With the help of some of his friends in the industry, Paramus native chef Bruce Kalman organized Chefs 4 Paramus Strong, a dinner on Thursday, July 12 to honor the victims of last month’s deadly bus crash involving students and teachers from Paramus’s East Brook Middle School. The event will be held at Biagio’s in Paramus. It will offer a walk-around tasting with menus specially prepared by more than 20 chefs, including Kalman, who attended East Brook Middle School, and some of his Top Chef castmates. Jersey chefs include Jimmy Perides of Biagio’s, Bryan Tortorella of Steel Wheel Tavern in Ridgewood, and William Lustberg of Hudson Table in Hoboken.
Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased here. All proceeds go to benefit the Paramus Children’s Health Foundation.
Other events:
Taco Palooza
Saturday, June 30; 11am – 8pm
We fully agree with the unofficial slogan of Saturday’s Taco Palooza in Chester: “The only bad taco is the one you didn’t eat.” With proceeds benefiting the Historic Chester Business Association and the Chester First Aid Squad, the event will pack Municipal Field with tortilla-ed offerings from The Guac Spot, Tacoholics, Taco Shelly’s, and Mexi Flip Taco Truck (and more). If tacos aren’t your thing (really?), head over to places like Taste of Poland or the Bearded One BBQ. Whatever your preferred protein/carb delivery system, you can wash it down with beer, wine, and of course margaritas.
Admission is $5 for anyone over 10. Organizers ask that attendees bring a food donation item to support the local food pantry.
Tea at Historic Smithville Mansion
Thursday, June 28; noon – 2:30 pm
Summer recreation doesn’t have to be 24-7 suntan reapplication. Try Thursday’s tea at the historic Smithville Mansion in Eastampton. Held once a month from May through October, guests are immersed in the history of the 178 year-old mansion with tea and light snacks.
Mansion tours are included in the $20 ticket price.
Dining Under the Stars in Bloomfield
Friday, June 29; 6pm – 11 pm
Here’s an easy “just can’t stay in again” Friday night option. Starting at 6pm every other Friday until August 24, Washington Street in Bloomfield will shut down to traffic as bands and local restaurants take over for a night of al fresco entertainment. This Friday features the Kabuki Dance band as well as a Night Market for some early weekend retail therapy.
For information on (free) nearby parking, check here.
World Cup: Argentina vs. Nigeria at Cuba Libre
Tuesday, June 26; 2pm
Cuba Libre’s Atlantic City outpost is hosting World Cup viewing parties with Happy Hour pricing during game time, which means you’ll have 90 minutes plus stoppage-time to chomp on discount yucca fries and garlicky Malanga fritters during Tuesday’s Nigeria vs. Argentina match. The place is likely to pack out, so arrive early. And make sure your Sangria glass is full when the time comes to celebrate, or weep.
Check out Happy Hour menu options at Cuba Libre here.
Famous Food Market at Harborside Jersey City
Saturday, June 30 – Sunday, July 1; 11am – 7:30pm
Forgo weekend Shore traffic with a sprawling food and drink market in Jersey City (by the water, so you’ll at least get a breeze). The market takes place every weekend from June 16 through October 28, gathering around 30 food vendors with plenty of international options, a beer and wine garden, and some craft vendors as well.
General admission is free but a $69 VIP ticket gets you 3 food tokens and free parking. Info and more transportation options can be found here.