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NJ Department of Agriculture Kicks off #thankyouNJfarmers Contest

JerseyBites
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NJ Department of Agriculture Kicks off #thankyouNJfarmers Contest

Fresh from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture:

Social Media Photo Challenge Begins June 10

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced the #thankyouNJfarmers social media photo contest that will begin on Wednesday, June 10. Each week, there will be two selected winners who will each receive a $250 gift card for fresh produce to a Jersey Fresh market of choice, plus a Jersey Fresh NJ-shaped cutting board. An overall winner will receive a $500 gift card to a Jersey Fresh market of choice. Funding for this program is provided by USDA grant allocations.

The contest will run through September 1 with the final weekly winners being announced Sept. 2. The overall winner will be announced Sept. 9.

To enter the contest, share photos of Jersey Fresh farmers, farms, markets, or produce with the hashtag #thankyouNJfarmers and make sure to mention the farmer, farm, or market name. Using the #thankyouNJfarmers hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will automatically enter you to win.

“This contest will be a great opportunity to showcase the essential work our farmers do every day,” Secretary Fisher said. “They grow outstanding fruits and vegetables year after year and are the reason the Jersey Fresh brand is so trusted. We know consumers will be creative and enthusiastic in highlighting the many sectors of agriculture in the Garden State.”

The weekly winners will be chosen from photographs posted on social media using the #thankyouNJfarmers hashtag. Starting Wednesday each week, contestants will have until the following Tuesday to post their #thankyouNJfarmers photos.

The weekly winners will be announced each Wednesday on the Jersey Fresh Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. There is a limit of four gift cards and/or $1,000 allowed to be allocated to any one Jersey Fresh market.

To learn more about Jersey Fresh, visit FindJerseyFresh.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial, Twitter @JerseyFreshNJDA, or Instagram @JerseyFreshNJDA.

New Jersey Wineries to Reopen for Outdoor Service on June 15

JerseyBites
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New Jersey Wineries to Reopen for Outdoor Service on June 15

From the Garden State Wine Growers Association

New Jersey wineries will be able to welcome customers back to enjoy the full vineyard experience beginning June 15. Wineries will be open for outside service only providing customers with tastings, wine by the glass and bottle sales.

New Jersey wineries, which have been operating for only curbside and takeout sales and direct shipping during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now be able to offer an unmatched experience for those wishing to enjoy a fun and safe outdoor experience.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome guests back to our member wineries starting June 15 where they can take their mind off the problems of the day and unwind with a glass of wine with friends and loved ones in a safe and beautiful environment,” said Tom Cosentino, Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association.

outside seating at a New Jersey winery

Wineries will be following guidelines established by the NJ Department of Health for the reopening as well as by the Garden State Wine Growers Association in its plan to the state, but will modify to fit the specific needs of the winery.

Elements to include, but not be limited to:

  • Social distancing and sanitation best practices will be maintained by our winery staffs
  • Minimum of six feet distance between all outdoor tables
  • Winery employees will be wearing masks.
  • Guests entering into the winery tasting room for a takeout purchase or to visit a bathroom will be required to wear a face covering, which can be taken off while seated or tasting wine
  • Many wineries will offer their own policies regarding schedules, tastings, etc. so guests are encouraged to check their social media channels and websites for updates.

bottle of wine on barrel in vineyardWhile additional details will be provided as the reopening date draws near, New Jersey winery fans can look forward to enjoying the total wine experience again.

About the Garden State Wine Growers Association

The Garden State Wine Growers Association is a non-profit organization of New Jersey-based wineries, vineyards and allied businesses. It serves as a centralized information repository, resource and clearing house for industry members, and offers a unified voice advocating for issues important to the entire range of New Jersey winery and vineyard operations. Central to this mission are efforts toward branding, marketing, public relations, education, and legislation and regulation for the furtherance of the vineyard and wine industries in the Garden State.

For more information, please visit www.newjerseywines.com

Doughnut Shops in New Jersey

JerseyBites
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Doughnut Shops in New Jersey

Celebrate the miracle of doughnuts with a fresh, doughy treat from one of the Garden State’s many doughnut shops. Here’s a list to get you started!

Asbury Park

Purple Glaze donuts, etc. in Asbury Park has something for both the traditional and the adventurous. From plain and simple to fancy and filled, the store even offers a vegan option, all just minutes from the ocean. Click here for the menu.

Avalon, Clark, Green Brook, Marlton, Middletown, Paramus, Sea Isle City

With its roots in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and NJ locations in Avalon, Green Brook, and Middletown, Duck Donuts (pictured at top) has become a bit of an East Coast thing. Check out one of its five Garden State spots.  

Beach Haven, Ship Bottom

Shore Good Donuts. Sure, you’ve had an everything bagel. But have you had an everything doughnut? Now’s the time. Treat yourself to a fresh, specialty doughnut at Shore Good in LBI and then cool off with some locally made ice cream, served on site. Check out the menu here.

Belmar, Matawan

Located in the heart of Belmar, Main Street Donuts is the place in this shore town for artisanal doughnuts. After 20 years in the corporate world the owner left to pursue the American Dream and opened this shop. 

Brick

Started in 2018, Cloud9Donuts in Brick serves up classic cake doughnuts, cream filled doughnuts and fun toppings. 

Cape May

RSK Doughnuts, on Carpenter Lane (behind the Washington Street Mall), serves fresh doughnuts, custom cakes, coffee, and mini doughnuts.

Denville

Beignets offers made-to-order doughnuts and lets you choose the toppings, glazes, and flavored sugars. The Denville shop also serves fresh French-style beignets and caters events. Click here for more info.

Cinnamon doughnut at Beignets

Freehold, Oakhurst

If you’re looking for a fresh doughnut in the Western Monmouth or Monmouth University vicinities, stop by Broad Street Dough Co., located in Freehold and Oakhurst. From the Old School menu to the Specialties list (served daily) to the…not single…not double…but Triple Layer menu, this place is worth checking out.

Hamilton

More than just doughnuts! Donuts Time Cafe is known for their doughnuts but they also serve breakfast sandwiches. Check them out in Hamilton. 

Jackson 

Old school doughnuts made fresh daily! Village Donut Shop is a staple for classic doughnuts. They don’t have a website or social media so you just have to take a trip and try them out. Located at 45 Cassville Road, Jackson, NJ.

Montclair

Montclair Bread Company is a self-described bread bakery with a doughnut addiction that used traditional, European baking techniques. Click here to see this season’s menu. 

New Milford, West Caldwell, Fort Lee, Nutley, Paramus

Glaze Donuts prides itself on producing premium baked goods that elevate it above doughnut chain offerings. Their menu includes classic donuts, artisan donuts, breakfast donuts, and more! 

North Wildwood, Ocean City

At The Fractured Prune customers choose from over 30 glazes and toppings to build a creative, sometimes colorful treat. The store has NJ locations in Ocean City and North Wildwood, and a menu can be found here.

Pennsville

Four Seasons Donuts is a family-run, Salem County favorite, with all baking done on-site.

Plainfield

The Plainfield Donut Shop and Luncheonette is a no-frills shop on Watchung Avenue, known for its jelly doughnuts. 908-756-4033.

Point Pleasant Beach, Rutherford

Design your own doughnuts! Or choose from their specialty menu, either way you’re bound to have an amazing creation at Top That! Donuts, located in Point Pleasant Beach and Rutherford, NJ.

Delran

L&M Bakery has been serving customers for over 50 years. Located in Riverside, the family-owned business serves fresh and seasonal products. 

Spring Lake

Another great stop along the Jersey Shore for doughnuts. Dune Donuts and Bagels is perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat in Spring Lake.

Toms River

From classics to specialty doughnuts, OB-CO’s Donuts is a popular shop that’s been pleasing the Toms River community since 1953. 

Uncle Dood’s Donuts is another specialty doughnut shop in Toms River, NJ. They offer a wide variety of unique flavors that are sure to please anyone. 

Wildwood Crest

If you’re staying in the Crest and looking for a quick treat, look no further than Britton’s Gourmet Bakery, which serves a range of doughnuts as well as other pastries and baked goods. 

Woodbridge

Daffy’s Donuts is the spot for fresh doughnuts in Woodbridge. Check them out for fun flavors and designs. 

Images are all courtesy of the featured businesses, and published with permission.

Garden State Artist Immortalizes Iconic Restaurant Signs

Adam Horvath
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Garden State Artist Immortalizes Iconic Restaurant Signs

Before the COVID-19 quarantine, I had no idea who Mark Oberndorf was. Then, one day in April, I stumbled across a Facebook post. A friend of a friend shared Mark’s painting of the Tick Tock Diner sign—a blue and red masterpiece of my favorite diner’s Route 3 neon emblem.

I was intrigued. I clicked on his profile, a purple-dreadlocked, green-bearded avatar wearing red glasses. It was confirmed: I dig this guy.

The Art—and the Artist

Circus Drive-in sign by Mark OberndorfLike all proper social media busybodies, I spent the next half hour scrolling through his timeline. One iconic Jersey eatery after the other.

Each painting embodying the essence of Jerseycana. Mark perfectly captured the cheerful-yet-slightly-terrifying clown peeking over the demolished Circus Drive-In in Wall Township and evoked my Italian American pride with the green, white, and red façade of Tommy’s in Elizabeth.

His artwork feels familiar, not just the subject matter, but the hyper-realistic style. His attention to the smallest details—like the rusty water marks left on a Chinese Noodle Bar sign—add a photographic realness. He has successfully captured the nostalgia of many bygone-era Jersey institutions and his paintings are resonating with his Facebook audience, many of them Garden State expatriates longing to relive their favorite food memories.

Brushing Up

While I had no idea who Mark Oberndorf was, I should have. Except for a stint in LA, Mark was born and raised in New Jersey. If you cut him, he bleeds Bruce Springsteen.

He has been a professional artist since 1990 and has been Bergen County’s most prolific painter of county landmarks and restaurants ever since. Not just a painter, he considers himself “a historian of NJ iconic locations. Those places need to be recorded as paintings in order to be preserved.” Some of his pictures are hanging in NJ galleries and museums. He has also sold a few of his pieces to a well-known Hollywood producer or two. 

Painting of the White Manna by Mark Oberndorf

I had a pleasant conversation with Mark and had to ask if his love of Jersey culture translated to a love of food. I’m happy to report that he answered, “I enjoy everything that NJ cuisine has to offer.” When I asked if he could only eat in one of the restaurants he painted, which one would it be, he didn’t hesitate: “White Manna in Hackensack”.

Mark Oberndorf with son
Mark Oberndorf with his son Mark, Jr.

Order Your Own

He is currently working on multiple commissions for homeowners, business owners, and now Facebook Friends. I encourage you to check out his catalog www.markoberndorf.com or his growing popular Facebook page and if you fall in love with his work like I did, reach out to him directly [email protected]

Mark Oberndorf’s art is available for sale. Prints start at $150 for an 11 x 14 inch and you can buy original paintings starting at $250 for 6 x 6 and higher for bigger sizes. He is also available for commissions.

Rao’s Homemade: Sauce for a Cause

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Rao’s Homemade: Sauce for a Cause

I don’t generally buy jarred sauce. However, when the first wave of the pandemic hit and I made my way to Costco, you bet I grabbed six jars of Rao’s Homemade sauce. It was the first time I had ever tried Rao’s Homemade. I was really pleased, and so was my family.

It turns out Rao’s has quite a loyal fan base, with over 60K followers on Instagram and over 120K likes on Facebook. Finding one lonely jar on the grocery store shelf inspired the video below from a Rao’s lover on Facebook. 

My righthand man at the office and contributor to Jersey Bites, Jon Faronea, says Rao’s Sensitive Marinara sauce is the only tomato sauce his husband can eat because it doesn’t contain onions and garlic. If you are in the same boat and following a FODMAP diet or just can’t tolerate onions and garlic, you should check it out.

Sauce for a Cause

When Rao’s reached out to me about their Sauce for Cause initiative, I learned that they are a New Jersey- based company. I knew I had to get involved.

Sauce for a Cause is an Instagram cooking series benefiting Jersey Cares’ COVID-19 relief efforts, including a food delivery program for those in need.

Partners and Details

Rao’s is partnering with some of the brand’s favorite chefs, personalities and foodies including Gail Simmons, Danielle Monaro, Serena Wolf, Dawn Perry and others, who are bringing their delicious Rao’s Homemade recipes to life for fans at home via IGTV. 

Since Rao’s Homemade’s U.S.-based offices are in Montclair, the brand has decided to donate $40K to Jersey Cares. The donation will go toward the nonprofit’s COVID-19 relief efforts, including meal delivery to New Jersey families who are struggling to obtain basic groceries. 

Raos-Homemade-Make-One-Give-One-Campaign

Make One, Give One

In addition, the program is featuring a “Make One, Give One” component. For every fan who makes one of the featured dishes at home, Rao’s Homemade will donate one meal to a family in need via Jersey Cares.*  

Consumers can get involved in the program by recreating the recipes created by our hosts and posting on Instagram tagging @raoshomemade and #Sauce4Cause within one week, and Rao’s will donate a meal to a family in need via Jersey Cares.

*Fans must tag #Sauce4Cause within one week of the video’s live date.

 

Recipes for Make-at-Home Italian Specialties from Osteria Morini and Nicoletta Pizzeria

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Recipes for Make-at-Home Italian Specialties from Osteria Morini and Nicoletta Pizzeria

While they serve takeout (for now!), both Osteria Morini and Nicoletta Pizzeria, in Bernardsville, shared the recipes below for an amazing polpettine and for Nicoletta’s pizza dough. 

“Making pizza dough is a labor of love—for such a simple item, there is a surprising amount of error that can happen,” said Bill Dorrler, executive chef and NJ native. “My best tips are to use warm water to activate the yeast, and don’t add the salt until after the yeast is active. If you’re using a pizza stone, place a pan on the rack below to catch any sauce or cheese drips. Other than that, pizza is personal, so make it how you love it. Extra sauce? Sure. Extra cheese? You’re the chef here!”

On the polpettine, Dorrler said, “Meatballs are always hard to make for other people, because everyone has their favorite—their own recipe, their grandma’s, etc. I loved my mom’s meatballs growing up, but after traveling throughout Emilia Romagna, I knew we needed to come up with our version of their traditional mortadella and prosciutto meatballs. They were unlike any meatball I had ever had in the States…don’t tell mom!”

Chef’s notes: If you can’t find prosciutto or mortadella, substitute any combination of veal, pork, and beef. It won’t be the same, but it will be delicious.

If you want to make extra, polpettine can be frozen raw. After rolling into balls, place on a tray and freeze in a single layer. When it’s completely frozen, store in a freezer bag until needed. When ready to eat, sear in the pan straight from frozen, and cook in the sauce for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Pizza dough can be frozen as well, but it’s preferable to just keep in the fridge for a few days if you don’t need it right away. Just bring it up to room temperature before stretching the dough.

Wine pairing suggestion: Altamarea Group’s beverage director, Hristo Zisovski, recommends any kind of Sangiovese, like Chianti, Brunello, or Vino Nobile.

About Osteria Morini + Nicoletta Pizzeria

Osteria Morini and Nicoletta Pizzeria are part of the Altamarea Group, founded by Ahmass Fakahany and Chef/Owner Michael White. Altamarea owns and operates 17 properties worldwide, including its Michelin-starred flagship Marea (NYC). 

First introduced to Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood in 2010, Osteria Morini brings the soulful cuisine and rustic spirit of northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region to Bernardsville. Known as the Italian Breadbasket, Emilia-Romagna is birthplace to many of the flavors and ingredients most commonly associated with Italian cuisine worldwide: prosciutto, mortadella, Parmigiano and balsamic vinegar. Executive Chef (and NJ native) Bill Dorrler oversees kitchen operations, and the wine list was curated by Altamarea Group Beverage Director Hristo Zisovski to include wines native to this part of Italy. Osteria Morini is open daily for dinner.

Nicoletta is the Altamarea Group’s homage to Chef White’s favorite childhood dish: pizza. The menu features hand-tossed, made-to-order classic and specialty pies along with crave-worthy snacks like crispy mozzarella fritters, Neapolitan meatballs, and Calabrese hot wings. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 

 

Yield: 4 - 6

Morini Polpettine

Morini Polpettine recipe, Jersey Bites

Ingredients

  • 3 slices of white bread, crust removed
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 4 oz ground mortadella
  • 4 oz ground prosciutto
  • 1 cup finely grated parmigiano-reggiano, plus more for serving
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 6 cups tomato sauce
  • Toasted breadcrumbs, optional

Instructions

  1. Place bread and milk in a small bowl and let soak for 10 minutes. Remove the bread, discard any unabsorbed milk, and tear bread into ¼-inch pieces. Transfer to large mixing bowl.
  2. Add pork, mortadella, prosciutto, parmigiano, and eggs to the bread. Season with nutmeg and salt, plus a few grinds of black pepper. Knead lightly until just incorporated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  3. Form the chilled mixture into golf ball-sized balls, which should be roughly 14 meatballs.
  4. Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the oil and heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
  5. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned, about 10 minutes.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through (they will puff up), about 20 minutes.
  7. Serve topped with more parmigiano, and toasted breadcrumbs if using.
Cuisine: Italian / Category: Recipes
Yield: 12 Pizzas

Nicoletta's Pizza Dough

Chef making pizza at Nicoletta

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for oiling the bowl and the dough
  • 1 1/3 Cup lukewarm water
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 3 ½ Cup 00 or all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 Tbsp kosher salt

Instructions

    1. Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil.
    2. Place water, yeast, and sugar in a separate bowl and whisk until combined. Let rest until the mixture foams, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add 2 ½ cups of the flour and the salt, mixing with a fork until just incorporated. Gradually sprinkle in the remaining cup of flour and 2 Tbsp oil, mixing until incorporated.
    4. Once a sticky dough forms, turn out onto a floured surface and knead until it is elastic and no longer tacky.
    5. Transfer dough to oiled bowl. Place a damp kitchen towel over the bowl and set aside in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, 1 ½  to 2 hours.
    6. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Brush each ball with olive oil to keep from getting dry. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 2 days before using.
Cuisine: Italian / Category: Recipes

Osteria Morini
107 Morristown Road
Bernardsville NJ 07924
908-221-0040

Nicoletta Pizzeria
107 Morristown Road
Bernardsville NJ 07924
908-221-1177

 

 

Ani Ramen House Launches Nonprofit Pop-Up Concepts

Jon Faronea
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Ani Ramen House Launches Nonprofit Pop-Up Concepts

As restaurants continue to grapple with the current crisis, New Jersey’s Ani Ramen House has made a bold decision—to NOT offer its popular menu for takeout. Instead, the owners, Montclair Hospitality Group, have launched a short-term nonprofit 501(c)(3) that helps feed first responders, frontline medical staff, and displaced hospitality workers in their communities. They’ve started with their Jersey City location but there’s most definitely more to come.

Thai rotisserie chicken

Bringing ‘Awesome’ to New Heights

“We were heartbroken to have to temporarily close our ramen restaurants and lay off our team due to COVID-19, but we felt our signature ramen just wasn’t ideal for takeout,” said owner Luck Sarabhayavanija. “I was inspired by and am partnering with my childhood friend Mark Bustos, who founded the #BeAwesomeToSomebody movement. Like Mark, we love to serve.” 

Incredibly quickly and with purpose, Sarabhayavanija and Bustos created two pop-up takeout-and-delivery restaurant concepts: Rock City Pizza Co. and Bang Bang Chicken. The restaurants offer Detroit-style pizza (pictured at top) and Thai rotisserie chicken, respectively. When they place their orders, customers have the option to donate a meal for someone in need as part of their order. In fact, the first item on each menu is a discounted meal that customers can purchase as a donation. Support for the restaurants has allowed the business to rehire some of the Ani Ramen staff.

Help Grow the Concepts

The first pop-up is located at the Jersey City restaurant with menus for both concepts, and plans are to expand to the Ani Ramen locations in Montclair, Maplewood, and Summit. To get there, they have launched a Kickstarter campaign asking for support. They even have some celebrity campaign ambassadors. Check it out here.

To place an order or just make a donation to the cause. Visit BeAwesomeFeedSomebody.org to learn more.

 

Brewery Strong Is Set to Help New Jersey’s Hospitality Workers and More

Peter Culos
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Brewery Strong Is Set to Help New Jersey’s Hospitality Workers and More

According to John Couchoud of South Jersey Beer Scene, “The craft brewing community in our state is tight knit and incredibly supportive of each other.” Brewery Strong is certainly evidence of that.

As with so many industries, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the brewing community hard. Rob Callaghan of Tuckahoe Brewing Company had been thinking about ways brewers could band together to make a difference. What originally started out as a simple hashtag created by Callaghan has become a full-on relief effort to assist financially challenged brewery and hospitality workers. Alexis Degan, executive director of the New Jersey Brewers association and board member of Brewery Strong, tells me that via the website, BreweryStrong.org, they are collecting money through T-shirt sales, individual donations, and from members’ All Together beer proceeds. If you haven’t heard of it, All Together is an open source beer recipe fundraiser that was organized by Other Half Brewing. Local brewers make the beer and donate the sales to support hospitality professionals in their community.

What’s next?

Degan has a vision for Brewery Strong that goes beyond the current crisis. She has been thinking about a scholarship fund for brewing professionals for a long time. Using the momentum created by Callaghan and #BreweryStrong, she will realize that goal. There is every indication that the support for Brewery Strong will continue long after the current crisis has passed. “The brewing industry has been floored by the support of our customers,” she said. Degan believes that New Jersey has always had a tendency to be late to get in the game—as we surely have been when it comes to craft beer—but once we get there we tend to stay. Indeed, support for local Jersey breweries hasn’t tapered off at all since the start of the crisis. We take care of our own. So, for now they will focus on COVID-19 relief, but a scholarship program is definitely on the horizon.

The Brewery Strong Logo

How can you help?

So, what can you do to help? Well, for starters, head over to BreweryStrong.org and buy a T-shirt! They have a cool logo created by visual artist Mike Bell and shirts sales have been a great source of seed money for the organization. It’s a great way to show your support.

Using the DONATE NOW button, you can make a straight donation. (Brewery Strong is a registered non-profit organization). If you are a hospitality worker in need of relief please stay tuned. Brewery Strong is working on the application process so check the website regularly.

Want to support the breweries that support Brewery Strong? Degan provided me with a list of breweries that have committed to donating proceeds either of the All Together beer, the T-shirt sales, or other support:

  • Icarus Brewing (Lakewood)
  • Gusto Brewing (Cape May)
  • Flounder Brewing (Hillsborough)
  • Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands)
  • Fort Nonsense (Denville)
  • Czig Meister Brewing (Hackettstown)
  • Tuckahoe Brewing (Tuckahoe)
  • Ship Bottom Brewing (Ship Bottom)
  • New Jersey Craft Beer
  • South Jersey Beer Scene,
  • 7-Mile Brewery (Rio Grande)
  • Ludlam Island Brewing (Ocean View)
  • Slack Tide Brewing (Cape May Court House)
  • Mud Hen Brewing (Wildwood)
  • Twin Elephant Brewing (Chatham)
  • Axe & Arrow Brewing (Glassboro)
  • Atco Brewing (Atco)
  • Bradley Brew Project (Bradley Beach)

In addition to Couchoud and Degan, board members include Matthew Czigler, owner of Czig Meister Brewing Company (Hackettstown), Cindy DeRama, owner of Twin Elephant Brewing Company (Chatham), and Alexis Degan, of the New Jersey Brewers Association. Trustee members include Augie Carton of Carton Brewing, Krystle Lockman of Axe and Arrow Brewing, and Mike Kivowitz of New Jersey Craft Beer.

 

Celebrate with Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory

Jon Faronea
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Celebrate with Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory

Note: The writer received a complimentary cheesecake.

Right now most of us are really missing going out to restaurants, especially for special occasions like birthdays and Mother’s Day. Of course, these celebrations feel even more special with the perfect dessert. Lucky for us, there’s a solution! The Cheesecake Factory is currently accepting takeout and delivery cheesecake orders.

Cheesecake Takeout

Since in-person celebrations are now limited to quarantined families, you might just be looking for a small cake. That’s where the 6- and 7-inch whole cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Factory come in handy. It’s the perfect size for a smaller celebration. The 6-inch can serve 4 to 6 people and the 7-inch serves 6 to 8 people.

Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake to-go, Jersey Bites, Jon Faronea
Dulce de Leche Caramel Cheesecake

Whether you’re ordering one for your household or want to send a cheesecake to a family member or friend, you have options. Cheesecake Factory orders can be placed online for pickup or for delivery through DoorDash if the address is within the delivery zone of the restaurant. If there isn’t a Cheesecake Factory location nearby, you can order one to be shipped from Harry and David.

Treat Your Loved Ones

Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake to-go, Jersey Bites, Jon Faronea
7-inch Celebration Cheesecake

These smaller cheesecakes make for the perfect treat on Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it! I absolutely love cheesecake. I ordered the 7-inch dulce de leche caramel cheesecake. The masked DoorDash driver left the bag on my step, rang the bell and waited at the end of my walkway to make sure I got my order. I’m happy to see companies taking precautions like that, and even happier that Cheesecake Factory came right to my door. The cheesecake arrived wrapped and frozen (so consider ordering it ahead of time) and came in a nice box. 

Spread some cheer during this tough time and consider sending someone an extra special treat. 

Find a Cheesecake Factory near you.

New Jersey Restaurants Transform into Mini Grocery Stores

Adam Horvath
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New Jersey Restaurants Transform into Mini Grocery Stores

For many of us, hours have become days and days have become weeks. Sure, the idea of “opening the economy” is nice. The reality, however, is that we could be far from any real change in the situation. For the struggling restaurant industry, this is devastating. 

As we have previously reported, some restaurants are responding to this with newly started curbside pickup. Some are using delivery services like Grubhub, Door Dash, and UberEats to get food to customers. Others have even created DIY, interactive food kits to sell their wares.

Another type of much appreciated transition that’s happening for many restaurants is the switch to a focus on groceries. In the past month, a growing number of restaurants have adapted to the new normal by revising their menus to include a range of grocery store staples. Now you can order your chicken parm sandwich with a side of toilet paper—and you’ll be thrilled!

These are just a few of the establishments that have revised their menus to include grocery items. Know of others? Let us know at [email protected]!

Asbury Park

Cul+ure: The new Cul+ure Market launched April 10 and is delivering within a 10-mile radius of Asbury Park, for orders of $60 and up. Groceries will be available for pickup and delivery on Tuesdays and Fridays, and all support the staff that is currently unemployed at this time. They will continue with the Cul+ure delivery and takeout for their restaurants REYLA and Barrio Costero at their usual times. To order from Cul+ure Market go to www.culturehg.com/market or call 732-307-9140.

Cul+ure, Adam Horvath, Jersey Bites, restaurants to grocery stores
A delivery from Cul+ture

East Windsor

Americana Kitchen & Bar: This East Windsor Restaurant has created an online community shop offering zero-markup access to their purveyors’ products including a produce basket of bulk vegetables and a butcher basket with strip steaks, rib-eyes, and filet mignon.

Bell Market Meal Kits, dam Horvath, Jersey Bites, restaurants to grocery stores

Glen Rock

Giannella’s Deli: Michael Visser has fashioned his Glen Rock Deli’s offerings on his Grandparents Silvio and Sylvia’s classic 60’s-era Paterson bakery, and offers a comprehensive menu.

Holmdel

Bell Market: Bell Market Provisions Pick Up and Delivery is now offering produce boxes, protein bundles, easy meal kits, and other grocery essentials, available on their online store to pre-order for curbside pick up at the front entrance of Bell Works or by contactless delivery straight to your door. Place your order online and select one of the two delivery days (Tuesday or Friday). 

Hopewell

Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette: Returning to its roots as a one-time grocery store in Hopewell, Aunt Chubby’s currently offers a full list of market items including nondairy milk options, gluten-free bread, cold cuts, and condiments to name a few.

Manasquan

Blend on Main: Executive chef and owner Lou Smith offers a local delivery and pickup service of groceries including coffee, flour, eggs, and produce. In addition, the Jersey Shore eatery (pictured at top) currently offers limited quantities of paper and janitorial products.

Montclair

Montclair Bread Company has done the pivot from top-notch bread and doughnut shop to becoming the go-to for many for produce, dairy, and meat products as well as, yes, a great selection of their doughnuts and breads. DIY meal kits and birthday cakes are also available. The market is taking advanced, online orders only (https://squareup.com/store/montclairbread) for contact-free pickup.

Multiple Locations

Turning Point Restaurants: Offering a variety of items, Turning Point is selling produce, meats, coffee, household items, beverages, dairy, bread, and more. You can find their list of groceries on their Essentials page. Order over the phone and pick your items up curbside. Check their website for a location nearest you. 
 
Panera has kicked off grocery services in many of its locations, with dairy, produce, and bread. This is in addition to its regular, still-available soup, sandwich, and salad menu. Check individual locations for availability of specific items.

Sea Bright

Drift House by David Burke: The Sea Bright restaurant is currently offering signature cuts of high-quality meat that can be prepared at home. Options include 8oz filet mignons, 12oz ribeyes, 12oz hanger steaks and 1lb ground beef packs. They also have poultry, produce, canned goods, and more. Please a takeout order online or at 732-530-9760.

Sparta

Mohawk House: This Sparta NJ restaurant is offering a mobile butcher featuring Pat Lafrieda’s fresh cuts of beef and rack of lamb. You can also take advantage of their more traditional market, which includes frozen vegetables, baked goods, and yes, toilet paper.

Stirling

The Stirling Hotel: This Morris County tavern offers groceries for 21+ takeout including cocktail kits like gin and tonic, sangria, and mango Bellinis, along with their curbside menu of pub fare.

Verona

Lakeside Deli is taking orders for pickup and delivery, covering areas including fresh produce, raw chicken, ground beef, boxed pasta, and more. 

Whippany

Ome Caterers: This Whippany caterer has changed its menu to include a full store of dairy and nondairy options as well as butcher and pantry products for delivery.

Editor’s note: Offerings are subject to change.
Additional reporting by Rachel Bozek and Jon Faronea.

Free Coffee for the Front Line and a Mocha-Shortbread-Cookie Recipe for All

Rachel Bozek
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Free Coffee for the Front Line and a Mocha-Shortbread-Cookie Recipe for All

While they live the curbside-pickup life along with so many restaurants and coffee shops around the country, the Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint team, in Cedar Grove, NJ, is doing its part to show appreciation to healthcare workers and first responders. Read on to find out what they’re doing on that front, how they’re delivering live music on the regular, and how to make head barista Casey Wehr’s mocha shortbread cookies.

Thank You, Frontline Workers

Over the past few weeks, Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint has donated coffee to area hospitals. They are also offering on-the-house, curbside coffee to EMTs and other frontline workers in the area. Frontline workers can get a free box of coffee for their teams by calling between 9 and 10 a.m. and picking up. (Regular orders for coffee-based drinks, tea, beans, and baked goods can be placed using the My Coffee Helper app.)

Live Music, from a Distance

As part of its pivot into serving a sheltered-in-place public, Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint also continues entertaining customers and fans through its increasingly popular Very Virtual Caffeinated Open Mic, every Thursday at 7 p.m. via Facebook Live. With surprise guests and an engaged local following, the weekly happening reached 2,000 views last week. The most recent installment even incorporated performers from Portland, OR, and Australia into its usually very Jersey-centric roster.

A Delicious, Caffeinated Treat

Most of us are home cooking more than we’ve ever cooked before. With that in mind, head barista Casey Wehr has shared her recipe for mocha shortbread cookies. These caffeinated treats feature finely ground coffee, chocolate, and a few baking staples you probably have at home. Check out the two-minute video for the full scoop on how to do it. (Recipe is listed below the video as well.)

Mocha Shortbread Cookies

mocha shortbread cookie recipe

Requires three cookie sheets or similar baking pans. (Or you can do one sheet at a time.)Makes 18 cookies.

Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup espresso grinds (finely ground coffee)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Splash of vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 cup finely chopped chocolate (such as 2 standard-size Hershey's bars)

Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
    2. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, espresso grinds).
    3. Gradually combine dry ingredients with the softened butter. (Use a mixer if you have one. If not, thoroughly hand mixing is fine.)
    4. Add a splash of vanilla.
    5. Add finely chopped chocolate.
    6. Grease baking trays.
    7. Roll dough into small balls, with ample space between them. Partially flatten each ball with a fork.
    8. Bake for 30 minutes. Check on them in the final 10 minutes as ovens may cook differently.
    9. Enjoy with a cup of coffee, cocoa, or milk!
Cuisine: Dessert / Category: Cookies
On April 12, the Easter Bunny took a four-hour joyride with Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint and waved to kids on just about every street in Cedar Grove.

Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint
575 Pompton Avenue
Cedar Grove, NJ
908-955-8200
facebook.com/cedarbeanscoffee
cedarbeans.com

Bunny photo by Joe Mongiello. All others courtesy of Cedar Bean’s Photo Joint.

 

 
 

Jersey Bites Launches NJ Restaurant Takeout Finder

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Jersey Bites Launches NJ Restaurant Takeout Finder

New Jersey restaurants are offering takeout and delivery in many forms and on many different schedules. I belong to a few community groups started on Facebook to crowdsource takeout information. After seeing so many questions from members, I felt there was a true need for one centralized resource that hungry New Jerseyans could turn to for all their takeout and delivery options.  

 

A Searchable Takeout Database

Thanks to the help of our stellar web team at Web Publisher Pro, we now have our very own searchable database for NJ restaurant takeout and delivery. The site is searchable by county or you can filter by distance from your location. 

takeout finder map

All that restaurants need to do to create their free listing is to visit the Takeout Finder page and click the button that says “Add a New Business.” Fill out the form with your details, days open, times, etc. Submit links and phone numbers. Upload a logo or photo of your business if you wish, and hit submit. 

Our team will review the information before posting to make sure the form is filled out correctly. Customers can then find the restaurant’s information and a direct link to the online order page if the business has one. 

Just for Food and Beverages

I realize that other news outlets and websites have created databases for still-open businesses, however, I wanted to create one strictly for restaurants. Food is what Jersey Bites has always been about, and our goal here is really to help our cherished restaurant industry in any way we can. 

How You Can Help

The success of our Takeout Finder will rely on thousands of listings so please share this article or a direct link to the registration page, jerseybites.com/add-a-local-business, with your fellow restaurateurs or, if you are a consumer, with your favorite and go-to restaurants. 

I believe that we will all be depending on takeout and delivery for quite some time. Even after the mandatory dine-in shutdown is lifted, we will surely see restrictions on the number of people in restaurants. We all miss our favorite spots and they need our help. It is my hope that our Takeout Finder will assist both sides of the equation. 

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