CONFECTION & DESSERT TASTING EXPO
On Sunday, August 24, The Sweet Escape, a NJ Confection & Dessert Tasting Expo, will be held at Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave, Union to benefit the Community FoodBank of NJ and Elijah’s Promise. Sample sweets from pastry chefs, bakeries, restaurants, caterers, confectioners, chocolatiers, ice cream parlors, boutique dessert companies, plus much more, then vote for the "fan favorite" and "most unique display." Participants include: La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppe, 2 Chicks With Chocolate, Wild Lizzy’s, Lakeside Maple, Jams By Kim and Sweet Dreams Mini Donuts. Award-winning bakers and entrepreneurs will demonstrate some of their most popular sugary concoctions. Hands-on activities for children include a cupcake decorating class presented by Blue Sheep Bakeshop and a special gourmet chocolate adults-only workshop for will be presented by 2 Chicks With Chocolate. 2 to 6 PM; $35; VIP $65; children ages 5 to 12, $15, which includes a cupcake decorating workshop. For tickets, log onto the event website.
HAMILTON GRILL ROOM, LAMBERTVILLE
The Jersey Shore has returned to Hamilton’s Grill Room, 8 Coryell St, Lambertville with Jersey Shore dinners being offered on August 19, 20, 21.The menu features a fresh Jersey tomato salad, steamed mussels and littleneck clams, steamed Maine Lobster, grilled chicken thighs and sweet sausage paired with coleslaw, red-bliss potato salad, fresh-picked Jersey corn on the cob and peach shortcake for $29.95. Reservations: 609-397-4343; BYO.
MORE FOOD EVENTS
THROUGH SUNDAY AUGUST 17
CALDWELL RESTAURANT WEEK
Participating restaurants will offer special prix-fixe meals during Caldwell Restaurant Week. Information here.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
BEST OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
George Staikos, a wine educator, sommelier and corporate speaker will teach a Best of the Pacific Northwest class at 55 Main Restaurant, 55 Main St, Flemington from 7 to 9 PM. The class will include educational facts, interactive conversation and an opportunity to taste and enjoy 7 wines paired with 3 dishes and cheeses; $80. To register, go to The Educated Grape or call George at 973-699-2199.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
BACON AND BEER FESTIVAL
If you love bacon and beer then put the South Jersey Bacon and Beer Festival on your go-to list. The event will be held at the Collingswood Scottish Rite Grand Ballroom, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, to benefit the Crossroads programs, which provides foster care and help for homeless, abandoned, abused and at-risk youth. Participants offering tastes of bacon-inspired dishes, and craft breweries pouring samples include: Andreotti’s Catering, Aunt Berta’s Kitchen, Bistro Di Marino, Blueplate, Braddock’s Tavern, Crux Cafe, Fleming’s Steak House, Keg & Kitchen, Inde Blue, L’Oceano, Ott’s Tavern, Regular Guy Catering, Tavro 13, The Tortilla Press, Tortilla Press Cantina, The Pop Shop, The Little Tuna, Whole Hog Café, Flying Fish, Pinelands Brewing, Rinn Duin, River Horse Brewing Company, Saucony Creek, Sly Fox, Weyerbacher, and Yards Brewing. 6 to 8:30 PM; $35. Tickets are available at the event website.
PIG OUT AT THE STONE HOUSE AT STIRLING RIDGE
The Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 50 Stirling Ave, Warren, will host its first annual Pig Out with a whole suckling pig and sides; $40, plus tax and gratuity. Craft drafts, $5. Reservations: 908-754-1222.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
TENTH ANNIVERSARY BASH
A 10th anniversary bash will be held at High Street Grill, 64 High St, Mount Holly, with a Jersey Shore clam bake and west coast BBQ in the tent behind the restaurant. 4 to 10 PM; $35; cash bar. Reservations: 609-265-9199.
SUNDAY AUGUST 17
RED BANK FLAVOUR
A Red Bank Flavour Food & Wine Walk will be held throughout Red Bank with participating restaurants offering food and wine tastings. Tickets (cash only) can be purchased on the day of the walk, starting at 1:30 PM ($35) at Teak, Char or Danny’s Steakhouse all in Red Bank. Participating restaurants are: The Bistro at Red Bank, The Boondock’s Fishery (July & August), Brannigan’s Bar & Grill, Carlo’s Bakery, Carter & Cavero, The Cheese Cave, The Chowda House, Danny’s Grill & Wine Bar, Dish, The Downtown, Earth Pizza, Front Street Trattoria, Gaetano’s, Jamian’s Food & Drink, Jr.’s, Lil’ Cutie Pops, Mac Attack Cheesery, The Melting Pot, Pazzo, Readies Café, red, Siam Garden, Sicilia Café, Sugarush a Sweet Experience, The Wine Cellar at Red Bank and Whipped Bites. For information, visit the event website.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19
GIN COCKTAILS FROM SUMMERS PAST CLASS
A Gin Cocktails from Summers Past class will be held at Liberty House, Liberty State Park, 78 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City. 7 PM; $40. Reservations: 201-395-0300.
Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].