Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 9, 6 to 10 PM, when the Montclair Food & Wine Festival presents an outdoor BBQ, Bourbon & Biergarten-themed tasting event at the Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Avenue, Montclair. Attendees can sample dishes from the area chefs, including a wide array of bourbon and craft beer from local artisanal and national brands. This fun-filled evening will also include live music provided by The Wellmont Theater, as well as a raffle and silent auction. General admission $85 and a premium bourbon and beer tasting experience is also available for an additional $35.
A spirited BBQ competition will be judged by notable personalities including: John Holl, an acclaimed beer and food writer, and Veronique Deblois, KCBS certified judge and food blogger. Guests will also get in on the judging action via a people’s choice vote. John Holl will be signing his new book Dishing Up New Jersey (with purchase).
Visit the event website or this website for more information and full list of participating vendors.
OTHER NJ FOOD EVENTS
WINE CLASS IN FLEMINGTON
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
George Staikos, a wine educator, sommelier, and corporate speaker will teach the wine class, Classic Varietals in New Places at 55 Main Restaurant, 55 Main Street, Flemington. The class will feature seven memorable wines as well as three dishes and cheeses expertly prepared to pair with the wines. 7 to 9 PM; $80. To register, go to this website or call George at 973-699-2199.
THURSDAY, MAY 26
A NIGHT FOR ECUADOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUNDRAISER
A Night For Ecuador will be held at the Pleasantdale Chateau, 757 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, to benefit the Ecuadorian Red Cross. The evening will include live music, food, open bar, raffle and silent auction. 6 to 11 PM; $100. Tickets and information at this website.
SOUTHERN TIER BEER DINNER
A five-course Southern Tier Beer dinner will be held at the Grain House Restaurant, 225 Rt 202, Basking Ridge. 6:15 to 8:30 PM; $45 plus tax and gratuity, $55 at the door. Tickets: 908-221-1150.
SATURDAY MAY 28 AND SUNDAY MAY 29
WINE & BBQ EVENT
The Garden State Wine Growers Association will host a Wine & BBQ event at Schooley’s Mountain Park, 91 East Springtown Road, Long Valley. Twenty-one wineries will be in attendance offering samples of over 200 wines. Pit masters selling their food include: Ben’s BBQ; Texas Smoke; Spanky’s BBQ & Catering; Lost In The Woods; Oink and Moo BBQ; Nomad Pizza; and Cherries on Top. Noon to 5 PM; rain date Monday, May 30. $25 in advance; $30 on-site includes wine glass. Tickets at this website.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
CHIMAY BEER DINNER
A Chimay Beer dinner will be held at Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. 6:30 PM; $99 plus tax and service. Reservations: 732-828-4444.
Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].