Gluten Free Dining at Pasta Pomodoro

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Recently, I ran into Chef Pasquale Masters of Pasta Pomodoro in Voorhess, New Jersey. I remembered Chef Masters from the former Blue Gill Café, that was owned by Luciano Lamberti and located in the Ritz Theatre Shopping Plaza—the next plaza over from where Pasta Pomodoro is located.

Pasta Pomodoro Eagle Plaza Voorhees

I ran into Chef Masters at Viana’s Italian & Mediterranean in Voorhees. He was carrying several bags of dried pasta. As we talked, Chef Masters told me that he and Pasta Pomodoro are no longer associated with Luciano Lamberti and the Lamberti family of restaurants. I was more surprised to find out that he now offers one of the largest gluten free menus in the South Jersey region—featuring gluten free appetizers, entrees and dessert selections.

Here is information from the restaurant’s Web site about gluten free food allergies and a gluten free diet:

“A gluten free diet is necessary for persons who have coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis (a gluten induced skin sensitivity). It is recommended amongst other things in the treatment of coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, migraines and wheat allergies.

A gluten free diet is a diet completely free of ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, and triticale, as well as the use of gluten as a food additive in the form of a flavoring, stabilizing or thickening agent. What might not be understood is the potential for cross contamination. For a person suffering from gluten intolerance, it is necessary that you avoid all situations.”

The restaurant has a a designated area in their kitchen to minimize the chance of cross contamination. All utensils and cookware used for cooking gluten free food products are kept separate, and the staff is very mindful of washing their hands before touching any gluten free items as an extra precaution. You can feel confident that the staff at Pasta Pomodoro are taking all the necessary steps to keep you safe.”

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness highlights Chef Masters and many other chefs who specialize in gluten free on their Web site.

Chef Masters has a four-year-old son who has numerous fatal food allergies. After speaking with Pasquale, I felt socially responsible to spotlight the humanitarian aspect of the chefs on the above Web site. These culinary veterans strive to help those with multiple food allergies and celiac, so they can dine out and enjoy good food with friends and family, without the worries.

Below is a YouTube Cooking Video of Chef Masters.

Check out Pasta Pomodoro

Eagle Plaza
Haddonfield-Berlin Rd and White Horse Road
Voorhees, NJ 08043 • (856) 782-7430

Ciconte’s Italia Pizzeria new location is now open!!!

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Ciconte’s Italia Pizzeria of Thorofare has moved to a new location and a newly remodeled restaurant. Last year, Ciconte’s, after 22 years in business, acquired the former Helen’s Greentree, located at 76 Grove Street in West Deptford Township, New Jersey.

Ciconte's in West Deptford Township

Ciconte’s did not keep the liquor license that was assigned to the location, so the restaurant is still BYO—like it’s four other locations between Camden and Gloucester counties. However, the new West Deptford Township location has kicked things up a notch. Ciconte’s Thorofare location has a full line of cooks in upscale chef jackets behind the line, and an updated menu to include veal, seafood, chicken and other elaborate Italian-style dishes (priced $15.95 to $19.95 a dish). Ciconte’s still has its Pasta Tomato Sauce & Meatballs and penne pasta served with Vodka, Pomodoro or Pesto sauce—all still priced individually at $9.95. And don’t worry Ciconte pizza, steak, wings and hoagie lovers, you can still find the Ciconte classics that this family-owned pizzeria is known for.

Call me crazy, but I like to order my wings served dry, seasoned with salt and granulated garlic straight out of the fryer—or just simply seasoned with salt. One of the reasons why people use too much salt at the table in any restaurant is because foods are not seasoned at the optimum time. French fries and chicken especially have to be seasoned straight out of the oil—otherwise the salt will not penetrate the exterior—and the food will be bland.

After ordering at the counter, I was given a wireless hand-held buzzer to wait for my food. I sat in the dining room by myself in one of the booths. That evening, two ladies sat together at another table in the middle of the dining room. Soft music played as I watched the large screen TV that was on silent mode—and eavesdropped on the conversations of the ladies and female servers sitting in a booth behind me.

Soon, the buzzer went off!!! A male server, who was waiting on the two ladies, was nice enough to bring my chicken wings and request for more sauce on the side. His good customer service warranted a 20-percent tip upon me paying the bill and departing from the restaurant.

A new feature at Ciconte’s of Thorofare is that they now have a floor manager and a wait staff—also in uniforms. This location seems like its meant to be the new flagship and finer dining location of the Ciconte empire. The restaurant is extremely modern and has plenty of seats, comfortable over sized booths, relaxing decor and parking.

Go give Ciconte’s Italia Pizzeria a try and feel free to leave a comment here about your dining experience.

Taste of South Jersey E-Version Now Available

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For the On-line reader, Taste of South Jersey recently launched its new E-Version of the magazine on its Web site.

STIMULATING EDITORIAL AND REVIEWS

In addition to the E-Version of the magazine, the Taste of South Jersey Web site features an Editorial tab for articles that missed its PRINT deadline. Under the Editorial tab, read ON THE TOWN with MCNULTY—Food and Wine Guru John McNulty’s reviews!

Taste of South Jersey is the original regional niche gourmet food, wine, travel and lifestyle magazine since 1999.

The mission  of Taste of South Jersey is to inspire gastronomy – the art of good eating. We also seek to inspire people to support independent lifestyle businesses in the Delaware Valley!

Every issue of Taste of South Jersey is filled with stimulating pictorial recipes, gastronomic tips, wine, beer and spirit columns, spotlights on area businesses, travel and entertainment reviews, and more.

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE HOLDING & READING PRINT

Avid readers love PRINT…There is nothing like the feel of a good magazine. Taste of South Jersey is a keepsake and the most sought-after gourmet food, recipe, wine, travel and South Jersey dining publication. Pick up your complimentary copy of Taste of South Jersey at over 133 wine & spirit shops, gourmet retailer outlets, home improvement and garden centers — and many highly frequented places where upscale consumers like yourself shop.

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS STRONG AND GROWING!

Taste of South Jersey recently celebrated its 13th year serving and connecting gourmet food, dining and lifestyle businesses with its audience of highly responsive readers who have disposable income.

Southern Charm with Northen attitude band to play at farmer’s market, festivals and funky-style restaurants this season

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The Open Road

Are you looking to get out and shop at an open air market, attend the Italian Market annual festival, or dine out in a funky-style restaurant where you can listen to music with a genre between southern charm and northern attitude? Well, if so, then you will want to check out The Open Road. Click here for a list of upcoming shows.

Here is a synopsis of the band members who make up this eclectic South Philadelphia inspirational band…

Victoria DePaul – Vocals
- Born of royal heritage, Ms. Depaul brings a touch of class to this otherwise motley bunch.  She is descended from two families who both traveled to the New World to lord over land granted to them by Joanna the Mad, first Queen of Spain.  Her paternal ancestors had long and succesful control of the volcanic area surrounding Paso de Cortes.  She inherited her intellect and artistry from the academics on her mother’s side, who founded what is now the Universidad Nacionel de Cordoba (often referred to as UNC) in 17th century Argentina.  The union of her parents graced us all with the birth of Victoria, La Princeso de Paso Y UNC, which her friends often crudely translate to Princess of Passyunk.

Dave Bone – Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
- Dave was born in an empty boxcar headed to the anthracite mines of northern Pennsylvania.  Several un-named observers have confirmed that his mother played the bass line to “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” on his umbilical cord before it was cut.  This was always a source of resentment, since he hasn’t been able to get it out of his head since, even during square dances and love triangles.

Tom McKernan – Bass
- University of Pennsylvania scientists have definitively proved that Tom is on his third reincarnated life.  His prior lives have been a source of great skills that he sometimes make use of in The Open Road.  His trademark horizontal, three-toed bass solo comes straight out of his training as a Flying Wallenda in the 1930′s.  And his time on the First Transcontinental Railroad taught him that if you keep hammering one spike at a time, eventually you get where you’re going.  If you don’t get killed in a horrific accident first.  Tom won’t discuss the details of his first life with his band-mates.  You are encouraged to inquire…we really want to know.

Mark Shewchuk – Drums
- This is not our drummer’s real name, nor is he actually a drummer by training.  An anarchist who has spent most of his adult years fomenting unrest for the CIA in a variety of Middle Eastern countries, our anonymous percussionist first made his “Mark” by denigrating mid-level Iraqi and Iranian politicians, pummeling them strategically with foul and fusty footware.  Unfortunately, he was pulled from the region after mistaking Mahmoud Abbas for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, lofting a loafer at the leader shortly after the Red Sea Summit.  But remnants of his trademark overhand toss can be seen in the way he skillfully lands a brush on his turkish ride cymbal.

Tony Collins  - Fiddle, Mandolin
- Classically trained on the oboe, a youthful Tony once had a promising career with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  This all came crashing down during a 1991 performance of Ravel’s Bolero.  Overtaken by his obsession with a recent release by Nirvana, Tony rose with his instrument and grabbed another from the first flautist.  Yelling “An albino, a mosquito, my libido, yeah!”, he used the pair of woodwinds to play a significantly more vigorous rhythm on the snare drum than the composer intended.  Though Eugene Ormandy later privately expressed his admiration for Tony’s enthusiasm and admitted that the new flourishes gave “a lttle life to that insufferably droning drumming”, the fabled conductor had no choice but to fill the first oboe chair with a more predictable performer.  Thankfully, Tony worked his way from woodwinds to strings, and didn’t stray far from his former job on Broad Street.  The Open Road embraces his passion and energy, but we keep an eye on our instruments, and we make an effort to change the rhythm on a regular basis.

The Metamorphosis of the Hilton into The Atlantic Club

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Here’s a story that missed our print issue deadline…

Casual Dining Choices At Nearly Half The Price

Simon AC Steaks & Seafood

Atlantic City, NJ– The former Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort has undergone a transformation from an under developed property to a new adult destination in two or more distinct stages. Property COO, Michael Frawley, stated that the new name, The Atlantic Club, reflects not only its enviable seaside location, but what the casino resort now offers—value centric restaurant menus, gaming and amenities.

Property renovations for The Atlantic Club are in full swing. “From new signage on the building outside to interior renovations on the casino floor, The Atlantic Club is a property in motion to be completed by late spring,” Frawley stated.

On Friday, March 16, 2012 The Atlantic Club unveiled its new restaurant menus featuring more than just a few customer favorites at prices slashed nearly 50% in all of its six full-service gourmet and casual dining outlets.

Patsy's Trattoria

The Atlantic Club’s restaurants include Patsy’s Tratorria (Italian cuisine); Simon AC (steak & seafood); BB’s (burger bar featuring Angus beef burgers, salads, sides & desserts), The Coffee Shop (24-hr New York style delicatessen), Ono (Chinese cuisine), and The Cornucopia Buffet. From gourmet steak, seafood and Italian cuisine to true New York style delicatessen offerings and a completely re-tooled burger bar, gourmet entrée selections average between $15-$18 and casual dining entrees can be had for as little as $6.

Some of the highlights sampled and previewed at a recent press conference held at The Atlantic Club included; family-style Italian meatballs, sausage and pasta at Patsy’s Tratttoria. Patsy’s also offers pizza selections and an assortment of traditional appetizers for the casual diner—available to dine-in the restaurant, or for room service. Tender seasoned filet, mini crab cakes with bernaise sauce and sensational jumbo shrimp at Simon AC tantalized my taste buds. What I found most impressive was the sneak preview of the New Jersey Clambake dish (shrimp, clams, mussels, lobster, potato and corn-on-the-cob steamed in their own broth) for only $22.

Ono Chinese Bistro

Sushi with seaweed salad and favorite delights like General Tso’s Chicken met my expectations of Asian casino cuisine at Ono Chinese Bistro.

NY Kosher-style Deli meets Jersey Diner

Having grown up around Kosher delis in Albany, NY and gone to college in NYC, I developed an affinity for Eastern European fare. The Coffee Shop at The Atlantic Club is the place to kibitz with friends like your the cast of Seinfeld. Huge pastrami and/or corned beef Reubens, matzo ball and other traditional soups—as well as knishes and a full menu of Jewish kosher-style favorite foods pack the menu choices.

The Coffee Shop’s Jersey Diner delicacies include big dishes like; Bananas Foster French Toast and down-the-shore diner and deli selections.

Two Happy Hours

The Atlantic Club’s new Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. is available in BB’s, Ono, Patsy’s Trattoria, Simon AC and the property’s two bar/lounges, the Dizzy Dolphin and Beach Bar during each outlet’s normal days of operation. Happy Hours feature half price appetizers and half price cocktails including $5 Absolut martinis; $5 wines by the Glass; $2 for all domestic beers; and $3 for all imported beers.  A second late night Happy Hour from 10pm to midnight will be available in the BB’s and the Dizzy Dolphin featuring half price cocktails.

The Atlantic Club is Atlantic City’s first casino hotel to offer a locals benefit program.  The resort has partnered with over 20 businesses, including the 95 retailers at The Walk/Tanger Outlets. Members of The Atlantic Club’s locals program can redeem the comp dollars they earn while playing for goods and services at businesses throughout the region.

Since the time of my last overnight stay at the former Hilton, I am eager to see how The Atlantic Club has improved its hotel and resort accommodations. Regardless, FREE Valet Parking, slashed entree prices and value centric restaurant menus, makes The Atlantic Club a bargain option for the Atlantic City transient or adventurous traveler.

The Chef’s Kitchen: A Cook’s Serious Cooking Show

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In our PRINT issue of Taste of South Jersey, we promised you more information about the serious cook’s television cooking show, The Chef’s Kitchen here On-line…

Chef Tony Clark with host

A Cook’s Serious Cooking Show

For the viewer who is passionate about food and wine, The Chef’s Kitchen provides tips and techniques from the country’s most exclusive restaurants. The show is dynamic in its production and entertaining in its content. We feature award-winning chefs, notable bakers and the world’s most learned sommeliers. Every episode showcases one of the nation’s top culinary talents; they share their basic disciplines with our audience resulting in techniques that are original and informative. For individuals who enjoy the art of cooking this natural sharing of knowledge and creativity is very appealing.

The Chef’s Kitchen Creator and Director

Created by Emmy-nominated director Steven Horn, The Chef’s Kitchen strives to maintain a celebrity presence. His knowledge of epicurism has attracted recipients of various accolades from such prestigious culinary institutions as the James Beard Foundation, the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France Society, the American Culinary Federation and members of the world-renowned Relais & Chateaux Organization, among others.

The creation of The Chef’s Kitchen was a natural. Steven, known for his love of taking a concept from inception to reality, developed relationships with some of the top chefs as they worked opening their restaurants. Seeing the passion and creativity of the chefs with Steve Horn’s own fondness of food and cooking, gave birth to this culinary favorite television cooking show.

Created by Emmy-nominated director Steven Horn, The Chef’s Kitchen strives to maintain a celebrity presence. His knowledge of epicurism has attracted recipients of various accolades from such prestigious culinary institutions as the James Beard Foundation, the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France Society, the American Culinary Federation and members of the world-renowned Relais & Chateaux Organization, among others.

In-Flight Programming

The creation of The Chef’s Kitchen was a natural. Steven, known for his love of taking a concept from inception to reality, developed relationships with some of the top chefs as they worked opening their restaurants.

Seeing the passion and creativity of the chefs with Steve Horn’s own fondness of food and cooking, gave birth to this culinary favorite television cooking show.

The collective viewership of The Chef’s Kitchen now boasts an impressive total audience of 30 million households on traditional broadcast, cable and satellite television. The Chef’s Kitchen reaches an even wider audience by podcast on the Internet.

To find a full listing of syndicated television networks, and/or Web sites to watch The Chef’s Kitchenweekly visit: chefskitchen.tv/syndication.html

Chef Chris Scarduzio

 


Walter Staib on set

Battleship New Jersey

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Aerial of the Battleship New Jersey

MORE THAN JUST TOURS

Congressman Rob Andrews is leading a rally to support the Battleship New Jersey and keep her on the Camden Waterfront.

In our PRINT issue of Taste of South Jersey, we gave you a sneak preview of the Battleship New Jersey. Now let us explain more why this museum and memorial on the Camden Waterfront is more than just tours.

Special events

If you’re tired of traditional meeting space and are seeking a unique venue in which to host your next conference, tradeshow, social event or class reunion, look no further than the Battleship New Jersey.

Offering a spectacular view of Center City Philadelphia, the Ben Franklin Bridge, and New Jersey State Aquarium, the Battleship offers an unforgettable time for your guests. Whether under its legendary 16-inch guns on the forecastle or on the fantail under the tents, guests will marvel at the Battleship’s size and history.

Some of the Battleship’s event highlights include: a 3,000 person presidential reception hosted by the American Society of Industrial Security, a national record launch by Toby Keith; a Miss America photo shoot; and a Trane Air Conditioning trade show. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) hosted an overnight New Year’s Eve event for the City of Philadelphia. Over 2,500 people spending the New Year’s in a Philadelphia hotel were bused to the Battleship, where they saw the best view of the midnight fireworks over the river.

Any combination of outdoor and indoor space can be adapted to accommodate groups ranging in size from 8 to 3,500 people. Heated tents have been installed covering the fantail alleviating any bad weather concerns. To book your next special event or for more information about hosting your event on the Battleship, call

856-966-1652 ext 114 or visit our website at www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

Partnerships

In addition to its draw as a venue for events, marketing opportunities exist for partners looking to reach a targeted, high volume audience. In addition to its event-goers, The Battleship attracted more than 200,000 visitors over a 12 month period. The diverse nature of The Battleship’s marketing campaign and ship offers sponsors limitless opportunities to generate sales, drive traffic, reach customers and provide good positive press. The Battleship’s sponsorship programs are powerful and effective. For more information on how you can use the power of the Battleship to power your brand, call 856-966-1652, ext. 144.

Location

The Battleship New Jersey is located on the Camden Waterfront on the Delaware River in Camden, NJ. Directly across from Center City Philadelphia, the Battleship is easily accessible over the Ben Franklin Bridge or via water ferry on the Freedom Ferry from Penns Landing. People north of the Battleship can take NJ Transit’s RiverLine from Trenton and other municipalities between Camden and the state’s capital. The Battleship is at the final southern stop – Entertainment Center – of the RiverLine. Parking for the Battleship is located at the Waterfront Garage. The Battleship’s address is 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103

Among the Battleship’s neighbors are Adventure Aquarium, the Susquehanna Bank Center, Campbell’s Field – home of the Camden RiverSharks Baseball Team, and the Children’s Garden. Just across the Delaware River is the Independence Seaport Museum, Penns Landing and not too much further Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Hours of Operation/Admission

The Battleship’s Tour hours vary by season. In January, we are closed for walk-up tours. February and March we are open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am to 3pm. In April we are open seven days a week from 9:30am to 3pm. May through Sept. 3, we are open every day from 9:30am to 5pm. In October, we are open every day from 9:30am to 3pm. In November and December, we are open for walk-up tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am to 3pm. We are open every day for scheduled group tours, meetings and social events, and overnight encampments. To make a reservation, call 1-866-877-6262 ext. 144

Admission prices vary by tour route option and the guest age. For a listing of Battleship tour prices, visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org. All active military personnel, World War II veterans and veterans of the USS New Jersey get free admission on any tour. Military veterans of any branch during any era who reside in New Jersey can experience a complimentary self-guided tour of the Battleship.

Woodbury, NJ—Fine Dining Returns to the County Seat

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Several years ago, downtown Woodbury had only Cafe Neena, Charlie Browns Steakhouse and Gia Nina’s as places to dine-in for a romantic meal or casual night out. Then came the Courthouse Cafe—offering fine dining on the weekends. As time passed by, Cafe Neena moved out of town, and the Courthouse Cafe closed its doors for good.

Woodbury’s Main Street, Inc. has worked hard over the years to revitalize the shopping district of its downtown. Although there is room for many more retail shops, the restaurant district is starting to bloom with at least three fine eateries that seem to be holding their own.

The Golden Palace, located at 35 South Broad Street, offers Chinese, Hibachi grill & Japanese cuisine.

Marlene Mangia Bene, located at 43 South Broad Street, is a fine Italian cuisine restaurant with a Mediterranean ambiance. Once inside, the decor and carefully appointed interior design relaxes your mind and prepares your senses to be invigorated with Italian delicacies.

Marlene Mangia Bene is the first of many restaurants to form a Philadelphia-like restaurant row in downtown Woodbury, helping to spark a dining renaissance at the center of the Gloucester County seat.

Charlie Browns Steakhouse has a contender when it comes to the carnivorous palate with the onset of the Woodbury Station Cafe, located at Cooper and Railroad Streets. At Woodbury Station Cafe, you will find luscious chops, filet of beef, Osso Bucco and Prime Rib on the menu. This fine dining restaurant is the sister restaurant to Gia Nina’s Pizza, and Italian-style eatery, located at 312 South Evergreen Avenue, Woodbury. But not to worry Charlie Browns Steakhouse fans, because the Woodbury Station Cafe does not offer a salad bar and full service bar and liquor license that has attracted many diners to the Charlie Browns chain for years.

Golden Palace, Marlene Mangia Bene and Woodbury Station Cafe are all BYO restaurants. So, if you are looking for a great selection of wines to bring to your favorite spot, or sake to accompany Asian cusine, make sure to stop by Woodbury’s premier wine, beer and spirits shop, J & D’s Discount Liquor Gallery, located at 430 N Broad St, Woodbury, NJ.

Check out these restaurants and feel free to submit your dining review here on our Web site, under the tab Submit Your Own.