Black Wine Tasting
Friday, February 15, 8–10:30 pm
Above Art Studios in New Brunswick is hosting a “Black Wine Tasting,” where all the wines you’ll taste come from wineries or wine brands helmed by people of color. At least two wineries will be on hand for the night’s tasting, with a minimum of six wines, and some accompanying hors d’oeuvres to round out your night. It’s a nice way to continue Valentine’s Day celebrations and pay homage during Black History Month. Tickets are just $30. Above Art Studios, 55 Morris Street, New Brunswick; 732-993-8096
Valentine’s with Sinatra at Renault Winery
Saturday, February 16, 6–10 pm
Chances are you’ve gotten your requisite Valentine’s dinner in, but if you’re still looking to show the love, check out this old school “dinner and a show” at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City. Steve Silicato and His Trio will stand in for Old Blue Eyes and the crew, performing hits and standards that sound insanely spot-on as you dig into a three-course Italian prix fixe (Chicken Milanese, Flounder Francaise, and Herb Risotto round out the main course options). Less a foodie night than a destination—and the vineyard makes for a fairly grand one. General admission is $80, though you can book a table for two or four as well. Renault Winery, 72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City; 609-965-2111
“Snow Ball” Vegan Pop-Up Shop in Asbury Park
Sunday, February 17, 11 am – 5 pm
Not all the vegan goodies on hand at Sunday’s “Vegan Pop-Up Shop” at Asbury’s Convention Center will be edible—things like bath products, handbags, cookbooks, even furniture will be part of the animal-involvement-free retail fest. But as you pop from shop to shop, you’ll find plenty of vegan treats to nosh on: Crust & Crumble Pizzeria & Bakery, the Baklava Lady, Hanna’s Meatballs, Luna Verde Vegan Mexican Restaurant, Samosa Shack, Chocolate Calling. The day is put together by Sprout Everywhere Events, and the theme is “Snow Ball Party,” but the vibe is friendly (there are even Speed-Dating and Speed-Friending sessions), so come hungry, leave happy. Tickets are $5 to $15. Asbury Park Convention Center, 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park; 973-975-0280
Flavor Fest 2019 at Double Nickle Brewing Company
Wednesday, February 20, 5:30–9:30 pm
Double Nickel Brewing Company in Pennsauken prides itself on matter-of-factness, so they’re not messing around with the “Fest” part of Wednesday’s event. Beyond their roster of “modern-brewed classics,” which includes a Vienna lager, a Belgian gold ale, and a session IPA, there will be all-you-can-eat food from local area restaurants and vendors, raffles, and games. Your ticket gets you one beer and food, with the remaining suds on you. All proceeds go to benefit the Independence region Big Brother Big Sister organization, straddling New Jersey and Pennsylvania. VIP Tickets are $75 and include a brewery tour, but general admission is just $50. Flavor Fest 2019, Double Nickel Brewing Company, 1585 Route 73, Pennsauken; 856-356-2499
“A Night in Tuscany” at The Iron Room
Wednesday, February 27
There are only 40 seats available for this five-course tasting menu and Tuscan wine dinner at the Iron Room in Atlantic City, which is why we’re sharing the info now. The night is all about the wines of Casa Brancaia, with head winemaker and vineyard manager Barbara Widmer on hand to take you through four bottles. Executive chef Kevin Cronin’s menu is built around each wine—the 2013 Chianti Classico with a classic Tuscan Ribollita, the unanimously well-reviewed 2013 Brancaia Ilatraia to pair with chef Cronin’s Brined Rabbit Stew with Root Vegetables, Housemade Papardelle, and Pecorino. Tickets are $95, inclusive of tax and tip; reservations can be made here. The Iron Room, 648 North Albany Avenue, Atlantic City; 609-348-6400