“Dog Days of Summer” Family BBQ at JBJ Soul Kitchen
Saturday, August 10 and Saturday, August 17, 4–7pm
It’s a “Rain or Shine” mentality this Saturday at JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River, but then it’s barbecue for a good cause. For $20, you’ll get all-you-can-eat access to barbecue prepared by the staff of JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River (or the Red Bank location on the 17th). Proceeds from the afternoon go to supporting the ongoing mission of the restaurant, which was founded on the principle of never turning a customer away, no matter their financial situation, and has grown into a hub of community-oriented empowerment, volunteering, and social change. Add some lovingly prepared barbecue to the mix and you have your Saturday (actually, two Saturdays) all set. JBJ Soul Kitchen, 1769 Hooper Avenue, Toms River; 732-731-1414
Cherry Hill Restaurant Week
Saturday August 10 – August 16
Cherry Hill’s Restaurant Week is here to spice up your August (unless you’re one of the lucky few going on vacation this month—but who could wait this long?). Yes, the selection of participating restaurants is smaller, but because it’s Cherry Hill, there’s still plenty to salivate over. You’ll encounter an array of thoughtfully composed, flavor-packed dishes like vegan caramelized cauliflower soup at Denim American Bistro (part of their $20 lunch menu), kona-crusted lamb loin at Seasons 52 (part of their $35 three-course dinner menu), and Jersey peaches stuffed with taleggio cheese over speck at Il Villaggio (another choice from the $35 dinner prix fixe). The full list of participating restaurants is here, although you can check their Facebook for any last-minute updates. Lunch is available at a few places, but dinner seems to be the main event. Call ahead to ask about availability, reservations, etc. Cherry Hill, various locations.
Alstede Farms Peach Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, August 11, 8am – 12:30pm
Proving yet again that Georgia doesn’t have a monopoly on peaches, Jersey’s own Alstede Farms is hosting their Farm to Table Peach Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, August 11. The order of the day is obviously peaches—freshly picked in pancakes or, after breakfast, pick-your-own—but the all-you-can-eat breakfast also includes staples like eggs, bacon, sausage, etc. Tractor rides and maze access for kids is available for a bit more than the $15.99 regular kids ticket. Adult tickets are $18.99. Pick-your-own peaches are purchased separately. Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester; 908-879-7189
New Zealand Wine Tasting at Satis Bistro
Thursday, August 15 7:30–11:30pm
The name says it all: next Thursday, Satis Bistro in Jersey City is hosting a four-course dinner with New Zealand wine pairings. Three vineyards and several grapes are on display, from a Sauvignon Blanc paired with Red Snapper Carpaccio to a 2017 Cabernet/Merlot Blend from Te Mata Estate (New Zealand’s oldest winery) that’s paired with a Seared Lamb Loin with Stewed Eggplant and Tomato and Lamb Neck Croquettes. Email [email protected] or call to reserve your spot. Satis Bistro, 212 Washington Street, Jersey City; 201-433-5151
Red Bank Food & Wine Walk
Sunday, August 18, 2–5pm
The third Sunday of every month from July to October, Red Bank is hosting a three hour tour you’ll actually want to go on (if Gilligan’s Island references aren’t a thing of the past yet). For just $40, you and your fellow hungry travelers get a wristband and a map outlining all the restaurants participating in this year’s “Food & Wine Walk” in Red Bank. Among this year’s participants are places like Jamian’s Food & Drink, Cupcake Magician, Buona Sera, The Cheese Cave, The Wine Cellar, and Urban Coalhouse Pizza—meaning you can go from savory to sweet and back again a few times before three hours are up. Must be over 21, as restaurants with liquor licenses are permitted to sample up to 1½ ounces of an alcoholic beverage. Comfortable shoes (and waistbands) recommended. Red Bank, locations vary.