bridgeton

August 7: Community Presbyterian Church, Chester, 10am – 4pm, 908-879-5859

Activities: 16,000 peaches peeled for pies, peach ice cream, kuchens, and desserts for sale, kids toys and games, country auction, thousands of items for sale at the White Elephant Tent.

August 8; Morristown Farmers Market, 8:30am – 2pm, 973-455-1133

Activities: Peach Queen appearance, kids activities

August 12: West End Long Branch Farmers Market, 11am – 6pm, 732-229-6999

Activities: Peach pie contest, prizes, gift certificates, peach basket raffle

Peach Growers:

August 14: Acme Market, Logan, 856-467-8936

Activities: Peach Queen appearance, $25 gift certificate raffle with purchase of peaches

August 15: Denville Farmers Market, 8:30am – 1pm, 201-317-2335,

August 15: Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market, Flemington, 9am- 1pm, 908-237-4582

Peach Growers:

August 15: Ramsey Farmers Market, 9am-2pm, 201-675-6866

Activities: Kids’ Quiz & games, peach smoothies, raffle for basket of peaches, other activities

Peach Growers: Matarazzo farms, North Caldwell & Belvidere

August 21: Burlington Co Farmers Market, Moorestown, 8:30am – 1pm, 856-642-3850

August 21: Acme Market, Medford, 609-953-0006

Activities: Peach Queen appearance, $25 gift certificate raffle with purchase of peaches

August 30: Kings Supermarket, Short Hills store Beyond the Peach Pie Bake-Off, 800.325.4647

Peach Party Restaurants

Restaurants celebrating Jersey Fresh peaches will be serving one or more fresh peach dishes during August. Below are the restaurants and, where possible, their peach dishes.

COLLINGSWOOD

Restaurants here will offer “Just Peachy” special menus in August, spotlighting Jersey Fresh peaches. Dining comes with a friendly peach farmer talking about what makes Jersey Fresh peaches so special and how to store and use them.

The Tortilla Press (856-869-3345), Collingswood www.thetortillapress.com

Blackbird Dining Establishment, Oaklyn (856-854-3444) www.blackbirdnj.com

Joe Palombo’s Mirabella Café, Cherry Hill ( 856-354-1888) www.mirabellacafe.com

Andreotti’s Viennese Café, Cherry Hill (856-795-0172) www.mirabellacafe.com

Blueplate, Mullica Hill (856-478-2112) www.blueplatenj.com

HOPEWELL

The Brothers Moon (609-333-1330) www.brothersmoon.com

KENILWORTH

Boulevard Five 72 (908-709-1200) www.boulevardfive72.com

LONG BRANCH – WEST END VILLAGE www.westendvillage.com

Jesse’s Cafe & Catering (732-229-6999)

MILBURN

Osteria Mediterrania (973-467-0010)

MILFORD

Milford Oyster House (908-995-9411) www.milfordoysterhouse.com

NEW BRUNSWICK

Frog and the Peach (732-846-3216) www.frogandpeach.com

4-Course (plus Chef’s Amuse) Peach Tasting Menu for $59 (also available with wine pairings for $105)

RAMSEY

Sweet Station, (201-818-8561) www.sweetstationcafe.com

Brady’s at the Station (201-327-9748) bradysatthestation.net

Bon Giovanni (201-934-0030)

SEWELL

Barnesboro Inn (856-468-3557) www.barnsboroinn.com

WOODBURY

Woodbury Station Café (856-384-6700)

The Spot ((856-848-5600)

For further information, contact the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council information office, 973-744-6090, [email protected]

Blackbird Dining Establishment-Collingswood, NJ

Beth
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Warm. Calm. Inviting.  That’s the vibe you get at Collingswood’s Blackbird Dining Establishment.  My husband, John, and I recently spent an enjoyable and tastebud-tempting Sunday evening there with our friends Don and Martha. After the great meal we had, I am sure that we will be back!

We were seated in Blackbird’s front dining area, where sunlight dapples the airy blonde wood tables (if you get there early enough).  I loved the acoustic music selection that played softly in the background (they get extra points for playing an acoustic Grateful Dead tune).  Three of us ordered from Blackbird’s prix fixe menu, which features three courses for thirty dollars. The prix fixe is available Sunday through Thursday night and is an excellent value.

John and I started off with the Romaine Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing. It was slightly-Caesarish, but had a much lighter and cleaner feel than a typical Caesar salad. Our friends ordered the mussels (plump and flavorful) and the spinach salad, which was one of the delicious specials that night.

Each of us ordered different entrees. Michael, our attentive server, told us that the gnocchi was voted as a “Best of Philadelphia” selection by Philadelphia Magazine. Even though I did not order the gnocchi as my entree, I had to have a sample. They were incredible light and airy pillows of pasta goodness. The Gulf Shrimp with Lobster Couscous was my choice.  The shrimp were fresh and delicately seasoned, and the couscous was nicely flavored with small bits of lobster meat. Since lobster (with wine and chocolate) is one of the essential foods I must have if I am ever stranded on an island, I was happy to see it incorporated into the menu in a creative way. One of our friends ordered the Tilapia special, which had a nice crust and was also well-prepared.  John enjoyed his Duck Confit entree, although he found the skin to be a tiny bit overcooked. We really enjoyed both our appetizers and entrees.

The desserts really delivered, too. I ordered Chocolate Three Ways (there we go with those essential food groups again!). It consisted of a small chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar, a smooth and creamy serving of chocolate pots de creme, and a chocolate profiterole. Rich, richer, richest-I loved them all! John had a poached pear which was incredibly fresh and was perched in a puddle of chocolate. Our friends split a Honey-Lavender Creme Brulee, which was sweet and delicately favored.

One of the black and white photos on the restaurant’s wall features a smiling child who has immersed himself in a huge pile of fall leaves. I could relate to the delight in the child’s eyes at the end of our meal. What could be better than a great meal in an inviting restaurant with good friends? Life’s simple pleasures are what keep us going, after all.

Blackbird Dining Establishment, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 856-844-3444

Beth Christian subsisted primarily on cheeseburgers and liverwurst sandwiches during childhood and refused to try most new foods.  Her culinary horizons were expanded during her college days in Schenectady, New York, where she learned the joys of trying slow-simmered Italian dishes, Szechuan cuisine, and everything in between.  When not engaged in the practice of law in Monmouth County, Beth is busy scouting out interesting restaurants,  farmer’s markets and food purveyors near her home in Burlington County. Beth’s primary dining sidekick is her husband John, but she also enjoys having her daughter Meghan, son Michael and her wonderful friends come along for the ride.

Reality Check: Kitchen Nightmares Casting Call for FOX!

Rachel Bozek
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FOX’s hit TV show Kitchen Nightmares is currently casting for its upcoming season.

If you own a restaurant and need help troubleshooting, Chef Gordon Ramsay just might be able to answer your prayers. Email [email protected] with the following info in order to be considered for the show:

-Your name
-Contact info
-Your restaurant’s name
-Your restaurant’s location
-Type of cuisine you serve
-Seating capacity (at least 35 seats required)
-How long you’ve been open (at least 1 year required)
-Relevant photos or website
-An explanation of why you need help

The subject of your email should read: KITCHEN NIGHTMARES.

The more info you can provide, the better your chances are of being considered!

Go to  www.fox.com/kitchennightmares to check out past episodes and for more info.

Be sure to let Jersey Bites know if you apply, and of course we want to know if your restaurant gets selected for the show! You can leave a comment here or on our Facebook page.

Rachel Bozek is a freelance writer and editor based in suburban Essex County. She grew up in Bergen County, and has lost track of how much time she’s spent on LBI and in the Wildwoods. Her search for the perfect pancake continues. www.rachelbozek.com

Happy Hour at the Beach: Mix in West Long Branch

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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On a recent Thursday night, my husband and I decided to start the weekend early by heading to MIX in West Long Branch for Happy Hour. MIX, known for its fruit infused vodka martinis and lively bar, was a much awaited outing at this “almost end” of a long week.

Michael Bienz and Sam Nativo brought these martinis first to us from New York at their Uptown Broadway location years ago.  In July 2001, they decided to open MIX, which has been our choice for Happy Hour ever since.

Christina, our waitress and Special Events Coordinator for their new upstairs room, brought us two large martinis (no skimping here). I ordered my favorite, the Wild Berry Basket Martini, fresh Wild Berries soaked in Vodka and a splash of Chambord shaken with a dash of Cranberry Juice and garnished with Vodka-soaked Berries. Bob chose the Watermelon Martini , fresh chunks of juicy watermelon soaked in Vodka splashed with Cranberry Juice.  Both made by Steven, the ever professional (and good looking) bartender.  Other great martini choices include Steven’s Berry Lemonade Martini, the Oatmeal Cookie Martini and the South Pacific Kiwi-A-Tini Martini.

After placing these huge martinis on our table, Christina suggested we might want to order something to eat. With a little food in our bellies, she said, the “evil martinis” as they are called due to the vodka infused fruit or “evil” found at the bottom wouldn’t catch us off guard later when we stood up to leave.  Since we had been watching some “mile high” salads go by and taking in the aroma of fresh pizza from the oven, we ordered both a Spinach Salad and a “Jimmy the Greek” Pizza, both plates colorful and piled high with fresh ingredients.

Located one block from the beach in the West End of Long Branch, MIX has something for everyone. From martinis to lite eats, salads, wraps, pizzas and and with happy hour seven days a week, MIX is my fix for a weekend getaway, Jersey Shore style!

MIX  Lounge/Food Bar
71 Brighton Avenue
West End, NJ
732-923-9100

Saturday & Sunday:  3:00pm to 6 pm

Monday to Friday:  4pm to 7pm

Featuring an extensive $6.00 Specialty Martini Menu and

Drink Specials

(Half Price Pizzas & Salads Too…)

Beverly A. Beveridge is our Monmouth County Regional Editor.  Bev resides in Eatontown with her husband, Bob, daughters, Melissa and Brittany, son, Glenn, dog, Bailey and cats, Kitty and Slodki (polish for honey/sweet). She enjoys dining out, piano, tennis, travelling, designing her JERSEY GIRL swimsuits and Calendar, music (especially Rock Concerts) and meeting people. Enjoy her ‘fun’ reviews!  Passport to Peru – Home of the Jersey Girls Swimsuit models and ‘Calendar’ Girls!  ‘Passport Swimsuits – A Swimsuit to fit ‘every body’.  www.passporttoperu.net

This is New Jersey: Dog Beach in Manasquan

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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This is New Jersey: Dog Beach in Manasquan

If there’s one word both my dogs recognize it’s “beach.”   If we have no immediate plans for taking the ride, we have to spell the “B” word in our house to avoid getting little canine hopes up. 

Dog beach isn’t its official name, but it’s what the locals call it. The real name is Fisherman’s Cove conservation area. (I think Dog Beach is a lot cooler.)  You may have read about Dog Beach last December, when our local “Miracle Dog” Buddy was found alive and well, (albeit 16 pounds lighter) after running away from his owners in August. 

We were actually at Dog Beach the day Buddy ran away and saw him take off at rocket speed down the road.  The family never gave up hope.  Signs were posted everywhere in town.  My heart sank every time I saw them.  Thankfully, we had a happy ending just in time for Christmas.  He was caught 98 days later by our local pest control legend, Muskrat Jack.  You can read all about Buddy’s adventures here.

You will find every shape and size dog makes friends fast on Dog Beach.  It’s a very friendly crowd of humans too.  If you’re nowhere near Manasquan here’s a website where you can find other dog friendly beaches in New Jersey and across the country, PetFriendlyTravel.com.  For more pictures of the pooch party on Dog Beach, check out our slide show on YouTube.

dogs and people on beach in Manasquan

 

“This is New Jersey” is our Saturday “way of life” feature bringing you images of New Jersey that may be new to you or at least a reminder of all that is wonderful about New Jersey.  

Taco Truck Parks Itself Permanently in Hoboken

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Biting into a new food for the first time is always an emotional experience for me: a mix of taste sensations, environmental cues, and emotional, gut reaction to the food– which explains why my first bite of the Taco Truck’s Carnitas Michoacan sandwich sent my taste buds reeling, my eyes widening, and my heart sinking. In the deep flavor of braised pork, the late kick of smokey chipotle heat, and the light, sweet flavors of onions, avocado, and jalepeno, I knew that I would now have to eat this sandwich on (at least) a weekly basis. With a sadness for the future of my wallet,  I knew a food craving–no, addiction–was born.

The Taco Truck is known for breeding addictions. Since its opening last fall in a literal truck, typically parked along the waterfront on Sinatra Drive, Hobokenites have developed a serious love for the cheap-ish, fast, fresh tacos and Mexican sides served up in cute little take-out boxes. Lines back out of the truck’s window and halfway down the block at peak lunch and dinner hours, as three or four cooks packed into the truck’s small kitchen serve up anywhere from 200-500 meals a day, according to the owners.

Now, Taco Truck Fans–measuring in the 2000s on Twitter and Facebook–can get their favorite tacos and classic Taco Truck experience and eat them at tables and chairs, in air conditioning. It’s like a little Mexican-themed gift from God.

Last week, founder Jason Scott, his wife Shachar, and their partners opened their first “brick-and-mortar” taco shop, as they call it, on Newark Street right off Washington. Inside, diners will find a recreated truck structure made out of recycled sheet metal. Around them, more recycled materials were built in to fill out the store’s mission of complete sustainability– from recycled-tire floors to pressed paper tabletops and LEED-certified lighting.

The total effect of the earth-friendly store is a sleek, cool (literally, the materials keep the store cooler) place to eat fresh, sustainably-grown authentic Mexican food. Chef Paris Retana, a Mexico City native who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and cooked at Michelin restaurants in Spain, searches local farms and distributors for pasture-fed, antibiotic-free, hormone-free pork and chicken. The produce is grown locally when in season, and flown in from organic California farms in winter months, and then incorporated into recipes Retana and menu developer Roberto Santibanez remember from the food trucks of their shared home city.

This home-cooked approach was Scott’s biggest goal–one he started developing more than three years ago.

“After trips to Mexico and California, we really saw the culture that develops around these food trucks, and we couldn’t find the same authenticity or culture here,” said Scott’s wife Shachar, as Jason served up orders to a waiting line behind the “truck” facade. “Jason really wanted to open a taqueria, and was intent on being environmentally conscious,” she said.

The fresh produce, attention to sourcing, and traditional recipes pay off. In an expanded menu from their truck offerings, the retail location offers high-quality pork, steak, chicken, and fish tacos, in addition to traditional Mexican torta sandwiches, sides like spiced rice and beans, plantains, rice pudding, and Mexican sodas and beverages.

On Shachar’s recommendation, I ordered the al pastor (pork) tacos, carnitas michoacan torta, and pescado (fish) tacos–more food than any one person needs, but it doesn’t stop me.

I start with the al pastor tacos, which are nothing like the carnitas variety I happened to have had from the truck earlier in the week (hey, I am a Hoboken resident, after all). The pork is marinated in adobo chile sauce–spicy yet tinged with cinnamon and cumin–diced into bite-sized pieces, and then topped with onions, pineapple and cliantro. The flavors ripple through my mouth: the smokey pork and a back-of-the-throat hit of chipotle spiciness, both cut by the sweet, fresh flavors of pineapple, onion, and corn tortillas. The portions are small–you get two fist-sized tacos per $4.50 order–but the flavors are big and interesting. This is not your Taco Bell taco, folks.

I move on to the Carnitas Michoacan torta ($6), where braised short ribs are pulled to pieces, slathered with a hot chipotle sauce, and then piled atop a soft Portuguese roll.  The heat of the pork is tempered by the soft bread and a thick spread of black beans and queso fresco, and a touch of sweetness is added with onions, jalapenos, and avocado. To bite into Carnitas Michoacan, frankly, is to begin a lifelong affair with torta sandwiches (and the pricetag for this generous helping of slow-braised short ribs makes this, frankly, a worthwhile affair). Hyperbole aside: this is one really good sandwich.

Finally, I bite into the fish taco (one for $4.50), one of my staple, go-to Mexican foods. The Taco Truck makes theirs with catfish– I’m used to cod– because that’s what Mexicans use. The fish is fried in a Ritz-crack crust, and topped with a Mexican slaw of red cabbage and spicy sauce. It’s served up in a flour tortilla, and stands out from the fish tacos I’m acquainted with– no goopy, all-encompassing white sauce, and a mix of 4-5 light, fresh flavors to complement the fish. It stands above the competition.

I’m too full to finish my three meals, so the extras are packed up into the same take-out boxes as that truck offers. They are headed home, where they are consumed the next morning for breakfast. I have to stop myself, out of embarrassment,  from stopping by the place for lunch the next day, and as I walk by longingly, my only hope is that The Taco Truck refuses all reality show deals that might come its way (ahem, Hoboken bakeries), keeping lines to a minimum and my direct access to Carnitas Tortas ready and open–for all times of day, multiple days a week.

Colleen Curry is the Jersey Bites Regional Editor for Hoboken where she’s busy trying every restaurant.   She is also a hyperlocal web editor for the Asbury Park Press, exploring community news and citizen journalism in Freehold, New Jersey.

5 ways to enjoy Jersey Peaches, NOW!”

Tom
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New Jersey peach farmers are now approaching the peak of the harvest. This peach crop is the best quality crop in a decade, so do not miss out! Go buy local peaches NOW! Always buy peaches RIPE, you can tell a peach is ripe as it will have a wonderful sweet peach aroma. Never buy rock hard peaches that smell like cardboard, odds of them properly ripening for you at home are around 15%.   Here are 5 timely and delicious ways to enjoy Jersey peaches.

1. Pick your own, this is a “must do” experience. Find a farm, click here

2. Shop the Farmer’s Market, another “must do” experience, support our farmers and enjoy delicious ripe peaches. Find a market, click here

3. Amaretto Peach Parfait, video recipe with tips on selecting peaches.

4. Peach Gazpacho, video recipe for a great summer soup!

5. Grill your peaches, yes right on the grill. Gently halve or quarter your fresh peaches and place on the grill, skin side up. Grill for 5 to 10 minutes on medium. Grilled peaches are a fantastic side dish or topping for any meat or fish. Or consider serving with vanilla ice cream as a dessert!

This photo courtesy of GrillingTips.com

Tom Kovacevich is in the wholesale fruit and vegetable business in Philadelphia. His company, TMK Produce, distributes top quality produce to retailers and food service companies up and down the east coast. In 2008, Tom started a blog at BestFruitNow.com as a way to share his thoughts on what fruits are best each month. Geared for consumers, BestFruitNow.com also offers tips on how to select and prepare the fruits being recommended. An avid cook, gardener and all around foodie, Tom regularly travels the world meeting with growers ever learning more about his passion for fresh produce.

Jams By Kim: Preserving Family Traditions in every Jar

Beth
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One of the joys of cooking is getting close to your food. Rather than taking a plastic-sheathed piece of bread from a bag, you knead the dough by hand, patiently wait for it to rise and then bake to golden brown. Instead of ordering a pizza, you create your own masterpiece with hand-tossed grated cheese, olives, pineapple, or whatever else strikes your Friday night fancy.  And, then there are the  talented and driven few like Kim Osterhoudt, who take their love of cooking and talent in the kitchen a step further and start a business.

“Jams By Kim,” out of Hillsborough, New Jersey, is the culmination of a family legacy of vegetable growing, canning and preserving foods.   Kim stirs her wonderful jams by hand and sells them at local events (known as “jam sessions”) and through her website: www.jamsbykim.com.  I had the pleasure of tasting several of Kim’s creations at the recent SEED event sponsored by the Central Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Kim was one of three winners of the annual SEED competition, which supports emerging women entrepreneurs.

Jams by Kim sells both fruity and savory jams and jellies. I particularly enjoyed the Bartlett Pear and Strawberry Jam, an irresistible combination that almost tastes like champagne on a cracker.   The spicy Pepper Jelly is perfect as a quick appetizer when poured over a block of cream cheese. I loved the Tangerine variety, too.  Kim also offers intriguing varieties such as Roasted Garlic and Ginger which can be used in combination with cooked chicken, beef and seafood.

Kim Osterhoudt is a friendly and enthusiastic ambassador for her business who puts her heart and soul into every mouth watering batch of her jams and jellies.  If you want to sample Kim’s first rate jams and support one of our area’s local food purveyors,visit the “Jams By Kim” website.  Everything is available online and shipped directly to your home.

Beth Christian subsisted primarily on cheeseburgers and liverwurst sandwiches during childhood and refused to try most new foods.  Her culinary horizons were expanded during her college days in Schenectady, New York, where she learned the joys of trying slow-simmered Italian dishes, Szechuan cuisine, and everything in between.  When not engaged in the practice of law in Monmouth County, Beth is busy scouting out interesting restaurants,  farmer’s markets and food purveyors near her home in Burlington County. Beth’s primary dining sidekick is her husband John, but she also enjoys having her daughter Meghan, son Michael and her wonderful friends come along for the ride.

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