Spring 2018

By Teresa Politano / Photography By | Last Updated March 01, 2018
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CHANGING THE PARADIGM

In Botswana, they call it natural capital.

It’s the value placed on the environment, a recognition that natural resources are fundamental to quality of life, fundamental to survival. The concept has been codified in the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa, a forward-thinking development philosophy—hammered out in Botswana’s capital in 2012 and signed by 12 African nations—that demands that natural capital be not an afterthought, not at the periphery, but at the center of each economic decision.

I know this because my son, who studies economics, returned in January from a trip to Botswana. The country, among those who are experts in such things, is heralded as a progressive global leader, an economic model worthy of investigation by American college students. My son, arriving at JFK Airport in his dusty khakis and hiking boots, was more effervescent than ever in his young life, energized by a people so respectful of both their past and their future, as well as their homeland, its wildlife, and, significantly, each other. Jet-lag notwithstanding, he shared photos for two hours—the Kalahari Desert, the village of D’kar and its school and art gallery. Also so many animal photos, a formidable hippo, a sleepy family of lions, a dazzle of zebras. His group saw a rare female rhino—even the safari guides were stunned.

Natural Capital. Resources. Sustainability.

Such are the driving forces behind Edible Jersey’s Local Heroes; the 2018 winners are announced on page 42.

In other awards news, two Edible Jersey writers in January won prestigious awards of editorial excellence from Edible Communities, our network of nearly 100 magazines across the US and Canada. Best-selling author Christina-Baker Kline was a finalist in the Personal Essay category for A Suitcase of Tomatoes (Fall 2017). Jenn Hall was a finalist in the Sustainability category for Oyster Innovation (High Summer 2017).

In this issue, we continue the sustainability story, with a feature on global composting guru Meredith Sorensen (page 20), a child of Rumson. Another global force, the always-senergetic and revolutionary Alice Waters, a child of Chatham, is adamant that America is in the midst of another watershed moment. Waters, amid a tight schedule that included meetings with chef José Andrés and Barack Obama, nonetheless spoke exclusively to us at length; her insights are powerful, see page 28. On page 54, chef Ariane Duarte of Ariane Kitchen + Bar in Verona, one of the few chefs to beat Bobby Flay in a throwdown, shares her secrets for a steak dish she calls Flay Mignon.

I think of this issue as our power issue, all these Jersey women changing the world. It’s an honor to bring you their stories.

It’s an honor, too, to work for a community of magazines for which Sustainability is an awards category. And for which the revolutionaries who change the food paradigm are called heroes.

Felina to Open in Ridgewood

Stracciatella tortellini, with Parma ham, black truffe, mustard flowers and Pecorino brodo
Chef Anthony Bucco is leaving Restaurant Latour at Crystal Springs Resort to open a small restaurant in Ridgewood.

Spring Onions: Four Ways

Green Vinaigrette
What to do with Spring Onions

Wild Greens

Wild greens
Stinging nettles: a nutritional boost from the backyard

Dumplings or Dialect?

Exploring the entangled magic of identity

The Compost Guru

One woman’s journey to save the planet, one acre at a time

Black Gold

NJ experts offer tips for at-home composting

A Conversation with Alice Waters

Alice Waters
slow-food values in a fast-food culture

America’s Favorite Companion

A chat with Smitten Kitchen’s Deb Perelman

2018 Local Heroes

Every year, Edible Communities asks you, our readers, to name Local Heroes in six categories. For this year’s awards, Edible Jersey partnered with our many writers and associates to select nominees...

Flay Mignon with Saint Agur Blue Bearnaise

Competing with Bobby Flay

Don't Squish that Bug - for Kids

Some people squirm and shout "YUCK" when they find a but in their garden, but insects play an important role in the garden ecosystem ... and beyond!

The Big and Small on Easter Eggs

Edible Info on Easter Eggs

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Fall Fridays at Old York Cellars

Old York Cellars
Ringoes