The Social Scene

The Pascale Sykes Foundation’s Whole Family Approach Photo credit, Masterpiece Advertising The Pascale Sykes Foundation’s Whole Family Approach grantees shined brightly when more than 325 stakeholders and experts in the field of family social services gathered in February for Working Together For Working Families. The one-day conference helped expand the national discussion on how the foundation is strengthening America’s low-income, working-class families.

Distinctive Car Toyz Groundbreaking Distinctive Car Toyz, currently located in Pleasantville, had a groundbreaking ceremony in March at their future site. Located at 2800 Fire Road in Egg Harbor Twp., the new Car Toyz is set to open this summer.

Photos by Nick Valinote

Gilda’s Sip, Savor, Support at Vagabond’s The 6th Annual Sip, Savor, Support was held in February at Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House. Guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food and open bar while Mike from 95.1 WAYV’s Mike & Diane show played great music all night. There was also a Silent Auction, Mardi Gras Mask Contest, and Raffle.

Photos by Nick Valinote

Epicurean’s Invade Kelsey’s The Epicurean Society of South Jersey held a dinner in March at Kelsey’s in Atlantic City. Guests enjoyed a variety of butlered hors d’oeuvres, followed by a dinner entrée, such as shrimp, salmon or chicken, and delicious peach cobbler for dessert.

Epicureans Visit Il Mulino Some 80 Epicureans gathered at the impressive Il Mulino restaurant at the Hard Rock in February to savor authentic Italian fare. Dishes included porcini stuffed ravioli in champagne truffle cream sauce, halibut over sautéed spinach, sage and prosciutto saltimbocca, and chicken parmigiana.

Photos by Nick Valinote

Photos by Nick Valinote

All Smiles at the Captain’s Table Benefit Photos by Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics The Captain’s Table VIP Reception was held at the Atlantic City Convention Center in February. Featured were South Jersey’s most outstanding chefs and restaurants, where guests enjoyed small-bite menu items, fine spirits, live entertainment, and were the first to peruse the motor boats, yachts, and various water crafts at the Atlantic City Boat Show exhibits. The event was held to combat childhood hunger.

Hard Rock Holds Wine Event Photos by Nick Valinote Council Oak Steak & Seafood hosted a four-course wine pairing dinner with wine maker Cara Morrison from the vineyards of Sonoma, California. Cara curated a pairing with a selection of fine wines such as Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches, The Cutrer, and Pinot Noir. The grand tasting was Hard Rock’s Barrel Signature selection from the Les Pierres Vineyards.

HSHS Spartans Night at the Races Holy Spirit High School held their annual “Night at the Races” this past February at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino. Guests enjoyed a fun and exciting evening of cocktails, dining, horse races, silent and live auctions, dancing, door prizes, 50/50 and more!

Photos by Nick Valinote

Vagabond EHT Ribbon Cutting Vagabond Kitchen and Tap House held a ribbon cutting ceremony in March at the opening of their second location at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links on Ocean Heights Ave. in Egg Harbor Twp. Vagabond is also located in Atlantic City.

Photos by Nick Valinote

Greater AC Chamber Mixer The Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Cape May County Chamber, and Somers Point Business Association held a Spring Mixer at Josie Kelly’s in Somers Point in March. Guests had the opportunity to connect with local business owners and make new friends while enjoying great food and even better company.

Photos by Nick Valinote

Chaine des Rotisseurs visit Mama Mia’s Mama Mia Ristorante in Marmora welcomed the Atlantic City Bailliage of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for a multi-course extravaganza in March. The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is the world’s oldest and largest international gastronomic society.

Photos by Nick Valinote

Forza Delivers Lunches to Frontliners The Forza Insurance Group recently made their rounds dropping off lunch from Sac O’ Subs to the staff at AtlanticCare in Atlantic City and to the AC Police Department.

Photo credit, Forza Insurance

Hard Rock Doubles Down on Commitment to Team Members Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City doubled down on their commitment to team members this past May by providing a second round of $100 ShopRite Gift Cards to 3,000 full-time, part-time and on call personnel. The combined Gift Card Distribution efforts represent a $600,000 total commitment.

Photos by Nick Valinote

Stand Up for Autism 10 Faces 4 Autism held their signature sell-out event in March at Seaview Hotel to honor the Eagles & Eagles Autism Foundation. Guests enjoyed an evening of laughter and celebration at the Comedy Fundraiser, which included comedians Dena Blizzard and Carie Karavas. Proceeds benefit the organization’s Family Programs.

Photos by Vernon Ogrodnek

Vietnamese spring roll with vegetables

Veggies For Dinner

Charred Farm Carrots, za’atar yogurt, wild flower honey from Ebbitt Room Photo by Jessica Orlowicz

Experience the many plant-based dining options our area has to offer.

By Molly Golubcow

Quinoa salad with veggies and fruit

In the not so distant past, going out to eat was a challenge if you were a vegetarian or vegan — pasta without meat, a cheesy pizza, or a salad — that was it. Today, dining options for vegetarians have blossomed. According to a recent study conducted by Vegetarian Times magazine, over 7.3 million people follow a strict vegetarian diet with a whopping 22.8 million being “vegetarian-inclined” — marketing statistics that restauranteurs have definitely noticed.

In fact, some restaurants are going 100% veggie or at the very least, dedicate an entire menu section to vegetarian and vegan options. From fast-food chains like Burger King and Dunkin’ to Michelin rated establishments, non-meat options have become the norm. Even a roadside diner will offer a veggie burger — maybe just a frozen paddy, but a sign that veggie options are becoming more mainstream every day.

The Atlantic City area is no exception to the growing tide of people wanting to eat healthier — for mind, body, and spiritual reasons. So, let’s take a look at some local plant-based options that can please a full-time or part-time vegetarian’s palette.

Vegan 15 Egg Harbor Township

As one of the only 100% vegan dining options in the area, Vegan 15 is a dream come true for non-meat eaters. As the name implies, Vegan 15 offers creative and healthy plant-based cuisine influenced from dishes across the world — all for under $15. For an appetizer, try the “Crab” Cakes topped with vegan

Malai Kofta

Bhindi Masala

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tartar sauce or the Chickpea Masala Roll with curried chickpeas, lettuce, cashew cream, and shredded “cheese.” Entrée options, inspired by Chef Bob’s quest for creativity, range from a vegan Sesame Ginger “Chicken” to the Tuscan Pesto Pasta; pasta, beyond sausage, organic broccoli, kale pesto, and topped with “parmesan.” Because Vegan 15 provides limited dine-in options, take out is the way to go. In addition, Vegan 15 delivers to a 30-mile radius — an easy way to get vegetarian/vegan specialties conveniently delivered to your home.

Grains & Greens Galloway, Northfield, & Margate

From wraps to paninis, Grains & Greens offers 100% plant-based food and drink options. Healthy selections range from tofu scrambles for breakfast to veggie chili bowls topped with vegan “cheese” for lunch. In the mood for a sandwich or salad? Choose from several plantbased protein sources like veggie burgers, chik’n, and “meatballs.” For healthy and thirst-quenching items, Grains & Greens serves freshly made juices and vegan smoothies like the Coco Glow — Banana, berries, coconut milk, coconut flakes, and coconut water. Good, good for you, and fast is the combo you can always find at Grains & Greens. According to Michelle Barbera, local fitness instructor, “Healthy and clean options that I don’t have to think about is what I want. When I am running in-between clients and I need to refuel, I know where to go … Grains & Greens.”

Ebbitt Room Cape May

The Ebbitt Room, a classic Cape May farm-to-dining restaurant, offers a variety of vegetarian choices. Under the creative direction of Executive Chef Jason Hanin, the Ebbitt Room serves plant-based options that are far from “afterthought side-dishes.” On the contrary, you can expect items influenced by international cuisine, such as Raw Vegan Lasagna in a red pepper marinara, Butternut Squash Cannelloni with kale and a cashew

nut ricotta, and Charred Farm Carrots with za’atar yogurt and wild flower honey. Chef Jason believes that serving vegetarian foods should be as inspiring as meat-based dishes. He strives to create interesting options for all guests. Chef Jason explains his philosophy of culinary inclusiveness, “It was important to me that we start showcasing plant-based cooking more. My vision was that no matter who was dining with us, everyone could have an awesome, fully comprised and elegant meal.”

Nazim’s Egg Harbor Township

Although Nazim’s serves chicken and fish dishes, they devote an entire menu page of entrées just for vegetarians and vegans, including Malai Kofta — homemade vegetarian meatballs in a thick cashewbased gravy or Bhindi Masala — okra simmered in mild Indian spices. In addition to the 20 plus entrees, veggie appetizers are plentiful like the Goghi Manchurian — a crispy cauliflower tempura in a tangy red sauce.

Rainbow Ventnor

When you think of teriyaki, meat or chicken dishes typically come to mind. However, Rainbow offers vegetarians Tofu Teriyaki — generous chunks of marinated tofu over a tangy sauce with lots of fresh broccoli and steamed rice. For a tasty and unique beverage, try the Avocado Cheese Foam Tea — a chilled beverage that is a cross between iced tea and a smoothie. You have to taste it to experience it!

Pho Life Egg Harbor Township

Although most options at this Vietnamese restaurant are for carnivores, Pho Life offers a few alternatives. The Rice Paper Spring Rolls are packed with lettuce, basil, vermicelli, and tofu. To experience an authentic bowl of Pho — traditionally made with pork or other animal products — a mushroom-based veggie broth can be substituted that blends perfectly with the veggies, tofu, seasoning, and noodles. n

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