After eight years as an owner and partner of DeBragga and Spitler, the Jersey City-based high quality meat supplier to the restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry, George Faison has left his post as chief operating officer.

Seen in: Table Hopping

“Is that mint or parsley?” I said as I smelled the salad when it was placed on the table. This was just one example of the aromas, as well as clean, fresh tastes that we experienced in our dishes at the recently opened Mishmish in Montclair. Do not get confused and say mish-mash. It is Mishmish, which means apricot in Hebrew and Arabic.

Seen in: Table Hopping

Fans of Porta in Asbury Park  will be delighted to know there is a new outpost in Jersey City.

Seen in: Table Hopping

We often dined at and enjoyed Bistro 18 (18 South Fullerton, Montclair), when George Kalivas owned the restaurant. It was a reliable neighborhood spot, so when we heard that he opened The Plum & The Pear in Wyckoff, we put it on our “to try” list.

Seen in: Table Hopping

Raise a glass of hot cider at Terhune Orchards's “Wassailing the Apple Trees” event. Wassailing is an ancient British tradition of gathering around a bonfire to chant a traditional verse that invokes positive spirits in the orchards and scares away evil ones.

Seen in: Table Hopping

Chef John Vitale of Caffe Anello Westwood and Butcher Salvatore Petruso of Westwood Prime Meats, Westwood are presenting a dinner at the James Beard House in New York City.

Seen in: Table Hopping

We'd never had to wait for a table in a Chinese restaurant, so it was quite a surprise when we went to Hunan Taste in Denville, early on a Saturday evening and were told that we had a 45-minute wait. Who knew??? Hunan Taste is listed in Zagat as a top Chinese restaurant and won the New Jersey Monthly Readers Choice award in 2012, 2013 and 2014 for the best Chinese restaurant in the North. Was it worth the wait?

Seen in: Table Hopping

Today, read about the Stockton Inn and more New Jersey restaurant openings and closings.

Seen in: Table Hopping

For a quick getaway close to home, consider the Lambertville Station Inn in Lambertville, which has just had a $4 million renovation. The inn’s 46 guest rooms and suites have been refurbished and the contemporary interiors include an array of luxury amenities.

Seen in: Table Hopping

Through January 31, The Peacock Inn, 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton, in celebration of its fifth anniversary, is offering a romantic package that includes a preferred luxury guest room; five-course dinner with wine pairing for two; small bottle of Prosecco in the room; and continental breakfast for $500. Upgrade to a deluxe guest room for $50. Tax and gratuity extra. Reservations: 609-924-1707.

Seen in: Table Hopping