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2013 SJ HOT Chefs Spring Restaurant week – Sunday, March 17 - Friday, March 22

The 2013 SJ HOT Chefs Spring Restaurant week – Sunday, March 17 through Friday, March 22 -- 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.

In addition to enticing customers, this spring’s program is designed to cultivate and spotlight the next generation of chefs. Seasoned SJ HOT Chefs will partner with promising culinary students from schools in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties and demonstrations will be arranged in the area.

“Because our restaurants are an expression of our passions, we want everyone to sample our culinary skills,” explained Fred Kellermann, Chef/Owner of Elements Cafè in Haddon Heights, NJ and president of the South Jersey Independent Restaurant Association, known as SJ HOT Chefs. “We’re also each very proud of being successful small business owners and employers in our South Jersey communities. To take our restaurants to the next level, we are constantly educating our staffs to insure that our guests have an outstanding restaurant experience, whether we’re an establishment offering a gourmet dining experience or a casual pub meal. So by taking an opportunity this year to work with promising young student chefs at our March tasting events, we hope to inspire their professional ambitions. And maybe, along the way, we’ll meet someone who would be great for our future kitchen staffs.”

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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 Fall Harvest Week or SJ Hot Chefs, please visit www.SJHOTchefs.com or see below.

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About SJ Hot Chefs

The South Jersey Independent Restaurant Association, or SJ HOT Chefs as they are commonly referred to, are all local chefs and owners of independent restaurants in the South Jersey area. Members are passionate culinary professionals dedicated to providing great food and service, while also working to increase awareness of dining opportunities in South Jersey. SJ HOT Chefs also hosts various events throughout the year including the Interfaith Caregivers and the Virtua Hospital Wine Dinner, “CHEF WARS,” South Jersey’s bi-annual Restaurant Week in October and March, Farm to Fork Week, and Feast In The Fields held every summer. For more information, visit SJ HOT Chefs’ website at http://www.SJHOTchefs.com.

SJ Hot Chefs Restaurant Week 2013 Participating Restaurants:

“OT” designation means reservations may be secured by the weblink OpenTable.com

*indicates $25 menus

Amici Ristorante* – Cherry Hill

Andreotti's Viennese Cafe - Cherry Hill

Anthony's creative italian cuisine – Haddon Heights - OT

Arugula - Sewell - OT

Barnsboro Inn – Sewell - OT

Blackbird Dining Establishment - Collingswood

Braddocks – Medford Village- OT

Cafe Madison – Riverside - OT

Caffe Aldo Lamberti - Cherry Hill