MAMMA VITTORIA’S, NUTLEY
Chef Marcello Russodivito, owner of Marcello’s Ristorante in Suffern, New York, has recently opened Mamma Vittoria’s at 160 Franklin Avenue, Nutley. This casual trattoria, named after the chef’s mother, offers a moderately priced menu of traditional Italian dishes such as clams oreganata, baked polenta, fried calamari, homemade gnocchi with tomato and gorgonzola, chicken Sorrentino, veal scaloppini, beef braciole, tripe, and much more. Most items are in the $14 to $18 range, topping off with a grilled rib eye for $21.95. A large party room with a dance floor that can accommodate up to 100 people is available for special events. Chef Marcello hosts cooking classes at his Suffern location, and his cookbook, Sale, Pepe, Amore e Fantasia (“salt, pepper, love, and creativity”), is available on his Website, www.marcellosgroup.com. For reservations call 973-662-0242; BYO.
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WINE DINNER AT CASA DANTE, JERSEY CITY
On March 4, executive chef Gregg Freda will present a five-course seasonal wine dinner featuring wines of Europe (Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal) at Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. Live music will be provided by the Don Carter Trio Jazz Band. The following menu will be presented.
Reception: Poema Cava Brut NV, Spain
Homemade lobster ravioli in mascarpone and lobster sauce over wilted spinach
(2007 Bodega Don Olegario Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain)
Duck confit in Madeira sauce over farrotto and peas
(2005 Moueix St. Emilion, France)
Parmigiano-crusted lamb chops with Jerusalem artichoke and roasted garlic purée
(2006 Abadia Retuerta Selección Especial, Spain)
Grilled Tuscan-marinated buffalo filet mignon, sautéed mushrooms, and cavolo nero (Tuscan kale)
(2007 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto, Italy)
Framboise and crème gateau
(Taylor Fladgate First Estate Port)
6:30 PM; $95 plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 201-795-2750.
Psst: Tell them you’re an NJ Monthly reader and you will receive a 25 percent application toward a wine purchase of $100 or more.
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HERE’S THE BEEF
On March 7, a DeBragga & Spitler George Faison dinner encompassing a comparative tasting of fine beef will be held at the Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange. Executive chef Mitchell Altholz will present the following menu.
Reception: chef’s assorted hors d’oeuvres
(Roederer Estate Brut NV, Anderson Valley)
Tasting of grain-fed vs. grass-fed steak tartare
(2006 J Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley)
Wagyu two ways: Japanese sirloin vs. Australian sirloin, with sautéed foie gras, melted leeks, and Périgourdine sauce
(2006 Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley)
Dry-aged vs. wet-aged rib eye cooked sous vide with baby vegetables and Bordeaux reduction
(2006 Steltzner Claret, Napa Valley)
Chocolate tasting
(Royal Oporto 10-Year-Old Tawny Port)
6 PM; $89 all-inclusive. For reservations call 973-731-2360.
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ZITA KEELEY’S WINE SCHOOL
A six-week wine appreciation course will be taught by Zita Keeley of Zita Keeley’s Wine School at the Melting Pot, 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken. Classes will be held on Monday nights: March 1, 8, 15, and 22 (no class on March 29) and April 5 and 12. 7 to 9 PM; $390. Price includes wine, binder, notes, and certification of completion. For more information log on to www.allidoiswine.com or e-mail [email protected].
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CHEF’S NIGHT OUT
On March 1, more than 60 businesses and restaurants will be at the Fourteenth Annual International Chef’s Night Out at Poland Springs Arena, Ritacco Center, 245 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. The event is sponsored by the Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education. 6 to 9 PM; $50 in advance, $60 at the door. For more information and tickets call 732-240-6414 ext 3339.
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WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET IN PLAINSBORO
On February 28, a Slow Food Central New Jersey winter farmers’ market will be held at Tre Piani Restaurant, Forrestal Village Shopping Center, 120 Rockingham Row, Plainsboro. 11 AM to 3 PM; $2 suggested donation to benefit Slow Food Central New Jersey. For more information call 609-577-5113.
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DR. SEUSS WEEK AT THE POP SHOP, COLLINGSWOOD
Green eggs and ham, strawberry milk, noodle-eating poodle noodles, and schlopp are just a few of the Dr. Seuss–inspired dishes that will be featured during Dining With Dr. Seuss Week from March 1 through 5 at the Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood. For menu and daily event information log on to www.thepopshopusa.com.
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NEAPOLITAN PIZZA MASTERS AT A MANO, RIDGEWOOD
On March 6, a classic Neapolitan pizza technique class that will include Neapolitan pizza, pizza fritta, gluten-free pies, and more will be taught at A Mano, 24 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood, by Antonino Esposito and Antonio Starita, master pizza chefs from Naples, Italy. 1 and 4 PM; $15 including tax and gratuity. For reservations call 201-493-2000.
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DINING DEAL
Verve Restaurant, 18 East Main Street, Somerville, has wine tastings in the lounge every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM; $20. A new winery is featured each month. For more information call 908-707-8655.
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