Photo courtesy of Jason Bleecher JasonBleecher.com

Last summer you saw Chef Justin Antiorio (a resident of Bergen County) on television as he competed against fellow chefs to become the 2012 Season 10 runner-up on the FOX Network’s HELL’S KITCHEN (hosted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay). Chef Justin is a proud Jerseyan and believes in supporting local food-related businesses. Chef Justin was nice enough to put together a list for Boozy Burbs featuring his favorite Bergen County sustainable food businesses for the holidays.

1. The Goffle Road Poultry Farm: Located at 549 Goffle Road in Wyckoff, N.J., you can purchased farm raised and processed Fresh Live, Free Range Poultry and Eggs. http://www.gofflepoultry.com

2. Ramsey Farmer’s Market: During this time of the year the market operates in doors at the Eric Smith School, 73 Monroe St. in Ramsey, December 2 through March 24, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with locally produced food and other items just as it does the rest of the year. Purchase holiday pies and locally made fresh pasta for party appetizers. Consider foregoing store bought cocktail drink mixes and make fresh fruit drinks by purchasing fresh seasonal fruits at the farmer’s market. http://www.ramseyfarmersmarket.org

3. Locally Sourced Seafood: One way to eat sustainably that some people seem to forget is eating sustainable seafood there are so many sites that you can see which fish are best for buying locally but I like this guide specific to the Northeast here: Monterey Bay Aquarium Guide (pdf link)

Also Kings Market recently started labeling seafood “Responsible Choice” for any fresh seafood product in the store that was sourced responsibly. Check for that in your local Kings Market for more info.

4. Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern – This “farm-to-table” eatery is perfect for holiday meetups and uses local farm produce in its menu items according to its website. http://www.hohokusinn.com

5. Holiday Cakes – it may be tempting to purchase a cake from one of the numerous tv bakers now selling mail order cakes but keep it Bergen. Of course you stop into the famous Carlos Bakery in Hoboken for fresh baked goodies. But also check out Palermos Bakery in Ridgefield Park NJ, 07660 (187 Main St. Ridgefield Park NJ) http://www.palermobakery.com or other bakeries near you.

For a Bergen County-centric holiday gift, check out Chef Justin’s in-home cooking classes in New Jersey and New York City to have your own culinary experience with a celebrity chef. Not just for beginners, Chef Justin provides culinary tips for home chefs at all levels. All of Chef Justin’s in-home cooking classes feature a three course menu and classes can be scheduled with up to four students. Chef Justin is also offering a special three class package this holiday season for those looking for a gift for the foodie in their life. More information about these classes, catering, events and more can be found at his website cookingwithjustin.com.