How long have people in New Jersey been waging the pork roll versus Taylor ham debate?
Well the Garden State was founded in 1787, so ... more than 200 years?
Just kidding — it only feels that way. John Taylor of Trenton didn't invent pork roll until 1856.
He first called it Taylor ham, but federal legislation declared that ham is a specific cut of pork. Taylor changed the name to pork roll in 1906, and while the original name stuck in the northern part of the state, folks further south still call it pork roll.
Where exactly is the dividing line?
"Let’s put it this way: It’s a very fine line in Jersey where the pork roll/Taylor ham (demilitarized zone) is, and it almost divides our state perfectly in half," said John Yarusi, owner of Johnny's Pork Roll and Coffee Too food trucks and Red Bank restaurant. "If I had to peg that line, it’s the southern border of Middlesex County and the northern border of Mercer County.
"Some say the Driscoll Bridge, which isn’t a bad point of reference as well," he said.
This name game is one that will continue as long as pork roll is around: New Jerseyans are nothing if not opinionated. And don't think you'll be able to change someone's mind, because many have tried and failed.
"You can't tell people what to call something," Yarusi said. "They're gonna call it whatever they want."
Our Pork Roll Playoff bracket is set
Last week, we asked readers to help us fill the final two spots in our Pork Roll Playoff bracket, a friendly monthlong competition to determine the best pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich at the Shore.
The votes were between Talierico's Ultimate Gourmet in Middletown and The Local Market & Kitchen in Ship Bottom for one play-in position, and The Gourmet Deli in West Creek and Beach Shack Deli in Point Pleasant Beach for the other.
The winners? Local Market and Beach Shack. Congrats to them, and thanks to everyone for voting in the play-in matches.
But the fun is just beginning. Round 1 of the Pork Roll Playoff begins Wednesday, March 1, at app.com. Votes are limited to one per day. Be sure to get your friends and family to vote for your favorite by sharing the matchups on social media with #PorkRollPlayoff.
It's that time of the year to get your Irish on, and The Crab's Claw's got the menu for you. APPETIZERS: REUBEN ROLLS 2 corned beef, sauerkraut & shredded swiss cheese spring rolls- served with a side of Russian dressing 14. GRAVLAX - thinly sliced Atlantic salmon cured with sea salt, Jameson's irish Whiskey, sugar, fresh dill & cracked pepper, served with a mustard sauce & potato pancakes 14. IRISH NACHOS seasoned waffle fries topped with crumbled corned beef, melted Swiss cheese & green onions, served with a side of jalapeno peppers & sour cream 14.
SANDWICHES REUBEN - lean corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut & our special dressing grilled on rye bread & served open faced 18. MINI REUBEN - same as above- a wee bit smaller 14. CORNED BEEF on rye bread 14.. DUBLIN TACOS 3 flour tortillas stuffed with shredded corned beef, swiss cheese, chipotle Russian dressing & shredded cabbage = served with a side of jalapenos & sour cream 14.
ENTREES CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE - served with boiled potatoes 22. SHEPHERD'S PIE - traditional Irish style ground beef & vegetables topped with housemade Yukon gold mashed potatoes & cooked to a golden brown 20. IRISH BEEF STEW- beef & vegetables slow cooked in a Guinness- brown gravy, served over egg noodles 21. CHICKEN MURPHY -chicken, sausage, onions, peppers & potatoes tossed with diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil & white wine 20. FISH 'CHIPS beer battered & fried, served with French fries, tartar sauce & malt vinegar 22.
We have a number of upcoming events sponsored by Jersey Shore Restaurant Week. Tickets are on sale now!
Thursday, April 20, 2023. The Chefs Invitational. Spring Lake Manor. Each Spring we invite top Jersey Shore chefs to cook one of their signature dishes. Wine bar. Live music. Tickets
Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Great Jersey Shore Burger Contest. Top area restaurants compete for the title of "Best Burger at the Jersey Shore". Craft beers. Live music. Tickets
Sunday, April 30, 2023. Summer of '23 - A Rosé Day.Taste different styles and varietals from around the world. We'll pair them with cheeses, meats and chocolates from Molly Boards and special treats from the WCP kitchens. Tickets
May 21, 2023. Second Chance NJ Fundraiser. We created Second Chance to train and place previously incarcerated individuals in kitchens of Jersey Shore Restaurants. Beyond Organic Farm, Freehold. Music by Moroccan Sheephearders. Food by Shipwreck Grill, Joe Leone's, Brandl. Tickets
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FIND YOUR BEST WEEKEND - SAVANNAH
Just two hours south of Charleston, Savannah seems years apart from its neighbor to the north in their leap into the 21st century. While Charleston has charged into the new millennium, Savannah seems content to walk there, at its own pace. A stroll down its main street reveals store signs that haven’t changed in 50 years. And the locals are quite happy with the state of things. Nevertheless, Savannah’s quiet dignity and welcoming hospitality make it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway.
Georgia’s “first city” may just be one of the country’s most beautiful towns. Founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe on the banks of the Savannah River, the city was planned with a series of orderly grids around 24 squares. The squares today are delightful parks with benches, fountains, flowers and stately oaks dripping with Spanish moss. The parks are surrounded by magnificent, restored mansions reflecting a variety of architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries. There’s even a section in one of the parks for the blind to experience the wonderful scents of the flowers. READ MORE
High noon tequila seltzers now available at Boatyard 401
Zack Alexander March 8th at 6pm at Fratello's
Pizza Rustica, the traditional Italian Easter pie is back at Joe Leone's. Available now through April 8. Pizza Rustica is a blend of imported Italian cured meats & cheeses and Parmigiano Custard wrapped in Puff Pastry and baked until golden brown.
Join us at Red Horse by David Burke to celebrate St Patrick's Day all week long.
Sunday, March 12th - Parade Day - Irish Food & Drink Specials!
Wednesday, March 15th - Irish Whiskey Dinner (RESERVE ON OUR WEBSITE)
Friday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day Irish Food & Drink Specials!
It’s that time of year again at Squan Tavern. St. Joseph’s Zeppole from LaRosa's Pastry Shop are in the house!! Do you prefer cannoli cream? Or Custard?
YOU GOTTA TRY THIS! Bum Rogers. Baltimore style crabs. Cleaned and steamed with Old Bay and Beer.
The Ultimate Guide to the Jersey Shore was created to introduce the area to incoming visitors. It is full of articles, reviews, event announcements and ads from popular Jersey Shore Retailers.
Distributed to hotels, inns, B&B's, Parkway rest areas, dry cleaners, doctor's offices, car dealers, and more. See it on-line here
New! We are just about to close out the 2023 Magazine. If you or your business would like to advertise in this year's magazine contact jim@jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com
At any given time you may be looking to see who has deals on food, drink and entertainment. Maybe it's a Tuesday night and you want to see who is offering a promotion. Look no further. We've assembled a list of what the Jersey Shore has to offer. Click here
ENTERTAINMENT
Monday Texas Hold 'Em at Crab's Claw
Tuesday "Beat the Clock" 8pm at Bar A Blues Collar Duo at Bum Rogers
Wednesday Gary Frost Band 6pm, Country Happy Hour with DJ Chris and Line Dancing, at Bar A Bingo at Crab's Claw
Zack Alexander at Fratello's
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HANDYMAN SERVICES... Flynn Property Services can perform a variety of chores around your house.Here is just a partial list of the things we can do for you:
Ceiling Fan Installation
Doorbell Installation
Drywall Repair
Fix Light Switch
Furniture Assembly
Furniture Moving
General Cleaning
Hanging Curtains and Blinds
Hang Pictures
Home Repairs
Packing and Unpacking
Painting
Shelf Mounting
TV Mounting
Yard Work
Call Ryan Flynn at 732.245.7706 ________________________________________________