Category: Foodies/Tastylicious

Grab a bite day or night at my pub den. Enjoy your grubs. Listen and dance to the reggae rub-a-dub. Just a fantasy for now tho…

Categories
Business Culture Foodies/Tastylicious Lifestyle Local Events Programs & Events

Ristorante Lucca in collaboration with AACCNJ host ongoing business ‘Mix and Mingle Monday’ sessions through October

 

 

 

 

Join us every other month for an evening of sophistication and networking at Ristorante Lucca & Piano Lounge exclusive “Mix and Mingle Mondays” hosted by AACCNJ! Dates of upcoming events:

 

 

December 18, 2023 – Holiday Launch Event 🎄
February 5, 2024
April 8, 2024
June 3, 2024
August 5, 2024
October 7, 2024

 

 

Indulge in our bi-monthly cocktail-style event, where you can relish handcrafted cocktails in a lively and sophisticated ambiance. A cash bar is available, offering a variety of beverage options for you to sip and socialize. Additionally, treat your palate to a selection of exquisite hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, expertly crafted by the culinary team at Ristorante Lucca.

 

Don’t miss the launch event on December 18, 2023, for a festive start to the holiday season! Mark your calendars, and get ready to Mix and Mingle with AACCNJ at Ristorante Lucca.

 

Dear AACCNJ Members,

We at Ristorante Lucca are excited to participate in the upcoming events organized by the chamber. We would like to donate a $500 dollar gift as a door prize to support the Chamber’s upcoming events. Furthermore, we would like to take this opportunity to seek your support in promoting our Holiday party offerings for businesses and individuals. We understand that many organizations are actively looking for holiday party venues, and our restaurant provides an intimate and luxurious environment for such events. We believe that our diverse menu, elegant atmosphere, and exceptional hospitality make Ristorante Lucca the ideal choice for any group looking to celebrate the holidays in style. It would be a pleasure to serve your members and provide them with an unforgettable experience. Thank you for your continued efforts to support local businesses, and we look forward to your response.

 

Best regards,

The Ristorante Lucca Team

 

Categories
Business Culture Economics Education Environment Foodies/Tastylicious International & World Lifestyle

The Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2023 report finds tea outperforms coffee in 4 key sustainability areas

Firsd Tea’s new report suggests industry experts view some sustainability efforts in tea more favorably than in coffee

… the discovery that tea is perceived as performing relatively well in these sustainability areas came as a breath of fresh air.

— Jason Walker, Marketing Director, Firsd Tea

SECAUCUS, N.J. – According to a new report from Firsd Tea, the largest importer of Chinese tea in the U.S., most professionals in tea and related industries—such as coffee and cocoa—say the tea industry outperforms coffee across four key sustainability focus areas.

 

Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2023 is the second annual survey that continues a first-of-its-kind global 2022 study to gauge opinions of tea sustainability among associated experts.

 

Specifically, most respondents in 2023 viewed tea as performing “very well or somewhat well” regarding reducing its environmental impact (75%), workers’ rights (64%), gender equity (58%), and improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers (66%) when compared with coffee and cocoa sectors.

 

“With so much negative news about the environment in the press, the discovery that tea is perceived as performing relatively well in these sustainability areas came as a breath of fresh air,” Firsd Tea marketing director, Jason Walker, explains. He adds, “What’s so compelling about our global 2023 study’s findings compared with those in 2022 is that a larger slice of our respondents were actually from the coffee industry this go-around.” Coffee professionals comprised 36% of this year’s vs. 19% of last year’s study.

 

Apart from revealing tea’s notable perceived performance in key sustainability areas, the study also found:

  • Most survey-takers remain worried about the effects of climate change on their business operations (80% in 2022 vs. 75% in 2023).

 

  • Tea is still considered the most sensitive industry to the effects of climate change by most professionals in tea and related industries (93% in 2022 vs. 95% in 2023).

 

  • Most respondents in tea and related industries still agree Organic Certification is the most important standard to consumers (84% in 2022 vs. 88% in 2023).

 

  • Compared with Firsd Tea’s 2022 study, Vietnam (+37%), Kenya (+33%), China (+26%), and Sri Lanka (+26%) saw outstanding perceived sustainability improvements in 2023.

 

  • Most respondents in tea and related industries report improved outlooks on progress made in sustainability from 10 years ago, the current state of sustainability in tea, and the trajectory for the next 10 years.

 

“We are honored to continue this essential research to encourage stakeholders across tea and related industries to reflect on and prioritize sustainability,” explains Firsd Tea executive director, Shengyuan Chen.

 

The study derives its results from a three-month long survey conducted from May 2023 to July 2023 in collaboration with Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, a 120+ year-old publication covering the global tea and coffee industries from origin through the supply chain. Princeton-based Crothers Consulting administered the survey to 100 voluntary respondents conducting business in tea and related sectors (e.g. coffee, wine and cocoa).

 

For the full Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2023 Report, click here.

 

About Firsd Tea:

Firsd Tea is the U.S. subsidiary of parent company, Zhejiang Tea Group, Ltd. (ZJT), China’s largest tea exporter and the world leader in green tea exports. Founded in 1950, ZJT has been the largest tea producer and exporter in China for 25 consecutive years. The company has remained one of the leading and most technologically advanced manufacturers and innovators in the Chinese tea industry. ZJT boasts strategic collaboration with the Science Department of Zhejiang University as well as the Hangzhou Tea Research Institute of All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Co-operatives. Zhejiang Tea Group’s portfolio of products include EU compliant conventional teas and organic teas (first organic tea producer in China since 1989), decaf teas (one of only two companies in China who have a CO2 decaf facility) and chemical solvent-free tea extractions, including instant teas, tea polyphenols, and EGCG.

 

About the Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives study:

The Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives study is an annual, first-of-its-kind global tea report that derives its findings from a survey of voluntary respondents conducting business in tea and related industries (e.g. coffee, sugar cane, wine and cocoa). Survey responses are primarily generated by website posting and subscriber outreach by Firsd Tea and The Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, direct messaging on platforms such as LinkedIn, and word-of-mouth networking. Industry-specific organizations also promote the survey by sharing it with their respective stakeholders.

 

— Source: Firsd Tea
Categories
Culture Environment Foodies/Tastylicious Local News Regulations & Security

Locals should not feed the bears!

Residents are asked to be alert and watch for black bears as the bears forage for food ahead of their winter den season.

Though most of New Jersey’s black bears live in the northwest portion of the state, black bears have been sighted in all 21 counties.

Please take steps to secure trash cans and other potential sources of food.

Bears that find food in residential neighborhoods may learn to associate people with food. These bears may then become nuisances that cause property damage, seek handouts from people, or become dangerous. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a fine of up to $1,000.

Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to NJ Fish & Wildlife by calling 1-877-927-6337. Find more safety tips and information at the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Categories
Art & Life Culture Foodies/Tastylicious Lifestyle

How to make Brie Larson’s ‘Lesson in Chemistry’ lasagna

Get ready to unleash your inner chef with AppleTV+’s “Lessons in Chemistry” and learn how to make the perfect lasagna.

 

Adapted from the Bonnie Garmus novel, Brie Larson plays Elizabeth Zott, a scientist turned cooking show host. And for the 1950s, she is a woman well ahead of her time who stands up to the men and system that oppress her. In the series, Elizabeth perfects the art of making lasagna. It is also the first dish Calvin (Lewis Pullman) tastes and their romance blooms. Behind the scenes, food consultant Courtney McBroom assisted every step of the way to ensure the food looked mouthwatering to audiences.

 

In the opening moments of the first episode, Elizabeth tells the studio audience she is going to make a lasagna. “We put a lot of thought into that scene. Which parts of the lasagna did we want to see being made, which were the prettiest parts we wanted to showcase,” says McBroom.

 

Every possible part of the lasagna-making process from the carrots, onion and garlic were laid out raw. In another step, the vegetables were cooked. Similarly, for the meat, McBroom laid out the stages from raw meat to meat and tomato sauce, to the meat being cooked with the sauce. She adds, “We had every possible option to switch out, that way no one would have to wait between takes.”

 

When Elizabeth brings lasagna to work and Calvin tries it for the first time, McBroom stood behind the camera watching as Sarah Adina Smith directed Larson as she puts the components together, layering the noodles and adding a sauce.

 

The recipe used in the series is McBroom’s personal favorite. “I cook it all the time,” she says.

 

She chose to include ricotta as well as the bechamel sauce – ricotta and mozzarella are typically used in Southern Italian lasagna recipes, whereas Northern Italian recipes will use bechamel and Parmigiano Reggiano. McBroom answers, “That’s a nod to the ‘50s lasagna. The one I cook at home doesn’t typically have ricotta.”

 

McBroom says lasagna was the perfect dish to serve because it was a symbol of Elizabeth. “It has all these layers. It’s a reflection of the way she approaches herself. She’s always trying to build herself into something better and trying to be perfect.

 

And what is the secret to making a good lasagna? The answer lies in the layering. “I like to do a bunch of layers with a little bit of sauce in between. I like to get thin layers, not thick. The ideal version is to make your own pasta and get it as thin as possible,” advises McBroom.

 

 

— Variety

Categories
Business Culture Foodies/Tastylicious Lifestyle News Now! Programs & Events

Sprouts Farmers Market celebrates milestone with 400th store opening in Haddon Township, NJ

Sprouts continues to stretch from coast to coast

 

PHOENIX — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, opens its 400th store.

 

Its newest store opened on Sept. 8 located at 640 W. Cuthbert Blvd. in Haddon Township, N.J. As a part of Sprouts’ five-year plan, it remains committed to a robust growth strategy, aiming to expand 10 percent year over year.

 

“Following the unveiling of our 399th store just last week in Rialto, Calif., and now, on the opposite coast, our 400th store celebrates its opening in Haddon Township, N.J.,” said Jack Sinclair, chief executive officer of Sprouts.

 

“The expansion not only marks a significant milestone, but also represents our success in offering high quality better-for-you products to our customers coast to coast. To our remarkable teams, loyal customers, and supportive partners, thank you for being integral to this incredible accomplishment.”

 

Haddon Township, N.J. marks the 23rd store opening for Sprouts this year. Each new store adheres to an innovative design concept, featuring a 23,000-square-foot footprint, and a bright and airy farmers market experience with an open layout, community feel, and produce at the heart of the market.

 

“Our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, with our trajectory fueled by our dedication to delivering a wide assortment of organic groceries, local farm-fresh produce, and quality healthy products that cater to any dietary needs,” said Nick Konat, chief operating officer of Sprouts.

 

“As we celebrate our 400th store milestone, we now set our sights on the promising path ahead, looking forward to continuing growth and positive impact in the communities we serve.”

 

Sprouts is currently located in 23 states across the U.S., including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

 

For a list of current stores, visit www.sprouts.com/stores.

 

About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts is the place where goodness grows. True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 team members and operates approximately 400 stores in 23 states nationwide. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit about.sprouts.com.

Contacts

480.263.0441, media@sprouts.com

Categories
Business Culture Economics Environment Foodies/Tastylicious Lifestyle Programs & Events

Sprouts announces 24 school garden builds in 24 hours in 24 communities

Foundation invests over half a million dollars directly into local schools for nutrition education, academic learning

 

PHOENIX — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #24gardensin24hours—The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation announced today that it is awarding 24 schools across the U.S. with a new or refreshed learning garden as part of the “24 Gardens in 24 Hours in 24 Communities” contest, that was launched in April to celebrate Earth Month. From a pool of over 3,000 nominations by Sprouts customers, a three-month process involving interviews and thorough vetting generated in the selection of the final 24 schools.

On Saturday, Sept. 23 an estimated 500 Sprouts team members across the country will join together to install these learning spaces, building 24 school gardens in 24 hours. Companywide volunteer service days have become an annual tradition for Sprouts, whose team members have donated more than 10,000 service hours over the last five years, working to bring these programs to life for kids.

 

“Sprouts is committed to providing children with hands-on educational experiences that shape how they think about food. We believe that our Foundation’s efforts to make these connections will play a pivotal role for children to develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating,” said Nick Konat, president and chief operating officer of Sprouts.

 

“We are also very excited for our team members to give back to their local communities on September 23rd as we build these learning gardens in 24 hours.”

 

In addition to funding the physical garden spaces, the Foundation’s donation will also support training for educators at each school site to learn how to effectively incorporate the garden into teaching practices across all grade levels. By teaming-up with KidsGardening, a national nonprofit focused on this work, each of the 24 schools will become part of a learning community, where teachers responsible for the garden space will receive ongoing technical assistance and mentoring for the full school year.

 

“This program is exciting because we are able to invite our customers to help us connect with new schools through the nomination process,” said Lyndsey Waugh, executive director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. “These schools represent 24 incredible communities, comprised of teachers and students, that will now have access to an outdoor garden, where classroom lessons can be brought to life through hands-on learning, and where students can experience the magic of watching seeds sprout, and fresh fruits and vegetables grow. We are glad we can play a role in making this possible.”

 

“Sprouts is a true partner who listens and understand what it takes to operate a successful garden program – and investing in teacher training and compensation for educators operating their garden spaces is the key ingredient to building effective and sustainable school garden programs,” said Em Shipman, executive director of KidsGardening.

 

Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has granted $18M to more than 400 nonprofit partners focused on advancing children’s nutrition education and school-based gardening programs. This year alone, more than 3 million students across the U.S. will benefit from programs supported by Sprouts.

 

A list of the contest winning finalists can be found at sprouts.com/schoolgardenwinners

 

Winning schools are in 23 states across the U.S. in Sprouts Farmers Market communities including: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

 

Garden Giveaway Winners Receive:

  • $15,000 – $20,000 garden construction grant awarded directly to the selected school to build a new learning garden or refresh an existing garden space on campus.
  • $5,000 program grant to support nutrition education lessons in the garden.
  • The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation will partner with each winning school to coordinate a volunteer workday for the garden build or garden refresh on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
  • Ongoing professional development and 1:1 support to sustain their learning garden program.

 

To learn more, visit https://about.sprouts.com/sprouts-foundation/.

 

About Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation is helping kids grow healthy through nutrition education and hands-on gardening programs that bring learning to life. In partnership with nonprofit organizations, from school gardens to youth cooking programs, we’re teaching children how to grow and prepare fresh, nutritious foods, empowering them with the tools to develop lifelong healthy eating habits. Since 2015, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation has donated more than $18 million to advance nutrition education and access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and this year alone, over three million children will be impacted by nutrition education and garden-based learning programs, funded by Sprouts.

 

About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts is the place where goodness grows. True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 team members and operates approximately 380 stores in 23 states nationwide. This year Sprouts celebrates its 20th anniversary. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit about.sprouts.com.

Contacts

480-263-0441, media@sprouts.com

Categories
Culture Foodies/Tastylicious Lifestyle Perks Special/Sponsored Content

Treats for Halloween, Thanksgiving & holiday snack calendars to be a hit

Top treat for Halloween parties: Sugar Plum Halloween Boo Box

 

 

Boo! Surprise someone with Sugar Plum’s Halloween Boo Box, a delicious box of Halloween treats! Chocolate-covered Halloween pretzels, chocolate-covered cookies and graham crackers, caramel popcorn drizzled in chocolate, chocolate-covered pretzel balls, gummy spiders and a white chocolate ghost lollipop…a bootiful collection of sweet and salty goodies all ready for the Halloween season! Retails for $49 at https://www.sugar-plum.com/products/halloween-boo-box

 

 

Must-have treats for thanksgiving

      — Sugar Plum Autumn Assortment Box

 

 

Fall for this delicious box of sweet treats, perfect for crisp, autumn days. Sugar Plum’s Autumn Assortment Box is full of all your favorite chocolate-covered treats and fall flavors, including an Apple Pie Milk Chocolate Bar, Pumpkin Spice Latte White Chocolate Bar, Maple Bourbon Pecans, Pumpkin Spice Almonds, Caramel Corn, Peach Hearts, Milk Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers, and Milk Chocolate Covered Sandwich Cookies with Orange Drizzle. Perfect to snack on while sitting around the fire pit on a brisk fall evening, or to gift to that friend who waits all year for the fall foliage, Sugar Plum’s Autumn Assortment Box is just the collection of treats you need to celebrate the fall season. Retails for $55 at https://www.sugar-plum.com/collections/all-products/products/autumn-assortment-box

 

 

 — Sugar Plum Apple Pie Bark

 

Just like classic apple pie, this deliciously flavored chocolate bark will make you nostalgic for your childhood. Sugar Plum has married mouth-watering, signature chocolate with delectable, organically sourced apple pieces and finely crushed graham crackers. Come take a bite of that sweet-smelling iconic taste of summer with Sugar Plum’s Apple Pie Bark Box. Retails for $35 at https://www.sugar-plum.com/collections/all-products/products/apple-pie-bark-box

 

 

Top Holiday gifts for foodies

 

   — Damn, Man 12 Days of Winter Wonder – Savory Meat Sticks and Nut Medley

 

The countdown begins at the most wonderful time of the year! Damn, Man introduces the 12 Days of Winter Wonder – Savory Meat Sticks and Nut Medley. Each day presents a new snack surprise of either gourmet nuts or savory meat sticks. With 6 tins of delicious, flavored nuts and 6 meat sticks ranging from original to spicy, you’ll get to enjoy a variety of salty and savory snacks, all packaged together in a winter wonderland scene straight from the Alps. You’ll think every day is a holiday with the 12 Days of Winter Wonder – Savory Meat Sticks and Nut Medley!

 

The countdown includes 2 oz. tins of Salted Pistachios, Honey Sea Salt Almonds, Salted Walnuts, Butter Cinnamon Pecans, Cranberry Nut Blend, and Lightly Salted Cashews, as well as 2 Pepper Meat Sticks, 2 Spicy Meat Sticks, and 2 Original Meat Sticks. Retails for $50 at https://dmsnacks.com/

 

 

   — Damn, Man 12 Days of Gourmet Nuts – A Winter Wonderland Selection

 

Inspired by après ski rituals, this calendar is the perfect companion for a cozy and indulgent moment after an exhilarating day of skiing. Picture yourself by the crackling fire, holding a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and savoring a selection of delicious nut snacks. This calendar is designed to provide a healthy and energetic treat, bringing joy and excitement to your après-ski experience, regardless of your beliefs or affiliations. Each day, you’ll unwrap a new nutty surprise, carefully curated to tantalize your taste buds and provide a satisfying crunch.

 

Inside this calendar, you’ll find 2 oz. tins of Salted Pistachios, Honey Sea Salt Almonds, Smoked Almonds, Cranberry Nut Blend, Coconut Curry Peanuts, Salted Cashews, Deluxe Mix, Butter Cinnamon Pecans, Sea Salt Walnuts, Salted Corn Nuts, Tap Room Mix, and Fireside Mix. This variety of premium nuts and delectable additions are sure to be a hit! The calendar retails for $50 at https://dmsnacks.com/

 

 

   — Sugar Plum Chocolate Holiday Bark with Peppermint 

 

‘Tis the season for peppermint and sweet treats! Sugar Plum’s delicious holiday bark with milk and dark chocolate drizzled in white chocolate and sprinkled with peppermint in a festive holiday box is the perfect gift for that special someone. Choose between milk or dark chocolate or buy the set for a little extra holiday spirit! The perfect gift to munch on through the season or to present at the holiday gathering, Holiday Bark with Peppermint will surely bring a little taste of happiness! Retails for $24.95 ea. or $45 for the set at https://www.sugar-plum.com/

 

 

     — Sugar Plum Chocolate Covered Cheer Set

 

With 10 milk chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, 10 chocolate-covered graham crackers, and 10 chocolate-covered pretzels, all complete with white chocolate drizzle, you’ll be sending a chocolaty sweet gift of holiday indulgence, in a festive holiday-themed packaging. These are great to bring to a holiday party or separate them for the perfect stocking stuffers. Comes in a variety of 3 packs, or you can select 3 of the same. Each tube comes with10 chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, 10 chocolate-covered graham crackers, or 10 chocolate-covered pretzels. The set retails for $65 at https://www.sugar-plum.com/

 

 

About Sugar Plum Chocolate

All of Sugar Plum’s delicious gourmet treats are lovingly hand crafted and made from their bakery and kitchen in Kingston, PA by mother and son team Frann and Neil Edley. As they say, food is the ingredient that binds us together. Sugar Plum’s vision has always revolved around being a creative, independent, female owned business. Their focus is to help make a difference in the lives of people by offering high quality and safe products that can be used for employee recognition, client appreciation, weddings, and numerous other events that touch our daily lives.

 

 

About Damn, Man

A mother and son duo, Fran and Neil, started Sugar Plum Chocolates in their small kitchen over 28 years ago. While they originally specialized in traditional chocolates, they soon realized that their customers had a craving for nuts and snacks. By introducing unique nut flavors in creative packaging, more and more nuts were being purchased as gifts for husbands’ birthdays and Father’s Day. And so the conclusion was formed…our customers want manly snacks! As a result, they launched a new company, Damn, Man…Snacks Guys Love. This new venture has been a success, and it’s all thanks to loyal customers like yourself who support small business endeavors.

Categories
Foodies/Tastylicious Special/Sponsored Content

Pasta, persistence and The Primadonna: ‘On the Rocks’ details famed restaurateur’s rise, fall and redemption

“The intangibles that enabled me to achieve my greatness also contained the seeds to my destruction.”

– Joseph Costanzo Jr., founder of The Primadonna

 

 

RINGWOOD, N.J. — Joseph Costanzo Jr. bought a failing restaurant in a declining neighborhood and turned it into an award-winning, nationally recognized destination for fine Italian dining that attracted the likes of  Danny Aiello, Jamie Lee Curtis and Tommy Lasorda.

 

The secret sauce? Most likely his larger-than-life personality posits his oldest daughter, Maria Costanzo Palmer.

 

“We estimate that over the 18 years that he was in business that a little over a million customers came through our door,” Palmer said in a recent interview. “His character really helped to build the empire that the restaurant became, and I think without that, I don’t think he would have been as successful.”

 

In their new book, On the Rocks, Palmer and co-author Ruthie Robbins open a door to the past and welcome readers into The Primadonna, an Italian restaurant with a Cheers-like atmosphere where Costanzo greeted neighborhood regulars by name.

 

Written from Costanzo’s perspective, On the Rocks dishes up heaping helpings of nostalgia, with entertaining stories of quirky characters, delectable dishes, great memories and enduring friendships from a time when dining out was an experience to savor.

 

Known for its signature Southern Italian dishes that nourished stomachs and souls, The Primadonna’s generous portion sizes were eclipsed only by Costanzo’s larger-than-life personality, explains Palmer.

 

“The moment that you walked in, regardless of how busy we were, my dad was at the front of the house, and he was greeting you,” Palmer recalled during a recent interview. “My dad was invested in customers. He wanted to be part of people’s lives. I think that’s what makes this experience so memorable. People loved being special.”

 

On the Rocks traces Costanzo’s unlikely rise from a postal worker with an impossible dream to owner of a nationally acclaimed restaurant, where the often 2-hour wait times only served to brew deeper connections, adding to the familial appeal of a community hotspot united by Costanzo’s drive to turn the blue collar burb of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, into a sought-out destination for fine Italian dining.

 

But Costanzo’s dream comes at a cost, and as the story unfolds, readers follow him from the day-to-day frenzy of a wildly popular restaurant, through a failed attempt to run for public office, to a stint behind bars.

 

“The restaurant was like his third child; it was the son he never had,” Palmer reflected. “He was at the top of his game when everything spiraled out of control. That’s what makes this story so rich. He really did the impossible. He took this nothing, failing business and turned it into this diamond in the rough. Then it all got pulled away. Just as fast as it rose, it fell.”

 

About the Authors

Maria Costanzo Palmer is a writer and Page Turner Award Finalist for her co-authored book, On the Rocks. She is also a regular co-moderator for the Food Is Religion Club on Clubhouse. A former host on L.A. Talk Radio, she was recently featured on Food and Beverage Magazine Live, a nationally syndicated podcast, as well as iHeartRadio. Her writing has been published in OC87 Recovery Diaries, and she has made a number of media appearances.

 

Growing up as the oldest child of an award-winning restaurateur, Palmer unexpectedly became a daughter of the incarcerated. This experience ignited an interest in working for Get on the Bus, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting children with their incarcerated parents.

 

Ruthie Robbins is an award-winning educator who worked for the Montour School District in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and for Johns Hopkins Talent Development Secondary. Robbins now teaches English and Language Arts in Buffalo, New York. Well-known as co-creator of a popular amusement park interdisciplinary unit, she is currently working on other books and is preparing to launch The Writing Factory Online, a comprehensive writing program for middle schools.

 

For more information, please visit www.mariacpalmer.com or www.ruthierobbins.com

Categories
Art & Life Culture Foodies/Tastylicious International & World Lifestyle

Award-winning caterer inspires with her mantra: Food, fun and love

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — At her charming flat above a bistro in England, Pauline Parry was constantly enveloped in the comforting aromas of slow-roasted lamb and fresh-baked pie crusts, punctuated by the occasional whiff of freshly chopped garlic. It was the setting of Parry’s culinary apprenticeship, and where she discovered the secret recipe for a life filled with flavor and substance.

 

In her engaging new memoir, My Culinary Love Story, Parry invites readers inside her formative years in hospitality; the early days of her romance with her future husband and the life experiences that fed her entrepreneurial spirit. Along the way, she introduces readers to the people who nurtured her talents and helped shape the award-winning catering powerhouse she is today.

 

“In this book, I share my story with you. Food is an important part of it, as is love. Both are the foundation on which my marriage and my business are built and how we journeyed from England to America,” Parry writes. “It’s the reason I say that everything I do has been guided by food, fun, and love.”

 

It all begins when, as a newly single mother, Parry gets an unexpected invitation to work at a bistro in a quaint English market town. The job includes a flat above the bistro, so she would be able to work without being far from her children. After moving in, she finds she loves the excitement of the kitchen and of being on her own. But Parry is not alone for long.

 

She is soon joined on her journey by a handsome carpenter, and the result is a snowy, romantic Christmas wedding. Every juicy detail of Parry’s romantic relationship and every bite of the cuisine Parry learns to master are chronicled in a story that takes the reader from one English Christmas to the next.

 

Peppered with 64 delicious recipes, accompanied with beautiful watercolor illustrations by Janette Carpenter, My Culinary Love Story maps the author’s serendipitous encounters, the setbacks she faced with resilience and the many victories she met with gratitude.

 

In My Culinary Love Story, the lesson is clear: life is all about food, fun and love.

 

About the Author
Pauline Parry is the renowned and highly sought after founder and president of Good Gracious! Events, an award-winning food and beverage company, and the author of My Culinary Love Story, a memoir and collection of her favorite recipes that started her on her career path and journey.

 

Parry’s awards include Caterer of the Year, Best Event for a Corporation, Best Off Premise Caterer, The I-3 Award (Innovation, Inspiration and Instruction), ACE (Achievement in Catering Excellence) and the John Mossman Award for ICA, among others. She was an inductee into the Event Industry Hall of Fame and the Wedding Industry Hall of Fame.

 

Greatly respected by her peers, Parry serves as an expert consultant to her colleagues throughout the country.

 

She enjoys bringing friends and family around the table at her home, watching films, drinking a good red wine and munching popcorn. She is a lifelong Beatles fan. On the few occasions of downtime, she enjoys spending time with her husband and grandsons, and keeping on top of all her favorite magazines.

 

For more information, please visit https://paulineparry.net, or follow the author on Instagram (@paulineparry) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PaulineParryGG).

Categories
Culture Foodies/Tastylicious Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Programs & Events

Capital City Farm blossoms under new leadership in Trenton

As farm grows, so does artistry

 

The Mercer County Park Commission’s Capital City Farm (CCF), a flourishing urban farm in Trenton, recently welcomed its new Farm Manager, Corinne Gordon.

Corinne Gordon, new manager at Capital City Farm in Trenton.

Gordon brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Farm Specialist for the Carter Historic Farm in Bowling Green, Ohio. Her background in sustainable agriculture and community engagement is a perfect match for the Park Commission’s mission and goals for this vibrant space, which include providing locally grown produce for those with limited access to fresh food, lush floral cutting gardens — as well as the opportunity to learn about and participate in urban agriculture.

CCF and the Park Commission’s Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell donate tons of fresh produce and grains, including grits and whole wheat flour, to food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Mercer County each year. In 2022, 21 tons of produce were donated.

“We were very fortunate to be able to bring Corinne aboard,” said Aaron T. Watson, Park Commission Executive Director. “With her education and experience, we know that the farm will continue to flourish under her leadership, strengthening our outreach to the community and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK).”

A bounty of flowers from the cutting gardens at Capital City Farm.

Capital City Farm and TASK have been great partners for many years, even prior to the first harvest, according to Joyce Campbell, TASK CEO.

“Having a farm next door to a soup kitchen is like a dream come true as it’s often difficult to get fresh produce donated,”  Campbell said. “The farm’s donation of fresh produce inspired the installation of a salad bar at TASK, which not only provides nutritious foods, but also provides choice for our patrons, most of whom live in poverty and don’t often have the choices many of us take for granted.”

Artist-turned-farmer, Walter Roberts, displays a portrait he painted.

Many farmers may be natural artists, with their carefully-sown beds, their gentle coaxing of seedlings, and their passion for creating a product that they can be proud of. Indeed, the work of farmers requires the touch and vision of craftsmen, and Capital City Farm has become a living canvas that showcases the beauty of agriculture and art.

Working closely with Gordon is Walter Roberts, an artist-turned-farmer whose unique set of skills have been a mainstay of Capital City Farm since it was first acquired by a coalition of local partners and converted into a farm. Starting as a volunteer and eventually becoming a full-time farmer for the Park Commission, Roberts is largely responsible for the growth and variety of crops produced on the farm, not to mention the art that adorns the fences and other structures there. Roberts’ artistry is on display in the meticulously-managed garden beds and the portraits he paints and displays along the farm’s enclosure.

Raven George, Capital City Farm florist.

Also contributing to the aesthetic is Raven George, New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s Cut Flower Production Manager and CCF florist, who creates beautiful flower bouquets each Saturday from the cockscomb, zinnias, cosmos, and snapdragons grown at the farm. Occasionally, she holds free workshops to teach others how to create their own cut flower arrangements at home.

Capital City Farm’s commitment to sustainability and artistic expression has transformed a once-vacant lot into a dynamic space for the entire community to enjoy. Even beyond the garden beds and fruit trees at the edge of the farm, the work of Corinne Gordon, Walter Roberts, Raven George, and a host of volunteers and interns is fast finding new roots in the neighborhood, and throughout New Jersey’s capital city.

Participants in a floral design workshop show off their creations.