Restaurant News

This week Rosie tells us about a Mangalitsa pig dinner at Elements in Princeton, the Jersey Fresh Food and Wine Festival, a kids’ cooking class and farm tour, a Great Syrahs wine class, and much more news about NJ dining.

THE PIGS ARE COMING

On August 10, diners will get a chance to try Mangalitsa pig at a nine-course dinner at Elements, 163 Bayard Lane, Princeton. Executive chef Scott Anderson and sous chef Joe Sparatta will be collaborating with guest chefs Alex Talbot and Aki Kamozawa from IdeasInFood.com and Michael Clampffer from Mosefund Farm, Branchville (www.mosefund.com). The woolly heritage Mangalitsa pig, known for its juiciness and flavor, has double the marbling of average pork. Elements received its first pig on July 13; the meat was used exclusively for charcuterie. The second pig will arrive two days before the dinner and will be used for fresh preparations. 6 PM; $130. Wine and beer pairings are optional for an additional charge. Communal seating. For reservations call 609-924-0078.

 

Mangalitsa pig from Mosefund Farm, Branchville.
Photo courtesy of Michael Clampffer.

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JERSEY FRESH FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

On August 8 and 9, the Garden State Wine Growers Association is sponsoring the Jersey Fresh Food and Wine Festival at Heritage Vineyards of Richwood, 480 Mullica Hill Road, Richwood. Taste wines from at least twenty New Jersey wineries, listen to an outdoor concert, sample foods, take a hayride through the vineyard, and much more. Noon to 5 PM; free admission. For more information and tickets call 856-589-4474.

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KIDS’ COOKING CLASS AND FARM TOUR

On August 10, give your child an opportunity to learn where food comes from, find out how a farm works, and produce a family-style meal at a kids’ class and farm tour at A Toute Heure, 232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford. The class begins a block away from the restaurant with a tour of Jack’s Run Garden, where some produce used at A Toute Heure is grown. (Jack is a dog and the garden mascot.) Then students will head to the kitchens and help create a meal. The class will feature preparing vegetables, working with dough, and making desserts, and each child will leave with a recipe book. No children will work with knives or at stoves, and adults will be on hand to help finish all dishes. A parent or guardian is encouraged to attend with children. 3 PM; $35 per child or $50 for an adult and a child. Log on to www.atouteheure.com (special events page) to download a registration form, or call 908-276-6600.

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HANDS-ON MIXOLOGY CLASSES

On August 6, learn how to make a mint julep, bourbon lemonade, and the classic Manhattan, while noshing on hors d’oeuvres, at a hands-on mixology class at Liberty House, 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City. 7 to 9 PM; $35. To register call 201-395-0300. This class will also be offered at Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 50 Stirling Avenue, Warren, on August 13. For reservations call 908-754-1222.

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GREAT SYRAHS WINE CLASS

On August 4, a Great Syrahs of the World class taught by George Staikos, owner of the Educated Grape, will be held at Jake’s Restaurant, 252 Route 202 South, Flemington. Seven Syrahs from the top regions around the world (Napa, Sonoma Coast, Washington, Australia, and the Rhône Valley) will be explored, and a selection of specialty foods will be served. 7 to 9 PM; $50. For more information and to register visit www.theeducatedgrape.com/programs.htm.

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BLUE ROOSTER BAKERY AND CAFE

Supper is now being offered Thursdays through Saturdays at Blue Rooster Bakery and Cafe, 17 North Main Street, Cranbury, from 5 to 9 PM. Menu items include: roast pork served with fruited couscous and haricots verts; risotto with bay scallops, snow peas, and fresh herbs; braised duck leg with goat cheese galette and haricots verts; artichoke ravioli with cremini mushrooms and fresh spinach in garlic sauce; and Herdsman cheese and asparagus frittata. Dinners come with Blue Rooster greens, and small plates and tapas are also available. For reservations call 609-235-7539; BYO.

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DINING DEALS

McCormick & Schmick’s, 175 Riverside Square, Hackensack, offers half-price bottled wine on Friday nights through October. For more information and reservations call 201-968-9410.

Latitude 40, 816 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, has a light-dinner menu priced under $20 Mondays through Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 PM. For reservations call 732-892-8553; BYO.

The Mill at Spring Lake Heights, 101 Old Mill Road, Spring Lake Heights, offers a five-course dinner for seafood lovers on Fridays for $27.95 per person. For reservations call 732-449-1800.

Pourquoi Pas?, 31 Westwood Avenue, Westwood, is serving a prix-fixe dinner menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $35; BYO. For reservations call 201-722-8822.

Stop in for dinner at Prairie, 36 Beach Road, Monmouth Beach, between 5 and 9 PM on Wednesday and Thursday nights and receive 10 percent off your dinner check. For reservations call 732-263-0019; BYO.

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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].

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