Food Network chef Britt Rescigno returns to New Jersey for pop-up dinner in Long Branch

Chef Britt is back in New Jersey, and she's bringing her competition-winning food with her.

New Gretna-native Britt Rescigno will host a pop-up from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Long Branch Elks Lodge, to celebrate her birthday (Aug. 29). Seating for the six-course prix fixe dinner begins at 6:45 p.m.

Rescigno made it to the final four in Food Network's "Tournament of Champions" last April and won "Chopped" in 2019, "Beat Bobby Flay" in 2022 and "Guy's Grocery Games" last February.

The chef did not wish to give away the details on her upcoming dinner courses — to keep the mystery alive.

"That's the fun part of it," she said. We can expect Italian-inspired dishes though — as is her signature — and she also said "there will always be pasta."

"I don't like to limit myself," she continued. "I just cook what I want to eat."

She assured that whatever she makes, as always, will be made with the freshest local ingredients.

"I'll be working with local purveyors to make sure I am getting the best of the best ingredients," she said. "I love getting inspired by what they have in season, whatever is sexiest."

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The dinner costs $200 a person (plus an $11 processing fee), and there will be a cash-only bar for the 21+ event.

"It's super great coming back to Jersey, I'm not there often, but when I am it's nice to be home," Rescigno said. "I started my career there and it's so nice to be able to give people the experience of where I'm at now."

"My culinary career has evolved so much over these last two years, and it's awesome that everyone got to see my food evolve with it."

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She held residency at Beach Haven's Delaware Avenue Oyster House for three years and is now bolstering her pop-up kitchen service called "Communion Bay," which she operates with her partner Kinsey Leodler.

"We've been traveling literally north, south, east and west for these supper clubs," said Rescigno, who has recently been to Oregon and has upcoming plans in Idaho, California and Florida.

But following the pop-up, she has more plans here in New Jersey. In September (the date and details are not ironed out yet), she will partner with Sad Boyz in New Gretna for a pop-up kitchen.

And on Sept. 30 at Long Beach Island's famous Chowderfest, she'll be releasing a beer she brewed herself, in partnership with Ship Bottom Brewery (more details to come in a future article).

Go: To purchase tickets, visit chef-britt.ticketleap.com. For the Elks Lodge: 150 Garfield Ave., Long Branch; 732-222-9742, elks.org.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Food Network's chef Britt Rescigno returns to NJ for pop-up dinner