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Hiram’s in Fort Lee: Phil’s Reviews from the Road

It was a getting dark and pleasant night (I’m saving stormy for Monday) when I got a last minute call from Herman to meet the group for a Sunday night, let’s-at-least-get-a-quick-bite-before-Monday-comes dinner. While I’ve heard of Hiram’s, it was a little too far east in Bergen County in my early trolling days. But, now that I’ve started the engines again, it seemed like a reasonable effort.

For 38 years,  I’ve been getting my dogs at my favorite place in Clifton. With some nostalgic regret, I admit they’ve been dethroned.  The Hiram pooch with its thin, crispy skin has won Top Dog.   The chili sauce is very similar to the Clifton joint until the hot spice kicks in. Yes, its got a kick and just perfect for me.

At the table we had chili fries. Once you start that, you could probably pour the chili sauce on almost anything. Kinda reminds me of a place my friends outside of Montreal took me to when the maple sap was running in early spring, a cabane à sucre, or sugar shack.  Everyone sits at long picnic tables inside while the food is served family style. You pour maple syrup over your pancakes, eggs, sausages, your neighbor’s pants leg, in your coffee, you get the picture.  Here in the U.S. we have our own tradition…chili sauce! It doesn’t get any better than that.

Hiram’s isn’t a lounging kind of place so we didn’t stay long. Just a glorified roadside stand really, but a cool piece of Americana initiated at the advent of personal, gasoline-powered transportation.  They have a sign on the wall that says they’ve been here for 75 years. I’m thinking they’re still going to be here for a very long time, but why wait? I like to try and imagine what it was like pulling up on a Sunday afternoon in your 1935 Ford Cabriolet with a V8 Flathead. Was the protocol for gentlemen to remove their hats before downing a dog?

Hiram’s Roadstand
1345 Palisade Avenue
Fort Lee, NJ 07024-5243

Phil Sikora: In his own words “I have a T-shirt from a club for owners of Russian motorcycles with a motto that translates to: “Eat to ride; ride to eat.”  I’ve taken that to heart. And so the stories will unfold.”   Phil is a motorcycle enthusiast and System Engineer for AT&T.  He works in Middletown and lives in Paramus and will be reporting on his culinary adventures in his “Reviews from the Road” series for Jersey Bites.

This is New Jersey: Muskrat Crossing Sign

On the one road (High Street) heading from Port Norris to Bivalve (Shell Road) in Cumberland County.  And yes, they do eat muskrat – and our photographer wants to try it someday.

Historically, Muskrats were valued for their pelts and were trapped in the Estuary’s wetland areas including the New Jersey Meadowlands, where their numbers have improved somewhat in recent years since trapping has been abandoned.  For more information on cooking Muskrat (bleck) check out PBS’s suggestions.  And for everything you ever wanted to know about this creature, here you go.

Photo submitted by John Fusco, from John and Lisa are Eating in South Jersey.

Foyster’s in Riverside

Looking for a restaurant with a relaxing, inviting atmosphere and a variety of good food at a reasonable price? Look no further than Foyster’s in Riverside, New Jersey.

Foyster’s is a new addition to the small town of Riverside. It’s out on the back roads by the river, so not a place you are likely to stumble upon. Settled beside a picturesque marina and placed directly on the water, Foyster’s offers a rare riverside dining experience in Burlington County.

The site has been a restaurant off and on for many years, but owner Jamie Foy has added her own touches in an effort to make the restaurant a special gathering spot.  Foy says she chose the location because of the beautiful view of the river and says that it is a place where you can “put your feet up.”  If the weather permits, choose seating on the deck.  The restaurant has a boat dock, and if you are lucky you can study the hungry river explorers as they come ashore for a bite to eat.

The menu at Foyster’s features a variety of food options. Diners can choose a burger or a hot dog as well as several pasta, steak or chicken dishes. The steak salad is a highlight with strips of filet cooked just right over a wedge of lettuce and vegetables. Burgers come with freshly made potato chips.

Foyster’s is a family restaurant and would be a good place for lunch with a child who enjoys the outdoors.  Jamie Foy says the restaurant is also “beautiful at night,” and hopes patrons will come take advantage of the natural romance of riverside dining.

Foyster’s is located at 625 Harrison Street in Riverside, NJ at Lightening Jack’s Marina. Try it for a relaxing lunch or a dinner date with someone special.

Jennifer Ellis May is excited to be working with Jersey Bites in Burlington County. Originally from Missouri, Jennifer is embracing all it means to be a Jersey girl. She enjoys every aspect of food from cooking to gardening, but her best skill is eating. Her other interests include books, flowers, animals and swimming. Jennifer currently works as a freelance writer and has published articles and fiction in a variety of print and online publications. She lives in Burlington County with her husband and 2-year-old daughter. You can contact Jennifer at [email protected].

The Inbetween Cafe in Red Bank

On a picture perfect spring morning, I arrived at about 10:30 a.m. for a late breakfast at the Inbetween Café in Red Bank. I was immediately greeted with a smile by, Ginni, the owner and wife of Culinary Institute Graduate – Bob Koehler. The restaurant was filled with locals, a real Jersey “Cheers” kind of place and the ultimate spot for an early morning chat with a good friend. No huge crowds or business meetings here.

As we read over the menu, we took in the aromas of freshly brewed coffee, biscuits and bread baking in the oven, and the irresistible smell of bacon on the grill. Waitress Terry (whom Ginni affectionally calls “the boss”) poured our coffee as we ordered off of the Specials menu. I decided on the Crepe of the Week, a Fresh Apple Cheddar Crepe generously topped with yogurt (or your choice of sour cream) overflowing with oodles of house roasted walnuts. (Could my job get any better?)

My friend, Eileen, ordered Bob’s house-made Apple Bread French Toast with strawberries and raspberry puree overflowing on both sides. Since the deal before ordering was to share, we both got to sample Chef Bob’s heavenly creations. This included two side of bacon sans the grease, which was a perfectly crunchy accompaniment.

Bob prides himself in using all fresh and homemade foods; fish from the Lusty Lobster, fresh meat from Holiday Meats, hand-pat hamburgers, never frozen. The Inbetween has something for everyone. And I can tell you, that Chef Bob will be feeding me for years to come. Ginni and Bob’s motto “Where there is love, there is also good food” and the InBetween dishes out both with a smile.

The Inbetween Café is located in English Plaza, Red Bank, NJ. In addition to daily specials, the menu includes breakfast sandwiches, cereal, desserts, side orders, beverages, omlettes, pancakes, French toast, French crepes, etc. Serving breakfast and lunch daily for ‘pleasurable dining’.

Inbetween Café  (Their Facebook Home)

Open Every Day for Pleasurable Dining

Breakfast and Lunch

35 English Plaza

Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-741-964

Fax: 732-758-9729

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

From Fancy Bacon Strips to the Best Rib Eye Ever at Strip House, Livingston

You ever get into the habit of eating — well — everything? My boyfriend and I have been on a dining frenzy since the moment we met, you’d think we had just discovered food or something.  But really, we just discovered each other. We’re two foodies in a pod.

This past weekend, we dined at Strip House,  located inside The Westminster Hotel in Livingston, NJ. And, it was sexy from the ambiance to the food.

My boyfriend, Vin, loves a “proper steak.” To him, that can be defined by one that’s cooked at a perfect medium rare with just the right seasoning and a great coating of char. That’s just what we got. He ordered a 20 oz. New York strip while I asked for a 22 oz. bone-in rib eye. Both were mouth-watering and dream-inducing. I’ve never had a better steak to date. (Of course, I couldn’t finish my 22 oz. and Vin can only help so much, I packed the rest.)

No, we’re not weak eaters. Did I mention we had a generous helping of sides and appetizers? Next to our perfectly-cooked steaks, we had black truffled creamed spinach (I am truffle oil’s number-one fan, by the way) and crisp goose fat potatoes (Vin’s selection). And yes, both were just as tasty as they are intricate. We strongly recommend these two sides to any Strip House diner.

Prior to diving into the delectable steaks and their respective sides, we enjoyed some tuna tartar and Strip House roasted bacon (a signature treat). It was probably the best piece of pork I’ve ever had in my life — and I’m from the Philippines where we eat lots of pork (to put things in perspective).

The tuna, on the other hand, was a little difficult to eat. It tasted amazing — it did — however, there was just too much of it. If there’s only two of you, refrain from ordering this. It’s best served to a table of four or more as the waiter had suggested. We should have listened.

One can also say the same about Strip House’s infamous 24-layer chocolate, but at least in that case, we knew to only take a couple of bites and bring the rest home for some midnight snacking.

All in all, our Strip House experience was fantastic. Not only did I enjoy the food, I adored the service. Everyone from the waiter to the sommelier was attentive and friendly. In fact, I’m planning to come back for lunch to create my own burger in honor of National Burger Month (which is May) for only $14.95. I’m not just talking about lettuce, tomato and onions either. You can choose from certified black Angus beef, chicken, lamb and tuna as your protein. Then, pick from American, cheddar, Swiss, grilled jalapenos, seared fois gras (for an additional $9), sauteed mushrooms, and the list goes on.

Ysolt Usigan is the beauty and style editor for iVillage, a lifestyle blogger for Huffington Post, and a total foodie. From hot dogs to escargot, if it’s edible, she’ll explore. She might not be the best cook, but what she lacks in kitchen know-how, she makes up for in her research and reporting skills. And oh yeah, she’s also proud to be a Jersey girl and will prove to any one who might disagree that the Garden State has a plethora of dining options that give the big city eateries a run for their money.

Historic Cold Spring Village Presents 10th Annual Restaurant Gala

Wine
Tuesday evening, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a luxurious event that sent my foodie senses into shock. The Feast on History Restaurant Gala, sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank, featured 40 restaurants from all over Cape May County, over 100 wines and a turnout so overwhelming, the event was held in an airplane hangar. Restaurants from Cape May to Sea Isle and beyond showed off their culinary talent with miniature versions of signature dishes. Salads, entrees, soups and desserts lined the perimeter of the venue. My friend, Tricia and I made a lap around first to decide where to commit our limited stomach space.

The representation came largely from Cape May with a few Atlantic and Cumberland County treats in the mix. The variety was overwhelming to say the least. However, I made it a point to really branch out and try the tastes less traveled.
clam bacon shots
We came across the Blue Pig Tavern table where a girl with a funnel contraption poured some kind of milky liquid over top little bits of bacon in a plastic shot glass. She said the liquid was Blue Pig Ale and clam stock. Feeling slightly repulsed, but brave, Tricia and I knocked one back. It wasn’t entirely unpleasant. The ale gave the clam stock a new flavor that wasn’t too ale-heavy or fish-heavy. The bacon made it smoky, but was too soggy to eat. However, it was one of those things that tasted better the longer you kept the aftertaste.
Slider and other samples
From there, Union Park blew my mind with their chicken cordon bleu slider on a pretzel roll. The chicken and ham were perfect and the way the tangy mustard sauce complimented both the meats and the soft, slightly salty pretzel roll made me want to take the whole tray home with me.
Hot Dog Tommy
Hot Dog Tommy looked most out of place, donning a hot dog hat and animatedly drawing people to his table of gourmet dogs. While I was all hot dogged out, I did grab a sample of the quickly disappearing chili mac and cheese. Why did I not try to combine these before? The chili was balanced between spicy and sweet and then cheesy elbow noodles assaulted my tongue. This is sheer brilliance.
Chili mac n cheese, coconut grouper, terriyaki meatloaf
If I hadn’t heard people buzzing about the coconut grouper, I would have missed it entirely. Harpoon Henry’s station could have been easily missed in the corner. Coconut and I are tentative with each other. We have to meet in the right context. This was the right place. The grouper could have been dessert. The coconut was sweet and milky without overpowering the fish. It was heavenly. I’ll be making a trip to Harpoon Henry’s in North Cape May very soon.

Desserts
Finally, we’d saved just enough room for a dessert sampling. Most were disappointing, however one bite into Cabanas’ chocolate chip bread pudding and I knew I was going to eat until I had to unbutton my skirt. Hot and sticky bread with a molten chocolate… I finally understand my grandparents obsession with the stuff. If that’s what Cabanas’ dessert is like, I can’t wait to try their meals!

Alison Heller is the Jersey Bites Cape May County Regional Editor. She also writes for Examiner.com and TrendHunter.com. She grew up on the beach in Wildwood Crest and currently works in advertising. After earning her Master of Fine Arts in English and Creative Writing in New York City (a place that was essentially Food Rehab), she stopped putting ketchup on everything and started experimenting with flavors. She loves sushi and cupcakes, sushi that looks like cupcakes, but never cupcakes that look like sushi. www.superalzy.com

Grow your Own Heirloom Tomatoes, Now!

For about the price of ONE delicious Heirloom tomato from a farm market,  you can buy an entire plant that will yield dozens of delicious home grown treats! Now is a great time to get started!

Tim Stark, author of Heirloom talks about Cherokee Purple, Aunt Ruby’s German Green, Red Brandywine:

More juicy tomato info from Chef Joe Palombo of Mirabella Café , Cherry Hill, NJ. Joe discusses Brandywine, Pineapple, Cherokee Purple, Costolutto Genovese, Juan Flamme, Jersey Devil, Persimmon, Ramapo varieties.


Located just outside of Stockton, New Jersey, Cross Country Nurseries, aka ChilePlants.com is an incredible source of quality chiles, peppers, and tomato plants. Order online for pick up or delivery. The retail store can’t possibly display the thousands of varieties of plants available, online ordering will give you the widest selection.

***

Tomato Fest’s Top 10 list of varieties to grow:

Brandywine (pink), Paul Robeson (purple/black), Aussie (red), Julia Child (pink), Cherokee Purple (purple/black), Black Cherry (purple/black), Kellogg’s Breakfast (orange), Gold Medal (yellow/red striped), Aunt Ginny’s Purple (purple/black), Carmello (red).

Want to grow Heirloom tomatoes from seed? Tomato Fest’s Seed Store is a great resource with over 600 varieties available.

For step by step instructions on how to grow tomatoes using the “Japanese Tomato Ring” method, take a look at our own Deborah Smith’s write up on her experience here.  And, for recipe ideas, check out Jersey Bites’ Jersey Tomatoes section.

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.

This is New Jersey: Surfing off of Monmouth County

This photograph was taken by Ryan Struck, a lifestyle photographer, who applies his creativity towards traditional events such as weddings and family portraits but also is lucky enough to include the word “traveler”  in his job description.  Ryan is off to Mexico this week to shoot more surfing action, but will be coming home to New Jersey very soon to continue amazing us with his phenomenal shots of the Jersey Shore.  www.thenewsurf.com

“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 in New Jersey.  We welcome submissions from photographers and amateur photographers, so please send us your photos.

Mother’s Day

Today,  my 9 year old’s class held a “Munchkins with Mom” breakfast in honor of Mother’s Day.  Each child in the class put together a podcast using photos they had brought from home of Mom and then wrote a little bit about us.   My one friend was very relieved that her son didn’t say “My Mom is good at online gambling”  like he did in Kindergarten.   (Oh God, that still makes me laugh until I cry.  Just take a minute and let that soak in, hilarious.)  Let’s face it,  as a parent we always worry what is going to come out of the mouths of babes in front of, well, everyone we know.

Evidently, my son thinks I’m really good at Tennis.  I never play tennis and I don’t know that my son has ever seen me with a tennis racket in my hand.  He could have said I was good at cooking, computers, gardening, even sleeping.   But, no, he chose something I absolutely never do.  Does he have another Mother I don’t know about?

Even though each child shared a tidbit of information we would rather they didn’t, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  The kids were overflowing with love and couldn’t wait to have Mom come join them in class to share their creations.  I’ll have that podcast forever. (And you know I’ll dig it out when he’s a teenager, slamming doors and calling me names.)

Motherhood is by far the most challenging job on the planet.  I try to be a good Mom, but many days I’m filled with doubt.  Judging from all the teary eyed Moms in the room today, I’m not alone.  That is why Mother’s Day was created.  Moms need to be reminded just how great and loved they are.  We need it, trust me.    So, for all you challenged and sometimes doubtful Moms out there (even the online gambling ones)   Happy Mother’s Day.

If you’re looking for a way to treat Mom to a special day,  here are some places to make it happen.  And, if your restaurant is putting on something special and we missed it, please be sure to leave a comment with the details.

Alice’s

Bring Mom and the family to Alice’s Sunday Brunch to sample acclaimed Chef David Drake’s scrumptious selections. Choose from White Bean + Escarole Soup, Beer Batter Onion Rings, or Smoked Tomato Bisque. Then move on to a perfect Croque Madame (black forest ham and Gruyere with poached egg) or one of Alice’s favorites, Fried Maine Crab Cake with lightly spiced coleslaw and Halsey Farm greens.

Alice’s

24 Nolan’s Point Park Road

Lake Hopatcong

973.663.9600

www.alicesrestaurantnj.com

BRUNCH: 10 am – 2 pm

Avenue

Spring, sunshine, seashore! What better place to celebrate Mother’s Day then at Avenue in Long Branch, where Chef Dominque Filoni is presenting two tempting (and reasonably priced) Three-Course Prix-Fixe all-day options.

BRUNCH: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

$35 pp

DINNER: 4:30 pm – 9 pm

$42 pp

(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)

Avenue

23 Ocean Avenue

Long Branch

732.759.2900

www.leclubavenue.com

Boulevard Five72

Savor Chef/Owner Scott Snyder’s Special Sunday Brunch or Supper with unlimited beverages (choice of Bloody Mary or Champagne Cocktail) and a smorgasbord featuring traditional omelets; carving and raw bar stations; choices of pancakes, crepes, or French toast, and entrée such as Chicken Francese and Seafood Paella.

For evening diners, there’s family-style appetizers with choice of entrée and dessert, from Butternut Squash Ravioliand Sautéed Lump Crab Cakes to Roasted Long Island Duck Breast and Braised Lamb Shank.

BRUNCH: 10:30 am – 3 pm

$35 pp; children (3-10) $17.50

SUNDAY SUPPER: 4 pm – 8 pm

$48 pp

(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)

Boulevard Five72

572 Boulevard

Kenilworth

908.709.1200

www.boulevardfive72.com

Liberty House Restaurant

Dramatic Manhattan skyline views and a warm, familial ambiance make

Liberty House the perfect spot for Mother’s Day.

Enjoy Chef Phil Campanella’s Brunch with stations galore, including Mediterranean & Antipasti specialties, Breakfast fare, Pasta, Carving Station, Mashed Potato Bar, Salad and Fruits, Breads, Pastries, Desserts. Not to mention entrées such as Herb-Crusted Salmon, Pork Loin with Pineapple Chutney, and Grilled Steak with Sautéed Mushrooms.

BRUNCH: 11 am – 6 pm

$45 pp, $25 for children

(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)

Liberty House Restaurant

Inside Liberty State Park

76 Audrey Zapp Drive

Jersey City

201.395.0300

www.libertyhouserestaurant.com

Restaurant Serenade

“Say I love you without lifting a finger … except for making the reservation!” That’s James and Nancy Laird’s advice as they welcome guests to Restaurant Serenade for a special three-course prix-fixe menu.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

Asparagus Soup, Crab Cakes, or Octopus

Grilled Tuna, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Potato-Crusted Salmon,Filet Mignon

Crème Brûlée, Warm Chocolate Tart, Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler, Pavlova

1 pm – 7 pm

$65 pp; $32 children 10 and under

(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)

Restaurant Serenade

Six Roosevelt Avenue

Chatham

973.701.0303

www.restaurantserenade.com

uproot

This Mother’s Day, bring Mom and the family to uproot, where the “food is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eye,” says Executive Chef Anthony Bucco. Enjoy a plentiful and scrumptious assortment at their walk-around brunch, including breakfast breads, omelets, waffles, and popular lunch dishes. Enjoy complimentary Mimosas and Bloody Marys as well.

À la carte dinner will be served following brunch.

BRUNCH: 10 am – 3 pm

$39 pp; $12 children 3-12; under 3 free

(excluding tax, beverage + gratuity)

DINNER: 4:30 pm – 8 pm

uproot

9 Mount Bethel Road

Warren

908.834.8194

www.uprootrestaurant.com

Mother’s Day Strata

I’m sure you all have your Mother’s Day meal planned for the Mother in your life. Right?

Well, if you don’t, let me remind you that Mother’s Day is looming around the corner, people, and you better get cracking. Here’s a recipe that you can use for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner (with a side salad). You can even claim the recipe as your own – here at Jersey Bites we promise to keep a zipped lip. Mom will be so proud.

Strata is an eggy, bready, custardy dish somewhere in between a bread pudding and a frittata and it can be made with just about any filling. You could use sausage and bell peppers, bacon and spinach, goat cheese, fontina, mozzarella, cheddar — you get the idea. Because spring is in full bloom in New Jersey, I chose some locally grown purple asparagus.

In Mercer County, Terhune Orchards has been harvesting asparagus nearly every morning. In Hunterdon, you can find Jersey Fresh asparagus at Homestead Farm Market in Lambertville, at Gunn Creek Farm Stand in Stockton, and you should be able to find some at the Farmers Markets opening up for the season in the area, including Sergeantsville Farmers Market, West Windsor Farmers Market, Greening Princeton Farmers Market, Hopewell Valley Farmers Market, among others (you can find a list of New Jersey farmers markets here.)

So, have fun cooking for Mom. Just remember to do the dishes!

Asparagus and Sausage Strata

recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, June 2009

Serves 8-10

6 large eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups sliced green onions
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup finely grated Romano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound mild sausages, casings removed
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and large stalks peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 1-pound loaf rustic French bread, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 cups (loosely packed) coarsely grated Gruyere cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Whisk first 7 ingredients in large bowl; sprinkle generously with pepper. Set aside.

Place sausage in large nonstick skillet; push to 1 side. Add asparagus pieces and sauté over high heat, breaking up sausage with fork, until sausage is cooked through and asparagus are brown in spots, about 7 minutes.

Arrange half of bread slices in prepared dish. Pour half of egg mixture over. Sprinkle with half of cheese, then half of sausage and asparagus mixture. Repeat layering. Let stand 20 minutes, occasionally pressing on bread to submerge.

Bake strata until puffed and brown, about 1 hour. Cool slightly and serve.

Robin Damstra is the Regional Editor for Hunterdon and Mercer Counties. She graduated Douglass College at Rutgers University, where she majored in English. She began teaching herself to cook in 2006. In 2007,  she started her food blog, Caviar and Codfish where she shares her culinary discoveries and gorgeous food photography.  She currently lives in Stockton, New Jersey.

The Harlem Globetrotters: Magical Mystery World Tour

We recently had the treat of a night out to watch the Washington Generals take on the Harlem Globetrotters in their 23, 501st game at Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft.  Little did I know what we were in for!

We were brought down court-side and sat behind the Washington Generals bench …. and their coach let us know it!  (The Harlem Globetrotters were to our right and they also let the Washington Generals know it!) My husband, son and I, were smack in the middle of this ‘energy’ between both of these teams!  After a combination of cheers, boos, mascots, and antics, both teams with basketball players many 7’ plus came onto the court for a couple of hours of intense basketball!

Balls flying, coaches yelling, hoop shots I have never seen before (and I have seen a lot of basketball lately with a 14 year old son) comedic routines, ‘magic shows’….you name it…they had it!  There was definitely no time to blink!

I was most impressed by the players taking the time to autograph EVERY basketball  (which could be purchased at the event) …and there were a lot which resulted in some very long lines.  It was great to talk and meet with each individually at this wonderful family event!

Thank you Scott Johnson, Director of Public Relations for the Harlem Globetrotters and Shannon Holt of  Brookdale Community College for giving us this first hand insight into this extraordinary event!  But, don’t take my word for it….go see them for yourself!  Check out the Harlem Globetrotters and their “Magical Memories” World Tour at WWW.HARLEMGLOBETROTTERS.COM and give yourself a truly “magical” night of basketball “!

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

The Cool Place with a Warm Heart

When it hit 85 degrees on Saturday,  I remembered that my good friends and colleagues own a Haagen Dazs store in New Brunswick and it was high time I payed them a visit! (What are friends for?)

Jersey girls, partners and sisters-in-law,  Mary Jane Roll and Susan Fraser,  have been cooling off their customers with over 30 flavors of ice cream, smoothies (all natural ingredients)  ice cream cup cakes and shakes since September 2008!  They also specialize in cakes both ready made and custom (call ahead) with many different themes (HUGE REMINDER: Mother’s Day is Sunday! – doing you a ‘flavor’ here!)  Husband, brother, and “Jersey Boy,” John, also serves nights and weekends!

Not only do these Jersey girls cool us down with their tempting treats,  they are also uber involved in the community.  They have sponsored local Cancer Walks supporting Breast Cancer, appeared in the 2009-2010 Jersey Girls Calendar showing support for Cancer awareness, and have taken part as sponsors for the Colt’s Neck, Ashley Lauren Foundation, which financially assists families with children suffering from Cancer. They have donated to numerous schools, to Girl Scouts, “Senior Day” for local Senior Centers, and to movie nights for the kids to enjoy while they are eating their treats!!!!!

The Shoppes of North Brunswick management group, Stanbery Development, has and is, in the process of organizing a variety of community outreach events to bring awareness to their location and all of the businesses that support the North Brunswick community.

We here at Jersey Bites would just like to recognize Mary Jane Roll and Susan Fraser and their Haagen Dazs store for supporting Jersey people and donating so much back to their community.   So come out and enjoy a nice cold treat while supporting a family owned ice cream parlor, where you can enjoy all natural ingredients, watch a movie, share a story or two, and support a business that supports its community.

HOURS:

Monday through Thursday:  12 Noon to 9pm

Friday and Saturday:  12pm-10pm

Sunday:  12pm to 8pm (open later in Spring/Summer)

Phone:  732-565-9090

[email protected]

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

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