LORENA’S, MAPLEWOOD
Have you been to Lorena’s, 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood? This charming, romantic restaurant has exemplary service and sublime food. Chef Humberto Campos Jr. is currently serving some of the following items: Maine lump crabmeat, pickled mushroom, and red onion salad with marinated zucchini and citrus-ginger emulsion; warm duck confit with endive, apple, upland cress, Roquefort, port wine, and walnut dressing; ethereal gently cooked Scottish salmon with melted leeks, tomato confit “jam,” and black olive powder; Australian barramundi with orange-glazed beets and horseradish-beet emulsion; and braised beef short ribs with Brussels sprouts, confit fingerling potatoes, and Roquefort. For dessert, if available, try the best warm molten chocolate cake (topped with hazelnut ice cream) that I’ve had in a long time. About ten years ago, I was eating dinner at LouCa’s in Edison, and our waiter was so outstanding and so knowledgeable that I gave him my card and told him to call me if he ever opened a restaurant. It turns out that I gave my card to Humberto Campos Jr.! For reservations call 973-763-4460; BYO.
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MONET’S PALATE DOCUMENTARY ON TV
New Jersey-based producer Aileen Bordman’s documentary, Monet’s Palate, featuring artwork and delectable dishes created by artist Claude Monet, will air on PBS channel 13 on April 20 at 2:30 PM. The film was shot in Paris, London, and Giverny and includes guests Meryl Streep, Steve Wynn, and Joachim Pissarro as well as chefs Daniel Boulud, Alice Waters, Michel Richard, and Roger Vergé.
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MILFORD OYSTER HOUSE, MILFORD
On April 18, a night of oysters and champagne will be held at Milford Oyster House, 92 Route 519 (Water Street), Milford, starting at 6 PM. For more information and reservations call 908-995-9411.
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JAMES BEARD NOMINEE
Congratulations to chef/owner Maricel Presilla of Cucharamama, Hoboken, for being nominated by the James Beard Foundation in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category. Winners will be announced in June.
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FOOD EVENTS
4/13: A hands-on Kids’ Pizza class will be held at the Brothers Moon, 7 W Broad St, Hopewell. 1 PM; $45. For reservations call 609-333-1330.
4/13: A five-course Paris dinner will be offered at Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique, 188 Spring St, Newton. $45. For reservations call 973-300-4192.
4/13: A brunch, illustrated lecture, and book signing with Arthur Schwartz will be held at Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St, Edison. “Coffee and…” at 1 PM; lecture at 2:15 PM; $25. For reservations call 732-549-4442 ext 11.
4/14: A fundraising dinner will be held at Church Street Cafe, 12 Church St, Montclair, to benefit the New Jersey Chapter of Rainbows, a nonprofit organization that works with grieving children and their families. 6:30 PM; $65 per person; $125 for two. For reservations call 973-744-7676.
4/15: An Italian wine tasting will be held at City Vino, 33-35 Hudson St, Jersey City. 7 PM; $35. For more information and reservations call 201-333-5520.
4/15: A book signing and talk with Arthur Schwartz will be held at Barnes and Noble, 3981 Rt 9, Freehold. 7 to 9 PM; free. For more information call 732-409-2929.
4/16: A cooking class will be held at Bacio Italian Cuisine, 2801 Rt 130 N, Cinnaminson. 6:30 PM. For price information and reservations call 856-303-9100.
4/16: A five-course wine dinner will be held at Mantra Restaurant, 275 Rt 4 W, Paramus. 7 to 10 PM; $95 including tax and gratuity. For reservations call 201-342-8868.
4/16: The Fifth Annual Dishes for Wishes event will be held at the Falls at Doubletree Guest Suites, Mount Laurel, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of NJ. 6:30 to 10 PM; $75 in advance; $85 at the door. For tickets call 800-252-9474.
4/16: The Tenth Annual Wine and Martini Tasting Fundraiser for Kidz Kare will be held at Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Ave, Rumson. 7 to 10 PM; $150. For tickets call 732-933-9272.
4/17: A wine tasting dinner will be held at Soufflé Restaurant, 7 Union Pl, Summit. 7 to 9:30 PM; $100. For more information and reservations call 908-232-5050.
4/17: A wine, beer, spirits, chocolate, and food tasting will be held at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of NJ, 60 N Jefferson Rd, Whippany. 6 to 9 PM; $40. For reservations call 973-479-8715.
4/17: A South American winemakers dinner will be held at Rosemary and Sage, 26 Hamburg Tpk, Riverdale. $85. For more information and reservations call 973-616-0606.
4/17: A Beringer Estate wine dinner will be held at Restaurant Passionné, 77 Walnut St, Montclair. 7 PM; $45 for the dinner and $45 to Magnolia Wines for wine. For reservations call 973-233-1006.
4/17: An Evening of Wine and Roses will be held at Legends Resort and Country Club, Rt 517 N, McAfee, to benefit the women’s initiative and maternity services at Newton Memorial Hospital. 5:30 to 9:30 PM; $125; VIP-room tickets $200, or $350 per couple. For reservations call 973-579-8309.
4/18: A five-course wine dinner will be held at Feast Catering, 27 Elm St, Westfield. 7:30 to 10 PM; $89 including tax and gratuity. For reservations call 908-232-5050.
4/18: A wine tasting, Rotary Uncorked, will be held at Mercer Oaks Clubhouse, 785 Village Rd, West Windsor, to raise money for Rotary programs. 6 to 10 PM; $40. For tickets call 609-586-2693.
4/18: A Shinn Estate Vineyards wine dinner will be held at Stage Left, 5 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick. 7 PM; $125 plus tax and 20 percent service. For reservations call 732-828-4444.
4/18: A wine and beer tasting will be held at the Grand Colonial, 86 Rt 173 W, Perryville, to benefit the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. 7 to 10 PM; $65. For tickets call 908-399-0067.
4/18: A California Cult wine dinner will be held in the wine cellar at Restaurant Latour, Crystal Springs Resort, 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hardyston. $600 plus tax and gratuity. For more information and reservations call 973-827-0548.
Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].