An Honor, a Privilige and A Delicious Event

Any chef worth their salt will tell you that to cook at the James Beard House is a major milestone in one's career. On Monday, May 2, Chef Dominique Filoni (Avenue, Long Branch) will man the Beard kitchen and prepare a  French-inspired seafood dinner that draws on his St. Tropez roots.

The Menu

Hors d’Oeuvres
Brandade Croquettes
Sea Urchin with Spicy Lardo and Fleur de Sel
Kusshi Oysters with Cucumber Spaghetti and Granny Smith Apples
Pissaladière with Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese
Compressed Melon with Prosciutto Cracklings
Parigot Crémant Rosé NV
 
Dinner
Fluke Crudo with Fennel, Yuzu Emulsion, Radishes, and Celery
Domaine Bzikot Bourgogne Blanc 2008
Plancha-Seared Rouget with Zucchini, Spring Garlic, and Tapenade
Château Simone Palette Blanc 2006

Diver Sea Scallop with Pickled Ramps, Hearts of Palm, Carrots, and Ginger
Domaine Weinbach Cuvée Laurence Gewürztraminer 2007

Colorado Lamb Loin with Wild Asparagus, Morels, Ramps, Panissa, and Lamb Jus
Dominique Laurent Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes 2007

Pistachio Cake with Olive Oil, Roasted Strawberries, and Mascarpone Sorbet
Champagne Louis Roederer Carte Blanche Demi-Sec NV

Monday, May 2 at 7 PM
The Beard House
167 West 12th Street
NYC
Call 212.627.2308, www.jamesbeard.org

Beers, Blues, BBQ's, Cigars and Stars

Guy Fieri will be back with another Cheesesteak showdown, Robert Irvine is invading the kitchen of Casa diNapoli in the Showboat and Pat and Gina Neely will host beer and BBQ tastings at the House of Blues.
Just some of the tasty events slated for the Food Network Food and Wine Festival in Atlantic City
July 28th- July 31st
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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The festival, which will feature some of the culinary world’s most renowned chefs, will hosted by Caesars, Harrah’s Resort, Showboat & Bally’s and will also have cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits seminars, and walk-around tasting events.    

XOXO XOJET and BENTLEY

Whether on the road or in the sky, there are some who demand (and can afford) the best. Last night, in a gleaming white hangar, the two came together. Paul Miller Bentley unveiled America's first 2012 Bentley Continental GT and guests were invited to board XOJet's Bombardier Challenger 300.
There were show girls from Caesars Atlantic City, Double Cross Vodka flowed and DJ Shughes provided a great soundtrack for the evening.

Go Go Glenmo....

Back awaaaay from the chocolate... it's time for sizzle n' smoke...time for steak and scotch and well, so many delicious taste treats I had to show you the menu.

Strip House Chef Bill Zucosky has created the 5-course menu paired with 5 different scotches from Glenmorangie. Master of Spirits Kevin Loser will host the event, guiding diners through the varied distinctions of the Glenmorangie offerings.

The Strip House, Livingston, Reservations: 973-548-0050

Monday,  February 28^th, 7.00 pm

Menu

 1^st Course

  New England Sea Scallops

Edamame Succotash, Black Truffle Butter, Corn Broth

Glenmorangie Nectar D' Or

(Gently matured in the finest bourbon casks before 
 spending extra time in Sauternes wine barriques from the 
 most revered vineyards in France)

 

2^nd Course

Strip House Roast Bacon Salad
 Russian Dressing, Baby Arugula, Grape Tomato

Glenmorangie Original

(Famed Original, gently matured in
superior first and second bourbon casks)

3^rd Course

Shepherd's Pie

Caramelized Parsnips, Carrots

Glenmorangie 18

4^th Course

NY Strip Steak

Fried Onions, Black Truffle Creamed Spinach, Sauce Bordelaise 

 Glenmorangie Quints Ruban

(First matured in bourbon casks,

the extra matured in the finest ruby port casks from Portugal)

5^th Course

Warm Apple Pie

Cinnamon Ice Cream

Glenmorangie Lasante

(Initially matured in bourbon casks,

then finished in top-grade Oloroso Sherry casks)

$125 per person  
 

(inclusive of Tax & Gratuity)

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Serenade Her on Valentine's Day

Music for the tastebuds at Restaurant Serenade! For Valentine's Day, Chef James Laird has created a sensual prix fixe menu that is a symphony of flavors.  From the yellow fin tuna tartar with mango compote, cucumber and crispy phyllo to the seared sea bass with lobster-tomato risotto, melted leeks and zucchini, there are plenty of delicious choices on the three-course menu.
Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham, NJ, 07928, 973-701-0303
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Artful Afternoon

One of my favorite spots in New Jersey is the enchanting garden, Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton. It's truly unique and I love to send people there without describing it too much, it's more fun to let the magical vistas and tableaux unfold without any expectations.  
A great time to visit is during The  10^th Epicurean Palette,  when tents from 20 of the tri-state's gourmet restaurants will offer guests tasty treats alongside specialty sips from wine and spirits vendors. 

WHEN:    Sunday, Sept 26 from 1 - 4 pm

WHERE:  Grounds For Sculpture

WHAT:     Fundraiser with Silent Auction

Tickets are $99 for Grounds for Sculpture members and $110 for non-members. Some of this year’s participating restaurants and chefs include:

Scott Anderson of Elements in Princeton

Christopher Albrecht of Eno Terra in Kingston
Aaron Philipsonof The Blue Bottle Café in Hopewell
Jason Hensle of Salt Creek Grille in Princeton
Eben Copple of The Yardley Inn in Yardley
Will Mooney of The Brother’s Moon in Hopewell
Mitchell Baculy of Ruth's Chris Steak House in Princeton
Eli’s Bread, Main Street Catering, Max Hansen Catering, select restaurants from the Starr Restaurant Group of Philadelphia, PA 
coffee service from Miele of Princeton
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Paula and Ted and Sandra and Guy...Oh My!

What:   The Food Network Food and Wine Festival
Where:  Atlantic City
When:  this weekend, July 29 - August 1
Why:    Are you kidding? Why? All your favorite Food Network stars, incredible food, fine wine and the ocean.
Tickets and rooms still available at http://www.harrahs.com/acfoodandwine/
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A Chic Retreat... with Good Eats

The STAR ROOM PATIO opened to rave reviews last night at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge. Lucky guests sipped Orange Fennel Martinis and Champagne Sangria while nibbling on tempting bites of polenta with shredded pork, lobster salad and paella. Hosts Jeanne and Frank Cretella, of Landmark Hospitality, know how to please the palate and create a stunning backdrop.

The handsome space features an 18-foot water table with floating flowers under a wooden pergola, day beds for relaxing and a park-like perimeter for strolling. An ideal spot for drinks and dinner al fresco.

Stone House at Stirling Ridge

50 Stirling Road

Warren, NJ

908.754.1222

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Beach Bust

The saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," but what if life (or in my case my husband) gives you a giant watermelon for a beach party that's rained out?  Hmmmm. Let me think. Make watermelon martinis!
So instead of preparing for a rainy day, I used my rainy day to prepare for a future cocktail party. I pureed the watermelon in the blender, added some grated ginger, a generous squeeze of lime and mixed it into a half a bottle of vodka.
Its now tucked in the freezer and ready for a hot, sunny afternoon.


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Love Potions

Have your chocolate and drink it too!

Raspberry White Chocolate Truffle

1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Raspberry Vodka

1/2 oz White chocolate Godiva Liqueur

1-1/2 oz White crème de Cocoa

1 oz Raspberry Liqueur

 3 Raspberries

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker and shake over ice. Strain into
glass. Garnish with raspberries on a pick.





Hearts Afire

2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka

4 oz Hot Chocolate

3 Roasted marshmallows on small skewer

Pour Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka into a mug and add hot chocolate.
Garnish with home-roasted marshmallows on a skewer or whipped cream.
(Always use caution when handling hot liquids).

All about the Bubbly

What's Your Champagne Personality?
Ultra Luxe or Gotta be Green?
Ultra Luxe

Feeling extravagant? Start the New Year in high style.  The Piper Heidsieck gift box comes with a bottle of Red Label champagne and a crystal stiletto flute designed by Christian Louboutin. $500, www.le-rituel.com/

Gotta Be Green?

Are you resolving to lead a greener life in 2010? Then 

begin by toasting with Pommery POP Earth Champagne. The champagne is produced using sustainable growing methods and is packaged in light weight bottles (reduces weight in transportation) and the labels are made with recycled paper and water soluble inks. And yes, it tastes divine! $55

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New Year’s Gourmet and Glam

In two weeks, the world will celebrate the start of a new decade and you don’t want to be scrambling to get reservations at your favorite restaurant. Now is the time to start making calls and reserve your party for New Year’s Eve. If you don’t know what to do or where to go, we have some ideas.

Dining in a train car at Rod’s Steakhouse  is half the fun at this elegant landmark restaurant in Madison: $64.95 for early seating at 5:30 or $84.95 for dinner and music starting at 8pm.

Dine in casual elegance at Red Restaurant and Lounge in Red Bank: $55 for a 3-course dinner or $25 after 8pm in the Second Floor Lounge. Champagne toast at midnight.

Feast on local and fresh Italian/Mediterranean food at Tre Piani in Princeton: $95 for 5-course dinner and dancing at 8pm or Open Bar and Tapas also at 8pm.

Go back in time to the 1860s when you dine in the 150 year old farm house of La Campagne in Cherry Hill: $85 for a 7-course dinner. BYO

An evening at the Tuscan-style Renault Winery  in Egg Harbor Township is worth a drive whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour: $99 for 5-course gourmet dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom starting at 8pm.

We also have some special NJMyWay discounts to make sure you are well dressed and stocked for the big night.

Put a fresh face forward to 2010 with a $20 discount off a facial at Gatsby Salon in Green Brook. Just mention NJMyWay when you make the appointment.

Glam up your look with a piece of jewelry, clothing or handbag from BellaDawn. Use NJMyWay15 when you check out.

Whether your hosting or attending a party, CoolVines of Princeton and Westfield wants to help you choose the best wine pairings with 15% off any CoolVines Wine Club order of $100 or more. Use NJMyWay at checkout.

NJ My Way Managing Editor Hilary Morris (www.mrsmonj.com) contributed this article

Swish, Swizzle, and Stir

Turn off the lights and leave a bowl of candy at the front door -- its time for the adults to have a sweet time with out raiding the kids' trick or treat bag. You can have your favorite candy taste and drink it too -- Mmmmm....how about a Caramel Apple Martini, an Almond Joy Martini, a PepperMint Pattini or a Snickertini? Find the recipes below from Van Gogh Vodka. Caramel Apple Martini
1-1/2 oz Apple juice or cider
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Wild Appel Vodka
1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
1/2 oz Apple Schnapps

Glaze the inside of a chilled martini glass with caramel syrup and place glass in the refrigerator until ready to use. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into chilled glass glazed with caramel syrup. Float a thinly sliced apple round (seeds removed) on top.

Almond Joy Martini
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1 oz Coconut Rum
1/2 oz Hazelnut Liqueur
1/2 oz Chocolate Liqueur

Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass into chocolate syrup and roll in shaved coconut. Place glass into the refrigerator until ready to serve the cocktail. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into chilled martini glass with chocolate-coconut rim.

PepperMint Pattini
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1/2 oz Crème de menthe
1/2 oz Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 oz Cream

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a Peppermint Pattie candy wedge.

Snickertini
1/2 oz Baileys
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
1/2 oz Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 oz Amaretto
Splash of cream

Drizzle a thin line of both caramel and chocolate sauce on the inside of a rocks glass and place in refrigerator to chill. Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake over ice. Pour entire contents of shaker into glass and add straw.

Something to Wine About..

"I'll meet you in the drawing room of the Château." Wouldn't you love to say that to a friend? Well you can do more than say it, you can do it! This Wednesday, October 14, you can join an intimate and exclusive evening (just 70 guests) at the Wines of New Zealand Dinner at the Pleasantdale Château.

A seasonally appropriate menu including New Zealand mussels, barramundi, lamb, herbs and vegetables from the chateau's on-site farm and a selection of sheep's milk cheeses from the Valley Shepherd Creamery (Long Valley, NJ) will be paired with a portfolio of wines from Kim Crawford vineyards. Matt Large, winemaker of Kim Crawford wines will fly in from New Zealand to discuss the wines, the food pairings and the winemaking process.

The "Wines of New Zealand Dinner" will be preceded by a cocktail reception in the Drawing Room of the Château starting at 7:00pm. The dinner will begin at 7:30 pm in the Music Room.

To attend this event, please call Laura Madden, senior sales manager of Pleasantdale Château at 973-731-5600 x3016. The all-inclusive (meal, tax and gratuity) evening is$125. Kim Crawford wines will also be available for purchase at discounted rates. pleasantdale.com

Juice Makers

Like great food? Who doesn’t! Are you a bit of a health nut? Ok, maybe I’m not, but I like great food. And I am a huge fan of Tico’s Eatery & Juice Bar on Witherspoon Street (although it faces Spring Street) in downtown Princeton. Tico’s is one of the few juice bars that offer wheatgrass shots in the Princeton area. Wheatgrass is said to help detoxify the body and keep you healthy. They also make fresh juices to order and have everything from orange and pineapple to carrots and beets. If you are in the mood for a smoothie, my favorite is the strawberry banana, plus all of their smoothies are made with non-fat frozen yogurt. Custom-make your own or choose from one of the already declared favorites such as the Jamaican Jammer. Try one of their quesadillas, panini or Jose’s chicken salad. Everything is made fresh daily and with the highest quality ingredients. They are open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm and Saturday from 9am-3pm, serving breakfast, lunch and the occasional snack or juice. If you don’t have time to sit and eat and watch the passers-by, you can order something quick to go or grab something pre-made in their “on-the-go” section. Princeton students can find Tico’s food in the University Store. Check out the menu at www.campusfood.com. Did we mention they will cater? This is a real mom and pop shop serving great food in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Once you go there, they will know you by name. It’s no wonder Tico’s is one of the little gems of Princeton. Written for www.njmyway.com by Princeton’s Katie DeVito who also blogs for www.princetonscoop.com. www.facebook.com/njmyway www.twitter.com/njmyway

NJ Wine Tours

These first crisp days of autumn are the perfect time to tour some of the state’s prettiest spots and taste the local wine. Let’s begin at the Cape May Winery and Vineyard (www.capemaywinery.com). This vineyard has been producing delicious wines for 10 years and has won dozens of metals in State competitions. They offer a fantastic tour of the vineyard, a delicious wine, fruit and cheese tasting, and a souvenir vineyard glass. Tomasello Winery (www.tomasellowinery.com) in Hammonton has been producing quality wine since the 1930’s. Tomasello produces approximately 30 still wines and eight sparkling wines, all made from estate-grown fruit or fruit from local farmers. This winery uses only the finest fruit for its wine, giving it brilliant flavor.

Wine is any fermented beverage made from fruit… and our state is one of the largest producers of blueberries and cranberries. Tomasello creates blueberry, cranberry, cherry and red raspberry wines which are rich in antioxidants and other healthy elixirs. Alba Vineyards (www.albavineyard.com) is nestled in the village of Finesville. They have created a recognizable style of wine making which borrows from the past, looks to the future, and emulates the finest wineries in the world. Their mission is to offer honest craftsmanship inherent value and unmatched service. Tasting Friday, Saturday, & Sunday plus all kinds of special events.

This NJ My Way article was contributed by Jason Spages, owner of the Vino Fine Wines and Spirits in Boonton (www.vinofinewines.com). Check out Vino’s facebook (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33377&id=1499670495&saved#/profile.php?id=1499670495&ref=name) for singles events, tastings, and other special events at this marvelous store.

COCKTAIL ENVY

Cocktail Envy?

You know the feeling--after intently studying the cocktail list and making an excellent choice, you taste your friend's drink and discover she made the truly excellent choice.

On Thursday nights at the Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge, you can skip the anxiety of choosing and sample five mini-versions of their most popular cocktails (like the Garden of Eden, a concoction of Grey Goose vodka, pomegranates and pear juice) along with complimentary platters of artisanal cheeses and bread. http://www.thestonehouseatsterlingridge.com/