YOUR BEAT: Food and restaurants

YOUR NAME: Zoe Drew

DATE OF MEMO: 09/28/2018

Background

Trenton’s proximity to the Delaware River, major canals and railways facilitated its development as a significant manufacturing hub throughout the industrial revolution. The convenient location established a booming city center and inspired the city’s slogan “Trenton makes the world takes”. Consequently, Trenton became an appealing destination for immigrants seeking work and enabled the development of a multicultural community. However, World War two demanded skilled workers to abandon manufacturing jobs, resulting in the decline of the once thriving factories and birth of new industries (Richman, 2011).

The ostracization of European immigrants into the Trenton community facilitated the development of tight-knit communities within the city. Suburbs such as Chambersburg became cultural hubs and families opened restaurants to express their culinary roots and gain income following the closure of manufacturing facilities. Restaurants and grocers became a medium through which immigrants could express pride in their history and bridge the gap between their community and greater Trenton (Marino & Crocco, 2015).

Trenton’s history has shaped the culinary scene that exists today. The city boasts a diverse selection of cuisines including Caribbean, Spanish and Soul Food (Trenton Downtown Association, 2018). This variety of ethic restaurants is a reflection of the city’s cultural demographics including 13.4% African American and 18.1% Hispanic or Latino. However, the economic success of these businesses is dependent on consistent sales. Considering that 12.3% of the population live in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018) and surrounding cities such as Philadelphia and New York are more enticing to tourists, hospitality businesses face economic challenges.

Recent press coverage

 This (Blue) Danube is in Trenton, not Europe

June 8, 2018

The Times, (Trenton, NJ)

Author: Susan Sprague Yeske

The article introduces Peter and Margaret Pulhac, who have been serving Eastern European cuisine out of their restaurant Blue Danube for 28 years. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by regular trips to Europe and traditional family recipes. After establishing the restaurant’s history and inspiration, Yeske vividly recounts her own dining experience, portraying the flavor and texture of dishes such as the Danube sampler for two, veal Budapest and sauerbraten. The article concludes by highlighting the restaurant’s prominence in the community and authenticity.

Lil Thai Pin is big on authentic dishes

May 25, 2018

The Times, (Trenton, NJ)

Author: Susan Sprague Yeske

This article highlights the growing popularity of multicultural take-out food in the Trenton community. Tim Tan, owner of Lil Thai Pin creates authentic Thai dishes such as wontons, red curry and mango sticky rice in his small, family run restaurant. The article portrays the complexity of the spices and seasoning in these dishes. The precision needed to create authentic flavors justifies the restaurants 60% take-out sales, enabling Trenton diners to experience Thai cuisine without dining out or cooking at home.

A neighborhood favorite for 25 years

May 18, 2018

The Times, (Trenton, NJ)

Author: Susan Sprague Yeske

The article introduces Joseph Verde, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who shunned fine dining and prestige, taking over 25-year-old family business Villa Maria. The menu boasts tradition Italian dishes, loyal clientele and secret family recipes passed down from his mother in their hometown Chambersburg. Yeske attributes the restaurant’s popularity to the authentic, wholesome flavors of dishes such as bruschetta and meatball Parmesan. Frequent references to Chambersburg, family and tradition highlight the impact ethnicity and culture have had on the restaurant’s ambience.

 Summary:

Stories about food are rapidly gaining momentum in the news media. The multimodal nature of online publication platforms enables readers to not only explore gourmet dishes through literary description but experience enticing imagery and navigate through hyperlinks for further information. Articles about restaurants not only narrate stories about dishes on the menu, but express the history, culture and passions that facilitate a restaurant’s success.

Trenton’s cultural diversity and vast array of ethnically themed restaurant provide a resource through which additional stories can sourced. This may include long-standing family businesses which have been passed down through generations and upcoming restaurants opened by those exploring their cultural roots. Articles in this beat would not only explore the who, where and what elements of Trenton, but reveal their inspiration through the experiences of owners.

Contacts:

Jimmy Kamies, Owner of Amici Milano

(609) 396-6300

amicimilano@aol.com

 

Joanna, Owner of Rozmaryn

(609) 656-1600

 

Ila, Owner of Ila Mae’s Restaurant

(609) 498-0642

ilamaesrestaurant@gmail.com