Robby Younes on Wine Enthusiast’s 2018 40 Under 40

Robby Younes on Wine Enthusiast’s 2018 40 Under 40

Crystal Springs Resort’s Robby Younes (a Passaic County resident) has been named one of Wine Enthusiast’s 2018 40 Under 40 Tastemakers! The Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 list recognizes the winemakers, beverage directors, brewers, grape growers, and other movers and shakers who are changing today’s beverage industry – he is the only tastemaker from New Jersey this year! The print issue announcing this year’s Tastemakers will be out in October.

Photo credit Scott McDermott

For more than a decade, Robby has overseen the renowned Crystal Springs wine program. Since 2008, his career path at Crystal Springs Resort has led from Director of Food & Beverage to Wine Director and Vice President of Hospitality and Resort C.O.O. but along the way he has continued to build the award-winning wine program, which holds Wine Spectator’s highest honor, the Grand Award, and was recently inducted in the Wine Enthusiast Restaurant Hall of Fame. Though the Wine Cellar is known for its collection of Bordeaux, Burgundy and California wines, in recent years Robby has looked to new regions, becoming a passionate advocate for up-and-coming wine regions like Georgia and his native Lebanon.

Educated in France, Robby spent years working in renowned boutique hotels as well as for Starwood and Hilton. He rose quickly through the ranks to become an executive in his mid-twenties. In 2008, he joined Crystal Springs Resort as Food & Beverage Director of Grand Cascades Lodge. He worked closely with owner Gene Mulvihill to expand the Wine Cellar, building it into the foremost collection of fine wines in the country. As Regional F&B Director and Wine Director, Robby reinvigorated the entire restaurant portfolio, personally overseeing the appointment of new chefs for the Resort and four-star Restaurant Latour, as well as opening Chef’s Garden, a unique garden to table seasonal dining experience.

More on Robby and his latest accolade:  www.winemag.com/content/40-under-40-2018-robby-younes/

Crystal Springs Resort – 

Tulum Vibe at Gitano NYC

With roots dating back to 2014 in Tulum, Grupo Gitano (https://grupogitano.com) is traveling the world, on a mission to wow and delight patrons. “Gitano”, which translates from Spanish to “gypsy”, brings the Tulum jungle to Hudson Square with palm trees and open fire Mexican fare.

jugnle room main image.jpg

Photo by Grupo Gitano

The ambiance is set to gypsy-disco Gitano music and the design concept is nomadic tropical minimalism with a primary dining bar covered by a custom Bedouin tent. There are also two banquette-lined dining decks and an uncovered outer lounge with marble cocktail tables.

Executive Chef and Partner Yvan Lemoine’s food is cooked on open fire and the menu is designed for a shared dining experience. Snacks range from guacamole to zucchini blossom quesadillas. Small plates favorites are the ceviche, the pork belly carnitas tacos and the grilled avocado. Large plates consist of items like carne asada and fire roasted organic chicken. A grab-and-go café, G Café, will also serve diners at the front of the property.

Gitano NYC will be open through fall 2018, when the group will pack up the tent to seek a new, warmer location.

Gitano NYC – 76 Varick Street, New York, NY, 10013

Tour of Spain Wine Dinner at Spuntino in Clifton

Tour of Spain Wine Dinner at Spuntino in Clifton

Seared Mackerel Fillet

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (http://spuntinowinebar.com), which specializes in small plates dining of Italian classics with a modern twist, is hosting a Tour of Spain Wine Dinner at its location in the Clifton Commons on Thursday, July 26 at 7pm.

Spain, which is known for bold reds, crisp whites and distinctive sparkling and fortified wines, is the third largest producer of wine in the world. Chef de Cuisine Michel Desjardins has created a five-course tasting menu paired with Spanish wines to celebrate the world-class wines produced in the region.

 The full menu includes:

  • Fried Mussels – Saffron red peppers coulis. Paired with Señorio de Sobral Albariño.
  • Seared Mackerel Fillet – Orange fennel salad. Paired with Solnia Tempranillo.
  • Lamb Chop – Mustard-crusted lamb chop, smashed purple potato. Paired with Mas de Victor Crianza.
  • Braised Veal Cheek – Asiago creamy polenta. Paired with Zekor Tinto Garnacha.
  • Manchego Cheese  Peach, yellow pepper marmalade. Paired with Solnia Old Vines Monastrell.

Braised Veal Cheek

Tickets for the Tour of Spain Wine Dinner are $69 per person and can be purchased online by visiting http://spuntinowinebar.com/tour-of-spain-wine-dinner-clifton/   

Spuntino – 70 Kingsland Road, Clifton, NJ 07014.

Cheers,

Veronique

Sokol Blosser Farm and Forage Experience

Sokol Blosser Farm and Forage Experience

On a recent trip to the Willamette Valley, I had the pleasure of visiting Sokol Blosser, one of Oregon’s oldest and largest wineries. To add to my first time visit, I reserved the Farm and Forage wine-paired luncheon and highly recommend the experience.

About Sokol Blosser

Founded in 1971 by Bill and Susan Sokol Blosser, the popular winery saw its first vines planted in the Dundee Hills when there was literally no established Oregon wine industry.

The Sokol Blosser family set out to grow and produce the finest Pinot Noir and soon became pioneers in modern-day Oregon wine country. Now, the second generation of Sokol Blosser, Winemaker Alex Sokol Blosser and sister Alison Sokol Blosser, CEO, is at the helm keeping the ‘good to the earth’ mantra of the winery which practices certified-organic farming on 86 planted acres. The family’s commitment towards sustainability, biodiversity and sustainable business practices are felt throughout the winery, including its LEED-certified underground barrel cellar.

The winery’s 128 acres provide fruit to produce 80,000 cases of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling under the Sokol Blosser brand name. White blend, red blend, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine are crafted under the brand name Evolution (see https://evolutionwine.com for complete details).

About the Farm & Forage Lunch

My Seat at Kitchen Table

With his Farm & Forage culinary experience, Sokol Blosser Executive Chef, Henry Kibit, creates six bites to be paired with six wines. This is a great way to fully appreciate the wines whose flavors are heightened with food. The fun part, our group of five diners/wine tasters sat at a counter in the kitchen to watch the magic happen. The experience is available for up to eight guests.

The kitchen staff follows the winery mantra, “good to the earth” and sources ingredients for the various winery menus from local purveyors and also forages on the property for mushrooms, nettles, salad greens and much more.  

Farm & Forage is currently offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:00pm. During the busy summer months, July through October, Sokol Blosser offers a second time slot on Saturdays, so the experience is available at 11am and 2pm.

The cost of the lunch including wine is $75 per person or $60 or 1,800 points for Cellar Club members. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Sokol Blosser. 

These are the lovely wines we tasted along with the food we enjoyed. Note that the menu changes based on the products available to Chef Kibit.

Evolution Brut Sparkling ($20)

Creamy texture, juicy green/Fiji apple flavors with a bit of lemon on the crisp finish. Just a perfect summer sparkler and I couldn’t keep from ordering a case for patio parties.

This was the welcome wine when I arrived for the lunch.

2017 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

100% Pinot Noir, 100% from estate-grown, organic grapes. Wild strawberry on the nose. Strawberry continues on the palate with pink grapefruit on the finish. Vibrant acidity that’s screaming for food.

Paired with: Purple sprouting broccoli, oil cured olive, roe, Belper Knolle.

2016 Dundee Hills Pinot Blanc ($22)

On the palate are green apple and peach flavors with a bit of Meyer lemon on the finish. Great minerality – nice pairing with the halibut.

Paired with: Halibut, ramp, nettle, chervil.

2014 Thistle Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir ($38)

Good transition wine between white and bolder reds. Medium red with pale pink on the edge of the wine glass rim. Bright cherry on the nose with earthy, chocolate notes. Red fruit/berry flavors with earthy notes and firm tannins on the finish.

Paired with: Raab, turnip, egg.

2014 Big Tree Block Pinot Noir ($70)

100% Pinot Noir, 100% from estate-grown, organic grapes. Bright acidity on this wine – cherry on the nose and palate with citrusy finish.

Paired with: Lamb, Za’atar, spinach, cattail.

2015 Twelve Row Block Estate Pinot Noir ($60)

This is much bigger Pinot Noir than I’m accustomed to and really enjoyed it. It’s bold with chocolate-coated ripe cherry flavors and tobacco notes.

Paired with: NY Strip, yellowfoot, hazelnut, brown butter.

2014 Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir ($50)

100% pinot noir. What a treat this pale pink rosé bubbly was with our dessert. Fine mousse-like bubbles, light strawberry flavors and a crisp, dry finish. A nicely-made, method Champenoise sparkling wine.

Paired with: Chocolate (dark/milk), flowers.

If you’ve not been to Oregon wine country, Sokol Blosser is a must-visit and the Farm & Forage experience is not to pass up.

About the Location and Tasting Room Hours

Tasting Room hours: Daily from 10am-4pm.

5000 Sokol Blosser Lane, Dayton, Oregon. www.sokolblosser.com

Cheers,

Veronique

Spuntino Wine Bar to Host Sparkling Wine Dinner June 21

Spuntino Wine Bar to Host Sparkling Wine Dinner June 21

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, specializing in small plates that put modern twists on Italian classics and fine wines from around the world, invites guests to enjoy its Sparkling Wine Dinner at its location in the Clifton Commons on Thursday, June 21 at 7:00pm.

Seared Scallops

Chef de Cuisine Michel Desjardins has developed a five-course tasting menu paired with an international selection of sparkling wines to help ring in the summer with effervescence and vitality. The full menu includes:

  • Peach Foie Gras – Grilled peach, seared foie gras, slivered almond, Melba crostini. Paired with Poema Cava (Spain).
  • Seared Scallops – Butternut squash purée, toasted coconut. Paired with Luca Paretti Spumante Rosé (Italy).
  • Mustard Roasted Pork Loin – Squash polenta. Paired with Domaine Carneros (Napa, California).
  • Seared Duck Breast – Turnip purée and medjool date jus. Paired with G.H. Mumm Champagne Blanc de Blancs Mumm de Cramant (France).
  • Chocolate Crème Brulee – House-made salted caramel, dark chocolate. Paired with Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut Yellow Label (France).

Chocolate Caramel Creme Brulee

Tickets for the Sparkling Wine Dinner are $79 per person and can be purchased online by visiting http://spuntinowinebar.com/sparkling-wine-dinner-clifton/

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas -70 Kingsland Road, Clifton, NJ 07014  spuntinowinebar.com 

Nutella Filled Wine Glazed Doughnuts at Spuntino Wine Bar June 1

Nutella Filled Wine Glazed Doughnuts at Spuntino Wine Bar June 1

On Friday, June 1, for one day only, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (spuntinowinebar.com) will bring back its red wine-glazed doughnut in celebration of National Doughnut Day.

This year, the Clifton, NJ and Garden City, NY locations of Spuntino is adding a bit of a twist to up the ante – the Red Wine-Glazed Doughnut will feature homemade doughnuts stuffed with creamy, rich Nutella, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled in a Montepulciano red wine glaze and plated atop a sweet Crème Anglaise.

About Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas specializes in small plates that put modern twists to Italian classics, featuring a chef-driven, scratch-made menu that incorporates fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. To complement its menu, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas has an extensive list of over 150 world class wines available by the bottle, with more than 50 wines by the glass. 

NJ Beer & Food Festival June 15-17 at Crystal Springs

NJ Beer & Food Festival June 15-17 at Crystal Springs

The 9th Annual New Jersey Beer & Food Festival will take place on Father’s Day weekend, June 15-17, at Crystal Springs Resort (https://www.crystalgolfresort.com). Three days of festivities include pop-up beer tastings, a golf tournament, Father’s Day Brunch and the signature Beer Festival grand tasting with over 200 brews, open-fire cooked meats, live music and more.

NJ Beer & Food FestivalFriday June 15

On Friday June 15, the festivities kick off with pop-up beer tastings throughout the resort 3pm – 9pm and the launch party for Samuel Adams’ Sam ’76 release in the Crystal Tavern 10pm – 1am with Samuel Adams specials, live music and more.

Saturday June 16

On Saturday June 16, the Brews & Birdies golf tournament kicks off the day at 9am on Crystals Springs’ Wild Turkey course. The tournament will feature 18 holes of golf with craft beer tastings on select holes and prizes for the top scorers. Registration for the golf tournament can be made at GolfGenius.com and includes admission to the festival tasting later that day.

Saturday’s showcase event is the grand tasting from 3pm – 7pm under a soaring tent where beer aficionados can sample over 200 brews. Crystal Springs’ culinary team will grill delicious Berkshire pork, homemade sausages, pulled pork and more over open fire pits. Live music by The Benjamins. Activities for all ages include human foosball and hot air balloon rides. Tickets are $75 for general admission & $100 for VIP which includes early admission at 2pm.

Afterwards, the fun continues at the Festival After Party from 7pm – Midnight on the Biosphere Lawn with a live DJ, party games and a cash bar featuring Corona, Red Bull & Absolut Elyx.

NJ Beer & Food FestivalSunday June 17

On Sunday June 17 – Father’s Day – Dads who love beer and brunch can head to the Brews Brunch in the Chef’s Garden, which offers a unique “garden-to-table” al fresco dining experience. Guests will enjoy family style dishes paired with beers from Great Lakes Brewing. Two seatings are available at 10am and 12:30pm. The menu with beer pairings is $39 for Adults (tax & gratuity additional), food menu is $19 for kids 11 & under.

Tickets for Beer Festival events are available at www.njbeerfoodfest.com

Chester Food Truck & Music Festival May 5

Chester Food Truck & Music Festival May 5

The Chester Food Truck & Music Festival (http://justjerseyfest.com) will take place on May 5 at the Municipal Field in Chester, NJ. The event is a benefit for the Chester First Aid Squad and Chester Food Pantry.

Sample the finest gourmet food while immersed in the sounds of incredible bands and enjoying a multitude of fantastic family activities. The Chester Festival will feature over 25 trucks. Offering everything from American fare to Colombian, Lobster rolls, Artisan Pizzas, Korean, Empanadas, Tacos, BBQ, Cuban Sandwiches, Steak, Sliders, Wings, Mac & Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Belgian Waffles, Cheesecake, Cupcakes and so much more including a Craft Beer & Sangria Bar featuring libations from Flying Fish. Firestone Walker, Victory, Red & White Señor Sangria.and Dos Equis.

List of trucks currently signed-up to participate:

Angry Archies
Bacon Me Crazy
Bearded One BBQ
Cheezen LLC
Cherries on Top
Chick Wings & Things
El Lechon de Negron
Glazed & Confused Donuts
Good Mood Food Truck
Have a Ball
House of Cupcakes
Jimmy Dawn’s
Kona Ice
Ma & Pa’s Tex Mex BBQ
Mac Truck NYC
Maddelenas Cheesecake Co.
Pizza Vita Restaurant
Pompier
Rolling Pita
Sauced and Rubbed
Soda City
Star of the Sea
Taxi Cab Burger
Thai Food Addict
The Flying Pie Guy
The Guac Spot
Zoelily Empanada
Waffle de Lys

 

The Musical Lineup:

11am – 1:30pm:  Auguste & Alden

1:30pm – 4:00pm: Stepping Stone Band

4:00pm – 7:00pm: The Atlanta Café Band

The Chester Food Truck & Music Festival is from 11am to 7pm and admission: $5 (kids under 10 FREE). Parking is free.

Chester Municipal Field – 134 Main Street, Chester, NJ.

Braun’s Tavern & Dining Room Officially Launches

Braun’s Tavern & Dining Room (www.facebook.com/BraunsTavern) is celebrating its official launch with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Bloomfield Center with Mayor Michael Venezia on April 25 at 4:30PM. 

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In celebration, Happy Hour specials will be available all evening on the 25th at Braun’s Tavern & Dining Room, 289 Glenwood Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ.

About Braun’s Tavern & Dining Room:

Braun’s Tavern & Dining Room is Chef Michael Fiorianti’s new endeavor in the former Satis restaurant space, reinventing a former Bloomfield Center historic prohibition era tavern, Braun’s Tavern & Cocktail Room, into a modern-day chef-driven casual neighborhood spot where area residents can gather with friends and family to enjoy a great meal and beverages. His approachable, creative dishes use locally sourced, farm fresh ingredients to pay homage to comfort classics.  A place for everyone where guests can relax and enjoy lunch, dinner, happy hour and brunch seated in the dining room or at the 40-foot-long bar.  The emphasis is on house-made here at Braun’s where pastas are handcrafted, meats are masterfully prepared, and accompaniments are flavorful and freshly made.

Top New Jersey Restaurants Celebrating Mother’s Day

Top New Jersey Restaurants Celebrating Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is one of the most booked days for restaurants. Many New Jersey restaurants are offering brunch and dinner specials so you can treat the moms in your lives to a very special meal.

Here are some local restaurants offering special Mother’s Day menus. 

Bergen County

Chakra (www.chakrarestaurant.com  144 Route 4, Paramus, NJ) will offer a 3-course prix fixe menu for $49 from 12pm – 8pm with a complimentary glass of Champagne. Call 201-556-1530 to reserve.

Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar (www.havenedgewater.com  2 Main St, Edgewater, NJ 07020) will offer a 3-course menu from 11:30am – 8pm for $75.

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern (http://hohokusinn.com  1 E. Franklin Tpke., Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ) will offer a grand buffer with seatings at 10am (no alcohol served due to Blue Laws), 12pm and 2pm for $39.95 pp adults (*Includes complimentary unlimited Mimosa or Bloody Mary) and $14.95 pp children 10 & under.  Reservations required, call 201-445-4115.

Orama (www.orama.com  595 River Road, Edgewater, NJ 07020) will offer a 3-course prix fixe brunch menu from 11am to 2:30pm for $62 +tax & gratuity and 3-course prix fixed menu from 2:30pm to 8:30pm for $75 +tax & gratuity. Call 201-945-2020 for reservations. 

Essex County

Restaurant Lorena’s (www.restaurantlorena.com  168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040) will offer a 2-course menu starting at $55 and a child’s menu at $38 served from 11:30am – 6:30pm. Call 973-763-4460 to reserve.

Hudson County

Amanda’s (http://amandasrestaurant.com  908 Washington Street, Hoboken will offer a brunch 10:30am / 11:00am & 12:30pm / 1:00pm for $39.50 three course prix-fixe menu + tax, gratuity & beverages and also a dinner 3:00pm / 3:30pm, 5:00pm / 5:30pm & 7:00pm for $60 three course prix-fixe menu + tax, gratuity & beverages. Call to make a reservation 201-798-0101.

Choc∙O∙Pain French Bakery & Café is offering NEW baking classes at its downtown Hoboken location make a great Mother’s Day gift for the moms who love to bake or would like to get more advanced in their skills. Choose from three classes:Artisan Bread Baking, Macarons and Croissant. $90/pp, $170 for two and $250 for three.

private-dining-lh

Photo: Liberty House

Liberty House (https://libertyhouserestaurant.com  76 Audrey Zapp Dr. Jersey City, NJ 07305) will offer a Mother’s Day buffet from 11am – 6pm for $57 per person, $25 per child. For reservation, call 201-395-0300.

Middlesex County

Stage Left Steak (www.stageleft.com  5 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ) will offer a special brunch from 10:30am – 11:45am for $39.95 pp and $19.95 children and a la carte dinner from 1pm – 9pm. Call 732-828-4444 for reservations.

Monmouth County

Restaurant Nicholas (www.restaurantnicholas.com 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701) will offer several enticing menus for Mother’s day and each mother will be gifted a box of its homemade macaroons. 3-Course Tasting Menu- $80, 4-Course Garden Tasting Menu- $80, 6-Course Tasting Menu- $100 ($160 with wine) and Children’s Menu- $32. Tax and gratuity not included. Reserve at 732-345-9977.

Morris County

Blue Morel Restaurant & Wine Bar (http://bluemorel.com  2 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960) will offer a 3-course menu for $68 per adult and $34 per child under 12 with seatings from 12:00pm to 9:00pm. The Wine Room is also available for parties up to 18 guests. For reservations and more information call 973-451-2619.

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen (www.jockeyhollowbarandkitchen.com  110 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960) will offer a prix fixe brunch and dinner menu in the Oyster Bar, Vail Bar, and daPesca for $49 adults and $25 children plus tax and gratuity and the Rathskeller will offer both brunch for $42 – adults and $25 – children and dinner for $52 – adults and $25 – children plus tax and gratuity. Call 973-644-3180 for reservations.

Passaic County

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub (http://theshannonrose.com  98 Kingsland Road, Clifton, NJ and 1200 Route 17, Ramsey, NJ) will host a Mother’s Day brunch from 11am – 3pm at its Clifton and Ramsey locations. The cost is $32 for adults (price includes coffee and tea), $14 for children.

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (http://spuntinowinebar.com  70 Kingsland Road, Clifton) will offer its special Spring Truffle menu in addition to its standard menu on Mother’s Day.

Somerset County

Photo: Stage House Tavern

Ninety Acres (www.natirar.com/ninety_acres  2 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, NJ 07977) will serve a special 3-course meal from 12pm – 5:00pm. To make reservations, call 908-901-4701.

Olde Mill Inn & Grain House Restaurant (www.oldemillinn.com  225 Hwy 202, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920) will offer a buffet from 9:30am – 3:30pm. $56 Adults, $24 Children Ages 4-11, 20% Service Charge & Sales Tax Apply. Reservations required 908-696-2335.

Stage House Tavern (www.stagehousetavern.com  1719 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ) will offer a brunch from 11am – 2pm that includes unlimited visits to our buffet for $21.95 – adults and $13.95 – children plus tax and gratuity. Call 732-873-3990 for reservations.

Sussex County

Andre’s Restaurant (www.dresrealfood.com  112 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta, NJ 07871) will offer multi-course meals from 1pm – 5pm; 3 courses $42, 4 courses  $52, 5 courses $62, kids menu $15. Call 973-726-6000 for reservations.

Photo: Crystal Springs Resort.

Crystal Springs Resort (www.crystalgolfresort.com  1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419) will offer Mother’s Day specials at its various restaurants and ballrooms to please all moms. Options include Emerald Ballroom Mother’s Day Brunch (12 & over; $62pp9++; 4-11; $25pp++; Under 4 FREE), Crystal Tavern 3-Course Mother’s Day Brunch ($43pp++), Diamond Ballroom Mother’s Day Brunch (12 & over; $42.95pp++; 4-11; $19.95pp++; Under 4 FREE), Black Bear Mother’s Day Brunch (12 & over; $39.95++; 4-11; $17.95pp++; Under 4 FREE). Call 855-977-6473 for reservations.

Perona Farms (www.peronafarms.com  350 Andover Sparta Road, Andover, New Jersey 07821) will offer a dinner buffet from 11am – 5pm for $50.95 per person and $19.95 children under 12. Reservations are required at 973-729-6161.

Union County

Grand Summit Hotel (http://www.grandsummit.com  570 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901) will offer brunch from 11:00am – 4:00pm for $69.95* per Adult / $24.95* per Child (4 – 12 Years Old), Children 3 and Under: FREE. *Prices exclude service charge and tax. Reservations required, please call 908-273-3000 ext 168.

Is your restaurant celebrating Mother’s Day? Please message us and we’ll add you to our list!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Veronique