FALL GARDEN STATE TASTING MENU AT COPELAND, MORRISTOWN
Executive chef Thomas Ciszak of Copeland, Westin Governor Morris Hotel, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, has a new fall Garden State tasting menu featuring local produce, seafood, poultry, meat, and dairy. Purveyors include Griggstown Quail Farm, Valley Shepherd Creamery, Readington River Buffalo Farm, and Hopewell Valley Vineyards.
The following menu will be offered: seared foie gras and quince with local honey and ice wine gastrique; Barnegat Light day-boat scallops with pumpkin purée and maple-yuzu-glazed chestnuts; bacon-wrapped Griggstown quail with grapes, croutons, and truffles; pistachio-crusted Readington River Farm buffalo fillet with braised salsify and mocha jus; and warm apple tart with pine nut frangipane and rosemary ice cream. The five-course menu will be $64, wine pairings $35, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 973-451-2619.
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MORE THAN 700 WINES TO TASTE
On October 13 and 14, sample hundreds of wines and feast on an array of foods at the Wine Library (Springfield) 2008 Super Tasting, which will be held at the Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange. The event will benefit the SharingVillage Cancer Survivor Groups and Family & Children’s Services. 5:30 to 9:30 PM; $95. Call 973-376-0005 or 888-980-WINE to order tickets.
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DREAMING OF CHOCOLATE?
If you can never get enough chocolate, head on over to Rosa Mexicano, Shops at Riverside, Hackensack, before October 5 to feast on the four-course chocolate tasting menu priced at $65. Some menu items are: mixed greens with kohlrabi, apples, and almonds with vanilla, chocolate, and orange dressing; shrimp baked with fall vegetables with spicy chocolate sauce; mole-roasted duck breast with apple and sweet potato pancake, braised cabbage, and achiote chocolate sauce; fillet of beef sautéed with wild porcini mushrooms, chocolate, and Cabernet Sauvignon; and warm chocolate chipotle brownie with orange sauce. As if that isn’t enough, all guests will be treated to complimentary chocolate-inspired goodies throughout the evening. For reservations call 201-489-9100.
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SHINING LIFE NUTRITION
Are you interested in hosting a private cooking class or a healthy-living lecture in your home? Bernadette Armiento, founder and director of Shining Life Nutrition, graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and certified holistic health counselor, will find a topic and tailor it just for you, making it both interactive and fun! This is a terrific excuse to get a group of friends together for a social learning experience. Bernadette will also offer a personalized health program to help you resolve concerns about your body and teach you which foods are right for you. For more information log on to www.shininglifenutrition.com or call 973-944-4878.
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ITALIAN COOKING CLASS
On October 6, a demonstration cooking class, Italian Flavors From Basilico Restaurant, will be taught by Angelo Delbecchi at Kings Cooking Studio, 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills. The following menu will be presented: tuna carpaccio with mango salad; penne with fresh baby artichokes; strips of chicken in white wine sauce with olives, pignoli, and capers; and tiramisu. 6:30 to 9:30 PM; $60. To register call 973-463-6500.
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MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS DINNER
On October 9, a five-course Dinner on the Orient Express murder-mystery meal will be served at the Mad Batter, 19 Jackson Street, Cape May. Period costumes are encouraged. 7:30 PM; $60. For reservations call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.
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WINE CLASSES
On Monday nights starting October 6, a six-week wine appreciation course will be taught by Zita Keeley’s Wine School at Hudson Tavern, 51-53 14th Street, Hoboken. 7:30 to 9 PM; $350. For more information e-mail [email protected], and visit www.allidoiswine.com/WINESCHOOL.html for a registration form.
Also on Monday nights beginning October 6, an eight-week introductory wine course sponsored by the Ridgewood Community School and taught by Joel Mitchel of Beekman Wines & Liquors, Glen Rock, will be held at Christ Church, 105 Cottage Place, Ridgewood. Each session will include a lecture followed by a tasting and discussion. The following themes will be explored: Introductory Topics, American Wines, French Wines, Italian Wines, Wines of the World, and Sparkling Wines. Bring your own wineglass to each class; cheese and bread will be provided. 7 to 9 PM (no class on October 13); approximately $175 with tuition portion about $100. Bring $75 by check or in cash to the first class to cover the cost of the wines you’ll be tasting. For more information e-mail Joel at [email protected] or call 201-445-0712. To enroll call 201-670-2659.
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CHOWDER DOWN THE SHORE
If you’re passionate about chowder, then be sure to attend the Chowderfest on October 4 and 5 at the Taylor Avenue Ballfield, Ninth Street and Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven, where you can enjoy unlimited red and white chowder tastings and vote for your favorite. The event also includes a food court, music, children’s entertainment, and an end-of-season tent sale involving 80 local merchants. Saturday tent sale 10 AM to 4 PM; free. Sunday Chowder Cook-Off Classic 11 AM to 4 PM; $20; VIP tickets $50; children ages four to twelve $10. For more information contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at 609-494-7211 or visit www.chowderfest.com.
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DINING DEALS
Sunday brunch is served from 10 AM to 2 PM for $19.95 at Renault Winery Resort & Golf, 72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City. The menu includes a chef carving station, a pasta station, salads, seafood, pastries, fresh baked goods, and unlimited juice, punch, and Renault American Champagne. Diners may also choose a made-to-order hot entrée. For reservations call 609-965-2111.
Tapas & Wine Mondays are celebrated at Mompou Tapas Wine Bar and Lounge, 77 Ferry Street, Newark, with two tapas and two glasses of wine for $25. For more information and reservations call 973-578-8114.
Bistro En, 252 Degraw Avenue, Teaneck, is now open for lunch Tuesdays through Thursdays, with a prix-fixe menu for $16 from 11:30 AM to 2 PM. For more information and reservations call 201-692-0700.
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