Author Archives: smallchickbigdeals

#SCBDEvent: Join Me at My [#SCBD31GiftsParty] Thirty-One Gifts Online Party!

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Wherever you find me lately whether it’s shopping (like Bergen.com caught above), eating, working or working out– you’ll more than likely see me wearing my Thirty-One Gifts Metro Retro bag. In fact, it also came to Philly with me for Eat Write Retreat and will be heading all over the world with me. I love it, because it isn’t huge, holds what I need, and is perfect for my work commute lately.

I love the Thirty-One products because they always have a monthly deal. This month it is Large Utility Tote in Fun Flops.avaliable in June only and its only $10 with a $35 purchase! Plus everything they sell comes in handy whether you need a wallet, lunch box, tote, or even a duffle– you name they have it!

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It may be a rainy week here in New Jersey, but SCBD is celebrating the summer by having a Thirty-One Gifts party! Interested in checking out their products yourself, here’s how to start shopping:

  1. Go to www.mythirtyone.com/LisaDeFillippo
  2. Click on “My Parties”
  3. Find Sara Monica and click “Shop Now”

Don’t forget to RSVP to the event on our Facebook, here.

NOTE: embroidery is $7. That is a flat rate and customers do not have to pay by the letter. Icon-it Personalization is $7 for the icon only or $10 for the icon and wording & Collegiate Personalization is $15.

The party ends June 21st so shop now and products will arrive 2-3 weeks after the closing date and they will be directly sent to you!

Planning on shopping at the party? Feel free to leave some us some lovin’ below or tweet us @smchickbigdeals and use the hashtag #SCBD31GiftsParty!

Happy Shopping :D

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#SCBDFavorite: Delish dinner at Ridge Tavern in Basking Ridge, NJ

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My delicious mojito

If you are looking for a great bite in the Basking Ridge area I highly recommend Ridge Tavern which is located on South Finley Ave in Basking Ridge. A few weekends back, Jason and I came in for dinner and were really impressed. I enjoyed my cocktail, the food was fresh, and we had great service.

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Calamari

We started with an appetizer as always and decided to try their calamari. We really liked it and loved the aioli it was served with, it complimented it very well. As we finished our calamari our salad came out which came with the entree we ordered to share.

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The salad was great and had my favorite dressing on it, balsamic. It wasn’t too heavy and the greens were fresh, I loved it. Before I knew it, our main, the shrimp pasta dish was on its way out. We decided to share it since we weren’t super hungry and it hit the spot.

Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Pasta

The shrimp pasta did not disappoint especially since the parpadelle pasta was homemade. It was seasoned perfectly and we loved every bit. We decided to get dessert since they had an interesting special, it was Fried Cheesecake.

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Fried Cheesecake

The fried cheesecake was delicious and we were so full! It was definitely one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in the area and we’ve gone back since. I’d love to go back to check out their brunch soon also since it’s a deal! They have a $15.00 brunch buffet on Sunday’s from 10:00am to 2:00pm!

Have you been to Ridge Tavern? Leave a comment or tweet us about your experience!

Cheers to great eating! :D

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#SCBDExclusive: Spring Menu Tasting at Morris Tap & Grill’s Kitchen Bar

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Morris Tap & Grill’s Signature chips with 7 spice dip

The week before the launch party, Jason and I went to Morris Tap & Grill in Randolph, NJ for an exclusive spring menu tasting at the Chef Eric’s Kitchen Bar. We were greeted by Chef/Partner Eric LeVine, you may know him because he was also a winner of Food Network’s Chopped. It was the perfect afternoon for a hearty lunch tasting where we got to speak to Chef, find out the inspiration and twists he uses with his food, and leave with full stomachs.  We started off with Morris Tap & Grill‘s signature chips & 7 spice dip that got our palette ready for the bites we’d taste next.

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Pear, Blue Cheese, Pecans and Arugula Flatbread

Next, Chef brought out the pear, blue cheese, pecans & arugula flatbread. The flavor combination was great and I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved how it was sweet,savory and balanced out with the blue cheese.

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Buffalo Chicken Purse

We tasted the buffalo chicken purse next which is buffalo chicken dumplings served with their blue cheese dip and 7 spice rub. The dumpling themselves were some of the best I’ve had but when you dipped them into the sauce & rub it was like a party in your mouth. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, you have to try them!

Pad Thai, Bacon and Chicken

Pad Thai, Bacon and Chicken

Since the party was already starting in our palette, Chef brought out his Pad Thai which has chicken and bacon in it. I was a bit curious how it would taste but it was love at first bite. The mix of chicken and bacon worked really well, we had to take leftovers home it was so good!

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Pan Seared Opaka with Garlic Clams and Chorizo

The next dish we tasted was the pan seared Opaka with garlic clams and chorizo. This was our first time trying opaka but we really liked it. Also since Jason and I both come from a Latin American background we loved the chorizo, it hit the spot!

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Pork Trio

The next dish we sampled in our tasting was the Pork Trio which included fried pork belly, baked beans with bacon, and pork loin. My favorites from that were the fried pork belly and baked beans. The pork loin was great too but I’m not a huge pork loin fan. I liked that we had choices and definitely enjoyed the dish.

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Tofu Vegan Dish

We were really starting to fill up and had Chef Eric surprise us with the last dish we’d taste. It was a vegan dish with tofu, white asparagus, and a delicious green chili sauce. I really enjoyed it because I love tofu and loved the flavor combinations. Jason isn’t huge into tofu, but he gave it a try and thought it wasn’t bad.

Our favorite dish was the buffalo chicken purses, which I’m craving as I speak of them. I loved how unique the Pad Thai was and the flatbread was one of he best I’ve had in awhile. If you’re looking for someplace unique to eat at where you can give your palette a party!

Interested in eating at the Chef Eric’s Kitchen Bar? It’s open daily– all you need is yourself and 3 other people and Chef Eric will come up with a private menu for you! Morris Tap & Grill is located at 500 Route 10 West, Randolph, NJ.

Have you been to Morris Tap & Grill, I’d love to know what you think of it. Feel free to comment or tweet us! Also be on the look out for Chef Eric’s cookbook coming out later this year, Small Bites Big Flavor.

Here’s to more great eating, bon appetit!

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#SCBDRecipe: Ring in #MDW2013 with the #BigDeal Martini

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Who else is thankful its Friday and of course, Memorial Day Weekend (aka MDW)?! If you are as excited as I am, you’ll want to kick off your MDW festivities with the #SCBD #BigDeal Martini which was served at the #SCBDLaunchParty! The cocktail was created by mixologist Theresa Fowler especially & exclusively for the site and had been in the works since last October. Since it was such a hit at the launch party, I figured it would be the perfect weekend to share the recipe with you all to enjoy at your party. I know I plan on making it this weekend!

The #SCBD #BigDeal Martini on the rocks :) YUM!

The #SCBD #BigDeal Martini on the rocks :) YUM!

#SCBD #BigDeal Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Coconut Rum
  • Orange-Infused Vodka
  • Blue Curacao
  • Coconut-Infused Vodka
  • Fresh Orange & Pineapple Juice (can use store-bought if unavailable)
  • Fresh Lemon

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker add equal parts rum, both vodkas, and blue curacao followed by both juices and squeeze fresh lemon. *Note: You can substitute one of the infused vodkas with regular vodka if needed*
  2. Shake and serve in an iced martini glass straight up or on the rocks in a pint glass.
  3. Sip and enjoy!

Cheers to a great and memorable #MDW this year whatever you are doing! Planning on making the martini? Let me know what you think and leave a comment or tweet me @smchickbigdeals!

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#SCBDExclusive: Mother’s Day Dining Destinations!

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Mother’s Day is approaching quickly. Looking to go out and celebrate in New York or New Jersey? We have a couple of recommendations to enjoy this day to honor our Mother’s…

Photo Credit: Eventective.com

Photo Credit: Eventective.com

SouthWest NY, nestled in the heart of Tribeca, serves up Southwestern classics with a refined twist. Infused with the bright and bold flavors of Mexico and Latin America, Oaxaca-born Chef Antelmo Ambrosio has created a Mother’s Day menu that will be sure to please your turquoise earring-wearing, Southwestern loving mom. Or any mom for that matter. SouthWest NY’s special Mother’s Day menu is on offer from 12 pm to 9 pm. Dine outside and enjoy starters like Smoked Salmon Flat Bread ($13.50) with shaved red onion, capers, crème fraiche and chives or Duck Foie Gras ($15.00) with mixed berries compote and fennel crostini. Healthy delicious entrees like Jumbo Grilled Shrimp ($19.00) with grilled asparagus and blood orange vinaigrette will undoubtedly leave room for a Raspberry Lemon Drop ($ 8.00) with lemon mousse, raspberry preserve, lemon glaze and fresh raspberries. 

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Galli in Soho this Mother’s Day and really give mom a treat — the luxury of not having to cook! She can enjoy Italian classics (such as baby rice balls, mozz chips, Pasta Norma, Chicken Parm, & more) passed down from Steven Gallo’s (Chef & Owner) own mother.  So this Mother’s Day come to Galli and really feel like your at home with the family!

Sarabeth’s is the quintessential Mother’s Day restaurant and in addition to their full dinner menu on May 12th, the sprawling Tribeca location will also offer a specialty menu. Executive Chef Lee Scheffler cooks from the heart, which is evident in items like Filet Mignon ($31) with sautéed spinach, Portobello mushroom and mashed potato, Lobster Salad ($17) baby vegetables, frisee and citrus vinaigrette. And for a sweet end to your meal, try the Plum Peach Tart ($8.50) with fresh whipped cream.

RAYMI, NYC

Let mom enjoy dishes inspired by Chef Ramirez’s own family dinners as a child at Raymi in Flatiron. Mouths are sure to water with a variety of dishes rich in flavor and cultural influence. The prix fixe menu is only $38 a person and offers a variety of dishes sure to please anyone.

Mother'sDay 2013

The Orange Squirrel - offers Mother’s Day Brunch with 3 seatings at 11 am, 12:30 and 2pm.  Brunch includes choice of a main dish, a dessert and one complimentary cocktail or beverage for $35/adult or $30/child (see menu above).  Make your reservations today!

RARE The Steakhouse: Will be serving their a la carte menu from 1 to 6:30pm reserve at www.rarestk.com.

 The Dining Room at Anthony David’s brunch:  $22.95 includes fruit & donuts, entree, & coffee/tea.  Reserve at 201-222-8359.

Photo Credit: Lisa Curran

Photo Credit: Lisa Curran

 Bin 14 is offering a make your own “Momosa” Bar $8 with fresh fruits/juices. Reserve at 201-963- 9463.

Cheers to a great Mother’s Day!

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#SCBDFavorite: Get an ‘exquisite’ color & cut at Xquisite in Hoboken!

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I love living in Bergen County and will be sad when I move back to the Jersey Shore in a few short weeks. Not only am I extremely close to NYC but I’m a quick drive or train ride away from Hoboken. Because of that, I am fortunate to have a salon there that I am loyal to  and only get my haircut there while I’ve lived it up here. It’s Xquisite Color & Cuts located right near the train station on 1st Street.

Chelly & I

Chelly & I

The first time I went was actually right before Sandy hit but because it hit I couldn’t exactly write about it right away. Last month I went to the ‘BYOM’ aka Bring Your Own Makeup event they had where I was taught how to do my makeup by one of their makeup artists. I really learned a lot (see picture below) and my makeup looked great! I love that everytime I go there, I have the same hair stylist, Chelly. She does a great job cutting and styling my hair and is also fun to talk to. She also cuts it exactly how I want it, not too long, not too short!

Patricia and I after she showed me how to do my makeup!

Patricia and I after she showed me how to do my makeup!

I’m also happy to announce that Xquisite Color & Cuts will have flyers so you can check it out yourself in our swag bags at the party and of course, will be doing my hair for the night! I can’t wait to surprise you guys with what Chelly does! Xquisite Color & Cuts is open Tuesday-Friday 11AM-8PM and  Saturday from 9AM-7PM!! Make sure you check it out, it’s worth the trip!

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Cheers!

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#SCBDExclusive: Highlights down the #Shore at The Style Room!

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So almost two months ago, I went to get my complimentary hair colored at The Style Room in Brielle, NJ. My hair was colored by one of my former co-worker, who is training to be a colorist there, Nina. I decided to change my usual gold highlights up and get gold and blonde highlights. It was great experience and I’d definitely go back for future haircuts when I’m home. The staff at the salon was so friendly and it was great to meet the owner who was training Nina.

This was also my first experience as a hair model and I’d definitely do it again!

The finished product

The finished product

I also have a salon that I’m loyal to in Hoboken so look out for my post!

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#SCBDExclusive Last Minute Guide to #CincoDeMayo

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Don’t feel like celebrating #CincoDeMayo at home this year? Here are some great options if you plan on going out!

Galli (45 Mercer St, NY) will be having $5 Margherita, Lili’s Curves:

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Ingredients:

  • two ounces of Esplon Silver
  • one ounce fresh lime
  • one ounce black pepper infused simple syrup
  • spoonful of purated strawberries
  • two dashes of orange bitters

Combine, mix, serve, and enjoy!

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or better yet Cinco de Derby at Jacques 1534 and enjoy $10 select cocktails including Fishermans Julep, El Diablo Loco, or Uptown at The Pitch & Fork with $10 Mint Juleps and Margaritas!

Come sit, relax, and sip on the rooftop at Social Bar & Grill they will have $20 Corona buckets & $5 Margaritas to celebrate.

Upper West side restaurant Amigos (2888 Broadway) is the perfect place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with  your amigos! And there are more than enough options for every taste and mood: the Bull Dog, a frozen margarita with a Corona; the Mexi-Cali Lunazul tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice; a Hot Tamale with Corralejo Reposado tequila, fresh jalepeno, lime juice, mango, and a chili salt rim; Los Amigos with El Mayor Plata tequila, Barenjager honey liqueur, and cinnamon orange garnish; and the El Gallo Avion Plata tequila, passion fruit liqueur, and lime juice.

Crystal Springs Resort (1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ) is celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Sunday May 5 with a free tequila tasting, a special Mexican-inspired menu and signature cocktails at Crystal Tavern.

From 1pm – 4pm, representatives from Patron tequila will be pouring free samples of Patron Silver, Reposado, Anejo, XO Café and Citronge, and giving away free gifts. 

All day, Crystal Tavern will serve special cocktails and a menu of Mexican favorites in addition to the regular a la carte menu. Cocktails ($12) include  Cilantro Julep Patron Anejo, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, amber agave nectar and cilantro leaves; Ginger Lemon Spice Patron Silver, Patron Citronge, simple syrup, fresh ginger, fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice; Mexican Espresso Martini Patron XO Café Dark, Patron XO Café, espresso; Sweet Orange Patron Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, bitters; Pina Coronado Patron Silver, fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice, elderflower liqueur, vanilla/cinnamon syrup.

Cheers! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

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