I ♥ LBI

My annual trip to Long Beach Island.  I go with my friend Carol each August for just a couple of nights and we have a nice, relaxing time.  The first night we eat casual, but the second night we go for fine dining, lately at the highly rated Blue Restaurant.  That dinner is always wonderful, … Continue reading →

Cracker and Pop

Hye Quality Bakery is not located in New Jersey, but they’ll ship to New Jersey.  The word “hye” means Armenian, and my Armenian father loves traditional cracker bread like his mother used to bake, the huge rounds with the big bubbles.  When we were kids, we’d crack holes in the bigger bubbles, spoon in some jam, … Continue reading →

Cutie Pie

This cute-as-a-button peach pie is from the Saturday Montgomery Farmers Market.  It’s made by Just Made Bakery, the on-site bakery at Tree-Licious Orchards.  The Tree-Licious table of course has lovely peaches, plums, apricots, etc. this time of year, but it was the pie that caught my eye.  And it’s not just good looks; it tastes … Continue reading →

Sinicize me!

The word “sinicize”  captured my imagination as I watched the May 2008 National Spelling Championship on TV.  It means “to modify by Chinese influence.”  Well, consider me sinicized!  During last night’s stunning opening ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympics (thank you very much director Zhang Yimou), I was awed by the beauty, precision, and deep … Continue reading →

Donna Toscana Chocolate Lounge

You’ll have to do some driving, but it’ll be worth it.  Diane Pinder, who owns Donna Toscana Artisan Chocolate up in Cranford has just redecorated her shop and added a Chocolate Lounge, so you can sit down and enjoy your treats on the spot.  What could be better?  I met Diane at the Chocolate Show … Continue reading →

Such is Life

I vividly remember the first time I had seafood on a pizza.  I was on vacation in Cozumel, Mexico years ago. Friends staying at the same hotel I was had raved about the seafood pizza at a local restaurant, and I was both intrigued and a bit put off by the idea – but as … Continue reading →

On Fire

What is that fiery glow in the fruit bowl you ask?  Why, it’s the beautiful Red Jacket Orchards apricots I picked up at Whole Foods Market just this afternoon.  I didn’t even hesitate, one look at these beauties and I jumped.  Or they jumped, right into my cart.  $3.99 for the 1.25 pound package didn’t seem … Continue reading →

Chinese New Year in July

When it comes to entertaining at home, my dear friend Angela Chang just can’t stop cooking.  She and her husband Humphrey are energetic hosts, and when they recently had a large group over for a mid-summer picnic, it was like Chinese New Year in July.  I say that because the dinners they throw around the … Continue reading →

To Market To Market

Quick!  New Jersey Farmers markets are reaching “critical mass” this weekend.  We have corn, we have peaches, we have tomatoes, blueberries, and everything else summer, all ready and JerseyFresh for you!  So go to your local farmers market this weekend, West Windsor, Montgomery, Lawrenceville, Trenton, you name it, just get there.  Can’t make it?  Then … Continue reading →