THE FLYING FIG, BERKELEY HEIGHTS
The Flying Fig, 538 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, has recently opened featuring “small plates, big taste.” Some of the items we tried were cumin-rubbed pork on a skewer; baked saganaki shrimp (shrimp in tomato sauce with Greek cheese); prosciutto-wrapped tuna; arugula and shaved Parmesan; parsley-roasted eggplant; and fried cauliflower fans. Since this is a tapas-style restaurant, all portions are in the same range; you don’t order an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Food may come out as it is ready. We had five dishes on the table at one time, and salad was served separately. One dish is enough for two to share or four to taste; our waiter recommended three menu items per person. Other options are hummus, baked mushrooms, sliders, cheeses, chicken, shellfish, and vegetarian dishes, plus daily specials and desserts. The signature libation is the Flying Fig, made with Absolut Citron, Cointreau, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime, but also available are white and red sangria by the glass or pitcher, bottled beers, and wines by the glass (three- or six-ounce pours) or bottle. Not only are there a myriad of menu items to choose from, but a variety of seating options includes traditional tables and banquettes, communal dining, lounge seating (with an upstairs fireplace area), two bars, and two private dining rooms. For reservations call 908-508-1400.
Baked saganaki shrimp.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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TEA AND A TOUR
On January 21 and 28, have afternoon tea and take a tour of the Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union. This mansion was built in 1772 by William Livingston, the first governor of NJ and a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The menu consists of a selection of tea sandwiches, pastries, scones with clotted cream, and teas. 2 to 4 PM; $30. For reservations and more information call 908-527-0400.
Tea at the Liberty Hall Museum.
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INAUGURAL DINNER
On January 23, celebrate the swearing in of our new president at an Inaugural Dinner, with wines paired with each course, at the Pluckemin Inn, 359 Rt 202/206 and Pluckemin Way, Bedminster. The evening starts at 7:30 PM with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, and guests will have the choice of a themed cocktail or a glass of champagne. $100 plus tax and gratuity. You may book the entire table with a party of twelve or join the table as a single diner, a couple, or more. For reservations call 908-658-9292.
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SAVE THE DATE: The Pluckemin Inn will host a James Beard Foundation dinner on March 8. 5 PM; $150; James Beard Foundation members $130. For more information and reservations call 908-658-9292.
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CHOCOLATE AND WINE TASTING
On January 26, indulge at a chocolate and wine tasting, Chocolate’s Very Best, at the Crowne Plaza, 390 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township. 6 to 9 PM; $75. The snow date is February 2. For tickets log on to www.gocentraljersey.com.
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DINING DEAL
Market in the Middle, 516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, offers a three-course prix-fixe dinner Sundays through Thursdays for $25. For reservations call 732-776-8886.
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