Executive chef Charles Lesbirel is offering the following daily specials at Ama Ristorante, Driftwood Cabana Club, 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, (732-530-9760):
Tuesday – spaghetti & meatballs $15 and half-off bottles of wine from their entire Wine Spectator award winning list.
Wednesday – half-off pasta and half-off select wines by the glass, all Wine Spectator Award winners
Thursday – half-off appetizers & ½-off all cocktails
Friday – Prix fixe – 3 courses $30 – 5 to 6 PM in the bar/lounge and dining room. Bar Only – Happy Hour 5 to 7 PM with $7 specialty cocktails and half-off bar menu
Saturday – Prix fixe – 3 courses $30 from 5 to 6 PM
Sunday – Prix fixe – 3 courses $30 – all night and no corkage fee.
DAVID ILMOJAHID
David Ilmojahid, formerly from Biddy O’Malley in Northvale, is the new executive chef at Bella Campania, 456 Broadway, Hillsdale (201-666-7700); BYO.
ANNE F. MORIARTA
Anne F. Moriarta is the executive chef at Del Frisco’s Grille, 221 River Street, Hoboken (201-653-0195).
MARIO VALADEZ and JOHANGEL ROSARIO
Mario Valadez, a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, is the executive chef/owner of Abril Cocina, a modern Mexican fusion restaurant at 175 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood (973-327-2023); BYO. Johangel Rosario, a graduate of Institute of Culinary Education, is the chef de cuisine.
NJ RESIDENTS RELEASE DRACAENA WINES
In 2013, after many years of dreaming of owning a winery, New Jersey natives and residents of North Haledon, Lori and Michael Budd, started Dracaena Winery in Paso Robles, CA. Their first harvest, which has spent two years in French Oak, a Cabernet Franc (85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petite Sirah) was released on October 1.
The winery is named after their Weimaraner, Draco and a genus name of the plant known as the Dracaena Draco tree. Draco, their dog is seen on the label standing guard in front of this tree.
For more information or to purchase their wines, visit their website.
Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].