Latte Art Class at Hidden Grounds
Friday, June 28, 7–9 pm
Most of us aren’t responsible for putting the finishing touches on our lattes—we leave that to the professionals, or else forego the visuals entirely in favor of Starbucks-style expedience. This Friday night’s a chance to get a little hands-on, demystifying the art of, well, latte art with none other than the highly trained pros at Hidden Grounds. The New Brunswick coffee shop is hosting a mini-workshop in its very own (beautiful, funky) café space. Don’t worry if you’ve never pulled a shot of espresso before—the staff will introduce you to the machinery, teach you the recipe, and instruct you in the fine motor controls necessary to make the top of your latte look like a leaf, or a heart, or perhaps even Abraham Lincoln. If you realize you have a hidden talent for it, you’re in luck: the night ends in a Latte Art Showdown. Even if you don’t win, you’ll likely leave pretty caffeinated. Tickets are $50, available here. Hidden Grounds Espresso Bar, 4C Easton Avenue, New Brunswick; 732-543-1909
Duckhorn Wine Dinner at Fleming’s
Friday, June 28, 6:30 pm
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in Marlton is hosting the Napa Valley’s Duckhorn Vineyards on Friday night, and if spaces are still available, you should snatch one up. Founded in 1976, Duckhorn is a cornerstone of the Napa Valley (they celebrated their 40th Anniversary harvest in 2017). Fleming’s chef Thomas Speigel is pairing a four-course dinner with specially selected Duckhorn wines The night starts with a charcuterie selection paired alongside the Duckhorn Decoy Rose, goes to a Central Coast Chardonnay and Spicy Shrimp Arancini, Crispy Pork Belly Summer Salad with the Migration Pinot Noir, and finishes with Fleming’s take on steak frites (smoked chili butter, anyone?) paired with the inaugural release of their Greenwing Cabernet Sauvignon and their classic Duckhorn Merlot. Tickets are $90; call for a reservation. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 220 Route 73 Marlton; 856-988-1351
Summer Wine Festival at Meadowlands Racetrack
Saturday, June 30, 5:30–9:30 pm
Maybe you’re not a racetrack regular, but this Saturday any New Jerseyan with a taste for wine should head to Meadowlands Racetrack, where 30-plus wineries and producers (including some local Jersey vineyards) will be available for several hours of serious tasting. Wineries so far include Santa Margherita, Prover, J Winery, William Hill, Terlato, White Haven, Prophecy, even Naked Grape Box wines. It’s not a food-focused event by a long shot, so don’t come on an empty stomach. VIP tickets are $75 and get you in at 4:30, a VIP lounge and buffet; General Admission is $35 and Designated Drivers pay just $15. Regardless of your ticket status, you’ll have access to special seminars, samplings, and pairings. It’s a big event (the VIP hour alone is capped at 200 people), so come ready to rub elbows. Meadowlands Racetrack, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford
Alba Vineyards Wine Dinner at Blue Morel
Friday, August 9, 7 pm
Alba Vineyard and Winery owner Tom Sharko will be on hand at Blue Morel on August 9 for a special four-course pairing dinner at Blue Morel. Just about an hour west of the restaurant in Milford, Alba has multiple (and multiple award-winning) wines, including Heritage Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and lesser-known French-American hybrid Chambourcin. No details yet on chef Dennis Mathews’ menu, but it’s guaranteed to feature local New Jersey/Pennsylvania farm product. The night’s expected to sell out relatively quickly, so call for reservations sooner rather than later. Tickets are $79 per person before tax and tip. Blue Morel, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown; 973-451-2769