Mar 21

UPCOMING FOODIE EVENTS

KINGS GRAND OPENING/WINE OPEN HOUSE

KINGS FOOD MARKET – Gillette, NJ. March 22nd and throughout the weekend. Kings debuts a premiere store in Gillette, NJ. The pasta ribbon cutting will be held at 10:00 on March 22nd. Throughout the weekend there will be over 20 signature tastings. A cooking demo by Chef Franco Lania will be at 11:00 and 2:00. Guided tours by nutritionist Shari Bild Boockvar will be held from 12:30 to 3:30. She will be available all weekend from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. The first 500 customers will receive complimentary whisks and be entered into drawings. There are many more events and features to explore. Please click here for more information: Kings Food Market in Gillette, NJ.Invitation_gillette_generic

THE WINEMAKERS CELLAR – South American Wine Open House. Hawthorne, NJ. Sunday March 24th 12:00 to 5:00pm. Come meet family here. That is how you feel when you enter into the Winemakers Cellar. Have you every been curious how wine is really made? Winemakers cellar is having an open house on Sunday to show you the process and do a little tasting of the great Chili wines you could make. All are welcome and light hors d’oeuvres and cheese will be served. Click here for more details: Winemakers Cellar. img_2135

Mar 18

46 Farmers Market

Spring is almost here and most cannot wait until they can enjoy Jersey fresh fruits and vegetables. Our state has some of the most beautiful farms and best produce. However, if you cannot wait until May to get your Jersey strawberries or July to get those beefsteak tomatoes the next best thing is fresh produce at a reasonable price. This is what you will find in abundance at the 46 Farmers Market in Totowa. IMG_0288

The 46 Farmers Market is not a true farmers market in the sense of local or organic. My lettuce was from California, blackberries from Guatemala, and blueberries from Chili. The produce is of high quality though. There are always numerous workers on the floor sorting through mounds of fruits and vegetables clearing out any old or undesirable produce. I have never come home with food I had to throw out the next day because it had spoiled. On a recent visit I purchased a plethora of produce for $33.47 which will last at least 10 days. It was a treat to have summer watermelon on a cold winter day which was juicy and delicious. The blueberries and blackberries have lasted more than a week. DSC06571

The 46 Farmers Market has fresh herbs such as, parsley, dill, chives, cilantro, all at their low price point. There are items such as spices, pastas, teas, nuts, rolls, and honeys.

A nice aspect of the 46 Farmers Market is not only the reasonably priced produce but the large floral department and deli area with the same low prices. The floral department carries seasonal favorites: tulips, mums, or pansies depending on the season. Fresh cut flowers and arrangements.

The deli department carries Italian specialty oils, roasted peppers, artichokes, olives, mushrooms and any other item for antipasto. The meats are Boars Head and always fresh because of the volume sold. The prices beat most local grocery stores. IMG_0293

I have found it best to avoid early Monday morning hours because that is the day they replenish from the very busy weekends. It is definitely a place to check out.

The 46 Farmers Market is actually owned by the New Jersey Farmers Market Group headquartered in Cranford. There are 9 locations through out North Jersey, Totowa, Belleville, South Amboy, Hillsborough, Freehold, Bergenfield, Middlesex, Livingston, and East Rutherford. The 46 Farmers Market is located 430 US Highway 46 East, Totowa NJ 07512. Phone 973-256-9592. Business Hours M – S 8:00 am to 7:45 and Sunday 8:00 am to 5:45 pm.

Please visit us on Facebook for more photos.

Mar 15

North Jersey Foodie Weekend Events

NJ FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL/WINES OF PIEDMONT/BLUE MOON CAFE

NEW JERSEY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL at Crystal Springs Resort, March 15 – March 17, 2013. This is one of the premier Food & Wine Festivals in the all of New Jersey. Food and wine lovers congregate to meet and sample foods from some of the best chefs in the country. This years featured James Beard chef is Jose Andres. There are seminars, classes, and tours of the world renowned Wine Cellar. You can purchase tickets for single events or full days. This all with the beautiful back drop of Sussex County and a four star resort. Click here for more details and ticket information:
NEW JERSEY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL. Estore_banner

CELEBRATE THE WINES OF PIEDMONT at The Pleasantdale Chateau March 15, 2013. This is a five course dinner with wine matching. The guest speaker will discuss the uniqueness of the Piedmont region along with the wines. The setting of the music room at the Pleasantdale Chateau is nothing short of spectacular. Click here for more details: Pleasantdale Chateau.c_foto1

bmmc_logoLEPRECHAUNS GO LOCO! Blue Moon Mexican Cafes, March 17, 2013. If you are looking for some non-traditional St. Patrick’s Day fun check out Blue Moon Mexican Cafe. They have four New Jersey locations, Woodcliff Lake, Englewood, Wycoff, and Jersey City. They are celebrating with give aways, live music and of course green burritos and green beer. Click here for more information:
Blue Moon Cafe.

Mar 08

Upcoming Events Weekend of March 8, 2013

PIEROGI DINNER: Ukrainian American Youth Association, Whippany Branch, will host a Pierogi Dinner on Friday, March 8, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of NJ, 60 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ. Only $11 for a complete delicious dinner, which includes borscht, pierogi, bread, dessert and soda or coffee. Pierogis will be available to take home. Entertainment, pysanka decorating demonstration and door prizes. Bring your family – meet with friends. Click here for more information: Pierogi Dinner.

MORRISTOWN ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: Saturday, March 9, 2013 12:00 pm. Morristown has the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Morris County. The actual parade starts on James and South Streets at 12:00 pm but at 10:00 am there is a Mass at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Maple Avenue. The town is expecting 70,000 between spectators and participants. There are scores of restaurants, bakeries, and pubs along the route and in the heart of Morristown to enjoy after the parade. Click here for more details and parade route.

SUGARLOAF CRAFT FESTIVAL, March 08, 09, 10, 2013 in Somerset. Yes, this is a craft fair with thousands of juried artisans but they also have a wonderful specialty gourmet food section. There are dozens of specialty foods to try and to purchase. These olive oils, roasted nuts, chocolates and gourmet breads to name a few were made with the same intensity and passion as the crafts themselves. Click here for more detailed information including a list of foods and hours. SUGARLOAF CRAFT FESTIVAL.

BELMAR RESTAURANT TOUR: March 10, 2013. What a better way to support our shore. This is the 5th annual restaurant tour in Belmar. Local restaurants share their specialty dishes and samplings. You can ride the jitney to almost 30 local restaurants. Click here for a list of restaurants and more information: Belmar Tour.

Mar 05

New Jersey Restaurant Week 2013

Maplewood March 03-09, 2013 www.maplewoodvillagenj.com
Atlantic City March 03-09, 2013 www.acrestaurantweek.com
Hudson Valley March 11-24, 2013 www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com
South Jersey March 17-22, 2013 www.sjhotchefs.com
Collingswood March 18-22, 2013 www.collingswood.com
Jersey Shore April 05-14, 2013 www.jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com
Montclair April 09-21, 2013 www.montclairrestaurantweek.com
Morristown April 22-28, 2013 www.morristown-nj.org
Cape May June 02-09, 2013 www.cmrestaurantweek.com
Westfield September 29-October 10, 2013 www.westfieldtoday.com
Highland Park October 23-28, 2013 www.shophighlandpark.com

If you would like to add your event to this list please contact debbie@northjerseyfoodies.com. If you would like to share experiences on your favorite restaurant or restaurant week please post in the comment area. Enjoy!

Mar 04

Upcoming Restaurant Week in New Jersey

WHAT IS “RESTAURANT WEEK”?

“Restaurant Weeks” have been popping up all over the country and not in just major cities like Chicago or NYC. Local towns are also now participating. It is a great way for customers to try a restaurant that they thought may be out of their budget. During restaurant weeks the restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner specials. They are normally under $30.00 for dinner and $20.00 for lunch. Few even offer their full menu with a percentage off the bill. Towns are also getting involved by offering free metered parking during lunch or dinner hours.

UPCOMING RESTAURANT WEEKS:

MAPLEWOOD RESTAURANT WEEK: MARCH 03-09, 2013

Maplewood offers some of the most eclectic and award winning restaurants in North Jersey. This year there are close to 25 participating restaurants. Click here for a full list or restaurants:
Maplewood Restaurant week.

ATLANTIC CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: MARCH 03-09, 2013

This is one of the best restaurant weeks in New Jersey. There are over 100 participating restaurants to choose from. You have the old charm of the Atlantic City Country club or a fabulous casino restaurant like Wolfgang Pucks, Carmines, or Cuba Libre to name a few. You can choose from many culinary varieties all with a reasonable price of $33.13 for dinner and $15.13 for lunch. Reservations are recommended. Many hotels are also offering discounted rates. Click here to find out more information on Atlantic City Restaurant week.

Please leave a comment if you know of or experienced any great restaurant weeks in New Jersey.

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Mar 01

Foodie Events

MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL, Saturday March 02, 2013. Maple syrup snow cones, taste tests, tree tapping demos and more! There will be crafts, games and hikes. This is fun for the whole family. Location is The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township. Admission $4.00 per person. Please click here for additional information: Maple Sugar Festival Maple-Sugar-1

RAMSEY INDOOR FARMERS MARKET, Sundays until March 24th, 10:00 to 2:00. Established by the Ramsey Historical Association it supports eating, growing, and buying local and fresh. There is something for everyone: local made honey, breads, nuts, and cheeses. For a full list of vendors please click here: Ramsey Indoor Market.

A TASTE OF MORRISTOWN, Monday March 04, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Hanover Marriott. This is the 11th annual charity event for the Morristown Rotary Club. This year there are 30 vendors highlighting the event. It is a great way to sample some of the finest restaurants in and around Morristown. There is also wine and whiskey tasting. This is a great event for a great cause for only $60.00. Please click here for additional information: A Taste of Morristown.taste_jpg-1

SAVOR FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL, Monday March 04, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:30 at the Preakness Country Club, Wayne. This is the 13th Annual event for the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce. It is a great networking event but also a night out to sample some local restaurants and top notch wines. There is also entertainment, a mystic reader, and free chair message all for $50.00. Please click here for more information: Savor Food & Wine Festival.

May 10

Capalbo’s Gift Baskets – Clifton New Jersey

Capalbo’s is mainly an online store that carries 100’s of specialty and Gourmet Food Baskets. Those that live in North Jersey are lucky enough to be able to visit their walk in shop located at 350 Allwood Road in Clifton. It carries their quality gift baskets and will also take orders for their many gift items. Exclusive to the store you can also find one of the largest candy bin and Jelly Belly jellybeans displays. Here you can make your own assorted bags and containers.

The store is attached to a 30,000 square foot factory. They have the ability to make one special basket or fill an order for 100’s of baskets. The baskets are filled with a wide variety of items such as Belgian chocolate, Hershey chocolate, Primo Dolce cookies, Columbia Crest wines, and Dom Perignon champagne. The fruit is only the freshest Grade A Extra Fancy and the baskets can be made for any occasion, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, sympathy, housewarming, corporate events, and kosher baskets, to name a few.

The Capalbo Family has been in business for over 104 years. Rose and Domenick Capalbo started the business in 1906 by hand selecting fresh fruits and vegetables at market and then delivering them to affluent families in Essex County.

The company evolved by adding gourmet food items, buying in bulk, and then opening a store front in Nutley, New Jersey. Today you can still find a Capalbo family members at work in their Clifton location.

It is nice to know that there is a place in North Jersey that has been able to sustain itself through hard work, great quality, and outstanding customer service. The added beauty is walking in and browsing the Clifton store or having the convenience of a speedy van delivery to local areas. Many gourmet gift baskets also qualify for free shipping.

Capalbo Gift Baskets has also expanded to Wine Gift Baskets and Adorable Baby Gift Baskets for Baby Boys and Girls

Capalbo’s Gift Baskets
350 Allwood Rd.
Clifton, New Jersey 07012

Store Hours:
Mon – Fri 9AM – 6PM
Saturday 9AM – 4PM
Phone: (973) 667-6262 or (800) 252-6262
Fax: (973) 450-1199

Apr 19

ABMA’S FARM

Abma’s Farm is one of the oldest working farms in Bergen County. The old Dutch style barn has been turned into a market place that is a feast for ones eyes. There are lettuces, vegetables, and fruits from their own fields and greenhouses. All of the baked goods are done on premise from scratch. These homemade goods are made with preservative free ingredients and vary depending on the season. There are specialty muffins, breads, cookies, brownies, and pies. The gourmet pies vary by season, spring strawberry rhubarb, summer fruit pies, and fall gourmet apple and pumpkin pies.

There are also home grown turkeys, chickens, and pigs. You can hand select your own brown or white eggs in the market place. The turkeys are hormone and antibiotic free and are a great holiday tradition. The pork produces some of the best smoked bacon, ribs, and loins you will ever taste. You can also find specialty BBQ sauces, salads, and breads to go with a summer party.

Daily you can find fresh from the kitchen homemade lunch specials that include fresh sandwiches and salads, hot soups, and gourmet pot pies.

Everyday there is a petting and feeding area with about 15 animals that include small horses, goats, and pigs. You can even peek in and see a baby chick being born. Through out the year they have special events that include Easter with live chicks and bunnies to pet, Wellness Days, and other workshops. Your little one can go to summer camp at Abma’s to learn about what is becoming a lost art of farming and preserving the land. They also have many themed birthday parties.

As an added bonus for North Jersey Foodies there is a wonderful greenhouse that has the most gorgeous hanging plants, annuals, and perennials.

Abma’s Farm Market and Greenhouse is a place that should not be missed.

ABMA FARMS
700 Lawlins Road
Wycoff, New Jersey 07481
201-891-0278
M-F 8:00 to 6:00
Saturday 8:00 to 5:30
Closed on Sundays

Apr 05

MR. CUPCAKES

Mr. Cupcakes makes homemade specialty cupcakes. Many may have seen one of New Jersey’s own Johnny Manganiotis on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. He opened his first store in Clifton and has now expanded to three other locations.

These gourmet cupcakes are unique in that they bake them with the specialty ingredients mixed into the batter. This is very different than stuffed or filled specialty cupcakes. You taste and see the ingredient in every bite. Most have their own unique frosting that compliments the cupcake.

I visited the Clifton Mr. Cupcakes location. There were over 30 varieties of cupcakes in the store when I arrived, including minis. Out front one of the bakers was putting frosting and sprinkles on Johnny’s famous coffee donuts. You could also see into the kitchen where the gourmet magic was happening with all fresh ingredients.

The cupcakes are listed in two categories. The Executives that Mr. Cupcakes always carries and The Intern which changes regularly. I choose to bring home the Red Velvet, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Jar, and Oreo Cheesecake. It was a difficult decision deciding which one to try first. The Triple Chocolate was just that. This cupcake is a paradise for chocolate lovers with chocolate chips still visible through out the cupcake. The Red Velvet was not the deep red you think of but the cream cheese icing was one of the best I have ever tasted. It was very light and tangy. The Oreo Cheesecake was delicious with almost a mousse like frosting. My ultimate favorite (and my family’s) was the Cookie Jar. I could not tell if I was eating a cupcake or a chocolate chip cookie. It was moist and had the perfect icing.

These homemade cupcakes are reasonably priced at the Clifton location at $1.50 a piece. Mr. Cupcakes also does special logos, holiday, and birthday cupcakes.

Their current locations are:

1216 Van Houten Ave
Clifton, NJ 07013
973-859-0180

385 Kinderkamack Road
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-483-8897

The Shops at Riverside
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-342-2293

86 Broad Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-219-8856

www.mrcupcakes.com