Scotch Whisky Dinner With the Frog and the Peach
Friday, October 19, 7–9 PM
No need for a tumbler and fireside chair this Friday—your Scotch is coming to dinner. Shackleton Whisky, the Dalmore 12- and 15-year, and the Dalmore Port Wood Reserve are up for pouring at Pino’s Gift Basket Shoppe and Wine Cellar in Highland Park. The night’s menu is still to come, but we do know it’s catered by New Brunswick’s the Frog and the Peach. Tickets are $45 and include all drams and dishes. Pino’s Gift Basket Shoppe and Wine Cellar, 13 North 4th Street, Highland Park; 732-247-5421
Piemonte Wine Tasting at Mediterra
Tuesday, October 23, 6:30–8 PM
The Piemonte region is on the syllabus—and in your glass—for this special “Tuesday Tastings with Tony” at Mediterra Restaurant in Princeton. The Tony in question is Anthony Verdoni, aka “Il Professori,” aka the wine expert who will be guiding you through the powerhouse Barolos and Barbarescos of the Piemonte wine region. Call the restaurant to reserve tickets, which are $90 and include food pairings. Mediterra Restaurant, 29 Hulfish Street, Princeton; 609-252-9680
A Taste of Perth Amboy
Thursday, October 18, 6 9 PM
Tasting a town is one thing. Tasting a town on a cruise ship entirely another. This Thursday, Cornucopia Cruise Line’s St. Charles vessel will host some of the best food and drink that Perth Amboy has to offer. As you cruise around the Raritan Bay, you’ll sample the culinary creations of roughly 30 chefs, pastry chefs, artisans and more from the Perth Amboy area. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids and seniors, and that includes music, games, and prizes throughout the evening. The night’s proceeds go to the Raritan Bay Area YMCA’s Homeless Initiative. Cornucopia Cruise Lines, 401 River View Drive, Perth Amboy; 732-442-6421
Fourth Annual Yoga Brunch at Salem Oak Vineyards
Saturday, October 20 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Both located in Pedricktown, Salem Oak Vineyards and Yoga Without Ego are teaming up to bring you what is quite possibly the most relaxing Saturday morning ever. After 60 minutes of (gentle) yoga with instructors from Yoga Without Ego, you’ll enjoy a brunch and wine pairings from Salem Oak Vineyards. Tickets are $35 and friends (and comfy pants) are encouraged. Salem Oak Vineyards, 60 North Railroad Avenue, Pedricktown; 856-889-2121
Jockey Hollow: All Access
Monday, October 22, 6:30–9:30 PM
For a foodie, Jockey Hollow’s “All Access” is like getting a backstage pass after a concert. Morristown’s Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen is inviting guests to basically plunder the beautiful Vail Mansion for all its food and drink treasures. Chef Chris Cannon will provide specially prepared hors d’oeuvres and cocktails to start a multi-faceted evening that includes wines from Cambridge Wines, cocktail making demos, an oyster tasting from Forty North Oyster Farms, suds from Alementary Brewing Co., and sweet treats from the Artist Baker. Tickets are hefty at $125, but a portion of the proceeds go to support Grow It Green Morristown. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, 110 South Street, Morristown; 973-644-3180
Sixth Annual Chefs Tableside Dinner
Thursday, November 1, 6–10 PM
Blue Morel and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) will bring together 15 chefs from around the state, including Leia Gaccione of South + Pine in Morristown, Eric LeVine of Mr. Crabby’s in Randolph, Robbie Felice of Viaggio in Wayne, Anthony Bucco of the not-yet-open Felina in Ridgewood, Dennis Mathews of Blue Morel in Morristown, David Viana of Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge and Chris Albrecht of the Ryland Innin Whitehouse Station. The chefs will collaborate on a five-course dinner with wine pairings for reserved tables of 10 guests each. Your ticket price and proceeds from the night’s silent auction will be donated to CFBNJ. The Westin Governor Morris, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown; 908-477-9924