3 April 2019 New Jersey Restaurants Serving Easter Specials

New Jersey Restaurants Serving Easter Specials

April 3, 2019 By

Eating out for Easter is a tradition and a special treat for many families. The cost, time and skills needed to properly set an Easter meal can be daunting to most people and eating out simplifies things and in many cases, costs can be comparable to cooking a feast at home.

Many New Jersey restaurants are offering brunch and dinner specials for Easter, on April 21st and here are some local restaurants to consider. 

I’ll be updating this post as new information becomes available.

Bergen County

Felina (http://felinarestaurant.com  54 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood) will offer a three-course menu for $65. Call 551-276-5454 to reserve.

Haven (www.havenedgewater.com 2 Main Street, Edgewater) will serve a three-course menu all day for $70. Reservations are required, call 201-943-1900.

The Shannon Rose Irish Pubs (http://theshannonrose.com  1200 New Jersey 17, Ramsey) will be doing a special Easter brunch, including a Kids’ Knee-High Buffet from 11AM until 4PM for $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. There will also be a Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 11AM (children should bring a basket). For reservations, call 201-962-7602.

Essex County

The Manor Restaurant (www.themanorrestaurant.com  111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange) is offering a four-course menu from 12:30PM to 7PM for $79.95 per adult or $29.95 for children 10 to 3 years old, plus tax and gratuity. A brunch buffet will be served with seatings at 12PM and 1PM for $69.95 per adult or $29.95 for children 10 to 3 years old, plus tax and gratuity. A dinner buffet will be served with seatings from 3PM – 6:30PM for $69.95 per adult or $29.95 for children 10 to 3 years old, plus tax and gratuity Call 973-731-2360 for reservations.

Photo by Calandra’s Italian Village

Calandra’s Italian Village (https://calandras.net) will celebrate Thanksgiving at its various venues:

Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill – 118 US Highway 46, Fairfield. Will offer a buffet for $55 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under and free for children 4 and under. Seatings are at: 11:30AM, 2:30PM and 5:30PM. Call 973-575-6500 for reservations.

Cucina Calandra – 216 US Highway 46, Fairfield. A la carte specials along with a special brunch buffet. Brunch is from 11:30AM to 2:30PM and à la carte dining is from 12PM until 10PM. For reservations, call 973-575-7720 or 973-575-7200.

Il Vecchio Café – 234 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell. A traditional Easter buffet with seatings at 12PM, 2:30PM and 5PM is offered for $49.99 for adults and $19.99 for children 12 & under. Free for children 3 and under. Call 973-226-8889 for reservations.

Hudson County

Amanda’s (http://amandasrestaurant.com  908 Washington Street, Hoboken) will offer brunch from 10:30AM until 2:30PM for $42 plus tax and gratuity and a three-course menu starting at 3:30PM until 6PM for $59 plus tax and gratuity. Call to reserve at 201-798-0101.

Battelo (www.battellojc.com  502 Washington Blvd., Jersey City) a buffet will be offered from 10:30AM until 3:15PM for $49 per adult/$20 per child. A two-course prix fixe menu will be $45 per adult/$20 per child. A three-course dinner will be served from 5PM until 8:30PM for $59 per adult/$29 per child.

Liberty House (https://libertyhouserestaurant.com  76 Audrey Zapp Dr. Jersey City) will offer an Easter brunch from 11AM until 6PM for $58 for adults and $29 for kids ages 4-12. For Reservations call 201-395-0300.

Hunterdon County

The Ryland Inn (https://rylandinnnj.com  115 Old Hwy 28, White House Station) annual Easter egg hunt is at 11AM including a petting zoo, face painting, crafts and a visit from the Easter bunny. Easter brunch and lunch is from 12PM until 5PM. 4-course prix fixe menu for $79 per adult, $29 per child 12 and under not inclusive of tax & gratuity. For reservations, call 908-534-4011.

Mercer County

Agricola (https://www.agricolaeatery.com   11 Witherspoon St, Princeton) will offer a four-course prix fixe menu from 9AM to 3PM for $45 for adults plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 609-921-2798.

Photo by Brick Farm Tavern

Brick Farm Tavern (http://brickfarmtavern.com) Brick Farm Tavern, in conjunction with The Swell Party, will present a very unique Easter Sunday a la carte menu featuring fire roasted Double Brook lamb, heritage pork and Freedom Ranger chicken. Traditional brunch and savory entrees will be served 11AM to 6PM. Call 609-333-9200 to reserve.

Middlesex County

Due Mari (https://www.duemarinj.com  78 Albany Street, New Brunswick) is doing a two-course menu plus pastries, juice and coffee/tea and also offering its à la carte menu from 11AM to 2:45PM for $38 per adult and $25 for children under 10. Call 732-296-1600 for reservations.

Monmouth County

Avenue (www.leclubavenue.com  23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch) is offering pre-fixe menus for both adults and children. $40 for the adult menu and the children’s three-course menu is $12. Call 732-759-2900 for reservations.

Restaurant Nicholas (www.restaurantnicholas.com 160 Route 35 South Red Bank) will offer 3-course tasting menu for $75pp, four-course garden menu for $75pp, six-course tasting menu for $95pp nd a children’s menu for $32pp (plus tax and gratuity). Reserve at 732-345-9977.

Morris County

Blue Morel Restaurant & Wine Bar (http://bluemorel.com  2 Whippany Road, Morristown) will offer a 3-course menu for $59 adults and $29 children under 12 years old plus tax and gratuity with seatings from 12PM to 9PM. The Wine Room is also available for parties up to 18 guests. For reservations and more information call 973-451-2619.

Central + Main American Eatery (https://www.centralandmain.com 3 Centrale Avenue, Madison) will serve brunch (11AM – 4:30PM) and dinner (5PM – 9PM). Call 973-845-6622 to reserve.

Morris Tap & Grill (http://www.morristapandgrill.com 500 Route 10 West, Randolph) is offering a brunch buffet from 11AM until 2PM and a dinner buffet from 2PM until 5PM. $34 for adults, $14 for ages 5-11 and free for children under 5. Call 973-891-1776 for reservations.

Mr. Crabby’s (www.mrcrabbys.com  399 Route 10 East, Randolph) will offer a traditional Easter buffet from 10AM to 5PM for $32 for adults and $15 for children under 10. Call 973-343-7688 for reservations.

Passaic County

The Shannon Rose Irish Pubs (http://theshannonrose.com  98 Kingsland Road, Clifton) will be doing a special Easter brunch, including a Kids’ Knee-High Buffet from 11AM until 4PM for $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. There will also be a Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 11AM (children should bring a basket). For reservations, call 973-284-0200.

Somerset County

Olde Mill Inn & Grain House Restaurant (www.oldemillinn.com  225 Hwy 202, Basking Ridge) will offer a buffet from 9:30AM to 3:30PM for $58 adults, $24 children ages 4-11, 20% service charge and sales tax apply. Reservations required 908-696-2335.

The Bernards Inn (www.bernardsinn.com  27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville) will offer a buffet brunch with the Easter bunny for $35 for adults, $20 for children 2 to 12 years old with seatings from 9AM to 1:30PM.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling: 908-766-0002.

Sussex County

Andre’s Restaurant (www.dresrealfood.com  112 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta) will offer an à la carte menu with Easter traditional specials from 1PM until 5PM. The Easter bunny will be present. Call 973-726-6000 for details and to order.

Photo by Crystal Springs Resort

Crystal Springs Resort (www.crystalgolfresort.com  1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg) will offer Thanksgiving specials at its various restaurants and ballrooms: The Emerald Ballroom will host a grand buffet from 11AM until 4PM for ages 12 and over $59++ and children 4-11 $25++ and under 4 free. Crystal Tavern will offer a three-course menu from 11PM – 8PM for $46/person. Minerals Hotel’s Diamond Ballroom will offer a buffet from 11AM to 3:30PM for ages 12 and over $42.95++, children 4-11 $19.95++ and under 4 free. Black Bear Golf Course will offer a buffet from 10:30AM until 3:30PM for ages 12 and over $40.95++, children  4-11 $16.95++ and under 4 free. Call 855-977-6473 for reservations.

Perona Farms (https://www.peronafarms.com  350 Andover-Sparta Road, Andover) will offer an Easter dinner buffet from 11AM until 5PM for $49.95 for adults and $18.95 for children under 12. Call 973-729-6161 for reservations.

Stone Water (https://stonewaternj.com  125 NJ-181, Lake Hopatcong) will offer a buffet of traditional favorites starting at 10AM for $42/adults, $19/children over 4. Call 973-810-3858 for reservations.

Union County

Grand Summit Hotel (https://www.grandsummit.com  570 Springfield Avenue, Summit) will serve an Easter brunch with 11AM and 2PM seatings for $49.95 for adults, $44.95 for seniors (65 & up) and $25.95 children (5 -12) plus 21% service charge & NJ sales tax). Reservations are required, call 908-273-3000 x167.

Summit House (www.summithousenj.com  395 Springfield Avenue, Summit) from 11AM to 4PM, a three-course prix fixe menu will include family-style starters, desserts and choice of main dish. Adults $65 and children $35, optional wine pairing available.

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19 March 2019 Free Cone at Dairy Queen on March 20

Free Cone at Dairy Queen on March 20

March 19, 2019 By

On Wednesday, March 20, Dairy Queen fans can enjoy a free small vanilla soft-serve cone with the signature curl on top (limit one per customer, while supplies last) at participating non-mall DQ® and DQ Grill & Chill® locations throughout the U.S.


Happy first day of Spring everyone!

Following Free Cone Day, DQ is offering a small regular or dipped soft serve cone for 50 cents, available for redemption only with the DQ mobile app, March 21-31 at participating DQ and DQ Grill & Chill locations. This offer includes the NEW DQ orange, creamy and crunchy dreamsicle dip, or try the DQ classic chocolate dip. 

Throughout the year on the DQ mobile app, fans will receive national weekly exclusive DQ deals on treats, food and beverages, redeemable only at participating DQ restaurants in the U.S., excluding Texas.

For more information, visit DairyQueen.com and connect on social media using @DairyQueen and #LoveMyDQ.

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8 March 2019 Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at The Shannon Rose

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at The Shannon Rose

March 8, 2019 By

Can’t get enough of Saint Patrick’s Day? The Shannon Rose Irish Pub (http://theshannonrose.com)’s locations in Clifton and Ramsey are offering no shortage of food and fun throughout the month of March.

Following is a breakdown of events at the popular restaurants:

  • Foods of Ireland (March 1 – 31) – To kick off the celebration, the pub’s locations in Clifton and Ramsey will feature a special Foods of Ireland menu from March 1 – 31. Going beyond the traditional corned beef and cabbage, this menu presents the chefs’ unique versions of traditional Irish favorites.
  • Kids’ St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (March 9) – The Clifton and Ramsey pubs will offer special Kids’ St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for the littlest leprechauns in the family from 11am – 2pm. The events will include a leprechaun costume contest for the kids – with the winner receiving FREE kids’ meals for one year, along with Irish music and face painters. Reservations are encouraged as space is limited.
  • St Patrick’s Day Celebration (March 14 – 17) – The Shannon Rose Irish Pub pulls out all the stops for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration – its favorite holiday of the year. Both pubs have a jam-packed schedule of entertainment and events that include live Irish music, entertainment and whiskey tastings from Thursday, March 14 – Sunday, March 17.

Complete details about the events, including the menus and full lineup of performers, can be found at www.TheShannonRose.com.

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28 February 2019 2019 NJ Wine & Food Festival

2019 NJ Wine & Food Festival

February 28, 2019 By

Tickets are now on sale for the 2019 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival (https://njwinefoodfest.com) at Crystal Springs Resort, taking place April 12 – 14. This prestigious showcase for top culinary talent, winemakers and distilleries from around the world is celebrating its 11th year with a weekend of dinners, wine and spirits tastings, chef demos and more.

The weekend’s events offer something for everyone, from fun, interactive activities incorporating culinary elements such as Wine Yoga and Paso Paint and Sip, to tastings like Rose Champagne with Krug, Dom Perignon and Ruinart or 97 & Above, highlighting top-scoring wines (97 or more on a 100 point scale) to educational seminars such as The Art of Napa Cab to cocktail workshops like Mix it Up with Sagamore Spirits.

Event highlights:

Friday 4/12:

Top Chefs & Top Wines dinner at the newly redesigned Restaurant Latour featuring Crystal Springs Executive Chef Aishling Stevens and two chefs from the current season of Top Chef, David Viana of Heirloom Kitchen and Eddie Konrad of Philadelphia’s Laurel Restaurant, along with new Crystal Springs Resort Pastry Chef Matthew Siciliano. (4/12, 8pm, $295 plus tax & gratuity)

Wine Cellar Dinner with Chef Gabriel Kreuther, chef/owner of Michelin 2-starred Gabriel Kreuther in NYC. Chef Kreuther will be joined by his pastry chef Marc Aumont for an amazing dinner paired with back vintage wines from Crystal Springs’ award-winning Wine Cellar. (4/12, 8pm, $495 plus tax & gratuity)

Saturday 4/13:

9am Wine Yoga Start your day with some morning yoga. After the class, relax with a glass of sparkling wine from Domaine Carneros, refreshed and ready for the day. ($30)

10am Chandon & Donuts learn how to create doughnuts and dress them with the perfect toppings. ($30)

11am The Age of Wines Sommelier Tali Dalbaha will share tips on the practical side of home wine storage, as well as how to source and age wines. A tasting of six wines will showcase a variety of aged wines. ($35)

11am Paso Paint & Sip Learn how Hope Family Wines helped put Paso Robles wines on the map with Jason “JC” Diefenderfer, then create your own masterpiece with hands-on guidance from local artists. ($40)

12pm-3pm Marketplace Lunch Enjoy a feast of seasonal fare prepared by a team of chefs serving up spring dishes, fresh oysters, pasta, carved meats, artisanal cheeses and more, accompanied by the best of New Jersey wines. ($45)

12pm Bistro di Montalcino Follow Alessandra Angelini, proprietor of Wine Spectator Top 100 Winery Caparzo, on a walk through Tuscany’s most celebrated Sangiovese producing wine region, Montalcino, along with a spread of Italian small plates from Springs Bistro Chef Matthew Mulligan. ($40)

1pm The Art of Napa Cab with Nickel & Nickel Through a flight of 6 single-vineyard Nickel & Nickel Cabernets, learn and taste for yourself how vineyards that are in some cases less than a mile apart and growing the same varietal may produce wines of remarkably different character. ($65)

2pm 97 & Above Taste highly rated wines all 97 points or above (on the100 point scale) from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate ($75)

3pm The Pursuit of Pinot Join Calera winemaker Mike Waller to learn what’s truly special and age-worthy about the Pinot Noirs of Mt Harlan and why the Wine Advocate called Calera “California’s Romanée-Conti.” ($35)

3pm Secrets of the Cellar Explore the secrets of the incomparable Crystal Springs Wine Cellar with C.O.O. Robby Younes during this 90-minute seminar and tasting of some very rare and special wines. ($150)

3pm Rose Champagne Krug, Ruinart, Dom Perignon. Need we say more? ($65)

3pm Mix it Up with Sagamore Spirits Maryland Rye Whiskey is making a comeback – and here’s your chance to mix it up! Taste the line of Sagamore Ryes and try your hand a mixing a classic cocktail. ($30)

4pm Glenfiddich / Balvenie Higher Marks A rare treat for single malt lovers as we taste marks that are 15 years and older from Balvenie and Glenfiddich. ($70)

6:30/7pm – 10pm The Grand Tasting is the Festival’s signature event featuring more than 200 wines from over 50 wineries and bites from 40 top restaurants ($150; VIP $295; VIP admission 6:30pm, General Admission 7pm). Highlights of The Grand Tasting:

  • VIP Experience: two floors featuring top restaurants and premium wines, Champagnes and spirits
  • Restaurant participants highlight New Jersey’s best including: Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Ryland Inn, Batello, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, Crystal Tavern, Osteria Morini, Common Lot, Viaggio, Halifax, Montclair Bread Co, Pig & Prince, 17 Summer Restaurant, Andre’s, Saly G’s, Piattino Neighborhood Bistro and more
  • A wide range of wineries and Champagne houses from around the world

10pm – 1am Meet the Chefs and Winemakers After Party at the Biosphere tropical pool complex with open bars, DJ, buffets and more. ($150)

Sunday 4/14:

Champagne Brunch – the Festival wraps up with a Champagne Brunch featuring a sumptuous feast and lots of Champagne (4/14, 10am-1pm, $50 plus tax & gratuity)

The current schedule of events + tickets can be found at www.njwinefoodfest.com. Events take place at Crystal Springs Resort’s Clubhouse at Grand Cascades Lodge located at 1 Wild Turkey Way in Hamburg, NJ.

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Spuntino to Host Wines of France Dinner February 28

February 20, 2019 By

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (http://spuntinowinebar.com) invites guests to enjoy its Wines of France Dinner at its location in the Clifton Commons on Thursday, February 28 at 7pm.

To highlight some of the world-class wines produced in France, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas is pairing a selection of French wines with a five-course tasting menu to complement the flavor profiles of each.

Escargots

The full Wines of France dinner menu includes:

  • Escargot – Parsley garlic butter. Paired with Brochard Sancerre.
  • Gaston Gérard Chicken – in a mustard cream sauce. Paired with Burrier De La Rochette Mâcon-Bussières.
  • Seared Duck Breast – with creamy polenta. Paired with Villa Domaine Francois Saint-Joseph Rouge.
  • Beef Bourguignon – Potato, pearl onion, mushroom. Paired with Chateau Parenchere Bordeaux Superieur.
  • Crêpes Suzette – Paired with La Fleur d’Or Sauternes.
Crêpes Suzette

Tickets for the Wines of France Dinner are $79 per person and can be purchased online by visiting: http://spuntinowinebar.com/france-wine-dinner-clifton.

Cheers,

Veronique

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12 January 2019 Wine & Words with Teresa Politano

Wine & Words with Teresa Politano

January 12, 2019 By

A Wine & Words creative writing excursion and wine tasting featuring famed New Jersey writer, Teresa Politano, will be held at Mount Salem Vineyards on Sunday, February 10, 2019 2:00-4:00 PM.

Wine as writing, wine as life. Spend a unique afternoon tasting wine and writing in the creative workshop where attendees will compare the structure, joy and language of wine to the structure, joy and language of storytelling.

Learn first from world-class winemaker Peter Leitner about the process of creating fine wines, from seedling to glass, and how to identify the integrity of a wine, its bouquet, its finish. Apply the lessons of that journey to your storytelling through a series of guided writing exercises led by award-winning editor and author Teresa Politano.

Along with the wine, enjoy light refreshments, all made on the premises with ingredients raised within a mile of the vineyard.

  • Winemaker Peter Leitner is the founder of Mount Salem Vineyards, producer of world class wines in nearby Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
  • Teresa Politano is an author, journalist and adjunct professor at Rutgers University. She is editor of Edible Jersey magazine, and is pursuing an MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Workshop fee: $75 and more info, including how to register, can be found here: https://writerscircleworkshops.jumbula.com/view#/events

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11 January 2019 Allagash Brewing Dinner at Villalobos January 30

Allagash Brewing Dinner at Villalobos January 30

January 11, 2019 By

Amanti Vino (www.amantivino.com) will host a very cool Allagash Brewing Company (www.allagash.com) beer dinner at Villalobos in Montclair on Wednesday, January 30th @ 7pm.

Jared Ruocco of Allagash Brewing Company will be on-hand for an epic four-course, family style dinner prepared by Chef Adam Rose (owner and head chef at Villalobos).

Highlighted by a mouthwatering Berkshire Pork Shoulder “Carnitas” with all the taco ‘fixins’, the menu will be paired with the iconic Allagash favs as well as Amanti-Vino-Exclusive releases! That’s right—beers previously only available at the Allagash taproom in Portland, Maine will be in the house and available to order for dinner-attendees only!

Allagash Brewing Company comes to us from beautiful Portland, Maine. It’s become infamous on the American Craft Beer scene for its meticulous execution of Old World Belgian styles. Jared Ruocco joins us to show how their unwavering focus on these highly complex styles makes for an undeniably tasty and balanced brew to pair with the subtle nuances of Chef Adam’s menu.

Upon Arrival: 
Allagash Saison 

First Course: 
Sikil Pak w/ vegetables and Mayan pumpkin seed dip
Warm Octopus Al Pastor w/winter citrus, fennel, parsley root puree, olives)
Roasted beets w/ grilled avocado, bleu cheese, almonds, and mint
Paired with: Brett IPA & Hive 56

Mid-Course: 
Steamed Mussels in Allagash beer broth w/ chorizo, roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and lightly toasted bread
Paired with: Allagash White

Main Course:
Berkshire Pork Shoulder “Carnitas”; bone-in roasted with sour oranges and herbs served with traditional sides and tortillas
Paired with: Allagash Tripel & Black

Dessert: 
Roasted Apple Churros with warm salted mezcal caramel crème dipping sauce
Paired with: Curieux & Pictavia

There’s a strict 48 hour cancellation policy for this pairing dinner!

The details:
What: Berkshire Pork “Carnitas” & Allagash Brewing Co. @ Villalobos
When: Wednesday, January 30th @ 7PM 
Where: Villalobos (6 S. Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042)
Cost:  Approximately $65 per person ($45 for food and $20 for beer)

To reserve for this very exclusive dinner, email Amanti Vino or call: (973) 267-9463. 

Filed Under: Beer Reviews, Food & Wine Events Tagged With: ,
10 January 2019 The Shannon Rose Irish Pub Hop & Sizzle Menu

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub Hop & Sizzle Menu

January 10, 2019 By

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub‘s annual Hop & Sizzle menu is now available through January 30 at its Clifton and Ramsey restaurants.

The Angry Shannon. Photo by The Shannon Rose Irish Pub.

The Hop & Sizzle menu – showcasing one of the all-time greatest duos in history: burgers and beer – features a selection of chef-created, hand-crafted burgers, each with a craft beer suggestion for the perfect pairing. The full menu includes:

  • The “House-Made” Everything – Ground beef, grilled and layered over a base of house-made pickles, topped with crispy mozzarella tempura, candied black pepper bacon, house-made potato chips and ranch dressing. Served with a side of house-made chips.
    • Pairing Suggestion: Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale
  • The Angry Shannon – Ground beef stuffed with mozzarella, mac and cheese sauce and jalapenos. Served on a seeded bun with house-made Thousand Island dressing, shredded lettuce, sautéed onions, pickles and a side of fries.
    • Pairing Suggestion: Rogue Chocolate Stout
  • Greek Chicken – Fresh ground chicken seasoned with The Shannon Rose Irish Pub’s special spice blend and grilled to perfection. Topped with feta cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and house-made tzatziki sauce.  Served with a side of fries.
    • Pairing Suggestion: Ommegang Pale Sour
  • Chorizo – Ground chorizo and beef topped with Chihuahua cheese, chipotle aioli, guacamole and tomato. Served on a brioche bun with a side of fries.
    • Pairing Suggestion: Carton 077XX IPA

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub: 98 Kingsland Rd, Clifton, NJ 07014 and 1200 NJ-17, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

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8 January 2019 Donaldson Farms Healthy Bites Buying Club CSA

Donaldson Farms Healthy Bites Buying Club CSA

January 8, 2019 By

Donaldson Farms (https://donaldsonfarms.net) is one of my very favorite places to visit in New Jersey. The farm is simply gorgeous, the staff is friendly and helpful and I visit throughout the summer, especially during ‘you-pick-it berry and apple season.

Photo by Donaldson Farms.

It’s the New Year and many of us are looking to implement healthier eating habits in 2019. A great way to help with this is to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

What is a CSA

The concept of a CSA is that a farmer grows for a group of members who have purchased “shares” in the harvest. Members pay at the beginning of the growing season, when funds are needed for seeds and planting materials and tools. When the crops start coming in July, the farmer delivers a weekly assortment of vegetables, herbs, fruits and/or other farm staples.

Photo by Donaldson Farms.

The Donaldson Farms CSA Program

The Donaldson Farms Healthy Bites Buying Club is a 16-week local produce membership CSA program featuring the freshest fruits and vegetables each week. Weekly, members receive a premium selection of produce that is just the right size for their households. All of the fruits and vegetables grown on the farm are non-GMO. Donaldson Farms has been awarded an ‘Environmental Stewardship’ certificate by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for its “Voluntary and proactive measures taken to go beyond compliance in an effort to improve the environment and ensure a sustainable future”. 

Other benefits of joining the Donaldson Farms CSA: a member picnic, photo contests, inspiring recipes to share, access to the exclusive social media site and more!

Photo by Donaldson Farms.

How to Receive your ‘Bite’

Option 1: Pre-packed – Donaldson Farms does it. Pre-packed is ideal for members on-the-go who and those who like having market staff choose from them.

Option 2: Pack-Your-Own – members do it. Pack-Your-Own is ideal for members who prefer the flexibility of choosing their own items. Members visit the farm each week to select from the seasonal list of available produce and goodies on their scheduled pickup day.

Option 3: ‘Healthy Bites Buying Club’ Delivery Service: Donaldson Farms does it AND delivers ($5 delivery fee/week). Farm fresh goodies will be delivered to members’ doorstep every Thursday between 1pm-4pm. Customers need not be present, Donaldson Farms will drop off in a designated spot.

Pick-Up Day Options:

Tuesdays, noon to 6pm (Pack-Your-Own)

Thursdays, noon to 6:30pm (Pre-Packed)

Sundays, 10am to 2pm (Pre-packed and Pack-Your-Own)

Delivery Service:

Thursdays 1pm – 4pm (available within a 5-mile radius of our market)

2019 ‘Bite’ Size Options:

Full Bite (one bushel) – Recommended for 4 or more people (Early Enrollment $700 by March 15 or $775 after March 15)

Half Bite (half of a bushel) – Recommended for 3-4 people (early enrollment $500 by March 15 or $560 after March 15)

Single Bite (quarter of a bushel) – Recommended for 1-2 people (Early Enrollment $325 by March 15 or $350 after March 15)

Early Bird Offer

An ‘Early Bird’ sign up incentive applies to CSA programs paid in full by January 31, 2019. Clients who sign up and order by January 31, 2019 receive 10% off local sweet corn or peaches throughout the NJ sweet corn and peach season!

Additional Options:

Egg share half dozen eggs – $3/week ($48 total)

Egg share full dozen eggs – $4.50/week ($72 total)

Local cheese sampler share $4.94/week ($79 total). Cheese are sourced from our local and regional dairy partners to bring you a sampling of the area’s most delicious cheeses. Members receive one cheese item per week for 16 weeks. Cheese varieties will range from hard cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda, Monterrey Jack and more), Cheese Curds, Ricotta, Mozzarella and more.

2019 ‘Bite’ Season

The 16-week program starts on July 9, 2019 and runs through November 3, 2019. This includes a one-week vacation date pre-selected by each ‘Bites’ member.

Sign Up

To sign up for the Donaldson Farms Healthy Bites Buying Club CSA, CLICK HERE.

Donaldson Farms – 358 Allen Road, Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840. 908-852-9122.

Here’s to a healthy 2019!

Veronique

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28 December 2018 Best Restaurant Desserts of 2018

Best Restaurant Desserts of 2018

December 28, 2018 By

I’m a savory foods person who won’t typically order desserts at restaurants – I just can’t commit to a whole portion! I do, on the other hand, love to share desserts. Less is more in my book.

In 2018, I was fortunate to have sampled some amazing desserts and below are my seven favorite desserts of the year.

Here’s the list in restaurant name alphabetical order.

Braun’s Tavern, Bloomfield, NJ – The Irish Car Bomb was everything I could have asked for: Guinness chocolate cake with Irish cream mascarpone and bourbon caramel. Oh, and tiny white chocolate curls to gild the lily.

Irish Car Bomb

Chloe by Haidar Karoum, Washington, DC – the Meyer Lemon Tart with Graham cracker crust, meringue and blueberry relish is not only Instagramable it’s light and citrusy and the perfect ending to the outstanding meal we had at this award-winning restaurant.

Meyer Lemon Tart

Common Lot, Millburn, NJ – The chocolate caramel tart for two was sublime at this popular restaurant and for good reasons. It’s decadent with great texture and shareable.

Chocolate Caramel Tart

Heirloom Kitchen,Old Bridge, NJ – We were served the lightest, most velvety Japanese cheesecake with citrus flavors after an award-worthy meal and it might have been the star dish of the evening.

Japanese Cheesecake

Luigi’s Ice Cream, Jersey City, NJ (and other locations) – I visited the food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar boozy rolled ice cream shop at its Ani Ramen location in Jersey City and was wowed by the product. My Frangelico Hazelnut Rocher concoction was incredible with the luscious Frangelico and chocolate cream and great crunch from the Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

Frangelico Hazelnut Rocher

Maritime Parc, Jersey City, NJ – Pastry Chef John Sauchelli personally delivered what might be my favorite dessert of 2018 – rhubarb cobbler ice cream sundae.

rhubarb cobbler ice cream sundae

South + Pine American Eatery, Morristown, NJ – I try not to order the same thing twice at my favorite restaurants but I make an exception at S+P for the decadent butterscotch pudding. It’s a generous portion to be shared with friends that looks deceivably simple but packs a big caramel punch.

Butterscotch Pudding

Here’s to a sweet 2019!

Veronique

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