Whiskey with smoked rosemary. Photo by Larisa Niedle

A little more than a year ago, the front cover of our Summer 2020 issue was emblazoned with the word “Change” accompanied by a photo of farmers working in a field, wearing masks. It was a scene few would have imagined just a few months prior. Covid-19 had knocked the world on its proverbial ass and no one quite knew where things were headed. Our businesses were roiling; our families were at risk. Our friends, well, we weren’t able see them anyway.

The best we could all do was just put one step in front of the other and keep going. And so we—you—did.

Now, from the vantage point of time and wisdom, we begin to see where we are. There is no denying the losses on every sort of personal, cultural, and professional level, but there is the confidence that comes from finding one’s ability to grab change by the horns and move forward in a positive direction that, perhaps, leads to an even better path than before.

In this issue, we celebrate some of that positive momentum. In “Pandemic Babies” (page 22), writer Julia Mullaney introduces us to a few of the many intrepid entrepreneurs who launched businesses during this most unusual of eras. Winemaker Mike Beneduce (page 64) shares how he learned to reset during the pandemic and the impact that newfound ability has had on his life. In “Passion and Pizza” (page 11), we see the culmination of Dan Richer’s year, and life, in his soon-to-be-released book, Joy of Pizza. And we toast New Jersey’s booming beverage scene (“Drink Local Guide,” page 37) and travel opportunities (“Edible Destinations,” page 74).

FROM TOP: Eric Derby (l.), first day on the job, September 2009. With Ray and Nancy Painter; Eric (r.) with wife Dani and their sons, Carter and Jackson, Summer 2021. 

Speaking of change, with this issue we wish farewell and Godspeed to our long-standing associate publisher, Eric Derby. Eric has been with Edible Jersey since September 2009 and his talent, passion, and good humor have been an integral part of our mission to celebrate and sustain the local food community of the Garden State. When you work with someone for more than a decade, the relationship goes far beyond business. You inevitably come to share births and deaths, the glories and challenges of everyday life, as well as more than a few (craft) beers along the way. Growing a business together, we grew to become family. Although we will certainly miss Eric, we are excited for his new path as he joins the Foodshed Alliance as program manager of their SAgE (Sustainable Agriculture Enterprise) initiative. We have no doubt Eric will continue to achieve great things for New Jersey’s food and farming community.

Remarkably, the issue you hold in your hands is one of the largest in Edible Jersey’s nearly 15-year history. We are in full forward motion and excited for what lies ahead. Thank you—our readers and the ad partners who make this magazine possible—for being a part of the ride. Enjoy fall!

Sincerely,
Nancy Painter, Editor & Publisher

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FALL 2021 FEATURES