Tom Colicchio Talks “Hunger: The Politics of Food” at Kean University
Friday, March 22, 9 am – Noon
Tom Colicchio may have just wrapped up another season of “Top Chef,” but for the prolific chef and Elizabeth native, other passions are still calling him to action, and food scarcity is among them. The Crafted Hospitality owner is the keynote speaker this Friday at Kean University’s 12th Annual Human Rights Conference, “Hunger: The Politics of Food.” The event, which lasts for three hours and also features urban farming proponent Karen Washington and Kean alumna Lovely Randle, ’16, whose research focused on the relationships between childhood obesity and food deserts. The event is entirely free, though you do have to pre-register online here. Lunch will be provided immediately following the talks. Kean University, Union.
Siphon Coffee Making Class
Friday, March 22, 7–10pm
Yes $50 tickets seem steep for a coffee-making class, but the invite from the team at Hidden Grounds in New Brunswick swears that “Siphon Coffee is the best brewing method ever invented for brewing coffee.” Here’s your chance to test that assertion for yourself and learn a few tricks of the trade among passionate professionals in a charmingly hip cafe. The course is three hours, giving you plenty of time to tackle the background and basics of the vacuum-based total immersion brewing method (it’s easier than it sounds). Hidden Grounds Espresso Bar, 4C Easton Avenue, New Brunswick; 732-317-4117
Women & Wine with Michelle D’Aprix at Bin 14
Saturday, March 23, 2–4 pm
Winemaker Michelle D’Aprix has the sole distinction of being the only American woman winemaker in Bordeaux. She’s also on a mission to change how we perceive (and drink) Bordeaux wines (traditionally perceived as stuffy, expensive, etc.). Before starting her own wine importing business, Christopher Imports, and before taking on Bordeaux soil itself, D’Aprix worked at Bin 14. Saturday, she returns, with some of her favorite bottles in tow for a tasting and pairing dinner, with three courses from chef Anthony Pino. Reservations can be made online; dinners are $75, excluding tax and tip. Bin 14, 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken; 201-963-9463
JOCEF: 6th Annual “Recipe for Success”
Monday, March 25, 6:30–9:30 pm
You may not know Joe Romanowski by name, but if you’ve eaten down the Shore, you’ve benefited from his influence. Romanowski ran Joe and Maggie’s Bistro in Long Branch with his wife and later opened Bay Avenue Trattoria in Highlands, but beyond cooking, Romanowski was a dedicated mentor. The Joe Romanowski Culinary Education Foundation was created in his honor, with a mission to fund culinary education for would-be chefs and culinary pros from the Jersey Shore. Monday night’s fundraiser marks the sixth year raising money for the cause (in the first four years of its existence, JOCEF raised more than $150,000 in scholarships). Sponsorships are available for heavy-hitters up to $4000, but General Admission is $100 and that gets you access to tastings from 20 Shore restaurants (d’jeet, Salt Creek Grille, Porcini, 2nd Floor Restaurant, Yumi, Lusty Lobster) and sips of some local premium wine, beer and spirits. Auction items add to the final tally, so come ready to bid if you can. Navesink Country Club, 50 Luffburrow Lane, Middletown.
Evil Genius Beer Dinner at The Continental
Tuesday, March 26, 7–9 pm
Here’s your way to enjoy Atlantic City Beer Fest amidst shoreside swank. The Continental is hosting Philly’s own Evil Genius Beer Company for a special beer pairing dinner. The dinner is four courses, kicking off with a tropical bite of their “ADULTING” beer (aka Guava IPA) with Shrimp Ceviche Tacos. The main course pairing intrigues the most: Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter (aka “PURPLE MONKEY DISHWASHER”) paired with Cocoa-Rubbed Filet of Ribeye. A beer rep will be on hand to answer questions. Tickets are $50 and can be reserved over the phone. The Continental, The Playground Pier at Caesar’s, One Atlantic Ocean Ave, Level 3, Atlantic City; 609-674-8300