"jersey shore" news and stories

• Want fresh, local produce, but can't quite commit to a CSA? Join the club.
• This family buys local just for the taste of it.
• Luke Palladino Seasonal Italian Cooking proves that the Jersey Shore is home to far more than Snooki.
• What did Eagles players number 87 and 79 name their new restaurant? 879. Of course.

We've been bombarded the last several years with every possible infusion of vodka...or so we thought. Devotion Spirits has created an 80 proof vodka infused with a casein known as PeptoPro, a pre-digested milk protein.

The vodka was developed by Devotion company President and New Jersey native Drew Adelman, who's also the guy behind the 70's and 80's themed Polly Esther's nightclubs. Adelman was so obsessed with his two loves -- nightlife and keeping lean muscle mass -- that he decided to combine his protein supplement with his vodka.

The protein that's added is supposedly good for supporting an increase in lean body mass and a decrease in body fat, but only if you include lifting weights in your fitness regimen. I haven't tasted the vodka, but Devotion claims that the protein creates a fuller mouth feel similar to Chardonnay wine.

Earlier this week, Devotion Spirits announced a partnership with reality TV Star Mike Sorrentino. Sorrentino, who is best known as "The Situation" on MTV's Jersey Shore, is the manager of a fitness center.

Fear not aspiring "guidos" and "guidettes," you too can have a six-pack like the "Jersey Shore's" Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino -- or at least a pint of it.

Iron Hill Brewery's head brewer Chris LaPierre plans to get a fake tan and style his hair accordingly (here's to hoping for the Pauly D blow out) for the Feb. 20 release of "The Situation" at the regional brewery's Maple Shade, N.J., location.

LaPierre previously referred to the "Jersey Shore"-inspired brew as "Golden Barleywine" -- though it's hardly a barleywine at all. The brew is tough to categorize -- much like "The Situation" himself -- thus, the moniker was born.

"It has an assertive bitterness and an intense American hop aroma and flavor, but this year, it will have a new name," LaPierre told Slashfood.

Flavor aside, we're left wondering two things: How those brewskis will affect Sorrentino's well-etched abs?

... And where is Snooki's "Princess of Poughkeepsie Not-so-Pale Ale?"

[Via Grub Street Philadelphia]

Strolling through a casino, especially a newer one like the Tropicana in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is always fun. You can admire the architecture, shop in cute but overpriced stores and people-watch to your heart's content. The two other major attractions of casinos are, of course, gambling and eating. I'm not too lucky when it comes to the slots, but I lucked out by picking Cuba Libre for brunch.

Now, there are many restaurants around the country that share the name, but this particular restaurant has but two locations, in Atlantic City and Philadelphia. I hear that the Philly location has dancing, but the Atlantic City one serves brunch seven days a week. The brunch menu is packed with options, but isn't overwhelming. The black bean hummus is excellent and the plantain chips are a nice touch with the tasty sandwiches.