PIG & PRINCE, MONTCLAIR
We visited before they opened and for the soft opening (http://njmonthly.com/blogs/tablehopwithRosie/2012/9/12/restaurant-news.html), but recently attended a press dinner, and can report that Michael Carrino has a restaurant that you will want to try. The setting is stunning, food delicious and servers attentive. We had the following scrumptious meal paired with wine:
Panzanella salad with housemade croutons, roasted-tomato jam, lettuce, dressing and Sicilian anchovies
(2010 Arizona Strong Hold Tazi)
Dinosaur gnocchi with sous vide goat ragout, mascarpone, and ginger snaps
(2010 Centopercento Sangiovese, Tuscany)
Seared Barnegat Bay diver scallops with forbidden black rice risotto, shallot fondue, and sauce beurre rouge and beurre blanc
(2010 Arizona Storng Hold Dayden Rose)
Roast venison loin with braised collard greens, jalapeno cornbread hushpuppy
(2009 Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley)
Plate of assorted desserts consisting of mini chocolate soufflé, doughnut bread pudding, goat cheese cake and toasted-almond ice cream.
(Vinedo de los Vientos “Alcyone” Tannat, Uruguay
If we were going to pick a favorite, it would be the scallops but certainly the salad, especially the croutons, the gnocchi with goat (a trendy meat now), the desserts, as well as the venison were all worth dishes. Some seasonal items that we didn’t taste include: gingered-squash bisque, featuring roasted, butternut-squash puree scented with ginger and spice, with nutmeg crème Chantilly; duck breast with cranberry beans and rice, and charred shishito-pepper vinaigrette; and bourbon-smoked Murray’s chicken breast with chive polenta, carrot-puree and potato fondant and cocoa demi. We were also surprised how much we liked the two wines from Arizona. Who knew? They are offered by the glass, so do try them. The menu by item: from the sea, from the farm, and from the forest, as well as offering pizzas, pastas, risottos, house-cured meats and/or cheeses. Reservations: 973-233-1006.
Scallops with forbidden black-rice risotto, shallot fondue, and sauce beurre rouge and beurre blanc.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastro-Lounge
1 Lackawanna Plaza
Montclair
973-233-1006
pigandprince.com
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RAZZA PIZZA ARTIGINALE, JERSEY CITY
If you love Arturo’s in Maplewood, then head on over to co-owners Dan Richer and Fred Shandler’s new place: Razza Pizza Artiginale (heirloom in Italian) in Jersey City. Housed in the lobby of the Majestic Theater, built in 1907 and closed as a theater in the 1950’s, this stylish 40-seat restaurant serves one of the best wood-fired pizzas we’ve ever had. They’re made in a 900-degree oven and have a crunchy, crisp, blistered crust that supports the artisanal and local ingredients. Our Margherita pie with tomato sauce, handmade, fresh mozzarella, and basil was exceptional. The menu is smaller than Arturo’s but they sell wine and beer, specifically wine from the Piedmont region of Italy and local beers such as Crisp Pils from Sixpoint, New York and Tripel Horse from River Horse, New Jersey. We started with their handmade bread; ours was made with beer and rye berries, baked in the wood-fired oven and served with a European-style, handmade, slightly tangy, naturally cultured butter, topped with black-Hawaiian salt. Even if you planned on coming here for just the pizza, do yourself a favor and also order one of the small plates or salads. We had luxurious, fire-roasted meatballs made with beef and pork that were resting in a scrumptious, chunky-tomato sauce. A farmer’s salad was composed of local lettuces, red and green heirloom tomatoes, green beans, and a delicate, chive vinaigrette. Offerings will change as vegetables are sourced locally. Dessert is not served at this time.
The ambiance here is hip: a high black ceiling, wooden benches and tables, dish-towel napkins and original walls with texture and remnants of previous colors. The entrance area has a slight incline, as it was part of the original theater lobby. Check out the original railings in the entrance and the wooden-log hostess station.
Margherita pizza.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
Razza Pizza Artiginale
275 Grove Street
Jersey City
201-356-9348
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PERONA FARMS, ANDOVER CELEBRATES 95 YEARS
Were you married at Perona Farms in Andover? If so, they are celebrating 95 years in business by inviting couples who were wed there to come for Sunday brunch. This is how it works. Through the end of October, bring a photo taken during your wedding reception and when you buy one Sunday brunch, you’ll get one free. I know there are only a few weeks left, but at the end of the month, the participating couple with the oldest wedding photo will receive brunch for six at Perona Farms. Brunch is served Sundays from 10:30 AM until 3 PM with the last seating at 1:30 PM. Reservations are accepted for parties of eight or more. Information and reservations: 973-729-6161.
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WINE DINNER AT THE PLUCKEMIN INN, BEDMINSTER
On October 25, a Plumpjack wine dinner will be held at The Pluckemin Inn, 359 Route 206 South, Bedminster. The following menu will be presented:
Amuse: Sea scallop, brioche, watercress, oyster chowder
(Plumpjuack Chardonnay Reserve 2011)
Scottish sea trout with fennel, endive, hazelnut and citrus
(Plumpjack Chardonnay reserve 2011
Grilled quail with pumpkin risotto, frisee, pecorino, and black trumpet
(Plumpjack Merlot 2010)
Braised-beef cheeks with parsnip, broccoli rabe, shallot and marrow butter
Plumpjack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 and Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2008)
Cheese course
Plumpjack Syrah 2010)
7 PM; $150 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 908-658-9292.
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UPCOMING CHARITY EVENTS
On October 29, the Festival of Flavors Wine & Food Tasting with over 35 restaurants will be held at the Park Ridge Marriott, 300 Brae Boulevard, Park Ridge to benefit the Youth Consultation Service, which provides residential care or in-community and in-home services for children and their families. 6 to 9 PM; $75. For more information and tickets call Kathy at 201-678-1312 x128.
On November 2, a Wine & Cheese Tasting will be held at Sickles Market, 1 Harrison Ave, Little Silver to benefit Holiday Express a nonprofit organization that delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to adults and children who are physically and mentally disabled, living with AIDS or homeless, as well as to the isolated elderly and others in need of the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year. 7 to 10 PM; $125. For tickets, call Tori Sickles at 732-741-9563.
Also on November 2, the Seventh Annual Harvest Wine Festival will be held at the Hilton Short Hills, 41 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills with a portion of the proceeds going to Family Promise of Bergen County, an organization dedicated to alleviating homeless in Bergen County. This event will include more than 150 wines, hors d’oeuvres, antipasto, pasta, cheese, and breads as well as wine classes (an additional $25) and live music. 7 to 10 PM; $79 (thru 10/27); Final Week: $89. For information or tickets, call 866-811-4111.
As part of the nationwide Food Day celebration, Friday October 26th will mark the inaugural Montclair Fall Food Classic to benefit the Salvation Army hot-meal program. This event, conceived by two Montclair Salvation Army volunteers: Caroline Clarke and Lisa Davies (of thislittlepiggywenttothefarmersmarket.com), will be held at the Salvation Army in Montclair from noon to 2 PM. Suggested donation is $15. The Orange Squirrel, Bloomfield and Osteria Giotto, Montclair will serve a seasonal light lunch with ingredients donated by Kings Food Markets as part of their Act Against Hunger initiative. Tickets are available in advance from The Salvation Army, 13 Trinity Place, Montclair NJ 07042, or contact Michele Kroeze at 973-744-3312 ext 4651 or e-mail [email protected]
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MADISON RESTAURANT WEEK
Madison Week will be held from Sunday October 21st through Sunday October 28 with participating restaurants offering special promotions. Information: www.madisonnjchamber.org/
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DINING DEAL
Through November 30, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Riverside Square Mall, One Riverside Square, Hackensack is offering a steak and lobster tail dinner for $49.99. Reservations 201-487-1303.
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LOOKING AHEAD
On Thursday, November 8, chef Robert Albers will present a Burgundy Wine Dinner at the Pleasantdale Chateau, 757 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange. 6:30 PM; $150 all inclusive. For reservations, call Laura Madden at 973-731-5600 ext 3016. Overnight accommodations are available for guests who wish to stay the night at the chateau.
Also on November 8, a five-course Napa vs Bordeaux wine dinner will be held at Rat’s Restaurant, Grounds for Sculpture, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. For time and pricing, call 609-584-7800.
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AND THE WINNERS ARE
Congratulations to the following winners of the cupcake contest recently held by the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities through a congregate care center, community-based group homes, and short-term respite care:
1st Place: Grace Morello from Just Desserts, Hawthorne for her Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake;
2nd Place: Nicole Morano from Heavenly Treats, Glen Rock for her Hummingbird cupcake
3rd Place: Ian Magley from Mara’s Café & Bakery, Denville for Mara’s Marvelous Mini’s
Judges were Amanda Longo, head pastry chef at the Venetian in Garfield; Wyckoff Mayor, Christopher DePhillips; Lee Tremble, owner of Iron Horse in Westwood and me.
The public also paid $5 to taste six cookies and judge which was best. 1st Place went to Tina Richardson, Bronx, NY for her Double-Chocolate Chip and 2nd Place winner was Beatrice Wessol, Wyckoff for her Swiss sandwich cookies.
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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].