By Donna Sibilia-Squillaro

The Mill, (formerly the Old Mill Inn) at Spring Lake Heights, has been through a renaissance since its inception back in 1938 when original owner Karl Kost, opened the doors of the rustic inn.  Nestled on a lake shared by fowl life, it soon became a mainstay for local and vacationing guests craving the ultimate dining experience.  When turned over to subsequent owners, Ray Kraemer and then Joe Amiel, the restaurant matured with the tranquil view of water, flora and fauna. Whether from the large picture windows in the dining areas or the lovely garden path leading to a gazebo used for private wedding ceremonies, this romantic lookout has allured its guests over the years as a perfect compliment to any meal or celebration.

DINING AROUND...WITH Jimi Hilton  Food editor to Currents Magazines

 SNOOPING AROUND...AND DINING AROUND IN CURRENTS MAGAZINE'S NEWEST TURF, JACKSON, NJ
When we heard from the publishers that they would soon be rolling out a new ‘zone' for Currents - the Freehold, Jackson, Howell and Millstone areas, we figured we'd better do a bit of market research to scope out the dining around possibilities.

            Each year, winter holidays seem to creep up earlier than the previous season.  Retail stores are piping holiday music overhead even before the pumpkins of Halloween turn into jack’o lanterns for a night of mischief or trick-or-treating.  Thanksgiving, my own personal favorite, is the one exception to this phenomenon. I think it’s due to the significance of the meaning behind the holiday: Here is a holiday without gift-giving, fanfare, religious connotations or resolutions; a holiday where yes, we share a lot of food, but where we mostly share ourselves.  Whether at the table, in the kitchen, or perhaps serving others at a soup kitchen, the soul and the palate are equally nourished: However busy we are, we all set aside a bit of time to count our blessings, and quietly enjoy our family togetherness before the storm of the “big” holiday festivities takeover.

Restaurant Quality Recipes for the Home Cook

By Chef Joe Imbrenda, Julia’s Restaurant, Atlantic Highlands

Growing up in a big Italian family in Hazlet New Jersey, I watched in amazement as my mother put together incredible holiday meals and foods for entertaining during this busy season.  And I don’t just mean Christmas dinner, I’m talking about pulling out one amazing dish after the other, whether it be when neighbors stopped by for quick visit, unexpected family came to town, or when we had our annual holiday party for family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  It was then that I realized the true importance of these gatherings.  It wasn’t just a tradition, it was creating memories.