A holiday tradition sweetens meals in Collingswood, plus a do-over at a Camden County taproom ... and ramen at Whole Foods.
AUNT ROMA'S RECIPE
Zeppoli chef Joey Baldino thinks about his Aunt Roma often, but especially during the holiday season. That's because the Collingswood chef learned how to make struffoli, deep-fried nibs of dough tossed in honey and topped with sprinkles, from his aunt. Struffoli is a southern Italian treat served during the Christmas season, also known in Calabria as scalilli, in Abruzzo as cicerchiata and, in Sicily as pignolata. Baldino makes Aunt Roma's struffoli all year long, as a complimentary treat after each meal, to give his guests a true sense of a sweet Italian tradition that's close to his heart. Located at 618 Collings Ave.; (856) 854-2670; zeppolirestaurant.com.
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REMAKE OF THE OAKLYN
Oaklyn Manor Bar has been pouring cold ones for a loyal pack of regulars for 40 years. When the longtime taproom changed hands a few months ago, new owners Lisa and Allison Del Duke and Gary Mullins wanted to pay homage to the status quo, only make it better. Reported issues of unpaid property taxes shuttered the bar, but post-renovation, the place is cleaner, brighter and boasts a new beer system, with local Tonewood Brewery beer on tap, along with a few other back-of-the-house changes. But Tim O'Malley, a bartender for 30 years, and his brother Tucker, behind the bar for 20? They're still holding court. Located at 198 W. Clinton Ave., Oaklyn; (856) 854-5433; oaklynmanor.com.
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RAMEN READY
Ramen is just what the doctor ordered on a raw winter's day. Did you know the Japanese noodle soup is on the menu at the Whole Foods Market in Cherry Hill's Ellisburg Shopping Center? Simmered up by Philly-based Genji, which sells sushi in 165-plus Whole Foods stores in 18 states, flavors include tonkotsu ramen, made with a pork broth and thin noodles best paired with spicy miso broth, and the less soupy mazemen, made with thick whole wheat noodles and a creamy sauce. Add a poached egg and bacon, and an Asian carbonara comes to mind. Located at 1558 N. Kings Highway; (856) 651-5271; wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cherryhill.
