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Food Network

'Chopped' Champion From Bergen County Opens Third Restaurant In Morristown 'Chopped' Champion From Bergen County Opens Third Restaurant In Morristown
'Chopped' Champion From Bergen County Opens Third Restaurant In Morristown Morristown is about to get a taste of Hawaii. Shaka Kitchen, which has two locations in Hoboken, opened their third location in Morristown at 62 South St. this month. The restaurant is run by sisters Kiersten and Krista Gormeley, who spent a year in the Aloha State a decade ago that changed their lives. Enjoying the local cuisine, Kiersten, who won an episode of Food Network's "Chopped" in 2021  started formulating recipes in her head. Kiersten realized there were no poke and acai bowl restaurants in the United States so she decided to start one, opening the original Shaka Kitchen in 2…
Meet The Three NJ Bakers Competing On Food Network Show Meet The Three NJ Bakers Competing On Food Network Show
Meet The Three NJ Bakers Competing On Food Network Show Three New Jersey residents are among 10 bakers competing on a brand new Food Network cooking show. "The Next Baking Master" is filmed in Paris and hosted by acclaimed pastry chef Stephanie Boswell and French-born chef and restaurateur Ludo Lefebvre.  The Garden State bakers on the show are Joe Settepani of Morganville, Robert Toland of Willingboro, and Jennalyn Walbolt of Union (scroll down for more about each one). The show is Food Network’s newest culinary competition and "gives 10 ambitious and highly-skilled American bakers unprecedented access to the most iconic pastry shops…
Midland Park Baker Stars On New Show Celebrating 'Elf On The Shelf' Midland Park Baker Stars On New Show Celebrating 'Elf On The Shelf'
Midland Park Baker Stars On New Show Celebrating 'Elf On The Shelf' Tatiana Kovalenko, a North Jersey cakemaker, is ringing in the holiday season in style. Kovalenko, who lives in Woodcliff Lake and previously ran Skaza Cakes in Midland Park, is a contestant on the Food Network show "The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown", premiering on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.  On the show, six teams of bakers are challenged to create a edible showpieces highlighting the holiday season. The winning team wins $25,000 and the coveted title of The Ambassadors of Confectionary Concoctions. The show is hosted by cake master Duff Goldman with judges Kardea Brown and Ashley Holt…
UPDATE: 'Chopped' Kosher Chef Jailed On New Child Sex Assault Charges Out Of Teaneck UPDATE: 'Chopped' Kosher Chef Jailed On New Child Sex Assault Charges Out Of Teaneck
Update: 'Chopped' Kosher Chef Jailed On New Child Sex Assault Charges Out Of Teaneck A kosher chef from Teaneck who appeared on the Food Network show "Chopped” was jailed after a grand jury in Hackensack indicted him on charges of sexually assaulting a child. Shalom "Sal" Yehudiel, 41, was arrested at JFK Airport last month when authorities said he tried to flee the country. He'd only just had previous child sex assault charges against him dismissed by a judge in Hackensack at the time. A new indictment charges Yehudiel with sexually assaulting a girl who was 14 and 15 twice in Teaneck between November 2016 and April 2017. Yehudiel -- now lives in Aventura, FL -- surr…
Kosher Bergen Chef Arrested At JFK Airport Days After Sex Assault Charges Dismissed: Officials Kosher Bergen Chef Arrested At JFK Airport Days After Sex Assault Charges Dismissed: Officials
Kosher Bergen Chef Arrested At JFK Airport Days After Sex Assault Charges Dismissed: Officials Just days after a judge dismissed charges against him, Bergen County kosher chef Shalom "Sal" Yehudiel was arrested again on similar, new ones, authorities said. Shalom "Sal" Yehudiel, 41, was arrested at Terminal One of JFK Airport on Tuesday, Aug. 8, Port Authority Spokesperson Lenis Valens said. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol notified PAPD that they had a fugitive in custody with a warrant out in New Jersey, Valens said. Yehudiel was charged with one count of second-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, announced Union…
Judge Dismisses Child Sex Charges Against 'Chopped' Kosher Chef From Teaneck Judge Dismisses Child Sex Charges Against 'Chopped' Kosher Chef From Teaneck
Judge Dismisses Child Sex Charges Against 'Chopped' Kosher Chef From Teaneck A judge in Hackensack dismissed child sex assault charges against a kosher chef from Teaneck who appeared on the Food Network show "Chopped.” Shalom Yehudiel, 41, had his rights violated by the FBI when federal authorities failed to surrender a video tied directly to the case, Bergen County Superior Court Judge Christopher Kazlau ruled on Monday, Aug. 7. The judge dismissed the charges without prejudice, which allows prosecutors to reinstate the case if any new evidence comes to light. Yehudiel had owned and operated The Humble Toast, a kosher eatery on Queen Anne Road, for several years …
North Jersey Chef Stars On New Cooking Competition Show North Jersey Chef Stars On New Cooking Competition Show
North Jersey Chef Stars On New Cooking Competition Show Poonam Ribadia, a Bergen County native, has been wowing foodies on Instagram. Now everyone will soon get to see what she brings to the kitchen. Ribadia is one of the contestants on the new Hulu cooking competition show "Secret Chef" which premieres on Thursday, June 29. On "Secret Chef," 10 contestants are isolated in a secret kitchen. Guided by a mischievous talking hat, the chefs are tasked to perform a series of cooking challenges. The contestants also serve as judges, rating each other's dishes in blind taste tests. The winner receives $100,000. View this post on In…
Closing Of 'Magical' NJ Bakery Has Customers' Hearts Crumbling Closing Of 'Magical' NJ Bakery Has Customers' Hearts Crumbling
Closing Of 'Magical' NJ Bakery Has Customers' Hearts Crumbling For more than 50 years, DiBartolo Bakery has been the go-to place for wedding cakes, birthday cakes, graduation cakes and more. Area families wouldn't even consider another bakery to make the classic creations, Italian rum cake and chocolate chip pound cake among the favorites. Some say the creations are magical. But come Saturday, April 29, those longtime DiBartolo customers will need to find another bake shop to fulfill their sweet creations, as the Haddon Avenue shop in Collingswood is closing. The bakery was founded by Benjamin DiBartolo in 1969, in Pennsauken, pursuing his dream of …
This New Jersey Diner Is Among Guy Fieri's Favorites, Website Says This New Jersey Diner Is Among Guy Fieri's Favorites, Website Says
This New Jersey Diner Is Among Guy Fieri's Favorites, Website Says Guy Fieri has dined at thousands of diners across the US and dozens in New Jersey on his Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Mashed has compiled a list of the best "Triple D" diners, and for the Garden State, flavortown is in Linden. "You can get some delicious, homemade diner classics in New Jersey at Johnny Prince's Bayway Diner in Linden," the site says.  "It's a casual joint serving up well known diner staples, but locals call it 'a special place.' And Guy Fieri once called it one of his favorite stops on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (per an interview with The Street).…
3X 'Chopped' Champion With MS From Bergen County Has New Restaurant 3X 'Chopped' Champion With MS From Bergen County Has New Restaurant
3X 'Chopped' Champion With MS From Bergen County Has New Restaurant A three-time Food Network "Chopped" champion from Bergen County who has been battling Multiple Sclerosis since 2004 has opened a new restaurant in New York. Chris Holland's Kantina, in Sparkill, puts an Asian twist on small plates, tacos and more. Holland, a Fort Lee native, has cooked Asian cuisine for most of his culinary career. That began for Holland shortly after being diagnosed with MS, when he ended his career as a paralegal and a battle with addiction. "I always wanted to be a chef, but thought it would be far too difficult. Thinking about further; however, I realized that nothing …
Is Anyone More Excited For Possible New NJ Fast Food Joints Than This Food Network Star? Is Anyone More Excited For Possible New NJ Fast Food Joints Than This Food Network Star?
Is Anyone More Excited For Possible New NJ Fast Food Joints Than This Food Network Star? No one is more excited for Arby's and Popeye's restaurants possibly coming to New Jersey than Food Network personality Sunny Anderson. The fast food joints could be coming to the plot of land formerly home to  Ahart’s Market, where Anderson can be seen in an Instagram video as demolition was under way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunny Anderson (@sunnyanderson) The New York Times best selling author hosted "How'd That Get On My Plate?" in 2008 and "Cooking for Real" on Food Network. “When I moved from Brooklyn to Rescue Mou…
'Knife Obsessed Pyro' From Bergen County Competing On Food Network BBQ Show 'Knife Obsessed Pyro' From Bergen County Competing On Food Network BBQ Show
'Knife Obsessed Pyro' From Bergen County Competing On Food Network BBQ Show A Bergen County resident will be competing on a Food Network show "BBQ Brawl" premiering May 9. Maywood's Tony Froyan, who owns Fire and Feast Catering, is one of the many rising barbecue stars being coached by celebrity chefs Anne Burrell, Jet Tila, and Bobby Flay in Austin, TX. Froyan describes himself on Instagram as a "knife obsessed pyromaniac with a food fetish." He specializes in open fire roasted catering and creates  "memorable fire-centric events for the most discerning of clientele," his business website says. View this post on Instagram …
Two Of America's Best Italian Subs Are Made In NJ, Website Says Two Of America's Best Italian Subs Are Made In NJ, Website Says
Two Of America's Best Italian Subs Are Made In NJ, Website Says It's no secret some of the best Italian subs in America can be found in New Jersey. But not necessarily where you might think. According to Mashed.com, two of the 15 best subs in the country are made in South Jersey: One in May's Landing, the other Atlantic City. Sugar Hill Sub Shop in Mays Landing could be mistaken as just another gas station on the side of the road. However, the unassuming hoagie joint has some of the best around, customers say. The sub to get, according to Mashed.com, is The Italian Stallion: A variety of cold cuts, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil and vinegar…
Bergen's Rabbinic Council Ends Contracts With Kosher Chef Charged With Child Sex Assault Bergen's Rabbinic Council Ends Contracts With Kosher Chef Charged With Child Sex Assault
Bergen's Rabbinic Council Ends Contracts With Kosher Chef Charged With Child Sex Assault A Teaneck chef once praised in the Jewish community for his restaurants has been chopped from his contract with the local rabbinical council that upheld his kosher certification following his arrest on charges of child sex assault. The Rabbinical Council of Bergen County announced that it will not be renewing its contracts with Shalom "Sal" Yehudiel, 40, due to the charges slapped against him last week. The announcement was posted to Twitter Thursday, March 24 by Asher Lovy, the director of an organization aimed at fighting child sex assault in Orthodox Jewish communities. The Council las…
UPDATE: Food Network Kosher Chef From Teaneck Charged With Teen Sex Assaults UPDATE: Food Network Kosher Chef From Teaneck Charged With Teen Sex Assaults
Update: Food Network Kosher Chef From Teaneck Charged With Teen Sex Assaults An accomplished kosher chef from Teaneck who appeared on the Food Network show "Chopped" was jailed on child sex assault charges. Shalom Yehudiel, 40, of Surfside, FL, remained held in the Bergen County Jail on Thursday, March 17, following his arrest the day before, records show. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella issued a statement that said, in part:  "On Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, the FBI contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding the alleged sexual assault of a child. A months-long investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI …
Brownstone Pancake Factory Opens Jersey Shore Digs Brownstone Pancake Factory Opens Jersey Shore Digs
Brownstone Pancake Factory Opens Jersey Shore Digs Popular North Jersey brunch spot Brownstone Pancake Factory is opening a Jersey Shore outpost. The storied local family business will be located at 979 Cedar Bridge Ave., in Brick Township, and offer its famous pancakes, over-the-top milkshakes and other diner classics. The Jersey Shore been hotly anticipated, and follows the successful Brownstone Pancake Factory locations in Edgewater and Englewood Cliffs. Owner Bobby Bournias and his wife, interior designer Vanessa Deleon, have built the most Instagrammable Brownstone location yet, complete with in-store donut shop, soft-serve ice c…
Bergen County Cake Artist Makes TV Debut On New 'Food Network' Series Bergen County Cake Artist Makes TV Debut On New 'Food Network' Series
Bergen County Cake Artist Makes TV Debut On New 'Food Network' Series A popular Bergen County cake artist will soon make her television debut on new Food Network Halloween-themed series ‘Hershey’s Chocolate Meltdown.’ Melissa Alt, a Frisch School graduate who previously made headlines for crafting cakes depicting Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, made the announcement Thursday on the Facebook page for her Teaneck business, Melissa Alt Cakes. “I am so excited to announce my first official TV debut is happening,” Alt writes. “I will be competing on the first episode of Food Network’s new show, Hershey's Chocolate Meltdown!” The series, produced in partnership …
2 NJ Hot Dog Spots Named Among 'Best Around NYC' 2 NJ Hot Dog Spots Named Among 'Best Around NYC'
2 NJ Hot Dog Spots Named Among 'Best Around NYC' Popular NYC food blog Eater New York has compiled a new list of 27 hot dogs around the city deemed “superior,” and among them are two Garden State spots. Clifton classic Rutt’s Hut is renowned for its original “rippers,” dogs named for the sound they make when the casing cracks during the eatery’s unique deep-frying process. Rutt’s, a staple since its opening in 1928, has been featured in national television programs and publications including USA Today, several Food Network series and the Travel Channel’s ‘Deep Fried Paradise.’ Top your Rutt’s hot dog with the spot’s mustard-relish sauce…
Baker Who Competed On Food Network Opening Bergen County Cake Shop Baker Who Competed On Food Network Opening Bergen County Cake Shop
Baker Who Competed On Food Network Opening Bergen County Cake Shop A Fair Lawn native who appeared in several Food Network competitions is now opening a cake shop of her very own. Cristina Vazquez made her television debut as the youngest finalist on Season 4 of Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship at the age of 24. She also competed on the network’s first seasons of Halloween Cake Off Champion and Big Time Bake Winner. Now 27, Vasquez — a proud Cuban-Puerto Rican living in Hawthorne — is breaking into the bakery scene with the launch of her new Glen Rock cake shop, Petal Dust Cakery. View this post on Instagram …
ON TV: Watch Bergen County Mom, Chef Compete On 'CHOPPED' ON TV: Watch Bergen County Mom, Chef Compete On 'CHOPPED'
ON TV: Watch Bergen County Mom, Chef Compete On 'Chopped' A Bergen County mom who teaches cooking classes will be competing on an episode of Food Network's "CHOPPED" this week. Hillsdale's Rama Ginde, who owns WannaBee Chef, will be on the Tuesday, May 25 episode airing at 9 p.m. Ginde was trained at the French Culinary Institute and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She also graduated from the Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. She opened WannaBee in 2012 and recently transitioned to virtual classes. View this post on Instagram A po…
Hoboken Chef Wins Food Network's 'Chopped' Taco Brawl Hoboken Chef Wins Food Network's 'Chopped' Taco Brawl
Hoboken Chef Wins Food Network's 'Chopped' Taco Brawl A Hoboken eatery is sharing the secret sauce they've been holding on to for weeks. Kiersten Gormeley, founding owner and executive chef of SHAKA, won the Taco Brawl episode of "Chopped" on Food Network, taking home the $10,000 grand prize. The episode aired May 18. Gormeley felt confident going into the competition.  As an all-state swimmer in high school, she learned how to manage pre-match nerves, and the variety of tacos she’s served since SHAKA’s opening in 2016 gave her a solid foundation to work from, the restaurant said in a press release. Her rivals were talen…
Popular North Jersey Burger Joint Crowned 2nd Best Burger In America Popular North Jersey Burger Joint Crowned 2nd Best Burger In America
Popular North Jersey Burger Joint Crowned 2nd Best Burger In America A popular North Jersey burger joint recently visited by a celebrity has been crowned second best in the U.S. White Manna on River Street in Hackensack took the No. 2 spot on the Daily Meal's rundown of "101 Best Burgers in America." "White Manna’s juicy burgers are topped with onion and cheese and served on a Martin’s potato roll. Pair your burger with a side of crispy fries or, if you’re a pickle fiend, add a 12-ounce cup of pickle chips," the website says. Founded in 1939 at the World's Fair, White Manna moved to Hackensack in 1946. The eatery has been featured on The Food Network's…
Rutt's Hut In Clifton Named Best Hot Dog In America Rutt's Hut In Clifton Named Best Hot Dog In America
Rutt's Hut In Clifton Named Best Hot Dog In America North Jersey residents don't have to go far for the best hot dog in the U.S. The ever-popular Ripper from the River Road eatery eatery was named the cream of the crop by food website the Daily Meal. "This iconic wiener starts as a normal hot dog that is then deep-fried, causing the crispy casing to split," the website said.  "But the key to this dish's success is in the sauce — or relish, to be exact. Rutt’s Hut has a secret recipe for the garnish, which includes a mixture of mustard and spices." The original Rutt's Hut stand opened in 1928 and quickly gained popularity for their crunchy…
'Bittersweet': Callahan's In Norwood Closes 'Bittersweet': Callahan's In Norwood Closes
'Bittersweet': Callahan's In Norwood Closes After five years in Norwood, Callahan's is closing. The eatery opened in 2015 by Dan DeMiglio, whose grandfather Leonard “Artie” Castranni ran the original Callahan's hot dog establishment in Fort Lee. The Broad Street restaurant -- with three food trucks -- has been featured on Food Network, the Travel Channel and other online platforms, and won countless awards. Its Reese’s Peanut Butter & Candied Bacon hot dog was rated No. 2 in America by BravoTV as one of the most out of this world toppings. Its Stuffed Truffle Gouda Mac n’ Cheese Ball Burger was reviewed (highly) by sev…
Bergen County Chefs Will Pop Dinner Into Your Car Trunk Bergen County Chefs Will Pop Dinner Into Your Car Trunk
Bergen County Chefs Will Pop Dinner Into Your Car Trunk If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hearty, chef-cooked meal while helping to feed families in need during the COVID-19 crisis, Trunk Pop Dinners provides the perfect solution. Located in Tenafly, Trunk Pop Dinners is run by local cookbook authors and Food Network kitchen personalities Marge Perry and David Bonom. Perry is a chef instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and an award-winning food writer while Bonom has catered for Bette Midler, Hilary Clinton, Sotheby's and more. Here’s how the service works: Customers place an order and pay t…
Lodi Native Competes On Food Network Series With Martha Stewart Lodi Native Competes On Food Network Series With Martha Stewart
Lodi Native Competes On Food Network Series With Martha Stewart A Lodi resident is putting her culinary expertise to the test as a competitor on the new Food Network series, “Bakeaway Camp With Martha Stewart.” Jessica Lugo is one of six amateur campers and competitors on the show, which is described as “equal parts baking boot-camp and camp-inspired games and challenges.” The show's premier is set for Monday, May 11 at 9 p.m. on Food Network. "Bakeaway Camp" comprises four, one-hour episodes involving a series of challenges designed to test culinary prowess in an outdoor camp-like setting. The competitors will be under the watchful eye of “camp dire…
Food Network Names South Orange Deli Among Best In America Food Network Names South Orange Deli Among Best In America
Food Network Names South Orange Deli Among Best In America Food Network is breaking down the best delis in every state. In New Jersey, that's Town Hall Deli in South Orange. The deli opened in 1927 and has since relocated twice, most recently in 2013 to its current location at 74 1st St. Town Hall's claim to fame is that it's the birthplace of the Sloppy Joe. And no, Food Network clarifies, that's not the ground hamburger meat between two buns. The Sloppy Joe Sandwich from Town Hall Deli.Town Hall Deli It's the New Jersey classic Sloppy Joe sandwich: Layers of two different meats, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and homemade Russian dressing on baked …
Bergen County Restaurant Openings 9/27/19 Bergen County Restaurant Openings 9/27/19
Bergen County Restaurant Openings 9/27/19 An Indian restaurant, new bakery and a liquor lounge. Here are some of the new eateries set to open in Bergen County, according to food and dinging website BoozyBurbs.com. Keep reading for what's to come. COMING SOON: Delhi Accents, Ridgewood: The owners of West Caldwell's Tashan are bringing the high-end restaurant to Chestnut Street next month. Society, Lyndhurst: This new cafe and liquor lounge could be the brainchild of House of 'Que owners, BoozyBurbs says. According to its website, Society will be a cafe with nightlife vibes and an event space. Coming soon to Wall Street in Lyndhu…
North Jersey Celebrity Chef Carl Ruiz Dead At 44 North Jersey Celebrity Chef Carl Ruiz Dead At 44
North Jersey Celebrity Chef Carl Ruiz Dead At 44 North Jersey celebrity chef Carl Ruiz was found dead in his apartment Sunday morning, according to recent reports. Friends say the 44-year-old suffered a heart attack in his sleep. Ruiz owned Marie's Italian Specialties in Chatham for many years and was the executive chef at Sabor in Rutherford, along with Cuban Pete's In Montclair. Before that, he worked as a sous chef at Dish in Clifton. Last June, Ruiz opened La Cubana in New York City, paying homage to his Cuban roots. Food Network star Guy Fieri lamented the loss of his good friend on social media. "I'm heartbroken that my friend c…
Bergen County Chef Eliminated On 'Chopped' Bergen County Chef Eliminated On 'Chopped'
Bergen County Chef Eliminated On 'Chopped' Pressure and competition have played equally important roles in Bergen County native Gregory Stott's life. The former pro golfer-turned-Wall Street stock broker combined both elements over the summer as a contestant on Food Network cooking show "Chopped." The episode titled "Weird, Wacky, and Wild!" aired on Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. Chef Stott was eliminated just before the dessert round. Stott -- a Ridgewood native who lives in Haworth with his wife and two daughters -- is the executive head chef of The Old '76 House in Tappan, N.Y. He and three other contestants were presented with a box of…
Cliffside Park 'Kitchen Disaster' Eliminated In First Round Of Food Network Show Cliffside Park 'Kitchen Disaster' Eliminated In First Round Of Food Network Show
Cliffside Park 'Kitchen Disaster' Eliminated In First Round Of Food Network Show Spoiler alert: A Palestinian comic from Cliffside Park was eliminated in the first round of Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America." Nina Kharoufeh, 25, was cut by judge and celebrity chef Anne Burrell for her take on steak and squash stew. The Montclair State graduate claimed to have never used a can opener. Her mom thought the reason she's still single is because she can't cook. "This experience was honestly so much fun," Kharoufeh said. "I can't wait to go home and practice. I'm sure I'll get better." The remaining "kitchen disasters" will continue to compete for $25,000 on t…