STONE HARBOR - The "Freedom Fighter" flavor still thrives in its second year on the Feature Flavor board at Springer's Homemade Ice Cream in Stone Harbor. Last August, Springer's challenged members of the media to create a new, unique ice cream flavor. Rob Seitzinger stepped up to the challenge and, with the help of his two children, Caroline and Michael, developed "Freedom Fighter"-a red, white and blue sweet treat featuring Jersey Fresh fruit. But Seitzinger had a challenge of his own for Springer's: donate the sales of the flavor towards care packages for the men and women ...<< MORE >>

Stopped at Maui's Doghouse in North Wildwood on Saturday with the brood for lunch and once again loved the meal served in the dog bowls. Couple of dressed (chili and onions with spicy mustard) dogs and naked dogs for the kids, fresh cut terrific fries and Stewart's sodas while sitting on picnic tables under the big tent outside. It's a fun, inexpensive way to take the family to lunch. I would have spent more in a diner. And Mike the owner told me they're in their 10th season--so congratulations to Maui, and here's to another decade of delicious dogs. ...<< MORE >>

Atlantic City . . . UNITE HERE Local 54, the union representing food and beverage workers in Atlantic City’s casino hotels and other hotels and restaurants will hold its auditions and selections for its two-year culinary apprentice program on Tueday, June 30, beginning at 10 a.m. Successful applicants will work in an Atlantic City casino hotel under the supervision of mentor chefs and cooks and will undergo a two year, 4,000-hour program that includes 290 hours of classroom instruction at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Atlantic City Campus and 3710 hours of on-the-job training. During this period, ...<< MORE >>

A report in tomorrow's Wildwood Leader and Thursday's Middle Gazette: THE WILDWOODS – Local restaurateur Jon Paxton filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Camden on June 11. Paxton owns Juan Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar and Jon Paul Café in Wildwood, and JP Prime, a North Wildwood steakhouse. JP Prime was embroiled in controversy over the past year when it remained open without a final certificate of occupancy. City officials finally sued Paxton in Superior Court, resulting in Paxton’s closure of the restaurant for what was said to be a temporary period. Neither JP Prime nor Jon Paul ...<< MORE >>

Primo's Hoagies is now open next to the GameStop store in Rio Grande (ShopRite Plaza) to join the list of Primo's open in Wildwood Crest and two in Ocean City. Another one is coming soon to North Wildwood. (Another hoagie shop in North Wildwood? Phew. Blitz's, A and LP, DeSantis, Marinucci's...something's gotta give!) And Blitz's continues to grow having opened this past week on Route 9 in Seaville, just south of the Acme Plaza, which is its eighth location. We love to go to Blitz's for great lunch meat and cheese prices, the Santa Fe Turkey hoagie, and the ...<< MORE >>

From a public relations firm, the following release should mean decreased costs for salmon fans: Every year, biologists forecast how many salmon will return to the different watersheds in the Pacific Northwest. They base their predictions on a variety of factors including smolt release numbers, ocean temperatures, and fishery testing, though having so many variables lowers the reliability of these estimates. In spite of this, several 2009 predictions, including one from the Pacific Fishery Management Council, suggest that 2009 may be one of the strongest years of late for salmon returns throughout the northwest. Initial reports ...<< MORE >>

Peanut butter and chocolate always has been a popular flavor combination. Now Dairy Queen has taken that flavor profile to new heights with the introduction of the first-ever Girl Scouts Tagalongs Peanut Butter Patties Blizzard flavor treat slated as the Blizzard of the Month for July. One of the most popular Girl Scout cookies, Tagalongs, also known as Peanut Butter Patties, are crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolate coating. Dairy Queen is blending Girl Scout Tagalongs pieces with rich peanut butter topping and its signature creamy vanilla soft serve to create this one-of-a-kind Blizzard. ...<< MORE >>

North Wildwood, NJ- Don’t miss the 3-day New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12, 2009, where you can indulge in mouth-watering ribs, chicken, brisket, and pork, masterfully marinated and seasoned, then smoked for hours to the point of perfection. This isn’t just grilling, this is art! Come witness barbecue teams from around the country show off their skills in a quest for the best barbeque. The 2008 Grand Champion was Dizzy Pigs from Fairfax, VA and the Reserve Champion was Jack’s Down Home BBQ from Philadelphia, PA. Find out the 2009 ...<< MORE >>

UNITE HERE! Local 54, the union representing food and beverage workers in Atlantic City’s casino hotels and other hotels and restaurants, is currently accepting applications for its two-year culinary apprentice program.Successful applicants will work in an Atlantic City casino hotel under the supervision of mentor chefs and cooks and will undergo a two-year, 4,000-hour program that includes 290 hours of classroom instruction at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Atlantic City Campus and 3710 hours of on-the-job training. During this period, apprentices will receive a salary, free uniforms, paid vacations and medical benefits.Applicants must 18 years of age, possess a high school ...<< MORE >>

A co-worker has been on a quest for the perfect chicken picante since being hired here a couple months ago. She's Italian and can cook, so she knows her stuff and is a tough critic. So far she's sampled Mama Mia's, Dino's Diner and today Giusseppe's, all within a mile of our office in Seaville. I asked her for a report for the blog. Francine Palumbo writes: "Mama Mia's had the most lemony taste but they ruined it with weird shaped pasta in a horrible red sauce (not worthy enough to be called 'gravy') and the chicken pieces were few ...<< MORE >>

Primo's Hoagies. maker of some of the best hoagies in the region, it says here, is opening two more locations in Cape May County, one in North Wildwood and the other in Rio Grande, next to GameStop in the ShopRite Plaze. We need our Primo's fixes every once in a while, just like a Wing It! fix or a Mack and Manco or Sam's Pizza fix, and we had to go to Wildwood Crest to scratch that itch yesterday. But the Primo's website is announcing two more shops opening soon, adding to the one that's open year round in Ocean ...<< MORE >>

Received this e-mail today from Sonic: Sonic would like to thank our great customers for going to Sonic with Free Float Night.Drive in between 8 p.m. and midnight on Wednesday, June 3, and receive a FREE 10 oz. Root Beer Float.*While you're there, feel free to take pictures and upload them at sonicdrivein.com for a chance to be featured on the home page.Free Float Night at Sonic. Tell your friends and thanks again. The Cape May County Sonic is on Route 47 in Rio Grande in front of the big box stores. You can't miss it. Technorati ...<< MORE >>

Maybe it was the thoughts of sacrilege that immediately popped into my head when I heard about it. Tony Luke's cheese steaks in a box in the freezer section of a grocery store? Nah. Couldn't be any good. But then I got an e-mail promoting the new items (steak sandwich, chicken cheese steak sandwich, and roast pork--which is the best sandwich Tony Luke's sells, which I used to frequent down on Oregon Ave. in South Philly), so I asked for and received samples. There are two way to cook them, according to the instructions on the box. One ...<< MORE >>

HERE IS THE PRESS RELEASE RE: THIS EVENT: Are you looking for an excuse to come to Cape May after the holiday weekend? Have you been longing to dine at one your favorite restaurants or have been thinking about trying some place new? Well drop everything and come on down here because May 31-June 7 is Cape May Restaurant Week. That’s right, eight days not seven. Think of it as a Chef’s Week. You know, like a Baker’s Dozen. For eight straight nights you can get a great three-course dinner at your choice of some of the best Cape May ...<< MORE >>

After writing the Celiac disease column and blogs, I received a cornbread/muffin mix in the mail from Pamela's Products, which has an entire line of gluten-free baked goods. They sell cookies, bread mixes, muffin mixes and pancake mixes. While they aren't available in any of the chain grocery stores that we have in Cape May County, they are sold in Wegman's, Safeway, Winn Dixie, Publix and other stores. They also can be purchased from Amazon.com. I took the muffin mix home and baked them for people at work, without telling them they were gluten-free. Everyone generally liked them, ...<< MORE >>

Today is Friday of Memorial Day Weekend and coming to work today heading north on the Parkway, the traffice volume is already double what it is any other time, and the two Acmes I drove past were mobbed. Probably everyone taking advantage of those $3.97 snow crab clusters that have been on sale for a week and should be for another week. I already bought 15 pounds of them and plan to get another 10 pounds today. At that price, it's a steal. I was told this morning of a new doughnut place in Wildwood called Wild Donut, an ice ...<< MORE >>

Just a couple of notes as we gear up for Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the summer season. Jack's has replaced Samiches in Stone Harbor. Samiches was a tradition for Stone Harbor, much like Springer's Ice Cream and Henny's. Now, only Springer's remains. I grabbed a menu from Jack's and they look they'll do well. Interesting sandwiches, good prices, but they were closed the day I was there so I can't say for sure how good the food is. Also, Holy Mackerel has opened in Wildwood Crest in the Madrid motel, and their grand opening is this Wednesday ...<< MORE >>

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce has announced the Grand Opening of Holy Mackerel Restaurant. The grand opening celebration and menu tasting will take place at 430 E. Louisville Ave. in Wildwood Crest on Wednesday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Members, Non-Members, Members of the Press and Community are invited to attend. Technorati Tags: Wildwood Crest restaurants,Wildwood restaurants,Jersey Shore restaurants ...<< MORE >>

Harrah’s Entertainment, partnering with TD Bank and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central & South Jersey Affiliate, presents the TD Bank Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. The Festival promises to be the premier event of Atlantic City’s summer season with four jam-packed days of events, tastings and celebrity appearances. Chefs from the Food Network and Bravo will host, demonstrate, mix and mingle with guests at more than 20 events filling the schedule throughout the weekend. This Festival promises to feature a variety of events ranging from gourmet pizza and wine tastings to small group chef demonstrations from the ...<< MORE >>

Chef Paul Raymond has opened his new venture, Ocean City Seafood, and is heavily marketing the idea. Ocean City lost a good deal of seafood business when Hickman's and Campbell's seafood houses closed down. Spadafora's Seafood Market is the long-standing (and lone standing until OC Seafood opened) restaurant for the traditional tourism season takeout market. Visit them at http://www.spadaforaseafood.com/ http://www.oceancityseafood.net This from the OC Chamber of Commerce: The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Grand Opening of Ocean City Seafood, 846 Central Ave. on Friday, May 1. Pictured from left to ...<< MORE >>

Sonic sent this release to me on Friday, so I guess you can go get your chili cheeseburger when the late-night munchies arrive: May means summer is right around the corner. And what does that mean? Sonic is open 'til midnight or later. So when one of those late night gotta-have-some-Sonic-right-now cravings hits, don't worry. We'll be open, with plenty of sweet treats and hearty meals to go around. Technorati Tags: Sonic,Rio Grande Sonic,chili cheeseburger ...<< MORE >>

The Two Mile landing and Crab House restaurants that were summer favorites for years before their foundations cracked on July 7, 2007, will not be open this summer as many had hoped. A source told me there are no plans for reconstruction of either restaurant at this point, and said "everything's up in the air." The restaurants sit on the back bay between Cape May and Wildwood Crest on Ocean Drive and were great places to eat while watching the sunset. Technorati Tags: Two Mile Landing,Crab House,Jersey Shore restaurants ...<< MORE >>

Win a $200 gift certificate to eat at a favorite restaurant or a place you always wanted to try but never made it. North American Import and Export is running a "How about dinner on us" giveaway at http://nafood.com/blog/how-about-dinner-on-us/. Enter and enjoy! Technorati Tags: free dinner ...<< MORE >>

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will host the 10th Annual Wildwoods Restaurant Showcase at Neil's Steak and Chowder House on Wednesday, May 13, from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM. The public will have the opportunity to enjoy mouth-watering dishes and decadent desserts from over 20 local eateries. Tickets for this event are only $25.00 and are available at the door, day of event! All proceeds benefit scholarships for the students of The Wildwoods, attending: Wildwood High, Wildwood Catholic, Cape May County Technical High & Cape Christian Academy Technorati Tags: Wildwoods ...<< MORE >>

MARGATE CITY -- Aversa's, the well-known South Jersey bakery, is opening its third store this week. The proprietor or Aversa's of Margate is the son of the founder and owner of the flagship Aversa's founded more than 26 years ago in Turnersville. Several years ago they opened a 2nd bakery in Brigantine, and now his son Ralph Aversa Jr. will be continuing in the traditions by taking the reins at the Margate store. "People have been asking us when we were going to open another store at the shore," says Ralph Jr. "Aversa's will be a one-stop shop ...<< MORE >>

STONE HARBOR -- Think you make the best chowder in town? This is your chance to prove it. The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce will once again sponsor their annual Chowder Contest on Saturday, May 2. All chowder entries must arrive fully cooked in a crock pot and be brought to the tent in front of the Chamber of Commerce office on 96th Street by 11:45 a.m. The contest is free to enter and three most popular chowders will be awarded prizes. Would you rather taste chowder than make it? Come to the tent outside of the Chamber of ...<< MORE >>

PAMELA'S PRODUCTS 4th ANNUAL "GREATEST GLUTEN-FREE RECIPE CONTEST" CALLS FOR ENTRIESANNUAL CONTEST INVITES COOKS TO CREATE GLUTEN-FREE FAMILY FAVORITES Pamela's Products, an award-winning leader in the gluten-free foods arena is accepting entries for its 4th Annual "Greatest Gluten-Free Recipe Contest" beginning on June 1, 2009. This year's contest theme, 'Your Own Family Favorite', invites contestants to showcase gluten-free variations of their traditional family recipes.Whether it's Grandma's Apple Pie or the blueberry muffins your mom made with fresh-picked blueberries, family recipes are attached to fond memories and tasty treats. As more people are abiding non-traditional diets, many family chefs ...<< MORE >>

ATLANTIC CITY – Tropicana Casino & Resort announces two new dining deals for our guests at Fiesta Buffet and Seaside Café. Fiesta Buffet now features a nightly seafood buffet featuring fried shrimp, snow crab clusters, U-Peel shrimp, stuffed flounder, baked salmon Oscar, baked swordfish, stuffed deviled crabs and mussels for $24.95 per person. Additionally, on Fridays the seafood buffet will have a special menu featuring lobster tail, hand carved roast beef and hand carved roast salmon at no additional cost. In addition to the new seafood offerings the Fiesta Buffet offers Asian, American, Italian stations, salad bar ...<< MORE >>

The Mirage in Avalon has a new chef in Steve Cozzi, and a new name, Fuze, which serves breakfast and dinner in the totally revamped and upgraded Desert Sands Resort on Dune Drive. Cozzi was the chef at the well respected Marie Nicole's in Wildwood Crest. The dinner menu can be found here: http://www.fuzerestaurantandlounge.com/Dinner.html. On a more casual level, Circle Pizza in Avalon is undergoing a complete renovation, transforming the less than attractive dining room that was almost like a hangout into a more upscale, trendy dining area. The owner told one of our sales reps that he felt he ...<< MORE >>

Michael Colameco To MC Cooking Sessions We had a slow foods story in our papers this week so I thought I'd share this with slow-food fans. One of the elements that sets The East Coast Slow Food and Wine Festival apart from other wine and food events is the high quality cooking demos and food and wine seminars offered. This year’s event, held June 27 & 28 at Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington, New Jersey, has attracted an all-star list of celebrity chefs and wine experts. Topping this list is chef Michael ...<< MORE >>

The Wildwoods, NJ- The Wildwood Civic Club Evening Membership Department is sponsoring a wine tasting and cheese sampling to benefit the Wildwoods Baby Parade 100th Anniversary on Sunday, April 19, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Wine will be featured from Cape May Winery and cheeses will be featured from Seaside Cheese Company. The event will take place at the J. Thompson Baker House (circa 1904), 3008 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ. John Lynch, Director of Sales and Entertainment of the Wildwoods Convention Center, will be honored at 4 p.m. for his years of community service and dedication ...<< MORE >>

This was e-mailed to me recently and thought I'd share the news of Garfield's becoming Luna Ristorante and Club -- the Club part translating into live entertainment on a nightly basis. Luna is located in Wildwood: "New Menu and New Kitchen Staff with many of your same favorite dishes and a brand new look in our dining room and bar areas with cozy booths, large tables, and comfortable seating ! We hope to see you after our new opening on MOTHERS DAY WEEK END !! Thank you, from the management at the former Garfield's Giardino Ristorante" ...<< MORE >>

NORTH WILDWOOD -- Wildwood Catholic High School, a college preparatory high school, invites you to join us for an afternoon of education and enjoyment. The Parent Teacher Connection will host its third annual wine tasting on Sunday, April 26 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. This event provides an educational wine seminar presented by Rich Gerber, a member of the renowned Dionysian Society International, and a wine tasting. Light food will be served, and there will be a silent auction. Tickets are $50; there is limited seating. Must be 21 years of age to attend. Call the school business office at ...<< MORE >>

Picked this off a press release about restaurant happenings in Stone Harbor GET CAUGHT UP AT BLACKFISH Blackfish celebrates its grand opening Mother’s Day Weekend and will remain a year-round fine dining fixture in downtown Stone Harbor. The restaurant is the culinary masterpiece of Charles “Chip” Roman, owner of Charles Roman Catering and nominee for the “Rising Star Chef” award. Patrons can expect a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with cuisine ripe with fresh ingredients and innovative flavors - defined as “seafood-centered, progressive American cuisine with French influences.” Blackfish’s Conshohocken location has been acclaimed by Philadelphia Magazine, Mainline Life and ...<< MORE >>

THE WILDWOODS -- Last year, two events convinced Morey’s Piers that it needed an executive chef on staff. In July, the Food Network aired an episode of Dinner Impossible, taped in Wildwood with Chef Michael Symon. The show revolved around creating great Boardwalk food. Later, Morey Vice President Jack Morey, a participant in the Dinner Impossible taping, concluded over lunch that boardwalk food was key to making Morey’s Piers the best seaside amusement park in the world. “The Food Network's Dinner Impossible challenge put Wildwood Boardwalk food on the national map,” Jack Morey said. “To satiate the need ...<< MORE >>

Last week’s column about a reader’s struggle to live a gluten-free lifestyle after being diagnosed with Celiac disease created quite a buzz from more readers. More than 35 calls and e-mails were sent responding to the plight of Douglass Routt, a Philadelphia-area resident with a home in the Town Bank section of Lower Township. He simply sent an e-mail asking for help in finding local places to eat that accommodate people who can’t eat anything containing wheat, rye or barley, or anything that has been cross-contaminated with those ingredients through prep work or the actual cooking process, like frying French ...<< MORE >>

Women can nominate their overly-stressed good friend to win a trip for two as part of a chocolate spa getaway contest offered by the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children (NADWC). “I wanted to create an opportunity for women to relax – and celebrate the importance of friendship,” says Joanie Winberg, founder of NADWC (http://www.freshstartafterdivorce.com). “So I created this contest for girlfriends to nominate a woman in need of a break– plus get to go on this wonderful spa getaway at the Hotel Hershey.” Sponsored by Hotel Hershey, www.TransitionResourcesInc.com, Cabot Cheese and www.CallingInTheOne.net, ...<< MORE >>

Joe Massaglia, the popular chef/owner of Mama Mia's Italian restaurant in Seaville, is working toward opening a new restaurant in Egg Harbor Township, in a strip mall at the intersection of English Creek Road and West Jersey Avenue, according to a report in Ed Hitzel's Restaurant Magazine. Hitzel reports that Massaglia will open a 35-seat fixed price restaurant sometime in 2009. Massaglia is very well known in the Upper Township community for his charity work for the schools here, and he and Red Sky chef/owner Jeff Schwartz and Buck Tavern chef/owner Robert Ohlsen prepared and donated a full-course lunch to ...<< MORE >>

This is this week's print column that I wanted to share online first before the papers are posted online. If you have something to contribute to this, send it to seitz@catamaranmedia.com. Imagine having to know every ingredient that goes into the food you buy or prepare to consume, or never being able to stop into a drive-thru for a quick French fry fix. You get frustrated when co-workers bring a nice big plate of cookies to work and you have to decline, or the boss throws an office party that’s catered, but you can’t partake. And you have to call ...<< MORE >>

MAYS LANDING—The Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala marked its 26th anniversary by surpassing the $2 million milestone for scholarships raised. The March 12 Gala featured 40 of the best restaurants from the region and raised $200,000 for student scholarships at the Academy of Culinary Arts and ACCC. Bally’s Atlantic City hosted the annual fundraiser, which featured the island-inspired theme “A Taste of Paradise.” The event showcased the talents of the culinary students at the Academy of Culinary Arts, who prepared thousands of sumptuous hot and cold hors d’oeuvres served during cocktail hour. A dessert extravaganza organized by ...<< MORE >>

DATE: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22, 2009 TIMES: Multiple Sessions WHERE: Atlantic City Convention Center Look for these at the Michelob table. I was lucky enough to sample them this week and I liked all of them, especially the Amber Bock, at right with the steak. Also pictured from left are the Shock Hop, Hop Hound and Michelob Original Lager. New this year: · “Judges Event” held at Harrah’s Resort on Friday March 20th at 7pm. Limited to 200 attendees at $200 per ...<< MORE >>

This from a TV producer: I'm currently working on a new show called Extreme Cake Contest that will be on a major cable network. We're looking for Bakers/pastry chefs that can create amazing cakes! Cakes that look like pieces of art, sculptures, etc. I didn't know if you knew anyone that might be interested but if so please have them send me an email with a little information about themselves, a picture of themselves and their cakes to frank_garrity@hotmail.com. If selected they will compete in different competitions and have their masterpieces shown on national television. It's a ...<< MORE >>

My publisher received an e-mail a month back about a new coffee that fared very well in a recent college study. Here's the basics of the release: Cornell University 's School of Hotel Administration just released their findings on a study of consumer preferences for gourmet coffees. In blind tastings, they found that consumers overwhelmingly preferred Chef's Coffee to two of the most popular global premium coffee brands. In an announcement made by Cornell University in October, 2008, faculty and students at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration worked with the Chef's Coffee team of entrepreneurs to launch ...<< MORE >>

Check out this puppy! Go to the AC Beer Fest to check it out PORTOPONG LLC - based in Connecticut, will be exhibiting their PORTOPONG, at the 2009 Atlantic City Beer Festival on Saturday March 21st and Sunday March 22nd. PORTOPONG is an inflatable, portable “tabletop” that will revolutionize the way beer-loving partygoers play “beer pong” – a popular drinking game that, until now, required a bulky tabletop with table legs. Measuring 72” x 36” x 4” and constructed of durable vinyl, PORTOPONG serves as a portable base on which beer pong ...<< MORE >>

Stone Harbor dining just got a significant boost. After the closing of Henny's the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, people wondered about the void that would be left in Stone Harbor dining. Henny's had a very big dining room and also a lot of tables for dining in the bar area. Now comes the news that Blackfish Stone Harbor will open there in May as part of Phase 1 of the huge Shelter Haven Resort and Spa project that is brining a first-class hotel to the corner of 96th and Third on the back bay. Blackfish is moving down from Avalon ...<< MORE >>

Events Designed to Pamper Women on March 28 & 29, 2009 By March aren’t you just a little tired of being stuck in the house with the kids? Tired of the gray, cold weather? Ready for some pampering that does not cost a lot? Then gather your girlfriends and head out to New Jersey’s Premier Wineries’ Girlfriends Getaway Weekend! New Jersey’s professional wineries -- Alba Vineyard in Finesville, Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington, Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, Laurita Winery in New Egypt, and Cape May Winery in Cape May-- will be hosting this weekend dedicated to women ...<< MORE >>

MARGATE -- I used to work at Ventura's in 1985 and they have terrific food, both upstairs and downstairs. The following press release was sent to us and it's a nice idea, especially for these difficult economic times: Due to the economic hardships affecting local customers, Ventura’s Greenhouse is now offering customer appreciation night in their upscale dining room effective immediately through the month of April. With local families and foodies alike cutting back on enjoyable nights out due to the economy, the historic Ventura’s Greenhouse is giving back to the community. The restaurant ...<< MORE >>

(Atlantic City, NJ March 4, 2009) -- Due to the overwhelming success of Atlantic City’s inaugural Restaurant Week this week, several participating restaurants will extend their special lunch and dinner prix fixe menus of $15.09 for lunch and $33.09 for dinner for an additional week, through Saturday, March 14, 2009. These fixed menu prices do not include beverages, taxes or gratuities. For a complete list of restaurants that are extending their restaurant week lunch and/or dinner menus and the additional days of participation, click on link at http://www.acrestaurantweek.com. This list will be updated daily. Full information, ...<< MORE >>

March 12 ACCC Restaurant Gala Moves to Bally’s MAYS LANDING -- Time is running out to buy tickets to South Jersey’s premier black-tie fundraising event. The Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala’s 26th annual dining extravaganza is planned for Thursday, March 12, at Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino. With the theme “A Taste of Paradise,” the 2009 Gala will feature an exotic, tropical atmosphere. The annual event celebrates food with hors d’oeuvres prepared by students at the Academy of Culinary Arts and the house specialties of 40 of the area’s best restaurants at a progressive dining experience. Each year, ...<< MORE >>

Winner gets a trip to Hershey Park Spa for two Ladies, enjoy this one! Boston—March 3, 2009— Women who need a break have the chance to win a weekend girlfriends getaway at a chocolate spa. The contest is held as part of a National Association of Divorce for Women and Children (NADWC) promotion in honor of Victorious Women Month in May. “Let’s face it, women are more stressed than ever in this economy. And as women, we often turn to our girlfriends for support to make us victorious in all we do,” says Joanie ...<< MORE >>

CAPE MAY-From the New York Times to New Jersey Monthly, Cape May's restaurants consistently rank among the best-of-the-best, making it the perfect city to wine and dine the winter blues away. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) and the city's first-class restaurants are offering you indulgent events for the remaining winter season, February 21 through March 21, 2009. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Fantasy Buffet at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St., on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. If you love chocolate, you won't to miss this decadent buffet. Milk, dark ...<< MORE >>

New residents to North Wildwood called after seeing the JP Prime story in the paper and on this blog to say they bought more than a thousand dollars worth of gift cards during a Black Friday sale at JP Prime and now she's stuck with them. At this point, it's hard to say if JP Prime will reopen if the building ever gets a legitimate CO, but they're supposedly working toward getting everything in order. We'll keep up to date with it in The Wildwood Leader and Middle Township Gazette -- both are online -- and in this blog. But ...<< MORE >>

Here's some corresponce I got this week: Rob - I have a sizeable Gift Certificate for Steak 38 in Brigantine. My wife and I had dinner there in the fall of 2008 and spoke with the Owner/Maitre de and was informed that they, Steak 38, would be in business into the forseeable future as we told him we had numerous gift certificates, being that we would always receive them from family and friends for birthdays, etc, as everyone knew we really enjoyed the food at Steak 38. We stopped there a few weeks ago, and although all ...<< MORE >>

Here is an update on the JP Prime story that will be in tomorrow's Wildwood Leader. NORTH WILDWOOD – Jon Paul Paxton was back in court before Superior Court Judge Stephen Perskie on Friday, in response to Perskie’s issuance of a warrant in a civil case in which Paxton failed to show up for two court appearances. Paxton was picked up by Sheriff’s officers Monday, Feb. 11, on that warrant, and spent an evening in the county jail before being released on $10,000 cash bail the following day. The civil suit was filed by the city of North Wildwood, seeking ...<< MORE >>

After I was done shooting photographs at the new Main Street Cafe in Cape May Court House for next week's Cape Cuisine column (real good high-quality sandwiches, soups and salads, with better prices than Yvette's, which was in the building before Main Street Cafe), I drove a little further south on Main Street, down toward the Wawa, and across the street in a former computer store was a sign that said something to the effect of "Coming Soon: Gourmet Italian Market." Be still my heart. I live around the corner from this place! The only good Italian markets I ...<< MORE >>

Celebrity Chef Provides Tips for Throwing an Authentic Kentucky Derby Party at Home Here's a press release I thought might be of interest to foodies and horse racing fans--or people who just need a reason to throw a party! LOUISVILLE, KY. (Feb. 9, 2009) – With Kentucky Derby 135 on May 2, 2009 quickly approaching, Churchill Downs, the legendary racetrack that hosts the annual “Run for the Roses,” is pleased to announce that Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay has signed on for a second year as the official host and spokesperson of the Kentucky Derby Party program and Web ...<< MORE >>

City orders JP Prime closed By CAROLE MATTESSICH Correspondent NORTH WILDWOOD – On a warrant issued by Superior Court Judge Steven Perskie, the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department picked up local restaurateur Jon Paul Paxton early Monday morning and transported him to Perskie’s courtroom in Atlantic City. Later in the day, Paxton was brought to the Cape May County Correctional Center, where he spent Monday night. Perskie is presiding over a civil lawsuit filed in Superior Court by the city of North Wildwood against Paxton, who owns several local restaurants. The city alleges that Paxton failed to obtain ...<< MORE >>

Our Wildwood reporter is about to file a story on the troubles surrounding restaurant owner Jon Paxton, who owns Juan Pablo's and JP Prime. He also owned a short-lived cafe on NJ Avenue in Wildwood. Paxton failed to appear in court twice to answer questions about why he was operating JP Prime despite never having received a certificate of occupancy for the building in North Wildwood. Because he failed to appear, a warrant was issued for his arrest and he spent Monday night in either Atlantic or Cape May county jail. Apparently he also has to answer to North Wildwood ...<< MORE >>

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE -- The Nate Allen Memorial Benefit on Feb. 21 will raise funds for a scholarship to the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College in Allen’s name. Allen, a Cape May County resident who graduated from the Academy in 2003, died in a car accident in February 2006 at age 22. Allen loved nature, adventure, sports and cooking. “When he was not off on a snowboarding trip, going on a spontaneous road trip, playing or practicing golf, he could be found whipping up a nice meal for his friends,” said his ...<< MORE >>

There's a warrant out for the arrest of local restaurateur Jon Paxton because of a lack of a CO at his JP Prime location in North Wildwood. Apparently Paxton has not shown up for two court appearances to address the issue and the warrant was issued to compel him to show up in court. Rumors have persisted about Paxton's restaurants having financial problems--who isn't having them these days?, but that's an aside--but if he shows up in court and takes care of the safety concerns in the building, word is he'll be able to reopen, ...<< MORE >>

This winter, as the economy continues to flounder, restaurants are struggling to find ways to attract customers. The Blue Pig Tavern in Cape May has developed a new prix-fixe menu featuring affordable favorites from their menus over the years. Call for a reservation 609.884.8422 or 888.944.1816. Announcing our $20 Prix Fixe Menu Available 5 pm to 7 pm Sunday through ThursdayFirst Course (choose one)-----------------------------Tavern House Salad with Choice of Dressing,Caesar Salad,Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup,Soup of the DayEntrée (Choose One)-----------------------Grilled Atlantic Salmon with Rice Pilaf, Sautéed Julienned Vegetables;Roasted ½ Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans;Pasta Bolognese,Meatloaf,Blue Pig Tavern ...<< MORE >>

Updating a blog from earlier this winter, rumors persist that JP Prime and Juan Pablo's--both Jon Paxton enterprises--have closed their doors for good. We're working on a story for next week's Leader and I'll update the info as we get it. Another one that needs updating is Tony's has a for sale sign on it. Someone e-mailed me about the former Russo's being demolished, but Chuck Burns, the owner, said they only took down a couple of walls that "really" needed to come down--before they fell down! Anyway, Chuck said they're -- it'll be called The Ice House -- shooting ...<< MORE >>

How awesome is this puppy? One of our reporters made this for her boyfriend's birthday, and it ain't a pepperoni pizza--it's a chocolate chip cookie! Claire Lowe loves to bake and when she made this she took a picture of it for me. It's a chocolate chip cookie baked on a pizza tray (you can see some of the tray toward the bottom of the photo). For tomato sauce (you can see it if you look around the edges), she mixed confectioner's sugar, a little cocoa powder, red dye and a little bit of milk to thin it ...<< MORE >>

According to a release from Acme Markets, they sold the following amounts of food for the Super Bowl yesterday: • More than 57,000 pounds of fried chicken—more than twice the normal volume • More than 12,000 pounds of avocado, including guacamole • More than 3,100 deli trays with assorted varieties of cold cuts, cheeses, fruit and salad • 6 million cans of soda • 580,000 bags of chips, pretzels and other snacks • 80,000 jars of salsa • Substantially higher volumes of ground beef, hot dogs, rolls and buns, candies, and pastries We did Wing-It! wings but bought 2 dozen ...<< MORE >>

The Wing-A-Thon I posted yesterday is Saturday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. at the AC Boat Show at AC Convention Center. The wings are from Hooters, so the girls will be there--another reason to go! And you can register by calling The Shark--103.7 FM. The prize is a flat screen TV. ...<< MORE >>

The Atlantic City Boat Show next week is hosting its first wing eating contest, and sent this teaser over today for the blog. Here goes: This week it was revealed that the nation is experiencing a hot wing shortage! So, where have all the wings gone?? Philly Wing Fans - Follow the aroma of hot sauce and blue cheese to bright lights of the east coast…A.C. of course!!! The A.C. Boat Show is hoarding wings and stocking up on everyone's favorite messy snack for next week's, 1st Annual Wing-A-Thon. Those currently ...<< MORE >>

I posted my print column on the Super Bowl yesterday, and a chef in Arizona weighed in with some more choices for your Super Bowl spread. Send any of your ideas to seitz@catamaranmedia.com. Hi Rob, Basically Arizona food would be well represented by Mexican type dishes. Some suggestions are tacos, chimis, etc. whuch are often done in mini versions for party food. Also, fajitas are very popular. Indian or Navajo fry bread is the state food of Arizona, so that would be a good choice also. I always serve mexican 7 layer ...<< MORE >>

My print column for this week before the Super Bowl is traditionally about the food that is popular in the regions where the two teams are from, so I had some fun this week poking fun at the lopsided win when comparing Arizona cuisine to Pittsburgh. Here's a preview glimpse. Arizona wins trophy when it comes to ‘Super’ food Here’s our (stomach) upset special for this weekend’s Super Bowl buffet: Arizona wins easily over Pittsburgh. No contest, not in my culinary experiences anyway. I lived in Pittsburgh while doing graduate work for Pitt, and who hasn’t eaten Tex-Mex ...<< MORE >>

Kevin Celli at Natali Vineyard in Middle Township reports that Saturday's Kick the Winter Blues Fest was one of their best events ever. More than 500 people tyurned out to sample wine, listen to the music of Frank Bey, sample cheese and break and hors d'ouvres -- and they bought more than 500 bottles of Natali wine. Keep an eye out for the February event, I'll keep you posted. Think about making a Valentine's Day gift basket with local items and include Natali's Cape May Court House Blush, some locally made chocolates, Victory Baking Bread or Seaside Cheese items. ...<< MORE >>

AVALON—A local charitable organization in Avalon will be holding a major fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Princeton in Avalon. “Friend In Need” will raise money for two local families with the Super Bowl serving as a backdrop for all of the festivities. “This is going to be a fun evening of friendship and support for members of our community,” said Avalon Mayor Marty Pagliughi, one of the volunteers involved with “Friend In Need.” “I’m encouraging everyone on the Seven Mile Island, and elsewhere, to come to Avalon to watch the game and support the cause.” The party will ...<< MORE >>

This is an unedited version of my print column this week, so I thought I'd post it first. Here goes: Winter Blues Festival Natali Vineyards 221 Route 47 North (Mile Marker 12.9). Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Saturday, Jan. 24, noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free. Call 972-7318 or 465-0075 for more information, or visit myspace.com/celli1977. CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE -- Oh, the weather outside is frightful—finally, with the region receiving a light dusting of snow earlier this week, it really started to feel like winter. Grey, listless skies, cold, wet ...<< MORE >>

Winter Wines and Comfort Food (Well Almost) To Highlight Pairings at Peter Shields Cape May—Diner Style” and “Winter Whites” will be the themes for two inventive wine dinners being presented by Peter Shields Restaurant at that Cape May restaurant Saturday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, March 13 at 6 p.m. These one of a kind menus have been designed by Executive Chef Christopher Rue. You can bring your own choice of wine or select from a host of wines available from the Cape May Winery & Vineyard. "Diner Style" brings roadside cuisine to a new level with tummy warming ...<< MORE >>

I got these together for a local cookbook that's being put together to help raise money for the Love of Linda Cancer Fund, so I thought I'd post them in case anyone's interested in trying these. These were all from different sources, and tweaked to my liking. I hope they turn out well for you, too. Best Ever Blueberry Coffee Cake This is great for breakfast, brunch or snacking on anytime. It’s best when you use fresh Jersey Fresh blueberries, but it’s such a good recipe that even frozen blueberries will do. CAKE 2 cups ...<< MORE >>

Got a menu from Main Street Cafe today (they're on Route 9 in Cape May Court House), which is replacing Yvette's. The menu is surprisingly similar to Yvette's in that they're specializing in salads (caesar, chicken caesar, shrimp caesar, nicoise) and hot and cold specialty sandwiches. Yvette's had specialty sandwiches too, and they were good, on good French bread, but my complaint was that there wasn't much in them to be charging $9 for a hoagie. You charge $9 for a hoagie, it darn well better be stuffed like Primo's stuffs theirs, and Primo's doesn't charge $9. Most of Main ...<< MORE >>

Got word from Natali Vineyard that there are only 29 tickets left for the wine and cigar dinner at Gia's in Wildwood (check yesterday's post). Sounds like a lot of fun, good food, award-winning wine and premium cigars all for $75 a head. ...<< MORE >>

Chef Vincent Chiarella, of Gia's restaurant, will be preparing a five-course dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 14th (7pm-10pm) in Wildwood. During this dinner you will enjoy six choices of award-winning wines, a five-course meal and three excellent cigars. All for $75 per person THE DINNER MENU: AS FOLLOWED Escarole Soup Gia's Famous Antipasti Italian Sausage stuffed with broccoli rabe served with Long Hots and plum tomatoes NY strip with a garlic peppercorn sauce with Chefs choice of Vegetable and starch Tiramisu THE WINE MENU: AS FOLLOWED 1. CABRENET SAUVIGNON (THE NICEST CAB ...<< MORE >>

The post yesterday and in today's Wildwood Leader misspelled the new owner of the old Russo's restaurant, to be now known as Ice House. The owner, Chuck BURNS, not BYRNES, previously owned The Bellevue Tavern in Court House, and then the Anglesea Pub until November, 2005. He told me today he's hoping to be open by Memorial Day but a more realistic date, he said, would be mid-June depending on how quickly they obtain needed permits. Technorati Tags: Ice House,Russo's Wildwood,Restaurant blog,Jersey Shore restaurants ...<< MORE >>

Here is a brief that is running in tomorrow's Wildwood Leader that restaurant fans might be intertested in. It was filed by reporter Carole Mattessich: WILDWOOD – Under new ownership, the landmark restaurant formerly known as “Russo’s” is slated for total physical rehab and a new name: "The Ice House." After receiving site plan approval, the new owners recently approached city commissioners for an encroachment agreement which would permit the restructured building’s awnings to extend slightly over city property. No problem, said the three commissioners. “We’ve done something like this before for the Bolero,” Commissioner Gary DeMarzo commented. “The awnings ...<< MORE >>

Yvette's Cafe, on Main Street (Route 9) in Cape May Court House, has closed its doors and there are new owners currently working on personalizing the building to their liking. The new place will be called Main Street Cafe and a sign on the building says they'll be serving lunch and take-out meals only. I don't know who the new owners are but I'll be trying to track them down for a Cape Cuisine column. Yvette's still has the Stone Harbor location but it's closed for the season. Good sandwiches and salads but a bit pricey and they never really ...<< MORE >>

Check out this blog, she does this full time and does a great job. I love doing pulled pork in slow cookers, but the sauce never holds up in the Crock Pot. She claims this one rocks, so let's give it a shot. Happy New Year's and we'll be back full time starting Friday, Jan. 2. http://www.jerseybites.com/2008/12/best-recipe-restaurant-and-product-of.html ...<< MORE >>

I was messing around in the kitchen two nights ago, waiting for cookies to bake and needing something to eat. I found a half a loaf of Italian bread and some leftover tomato sauce and decided to nosh on garlic bread. Instead of just spreading some margarine on the bread and sprinkling garlic salt on it, as I normally would, I got a little creative. People probably make garlic bread like this all the time but it was something new to me. I poured a tablespoon or two of some good olive oil in a pan over medium high ...<< MORE >>

Joseph Sheridan, of Ocean City, has earned the certified executive chef (CEC) designation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Sheridan is a chef educator at the Academy of Culinary Arts, Mays Landing, and member of ACF Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey. ACF operates the only comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States and currently certifies nearly 9,000 professionals worldwide. Candidates for ACF certification must have a high level of work and educational experience, and pass both a written and practical examination. In addition, candidates must complete coursework in food safety, nutrition and supervisory management. ...<< MORE >>

This article in the Wall Street Journal talks about kitchen gadgets for foodies, but also about the economy and how it's affecting the restaurant industry. Have a look: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB122913093430103373-lMyQjAxMDI4MjE5NTExMzUwWj.html ...<< MORE >>

There is a state-wide effort going on today among bloggers to help food the hungry. It's been coined Bloggers Unite To Fight Hunger, and it's in support of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Follow the link below to the lead blog and you can also watch the YouTube video that accompanies it. Then go to your pantry and pick out some food to make a donation. http://www.jerseybites.com/2008/12/bloggers-unite-to-fight-hunger-in-new.html Technorati Tags: Bloggers uite to fight hunger ...<< MORE >>

Natali Vineyards, located at 221 route 47 north (mile marker 12.9 on bay side) In Cape May Court House is hosting its annual "Holiday Cheer Party" tomorrow from 12 to 4 p.m. Last year they had more than 400 guest and 15 local vendors on the vineyard, which is about 22 acres. They hope to double that this year. They will be giving out free samples of their award-winning wines as well as new holiday wines (beach plum, peach wine and blueberry). Local vendors include Seaside Cheese from West Cape May, Victory Bakery from Burliegh, the Homemade jam lady, ...<< MORE >>

These two kitchen gadgets were the subjects of my past two Cape Cuisine columns and I love both of them.The knife sharpener runs around $40 while the infrared grill is $400, but an excellent investment. During research for the column, I learned that the grill industry believes infrared grills are the future of grilling, and it will change the way we cook food. I'll cut and past both columns below. Chef’s Choice Pronto: Manual Diamond Hone Knife Kit Sharpener 464 About a year ago, while shopping at the Rehoboth outlets, I invested in a ...<< MORE >>

Tony's Island Cafe called to say they're closed for the season, not for good as rumors have it in The Wildwoods. Be sure to check out Cape Cuisine column this week on a very cool grill gift idea for foodies. ...<< MORE >>

Lucky Bones is shutting down but for renovations, but the others like Tony's in North Wildwood is closed for good, and JP Prime, Carneys and Cafe Jon Paul closed for season, at least. Most restaurant owners and workers are telling me business is seriously slow, so expect more closings, especially after New Year's. ...<< MORE >>

Henny's is now closed, gone for good in Stone Harbor. Sunday was their last day, and they had a day-long Last Call party that was mobbed. The place was rockin' all weekend. I was at the Christmas celebration in Stone Harbor all Saturday and that night, after the parade, we wall walked over to see if we could get a quart of New England Clam Chowder to take home to warm up and couldn't even get near the door it was so crowded. I guy walked out and said to us, "They just told me they have a 2 and ...<< MORE >>

Got the following press release this week from Mr. Rooter company and thought I'd share it before the big day tomorrow: As families clean up after their Thanksgiving feast, remember not to stuff the drain with leftovers. Instead of throwing scraps down the kitchen sink, re-think. “Sometimes people don’t realize how much food ends up in the garbage disposal, especially if they have a house full of guests,” said Frank Czeronka of the Mr. Rooter® of South Jersey franchise. “The best way to keep your kitchen sink from overflowing is to educate your family and friends ...<< MORE >>

Can't confirm these because I can't talk (dentist visit this morning) but one of our staff writers sent me two e-mail in two days about restaurant closings he's heard about. I'll try to confirm after the Thanksgiving holiday. Closed for good, he says, is Nana's Deli in Wildwood Crest, and closed for now but possibly for good are JP Prime in North Wildwood and Cafe Jon Paul in Wildwood, and closing for the season but something they haven't done before is Lucky Bones in Cape May. Bummer. Money's tight and we need to put presents under the tree, so restaurants ...<< MORE >>

CAPE MAY, NJ—The Cape May Winery will host its second annual Soup's On at the Vineyard weekend, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 28-30 from 12-4 p.m. each day. Visitors attending “Soup’s On’ will be able to sample scrumptious soups by some of Cape May's famed local restaurants including Lucky Bones Backwater Grill’s Chipolte Pumpkin Soup, Cucina Rosa’s New England Clam Chowder, The Mad Batter‘s Roasted Garlic & Spinach Clam Chowder and a Winter Vegetable with Beef soup from The Copper Fish. “If you plan on attending, please bring along canned food items for local area food banks,” notes Winery ...<< MORE >>

I've received a handful of responses from people who attended last Saturday Harvest Festival at Natali Vineyards in Middle Township. Everyone loved the atmosphere of the event, where they had live music being played, wine tastings along with cheese and bread from Seaside Cheese and Victory Baking, respectively, as well as cookbook sales, beach plum products for sale like pepper jelly and jams and jellies. One reader relatively new to the area said she used to attend event like that when she lived in New York and loved it. Another said she enjoyed strolling around with her husband, meeting people ...<< MORE >>

Mark Kalla discusses cooking techniques and nutrition with Avalon senior citizens at Avalon Free Public Library. Chef educates seniors on cooking tips, nutrition AVALON -- Local chef Mark Kalla, of Cape May Court House, visited the Avalon Senior Center on Monday to lend his culinary expertise to Avalon residents at the Avalon Senior Center. Kalla took time to come to the “Creative Cooking for Seniors” class for Avalon seniors, sponsored by the Avalon Free Public Library. He is well known in the local restaurant business as he developed the menus and business model for the Avalon Anchorage Marina. ...<< MORE >>

At one minute past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, more than one million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau, the newest wine from the Beaujolais region of France, begin a journey to all parts of the world. Wine enthusiasts can celebrate the release of several nouveau wines at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College. In conjunction with the local chapter of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the Academy offers a limited number of tickets to this celebration where guests will be treated to authentic French country food and tantalizing ...<< MORE >>

I'm posting a link to a CNN story I watched this morning about how food companies are giving you less for the same price by cutting down on the amount of food in smaller containers or ones that have been manipulated, like Skippy putting less peanut butter in a jar with a concave bottom, sort of like that in some bar glasses where it looks like you're getting more but the bottom of the glass is rounded off. Have a look and a great Monday! http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/11/17/lawrence.small.size.cnn Technorati Tags: CNN,food containers,less food for same cost ...<< MORE >>

After writing my Cape Cuisine column on Natali's harvest festival this Saturday -- rain or shine, and there will be rain! -- I thought I'd post this, which I received today (Friday). Local wineries could really do well in Cape May County. They make for great tours, excellent gifts --especially around the holidays -- and could host very entertaining festivals, like this weekend with cheese (West Cape May's Seaside Cheese) being matched with wine and bread (from Burleigh's Victory Baking) with live music being performed through the day. Just a nice way to spend a fall afternoon! Here's the press ...<< MORE >>

I found some tips on a better way to cook pasta than just boiling water. This from Food & Wine magazine. SALT THE WATER just before adding the pasta, not while bringing to a boil. SAVE SOME OF THE STARCHY WATER (before draining) to help thicken, season and round out the flavors in almost any finished dish. USE THE RIGHT QUANTITIES--For every half-pound of pasta, use 3 quarts of water and 2 Tablespoons of kosher salt. Technorati Tags: pasta tips,how to cook pasta ...<< MORE >>

CAPE MAY—Warm your holiday spirits at the Mad Batter Restaurant, 19 Jackson St., with festive dining events co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC). Start the yuletide season with the Holiday Preview Weekend Wine Tasting Dinner on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a five-course dinner featuring cuisine and wines from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Dinner is limited to 60 people. Admission is $70 per person. The Holiday Wine Tasting Dinner on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. features a five-course holiday-themed dinner paired with little known varietal wines. Dinner is limited to 60 people. ...<< MORE >>

Middle Twp Prom is holding an online fundraiser in conjunction with Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant, Christine Feketics-Schroter. Order now through Dec 8th. Shop for the holidays or for yourself! Go to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/cfeketics to place your order. Search for host to connect to the fundraiser: first name “middle twp” last name “prom”. Contact our consultant with any questions or to place an order directly with her. 609-408-5208, or tschris4579@verizon.net. ...<< MORE >>