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Fresh Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa

I have to confess it took me 45 years to tackle the tomatillo only to find out that they are really very easy to work with. I don’t know why I was so intimitated by those little green tomato looking things with the wrinkled, papery skin, but I am no longer afraid. Actually, now I’m addicted. The original recipe for this salsa comes from Marcela Valladolid‘s Fresh Mexico Cookbook. I met Marcela and took home her cookbook after a Food Network sponsored house party last year. It’s taken me this long to post about it, unfortunately, especially since I now have a new favorite condiment.

»» Fresh Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa

Filed under: Appetizers,Food Blogging,Food Stars,Recipes,Vegetarian | Deborah Smith, Salsa, Tomatillos|1 Comment

“Survey” Says: An Interview with Tim Zagat

NJ Survey A few weeks ago, ZAGAT New Jersey Restaurants 2011-12 went on sale, along with a corresponding guide that covers the Jersey Shore’s restaurant scene. The Survey includes coverage of 1,050 restaurants across the state, reviewed by 6,909 diners. Eateries are rated on a 30-point scale in the categories of Food, Décor, and Service.

»» “Survey” Says: An Interview with Tim Zagat

Filed under: Essex,Food Stars,Restaurants,Reviews,new jersey | Rachel Bozek, Recommendations, restaurant recommendations, Tim Zagat, Zagat, Zagat Survey|No Comments

New Jersey Food & Wine Festival

In a state best known for its pizza, diners, and sliders, it’s great to be reminded of the destination dining and truly artful culinary work happening on this side of the Hudson. The 3rd Annual New Jersey Food & Wine Festival that spanned three days at the Crystal Springs Resort was the perfect place to sample and celebrate the local talent we can so proudly call our own.

The event itself was beautifully run, offering special events like the Top Chefs & Top Wines Dinner, featuring recent Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga (the former chef at Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton); wine seminars; a Scotch and cigar sampling; a Champagne brunch; and more. The Spotlight Event on Saturday night was the Grand Tasting, and it was equal parts overwhelming and awesome.

The tastings offered by more than 20 restaurants comprised a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and surprising bites, while generous pours from more than 30 wineries (not to mention Scotch, tequila, beer, and vodka vendors) were more than most samplers could handle in one night. Towering fresh flower arrangements, live music in three different rooms, a pair of dazzling Cirque du Soleil-style acrobats overhead in the grand ballroom, and a jovial crowd that flowed easily through the packed event showcased the professional handling going on behind the scenes.

If the restaurants and chefs didn’t fully represent the state’s talent pool – the majority of them hailing from North Jersey, with virtually no showing from Jersey Shore destinations or anything south of Bedminster – they did demonstrate what outstanding things they’re doing with the dining trends du jour: local, organic, sustainable, and seasonal.

»» New Jersey Food & Wine Festival

Filed under: Events,Food Stars,Morris County,Uncategorized,new jersey | Adele DiBiase, Ariane Duarte, Bona Vita Osteria, Boulevard Five 72, Cava Winery, Crystal Springs Resort, CulinAriane, Deanna Quinones, James Laird, Juan Cuevas, Kevin Sbraga, Last Call Wines, Maritime Parc, New Jersey Food & Wine Festival, Pluckemin Inn, Restaurant Serenade, Zylo|No Comments

The Food Network’s Food & Wine Festival 2010 in Atlantic City

This time last week we were in dining heaven at the Atlantic City Food Network’s Food and Wine Festival. This event is so jam packed with exciting events, Food Network celebrities and mountains of fabulous food, we just couldn’t do it justice with words. We’ve put together a slide show from the pictures we captured. You’re only getting a brief snapshot of the action. Put this event on your calendar for next year and join us in the fun.