New and Noteworthy: Chef's Coffee Company

By Kimberly Baldwin

If you live in New Jersey and enjoy fine dining, then there's no doubt you are familiar with Chef Craig Shelton and his former venture, The Ryland Inn, the world famous top Zagat- and New York Times-rated restaurant featuring superb cuisine and an impressive 1,000-bottle wine list.

Ryland Inn customer's were quite passionate about food, and even more so about coffee -- so much, in fact, that there were so many requests to buy the coffee, Chef Shelton decided to launch the Chef's Coffee Company to market and sell this original blend. This effort has since expanded beyond his initial expectations and includes additional unique blends like the Yachtsman (a bold, robust blend that holds its flavors in outdoor marine environments) and the Mountain (a specially formulated blend suitable for higher elevations).

Using his culinary and biochemistry knowledge (he did, after all, graduate from Yale with degrees in molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry), Chef Shelton has created truly amazing taste combinations where the coffee blend reacts to different environments, tailoring the coffee taste to the lifestyles and surroundings of the coffee drinker. As the Chef says, "What makes us different is that we recognized long ago that the environment can dramatically change the taste of the coffee. The same cup of coffee will taste completely different on a beach, a mountain top, at a horse race, or at a restaurant. So we take that into account as we formulate proprietary blends and roasting techniques to create specific blends for various situations. Each blend we have created is designed to shine in a particular surrounding. This is an outgrowth of my 25 year passion for marrying food and wine".

The gourmet blends and perfectly paired chocolates and biscotti are available through chefscoffee.com or at fine retailers like Chef Central (Paramus) and Wine Library Springfield.

New and Noteworthy: Sal Lauretta for Men

By Kathy Shaskan and Kimberly Baldwin

Sal Lauretta For Men, a high end clothing shop in Midland Park, has started carrying the "Whatever it Takes" line of t-shirts. The aim of the organization is to raise a minimum of $3 million over three years to fund charitable projects in developing countries, contribute to the protection of the environment, and other charitable causes. These products, designed by celebrities, statesmen, artists and more, have raised over 1 million dollars so far. Above: the design by Giorgio Armani.

New and Noteworthy: Luxe Link

By Kathy Shaskan

If you saw the recent TV reports showing scientists testing the bottoms of women's handbags for dangerous bacteria (and finding alarming quantities), you'll like this little accessory. It’s called the Luxe Link. It’s a hook-like gadget that unwraps and attaches to tables (perfect for restaurants), keeping your bag off the floor. The Luxe Link is available at Beval Saddlery in Gladstone.

New and Noteworthy: Fuzzy Nation Giveaway!

By Kathy Shaskan and Kimberly Baldwin

Jersey Girl Jennifer Liu, owner and founder of Fuzzy Nation, has provided two of her adorable "doggie bags" for two lucky New Jersey Life Blog readers. Fuzzy Nation is a hot new company whose handbags are really taking off nationally. The company recently opened its first retail store in NJ, at Olde Lafayette Village in Lafayette. Want a bag? Be the first to post the correct answer to one of these questions (you can only win one!) in the comment field below:

1. What famous lifestyle guru designed the Morris Plains home featured in the New Jersey Life March issue?

2. Which island, noted for giving the Garden State its name, was featured in our March issue?

Hint: Don't have the March issue? Check out the current issue online!

We'll let you know if you won, and will get the bag -- valued at $59 -- out to you faster than you can say "Lassie!"

New and Noteworthy: Prom time!

By Kathy Shaskan

Every girl knows that the dress is 'way more important than the guy' when it comes to enjoying your prom. Pick well and you'll feel like a star all night. Choose poorly and you'll spend the evening tugging on your hem, adjusting your straps and slinking off to a corner. To make the search for that one perfect frock easier, Gotham City Clothing in Millburn has opened a new dress lounge for girls. All pretty and pink, it's filled with the latest dresses, plus bags, shoes, and jewelry.

New and Noteworthy: Destination Maternity

By Kathy Shaskan

Pregnant women, start your engines! In March a new Destination Maternity Shop will open in Cherry Hill, offering what they promise will be "The most extraordinary and largest selection of maternity fashion and accessories ever in South New Jersey!" There will be a $1000 wardrobe giveaway on opening day and the first 100 shoppers receive a special gift with a minimum $50 purchase! Destination Maternity also features a learning studio which will offer a wide variety of events and classes including prenatal yoga, belly dancing, breast feeding 101 and gatherings such as, “I’m Pregnant, What’s Next?," an opportunity for newly pregnant women to gather on the first Thursday of every month. The store will be located at Town Place at Garden Place, 901 Haddonfield Road (off Route 70) in Cherry Hill.

New and Noteworthy: Candice Olson Wall-coverings

By Kathy Shaskan

Popular TV designer Candice Olson has a new line of sophisticated wall-coverings from York Wall. Shown above is the dotted paisley pattern. York wall-coverings are available through many New Jersey retailers.

New & Noteworthy: Simon Pearce "Barre" Collection

By Kathy Shaskan

If you're a fan of Simon Pearce's hand-blown glass and handmade pottery, you'll love the company's new line called 'Barre.' It's notable for its soft curves, muted colors, and matte finishes. Simon Pearce products are carried by a number of retailers in New Jersey.

New & Noteworthy: Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton - now at Bloomingdale's

By Kathy Shaskan

Now at Bloomingdale's: the Monique Lhuillier Tabletop Collection from Royal Doulton. Lhuillier, like Vera Wang, has expanded beyond her original business of creating elegant wedding gowns for the high end market. Above: a place setting of Femme Fatale, a sophisticated embossed lizard pattern with a pearlescent sheen.

New & Noteworthy: Sweet Gift for Car Lovers

By Kathy Shaskan

You love him ... he loves cars.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, we've found the perfect gift for the guy (or girl) who likes nothing better than strapping into a high performance automobile. It's called the "Wind and Fire Tour," it's organized by the Vulcan Motor Club, and here's how it works: You pay $795 to send your car-loving mate on a 120 mile trek with 5 other auto enthusiasts. Six amazing sports cars are provided, and the group stops every 20 miles to switch cars. Each participant has a chance to drive a Ford GT, Ferrari 360 Spider, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin DB9, Porsche 911 Twin Turbo, and a Dodge Viper. Reservations are now being accepted for the following tour dates: April 12, June 20, September 9, October 4-5, and November 14-15. For more info, call 908-879-7777.

New & Noteworthy: Bodega Shoppe, Red Bank

By KathyShaskan

In the heart of Red Bank, there's a special shop waiting to be discovered. It's called Bodega Shoppe, taking its name from the New York City corner markets that sell a little bit of everything. Bodega Shoppe does just that, offering a wide variety of new and vintage merchandise. You'll find delicate glassware, European fragrances and skincare, vintage mirrors, English stationery and more. Other standouts include Lucy Jane Batchelor products, for which Bodega Shoppe is the exclusive US retailer; and Maribelle Chocolate and Teas. More info here.

New & Noteworthy: Philosophy Boutique

By Kathy Shaskan

Longtime friends Karen Vitale and Michele Walten have opened Philosophy, a new boutique in historic downtown Chester. They promise "high-end style and down-to-earth prices on eclectic finds from around the world." Lines include Pine Cone Hill bed linens and loungewear, Dash & Albert rugs, Comptoir de Famille tabletop collections, soap and candles from France, and custom handbags from Erda. More info here.

New & Noteworthy: Sweet Avenue Cupcakes

By Kathy Shaskan

Sweet Avenue began life as a mail order and catering bakery, specializing in weddings and showers. With the opening of their first retail location in Rutherford, Sweet Avenue has become one of the only cupcakeries in the country specializing in vegan (dairy and egg free) baked goods. Sweet Avenue offers over 25 varieties of cupcakes at any given time on a rotating basis, with more being added almost every week. Everything sold there is made from scratch in small batches. More info here.

New & Noteworthy: Chelsea in Princeton

By Kathy Shaskan

Rhonda Salem is excited about the opening of her new shop in Princeton's Palmer Square. The doors were thrown open just 2 weeks ago at Chelsea, an upscale gift and bridal registry boutique that focuses on designer brands. You'll find Vera Wang, Kate Spade Tabletop (shown above), Michael Aram, Marc Jacobs, Bernardaud, Rosenthal, Kosta Boda, Missoni, Richard Ginori, Jonathan Adler, Ralph Lauren, and Vietri, to name a few. If you're closer to Shrewsbury, you can visit the original store at The Grove. Or, find out more about shopping in Princeton (and score some great deals too).