An Honor, a Privilige and A Delicious Event

Any chef worth their salt will tell you that to cook at the James Beard House is a major milestone in one's career. On Monday, May 2, Chef Dominique Filoni (Avenue, Long Branch) will man the Beard kitchen and prepare a  French-inspired seafood dinner that draws on his St. Tropez roots.

The Menu

Hors d’Oeuvres
Brandade Croquettes
Sea Urchin with Spicy Lardo and Fleur de Sel
Kusshi Oysters with Cucumber Spaghetti and Granny Smith Apples
Pissaladière with Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese
Compressed Melon with Prosciutto Cracklings
Parigot Crémant Rosé NV
 
Dinner
Fluke Crudo with Fennel, Yuzu Emulsion, Radishes, and Celery
Domaine Bzikot Bourgogne Blanc 2008
Plancha-Seared Rouget with Zucchini, Spring Garlic, and Tapenade
Château Simone Palette Blanc 2006

Diver Sea Scallop with Pickled Ramps, Hearts of Palm, Carrots, and Ginger
Domaine Weinbach Cuvée Laurence Gewürztraminer 2007

Colorado Lamb Loin with Wild Asparagus, Morels, Ramps, Panissa, and Lamb Jus
Dominique Laurent Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2007

Pistachio Cake with Olive Oil, Roasted Strawberries, and Mascarpone Sorbet
Champagne Louis Roederer Carte Blanche Demi-Sec NV

Monday, May 2 at 7 PM
The Beard House
167 West 12th Street
NYC
Call 212.627.2308, www.jamesbeard.org

Lego of My Lobster

While not too tasty, this is one really creative lobster dish!

Source: flickr.com via Emily on Pinterest

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XOXO XOJET and BENTLEY

Whether on the road or in the sky, there are some who demand (and can afford) the best. Last night, in a gleaming white hangar, the two came together. Paul Miller Bentley unveiled America's first 2012 Bentley Continental GT and guests were invited to board XOJet's Bombardier Challenger 300.
There were show girls from Caesars Atlantic City, Double Cross Vodka flowed and DJ Shughes provided a great soundtrack for the evening.

Ring Toss

Toss out the old onion ring and bring in the new- - the POTATO RING! Ummm, YUM! We tried this tasty treat at Maritime Parc, the sexy new seafood restaurant on the Hudson. After one bite of the potato ring, we took the chef hostage until he agreed to give us the recipe. We're giving it to you in hopes you'll bail us out of jail.

Maritime Parc Mashed Potato Ring Recipe

6 Idaho Potatoes-peeled
2 Tablespoons Butter
½ Cup Heavy Cream
1 Cup All Purpose Flour
3 Eggs
2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper
Canola Oil for frying

Instructions: Place potatoes in a large pot covered with water and place over high

heat.  Cook until tender and drain very well.

While potatoes are cooking bring butter and cream to a simmer and reserve.  Pass the

potatoes through a ricer and combine with cream/butter.  Season with salt and

pepper.

Spread onto a cookie sheet while keeping a thickness of ½ inch. Place sheet in

freezer until potatoes harden.  Using a 2 ½ inch cutter, cut the potatoes into

circles then using a 1 inch cutter, cut the circles into rings (reserve the centers

for tater tots following remainder of recipe).Place the flour, egg and breadcrumbs into separate shallow bowls. Coat the rings

(while still frozen) with the flour, shaking off excess, then the egg and finallythe breadcrumbs.

Place them into a fryer set at 350 degrees and cook until golden.  If fryer is too

hot the outside will be golden and the inside will still be frozen.  Serve

immediately or reserve in a warm oven until ready no more than ½ hour.

Makes approximately 6 based on the size of the potato

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Three Queens Make A Scene

3 Queens Fireworks Dinner on the Atlantica - January 13th

Why wait until July 4th for fireworks? Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth (the Cunard ships) are having a Royal Rendezvous in New York Harbor and celebrating with a Grucci Fireworks display. If you're not a passenger you can still enjoy the sights, dinner and dancing aboard the yacht Atlantica by Bateaux.
Boarding: 4:45pm Cruising: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Price: From $109.90 per adult, $54.95 per child age 3-12*

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Tea for Thee...and Me

www.highsocieteanj.com

Warm up a cold afternoon with a steaming pot of tea and a fanciful assortment of dainty sandwiches (crusts removed of course!), savory noshes, scones and homemade desserts.

Look for profiles of three lovely teahouses  in the January issue of NJSL. 

Here's a  sneak peek at one of our favorites, High SocieTea in Wayne.

We loved the triple tiered presentation, the fresh flowers and the cozy covered teapots. Some of our favorite bites were the delicate phyllo cups filled with peach jam and brie, Italian bread broiled with a lemon-basil topping and of course, their signature caramel scones.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED- 973.696.8327

www.highsocieteanj.com

Do you have a favorite tea house? Tell us about it.

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Artful Afternoon

One of my favorite spots in New Jersey is the enchanting garden, Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton. It's truly unique and I love to send people there without describing it too much, it's more fun to let the magical vistas and tableaux unfold without any expectations.  
A great time to visit is during The  10^th Epicurean Palette,  when tents from 20 of the tri-state's gourmet restaurants will offer guests tasty treats alongside specialty sips from wine and spirits vendors. 

WHEN:    Sunday, Sept 26 from 1 - 4 pm

WHERE:  Grounds For Sculpture

WHAT:     Fundraiser with Silent Auction

Tickets are $99 for Grounds for Sculpture members and $110 for non-members. Some of this year’s participating restaurants and chefs include:

Scott Anderson of Elements in Princeton

Christopher Albrecht of Eno Terra in Kingston
Aaron Philipsonof The Blue Bottle Café in Hopewell
Jason Hensle of Salt Creek Grille in Princeton
Eben Copple of The Yardley Inn in Yardley
Will Mooney of The Brother’s Moon in Hopewell
Mitchell Baculy of Ruth's Chris Steak House in Princeton
Eli’s Bread, Main Street Catering, Max Hansen Catering, select restaurants from the Starr Restaurant Group of Philadelphia, PA 
coffee service from Miele of Princeton
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Savvy Shopping Tool

The world is full of wonderful things... and wonderful things to buy... online. But while you're searching and comparing sites looking for the perfect handbag... in the perfect color... at the perfect price, it can get confusing to remember where you were. RightCliq by Visa is your cyber scrapbook for all the items you like-- so you can look at the 10 plum handbags next to each other, make your decision and place the order. 

Trippin' with Tomatoes

Did you take our advice and spend last weekend enjoying the Food Network Food and Wine Festival last weekend in Atlantic City ? What were your highlights? As reported in the last issue of NJSL, Claire Robinson, host of Five Ingredient Fix, based an entire brunch around our state's pride, the Jersey tomato. Robinson presented everything from a shaved Italian ice infused with tomato and Van Gogh vodka to savory entrees and specialty cocktails. Miss it? The recipe for Tomato and Vidalia Onion Gratin follows.  Our thanks to The NYC Fashionista for the image-- check-out the blog for more great photos and coverage of the event.

TOMATO & VIDALIA ONION GRATIN

Recipe courtesy of Claire Robinson 

1/4 lb. bacon

1 cup fresh breadcrumbs 

2 large Vidalia onions, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds

4 large GREEN or firm under-ripe heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated, about 1 1/2 cups 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  

Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the cooked bacon along with 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat; pour the fat over the breadcrumbs and toss to coat. Add the onion rounds to the skillet in batches and cook, without breaking the round slices apart, until there is some golden color, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. 

To assemble the gratin, overlap the green tomato slices in one row in a large baking dish, about 9-x-11 inches. Next, make a row slightly overlapping of the partially cooked onion rounds being careful to keep the slices intact. Repeat steps until all tomatoes and onions are used; season tomatoes and onions heavily with pepper and lightly with salt. Crumble the bacon over the vegetables; sprinkle the grated cheddar over the top followed by the breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 - 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly; if the top is getting too brown loosely cover with foil.

Yield: 4-6 servings

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Paula and Ted and Sandra and Guy...Oh My!

What:   The Food Network Food and Wine Festival
Where:  Atlantic City
When:  this weekend, July 29 - August 1
Why:    Are you kidding? Why? All your favorite Food Network stars, incredible food, fine wine and the ocean.
Tickets and rooms still available at http://www.harrahs.com/acfoodandwine/
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A Chic Retreat... with Good Eats

The STAR ROOM PATIO opened to rave reviews last night at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge. Lucky guests sipped Orange Fennel Martinis and Champagne Sangria while nibbling on tempting bites of polenta with shredded pork, lobster salad and paella. Hosts Jeanne and Frank Cretella, of Landmark Hospitality, know how to please the palate and create a stunning backdrop.

The handsome space features an 18-foot water table with floating flowers under a wooden pergola, day beds for relaxing and a park-like perimeter for strolling. An ideal spot for drinks and dinner al fresco.

Stone House at Stirling Ridge

50 Stirling Road

Warren, NJ

908.754.1222

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Shake Shack Shakes Up Times Square

Image via Wikipedia

Two weeks ago as I scurried up Eighth Avenue from Port Authority a giant "S" was being hung outside an innocuous coffee shop ––– so I thought! Turns out it's the latest outpost of Shake Shack, the burger joint with legions of fans. True to expectations, the line was a block long! Devoted followers can't get enough of Danny Meyer's burgers, fries, shakes and frozen custard. Are they crazy? Can't you get a good burger anywhere else? When the lines are shorter (I don't know if that will ever happen) I will investigate myself--maybe on a Tuesday since the frozen custard calendar says the flavor of the day is "Sweet Corn." Intriguing.
Shake Shack
691 Eighth Avenue (44th Street)
Daily 11 am to midnight

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Beach Bust

The saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," but what if life (or in my case my husband) gives you a giant watermelon for a beach party that's rained out?  Hmmmm. Let me think. Make watermelon martinis!
So instead of preparing for a rainy day, I used my rainy day to prepare for a future cocktail party. I pureed the watermelon in the blender, added some grated ginger, a generous squeeze of lime and mixed it into a half a bottle of vodka.
Its now tucked in the freezer and ready for a hot, sunny afternoon.


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Heat RELIEF

The cure for cranky kids?Let them cool off at the Splash Park on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. Meanwhile you can sit back and chill sipping a Ralphaccino Mocha  (A yummy blend of cappuccino, chocolate mousse ice, coffee and milk topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate covered expresso beans) picked-up at the Ralph's Ices stand strategically located in front of the park.

Hours are 10am - 7pm. The all day price is $9 for children and $5 for adults. The price for after 4pm is $6 for children and $3 for adults. Best Parking: 1000 Ocean Avenue 

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Star Struck Sleep-Over

Grab your sleeping bag and a flashlight for a night of  fun Under the Stars

No need to worry about fearsome night time creatures as this sleep-over adventure takes place at the newly renovated Dreyfuss Planetarium at the Newark Museum. The transformed planetarium will take young explorers on an inter-galactic voyage featuring comfortable new seating, high definition “Full Dome” digital video projection, and an amazing surround sound system.  Kids will build their own star finders, gaze through the eyepiece of the Museum’s powerful telescope, learn to identify constellations in the night sky and launch alka-seltzer rockets. 

WHO:       Children, 8-11, one adult required per every four children participating

WHAT:     Under the Stars sleepover, $65 per person and $60 for members

WHERE:   The Newark Museum

WHEN:     June 4, 5:30 p.m.- June 5, 9 a.m.

For reservations, contact Maria Hertneck at 973-596-6564, www.newarkmuseum.org/planetarium.html

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Home Grown

Ready for Maui? No doubt the article in this month's NJ Savvy Living is enticing you to make a trip. A fresh new experience has just become available;  beginning May 18, 2010 from 8:30 am to 3 pm,  A Grown on Maui Bus Tour will operate every Tuesday. After your hotel pick-up you'll get a behind-the scenes tour of Whole Foods Market, a field tour of the Hali‘imaile Pineapple Company,  a delicious farm-to-table lunch at  O‘o Farm in Kula and get a close-up look at the Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm.

For more info, info@akinatours.com 

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Win a Dinner Date with Ed Begley Jr.

Did you read about Ed Begley Jr. and Project Porchlight in the February/March issue of NJ Savvy Living?  Want to know more about it or living green? Ask him yourself! 
MyWorkButterfly.com is auctioning off a one-of-a-kind experience with the actors and stars of Living with Ed Begley Jr, Ed and his wife Rachelle, to benefit GreenWish and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
The winning bidder will receive:

A Couples Dinner Date with Rachelle and Ed Begley Jr. at a "Green" Restaurant in Los Angeles, Domestic Round-trip JetBlue Airfare for Two to LA, Luxury Hotel Accommodations for One Night in LA, Gift Bag Compliments of MyWorkButterfly.com 

Bid by clicking the green "View and Bid" button below from now until April 11, 2010
.
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EARTH DAY, EARTH HOUR

 The countdown has begun! Where will you be on

MARCH 27 at 8:30 PM?

It really doesn't matter where you'll be, just flick the switch off for an hour and join millions of people around the world doing the same as a call for action on climate change. The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations. To learn more about Earth Hour and how New Jersey is participating go to:

http://www.myearthhour.org/community/states/new-jersey

 


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Go Under Cover

A good under cover agent is a master of disguise-- if your skin needs a little disguise, learn how to make your complexion appear flawless even if you have Vitiligo, rosacea, acne, sun damage or an uneven skin tone.  Cover FX Foundation Artist, Matthew Ambrosio,  will be teaching the tricks of the trade at Sephora in Jersey City.

Receive a special 7 ml Cover FX Primer, along with the chance to win a $100 gift basket full of Cover FX products via a raffle.

March 27th, 2010, 12 pm – 7 pm
Sephora, 30 Mall Drive, Jersey City

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Healthy Indulgence

If you're tempted to visit Atlantic City during restaurant week for the low impact to your wallet ($15.10 for lunch, $33.10 for dinner), don't worry about the high impact on your waistline! In conjunction with the AtlantiCare Foundation, one of the sponsors of Atlantic City Restaurant Week, chefs have included specially designated Heart Healthy items such as spice rubbed salmon served with roasted corn salsa and tomatillo puree, available at Knife and Fork Inn (pictured above) and pan seared Black Pearl Scottish salmon with roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts at Steve & Cookie's by the Bay in Margate.

Days, times and menus for these restaurants and many more are available online at www.acrestaurantweek.com, along with chef bios, parking and transportation information, and links to hotel rates and packages. To receive mobile updates about Atlantic City Restaurant Week text "ACRW" to 77950, we'll give you tips and ideas to enjoy the week even more.

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