TheBoatMan

Pierre Herme FYI he was on foodtv's "From Martha's Kitchen" last evening. Show description: Meet Pierre Herme,France's famous Pastry Chef, and discover his expert techniques and recipes for baking extraordinary creations, including a Chocolate Carioca Cake. Plus learn to bake a classic Genoise and more good things Was very interesting, hopefully it will be re-aired if you missed it.

I agree as I cannot remember the last time I went to a local bakery. I am not a snob by any means, it's just that my wife and I have made a choice to save and splurge for the good stuff. We would rather save for the better product and indulge less often than compromise for the cheaper product which we could have more often. This is just a personal preference and we do not feel we are missing anything by doing so. To each their own. I have driven into the city to experience Francois Payard's pastries as well. Now that I know about Wegman's and Herme that trek will be made less often into the city. It must be said though my wife is the true pastry connoisseur, as I am a steak lover at heart. It is for her that I am on the never-ending quest for the perfect pastry. On another note, I wish Wegman's would replace the King's in my area. I used to shop at King's for meat, seafood and produce but in my humble opinion their quality is sinking on a daily basis.

Upon reading Steve Klc's post, I decided to check these pastries out for myself. Stopped by the Wegman's in Princeton after work. Received the same friendly treatment, offered chocolate samples and given proper instruction of how to let it sit on your tongue and melt. Picked out some pastries, they boxed them up and offered to keep them cold until I was finished shopping so they wouldnt get warm. On another note the counterperson mentioned that Pierre Herme in the flesh is going to be giving live demonstrations at the Princeton Wegman's. I think she said the first week of May but if interested I would call for details. Just wanted to thank Steve Klc for peeking my interest. Ciao.

No one likes Sciortino's at 395 New Brunswick Ave., Perth Amboy? They have some of the best brick oven-baked pizza in NJ. Place is ran by a group of older Italian women. Home made sauce. The sausage one is to die for. Not your usual junk pieces of sliced sausage but real crumbled sausage. Tasty. Just be careful of your surroundings :)