It was a beautiful day for some burgers and beer at Saturday’s Great Jersey Shore Burger Contest. While the contestants were toiling away at their grills on the deck of Bar Anticipation, in Lake Como, the judges huddled in the dark dining room with our scoresheets and loads of napkins at the ready.
Burger Contest
The burger contest is a blind competition, meaning we do not know which restaurant is linked to each burger submission.
The first criteria for the judges is how well the burger is cooked. Not well done—please never—but we do consider whether the burger is a perfect medium—medium rare, or is it too rare, or overcooked? All contestants hit the right mark with no problem.
This year we saw a few all-beef patties, a couple of short-rib/brisket blends, and even a chorizo dry-aged burger blend. No lamb burgers or anything far away from beef as in years past. Onions seemed to be a big trend this year. Onion rolls, sauteed onions, frizzled onions, and onion jam all found their way into and on top of many of the burger. And who can blame them? They’re the perfect combination. Toppings ranged from the expected, like bacon and cheddar cheese, to the unexpected papitas and Manchego.
St. Stephens’ Greene: People’s Choice
Craft Beer Fest
We were pleasantly surprised to see that the breweries in attendance were all from New Jersey. Some relative newcomers like Last Wave Brewing and ManaFirkin were there as well as some old favorites like Carton Brewing, Ship Bottom Brewery and Asbury Park Brewery. Frye Brewing from Point Pleasant Boro served up a very impressive Maibock. ManaFirkin poured an impressive New England style IPA appropriately named Bang a Wicked ‘Uey and Last Wave poured every last drop of its popular A-Frame IPA. An all-Jersey beer lineup might just become a staple for this event.
Exclusively NJ craft beer at the Great Jersey Shore Burger ContestBurger 25 from Toms River: Judges’ Choice
Winners!
And the winners are…
Burger 25 in Toms River for its Frisky Whiskey burger. The winning burger was made of angus beef topped with Jack Daniels caramelized onions, provolone cheese, house-made Jack Daniels sauce, crispy onion straws, and Applewood smoked bacon on a fresh baked onion bun.
St. Stephen’s Green Publick House: People’s Choice
St. Stephen’s used a filet and hanger steak blend topped with homemade onion bacon jam, charred Gruyére, and frizzled onions served on an onion brioche bun.
Some of the other standouts in the competition were B2 Bistro Pt. Beach’s Frita Burger which gave a nod to the Chef’s time spent working in Miami and started with a blend of Chorizo and dry-aged burger and topped with papitas, Manchego, special sauce, and caramelized onions.
Bar Anticipation’s Sweet & Spicy Short Rib Burger should have won for best dressed as far as I was concerned and was a very tasty burger in its own right. This one was a short-rib, brisket-blend burger topped with fresh mango salsa, caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese, sweet and salty soy glaze, and sriracha mayo.
The Jersey City Craft Brew Fest returns to the Harborside Atrium on April 13, 2019! This beer extravaganza is the perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out with one another while sipping delicious brews. Take in the magnificent New York City skyline while you enjoy over 150 styles of craft beer, delicious food, and great music. Get ready for all the best elements of a traditional beer garden accompanied by a staggering array of choices found only at superior craft beer fests. Use coupon code JERSEYBITES for $20 off general admission!
For the event, Harborside welcomes an eclectic range of superbly fermented beers and ciders of all styles. This is the perfect opportunity to discover your new favorites and chat with brewery representatives from around the Garden State. Staple New Jersey breweries will be in attendance, including Jersey City’s own Departed Soles, Hoboken’s 902 Brewing Company, and more.
Choose from Two Sessions
Both sessions include craft beer samples and a souvenir tasting glass, paired with live music and food from the brand new Harborside District Kitchen during one of two sessions:
Session 1: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Session 2: 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ticketing Info
$15 for designated drivers
$70 general admission
Use coupon code JERSEYBITES for $20 off general addmission.
The bar at the Rum Runner is absolutely stunning. I took my spot at the far end, the side lining the water, like a cat in the sun, happily absorbing every ray of vitamin D.
Who Served Me
Mark, who’s super friendly. He’s been with the Rum Runner about two years now and leads the creation of the cocktail menu, making his own infused simple syrups along with interesting and thoughtful cocktails. He works most nights (except Mondays) so be sure to get down there and say hi before busy season really hits come May!
Bartender’s Favorite Bite
“The pork chop,” Mark says. “It’s just so good and comes with that homemade BBQ sauce. We use that for our wings, the BBQ chicken pizza, and the pork chop.” (See below for my take on the BBQ chicken pizza.)
The Vibe and My Vantage Point
A lovely exhale after a long day. The Rum Runner is a gorgeous structure, designed almost like an oversized beach house. The glass-lined restaurant, outdoor seating, and oversized bar make for a great blend of chic and comfort. The double-sided glass fireplace and expanded bar area offer a really comfortable place to hang for happy hour and the baby grand tucked in the corner of the lounge area provides an excellent spot for the live musicians featured on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. (Check here for up-to-date intel.)
What’s the very beginning of that line from Romeo and Juliet? “What’s in a name…” everything. This one captured my attention the second I read it. This was the one. The color was gorgeous and the aroma citrus forward. You could tell the whiskey was going to create a lot of deep flavor to contrast again so the blend of juices and the herby sage against the sweet totally piqued my curiosity. I took my first sip and was overcome—almost tearful—it was so damn good. It has been a while since a cocktail moved me this deeply. The brilliance of melding these smoky, tart, citrusy flavors that balanced so well was really something to behold. My mouth gleeful, I took a second and third sip. Each discernible ingredient played off the others in perfect harmony. Mark, the bartender and mixologist, made the sage simple syrup himself and my guess is he added a whole lot of extra love when he created this breathtaking craft cocktail!
What Fed My Soul
Slider duo
Slider Duo: Angus $6, Shrimp Salad $7, Crab Cakes $8 Served on potato rolls with a pickle on the side
I guess this was an instance of seeing what I wanted to see instead of what was actually there. When I ordered, I asked Mark to pick my “duo.” When the sliders came, I got an order of angus and an order of crab cakes. Wait a minute… I checked the menu again reading duo (which, in my mind, meant one of each!). Whoops! As you can see from how the prices are listed, the duo is two of the same. So I started with the angus. The burger itself was well-seasoned and cooked a little on the well side but still juicy. The cheddar mounded nicely atop. The pickle was a half-sour and quite yummy. With the right amount of Heinz ketchup, I was a very happy lady with this three-to-four-bite slider.
The crab cake version was also quite good. The crispy edges broke through the softness of the roll and the cake itself revealed a lovely flavor: some red pepper and a little Old Bay or cayenne for some heat—I couldn’t quite tell. I asked for a side of tartar as I am a condiment queen. This was just the touch the crab cake needed.
I really enjoyed both. (I’d love to see a combo version as I’d come back to try the shrimp salad, but only if I could get another angus with it!)
Fish taco
Fish Taco, $7 Chef selected grilled fish, cucumber and tomato salsa, lettuce and lime aioli
The plate arrived and I wished I had ordered two. I ogled the dish, with my mouth watering. My lips parted in anticipation of the very first taste. The portion was just right. The colors popping off the plate were gorgeous—a little touch of purple from the red onion, the depth of the tomato’s flesh, and the bright green hues of the lettuce. The first bite was all fresh goodness—the sweetness of the well grilled fish was luscious against the softness of the tortilla and the crunch of the salsa and the lettuce. The tart and creamy aioli was the ideal accompaniment to this super refreshing and tasty taco. I’ll definitely be back to try this one again.
BBQ chicken flatbread pizza
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza, $7
Served with mozzarella, red onion, and housemade BBQ (created with Myers’s Rum and ginger beer)
My middle son inspired this order. I was already pretty full, between the double duo of sliders and that memorable fish taco. I ordered knowing most of it would be coming home in a pizza box. The pizza came on its own single-serve pizza board with a gorgeous long handle, and looked like it was made with sincere care. The puffy flatbread crust was a most gorgeous brown, the bright white mozzarella sitting atop the glistening BBQ sauce. The diced grilled chicken was a gorgeous contrast with the tiny minced flecks of red onion.
I was pretty excited to dive in. I took the corner end piece and went for it. The sauce was so good—tangy and rich beneath the softness of the cheese. The crisp bits of onion offered a thoughtful, subtle slap atop of the rest of the zest. Next time I’m trying the spinach and goat cheese version!
Whites Pinot Grigio
Robert Mondavi Private Collection, $10
J Pinot Gris, $12
Jermann, $14
Santa Margherita, $16
Sauvignon Blanc Esk Valley, $10
Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, $11
Whitehall Lane, $12,50
Domaine Fouassier Sancerre, $14
Chardonnay J Lohr, $10
Domaine Roux Pere Et Fils, $11
Simi, $12.50
Calera, $14
Beringer Private Reserve, $22
Other whites available by the glass & several more by the bottle.
Reds Merlot Simi, $12
Chateau St. Michelle Indian Wells, $14
Pinot Noir J. Lohr, $10
Erath, $12
Maison Louis Jadot, $14
Cabernet Sauvignon J. Lohr, $10
Simi, $12
Roth Estate, $14
Newton Skyside, $18
Other reds available by the glass and several more by the bottle.
What Else to Know
Serving Sunday and Easter brunches. Check out happy hours, live music, outdoor seating, and availability for private events. Visit the site for up-to-date information.
When to Show
Monday through Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Know Before You Go! Hours, prices, and menus are subject to change. Please check the website for more information.
The Rum Runner 816 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
732-842-2894
A Lady Walks into a Bar™ is owned and trademarked by Gabrielle Garofalo.
On April 12 and 13, 2019, join Robert Austin Cho from Kimchi Smoke and Blake Crawford from Alementary to try their new collaboration beer, Seoul Brothers, while you munch on Southern-Korean barbecue.
Event details: Friday, April 12, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 13, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The combination of Southern-Korean BBQ and craft beer was clearly bound to happen. Since 2016, Cho has brought his nationally-acclaimed Korean barbecue to pop-ups at Alementary, who are known for their scientific approach and award-winning flavor combinations. Cho expressed to Crawford the view he had for the “perfect” beer. The final product is reminiscent of makgeolli, traditional Korean rice wine, while maintaining all the properties of a beer. This style is Blonde Rice Ale with ABV at 7.5%.
Seoul Brothers beer
Seoul Brothers will be released in six 12 oz. cans at the Alementary pop-up event. Cho will be on site doing his regular pop-up thing: selling his signature 12-hour-smoked Bad as Texas Brisket and Korean Redneck Tacos.
Tune in for an all-new episode of The Two Fat Guys Show where DJ Joe the Great and the One and Only Nicky D bring you the following segments and topic of the week:
Wine is an ever-changing industry, so we sat down with wine expert Hugh Preece to decode the latest trends in the world of vino. A master in his field, Hugh is one of only 44 US Vinitaly International Academy Wine Ambassadors. The Vinitaly International Academy offers an intense training to teach a chosen group of wine educators, journalists, and trade professionals a highly specialized curriculum of Italian wine. Its courses teach professionals to master the diversity of Italian wine in order to support and promote it throughout the world. To date, only 170 people have completed the vigorous course to earn the esteemed certification of Wine Ambassador.
Natural and Organic
Natural wines have been around for decades, but are currently seeing a spike in popularity. Due to the fact that there is no certification or regulation for what makes a wine “natural,” there is a huge window of what natural wine actually is. Natural wines typically include those that are farmed organically or biodynamically with nothing added or removed. The challenge lies in finding a winemaker who has the right practices. According to Hugh, you should still be able to taste the true characteristics of the varietal without it being cloudy or chunky. Adding commercial yeast will bring out the aromatics in wine, but doing so also alters the natural taste. However, without yeast, wine doesn’t ferment properly. Natural winemaking doesn’t mess with the fermenting process, but rather it creates a product that stays in its true state.
With organic foods trending, consumers are starting to take note of organic wines as another step toward improving the environment. Some wineries practice sustainability, but don’t get the organic seal due to the high cost.
Climate Change
With the changing climate, we are also seeing different wine regions emerging. In addition, the harvest of wine comes earlier and earlier each year. It’s currently around late August / early September. Some wines do well in droughts of high heat environments, so farmers in different locations are experimenting with growing grapes. For example, in Germany, temperatures are warmer during the day and cooler at night, which works well for Pinot Noir grapes.
Hugh’s Picks
The menu at Salt Creek Grille’s Princeton location features a section called Hugh’s Picks—standout wines Hugh is currently drinking and recommends. Hugh tends to search for boutique wineries that practice sustainability—ones that offer wines that aren’t mass-produced. He enjoys family wineries that want to preserve the environment with biodynamic practices. Hugh also makes sure each selection is a good quality wine at a good value.
Jersey Bites was invited to visit Metro Diner and the meal was complimentary.
A diner opening is always cause for celebration, especially in the diner capital of the universe—New Jersey, that is. It offers another stop on the grand circuit of 500+ diners throughout the Garden State; Another place for people to meet, greet, eat and create memories.
New to East Brunswick
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate the opening of Metro Diner, located on the southbound side of Route 18 in East Brunswick, which held its grand opening on March 12.
The diner’s slogan illuminates the counter
Metro Diner was buzzing with customers on a chilly, rainy Thursday morning—a warm, lively vibe filled with the sounds of conversations, short-order cooks preparing food, and platters being delivered to tables.
This was brunch, so my wife ordered corned beef hash with poached eggs and fluffy muffins. Yes, I’ll admit I snuck a few forkfuls of hash, and it was quite tasty! She was especially pleased with the muffins. For my selection, I zeroed in on the Charleston shrimp and grits. I’ve had shrimp and grits in South Carolina, but this was a jazzy twist on the dish. Instead of creamy, “loose” grits, the shrimp sat atop crispy, fried grits cakes packed with cheddar cheese and andouille sausage. A rich sauce with onions, bacon, and green peppers complemented the serving. Absolutely wonderful!
Charleston shrimp and gritsVeggie omelette with shredded hash brown home fries
Wandering around the diner, I snapped a picture of Metro Diner’s signature dish: fried chicken and waffles with fresh, homemade strawberry butter. While I was at it, I also photographed a very good-looking veggie omelet paired with a heaping mound of shredded hash browns.
The Space
Metro Diner is built into a storefront property along Route 18, which allows for a spacious interior. Soft lighting, green accent lights, and tasteful interior appointments create a cozy environment. Sentimental diner purists will appreciate that fact that in addition to the tables, there is a short counter with stools, offering customers a full view of the open kitchen and sizzling grill, much like vintage diner cars and lunch wagons from the thrilling days of yesteryear.
Fried chicken and waffles with strawberry butter
Taste of the South
The menu, by design, has a Southern flair, with dishes such as the aforementioned Charleston shrimp and chicken and waffles, which gives the Metro a distinct flavor when compared to established Jersey diners. That’s another refreshing feature to consider: Rather than an endless “phone book” menu, I commend the Metro for focusing on classic egg dishes, salads and soups, burgers, sandwiches, and hot platters for lunch and dinner—all on three easy-to-skim pages.
Along with food, service and atmosphere, a true test for judging the success of any diner is how well it fits into a given community. Metro Diner is off to a flying start in this category, thanks to the skillful, collective leadership of Michael Killeen, the diner’s managing partner. Our server, Amanda Hager, provided friendly, fast, and knowledgeable service. The entire waitstaff was helpful, attentive, and cheerful. Their smiles were the energy that powered the new diner.
Amanda Hager (left) and Michael Killeen
Back to Jersey
As a Jersey guy, Killeen proves that “you can go home again,” despite Thomas Wolfe’s 1940 novel, which said you can’t. Originally from “Down Jersey” in Millville, Killeen joined the Army in 1989 and served for eight years. He was discharged while in Savannah, Georgia, and began working there for the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant chain. Taking well to the business, he was soon promoted, moving to Tallahassee, Florida. Killeen later opened a new Cracker Barrel in Asheville, North Carolina. He established a solid resume in the restaurant business over two decades through his travels and experiences, but about nine years ago decided it was time to return to New Jersey.
While working at DeVry University in North Brunswick, Killeen learned from a business associate that the Metro Diner franchise was planning to open an eatery in New Jersey. He networked and landed the post of managing partner. From a business standpoint, Metro Diner traces its roots to 1938 and Jacksonville, Florida, and has since become a successful enterprise, with establishments throughout the South, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The East Brunswick Metro is the first in New Jersey and the 70th diner overall in the group’s stable of eateries.
The diner’s business culture puts a strong emphasis on local ownership of each diner, along with developing community relationships. Killeen pointed to the business slogan: “Where the Locals Eat.” He took this philosophy to heart to help launch the diner. As a member of the local Elks Lodge, Killeen and his wife and business partner Jennifer, in March, organized a charity event to help open the diner and raised $13,500. Several local news outlets covered the fundraiser. He said this kind of community outreach will continue to be part of Metro Diner.
Southern Sensibility
Killeen absorbed the dynamics of Southern hospitality while employed in the Cracker Barrel business. It’s a courteous sensibility that serves him well and easily translates as part of the informal, down-home charm that’s appreciated for beloved Jersey diners. “It’s all about ‘How y’all doing today,’’” he said with a smile—and a Southern accent. “People like that kind of comfort and attention,” he said. “You take time to visit each table and make the customers feel welcome.” A friendly greeting might seem like a simple thing, but it’s how you begin building customer relationships, one at a time, according to Killeen.
On the Scene
From a statewide perspective, Metro Diner is part of a quiet resurgence of new diners that has taken shape in recent years. The list includes JB’s on 33 in Farmingdale, the Chit Chat in West Orange, the Majestic in Ramsey, the Maple Valley in Clifton, plans for a “new” Olgas in Marlton, and the reopening of Geets in Williamstown. All these are making way for a new generation of diners in New Jersey: site-built or retrofitted structures. New Jersey still has a host of vintage, factory-built, stainless steel diners. Yes, the diner business is evolving, but the diner business—going back to the days of lunch wagons—has always been evolving.
Pecan pie
In addition to its regular menu, the Metro features daily blackboard specials. The lunchtime Chorizo burger, with lots of trimmings, sounded rather tempting. We decided to get dessert to go: two yummy slices of pecan pie. The 45-minute drive home on the Turnpike and Parkway was intermezzo.
Killeen promised that other desserts soon will be offered for the spring season, such as Southern peach cobbler. Now let’s see… peach cobbler? Yeah, I’ll be back for some of that.
Metro Diner 269 Route 18 East Brunswick, NJ 732-704-7587 Monday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Jersey Shore’s premier food and beverage event: Jersey Shore Restaurant Week (JSRW). Scheduled in April and November each year, JSRW participating restaurants offer three-course dinners for $22 or $32 with three appetizer choices, three entrée choices, and three dessert choices.
“It is an opportunity for restaurants to get extra business at a slow time of year and for consumers to try new restaurants at a great price,” said Jim Flynn, founder and chairman of JSRW.
Flynn said that 86% of consumers try a new restaurant during Restaurant Week. “They dine out 50% more than a normal week.”
A Bit of History
The restaurant week concept began in NYC in 1992 by Tim Zagat and Joe Baum, during the Democratic Convention, as a lunch-only promotion. It was so successful it was expanded to include dinner and that was so successful it became a national phenomenon.
The idea came to Flynn during a trip to Martha’s Vineyard. “I was on my way up 95 and I saw a sign for New Haven Restaurant Week,” he said. “It was the first time I had seen a restaurant week outside of a major city, so I called my wife and asked her to Google Jersey Shore Restaurant Week. There was nothing. It occurred to me that the Shore should have one because we had so many great restaurants here.
“We immediately bought the URL and when I returned we formed a committee and began planning the first one, which we held in November of 2009,” Flynn said. Fifty-five restaurants participated in the first JSRW and the special events drew 50 to 60 people. “Today, nearly 100 restaurants participate, said Flynn, “and our Special Events draw 200 to 300 people.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the restaurants and consumers who have made this such a tradition at the Shore.” added Flynn.
Participating Restaurants
The following restaurants were charter spots for JSRW and continue to participate.
Avenue
Brands
Fratello’s
Harpoon Willy’s
Jack Baker’s Lobster Shanty and Wharfside
La Dolce Vita
Langosta Lounge
Moonstruck
Mister C’s Beach Bistro
Rooney’s
Salt Creek Grille
Shipwreck Grill
St. Stephen’s Green Publick House
The following restaurants are new to the roster this year:
Corbo & Sons at Bell Market in Holmdel, NJ, welcomes two exciting food events Friday, April 5.
Author, food historian, and journalist Katie Parla celebrates release of her new cookbook, Food of the Italian South(Clarkson Potter, $30), at Corbo & Sons, the restaurant within Holmdel’s Bell Market, which specializes in Neapolitan- and Roman-inspired, wood-fired cooking. Buy tickets here!
Food of the Italian South by Katie ParlaKatie Parla
Parla is a New Jersey native and Rome-based culinary journalist. Her new book delves into the culinary traditions of Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, and Puglia, regions best known for their rustic food.
Executive Chef Richard Corbo and Sommelier Chantelle Corbo will host two different experiences to celebrate the release of the book: an aperitivo hour and a seated dinner. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Parla in person and enjoy recipes from her book.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Aperitivo Hour
Corbo & Sons will prepare cocktails and a selection of dishes from Food of The Italian South in a taste-around, cocktail party format.Sommelier Chantelle Corbo will pair each recipe, served as individual tastes, with a hand-chosen wine.Tickets include a signed cookbook, cocktails, and tasting-sized samples of recipes from the book paired with wine. $65/per person + tax.
Pizza Napoletana at La Notizia in Naples
8:00 p.m.: Seated Dinner with Wine Pairings
This marks the kickoff to Corbo & Sons Friday Night Dinner Series, in the Green Room. Executive Chef Richard Corbo will prepare a three-course dinner, with each dish inspired by The Food of the Italian South, with wine pairings by Chantelle Corbo. Tickets include a signed cookbook, a three-course seated dinner and wine pairings. $125/per person + tax and tip.
Angela Ceriello serves “garbage can” pasta at her trattoria E Curti in Sant’Anastasia, CampaniaPaccheri alla Cilentana (pasta with capers, olives, anchovies, and fried bread crumbs)
This sponsored article is brought to to you by NJ Food Truck Fest.
Tickets are available for the Jersey City Foodie Fest and NCAA Final Four Viewing Party, taking place April 6, 2019, at the Harborside Atrium. Take in the magnificent New York City skyline while enjoying Final Four action, delicious food, amazing drink specials, and more! (And get 40% off your ticket when you purchase online with discount code JERSEYBITES!)
Foodie Meets Fanatic
Celebrate March Madness and the Final Four with two giant TVs and interactive games. Tickets include entry, your first drink, drink specials, full bar, games, and a whole night of basketball. Feeling competitive? Get a game of beer pong going! (21 and over)
Food Vendors
The brand new Harborside District Kitchen is the latest addition to the Harborside Atrium and boasts 13 food vendors, with all the vibes and deliciousness of a NYC food hall. The difference? Superior skyline views!
Angry Archie’s
Ani Ramen
Baonanas
Canteen to go Indian
Enfes
Kimchi Taco
Left Bank Burger
Little Sushi Shop
Pizza Vita
Tidal Poke
Waffle It
The Details
Saturday, April 6, 2019
5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. To purchase tickets, click here.
DISCOUNT! Get 40% off tickets purchased online with code JERSEYBITES
Tune in for an all-new episode of the Two Fat Guys Show where DJ Joe the Great and the One and Only Nicky D bring you the following segments and topic of the week.
Tickets are available for the 2019 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival, taking place April 12 to 14, at Crystal Springs Resort. This prestigious showcase for top culinary talent, winemakers, and distilleries from around the world celebrates its 11th year with a weekend of dinners, wine and spirits tastings, chef demos, and more.
Festival Events
The showcase of events offers something for everyone, from fun, interactive sessions incorporating culinary elements. A few highlights include the following:
Wine Yoga and Paso Paint and Sip
Rose Champagne with Krug, Dom Perignon and Ruinart
97 & Above (highlighting top-scoring wines, with 97 or more on a 100-point scale)
The Grand Tasting, an attendee favorite, takes place Saturday, April 13, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s the festival’s signature event, featuring more than 200 wines from over 50 wineries and bites from 40 top restaurants ($150; VIP $295; VIP admission 6:30 p.m., general admission 7 p.m.).
Additional Highlights
VIP Experience: Two floors featuring top restaurants and premium wines, Champagnes, and spirits
Restaurant participants highlight New Jersey’s best. Featured restaurants include Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Ryland Inn, Batello, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, Crystal Tavern, Osteria Morini, Common Lot, Viaggio, Halifax, Montclair Bread Co, Pig & Prince, 17 Summer Restaurant, Andre’s, Saly G’s, Piattino Neighborhood Bistro, and more.
A wide range of wineries and Champagne houses from around the world
For complete info and to purchase tickets, click here.
Top photo: A previous Grand Tasting. Photo by Eat with Dan.
Both sessions include craft beer samples and a souvenir tasting glass, paired with live music and food from the brand new Harborside District Kitchen during one of two sessions:
Where I Was
