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Bucks Food Calendar: September 2, 2010

Sep 2nd, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

What a lovely weekend coming up in beautiful Bucks County! While my heart goes out to all those folks at the shore who may get a piece of Hurricane Earl (especially to those in North Carolina and Virginia – batten down the hatches), it looks like we are going to have a sweet weekend here.

So much to do! This Friday will be the final New Hope – Lambertville Friday Night Lights on the River. Get down early, dine and drink, and enjoy the view. Why not do the Kindle Cafe Supper Club’s Fireworks Picnic Serenade at Yogaphoria in New Hope? Gourmet vegetarian/vegan food, music and fireworks. Find out more at their website.

Of course, it will be perfect cookout weather. Want to know where to get good, local meat in Bucks County? Check out our previous post, Where’s the beef? (and pork, and lamb, and chicken).

What can you expect to find produce-wise this week at local farm markets? Apples, Arugula, Basil, Beans, Beets, Berries, Broccoli, Butter Lettuce, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Chard, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Green Beans, Kale, Kohlrabi, Melons, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Nectarines, Sweet White Onions, Red Onions, Parsley, Peaches, Peppers (green, red, hot), Plums, Potatoes, Radishes, Romaine lettuce, Salad Mix, Scallions, Shallots, Summer Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatillos, Tomatoes (cherry and slicing), Turnips, Watermelon, Wax Beans, and Zucchini.
 
In addition, many local farmers’ markets have vendors selling: pastured pork, beef, and chicken; cheeses and yogurt from pastured animals (cow, goat); pastured eggs; bread and baked goods; preserved products; handmade soaps and lotions; honey; maple syrup; organic, fair trade, locally roasted coffees; prepared foods and fiber products, and even seafood.

Festivals. Frenchtown, NJ hosts their annual Riverfest this weekend, beginning with a ticketed wine-tasting event benefiting the Hunterdon Land Trust on Friday evening. For more info, go to their website. Also on the Jersey side of the river, is the 4th Annual Delaware River Blues Festival at the Stockton Inn on Saturday. And do you love all things Polish? Then make your way to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown this weekend and next for their 45th Polish-American Festival. Music, rides and pierogies!

Last chance! As some of you may know, we are running a contest right now on our Facebook (FB) page. It’s pretty simple. If you are already on FB, go to “Bucks County Taste,” join the page as a friend (click “LIKE” on the top of the page), and post a comment on the wall with these words, “I love Bucks County Taste and I want free local food.” Why? Because you will have a chance at winning a $50 gift certificate to a local farmers’ market OR a personal chef OR a local restaurant, all of your choosing. Second prize (there’s more??) is a $25 gift certificate to the same. So go to our FB page today and “LIKE” us! Click here. Contest ends September 6th!!

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a lovely, safe weekend.

Friday, September 3rd:
Forecast – Sunny, 85°

  • Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [11 am - 7 pm]
  • Warrington Farmers’ Market @ Valley Square, Warrington [3 - 6 pm]
  • Ottsville Farmers’ Market @ Linden Hill Gardens, Ottsville [3 - 7 pm]
  • Beer Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [4 - 8 pm]
  • Friday Happy Hour @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington, NJ [5 - 8 pm]
  • Barrel Tappings @ Triumph Brewing Co., New Hope [6 - 7 pm]
  • Wine Tasting @ 6th Annual Frenchtown Riverfest, Frenchtown, NJ [6 - 8:30 pm]
  • Friday Night un(Wine)d Concerts, Doylestown [6 - 9 pm]
  • Summer Wine Concert Series @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [6 - 9 pm]
  • Summer Music Series @ Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Washington Crossing [7 - 10 pm]
  • Barbara Trent @ The Centre Bridge Inn, New Hope [7 - 11 pm]
  • Kindle Cafe Supper Club’s Fireworks Picnic Serenade, New Hope  [7:00 - 10:00 pm]
  • Bob Egan @ Bowman’s Tavern, New Hope [8 pm-12 am]

Saturday, September 4th:
Forecast – Sunny, 75°

  • Doylestown Farmers’ Market, Doylestown [7 am - 12 pm]
  • Indian Valley Farmers’ Market, Telford [8:30 am - 12:30 pm]
  • Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market, Plumsteadville [9 am - 12 pm]
  • Wrightstown Farmers’ Market, Wrightstown [9 am - 1 pm]
  • Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [9 am - 3 pm]
  • 6th Annual Frenchtown Riverfest, Frenchtown, NJ [12 - 6 pm]
  • 2010 45th Polish-American Festival, Doylestown [12 - 8 pm]
  • The 4th Annual Delaware River Blues Festival, Stockton, NJ [12:30 - 5 pm]
  • Grapevine Express Wine & Cheese Pairing, New Hope [5 - 7 pm]
  • Evening Star Dinner Trains, New Hope [7 - 9 pm]

Sunday, September 5th:
Forecast – Sunny, 76°

  • Breakfast Buffet @ Plumsteadville Fire Co., Plumsteadville [7 am - 12 pm]
  • Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market, Hellertown [9 am - 1 pm]
  • Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market, Flemington, NJ [9 am - 1 pm]
  • Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [10 am - 3 pm]
  • Wine Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [12 - 5 pm]
  • 6th Annual Frenchtown Riverfest, Frenchtown, NJ [12 - 6 pm]
  • 2010 45th Polish-American Festival, Doylestown [12 - 8 pm]
  • Grapevine Express Wine & Cheese Pairing, New Hope [5 - 7 pm]

Monday, September 6th:
Labor Day

  • 2010 45th Polish-American Festival, Doylestown [12 - 8 pm]
  • Cruise Night Block Party @ Chubby’s Dairy Barn, Plumsteadville [6 - 9 pm]

Tuesday, September 7th:

  • Langhorne Farmers’ Market, Langhorne [3:30 - 6:30 pm]
  • Gluten Free / Healthy Living Support Group, Langhorne [7 - 9 pm]

Wednesday, September 8th:

  • American Legion Meals on Wednesdays, Quakertown [11:30 am - 9 pm]
  • The Farmers’ Market @ Playwicki Farm, Feasterville [4 - 7 pm]
  • Complimentary Beer Tasting @ the Copper Leaf Grill, Buckingham [5 - 9 pm]
  • Healthy Cooking 101 5-part Series with Chef Vincent Peterson, New Hope [6:30 - 8:30 pm]

Thursday, September 9th:

  • Capital City Market, Trenton, NJ [11 am - 2 pm]
  • Healthier Hearts Farmers’ Market, Trenton, NJ [12:30 - 5 pm]
  • Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market, Flemington, NJ [3 - 7 pm]
  • Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market, Yardley [3:30 - 6:30 pm]
  • New Hope Farmers’ Market, New Hope [3:30 - 7 pm]
  • Springtown Farmers’ Market, Springtown [4 - 7 pm]
  • 94 Cent Ice Cream Cone Night @ Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream, Yardley [5 - 9 pm]
  • Lobster Night @ The Centre Bridge Inn, New Hope [6 - 10 pm]

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County, where you can also view future events. Next weekend has LOTS going on.

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Posted in Events, Markets, Vineyards, Breweries and Bars | No Comments »

Tidbit: Eggsperts weigh in

Aug 27th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

Nice piece in the Intelligencer this morning on buying local eggs, and why it makes more sense than ever. Good quotes from Tom Colbaugh, owner of The Happy Farm (Kintersville), and Tim Rick, owner of Rick’s Egg Farm (Nockamixon).

“It’s a lesson to be learned for the consumer: to try to buy as local as possible, to know where their (food) source is coming from,” said Tim Rick, owner of Rick’s Egg Farm in Nockamixon.

Read the full article here.

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Posted in Farms | 2 Comments »

Bucks Food Calendar: August 26, 2010

Aug 26th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

It’s September already?!? Okay, I said it and got it out of my system. Mind you, this weather is pleasantly like September but I don’t want to jinx it by prancing around shouting my glee – which is what I really feel like doing. Windows open, breezes, comfortable nights, sunny days.

Like this weekend. Sunday may be a little warm, but I’ll still take it. What a perfect weekend to get out and enjoy the end of summer, which let’s be honest, we are all looking forward to after the heat and humidity we’ve had. There are still lots of local veggies and fruits to be had, and decent weather to can, blanch and freeze it. Or just go and sit on a patio somewhere, sipping a nice drink and toasting another beautiful evening in Bucks County.

Please LIKE us. As some of you may know, we are running a contest right now on our Facebook (FB) page. It’s pretty simple. If you are already on FB, go to “Bucks County Taste,” join the page as a friend (click the “LIKE” button on the top of the page), and post a comment on the wall with these words, 
“I love Bucks County Taste and I want free local food.” Why? Because you will have a chance at winning a $50 gift certificate to a local farmers’ market OR a personal chef OR a local restaurant, all of your choosing. Second prize (there’s more??) is a $25 gift certificate to the same. So go to our FB page today and “LIKE” us! Click here.

This Wednesday, September 1, the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance brings to a close its 2010 series of summer farm potlucks and tours at WoodsEdge Wools Farm where they raise elite-fleeced llamas and alpacas in specific color groups. The first alpaca breeding farm in New Jersey, WoodsEdge also has one of the largest herds of suri llamas in the world, representing a wide diversity of genetic lines. Today, with more than 300 llamas and alpacas and three decades of breeding experience, the Walkers offer September’s tour-goers a glimpse into their unique world. The potluck begins at 6:30pm at the Stockton farm, followed by the 7:30 pm farmer-guided tour. No RSVP needed; just bring a dish. Directions at www.alpacasllamaswoodsedge.com.

What’s else is on tap this week? Try the Biergarten Evening at Fonthill Museum on Friday evening. There will be a tutored tasting of seven German beers as well as a variety of beers from the Mesquito Grille and Keystone Homebrew at the conclusion of the tutored portion of the evening. German cuisine samples are being provided by Newportville Inn, Otto’s Brauhaus and Cabot Cheese, and there will be lively German music too! Admission is $40, $34 for members. Registration is required. Contact 215-345-0210, ext. 123.

If you love beer, then there is another (monthly) opportunity awaiting you at The Spinnerstown Hotel. On the first Wednesday of every month the host a “Meet the Brewer” night, complete with a great dinner. This Wednesday it’s featuring four beers from the Lehigh Valley’s Brew Works brewery, paired with a traditional crab boil, all for $45 per person. The foam starts at 7 pm. Contact the hotel to RSVP.

Still foaming at the mouth? Then make sure you buy tickets for Newtown’s 5th Annual Beerfest on October 16th. Great beer, food, and music on a fall day. Get your tickets soon because they usually sell out. See their website for more info and to purchase tickets.

What can you expect to find produce-wise this week at local farm markets? Apples, Arugula, Basil, Beans, Beets, Berries, Broccoli, Butter Lettuce, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Chard, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Green Beans, Kale, Kohlrabi, Melons, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Nectarines, Sweet White Onions, Red Onions, Parsley, Peaches, Peppers (green, red, hot), Plums, Potatoes, Radishes, Romaine lettuce, Salad Mix, Scallions, Shallots, Summer Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatillos, Tomatoes (cherry and slicing), Turnips, Watermelon, Wax Beans, and Zucchini.

In addition, many local farmers’ markets have vendors selling: pastured pork, beef, and chicken; cheeses and yogurt from pastured animals (cow, goat); pastured eggs; bread and baked goods; preserved products; handmade soaps and lotions; honey; maple syrup; organic, fair trade, locally roasted coffees; prepared foods and fiber products, and even seafood.

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a lovely, luscious weekend.

Friday, August 27th:
Forecast – Sunny, 80°

  • Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [11 am - 7 pm]
  • Warrington Farmers’ Market @ Valley Square, Warrington [3 - 6 pm]
  • Ottsville Farmers’ Market @ Linden Hill Gardens, Ottsville [3 - 7 pm]
  • Beer Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [4 - 8 pm]
  • Friday Happy Hour @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington, NJ [5 - 8 pm]
  • Friday Night un(Wine)d Concerts, Doylestown [6 - 9 pm]
  • Summer Wine Concert Series @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [6 - 9 pm]
  • Summer Music Series @ Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Washington Crossing [7 - 10 pm]
  • Biergarten Evening @ Fonthill Museum, Doylestown [7 - 10 pm]
  • Barbara Trent @ The Centre Bridge Inn, New Hope [7 - 11 pm]
  • Kindle Cafe Supper Club’s Fireworks Picnic Serenade, Lambertville, NJ [7:30 - 9:00 pm]
  • Bob Egan @ Bowman’s Tavern, New Hope [8 pm-12 am]

Saturday, August 28th:
Forecast – Sunny, 86°

  • Doylestown Farmers’ Market, Doylestown [7 am - 12 pm]
  • Perkasie Farmers’ Market, Perkasie [8 am - 12 pm]
  • Indian Valley Farmers’ Market, Telford [8:30 am - 12:30 pm]
  • Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market, Plumsteadville [9 am - 12 pm]
  • Wrightstown Farmers’ Market, Wrightstown [9 am - 1 pm]
  • Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [9 am - 3 pm]
  • Heirloom Tomato Tasting, Doylestown [10 am - 5 pm]
  • Wine Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [12 - 5 pm]
  • Grapevine Express Wine & Cheese Pairing, New Hope [5 - 7 pm]
  • Chef’s Farm to Table Dinner with Christopher Hirsheimer & Melissa Hamilton, Ottsville [5 - 8 pm] SORRY, SOLD OUT.

Sunday, August 29th:
Forecast – Sunny, 92°

  • Breakfast Buffet @ Plumsteadville Fire Co., Plumsteadville [7 am - 12 pm]
  • Breakfast @ Haycock Fire Company, Quakertown [8 am - 12 pm]
  • Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market, Hellertown [9 am - 1 pm]
  • Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market, Flemington, NJ [9 am - 1 pm]
  • Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [10 am - 3 pm]
  • Music Under the Arbor @ Alba Vineyards, Milford, NJ [1 - 4 pm]
  • How Sweet It Is: Pairing Wine and Chocolate, Washington Crossing [2 - 5 pm]
  • Grapevine Express Wine & Cheese Pairing, New Hope [5 - 7 pm]

Monday, August 30th:

  • 94 Cents Cookie Night @ Chubby’s Dairy Barn, Plumsteadville [6 - 9 pm]
  • Great Italian Cooking (Hands-on class), Doylestown [6:30 - 8:30 pm]

Tuesday, August 31st:

  • Langhorne Farmers’ Market, Langhorne [3:30 - 6:30 pm]

Wednesday, September 1st:

  • American Legion Meals on Wednesdays, Quakertown [11:30 am - 9 pm]
  • The Farmers’ Market @ Playwicki Farm, Feasterville [4 - 7 pm]
  • Complimentary Beer Tasting @ the Copper Leaf Grill, Buckingham [5 - 9 pm]
  • Summer Farm Tours: WoodsEdge Wools Farm, Stockton, NJ [6:30 - 9:00 pm]
  • Meet the Brewer @ The Spinnerstown Hotel, Spinnerstown [7 - 10 pm]

Thursday, September 2nd:

  • Capital City Market, Trenton, NJ [11 am - 2 pm]
  • Healthier Hearts Farmers’ Market, Trenton, NJ [12:30 - 5 pm]
  • Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market, Flemington, NJ [3 - 7 pm]
  • Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market, Yardley [3:30 - 6:30 pm]
  • New Hope Farmers’ Market, New Hope [3:30 - 7 pm]
  • Springtown Farmers’ Market, Springtown [4 - 7 pm]
  • 94 Cent Ice Cream Cone Night @ Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream, Yardley [5 - 9 pm]
  • Lobster Night @ The Centre Bridge Inn, New Hope [6 - 10 pm]

Look for Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter!

Posted in Events, Farms, Markets | No Comments »

2010 Middletown Grange Fair

Aug 24th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

I think there are fewer things more pleasant than strolling on a balmy summer evening. So it was when we went to the Grange Fair Thursday night. There’s also a palpable excitement in the crowd. Is this what draws people to fairs, and what has for so long?

We were very hungry, arriving about 7 pm, so didn’t go for the famous Chicken Dinner. But I think we should have. We started with hot dogs, then a Caesar chicken wrap later, with soft ice cream for Mark. I don’t like to be negative or preachy, but I must say, the food at the Grange Fair leaves much to be desired. Lots of fried stuff and, let’s be honest, junk. And yours truly has been dealing with a digestive problem all day. Enough said. You may want to eat before going. In fact, it’s kind of ironic that the best food at the fair is in the Exhibition Halls, where local farmers and gardeners bring their veggies for judging.

But we were in a rush. Mark wanted to see the bunnies! And the goats, the sheep, and the cows, etc. But especially the bunnies. In a previous life he had house rabbits, and we probably would today if we didn’t have a terrier and a schnauzer. I also really enjoyed watching one of the judging events for sheep. All of the handlers/owners were teenagers. It still amazes me to see kids and teens so into raising animals in this day and age of tech toys and other forms of entertainment. But it is alive and well in Bucks, and hope it stays that way.

Here’s some photos from the evening.

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Pasta on a cool summer evening

Aug 24th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

We had planned for salad caprese. Fresh mozzarella – check. Basil – check. Beautiful, multi-colored heirloom tomatoes from the farm – check. But then the weather turned cool and rainy and I just wanted something warmer. Then I remembered seeing a recipe on Cook’s Illustrated for a Pasta Caprese. Perfect. Easy and great for late summer when the tomatoes are still luscious. I do recommend using fresh mozzarella if it is at all possible. Enjoy!

PASTA CAPRESE

Serves 4 to 6. Published in Cooks Illustrated, July 1, 2007.

This dish will be very warm, not hot. The success of this recipe depends on high-quality ingredients, including ripe, in-season tomatoes and a fruity olive oil (the test kitchen prefers Columela Extra-Virgin). Don’t skip the step of freezing the mozzarella, as freezing prevents it from turning chewy when it comes in contact with the hot pasta. If handmade buffalo- or cow’s-milk mozzarella is available (it’s commonly found in gourmet and cheese shops packed in water), we highly recommend using it, but skip the step of freezing and add it to the tomatoes while marinating. Additional lemon juice or up to 1 teaspoon sugar can be added at the end to taste, depending on the ripeness of the tomatoes.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2-4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (see note above)
1 small garlic clove , minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 1/2 teaspoon)
1 small shallot , minced fine (about 2 tablespoons)
1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes , cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , cut into 1/2-inch cubes (see note above)
1 pound penne pasta or other short tubular or curly pasta such as fusilli or campanelle
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon sugar (see note above)

HOW TO

  1. Whisk oil, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, garlic, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in large bowl. Add tomatoes and gently toss to combine; set aside. Do not marinate tomatoes for longer than 45 minutes.
  2. While tomatoes are marinating, place mozzarella on plate and freeze until slightly firm, about 10 minutes. [If using fresh mozzarella, skip this step, but add cheese to tomato mixture above). Bring 4 quarts water to rolling boil in stockpot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta, stir to separate, and cook until al dente. Drain well.
  3. Add pasta and mozzarella to tomato mixture and gently toss to combine. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in basil; adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice or sugar, if desired, and serve immediately.

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Unbeetable cleans up!

Aug 23rd, 2010 by Mark Feffer

As you loyal readers know, I officiated at the Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market Zucchini Races on August 12th. What fun! It’s mostly kids making the racers (with a few experienced adults). The entries were creative with great names (“Unbeetable,” “Speed Buggy,” “The Bo Mobile”). Here are the results. See the photo slideshow for some great shots of the contestants, then watch the short video of the final, championship race. I am determined to make this a county-wide event next year, sponsored by Bucks County Taste. Start designing your zucchini racers now! See our previous post for the rules.

Best Decorated

  1. Fast Flying Fairy (who came in second last year – way to go!) by Allison Templeton
  2. Airplane to Zucchini by Sam Hoffman
  3. The Unbeetable by the Valerio Family

Fastest Zucchini

  1. The Unbeetable by the Valerio Family
  2. Rabbit Racer by Olivia Pfaendtner
  3. Zucchini Coach by Helene Pfaendtner

 

Click here to see more photos

Look for Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter!

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Bucks Food Calendar: August 20, 2010

Aug 20th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

Here we are in the summer doldrums. It’s not as intense heat-wise as last month, but it sure ain’t fall yet. And I guess it would be overdone to say, “OMG, is it the end of August already?” although I keep saying it to myself (almost as annoying as “Hot enough for ya?”). At least the weather is lovely – warm but less humid – for the weekend.

But believe it or not apples are already showing up in Bucks County. I got news from Tabora Farms in Chalfont that they now have u-pick apples including Tydeman and MacIntosh, with red and golden delicious to follow in about two weeks. Check out their website or Facebook page for updates. Solebury Orchards reports on their website that Gala apples will be ready for picking around August 28th.

Of course the big news this weekend is the Middletown Grange Fair, in its 62nd year, held on the Middletown Grange grounds in Wrightstown (just north of Newtown). If you’ve never been – and even if you have – go! It’s a lot of fun, full of great exhibits, live, beautiful animals, food and amusements. And the Grange is a great cause to support – keeping farming and livestock a part of Bucks County for hopefully a long time to come. For schedule of events, see their website. I’ll do a post later today or Sunday of some photos. The fair runs through Sunday.

Farmers’ markets are still going strong with just about every vegetable and lovely seasonal fruit you can imagine. For a list of farmers’ markets in Bucks County and nearby, see the events calendar below or at our Food Events in Bucks County online calendar.

Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter too for more frequent updates. Have a beautiful and joyful weekend.

For calendar details, read more here… Continue Reading »

Posted in Events | 1 Comment »

Maintenance time

Aug 20th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

Just a heads up to all our loyal readers. We may have some downtime this weekend for a software upgrade, so I apologize in advance if you have any trouble accessing the site. We’ve been having some hacking issues lately, so I’d really like to get this done sooner rather than later. It’s going to be a beautiful weekend anyway…get out there and away from the computer!!

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Oh what a beautiful evening at…

Aug 19th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

Oh what a beautiful evening at the Grange Fair!

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Becker’s Corner

Aug 17th, 2010 by Rich Baringer

by guest blogger Rich Baringer,

For as long as I can remember, the little roadhouse on the corner of Old Bethlehem Road and Rt. 563 near Lake Nockamixon State Park, was known as Cappie’s.  It wasn’t the kind of place that I frequented, but it was sort of an institution until it closed a number of months ago.  Now in its place is Becker’s Corner, a bar/restaurant that I tried out for lunch with my parents, who live nearby.

The first thing you notice when you walk in is the decor.  Lots of restored stone and woodwork give it a comfortable feel.  I don’t know what it looked like before, but someone along the line put in some work to get it to its present state.  The building was once a one-room school, so it’s not huge, but there’s plenty of seating at tables or the bar.

The owner of Becker’s Corner also owns the Full Moon Café in Lambertville, NJ.  The Full Moon chef headed north to take over the kitchen at Becker’s.  Clearly, a seasoned chef has come up with the selections they offer.

The menu has something for everyone and the whole menu is available at any time (they’re open from 11AM to midnight, 7 days a week).  If you have trouble making decisions, give yourself some time because there are lots of choices offered.

Appetizers include about 10 different versions of chicken wings, fried calamari and much more.  We got an order of spinach/artichoke dip to share.  It was served hot with melted cheese and red tortilla chips.  Basic, but very tasty.

The menu includes a wide selection of sandwiches.  Since it was lunch, we each chose from this section: Dad got a Cider Marinated Pork BBQ sandwich; Mom went healthy with a Sweet & Sour Turkey Wrap, which included pineapple, chunks of turkey and rice; I decided on one of their specialty burgers with mushrooms, asparagus, shallot and blue cheese.  All were served with waffle fries and a pickle.  The advantage of going to dinner with family is that you can freely ask for a taste, so I know first-hand that every sandwich was substantial and tasty, although I’d say Dad’s BBQ was my favorite.

The salad menu includes a Caesar, an Asian salad with Orange Vinaigrette and a number of other salads with choice of dressings.  They also have a really nice kid’s menu—pasta, chicken, even a petite filet mignon (perfect for my little carnivore).

The entrée menu has plenty to choose from including Salmon with Ginger Lime Beurre Blanc, Boneless Pork Ribs over Cheddar Onion Grits, Sweet Chili Rubbed Chicken with Cornbread Stuffing and a variety of pasta dishes.  It definitely makes me want to return and try one of these meals.

Speaking of returning, after lunch we were given a card to bring to our next visit.  At the end of our next meal, the card entitles us to roll a die and, if we roll a 3, up to 4 meals at our table are free (excluding alcohol, tax, and gratuity).  It can be used as many times as we visit before the expiration date.  A clever way to get patrons to come back, but the food is good enough to do the job on its own.

So next time you’re over by Lake Nockamixon, stop in at Becker’s Corner—just leave yourself enough time for those tough decisions!

Postscript:  The family and I went back to Becker’s for lunch yesterday. The food was again very good, but the best part was that Jake rolled a “3″ and we got our lunch free ($36.80)!

Becker’s Corner
110 Old Bethlehem Rd.
Quakertown, PA  18951
215.536.3220

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Posted in Restaurants | 1 Comment »

Matt’s Red Rooster Grill

Aug 16th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

It was a cold and wintry February afternoon. The snow was laying thick and fast. (No, this isn’t the beginning of a bad novel. It really was snowing hard. You remember last February?)

A couple of people had mentioned this great restaurant in Flemington (“Flemington?”) named Matt’s Red Rooster Grill. So I was surfing the web looking for it. Not only did I find it, but imagine my delight then dismay when I realized they had planned a special dinner for that very night – “A Bacon Inspired Feast…”  Three courses, prix fixe at $44, all involving some wonderful incarnation of bacon and meat. Mark would be thrilled. But it was for “Guys Only,” and, to add insult to injury, there would be a drawing for a very old, very good bottle of Scotch. The feminist in me growled – as did my stomach.

As it turned out, the “Guys Only” night was rescheduled to March due to the weather. Even though I begged – offered to come dressed as a man, etc. – I was told, alas, I could not attend the event. But Liam Burns, manager extraordinaire, offered us a seat at the “Chef’s Table,” that is, overlooking the grill and the line at this delicious BYOB. We also were offered the same prix fixe the guys upstairs were getting.

The meal began with grilled slab of bacon, over wilted baby spinach with warm apple cider vinaigrette. The entrée choices were: Double cut pork chop, bacon cheddar stuffed and a honey bourbon BBQ glaze; or day boat scallops with crispy bacon and caramelized apples. Dessert, believe it or not, was maple bread pudding with a crisp piece of molasses candied bacon on top. And, yes, it worked. Deliciously.

Some of you may know Chef/Owner Matt McPherson from his time as chef du cuisine at the Hamilton Grill Room in Lambertville. He’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a Hunterdon County native. In 2005 he turned this quaint old row home on a back street in Flemington into a destination restaurant (the New York Times has found it), serving fresh, local ingredients and innovative grill cuisine. Even as we got out of the car, we knew we’d be happy. We both paused to deeply inhale the smell of burning wood, and glanced over at the stacks of wood behind the restaurant. Later we would watch the line chef constantly feed the grill fire with these tasty logs.

While the food is great anywhere you sit at Matt’s Red Rooster, we personally recommend sitting at the four counter seats that overlook the grill. If you enjoy watching a well-run kitchen, and the techniques involved in grilling over an open fire, it’s interesting and exciting.

See the video below to watch the pork chops being made and grilled.

Matt’s Red Rooster Grill
22 Bloomfield Ave (just off Main Street)
Flemington, NJ  08822
908.788.7050
Open Tuesday thru Sunday for dinner

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Make the Most of Hunterdon!

Aug 13th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

As part of it’s “Make the Most of Hunterdon” weekend, the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance (New Jersey) is running workshops and tours at its farmers’ market this Sunday, August 15th. The Northeast Organic Farming Association, working with Sharon Vecchiarelli of To Nourish, will present three half-hour workshops that will teach attendees how to make summer’s bounty last throughout the year. The workshops, starting at 10 am and 11 am will demonstrate how to preserve foods using dehydration, canning and freezing preparation techniques. In addition, a dietician from The Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management will give an informational tour of the market, highlighting solutions for healthy living using locally grown foods. Tours wills begin at 9:30 am 10:30 am and 11:30 am.

The market will also be hosting a Peach Party in honor of Jersey Fresh Peach Month, where you can pick up a free copy of the Peach Production Council’s recipe book featuring peach based recipes by some of New Jersey’s favorite chefs. Just in case you buy too many juicy peaches, Sharon Vecchiarelli will be highlighting the preservation of peaches during her workshops on preserving food.

“Make the Most of Hunterdon” weekend will wrap up on Sunday night with a Farm to Table Dinner at Matt’s Red Rooster Grill in Flemington NJ. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Hunterdon Land Trust and support their work to preserve the natural resources and rural character of Hunterdon County. Make your reservation for the Farm to Table dinner by calling Matt’s Red Rooster Grill at (908) 788-7050. For the complete Hunterdon Land Trust special event schedule visit www.hlta.org or call 908-237-4582.

The farmers’ market is open Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm through November 21 and Thursdays 3 pm to 7 pm through September 30, in Flemington, right on the Route 12 circle at Dvoor Farm. The market is sponsored by Stem Brothers, Inc., Team Capital Bank, Matt’s Red Rooster Grill and Basil Bandwagon.

The Hunterdon Land Trust is Hunterdon County, New Jersey’s only countywide land trust. Incorporated as a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization in 1996, the land trust is committed to preserving and protecting the rural landscapes and natural resources of Hunterdon County. To learn more about the Hunterdon Land Trust, please visit their website at www.hlta.org.

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News Flash!! “The Unbeetable” …

Aug 12th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

News Flash!! “The Unbeetable” wins 2010 Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market Zucchini Races

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Bucks Food Calendar: August 12, 2010

Aug 12th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

We spent a long weekend in Kentucky, tasting good bourbon and visiting distilleries. What fun! But we are very glad to be in our ‘Old Bucks Home’ (sorry, Stephen Foster). I had forgotten just how much fried, salty food there is in the South. I know they must have fresh vegetables and fruit – it just doesn’t seem to make it to the restaurants. (Deep-Fried Dill Pickle Chips. I’m not kidding.) I’ll say it once again. We are very fortunate to live in Bucks County.

A big heads-up – the 62nd Annual Middletown Grange Fair starts on Wednesday, August 18th and goes through Sunday, August 22nd. It’s kind of our local county fair, and if you’ve never been, go. The food is…so-so, but the chicken dinner is a great deal (see last year’s post).

Ah, but this weekend. A little cooler, maybe some rain (okay by me). And so much going on. Where do I start? How about with wine…?

Check out the many events at local wineries every weekend. Every Friday evening, enjoy Friday Night un(Wine)d Concerts at The Market by Shady Brook at Del Val College (6 – 9 pm) or the companion event at Shady Brook Farm’s location in Yardley, also music and also 6 – 9 pm. Wine Tasting for Singles happens at Crossing Vineyards this Friday evening, as does their popular Summer Music Series, where you can picnic, sip wine and enjoy great music. For details see our full Food Events in Bucks County calendar.

On Saturday, be part of history (hopefully) at The Great Pennsylvania Wine Toast also at Crossing Vineyards. Thousands of people in more than 50 wineries across Pennsylvania will join the toastmaster, racing legend Mario Andretti, in an attempt to set a world record for the largest wine tasting ever conducted. The current record of 17,429 participants was set by more than 400 pubs across the U.K. in 2009. Entry tickets are $5.00 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Fund to Benefit Children & Youth. The event begins at 3:30, with the toast taking place at 4:00 pm under the watchful eyes of folks from the Guinness Book of World Records. There’ll be music and wine for the toast, including a commemorative glass for you to keep.

Every weekend, Phillips’ Fine Wines in Stockton holds beer tastings on Friday afternoons and wine tastings on Saturday afternoons (go to the Stockton Market first, then go get a sip or two!). Or ride the Grapevine Express Wine & Cheese Pairing on the historic New Hope-Ivyland Railroad on Saturday or Sunday this weekend (5 – 7 pm). Listen to Dixie Land music by the vines, too, at Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, NJ, on Saturday afternoon from 1 – 4 pm.

Sunday also brings two more wine events. Music Under the Arbor takes place at Alba Vineyards in Milford, NJ in the afternoon (lunch at Lovin’ Oven in Frenchtown, then up to the vineyard?). Or maybe you need to learn more about wine first? Take A Dummies Guide to Wine Tasting at Crossing Vineyards Sunday afternoon.

Peaches, peaches, peaches at Manoff Market Gardens in Solebury. Come to Manoff’s for their annual Peach Festival, including hay rides, peach ice cream making and wonderful yellow and white peaches. Yum. 

And although it isn’t strictly about food, check out the 1st Annual Newtown Music Fest on Sunday, August 15th at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley. From noon to 10 p.m., the Newtown Corporation and Cambridge Sound Studios of Newtown will present a dozen bands along with food and beverages from Newtown restaurants, including the Temperance House, Joey G’s and the Green Parrot. Several Bucks County wineries will also be there selling wine by the glass and by the bottle.

As for farm markets and what is available this week, well, just about anything you can imagine. It’s August! All of the markets are listed below. Go check out a new one, and see what you find. Let me know where your favorite vendors are, and why.

For calendar details, read more here… Continue Reading »

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May the best zucchini win

Aug 12th, 2010 by Lynne Goldman

Come on down to the Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market this afternoon for zucchini racing! I’ll be one of the judges for this annual event. It’s a lot of fun – really. It is amazing what you can do with a zucchini. The decorations and engineering are quite impressive.

The market is located in Lower Makefield at Veterans Square which is at the corner of Heacock and Edgewood Roads, across from Woodside Presbyterian Church. The zucchini racing stand will be setup on the left side of the market next to Sandy’s Eggs

The racers need to be registered by 5pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm with the number of heats dependent on the number of entries.

If it is raining, look for a rain date in the near future. See you there!

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