20 March 2014 Celebrity Chefs Announced for New Jersey Wine & Food Festival

Celebrity Chefs Announced for New Jersey Wine & Food Festival

March 20, 2014 By
Grand Tasting - Photo by Crystal Springs

Grand Tasting – Photo by Crystal Springs

A lineup of all-star chefs, including Guest of Honor Chef David Bouley (Bouley & Brushstroke, NYC), Michael Solomonov (Zahav, Philadelphia), Shirley Chung (Finalist Top Chef Season 11), Galen Zamarra (mas & mas la grillade, NYC), Ghaya Oliveira (Executive Pastry Chef, Daniel, NYC), Saul Bolton (Saul Restaurant, NYC), George Mendes (Aldea, NYC), David Santos (Louro, NYC) will be among the chefs cooking at the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs March 28 – March 30.

 

Saturday March 29 Featured Events (Complete list at www.thecrystalspringsresort.com)

The Battle of NJ Sous Chefs: NJ Sous Chefs from Chakra, Pig & Prince, Morris Tap & Grill, Giovanni’s Bistro and Restaurant Latour will battle it out in a Top Chef-like challenge. Guests will sample their dishes paired with wines. Panel of judges led by Chef David Bouley will name the winner. ($45)

Local Craft Cocktails: Mixologist Christopher James of The Ryland Inn will showcase some of the Northeast’s best small batch spirits such as NJ’s Laird’s Apple Jack, Brooklyn Gin, Bootlegger Vodka and Widow Jane Bourbon (NY) in creative cocktails. ($40)

The Art of Blending Bourbon: Distiller Wes Henderson will lead a tasting where attendees will make their own Angel’s Envy bourbon blend. ($40)

Bubble-Q: In the spirit of spring, James Beard Award-winning Sommelier Belinda Chang will lead a seminar pairing Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot Champagnes with barbecue. ($45)

Photo by Geoff Mottram

Photo by Geoff Mottram

The Grand Tasting: 30 restaurants and over 100 wines! New Jersey’s culinary stars with participating restaurants including Ninety Acres at Natirar, Restaurant Latour, Maritime Parc, CulinAriane, The Frog and The Peach, The Orange Squirrel, Boulevard Five 72, Agricola, Blue Morel, The Bernards Inn, Fascino, Escape, The Strip House, Axia Taverna, Ho Ho Kus Inn & Tavern, Pig & Prince and more. Wineries and Champagne houses participating in the Festival include Krug, Ornellaia, Stag’s Leap, Dom Perignon, Caymus, Belle Glos, Penfolds, Bruno Giacosa, Taken Wine Company and more. ($125/$250 VIP)

Sunday March 30

11am – 2pm     Champagne Brunch A lavish, decadent brunch buffet accompanied by Ruinart Champagnes ($60).

Additional details can be found at www.thecrystalspringsresort.com.   

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , ,
19 March 2014 Pig & Prince Hosts Gil Family Estates Wine Dinner

Pig & Prince Hosts Gil Family Estates Wine Dinner

March 19, 2014 By

Pig & PrincePig & Prince presents Spanish wines from the regions of Calatayud, Rias Baixas, Almansa and Vino de la Tierra.

Wednesday, March 26th at 7pm. Five-course tasting menu:

First Course

2012, Albarino by Kentia

Scallop crudo / grapefruit granita / mustard green/ radish/ jalapeno

Second Course

2011 Tempranillo by Bodegas Tridente

Morcilla / pallea rice cake / shrimp / cilantro crema

Third Course

2012 Atteca (100% Garnacha) by Bodegas Ateca

Roast venison / curried cauliflower puree / lacinato kale/casis demi glace

Entrée

2011 “La Atalaya” (Granacha, Monastrell) by Bodegas Atalaya

Marinated sirloin flap/fried suchokes/compound butter

Dessert

El Maestro Sierra, Pedro Ximenez Sherry

Chocolate-sherry souffle

$69 per person for five courses and pairings.

Reservations are limited, please call 973-233-1006 to book your seats now!!

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , ,
6 February 2014 Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

February 6, 2014 By

South Hemisphere WinesLast night, I participated in a #WineChat event on Twitter. The featured wines were from the southern hemisphere, specifically New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The three white wines were described as “Summer Sippers”.

I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the story is:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to share the wine and experience with you (or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer if you prefer).
  • Sip and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other tasters around the world using the designated hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Here are my tasting notes from the three featured wines – Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Graffigna Pinot Grigio from Argentina and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Riesling from Australia:

2012 Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio

Light in color with a hint of green. This is a light, easy drinking, sipping wine with a floral nose and a bright, fresh citrus palate. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed tropical fruit flavors that I enjoyed.

Pairings: Delicate fish, seafood, served as an aperitif

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Tulum Valley, Argentina

Price: $11

2013 Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc

For fans of cool label marketing, this is a winner. The bottle is just so pretty. This is the ultimate light wine, nearly clear in color in the bottle. There are light lemony and grassy aromas and ripe Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zippy, zesty citrus note. At 88 calories per pour at 9% alcohol – bridal shower-ready wine.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon blanc

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Price: $15

2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

Pale greenish in the glass with a citrusy, light caramel nose. Big fruit, little jammy plum, nice minerality with a little oak. This isn’t your buttery oak bomb. I tend to like this lightly oaked style. Could be interesting with some cellaring.

Pairings: Spicy dishes (Thai, Indian, Mexican), pork  

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Adelaide Hills, Australia

Price: $15

These three bottles were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Argentina, Australia, Chardonnay, Food & Wine Events, New Zealand, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
5 February 2014 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort

New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort

February 5, 2014 By
Photo Credit - Crystal Springs Resort

Photo Credit – Crystal Springs Resort

Tickets are now available for the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort being held from March 28th through March 30th. New York acclaimed and James Beard Award winning chef David Bouley is this year’s Guest of Honor.

The three-day event is a celebration of the world’s best wines and renowned local and national chefs, benefiting the James Beard Foundation. The weekend’s events (see full list below) are designed to allow food and wine lovers to meet and mingle with chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and fellow wine aficionados.

Tickets are now available at http://www.njwinefoodfest.com

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , ,
28 January 2014 Valentine’s Day at Chakra

Valentine’s Day at Chakra

January 28, 2014 By

Chakra dining roomOne of New Jersey’s most romantic and delicious dining destinations, Chakra (144 W. State Rte 4, Paramus, NJ, 201-556-1530, www.chakrarestaurant.com, @ChakraNJ), with its waterfall, Cambodian friezes, candle lighting and plush booths enveloped in shimmery organza for privacy, is one of the most popular tables for Valentine’s Day.

This year, Chakra will be serving a 4-course Valentine’s Day menu Feb. 14 – 16. The prix-fixe offers many choices, including favorite dishes from Chef Thomas Ciszak’s acclaimed menu including his signature Horseradish Crusted Crabcake, Licorice Glazed Pork Belly Confit, Chili-Cinnamon Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with potato wrapped shrimp, Surf & Turf of filet of beef and lobster tail, and TC Steak with the chef’s own TC Steak Sauce. Vegetarians aren’t left out – Grilled Marinated Tofu with bok choy and coconut-pumpkin broth brings an Asian flavor to the meal while the Vegetarian Eggplant Tartwith Sacred Chow tofu and tomato bell pepper coulis is a hearty entrée. Dessert gives diners a chance to indulge their romantic sides by dipping marshmallows, fresh fruit and homemade cookies into a Valrhona Chocolate Fondue, as well as enjoy Valrhona Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding orPeanut Dacqouise with caramelized bananas. The full menu is listed below.

Chakra’s Valentine’s Dinner Menu is $89 (tax and gratuity additional) and will be served each night February 14 – 16. Reservations can be made by calling 201-556-1530.

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , ,
24 January 2014 Recap – Escape Best of the Jersey Seashore Charity Dinner

Recap – Escape Best of the Jersey Seashore Charity Dinner

January 24, 2014 By
Scallops

Scallops

Every month, Escape in Montclair hosts charity wine dinners to benefit cancer research in New Jersey. The January charity wine dinner was last week and featured amazing food Escape Chef Bryan Gregg and acclaimed Chef Anthony Bucco of The Ryland Inn. This month’s event benefited the Carol G Simon Cancer Center of Morristown and 50% of the evening’s proceeds were donated. The co-hosted showcased the Best of the Jersey Seashore. Here’s the menu and wines that were served:

Amuse-Bouche

Jersey Oyster Crème, Pine Needles, Horseradish – Chef Gregg

1st Course

Fluke Crudo, Roots, Mustard– Chef Bucco

Cava Compliments of The Ryland Inn

2nd Course

Scallop, Smoked Pear, Chestnut, Acorn Squash – Chef Gregg

2012 Wilde Farm Wines Pinot Noir Donnelly Creek Vineyard

Oyster

Oyster

3rd Course

Skate Wing Roulade, Almonds, Greens – Chef Bucco

2012 Wilde Farm Wines Chardonnay Brosseau Vineyard Chalone

4th Course

Tuna, Quail Egg, Curly Mustard, Mushroom Dashi – Chef Gregg

2012 Wilde Farm Wines Heritage Bedrock Vineyard

5th Course

”Apple & Spices” – Chef Bucco

Tokaji Compliments of The Ryland Inn

Skate

Skate

The next event was announced already and will take place at Escape on 2/26 at 7pm and will be co-hosted by one of my favorite New Jersey chefs, Thomas Ciszak of Chakra in Paramus. The February event will again raise money for the Carol G Simon Cancer Center of Morristown and I’m looking forward to sampling with these two chefs have in store for us. Seating is limited and a table can be reserved by calling Escape at 973-744-0712.

Cheers,

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
15 January 2014 Orange & Olive Chef’s Table Announces the Launch of its First Cooking Class

Orange & Olive Chef’s Table Announces the Launch of its First Cooking Class

January 15, 2014 By

Orange-64Orange and Olive owners, Chef Sam Fertik and Aaron Nemani, are pleased to announce the launch of Cook & Dine (Just add Wine), their first hands-on cooking classes in their state-of-the-art kitchen.  Participants will learn to cook like a pro, gaining new recipes and techniques.

In this first lesson, guests will create a beautiful four-course winter-themed dinner with Chef Sam’s guidance. Once dinner is completed they will sit-down and enjoy their culinary creations. The class and dinner are BYOB, so participants are encouraged to bring their own wine or beer. Perfect timing to show off their new culinary skills for Valentine’s Day!

DATE/TIME:

Tuesday, January 28, 7:30-10pm

PRICE:

$79 + 20% Service Charge

LOCATION:

398 Central Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey 

REGISTER:

http://orangeandolivecaterers.com/event-registration/?ee=193 or call 866-247-2520 

Space is available on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is required.  No age restriction.  

www.orangeandolivecaterers.com

 

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page