Amanti Vino’s Cider Pairing Dinner at Villalobos
Monday, February 25, 7–10 pm
Amanti Vino is hosting its first-ever cider pairing dinner at Villalobos in Montclair, with five courses geared to not only compliment an array of globally-produced ciders from the Basque to Normandy, but also showcase what makes them worthwhile. Amanti Vino’s Steve DeSalvo and Gabriel Rosenthal are “borrowing” the kitchen at Villalobos for the night, preparing various proteins and flavor profiles (Hamachi Tartare, Karaage Chicken with Caviar and Lemon, Braised Short Rib with Crispy Yuca “Home Fries”) and accompany ciders, which start with New Jersey’s own Ironbound Hard Cider and goes Spanish, French, and Swedish. Seats are $85 each ($30 for the cider is billed in advance). Call Amanti Vino to make a reservation: 973-509-9463
Italian Wine Pairing Dinner at La Dolce Vita
Thursday, February 21, 7–10pm
You can’t argue with the idea of “the sweet life” when you’re drinking Italian wines carefully paired with an Italian menu specially prepared for a dinner in a restaurant that’s as oceanfront as they come. That’s what’s on tap on Thursday night at La Dolce Vita in Belmar, where five courses will take you through a variety of Italian wines (sliced beets layered with pistachio ricotta paired with a Pinot Nero, an eight-ounce sirloin with a Cognac demi-glaze served with a Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso). The family-owned Sicilian restaurant is as serious about its impressive wine collection as its menu, so this might be a good night to learn about Italian wines beyond your go-to Chianti. Tickets are $89, plus a small fee; tax and tip are included. La Dolce Vita, 400 Ocean Avenue, Belmar
Black History Month Menus at Keg & Kitchen
Thursday, February 21 – Thursday, February 28
Keg & Kitchen owner Kevin Meeker has asked three chefs to come showcase their cooking and culture in honor of Black History Month. Over the course of the last week of February, chefs Gardner Wilson, Terrick Hubbard, and Robert Pratt will bring their personal and professional backgrounds to the kitchen—that means a mixture of Camden and the Carolinas, food from a dad-to-be, as well as food from a great grandfather. For information on the separate menus, and dates for each chef, contact the restaurant. Keg & Kitchen, 90 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township; 856-833-9800
ABC at KOLO KLUB: Wine Pairing Dinner
Thursday, February 21, 7–10 pm
Self-taught Hoboken chef and caterer Abbey Bell is bringing her healthy culinary chops to the Kolo Klub on Grand Street for a wine pairing dinner. Three savory courses get two wine pairings each; add dessert and that’s seven wines on the table (though health will be front and center, Bell specializes in gluten-free and Paleo diets). Among the pairings you’ll see things like Beet-cured Gravlax with a sparkling French rose, Pork Belly “Tacos” with a young white Bordeaux, and Prosecco-poached Pears with a Cashew-Almond Crème Anglais and an Alsatian Gewurtztraminer. Tickets are $75 and seating is limited. Kolo Klub, 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken; 201-798-1190
Wine and Cheese Pairings: Classic Couples
Tuesday, February 26, 7–8:30pm
Jersey Wine & Spirits and Van Hook Cheese & Grocery are putting together another pairing class for February. This month they’re going classic, with a course exploring the timeless chemistry between a few tried-and-true wine and cheese pairings. An expert from each store will be on hand to explain their part (solid or liquid) of five pairings, with cheese and wines available for purchase, if you haven’t had your fill. Tickets are $40. Jersey Wine & Spirits, 492 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City; 201-763-5888