Guest Pizzaiolo Series at Liberty Hall Pizza
Tuesday, February 25, 5–9pm
Pierre Calmels cooks a $125 tasting menu weekly as the James Beard-nominated chef and owner of Bibou BYOB in Philadelphia. You’ll have a chance to sample his sleek, frisky French fare over the fires of Liberty Hall Pizza in Lambertville (one of the NJM’s 35 best pizzerias in the state) as part of their “Guest Pizzaiolo” series. Calmels has worked under both Daniel Boulud and Georges Perrier, meaning there will be plenty of high-grade French influence in the night’s regionally-divided pizza menu, which includes Pizza Lyonnaise with Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Baby Frisee Salad, and Pizza Périgourdine with Duck Confit, Dried Fig, Arugula Salad, Pine Nuts, and Foie Gras. No advance tickets are required, just arrive in good time. Liberty Hall Pizza, 243 North Union Street, Lambertville; 609-397-8400
Sundays at Laylow
Laylow, the cocktail spot below Reyla in Asbury Park, is gearing up to open for regular Sunday business. They started this past Sunday, running 3 to 10pm after a post-Galentine’s Day Brunch at Reyla upstairs. Exact hours aren’t set yet, though it’s a safe bet the regular set-up will likely be music-centric—though the online menu does have snacks. But don’t go expecting Sunday supper—the space is just a bit too chic and subterranean for that. We’re still waiting for an official launch date, but their Instagram is a great place to stay tuned to any upcoming events, Sunday or otherwise, that tickle your fancy. Laylow, 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park; 732-305-2420
Burgundy Wine Dinner at Bistro D’Azur
Thursday, February 27, 7–10pm
Here’s a gorgeous Thursday night of drinking and dining for those both more and less familiar with the Burgundy wine region—and, to be fair, it’s an expensive wine region to get acquainted with. Fortunately you’ll have Ivan Ruiz, sommelier and owner of the Wine List of Summit at the helm of the night’s dining and sipping. The menu from chef Richard Krug is five courses, all aptly French (Skate Fish with Garlic Butter and Lardons, Boeuf Bourguignon with Foie Gras Butter and Pomme Puree, Escargots with Parsley Butter and Garlic) and the wine choices do look intriguing, not least of the all the 1999 Banyuls fortified sweet wine with desirably complex “rancio” flavors. Reservations are $110 per person, before tax and tip. Call to reserve. Bistro D’Azur, 14 Academy Street, South Orange; 973-327-9725
Atlantic City Restaurant Week
March 8– 13
During the second week of March, Atlantic City will showcase its diverse restaurant scene. The basic formula is $15.20 for a three-course prix fixe lunch and $35.20 for a three-course prix fixe dinner, though the list of participating restaurants is long (a small sampling: American Cut, Bucca di Beppo, Knife and Fork Inn, Kwi Noodle House, the Palm, Setaara Afghan French, and Veracruz). Not every restaurant participates in both meals, so it’s a good idea to check in before you head over. Atlantic City, various locations.