Tom Peric'
856-874-0049
tom@thegalileo.com
Medford, N.J. — Brad Scott, a partner at Braddock's, a 165-year-old restaurant and former roadhouse, announced today the end of a two-week quest by his staff to create the perfect thirst-quenching summer cocktail in honor of July 4, Independence Day.
"We didn’t set out to simply create a great drink," said Scott. "Our entire staff decided they want this cocktail to represent south Jersey. With that in mind, we focused on ingredients that are available from local farmers." The drink, named Jersey Fourth of July Summer Cocktail, includes south Jersey blueberries, peaches, cranberry juice and corn.
Management, bar and wait staff all suggested ideas until they were able to agree on a cocktail that caught the refreshment and sparkling qualities of a warm weather drink that also had the colors that we associate with summer, says Scott. "Everyone has a certain loyalty to the area where they live, and we wanted to offer our patrons a special reward by keeping many of the ingredients local in the spirit of July 4th," he says.
Scott and his staff created the drink to compete in a cocktail creation contest, but it is also a part of a larger transformation at the restaurant.
While Braddock's is one of the oldest restaurants in New Jersey (built in 1823 and rebuilt after an 1843 fire), the new owners (Tom Doyle, Brad Scott and Bob Wagner)recognized with changing tastes and an economy that made diners more discriminating, a fresh approach was necessary.
Indeed, freshness and seasonality are the bedrock of Braddock's new bill of fare.
They will change their menu four times annually, concentrating on dishes that offer items linked to their availability during the four seasons, including locally grown produce and lighter sauces.
"We have one of the great historical restaurants in New Jersey," says Scott. "But that doesn't mean our menu can't adjust to modern tastes and budgets. Diners will find the new menu both exciting for their taste buds and a pleasant surprise for their wallets."
Scott bought the restaurant with two other partners in 2008.
For more information about Braddock's visit www.braddocks.com or call 609.654.1604.
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