A COLLABORATIVE FEAST: PRINCETON CHEFS GIVE BACK
In mid-November we were invited to Elements, 163 Bayard Lane, Princeton, where, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, A Collaborative Feast: Princeton Chefs Give Back was held, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This nonprofit organization attracts charitable dollars, manages and invests that money, and gives funds through grants to support nonprofits.
Our evening started with passed hors d’oeuvres including tuna tartare, torchon jellyroll, quince pumpkin soup, BBQ pulled pork, and octopus. Eight area chefs presented the following menu with paired wines and libations.
The Peacock Inn, Manuel Perez
Foie gras terrine with pickled fruits and vegetables, brioche, and thyme gastrique (Stone Brewing Company Vertical Epic Ale, Escondido, California).
The Brothers Moon, Will Mooney
Grilled NJ scallops with Cherry Grove Nettle Jack–accented Oak Grove polenta, lemon-dressed Blue Moon microgreens, and smoked paprika (2009 Ghostwriter Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, California).
Chambers Walk, Mario Mangone
Shrimp and sweet potato cake with smoked pepper relish (2010 Avanthia Rosé of Mencia, Valdeorras, Spain).
Eno Terra, Chris Albrecht
Agnolotti filled with ricotta, coppa, and Parmesan, surrounded by mushrooms, squash, and broccoli spigarello (2008 Ravines Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, New York).
One 53, Juan Mercado
Potato gnocchi with short rib Bolognese and a roasted marrowbone topped with fried onions (2006 Castillo Labastida Tempranillo Reserva, Rioja, Spain).
Elements, Scott Anderson
Stony Brook Meadows pork with hazelnuts, savoy cabbage, sweetbreads, porcini, and truffles (2008 Carmine Granata Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina).
The Blue Bottle, Aaron Philipson
Lamb with flavors of Carcassonne cassoulet: white bean, celery root, and hazelnut purée; carrots; and lamb shank reduction (2006 Domaine Jamet Syrah, Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, France).
The Bent Spoon, Gabby Carbone
Pretzels and mustard chocolate sundae (yes, it works and was quite delicious); trio of mini floats (cassis, chocolate, and root beer); butter and scotch mini ice cream cone (Cocchi NV Barolo Chinato, Cocconato, Italy).
Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
Kudos to the chefs for giving their time and talent and offering us a perfect culinary evening filled with memorable flavors, textures, and aromas and beautifully presented plates. The waitstaff was exceptionally knowledgeable about the menu, and this sense of professionalism also enhanced our dining experience.
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NJ CHEFS AT THE JAMES BEARD HOUSE, NYC
Plan on foie gras, truffles, caviar, and lobster, plus much more, on December 17, when Eric LeVine, executive chef of the Montammy Golf Club in Alpine, will cook a decadent five-course holiday dinner at the James Beard House, 167 West 12th Street, NYC. 7 PM; $170, James Beard Foundation members $130. Call 212-627-2308 to reserve.
On December 19, a (Di)Vine Inspiration dinner with Michael Carrino, previously of Restaurant Passionné in Montclair, will be held at the James Beard House, 167 West 12th Street, NYC, along with winemakers Maynard Keenan and Eric Glomski of Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. 7 PM; $170, James Beard Foundation members $130. Call 212-627-2308 to reserve.
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MORTON’S, HACKENSACK
Through December 31, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Riverside Square Mall, 1 Riverside Square, Hackensack, is offering a three-course steak and seafood dinner for two for $109.99. For reservations, call 201-487-1303.
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HOLIDAY-THEMED EVENTS
Here are some happenings that will jump-start the holiday season.
On December 9, a five-course Kick Off the Holiday Season wine dinner will be held at the Mad Batter, 19 Jackson Street, Cape May, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. 7:30 PM; $75. For reservations, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278.
On December 10, learn how to create the Feast of the Seven Fishes at a cooking class at Phillips Seafood, Pier Shops at Caesars, 1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City. 11:30 AM; $65 including a chef demo, wine, and lunch. Call 609-348-2273 for reservations or log on to www.phillipsseafood.com.
On December 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18, a five-course dinner and show, Charles Dickens Dinner Theatre, will be presented at Braddock’s Tavern, 39 South Main Street, Medford. For price and time information and reservations, log on to www.braddocks.com or call 609-654-1604.
On December 11, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, will host a family holiday buffet brunch. The event will feature local carolers, and St. Nick himself will be on hand to meet guests. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to benefit the Community Resource Council of Bergen County. For more information and reservations, call 201 445-4115.
On December 15, a cocktail class, Spiked Dessert Coffees: Keoke Coffee, Irish Coffee, and B-52 Coffee, will be held at Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 50 Stirling Avenue, Warren. The event will also include appetizers and take-home recipe cards. 7 PM; $30 with a reservation, $35 at the door. To reserve, call 866-683-3586.
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