Food Events

Do you enjoy pop-up dinners? We do. It is an opportunity to experience a chef’s food in a different environment—and they are usually attended by foodies, who we love to hang out with. Today, read about a pop-up dinner with chef Michael Merida. Plus, other food events throughout the state, and restaurants that will be open for Thanksgiving.

POP-UP DINNER WITH CHEF MICHAEL MERIDA

On Sunday, November 23, chef Michael Merida, previously from Cravings Tapas Bistro in Ridgewood will be partnering up with chef Kevin Portscher, from Village Green Restaurant, 36 Prospect St, Ridgewood to create an eight-course, pop-up tapas tasting menu. 4:30 to 9 PM; $50 plus tax and gratuity; BYO. Reservations: 201-445-2914. More information can be found here.

NEWS FROM CAFÉ MATISSE, RUTHERFORD

Sunday, November 30, will be the restaurant’s last Sunday offering a la carte dining. Beginning December 6th, and on all subsequent Sundays, they will be serving their prix-fixe menu only. Cafe Matisse will be closed Thanksgiving Week for vacation from Sunday, November 23rd until Friday, November 28th, re-opening on Saturday, November 29th.

OTHER FOOD EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

JACQUART CHAMPAGNE DINNER
A four-course Jacquart Champagnes dinner will be held at Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Ave, Chatham. 7:30 PM; $125, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 973-701-0303.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

A Taste of Burgundy, a four-course dinner, hosted by Vineyard Brands, will be held at Satis, 212 Washington St, Jersey City; $75. For time information and reservations, call 201-435-5151.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28
The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave, Stone Harbor, a boutique luxury hotel, will host a ‘Yappy’ Hour from 2 to 4 PM. Watch the Stone Harbor pet parade or march in it with your four-legged friends. After the parade, treat yourself and your pets to some great food and treats at the Water Star Grille from 2 to 4 PM. A “Best Coordinated Pet Owner” with prizes contest will also be held! Rain or shine. Information: 609-961-3010.

THANKSGIVING
The following restaurants will be open on Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving:

Agricola, 11 Witherspoon St, Princeton will be open on Thanksgiving. Reservations and information: 609-681-2977.

Andreotti’s Catering, 1601 Chapel Ave, Cherry Hill is offering a complete roasted turkey take-out dinner with all of the trimmings for 10 people, available for pickup on Wednesday, November 26; $189 plus sales tax. For information or to place an order call, 856-795-0172.

Anthony David’s
, 953 Bloomfield St, Hoboken, is offering a complete Thanksgiving dinner for pick up on Thanksgiving Day by 11 AM. Visit the website or call, 201-222-8399 for information.

Bally’s Atlantic City (609-340-2000) will offer the following prix-fixe menus on Thanksgiving: Guy Fieri’s Chophouse- three courses, $35; Buca di Beppo Buffet, $23.99.

Thanksgiving is a grand tradition at the Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville with a lavish Thanksgiving feast. Seatings for the Grand Buffet are from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM; $69; $35 for children ages 5 to 12; $15 for children ages 2 to 4. Children under 2 are complimentary. Seatings for the three-course prix-fixe dinner are from 12:30 to 7 PM, and will include seasonal chef creations, such as organic Griggstown turkey, roulade of Griggstown pheasant, day-boat cod and more; $79; $35 for children ages 2 to 12. For reservations, call 908-766-0002.

Blue Morel Restaurant and Wine Bar, Westin Governor Morris, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, will be serving a three-course dinner from 1 to 9 PM; $59; children 11 years old and under, $29. Reservations: 973-451-2619.

Thanksgiving to Go is available at The Brothers Moon, 7 W Broad St, Hopewell. Call 609-333-1330 or visit the website for information.

The following restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus at Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City (609-348-4411) Kwi Noodle House–three courses plus one side dish, $68; Café Roma–three courses, $42; and Nero’s Chophouse & Sushi Bar–four courses, $44.95.

The Capital Grille, Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus (201-845-7040) will be offering its take on Thanksgiving favorites as well as the full menu.

Catherine Lombardi, 3 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, will offer a holiday menu ($54.95 plus tax, tip and beverage) and the regular a la carte menu. Reservations: 732-828-4444.

Chakra, 144 W. State Rt 4, Paramus (201-556-1530), will offer a three-course, multiple option menu from 12:30 to 7 PM for $48 on Thanksgiving with classics and new interpretations. Chef Ciszak will also send guests home with a free pumpkin pie to enjoy the next day. A children’s a la carte menu will  be available.

Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place, Cape May, will offer a buffet dinner in the Grand Ballroom from 1 to 6 PM; $42; $19 for kids (ages 4-12). The Blue Pig Tavern will serve a three-course dinner; 1 to 7 PM; $39; $19 for kids (ages 4-12). For reservations, call 609-884-8422.

Crystal Springs Resort The following options will be available at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg:
Black Bear Golf Club will offer a lunch buffet menu with live entertainment in the Black Bear Ballroom. 11:30 AM to 3 PM; $34.95; children ages 4 to 11, $14.95; under 4 free.

The Springs Bistro at the Grand Cascades Lodge will serve a four-course, prix fixe dinner. 5 to 10 PM; $55; with wine pairing $85; $18 per child; regular dinner menu will also be available.

The Crystal Tavern at the Grand Cascades Lodge will be offering a three-course prix fixe dinner menu. 11:30 AM to 10 PM; $48; $78 with wine pairing; special Thanksgiving children’s menu $18; regular dinner menu will also be available.

The Emerald Ballroom at the Grand Cascades Lodge will host a buffet with live entertainment. 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM; $44; children 4 to 11, $22; under 4 free.

The Diamond Ballroom at The Minerals Hotel will host a buffet and all adult guests will receive a complimentary Minerals Sports Club day pass. 11:30 AM to-4 PM; $39; children 4 to 11, $17; under 4 free.

Prices do not include tax and gratuity. Call 855-977-6473  to make your Thanksgiving reservations and to inquire about the getaway packages.

David Burke Fromagerie, 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, is serving a three-course, prix-fixe menu from noon to 8 PM; $85; children, $35 plus tax and gratuity. They are also offering catering, which must be ordered by November 23 with pick up on Thanksgiving from 10:30 AM to noon. Information or reservations: 732-842-8088.

Denville Meat Shop, 28 Diamond Spring Road, Denville (862-209-4088), is taking holiday orders. A Thanksgiving package is available for $11.99 per person, which includes a 5-day brined, all-natural turkey or smoked ham or organic brined turkey ($12.99 per person); turkey gravy or ham sauce; cranberry-tangerine sauce; Yukon-gold mashed potatoes and green beans Almandine. Additional sides are available. Oven-ready turkeys that have been brined and rubbed can also be ordered along with meats such as a crown roast of domestic lamb. More information visit the website.

The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel, 25 Jackson Street, Cape May (609-884-5700), will be serving a three-course Thanksgiving menu of farm fresh cuisine; $65; $35 for a wine pairing. Dinner seatings are 2 PM through 7 PM. A whole roasted turkey is also available for parties of 6 or more.

Fricassee, 6 Park St, Montclair, will be open for Thanksgiving offering four-courses for $45. Call 973-744-2191 for reservations; BYO.

The Gables, 212 Centre St, Beach Haven, will be serving a four-course, prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner. 1 to 7:30 PM; $48. While you dine, charge at their Tesla charging station. Please indicate your charging needs when making your reservation. Reservations: 609-492-3553.

Enjoy Thanksgiving at Grissini Ristorante, 484 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs (201-568-3535), with a pre-fixe menu for $75; children under age 12, $20.

Heirloom Kitchen Culinary School & Retail Boutique, 3853 Rt 516, Old Bridge, is catering for Thanksgiving and taking orders for all-natural free-range Griggstown Turkeys, an array of seasonal sides and pies. For a copy of the full menu, e-mail [email protected] or visit the website.

A classic, three-course turkey dinner with all the fixings ($35, children under 12, $15), or an la carte seasonal autumn menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts will be available at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, One East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus from 2 to 7 PM. Reservations: 201-445-4115.

Harrah’s, Atlantic City (609-441-5000), will offer the following prix-fixe menus on Thanksgiving: Waterfront Buffet–$39.99; The Steakhouse–family-style, four-course meal, $49.

Knife & Fork Inn, 3600 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, will be open Thanksgiving from 2 to 8 PM serving a traditional four-course turkey dinner with all the fixings for $39 ($17 for kids 12 and under). The full menu will also be available. Reservations: 609-344-1133.

A traditional family-style feast will be served at Morris Tap and Grill, 500 Rt. 10 West, Randolph from Noon to 6 PM; $34; children under age 12 $15; Reservations: 973-891-1776.

Dinner will be served from 2 to 7 PM at The Park Steak House, 151 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge. Reservations: 201-930-1300. The standard a la carte menu as well as traditional holiday fare will be on the menu.

The Peacock Inn, 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton, will offer a three-course dinner from 12:30 to 7 PM; $85. Reservations: 609-924-1707.

Ram’s Head Inn, 9 West White Horse Pike, Galloway, will be serving a four-course menu with choices on Thanksgiving from noon to 8 PM. Reservations: 609-652-1700.

A traditional meal prepared from the harvest of regional growers and farms will be offered at Rat’s Restaurant at the Grounds for Sculpture, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. For pricing and information, call 609-584-7800.

The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, a boutique luxury hotel, will have a family-style Thanksgiving dinner; $42; children $22 for 12 and under; children age three and under are free. Seatings are noon, 3 PM and 6 PM. Reservations are required by calling 609-961-3010.

Restaurant Nicholas, 160 Route 35 S, Middletown, is serving Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 8 PM; 3 courses, $75; 4-course garden menu $75; 6-course tasting menu, $95, with wine pairing $155; children’s menu, $32; plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 732-345-9977.

Rods Steak and Seafood Grille & The Madison Hotel, One Convent Road, Morristown, will be open for Thanksgiving. At Rod’s dinner will be served from 1 to 7 PM and a buffet will be offered at the Grand Ballroom & Conservatory from noon to 5 PM. Thanksgiving dinner to-go is also available. Information and reservations: 973-539-6666.

Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Ave, Rumson, will be serving Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 7 PM; $32 for adults and $12 for children age 12 and under. Reservations: 732-933-9272.

Stage Left, 5 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, will offer its regular a la carte menu as well as a traditional Thanksgiving menu ($59, plus tax and service). All dinner guests will receive the fixings for a late night turkey sandwich to take home. Reservations: 732-828-4444.

The Strip House Restaurant, Westminster Hotel 550 W Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, will be open for Thanksgiving offering its a la carte menu as well as some specials from 1 to 9 PM. Reservations: 973-548-0050.

Zylo, W Hotel, 225 River St, Hoboken, will be open from 11 AM to 8 PM offering a special three-course menu for $55. Reservations: 201-253-2500.

AMANTI VINO, MONTCLAIR: THANKSGIVING WINE PICKS
Amanti Vino, 30 Church St, Montclair (973-509-9463), sent over the following information to help you with your wine pairings for Thanksgiving:

“Amanti Vino knows Thanksgiving, to many wine lovers, can be a frustrating time of year. With so many things being served at the dinner table one can become overwhelmed. However, if you remember one thing, remember this: PAIR WITH THE SPICES! The turkey is really a blank canvas. You can look at it as a ‘neutral’ flavor. So in essence, look to pair your wines with the array of spices you might use. Cranberry sauce, heavy gravy, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice….you name it!

Some recommendations:

Sparking:
Mas de Daumas Gassac Frizzant Rose – $24.99

White:
2013 San Pietro Alto Adige Riesling – $19.99
2013 Francesco Rinaldi Gavi Vecchie Vigne – $21.99

Red:
2011 Poggio Nardone “Rivus” Toscana Rosso – $15.99
2012 Trousse Chemise Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – $27.99

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING WITH GARY’S WINE & MARKETPLACE

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, with locations in Bernardsville, Madison and Wayne, and a fourth coming to Hillsborough, suggests wines to work with both the lighter and richer flavors of the holiday.

Cranberry sauce, turkey and gravy call for lighter wines, according to Gary’s. They suggest Kung Fu Girl Riesling for its intense Riesling fruit, some sweetness and balanced dry finish. Richer foods can overwhelm many white wines. Pinot Noir, however, with its combination of bright fruit and earthy undertones, serves as a classic foil to root vegetables and richly herbed stuffing. Try Tractor Guy Pinot Noir with enough flavor and structure to hold up to your food.

Gary’s offers much more than a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits for your entertaining needs. Their gourmet department features everything from artisnal cheeses to fine chocolates. Create a basket or pick up a bouquet of flowers or wine accessories for the perfect gift for your host or hostess.

Gary’s Wine & Marketplace
1-888-99-GARYS

[email protected]

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