A Better World Cafe Blog

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - Michael

2012-01-31T15:01:00.000-05:00

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Name: Michael

How long have you been volunteeringhere? Since May, so about six months.

Why Better World Cafe? How did youend up volunteering here? My mom goes to church here so she'sfamiliar with what's going on in the church community. She told methat the Cafe had volunteer opportunities in exchange for meals. Icame here to volunteer once, the meal was great, I enjoyed it, and they asked if I'd like to start coming in regularly. I said that'd be great. I'vebeen here ever since, and I love it. And it's for a good cause and isdoing something good for the community. I support Elijah's Promise,as well.

What's your favorite part ofvolunteering here? I like working with the people here, both the management and the customers. As someone with a mental illness, the management has been great about understanding myneeds. That's really important to me. They're willing to take anyoneand work with them.

I also like having a routine in my week, which volunteering here gives me.

What's your favorite thing on the menu?The Better World Salad is awesome. It's a staple and it's always good. I get it every time I come here and I'm satisfied completely. It's ameal in and of itself. The Indian and Mexican dishes we serveare also really good.

What's your passion? I like to read (I'm studying English and might add a second major in philosophy). I love thinking about the most important questions, and that's how I spend the majority of my waking hours. I want to be as honest withmyself about those questions as I can.

Anything else you'd like to say? Ienjoy getting to know other volunteers. It's been a real pleasure.Anyone I've really talked to here I've really liked. The cafe is awonderful thing in this community especially for the opportunities itgives people to volunteer. You can use volunteering here as a jobreference or a as great transition from not working to working.

Volunteer Spotlight - Andrew

2012-01-31T14:15:00.000-05:00

Name: Andrew

How long have you been volunteeringhere? About 6 or 7 months. Since around the beginning of April.

How did youend up volunteering here? I was recovering from an illness and I had a doctor who recommended it to me as something productive to do once a week. It makes me feel better andit's good for my health. I feel moreon my feet and totally ready to get a real job now, so I'm thankfulfor that.

I graduated from Rutgers and went tomedical school before I got sick. Now, being back here and working atthe cafe, I'm feeling much better .

What's your favorite part ofvolunteering here? I'm usually with adifferent volunteer every week so I get to meet new people all the time. It's nice to meet new people and also reconnect with old peopleI know. I mostly work the grill and with the sandwich press. Theykind of found my niche, it works out well for me. I do everything out front, though: workingwith salads, soups, sandwiches, and greeting the customers. Some people here prefer towork in the back but I prefer to work in the front with the customers.

What's your favorite thing on the menu?The turkey sandwiches are really good. Ijust went on a cruise to the Bahamas and I don't want to say the foodwas bad, but I kept thinking to myself that the food here was muchbetter.

Anything else you'd like to say? I feel a sense of community whenI come here to Highland Park. The management is great in guiding me.I keep learning how to do everything better. I've even trained other volunteers.

People come for different reasons. Somepeople just get the complimentary and seem to appreciate having afree lunch, they're very thankful. I've noticed most people pay the suggested price, andmore than half give more than they're asked to. Iwas very surprised by that.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - Delisa

2012-01-31T14:11:00.000-05:00

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Name: Delisa

How long have you been volunteeringhere? Since September, so about three months.

Why Better World Cafe? / How did youend up volunteering here? I'm a student at Democracy House atMiddlesex County College. We have community partners for serviceopportunities, and I picked Better World Cafe because it's convenientfor me and it fits my class schedule.

What's your favorite part ofvolunteering here? I like the people. Everyone's nice.

What do you normally do? I serve food.

What's your favorite thing on the menu?I just tried the Senegalese stew and I really like it. You can tastethe peanut butter but there's also chili powder and other flavors.

Anything else you'd like to say? Thecafe is a small, friendly and calm environment.

Chinese New Year!

2012-01-22T13:17:00.001-05:00

The Cafe is ringing in the Year of the Dragon with a special Cantonese menu from longtime volunteer Irene today! Irene has been at the Cafe since our opening in 2009 and she's from Hong Kong, where Cantonese cuisine (like dim sum) originates, and her recipes are passed down from her mother.

Today we'll be including some Chinese specialties into our menu. Chinese New Year is China's biggest holiday, a 15 day celebration filled with fun, festivities, and food! Come join us at Better World Cafe to celebrate!

Specials:
~ Rainbow Lo Mein noodles - noodles symbolize long life
~ Marble tea eggs - eggs symbolize fertility

Soups:
~ Chicken congee - a traditional rice porridge. Chicken symbolizes happiness and marriage
~ Dragon's Breath carrot ginger

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Chinese watermelon radish, orange, kiwi and feta
~ Israeli couscous

Sandwiches:
~ Turkey with kumquat marmalade
~ Grilled cheddar cheese & garlicky greens

Desserts:
~ Walnut tart
~ Chocolate chip cookies

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

As usual, selections can vary by availability so ask about any additions/changes if you're calling to place a take out order at 732-510-1572. Thanks!

Granola For Good!

2012-01-20T15:37:00.001-05:00

Now on sale at the Cafe on Mondays and Fridays: Granola For Good!

Lovingly made by a company with a staff of one: our Cafe volunteer Sandy. All ingredients and packaging are donated, and 100% of proceeds go directly to Better World Cafe. Come in on Monday or Friday and try a sample! It's got oats, coconut, almonds, and much more.

Suggested prices: $6/half quart, $10/quart.

Project Homeless Connect

2012-01-19T13:38:00.003-05:00

This Wednesday, January 25th, is Project Homeless Connect, "a one day, one stop event in which the community comes together to serve those most in need. Project Homeless Connect is designed to improve access to services, increase knowledge and understanding of homeless issues and foster collaboration between non-profit, government, private and individual volunteers in the effort to end homelessness. Individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness are able to receive a variety of services such as information on housing, benefits, legal services, substance abuse, mental health, medical services, food, clothing and employment services."

The locations to which homeless persons can come to receive the above services are: Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Neilson St., New Brunswick, NJ (11:00am - 8:00pm)The Salvation Army, 433 State St., Perth Amboy, NJ (11:00am - 7:00pm)The Woodbridge Housing Authority, 20 Bunns Lane, Woodbridge, NJ (11:00am - 7:00pm)

All three locations are in need of volunteers for the day. If you are interested in showing your support by helping out, please register at the Elijah's Promise volunteer site.

The Project is also seeking donations of blankets, winter coats, new and used clothing, socks, gloves and toothpaste. Please bring any donations to Elijah's Promise at 18 Neilson St., New Brunswick, NJ.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a donation, please contact Harriet Slonim at (732)745-4041. More information here.

Come one, come all and support Elijah's Promise!

2012-01-10T08:52:00.002-05:00

Iguana Music is holding their annual fundraiser to support our partner, Elijah's Promise at Tumulty's Pub starting at 8pm on January 21st.

Lineup and updates can be found here at their Facebook event link!

Menu week starting 01-09-12

2012-01-10T08:41:00.001-05:00

Here's what's cooking today and some features for the rest of the week. There are sometimes surprise specials so check our Facebook page by clicking this link for any new fun surprises!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Broccoli & goat cheese quiche
~ Vegetable lasagna

Soups:
~ Broccoli & goat cheese

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Quinoa salad with pomegrates and oranges
~ Cauliflower, capers and fig
~ Fruit salad featuring kiwi and mango (starting Wednesday)

Sandwiches:
~ Turkey with Rachel's cranberry-ginger chutney
~ Grilled cheddar cheese & garlicky greens
~ Turkey with caramelized onions (starting Wednesday)

Desserts:
~ Chocolate pecan rolls
~ Brownies

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

Selections can vary by availability so ask about any additions/changes if you're calling to place a take out order at 732-510-1572. Thanks!

Kids' Winter Literacy Program

2011-12-23T13:36:00.000-05:00

The Who Is My Neighbor, Inc. sponsored CUBS IN THE CAVE Winter Reading Program begins on January 5th. The program is open to children up to 4 years old. It meets Thursdays and Fridays, from 9:30am - 11:30am and is FREE!

The program will meet in the Reformed Church of Highland Park. For more information or to enroll your child, call 732-379-0897.

SPOOK HANDY at the Highland Park Public Library

2011-12-21T14:27:00.002-05:00

Come see our great friend, the famed and storied folk singer SPOOK HANDY, play his songs at the Highland Park Public Library!

"From Zuccotti Park to a Salt Lake Community College residency sharing songs of the Civil Rights Movement; from bookstores and senior centers to festivals, amphitheaters and arts centers, Spook gives voice to the stories of those he's met in his travels over the past year. Be prepared for a heart warming afternoon of song, laughter and reflection."

See the man that Pete Seeger says "really understands how to write a good song that says something important" and the Home News Tribune called the "Best Folk Artist."

Thursday, December 29th

2:00pm-4:00pm

Highland Park Public Library

31 North 5th Avenue

FREE!

Cookies, cookies, cookies!

2011-12-20T14:03:00.003-05:00

Delectable holiday cookie platters! Festive cello-wrapped platter perfect for giving! Going fast! Order yours today! Only $8.00!

Featuring:
-Mexican Wedding Cookie (crescent shaped cookie with ground nuts, dusted with powdered sugar)
-Chocolate Chip
-Oatmeal Raisin
-Gingerbread Men
-Sugar Cookies

Also available: Individually wrapped gingerbread man cookies! The perfect holiday token of appreciation for your teacher, student, mail carrier, gardener, boss, secretary... just about anyone in your life! $1.75 each.

Thursday Dec 15 Menu

2011-12-15T12:57:00.003-05:00

We're in the social hall today, it's only a few steps more - come on by! Tomorrow is forecast to be a little chillier than today so we'll be serving quiche and stromboli and more of the zesty cream of corn soup to keep you warm. Word from Chef Rachel is that tomorrow there will also be some Mexican hot chocolate since there's the Artisan Market going on in the lot outside.

Lunch
Specials:
~ Squiggly pasta with roasted peppers
~ Roasted vegetable and cheddar sauce quiche
~ Stromboli with turkey, cheese, peppers and sauce

Soups:
~ Zesty cream of corn

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Potato salad
~ Pickled okra on greens
~ Grilled nectarine in spiced syrup

Sandwiches:

~ Turkey with Rachel's cranberry-ginger chutney
~ Vegetable wrap with hummus, feta & olives

Desserts:
~ Gingerbread cookies
~ Oatmeal raisin cookies
~ Pineapple upside-down cake
(Psst, I also heard that there'll be even more sweets to choose from on Friday!)

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

Selections can vary by availability so ask about any additions/changes if you're calling to place a take out order at 732-510-1572. Thanks!

Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Looking for a gift for your favorite volunteer? We can help!

-Better World Cafe logo t-shirts: $10 (2 for $15)

-Gift certificates in any denomination, good to use for any of our delicious food!

-Make a donation of any denomination in someone's name and get a certificate as proof!

Intersect Fund Holiday Bazaar and Gala

2011-12-13T13:44:00.001-05:00

Looking for some perfect holiday gifts? Come out to the Intersect Fund's Annual Holiday Bazaar and Gala tonight from 6:00 to 9:00pm at the New Brunswick Hyatt! Tons of locally made gifts, including accessories, jewelry, crafts, jams, teas, blown glass, and much, much more. (Also featuring OQ Coffee, which we proudly serve!)

More info: http://intersectbazaar-estwhdr.eventbrite.com/

Highland Park Artisan Holiday Market

2011-12-07T14:17:00.000-05:00

Introducing the Artisan Holiday Market in Highland Park!

Every Friday from now until December 23rd, from 11am-5pm in the Farmers' Market lot (on Raritan Ave. between 2nd and 3rd). There will be crafts, breads, handmade raviolis, and much, much more!

Come explore the market and then join us for lunch at Better World Cafe!

(A collaboration between Main Street Highland Park and the Intersect Fund)

Who wouldn't want a four course gourmet meal?

2011-12-06T14:33:00.001-05:00

There are still plenty of seats left for Elijah's Promise Holiday Fundraiser this coming Thursday evening at the Culinary School in New Brunswick! Check out our previous post here for menu and other details.

Dec 6 Week's Menu

2011-12-06T12:03:00.001-05:00

The weather is turning cold and gloomy so come into Better World Cafe for lunch to warm your tummy and your heart!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Potato pakora (Indian pankakes) with cilantro-jalapeno chutney
~ Vegetarian lasagna

Soups:
~ 3 Sisters (with pumpkin, peppers, beans and onions)

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Apple waldorf

Sandwiches:
~ Black bean burrito with portabella mushrooms, onion, garlic, brown rice and cheddar
~ Turkey with Rachel's cranberry-ginger chutney

Desserts:
~ Pecan caramel bar (v)
~ Sticky buns
~ Pear and almond frangipane tart

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

Selections can vary by availability so ask about any additions/changes if you're calling to place a take out order at 732-510-1572. Thanks!

Get involved with the New Brunswick Food Alliance

2011-11-30T11:41:00.001-05:00

The New Brunswick Community Food meeting this Saturday, December 3rd from 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Lord Stirling School in New Brunswick

Join us to...

* Learn about what the Food Alliance has been doing!

* Learn how you can get involved!

* Learn about resources and projects in our community like community gardens, food pantries, nutrition education and more!

If you'd like to set up a table to share information about your organizations food related activities, please email to paul@elijahspromise.net

Holiday Dinner Fundraiser

2011-11-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

Show your support for A Better WorldCafé by attending our Holiday Dinner Fundraiser! On Thursday,December 8^th, enjoy a cocktail hour, a four-course dinnerand red and white wine. The menu will include dishes like mushroomsstuffed with turkey sausage in a parmigiana cream sauce, sautéedduck breast with African berberesauce, and gnocchi in stewed tomatoes with pickled okra.

Seatingis limited, so RSVP today at (732)545-9002. Cocktail hour begins at6PM with sit-down dinner from 6:30PM-8:30PM. The dinner will takeplace at the Promise Culinary School at 211 Livingston Avenue in NewBrunswick (NOT our usual location at the Reformed Church of HighlandPark).

Fullmenu:

APPETIZERS

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffedwith homemade Turkey Sausage blended with herbs and served with aParmesan Cream Sauce

African Pâté

A Blend of Avocado, Boiled Egg,Halibut, Lemon and Red Peppers

Veggie Pâté

Seasonal Veggiesand Herbs layered in a Terrine and served with Homemade Garlic Chips

SALAD COURSE

Arugula tossed withGorgonzola and Toasted Hazelnuts and lightly dressed with a ChampagneVinegar

MAIN COURSESELECTIONS

Sautéed Duck Breast

With an AfricanBerbere Sauce and Pickled Okra

Gnocchi

InStewed Tomatoes and Pickled Okra

DESSERTS

ButternutSquash and Ginger Spice Cake with Candied Pecans and Chantilly Cream

SweetPotato Tart with Sesame Crunch and Candied Ginger

WalnutCake with an Arborio Pumpkin Rice Pudding

December Community Events

2011-11-25T08:53:00.003-05:00

December is a time to be festive. We'd like to share some special local events that are sure to put you in a holly, jolly mood. It's also a time to eat lots and lots of nice things. We've got you covered.

Friday, December 2, 2011
#OccupyYourImagination
An Idea Party and Fundraiser hosted by Who Is My Neighbor? Inc.
7:30 - 9:30 pm
IM Gallery, 233 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park (enter from the alley next to Jerusalem Pizza)
Brainstorming, community building, socializing, and live music
Hors d'eourves will be served; BYO alcohol to share!
Suggested contribution: $25 (College students with ID: $15)

Friday, December 2, 2011
Tree Lighting and 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off
5:00 pm
Monument Square, New Brunswick (corner of George St. and Livingston Ave.)
Fundraiser for Elijah's Promise
A $1 donation allows you to sample chili from four New Brunswick restaurants and vote for your favorite
Live music, family fun, and a special visitor all the way from the North Pole!

Saturday, December 3, 2011
Holly Day Festival at Rutgers Gardens.
12:30 - 4:30 pm
Celebrate the season with holiday decorating workshops, hot cocoa, hot cider, and cookie decorating. Available for purchase: Poinsettias plants, Christmas trees, holiday wreaths, fresh cut holly and greens.

Philomusica presents In Excelsis Gloria, a Christmas Concert
8:00 pm
Our Lady of Peace Church, North Brunswick
1740 Route 130 North (at Washington Place)
Advance tickets: $16 general, $14 students/seniors, $7 children.
Call 1.888.744.5668 or visit www.philomusica.org

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Philomusica presents In Excelsis Gloria, a Christmas Concert
4:00 pm
Our Lady of Peace Church, North Brunswick
1740 Route 130 North (at Washington Place)
Advance tickets: $16 general, $14 students/seniors, $7 children.
Call 1.888.744.5668 or visit www.philomusica.org

Thursday, December 8, 2011
Fire & Ice, a fundraiser dinner benefit for A Better World Cafe
Elijah's Promise Culinary School, 211 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick
more details..

Thursday, December 15, 2011
Community Seed Exchange hosted by the Highland Park Parents Network
12:00 - 2:00 pm at Better World Cafe

Featuring local garden experts Ellen Rosner and Barbara Howard

Bring vegetable and flower seeds to swap with your neighbors!

Saturday, December 17 & Sunday 18, 2011 1pm and 4:30 pm
American Repertory Ballet's The Nutcracker
The State Theatre

American Repertory Ballet presents its 49th annual Nutcracker this holiday season. The lush Victorian-era production features Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, performed with a live orchestra, and a cast of over 100 performers. American Repertory Ballet’s critically acclaimed dancers will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the classic tale of a girl’s magical holiday journey. This year, the company unveils some exciting new sets on which to feast your imagination.
Tickets: P $57.00; A $52.00; B $42.00; C $32.00 Buy tickets online here.

Monday, December 26, 2011 (A Better World Cafe closed.)

Every Monday
Monday Morning Meditation
10:00 - 11:15 am
Rutgers Graduate Student Lounge (in the Rutgers Student Center, 126 College Ave., New Brunswick)
No registration required. Email vpmoc@gsa.rutgers.edu for more information.

Have leftover pie?

2011-11-25T07:01:00.004-05:00

We believe, pie is a terrible thing to waste.

But watching a pie fight is always amusing. This one, from the movie, The Great Race, is epic.

Don't try this at home.

Seriously. Don't.

If you're still in the mood, and you've got pie left over from Thanksgiving dinner then we won't stop you.(But we'd rather you invited us over for a slice, since we're closed today.)

Enjoy this demonstration on the art of hosting a pie fight. We'll just run for cover.

See you at the cafe next week!

Closed for Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T16:54:00.000-05:00

The cafe will be closed Thursday andFriday of this week in observance of Thanksgiving. Happy Turkey (orTofurkey) Day! Eat well, be well, and we'll see you next week!

"Raisin' Dough", A Community Supported Bakery

2011-11-22T13:43:00.001-05:00

Introducing “RAISIN' DOUGH”, thelatest venture from Elijah's Promise!

Raisin' Dough is a CommunitySupported Bakery; members purchase an 8-week subscription and receivea generous weekly share of artisan breads, cookies, pastries, cakes, pies andmore, all baked by students in the Promise Culinary School Baking &Pastry Program. The Bakery runs year-round, and subscriptions canstart at any time. Shares are picked up on Fridays from 3-6PM at theCulinary School, located at 211 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick.8-week subscriptions are available for $150 ($18.75/week).

The Bakerywill begin operations with only 25 members, so sign up today! Membership is a great way to support your community and enjoy delicious baked goods at the same time. ContactChef Chrissy Banks at cbanks@elijahspromise.net for additional information or to order asubscription.

Menu for Week ending Nov 18

2011-11-16T09:42:00.001-05:00

Check the selections we plan to serve this week and if anything strikes your fancy then stop in!

This Friday our dinner series is coming to a close as the Farmers Market ends that day as well - make sure you come by to stock up for Thanksgiving. We're serving sweet potato pie by the slice this week and early next week we'll be selling whole pies so it will be one less thing to bake. Chef Rachel will also have a cranberry ginger chutney available for purchase!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Gnocchi with pink sauce
~ Turnover of puff pastry filled with roasted potato and onion (Friday)

Soups:
~ Rustic vegetable soup
~ Tomato-based mushroom barley (starting Thursday)

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Pasta salad

Sandwiches:
~ Grilled mozzarella with garlicky greens
~ Open faced turkey meatloaf with brown gravy
~ Roasted butternut squash and goat cheese (starting Thursday)

Desserts:
~ Sugar cookies
~ Chocolate chip cookies
~ Brownies
~ Sweet potato pie

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday Dinner - Last one! Chef Armando's Mexican-inspired menu:

Entrees:
~ Tostadas with either shredded roasted pork or vegetarian with a medley of squash and onion both with cotija cheese and sour cream. Also served with your choice of authentic salsas - ranchero, pico de gallo, and salsa verde
~ Cochinita pibil which is a slow roasted pork dish with a citrus garlic marinade from the Yucatan Peninsula
Both entrees served with frijoles charros (black beans) and your choice of rice or sweet potato

Friday Desserts:
~ Cheesecake
~ Special Mexican surprise

Drinks:
~ Mexican hot chocolate - a rich chocolate concoction with organic milk, cinnamon and orange zest

Selections can vary by availability so ask about any additions/changes if you're calling to place a take out order at 732-510-1572. Thanks!

Take a look at what we have to serve this week!

2011-11-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

Plenty of warm tastiness! Also listed below is what is planned for this coming Friday dinner so if you're tempted, stop in since we'll be open until nine on that day. It's the next to last dinner before the Highland Park Farmers Market closes as we'll have our last dinner on the 18th

Selections can vary by availability so ask about any additions/changes if you're calling to place an order at 732-510-1572. Thanks!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Eggplant parmesan

Soups:
~ Autumn vegetable soup in a chicken broth

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Apples, walnuts and greens tossed with a balsamic dressing

Sandwiches:
~ Roasted turkey salad on ciabatta
~ Butternut squash, goat cheese, greens and balsamic reduction on focaccia
~ Pudgy stuffed pepper with beef

Desserts:
~ Chiffon cake with orange glaze
~ Chocolate chip cookies
~ Pumpkin muffin with lemon cream cheese icing

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday Dinner:
Entrees:
~ Homemade ricotta-stuffed manicotti with green salad and garlic bread
~ Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy served with rice pilaf and broccoli rabe (a BIG thank you to First Field for the broccoli rabe from their first cold weather harvest!)

Desserts:
~ Pies o rama!
~ Pecan bar (v)

#OccupyYourImagination

2011-11-03T21:51:00.002-04:00

A fundraiser for Who Is My Neighbor? Inc. , the folks who brought Highland Park A Better World Cafe, Ten Thousand Villages and The Cave after school program.

Across our country, hundreds of thousands of people in solidarity with the #occupywallst movement are using their voices to envision a better world by promoting equity and sustainability in their communities and tackling injustices globally and locally.

Join us for sweet and savory fare and bring your spirits to share.
We will be facilitating....

Brainstorming:What ideas do you dream of for our communities?

Community Building: Engage in interactive activities and informational displays designed to stimulate your imagination.

Socializing: Enjoy good food, music and BYO alcohol to share with new friends and neighbors.

Suggested Contribution $25
College Students with IDs $15

BYO alcohol to share

All proceeds benefit Who Is My Neighbor? Inc's existing and future projects.

For more information or to by advance tickets for #OccupyYourImagination go to http://www.whoismyneighbor.net/
or call 732-379-0897

Menu for Friday 11/4

2011-11-03T12:34:00.003-04:00

Our Friday night dinners are winding down. We'll be serving dinner this Friday and Friday 11/11 and 11/18. Dinners partnered with the Highland Park farmer's market have been a blast. We hope you come in to join us for a meal and conversation on a Friday night. The menus will be delicious as always.

Take out or pick up available. Call 732=510-1572 to place your order.

Menu for Friday 11/4

Lunch specials
Curried eggplant and potatoes with basmati rice (v) - 7
nachos with salsa verde - 6

Soup
Lentil Tomato (v)

Sandwiches
Open faced turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce
sweet potato black bean burrito (v)
Our all natural hot dog

Salads
Better World Salad (v)
French lentil with apples (v)
Broccoli. carrot, ginger slaw (v)

Desserts
Pies!!! Blueberry. Pumpkin, Pecan and Sweet Potato. Quantities limited.
Pumpkin muffin
Chocolate chip cookie
Harvest cupcake
Maple pecan fudge

Dinner entrees (available 5-9 pm)

Swedish meatballs with egg pasta and carmelized red cabbage and apples

Eggplant parmigiana with broccoli rabe

Special dinner dessert: Vanilla biscuit with pumpkin mousse, whipped cream and ganache

Today's menu Nov 1

2011-11-01T08:48:00.002-04:00

Here's the selection of what we have so far today. Selections can vary by availability so ask about any additions/changes if you're calling to place and order. Thanks!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Stuffed pepper with beef

Soups:
~ Apple and bean

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ French lentil
~ Waldorf curried apple

Sandwiches:
~ Sweet potato and black bean burrito
~ Sausage with peppers and onions

Desserts:
~ Baked apple with raisins and walnuts

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

November Community Events

2011-10-31T18:18:00.000-04:00

Lots and lots of fun activities are scheduled nearby to help make your fall and holiday season exciting. Here is a sample of things we think you'll like to do. Of course, many are foodie friendly.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
5-9 pm
Jane Vorhees Zimmerli Art Museum
November's Art After Hours celebrates the exhibition at/around/beyond: Fluxus at Rutgers with a program that includes an exhibition tour, a Flux Concert, a Fluxus Chess Tournament, complimentary refreshments, and a special discount in the Museum Store.
Join the Rutgers Chess Club for a Fluxus tournament. Players face off across Miller's Fruit & Vegetable Chess board using fruits and vegetables as chess pieces. Beginning at 4:00 pm with the final match taking place following the Flux Concert.

Admission is FREE to museum members, Rutgers students, faculty, and staff. $6 general admission

Friday, November 4, 2011
11 am-5:30 pm
Highland Park Farmer's Market
located in the community parking lot on Raritan Ave. between S. 2nd and 3rd. Avenues.The Highland Park Farmers' Market is sponsored, and operated, by Main Street Highland Park.
Pop into the cafe for lunch or dinner (11 am - 9 pm) after you shop. Tell the vendors A Better World Cafe sent you!

Saturday, November 5, 2011
12:30 -3pm
Jane Vorhees Zimmerli Art Museum

Passport to Art: Popcorn and Starbaby
Artist and educator Dot Paolo leads a delightful workshop related to the Zimmerli's exhibition Popcorn and Starbaby: Children's Book Illustrations by Frank Asch, employing actual popcorn to create depictions of the human figure. Nonrefundable fee: $10 museum members per child / $15 nonmembers per child. Parents or guardians are free. Advance registration is required by calling the education office at 732.932.7237, ext. 615.

Popcorn & Starbaby: Children’s Book Illustrations by Frank Asch are on view in

Duvoisin Gallery through Jun 24, 2012.

Sunday, November 6, 2011
1-4 pm
Elijah's Promise 3K Turkey Trot Walk - Fundraiser to support Elijah's Promise soup kitchen.
Location: Buccleuch Park in New Brunswick
Join us for a fun walk, kids crafts, and tasting stations along the trot route. There is no fee to register, but we encourage everyone to raise much needed funds. Our goal is to raise $60,000 to provide meals for those in need. Additional information is available on our website at www.elijahspromise.org. Together we are making a difference one step at a time!
Register to walk or Make an online donation to support the event.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Election Day. Let your vote count. Find your local polling place.
A Better World Cafe will be open in the social hall instead of the quilt room today. The Quilt Room is a polling place.

Thursday, November 10, 2011
6-9 pm
Intersect Fund Gourmet Foods And Art Show
Lotus Studios: 431 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park, NJ
Admission is $10. Purchase here online. Ticket price includes delectable food samples.
Vendors include: The Seasoned Fork, Grab 'Em Snacks, JamBean Catering, Jams by Kim , Sweet Spice & Honey, Room for Dessert, Lovely Buns Artisan Bread , Taking Tea in Style , Frank's Pickled Peppers, The Well-Dressed Nut (Spiced Pecans, Tete's Peruvian Restaurant, Go Granola, Just Flavors (chocolates)

Friday, November 11, 2011
11 am-5:30 pm
Highland Park Farmer's Market
located in the community parking lot on Raritan Ave. between S. 2nd and 3rd. Avenues.The Highland Park Farmers' Market is sponsored, and operated, by Main Street Highland Park.
Pop into the cafe for lunch or dinner (11 am - 9 pm) after you shop. Tell the vendors A Better World Cafe sent you!

Friday, November 18, 2011
11am-5:30 pm
Highland Park Farmer's Market
located in the community parking lot on Raritan Ave. between S. 2nd and 3rd. Avenues.The Highland Park Farmers' Market is sponsored, and operated, by Main Street Highland Park.

This is the last market for the season. The cafe's dinner series, which ran in conjunction with the farmer's market schedule is also concluding. We have a major feast planned to close out the season. Pop into the cafe for lunch or dinner (11 am - 9 pm) after you shop.

Sunday, November 20, 2011
1-3 pm
Intro to Beekeeping Workshop
EARTH Center, located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue.
Prepping now, enables you to start a hive in the spring. Learn from an experienced Middlesex County Master Gardener.
$20 Fee, to register call 732-398-5262

Wednesday, November 23, 2011
8 pm
Straight No Chaser
The State Theater

A cappella group, Straight No Chaser, makes it’s State Theatre debut. See the group perform songs from their hit Christmas albums as well as tunes from their new album, With A Twist, including Soft Cell's "Tainted Love," Queen's "Your My Best Friend," Coldplay's "Fix You," Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Under the Bridge," and a fusion of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" and Israel Kamakawiwoole's treatment of The Wizard of Oz classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Tickets: P $45.00; A $45.00; B $35.00; C $25.00 Purchase tickets here.

Thursday, November 24, 2011. Thanksgiving. (A Better World Cafe closed.)

Friday, November 25, 2011. (A Better World Cafe closed.)

We hope you find the great pumpkin

2011-10-28T06:37:00.003-04:00

The search for a great pumpkin is a serious task. Charlie Brown and his gang knew it and so do we.

May we suggest, you end your search with one of the fine vendors at the Highland Park Farmers Market today. You are sure to find the biggest, the smallest, the most orange, the whitest, basically, the most perfect pumpkin ever in your eyes at one of the market stalls.

If something more exotic like a blue hubbard squash is your heart's desire, you'll find one of those, too.

Stop in the cafe for a little trick or treating, lunch or dinner. Treats are at the ready for all costumed guests.

Believe us, nobody is going to be saying "I got a rock." You'll be saying " A Better World Cafe rocks."

Friday Oct 28th Halloween-themed Menu!

2011-10-25T09:30:00.005-04:00

Lunch of Lunacy
Spoooooky Specials:
~ Stuffed peppers with beef - so good they're scary!
~ Chana masala (a spicy, mysterious potion of curried chickpeas) with rice biryani platter

From the Cauldron:
~ Creature from the Black Bean Lagoon Soup

Supernatural Salads:
~ Better World Salad - otherworldly good! (v)
~ Freaky French lentil, butternut and feta
~ Roasted baby carrot fingers (v)
~ Creepy curried waldorf apple

Sand-witch-es:
~ Bewitched butternut squash with cheese of goat, ghoulish greens and ooozy balsamic reduction
~ Sausage with peppers and onions (Eye of Newt optional)
~ Growling grrrrrilled NY cheddar

Complementary Concoction:
~ Vampire slayer pasta

Death-Defying Desserts:
~ Pear and almond Franken-tart
~ Spiderweb sugar cookie
~ Spooky sweet potato pudding
~ Phantom pudding of rice with apple critters

Bewitching Brews:
~ Coffee and tea (fair trade & organic)
~ Iced unsweetened chai tea or iced coffee
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dinner of Darkness
Eerie Entrees:
~ Monster Mash Meatloaf with rotten roasted domino potatoes
~ Severed ears pasta with alarming alfredo
**Both entrees served with Vampire-Be-Gone garlicky greens

Doomed Dessert Special:
~ Chilling cheesecake of pumpkin

Menu for week of Oct 24-28

2011-10-25T09:21:00.002-04:00

Lunch
Specials:
~ Pasta with roasted red pepper sauce

Soups:
~ Butternut squash - taste a bowl of autumn with cinnamon and ginger! (Tue)
~ Black bean
~ French lentil and carrot stew

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Butternut squash, black bean, French lentil and feta on greens
~ Roasted carrot (v)
~ Waldorf curried apple

Sandwiches:
~ Turkey and cheddar
~ Sweet potato and black bean with chipolte sour cream
~ Sloppy joe

Desserts:
~ Halloween surprises!

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

Selection varies by availability

Menu for Friday October 21st

2011-10-18T09:35:00.004-04:00

Lunch
Specials:
~ Nachos with refried beans and red and green salsa

Soups:
~ Butternut squash - a bowl of autumn with cinnamon and ginger!

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Roasted carrot (v)
~ Couscous (v)
~ Nordic creamy apple

Sandwiches:
~ Roasted butternut with goat cheese, greens and baslamic reduction
~ Grilled cheddar with recently donated spicy seasonal greens
~ Jersey style hot Italian sausage with peppers, onions and potatoes

Desserts:
~ Layer cake with pumpkin mousse enrobed in chocolate ganache
~ Arborio rice pudding with caramelized apples
~ Love bar
~ Autumn pineapple upside down cake

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner
Entrees:
~ BBQ pulled pork with cole slaw and roasted purple potatoes
~ Capunti pasta with roasted pepper sauce with green salad and bread

Selection varies by availability

Menu for week of Oct 17-21

2011-10-18T09:19:00.004-04:00

Warm tummy-filling goodness this week!

Lunch
Specials:
~ BBQ chicken wings
~ Stuffed shells

Soups:
~ Luscious lentil
~ Butternut squash
~ Chicken with stars

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Curried apple salad on greens

Sandwiches:
~ Roasted beet with goat cheese and arugula
~ Turkey with purple basil pesto
~ Grilled cheddar with spicy greens
~ Jersey style hot Italian sausage with peppers, onions and potatoes (later in the week)

Desserts:
~ Cake
~ Caramelized apple rice pudding

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

Selection varies by availability

Friday's Menu for October 14th

2011-10-14T08:06:00.005-04:00

Today's menu is full of comforting, flavorful and amazing-smelling fare!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Gnocchi in pink sauce

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Roasted carrot on greens
~ Curried apple salad on greens

Sandwiches:
~ Jersey style hot Italian sausage with peppers, onions and potatoes
~ Fall fabulous roasted beet and butternut squash with goat cheese and arugula
~ Turkey and cheddar
~ Grilled cheddar

Desserts:
~ Baklava
~ Chocolate chip cookie
~ Fudgy brownie with walnuts

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's Dinner
Entrees:
~ Eggplant parmigiana
~ Orecchiette pasta with borlotti beans

*The pasta name comes from its shape, which reminds one of a small ear. In Italian orecchio means ear, and the suffix 'etto' means 'small'. Borlotti beans are meatier than your average white cannelleni bean with a nutty flavor and creamy texture and are a good source of protein, fiber and nutrients.

Selection varies by availability

Indian Summer Menu!

2011-10-05T12:51:00.005-04:00

Summer is trying to make a comeback, so we have both hot and cold selections to make your mouth happy no matter the weather. Today's menu board is up on Facebook - see the picture from this link - but here's what we're planning for the rest of the week. If there's any changes, we'll do our best to keep you updated!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Gnocchi in pink sauce

Special lunch on Friday to honor Yom Kippur in the social hall:
Brisket with potatoes and glazed carrots

Soups:
~ Chicken and stars

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Roasted carrot on greens
~ Roasted cauliflower on greens
~ Curried Waldorf on greens *see below for a description of this fall classic with a twist
~ Pan-roasted plums with a star anise dressing (Friday)

Sandwiches:
~ Hot Italian sausage
~ Tomato and goat cheese and balsamic

Complimentary:
Brown rice with mushrooms, onions, peppers and broccoli

Desserts:
~ Warm baked apple with cinnamon and brown sugar
~ Apple spice cake
~ Spooky monster cake pops
~ Fudgy Brownies (Friday)

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's Dinner
Entrees:
~ Lamb chops with rosemary gravy served with potatoes and glazed carrots
~ Pink gnocchi entree size with garlic bread and green salad - upgrade your salad to one of our fancy ones for only $1 more!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

See this website for this history of how Waldorf Salad got its name:
The Waldorf of the salad’s name was New York City’s first Waldorf Hotel, which opened in 1893 with Oscar Tschirky as maitre d’hotel. That title isn’t one we see much anymore, but it combines the job of host, headwaiter and dining-room manager, and in those days a maitre d’ often attended to such culinary tasks as boning fish tableside and mixing salads. Tschirky is said to have created Waldorf salad for a supper attended by some 1,500 society types.

The original recipe, from The Cook Book by Oscar of the Waldorf, 1896:
"Peel two raw apples and cut them into small pieces, say about half an inch square, also cut some celery the same way, and mix it with the apple. Be very careful not to let any seeds of the apples be mixed with it. The salad must be dressed with a good mayonnaise."

Better World Cafe has made its own twist on the classic recipe with the addition of raisins, sour cream and curry spice!

"Come on Autumn!" Friday menu for September 30

2011-09-28T13:46:00.004-04:00

We're willing some cooler Autumn weather yet saying goodbye to Summer with our selections today - come enjoy!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Gnocchi in a pink vodka sauce
~ Challah bread with sides

Soups:
~ Last gasp of summer tomato-corn
~ Roasted cold poblano and almond courtesy of Chef Armando

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Roasted Carrot
~ Curried Waldorf

Sandwiches:
~ Kielbasa with sauerkraut
~ Butternut squash and black bean burrito
~ Turkey with leek and mushrooms
~ Tuna with roasted peppers and tomatoes

Desserts:
~ Coconut and almond slice (v)
~ Apple crisp
~ Apple with honey
~ Homemade walnut baklava
~ Chiffon cake with seasonal frosting

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner
Entrees:
~ Chicken with green olives and dried plums with polenta
~ Autumn butternut squash risotto (catch Chef Rachel doing a live demo making this tonight!)

Selections vary daily by availability

Well wishes and lunch menu for the rest of the week

2011-09-28T13:22:00.006-04:00

We do have available a lovely roasted carrot salad, apple crisp and some sliced apple with honey to wish L'Shana Tova to our Jewish friends on Rosh Hashanah!

Here is some of what we'll have available this week to round out the lunch menu:

Lunch
Specials:
~ Baked Ravioli Parmesan (today)
~ Gnocchi in a pink vodka sauce (tomorrow and Friday)

Soups:
~ Last gasp of Summer corn with tomato
~ Kickoff to Autumn butternut ginger
~ Lentil soup

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Roasted Carrot
~ Curried waldorf
~ Three bean salad with greens
~ Couscous with greens

Sandwiches:
~ Grilled veggie with feta wrap
~ Balsamic-roasted tomato on grilled cheddar
~ Turkey on ciabatta
~ Tuna with roasted peppers and tomatoes

Desserts:
~ Love bar with nuts
~ Coconut and almond slice (v)
~ Harvest cupcakes (see the Facebook page here for a GORGEOUS photo!)
~ Apple crisp
~ Chiffon cake with maple pecan frosting

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

Selections vary daily by availability

Today's Lunch and Fabulous Friday Menu for Sep 23

2011-09-22T12:46:00.004-04:00

Selections are subject to change based on availability but here are some of the items we could have today and for dinner tomorrow!

Lunch
Specials:
~ Pudgy pepper: open faced stuffed pepper filled with beef and rice on foccacia topped with sauce and cheese
~ Grilled cheddar basalmic tomatoes on slicing bread
~ Grilled sausage with peppers and onions
~ Ravioli in our own homemade tomato sauce

Soup:
~ Tortellini and Vegetable
~ Roasted Eggplant (v)

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Sesame snow peas (v)
~ Cucumber mint in sour cream
~ Cherry tomato (v)
~ Israeli couscous (v)

Sandwiches:
~ Turkey with caramelized onions on ciabatta
~ Grilled vegetable wrap with feta
~ Hot dog with caramelized onions

Desserts:
~ Love bar
~ Chocolate chip cookie
~ Oatmeal cookie
~ Pumpkin sunflower loaf
~ Rice pudding
~ Chocolate cake with maple pecan frosting
~ Pumpkin muffin/cupcake

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner
Entrees:
~ Baked tilapia in lemon herb butter, orzo medley and stuffed tomato - $9
~ Vegetable lasagna, green salad w balsamic dressing, garlic bread- $8

Upgrade your green salad to one of our specialty salads for only $1 more!

Seasonal greens recipes

2011-09-17T10:19:00.000-04:00

Chef Rachel did a demo at the Highland Park farmers market on Friday. She made the recipes below. Hope you try them yourself at home.

POLENTA TART WITH SEASONAL GREENS AND CHERRY TOMATOES

3 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 cup instant polenta

¼ cup parmesan cheese

1 TBSP olive oil

3 cloves garlic. minced

1 medium onion, diced small

6 cups season greens- chard, spinach, kale or a mixture

2 cups cherry tomatoes, preferably varied colors

salt and pepper to taste

Bring stock to boil, add polenta, whisk until smooth. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Add parmesan and black pepper. Oil a 9x12 baking dish, smooth polenta out in layer in pan. Let rest. Pre heat oven to 400.

Heat oil, sauté garlic and onions until translucent, add greens, cook until greens wilt, season to taste. Spread evenly over polenta. Dot tart with cherry tomatoes. Bake for 20 minutes.

(optional toppings: crumbled bacon, goat cheese, sautéed mushrooms, poached eggs)

GREEN GOODNESS SOUP

3 TBSP olive oil

3 green cardamom pods

3 cloves garlic minced

1 inch piece ginger, grated

1 large onion, diced

3 stalks celery

1 bunch scallions

1 bunch swiss chard, cut in 1 inch squares, include stems

½ cup Arborio rice

juice of 1 lemon

64 oz vegetable or chicken stock

salt and pepper to taste

In stock pot, heat oil, add cardamom pods toast lightly, add garlic, ginger and onion cook until translucent. Add rice, stir to coat in oil. Add celery, scallions and chard, stir briefly and cover with stock. Bring to boil and lower to simmer for 20 minutes. Puree using blender, immersion blender or food processor. Be careful while pureeing the hot liquid. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

Other green or white veggies can be added to the pot. Leeks, lettuce, kale, potato, peas spinach, etc are all welcome. When your CSA overwhelms you with greens, this soup will make them disappear from the fridge and a smile appear on your face.

Friday Menu for Sept 16

2011-09-13T10:23:00.005-04:00

Lunch
Specials:
~ Baba ganoush platter with olives, crostini, veggies (v)
~ Baked tomato stuffed with chard, kale, breadcrumbs and cheese and a slice of Erbazzone - chard-filled pie topped with cheese

Soup:
~ Roasted eggplant (v)

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Pasta salad (v)
~ Roasted corn and barley with honey dressing

Sandwiches:
~ Grilled cheddar with basalmic roasted tomatoes on wheat
~ Turkey and pesto
~ Grilled veggie wrap with feta

Desserts:
~ Love bar
~ Coconut chocolate cake
~ Chiffon cake enrobed in ganache

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner
Entrees:
~ Indian grilled eggplant with a sweet-with-heat ginger honey glaze, jasmine rice and curried beans

~ Stuffed pepper served with green salad and crostini topped with pesto

Weekly Menu for Sept 13-16

2011-09-13T08:35:00.004-04:00

There's a lot we have to offer this week - selections vary daily but listed below is what you could find to tickle your taste buds!
Keep an eye out -> here on our Facebook page <- for the "in the know" daily selections.

Specials:
~ Macaroni and cheese
~ Chicken salad platter
~ Baba ganoush
~ Baked tomato stuffed with chard, kale, breadcrumbs and cheese
~ Erbazzone - chard-filled pie topped with cheese

Soup:
~ Potato Leek
~ Roasted eggplant with yogurt and mint
~ Vegetable and tortellini

Salads:
~ Better World Salad
~ Beet with dijon vinaigrette
~ Roasted corn and barley with honey dressing

Sandwiches:
~ Corned beef on wheat/rye bread with mustard *special price* $2.75h /$5w
~ Eggplant falafel wrap with yogurt tahini
~ Applegate Farms organic hot dog

Dessert:
~ Cupcakes
~ Coconut chocolate cake
~ Lots of cakes and cupcakes

Drinks:
~ Hot and iced coffee and tea
~ Watermelon agua fresca

Supporter Spotlight - Dr. Pickle

2011-09-09T19:52:00.008-04:00

According to Joey, Dr Pickle’s energetic and personable representative at the Highland Park Farmers Market on Fridays, “We’re a third generation old school pickle company, traditional New York style pickles. Sometimes even people in New York itself can’t get them there the way we still make them. We use the old recipe.”

Pictured: Joey, Master Conqueror of All that is Good and Pickled

Based out of Paterson NJ, the company is featured at many street fairs and farmers markets in the tri-state area, but A Better World Café has good reason for having a soft spot for them (aside from the interesting history of pickling on their website, that is). They’re regularly generous in donating many a delicious pickled treat that we can include in the dishes for to our customers, whether it be that gorgeous green spear that we can supply with one of our sandwiches or some of their amazing olives that we can tuck on the side of a Mediterranean platter.Not only is does our resident Dr Pickle donate to our cause, he also likes what we have to offer him as well. According to Joey, “First of all, I like to eat more natural food, so the rawer it is, the more I like it. [The Better World Salad] tastes great. I love salad but I only love a good one and the salad that she makes is phenomenal, it’s the best I’ve ever had. It’s better than the ones I make at home.”

We appreciate that glowing endorsement and thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and our stomachs) for your support!

Cooking Demonstration with Chef Rachel

2011-09-09T19:04:00.003-04:00

Would you like to learn how to make something tasty with greens?

If so, come visit Chef Rachel next Friday, September 16 from 11:30-2pm for a cooking demonstration actually held outside at the Highland Park Farmers Market.

When she inevitably gets you salivating and since it's happening at lunchtime, the Better World Cafe will still be open to make sure you don't leave hungry!

Friday Menu Sept 9

2011-09-09T08:18:00.004-04:00

Lunch
Appetizer:
~ Grilled corn with ancho butter

Entrees:
~ Organic chicken quarter with a side of macaroni and cheese
~ Parmesan stuffed eggplant with side garlic bread

Soup:
~ Potato Leek

Salads:
~ Better World Salad
~ Beet with dijon vinaigrette
~ Grilled peach on greens

Sandwiches:
~ Eggplant falafel with yogurt tahini
~ Applegate Farms organic hot dog
~ Turkey with pesto

Dessert:
~ Chocolate chiffon cake with orange glaze
~ Walnut fudge brownie
~ Peach shortbread squares

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dinner
Entrees:
~ Corned beef and oven braised cabbage
~ Vegetable lasagna prepared with organic noodles roasted zucchini, eggplant, carrot and tomato topped with a bechamel sauce

Special Dessert:
~ Chocolate cheesecake

Selections vary daily based on availability

Menu for week of Sep 6-9

2011-09-06T08:37:00.003-04:00

Here's just some of the selection that we have to offer this week - keep an eye out at Facebook and/or Twitter for last-minute additions to tickle your tastebuds!

Lunch Specials:
~ Pasta carbonara
~ Roasted vegetable quiche

Sandwiches:
~ Grilled Mediterranean veggie wrap with feta cheese
~ Applegate Farms organic hot dog

Salads:
~ Better World Salad
~ Grilled peach on greens

Dessert:
~ Orange dreamsicle cake
~ Walnut fudge brownie

Selections vary daily based on availability

Menu for Friday, Sept 2

2011-09-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Lunch Specials
~ Stuffed eggplant parmesan with garlic bread
~ Broccoli and cheese quiche

Soups
~ Carrot ginger

Salads
~ A Better World Cafe (v)
~ Cherry tomatoes over arugula with sherry vinagrette
~ Roasted peach

Sandwiches
~ Turkey with pickled onions and mayo
~ Heirloom tomato with goat cheese on foccacia
~ Eggplant falafel wrap with yogurt tahini

Desserts
~ Peach upside-down cake
~ Light chiffon cake with pastry cream
~ Brownies

_______________________________________________________________

Dinner Specials
~ Pasta carbonara with turkey bacon, cheesy sauce, tomatoes and greens
~ Grilled Mediterranean vegetable platter
~ Nachos with veggies and black beans

All the news that's fit to blog

2011-09-01T12:58:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone is doing well post-Irene! Come on in today for tasty lunch selections such as stuffed eggplant, quiche, gorgeous heirloom tomato with goat cheese on foccacia and peach upside down cake (psst, there's also some watermelon agua fresca to drink that is to DIE for)

Friday's lunch and dinner menu will be up tomorrow morning and will be posted to Facebook and Twitter as well. As usual, any last-minute additions or announcements can be found on our Facebook page if you click here.

Important Upcoming Holiday Announcement
*A Better World Cafe will not be open this Monday, Sept 5, in observance of Labor Day.*

CAFE IS CLOSED TODAY

2011-08-29T08:45:00.003-04:00

Even though Highland Park itself seems to still have power, it's dangerous for people to travel from nearby flooded areas so A Better World Cafe is closed today. We will post as soon as we know tomorrow if things are up and running again.

Stay home and stay safe!

Fabulous Friday Menu for Aug 26

2011-08-26T09:18:00.002-04:00

Before fussy ol' Irene comes to visit, come have a nice filling meal today!

Salads:
- Better World Salad (v)*
- Roasted carrots and tomatillos with corn, jalapeno and cilantro and topped with tortilla strips(v)*
- Haricot vert with cherry tomatoes*
- Cantaloupe slices

Soups:
- Chilled local peach with organic yogurt and honey
- Summer vegetable with corn, squash and tomato in a vegetable broth (v)

Sandwiches:
- Turkey with caramelized onion and paprika mayo
- Heirloom tomato with goat cheese on foccacia (can be served hot or cold!)
- Antibiotic/nitrate/preservative-free natural hot dog on whole wheat bun
- Eggplant falafel on wrap with yogurt tahini

Dessert:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Chocolate chiffon cake with rich chocolate ganache
- Cinnamon-raisin bread pudding

Dinner Entrees:
- Stuffed red pepper with antibiotic-free beef, rice and homemade sauce, served with a green salad and garlic bread - $9
- Eggplant parmesan served with green salad and garlic bread - $8

*upgrade your salad to one of the above signature salads for only $1 more!

As always - keep an eye out on Facebook or our menu board for any last-minute specials we may have!

Selections are subject to change due to availability

We need your help!

2011-08-23T15:32:00.002-04:00

A Better World Cafe appreciates everything that our volunteers do for us by donating their time and supplies. Our customers are the best too, giving us that little extra when they can and keeping us going. We love you guys for it!

But speaking of keeping us going, unfortunately our refrigerator isn't doing so well and we need your help before it goes kaput! Chef Rachel is hoping for a refrigerator fairy but that would be a great deal of fairy dust so we'll have to do this the old fashioned way. Have you and your office mates visited lately - how about a collection for the cause? Know of a restaurant supply place looking to make a deal? Let us know!

We want to keep serving you the best, freshest fare we can and want to avoid any interruption in this service. Suggestions, donations and creativity would be greatly appreciated!

From Cub Reporter and Volunteer Diane, reporting earlier today from the dining room of Better World Cafe, where the lunch was darned tasty, the atmosphere lively and the Vacation Bible School kids were cute as pumpkin pie.

Week of Aug 22-26

2011-08-23T14:55:00.003-04:00

A little taste of what we're offering this week - watch Facebook and/or Twitter for last-minute additions!
Specials:
~ Zucchini and rice crostata (open-faced personal pie) with ricotta and scallion served, arugula and cherry tomato side salad
~ Pepperjack macaroni & cheese

Sandwiches:
~ Eggplant falafel wrap with yogurt tahini
~ Turkey, carmelized onion and paprika mayo

Salads:
~ Better World Salad
~ Jicama, cherry tomatoes and arugula with a sherry viniagrette
~ Cantaloupe Slices

Dessert:
~ Carrot cake loaf with nuts
~ White cupcakes with fluffy frosting and sprinkles
~ Cinnamon-raisin bread pudding

Complimentary:
~ Macaroni & Beans

It's Friiiiiiiday!

2011-08-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

Lots of goodness planned but keep an eye out in case we have last minute additions when you come in! Also, if you haven't visited us for dinner before, many of the appetizers, soups, salads, and desserts as well as some of the sandwiches are available as well in the evening.

Lunchtime Specials:

~ Zucchini and rice crostata (open-faced personal pie) with ricotta and scallion served, arugula and cherry tomato salad side

~ Turkey sandwich with brie from Cherry Grove Farm and a cucumber-smoked paprika mayo

Appetizers:
~ Tomatillo salsa verde with chips

Soups:
~Potato leek from our Chef Richard

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Sugar snap pea with with sesame
~ Cucumber with yogurt

Sandwiches:
~ Heirloom tomato, mozzarella and basalmic reduction on foccacia
~ Eggplant falafel wrap with yogurt tahini

Desserts:
~ Zucchini sandwich cookie with either cream cheese or caramel frosting
~ Banana Cream Pie
~ Chocolate chip cookie
~ Chocolate light chiffon cake with ganache

Complimentary:
~ Orzo with lentils (v)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dinner Specials:

~ Peach glazed ham, our house made baked beans and mac & cheese
~ Thai-style marinated eggplant in a coconut-peanut sauce served with brown rice

Selections subject to change based on availability

Selections for week of Aug 15-19

2011-08-16T13:07:00.004-04:00

Here's what's on deck for lunch this week - daily choices vary by availability. Keep an eye out later this week for the Friday specials and last minutes updates on our Facebook page!

Lunchtime Specials:
~ Pudgy open-faced stuffed pepper sandwich filled with antibiotic-free beef,rice, garlic butter and mozzarella served on foccacia
~ Turkey sandwich with brie from Cherry Grove Farm and a cucumber-smoked paprika mayo

Soups:
~ Smoky watermelon gazpacho made with fresh ripe Jersey watermelons and tomatoes (v)
~ Chicken meatball

Salads:
~ Better World Salad (v)
~ Sugar snap pea with with sesame

Sandwiches:
~ Turkey with pickled red onions on ciabatta

Desserts:
~ Zuchinni sandwich cookie with either cream cheese or caramel frosting
~ Banana Cream Pie
~ Oatmeal-raisin-pecan-chocolate chip cookie
~ Chocolate light chiffon cake with ganache

Complimentary:
~ Egg noodles with cabbage and butter

TGIF Menu!

2011-08-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Lunchtime Specials:
~Zucchini stuffed with foccacia, mozzarella and vegetables
~Antibiotic-free Angus beef empanada topped with homemade tomatillo salsa (purple tomatillos provided by our friends at First Field)

Soup:
Sm $2.50 /Md $3.50 /Lg $5 - To Go quarts available for $8
~Smoky watermelon gazpacho made with fresh ripe Jersey watermelons and tomatoes (v)

Salads:
Sm $1.50 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
~Better World Salad (v)

~Beet Salad with lemon vinaigrette (v)

~Orzo salad (v)
~Cherry tomato, cucumber, feta with sherry vinaigrette

Sandwiches:
Half $3 /Whole $6
~Heirloom tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil and basalmic reduction on foccacia
~Turkey with pickled red onions on ciabatta
~Grilled cheddar with roasted red peppers on foccacia
~Cream cheese and our homemade strawberry jam on Nancy's toasted white bread

Desserts:
~Warm vanilla biscuit with whipped cream and blueberry compote
~Chocolate light chiffon cake with ganache

~Lemon blueberry tea slice

~Banana cream pie

Drinks:

~Blueberry iced tea

~Iced tea and coffee

Dinnertime Entrees:
~Vegetarian stuffed pepper with lentils, whole wheat orzo and vegetables, crostini topped with basil pesto, and side salad (upgrade to one of our above-listed signature salads for only $1 extra!)

~Lemon-herb butter free range chicken, roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed greens. (Herbs of rosemary, sage, thyme and calendula blossom for the chicken provided by our friends at Rutgers Gardens!)

Dinnertime Salad:

~Sandy's corn and pepper salad (v)

Late afternoon drink goodness:

~Chef Rachel's horchata made with cinnamon, vanilla and organic milk

Selections can be subject to change due to availability

Supporter Spotlight - First Field

2011-08-09T19:40:00.004-04:00

A Better World Café is grateful for the support all the individuals and businesses that contribute their time and resources to help us keep to our mission alive to help make a sustainable world where all may eat. Every now and then we like to highlight one of these supporters and this week we’d like to focus on First Field, a business quickly becoming famous for their organic Jersey Ketchup. (Pictured: Arianna, intern and Theresa, owner)

Theresa Viggiano was renting a small Griggstown farmhouse and since there was quite a bit of land attached, she and her roommates decided to grow some tomatoes. During the summer of 2007, she and her now husband Patrick Leger had a bonus crop of tomatoes. With all of this extra bounty available, they decided to try their hand at making organic homemade ketchup by playing with Patrick’s Canadian family recipe and what they came up with is a sweet and spicy concoction with only a small bit of organic sugar, the rest of the sweetness coming from their fresh New Jersey tomatoes.

It wasn’t long before they went from selling their canned tomatoes and unique ketchup at their modest roadside stand to getting enough attention and demand for their product that they knew that they needed help expanding their enterprise and reached out to as many places as they could for space and assistance. According to Theresa, “We were selling the ketchup at our farm stand out of mason jars and at the Whole Earth Center in Princeton and realized with demand from a store, what do we do? We need a commercial kitchen! We started emailing everybody, asking schools, asking kitchens. Nobody had the space for us, nobody was willing. Then I sent an email to Lisanne at Elijah’s Promise who was absolutely, totally generous to let us use their kitchen and told us about the different programs at Elijah’s and we were around when Better World Café was getting started.”

In return for the kitchen space, Theresa and Patrick helped teach the students at Elijah’s Promise and in addition, hosted a public Farm to Table event held by Elijah’s Promise for the public to teach methods of canning and preserving foods which included tastings of applesauce and apple and apricot butters, Jersey Cocktail (First Field’s version of Bloody Mary Mix), and their popular ketchup. First Field has gone beyond tomato growing to include other organic produce. “For A Better World Café, we can grow a little bit more fun niche-y things that Elijah’s Promise would be less likely to use in their menu such as purple-green tomatillos and different kinds of eggplant” as seen just last week at their stand at the Rutgers Farmers Market.

As their business continues to flourish, they’ve partnered with other local growers and have now moved their production to a larger facility with the help of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton. This USDA grant funded Center is a supporter of startup food companies that also believes in the ideals of local and sustainable agriculture and is also finding ways to help ways to bring local produce and preserved foods into New Jersey schools.

Yet even as First Field continues to grow, they still continue to help by continuing to supply us with donations of their wonderful organic produce to A Better World Café and also Elijah’s Promise. We appreciate everything that they’ve been able to do for us and wish them the best of success in everything they do.

(Blog post contributed by Diane, A Better World volunteer)

Lunchtime Menu for Aug 8-12

2011-08-08T17:54:00.003-04:00

Take a peek at what we have to dish up this week!

Soup:
Sm $2 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
Tue - Summer Splendor with tomatoes, beans and summer squash (v)
Wed & Thu - Roasted Eggplant and Garbanzo Bean
Fri - Smoky Watermelon Gazpacho (v)

Salads:
Sm $1.50 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
Tue - Roasted Beets (v)
Tue-Fri - Better World Salad (v)
Tue-Fri - Cherry Tomato, Cucumber, Feta with sherry Vinaigrette
Fri - Sandy’s Corn and Pepper Salad (v)

Sandwiches:
Half $3 /Whole $6
Tue - Heirloom tomato, fresh mozz, basil and basalmic reduction on foccacia
Tue-Fri - Turkey with pickled red onions on ciabatta
Tue-Fri - Grilled cheddar with roasted red peppers on foccacia
Fri - Eggplant Falafel wrap with tahini yogurt sauce on wrap
Fri - Cream cheese and strawberry jam on toast
Fri - Strawberry jam and organic peanut butter on toast

Desserts:
Tue - Blueberry Bread Pudding
Tue - Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tue & Wed - Vegan dessert TBD
Wed-Fri - Warm biscuit with blueberry compote
Fri - Choc chiffon cake with ganache
Fri - Zucchini sandwich cookies with cream cheese frosting

As always - keep an eye out for any last-minute specials we may post!

Selections are subject to change due to availability

Menu for Friday August 5 2011

2011-08-04T19:00:00.002-04:00

Dinner Specials: Available 5-9 pm
- Asian stuffed cabbage-antibiotic-free beef, mushrooms, soy and ginger wrapped in a generously sized green parcel - $9
- Vegetable Lasagna- summer vegetables nestled between sheets of organic whole wheat lasagna, creamy bechamel sauce and cheeses. Served with side green salad and garlic bread - $8

Lunch Specials:
- Quiche Du Jour: Cheddar and cherry tomato $3/slice
- Empanadas filled with roasted cherry tomatoes. (Baked not fried because we love you.)

Soup:
Sm $2 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
- Summer Splendor- tomatoes, beans, summer squash. Liquid summer.

**Add a side of Buelah's beautiful cornbread for just $1!**

Salad:
Sm $1.50 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
- A Better World
- Cherry tomato, cucumber, grilled scallion and feta
- Roasted Beet salad in dijon dressing

Sandwich:
Half $3 /Whole $6
- Turkey with pickled red onions
- Grilled zucchini with goat cheese spread, basalmic reduction
- Curried chicken salad

Dessert:
- Chocolate chiffon cake with ganache- $3
- Zucchini walnut bread slice - $2
- Strawberry granola bar- $2.25
- Zucchini sandwich cookie filled with cream cheese frosting $2.25

Iced coffee and tea $1.75, hot coffee and tea $1.25. Refills $1. To go add $.25

Lunch and dinner are available to go. Call ahead at 732-510-1572 and place your order or just stop on by.

First week of August items

2011-08-02T11:20:00.004-04:00

Featured items:

Quiche made with cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, peppers and onion - TBA

Stuffed vegetables - 1 - $3, 2 - $5

Sandwiches:
Half $3 /Whole $6
- Grilled cheddar with pesto
- Grilled zucchini with goat cheese spread and balsamic reduction

Soups:
Sm $2 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
- Tuscan tomato with chickpeas

- Cold Cucumber

EDITED to add even more deliciousness!

Salad:

Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and feta over greens with sherry vinaigrette

Dessert:

- Pineapple upside down cake

- Zucchini walnut loaf bread

Today's Menu for Friday July 29

2011-07-29T11:43:00.003-04:00

Today's Lunch/Dinner Selections:

Sandwich:
Half $3 /Whole $6
- Peppers (grown at The EARTH Center) and egg on homemade ciabatta

- Cheddar with tomato and balsamic reduction

- Grilled zucchini with goat cheese spread and balsamic reduction

Soup:
Sm $2 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
- Summer chicken soup - organic free-range chicken in a light broth with corn, peas and tomatoes

Salad:
Sm $1.50 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
- A Better World (vegan)
- Fire-roasted corn with black beans (vegan)
- Carrot and beet salad (fresh from our own garden!)

Also - NEW!

- Local fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe and berries - price TBD

Tonight's Dinner Specials:

Appetizer:

- Zucchini sticks with marinara dipping sauce-$4

Entree:

- Stuffed baby vegetables - TBA
- Locally caught NJ seabass -TBA

Both come with the sides of sauteed garlic greens, basil couscous and cherry tomatoes

Dessert:
- Blueberry crisp $2.00
- Peach upside down cake - $2.50

- Chocolate zucchini slice - $2.50

- Poundcake with blueberry compote - $2.50

Drink:

Watermelon Aqua Fresca - $2.50

Iced Coffee/Iced Tea

Summer Community Bulletin

2011-07-28T10:14:00.004-04:00

Hey Everyone!

We hope you are all keeping cool out there. We won't mention how hot WE are in the kitchen while we're putting together our daily concoctions of delight to tempt your taste buds and keep YOU out of the hot kitchen. The only thing that cools us down is big slurps of our chilled peach soup or a blueberry crisp kept cold in ice. Yum.

June brought the beginning of our Friday night dinners. Every Friday, we're offering two new entrees featuring what is in season and local. Surrounded by a network of talented chefs, we've been tapping into their expertise to feature authentic international dishes. Chef Armando oversaw our Mexican inspired dishes of enchiladas, tacos, black beans with bacon(addictive) and salsas. Volunteers, Francis and Shalini, have collaborated on Indian dishes including Aloo Mutter, Bainghan Bartha, Chicken Kebabs, Chicken Kheema and dal. We've featured Italian favorites like vegetable lasagna and eggplant parmesan. All American hits like Chef Rachel's secret recipe for meatloaf and Chef Leslie's brined and roasted chicken are always accompanied by our homemade seasonal sides like garlicky greens, creamed corn and potato gratin.

We wait, see what is coming in from the farms, brainstorm and decide what the menu will be. Right now, we are blessed with an abundance of local zucchini, corn, eggplant, herbs, peppers, peaches, berries and watermelon. There isn't much time to do more than cook, eat, repeat.
It's really fun when a new item comes. "Eggplant, oooh eggplant, we can make parm, a curry, involtini, baba ghanoush," etc etc. There's a winner of the week and the rest of the ideas are filed away for future use. Getting excited about loads of beautiful produce is hard to avoid around here.

Stop by for lunch Monday-Friday 11-3 and dinners on Fridays 5-9 to see what we're inspired by. It's different every week and guaranteed to be delicious.

We have so many guests, volunteers and friends of the cafe who grow vegetables, herbs and fruit. They've been sharing the wealth of this summer's bounty with us. Michael B. brings in leeks and zucchini. Diane, Joan and Jill stop regularly with herbs. the Edible School Yard in Highland Park regularly sends over some goodies. The gardeners at Rutgers Gardens and the Earth Center also send over gorgeous produce for us to play with. First Field, has generously gifted us with their exceptionally delicious gourmet, Jersey ketchup and fresh produce, including beets, squash and basil, so far. Huge thanks are sent out to all of you who toil in the dirt and think of sharing with us your produce and stories of how your garden grows.

Some nice things have been happening to people in our community around the cafe. We love to share the news.

Agatha B., our beloved volunteer, finished up her doctorate at Rutgers and was offered a teaching position in Texas. We had a tearful surprise party for her at the cafe, arranged by fellow volunteer, Michael S. (They met while volunteering here and became fast friends. How great!) Right before she, her brother, and her cat drove off into the hot humid sunset, Agatha stopped by one last time for loads of hugs to cookies to keep her fueled on her journey west. Agatha was such a delightful addition to our team. A curious cook, avid vegan baker, consummate composter, stripey sock wearing, smarty pants with a wry sense of humor. Boy, oh, boy, we are going to miss our Agatha. She's already thinking about finding a group of people in her new home to start a community cafe out there. We wish her loads of success in all of her endeavors!!!

Deborah Z., volunteers with us on Wednesdays as a server and cashier. For months, she excitedly looked forward to a beachy vacation. She was surprised with a marriage proposal to make the vacation perfect. Congratulations to Deborah and the lucky groom-to-be.

One of our favorite young ladies, Julia, shared with us that she was recently pulled on stage at an Enrique Iglesias concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City. She proudly showed us the YouTube video of her working the crowd like a true rock star and we promised her we'd share the link with our blog readers. We knew Julia could draw, polish off a dessert like a champ and giggle adorably but now we know she's destined for show business. Watch her video.

Over the winter, we had a baking intern, Caitlyn. She graduated from culinary school in the spring and returned to volunteer with us on Fridays. She just got hired by our friend, local bread baker, Sweet Spice & Honey. Good luck, sweetie!

Cafe friend from the very beginning, Diane F., has joined us this summer to assist with our social media. She's been tweeting, Facebooking, blogging and being an all around goddess of all things techy. She also has added some spice to the cafe's life by generously adding some new additions to our spice cabinet and pantry. Thanks, Diane!

Tim M., majored in Communications at Rutgers, and spent most Fridays of the summer so far helping us at the cafe as a cashier and social media coordinator. He's looking for a PR job in beverages or sports. Good luck, Tim!

Lots of our volunteers and guests are coming and going from fantastic summer vacations. Jacquelyn called in with a report from the coast of Croatia, Storey is touring America on a solo road trip (we told him to brake for pie), Lara and her family are off roadtripping, too. Kobe is dividing his time between lifeguarding and days at the beach.

The cafe has been delighted to host groups of young people this summer through the Rutgers Future Scholars and Mitzvah Corps programs. We've loved getting to know these amazing teens and are always amazed at what young people can bring to the table if you give them a chance. They've been a giant help with customer service, prepping food to serve and to be stored for future use, and a healthy dash of dishes in there, too.

The culinary students at Promise Culinary have been working their rump roasts off this summer. They joined the cafe for a special night of service, showcasing their front of the house training. They've made outstanding quiches, soups, quinoa salad, breads, desserts and more for the cafe.

Chef Rachel had the opportunity to teach the night class in June. The students were terrific. They learned how to make ricotta, marscapone, basalmic reductions, lavash crackers, lasagnas and more. One student was so into cheesemaking, she started selling her own the same week!

At the Elijah's Promise's tasting fundraiser event, Chef's Night, held at the Somerset Palace, in June; A Better World Cafe, served our own ricotta, strawberry jam (made from fruit grown by Giamarese Farm in East Brunswick), peppercorn lavash cracker and a drizzle of basalmic reduction. The students helped make the components of the cafe dish and helped assist all of the other restaurants and vendors at their tasting stations.

Night class student, Eugene, joined the cafe for his externship in July. He did a marvelous job and we wish him much success after he graduates.

Have something exciting you'd like to share with the community cafe, please let us know. We hope you are enjoying your summer, visiting farm stands, savoring the simplicity of a perfectly ripe piece of fruit and keeping cool. When you get hungry, come on in, we can fix ya right up!

Fresh veggies, organic chicken and new friends, oh my!

2011-07-26T09:02:00.005-04:00

New delicious selections on the menu this week:

- Summer chicken soup - organic free-range chicken in a light broth with corn, peas and tomatoes
- Grilled cheddar sandwich - on our homemade focaccia with balsamic reduction and tomatoes
- Fresh shepherd's salad with cucumber, tomato, red onion and feta
- Chicken salad platter - organic free-range chicken, artichoke hearts, giardiniera and olives (from our good friends at Dr Pickle) and pita bread

This week we'll also have a rotating selection of desserts including our berry crisp, a pound cake with blueberry compote, chocolate chip cookies, peach upside down cake and chocolate zucchini cake!

We'd also like to give a shout out to our new friend Jeff from Colavita who supplied us with a generous donation of white, red and balsamic vinegars and extra virgin olive oil. Thank you very much for your support!

Menu for Friday July 22nd

2011-07-22T13:03:00.003-04:00

Come join us for our Eat Local Challenge tonight. Today's roasted chicken, corn, blueberries and zucchini, as well as our seafood items tonight are all sourced from local NJ farms and vendors.

Dinner Specials:
- Organic free-range roasted chicken with NJ cream corn and sauteed vegetables - $10
- Baighan Bartha- Indian style eggplant with brown rice -$7
- Locally caught NJ seabass and scallops -TBA
- Zucchini sticks -$4
- Eggplant parmigiana -$8

Soup:
Sm $2 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
- Chilled Peach Soup

Salad:
Sm $1.50 /Md $3 /Lg $4.50
- A Better World
- Israeli couscous salad
- Beet salad with lettuce
- Grilled cheddar with balsamic tomatoes

Sandwich:
Half $3 /Whole $6
- Turkey with mayo
- Grilled Zucchini with goat cheese spread

Dessert:
- Zucchini walnut muffin with salted caramel icing $1.75
- Blueberry crisp $2.00
- Lemon blueberry slice $2.00
- Warm vanilla biscuit with blueberry compote $3.00

A Better World Cafe in the News Again!

2011-07-14T19:30:00.003-04:00

The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in a new series titled "Re-imagining the Work of Ending Hunger" in their official Blog first featured Elijah's Promise in their Part 1 post on June 22 and then featured A Better World Cafe in their Part 2 post on June 29.

According to the Geraldine R. Dodge website, their mission is as follows

"For more than 30 years, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has nurtured people, ideas, and institutions which transcend self-interest and contribute to a sustainable human society and the environment which shelters it.

The Foundation works in three ways:

by responding to imaginative proposals which fall within the declared areas and which promise to have impact, to be replicable, and to effect systemic change;
by encouraging capacity-building and institutional development for the grantees through technical assistance workshops; and
by developing initiatives shaped by close listening to practitioners and resource people in areas where the concentration of funds is likely to improve the quality of life.

The mission of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation is to support and encourage those educational, cultural, social and environmental values that contribute to making our society more humane and our world more livable."

We're honored to have been spotlighted again by such a respected Foundation, thank them for spreading our message, and sincerely hope that we can continue to live up to the values that earn their respect by continuing our work to help our community and the world.

Menu for Friday 7/15

2011-07-14T12:17:00.004-04:00

Lunch Specials

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Basil Cream Sauce - $6
Fiesta Quiche - Pepper Jack cheese, peppers, onions, tomatoes- $3

Dinner Specials (available after 5pm)

Entrees
-Organic Turkey Tacos with Rice, Beans, Pico De Gallo -$9
-Curried Eggplant Stew with Rice -$8

Sandwiches Half $3 / Whole $6
-Grilled Veggie Panini with Mozzarella and Basalmic Reduction
-Turkey with Caesar and fresh basil
- Grilled Cheddar and Pesto
-All beef Hot dog (no antibiotics, nitrates) with Caramelized onions $3

Soup sm$2 / md$3 /lg$4.50
-Chilled Peach- sweetened with honey and swirled yogurt

Salads sm$1.50 / md $3 / lg $4.50
-Better World Salad (V)
-Roasted Carrot over greens
- Quinoa Salad with tangy honey poppy seed dressing

Complimentary
-Rockin' Rice & Beans (V)

Desserts
-Warm Biscuit with fresh whipped cream, atop a pool of summer berry compote- $3
-Blueberry Lemon Tea Slice -$2
-Carrot Muffin with Salted Caramel Icing - $1.75

Menu For Friday July 8th

2011-07-08T13:58:00.002-04:00

Dinner Specials (available after 5pm)

-Swedish Meatballs with Egg Noodles and Sauteed Greens -$9
-Grilled Mediterranean Platter- Zucchini, Eggplant, Couscous and Roasted Chickpeas -$8

Sandwich- Half/Whole $3/$6

-Heirloom Organic Tomato and Goat Cheese
-Grilled Bacon & Mozzarella
-Hotdog with Caramelized onions $3

Soup- sm/md/lg
$2/$3/$4.50

-Tuscan Tomato with kale and chickpeas (V)

Salads- sm/md/lg
$1.50/$3/$4.50

-Better World Salad (V)
-Greek Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives

Complimentary

-Rockin' Rice & Beans (V)

Desserts-

-Carrot Cake with Cream cheese frosting -$2.50
-Fruit Tart -$3.00
-Zucchini Bread with Nuts -$2.00

Drinks- Hot-$1.25 Iced-$1.75 Refill-$1.00

-Organic Fair Trade Coffee and Teas

Menu Friday July 1

2011-06-30T14:54:00.000-04:00

Daily special: Rachel's Ricotta, our homemade Strawberry Jam (berries from Giamarese Farm), peppercorn lavash cracker and basalmic reduction- a sweet and savory conconction destined to wake up your tastebuds as a dessert OR starter

Lunch Specials:
Indian potato patties with cilantro chutney
Alloo Bhaji- Potatoes, tomato and Indian spices served with basmati rice

Dinner specials: (available beginning at 5 pm)
Meatloaf, potato au gratin, sauteed garlicky greens
Teriyaki tofu with brown rice and broccoli

Soup:
Tortilla Soup - grilled corn, black beans and tomato topped with crunchy tortilla strips (v)

Salads:
Better World Salad- organic tofu, brown rice, loads of veggies, citrus sesame dressing, topped with crunchy tamari almonds (v)

Roasted Vegetables- roasted tender baby veggies, carrot, beet, radish over crisp lettuce

Sandwiches:
Better World Dog- all natural hot dog (no nitrates, antibiotics or preservatives) served with carmelized onions on a whole wheat bun

Roasted Beet, Butternut Squash And Goat Cheese with greens and basalmic reduction

Desserts:
Fabulous 4th Cupcake: Red velvet, cream cheese frosting, blue sparkly sprinkles
brownie with whipped cream and caramel sauce
Chiffon cake with orange glaze

MORE SPECIALS MAY POP UP LIKE FIREWORKS TO TEMPT YOU ON THIS 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND.

This week, we welcome volunteers from The Rutgers Future Scholars program and Mitzvah Core, two great programs that get teens involved with volunteer service and job training. We also welcome Eugene, our new extern from Promise Culinary School.

Cafe Menu for Friday 6/24/11

2011-06-24T12:14:00.002-04:00

Cafe hours today 11 am - 9 pm. Dinner specials begin at 5 pm.

Today's Menu
Quiche Du Jour: Zucinni or broccoli

Soups:
Hot: Chicken Meatball

Cold: Chilled Cherry garnished with effervescent apple cider, creme fraiche

Salads:
Asian Broccoli Slaw- local broccoli, radish and carrot in a ginger sesame dressing (v)

String Bean, Red Onion and Basalmic (v)

Better World Salad- Organic tofu, brown rice, shredded veggies, citrus sesame dressing topped with crunchy tamari almonds

Classic Caesar- local greens, classic caesar dressing, croutons

Sandwiches:
BWC Dog- All natural beef dog (no antibiotics/nitrates/preservatives) with carmelized onions on whole wheat bun

Turkey with chipotle mayo on ciabatta

Roasted beets with goat cheese on foccacia

Desserts: Pecan Praline Tart
Chocolate Chip, Pecan Raisin cookie
Love Bar

Dinner Specials:
Vegetable lasagna in a bechamel sauce, with garlic bread and caesar salad
Chicken lasagna with red sauce, with garlic bread and caesar salad

Vegetarian enchiladas - fire roasted corn, peppers and cheese with salsa verde, rice and bacon black beans and our baked tortilla chips

Chicken enchiladas- with salsa verde, rice, vegetarian refried beans and our baked tortilla chips

Dinner special desserts:
Strawberry shortcakes -vanilla cream biscuit, strawberry sauce, fresh whipped cream

Chocolate mint pudding

Specials thanks this week to Chef Armando Miranda for making sure our enchiladas are authentic. He worked with our evening culinary class to make the salsa verde and his secret recipe for the bacon refried black beans.

Our daytime culinary students made the amazing soups, quiches, cookies and tarts.

Our night class of culinary students made the lasagnas, broccoli slaw

Chef Chrissy Banks shared her exceptional cream biscuits

Volunteer baker, Caitlyn, made our pudding

Much of our produce this week came from Flaim Farm, Rutgers Garden, The Earth Center, and our kitchen garden at Elijah's Promise.

Thank you to everyone who makes the cafe special every week.

Bon Appetit!

Our First Friday Dinner

2011-06-17T14:15:00.003-04:00

Menu Friday 6/17/11

Nibbles: Deviled organic egg with capers and smoked paprika

Quiche Du Jour: Asparagus, mushroom and swiss

Soup: Green Explosion (v)- Ten green and white vegetables pureed with cardamom and a touch of lemon

Salads:
Better World Salad (v)- Organic tofu marinated and baked; brown rice, shredded veggies, citrus sesame dressing topped with tamari almonds

Classic Caesar- crisp local greens tossed with caesar dressing and our house croutons

Orzo salad (v)- whole wheat orzo, onion, peppers tossed with a lemon dressing

Sandwiches:
Roasted Asparagus with lemony ricotta, greens and basalmic on foccacia

Tofu Bahn Mi - Miso honey glazed tofu on a baguette with housemade pickles and greens

BWC Dog- Our awesome, all natural (no antibiotic/nitrate/preservative beef) dog grilled and served with carmelized onion on whole wheat bun

Entree specials:
Lunch: Indian chicken kabob served over rice

Dinner:
Vegetarian option- Lentil dal, alloo mutter and rice with pappadum and chutney
Meat option: Chicken kheeme, lentil dal and rice with pappadum and chutney

We are thankful for our amazing volunteer crew that helps prepare and serve our meals. This week's entrees were made by Francis and Shalini, two very talented Indian chefs

Our quiches, caesar, breads and desserts are made by the culinary students at Elijah's Promise Culinary School.

Many of our ingredients are sourced from local farmers. Today we thank Katonah Farm for the asparagus and Flaim Farm for swiss chard, kale and romaine lettuce. Some of this week's produce was grown and donated by Rutgers Garden and our very own Elijah's Promise kitchen garden.

Learn, Grow, Share II

2011-05-11T14:20:00.000-04:00

You are invited to Learn, Grow, Share II, a Community Dialogue About GOOD FOOD FOR ALL in New Brunswick

WHO: People who attended the December Food Forum and meetings of the Partnership for Healthy Kids-New Brunswick, and New Brunswick residents and constituents who are concerned about insuring all people have access to good, nutritious, affordable food in the New Brunswick community.

WHY: The number of people who do not have ac...cess to nutritious food is growing. More than 20% of New Brunswick’s residents are food insecure (don’t have enough food to eat). Obesity and diabetes rates are higher than ever before.
The time to act is NOW!!

(dinner and childcare provided)

Dinner served at 5:30pm (enjoy some great food prepared by cooks from our community!!) Forum begins at 6pm with a welcome by the Mayor and introduction of Pat Burns from the Fresh Grocer, the new downtown Supermarket coming soon! Followed by round table discussions (in Spanish and English) about what we want and what we can do to improve access to healthy, good food in New Brunswick and strengthen our local food system! Come on out! Pass the word along....THANKS!

RSVP by 5/13: 732-545-9002 ext.111 or elijahspromise@verizon.net

April Cafe Community Bulletin

2011-04-29T12:15:00.002-04:00

It's been a busy month here at the cafe. Many, many treats for Passover and Easter were baked and consumed.

We've been dreaming of new exciting fruits and vegetables that will be grown for us this season in the Elijah's Promise kitchen garden and by volunteers at Rutgers Gardens, First Field and by home gardeners who want to donate produce to the cafe.

This month, we were happy to host presentations by nutritional counselor, Csilla Bischoff and psychotherapist, Donna DiStefano. We thank them for giving their time to come educate our customers.

Chef Nancy Kluberspies of Lovely Buns has been setting up shop every other Thursday in the dining room sampling and selling her artisan breads.

Our breads and desserts are always made by the baking and pastry students at our culinary school. The culinary students have joined us, doing production weekly of delicious special savory items, including the amazing chicken pot pies we started serving last week. Yum! Look for more delicious creations coming out of our culinary school.

We welcome a new addition to the cafe, a gorgeous new napkin dispenser for your mouth dabbing needs.

Volunteer news:
Long time volunteer, Dolores, has decided to move back to New York City. We are sad to see her go but excited for her as she turns the page on her new chapter in life.

Cafe volunteers, Lara Arp and Jacquelyn Juricic, will be acting in a Oh, Ah, Noah! A new musical by The Reformed Church of Highland Park. The play was written by Jean Stockdale, executive director of Who Is My Neighbor, which is one of the nonprofit partners at A Better World Cafe. Performances will be held on Saturday May 7 at 3:30 pm and 8 pm. The suggested ticket price is $12. All proceeds benefit Heifer International.

Our Tuesday afternoon cookie club volunteered to dye Easter eggs for us this month. They did a great job. People really too delight in selecting the egg that was just right for them to accompany their salads.

Rutgers student, Lauren K., helped us with our social media on Facebook and this blog

Tuesday afternoon volunteer, Koby H., distributed cafe flyers around town for us

Monday morning volunteer, Susan K. provided the table decor for the month of April.

Frequent volunteer, Shalini, decided to join us as regular on Tuesday mornings. When she is not here, she runs an Indian catering company.

From the Rolling Pin provided sensational vegan delights every Wednesday, including an olive oil polenta cake and key lime coconut muffins. Thursday volunteer, Agatha whipped up some vegan chocolate peanut butter and jelly sandwich cookies that we are still talking about.

Many of our regular volunteers enjoyed spring break vacations and we had new faces at the cafe with people coming in on breaks from school and work.

Birthdays Shout Outs Go To: Holly S, a Friday kitchen volunteer, Jacquelyn J. , our volunteer coordinator, and Chef Chrissy, the director of the baking and pastry culinary school program.

An ode to soup

2011-04-29T11:57:00.002-04:00

April is National Poetry Month.

With lentil soup in the soup kettle and poetry on our mind, we thought we'd share a favorite soup inspired poem.
If you feel inclined to drink a lake of lentil soup, we can arrange that for. Or more sensible sizes such as a cup, bowl, or a quart to take home to enjoy at home.

Sky Seasoning

A piece of sky
Broke off and fell
Through the crack in the ceiling
Right into my soup,
KERPLOP!
I really must state
That I usually hate
Lentil soup, but I ate
Every drop!
Delicious delicious
(A bit like plaster),
But so delicious, goodness sake--
I could have eaten a lentil-soup lake.
It's amazing the difference
A bit of sky can make.

Sheldon Allan Silverstein

Event Thursday, March 31 with Holistic Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor, Csilla Bischoff

2011-03-25T10:29:00.004-04:00

Have you been suffering from sugar and/or carbohydrate cravings? Fuzzy thinking, mood swings, and low energy? Fear of getting diabetes? Frustration because of your food and body image obsession? Not being able to lose those extra 10-15 pounds?

Please come out to A Better World Cafe on Thursday March 31, 2011 from 12:00pm- 2:00pm to talk to Holistic Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor, Csilla Bischoff.

Bischoff's speciality is helping women who are in love with sugar and refined carbohydrates. As a result of this love affair, these women are suffering from fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, insulin resistance, and the inability to lose those extra few pounds. Bischoff is available to help clients double their energy, stablize their moods, lessen their sweet cravings, and they will be able to go through the day without crashing at 3:00pm every afternoon! Bischoff helps to create a healthy, balanced life. While she practices a holistic approach to nutrition, she looks at all areas of one's life that are connected.

What are people getting from working with Csilla?
"My self esteem has improved as a result of talking with Csilla. I have made so many positive changes with many areas of my life not just including food, lifestyle, and overall health. I have become a much happier person and Csilla encouraged me to contiue to explore new changes in other areas of my life including counseling and I have begun to continue to grow in so many more areas than just nutrition."

Marissa Web, Speech Language Pathologist, UK

For more information, please visit www.shininghealth.com

We hope to see you there!

"Self-Growth, Feelings, and Understanding" Event, Thursday April 7th!

2011-03-23T12:15:00.019-04:00

There will be an event on Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 12:00pm-2:00pm held here at A Better World Cafe. The event is labeled "Self-Growth, Feelings, and Understanding." It is about an exploration of identity, environment, family issues, and substance abuse concerns.

Come in to the cafe to join others as you will be able to ask questions concerning a variety of issues. They may be about Parent-Teen relationship issues, substance abuse concerns, anxiety, depression, confusion or crisis around family concerns, transitions, changes, and many opportunities for you to open up freely about what is on your mind. In the right environment, these concerns may be worked through to enable a person to live a complete and genuine life.

Donna DiStefano, MSW (Master of Social Work), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor), a psychotherapist based in Highland Park, will be here to discuss the various issues that include lifestyle changes, family, and loss. She also has a wealth of information about childhood pressures and methods to help teenagers make choices that support good health and self-esteem. DiStefano draws from a knowledge of psychodynamic, feminist, Jungian theory, as well as concrete techniques to help understand difficult situations and individual experiences. She specifically provides individual, family, and group counseling, and psychotherapy for pre-teens and adults.

To learn more information, please visit LetsTalkHighlandPark.com

Hope to see you there!

Good works by our volunteers and patrons

2011-03-10T20:28:00.001-05:00

Good works by our volunteers and patrons:
Spoken word activist, Pandora Scooter, is putting on a one woman show, Outwardly Fabulous at the Crossroads Theater on March 10-11. The show's mission is "Every single one of us has the right to live without being made of fun of due to our appearance, religion, sexual orientation, politics, gender identification, gender, or race." For more information on the show and Pandora Scooter, visit Outwardly Fabulous.

Cafe volunteer, Stacy, best known for her killer cupcakes, is working with the W Girls NJ to collect dresses for New Jersey high school girls in need. Prom, cocktail and bridesmaid dresses are needed. Hair stylists and makeup artists are also invited to donate their services and expertise. For information on donation drop offs and volunteering, please contact wgirlsNJ@gmail.com

Let us know if you'd like to share something you're doing to make it A Better World out there

March Cafe Community Bulletin

2011-03-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

Sad news:
Leigh Davis, a valued member of A Better World Cafe's advisory board, died earlier this month as a result of a fall. Our hearts and thoughts are with her family and friends. To say how much we will miss her (her energy, dreams, actions, passion for a better world) is just a small reflection on the work and good vibes she has brought to Highland Park and the world. The cafe staff remember Leigh, as a woman always on the go, often donning a jaunty hat, plucking away at her laptop while absentmindedly munching on her lunch. She was an advocate and an activist for good food for all and empowering people with the knowledge to grow their own.

Good works by our volunteers and patrons:
Spoken word activist, Pandora Scooter, is putting on a one woman show, Outwardly Fabulous at the Crossroads Theater on March 10-11. The show's mission is "Every single one of us has the right to live without being made of fun of due to our appearance, religion, sexual orientation, politics, gender identification, gender, or race." For more information on the show and Pandora Scooter, visit Outwardly Fabulous.

Cafe volunteer, Stacy, best known for her killer cupcakes, is working with the W Girls NJ to collect dresses for New Jersey high school girls in need. Prom, cocktail and bridesmaid dresses are needed. Hair stylists and makeup artists are also invited to donate their services and expertise. For information on donation drop offs and volunteering, please contact wgirlsNJ@gmail.com

Congratulations!
Storey C., a Thursday afternoon volunteer, accepted a job at Rutgers.

Donate and make a difference

2011-03-10T19:38:00.002-05:00

Every donation to the cafe, large or small, add up to allow us to fulfill our mission of providing healthy delicious food to anyone interested, regardless of their means. Every day, we serve a considerable amount of our complimentary item and meals earned by our volunteers. On some days, that can add up to 100 per day!
Every week, volunteer bakers create several of our desserts using pantry items. We love to have good quality basics, spices and fun things that they can use in their sweet treats.

Donations of food items are always gladly accepted.

Some of the items we are currently in most need of are the following:
Dried Beans- green, brown or black lentils, chickpeas, black beans, canellini etc
Canned Beans- chickpeas, black beans, canellini, kidney etc
Rice -brown, wild or basmati
Couscous
Quinoa
Lasagna Noodles
Organic Peanut Butter
Jams (those that do not contain high fructose corn syrup, please)
Dried Fruits- cranberries, apricots, cherries, crystallized ginger
nuts- pistachios, pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, walnuts
Chocolate Chips/Vegan Chocolate Chips
Cupcake Liners
All Purpose Flour
Sugar
Organic Soy Milk
Panko Bread Crumbs
Coconut Milk

We're open to other items you'd like to share with us, too!

Celebrating Purim?

2011-03-04T11:42:00.003-05:00

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar! Purim will be celebrated this year on the 20th of March. Please consider making a holiday donation to A Better World Café! In lieu of mishloach manot (the sending of gifts of food and drink), send your friends and loved ones our new Café Purim Cards. The cards come ready in an envelope. Your special donation will provide meals for guests who cannot afford them- $4 for one card, $18 for five cards, $36 for eleven cards, $54 for eighteen cards, $118 for forty-two cards.

We wish you a happy and sweet Purim and feel privileged to share this festive holiday with those who do not have enough to eat.

For more information or to purchase the Purim Card, please visit A Better World Café.

February's Community Happenings

2011-02-21T12:19:00.006-05:00

Luckily the groundhog saw his shadow and winter is coming to a close. The only thing we found to melt the snow and ice was lots of piping hot chocolate. We've missed some of our friends that have been hibernating at home waiting for spring.

Lots of things are going on lately with

Thank you's go out to:
The Ten Thousand Villages store in Highland Park which graciously hosted the Soup for the Soul fundraiser for us last month. They made a generous contribution to us.

Volunteer Sandy S. for donating our fancy new menu board and items for the culinary school wish list

Customer, Barbara H., for writing an article about A Better World Cafe to share with her fellow Middlesex County master gardeners

Trish L. and Diane B. for donating items for the culinary school wish list

Volunteer news:
Occasional volunteer, Deborah Z., has decided to join us for a regular weekly shift. You'll see her serving on Wednesday afternoons

Dan G., has increased his regular shifts with us to three times a week.

Holly, an occasional volunteer, has decided to join us to help in the kitchen every Friday morning

Francis F. has been helping us add authentic Indian flair to the menu. He shared his recipe for iced rose milk and spicy cilantro mint chutney to accompany our samosa wrap sandwich. He'll be debuting some new salads soon.

Agatha B. regularly volunteers in the kitchen and lately she's expanded to helping us bake delicious muffins and loaf breads

Jen M. is a student bound for the Culinary Institute of America, She's been working at the cafe once a week. She hopes to be a pastry chef, so we've been happy to have her bake cookies here.

Michelle still continues to wow us weekly with her vegan treats. This month we loved the heart shaped cupcakes and peanut butter potato chip cookies. Remember, you can buy her cookies every day at Nighthawk Books.

February Birthday Greetings go out to cafe volunteers and regulars this month:
Agatha B., Tim A. and Steven N.

Fancy service at the cafe

2011-02-18T11:40:00.002-05:00

Every few months we are excited to offer you a special dining experience at the cafe when the culinary students from Promise Jobs Culinary School join us as servers.

Part of the students training is learning not only how to properly prepare food but how to serve it as well.

Please support the students on Thursday Feb. 24 for lunch in the social hall. The menu will feature special items the students prepare in the kitchen. Sit down and be treated to table service.

Warm Up's

2011-02-08T13:44:00.000-05:00

Come in out of the cold and warm up with our special February drinks!!

This month we are featuring our own hot chocolate. This is made using decadent dark chocolate and to top it off homemade marshmallows. The marshmallows are a special treat made by our own baking and pastry culinary students.

Our Culinary School Kitchen Wish List...

2011-02-07T12:59:00.001-05:00

All of the staff at A Better World Cafe are proud graduates of Promise Jobs Culinary School.

Current students are responsible for producing all of our wonderful breads, pastries and occasional menu specials.

There is always a need for new equipment in the kitchen to make sure all of our students have the appropriate tools at their disposal.

Our Culinary School Kitchen Wish List...

Please help by donating these items!

For additional information on donating the item please contact us at elijahs.promise@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Pastry Brush, Heat resistant Spatulas, Tongs Large, Tongs Small , Scissors, Serrated knives, Chef Knives, Pairing knives, Boning Knives, Flexible Slicer, Strainers minis, Steels, Wooden Spoons, Metal Spoons slotted, Metal Spoons no holes , Peelers, Melon ballers, Ice cream scoopers need, Zesters, Microplane, Measuring spoons, Measuring cup sets, Liquid measurement cups 2 cup, Liquid measurement cups 1 qt, Liquid measurement 2 qt, Large off sets, Small off set, Whisks straight small, Whisk balloon, Whisk straight medium and Whisk straight large

Join Elijah's Promise on Facebook

www.facebook.com/elijahspromise

January free lunch winner

2011-01-31T13:04:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Roberta Knowlton who is our January winner for a free lunch.

Enter to win our February drawing by dropping your business card in the collection jar. No business card? No problem, make your own here and provide us with your name, email and phone on a slip of paper

We draw the winner's name on the last day of the month that we are open.

The winner will receive one of our cafe gift certificates that entitles him or her for a lunch of their choice. The winning certificate is valid for two months after being issued.

Valentine Fundraiser for Elijah's Promise Culinary School

2011-01-31T12:35:00.002-05:00

All of the staff at A Better World Cafe are proud graduates of Promise Culinary School in New Brunswick. The cafe also provides on the job training for current students and recent graduates. The current class of culinary students are preparing a romantic tasting menu from around the world. We think you'll love supporting the students just as much as the food.

Saturday Feb. 12th - Promise Culinary School at Elijah's Promise presents a Valentine's Day Dinner Fundraiser, with an Open House from 4pm-7pm.

Location: Promise Jobs Culinary School, 211 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ 08901

Cost is $20 per individual and $5 for children under 13 years old.

Reserve by Feb. 9th to Chef Pearl Thompson at pthompson@elijahspromise.net to guarantee your admission

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Feb. 19th. A message will be left on the voicemail of 732-545-9002 ext 113 on Fri Feb. 12 to announce the schedule change.

Italian:

Foccacia Margarita

Pork Risotto Croquettes with Cranberry Green Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette

Kid friendly pizzas with assorted toppings

dessert: decadent dobos torte

French:

Crepes with roasted sweet peppers and eggplant

Leek tart with beets and parsnip

dessert: passion fruit eclairs and white chocolate ganache

Spanish: yucca bites with mozzarella

ceviche with tomato and polenta grilled squares with pesto

dessert: floating islands

Asian: California rolls

Chicken pad thai in a coconut peanut sauce with asian vegetables

dessert: fruit skewers with dipping sauces

Tasting stations will be located throughout the building

About Promise Culinary School: Promise Culinary School has been teaching individuals in the culinary arts field for over thirteen years. The state accredited program has trained over 500 students and given them a second chance by equipping them with the skills they need to be employed on a field that pays them a living wage. The school has a 95% job placement rate for graduates.

Ten Thousand Villages Fundraiser for cafe on 1/23/11

2011-01-17T19:11:00.002-05:00

Please support Ten Thousand Villages at its Highland Park, NJ location in this very generous offer to support A Better World Cafe. We love shopping at their store for beautifully handcrafted items that we can be sure were made by people being fairly compensated all over the globe. The fair trade chocolates they sell may be the perfect sweet treat for your valentine this year.

At the fundraiser event for A Better World Cafe on 1/23/11, you'll be able to sample delicious soups, cornbread, salsa spices and cookies made from mixes put together by Women's Bean Project. Based in Denver, Colorado, this nonprofit group has been helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise since 1989. The women in the program, have histories of poverty and unemployment. They are trained to make gourmet food products which are sold nationwide in shops like Ten Thousand Villages. This training provides the women with income and job experience. Each package for sale is labeled with the name of the woman who personally packed it.

Any Women's Bean Project soup, cornbread or baked good mix sales during the fundraiser event will result in a 15% donation to A Better World Cafe.

We couldn't be more thrilled to have this partnership.

What's for lunch today?

2011-01-11T07:38:00.000-05:00

A Better World Café has some very interesting new things going on for 2011. One new feature that everyone is excited about, is our pick up service. Now you can enjoy our delicious entrée right at your desk. It is so easy and simple to do.

1) Just call in your order at Phone number: 732.510.1572.
2)Come in and pick up your lunch, it will be hot and waiting for you when you get here.

That’s it, quick, nutritious and delicious.

Every day we have exciting menu items that change daily. One item that is always on the menu is a fan favorite, our Better World Salad. This is a whole meal salad, which means is has protein, good carbs, and vegetables. This is a great option for all our vegan customers.

Here’s what’s in our Better World Salad-
Brown Rice
Organic Tofu
Red Cabbage
Green Cabbage
Celery
Kale
Carrots
Scallions
This is dressed with a citrus sesame dressing and then topped with crunchy tamari almonds.

Order one to go today!!!!

Chef Roy is ready to prepare your lunch today!

Join our coffee club

2011-01-03T11:41:00.002-05:00

We're very proud of our beverages here at the cafe. We only serve fair trade and organic coffee and teas.

Our Better World coffee is custom blended for us exclusively by OQ Coffee, artisan coffee roastebased in New Brunswick. We also serve decaf and seasonal varietal coffees by OQ Coffee.

They carefully select our beans, roast them and deliver them the next day. You can't beat that for freshness.

The milk we serve with our beverages is always organic and RGBH free.

Come in and pick up a coffee club punch card. Supplies are limited.

Buy 10 coffees or teas in the cafe and you'll receive the 11th for free.

Please present your club card to the cashier for a punch at the time you purchase your beverages.

We hope to see your mug coming in soon to sample one of our mugs.

Free Lunch Promotion and first winner

2011-01-03T11:27:00.005-05:00

We're currently running a monthly drawing for a free lunch here at A Better World Cafe.

Look for the canister near our register to drop in your business card. No business card? No problem, make your own here and provide us with your name, email and phone on a slip of paper.
That's what our lucky December winner did.

We draw the winner's name on the last day of the month that we are open.

The winner will receive one of our cafe gift certificates that entitles him or her for a lunch of their choice. The winning certificate is valid for two months after being issued.

On Thursday, Dec 30th we had a fantastic lunch concert performance by the Lords of Liechtenstein. At the end of their set, they pulled our December winner after a dramatic ukelele roll.

Congratulations to our first winner Barbara Lewis! She's a regular customer and loves our soup.

Show the Love For BWC in a Gift

2010-12-13T14:44:00.001-05:00

Having trouble finding the perfect something for a special someone? Help us create a better world where all may eat through the gifting of tee shirts, totes, gift cards, and donations. We now have a certificate available that can be presented as a gift informing the recipient of a donation made to A Better World Cafe on their behalf. Not to mention our tees and totes are stylishly comfortable and made from organic cotton!

Food Item Holiday Wishlist

2010-12-13T14:30:00.002-05:00

Have the holidays inspired you with the desire to give? We have the perfect opportunity! For those of you who have been filled with the spirit of giving, we have added some edible goods to our wish list this season:

Dried Beans (any kind)

Canned Beans (any kind)

Canned Tomatoes

Brown Rice

Basmati Rice

Couscous

Quinoa

Lasagna Noodles

Pasta--large shells, orriechette, elbows, egg noodles

Organic Peanut Butter

Jam-strawberry, apricot, raspberry

Dried Fruits—raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries

Chocolate Chips/Vegan Chocolate Chips

Cupcake Liners

All Purpose Flour

Organic Soy Milk

Panko Bread Crumbs

Coconut Milk

Canola Oil

Sliced Almonds

Pecans

Toasted Sesame Oil

Olive Oil (not extra virgin)

Again, we thank you very much for your kindness and support! We wouldn't be here without your love, let the holidays continue!

Better World Cafe Chef's Wishlist

2010-12-06T13:55:00.002-05:00

The holidays are officially here with the first snowflakes to hit the ground this year! We need a few things to enhance the scrumptious goodies we produce; here is our Chef's Holiday Wish List:

50-100 matching 16-20oz Plastic Tumblers
Locking Cabinet for storage
Paper Towels
Beverage Dispenser (2)
Zester (2)
Rolling Pin (2)
Mellon Baller
Silver Long Handled Spoons
Deli Crocks (serving trays for salad bars)
Commercial Immersion Blender (to blend masterpieces such as butternut squash soup!)

All donations are greatly appreciated and can be brought to A Better World Cafe, happy holidays!

Warm bread on a cold day!

2010-12-03T13:24:00.005-05:00

The all natural artisan breads that we serve here at the cafe are now available to take home. Nancy Kluberspies the proprietor of Lovely Buns, and baker of all the breads that you enjoy at A Better World Cafe, will now take orders for her wonderful baked goods. We are pleased to have this opportunity to offer our handmade breads to you.

Bread Description:

Health Loaf -$ 6.00 This our most popular bread. Unlike other whole-wheat loaves it contains over 80% whole-wheat flour. It is also bursting with goodness in the form of flax, sunflower, pumpkin; poppy seeds as well as quinoa and a little honey. It makes excellent toast and sandwiches.

Whole-wheat and white sandwich loaves-$5.00 Great for sandwiches and toasting but a little lighter than the health loaf. Makes a delicious french toast.

Cinnamon raisin -$5.00 Another popular bread that is a breakfast favorite. Not too sweet with plenty of raisins. This is a favorite with the kids.

Baguette- $3.50 (2 for $5.00)The quintessential French bread. This bread tastes buttery and delicious.

Ciabatta- $3.50 (2 for $5.00)This Italian rustic bread is known for it floured and crunchy exterior and light and airy interior. This bread makes great deli sandwiches.

Focaccia- $5.25 Classic Italian bread that is topped with olive oil and fresh herbs. It can be the basis for homemade pizza and makes fabulous paninis

Sourdough-$7.00 Made with our own starter that we have lovingly nurtured for many years. This distinctive bread is amazing.

Gluten Free-$7.50 An increasingly popular alternative to wheat, this loaf contains flax and quinoa and is covered in sunflower seeds. This is not processed in a gluten free kitchen.

How to order your bread:

1. Choose the types and quantities and email it to orders@lovelybuns.com or come in and fill out an order form.

2. Place orders by Sunday evening.

3. Pay using paypal - use nlklub@yahoo.com to access account, or pay by cash on pick up.

4. Bread will be available for pick up on Thursdays at A Better World Cafe between 11:30am and 1:00pm

Any questions please feel free to contact Nancy at info@lovelybuns.com

Phone#732.993.6337

New Brunswick to Hold Food Security Forum

2010-12-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

On December 11, New Brunswick will be hosting a free community Food Security Forum at New Brunswick High School. This amazing event will discuss the opportunities and challenges for a strong local food system in New Brunswick. Among the topics to be discussed are school lunches, supermarkets, community gardens, food pantries, soup kitchens, farmers markets, local farms, restaurants, and food stamps. Lunch will be provided at the event, which will include speakers and workshops and focus on how to extend access to nutritious, affordable food to all residents.

Mark Winne, author of "Closing the Food Gap" and "Food Rebels" and long-time food and hunger activist will be a keynote speaker at the event.

Click for more information on the New Brunswick Forum and to RSVP

Thankful for Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

A Better World Cafe would like to send a warm and gracious thank you to all of our volunteers and patrons. It has been quite an incredible year and we wouldn't be here today without your love and support!

While supplies last!!

2010-11-23T13:41:00.000-05:00

Buy now at the cafe. Mason jar of our delightful cranberry ginger chutney with a decorative cloth cover - $8. Show up with this as a hostess gift for the holiday and your host will be truly thankful.

Enjoy Our Tasty Soup This Winter in New Bowls

2010-11-17T14:17:00.002-05:00

A Better World Cafe would like to give a special thank you to our longtime Tuesday volunteer, Arn B. for his donation of new soup bowls. Their size and shape compliment out scrumptious soups for the chillly winter! We appreciate your contribution Arn!

Are your kids driving you crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-16T19:41:00.000-05:00

The Dr is In. Come in on Thursday November 18, between 12-2, and ask your most pressing parenting questions.

ParenTime provides a support network where families can find the companionship of others who share their concerns. The staff is dedicated to helping parents and their children lead healthier, happier, more productive lives through individualized coaching, parent circles and educational workshops.
Their programs offer realistic and practical strategies for more effective parenting, as well as guidance and peace of mind for parents navigating the challenges of family life.

Dr. Aly Mandel is a child psychologist who has worked with families in home and school settings for 15 years. She is recognized in Central New Jersey for her skilled assessments and evaluations for children with school-based difficulties. Over the years, she has helped parents to raise more confident, resilient and emotionally intelligent children. Her greatest achievement and indeed her greatest passion is raising her five children.

Dr. Lynda Cunjak is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Highland Park, New Jersey. For the past 20 years she has been helping her clients to manage their anxiety, insecurities, relationships, depression and anger so they can be better parents. She is noted for her expertise in relaxation techniques, which have helped families to sleep better, eat better and feel better. She is the mother of three grown children and has seven wonderful grandchildren.

http://www.parentimenj.com/

Elijah's Promise and A Better World Cafe on Geraldine R. Dodge blog

2010-11-10T13:25:00.004-05:00

The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Blog has posted about Elijah's Promise food efforts for the person and the community. It addresses Elijah's Promise commitment to buy local, fresh ingredients and it is clearly working, with seven percent of purchases at the Tri-County Auction (Central Jersey farmers’ produce market) now being made by emergency food providers. Not only are their efforts with local farmers and gardens praised but so is A Better World Cafe. To read the full blog post click here.

In collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Elijah's Promise will be screening the film Fresh at the soup kitchen (18 Neilson Street) November 10 at 7pm and Friday, November 12th at noon.

Another wonderful community event coming up is "Good Food For All" in New Brunswick on Saturday December 11 9am-3:30pm (lunch provided) at New Brunswick High School. Feel free to learn and discuss the opportunities and challenges for a strong local food system in New Brunswick. For more information click here.

TV worth watching

2010-11-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

NJ Fresh!, the new series on NJN hosted by Megan Gunning and Barbara Seelig-Brown begins airing tonight, Tuesday, November 9 at 9:30 pm. The four-part series, which airs in November and December, features visits to four farmers markets across the state as well as side trips to several farms, exploring the connections between land, people and food.

The series begins with a visit to Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance's farmers market at Dvoor Farm, with side trips to Comeback Farm and Bobolink Dairy. Future episodes include visits to Burlington, Collingswood and Sussex Farmers Markets.

Get more details and the full series schedule here.

The Benefits of Going Vegetarian.. Even If It’s Just One Day a Week

2010-11-05T11:48:00.000-04:00

The idea of practicing vegetarianism for some is quite torturous, who wants to give up juicy steaks and the all American cheese burger? Not many, but there is an alternative! Eating vegetarian, even part-time, benefits one’s health, the environment, and animals tremendously.

The health advantages of eating vegetarian are endless: reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes, lower the chances of cardiovascular disease, prevent bone loss, avoid and cleanse the ingestion of toxic chemicals, etc. Nearly one in two Americans are affected by heart disease; animal food is high in saturated fat and the only food that contains cholesterol, both greatly contribute to heart disease. Plants on the other hand do not hold any cholesterol but do provide powerful cholesterol lowering agents such as unsaturated fat, soluble fibers, and phytochemicals, all of which are found almost exclusively in plant foods. Adding more vegetables to your diet doesn’t only have positive internal effects; it even improves skin issues that can be exacerbated by animal food.

Consuming less meat has an amazing impact on the environment. Animal farming uses endless amounts of natural resources to raise the animals such as fossil fuels and water. More than 1/3 of US fossil fuels go to the production of animals; according to a study in the American journal of clinical nutrition, the production of a single calorie of animal protein necessitates more than ten times the fossil fuel input as a calorie of plant protein. Water contamination and shortages are also a serious byproduct of animal production. One pound of beef entails the use of approximately 2500 gallons of water, whereas a pound of soy requires 250 gallons of water and a pound of wheat only 25 gallons. Aside from the depletion of resources, animal farming also contributes to water and soil contamination due to antibiotics and other toxins that run-off into the land and other water sources.

Many vegetarians stop eating meat because of the treatment and practices employed at animal farms. Farms are no longer free-range, sprawling pastures; most farms are now commercial businesses jam-packed with animals to fatten and package. The conditions are crowded and disease tends to be widespread with outrageous amounts of antibiotics as the answer. When eating meat try to choose products that are labeled free-range, anti-biotic free, and are organically certified. This will prevent the ingestion of toxic chemicals and contribute to more ecological and animal friendly farming practices.

Overall, taking small steps to incorporate vegetarian practices into your daily diet can have a longstanding impact. It does not have to be difficult either! Great tasting vegetarian and vegan food is very easy to come by and can allow you to feel better both physically and mentally. Meat substitutes are endless: mushrooms, tofu, wheat, nuts, soy, etc. These products are usually for sale at your local grocery store and may even have a special section. The most challenging part will be tasting them all and finding out what you like best.

If interested in more information here are some knowledgeable website for facts and recipes:

Choose Veg, Vegetarian Times, VegWeb, Food Inc., The Future of Food