The newest addition to Merchantville's eatery scene is Cookie’s Caribbean Café.  Chef Christopher Bailey and owner, Glenda Aviles, feature an island cuisine and an extensive menu fit for all the family. Cookie’s Caribbean Café is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Takeout or eat-in. 7 E Park Ave Phone: 856-333-6182; Fax: 856-333-6184.

Strader Aquatics, based in Merchantville, New Jersey, is an Independent Distributor and Team Dealer representing A3 Performance and run by Danielle Strader-Bordi. Danielle is a 13-time All-American from the University of Texas, a 3-time Olympic Trial Qualifier, and a US National Junior Team member. Danielle’s impressive background in the world of swimming has allowed her to continue her success in the sport as a swim-parent, coach, and independent business owner. http://bit.ly/1pWpCNY

There are still seats available at Cafe BellaVita for the fundraiser this Saturday night at 8:00!  Learn more about Heart-to-Heart and enjoy a scrumptious meal by Chef Carlo. This event is to raise awareness of Heart-to-Heart: Comienzos East – Transformative Education in Jails, Prisons and Communities.

Vincent’s Pizza in Merchantville has pizza on the menu. Burgers and fries, too. But most customers don’t come to Vincent’s for the pizza, the burgers or the fries. They come for the panzarotti, a delicacy created first in South Jersey by Pauline Tarantini more than 50 years ago. A panzarotti — which means beer belly in Italian — is a pocket of dough filled with tomato sauce and generous portions of mozzarella cheese then deep fried. Think of it as a rolled up pizza. Or an inside-out pizza. http://on.cpsj.com/Ow8Nbx

When Smith decided to delve into Mexican cuisine, he began studying authentic Mexican foods. “All I was cooking was Mexican,” he said. He uses traditional Mexican cooking techniques and flavor combos. “I tried to make the menu so there’s enough familiar foods and flavors, so there’s something for everyone,” he said. Mexican flavor also extends to everyone’s diet. “We’re very accommodating to vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free customers,” he said. “We have a dedicated fryer for chips so there’s no cross contamination and always have special products on hand.” http://bit.ly/1gMDAZs

Congratulations to the B.I.G. Council Steering Committee members for 2014: Tim Ellis, Chairperson; Janet Stevens, Vice Chairperson; Keith Shaw, Secretary; and Terry Carr, Treasurer. The B.I.G. Council Steering Committee meets on a monthly basis to help chart the direction of the organization throughout the year.Our Next MeetingThe B.I.G. Council will hold its next lunch meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. and the cost is $20 per person. Daniel Swayze, P.E., senior vice president and regional manager of energy and utilities for T&M Associates, will be the guest speaker. Mr. Swayze will give a presentation about government energy aggregation, a pro- gram that can help residents and busi- nesses lower energy costs.Attendees can RSVP to Terry Carr at tcarr@twp. pennsauken.nj.us or 856-665-1000 Ext. 153 by Feb. 10.