Page 181 ⋆ Jersey Bites

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend And Beyond

Events

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March 15, 2012

‘The Great Wine Regions of Italy’ Classes, No other country can match the opulence, or the complexity, of the contemporary wine scene in Italy. In 3 classes, you’ll visit the major regions; get to know the most important grapes; get a feeling for the warmth, finesse and generosity of Italian winemaking. Held at The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick. Call 732-846-3216.

3 consecutive Friday sessions, beginning at 7:00 pm
March 16 • Tuscany
March 23 • Campania, Basilicata, Sicily
March 30 • Piedmont and the North
$130 for 3 classes; $55 individually
All 3 classes and the April 14th dinner, $235

Forum on the Green – Farm to Table Dinner, Friday, March 16th at 6 pm. Go “green” this St. Patrick’s Day weekend as Cape May Forum partners with Slow Food South Jersey Shore in Congress Hall’s Ballroom. Acclaimed farm-to-table Executive Chef Lucas Manteca of The Virginia Hotel’s Ebbitt Room will craft this five course dinner using the freshest of ingredients from Beach Plum Farm and other local sources. Event is SOLD OUT, call 609.770-2626 to check openings. Congress Hall is located at 251 Beach Ave. in Cape May.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY, Saturday, March 17th ALL day! Happy St. Patty’s Day to all of our Irish and “wanna-be Irish for a day” readers. We asked our wonderful Jersey Bites contributors to send in their suggestions for places in New Jersey to get your Irish on this Saturday, click here to take a look.

Argentinian Wine & Food Tasting Fundraiser, Sunday, March 18th from 4:30pm-6:30pm. Sample Argentinian specialties from Valdebenito’s paired with Argentinian Wines from Discover Wine to benefit Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. Held at Valdebenito’s Restaurant, 18 West Main Street, Somerville, NJ. Advance ticket purchase required. Ticket price includes food, wine, and a small basket raffle. For more information, click here.

New Hope/Lambertville Restaurant Week, Sunday-Friday, March 18th-23rd. This year, 28 restaurants will participate in the week, long promotion of either a fine dining $29.95 pre-fixe dinner or $19.95 pre-fixe dinner. The following sponsors make new Hope/Lambertville Restaurant Week possible: E&J Gallo Winery, River Horse Brewery, Stoli Vodka, Local Living Magazine and Packet Publications. Please visit www.VisitNewHope.com and www.Lambertville.org to view the pre-fixe menus and detailed information on all of the restaurants.

And Beyond…

Taste of Middlesex on Monday, March 19, 2012 from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Held at the Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Highway/Route 27, and Edison, NJ presented by the Edison Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $50 in advance (seniors are $40) and $55 at the door. Call 732-738-9482.

Wines of Antinori: Italy vs. USA, Monday, March 19th. Tasting dinner with special guest Aldo Rafanelli will be held at Undici Taverna Rustica, 11 W River Rd, Rumson; $99 including dinner, seminar, tasting, tax, and gratuity. Call 732-842-3880.

Atlantic Bakery Expo 2012, Industry Expo. Sunday & Monday, March 19th & 20th. A complete educational program with demonstrations, seminars and hands-on classes to go along with a trade show floor packed with all the exhibitors you need for your business. This years expansion will help meet your need for new products to help increase profits. For more information:Expo 2012

Taste of Montclair, Monday, March 19th from 5:30pm-9pm at The Grove, 691 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, to benefit the Food Pantry, the Salvation Army Feeding Program, and Toni’s Kitchen. $40 before March 15, $50 thereafter. The event will kick off Montclair Restaurant Week, which will run from March 20th through April 1st, with participating restaurants offering specially priced meals for $31 or less. For more information, click Montclair or call Diane Lilli at 973-868-9028.

Spanish Wine Tasting Workshop, Wednesday, March 21st at 7pm. Held at La Tavola Cucina Ristorante, 700 Old Bridge Tpk, South River. Tickets are $45 plus tax and tip. The price includes tastings of several wines, plus a lecture, discussion, and buffet dinner. Call 732-238-2111.

29th Annual Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala, Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30pm. Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino. The event celebrates food by highlighting thousands of hors d’oeuvres prepared by students at the Academy of Culinary Arts and showcasing the specialties of 40 of the area’s best restaurants at a progressive dining experience. The Gala raises money for student scholarships. There will be 3 lucky winners will share up to $15,000 in the 50/50 raffle. For tickets and raffle tickets, please contact Lauren Canzanese at (609) 463-4672, [email protected], or online at www.atlantic.edu/gala.

Marty Wilson, Jr. Art and Music Foundation Wine Tasting, Friday, March 23rd from 6pm-9pm. Support the arts at this annual wine tasting fundraiser. Includes light fare with cash bar. Proceeds benefit Art & Music classes and scholarships for Atlantic County students. Held at Angeloni’s II Restaurant, Atlantic City. Tickets are $15, available at the door or call 609-347-4500.

Beers on the Boards, Saturday, March 24th. Two sessions: 12:30pm-4pm & 6pm-9:30pm. A craft beer tasting festival on the boardwalk! With over 20 breweries and an all day gourmet buffet. Taste a tremendous variety of beer flavors. Buffet to include some cool beer inspired fare and different beer/food pairings to sample. Held Indoors at Martell’s Tiki Bar.For more information and tickets: BeersontheBoards.com

Organic Greenhouse Dinner, Tuesday, March 27th at 6:30pm. 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 ACA’s talented students. The menu includes organically grown items, responsibly harvested seafood and free-range poultry. Guests will be seated inside the Organic Greenhouse and reservations are limited to the first 20 guests. Tickets are $75. RSVP to Careme’s Restaurant at (609) 343-4940.

Riedel Wine Tasting Seminar, Wednesday, March 28th at 6:30pm. Held at Miele Gallery, 9 Independence Way, Princeton. Join Riedel & Miele for an educational and entertaining program that will change your wine life forever! Tickets are $50 including a four-piece Vinum XL wine tasting set with a value of $123. Call 800-843-7231 or register online.

Taste Of Home Cooking Show, Thursday, March 29th. Edison, 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.

Husdon County CASA’s 6th Annual Wine Tasting, Sweets & Eats, Friday, March 30th from 6pm-9pm. Atrium in the Harborside Financial Center on the Jersey City waterfront. Enjoy sampling over 90 wines with sweets and treats gathered from the metropolitan area’s best purveyors. The night will also include hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction featuring one-of-a kind prizes, free parking, and much more!

New Jersey Wine & Food Festival, March 30th-April 1st. Held at Crystal Springs Resort this even is a celebration of the world’s best wines and renowned local and national chefs. The weekend’s events are designed to allow food and wine lovers to meet and mingle with chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and fellow wine aficionados. For more information: Crystal Springs

Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival 2012

The focus of The Atlantic City Beer Festival is the promotion of craft beers and the brewers that create them. Now in its 7th year the festival has taken a truly organic turn with the addition of original music from artists across the Tri-State area.

Session 1: Friday, March 30th from 7pm-11pm. Session 2: Saturday, March 31st from 12pm-4pm. Session 3: Saturday, March 31st from 6pm-10pm.

The 2012 Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival will not only highlight great beer and music but will also feature culinary demonstrations from local area chefs, beer seminars hosted by author and television personality Gary Monterosso as well as others and we can’t forget the amazing festival vendors… lots and lots of food and beer related vendors. This year’s festival will appeal to absolutely everyone.

For more information and tickets: AC Beer & Music Fest

Taste of Madison, Monday, April 2nd from 7pm-9:30pm (VIP Hour: 6-7pm). Held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, Taste of Madison has become THE premiere food tasting event in Morris County, providing the opportunity to sample wonderful wines and signature dishes from some of Madison’s finest chefs and restaurants, all on one night and under one roof. For tickets and more information: Gary’s Wine

Slow Food Pot Luck Lunch, Saturday, April 7 at 11:30 am. The first Slow Food Central New Jersey potluck at Cherry Grove Farm. We gather to celebrate food, community and a beautiful spring day on the farm. All you need to do is to bring a dish made of local ingredients to share. Please email Nirit Yadin at [email protected] to register!

An Evening in Warsaw, Tuesday, April 10th from 6pm-9pm. Culinary Workshops Offer Taste of Global Cuisine at Atlantic Cape. Explore the rich culinary history of this classic Eastern European cuisine. The menu will include Beetroot Borscht, Pierogies Ruskie, Golumpki (stuffed cabbage), and Morello Cherry Soup for dessert. To register, call 609-343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

The Rahway Taste of Spring! Friday, April 13^th. 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Irish Eyes on New Jersey Pubs

Holidays

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 14, 2012

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Happy St. Paddy’s Day to all of our Irish and “wanna-be Irish for a day” readers. We asked our wonderful Jersey Bites contributors to send in their suggestions for places in New Jersey to get your Irish on this Saturday. Please be sure to leave us your suggestions in the comment section if we missed your favorite spot.

Michele : Irish Eyes Pub is as Irish as Leprechauns, lace curtains, St. Patty and….well you get the idea! The food is always great, try the Shepards Pie and Corned Beef and Cabbage and the drinks are always served with a smile. 446 St. Louis Avenue in Egg Harbor Twp. 609.965.7878

Jennifer: The Old Oar House Irish Pub inhabits an 1883 original 3-story building in the heart of Millville’s revitalized downtown district. Carefully reconstructed to look like the Irish pubs of old Philadelphia, Old Oar House boasts a custom wrap-around bar featuring 33 beers (18 on tap) including Guinness, Harp, and Flying Fish, and a collection of “drinking man’s” whiskeys. Enjoy Irish pub favorites such as Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, and Guinness Irish Stew. Old Oar House blends the charm of a dimly lit traditional pub with the amenities of a city restaurant. The food here is first-rate! Karaoke on Wednesdays, live music Thursday through Saturday. It’s sure to be packed on March 17th! Located at 123 North High Street, Millville. 856-293-1200

Allison: Cattle ‘n Clover Irish Steakhouse is having a grand opening festival on March 17th, St Patty’s Day. They’re aiming for a Guinness world record for making the world’s largest shepherd’s pie and they’re giving away a trip to Ireland. Details below. More info here: http://www.wildwoodstpatsday.com Come celebrate like the Irish on St. Patricks day in Wildwood! This inaugural festival will be a crowd pleaser with entertainment all day long and family fun! This event is free & open to the public! Start the fun bright & early with Kegs & Eggs breakfast buffet ($10 includes 2 drink tickets) then get ready to listen to live bands like the Soul Cruisers, Burning Bridget Cleary & winner’s of ABC’s the Sing Off- PENTATONIX! Stick around for a chance to win a trip to IRELAND courtesy of Cattle ‘n Clover Irish Steakhouse and 98.6 the Coast & the making of the WORLD’S LARGEST SHEPHERDS PIE! Guinness record officials will be there to make sure it’s official! 3817 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260

Deanna: Morris County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade always attracts green-hued hordes to Morristown to celebrate, and crowds overflow from the many friendly pubs and bars surrounding the (appropriately named) Green. Take your pick from the Dublin Pub, Hennessy’s, and Grasshopper Off the Green, to name just a few. But for a decidedly less rowdy and entirely charming experience, head a bit north to Dover and venture into The Quiet Man, an Irish Pub that serves excellent grub as well as fresh, foamy Guinness and “famous” Irish Coffee. Their 32^nd annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, on Saturday, March 17, will feature a special Irish menu including potato leek soup, traditional corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and “Dublin style” fish & chips, along with live Irish music beginning at 2pm. No need to limit yourself to the holiday, though. The Quiet Man is open 7 days a week with Happy Hour and menu specials every weekday, and live music every weekend. Sláinte! The Quiet Man, 64 East McFarlan Street (Rt 46) Dover, NJ 07801. 973-366-6333

Colleen: Just open for 10 months, this will be The Irish Mile’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Saturday from 1pm to 1am everyone will be enjoying this weekend’s mild weather with a big outside tent equipped with beer kiosks, live Irish music, and traditional fare like shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage. There are no tickets or reservations. Just come as you are and ready to celebrate. The pub currently has 48 beers on tap with another 12 coming soon! The party is sure to get bigger later in the afternoon and into the night as runners from the 7^th Annual Adrenaline 5k look to quench their thirst and celebrate the Haddonfield Running Company’s 15^thAnniversary. If all that isn’t enough of a pull, builder of the bar and St. Pat look-alike, Barry Felton will be available for photo ops and if you get stir crazy you can always join the free Haddon Township St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl with trolley service from 2-8pm! “This stretch of Haddon Township is unique…the Irish Mile. From Cuthbert Boulevard to PJ’s down the road is about a mile. It’s special because you have the major train station right there and all the restaurants with liquor license along that stretch,” said owner Ed Donohue. 350 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108 856-858-8500

Kerry: Dubh Linn Square owners Michael and Sean McGeough opened their two NJ pubs so we all could enjoy quality food and drink in a fun atmosphere with friendly service and great live entertainment – all wrapped up in a big, warm Irish welcome. The countdown to St. Patrick’s Day starts on March 18 of the previous year. They feature St. Practice Day specials on the 17th of each month. Every Sunday they feature Irish music. Needless to say, they celebrate the actual St. Patrick’s Day in a big. big way! At the Cherry Hill location, there’s no sleeping in for the Irish! St. Patrick’s Day, shenanigans begin at 8:30 a.m. Live Irish music all day. At 10:00 a.m., Belfast Connection; at 2:00 p.m.,Tom Brett; and at 8:00 p.m. Eddie Drive. Drink Specials, and a $15.00 Buffet will keep your spirits high and your belly full. There’s a $5.00 cover after 3:00 p.m. Overflow parking will be at the back portion of the Shoprite parking lot and a shuttle bus will transport everyone to and from the lot. 482 Evesham Road Cherry Hill; Phone: 856.520.8312

In Bordentown, a huge tented outdoor festival featuring a food & beer truck, live entertainment by Matt Sorrentino and Turtle Head Productions all day long; games & prizes, Irish dancers, pipers, and more. Live Music from 10:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. with Bill O’Neal; 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. with Paul Kennedy and 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. with Drew’s Farm. 167 Route 130 North, Bordentown, NJ. Phone: 609.298.7100 Dublin Square wants to remind all revelers to have a happy and safe day – Slainte!

Deborah: In Monmouth County, home to our very own “Irish Riviera” there are quite a few watering holes to stop in for a quick pint. In 2009, I did a round up of some of my favorites, you can read all about that in the article, The Best Irish Pubs and Grub in New Jersey. But, I’d like to mention a few more stand-outs. The Dublin House in Red Bank is one of the best Irish “pubs” around. Located in one of the most historic buildings in Red Bank, it stands out like the emerald isle amidst a sea of shops and parking lots. It will surely be the spot for a day of revelry on St. Patrick’s Day. 30 Monmouth St Redbank, NJ. Phone: 732-747-6699

Located in the heart of historic Downtown Keyport in a turn of the century brick building near the bay, McDonagh’s Pub combines old-world charm with modern cuisine. This means they’ve got more on the menu than Shepard’s Pie and Corned Beef. 2 West Front Street, Keyport, NJ. 732-264-0999.

If you are a craft beer fan, the undisputed champion of the on tap craft beer selection in Monmouth County is Maloney’s Pub and Grill in Matawan. On Saint Patrick’s Day they will be serving corned beef and cabbage, corned beef on rye, and corned beef Reubens, their “famous” fish & chips and shepherd’s pie. They will have live entertainment all day and all night. As far as beer is concerned, they will have all of the Irish favorites, and some great tributes to the Saint Patty’s day tradition from our favorite domestic craft breweries. 119 Main Street, Matawan, NJ 07747, (732) 583-4040

Lauren: The Kilkenny House, Cranford Bar opens at 10am for Kilkenny’s favorite day of the year. Rock out to live Irish music by Dave McBride and when the kitchen opens at 11 try the Fish & Chips, Corned Beef on Cabbage or Rye, Bangers & Mash or Irish Stew, among others.

Publick House, Mountainside This traditional Irish Publick House has your shepherds pie and Guinness on tap. Their menu features the first soft shell crabs of the season – and get 10% off your bill when you check in on Facebook and tag 3 friends.

Jeffrey’s invites you to celebrate St. Patricks Day from March 15 through Saturday March 17. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes $1 off bottles of Guinness and Jameson drinks and your your favorite Irish dishes. Indulge in Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Soda Bread, Bailey’s Cheesecake & Warm Apple Cake with a Jameson Sauce. Jeffrey’s of Westfield.

Heidi: Biddy O’Malley’s – This new Northvale addition has an Irish-inspired menu that has the classics like Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips, along with plenty of Irish beer on tap. The burger and many dishes are well-executed, earning the pub 3.5 star review in The Record a few months ago. A special menu will be offered on St. Patty’s and Sunday, March 18^th including beef stew, and other Irish staples. Live Irish music at lunch and dinner service will accompany and restaurant owner Noel O’Malley promises “some members of local bagpipe bands will also be passing through in the evening.” Biddy O’Malley’s is located at 191 Paris Avenue in Northvale, NJ. Visit www.biddyomalleys.com

Tommy Foxes – This Irish icon has a dedicated following who visit for the pub’s fare and a younger following who come for the live gigs and wide array of bar promotions. Owner Tommy O’Reilly predicts he’ll go through 10 barrels of Guinness, the beloved beer of Ireland, over the upcoming weekend and sell plenty o f Harp and Smithwicks on tap, the holy trinity of Irish brews. St. Patty’s Day will feature Corned Beef and Cabbage (O’Reilly estimates he’ll sell about 1,500 pounds of the pickled beef) and classic Irish food including Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips. The McLaughlin School Irish Dancers will grace patrons with performances at the top and bottom of every hour on Saturday after 12 Noon and through about 9PM. The pub, which features live music every Sunday at 5PM, will offer the same this weekend with an Irish show band which plays traditional Irish music, dancing waltzes and more. Tommy Fox’s is located at 32 South Washington Avenue in Bergenfield, NJ. Visit www.tommyfoxs.com

Irish Stew with a Jersey Twist

Peter Culos

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March 13, 2012

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St. Patrick’s day looms on the horizon and I know it can’t pass without a beer article. Since this a blog mainly focused on foodies I thought, “I should try cooking with beer!” No, not my usual practice of cooking while drinking a beer, but actually using beer in the recipe for a change. So, I set about finding a suitable authentic Irish recipe that called for beer.

Pretty easy, right? Yes, if you want to use Guinness. JerseyBites is all about the Jersey, so I needed to find a New Jersey beer to stand in for the old Irish favorite. I defy you to find an Irish themed recipe that calls for beer other than Guinness! You can’t. So, it was time to experiment. I did find an authentic Irish Lamb Stew recipe and decided to substitute the Guinness for something else. My first thought was Flying Fish’s Red Fish. It’s a draft only beer and available in a local pub but not for growler fills. Time to get creative.

The next stop was a trip to my local Jonathon Ron store to have a chat with their beer manager, Chris Marvel. He had some good suggestions to this head scratcher. However, in the end, I went rogue (no pun!). I brought home a 4 pack of River Horse Hop-a-Lot-amus. Chris thought there would be enough sugar for deglazing and I just had to find out how the hops would taste with the rosemary and thyme in the recipe.

So, what is the verdict? Pretty damn good. Irish stew with a little Jersey attitude. I think that a mild stout would have imparted some sweetness taken a back seat to the rosemary and thyme but the River Horse definitely made its presence known. There was a dry spiciness that was unexpected but very pleasant. Success!

Well, not quite. The final step was pairing this concoction with a beer. Oh, no brainer. Pour another glass of Hop-a-Lot-amus and we’re golden. Not so much. I love this hop bomb of a beer and despite the fact that it is actually in the stew, it didn’t pair well. In the photo I included my bottle of Flying Fish Exit 9 Scarlet Ale (which I’m cellaring) because I think a more balanced beer would have been superior. In fact, the more malt forward the better. I should have gone with a brown ale, porter or, dare I say it, a stout.

Here’s the recipe, adapted from a recipe I found online here. I’d encourage you to get creative with the beer because this seems like a very versatile dish. Deb threw in green beans and mushrooms to the leftovers (because you know she can’t leave any recipe alone.) One caveat though. Please, for the love of St. Patrick, don’t use green beer!

Ingredients:

3 pounds of lamb shoulder, cubed

½ cup flour

3 large russet potatoes peeled and cubed

3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

6 stalks of celery cut into ½” slices

2 large yellow onions diced

4 cloves of garlic

1 bunch each of fresh rosemary, thyme and parsley

2 quarts of beef stock

12 ounces of beer

2 teaspoons of cornstarch

Season and brown the meat in some oil, then remove. Sprinkle on some flour and set aside. Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery to the pot and sauté. Add the beer to deglaze and then add the potatoes. Return the meat to the pot and add the barely. Put in enough stock to cover and add the bunched herbs. Bring the heat just to a boil and simmer on low for a couple of hours.

Finally, throw in some chopped parsley and the cornstarch dissolved in a little water to thicken.

Peter Culos is the editor of “Beer Bites,” a new monthly feature about breweries, bars and good beer in the garden state. A graphic designer by day, and a life long New Jersey resident, Peter was first introduced to the novel idea that beer could actually have flavor during several visits to the UK. He’s been riding the craft beer bus ever since. It has been called the ultimate social lubricant and Peter’s philosophy on beer is, “I’d rather split my last good beer with a friend than drink the whole thing by myself.” Besides beer he also likes history, dogs, Jeeps and painting. In the past, he has written a History and Art blog for the Weider History Group and occasionally contributes to his own blog, history-geek.com. Life is short. Drink good beer.

Dauphin Grille in Asbury Park: Deal Alert!

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 12, 2012

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The New York Times awarded the Dauphin Grille a coveted “Worth It” rating in their September, 2011 review of the restaurant whose menu is described as “seasonal bistro fare with a European flare.” Dauphin’s Chef, Peter Connelly, was the owner of Pasta Fresca in Shrewsbury for many years, and as I recall, his fresh pastas were made daily and would quickly sell out. I used to drive up from Ocean County to score some of his fresh raviolis to finish off at home with his house made sauces. The Times review points out that his pasta dishes at Dauphin demonstrate his “sure hand with pastas and sauces.”

The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce is easily seen through their own edible garden on the property as well as sourcing thru zone 7 and the local farmers who participate in the Asbury Park farmers’ market which resumes in June. “People really enjoy the purity of our food as well as, believe it or not, our ” Berekely Burger” explained owner Marilyn Schlossbach, “which is a house blend of meat and aged Gouda and caramelized onions.”

Some of their more intriguing appetizers include Pumpkin and Asiago Risotto Fritter with spiced apple creme fresh, Mollusques “Cioppino” which includes a daily selection of Button Clams or Black Mussels served in a spicy tomato, shaved fennel and saffron broth and Grass Fed Beef Carpaccio with pomegranate drizzle, house made pork belly croutons, shaved Parmigiano and micro greens.

For main courses, how about the Grilled NY Strip Steak with fresh Thyme Gruyere Potato Gratin and Glazed Cipollini Onions or if it is fish you wish, Winter present Sustainable Catch of the Day with warm Farro Winter Vegetable Salad and, of course, the house made pasta dishes.

Deal Alert: Take advantage of our Deal on Dauphin running on 3SquareDeals.com now through March 18th to get $20 for $40 Towards Dinner at Dauphin Grille. Remember 10% of proceeds go to the Food Banks of New Jersey. Saving while sharing, it doesn’t get any better than that.

The Berkeley Ocean Front Hotel is home to Dauphin. Both the Hotel and The Dauphin Grille will be closed to the public for the Passover Holidays April 2- 17. The restaurant will be participating in Jersey Shore Restaurant Week when it re-opens on Wednesday, April 18th through Sunday, April 22nd.

Dauphin Grille

1401 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park
(732) 774-3474
dauphingrille.com

Deborah Smith , Founder and Executive Editor of jerseybites.com. Launched in 2007 as a home for her growing collection of recipes, Jersey Bites soon grew into a hub for all things edible in the Garden State. Deborah is also the owner of 3SquareDeals.com a Deals program that benefits Hunger Relief organizations in New Jersey. In her spare time, (Ha) she works as a Social Media consultant and speaker. You can learn more about her services and marketing through social media on her blog www.DeborahLSmith.com

The Shannon Rose Hosts One of the Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in New Jersey

Deborah Smith, Executive Editor

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March 11, 2012

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Irish Pub Plans Four-Day Celebration With Irish Fare, Drink Specials And Live Music

At The Shannon Rose with three locations in Ramsey, Clifton and Woodbridge, it’s St. Patrick’s Day every day but from March 14-17, this authentic Irish Pub will host one of the biggest St. Patrick Day parties in New Jersey. The four-day celebration includes leprechaun-approved Irish fare, drink specials and live music for all who are Irish at heart.

“St. Paddy’s is one of the best party days of the year and we’re pulling out all the stops by serving up Irish food and drink specials for everyone–Irish or not,” said Melissa Holic, General Manager, The Shannon Rose Ramsey. “We offer an authentic Irish Pub experience. Guests will feel as though they are a thousand miles away in Ireland. There’s no place better to raise a pint and make a toast to celebrate this festive holiday than at New Jersey’s most popular Irish Pub, The Shannon Rose.”

The blarney and fun kick-off with Happy Hour Specials from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday. Guests can enjoy $2 off drinks and beer in Woodbridge and Clifton and $1 off in Ramsey. The Shannon Rose offers twenty beers on tap including Irish standouts like Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s, other popular imports, regional craft beers and domestic favorites. The specialty drink menu features seasonal mixed drinks, great Scotch Malts and Irish whiskeys and an extensive wine list.

The establishment offers a full menu including Irish fare and standard American pub offerings. Starters include Irish Corned Beef Spring Rolls, Irish Potato Skins, Shannon Rose Wings, Irish Cobb Salad and Spinach & Artichoke Dip, to name a few. Entrees include traditional Irish choices like Homemade Shepherds’ Pie, Guinness Beef Stew, Bangers & Mash, and Corned Beef & Cabbage. Standard pub offerings include a variety of sandwiches such as pulled pork & Reuben sandwiches, sliders, chicken, grilled steak and fish of the day. Also on the menu is the famous, The Shannon Rose Burger, voted “Best Burger” by the Clifton Journal. Desserts include Bailey’s Irish Cream Lady Fingers, Irish Soda Bread Pudding and the decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Landslide Cake.

The Shannon Rose is known for its variety of live Irish and popular music by local artists and bands as well as guest DJ’s. Starting Wednesday, each Pub location will host different musical acts every day to get everyone in the Irish spirit. On St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17, doors open early at 10:00 a.m. with a Kegs and Eggs Irish Breakfast. Continuous live music will be provided throughout the day with traditional bagpipers and Irish Step Dancers performing at various times. For the full listing of the week’s festivities and entertainment schedules for each location, visit www.stpatrickdays.com.

Adara – Elevating Fine Dining in Northern New Jersey

Veronique @ Food & Wine Chickie

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March 10, 2012

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NE Clam Chowder Adara in Montclair — Photo ©www.conwayyen.com

Away from Montclair’s bustling Bloomfield Avenue resides Adara, perhaps New Jersey’s first ‘real’ molecular gastronomy restaurant. This epicurean haven offers a contemporary space, stellar service and outstanding food it dubs “Modernist” in style.

Art Institute of New York City graduate and ACF certified Master Chef, Tre Ghoshal, has extensive experience working under Chef Joe Bastianich and as the executive chef at The Rotunda, at Neiman Marcus in Paramus, NJ, The Savoy Grille in Newark, NJ, Nouveau Sushi in Montclair, NJ and as chef de cuisine at The Eureka Inn, Eureka, CA. His creative food pays homage to culinary superstars Wylie Dufresne, Grant Achatz and Ferran Adrià.

The menu offers a la carte options and the popular 3-course ($65), 5-course ($85) and 7-course ($110) prix fixe tour menus. For those looking for a complete voyage through Adara’s menu, there is also the grand tour, inviting patrons to savor 12 inventive courses ($175). General Manager, Philip Dowling, or members of the attentive staff, enthusiastically guide guests through the exciting menu to help create the right experience for them.

White Truffle Envelope — Photo © www.conwayyen.com

On a recent visit, our party opted for the 5-course menu that featured such dishes as the New England Clam Chowder – a bowl of complex flavors served with quail egg, masago, maple pancetta and tasty foam that Adara calls “deep sea wind”, the Campania – chef Ghoshal’s version of Caprese salad with vine ripe tomatoes, a mozzarella ‘balloon’, an extra virgin olive oil sorbet and basil, the White Truffle Envelope – a Hudson Valley foie gras-filled raviolo served with kumquat mostarda, cappuccino and pistachio, and the Lobster in a Veil – served with uni, celery root and Bengal curry. One dish is better than the next and creates a kid-in-a-candy-store feeling among diners.

Adara is a BYO, representing an affordable opportunity for guests to bring special bottles from their wine cellars to pair with the eclectic food. Stemware is of the best quality, enhancing the experience.

Adara might just be the new crown jewel of an already star-studded restaurant lineup in Montclair. It is a must-try for anyone interested in creative, flavor-packed and gorgeous food, without the schlep to Manhattan. A meal at Adara will prove to be an unforgettable dining experience for even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

77 Walnut Street
Montclair, NJ 07042

973.783.0462
www.restaurantadara.com

Reservations can be made by phone at 973.783.0462 or via Open Table. Reservations are required by 4PM of the previous business day for the 5, 7, and 12-course tour menus.

Adara is participating in Montclair Restaurant Week with a $31, 3-course menu.

Cheers,

Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.

Foodie Things To Do This Weekend And Beyond

Events

Jon Faronea

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March 8, 2012

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Chili & Chowder Cook-Off, Saturday, March 10th from 12pm-4 pm. The Marquis de Lafayette Pub, Cape May, NJ. Some of the best restaurants and home chefs in the area will be spicing things up while preparing their tastiest dishes! All who attend not only have a chance to sample the delicious food, but also to judge the competition in various categories. Admission is $5 and benefits the Cape May Food Bank. For more information or to enter, call 609.884.5508 ext 102. Cook-Off

Atlantic City Restaurant Week, March 4th – March 10th. During the week, fine restaurants throughout Atlantic County will offer value priced three-course lunches and three-course dinners. A full list of participating restaurants, menu items, chef biographies and other details are available online. Restaurant Week hotel packages will also be available through the site, as well as the ability to book reservations online through Open Table at restaurants that use the Open Table reservation service. www.acrestaurantweek.com

Bloomfield Restaurant Week, March 4th – 10th. Participating restaurants are offering a prix-fixe menu for $30 or less (not including drinks, tax, and tip). Restaurants include Bar Cara, Bloomfield Steak & Seafood, Bohemia Latin Cuisine, Brookside Thai Restaurant, Mes Reves, Senorita’s Mexican Grill, Spice Thai Cuisine, and Stamna Greek Taverna. For more information: www.bloomfieldrestaurantweek.com.

The Grape Debate Charity Event, Friday, March 9th from 7pm-10pm. Held at the Basking Ridge Country Club, 185 Madisonville Road, Basking Ridge, to benefit Our House, which provides community housing, jobs, and recreational programs to more than 250 individuals with developmental disabilities. At the event, there will be passed appetizers and four culinary stations (pasta, sushi, prime rib, and desserts), along with a wide variety of wines and vodkas provided by Gary’s Wine and Marketplace. The evening will also include an interactive Tasting Tutorial presentation by advanced sommelier Jonathan Ross. For tickets, click Grape Debate .

19th Annual Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, Friday-Sunday, March 9th-10th. Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Held at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ. There will be crafts representing “a sensory celebration,” gourmet food and favorites, live demonstrations and family entertainment. For more information and tickets: Sugarloaf Festival

Chili & Chowder Cook-Off, Saturday, March 10th from 12pm-4 pm. The Marquis de Lafayette Pub, Cape May, NJ. Some of the best restaurants and home chefs in the area will be spicing things up while preparing their tastiest dishes! All who attend not only have a chance to sample the delicious food, but also to judge the competition in various categories. Admission is $5 and benefits the Cape May Food Bank. For more information or to enter, call 609.884.5508 ext 102.

Build a Rain Barrel Workshop, Saturday, March 10th at 9:30am. 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 [email protected] no later than March 3rd.

Garden State Cake Show, Saturday & Sunday, March 10th & 11th. The Garden State Cake Show will be held at Burlington Township Middle School at Springside to benefit the Burlington Township Food Pantry. This two-day event will offer classes, cake competitions, vendors, demos and much more. Ages twelve and up: $10 for one day/$15 for both, or $5 plus two canned goods for one day/$10 plus four canned goods for both days. Ages four to eleven: $2 for one day/$3 for both days. Ages three and under are free. For more information, log on to www.gscakeshownj.com.

Belmar Restaurant Tour, Sunday, March 11th from 11am-4pm. Sample chefs creations at many of Belmar’s fine restaurants. Buy tickets early and save. For tickets and more information: Visit Belmar

And Beyond…

An Evening in Ireland, Tuesday, March 13th from 6pm-9pm. Atlantic Cape Community College is hosting an interactive cooking demonstration and tasting. The theme is An Evening in Ireland and participants will explore traditional Celtic foods, including Irish Oyster Soup with Boxty, Cashel Bleu Cheese and Baked Pear Salad, Beef and Guinness Pie, and Donegal Oatmeal Cream. For more information, visit www.atlantic.edu.

Forum on the Green – Farm to Table Dinner, Friday, March 16th at 6 pm. Go “green” this St. Patrick’s Day weekend as Cape May Forum partners with Slow Food South Jersey Shore in Congress Hall’s Ballroom. Acclaimed farm-to-table Executive Chef Lucas Manteca of The Virginia Hotel’s Ebbitt Room will craft this five course dinner using the freshest of ingredients from Beach Plum Farm and other local sources. Tickets are $50/ person with proceeds to benefit Cape May Forum & Slow Food South Jersey Shore. For more information, call 609.770-2626 or visit www.capemayforum.org. Congress Hall is located at 251 Beach Ave. in Cape May.

New Hope/Lambertville Restaurant Week, Sunday-Friday, March 18th-23rd. This year, 28 restaurants will participate in the week, long promotion of either a fine dining $29.95 pre-fixe dinner or $19.95 pre-fixe dinner. The following sponsors make new Hope/Lambertville Restaurant Week possible: E&J Gallo Winery, River Horse Brewery, Stoli Vodka, Local Living Magazine and Packet Publications. Please visit www.VisitNewHope.com andwww.Lambertville.org to view the pre-fixe menus and detailed information on all of the restaurants.

Atlantic Bakery Expo 2012, Industry Expo. Sunday & Monday, March 19th & 20th. A complete educational program with demonstrations, seminars and hands-on classes to go along with a trade show floor packed with all the exhibitors you need for your business. This years expansion will help meet your need for new products to help increase profits. For more information:Expo 2012

Taste of Montclair, March 19th from 5:30pm-9pm at The Grove, 691 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, to benefit the Food Pantry, the Salvation Army Feeding Program, and Toni’s Kitchen. $40 before March 15, $50 thereafter. The event will kick off Montclair Restaurant Week, which will run from March 20th through April 1st, with participating restaurants offering specially priced meals for $31 or less. For more information, click Montclair or call Diane Lilli at 973-868-9028.

15^th Annual Taste of Middlesex on March 19, 2012, at the Pines Manor, 2085 Lincoln Highway/Route 27, and Edison, NJ presented by the Edison Chamber of Commerce.

29th Annual Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala, Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30pm. Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino. The event celebrates food by highlighting thousands of hors d’oeuvres prepared by students at the Academy of Culinary Arts and showcasing the specialties of 40 of the area’s best restaurants at a progressive dining experience. The Gala raises money for student scholarships. There will be 3 lucky winners will share up to $15,000 in the 50/50 raffle. For tickets and raffle tickets, please contact Lauren Canzanese at (609) 463-4672, [email protected], or online at www.atlantic.edu/gala.

Marty Wilson, Jr. Art and Music Foundation Wine Tasting, Friday, March 23rd from 6pm-9pm. Support the arts at this annual wine tasting fundraiser. Includes light fare with cash bar. Proceeds benefit Art & Music classes and scholarships for Atlantic County students. Held at Angeloni’s II Restaurant, Atlantic City. Tickets are $15, available at the door or call 609-347-4500.

Beers on the Boards, Saturday, March 24th. Two sessions: 12:30pm-4pm & 6pm-9:30pm. A craft beer tasting festival on the boardwalk! With over 20 breweries and an all day gourmet buffet. Taste a tremendous variety of beer flavors. Buffet to include some cool beer inspired fare and different beer/food pairings to sample. Held Indoors at Martell’s Tiki Bar.For more information and tickets: BeersontheBoards.com

Organic Greenhouse Dinner, Tuesday, March 27th at 6:30pm. 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 ACA’s talented students. The menu includes organically grown items, responsibly harvested seafood and free-range poultry. Guests will be seated inside the Organic Greenhouse and reservations are limited to the first 20 guests. Tickets are $75. RSVP to Careme’s Restaurant at (609) 343-4940.

Taste Of Home Cooking Show, Thursday, March 29th. Edison, 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.

Husdon County CASA’s 6th Annual Wine Tasting, Sweets & Eats, Friday, March 30th from 6pm-9pm. Atrium in the Harborside Financial Center on the Jersey City waterfront. Enjoy sampling over 90 wines with sweets and treats gathered from the metropolitan area’s best purveyors. The night will also include hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction featuring one-of-a kind prizes, free parking, and much more!

New Jersey Wine & Food Festival, March 30th-April 1st. Held at Crystal Springs Resort this even is a celebration of the world’s best wines and renowned local and national chefs. The weekend’s events are designed to allow food and wine lovers to meet and mingle with chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and fellow wine aficionados. For more information: Crystal Springs

Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival 2012

The focus of The Atlantic City Beer Festival is the promotion of craft beers and the brewers that create them. Now in its 7th year the festival has taken a truly organic turn with the addition of original music from artists across the Tri-State area.

Session 1: Friday, March 30th from 7pm-11pm. Session 2: Saturday, March 31st from 12pm-4pm. Session 3: Saturday, March 31st from 6pm-10pm.

The 2012 Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival will not only highlight great beer and music but will also feature culinary demonstrations from local area chefs, beer seminars hosted by author and television personality Gary Monterosso as well as others and we can’t forget the amazing festival vendors… lots and lots of food and beer related vendors. This year’s festival will appeal to absolutely everyone.

For more information and tickets: AC Beer & Music Fest

Taste of Madison, Monday, April 2nd from 7pm-9:30pm (VIP Hour: 6-7pm). Held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, Taste of Madison has become THE premiere food tasting event in Morris County, providing the opportunity to sample wonderful wines and signature dishes from some of Madison’s finest chefs and restaurants, all on one night and under one roof. For tickets and more information: Gary’s Wine

An Evening in Warsaw, Tuesday, April 10th from 6pm-9pm. Culinary Workshops Offer Taste of Global Cuisine at Atlantic Cape. Explore the rich culinary history of this classic Eastern European cuisine. The menu will include Beetroot Borscht, Pierogies Ruskie, Golumpki (stuffed cabbage), and Morello Cherry Soup for dessert. To register, call 609-343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.

The Rahway Taste of Spring! Friday, April 13^th. 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.

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week™ Returns in April

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