CRAWFISH FEST
From May 30 through June 1, see five tons of live crawfish cooked before your eyes at Michael Arnone’s Nineteenth Annual Crawfish Fest at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta.

Openings

Gertrude’s, 7309 Ventnor Ave, Ventnor (609-823-3003).
Gyro House (takeout), 246 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell (201-599-9299).
Joe’s Java, 302 Ridge Rd, Lyndhurst (201-372-0250).
Melange @ Haddonfield, 18 Tanner St, Haddonfield (856-354-1333); BYO.
Mexicali Rose has reopened under new management at 10 Park St, Montclair (973-746-9005); BYO.

5/11: A three-course dinner with live music will be held at the Mad Batter, 19 Jackson St, Cape May. 7:30 PM; $60. For reservations call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.

The following restaurants will be open on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11):

Arthur’s Landing, 1 Pershing Road at Port Imperial, Weehawken, will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu. 11:30 AM to 7 PM; $55 plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. A children’s menu (ages twelve and under) will also be available; $17.50. For reservations call 201-867-0777.

Chefs on the Move

Neil Elsohn is the chef/owner of Gertrude’s, 7309 Ventnor Ave, Ventnor (609-823-3003).
 
Shadee Holden is the chef de cuisine at Melange @ Haddonfield, 18 Tanner St, Haddonfield 856-354-1333); BYO.

Joe Stoner is the executive chef at Mexicali Blues, 1409 Queen Anne Rd, Teaneck (201-833-0011).

Gary's Wine (and much more)
New Jersey’s largest wine market has opened. Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, 1308 Route 23 North, Wayne (973-633-3900), has 24,000 square feet for you to browse.

Openings

Beacon on the Bay, 1 Willow St, Highlands (732-872-1450).
Indigo Smoke Q (previously known as Indigo Smoke), 387 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair (973-744-3440).
Perlin’s Kosher Vegetarian, 2442 Rt 38, Cherry Hill (856-755-1116).
Salt: A Gastropub, 109 Rt 206, Byram (973-347-7258).
Sushi Samurai, 57 Kinderkamack Rd, Westwood (201-666-0990).
Vienna Inn, 920 W White Horse Pike, Galloway (609-965-0457).

5/5: A six-course cooking demonstration will be held at Harvest Bistro, 252 Schraalenburgh Rd, Closter. 6:30 to 9:30 PM; $70. For reservations call 201-750-9966.



The following restaurants will be open on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11):

Arthur’s Landing, 1 Pershing Road at Port Imperial, Weehawken, will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu. 11:30 AM to 7 PM; $55 plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. A children’s menu (ages twelve and under) will also be available; $17.50. For reservations call 201-867-0777.

Chefs on the Move

Bradley Boyle is the chef/owner of Salt: A Gastropub, 109 Rt 206, Byram (973-347-7258).

Robert Trainor is the executive assistant manager of food and beverage at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, New York City.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
The Embankment, 234 10th Street, Jersey City, recently opened under executive chef Bryan Gregg. Some “I want to try that” items on the seasonal American menu are: roasted littleneck clams with bacon; charcuterie plate; roasted black cod; and lamb loin with broccolini flowers and pureed yams. For reservations call 201-222-6115.

OPENINGS

Backwoods BBQ & Grill, 301 Center Ave, Westwood (201-383-0368).
Crème de la Crepes, 12-56 River Rd, Fair Lawn (201-791-0005).
L’Aragosta Ristorante, 16 Chestnut St, Ridgewood (201-444-9499).
LoBianco New American Cuisine has moved from Margate to 2 Powell Ln, Collingswood (856-854-4500); BYO.
Myung Dong, 452B Broad Ave, Palisades Park (201-947-1025).

5/1: A Chefs Gala black-tie event to benefit Table to Table will be held at the Alpine Country Club, 80 Anderson Ave, Demarest. Chef André Soltner will be the guest of honor. 6:30 PM; $300. For more information and tickets call 201-444-5500.

BERNARDS INN OVERNIGHT SPECIAL

From May 1 through 31, the Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, is offering a special Dine and Design package in celebration of the Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Garden Tour, an annual fundraising event to support the Women’s Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital. The package includes overnight accommodations, a three-course gourmet dinner on the evening of your stay, a leisurely breakfast in the conservatory the following morning, a Mansion in May tote bag filled with special gifts from selected Bernardsville merchants, and tickets to the event. Prices are $395 per couple Sundays through Fridays and $495 per couple on Saturdays, based on double occupancy, with a portion of the fee donated to the Women’s Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital. For more information and reservations call 908-766-0002.

CHEFS ON THE MOVE

Jay Lippin is the executive chef at Backwoods BBQ & Grill, 301 Center Ave, Westwood (201-383-0368).
Arsen Mirochnik is the executive chef at Crème de la Crepes, 12-56 River Rd, Fair Lawn (201-791-0005).
Craig Shelton is the executive chef at Ome Caterers, Whippany (973-560-4540).

TASTE OF THE NATION EVENTS
On April 28, a charity event, Taste of the Nation Princeton, will be held at the Westin Princeton, Forrestal Village, Princeton, to benefit Share Our Strength, a nonprofit group that strives to end hunger in the U.S. and abroad. More than 40 area restaurants and leading purveyors of specialty foods, fine wines, and spirits will showcase their culinary talents and products. 6 PM; advance tickets $85; tickets at the door, if available, $95. For tickets call 1-877-26TASTE or visit www.tasteofthenation.org/princeton.

OPENINGS

Acoustics in the Attic at David Burke Fromagerie, 26 Ridge Rd, Rumson (732-842-8088).
Cheng Du 23, West Belt Plaza, 6 Willowbrook Rd, Wayne (973-812-2800); BYO.
China Spice, 839 Newark Ave, Jersey City (201-653-7742); BYO.
Fairmount Fish & Chips, 673 Main St, Hackensack (201-489-0455).

4/22: An Italian Wines of Piedmont tasting workshop will be held at Pierre’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, 995 Mount Kemble Ave, Morristown. Arrangements can be made to have dinner before the class. 7:30 PM; $48. For reservations call 973-425-1212.

4/22: A New Carolina Cuisine cooking demonstration with Chef Jesse Jones will be held at Harrar Cafe, 11 Village Plaza, South Orange. 5 to 7 PM; $25. To register call 973-580-2203.

HAVE IT YOUR WAY

It’s your choice at Stage House Restaurant and Wine Bar, 366 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, where you can have either a fine or a casual dining experience. For informal meals, the Tavern at Stage House, located in a barn built around 1790, serves rustic American fare and is a perfect alternative to chain restaurants. Try a whole grilled artichoke, mussels, a crock of spinach and crab dip, soup, salad, pasta, or an entrée such as fish and chips, pan-seared salmon, beef brisket, or smoked baby-back ribs. A kids’ menu is also available. On Thursday nights there’s live magic and sleight of hand, and Friday and Saturday nights bring live music. Before or after dinner, try your hand at darts or pool—both free.

FOOD AND WINE FROM DOWN UNDER
On April 25, feast on the foods and wines of New Zealand at a four-course Down Under wine dinner that will be held at the Mad Batter, 19 Jackson Street, Cape May. 7:30 PM; $70. For reservations call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.

OPENINGS

Closter Midam, 221 Closter Dock Rd, Closter (201-768-0693).

Fairmount Fish & Chips, 673 Main St, Hackensack (201-489-0455).

Legends Steakhouse, 118 Godwin Ave, Midland Park (201-445-2881).

4/20: A wine tasting, It Ain’t Just Chianti, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts will be held at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St, Cape May. 1 to 3 PM; $25. For more information and reservations call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.

MORTON’S, HACKENSACK
Morton’s the Steakhouse, Shops at Riverside, Hackensack, has introduced a Chilled Ocean Platter consisting of lobster, colossal shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crabmeat, oysters on the half shell, and Alaskan king crab legs. A Baked Ocean Platter featuring sea scallops wrapped in bacon, jumbo lump crab cakes, oysters Rockefeller, and colossal shrimp Alexander is also available. Dinner is served from 5:30 to 11 PM Mondays through Saturdays and 5 to 10 PM on Sundays. For reservations call 201-487-1303.

Tre Ghoshal is the new executive chef at Nero’s, 618 S Livingston Ave, Livingston (1-800-55-NEROS).

Karen Mitchell is the executive chef at William Douglas Steakhouse, 941 Haddonfield Rd, Cherry Hill  (856-665-6100).

Bruce Nubile is the chef at Legends Steakhouse, 118 Godwin Ave, Midland Park (201-445-2881).

RESTAURANT-INDUSTRY WORKERS, TAKE NOTE
On Mondays through April, Market in the Middle, 516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, is offering a 10 percent discount to all Asbury Park and restaurant-industry employees. For more information and reservations call 732-776-8886.

OPENINGS


Buho’s, 13 Kline’s Court, Lambertville (609-397-6767); BYO.
The Embankment, 234 10th St, Jersey City (201-222-6115).
Shish Kebab Corner, 71 Rt 46 W, Elmwood Park (973-230-8743).
Cafe Cubano, 365 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights (201-257-8693).

FOOD EVENTS

4/8: An Old World vs. New World wine tasting will be held at City Vino, 33-35 Hudson St, Jersey City. 7 PM; $35. For reservations call 201-333-5520.

4/9: A Clos du Bois wine tasting will be held at Mama Giola’s, 446-450 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair. 7 PM; $55 including tax and gratuity (a portion will be donated to the Red Cross). For reservations call 973-783-6262.

CASA DANTE, JERSEY CITY
On April 23, enjoy limited-production California wines and a six-course dinner at Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. Executive chef Gregg Freda will present the following menu:

Zucchini flower stuffed with ricotta and Asiago with basil cream sauce
(2005 Camelot Highlands Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley)

Chatham codfish cake topped with sweet and spicy pepperonata
(2005 Seco Highlands Pinot Noir, Monterey)

Antonio Goodman, former chef/owner of Fat Kat, Little Ferry, is now at Citrus Grille, Airmont, NY.

Bryan Gregg is the executive chef at the Embankment, 234 10th St, Jersey City (201-222-6115).

Michael Juliano is the executive chef at Docs, 191 Woodport Rd, Sparta (973-729-0555).

ARTHUR SCHWARTZ IN NJ

Arturo will make the following appearances:

On April 6, he’ll be at a cocktail reception, illustrated lecture, and signing of his new book, Jewish Home Cooking: Yiddish Recipes Revisited, at Congregation Anshe Emeth, 201 South Third Ave, Highland Park. There will be a VIP cocktail party from 5 to 6:30 PM and a lecture at 6:30 PM, followed by a tasting of recipes from the book. VIP cocktail party $118 per person, $218 per couple, including a copy of the book; lecture and tasting reception $60 per person, not including a copy of the book. To register call 732-545-6482.

OPENINGS

Delicious Heights, 428 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights (908-464-3287).
Gimmee Jimmy’s, 2110 Town Center Way, Livingston (800-454-6697).

4/2: An Italian wine pairing dinner will be held at Trattoria Rustica, 517 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair. 7:30 PM; $45. For reservations call Amanti Vino at 973-509-WINE.

4/9: A wine pairing dinner with winemaker Julie Belland from Domaine Roger will be held at Restaurant Passionne, 77 Walnut St, Montclair. 7:30 PM; $105. For reservations call 973-233-1006.

Here are some seafood markets/restaurants our food editor Rosalie Saferstein has found where you can have a casual fish dinner or purchase fish to cook at home.

CHOCOLATE LOVERS, TAKE NOTE
On April 6, the Annual Art of Chocolate event will be held at the Skylands at Randolph, 792 Route 10, Randolph, to benefit the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center. I will be a judge! 1 to 4 PM; $35. For more information call 908-453-4121 or log on to www.besafewc.org.

GOT STEAK?
From now until June 30, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack, is offering a special steak and seafood dinner for two for $99. The meal consists of two single-cut filets mignons plus a choice of two dishes in each of the following categories: Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp Alexander, or broiled sea scallops; Caesar salad or Morton’s salad; and Morton’s hot chocolate cake or key lime pie. For more information and reservations call 201-487-1303.

OPENINGS
March 2008

Cafe Cuba Libre, 36 Park Ave, Rutherford (201-438-7010); BYO.
Cubanu, 1467 Main St, Rahway (732-499-7100).

3/26: An organic wine dinner will be held at Theater Square Grill, 1 Center St, Newark. 6 PM; $95 all inclusive. For reservations call 973-642-1226.

3/27: A Greek wine dinner sponsored by the NJ Chapter of Women for WineSense will be held at After Athens Restaurant, 17 Park Ave, Rutherford. 7 to 9:30 PM; $65; members $55. For reservations call 201-963-4986.

The following restaurants will be open on Easter:

Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch, will present breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 22, starting at 8:30 AM with an Easter egg hunt and with breakfast from 9 to 11 AM; $22; children ages three to twelve $13; plus tax and 18 percent gratuity. An Easter-day brunch will be offered from 10 AM to 2 PM; $39.50; children ages three to twelve $19.50; plus tax and 18 percent gratuity. For reservations call 732-542-7790.

JR Belt is the chef at Stage Left (732-828-4444) and Catherine Lombardi (732-296-9463) restaurants, both in New Brunswick.

MONTCLAIR EATING SCENE
Want to know what’s going on in restaurant heaven, aka Montclair? On April 7, a restaurateur panel discussion, moderated by restaurant consultant and Montclair Times restaurant/food trends columnist Karen Schloss Diaz, will be held at the Adult School of Montclair; 7 to 9 PM; $15. To register call 973-746-6636 or log on to www.adultschool.org.

OPENINGS

Fumio, 21 E Northfield Ave, Livingston (973-740-8585); kosher, BYO (mevushal only).

Mediterranea, 578 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair (973-744-1300); BYO.

3/16: A five-course Alsace dinner will be offered at Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique, 188 Spring St, Newton. $45. For reservations call 973-300-4192.

3/19: A Wines From the Down Under tasting will be held at Classic Thyme Cooking School, 710 South Ave W, Westfield. 7 to 9:30 PM; $45. To register call 908-232-5050.

3/19: An evening of food, wine, and cooking demonstration with celebrity chef Sara Moulton will be held at the Ridgewood Women’s Club, 215 W Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, to benefit Kaley Smith, a local girl who is suffering from a debilitating brain disease. 7 PM; $100. For tickets call 201-262-5505.

CRAVE OPENS
There’s no longer any need to hunger after the cooking of Anthony LoPinto, as he is the executive chef at the newly opened Crave Restaurant & Lounge, 168 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield. Some items on the menu are: grilled mini American Kobe burgers with Cheddar and three dipping sauces; vegetarian sampler of hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, marinated olives, feta, and grilled pita; honey maple double-cut pork chop with red-wine-braised cabbage and Fuji apple sauce; pan-seared diver sea scallops with wild mushroom barley, pearl onions, and sweet potato sauce; linguine with roasted garlic, tomato, spinach, eggplant, capers, olives, white wine, and basil; and slow-grilled whole fish with olive oil, lemon, and sea salt. For reservations call 973-882-8700.

Jeff Carlson, formerly of Rat’s Restaurant, Hamilton, is the general manager at One 53, 153 Washington St, Rocky Hill (609-924-1019).

SAVE THE DATE
On April 6, the Annual Art of Chocolate event will be held at the Skylands at Randolph, 792 Route 10 West, Randolph, to benefit the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center. As always, I will be a judge! 1 to 4 PM; $35. For more information call 908-453-4121 or log on to www.besafewc.org.

OPENINGS
February 2008

9 North, 37 Berdan Ave, Wayne (973-832-4284); BYO. 
Luciano’s, 1579 Main St, Rahway (732-815-1200).

3/8: The St. Hubert’s Canine Cotillion, a charity gala for dogs and their people to benefit the St. Hubert’s animal shelters, will be held at Birchwood Manor, 111 N Jefferson Rd, Whippany. 7 PM; $250, which includes admission for one dog. For more information and reservations call 973-377-4962 or visit www.sthuberts.org.

NEW WINTER MENU

Executive chef Chris Bilyk from Theater Square Grill, 1 Center Street, Newark, is offering a new winter menu. Some dishes are: seared foie gras; peeky-toe crab salad with tuna sashimi; short rib tortellini; Berkshire pork shank with saffron risotto; and Colorado rack of lamb with sweet potato purée, roasted eggplant, and hedgehog mushrooms. Desserts include vanilla Bavarois fruit tart and pumpkin crème fraîche mousse layer cake. For reservations call 973-642-1226.

Josh Bernstein is the chef/owner of 9 North, 37 Berdan Ave, Wayne (973-832-4284); BYO.

LUNCH AT COPELAND
Executive chef Thomas Ciszak from Copeland, Westin Governor Morris, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, is offering the New York Steak House Experience, a prix-fixe lunch option that features Caesar salad or thick slices of beefsteak tomato with onions and crumbled blue cheese; 28-day-aged USDA-prime porterhouse steak for two, three, or four; and freshly baked seasonal streusel cake; $42. For reservations call 973-451-2619.
 

OPENINGS
February 2008

Aroma Palace Restaurant, 377 Broad St, Bloomfield (973-566-0099); BYO.
Bamboo Restaurant, 271 Livingston St, Northvale (201-750-2000); BYO.

3/3: A vodka and caviar tasting featuring Imperia vodka drinks and hors d’oeuvres that include Petrossian caviar will be held at Morton’s the Steakhouse, Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack. 6 to 7:30 PM; $45 including tax and gratuity.

3/5: A hands-on Appetizers cooking class will be held at the Brothers Moon, 7 W Broad St, Hopewell. 6:30 PM; $45. For reservations call 609-333-1330.

3/6: A Women of the Vine Cellars dinner will be held at Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 90 the Promenade, Edgewater. 6 to 10 PM; $95. For more information call 201-313-9463.

John Bendokas IV is the chef de cuisine at Frank’s Waterside, 7800B River Rd, North Bergen (201-861-0700).

February openings and closings from around the state.

CAPE MAY INFO

On February 23, take a self-guided Sweet Treats House Tour of Cape May and receive a signature sweet and recipe card from each of the five participating bed-and-breakfast inns. 1 to 3 PM; $20; children ages three to twelve $10. For more information and to register call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.

2/20: A hands-on Pastries cooking class will be held at the Brothers Moon, 7 W Broad St, Hopewell. 6:30 PM; $45. For reservations call 609-333-1330.

2/20: A cooking class will be held at Bacio Italian Cuisine, 2801 Rt 130 N, Cinnaminson. 6:30 PM; $45 plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 856-303-9100.

2/20: A five-course Rodney Strong wine dinner will be held at Cask 591, 591 Broadway, Long Branch. 7 PM; $75. For reservations call 732-571-8848. 

DINNER WITH PRESIDENT JOHN ADAMS

On February 21, dine with President John Adams (as portrayed by Joe Doyle of the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia) at the Grain House Restaurant at the Olde Mill Inn, 225 Route 202, Basking Ridge. The following authentic eighteenth-century menu will be presented: crayfish bisque; champagne-poached Seckel pear with Babablu cheese and French mâche; poached Atlantic halibut, hush puppies, collard greens, and hollandaise; roasted squab with rutabaga pudding and Delaware succotash; and pawpaw pots de crème. 6:30 PM; $65.  For reservations call 908-221-1150.

2/20: A hands-on pastries cooking class will be held at the Brothers Moon, 7 W Broad St, Hopewell. 6:30 PM; $45. For reservations call 609-333-1330.

The following restaurants will offer special dinners on February 14 or Valentine’s weekend.

2/11: A Barolo and Barbaresco wine tasting will be held at Park and Orchard, 240 Hackensack St, East Rutherford. 7 PM; $100 plus tax. For reservations call Buddy at 201-939-9292.

Grace Castagnetta is the head line cook at the Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis St, New Brunswick (732-846-3216).

OPENINGS

Bank 34, 34 Division St, Somerville (908-722-9995); BYO.
Bensi, Shoppes at Old Bridge, 3899 Rt 9, Old Bridge (732-970-0010).

1/28: A 2003 and 2004 Brunello wine tasting will be held at Park and Orchard, 240 Hackensack St, East Rutherford. 7 PM; $125 plus tax. For reservations call Buddy at 201-939-9292.

JERSEY CHEF AT THE BEARD HOUSE, NYC

Christopher Boyle is the executive chef at 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, 16 Prospect St, Westfield (908-232-7320).

2/2: Chef Jesse Jones of Heart & Soul Catering will present a free demo and tasting at Chef Central, 240 Rt 17 N, Paramus; noon. For more information call 201-576-0100.

On five Mondays beginning January 21, Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, will offer a series of wine classes, with a different region featured each week. The classes will include lectures and discussions, and students will sample wines in order to judge their appearance, aroma, taste, and finish. 7 to 9 PM; $695. For reservations call 732-828-4444.

1/20: The "Third Anniversary Celebration for Jimmy D's Firehouse Red" will be held at Harvest Moon Brewery, 392 George St, New Brunswick, to benefit the Connecticut Burns Foundation's Children's Burn Camp. 2 PM to closing. For more information call 732-249-6666.

The James Beard House, wine consultants, Jeffrey Haveson's Plan B, and five-course wine dinners.

Hot dogs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Bound Brook's Amazing Hot dog; a Holiday Leftover Do-Over in Moorestown, and wine tastings.

Dan Richer of Arturo's, Viking Culinary Center, Diane Carr of the Bernards Inn, The Cooking School at La Campagne, Robert Burns Supper and Celtic Celebration, and openings.