Sunday Supper Spotlight: Morris Tap & Grill; Paragon Tap & Table
Though Morris Tap & Grill and Paragon Tap & Table chef/owner Eric LeVine hails from the urban streets of Brooklyn, he's long understood the importance of working with local farms to ensure top-notch quality.
The basis for the craft food and beer served at LeVine's two restaurants starts "with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients by working with Zone 7, a farm fresh-distribution service that connects farmers from New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania with local chefs," LeVine, 45, said, "and we source great beers made by local brew houses that focus on high quality, small batches and delicious flavor profiles."
"Sustainable Morristown is clearly an important organization for New Jersey chefs to be part of because it focuses on supporting local farmers outside of the larger chain companies," he said. "All vegetables ultimately come from farms, but at the end of the day we want to support local businesses and consumers and the state of New Jersey has so many great products — including tomatoes, peaches, pumpkins, squash, etc. — to develop dishes around."
For Morris Tap & Grill's second year participating in Sustainable Morristown's Sunday Supper event on September 21, LeVine said he'll be sampling a dish that involves fresh local poultry, mushrooms and other fall flavors.
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According to LeVine, the success of the four-year-old Morris Tap & Grill and the September 10 launch of his team's second restaurant — Paragon Tap & Table in Clark — provide continued evidence that the craft concept is resonating with diners.
"When food is handmade and homemade, people can tell the difference, and I love to get out and talk about it with customers as well as build relationships and partnerships with vendors — the craft concept promotes getting people back to working together towards the same goal," he said.
"We hope people will come check us out at the Sunday Supper," said LeVine. "It's a great event that's all about chefs showcasing the use of fresh, local products in fun, creative and accessible ways."
Morris Tap & Grill is located at 500 Route 10 in Randolph and can be reached at (973) 891-1776 or by visiting www.morristapandgrill.com.
Paragon Tap & Table is located at 77 Central Avenue in Clark and can be reached at (732) 931-1776 or by visiting www.paragonnj.com.
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SUNDAY SUPPER SERIES
The Daily Record is partnering with Sustainable Morristown to bring the Morris County Sunday Supper Series to the Hyatt Morristown from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
The event will feature live music, open bar, silent auction and an award presentation announcing the winners of the Daily Record Grassroots and Sustainable Morristown Awards.
Ticket are available for purchase on the Sustainable Morristown website, http://sustainablemorristown.org/2014/08/2014-local-sunday-supper.
Event sponsors include Covanta Energy, Hyatt Morristown and Kings Food Markets.
In addition to Morris Tap & Grill and Paragon Tap & Table, the following restaurants, farms and food suppliers will be participating at the event: Highlands Dinner Club, The Artist Baker, Wholly Wholesome, The Taco Truck, 40 North, Harvest Group, Shore Catch, Valley Shepherd Creamery, Ralston Farms, Tassot Apiaries, Griggstown Quail Farm, Jeff's Organic Produce, Glenmalure Farm Branchville, Jersey Artisan Distilling, Weyerbacher Brewing, Smartworld Coffee, Hudson Whiskey and Phila Distillery.
Some spots are still available for vendors, food establishments, chefs and farmers; for more information, call Martine Rothstein at 973-610-3058 or email locallygrown@sustainablemorristown.org.