SHADOWBROOK HAS A RICH HISTORY AS A NEW JERSEY LANDMARK, DATING BACK TO ITS COMPLETION IN 1907. ORIGINALLY A PRIVATE RESIDENCE, SHADOWBROOK HOSTED ITS FIRST SOCIAL FUNCTION IN 1941. IN 1971 SHADOWBROOK WAS ACQUIRED BY ITS PRESENT OWNERS, THE ZWEBEN FAMILY, WHO BROUGHT TO SHADOWBROOK OVER A CENTURY OF COMBINED HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE.

Robert and Ronnie both grew up in Lakewood, NJ, where they went through the Lakewood school system. Robert attended the renowned Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, graduating with honors and being a member of Ye Hosts Honorary Society. Ronnie spent her college years on the East Hill of Ithaca at Ithaca College. Robert began working at an early age in his parents hotels in both Lakewood and Bradley Beach, while playing on Lakewood State Championship Basketball Teams. Robert worked at every position both front and back of the house.

Robert and Ronnie started working together managing a famous seashore restaurant and club during their summer breaks from college. Robert and Ronnie married in 1971 and later that year purchased Shadowbrook with Robert’s dad and brother. They have developed Shadowbrook into the landmark that it is today, acquiring sole possession in 1985. Robert and Ronnie support and contribute their time and resources to many local, state and national charities and organizations. They are willing to help anyone in need and through Shadowbrook, assist scores of charities each year. They have been honored by many organizations for their community work. Each year they donate meals to over 1,000 children with cancer for the Francis Foundation.

Robert and Ronnie would like to thank their dedicated family of employees at Shadowbrook for their support. They have employees that have been with them since 1971. There are over a dozen employees with over 20 years of service and over a dozen with over 10 years of service. Because of their employees, they have been able to obtain the time and resources to help others!

Robert and Ronnie live in Holmdel, NJ and have two daughters, Ali and Daryl, both Cornell University Hotel School graduates. The family shares interests in sports and vintage sports and racing cars. The Zweben’s travel extensively and attend food events all over the world. They incorporate new ideas in décor, cuisine and service that are culled from their experiences. The Zweben Family’s goal is to provide a menu, a service and an ambiance that are unsurpassed for you special occasions. Their dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of Shadowbrook.

When I received an email about the Salt Creek Grille‘s new menu that emphasized locally sourced produce, bread, pasta and more, I decided to pay a visit to their Princeton location. What I found, was not only an exciting new and healthy menu, but some really great people who are all part of the Salt Creek family.

When Curt Ciumei (Producer NJDiscover.com) and I first arrived early Saturday morning, we were greeted by a smiling Robert Strasser, the Assistant General Manager. Being my nosy self, I immediately started asking questions. How long has the Chef been with Salt Creek? Where is he from? (with a name like Fabian Quiros, I had to know.) How long have you, Robert, been with Salt Creek? etc, etc. To me, the food is just one part of the story of a restaurant. I also want to know about the people who help pull it all together.
What I discovered, was a really great story about a company who believes in its employees and in nuturing and empowering them to grow. Fabian came to America in 2000. He didn’t speak any English, but he did know how to speak “food.” His Mother owned a bakery in Costa Rica where he helped out and his Grandfather had been in the food business as well. His first job in the U.S. was as a dish washer at the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson. Fabian learned to not only speak English there, but to also cook exceptionally well. He met his wife along the way who was working her way through Physical Therapy school as a waitress. They recently (last month) welcomed to the world little Lucia Quiros.

The hiring from within story is a common one at the Salt Creek. The oh-so-capable-and-professional Assistant General Manager, Robert, started as a server at the Rumson location eight years ago. As he balanced his time cheerfully between babysitting us and making sure his crew was putting the pieces together for the lunch time crowd and a private party, it was very obvious that he loves his job and the company he works for.

Our visit culminated with a tasting of some of the new menu items like the Spaghetti Squash Ravioli locally sourced from Lucy’s Ravioli in Princeton with slivered almonds, snow peas, cherry tomatoes, capers, kale and tomato marmalade and the Chicken Suckatash which Quiros prepares in the video below. Above you see the Ahi Tuna Stack and the Smoked Ahi Salad. All were delicious, fresh, and packed with a wide variety of tastes and textures. To check out the complete dinner menu, follow this link SCG – Fresh Reinvented Dinner. At the end when I asked Chef Quiros my final question, “Why did you come to America?” he said with a big smile, “For the American dream.” I can say that I for one am sure happy he made the journey and heartened to see him fulfilling his mission.
Princeton Forrestal Village, One Rockingham Row
(along U.S. Route 1 next to the Westin Princeton)
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: (609) 419-4200 Fax: (609) 419-4280

Deborah Smith , Founder and Executive Editor of JerseyBites.com. Launched in 2007 as a home for her growing collection of recipes, Jersey Bites soon grew into a hub for all things edible in the Garden State. Deborah is also the owner of 3SquareDeals.com a Deals program that benefits Hunger Relief organizations in New Jersey. In her spare time, (Ha) she works as a Social Media consultant and speaker. You can learn more about her services and marketing through social media on her blog www.DeborahLSmith.com

50-year music career, singer-songwriter-keyboardist “Stormin'” Norman Seldin has been a frontman, a sideman, a manager, a concert promoter and a music instructor. And recently, he has received some overdue recognition.

Seldin is stepping out from the trenches with “Asbury Park: Then and Now.” The two-CD, 46-track set, released on Seldin’s own Ivory International label, includes recordings from throughout his career, and offers shore music fans a rare opportunity to hear legendary groups like The Jaywalkers, The Joyful Noyze (featuring E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons) and The Motifs on CD.
Five members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band (Clemons, Max Weinberg, Garry Tallent, Roy Bittan and the late Danny Federici) back Seldin on eight 1980 recordings. Other luminaries, such as Southside Johnny, the late Harry Ray (of Ray, Goodman and Brown fame) and drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie also make appearances

Sickles Market Produce, Since 1908 Sickles Market has become a favorite destination for the best produce, plants, gourmet foods, garden accessories, and gifts at the New Jersey Shore.

Family owned and operated for four generations, Sickles continues to delight a growing community of customers and neighbors – from around the corner and around the globe – with the unparalleled quality and selection of its products, outstanding customer service, and dedication to community support.

Frank Dicopoulos from NJ Discover visits Sickles Market in Little Silver. Founded in 1908, Sickles Market is a great place to find delicious high quality foods, produce, cheeses and more. Nj Discover filmed hours of footage! Take a look at all the exquisite flowers and unique gifts.

Earth Treasures has been offering jewelry of uncompromising quality, selection and value. This, coupled with our friendly, knowledgeable staff and our extensive services, has earned us the coveted Asbury Park Press Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Jeweler in Monmouth County, NJ year after year since 1998.

From our store in Eatontown, New Jersey to our online jewelry store, Earth Treasures is dedicated to not only the finest jewelry but fair prices and great service.

We are specialists in custom jewelry design and diamond remounts. Several renowned designer lines of fine jewelry are represented or one of our knowledgeable sales associates can help you create that unique and special jewelry piece. Most jewelry repairs are done on the premises by our highly qualified certified craftsmen and our watch technicians are here to assist you with watch repairs of all types.

The Sassy Chic Boutique, Inc. winner of the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards 2010,features bridal accessories for the distinguished bride seeking to create an image that is truly unique on her wedding day and night.

Each client meets with a bridal stylist who assists in seamlessly coordinating her bridal gown with the most exquisite accessories from head to toe. They are designed by Christina Garcia, Toni Federici, Maria Elena, Enchanted Atlelier, Malis Henderson, Erin Cole, Sara Gabriel, Veil Trends, Lori London, Bride’s Head Revisited, Debra Moreland For PARIS and Erica Koesler. Also featured are Jonquil Bridal Peignoir sets and marabou slippers. We also provide a beautiful selection of bridal shoes from Benjamin Adams, London and Grace Footwear.
The Sassy Chic
13 Momouth St. Red Bank, NJ
Phone: 877-226-2306 | Website: www.SassyChicBtq.com

Looking to own or lease the worlds ultimate driving machine? Then stop by circle bmw on route 36 in Eatontown and let our knowledgeable sales specialists find the right vehicle to suit your needs and budget while truly satisfying your senses. At our spacious state of the art facility you can view the latest BMW models from sedans to sports wagons, coupes to roadsters as well as our extensive selection of certified pre-owned vehicles. Discover all the extras we have to offer; including our unparalleled service and parts department. Cirlce BMW; where elegance and sophistication meet the road.
Circle BMW
500 Rt. 36 Eatontown, NJ
Phone: 877-226-2306 | Website: www.CircleBMW.com

Bear Brook Commons Dental Group
RTE 79 & 520 Marlboro NJ
Phone: 732-591-8555 | Website: www.drsgraberandpeters.com/

Since 1974 and celebrating our 35th anniversary, Earth Treasures has been offering jewelry of uncompromising quality, selection and value. This, coupled with our friendly, knowledgeable staff and our extensive services, has earned us the coveted Asbury Park Press Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Jeweler in Monmouth County, NJ year after year since 1998.
178 State Route 35 South
Office Max Plaza
Eatontown, Monmouth County
New Jersey 07724
Phone: 732-542-1051 | Website: www.earth-treasures.com