Escape, Innovative Farm Dining, Opens in Montclair

by Melody Kettle

A rectangular blackboard hangs on an exposed brick wall in the dining room of Escape.  It's a bill of fare, of sorts; a white chalk roster of New Jersey farmers and artisans from which chef and owner, Bryan Gregg, sources proteins and produce. Gregg is source-centric. 

There's a gastronomic school of thought that says, "farm-to-table isn’t a trend - it’s the way it should be," and therefore food writers shouldn't be impressed with a chef  just because he uses farm fresh ingredients and local purveyors.  

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Elements in Princeton

by Melody Kettle

Nowadays, when you pull into 163 Baynard Lane you hand your keys to a valet, not a mechanic. Surprisingly, Elements, the acclaimed Princeton restaurant headed up by Chef Scott Anderson, is located in what was formerly an automobile service station.  Re-envisioned and repurposed, the exterior of Elements - muted stone and shiny metal - hums with a sleek, steely coolness and refined, modern confidence.

Scott AndersonMr. Hot and I journeyed down Route 1 to meet Pat Tanner, the well-respected, NJ food writer and restaurant critic, and her husband, Bill, for dinner at Elements.

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NJ Restaurant Week

by Melody Kettle

Get ready to eat hungry Jersey foodies! September 18 - 25, 2011 is NJ Restaurant Week!

Participating in the statewide event are some local favorites including: Highlawn Pavilion, The Manor, Fascino, Senorita's, CulinAriane, Lorena's, Rose Mediterranean, and Casa Vasca in Ironbound Newark. Click here for more information.

Governor Christie and Lt. Governor Guadagno have declared the week of September 18-25, 2011 as NJ Restaurant Week, and New Jersey Restaurant Association, the statewide business organization representing NJ’s eating & drinking establishments is proud to sponsor this statewide event with restaurants in every corner of the State offering multi-course lunch and dinner specials for $19.00 or less and $35.00 or less respectively. Thank you for supporting NJ restaurants this week and everyday!.