Where I grew up in North Jersey, Morris County to be exact, there was such an abundance of Italian restaurants you could practically walk two blocks in any direction and find at least one. That may be a bit of an exaggeration—but not much! The problem was, so many Italian menus were identical. Chicken or […]
If you’re a carnivore, there is simply nothing quite like a perfectly done steak, properly seasoned and cooked to perfection, to make your mouth water. It comes out of the kitchen practically sizzling—a crispy char on the outside, pink and tender in the middle, and perfectly seasoned all the way through. It’s a story of […]
Crème de la Crème What is your favorite dessert? I ask this question every time I have dinner guests. And, although I don’t really keep track of such things, crème brûlée is the answer more often than anything else. I am always delighted to indulge my friends because this impressive, somewhat decadent luxury is inexpensive, […]
Just about 20 years ago, I dined for the first time at 410 Bank Street, the quaint and cozy spot located at (guess where) in Cape May. It was then that I had my first taste of their Bayou Oyster Stew, a memorable moment, and those flavors stayed with me. Since then, whenever my friends […]
This summer as your tribes come to your homes and gather around your grills and kitchen tables, try these recipes that were created or inspired by The Driveway.
Ingredients 2oz Crown Royal Apple 1oz ginger liqueur 1oz sweet vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Caramel drizzle 1 brandy spiced cherry (a cherry soaked in brandy with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves) Pour Crown Apple, sweet vermouth, ginger liqueur, and bitters over ice in shaker. Stir for 20 seconds. Pour into martini glass lined with caramel. […]
Ingredients 2 oz premium bourbon 1/2 oz simple syrup 2 sprigs of fresh mint Rub the leaves from one sprig of mint on the inside of a traditional julep cup or highball glass. Leave mint leaves in the cup and pour in bourbon and simple syrup. Add ice and stir. Serve with a straw and […]
Ingredients Fresh strawberries and blueberries Fresh mint leaves Wedge of lime 1oz simple syrup 1oz fresh lime juice 3oz rum Club soda In a tall glass, muddle fresh mint leaves and berries (The Nail uses organic strawberries and blueberries from Beach Plum Farm) with a wedge of lime. Fill the glass with ice. Add 1 […]
In a mixing glass, muddle 5 fresh Italian sweet basil leaves, 5 fresh thinly sliced English cucumber slices, and 1.5 ounces of homemade lime mix (fresh lime juice and simple syrup). Ingredients should be muddled firmly while being careful to keep the cucumber and basil partially intact for both presentation and flavor (should not be […]