Serves 4 This dish offers sharp flavors and subtle textures to compliment slices of meaty grilled fish. Ingredients: 1 lb. best available fresh tuna (about two 1”-2” tuna steaks, depending on size) ¾ cup Balsamic vinegar, reduced to ¼ cup syrup 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for grilling the tuna 4 small or two large shallots, peeled, trimmed, and sliced 1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped 4 tsp. capers, drained ¼ fresh lemon, de-

Serves 4 with leftovers A flavorful green dip contrasts colorfully with carrots and bell peppers. Pass individually in shot glass portions for a fun presentation. Ingredients: 4 carrots, shaved/trimmed and cut into thin sticks about 3” long 1 red bell pepper, trimmed into ~16 sticks 1 yellow bell pepper, trimmed into ~16 sticks 1 large bunch of parsley, flat or curly leaf ½ cup raw shelled walnuts 1 small clove garlic 1 c. sour cream 4 oz. cream cheese ¾ c. freshly grated par

Serves 4-8 Inspired by fresh beets and chives in a summer farm delivery, this dish offers balanced flavors and textures—mellow/savory, sweet/salty, and crispy/soft. Even beet-haters may be converted! Ingredients: 1 bunch of beets (about five beets), tops removed, scrubbed 2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus 1 ½ Tbsp. for goat cheese, and more for roasting beets and oiling crostini Juice of ½ lemon 1 Tbsp. fresh chives, minced/snipped 8 oz. goat cheese, softened Thin baguette, sliced into

Serves 4 or more This dish was created in view of one of the larger east coast commercial scallop fisheries at Viking Village in Barnegat Light. It highlights the freshness and sweetness of our region’s beautiful local shellfish. Ingredients: 12 sea scallops, trimmed and cut in rough, large dice, with each scallop yielding about 8 chunks Juice of 4 fresh limes (about 1/3 cup fresh juice) 1 Tbsp. “toasted” sesame oil ½ small jalapeño pepper, trimmed, seeded, and minced 1 Tbsp.

We tweaked the conventional summer combination by featuring premium tonic water and fresh mint, as well as optional bitters. We hereby give you a chance to practice your “muddling.” Ingredients: 4 oz. of your favorite gin 12 oz. premium tonic water, such as Q brand 8 leaves fresh mint 4 ½-inch chunks fresh lime 2 lime wedges Dash Angostura orange bitters, optional Directions: Muddle three leaves of mint and two chunks of lime in the bottom of each glass. Throw in a dash of bi

Serves 5 + a few refills Made with white wine but “pinked” by one of the mixers, this delicious beverage provides the perfect after-beach refresher. Use a glass pitcher to show off the color and floating fruit. Ingredients: 1 bottle white wine 8 oz. peach schnapps or liqueur 8 oz. vodka ½ cup pear nectar ½ cup pineapple juice 1 can San Pellegrino blood orange soda Fruits for floating in the pitcher (and garnish, if you like): Asian or other pear, skin removed and sliced; pine

David Caldarella is a stage IV head and neck cancer survivor. He’s also a sort of angel-on-earth for many who know him. And a hero. A leader and visionary. A friend. A listening ear. An inspiration. Perhaps most significant to the hundreds of people he has helped, he’s the Co-Founder of David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation (DDBCF), which serves families affected by a cancer diagnosis. HIS BATTLE The first sign of David’s illness occurred in March, 2010. After dining out

Inside and out, Bonnie and Bill Clarke’s Loveladies home is the epitome of gracious living. Situated on the juncture of two lagoons, the house has endless bay views from its screened gazebo overlooking the pool and outdoor kitchen. It’s where Bill and Bonnie’s family–three children, their spouses and the Clarkes’ brand new grandbaby–gather with their friends, friends of friends, and furry friends. In short, it’s a great place to hang out. “On a typical weekend, we can sleep

Photos by Ann Coen Photography | Rentals + Styling: Rustic Drift Long Beach Island has always been a popular beach wedding destination in New Jersey for couples looking to tie the knot at beautiful estates, hotels, or yacht clubs, as close to the Atlantic Ocean or Barnegat Bay as possible. What many couples may be unaware of are the unique venues that exist on this barrier island, like The White Whale Motel in Barnegat Light. Arguably LBI’s most bucolic town, Barnegat Light i

Photo by ann coen In this age of texting, tagging, and hash-tagging the heck out of everything, when it comes to proposals and vows, we think it is best to put pen to paper. Don’t get us wrong, we applaud the merits of social media, but when declaring one’s heart to another, it should be personal. And what could be more personal than a handwritten note? Not only does this have us reeling with thoughts of romance, but it is a tangible way to signify the importance of the day: