As the SJ Hot Chefs prepare for their Spring Restaurant Week — Sunday, March 17, to Friday, March 22, it’s great to know they are always looking out for the “next generation of chefs.” With special arrangements for students of the culinary arts (high school and older), professional chefs are constantly inspiring future talent. Preparing for an outdoor demonstration at Ritz Shopping Center on Saturday, March 16 from noon to 2 p.m. Chef/owner Mirko Loeffler is working with Emilee Buckman, 18, a Cherry Hill High School West senior, who is already enrolled in New England Culinary Institute in Vermont for next fall. They will prepare and serve samplings of Spaetzle with various sauces at the Ritz Shopping Center in Voorhees, NJ. They will be situated outside Mirko’s A Taste of Europe to attract the crowds going to the Rave Movie Theater. It is located at 910 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Voorhees (www.mirostasteofeurope.com.)
Emilee Buckman, 18, is a senior at Cherry Hill High School West. Since early high school, she has been interested in cooking, especially pastry by baking and decorating cakes.
“I just want to make people happy through my baking. And, it makes me happy as well,” she said.
Joanne McMahon, co-owner of Mirko’s, said that Mirko is an excellent teacher.
“He loves working with students of all ages — from kids to adults,” McMahon said.
SJ Hot Chefs is designed to showcase the abundant culinary talent in southern New Jersey. The annual celebration creates irresistible incentives for diners to explore the diverse styles of hospitality and menus in the region’s many independent restaurants. There are over 35 restaurants throughout Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties offering delicious deals on special four-course menus for $35 and $25.
“Because our restaurants are an expression of our passions, we want everyone to sample our culinary skills,” Fred Kellermann, Chef/Owner of Elements Cafè in Haddon Heights, NJ and president of the South Jersey Independent Restaurant Association said.
The SJ Hot Chefs is an organization comprised of locally owned, independent, chef-driven restaurants led by passionate culinary professionals that take pride in expertly prepared, fresh food. Spring Restaurant Week will be celebrated at acclaimed restaurants including Chef Kellermann’s Elements Café, Anthony’s Creative Italian Cuisine, Braddock’s Tavern, La Esperanza and many more.
For a list of participating restaurants or more information on Spring Restaurant Week or SJ Hot Chefs, please visit www.SJHOTchefs.com.
Voorhees restaurants participating in SJ Hot Chefs are Coriander: an Indian Bistro, Ritz Seafood, Mirkos — A Taste of Europe.
