Restaurant Feature | Princeton Magazine

Hoagie Haven: Princeton’s Food Sanctuary

From hoagies to pizza, see how the Maltabese brothers have taken over Princeton’s food scene

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

It’s nearly impossible to walk through Princeton without recognizing the signs and symbols of the town. There are Princeton University’s signature black and orange colors, the tiger mascot, plenty of pi symbols, and of course, the famous Hoagie Haven t-shirt. While Hoagie Haven may not technically be a part of the PU campus, it’s certainly a culinary staple amongst the students. In fact, it’s a staple for anyone who’s ever craved fries, bacon, cheesesteak, mozzarella sticks, or any other deliciously indulgent and gloriously greasy food – all on a hoagie, no less. Hoagie Haven is indeed a sanctuary for those who might be slightly hung over, are ready to watch a football game, or are simply looking to consume some famously tasty food. Owned and operated by the restaurant-savvy Maltabese brothers, it’s no wonder that Hoagie Haven has fans spanning the country, if not the globe. more

The NYC Wine & Food Festival

(Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

Get ready to eat, drink, and end hunger at the NYC Food and Wine Festival starting October 15

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

The Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival has announced its 2015 events to eat, drink, and end hunger. From October 15 – 18, 100% of the net proceeds from more than 100 events taking place throughout NYC will benefit the Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry®. To date, the Festival has raised more than $8.5 million to help fight hunger with the nation’s leading hunger-relief organizations.

The Festival will be held at Piers 92 and 94, with the latter being the epicenter for the event’s tasting compound, where guests can sample food and wine from some of NYC’s best restaurants. Pier 92 will host several signature events that anchor the Festival each evening. Some of the premiere happenings include Giada De Laurentils’ Italian Feast featuring NYC’s best trattorias, a competition for the best mac and cheese dish hosted by Rachael Ray, and a cocktail showdown hosted by Emeril Lagasse. Other Festival staple events include Chicken Coupe hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and the Best Bloody Mary Brunched hosted by the cast of Chopped.
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The Inside Scoop On The Bent Spoon

See why The Bent Spoon has been stealing the hearts of ice cream lovers near and far

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

With over 550 farm fresh flavors in rotation– including a constant supply of chocolate and vanilla – it’s no wonder that The Bent Spoon has developed a cult-like following in Princeton, New Jersey. Aside from promoting local businesses, the state of New Jersey, and organic eating, The Bent Spoon has also encouraged Princetonians to get experimental with their ice cream.

The quaint shop offers 24 flavors at a time, each inspired by seasonal New Jersey produce. That means there are summer ice cream flavors like sweet corn, basil, and Beach Plum currently available, while flavors like pumpkin and shiitake mushroom will make their debut this fall. Although most people don’t associate fruits and veggies with a decadent dessert, The Bent Spoon proves that produce is possibly at its best when made into ice cream. more

Plate to Date: Elements Restaurant

Celebrate the reopening of elements by trying these exceptional entrees

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

The critically acclaimed upscale eatery, elements, has a new home in downtown Princeton as of August 11, 2015. With its reopening at 66 Witherspoon Street, gastronomes can continue to savor Chef Scott Anderson’s award-winning “interpretive-American” cuisine, but in an exquisite new venue that only enhances the experience. more

Robin McConaughy’s 10 Favorite Things

From prepping Thanksgiving dinner to vacationing in Maine, co-owner of Brick Farm Market, Robin McConaughy reveals the 10 things she can’t live without

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

One look at Robin McConaughy’s list of 10 favorite things reveals a lot about the co-owner of Hopewell’s Brick Farm Market. It tells of her love for the outdoors, great food, family, and her hometown area. It also shows that most of McConaughy’s favorite things make up the foundation of her family businesses, Double Brook Farm, Brick Farm Market, and Brick Farm Tavern. In fact, McConaughy and her husband Jon have been channeling their passions for fresh food and environmentally friendly practices into their work since 2000. As a result, the McConaughys have provided the greater Princeton area with a flourishing chain of businesses that feature local food and vendors. Below, McConaughy explains to Princeton Magazine why her 10 favorite things drive who she is and what she does. more

Plate to Date: Mistral’s Smoked Salmon Tartine

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Location: 66 Witherspoon Street (near Palmer Square), Princeton, NJ; (609) 688-8808

Website: http://www.mistralprinceton.com

Nestled next to Palmer Square, Mistral Restaurant represents the best of Princeton’s dining scene. Home for international palates and modern tastes, Mistral features seasonal and creative small plates courtesy of their chef de cuisine Ben Nerenhausen. Spending much of his childhood overseas in places like Pakistan and Egypt, Nerenhausen’s entrees incorporate local foods with global cooking techniques inspired by his travels. more