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FRESH FROM THE GARDEN
It doesn’t get any fresher than “just picked” at Highlawn Pavilion, the Manor, and Pleasantdale Chateau, all located in West Orange, as the garden at Pleasantdale Chateau is packed with an extensive variety of produce that’s used in these restaurants.
Executive chef Robert Albers of Pleasantdale Chateau and executive chef Mitchell Altholz of the Manor and Highlawn Pavilion have twenty varieties of heirloom tomatoes this summer; last summer’s yield was 2,300 pounds. For dinner reservations call the Manor at 973-731-2360 and Highlawn Pavilion at 973-731-3463.
Executive chef Mitchell Altholz picking vegetables at the Pleasantdale Chateau garden.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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STEAK OUT
Executive chef Thomas Ciszak of Copeland, Westin Governor Morris Hotel, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, has a Steak House Experience menu that offers prix-fixe and à la carte options. The prix-fixe menu ($42 per person) includes a Caesar salad; thick slices of beefsteak tomato with onions and crumbled blue cheese; 28-day-aged USDA prime porterhouse steak for two, three, or four accompanied by French fries and truffle creamed spinach; and seasonal streusel cake served tableside with schlag (whipped cream). Some of the à la carte choices are a Wagyu beef burger; côte de boeuf; skirt steak salad; and a 28-day-dry-aged USDA prime sirloin steak. Be sure to try the TC Steak Sauce created by Ciszak, which is also available at Chef Central, Paramus; Fortunoff, Wayne; and Kings. For lunch or dinner reservations call 973-451-2619.
Chef Thomas Ciszak’s TC Steak Sauce.
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A SYMPHONY OF FLAVORS
On September 14, Eric Asimov, chief wine critic for the New York Times, will be the guest speaker at a food and wine pairing, A Symphony of Flavors, to benefit the Bucks County Symphony. The event, where food from area chefs will be matched with wines selected by Phillips’ Fine Wines of Stockton, will be held at Lisa James Otto Country Properties, 16 Bridge Street, Stockton. 5 to 7:30 PM; $75. Preceding A Symphony of Flavors, a patron party, Presenting Pinot Noir, will be held at the Stockton Inn, only steps from the main event. 3:30 to 5 PM; $75. For more information call 215-794-7095 or log on to www.cafeatrosemont.com.
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BRADDOCK’S TAVERN, MEDFORD
Braddock’s Tavern, 39 South Main Street, Medford, has a few events planned for this month. On September 9, a River Horse Brewing Company beer dinner will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 PM; $45. On September 11, a seafood feast dinner will be featured from 5 to 9 PM; $26.95. And on September 16, meat lovers can attend Beef Wellington Night from 5 to 9 PM; $28.95. For more information and reservations call 609-654-1604.
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A PET-FRIENDLY DAY
On September 13, wine, art, and music will be featured at the Wag’n & Wine’n event to be held at Mill Race Village, Church and White Streets, Mount Holly, to benefit the Burlington County Animal Alliance. Animal friends are welcome, and the event will also have pets in attendance looking for loving homes. 3 to 7 PM; $25 in advance; $30 at the door. For tickets call 609-702-9949.
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SUMMER IS OVER… NEED A VACATION?
Looking for a quick Sunday trip? Go to Lambertville Station, 11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, for the champagne buffet brunch ($28.95), which is served from 10 AM to 3 PM in a glass-enclosed room overlooking the Delaware River. For reservations call 609-397-4400. Then spend the day strolling through the town and through New Hope, PA, before checking into the Inn at Lambertville Station for the Sunday Getaway package. It starts at $130 plus tax and includes one-night accommodations with a $50 voucher for dinner at Lambertville Station plus continental breakfast in your room. Sunday Getaway reservations must be made in advance by calling 609-397-4400.
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SAVE THE DATE
On October 24, a culinary extravaganza, A Dinner of Hope, featuring six courses paired with wines will be held at Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 50 Stirling Road, Warren. The event, which also includes dancing, will benefit Creative Heartwork, an organization that utilizes the power of the arts to help heal children who have experienced trauma, loss, serious illness, or disability. There will be a Zen theme, and black tie or Asian attire is recommended. 6:30 PM; $1,000. For tickets call Karen at 973-889-0809.
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DINING DEALS
On Sundays, the Black Forest Inn, 249 Route 206 North, Stanhope, has a Classical Buffet Brunch from 11 AM to 2:30 PM for $24. An early-dinner menu is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:30 to 6 PM for $22.50. For reservations call 973-347-3344.
DeAnna’s Restaurant and Bar, 54 North Franklin Street, Lambertville, serves a three-course prix-fixe menu on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $20. For reservations call 609-397-8957.
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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].