Lawrence Farmer A Finalist For Garden State Culinary Award

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Cherry Grove Organic Farm in Lawrence Township has been named a finalist for a 2018 Garden State Culinary Arts Award. The farm, owned by Matthew Conver, is a finalist in the category of Outstanding Farmer.

Other finalists include Chickadee Creek Farm, of Pennington, owned by Jess Niederer; and Forty North Oyster Farm, of Little Egg Harbor and Belmar, owned by Matt Gregg and Scott Lennox

The Outstanding Farmer award goes to a farmer working in New Jersey whose primary income is derived from agricultural pursuits, has demonstrated significant talent and skill in the profession, and has set consistent standards of excellence. They must have been working as a farmer for at least five years.

The top three vote-getters in each category were named finalists. Following a second round of voting, the winners will be selected and announced during a ceremony and reception by The Garden State Culinary Arts Foundation on Sunday, April 29 at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m.

A gala reception, with dishes that focus on New Jersey ingredients, will follow from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. under the direction of 2017 Outstanding Chef winner Drew Araneo, of Drew's Bayshore Bistro in Keyport, and 2017 Rising Star honoree AJ Capella, formerly of the Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station.

Students from New Jersey culinary schools will assist the chefs and their culinary captains with prep work, cooking, plating and serving the dishes.

A limited number of tickets to the ceremony and reception are on sale at Brown Paper Tickets. If purchased by Friday, April 20, tickets are $75 per person; if any tickets remain available after that date, they will be sold for $100 per person. To purchase tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.comcom/event/3395757.

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