The Alternative Press

 A bit of getting ready for the holidays of Passover and Easter. 

The best places to shop for brisket, rugalach and prepared meals. Plus a Wine Dinner at Ryland Inn in Whitehouse, and Lunch at Chez Catherine in Westfield...

EASTER BRUNCH at PIZZA VITA in SUMMIT
Plan to visit Pizza Vita in Summit and enjoy their full Easter Sunday Brunch. on March 31st, Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30  p.m.

The Vita Family will be serving their NJ Monthly Magazine BEST BRUNCH AWARD Winning Menu starting with their famous Breakfast Pizza, Easter Ravioli with a filling of Buffalo Mozzarella, Ricotta Cheese and a sauce of one-hundred tomatoes; Steak and Eggs Panini with caramelized onions and Burrata Cheese; Roasted Tomato, Fontina Cheese Fritatta, Eggs Benedict with Cotechino Sausage Hash, Ricotta Pancakes and so much more. 
Please remember, The Easter Brunch at Pizza Vita features an a la carte menu, with, of course, a Children’s Menu. Pizza Vita is located at 7 Union Place, Summit. Call for information: 908.277.1400.

Easter Brunch at Shackamaxon Country Club
Sunday, March 31, 2013  - Noon to 3 p.m. A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the Scotch Plains Fanwood Music Booster. The menu: Fresh squeezed juices, freshly baked muffins, croissants, rolls and pastries, Eggs, French Toast, and Smoked Fish Station; Charcuterie Table, Salads and a Carving Station featuring smoked Virginia Ham, Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb, and Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Chocolate Fountain and Dessert Display. Adults: $42; Children 4 to 12: $20. Children under 3 are free. Reservations required. Contact Amanda Manoney: . Call: 908.233.1300 ext.1209

Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe for Magnificent Celebration Cakes and Your Favorite Desserts
Ralph Bencivenga and his remarkable staf are experts when it comes to celebration cakes for any and all occasions. You’ll also love his signature designer cupcakes, eclairs, and enormous array of specialty cookies.
Do visit this week and order your macaroons, sponge and honey cake. You’re also welcome to order your Friday night Challahs at Bovella’s. Easter Specialties include a chocolate hazelnut cake, gorgeous cream puffs and eclairs. Do stop by for a cup of their specialty brewed coffee and their famous gelato. Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe 101 East Broad Street, Westfield. Call: 908.232.4149.

It’s John’s Meat Market in Scotch Plains for Your Favorite Cuts of Beef and the Finest Poultry
Folks with the holidays on their mind are busy planning their menus. At John’s Meat Market in Scotch Plains, you’re able to pick up all of your holiday favorite cuts of Brisket of Beef and Pork, trimmed to for quality and flavor. Please don’t leave without requesting  a lamb bone for your Seder plate.

With Easter a few mere days from Passover, you’ll  be more than satisfied with John’s Meat Market’s selection of  beautiful ham or leg of lamb. The staff will prepare your homemade, spiral cut, low salt, no fat ham, and spring leg of American lamb, to order.

Adding to their enormous menu are delicious pulled pork, smoked chicken and ribs, a variety of house made barbecue sauces, and crab stuffed mushrooms,

Voted ‘Best Butcher’ by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, Proprietors Vinnie and Nick Losavio, and Chef Vinnie Losavio Jr., and their staff of professional butchers are ready to assist with your Passover and Easter  meals.  While there, be sure to include a lamb bone for your Seder plate. John’s Meat Market, 389 Park Ave., Scotch Plains: Call: 908.322.7126.

The Swiss Pastry Shoppe in Scotch Plains Bakes Holiday Desserts 
It’s definitely Rugalach season. Time to head to the Swiss Pastry Shoppe in Scotch Plains for rugalach, specialty cakes, pies, cookies, delicious Cheese Danish, cupcakes, and pastries. Proprietors John Cioffi and his son Rob specialize in fabulous tasting rugalach that arrive in flavors of chocolate, raisin-nut, and apricot. Along with several dozen rugalach, take home a sponge cake and honey cake. The quintessential team, oof father and son, John and Rob operate like a well-oiled machine. Running from the stove to the refrigerator, with trays filled with delicious confections, they’re forever busy mixing, and measuring butter, eggs, sugar flour, and condiments.

From luscious eclairs, to delectable linzertortes, cheese and chocolate cakes in every size and flavor, the Swiss Pastry Shoppe features luscious pies, cookies, Danish pastry, and specialty desserts.

Keep in mind, that the Cioffi team are also famous for their amazing Challahs. Packed with raisins, the huge, round Challahs make the most delicious French toast. Swiss Pastry Shoppe, 1711 East Second Street, Scotch Plains; www.swisspastry.com; Call: 908 322.4751.

Deli King of Linden Offers Passover Menu
Call Eddie at Deli King of Linden and discuss your Passover dinner. Priced at  $29.95 per person, the a la carte dinner menu includes: (Choice of One): Gefilte fish with Horseradish, Chopped Liver, Matzoh Ball Soup. Entrees: (Choice of One); Roast Turkey with Passover Stuffing and Gravy, Fresh Brisket of Beef, ($1.00 extra per person), Stuffed Cabbage and Roast Chicken. Side Dishes: (Choice of 2) Carrot Tzimmes, Potato Kugel, Farfel Kugel, Cole Slaw, Health Salad, Farfel with Onions and Mushrooms. Complete Dinner $29.95 per person.

Treat the family to a Sunday morning of Smoked Fish. Available and Kosher for Passover are: Nova Scotia Salmon, Whole White Fish, Baked Salmon, White Fish Salad, Kipper Salmon Salad, Chubs, Creamed Herring and more. Visit Deli King on the web at: www.Delikinglinden.com. Free delivery anywhere in New Jersey.
Please call and place your order. It will be ready for pickup at your convenience. Deli King of Linden, 628 St. Georges Avenue, Linden: Call: 908.925.3909

Livingston Bagel Marketplace Cafe, Deli Bakery is Ready for Passover
Livingston Bagel is the place to go for chopped liver, gefilte fish with horseradish, stuffed cabbage, cucumber and dill salad, health salad, farfel broccoli kugel, and Israeli salad. Along with many main dishes and a full array of side dishes, you’ll also want to include a selection of Livingston Bagel desserts. Livingston Bagel, 37 East Northfield Road, Livingston: Call: 973.994.1915.

Experience The Ryland Inn Spring Tasting Dinner
Spring Tasting Dinner featuring Minus 8 Vinegar
Minus 8 Wine Vinegar is an exquisite creation from wintry Canadian vineyards. Named after the freezing conditions in which the grapes are hand-picked and pressed, Minus 8 is traditionally slow fermented from extraordinary wine. The result is simply amazing!

Minus 8, features a line of vinegar's made from Ice Wine, Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Concord grapes! Proprietors Rachel and Brad will be pouring some of the Ice Wine they produce, and maybe even their inaugural champagne.  In addition, they will be on hand to peddle their wares. What better way to capture the essence of the night, by bringing a bottle or two home with you?  The menu will feature all of the  Minus 8 Products presented in a variety of ways.  Guests are expected at 6:30 p.m. and the evening will start with canapés, cocktails, and dinner. The cost for this dinner, inclusive of wine pairings from the Ryland Inn Cellar is $179, (inclusive of tax and gratuity). Call for reservations 908-534-4011

Lunch and Dinner at Chez Catherine in Westfield
You’ll really enjoy dining at Chez Catherine in Westfield. Lunch: Tuesday to Friday: Noon to 2:30 p.m; Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Private Rooms are available for 10 or more people. Reservations recommended: Call: 908.654.4011. Chez Catherine is located at 431 North Avenue West, Westfield. www.chezcatherine.com

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A Reminder from Millicent: We’re here for YOU!
If you have any great “foodie” suggestions for our readers to check out...or if you’ve enjoyed a fabulous meal at any of our best known, or newer dining spots, or at any of the great, older places, please email me: Mkbrody@aol.com
Have a Very Sweet Passover and a Very Happy Easter!