Egg Nog French Toast

Leftover eggnog?  Invite some friends over for brunch and serve up Egg Nog French Toast with Creamy Rum Sauce, a super delicious breakfast treat courtesy of the  Food Network.

EGG NOG FRENCH TOAST

4 eggs
1 cup egg nog
2 tablespoons Dark Rum
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
12 slices cinnamon swirl raisin bread (thick cut)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (1 cup sugar to 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon)
Preparation
In a medium mixing bowl, beat eggs with a wire whip. Add egg nog, rum, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, whip to combine. Heat heavy skillet. Soak bread slices in egg mixture for 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Soak only as many pieces of bread as you can fit in your griddle at one time. Two batches of six or three batches of four. Add melted butter to the medium hot griddle. Sprinkle each slice of soaked bread with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon sugar and lay sugar side down in the griddle. Sprinkle additional ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon sugar on top of each slice in the griddle. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until French toast is a light golden brown and turn to cook other side.  Serve hot with creamy rum sauce or butter and maple syrup.

CREAMY RUM AUCE

3 tablespoons cream cheese
4 ounces butter
¼ cup syrup
1 tablespoon Dark Rum, Cruzan
Warm cream cheese and butter to room temperature. This can be done in the microwave on ½ power. Add syrup and dark rum.  Blend in a blender or food processor until smooth. Serve at room temperature.

All about the Bubbly

What's Your Champagne Personality?
Ultra Luxe or Gotta be Green?
Ultra Luxe

Feeling extravagant? Start the New Year in high style.  The Piper Heidsieck gift box comes with a bottle of Red Label champagne and a crystal stiletto flute designed by Christian Louboutin. $500, www.le-rituel.com/

Gotta Be Green?

Are you resolving to lead a greener life in 2010? Then 

begin by toasting with Pommery POP Earth Champagne. The champagne is produced using sustainable growing methods and is packaged in light weight bottles (reduces weight in transportation) and the labels are made with recycled paper and water soluble inks. And yes, it tastes divine! $55

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Night Lights

The night comes alive with festive lights at the Turtle Back Zoo--

Bundle up and wander amongst illuminated soldiers and dancing penguins to the beat of holiday music.

Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular

now thru January 3

5 - 9 PM

Turtleback Zoo

West Orange

973.731.5800

www.turtlebackzoo.com

New Year’s Gourmet and Glam

In two weeks, the world will celebrate the start of a new decade and you don’t want to be scrambling to get reservations at your favorite restaurant. Now is the time to start making calls and reserve your party for New Year’s Eve. If you don’t know what to do or where to go, we have some ideas.

Dining in a train car at Rod’s Steakhouse  is half the fun at this elegant landmark restaurant in Madison: $64.95 for early seating at 5:30 or $84.95 for dinner and music starting at 8pm.

Dine in casual elegance at Red Restaurant and Lounge in Red Bank: $55 for a 3-course dinner or $25 after 8pm in the Second Floor Lounge. Champagne toast at midnight.

Feast on local and fresh Italian/Mediterranean food at Tre Piani in Princeton: $95 for 5-course dinner and dancing at 8pm or Open Bar and Tapas also at 8pm.

Go back in time to the 1860s when you dine in the 150 year old farm house of La Campagne in Cherry Hill: $85 for a 7-course dinner. BYO

An evening at the Tuscan-style Renault Winery  in Egg Harbor Township is worth a drive whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour: $99 for 5-course gourmet dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom starting at 8pm.

We also have some special NJMyWay discounts to make sure you are well dressed and stocked for the big night.

Put a fresh face forward to 2010 with a $20 discount off a facial at Gatsby Salon in Green Brook. Just mention NJMyWay when you make the appointment.

Glam up your look with a piece of jewelry, clothing or handbag from BellaDawn. Use NJMyWay15 when you check out.

Whether your hosting or attending a party, CoolVines of Princeton and Westfield wants to help you choose the best wine pairings with 15% off any CoolVines Wine Club order of $100 or more. Use NJMyWay at checkout.

NJ My Way Managing Editor Hilary Morris (www.mrsmonj.com) contributed this article

Favorite Things

Load your Christmas list with some of our favorite things from NJ My Way:

For your tween: Bskinz (www.bskinz.com) from two Mountain Lakes moms, where cool patterned leggings were hot before this fall’s footless fashion blitz.
Buy them Anything from Gotham in Millburn (http://www.gothamcityclothing.com/). Or from the Sally Miller store in Milltown (http://www.sallymiller.biz/).
For mom-- bling-encrusted bags and belts, not to mention all kinds of BIG jewelry, check out Nita Ideas (www.nitaideas.com) in Millburn.
There’s the Lucky Me Tee (www.luckymetee.com) that proudly proclaims the size of your brood brought to you by Hillsborough’s Marlo Moleski.
Give someone special a visit to  www.aquamedicaspa.com  in Long Branch. Mention “NJ My Way” when you book your gift card and you’ll get 30% off any card. Plus, if your purchase exceeds $150 you’ll get a free revitalizing or bio hyrdrating cream, worth $41.
And your peacenik friends will love anything from The Hippie Shop in Fairfield (www.hippieshop.com).
Give the greenest gifts from Terracyle.  The Trenton-based eco-extraordinaire company just opened a brick and mortar outlet in Princeton. Or place an order from www.generationgreen-gg.com run by Jill Markham of Short Hills.


Keep reading all week for more of our favorite things, and some cool discounts for New Year’s Eve.

Teen Queen Wannabee

Nothing like Juicy Couture to make your little girl feel as hip as her big sister,

Peace, Love & Bloomie's velour hoodie, $84 (sizes 2-6), $108 (sizes 7-14)

Bloomingdale's

iKnow What to Buy

Looking for good buys at the grocery store? No need to look through the recycling to find Shoprite's sales circular, now you can find it on your iPhone (yep, there's an app for that!).

Jersey Crafters On Line

ETSY is an amazing online community of sellers offering handmade and vintage items. Plenty of these talented  Etsy artisans live and work here in En Jay. 

This holiday you can support your local craftspeople and shop their Etsy stores for one of a kind items, and never leave the comfort of your computerDiscover unique jewelry designed and hand fabricated from precious metal and stone at South Jersey’s Barron Design Studio , Marlton’s DiBeauDesigns has a great handcrafted sterling necklace with a silver disc and crystals. Gathering Stars in Hazlet offers lead free soldered stained glass jewelry pendants and sun catchers, that have a hand-crafted look and an elegant feel - Find wonderful prints and papergoods featuring the fun 1920's flapper doodle characters at Princeton based  Flapperdoodle.  Ragsnehali from Jersey City specializes in unique hand-crafted Paper Crafts, office stationery sets and handmade gift items -  House of Le'Moore is your chateau for cool vintage fashion from the 30's to the 80's  -  Custom Buttons from Hudson County’s The Angry Robot can be made into magnets, zipper pulls, earrings, necklaces and much more!  Princeton’s Kate Gabrielle offers prints to give your wall a sense of humor -  At Hopewell’s Outer Knits you'll find beautiful warm, cozy, and classic hand knits for children and adults, featuring sweaters and mittens - Every vintage button, postcard and poster at Princeton’s sinatrafan103 was made before 1989! 

Vervain Savonervain Savon of Stratford specializes in natural soaps and body care using essential oils natural colorants and fair trade oils - never any synthetics -Deepshade's handwoven chainmaille jewelry  of Clementon is as bold and eclectic as you are!
Our thanks to Sue Doctor, crafter of nifty retro- bracelets and other jewelry made of typewriter keys from HauteKeys.

In Search of the Perfect Cupcake

We  sought out three purportedly delicious cupcake spots and sampled them in order to guide you, our readers, towards a more perfect pastry experience. 

Cupcakes by Carousel  in Ridgewood has a variety of cupcakes beautifully displayed in the fun little shop, and evokes child-like enthusiasm for dessert. The cheerful staff happily answered my queries about flavor and ingredients, chatting welcomingly. The vanilla-on-vanilla cupcake I selected had dense cake coated in a generous layer of thick, sugary frosting. The cupcake prices ranged between $2.25 and $3.75, depending on how elaborate the flavors. On my way out, I grabbed a free colorful magnet and complimentary temporary cupcake tattoo. Cupcakes by Carousel offers a very kid friendly environment and provides a great post matinee snack, since it is located beside the Ridgewood movie theatre.

The Silver Spoon, (385 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell), provides an ideal lunch and an after-lunch cupcake. The place is clean and the service prompt, but the environment does not encourage lingering. If you are looking to grab lunch and a cupcake to savor in private or enjoy on the go, this is your cupcake place. The $2 cupcake has a fluffy base, contrasted by the creamy, buttery frosting. The Silver Spoon does not have a website, but does offer catering and can be reached at (201) 483-8191.

For a slightly more sophisticated experience, try ArtKitchen, located at 61 Halsey Street in Newark. The little restaurant has a funky, vintage vibe, offering food, ordered at the counter, a few aisles of art supplies, and a desk where you can have something framed while you snack or shop. The display presents cupcakes with three types of cake; vanilla, chocolate and red velvet, and vanilla or chocolate frosting. All cupcakes are priced at $1.50. The cake is moist and crumbly, while the moderate dollop of frosting has a thick, almost yogurt-like texture. The place offers a welcome relief from protocols and process for many state employees in the area as relaxed service is provided by likable, artsy young staff. 

While all the cupcakes tasted were indeed delicious, the variations in texture and taste were noticeable, and the different atmospheres affected our overall cupcake sampling experience.  

NJ My Way contributing writer P. Shagin authored this story. 

ONE-OF-A-KIND

Nothing ordinary for you...or your friends!  If only extraordinary hand-made goods will do, then the One-of-a-Kind Show is the place for you.   The four day show will feature work from more than 200 artists, artisans and designers from across America in a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, glass, photography, ceramics, jewelry, wearable art and furniture. New Jersey is represented by nearly 20 craftspeople including jewelry artist, Sheila Ferneke, whose dynamic and colorful necklace is pictured above.
SHOW LOCATION DATES AND HOURS:
Pier 94
12th Ave. at 55th St., NYC
Preview Night December 10, 5-9 PM
Friday December 11, 11 AM- 8 PM
Saturday, December 12, 10 AM-7 PM
Sunday December 13, 10 AM-5 PM
Tickets, $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors
$12  online at www.oneofakindshowny.com

Lady In Red

Be RED-y to stand out and leave your basic black in the closet..try it, you'll like it!

Marc by Marc Jacobs coat, $528; Jill Stuart Dress, $198; both exclusively at Bloomingdales

Stock up in Stockton

The sun rose bright and clear today after a blustery Friday so off we went to the charming little town of Stockton for a walk along the Delaware River.  We noticed the sign below and decided to investigate.

The market was small but had a wide variety of wonderful food items for sale. Everything from fresh produce to seafood was available. We bought a hot cup of organic coffee at the Coffee Scoop  and a delicious loaf of artisan whole wheat bread with raisins and walnuts at Rise Bakery.  Bucks County Cookie Company had a tempting array of baked goods and toddlers were seen devouring cups of ice cream from the oWow Cow Creamery.

After the market we went wine tasting next door at Phillip's Fine Wines and Liquors and then headed over to the Jerry Cable Studio and Art Gallery (below) to view oil paintings of rural New Jersey and Pennsylvania, midwest farmscapes and coastal Maine.

The gallery is just a few paces from the historic Stockton Inn (below) which offers fine dining, a rustic tavern and lodging.

SPRING LAKE HOLIDAY FUN

Time to put away the Thanksgiving decorations and move on to Christmas!
Need some inspiration? Tour five of

Spring Lake's Festive Inns

bedecked in their elegant holiday finery, ablaze with vintage ornaments, handcrafted heirlooms and the illusion of a Currier & Ives postcard.

Spring Lake Candlelight Christmas Inn Tour

Saturday, Dec. 5, from 3:30 to 7 p.m., $25
This year, for the first time, ticket holders will be treated to a pre-tour Victorian Tea
at the Ocean House B&B, beginning at 2:30.
For tickets and more info: 732.859.1465 or 732.449.0577
Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the tour at the Ocean House
732-449-9090
And while you're in Spring Lake, why not take in a performance of the classic Christmas tale,
Scrooge?

SCROOGE

Dec 4-19 $20- $28
Spring Lake Community House Box Office: 732.449.4530

Ho Ho Ho-Ho-Kus

Elegant Fundraiser Includes Tour of Historic Home, Buffet and Colonial-Era Entertainment

The Hermitage Museum, a historic house and education center in Ho-Ho-Kus, will hold an elegant fundraising event on Thursday, December 10, 2009, entitled “Champagne and Candlelight at The Hermitage.” The upscale evening will include a champagne reception and tour of the Gothic Revival house dressed in holiday finery along with an hors d’oeuvre buffet, entertainment and silent auction. Festivities will include a performance by the North River Colonial Dancers who will perform dances from the Colonial era and invite attendees to learn some steps.

Tickets: $50 per person
(201) 445-8311, ext. 36
335 North Franklin Turnpike
Ho-Ho-Kus
All proceeds directly benefit The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark . Ticket purchases are tax-deductible contributions.
The deadline for reservations is December 4, 2009

ABOUT THE HERMITAGE
The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the nation’s outstanding examples of domestic Gothic Revival architecture. The historic house incorporates a stone structure that was visited during the Revolutionary War by George Washington and was the site where Aaron Burr met and married Theodora Prevost. The house’s architectural appearance dates to the 1847 remodeling and enlargement designed by the architect William H. Ranlett. Today, the home’s furnishings reflect the late Victorian lifestyle of the Rosencrantz family, who owned and lived in the home from 1807 to 1970. The museum collection is notable for the family’s historic clothing and personal items and papers.

Gobble Gobble

Sometimes you want to cook and sometimes YOU DON'T!!
For those of you who don't, read on for some delicious options.

Avenue
Open from 12-7pm serving a three-course, prix-fixe feast with options for traditional tastes as well as contemporary.  Scrumptious selections for appetizers, entrées, and desserts. 

Duck Confit or Lobster Macaroni Gratin
Steak au Poivre or Pan-Seared Branzino
Apple Cinnamon Crème Brulée or Apple Tart Tatin.
Children 6-12 have their own three-course menu for $22
(under 5 free)
$42.00 per person

Chef Dominique Filoni continues Avenue's Thanksgiving Meals-to-Go with choices for a small or large Roasted Whole Grain-Fed Turkey with Vegetable, Chestnut & Foie Gras Bread Stuffing, Giblet Gravy, Butternut Squash Soup, Green Beans & Almonds; Honey Glazed Pecan Pie
and so much more!
4-6 people:  $120 plus tax
8-10 people:  $180 plus tax

  To-go orders must be placed by 9.00 pm Monday, November 23; food will be ready for pickup Thanksgiving morning. 
 Call 718.636.2020, ext. 210 for menu details and to order.
___________________________________________

Boulevard

Chef Scott Snyder will feature Roast Organic Maple-Cured Turkey with all the trimmings.  Servings from 1-7pm.
Family-style appetizers including choice of
Sautéed Lump Crab Cakes, Apple & Endive
Salad, Pumpkin Ravioli.
Entrée selections:
Roasted Long Island Duck, Grilled Dry-Aged
Strip Steak.  Desserts are assorted traditional pastries.
$48.00 per person
An á la carte menu will also be available with choices from Shrimp Corn Chowder and Grilled Octopus & Shrimp Salad to Roast Lamb Loin with Asparagus, Goat Cheese Potato Purée and Chanterelles.
_________________________________________________________

Liberty House Restaurant

Besides Traditional Turkey Dinner, Chef Philip Campanella is offering Pan-Seared Atlantic Salmon, Grilled Rib Eye, or Cola-Glazed Ham on his prix-fixe three-course dinner.  Begin the meal with an appetizer choice of Butternut Squash Bisque or Five-Spiced Shrimp. 
And end with the Liberty House Dessert Sampler!
$45 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
1-7pm.
__________________________________________________________

Restaurant Serenade

No one will leave hungry this Thanksgiving when Chef James Laird is preparing his three-course prix-fixe menu!  Available from 2-7pm. 
Turkey with Traditional Sides is just one of the available choices.
$65 per person, $32 kids 10 and under.
__________________________________________

Stone House at Stirling Ridge

 Chef Jerry Villa is featuring a three-course prix-fixe menu of
traditional favorites such as Butternut Squash Soup and Turkey Dinner with family-style sides as well.  Enticing appetizers include Pumpkin Ravioli with Wild Mushrooms and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
Enjoy the crackling of an oversized fireplace in which breads and pie will be warming throughout the day! 
$45 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
12-7pm

SIDE WAYS

Daylight savings has come and gone, which means Thanksgiving's right around the corner. You'd love to get into the kitchen and prepare a spectacular meal from soup to nuts, but your schedule's insane.

It's no crime to get an assist from a pro when it comes to the holidays. And thanks to Chef Loryn's Café & Catering in Madison, help is on the way. You make the bird, they'll take care of sides and dessert.

From Herb Stuffing with Sausage ($7.99/lb.) or Fresh Oyster Stuffing ($9.99/lb.) to Creamed Spinach ($6.99/lb.), Sweet Potatoes with or without Marshmallows ($7.99/lb.) and Pumpkin Pie ($10.99 each), Chef Loryn Dagon makes Thanksgiving dining simple, scrumptious, and a heckuva lot easier.

Housed in a cheery storefront on Main Street, Chef Loryn's features homey décor, a breakfast bar with stools, and value-oriented breakfast and lunch specials. Plus they do catering for everything from weddings to wine tastings, bridal showers to birthday parties.

Says the former executive chef at Gary's Wine & Marketplace, "I always wanted my own café, I just had to wait till I found the perfect space." It's an area she knows well: after growing up in Madison, Loryn returned there to raise her daughter, Isabel, after living in Maine for several years.

Display cases showcase an array of appealing dishes, from succulent flank steak to bright green asparagus glistening with olive oil + lemon. There's spicy salsa, crunchy coleslaw, and chicken pot pie that's so good, she can't take it off the menu. Save room for dessert!

Chef Loryn’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are customer faves, though Banana Bread runs a close second. Notes Loryn proudly, "Everything here is made from scratch."

This dedicated e-mail was written for NJ My Way readers by Diaz-Schloss Communications, food and restaurant marketers based in Montclair.

Milk Money

It’s hard to find a parent who hasn’t stood in their child’s closet and said: “I can’t believe I paid so much for that and he only wore it once” or “I paid all that money for this and it doesn’t even fit her anymore!”

But there is a solution whether it’s to earn back some of the money or snag a bargain on designer threads-- Milk Money.
Started in 1999 by Maplewood moms Danna Hunking and Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, Milk Money is celebrating a decade of offering recycling children’s goods and giving moms and kids a place to shop and play!
This truly unique consignment store is also a franchise with 6 locations in NJ and NY including the Princeton location where consignment stores are giving boutiques some recession friendly competition.
“Because of the economy, we’re getting more shoppers who would normally spend the money on new or designer clothing,” said Gina G’Adamo, owner of the Princeton store. “And that means we’re getting a lot more designer labels in exchange. People figure if they can make some money off the barely used clothing, why not!”
Browsing the racks, you’re sure to find brands like Patagonia, Rothschild, Ralph Lauren, The Gap and even Burberry. Children’s books of various reading levels line the brightly colored shelves and while the space is limited, there’s plenty of room for recycled toys, strollers and shoes!
Milk Money stores are more than just a place to swap and shop. The original Maplewood location and Morristown store provide an extra playroom for kids proving that this is not just a shop, it’s a childhood experience.




This NJ My Way article was written by Managing Editor Hilary Morris of www.mrsmonj.com.

Shopping Cart

From north to south, En Jay women are twittering about cool, fun shopping events this week. In Livingston on Wednesday night, you trade your used jeans for new, and support a good cause.
Donate a pair of your gently used jeans, and get 20% off your purchase of a new pair at Complements Two’s Denim And Diamonds event. Representatives from designer jean makers and Jennifer Zauner jewelry will help you shape your new look.
Enjoy treats from Nutley’s Stuffed Cupcakes and Millburn’s Restaurant MC. Your used jeans will be donated to the Goodwill Rescue Mission of Newark. Tell them you are coming by dropping a note to rsvp@thehipevent.com or (973)707-7125.
Down south, round up your gal pals and head to the Cherry Hill Mall on Friday, where career expert and author Nicole Williams (Girl On Top) is hosting a gathering with cocktails and job seeking advice, and deep discounts on “interview” clothing.  RSVP: http://girlontopbook.com/tour.

Two more events for shopaholics:
You know it’s officially holiday season when the Zimmerli Museum at Rutgers opens its annual Holiday Boutique. Loads of great crafts and unique gifts beginning on Wednesday
And the nice ladies from Chris Christie’s hometown of Mendham are reminding us about their 10th Annual Holiday Boutique at the Brookside Community Club on Saturday . You might just satisfy your longing for a new Longaberger!

A Case For Paper

Everyone knows that Twitter, Facebook and Blog are the must-have tools to make an impact with friends, customers, and clients. So why is one New Jersey company sticking to pen on paper and snail-mail to create relationships? Robbinsville based ClientHooks, specializes in the old fashioned practice of sending personalized greeting cards. The company makes personalized greeting cards for businesses and sales professionals to build customer relationships. ClientHooks does exactly what the name says: it hooks clients and builds relationships with something as simple as a card. “Old fashion thoughtfulness is hard to find these days,” said owner Melissa Denisco-Morici. “It’s just easier for people to send a text, e-card or e-mail but it just doesn’t have the same impact.” Businesses who use ClientHooks can choose from an assortment of holiday and occasional card designs, vibrant envelope colors and seasonal stamps to ensure that they will be on their customer’s mind. Working with her own clients to design card campaigns is what Melissa enjoys the most about her job. “Hands down the best part of my job are my clients. I can make my business fun and creative because I get to know their personalities and become more like a member of their in house marketing team.” While email and Twitter are quick, relatively simple and free, Melissa says customers still appreciate friendly gestures and personal greetings whether it’s in a holiday card, birthday greetings or unexpected Valentine’s Day card. A paper greeting card may not be the speediest form of communication, but in the long run, it may be the most memorable. This sponsored article was written on behalf of ClientHooks, LLC. by NJ My Way.

Mamma Mia

Food: Old World Italian Got a hankerin’ for Southern Italian food made with love? Make your way to Guerriero's in Morristown for a taste of the old country. This is authentic Southern Italian "momma making the gravy" restaurant. You will be bringing a few bottles of Nero d’Avola or a nice old Barolo for this rib-sticking, "memories are made of this" example of cooking. The restaurant is a BYOB like many in the immediate area. A "family-friendly" gathering place-where, “everyone knows your name” is set in a historic old Morristown grocery store that retains the buzz and energy of its glorious history. The atmosphere is friendly and eager to help, from the gal taking names for the “many hour waiting list on a Saturday night” at the door to guys who fill the water glasses. The menu reads well with delicacies gleaned from family recipes that according to the owner are "over 100 years old." Highlights of my meal included three gigantic "roasted in gravy" meatballs served simply on the plate--rich and comprised of long cooked meats and sparked by another dollop of the excellent house-made meat infused gravy. My wife enjoyed a special of the day comprised of a large portion of perfectly seared and pan roasted St. Peter's fish with escarole and savory white beans. Take care not to overfill yourself on the always - refilled Semolina Grain bread basket or the excellent amuse-bouche - slow cooked white beans on toasts with meltingly soft, sweet roasted garlic, olive oil and herbs. You'll want to make room in your stomach for the more ample portions of Guerriero’s family recipes including the pasta dishes, especially the Rigatoni ala Guerriero’s. If you are still hungry their desserts do not disappoint with an excellent, “not too sweet”, Italian Ricotta Cheesecake as our choice. Coffee is served steaming hot and freshly prepared, short pulls of espresso are available. The restaurant only accepts cash or checks, but several banks with ATM's are within a 30 second stroll. Come prepared to eat well and leave full and happy. This NJ My Way article was written by Wild River Review contributing editor, Warren Bobrow grew up on a farm in Morristown, NJ. His website is: www.wildriverreview.com/wildtable

An Arty Party

A special invitation to friends of NJ Savvy Living!

You are invited to an Art Opening at Furbish Home, a designer showroom with all kinds of eclectic accessories and furniture.

WHAT: Wine and cheese opening reception for artist Nancy Tobin

WHEN: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

WHERE: Furbish Home, 315C Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ

WHY: A glass of wine and great art is the best way to start off a Saturday night!

Can't make it? The exhibit will be on view at Furbish through December 7, 2009.

ABOUT NANCY TOBIN: Like the fantastic imagined landscapes she creates, Nancy Tobin has constructed her career in layers: varied but consistent in its commitment to form, technique and process.

Following the path open to the youngest child in a blue-collar family, she parlayed a degree in commercial art into a successful career as an award-winning graphic designer and children’s book illustrator.

Tobin moved to San Francisco (where she studied painting at the San Francisco Art Institute), then relocated to the New York area in 2001.

Since her move to the New York area, Nancy's painting career has taken flight. She has had solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums across the country, including: The Urban Institute for Contemporary Art in Michigan, Orange County Center for Contemporary art in California, Rutgers University and The Pierro Gallery in New Jersey.

Sugar Coated

Saturday, November 14th Gingerbread House Demonstration Time: 12pm. Free with park admission. Join Peter Max Dierkes, Rat’s Restaurant Pastry Chef for a special “how to” gingerbread house demonstration. Dierkes will amaze you with his sweet sculptural techniques! The Grounds for Sculpture

Saturday, November 14th Gingerbread House Workshop Time: 1:30pm. Celebrate the holidays and learn this edible tradition. Combine gingerbread, frosting, candy, cookies and more to make your one- of-a-kind house. Bring your own icing spatula and pastry tips. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Price: $20 Members; $25 Non-Members. To register, please call (609) 586-0616. Use this workshop as a stepping stone for our 5th Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Sculpt your own creative confection and win prizes awarded onNovember 28 at our annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Lights On! celebration. Children, Adult and Family categories. For complete rules, please visit our website after November 1.

Dieci Lifestyle Spa is bringing together the artistic talent of hair artists, stylists,and colorists and mixing it with fabulous fashion to create a runway show like you have never seen all in the name of breast cancer.

After the show, shop exclusive designers and
a portion of the proceeds will be donated to
SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR A CURE NORTH JERSEY

Park Avenue Club
184 Park Avenue
Florham Park, NJ 07032

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
6:30 PM to 9:30PM
Ticket Price: $75 per person

Ticket price includes open bar,
hors d'oeuvres and seat at the show.
To purchase
tickets please visit
www.diecispa.com/scratch-the-surface.html

Winning Wings

When a food is chosen by Rachael Ray as “Snack of the Day,” you know it’s something special and delish!

The honor was bestowed upon Boonton-based The Mediterranean Snack Food Company  and their healthy alternative to the Buffalo Wing: Buffalo Nickel Wingers. 

The crispy potato wing snack was developed by company owner and former “Buffalo-ian” Vincent James in order to give partygoers a healthier choice with the same great hot and fiery flavor. The Wingers come with a heat index ranging from Level 1, No Bull Barbecue, to Level 5, the signature flavor, a fiery hot sauce with hint of bleu cheese called Fiery Buffalo Bleu.  

So how did the BNWingers fare with their wing loving critics?

“Hot wing lovers instantly smile upon seeing the shape of the snack,” said co-owner Katharine O’Hara.  “It was a great idea whose time had come. When snack lovers learn of the healthy benefits in terms of ingredients, fat and calories; it strengthens their love for Wingers.”

With only 120 calories and 4 grams of fat per 25 wingers versus the staggering 1050 calories and 72 grams of fat per 15 of the original, the BNWingers won’t replace the popular bar food but they can lighten up any party menu and are never short on taste when paired with complimentary sauces like salsa, bleu cheese and extra spicy dips.    

And it should come as no surprise that the BNWingers are quite popular during Football, March Madness and even the Super Bowl.  Spirited sports fans quickly become loyal followers of Buffalo Nickel Wingers and O’Hara, James and company love to accept recipes, fan photos and flavor suggestions. 

“We are thrilled to be in communication with our fans. It reminds us why we developed the snack.”

Fans can join the BNWinger team on Twitter, @BNWingers, and Facebook: facebook.com/buffalonickelwingers.

New Kids on the Shop

It’s not even Thanksgiving but it’s the holiday shopping season in the New Jersey malls. From decked out trees to glittery tees, it’s all about glitz, glam and luxe for holiday gift giving. 

From now through November 25^th, The Mall at Short Hills (www.shopshorthills.com ) wants to make holiday shopping easier for you. With any purchase of $250 or more in mall cards, you get a $20 card too!  Give the gift of choice this year-one size fits all!

When you arrive, let us suggest two new shopping destinations:

It may be over 100 years old, but it’s New York at its best. Henri Bendel ( www.henribendel.com ) opened its only New Jersey location in September and can offer something for any level of Bendel girl with prices starting around $30.  

Choose from their vibrant enamel bangles and rocker chic jewelry or get a pair of smooth-like-butter fingerless driving gloves.  For your holiday journeys pick up a  signature Bendel striped travel case or hit the cocktail circuit with a sleek metallic clutch. 

Around the corner is the highly anticipated first En Jay  Vince store (www.vince.com ), which offers separates in neutral colors, and quality fabrics like cotton, cashmere and suedes.  

With a price point starting around $95 for their cotton Henleys, Vince makes investment pieces that can be worn in casual or professional environments in  fabrics will last. 

And they operate on the philosophy of “if it fits, get it in multiple colors.” While Vince offers both men and women’s clothing, you can arm a male recipient-who may have some matching challenges- with a Short Hills card and send him to Vince knowing he can’t go wrong. 

Better yet, send him to pick up your holiday gift at either Bendel or Vince .You can thank us later. 

The Rest of Your Life, The Best of Your Life

50+Better Living Expo - click here

F R E E   T I C K E T

(Must print and bring in for admission)

What: for people 50 or over who are dealing with lifestyle changes, retirement planning, and health, legal and financial issues -- as well as caring for elderly relatives. When: Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Mayfair Farms, 481 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange

Cost: Free with this e-mail (must print out) or if preregistered at http://www.njsavvyliving.com $8 at the door.

Cinnamon and Spice

The aroma is incredible as you enter   Cinnamon Indian Restaurant in Morris Plains.  

The vibrant smell of cloves, cardamom, and yes, cinnamon, permeates the air at this casual restaurant in Morris County to the delight of Indian food fanatics.

The staff is friendly, helpful and willing to educate Indian food newbies about the ingredients making up each dish and about the extensive menu.

 Cinnamon offers both an a la carte menu and a buffet for either lunch or dinner.  Many diners opt for the buffet as it offers a chance to experience multiple dishes they might have not otherwise had an opportunity to sample.

The buffet features various salads, dips and yogurt sauces, flatbreads, rice and hot dishes.  The chef’s special basmati rice serves as the ideal accompaniment to the assortment of sauce-based dishes.  

Some stellar choices are  matter paneer, tender peas and homemade cottage cheese in a spectacular curry sauce, the chicken tikka masala, a popular Indian dish of chicken baked in a spiced tomato and onion gravy and the favorite, tandoori chicken, cooked in a traditional clay oven. 

Melt-in-your-mouth naan, a white flour bread baked in a tadoor oven is brought to the table for diners to enjoy as they begin their meals.

Cinnamon is a BYOB, but the restaurant offers lassi drinks that are perfect paired with the ultra flavorful dishes.  The restaurant offers catering and take out.

Overall great food, friendly staff and an economical way to sample excellent Indian cuisine in a casual atmosphere.

This NJ My Way restaurant review was contributed by Veronique Deblois of  www.foodandwinechickie.com