The Story Behind Picklelicious

Picklelicious has been a regular vendor at the Princeton Farmers’ Market since the Market’s inception when it was just a few vendors on Hinds Plaza. Now located at the Dinky Train Station lot at 172 Alexander Street in Princeton, Picklelicious is a hands-down favorite and much-loved local product. 

Pickelicious founder Robyn Samra was raised on pickles and bagels. As a mother of two small children back in 1993, she sought to leave her waitressing job and start her own small business. The question was, what kind of business? Drawing on her Jewish heritage and love of pickles, she decided that she would invest her time and energy into producing pickles and selling them at local flea markets and farmers markets. more

Pairing Wine, Cheese, and Charcuterie, June 2

Enjoy the ambience of Crossing Vineyards and Winery on Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. while you are guided through a tasting of 10 wines. At the same time, guests will be able to feast on artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and more. After the tasting, stay a while at McAvoy’s Bar and order a glass of wine from your favorite selection. This is a great introductory class on wine and cheese pairings for anyone who has ever been interested in assembling their very own charcuterie boards for family gatherings, events, and holidays. more

Stage Left Steak Celebrates 30th Anniversary

A 30th anniversary is an impressive milestone for any business, but a restaurant? After two years of a worldwide pandemic, it’s even more extraordinary. That is why Stage Left Steak owners Mark Pascal and Francis Schott (best friends who met at Rutgers University in the early 1980s) will be throwing fabulous events all summer long. 

At Stage Left Steak, you can always expect great steaks and the finest cuts of meat dressed in a Neapolitan-Based, Brooklyn-influenced Italian cooking. Pare your steak with perfectly balanced wines and cocktails in the restaurant’s pleasant outdoor space.  more

New Jersey’s Latest Hot Spot — Fresco Da Franco

Located at 15 Church Street in the bustling town of Montclair, Fresco Da Franco has attracted a lot of attention for its vibrant, party-like atmosphere combined with authentic Italian cuisine that is always fresh, and always made with love. 

Created by chef/owner Franco Porporino Jr., a first generation Italian American, Fresco Da Franco is a destination for brunch, lunch, and fine dining. The success of the place is owed a great deal to authentic cucina all nonna — delicious comfort food that it always satisfying and refined.  more

Food for Thought: “Julia” Film Screening and Supper Club

Photo Credit: Julia Child in her kitchen as photographed ©Lynn Gilbert, 1978, Cambridge, Mass. (wikipedia.org)

On Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m., Hopewell Theater presents never-before-seen archival footage, personal photos, first-person narratives, and cutting-edge food cinematography that traces Julia Child’s 12-year struggle to create and publish the revolutionary Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961), which has sold more than 2.5 million copies to date, and her rapid ascent to becoming the country’s most unlikely television star. It’s the empowering story of a woman who found her purpose — and her fame — at the age of 50 and took America along for the whole delicious journey.  more

Rock for Greenwood House: Battle of the Bands

Rock out to a good cause on Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Princeton Airport Hangar, 41 Airpark Road in Princeton, in a benefit for Greenwood House. Live music will be accompanied by dinners prepared by award-winning chef Max Hansen and desserts from featured food trucks, Glazed & Confused Fresh Mini Donuts and Rita’s Italian Ice. Guests will also be able to eat, drink, and bid on auction items such as rock star-autographed guitars and world-class vacations.  more

The Story Behind Peace Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches – A Cape May Favorite

Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/peacepieworld/

Everyone has their favorite ice cream shop and ice cream flavor, but have you ever tried a Peace Pie? With locations in Cape May and Lambertville, .(among others), Peace Pie has established itself as a unique ice cream destination.

According to founder and creator Jerry Klause, Peace Pie began Thanksgiving night 2010, over a delicious batch of pie filling and a forgotten pie crust. Klause baked the pie filling and two giant shortbread cookies, then combined it all in layers with vanilla ice cream. Thus, he served a Pecan Pie Lasagna for dessert and it was a hit with the whole crowd. The following summer, the Klause family decided to take their delicious idea and put it into action with the design and production of Peace Pie, an ice cream sandwich with a layer of pie filling! more

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for 2022

Heated rooftop igloos at Asbury Biergarten

By the time February rolls around in the Northeast, many residents may be experiencing a little bit of cabin fever. Thankfully, Valentine’s Day shines a bright spot on an otherwise wintery month with dating, dining, and travel options for you and your significant other. more

Maker’s Mark Pairing Dinner at Scarborough Fair in Sea Girt

Scarborough Fair Restaurant, located at 1414 Meetinghouse Road in Sea Girt, invites the community to a unique Maker’s Mark pairing dinner on Sunday, January 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. Door open at 3:30 p.m. The event will begin with a welcome cocktail and hors d’oeuvres followed by a four-course pairing dinner, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $110 per person and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3ncKDpd.  more

Bryant Park’s Festive Winter Village is Back for 2021

Image Source: bryantpark.org

The European inspired open-air market curated by Urbanspace in New York City’s Bryant Park hosts artisans from New York and around the world. Enjoy world class shopping, eats, and drinks as you stroll through the shops, which are housed in custom-designed kiosks. The Winter Village operates from now through January 2, 2022. Monday-Friday hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekend hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Face coverings are strongly encouraged for all Holiday Shops staff and visitors. It is estimated that over 170 holiday shops will participate in this year’s Winter Village. more

Pop-Up Beer Garden at ACP on Saturday, October 23

The Arts Council of Princeton has partnered with Old Hights Brewing Company to bring a pop-up beer garden to downtown Princeton. Old Hights’ balanced, hand-crafted beers are derived from the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Sip unlimited brews from a custom handmade ceramic beer stein, enjoy live local tunes by Dan Kassel, and spend an afternoon in celebration of community. more

Taste of the Seaport in Downtown Manhattan

Downtown’s premier food festival, Taste of the Seaport, will return for its 11th year on October 16 at Pier 16 and 17 in the Seaport District of Manhattan. 

Over 40 of the best restaurants in Lower New York City will come together to highlight one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods and its vibrant food and social scene. Culinary lovers are invited to explore a variety of food options that the Seaport and Financial Districts have to offer. Delicious dishes will be available for purchase from Eataly Downtown, Brooklyn Chop House, Industry Kitchen, Watermark Bar, Beatnic, Fresh Salt, Stout FiDi, Route 66 Smokehouse, and Mac Daddy’s, to name a few. Proceeds from the festival support enrichment programs for children at both Spruce Street School PS 397 and the Peck Slip School PS 343.  more

Celebrate Oktoberfest with FOPOS

It’s been quite a year and Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) is ready to celebrate their dedicated crew of volunteers and the amazing accomplishments of 2020-21 with the festive Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mountain Lakes House, located at 57 Mountain Road in Princeton.

This rain or shine event will ring in the autumn spirit with local craft beers, hard cider, festive fare, and live music by the country sounds of Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves — all in the beautiful setting of Mountain Lakes House overlooking the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. more

Landmark Hospitality Relaunches Iconic Logan Inn

The company revives the centuries-old property through history, delectable cuisine, and style.

Landmark Hospitality announces the reopening of the Logan Inn in New Hope, Pa. Established in 1727 and steeped in tradition, the Logan Inn stands as the oldest operating inn in America. After two years of construction, Landmark Hospitality completed an expansion and renovation of the property, transforming it into a boutique hotel experience and curated entertainment for travelers and locals. The revitalized inn joins Landmark Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of adaptive reuse projects across the tri-state area. more

New York City Wine and Food Festival is Back

The Food Network and Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF), presented by Capital One, will be held this year on October 14-17. The four-day annual event showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, culinary personalities, and America’s most beloved television chefs while raising critical funds to support New Yorkers affected by severe illness and food poverty. Proceeds will benefit Food Bank for New York City and God’s Love We Deliver. more

LBI ChowderMonth 2021

Typically, the annual Long Beach Island (LBI) Chowderfest signifies the end of the summer season on the Jersey Shore. To extend the festivities this year, Chowderfest is becoming ChowderMonth, a month-long celebration of delicious chowders and seafood stews in Ocean County, New Jersey. Dine at participating restaurants from September 4 through October 2, then vote online for your favorite chowder dish and restaurant!

To participate, first go to chowderfest.com to download a pass. You will instantly receive your pass via text and email. Your pass can also be saved to your home screen on your smartphone for easy, one-tap access. When you arrive at your destination, simply click “check in,” then allow GPS to validate your current location. The final step is to vote for your favorite chowder in Red, White, and Creative categories at any participating restaurant. Voting closes at 11:55 p.m. on October 2. more

Wonder Bar Yappy Hour in Asbury Park

Image Credit: https://wonderbarasburypark.com

Open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m., Asbury Park’s famous Wonder Bar at 1213 Ocean Avenue hosts “Yappy Hour” where owners can mix and mingle while their dogs run free. Yappy Hour was founded 12 years ago by Debbie DeLisa, a former Eastern Airlines flight attendant and current manager of the Wonder Bar.

DeLisa wanted to recreate a “Cheers” feeling, where “everybody knows your name and everybody knows your dog’s name,” says DeLisa. Asbury Park has already earned the moniker of one of the most pet-friendly towns on the Jersey Shore, and this summer event seems to confirm it. more

Hunterdon County’s 579 Trail in Rural NJ — A ‘Must Visit’ for Garden State Travelers

Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/Hunterdon579Trail

Did you know you can experience goat yoga, learn about cheese making, and sample award-winning local wine all in the same region of Central New Jersey? The 579 Trail, a historic agricultural corridor running through Hunterdon County begins its peak season for visitors this month as Jersey harvests begin to yield fruits and vegetables and the summer weather leads to a bounty of outdoor recreational activities. more

Support Small Businesses and Save at Westfield’s Annual Sidewalk Sale

Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/downtownwestfieldnj/

Downtown Westfield in Union County invites visitors to shop ‘till they drop at the Annual Sidewalk Sales event taking place July 15 through July 18. Downtown streets will be lined with some of the retailer’s best products at a fraction of the price. These represent some of the best deals of the summer on food, fashion, jewelry, shoes, home decor, children’s toy shops, and more. The event is rain or shine. more

Harlem Hops Celebrates 3rd Year with Black-Owned Brewery Collaboration

Beer and Bites at Harlem Hops: Bourbon aged Execution Rock Imperial Porter 8.1% accompanied by Maroons Jerk Chicken Sausage served on a pretzel bun with a bed of cilantro lime slaw topped with pineapple pepper relish and a drizzle of the in-house execution Rock Imperial Porter BBQ sauce and plantain chips (Image Source: www.facebook.com/harlemhops).

To celebrate the third anniversary of their acclaimed craft beer bar, the only Black-owned bar of its kind in Harlem, the HBCU-educated partners of Harlem Hops (Kim Harris, Stacey Lee, and Kevin Bradford) are celebrating with the drop of a special beer brewed in collaboration with Black-owned Montclair Brewery: JUBILEE – a Hibiscus Red Ale, whose name also celebrates Juneteenth 2021. It’s been a challenging year of bringing exceptional beer from local craft brewers to Harlem (often by bicycle) and continuing to bring diversity to the world of craft beer. more

The Art of Wine Tasting with Kevin Zraly

On Saturday, May 22 from 5 to 6 p.m., join the Arts Council of Princeton and Kevin Zraly for “The Art of Wine Tasting.”

Zraly has been called “the most charismatic wine educator in the world.” He is the recipient of a James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award and his Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is the world’s best-selling wine guide. Zraly’s accessible approach emphasizes personal preference, enjoyment, and knowledge. more

Spring Classes at The Farm Cooking School

Ian Knauer Aad Shelley Wiseman (PhotoCredit: Guy Ambrosi)

The Farm Cooking School in Titusville has reopened classes at 50 percent capacity (eight students per class). A lineup of spring classes is the perfect excuse to sharpen your skills in the kitchen while meeting new people and enjoying delicious, farm-to-table cuisine.  more

Easter Sunday Brunch at The Reeds at Shelter Haven

“The first blooms of spring always make my heart sing.” – S. Brown

On Sunday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor will say hello to spring with a special prix fixe menu. Reservations are required by calling 609.368.0100.

The adult menu includes:

For the table

Danish, muffins, bread

First Course

A sampling of…

Deviled egg radish and tomato salsa cruda

Poached shrimp remoulade

Crispy pea risotto cake with chervil aioli

Pickled carrot mustard seed more

Terra Momo’s Exclusive Pi Day Box

In honor of Princeton’s annual Pi Day celebrations in commemoration of Albert Einstein’s birthday on March 14th (also known as 3.14, the numeric equivalent of Pi), Terra Momo Bread Company will be offering a unique “to-go” box that celebrates the unique genius of Einstein. more

Heart & Dinner Feeds the Elderly of New York City’s Chinatown

Image Source: https://www.heartofdinner.org

New York City-based restauranteur Moonlynn Tsai (https://www.kopitiamnyc.com) and podcaster Yin Chang of 88 Cups of Tea (https://88cupsoftea.com), didn’t expect to spend the pandemic serving over 20,000 meals to the elderly of New York City’s Chinatown, but that’s exactly what they did. Beginning in April 2020, the couple watched and experienced displays of outright racism towards Asian Americans. They also observed how hardly hit Manhattan’s restaurants were and immediately thought that there was a need to make sure that New York’s elderly Asian population didn’t go hungry.  more

NJ Chef to Compete on Season 19 of FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen”

The MC Hotel, in the heart of Montclair, N.J., has announced that its top chef competing on Season 19 of the hit culinary competition series, Hell’s Kitchen, starring Chef Gordon Ramsay. The new season premieres on Thursday, January 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. more

Four City Brewing Company in Orange

For the first time in 40 years, the proud tradition of brewing quality beer has found a place in Orange, New Jersey. Following the trail first blazed by the Winter Brothers’ Orange Brewery in 1901, the team at Four City Brewing Company is humbled to have recently marked their first anniversary as a craft brewery in the city. The seven-barrel brewery can produce 1,000 barrels per year. more

Join Peddler’s Village for Thanksgiving Dinner

This year, Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, Pa., presents a safely served buffet with multiple stations and socially distanced tables at the Cock ‘n Bull as well as a la carte Thanksgiving specials at Earl’s New American (Buttonwood Grill will be open for breakfast only). Online reservations are encouraged. You can also make reservations by calling the restaurants directly. more

Soul Sweet Boutique Confectionary, Bakery, and Café Rises to the Top

It’s no surprise the best Brazilian desserts north of the equator come from Soul Sweet Boutique – the cozy, welcoming bakery and eatery nestled in the Ironbound section of Newark, the heart of the Brasileiro population in the Garden State. more

Outdoor Dining is in Full Swing at Bernardsville’s Osteria Morini and Nicoletta Pizzeria

Like so many restaurants, Osteria Morini and the casual, collocated Nicoletta Pizzeria have had to be nimble in adapting to the state’s dining restrictions.  more