The Rahway Taste of Spring! Friday, April 13th. An event that takes up the entire site of the Arts District Recreation Center, and spills over into adjoining tents. The event hosts over 80 fine gourmet eateries, caterers, and food vendors from the Rahway metro area stretching across three counties. Included you will find well over two dozen fine wine/boutique beer/aperitif tasting stations with vendors of national stature. You will have a memorable gourmet food experience while having the opportunity to savor tastings of over 150 top shelf wine selections. rahwaytaste.com for additional details.
Wine, Spirit and Beer Tasting, Friday, April 13th from 6:30pm-9:30pm. The South Plainfield Education Foundation presents their 4th Annual Education Foundation/Oaktree Liquors Fine Wine, Spirits and Beer Tasting. Proceeds will benefit South Plainfield High School. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. For more information, click here.
American Whiskey Tasting, Friday, April 13th from 7pm-10pm. Held at Stockton Inn. Join Jeremiah Goldovitz, manager of fine spirits for Hunterdon Brewing Company, for a tasting of our country’s emerging foray beyond wine and beer, and into craft spirits. For more information, click here. To make reservations: 609-397-1250 or info@stocktoninn.com
Wheels And Wishes & Delicious Dishes, Friday, April 13th from 7pm-11pm. Held at Westfield Armory. A fun-filled evening of wine, rich beers, and delicious food to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation NJ and Children’s Specialized Hospital. Sample delectable fare from 20 of Westfield’s finest restaurants as you preview a collection of exotic and classic cars. For more information click or call 973-473-2400.
The Intersection of Art & Wine, Panel Discussion & Wine Tasting, Saturday, April 14th from 3pm-7pm. GAS Gallery and Studio, Maplewood, NJ. Exhibit open from April 3rd-May 5th. This unique exhibit will provide a real opportunity for artists, art lovers, wine lovers and critics alike to experience a view of the contemporary art and wine markets. Several of the wines represented by/in the artwork will be available for sampling to attendees. For more information, click here.
Ventnors Chefs Night Out, Sunday, April 15th from 4pm- 8pm. The Ventnor City Beautification Committee is the proud sponsor of the event. Eat at TEN of Ventnor’s “Yummy-Licious” Restaurants! Plus Homemade Candy, Water Ice and a Wine Tasting. Tickets are $40 per ticket. Tickets are limited. Enjoy the talents of local musicians and artists creations as well. Call 267-980-7632 or 609-929-1710 for tickets.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, April 15th from 9am-12pm. Jersey City. At Saint Peter’s Prep High School Cafeteria (109 Grand St, NE corner of Van Vorst and Grand), sponsored by the Historic Paulus Hook Association (HPHA). For more information or tickets, click here.
Jersey Shore Restaurant Week
The eagerly anticipated Jersey Shore Restaurant Week™ returns to the area April 13-22, 2012. Nearly 70 restaurants from the Highlands to Toms River will be participating, offering three course meals with three choices in each category for $20.12 or $30.12. This year, Restaurant Week will also offer a specially priced lunch option at selected restaurants.
The week begins with the gala Kick-Off Party at The Breakers Hotel in Spring Lake on Thursday, April 12, 2012. “Savor the Spring” is the theme as top area chefs nourish taste buds with the freshest foods of the season. Other highlights include, an International Wine Bar, delicious desserts, a cheese station and pate bar and live music. A VIP session will start at 6pm with 90+ rated wines, a special menu and a spectacular swag bag of gifts.
Other Special Events planned for the week include:
Sunday, April 15th
Great Jersey Shore Martini Contest
The Mill. Spring Lake Heights. Area bartenders compete for the best martini at the Shore. Professional panel and “People’s Choice” awards.
Monday, April 16th
Shipwreck Point Wine Dinner
Point Pleasant
Top rated steakhouse prepares a classic steak dinner paired with boutique wines. Hors d’ouevres, 4 courses, all paired with wines.
Tuesday, April 17th
Happy Hour!
Mosouttos
Wednesday, April 18th
“Shellfish and Chardonnay” Happy Hour
Jack Baker’s, Point Pleasant
Specially priced shrimp, oysters, clams and chardonnay
Thursday, April 19th
Tour de Porta
Porta, Asbury Park
Experience one of the Shore’s hottest new restaurants. Sample foods and wine, kitchen tour, cooking demo, live music.
Friday, April 20th
Ruffino Wine Dinner
Buona Sera, Red Bank
Hors d’ouvres, 4 courses, all paired with delicious Ruffino wines.
Saturday, April 21st
“Burgers, Bloodies and Brews”
Harpoon Willy’s, Manasquan.
Enjoy your choice of a specialty burger with a Bloody Mary or beer, all at a great price
Sunday, April 22nd
Countdown to Summer
Venue: TBD
Beach BBQ, summer drinks, live music
FOR EVENT DETAILS AND TICKETS VISIT: www.jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com
And Beyond…
Taste of Gloucester County, Monday, April 16th from 6pm-8:30pm. Held at Auletto’s Catering, Almonesson, NJ. To benefit the Volunteer Center of Gloucester County. Showcasing over 20 of Gloucester County’s finest restaurants and eateries. The evening will include wine tasting, live entertainment, auctions, and much more. For more information click or call 856-415-9084.
Taste of Talent: Dining by Design, Monday, April 16th at 6:30pm. Perona Farms, 350 Andover-Sparta Rd (Route 517), Andover. On behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency, a private nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families in northwestern New Jersey. Patrons will sample hors d’oeuvres, entrées, and desserts from 30 area restaurants while bidding on creations by local interior design firms. Individual tickets are $200. For more information and tickets, call 973-940-3500.
Organic Greenhouse Dinner, Monday, April 16th at 6:30pm. Mays Landing, NJ. The dinner will be the epitome of farm-to-table dining as ingredients for the dishes will be planted and harvested in the college’s Organic Greenhouse, and cooked and served by the ACA’s talented students. The menu includes organically grown items, responsibly harvested seafood and free-range poultry. RSVP to Careme’s Restaurant at 609-343-4940. For more events from ACA’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, click here.
Broadway in Red Bank, A Red Bank Flavour Event, Monday, April 16th from 6pm-9pm. Held at Two River Theater Co. The event will include cuisine from Red Bank restaurants and a cabaret performance featuring Broadway’s rising stars, vodka, champagne, and wine tastings; passed hors d’oeuvres; premier seating in the Rechnitz Theater; and a meet-and-greet with the artists. For more information, click here.
Build a Rain Barrel Workshop, Wednesday, April 18th at 6:30pm. Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County presents Build a Rain Barrel workshop. Participants will build their own rain barrel and learn how to install it at home. A rain barrel is placed under a gutter’s downspout next to a house, to collect rain water from the roof. The water collected is great for watering your gardens. Register by contacting Jan Carrato at 732-600-1802 or Hybiscus20@yahoo.com. Participants MUST register prior to event.
Martini Mania Class, Thursday, April 19th at 7pm. Create and sip cocktails at this fun class held at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren. Tickets are $30. For reservations please call, 908-754-1222.
4th Annual Ultimate Beefsteak, Friday, April 20th from 6:30pm-10pm. Old Bridge – Sayreville Rotary, 4th Annual All You Can Eat Filet Mignon Dinner to benefit local food banks. For more information, click here.
Fundraising Event with Tuckahoe Brewing Company, Saturday, April 21st from 3pm-6pm. Raising funds for The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. The event will be held at Yesterday’s in Mamora, NJ 609-390-1757. For more information, click or call Tuckahoe at 609-827-5375.
Bring the Heat, 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, April 21st from 4pm-8pm. Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Large indoor venue, held rain or shine. Tasting tickets are $10 and children younger than 12 are free. Beer and wine available, 50/50 cash raffle, face-painting for kids, music by MidLife Crisis band. Bring a bag of nonperishable food for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry and get free Tricky Tray entries. Registration required for cook-off contestants. For more information, click here.
Spring Wine & Cheese, Saturday & Sunday, April 21st & 22nd from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy an exciting line-up of featured wines paired with imported cheeses. Taste Heritage Vineyards newest wine releases including Cuvée Blanc, an exciting blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris & Semillon! For more information, click here.
Brownstone Specialty Sauce Tasting, Sunday, April 22nd from 12pm-3pm. Dearborn Market, in Holmdel, will host members of the Manzo Family, from Bravo’s hit series, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as they sample and discuss the creation of their new line of specialty tomato sauces. guests will be able to taste “The Brownstone” line of pasta sauces and meet members of the Manzo family, including Albert and Caroline Manzo. For more information, click here.
Morristown Restaurant Week, Monday, April 23rd – Sunday, April 19th. Restaurant Week businesses will offer prix fix menus for lunch and/or dinner, not to exceed $35 per person, or special promotions in their establishments. Look for the 2012 Morristown Restaurant Week window decal and posters at participating businesses and ask for their Restaurant Week menu or special promotion. For complete event participation list, menus and special promotions, please visit www.morristownrestaurantweek.com
Eat Local- Meet Local, Pot Luck Dinner, Monday, April 23rd from 6pm-8pm. Elijah’s Promise, Better World Cafe and Slow Food Central New Jersey would like to invite you for an evening of good food and good talk about strengthening our Central Jersey food community. Come and meet local farmers, restaurateurs, chefs, entrepreneurs, gardeners and other food enthusiasts. For more information and to register, click here.
Taste Of Home Cooking Show, Thursday, April 26th. Mays Landing, NJ. A traveling culinary event produced by “Taste of Home Cooking.” Each show features live cooking demonstrations of up to 10 new seasonal recipes performed by a Taste of Home Culinary Specialist. Attendees will take away cooking tips that will make anyone a star in their own kitchen. They’ll also receive a gift bag chock full of more than $40 in valuable merchandise, including cooking magazines, cooking tools/utensils, promotional items, coupons and more. For ticket & venue information click here.
Wine Tasting Event, Friday, April 27th from 7pm-10pm. Held at Heritage Vineyards. Get an exclusive chance to taste hand-selected wines from Joe Canals of West Deptford. 80+ wines from around the world will be available for tasting along with a tasty buffet of dinner items from local restaurants. To purchase tickets please call Phyllis at from the Mullica Hill Rotary Club at 856-223-9900 or Heritage Vineyards at 856-589-4474.
Spring Wine Festival, Friday, April 27th from 7pm-10pm. At the Hilton Short Hills. 100+ fine wines hand-selected for your tasting pleasure by the experts of the Wine Library. Relax, mix n’ mingle with wine lovers just like you! Sip a diverse array of wines, nibble on delicious accompanying light fare, and kick back with the smooth sounds of live jazz. For tickets and more information, click here.
Kitchen Tour Through Interlaken, Saturday, April 28th from 11am-3pm. Tour six kitchens and enjoy tastings from several area caterers. Tickets can be purchased at the Allenhurst Cleaners, 530 Main St. or by calling Vicki Hoagland at 732-531-9609.
Food & Wine Tasting, Monday, April 30th, from 6pm-9pm. Held at Branches Catering in West Long Branch. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties will be the sole beneficiary of the Red Bank Rotary Club’s 12th Annual Food & Wine Tasting. The proceeds from the event will be used to support BBBSMMC?s mentoring programs and outreach services to the children of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties. Tickets are $65 per person. Click or call 732-859-9194.
Beer, Cheese and Chocolate Party, Saturday & Sunday, May 5th & 6th. Chocolate Lovers’ Club, Princeton. Come all you beer lovers, cheese lovers and chocolate lovers. We’ve included everyone’s favorite food groups in this 2 hour tasting extravaganza. Meet the elite in craft beers, cheese, and chocolate who do what they do for you. Delicious appetizers provided and a cooking demo is included. To purchase your tickets call 609-851-0660.
Carol’s Creative Chocolatez, Saturday, May 5th from 2pm-4pm. Bound brook Memorial Library. If you love chocolate join us for this fun and tasty presentation. Carol Freedman, an award winning chocolatier, will discuss the history of chocolate and talk about where it comes from, where it grows, and how it is processed into what we call ‘chocolate.’ Carol will also be making some delicious chocolate nut bark and other delectable delights that attendees will be able to sample. Call 732-356-0043 to register.
Beer Sommelier Basic Training Event, Monday, May 7th. Morris Tap & Grill , New Jersey Craft Beer and Civilization Of Beer education consulting are teaming up to hold a one day intensive workshop for beer servers, sellers and bartenders, and others who have an interest in learning about beer across the state. Great opportunity! For more information, click here.
Garden State Brewfest, Saturday, May 12th from 2pm-6pm. Support your local community! Come on out to sample great beers from local breweries while supporting charities. Enjoy music from live local bands. For more information and tickets: Garden State Brewfest
Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend, Saturday & Sunday, May 12th & 13th. At participating wineries across the state. Many New Jersey wineries will offer a special wine tasting during this trail weekend; a perfect way to spend time with Mom. For trail maps, click here.
Green Solutions Conference for the Restaurant Industry, Tuesday, May 15th from 9am-12pm (Breakfast at 8am). Informative conference where industry experts will discuss how to make sustainability part of your culture, the cost of doing nothing, practical green solutions for small and large operations, and how to implement a “buy local” produce plan and green-influenced kitchen design. For more information, click here.
Chili & Salsa Cook-Off, Saturday, May 19th from 11am-5pm. Come to Downtown Toms River to taste tons of chili and salsa. There will be live entertainment, vendors and crafts. For more information: Chili & Salsa Cook-Off
Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars, Sunday, May 27th. Join us for the first ever Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars! The top food trucks in town (and out of town) will be rolling in to serve up their delicious dishes and try to earn your vote for People’s Choice. JS Food Truck Wars
Garden State Beer Expo, Saturday, June 2nd. Two sessions: 12pm-3:30pm & 5:30pm-9pm. Come sample some of the best brews available in the great Garden State at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Tickets are available online or at Spirits Unlimited locations. Click here for more information.
Jersey Shore Wine Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 2nd & 3rd from 12pm-5pm. The BlueClaws host the annual wine fest at FirstEnergy Park. Sample a variety of award-winning wines from throughout New Jersey. Enjoy live musical entertainment throughout both days, crafters, vendors, and food, plus a play area for the kids. For more information, click here.
Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser, Saturday, June 9th at 6pm. Brady Life Camp in Pottersville, NJ. There will be a farm fresh meal catered, live entertainment, 50/50 and live and silent auctions. Proceeds go towards America’s Grow-a-Row’s mission to positively impact as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce. For more information and to be a sponsor, please visit: America’s Grow a Row
42nd Annual New Jersey Irish Festival, Sunday, June 10th. Join us for live entertainment on two different stages, Pipe & Drum Band Competition, Catholic Mass, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Irish Step Dancing, Family Activities, 50/50 Raffle and a full day of live Thoroughbred racing. Irish Festival
Chef’s At The Shore, Thursday, June 21st from 5:30pm-9pm. Historic Gardner’s Basin. In conjunction with Professional Chefs Week, the fundraiser attracts local chefs from casino and regional restaurants. Enjoy some of the area’s finest foods. Proceeds from Chefs at the Shore benefit the Atlantic City Aquarium and the Professional Chefs Association (PCA), the latter of which uses the funds to support its education and scholarship programs. For more information, click here.
BrewFest at the Ballpark, Saturday, June 23rd. Two sessions: 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10pm. Held at the Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium. There will be over 100 styles of beers to taste. There will be local, regional, national, and international brews. There will also be giveaways and a live broad casting from the WRAT. For more information and tickets, click here.
Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival, July 26th-29th. Festival will enjoy four days of events, tastings and celebrity chef appearances that showcase the city’s abundant culinary offerings. www.acfoodandwine.com
