“Shot and a Beer” Program
Various Locations
To encourage people to get their Covid vaccinations, the governor’s office launched the “Shot and a Beer” program, offering free beers from more than 30 participating New Jersey breweries. NJ residents who get their first dose in May will be eligible. Locations include Flying Fish Brewing Co. in Somerdale, Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant in South Orange, River Horse Brewing Co. in Ewing, Hackensack Brewing and more. Check out the growing list here.
Tequila Tasting Dinner at La Mer Beachfront Resort
Cape May • May 14
La Mer Beachfront Resort is hosting the last four-course pairing dinner of the season at its Pier House restaurant. The series will resume in September. This final dinner will consist of four Latin American dishes, each paired with a different tequila. For the first course, enjoy Scallop Ceviche paired with Tequila Fortaleza Blanco followed by Spicy Pork Carnitas with Tattoo Tequila Reposado for course two. Course three consists of Carne Asada with Dos Alas Anejo, then the meal comes to a close with a Shortbread Tart Shell filled with bittersweet chocolate and fresh berries paired with a Codigo 14530 Rosa. The dinner is $75 per person and starts at 6 and 8 pm. Reservations required.
La Mer Beachfront Resort, 1317 Beachfront Ave., Cape May; 609-884-9000
West Orange Farmers Market
West Orange • Saturdays
Tomatoes from the West Orange Farmers Market. Photo courtesy of West Orange Farmers Market
Offering local fruits, vegetables, meats, breads and more, the West Orange Farmers Market reopens for the season May 15. A different food truck will be featured each week, and this year, the market has partnered with local vendors, such as Illuminate Foods, to bring shoppers the biggest selection yet. The market will be open from 9 am–2 pm through October.
West Orange Farmers Market, 90 Main St., West Orange
Seven Deadly Zins Wine Dinner at Stage Left Steak
New Brunswick • May 28
To celebrate the restaurant’s 29th anniversary, Catherine Lombardi will host their first in-person wine dinner in 15 months. There will be five courses. Course one is an Antipasti served with a Limerick Lane Zinfandel 2019. Course two pairs Jamon Iberico and Proscuitto di Parma with Turkey Zinfandel “Kirschenbaum” and Martinelli Zinfandel “Giuseppe & Louisa” 2019. For course three, there’s half a Stage Left Burger and Gratin Potatoes with The Terraces Zinfandel 2018 and Beale “Black Chicken” Zinfandel 2018. Course four is a Wagyu Steak and Asparagus with Once and Future “Bedrock Vineyard” Zinfandel. Course five ends the night with a Molten Chocolate Cake and Dashe Late Harvest Zinfandel 2017. $199.95 per person; for reservations, email [email protected].
Stage Left Steak, 5 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick; 732-828-4444