A Quick Summer Side Dish: Lisa’s Cucumber Salad With An Indian Twist

It's high summer, and dammit, I'm just too busy! It's a wonder I'm able to find the time to marinate a slab of meat to slap on the grill for dinner, let alone think up side dishes. But here's a quickie that's become a favorite in our house, showcases the wonders of the Jersey cuke, …

Ei5J Giveaway #3: ‘The Latin Road Home’ Cookbook…and Our Giveaway #2 Winner

We recently had the great pleasure of being invited to a special dinner at Amada at Revel in AC. The occasion was the release of Chef Jose Garces' cookbook 'The Latin Road Home', which explores the culinary regions of Ecuador, Sapin, Cuba, Mexico and Peru. It was a great dinner with good company (read Robin …

Holiday Recipes from The Blue Pig and Girasole

Looking for an interesting recipe to throw in for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas? Looking to try something different than the usual holiday fare? Looking to avoid your mother's dry as a bone turkey this Thursday? Well, I can't help you with #3, but here are a couple of fun recipes given to us by Chef Jeremy …

A Tomato’s Best Friend

  I just couldn't resist that one....it's August, and it appears that Jersey tomato season is once again in full swing. I can't get enough of them at this time of year: I slice 'em up raw with some garlic and olive oil, make gazpacho andaluz, build the perfect BLT, and toss them with hot …

Pineapple Chicken: Comfort Food from Daddy

One of my biggest culinary influences was when I was about 8 or 9 and my dad got into Chinese cooking. Armed with his brand-new wok, Chinese cookbooks, and exotic utensils, he'd toil all Saturday afternoon to whip us up several courses that night: egg rolls and won tons, hot and sour soup, beef with …