We appreciated the glossary of terms on the menu, which describes ingredients such as seitan, a whole-wheat protein seasoned with tamari and herbs, and eryngii, an oyster mushroom. The menu also identifies items that are vegan or that contain nuts or dairy products. There are no trans fats or MSG used in any of the food, but healthy does not mean boring here. For starters, try the spinach wheat dumplings, the orange-spiced guacamole with taro chips, or the ten-vegetable tomato-based soup. Other small-plate temptations are a four-mushroom risotto and, our favorite, grilled shiitake caps with mashed sweet potatoes. Entrées include a spinach pistachio roll; nori-wrapped bean curd with baby bok choy and broccoli served with semisweet tamarind sauce; and Thai red or green vegetable curry served in an earthen pot with rice. Be forewarned: The green curry is hot, and we were told the red curry is even hotter. You may also wish to try the five-spice-seasoned edamame as a side dish. The dessert menu offers five options: palm sugar bananas Foster with ice cream, deep-fried banana nuggets, homemade ice cream, dark chocolate coffee cake, mango pudding, and profiteroles with white chocolate. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $4 for appetizers to $14 for entrées. And to add more bang for the buck, Su is BYO. For reservations call 201-840-7988.
CHRISTOPHER’S AND A MASSAGE
The Heldrich, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, is offering a Spa Getaway weekend through December 30, based on availability, which includes luxury guest-room accommodations, three spa treatments, a $30 gift certificate for Christopher’s lounge or restaurant, and valet parking. For more information and reservations call 732-729-4670.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
From July 1 through 5, Za Restaurant, 147 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, will celebrate Independence Day with a special menu that features a New American twist on the Jersey clambake. Along with corn on the cob and clam chowder, a variety of classic summer appetizers and main dishes, including steak, lobster, clams, crabs, scallops, and sausage, will be offered. Diners can also select sides to complete their platter. For reservations call 609-737-4400; BYO.
YAPPY HOUR
On the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7 PM, dogs (and their owners) are invited to Yappy Hour at the sidewalk café at restaurant.mc, 57 Main Street, Millburn. There will be special gourmet treats and bottled water for the pooches and a complimentary beverage and hors d’oeuvres for the humans. For more information call 973-921-0888.
PIG ROAST AT PLUCKEMIN INN, BEDMINSTER
On July 6, the Pluckemin Inn, 359 Route 202/206 and Pluckemin Way, Bedminster, will celebrate Independence Day with an outdoor pig roast. In addition to the whole roasted pig, the event will include classic barbecue fare such as potato salad, cornbread, and coleslaw. 3 PM; $20. For more information call 908-658-9292.
FOOD EVENTS
6/28: The Slow Food and Wine Festival 2008 will be held at Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Rd, Pennington. Noon to 5 PM; $25 in advance; $30 at the door. For more information and tickets call 866-HVV-WINE.
6/28: A Summer Cocktail class will be held at Stage Left Restaurant, 5 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick. 3 to 5 PM; $50. For reservations call 732-828-4444.
6/28: A Sushi Workshop taught by David P. Martone, CCP, will be held at Classic Thyme Cooking School, 710 South Ave W, Westfield. 7 to 10 PM; $65. For more information and to enroll call 908-232-5445.
6/30: A four-course Culinary Tour of Italy dinner will be held at the Atlantic City Country Club, 1 Leo Fraser Dr, Northfield. 6 to 10 PM; $65. For reservations call 609-236-4408.
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