Do you wish you had a friend that was a great cook? Now you do. Tony Balderose, of Balderose Fine Foods (BFF) in Fair Haven, is your new best friend. Each day, BFF whips up delicious, chef-prepared, fresh foods that you can pick up and take home for lunch and dinner. In addition the BFF serves freshly brewed coffee and tea, breakfast sandwiches and delicious pastries.
Balderose, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former Executive Chef at Balduccis in New York City, always dreamed of opening a specialty gourmet store near his home in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. When he found the site at the corner of Fair Haven and River Roads, he knew it was the perfect location. “Fair Haven is such a friendly, small town. I love that people run in for lunch and dinner items, but linger and chat over a cup of coffee or smoothie,” said Balderose. Locals have been enjoying the outdoor seating in front of the market and Balderose hopes to add some additional indoor seating by fall.
If you stop by for breakfast, you’ll find BFF brewing Peet’s coffee, espresso, lattes and tea. You can ask for a made-to-order breakfast sandwich or omelette or savor croissants, scones, danish and breads from the famed Balthazar Bakery.
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For lunch, BFF serves artisan sandwiches and wraps that include curry chicken salad and hot roast turkey with avocado and roasted pepper mayo. Custom-made salads include grilled chicken with buckwheat soba noodles in a cilantro pesto dressing and lemongrass shrimp with spicy ginger dressing.
Refreshing fruit smoothies are available throughout the day. “We add whey protein, chia, granola and flax seed,” said Balderose “for an even healthier and more nutritious option. The favorite BFF smoothie so far has been one which includes blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and almond milk.”
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For dinner, BFF generally has about ten freshly made entrees including pistachio crusted salmon, Thai marinated flank steak, breaded chicken Milanese and grilled vegetables. “I use only the freshest ingredients and natural, antibiotic free meats and chicken,” said Balderose. “We add new items every day but always have the tried and true favorites like grilled salmon and meatballs.“ Balderose also mentioned that there is a kid’s menu which features homemade chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese and fish and chips. He plans to offer school lunches in the fall.
For those in a rush, “grab and go” items in the refrigerator case, include sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit salad, The pantry at BFF also includes healthy items such as gourmet pasta sauces, vinegars, vinaigrettes, and organic dried fruits and nuts. Delicious treats include cupcakes, cookies and rugula.
The full menu can be found at www.balderosefinefoods.com. BFF also has a catering menu for parties and holidays. To place a phone order, call 732-224-7676. BFF, at the corner of River and Fair Haven roads in Fair Haven is open everyday, from early morning until dinnertime, with the exception of Sunday, when it is open until 2 pm. Stop by soon to meet your new BFF.
