The Bakery at Chester Springs, Ludwigs Village Shopping Center, Routes 401 & 100, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, invites you to pamper your Valentine with a gourmet five-course dinner in the comfort of your own home expertly prepared by Michael Graham and Anthony Mastroianni, former owner of the award-winning Cosimo Restaurant & Wine Bar.
Here’s a rundown on the tempting menu…
Hors d’Oeuvres:
Red and Green Grapes rolled in Roquefort & Toasted Pistachios
Dates stuffed with Creamy Pierre Robert Cheese & Toasted Almonds wrapped in San Danielle Prosciutto
Tuscan Garden Skewers with Pesto
Soup:
Cream of Kennett Square Portabella Mushroom
OR
Tomato Basil Orzo Bisque
Salad:
Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons and Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano
Entrée:
Filet of Beef Tenderloin wrapped with Applewood Smoked Bacon served with a Sage Truffle Compound Butter, Lobster Mashed Potatoes and Haricots Verts
Desserts:
Mini Shortbread Heart Cookies
Rochers
Dark Chocolate Ganache Iced Brownie Hearts
The cost of the “Valentine’s Day at Home” menu is $139.95 per couple. For more information, or to place your order, please call (610) 321-1229.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
On Sunday, February 28th, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., professional and amateur cupcake bakers will go head to head in a cupcake throw down that will benefit the Haitian earthquake relief fund through the American Red Cross. The event will be held at the Tortilla Press Cantina, 7716 Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, New Jersey.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun for the whole family and to do some good as well,” notes Kati Angelini, owner of Kati’s Kupcakes in Moorestown, NJ. Ms. Angelini, who counts gourmet cupcakes of all kinds as her baking specialty, loves the “Iron Cupcake Challenge” because “it brings all kinds of bakers together to produce the one thing that everybody loves.”
Bakers will compete for best taste and most creative cupcakes, and a $100.00 prize will be awarded to the top baker winner. Judges for the event will be Chio, the morning radio host of 96.5 FM, Chef Mark Smith of Tortilla Press Cantina, and Elizabeth Rocco of Rocco’s Catering in Mt. Laurel.
The cost of the “Iron Cupcake Challenge” is $15.00 per adult and $7.00 for children under 12. This covers a buffet lunch and cupcake tastings from every participating baker. As noted above, proceeds will benefit the Haitian earthquake relief fund being organized by the Red Cross. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling the Tortilla Press Cantina at (856) 356-2050.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
On Thursday, February 25th, 6:30 p.m., the Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, New Jersey, will host a spectacular wine dinner featuring the celebrated wines of Silver Oak Cellars in California. The special guest will be winemaker Daniel Baron of Silver Oak.
The evening will begin with a reception hosted by winemaker Daniel Baron and the Bernards Inn’s wine director and sommelier, Terri Baldwin. Executive Chef Corey Heyer will create a five-course dinner, with each course paired with an appropriate wine.
Reception:
Meet and Greet Daniel Baron
Wine: Twomey Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2008
The Menu:
“Carpaccio” of Red Beets, Grains of Paradise, Hazelnut Brittle, Frisée, Queso de Mano, Merlot Vinaigrette
Wine: Twomey Merlot, Napa Valley, 2005
Foie Gras Torchon, Strawberry Confiture, Grilled Citrus Pound Cake, Cinnamon Crunch
Wine: Twomey Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2005
48-Hour Short Rib, Parsnip Purée, Brussels Sprouts Leaves, Cippolini Onions, Licorice Root
Wine: Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2005
Braised Venison Osso Buco, Wheat Berries, Black Currants, Braised Greens, Baby Turnips, Chocolate & Juniper Reduction
Wine: Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2004
Artisanal Cheeses, Plum Chutney, Black Olive Powder, Cocoa Nibs
The cost of the Silver Oak Wine Dinner is $175.00 per person, all-inclusive. For more information, or to make reservations, please call the Bernards Inn at (908) 766-0002.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
For Valentine’s Day weekend, February 12 - 14, Mahogany Grille in Manasquan, New Jersey, will be offering their regular menu plus a number of tempting specials…
Appetizer:
Smoked Salmon Croque Monsier, Gruyere, Chive Crème Fraiche ($10.00)
Salad:
Baby Arugula, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Roasted Red Beets, Candied Pecans, Cucumber, Shaved Fennel, Red Wine Vinaigrette ($12.00)
Entrées:
Lobster Tail, House-Made Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine, Wilted Baby Spinach, Black Pepper Cream ($36.00)
Angus Cowboy Steak, 18-Ounce Bone-In Rib Eye, Rosemary-Scented Steak Fries, Black Trumpet Mushroom butter ($40.00)
Dessert:
Fried Ice Cream, Graham Cracker, Coconut, Raspberry-Bourbon Syrup ($8.00)
For more information, or to make reservations, please call (732) 292-1300.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
On Saturday and Sunday, February 13th and 14th, Restaurant Jean-Louis, 61 Lewis Street, Greenwich, Connecticut, will offer two different tasting sensations side by side: one menu for Madame; one menu for Monsieur…
Valentine Menu pour Madame
Welcome:
Hibiscus and Vegetables Tea, Chocolate Dusting
Choice of Appetizers:
Trio of Foie Gras: One Sautéed, One Terrine, One Mousse with Port, Cranberry Compote and Rose Petals
OR
Leek and Oyster Ragout in Short Broth, Chive and Chopped Shallot
Choice of Main Course:
Boneless Quail stuffed with Poultry and Dry Fruits, Double-Baked Ratatouille, Cooking Jus Emulsified with Artisan Lemon Oil
OR
Filet of Red Snapper slowly steamed with Ginger, Lobster Americaine Sauce en Cappuccino
Desserts a deux
Bites to Share
Coffee and Tea
Valentine Menu for Monsieur
Welcome:
Cocktail of Oyster in Gelée topped with Caviar
Choice of Appetizers:
Mushroom Soup cooked under Puff Pastry – Homage to Bocuse
OR
Diver Sea Scallops glazed in Saffron Beurre Blanc, Arborio Risotto
Choice of Main Course:
Filet Mignon of Beefed topped with Sautéed Foie Gras, Baked Potato mashed with Truffle Butter, Black Truffle Sauce Périgourdine
OR
Medallion of Monkfish braised with Pearl Onion, Winter Vegetables, tossed with Bacon, Thyme Emulsion
Desserts a deux
Bites to Share
Coffee and Tea
The cost is approximately $250.00 per couple. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (203) 622-8450.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
Valentine’s Dining at Acacia Mid-Town, Richmond, VA
On Sunday, February 14th, Acacia Mid-Town, 2601 West Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia, will offer a 4-course prix-fixe dinner, with multiple choices for each course, for $49.00 per person. Reservations will be accepted from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
If you cannot make Sunday, Valentine’s Day, Acacia will be offering their à la carte menu on Friday, February 12th, and Saturday, February 13th.
For more information, or to make reservations, please call (804) 562-0138.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
Well, there’s good news and bad news… The bad news is that Restaurant Nicholas in Middletown, New Jersey, is almost completely booked for Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14… The good news is that there are still reservations available for Friday, February 12th, which begins the restaurant’s Valentine’s weekend celebration.
Friday seatings will be from 5:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. A special three-course menu will be offered, plus a box of chocolates for each couple prepared by the restaurant’s pastry chef.
First Course (Choice of):
Baby Field Greens, Caramelized Hazelnuts, Beaufort Cheese
Seared Day Boat Sea Scallops, Blood Orange Salad, Citrus Vinaigrette
Hand-Rolled Garganelli, Fresh Black Truffle, Leek Purée, Parmigiano-Reggiano Espuma
Seared Foie Gras, Kumquat Marmalade, Pecans, Balsamic Caramel
Spanish Mackerel Sashimi, Hackleback Caviar, Pickled Beets
Open-Faced Lobster Ravioli, Mascarpone Cheese, Lobster Butter Sauce
Lamb Tartare, Harissa Vinaigrette, Yogurt Sorbet, Kalamata Olive Oil
Main Course (Choice of):
Steamed Sea Bass, Mushroom Ravioli, Chinese Broccoli, Sweet Onion Broth
Seared Arctic Char, Charred Brussels Sprouts, Meyer Lemon Purée, Brown Butter Sauce
Nova Scotia Lobster, Creamy White Polenta, Cippolini Onion, Port Verjus
Filet Mignon, Red Wine Pickled Onions, Wild Mushrooms, Celery Root Purée
Rack of Veal Chop, Rutabaga Purée, Cavatelli, Sautéed Spinach
Braised “Pulled” Suckling Pig, Wilted Arugula, Golden Raisin Purée, Cinnamon Jus
Sweethearts Tasting of Desserts
The cost is $95.00 per person. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (732) 345-9977.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
The Gladstone Tavern will be celebrating during Valentine’s weekend with a special array of menu selections along with their regular offerings. And on Sunday, February 14th, jazz guitarist B.D. Lenz will serenade lovers from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and each couple will receive a long stem rose for the occasion. Menu highlights include libations such as a Pink Rose Cosmopolitan, Passion Bellini or half or whole bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Starters: Maine Lobster Bisque, Hand-Made Goat Cheese Ravioli, or Kumomoto Oysters on the Half Shell; Main Courses: Sautéed Alaskan Halibut, Jumbo Lump Crab Risotto, and Grilled Prime Rib Steak; Desserts: Sampler Chocolate Plate for Two or Passion Filled Parfait. Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended. (908) 234-9055.
Tortilla Press in Collingswood and Tortilla Press Cantina in Pennsauken will be featuring a special Valentine’s Day menu from Thursday, February 11th – Sunday, February 14th (the regular dinner menu will also be available). Starters for Two (Choice of): Crab Guacamole with Tri-Colored Chips; Queso Dip with Spinach, Artichoke, and Chihuahua Cheese; Grilled Chicken, Chorizo, and Rajas Nachos; Soup or Salad (Choice of): Cup of Mushroom Barley Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strip Garnish; Tossed Greens with Candied Walnuts, Goat Cheese, and Raspberry Ancho Chili Vinaigrette; Spicy Mango and Quinoa Salad with Red Peppers; Entrées (Choice of): Paella; Vegetarian Crab Cake & Chili Rellenos Platter; Tampiquena Platter; Grilled Coconut-Habañero Shrimp; Blackened Steak & Chicken Fajitas; Dessert (Choice of): Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding with Chocolate Rum Sauce; Key Lime Pie; Chocolate Kahlua Mudslide Sundae; Banana Burrito with Cinnamon Ice Cream. The cost is $25.00 per person on Thursday, February 11th; $29.00 per person on Friday – Sunday, February 12th – 14th. (856) 869-3345.
Trinity Restaurant in Keyport will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special 5-course prix-fixe menu. Highlights include: Amuse Bouche; Appetizers (Choose one): Sashimi Tuna Tartar, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Sautéed Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($10.00 supplement), Chinese BBQ Braised Pork Belly, Oyster Bisque; Organic Green Salad with Grapefruit Citronette; Main Course (Choose one): Grilled 8-Ounce Filet Mignon, Brown Butter-Crusted Cod, Butter-Poached Lobster ($10.00 supplement), Crescent Farms Duck Duo, Grilled Jumbo Prawns; Dessert: Chocolate Euphoria. The cost is $75.00 per person. (732) 888-1998.
Uproot Restaurant in Warren will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with Sunday brunch and a special 3-course dinner prix-fixe. The brunch will be offered from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., will be served à la carte, and will feature some signature Uproot lunch items plus several creative breakfast offerings. Reservations are strongly recommended. For dinner, reservations are being accepted for 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. seatings. Dinner highlights include: 1st Course (Choice of): Steak Tartare, Wild Mushroom Purée, Oysters Rockefeller, Baby Beet Salad, Nantucket Bay Scallops; Entrée (Choice of): Organic Salmon Tasting, Roasted and Confit Long Island Duck, Shallot & Herb Roasted Cod, Whole Roasted Label Rouge Poussin, Anson Mills Farro “Risotto Style,” Double-Cut Rib Eye (For 2, or $19.00 supplemental). The course of the Valentine’s menu is $69.00 per person. Reservations are required. (908) 834-8194.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
As Valentine’s Day approaches, New Jersey diners may choose from a wealth of romantic restaurant options. Here are a few more possibilities to tempt your palate…
Hanami, the modern Japanese/Chinese & sushi restaurant in Princeton will celebrate Valentine’s Day on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant will ring in the Chinese New Year and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special prix-fixe menu available from Friday, February 12 – Tuesday, February 16. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (609) 520-1880.
Liberty House Restaurant inside Liberty State Park in Jersey City will feature Chef Phil Campanella’s three-course prix-fixe dinner menu on Sunday, February 14th, from 5:00 p.m. Menu highlights include the Chef’s Amuse Bouche, Deviled Crab Oysters with Smoked Bacon-Infused Hollandaise or Portobello Mushroom Tower with Asparagus; Roasted Australian Lamb Chops or Shellfish & Saffron Risotto with Lobster, Scallops, Mussels, and King Crab. There will also be a Chef’s Special Dessert. The cost is $75.00 per person (plus tax, beverage, & gratuity). (201) 395-0300.
The Pluckemin Inn in Bedminster offer patrons two days and two ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Featured will be a four-course menu priced at $85.00 per person and a three-course menu at $75.00 per person. These special menus will be presented on both Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th. (908) 658-9292.
Chef/proprietor James Laird of Restaurant Serenade in Chatham will treat lovers to a special three-course prix-fixe dinner on Saturday and Sunday nights, February 13th & 14th. Menu highlights include Mushroom Strudel, Beef Short Rib Ravioli, or Crab Cakes; Seared Salmon with Garden Spinach & Shrimp Ravioli or Filet Mignon with Potato Purée, creamed spinach, and truffle potato chips; Lovers’ Dessert Sample for Two or Warm Chocolate Tart. The cost is $85.00 per person (plus, tax, beverage, and gratuity). (973) 701-0303.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
As Valentine’s Day approaches, New Jersey diners may choose from a wealth of romantic restaurant options…
At Alice’s Restaurant in Lake Hopatcong, renowned chef David Drake will prepare a three-course prix-fixe menu for two. There are four delicious options from which to choose in each course, a gift from the chef to start, plus two kir royales. The price of the three-course prix-fixe dinner for two is $79.95 (plus tax and gratuity). Service will be Saturday, February 13th, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 14th, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The regular bar menu will also be available on Sunday. (973) 663-9600.
During Valentine’s weekend, Andre’s Restaurant and Wine Boutique will present a lovers’ only menu of five courses priced at $60.00 per person. On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, the restaurant will serve four courses priced at $45.00 per person and five courses priced at $55.00 per person. (973) 300-4192.
On Valentine’s Day, Avenue in Long Branch will present a four-curse aphrodisiac-themed prix-fixe. Menu highlights will include an amuse bouche duo of Gougere Gruyere & Goat Cheese Mousse and Hummus & Red Peppers; “Smoking Blue Fin Tuna Tartare with Wasabi Tobiko or Celeriac Soup with Black Truffles; Pan-Roasted Wild Salmon with Artichokes or Pan-Seared Chatham Bay Cod; and, for dessert, a Lovers’ Dessert Sampler. The cost is $38.00 per person (plus tax, beverage, and gratuity). On Sunday, February 14th, dinner will be served from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m… Or, diners may come early and partake of a sumptuous Valentine’s Day brunch from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (732) 759-2900.
At Boulevard Five72 in Kenilworth, Chef/Proprietor Scott Snyder will present a four-course tasting menu with wines. Menu highlights will include Jumbo Lump Crab Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette, Ancho Chili-Grilled Prawns or Vegetable Goat Cheese Tart, Roasted Filet Mignon or Grilled Venison Loin, Steamed Lemon Pudding Cake or Raspberry Chocolate Bombe. The four-course tasting menu will be served on Sunday, February 14th, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and is priced at $75.00 per person; $95.00 per person with wine pairings (plus tax, gratuity, and additional beverage. (908) 709-1200.
At Chakra in Paramus, Chef Nelson Martinez will present a four-course prix-fixe “Dinner for Two” on Friday, February 12th, and Saturday, February 13th, 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The cost is $100.00 per couple (excluding tax, beverage, and gratuity; the regular à la carte menu will also be available). On Sunday, February 14th, the restaurant will serve a three-course prix-fixe Sunday brunch priced at $32.00 per person from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This will include a complimentary Bellini, Mimosa, or Bloody Mary, bottles of Champagne will be discounted, and the new pastry chef, Robert Gonnerman, will send out chocolate truffles on the house. From 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., a four-course prix-fixe dinner will be topped off with a chocolate tasting dessert for two, complimentary glass of Champagne, and a special gift (the regular menu will not be available). The price is $75.00 per person. (201) 556-1530.
Due Terre in Bernardsville will serve a three-course prix-fixe on Sunday, February 14th, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The cost is $55.00 per person for adults. Menu highlights include: Antipasti: Clam Chowder, Prince Edward Island Mussels, East & West Coast Oysters, and Tuscan Dumplings; Entrées: Garganelli Pasta Quills, Braised Lamb Francobolli, Seared Scottish Salmon, Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, Braised Lamb Shank, and Seared Filet Mignon with Sangiovese Reduction ($5.00 supplement); Desserts: Ligurian Olive Oil Cake, Mocha-Filled Chocolate Sponge Cake, Homemade Gelato and Sorbetti, and Selection of Three Artisanal Cheeses ($3.00 supplement). To make reservations, please call (908) 221-0040.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
