This is for personal, noncommercial use only.
Today's Front Page
Gas Buddy
Merry old England in Absecon
Print this Article- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
Barbara Brown uses a lot of big, sweeping adjectives such as "passion," "fabulous" and even "destiny" when discussing her gourmet food and souvenir shop, The British Connection, newly transplanted to Absecon.
As she offers slivers of imported cheese for tasting, expertly describing the flavors in her American accent, the "What is her connection to England?" question comes to mind.
Then she mentions her husband is from England. But that's not the a-ha moment.
The true connection lies within the gypsy heart of Brown. The Huntingdon Valley, Pa., native grew up eating German food and spending summers in Ocean City. After high school, Brown had so many fond memories of Atlantic County, she decided to move here full time. Her love affair with England began while Brown was vacationing across the pond. Having lived in England for a few years, Brown and her British husband found they missed the food - especially the cheeses - when they moved back to the states.
"We used to go hunting for these kind of places in Philly, but it's so far," said Brown. The couple figured if they missed specific items, others must miss them, too. And the British Connection seed was planted.
The British Connection was originally located at the Shoppes in Smithville in Galloway Township, where it built a loyal clientele over seven years. Some customers d0rove more than an hour to pick up their favorite comfort foods and beauty products.
On a "main street" that is home to a five-and-ten, a pizza place, several banks and a barbershop or two, Brown says she enjoys being a part of the community in Absecon, where people can stop by while running errands.
"This place is absolutely more convenient," said Valerie Bush, a longtime customer who says she had to hunt the store down after the move.
Bush claims to be from "Absecon, London and Ireland," however, her British connection also comes by way of her husband of 39 years. Bush makes regular visits to stock up on Ribena - a black currant flavored concentrate, which her grandchildren guzzle like soda - soccer clothing and clotted cream.
Bush heard about the store's whereabouts from another of Brown's loyal customers.
"When I found you, I was so happy. I could eat again," said Bush.
The move also allowed Brown to add the cheese counter, something she couldn't have in Smithville. She says her true dream was to have a wine and cheese bar but licensing being what it is, she settled for the latter half - plus loads of gourmet foods. The British Connection offers meat, pork and mince pies, bangers, pasties, Yorkshire pudding, jams, teas, scones and chutneys.
"There is nothing worse than when you have a hankering for something, you try to make it, but it doesn't come out right," Brown declared.
"Like burnt brownies or bad pizza or flat Yorkshire pudding. It just breaks your heart."
Brown works closely with an import company that specializes in gourmet cheeses and pate. She personally samples all the merchandise she can, working through it methodically and noting helpful details to pass on to her customers.
For example, the frozen Yorkshire pudding comes out just right. It's crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, just as it should be. The meat pies should be cooked at 350 degrees, not 300 as instructed on the package. Otherwise, they won't cook through. In her experience, men prefer the blue Stilton or Cotswold Chive cheese to the sweet Stilton with mango, blueberry or lemon.
"The only way to 'take' English tea is in bone china, don't you see?" Brown adds.
Guests can enjoy a variety of imported teas - also available in loose-leaf form - in the cafe area at the front of the little store. The tea is served in colorful teapots complete with drip catchers. Scones - baked from an English recipe - are served with clotted cream and jam.
In addition to the cheeses, other gourmet items available at the British Connection include fig and hazelnut spread, olive spread and baba ghanoush from Greece; confit, creme fresh and olives from France; and chestnut honey and sheep's milk cheese from Italy. British specialties include cakes, crackers and biscuits, chutney's, clotted cream and English mustard. Other merchandise includes clothing, beauty products, teapots and souvenirs.
"This place is a labor of love, (my husband and I) love this stuff," Brown says. "I always say if it weren't this, I'd have a shoe shop. If it's not your passion, what's the point?"
Contact Felicia Compian:
609-272-7209
Don't forget the figgy pudding
With Christmas nearly upon us, there's extra excitement in the air at gourmet food and souvenir shop, The British Connection in Absecon. Pallets of Christmas decorations, chocolates and mince pies are beginning to clutter the little store. Owner Barbara Brown is happily gearing up for the festive season.
"British people really enjoy Christmas, they make a big deal about it" Brown explains. "They don't have Thanksgiving, so they really go all out."
Specialty items available throughout the holiday season will include cakes, chocolates, treacle tarts, biscuit tins, and plum and figgy puddings. Nonedible treats include novelties such as Christmas crackers. These are long, colorful cyclinders that open with a pop when twisted, then reveal a prize. Union Jack and Beefeater ornaments are available as well as made-to-order gift baskets.
The British Connection
Where: 130 New Jersey Ave., Absecon
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays and holidays.
More info: Call 609-404-4444 e-mail: britishconnection@msn.com or visit www.yourbritishconnection.com
You should know: Additional parking is available at the rear of the building.
Posted in ATLANTIC on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 2:40 am
Most Read Stories of the Week
29,000 still without power in Cape May County; new storm expected to arrive shortly
29,000 still without power in Cape May County; new storm expected to arrive shortly
Atlantic City supervisor charged with selling drugs while working on city property
Woman charged with stealing from local mayor is same woman who sued him alleging sexual harassment
1 comment:
Click here to report a comment as abusive.