February 24th: Six of New Jersey’s top chefs are joining together at Chakra (W. 144 Rte 4 in Paramus, 201-556-1530, www.chakrarestaurant.com ) for a unique dinner to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. This once-in-a-lifetime event features some of the state’s most talented and acclaimed chefs, including Thomas Ciszak of Chakra, David Felton of Ninety Acres at Natirar, Humberto Campos Jr. of Lorena’s, Justin Huleatt of The Ryland Inn, James Laird of Serenade and Kevin Takafuji of Blue Morel. Each chef will serve one course paired with an outstanding wine.
Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund founded by Governor Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie, who said “The Governor and I have organized this relief fund to aid, comfort, and rebuild New Jersey. The images and stories of the damage are heartbreaking.”
Menu:
Fresh Salmon, Caviar, Potato
James Laird, Restaurant Serenade
Sashimi of Yellowfin Tuna, Avocado Mousse, Spicy Radish, Yuzu Marmalade, Soy Pearls
Humberto Campos, Lorena’s Restaurant
Barnegat Bay Scallops and Foie Gras, Pumpkin, Bitter Chocolate, Grapefruit Confit
Thomas Ciszak, Chakra Restaurant
Local Oxtail, Baby Octopus, Winter Truffles
David Felton, Ninety Acres at Natirar
Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee Roasted Rack of Lamb, Perigord Truffles, Oak Grove Merguez, Chicory
Kevin Takafuji, Blue Morel
Textures of Pineapple, Dulce de Leche, Avocado
Justin Huleatt, Ryland Inn
Tickets are $295 and can be purchased by calling at 201-556-1530. This special evening is limited to 25 guests.
February 24th: Princeton: “East Slow” Winter Farmers Market . Stock up on and eat locally produced meats, cheeses, breads, mushrooms, baked goods, wine, sweets, pies and more. Held at Tre Piani Restaurant. 609-452-1515
February 26th: Atlantic City: A Taste of Atlantic City. $35.00. Experience an exclusive Preview of Atlantic City Restaurant Week. Tickets are available only online at www.acrestaurantweek.com. The ticket price includes the tasting and live music. A cash bar will be available. The restaurants will serve “tasting size” portions of items that will be included on their special Restaurant Week menus, as well as specialties from their regular menus. One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit Community FoodBank of NJ/Southern Branch, Alcove of Atlantic County and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority Foundation.
March 14: Atlantic City: The 30th anniversary Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala will take place on Thursday, March 14, at Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino. With the theme, “Celebrate the 30 kNights,” the Gala will feature Camelot-inspired décor and an opulent feast.
The Restaurant Gala’s 30th anniversary honorees include the Donio and Crescenzo families of Hammonton and Chef Kevin Scull of Egg Harbor Township.
The annual fundraiser celebrates food by highlighting hors d’oeuvres prepared by students in the Academy of Culinary Arts and showcasing the specialties of 50 of the region’s best restaurants at a progressive dining experience. Each year hundreds of guests attend the Gala, which also includes live music and an elegant dessert reception.
The event has raised nearly $3 million for scholarships since 1984. All Gala proceeds benefit student scholarships at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College and Atlantic Cape Foundation operations.
For more information on the 2013 Gala, contact Carrie Leahy at (609) 463-4672, acccfdn@atlantic.edu, or visitwww.atlantic.edu/gala.
March 15-17: 5th Annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs, Celebrate the best chefs of the region. This year, the Festival welcomes acclaimed Chef Jose Andres of Minibar, The Bazaar, China Poblano, Jaleo, Oyamel and Zaytinya in Washington DC, Los Angeles and Las Vegas among others, as the Guest of Honor. Attendees will have a rare chance to try their hand at blending wine, crown the winner of the New Jersey Mac & Cheese Cook-off – with JerseyBites! – and taste very special wines for Crystal Spring’s late founder Gene Mulvihill’s legendary cellar in a tribute to his vision and passion for wine. (Mr. Mulvihill passed in late 2012.) For tickets and a full schedule: www.njwinefoodfest.com
March 21st: Newark: Manischewitz Cook-Off Contest. The Cook-Off will be held at the Manischewitz Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant in Newark, NJ on March 21, 2013 where Matzo and other Manischewitz goodies are produced! Click here for information on entering.
