Valentine’s Dining at the Silverspoon, Wayne, PA

by artfuldiner on January 27, 2012

in Uncategorized

silverspoon-interiorThe Silverspoon, 503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, Pennsylvania, will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 11th, and Tuesday, February 14th, with a special five course menu.

 

AMUSE:

Burgundy Carrot Bisque, Fresh Lavender Cream

 

SALAD (CHOICE OF):

Baby Spinach, Blood Oranges, Dried Cranberries, Toasted Almonds, Strawberry Balsamic

Bibb Lettuce, Port Wine Poached Seckel Pear, Smoked Blue Cheese, Spiced Pecans

Frissé Lettuce, Bacon Lardons, Oven-Dried Cherry Tomatoes, Creamy Horseradish Dressing

 

APPETIZER (CHOICE OF):

Country-Style Duck Liver & Pheasant Terrine, Multi-Grain, Pomegranate Gastrique

Pan-Seared Diver Scallop, Mushroom Leek Ragu, Black Truffle Essence

Beet Gnocchi, Braised Swiss Chard, Pine Nut, Goat Cheese

 

MAIN COURSE (CHOICE OF):

Lamb Crepinettes, Exotic Mushrooms, Mint & Black Currant Demi-Glace

Pan-Roasted Trout Fillet, Toasted Almonds, Dried Cherries, Riesling Reduction

Semi-Boneless Poussin, Roasted Garlic Jus

 

Accompaniments: Scallion Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower

 

DESSERT:

Dark Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Coulis

Caramel Milk Chocolate Ice Cream, Candied Almond Crunch

Sugared Plums & Strawberries, White Chocolate Ganache

 

The cost of the five-course Valentine’s menu is $65.00 per person. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (610) 688-7646 for reservations.

 

The Silverspoon is a BYOB restaurant.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Za Restaurant Reopens After Five Month Hurricane Hiatus

by artfuldiner on January 27, 2012

in Breaking News, New Jersey Event, Restaurant Event, Special Events, Wining and Dining

za-restaurant-exteriorOn Wednesday, February 1, 2012, Za Restaurant in Pennington, New Jersey, will open for the first time since Hurricane Irene damaged the facility in late August 2011.

 

“It’s been a long wait. We’re so happy to be back,” commented chef/owner Mark Valenza. “The good news is the closure gave us the chance to make more improvements.”

 

The Old Mill Square Shopping Center in Pennington, where Za is located, needed extensive foundation repair. The building’s owner also did a roofline renovation and façade improvement, plus totally new electric, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning.

 

At the same time, Za Restaurant added new lighting, versatile booth seating, and a special chef’s table to the Jewel dining room. Za had just expanded with the addition of their Gallery dining room in May 2011, increasing its indoor seating from 38 to 76 people.

 

Za Restaurant is currently accepting reservations for Valentine’s Day. This year their full à la carte menu, Lobster Bliss Winter 2012, featuring lobster in seven different dishes will be offered for their folie à deux event guests.

 

Za is a BYOB restaurant located at 147 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, New Jersey. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (609) 737-4400.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Valentine’s Dining at Restaurant Nicholas

by artfuldiner on January 26, 2012

in New Jersey Event, Restaurant Event, Romantic, Special Celebrations, Wining and Dining

valentine5From Saturday, February 11th, through Tuesday, February 14th, Restaurant Nicholas in Middletown, New Jersey, will be serving a special three course menu in celebration of Valentine’s Day…

 

AMUSE

 

FIRST COURSE (CHOICE OF):

Baby Field Greens, Caramelized Hazelnuts, Beaufort Cheese

Delicata Squash Terrine, Duck Prosciutto, Persimmon Chutney

Smoked Salmon, Purple Potato Salad, Egg Yolk Custard, Pickled Red Onion

Day Boat Sea Scallop, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Parsley Crème Fraiche, Herbal Fumet

Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Ginger Three Ways, Citrus Salad

Open-Faced Lobster Ravioli, Mascarpone Cheese, Chive Oil, Lobster Butter Sauce

 

SECOND COURSE (CHOICE OF):

Nova Scotia Lobster, Foie Gras Emulsion, Pomme Mousseline, Black Truffle

Bass, Rouille Purée, Mussels, Fennel Marmalade, Bouillabaisse Broth

Vadouvan-Spiced Monkfish, Pistachio Powder, Golden Raisin Purée, Cockles

Veal Chop, Lemon Spaetzle, Mustard Greens, Caramelized Onion Purée

Bourbon-Braised Suckling Pig, Parisienne Apples, Toasted Pecans, Maple Jus

Filet Mignon, Parsnip Purée, Glazed Carrots, Au Poivre Sauce

 

Dessert Amuse: Curry Coconut Tapioca, Mango Sorbet, Micro Cilantro

 

Sweethearts Dessert Tasting

 

The cost of the special three-course Valentine’s Day menu is $95.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuity). For more information, or to make reservations, please call (732) 345-9977.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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A Variety of Valentine’s Dining Options

by artfuldiner on January 25, 2012

in New Jersey Event, Restaurant Event, Romantic, Special Celebrations, Wining and Dining

valentine1If you’re planning to dine out on Valentine’s Day, or Valentine’s weekend, here are a few more appetizing options to consider…

 

The Blue Morel, Morristown, New Jersey

Culinary director Thomas Ciszak and executive chef Kevin Takafuji invite guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day from Saturday, February 11th – Tuesday, February 14th, with a special six course menu. Reservations will be accepted from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The six-course prix-fixe is priced at $89.00 per person; $158.00 per person with wine pairings (plus tax, beverages, and gratuities). On Sunday, February 12th, from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m., the Blue Morel will be serving a leisurely brunch buffet with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, Mimosa, or Bloody Mary. The price is $28.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuity). For more info, or to make reservations, please call (973) 451-2619.

 

Daryl, New Brunswick, New Jersey

The sleek, sophisticated restaurant located in the Heldrich Hotel has been reinvigorated by several handsome design changes and the arrival of Zod Arifai, one of the Garden State’s most talked-about chefs, as executive chef/partner. Chef Zod has crafted a luxurious four-course prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day, featuring new dishes and favorites from Blu in Montclair. Starters include East Coast Oysters, Red Wine Risotto with Wild Mushrooms, Seafood Salad, and Beet-Goat Cheese Salad. Second Course: Linguini with Seafood, Mahi with Forbidden Black Rice. Third: Filet Mignon with Wild Mushrooms, Duck Breast with Braised Red Cabbage, Veal Skirt with Cauliflower. Dessert options include Zod’s unique take on Crème Brûlée, Mocha Mousse, Coconut Sorbet, and Chocolate Cake. The cost is $75.00 per person; $125.00 per person with wine pairings (plus tax, beverages, and gratuities). Reservations: (732) 253-7780.

 

Moonshine Supper Club, Millburn, New Jersey

For Valentine’s Day, executive chef Frank Falivene is serving deluxe specials to augment the restaurant’s New American take on retro-classic favorites:

 

Tuna Carpaccio ($14.00)

Asiago Pizza with Grilled Rabbit Sausage ($12.00)

Beau Soliel Oysters ($14.00)

Surf & Turf of Wagyu Flatiron Steak & Lobster Tail ($42.00)

Slow-Braised Osso Buco ($26.00)

Wild King Salmon ($32.00)

For reservations, please call (973) 218-6042.

 

Strip House, Livingston, New Jersey

Tucked away in the Westminster Hotel, the Strip House’s executive chef, Bill Zucosky, has created a sumptuous, sexy three course Valentine’s menu designed for couples to share:

 

Crab Fondue (Jumbo Lump Blue Crab, Alaskan King Crab, Gruyere, Pumpernickel & Sourdough Crostini)

Cote de Boeuf (Black Truffle Popovers, Roasted Baby Vegetable Melange, Bordelaise Sauce)

Vanilla Panna Cotta (Strawberry Consommé, Chambord Lady Fingers)

 

The Westminster Hotel is offering a special lover’s getaway package over two weekends: February 10 – 14 and February 17 – 19. Prices start from $169.00 per night. Included in the packages is a rose petal turndown, bottle of chilled Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, $100.00 certificate good toward dinner for two at the Strip House, early check-in at 1:00 p.m. and late check-out at 2:00 p.m. Guests may upgrade to a private suite for an additional $70.00 (subject to availability).

Reservations: Restaurant, (973) 548-0050; Hotel, (800) 388-2741.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Valentine’s Weekend Packages at Philly’s Ristorante Panorama & Penn’s View Hotel

by artfuldiner on January 24, 2012

in Restaurant Event, Romantic, Special Celebrations, Wining and Dining

penns-view-hotelThe Penn’s View Hotel & Ristorante Panorma, Front and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA, will offer a Valentine’s Day package that will be available from Friday, February 10th, through Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th.

 

This special package includes overnight accommodations (one night), a three-course dinner for two, which includes two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts of your choice from Panorama’s full menu, plus a bottle of Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival. Package rates for rooms include: $199 for a standard queen; $219 for a Jacuzzi king; or $249 for a premium king.

 

The Penn’s View Hotel is an intimate boutique hotel located in the heart of Old City Philadelphia. A stay at the Penn’s View allows guests to walk to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and countless other historic sites. You may stroll to live theater and a collection of fine art galleries; and you may shop at cozy boutiques and take advantage of Philadelphia’s vibrant nightlife.

 

Ristorante Panorama is the proud possessor of the world’s largest wine keeper/cruvinet. The unique wine bar’s custom-built 120-bottle wine keeper was designed by owner Luca Sena in 1990 when he opened the restaurant. The cruvinet permits the restaurant to offer various wine flights and up to 150 wines by the glass on any given day.

 

For more information, or to make reservations, please call (215) 922-7600.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Valentine’s Dining at Chakra

by artfuldiner on January 24, 2012

in New Jersey Event, Restaurant Event, Special Celebrations, Special Events, Wining and Dining

chakra-interiorFrom Saturday, February 11th – Tuesday, February 14th, executive chef/partner Thomas Ciszak of Chakra, the über romantic restaurant located in Paramus, New Jersey, will be serving a special four-course prix-fixe dinner for four nights.

 

Dinners may choose from such provocative starters as Grilled Shrimp Roll, Parma Ham Roll, and Oysters on the Half Shell. Second course selections include Butternut Squash Soup, Horseradish Crab Cake, Cocoa Nib Crusted Hudson Valley Foie Gras, and Grilled Marinated Tofu. Main courses feature Tarragon Crusted Salmon Medallions, Chili-Cinnamon Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, “TC Steak,” Sous Vide Loin of Lamb, and Vegetarian Eggplant Tart. For dessert, there’s Valrhona Chocolate Fondue and many treats to dip.

 

The cost of the special Valentine’s prix-fixe is $82.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuities). Reservations will be accepted from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (201) 556-1530.

 

On Sunday, February 12th, diners may enjoy a three-course “Lover’s Brunch” with a complimentary glass of Prosecco and selections that include “Super Fruits” Parfait, Cantaloupe Melon & Prosciutto de Parma, Red & Golden Beet Salad, Smoked Salmon, Crab Cake Benedict, Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast, Goffle Road Chicken, and Steak Frites… plus a scrumptious Valrhona Chocolate Fondue.

 

Brunch will be served from 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m. and is priced at $42.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuity). To make reservations, please call (201) 556-1530.

 

As a prelude to Valentine’s Day, Chakra will also be hosting a wine dinner on Tuesday, January 31st at 6:30 p.m. Featured will be the outstanding vintages of Australia’s Yalumba Winery.

 

Here’s a rundown on the menu…

 

Reception

Wine: Rose Ja, Jansz NV

 

First Course: Olive Oil Poached Lobster, Smoked Potatoes, Pancetta, Green Apple

Wine: Viognier, Yalumba 2009, Barossa

 

Second Course: Crispy Chicken Confit, Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, White Bean Purée

Wine: Grenache, Yalumba Bushvine 2008, Barossa

 

Third Course: Beef & Barley, Entrecote Double, Mustard & Herb Crust, Root Vegetables, Barley, Red Beet

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Yalumba The Cigar 2009, Coonawarra

 

Dessert: Carrot Cake, Mascarpone Parfait, Glace, Spiced Raisin, Pineapple, Walnuts

Wine: Muscat Yalumba Museum

 

The cost of the Yalumba wine dinner is $59.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Seating is limited. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (201) 556-1530.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Valentine’s Dining at the Hol-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern

by artfuldiner on January 23, 2012

in New Jersey Event, Restaurant Event, Special Celebrations, Special Events, Wining and Dining

hohokus-inn2During Valentine’s week, the historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, will be serving a three course prix-fixe menu, including daily specials, plus twosome selections for couples.

 

Highlights will include wood-grilled lamb chops, Chateaubriand, whole roasted red snapper, a variety of classical dishes from Italy, and two signature desserts from pastry chef Patrick Muller. A complimentary glass of Champagne for the couple is also on the menu.

 

On Valentine’s Day, a special four-course dinner, as well as the Inn’s regular menu, will be available. This special prix-fixe is priced at $85.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity). An optional wine pairing for $40.00 will also be offered. The special four-course menu is noted below…

 

AMUSE

 

BEGINNINGS (Choice of):

Tomato Bisque, Bruschetta Croutons, Purple Haze

Wood-Grilled Scallop, Roasted Beets, Red Quinoa, Haricots Verts, Blood Orange Dressing

Lobster Fritters, Tarragon-Scented Tartar Sauce

Prosciutto di Parma, Shaved Artichoke Hearts, Parmesan Reggiano, Wild Arugula, Lemon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Foie Gras, Polenta Crostini, Shaved Fennel, Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Aged Balsamic

Classic Caesar

Bib Lettuce, Endive, Cippolini Onions, Hazelnut Dressing

 

ENTRÉES (Choice of):

Short Rib Braised in Dark Beer, Slow-Cooked Brussels Sprouts, Onion Strings

Wood-Grilled Lamb Chops, Minted Peas, Pearl Onions, Potato Torta

Salmon, Apple “Agro Dolce,” Barley Risotto, Wilted Spinach

Chatham Cod, Manila Clams, Toasted Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, Favas, Polenta

 

FOR TWO ($20.00 Supplement):

Chateaubriand for Two, Demi-Glace or Béarnaise, Sautéed Spinach, Roasted Mushroom Mix, Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes

 

Whole Roasted Red Snapper, Fresh Herbs, Citrus, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roasted Potatoes, Buttered Broccoli & Cauliflower

 

DESSERT:

Banana Split, Brule of Banana, Guanaja Chocolate Ice Cream, Vanilla, Chantilly, Graham Cracker, Caramel Coulis

Chocolate Tart, Short Dough Crust, Milk Chocolate Budino, Popcorn Sherbet, Champagne Syrup, Honey Crisp

 

 On Tuesday, February 14th, seatings will be available at 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (201) 445-4115.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Best of Burgundy Wine Dinner at Restaurant Nicholas - An Update

by artfuldiner on January 20, 2012

in Breaking News, New Jersey Event, Restaurant Event, Special Events, Wine, Wine Dinner, Wining and Dining

nicholas41As I noted several days ago, on Tuesday, February 7th, 6:30 p.m., Nicholas Harary, chef/proprietor of Restaurant Nicholas, Middletown, New Jersey, will pair six courses with twelve wines from the finest vineyards in Burgundy… The complete menu and wine pairings are noted below…

 

Six-Course Menu with Wine Pairings…

 

Smoked Sable, Lemon, Caviar, Buttermilk

Domaine Moreau Chablis Vaudesir, 2007

Domaine Moreau Chablis Les Clos, 2009

 

Scallop, Chorizo Broth, Quince, Micro Cilantro

Leflaive Meursault “Les Narvaux,” 2009

Leflaive Bienvenue Batard-Montrachet, 2008

 

Smoked Pasta, Celery Root, Quail Egg, Truffle Butter

Domaine Faiveley Corton “Clos des Cortons Faiveley,” 2008

Domaine Faiveley Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru “Lavieres,” 2009

 

Monkfish, Black Olive Oil, Red Wine, White Asparagus, Mascarpone

Domaine Humbert Gevrey-Chambertin “Vieilles-Vignes,” 2006

Domaine Humbert Gevrey-Chambertin “Vieilles-Vignes,” 2009

 

Pheasant, Barley Risotto, Sweet Potato Purée, Savoy Cabbage, Parsnip

Domaine Jacques Prieur Clos Vougeot, 2007

Domaine Jacques Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru, 2007

 

Veal Cheek, Truffle Pommes Mousseline, “Blanquette de Veau,” Pine Nut

Rousseau Clos de La Roche, 2006

Rousseau Mazy Chambertin, 2006

 

Mango, Coconut, Curry, Cilantro

 

Petits Fours

 

If you’re a dedicated oenophile, this is a wine dinner you won’t want to miss. The cost is $295.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity). For more information, or to make reservations, please call (732) 345-9977.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Valentine’s Dining at the Bernards Inn

by artfuldiner on January 19, 2012

in New Jersey Event, Restaurant Event, Special Celebrations, Special Events, Wining and Dining

valentine2The Bernards Inn, Bernardsville, New Jersey, will kick off Valentine’s weekend on Sunday, February 12th, with a festive Valentine’s-themed family brunch. On Tuesday, February 14th, the Inn will offer a special menu featuring dishes for two and a three-course prix-fixe dinner.

 

The Valentine’s brunch buffet on Sunday, February 12th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., will offer made-to-order omelets, heart-shaped pancakes, and French toast with toppings. There will also be salads, pasta, a carving stations, and fresh fruit. Special holiday treat tables for children will feature “make-your-own” Valentine cookies and cupcakes. Prices are $39.95 for adults; $14.95 for children 5 – 12; and children under 5 are complimentary. Tax & gratuity additional.

 

On Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th, in addition to the special three-course prix-fixe menu, guests may share special dinners for two, including: seafood stuffed twin lobsters, rack of lamb for two, Chateaubriand, oysters, and decadent chocolate desserts. Dinner is $115.00 per guest (plus tax & gratuity). Seatings will begin at 5:30 p.m.; and reservations may be made by calling (908) 766-0002.

 

Guests may extend the romantic evening with a getaway package that includes the three-course dinner, bottle of Champagne, one dozen long-stemmed roses, chocolate covered strawberries and truffles, plus an à la carte breakfast the following morning. For more information about accommodations, please visit the Inn’s website at www.bernardsinn.com

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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Wine & Chocolate Weekends at Alba Vineyard

by artfuldiner on January 18, 2012

in Breaking News, New Jersey Event, Special Celebrations, Special Events, Wine

albavineyardOn Saturday & Sunday, February 11 & 12 and February 18 & 19, from 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., Alba Vineyard in the Village of Finesville, Milford, New Jersey, will host its 11th annual wine & chocolate weekends.

 

The event will offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about wine, wine making, and wine tasting with unique chocolate and food pairings, as well as provide the opportunity to stock up on Alba’s award winning wines.

 

Chocolatier Diane Pinder, founder of Donna & Co., will be present once again for this special event. Diane and her chocolates have been favorably covered by the New York Times, the NBC Today Show, the Style Network, New Jersey Monthly, New Jersey Life, and numerous other media outlets. Her artisan chocolates will be featured both weekends, and Diane will be present at Alba on February 18 & 19 to speak about the chocolate making process and offer her chocolates for sale to guests.

 

Also featured will be Country Picnic from Bedminster, NJ, and DiSh Catering from Frenchtown, NJ. Opened in 1985, Country Picnic has evolved into one of New Jersey’s premier caterers, providing the highest quality in taste and presentation. DiSh Catering is a gourmet catering service whose specialties range from intimate dinner parties to weddings, to organic farm to table events. Each caterer will offer samples of the food specialties to visitors during these weekends.

 

This event will also welcome back Alba’s neighbor, Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, who will offer samples of their 100% grass fed raw cow’s milk cheeses and rustic, multi-grain breads baked in wood fired ovens. Bobolink’s cheeses and breads will also be available for purchase.

 

Reservations are not accepted for this event. Wine tastings that include samples of Alba’s award winning wines, chocolate, and food pairings, an hourly cellar tour, and a commemorative etched Alba wine glass for each guest to keep will be available throughout the day for $15.00 per person.

 

Bon Appétit!

 

TAD

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