Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is a harbinger of spring—and a promise of summer to come!
It’s happening right now, up and down the 130 miles of Garden State coastline and inland at participating restaurants not too far from the beaches. Running through Sunday, April 22, Jersey Shore Restaurant Week specials spotlight three-course meals at either $22.18 or $32.18.
There are a number of first-time participants this year, including Jake’s Downtown and Flames Brazilian Steakhouse in Belmar; Old Glory Kitchen and Spirits in Keyport; Rockerfeller’s Station Eatery & Bar in Long Branch; Used to Be’s in Mantoloking; The Rum Runner in Sea Bright; and Genevieve’s in Seaside Heights.
For a complete list of restaurants, menus and prices, visit jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com.
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Now, here’s something to put on the calendar and plan for: Cheesefest.
On Sunday, May 20 from 2 to 6 pm, the Montclair History Center will host Cheesefest—an afternoon that’s all about cheese.
As the folks at the History Center say, “Taste it. Pair wines with it. Crack it. Meet the animals that give it to us. Discover how it’s made the old-fashioned way.”
The event is sponsored by Schuman Cheese and co-presented by Rutgers Cooperative 4-H, Vanillamore, Amanti Vino, Ironbound Cider, Marie Fromage and Treelicious Orchards. It will take place behind the History Center’s Crane House and Historic YMCA at 108 Orange Road in Montclair.
Cost is $12 for those 21 and older, which includes a beverage ticket, as well as the cheese. Cost is $10 if you register online at montclairhistory.org. There’s also a $5 ticket for those under 21 and for designated drivers. For more information, call 973-744-1796.
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In other food-centric events:
The Boozy Burbs Food Hall is taking place Thursday, April 26 from 5 to 10 pm at The Terrace, 293 Paramus Road in Paramus.
Features food vendors include Partida Tequila and Macallan Double Cask, Aumm Aumm, Empanada Maia, 17 Summer, Kimchi Smokem City Perch Kitchen & Bar, Red, White & Que, Smokehouse, Mr. Cupcakes, Candy Rush and Sweet & Flour.
Admission and parking are free; food and drink are priced by each vendor.
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The Jersey City Craft Brew Fest will be held Saturday, April 21 in two sessions: from 1 to 4:30 pm and also from 6 to 9:30 pm at Harborside’s Atrium, with an entrance on Christopher Columbus Drive. For tickets and information, visit jerseycitybeerfest.com.
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A number of New Jersey restaurants and purveyors are banding together to present “Gala d’Italia” starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, May 23 at the newly renovated Montammy Golf Club, Montammy Drive in Alpine.
What is this about? It’s a tasting event designed to celebrate the food and flavors of Italy, including hand-rolled pasta, imported vino, spirits and dolce, as it benefits an organization that aims to reduce food waste by helping those in need.
Proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction will go to Table to Table’s trucks that bring food to those in need locally. Table to Table redistributes fresh, wholesome food that would otherwise be wasted.
Participating restaurants include Axia Taverna, Bogie’s Hoagies, Biddy O’Malley’s, Bottagra, Café Amici, The Capital Grille, Cenzino Osteria, D’Artagnan, Eons Paramus, HoHoKus Inn & Tavern, Luciano’s Ristorante, Off the Hook, Matthew’s Italian Restaurant, Paramount Country Club, Picco Tavern, Pier 701, River Palm Terrace, Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn, Sofia, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, The Shannon Rose, Twisted Elm and Village Green.
For information and tickets, visit tabletotable.org.