Oregon Pinot Camp at Bin 14
Saturday, September 15, 2–4 PM
Lucky for lovers of the delicate, seductively finicky red wine, Bin 14’s Sommelier Joel Liscio recently returned from a pinot noir “Tasting Camp” in Oregon, where some of the world’s best pinot is produced, and he’s eager to share what he’s learned. You won’t be tasting nearly as many wines as Liscio (he tasted from over 50 producers). Instead, he’s curated a shorter list to introduce you to the varietal’s versatility, and pair with dishes from Bin 14 chef Anthony Pino. You’ll sip wine with expert guidance: Bin 14 won a 2018 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Call for reservations, which are $75 and include food and wine. Bin 14, 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken; 201-963-9463
Other events:
“An Apple a Day” Dinner at Rutgers Gardens
Thursday, September 6, 6–9:30 PM
Besides being one of the only botanical gardens in the country that doesn’t charge a visitor’s fee (they rely on donations), Rutgers Gardens also hosts some great foodie events, including this one. It’s part of their “Summer Classes” series, but the evening actually focuses on everyone’s favorite crunchy harbinger of fall, the apple. The evening begins with an hour-long interactive class where chefs teach savory and sweet apple dishes, followed by a three-course dinner that ends with stuffed, baked apples. Welcome, fall. Tickets are $80 per person, plus tax, and the night is BYO. Log Cabin Pavilion, 140 Log Cabin Road, East Brunswick; 732-932-8451
September Wine Portfolio Tasting at Piccolo Italia
Friday, September 7, 4–6 PM
Now that summer’s effectively over, most of us have wine on the brain—and Piccolo Italia’s ready with its monthly complimentary wine tasting event. You won’t be chugging for free, but there will be 10 to 15 wines to sample (and buy) along with some complimentary snacks. No tickets required. Show up thirsty. Piccolo Italia, 837 West Park Avenue, Ocean; 732-493-3090
Tomato Week at the Grain House
Thursday, September 6 – Saturday, September 8, 5–10 PM
John Benjamin is a Culinary Institute of America grad who’s worked at Aureole in New York, under Thomas Keller at the French Laundry, and helped open Latour right here in Jersey. Now at the helm of the Grain House at the Olde Mill Inn, this week he’s celebrating Jersey’s ruby (mostly) beauties with a menu dedicated to tomatoes: New Jersey Tomato Bisque, an Heirloom Tomato Tart, and even a Trio of Cherry Tomatoes. The Grain House, 225 Morristown Road, Basking Ridge; 908-221-1100
Coming up next week:
First Annual Bergen County Food & Wine Festival
Saturday, September 15, noon – 5PM; and Sunday, September 16, 1-6 PM
Garden State Plaza will host some of the best in North Jersey dining at the first Bergen County Food & Wine Festival. The event’s two days are themed: noon to 5pm on Saturday is devoted to “Burgers & Brews,” and will include a competition for the title “Bergen County’s Best Burger.” Sunday is the more expansive “Tasting Village,” featuring 70 restaurants from all over the county (Varka, Son Cubano, Roots Steakhouse Stella Artisan Italian, Callahan’s, Cenzino’s—the list goes on).
Tickets are all inclusive and range from $55 to $110, and can be purchased for one or both days. The event is 21+. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the 200 Club of Bergen County, an organization that supports area first responders (law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel). Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus