Bridgewater, NJ Restaurant Expands Its Kitchen Garden

BRIDGEWATER, NJ--(Marketwire - Apr 3, 2012) - The Bridgewater Marriott Hotel is doubling the size of its kitchen garden. According to Terry Donahue, Hotel General Manager, the Bridgewater hotel restaurant planted its first kitchen garden in 2011, and it was such a success that the garden has been expanded for 2012.

"Last year, we had guests bring us Heirloom varieties of plants they produced from seeds in their own gardens in Maryland," notes Mr. Donahue. This year, Mr. Donahue ordered all heirloom seeds and they are currently germinating in the hotel's boiler room due to its moderate temperature. The garden will be planted after the last frost, probably in early May.

In addition to being able to cultivate their own produce for use in Tbones restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Bridgewater, NJ, the garden itself has been a very environmentally friendly undertaking. The hotel uses shredded USA Today newspapers as a bedding material around the plants as it attracts earth worms which aerate the soil and produce fertilizer. The newspaper was then covered with Salt Hay to keep moisture in and weeds out. A drip irrigation system was constructed on a timer so that it consumes less water. Marigolds are also interspersed in the gardens because they attract good insects and repel bad ones and basil is also planted in between the tomato plants for the same reason.

According to Kevin Goodchild, Executive Chef and Director of Restaurant Operations, last year's garden offered the following yield:

• 56.4 pounds of Zucchini
• 42.8 pounds of Tomatoes
• 6.6 pounds of Basil
• 8.7 pounds of Green Beans
• 4.1 pounds of Baby Grape Tomatoes

This year both Mr. Donahue and Mr. Goodchild expect to double these numbers, with the fruits of their labors used for summer dishes at Tbones restaurant.

Tbones at the Bridgewater Marriott Hotel in Bridgewater, New Jersey offers an upscale dining experience that meshes authentic Tuscan cuisine with classic American ambiance. The seasonal menu focuses on local, sustainable products -- each dish comes at its freshest and most flavorful best. For additional information on Tbones, visit http://marriottmodules.com/restaurant/hotels/hotel-information/travel/sosbw-marriott-bridgewater/tbones_tuscan_steakhouse.

The Bridgewater Marriott Hotel offers stylish, well-appointed accommodations featuring Marriott signature bedding and 42" LCD TVs; Tbones A Tuscan Steakhouse; Martini's Lounge; and 11,307 square feet of meeting and event space. For additional information, visit us online or call 1-888-887-7869.

About the Bridgewater Marriott Hotel
Ideal for business and leisure travelers, the Bridgewater Marriott hotel in Bridgewater, NJ, offers stylish accommodations, a wide array of amenities and impeccable Marriott service. The hotel offers an indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, well-appointed guest rooms and numerous getaway packages for you and your family to enjoy. Guests have the option to enjoy superb cocktails at Martini's or delectable Tuscan cuisine at Tbones Steakhouse, a local favorite Bridgewater restaurant located on-site. The hotel is conveniently located near Bridgewater Commons Mall and Diamond Nation. Features include 14 meeting rooms and an 8,556 square-foot Grand Ballroom, allowing this Bridgewater, NJ, hotel to host events of any size including meetings, weddings and more. State-of-the-art facilities, incomparable staff and culinary excellence distinguish the Bridgewater Marriott as a premier wedding venue.

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.