RIVERVALE, NJ, JULY 27, 2006 – Echo + Whetstone Gourmet Fine Foods, a new sleek and modern 2,500 square foot gourmet market, has opened in New Jersey with rave reviews.   Conveniently located in northern Bergen County in Rivervale, the full service culinary emporium provides premium gastronomic offerings including artisan foods, imported cheeses and charcuterie, prime meats, fresh seafood, unique specialty products, delectable desserts and outstanding catering.

The upscale specialty store is the dream-child of business partners and lifelong friends Brian Dowling and Greg Stott.   The native New Jerseyans are self-proclaimed “foodies” who grew frustrated of trekking to New York City to find gourmet quality foods and specialty items.   The pair recognized the need for a high-end purveyor to service the many other food aficionados in the affluent region.

Dowling’s experience includes management at a top rated seafood wholesaler and retailer in Manhattan , as well as restaurant sales, marketing and finance.   Stott is a formally trained chef and graduate of the renowned French Culinary Institute who has worked at some the most highly acclaimed restaurants in New York - Café des Artistes, L’Impero and Alto.   His training and distinctive style enable him to create dishes ranging from classic favorites to haute cuisine.

A not-to-be missed destination for lovers of extraordinary foods, Echo + Whetstone will satisfy the appetite of the most demanding gourmands.   The market offers dry aged-to- perfection beef, sushi grade Ahi tuna, cheeses from around the world and a smorgasbord of savory sandwiches.   The finest of meticulously prepared foods are made daily on the premises – a variety of delectable quiches, Southwestern salmon cakes, nicoise new potato salad and much more.   Homemade sumptuous sweets include triple crème cheese cake, fresh fruit tarts, pecan shortbread squares and chewy chocolate chip cookies.   An endless assortment of exceptional specialty products not found on supermarket shelves includes flavored olive oils and vinegars, rare spices, foie gras, game sausage and artisanal pastas.

Whether the most intimate of gatherings or a large affair, Echo + Whetstone offers spectacular catering selections that will surely make the event unforgettable.   Based on seasonal fare, the chef uniquely tailors the menu to take advantage of the freshest locally grown produce and ingredients.   Signature dishes include rock shrimp spring rolls with spicy peanut dipping sauce, pistachio encrusted rack of lamb with mint jus, poached salmon with sage cucumber coulis and cider brined pork roast with savory corn pudding.   Menus based on culinary themes are also available such as “Barbeque by the Bayou” and “Mexican Fiesta.”   And, Dowling and Stott stress, they will make virtually anything a customer wants provided they are given enough notice.

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