Januik Wine Dinner at Stage Left Steak
Thursday, February 27, 6:30pm
It may be late—the dinner is this Thursday—but it’s worth checking to see if any seats are still open for the Januik Wine Dinner at Stage Left Steak. Washington State’s Januik Winery was founded by Mike Januik, formerly of Chateau Ste. Michelle. His son Andrew (who’s been making his own wines since 2011) will be on hand at Thursday’s tasting to guide you through pairings like “Deconstructed Crabcake” with Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Confit Duck Leg with Blackberry Confit and Thyme with Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Braised Lamb Shank with White Beans and Mint with Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Call or email [email protected] to see if there’s still a spot. Stage Left Steak, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick; 732-828-4444
Quattro Mani Dinner at Spuntino Wine Bar
Thursday, March 5, 7pm
If you think getting yourself up and out to Spuntino in Clifton on a Thursday night is a bit of a haul (for a Thursday night), consider the fact that chef Alessandro Taras is coming all the way from Argiolas Winery in Italy for the night’s five-course wine dinner. Taras is joining up with chef de cuisine Michael Desjardins for the night’s menu, with Sardinian-style dishes including Octopus with Smoked Ricotta, Pork Belly with Saffron Mashed Potatoes, and Seadas, a deep-friend semolina dumpling filled with Pecorino and lemon rind and drenched in honey. Tickets are $85 per person before tax and tip. Wine selections are all from Argiolas. Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, 70 Kingsland Road, Clifton; 973-661-2435
Farm to Table Supper Club at Alstede Farms
Friday, March 13, 6:30–8:30pm
Alstede Farms in Chester is easily one of the Garden State’s more interactive, hospitality-oriented farms, so if you haven’t checked the place out, here’s a great opportunity to do so. The just-launched “Farm to Table Supper Club” is a three-course prix fixe featuring the freshest produce available (with wine options from Tomassello Winery). The meal itself will be prepared by Alstede’s own culinary team, and considering spring is just about a week away from the dinner date, you might even be able to enjoy a little bit of fresh green early spring flavor (alas it’s too early for ramps). The suppers are meant to take place seasonally, so stay tuned to Alstede for more info. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased through the Alstede website. Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester; 908-879-7189
“The Steakhouse” Dinner at Pascal et Sabine
Wednesday, March 11, 6pm
Pascale et Sabine is continuing its nine-part dinner series with “The Steakhouse” on March 11. There are three seatings to choose from (6pm, 7pm, and 8pm) and while cost of entry is high ($120 per person), you are getting six courses of full-throttle steakhouse tribute. You’ll go from iceberg wedge salad with Maytag Bleu to Veal with Cremini Mushrooms, Sherry, Hazelnuts (the 2020 trend we didn’t see coming), Foie Gras and Truffle to some showstopper Wagyu Ribeye with Bone Marrow, Cabernet Jus, and Brie Creamed Spinach (i.e. if they’re classy enough, wear your comfy pants). Wine pairings are an extra $75 but likely worth it if it’s in your budget. Either way, easily the sexiest dinner happening on a Wednesday. Pascal et Sabine, 601 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park; 732-774-3395