Page 232 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Winner of the Dinner for Two at Bonefish Grill

Win It Wednesday

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June 17, 2009

The lucky winner of the $45 gift certificate to Bonefish Grill is……
Derek, who said…Does the Ocean Trust Martini count as a dish? I could definately make a meal out of those. Otherwise I’d say my favorite are the bang bang tacos.

Congratulations Derek. I know you are going to love your meal at Bonefish, whether you remember it after your Martini or not. 😉

Peter and I finally made our way to the Bonefish Grill in Brick Township on Monday. It was my first time back since my birthday two years ago. After reading all the comments from everyone on the Giveaway post, I had to try the Bang Bang Shrimp and the Chilean Sea Bass. If you like spicy, the Bang bang-bang Bang Shrimp is fantastic. I loved that they served them with chopsticks; the perfect vehicle for popping those crunch, spicy bites right in your mouth. The Seabass was cooked to perfection. It was served with a summer succotash which included corn and edamame and a side of jasmine rice. The bartender gave me a taste of all the different sauces you can choose to accompany your fish. My favorite was the chimichurri sauce but if you like a sweeter sauce the Mango was excellent also.

I got a chance to speak with the Manager who told me that they get fresh fish in daily and it is the reason they are not open for lunch. They spend all day preparing the fish for dinner. I was very impressed with my meal and the service. The bartenders were knowledgeable not only about our wine choices, which were excellent, but also about our menu choices and how the dishes were prepared. You could tell the staff, at least those we spoke with, take great pride in the product they put out. Jersey Bites will definitely be back. Next time, I’m having the Ocean Trust Martini.

Stay tuned for this week’s Win It Wednesday. We’re giving away a Hamilton Beach Thermal Cooler Blender. So cool, you can blend your drinks right in the cooler, pop it off and head to the pool. (That is if it ever gets above 70 degrees this summer.) Check back later for your chance to enter.

Hemingway’s in Seaside Heights

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 14, 2009

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girls-2 Last weekend, my best buds and I had a “staycation” in Lavalette. No kids, no hubs, no computers which resulted in me wandering around from room to room in the house wondering what the heck to do with myself. But, once I got acclimated with the offline world (as I clutched my blackberry) I was able to relax and have a really great time with some really hilarious women.

margarita pie Hemingway's On our first night, we ventured out (via taxi) to Hemingway’s in Seaside Heights.

I had heard really great things about Hemingway’s from several people. When I tweeted that I was going there, I got replies telling me the pizza was very good and so was the sushi.

I will not say the food is anything super special, but its pretty darn good. We didn’t partake in the sushi that night but the pies were excellent and we sampled a few other appetizers off the menu. Everything was very tasty. I would not say Hemingway’s is a place to go for gourmet food. It’s more a destination for a really good time. It’s surprising actually. The space is huge. They have 6 pool tables in a very “upscale” area with big screen TV’s and a bar that overlooks the open kitchen. There is a second bar that also overlooks the pool room which hosts several dart boards. This is not your typical dive pool hall place, believe me. For a great night out with a group of friends, this is the perfect place.

By Sunday when the 6 of us strolled to breakfast our jaws were literally sore from laughing all weekend. Oh, yeah, and I got my butt kicked in darts, but that’s another story. (Revenge will be mine, Jenny.)

Easy Grilled Pizza with Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 12, 2009

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When I find a new product that I am happy about, you know I like to share it with my favorite people (that’s you of course.) So, while speeding through Foodtown the other day, I spotted this new pizza bread that looked interesting. ready made pizza crust It is made by International Fabulous Flats™ and Foodtown had it in both the white and multigrain varieties. I chose the multigrain as you can see and hurried home to experiment with toppings. (Yes, and take a picture of it too. Don’t you take pictures of your groceries?)

After perusing my vegetable bin and and the rest of my fridge, I decided on caramelized red onion, fresh basil, tomato sliced thin, grilled portobello mushrooms and a combination of m Uncooked Pizza ready for the grill ozzarella and crumbled goat cheese. Here’s the bad boy ready for the grill.

The crust is completely cooked so all you really need is for the cheese to melt and the bottom to get a little crispy. Then it’s dig in time.

These pizza crusts are pretty impressive if you ask me. They are hand-stretched, Italian-style, cropped-pizza-slice made with all-natural ingredients and baked on a stone surface. It’s a lot easier and less messy than dealing with raw dough. Pile it high with whatever makes you happy and enjoy. If the weather stinks (like it has for centuries it seems here in NJ) you can pop the crust in the oven.

For more information on International Flat Bread products and recipes, check out there website. International Fabulous Flats™.

Our Winner of the year’s subscription to Cook’s Illustrated Magazine

Win It Wednesday

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 10, 2009

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cooks-illustrated-magazine1 I’m very pleased to say that we will be helping our lucky winner pass her time recovering from surgery with some delicious reading.

This week’s winner said….

Having just had neuro-head surgery, I have lots of time to read. I love the way this magazine does things. Thanks for offering it as a prize.
Lynne

Congratulations Lynne! I wish you all the best in your recovery. Please send us a recipe and pictures of any of the dishes you make from your adventures in Cook’s Illustrated.

Stay tuned for this Week’s Win It Wednesday: a $45 Gift Certificate to BoneFish Grill.

Fresh Oregano Citrus Marinade

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 9, 2009

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herb-garden

This is my little slice of foodie heaven, my herb garden. And yes, I did lay down in the wet grass to take this picture. See what I will do for you people.

You’re going to be getting a lot of recipes from me this summer using fresh herbs. I’ve got oregano, parsley, thyme, two types of sage, chives, cilantro, tons of basil, dill and rosemary.

This recipe uses a lot of fresh oregano and the flavor really stands up to grilling. It was delicious. I served it with some thin spaghetti that I tossed in butter, oil fresh parsley and more oregano. Oregano citrus marinade for chicken

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp. White Wine Vinegar

1/2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

1/2 Tbsp. Lime Juice

1 Tbsp. Honey

1 tsp. Ancho Chili Pepper

4 Garlic Cloves Mashed

1/4 Cup Fresh Oregano Leaves, chopped

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

1 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients. Marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 1 hour. Remove from marinade, dry poultry with paper towels and grill.

Simple Summer Recipe with Leftovers

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 4, 2009

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rice and sausage recipe I just read today that 1 in 9 Americans are using Federal Food Stamps to buy groceries. It’s no secret that times are tough for everyone right now. We’re all looking for ways to save money and sometimes the only place we have any control is on the grocery bill.

If you are a frequent reader of Jersey Bites you know that I give myself goosebumps when I can stretch a meal and make something new out of it the second night. (Hey, it’s the little things folks.) And if there’s enough to make a third night’s meal out of it? Well, then there’s just no living with me.

So, this week I decided to make three meals centering around a 10 oz bag of Vigo Yellow Rice. I love this saffron flavored rice, and my kids do too, so that’s a major plus.

On the first night, we didn’t do anything crazy. I cooked the whole bag of rice as per instructions. After it was done, I threw in some canned black beans and served it with grilled chicken and a salad.

Last night, with a lot of rice and beans left over, I decided to make a one pot “mock paella.” Similar to the picture you see at the top of this post which I made several weeks ago. This time around I added Tomato, corn and a tsp. of cumin and omitted the peas.

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 Yellow Onion diced

1 Green Bell Pepper chopped

1 Large tomato chopped

1/2 Cup Frozen Corn

1 tsp. cumin

2 scallions, greens only sliced thin

Salt & Pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

10 sausage links. I used 5 Andouille Sausage and 5 Chirizo sausage. You could easily use Hot Italian Sausage or Reduce sausage by half and add shrimp.

Saute onion and pepper in large skillet until tender. Add tomato and saute for a few minutes until tender. Add cumin and stir for one minute. Add leftover rice and beans and toss to warm and mix with ingredients. Toss in 1/2 cup frozen corn (no need to defrost) and cover with lid and keep on warm.

Meanwhile, fry sausage in a tiny bit of oil until browned on all sides. Slice sausage on an angle and add to rice mixture. Any fat rendered from the sausage makes a nice addition to the rice unless you’re watching your weight. If that’s the case, you should be using chicken sausage. 😉

Toss everything well and plate. Garnish with chopped cilantro and enjoy.

Today’s Lunch: rice-with-chicken

Well, would you believe this family of four still had leftover rice the third day. Today I decided to slice the leftover chicken from Tuesday night, add 1/2 sliced avocado over the rice. A delicious lunch and I could have served at least 2 more people.

The beauty of this type of dish is its versatility and the way it stretches the more expensive ingredients. You can use frozen shrimp, frozen fish, chicken even steak. As long as you have the basic onion, pepper, tomato (if you want) as your foundation, you can throw in just about anything and have a very healthy and Delicious meal.

As I said, I love making two meals out of one. For more leftover makeovers click here.

And the winner of the Palm Leaf Plates is

Win It Wednesday

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 3, 2009

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round palm leaf plate from Marxfoods.com And the winner of the Eco Friendly, Oh so Elegant Palm Leaf plates from Marxfoods.com is……

Karen R. who said:

“Father’s Day lunch or Fourth of July picnic are the next up-coming get togethers. I would get a lot of use from these.”

Funny, I don’t see an invitation for Jersey Bites in there. Hmmm. 😉

Enjoy Karen, I know you will love them. Everything from Marxfoods.com is top notch.

Stay tuned for this week’s Win It Wednesday: my all time favorite cooking magazine Cook’s Illustrated. I’m so excited!

Tutti Toscani in Cherry Hill

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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June 1, 2009

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tutti-3-300x225 Guest Bite by Robin Shreeves.

Last Friday night, my husband Brian and I dined at Tutti Toscani in Cherry Hill. The restaurant had been recommended earlier that day by a friend when I told her that I was hoping to find a place with outdoor dining where we could get good food, sit, relax and talk for a while. She recommended Tutti Toscani, a BYO owned by Lamberti’s. I had never been there before. I made reservations and requested an outdoor table, ran to the liquor store and picked up some Sangiovese, and looked forward to actually talking to my husband for a few uninterrupted hours.

We loved this restaurant. I didn’t know it when I made the reservations but they have gardens surrounding the patio where food is grown to be used in their delicious Italian dishes. They are growing tomatoes, basil, figs (mid-July), Italian parsley, thyme, rosemary, 2 variations of peppers (banana and habanero), beets and they will be planting spinach this week. This is a restaurant that is in a strip mall, but they are using what garden space they have for edible plants so they can have some fresh veggies and herbs for their restaurant. Love it. This is the third year they’ve been doing this.

gardens-2 And, when they have extra, they give it to their guests to take home. Brilliant.

They also source some of their produce from local farmers like arugula from Giuseppe and butter lettuce and what other items may be in abundance from Inga both small farmers in Cherry Hill.

If their commitment to local food isn’t enough to get you thinking about stopping by this Italian restaurant in an area that is fairly saturated with Italian restaurants, then let me add this. The food is delicious. Brian’s mussels in red sauce were the best he’s ever had, and it’s one of his favorite dishes to order in a restaurant. I’m not crazy about mussels, but he made me try one, and it was good. His plate was clean when it was taken away because he couldn’t help but sop up the remaining sauce with bread. I had a roasted red pepper and provolone appetizer that was yummy (and so large that I took half of it home and happily ate it the next night with dinner). Brian had a pasta dish loaded with seafood that he enjoyed, and I chose lobster ravioli for my main course in a delicious pink sauce.

I can’t tell you about their desserts because in addition to our appetizers and our meals, there was good bread to dip in olive oil and Anna Maria, who I believe manages the restaurant, brought us some flat bread pizza type dish that she was having the customers try that night. There was no room for dessert. Our waiter was friendly and very patient with us when we explained that we were in no hurry.

The outside patio, as you can see from the pictures, is secluded from the parking lot of the strip mall. I must admit that when I first walked out onto the patio and saw the plastic chairs and tables I was concerned they wouldn’t be comfortable, but they were fine. In fact after a minute I forgot all about it.

Brian and I will certainly be back to Tutti Toscani on another one of our date nights, but it’s also a place we’d be happy to take our boys. They have a kids menu and a brick oven pizza menu so there would be plenty of choices for them.

Tutti Toscani is located at 1491 Brace Road (in the former ShopRite Shopping Center) in Cherry Hill. 856-354-1157.

Images provided by Tutti Toscani

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Robin Shreeves a life long Jersey Girl and a freelance writer who specializes in the green living and food pieces. She’s the founder of South Jersey Locavore, a round-up of local food sources in the region. She’s also the eco-friendly food blogger at Mother Nature Network.

Tito’s Burritos in Morristown

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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May 29, 2009

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Guest Bite by Michele Brigante

Every week I look forward to reading about the new featured restaurant in our local newspaper. A couple of weeks ago, I read about a new Mexican place called Tito’s Burritos that had just opened in Morristown and I had to give it a try.

Tito’s cuisine may be Mexican or Tex-Mex, but the atmosphere is one of a Hawaiian or Californian surf shop. There are two flat screen TV’s – which were showing a skateboarding video, a huge marlin on the wall, as well as surfboards. These are just some of the fun items that adorn the restaurant. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed and the friendly staff illustrates that. Everyone seemed to really enjoy working there. There is something for everyone at Tito’s and it appeals to people of all ages. The night I was at Tito’s, there were families with young children, teenagers and adults of all ages.

The menu is extensive and very unique. They serve burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salads – they even have fries and wings! Any burrito can be made without a tortilla, with a low carb tortilla, or as is. They can be made “wet” which means special sauce and cheese added, or “green” which means added guacamole. There really is a burrito and taco to satisfy every palate, the most unique being the Blackened Salmon Burrito. I ordered a San Quentin which is a ground beef burrito with a choice of black or pinto beans, cheese, yellow rice and pico de gallo. It was very tasty, not an obscene amount of cilantro and very neat. I thought I would have to use a fork and knife but all the fillings stayed neatly inside the tortilla so it was not messy at all. My boyfriend ordered The Big Easy. This was our favorite out of the two we ordered. It’s a blackened chicken burrito with yellow rice, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo and ranch dressing. I think this was the most popular burrito that night because I heard it ordered over and over. We also tried the guacamole and the salsas from the salsa bar. All of them were very good. The pico de gallo was my favorite, very tasty with just the right amount of salt. I think the most surprising thing we tasted were the fries. Who orders fries at a Tex-Mex restaurant you ask? We do when they are covered in cheese and served with a chipotle dipping sauce. If you ask me, that sauce should be on everything! I think it would have been perfect in my burrito. So Tito, maybe you should add that to your menu with all the other add-ons!

Tito’s does not serve alcohol but they are a BYOT – Bring Your Own Tequila and will gladly make you a frozen Margarita. If alcohol isn’t your thing try a Mexican soda or some refreshing lemon or limeade.

Tito’s Motto is “It’s all good!” and everything that we tasted was certainly better than good. I plan on becoming a regular at the Morristown location and I was told there is another one just minutes from my office in Summit. So, now I can have my Tito’s fix for lunch or for dinner! I hope to see you there.

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Michele Brigante is a passionate home cook. She enjoys entertaining and loves cooking for friends and family. Her passion for cooking can be attributed to growing up in an Italian-American household in Brooklyn, New York. Michele’s Italian Grandmother has been a big influence in her life and she started her blog, My Italian Grandmother, as a tribute to her. Michele now resides in Morris Plains, New Jersey.

Winner of the Funky Chunks Giveaway

Win It Wednesday

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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May 27, 2009

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p11600031 I’ve been using Funky Chunks fabulous handmade soaps all week and let me tell you, I am feeling like one very spoiled girl. But, hey I’m worth it. My kids are absolutely in love with “Sweets At the Beach” shocking I know. It smells just like Cotton Candy. My favorite is “Jersey Love.” I don’t know how they did it, but the soap smells like fresh Tomatoes, more like the foliage than the tomato I think, but so unique and really lovely. Another favorite of mine is Jersey Devil. All the soaps leave you smelling delicious and so smooth.

So, the lucky winner who will get to sample all of these fabulous handmade soaps is…..

Johannah B. who reported back that “Sugary Vanilla Spice” looked the most tantalizing on Funky Chunks website. Congratulations Johannah. I know you are going to love your prize.

Stay tuned for this Week’s Win It Wednesday, just in time for outdoor entertaining. 25 Palm Tree Dinner Plates from Marxfoods.com

Asbury Park Boardwalk Talk

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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May 24, 2009

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Boardwalk Seating outside The Salt Water Cafe, Asbury Park — Boardwalk Seating outside The Salt Water Beach Cafe, Asbury Park

I am embarrassed to admit that it has taken me this long to get my tail down to the beach in Asbury Park. We love to go to AP for dinner, but always end up at either The Brick Wall or Taka Sushi. I made up my mind on Friday that I was going to explore the much talked about Boardwalk revitalization.

We started our tour of the boards at Tim McCloone’s Salt Water Beach Cafe which is located in the old Howard Johnson’s Building. Our friends, John and Simone, are pictured here inside the Salt Water which as you can see is a casual eatery. For a more fine dining experience you can move upstairs to Tim McLoone’s Supper Club.

After a drink, we decided to meander down the Boardwalk. John had a favorite spot in mind and I wanted to check out all of the new merchants lining the boards. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a pottery wheel in motion and had to pop in to get a better look.

Greg, the owner, was in the middle of creating a new work of art and was more than happy to chat with us while he worked. LaPlaca Pottery Works is a 2500 square foot Gallery and workspace that offers classes year round, as well as an oceanfront gallery to purchase Greg’s work. As you can see, his Gallery is worth a visit.

As we strolled further down the boardwalk I was very surprised to see all of the high end furniture and apparel stores.

Sandwiched in between the high end retailers and restaurants were a few old friends, like Madam Marie and some new attractions for the kiddies like the Water Park with giant sized buckets and hoses standing ready to douse the masses.

Since we had no kiddies in tow, the grownups decided to go down a few martinis at The WaterMark. Their website states, “Part sophisticated drinkery and tapas bar, part music lounge and social club, Watermark’s environment is contemporary yet comfortable, refined yet relaxed, upscale yet inclusive.” I think they hit the nail on the head when it comes to comfort. The place is lined with couches and ottomans, a fireplace and multiple winged back chairs. They are completing construction on a terrace that I guarantee is going to be THE place to have a cocktail this summer. I’m glad we made it there on a chilly night in May. I have a feeling it will be a lot harder to get into in a few weeks. My drink of choice was The Short Rib Martini. Think very spicy margarita and really, really tasty. After two of those Short Ribs it was time to go get some food.

We found ourselvess at the very trendy, very busy Stella Marina. They had a

table available in 45 minutes which was reasonable since we did not have reservations. The waiter recommended the Pasta Bolognese with
Pappardelle, traditional ragu, and marscapone cheese: very creamy and delicious.

Our evening with friends strolling the boards of Asbury Park was delightful and warmed this 40 something year old’s heart. I was so glad to see so much of the old architecture still intact. In the early 70’s, there was no Six Flags. Asbury Park was our Great Adventure. It was a thrill to visit and created many lasting memories for me. To see the charm of the old architecture preserved and revitalized makes me root even harder for Asbury’s rebirth. I hope you’ll get down there this summer to experience it for yourself. I think you’ll leave with a smile.

Memorial Day Menu Ideas

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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May 21, 2009

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It’s that time of year again when backyard barbecue warriors rejoice. This weekend marks the grand opening of a grand season, and I for one already have my toothpicks and wetnaps handy. It is time to do some serious eating folks.

In addition to some of my barbecue favorites, I’m also offering up some top picks from other food blogs I admire.

Now, I know there’s healthy fare to be had off the grill, but holiday weekends are not the time to be doing that. At a good old-fashioned holiday barbecue, you want ribs, sausage, burgers and all the sides that make overeating worthwhile. So, here are my picks for a glorious backyard barbecue, holiday or not.