House of Cupcakes Grand Opening in Clifton!

Cook's Tour Readers, we have exciting news!

House of Cupcakes, founded by Ron and Ruthie Bzdewka, best known for their win on season two of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars is opening this weekend in Clifton, NJ. Not only will they offer over 35 varieties of delicious, made-fresh-daily cupcakes, but also mini-cupcakes, cheesecakes, special occasion cookies, and ice cream.

Here's part one of the exciting news: they are giving away 1,000 cupcakes this Friday, May 9 starting at 3pm; and Saturday, May 10, starting at 1pm (500 each day).

And if that's not enough, or if for some reason you miss out on the freebies at the store, The Cook's Tour can help. Next week, we will have an interview with Ron & Ruthie AND host our own giveaway for a random drawing of one dozen cupcakes!

So if you are in the north Jersey area this weekend, head on over to the Summerhill Square Shopping Center (next to Trader Joe's). Then come back next week to The Cook's Tour for your chance to win! It's a win-win! Sorry, couldn't pass that up. :-)

House of Cupcakes
259 Allwood Road
Rt 3 West
Clifton, NJ
973-777-7400
www.houseofcupcakes.com 

ZinBurger Update for Jets Fans

Attention Jets Fans of New York and New Jersey: now through February 6, ZinBurger in Clifton is featuring the "Jet Fuel" Burger.  Even though the Jets lost the AFC Championship game this past Sunday, the folks at ZinBurger wanted to offer fans a way to show their support for the Jets' valiant effort.


The Jet Fuel Burger is comprised of all New York ingredients: certified Angus beef, topped with 1000 Islands Mean-N-Nasty Cheddar, Gulden's Mustard, New York Pastrami, lettuce and mayonnaise,  The burger is cooked to order on a griddle in its own juices and served on lightly buttered, brioche style bun.


ZinBurger is located in the Promenade Shops at Clifton, 850 Rt 3 West, Clifton, NJ, 973-272-1492.

ZinBurger - Clifton, NJ

Greetings, Readers!  


The Cook's Tour was invited to a special VIP preview of the new ZinBurger that opened in Clifton in December.  My review was just published in JerseyBites and I wanted to share it with you.


ZinBurger is part of the Fox Restaurant Concepts group from Arizona and ZinBurger is their first step into the northeast market.  


As you will read in the article, we were impressed with the food, beverages, and service. A well-trained bar staff keeps the waiting crowd happy with a nicely priced selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.  On Wednesdays they offer half-price bottles of wine (can't beat that!) and just this week on our second visit, we enjoyed a luscious 2006 Educated Guess cab from Napa. Rich and ripe with juicy black cherry, currants, and cassis with a lingering finish. 

It's not a large menu, but there are about 8-10 burger selections, including Ahi tuna, turkey, and veggie.  The burgers were juicy and flavorful.  Four variations of fries (I can personally attest to the delicious hand-cut and the truffle - both thin, crispy, and salty) are offered along with a few good looking salads (but let's be honest - you're here for the burgers).

Dessert is limited to shakes, floats, and good old-fashioned pie (pie is the new cupcake).  Loved the classic Black Cow Float (vanilla ice cream and Stewart's root beer)!

ZinBurger is a welcome addition to the dining scene in northern NJ.  Let me know if you've tried ZinBurger or if you have a favorite burger joint.