We just returned from our annual, September pilgrimage to Nantucket and spent our last night celebrating our anniversary at the Company of the Cauldron. It is certainly the most romantic restaurant on the island and one of the most intimate you'll ever encounter.

Helmed by Joseph Keller, brother of Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame, it is a unique experience, they only have one 4 course menu per night.

Keller was just 12 years old when he first worked in a professional kitchen, filling in for a cook at his mother‘s restaurant in Maryland. At 16, Keller trained under Gustanzo Pucillo at the acclaimed Petite Marmite Restaurant in Palm Beach, Florida. He fell in love with Nantucket after being named Sous Chef at the Club Car restaurant and then chef at Cliffside Beach Club and the Woodbox Inn, all located on the island. After furthering his culinary training in France, in 1994 Keller and his brother, Thomas, transformed the French Laundry in Yountville, California into what many food writers have called America’s greatest restaurant. He later opened Bouchon, another collaboration with his brother, in Napa; and Josef’s Brasserie, Como’s Restaurant, and Bistro Zinc in Las Vegas, the latter of which housed a school where Keller taught his famed provincial French techniques. 

Menu for our visit included:
The Company Popovers Vermont Butter (worth the trip alone)
Classic Caesar Salad baby romaine, pulled garlic croutons, aged parmesan cheese, flash-fried capers
Grilled Local Sicilian Style Swordfish rainbow couscous, blistered cherry tomatoes, EVO-Garlic-Oregano
Or
Prime Bavette Bistro Steak caramelized shallot, creamy scallop potatoes, parmesan crusted zucchini, foie demi
Lemon Tart toasted meringue

What a night!

WE'VE GOT FALL FOLIAGE CRUISE TICKETS

We purchased 4 ( 3 adult, 1 child) Seastreak Fall Foliage Cruise tickets that we cannot use now. They are for the October 1st from Highlands to Cold Springs New York. Tickets cost $312, we'll sell them for $150. All you need to do is Venmo us and we'll forward the tickets. Email me at jimaf5003@gmail.com.

• Gorgeous fall foliage up and down the Hudson River

  We’ll follow the majestic river as she meanders under the George Washington Bridge, past the Cloisters, and catch some breathtaking views of the Palisades. We’ll see the rolling tree-filled hills and shores of Hastings-on-the-Hudson, Tarrytown, Ossining, Croton Point, Haverstraw, Stony Point, Bear Mountain, and West Point.

• Farm-to-table foods, local artisans and boutiques, and a 19th century waterfront main street

  Enjoy a gourmet meal and boutique shopping in Cold Spring by the water in this historic, 1800s village main street. Get your artisan holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind decorations early or just enjoy strolling the Victorian streets, houses, and shops.

• Full-service bar, indoor/outdoor seating, and private restrooms

  Relax and unwind during the cruise in our open-air top deck or indoors in our climate-controlled cabins with 360 degree panoramic windows, comfortable seating, a full-service bar, and the convenience of private his/hers restrooms.

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FIND YOUR BEST WEEKEND - GLASBERN COUNTRY INN

Just outside Allentown Pennsylvania and under 2 hours from New York and Philadelphia, Glasbern was an old run-down farm from the 1800’s when new owners purchased it in 1985. Seven of the original farm buildings have been restored and converted to luxury accommodations. The 50+ acre setting is wonderful with rolling hills and ponds and lots of rustic charm.

Today, Glasbern grows its own flowers and organic vegetables and herbs. Two greenhouses, heated by a wood furnace, provide produce year-round. Laying chickens provide fresh eggs. Glasbern sources its meats and poultry from local farms.

This is a great escape from Philadelphia or New York and the perfect “home base” if you are visiting one of the 7 colleges in the Valley.

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EASY, HONEY GARLIC PORK CHOPS
From Cafe Delites

Juicy honey garlic pork chops with caramelised edges ready and on your table in less than 15 minutes! Smothered in the best 4-ingredient sauce!

This Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe is so easy you won’t believe it when it’s done! No marinating needed, this recipe is an incredibly quick and delicious way to serve bone in or boneless pork chops — seared until golden then simmered and broiled (or grilled) in the most amazing honey garlic sauce! THE BEST part are those crispy, charred and caramelized edges!

All done in a skillet or oven-proof pan then finished off under the broiler (or grill) for a couple of minutes to get those crisp edges. That last step is so worth it! Recipe

Available from Chop Box and delivered right to your door. 

• Heritage Breed Duroc provides better flavor and juiciness than conventional breeds.
• Sourced from small family farms in PA and NY
• 100% All Natural
• Raised with No Antibiotics
• No Added hormones or Growth Promotants

ENTERTAINMENT

Monday
Turnpike Mike at Reef & Barrel
Ned Ryerson Nite, Rich Meyer at Bum Rogers

Tuesday
Rich & Chad/Hang Loose at Drifthouse by David Burke
"Beat the Clock" 8pm, DJ Proud inside 9pm at Bar A
Nicole Curtis Nite, Blues Collar Duo at Bum Rogers

Wednesday
After the Reign 6pm, Country Happy Hour with DJ Chris, Line Dancing, Gary Frost Band 9pm at Bar A
Frank & Joey V at Drifthouse by David Burke
Happy Hour - Trane Stevens, 9:00 BUD LIGHT HAPPY HOUR WITH DJ SHOOBS at Bum Rogers
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RENT ME!

This beautiful home in Sarasota, Florida is available for rent from our friend Charles Wines of New Door Real Estate. Spend the winter in warmth and sunshine.

This and other homes, are available for purchase or rent in one of the most desirable areas in the state. 

Contact Charles for more information
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RESTAURANT/SPONSOR LINKS

Bar Anticipation - Lake Como
Bum Rogers Crabhouse - Seaside Park
Crab's Claw Inn - Lavallette
Cross & Orange - Asbury Park 
Drifthouse By David Burke - Sea Bright
Fratello's - Sea Girt
Jersey Shore BBQ - Point Pleasant and Belmar
Joe Leone's - Point Pleasant
Joe's Surf Shack - Belmar
Moonstruck - Asbury Park
New Door - Sarasota, Florida
Prime 13 - Point Pleasant  
Red Horse by David Burke - Rumson
Reef & Barrel - Manasquan 
Rella's Tavern & Cafe - Brielle
Salt Creek Grille - Rumson
Scarborough Fair - Sea Girt
Shipwreck Grill - Brielle
Squan Tavern - Manasquan
The Salty Whale - Manasquan
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