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
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
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
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
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
Hopewell’s Newest Farm-to-Table Restaurateurs Specialize in Eastern and Central European Fare
By Ilene Dube | Photos by Jeffrey E. Tryon
When Otto and Maria Zizak purchased 52-acres of preserved farmland in Hopewell and set the plans in motion to open a farm-to-table restaurant on the township’s main drag, they had no idea that a pandemic was about to strike, one that would lead to an economic crisis that would shutter more than half of all restaurants.
In the best of times, 60 percent of restaurants fail within the first year of opening, and 80 percent within five years, according to a study by Ohio State University. One thinks of Marhaba, the beloved Middle Eastern restaurant with an outpost in Lambertville that opened on Nassau Street in Princeton in 2017. Despite the long waits for a table, Marhaba shuttered unexpectedly a few months later.
The Zizaks are cautiously optimistic. They have opened several restaurants in New York City and continue to operate two of them during the changing tides of state regulations regarding indoor and outdoor dining. As takeout only, they have been able to lower expenses and remain sustainable.
With sound business acumen, the Zizaks are finding the silver linings. For example, while many restaurateurs see delays in opening as setbacks, Otto and Maria are grateful for the extra time to iron out kinks.
“The delay has been a blessing,” says Otto. “We are using the time to make sure everything is perfect.” Along with the couple’s sons, ages 15 and 17, Otto is building the restaurant’s furniture. “Now we have three additional months to build the tables and chairs,” he said in July from the farmhouse on the property. The Zizaks ultimately plan to live in the house, but for the time being are renting in Princeton. more
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
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
The MC Hotel, in the heart of Montclair, has reopened its doors to its popular ALTO rooftop, the city’s only rooftop bar. Located on the ninth floor of the hotel through the building’s Bloomfield Avenue entrance, the spacious rooftop space is now open for drinks Wednesdays-Sundays, with reservations encouraged through opentable.com. Guests can sip on a glass of sparkling rose or a handcrafted cocktail while enjoying sweeping views of the New York City skyline. more
August is peach month at Peddler’s Village, and every day the Bucks County location will offer special peach-themed food and drinks at restaurants and eateries. There will also be live entertainment on select weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, guests can enjoy made-to-order sandwiches and burgers at the Water Wheel Food Tent. more
Cook along with five-time James Beard Award winner and New York Times best-selling cookbook author Dorie Greenspan in this special virtual fundraising event for Princeton Public Library (PPL) on Sunday, July 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. more
Dating back to the early British settlers of North America, cobblers are based on a tradition of baking seasonal fruit and covering it with a sweet, dry scone-like mixture. The result is a cousin to the humble pie, but somehow even more satisfying. Perfect for an early summer barbecue, Claire Ptak’s cobbler makes for a crave-worthy sweet, tart dessert. more
The Meeting House restaurant at 277 Witherspoon Street is offering a tantalizing spring menu for takeout that will elevate any mealtime. Their Family Supper is now offered daily, with Family Brunch on weekends. Throw in a great bottle of wine at a reduced price. The Meeting House is happy to deliver all orders to your home. Better yet, order a spectacular meal for your social distancing friends! more
For $85 per box, Terra Momo will provide family-style Italian culinary classics, ensuring plenty of great food and good memories despite the current climate. more
Catering by Thomas at Yardley Country Club offers delicious, gourmet meals to go with curbside pickup available Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24 from 2 to 6 p.m. more
By Taylor Smith
Located in the rolling hills of Warren County, two miles east of the Delaware River in Milford, N.J., Alba Vineyard is the perfect February getaway. The winery is hosting Wine and Chocolate Weekends on February 8, 9 and 15, 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tasting experiences are priced at $20 per person (21 and older) and include a flight of Alba’s estate wines paired with cheeses, flatbread, and a sampling of gourmet truffles, chocolate caramels, and a selection of French macarons. The price also includes an etched wine glass. more
By Taylor Smith
By Taylor Smith
The Meeting House, at 277 Witherspoon Street in Princeton, is offering a Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu for $55 per person/$25 pairing option. Diners can choose from delicious items such as a Roasted Corn Pancake with House Cured Salmon and Crème Fraiche, Roasted Beet Salad, Braised Short Ribs, and Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Buttercream (paired with a chocolate strawberry and glass of Cava), among others. View the complete Valentine’s Day menu at https://bit.ly/2Rrw1TP. Customers can place orders for custom cakes by calling (609) 436-7892. more
By Taylor Smith
Nino’s Pastry Shop at 3800 Quakerbridge Road in Trenton has all the classic pastries and desserts that you, your friends, and family will love. Guests will savor every last buttery crumb of Nino’s Sicilian Cannoli, walnut rings, pies, Danish, and cookies. more
By Taylor Smith
Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, Hunterdon County, is a passion project of Michael Beneduce Sr. and his son, Mike Beneduce Jr. As a family rooted in farming for multiple generations, the Beneduces have a distinct love and understanding of the Garden State’s soil. more
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