OPENINGS October 2008 Al-Jannah, 1462 Main Ave, Clifton (973-340-0005). Bellissimo Ristorante, 12 Kinderkamack Rd, Montvale (201-746-6669); BYO. Gianna’s, 711 Main… Read the rest

In June, chef Aaron McCargo Jr of Camden  won the the fourth season of “The Next Food Network Star.” The… Read the rest

10/4 & 10/5: A Chowderfest that includes a seafood festival, a food court, music, and an end-of-season tent sale will… Read the rest

SAY CHEESE, STRETCH, AND FOLD We’re fond of lots of cheeses but have never made any ourselves. So when we… Read the rest

Dean Angelo is the executive chef at Rome Italian Tavern, 30 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove (973-571-9484).… Read the rest

OPENINGS September 2008 Backyard Bistro, 732 Jefferson St, Hoboken (201-222-2660); BYO. Burger Deluxe, 1420 Rt 23 N, Wayne (973-305-0033). The… Read the rest

9/28: A four-course wine tasting dinner to benefit the American Cancer Society will be held at Charley’s Ocean Grill, 29… Read the rest

FALL GARDEN STATE TASTING MENU AT COPELAND, MORRISTOWN Executive chef Thomas Ciszak of Copeland, Westin Governor Morris Hotel, 2 Whippany… Read the rest

Bill Dorrler is executive chef/partner at Due Mari Pesce e Vinoteca, 78-80 Albany St, New Brunswick (732-296-1600). David Ilmojahid is… Read the rest

OPENINGS September 2008 Calandra’s Bakery, Calandra’s Italian Village, 234 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell (973-226-8889).   La Cantina, Calandra’s Italian Village, 234… Read the rest

GARY VAYNERCHUK’S THUNDER CRUISE From April 18 to 25, 2009, take a wine cruise with Gary Vaynerchuk, owner of the… Read the rest

OPENINGS September 2008 Burger Deluxe, 1420 Rt 23 N, Wayne  (973-305-0033). Dino’s Restaurant, 12 Tappan Rd, Harrington Park (201-767-4245). Il… Read the rest

9/22: Chef Will Mooney, owner of the Brothers Moon, Hopewell, will teach a cooking class at Elijah’s Promise, 211 Livingston… Read the rest

STRIP HOUSE SCOTCH AND STEAK PAIRING If you’re keen on scotch and steak, you can have them together in the… Read the rest

Dillinger’s Pub & Grille, 349 Hazel St, Clifton (973-246-3066) Doner Kebab House, 430 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park (201-945-4222); BYO. Koo… Read the rest

9/9: A River Horse Brewing Company beer dinner will be held at Braddock’s Tavern, 39 S Main St, Medford. 6:30… Read the rest

************* FRESH FROM THE GARDEN It doesn’t get any fresher than “just picked” at Highlawn Pavilion, the Manor, and Pleasantdale… Read the rest

Michael Madigan Jr. is the chef/owner of Farm 2 Bistro, 177 Franklin Ave, Nutley (973-667-3276); BYO.   John Pineda is… Read the rest