Search Results for: escape montclair

1 January 2016 Gregg and Ryan Chefs Collaboration Dinner at Escape Montclair

Gregg and Ryan Chefs Collaboration Dinner at Escape Montclair

January 1, 2016 By

Chefs Bryan Gregg and Ehren Ryan of Common Lot, opening in February 2016 in Millburn, will collaborate at Escape Montclair on a five-course dinner on Wednesday January 13 at 7PM.

The menu is as follows:

1st Course

Hirame / puffed rye / smoked apple – Chef Gregg

2nd Course

Celery root / chicken skin / pickled celery – Chef Ryan

3rd Course

Hapuka / sunchoke / mustard seeds / fish jus – Chef Ryan

4th Course

Venison / ash cooked beets / buttermilk bleu – Chef Gregg

5th Course

Sorghum spiced financier / malted vanilla ice cream / oat streusel crumbs – Chefs collaboration

The cost of the dinner is $59 per person plus tax and gratuity and is BYO to allow guests to bring special bottles.

Seating for this event is very limited and guests should reserve online to secure seats via Eventbrite.

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , ,
14 August 2015 Italian Beer Dinner at Escape Montclair

Italian Beer Dinner at Escape Montclair

August 14, 2015 By

On Wednesday night, I attended an Italian beer dinner at Escape Montclair that was the first in a series of beer dinners to be held at the popular farm-to-table restaurant.

Chef Bryan Gregg partnered with Amanti Vino for this exclusive dining experience featuring the award-winning beers of Italy’s Birrificio Maeilla, Birrificio Rurale and Retorto Birrificio Artigianale.

While I consider myself somewhat well-versed when it comes to beers, I’d never sampled these fab brews prior to the dinner. The small-batch beers are crafted in Italy using unconventional methods and ingredients….the results – incredible flavors and food-friendliness.

These were the food and beer pairing:

First Course

Marinated fluke, citrus, garlic scapes

Paired with Rurale Scarliga

Second Course

Shellfish, giardiniera, chilies

Paired with Birrificio Maiella

Third Course

Duck “coppa style” puffed barley, broccoli blossoms

Paired with Retorto Morning Glory

Fourth Course

Lamb roast, orange peel, gnocchi

Paired with Maiella Matthias

Dessert Course

Raw cow’s milk “pot cheese” honeycomb, chestnuts cookies

Paired with Rurale Oasi

The tanginess of the marinated garlic scapes was a perfect match to the ultra-fresh fluke and kicked the evening on a very positive note. The shellfish and house-made picked vegetable “salad” was likely my favorite dish of the evening – rich yet balanced beautifully by the zip of the veggies and the bit of heat from the chilies. The duck was cooked properly with the fat rendered, skin crispy and the flesh juicy and tender. The lamb was fork-tender and served with pillowy orange-scented gnocchi. The dessert was the perfect ending to that great meal with ingredients not too sweet – chestnut “cookies/crackers” paired with light-as-a-feather cheese and not cloyingly-sweet honey – a super pairing with the slightly malty beer laced with honey notes. I’ll be reviewing the beers in a future post.

The beers we enjoyed by Birrificio Maeilla, Birrificio Rurale and Retorto Birrificio Artigianale are available for sale at Amanti Vino.

Something new that Escape is also doing is offering discounts to New Jersey Craft Beer Club members – 25% off on Mondays and 10% off any other day (excluding prix fixe dinners).

I’m already looking forward to the next beer dinner at Escape and hope the pairings are as wonderful as the ones we were presented with.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Escape Montclair Multi-Chef Old/New World French Charity Dinner

May 28, 2015 By

Escape LogoChef Bryan Gregg hosts a French-inspired dinner with some of New Jersey’s top chefs to benefit the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center of NJ.

Chef Gregg will be joined by:

  • Chef Manuel Perez of Peacock Inn
  • Chef Robert Ubhaus of Redux
  • Chef Anthony Bucco of Restaurant Latour
  • Chef Thomas Ciszak of Chakra and Blue Morel.

The cost of the dinner will be $89/person and is BYO. Complete details and menu at www.escapemontclair.com/events.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , ,
27 November 2014 Escape Montclair Charity Dinner Featuring Chef Ian Kapitan

Escape Montclair Charity Dinner Featuring Chef Ian Kapitan

November 27, 2014 By
Chef Bryan Gregg

Chef Bryan Gregg

Escape Chef/Owner, Bryan Gregg, will hold a charity dinner with acclaimed Chef Ian Kapitan Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 7PM.

The five-course dinner will allow diners to bring their own wines and will cost $68 per person with 50% of the proceeds being donated to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center of NJ. On the menu:

Amuse Bouche
Surprise of Chef Gregg

1st Course
Sea urchin, delicate squash, amaranth – Chef Gregg

2nd Course
Lobster knuckle, smoked Maitake, foie juice – Chef Gregg

3rd Course
Arctic char, cucumber, tomato gelée, rye, dill – Chef Kapitan

4th Course
Pork belly, winter succotash, blue corn, smoked pear – Chef Kapitan

5th Course
Gingerbread, apple crumb, crème fraiche – Chef Gregg

Seating for this event is very limited, please call (973) 744-0712 to reserve.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , , , , ,
2 June 2016 2016 Montclair Food & Wine Festival: BBQ, Bourbon, Biergarten

2016 Montclair Food & Wine Festival: BBQ, Bourbon, Biergarten

June 2, 2016 By

BourbonThe BBQ, Bourbon + Biergarten is an event put forth by the folks at Montclair Food & Wine Festival. The fun-filled evening will take place on July 9th from 6PM – 10PM at the Montclair Art Museum (3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ) and will feature the flavors and spirits of summer with live music generously provided by The Wellmont Theater.

BBQ Competition

A spirited BBQ competition with special master of ceremonies Anne (Annie) Marie Leamy of WPLJ Morning Show with Todd & Jayde. The competition will be judged by John Holl, acclaimed beer/food writer; Veronique Deblois (me!!!), Kansas City Barbecue Society Certified Judge and regional F+B blogger; and Ed Schoenfeld, Restaurateur (Red Farm & Decoy) and Judge on Food Network shows.

BBQ Tasting Event

There will be a BBQ-themed tasting event with savory and sweet dishes from the area’s top chefs, including a wide array of bourbons and beers from local artisanal and national brands. The current list of participating vendors follows (more being added):

ANI RAMEN, ANTHONY’S CHEESECAKE, AMERICAN CUT STEAKHOUSE, ANDRES RESTAURANT, ARIANE KITCHEN & BAR, BAREBURGER, BOBOLINK FARMS, CAKEAHOLIC OBSESSION, CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT, CHEF RYAN DEPERSIO, ESCAPE, ESSEX JUNCTION, FITZGERALD’S 1928, GELOTTI, HALCYON, HAPPY HARVEST HYDROPONICS, JERSEY BARNFIRE HOTSAUCE, LAUREL & SAGE, MISH MISH, MISS NICKY’S TOFFEE, MONTCLAIR BREAD CO., NICO KITCHEN + BAR, NINETY ACRES – NATIRAR, PICNIC ON THE SQUARE, PIG & PRINCE, PILSENER HAUS & BIERGARTEN, SPUNTINO WINE BAR & ITALIAN TAPAS, THE OFFICE BEER BAR & GRILL, THE ORANGE SQUIRREL, THE SHANNON ROSE, WHOLE FOODS MARKET MONTCLAIR & WEST ORANGE, THE WOOD PIT, VILLALOBOS, VITAL DINING, WELLMONT THEATER, WILD HONEY CATERING.

Tickets

General admission: $85 pp (includes access to food, beer and spirits tasting, music and BBQ competition, raffles and silent auction); VIP admission: $120 pp (includes premium craft beer and spirits tasting). Tickets may be purchased by CLICKING HERE. Hope to see you there! Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
13 December 2015 Montclair Food and Wine Festival’s Frost Bites – January 28

Montclair Food and Wine Festival’s Frost Bites – January 28

December 13, 2015 By

Frost BitesThe Montclair Food & Wine Festival will host its inaugural Frost Bites Winter Party in January with special guest Jersey girl and Food Network star, Amanda Freitag. During the VIP reception, attendees can meet & greet the Iron Chef competitor and Chopped judge who will sign copies of her new book, The Chef Next Door: A Pro Chef’s Recipes for Fun, Fearless Home Cooking (HarperCollins, 2015) will be available.

PLUS, some of the area’s hottest chefs and top artisanal purveyors will be in attendance for passed-around small bites that will be paired with plenty of bubbly courtesy of Taittinger and wine from Amanti Vino. There will be live music from Julie’s Party and Bob McHugh on the piano.   

Door prizes include a certificate for a recreational class at the International Culinary Center in New York.  

Where: Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair, 200 Cooper Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ  

When: Thursday, January 28, 2016, 7:30 to 10 pm   

Who: Confirmed list of participating restaurants (which keeps growing) includes: 

  • Ani Ramen
  • Applegate Farms
  • Ariane Bar & Kitchen
  • Blue Jay Syrup
  • BURG
  • Costanera
  • Dolce
  • Escape
  • Fascino
  • Federica
  • Fitzgerald’s
  • Highlawn Pavilion 
  • Java Love
  • Mish Mish
  • Miss Nicky’s Toffee
  • Pig and Prince
  • The Orange Squirrel
  • Villalobos
  • Vital Dining

To purchase tickets or get additional info, visit: http://montclairfoodandwinefestival.org/frostbitesjanuary282016

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , ,
9 June 2015 Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner Recap

Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner Recap

June 9, 2015 By

TablesettingLast night, I was invited to attend the Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner at The Manor in West Orange. The Gala Dinner is an exclusive night of collaborative culinary magic showcasing a six-course dinner designed and prepared by some of the area’s most talented chefs.

A fun part of the event this year was the new Amuse Bouche Series that each guest was treated to from four of the most creative chefs in the area. From the Caesar Salad Ice Cream by Chef Zod Arifai (Blu & Next Door) to Chef Meny Vaknin’s salmon on beet focaccia to Chef Francesco Palmieri (The Orange Squirrel) serving an outrageously-tasty smoked corn and goat cheese panna cotta with pickled asparagus and popcorn shoot stem, smoked sea salt and popcorn petal served in a river stone to Chef Thomas Ciszak (Blue Morel & Chakra) offering a perfect bite of foie gras in a puff pastry with quince and black truffle-Balsamic glaze – the amuses set the tone for the meal to come.

 

The rest of the meal went as follow:

Chef Ariane Duarte (Ariane Kitchen & Bar) started off the meal with her Perfectly Poached Shrimp, Toasted Garlic Lemon Aioli, Avocado Corn Salad. In her words “elevated shrimp cocktail”. I could have used a whole bowl of the avocado corn salad – fresh and tasty.

Chef Ryan DePersio (Fascino) had the fish course and served Pancetta-Wrapped Bronzini, Filled with Tomato Confit, Crispy Couscous, Asparagus Salsa Verde. Bronzino is likely my favorite fish, so the dish was right up my alley. The crispy couscous – clever, very clever.

Chef Mitchell Altholz (Highlawn Pavilion) served what the folks at my table and some guests I spoke with called the dish of the evening – Spring Lamb Ravioli, Merguez Jus, Fresh Mint, Brunoise of Heirloom Carrots. Great lamb flavor, bright punch of mint – a winner.

Chef Kevin Sippel (Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen) had the meat dish and served Veal Cheeks, Bone Marrow Gremolata, Fava Beans, Pecorino. The veal cheeks were melt-in-your-mouth.

Chef Michael Carrino (Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastrolounge) ended the meal with an elegant dessert of Lemon Sponge Cake, Goat Cheese Mousse, Lemon Meringue, Cucumber, Melon, Herb Flowers.

Wine pairings were expertly-selected by Sharon Sevrens of Amanti Vino. Here were the wines served (available for sale at Amanti Vino):

  • Gobelsburger Rosé 2014 – one of my favorites for summer – dry, light strawberry flavors, served with the amuses.
  • Patrick Piuze – Chablis Terroir de Courgis 2014 – simply gorgeous wine we were told would be a very sought-after name in Chablis in a few years.
  • Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont 2007 – loved this demi-sec wine but was my least favorite pairing with the light bronzini.
  • Graci – Etna Rosso 2012 – a natural match to the flavorful lamb ravioli.
  • Tenuta di Trinoro le Cupole 2010 – tart with lovely acidity to cut through the richness of the veal cheeks and marrow.

Dessert was paired with an ultra-refreshing rum cocktail by Busted Barrel Rum.

For those of you who missed the Gala Dinner, you’re in luck as the Montclair Food & Wine Festival goes into next weekend with two must-attend events held at the Montclair Art Museum (3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair):

Bourbon & Biergarten – Friday June 12, 7PM – 9PM.

The fun event will feature food samplings from over 25 local restaurants and food artisans. Each attendee will receive a commemorative sampling glass. Beers and bourbons curated by Amanti Vino. A portion of the proceeds from this evening will go to support education and exhibition programs at Montclair Art Museum.

Click here for a list of participating restaurants at the Bourbon & Biergarten.

Grand Tasting – Saturday June 13, 7PM – 9PM.  

At the Grand Tasting, guests will enjoy an evening of diverse culinary offerings from many of the state’s finest restaurants.

Click here for a list of all the restaurants participating in the Grand Tasting.

Plus, Amanti Vino has an incredible list of wines being poured. For my fellow wine aficionados, here’s the list of wines for this event.

Want an exclusive experience? The VIP ($135) hour, hosted in Lehman Court of the Montclair Art Museum, from 6PM – 7PM, will feature select restauranteurs and curated wines, as well as galleries open for viewing.

VIP Lounge Participants: Escape Montclair, Fresco da Franco, Restaurant Latour, Samba Montclair.

While the events are fun and tasty, the goal of the festival is to raise funds for three very worthy charities. Click here to learn about them.

Hope you’re able to join the rest of the festivities!

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
28 March 2015 Domaine Vincent Latour Dinner at Escape

Domaine Vincent Latour Dinner at Escape

March 28, 2015 By

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Domaine Vincent Latour dinner at Escape in Montclair. In the Escape kitchen, Chef Bryan Gregg and his team assembled a five-course menu that paired beautifully with the fabulous white Burgundy wines of Domaine Vincent Latour as hand-picked by Sharon Sevrens of Montclair’s Amanti Vino.

Here’s the menu and the wines we enjoyed:

Reception wine: Parigot Cremant de Bourgogne

First Course: Oyster, smoked rice milk, seaweed powder. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour Bourgogne Blanc

Second Course: Scallops, asparagus, creamed morels. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour Meursault Cuvée St Jean

Third Course: Pheasant terrine, apple, warm pheasant juice. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour St Aubin Cuvée Thomas

Fourth Course: Halibut, lardo, early peas, spring onion. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres

Dessert: Rhubarb cake, sweet yogurt, honey pollen

I’ll review the wines in an upcoming post, but they were wonderful and hearing, in French, from winemaker Vincent Latour about the complexity of the vintages we tasted and the inside story on them was delightful (yes, there was a translator for my fellow diners who aren’t francophone).

Escape and Amanti Vino partner on wine dinners periodically, so to stay abreast of future events, follow Escape on Facebook or keep an eye out for future events on the Escape website events page.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
7 March 2015 Montclair Food & Wine Festival 2015

Montclair Food & Wine Festival 2015

March 7, 2015 By

LogoThe Montclair Food & Wine Festival will be back in 2015 with new events, educational seminars and fun for all.

Monday, June 8, 2015 – THE GALA DINNER at The Manor

An exclusive evening of collaborative culinary wizardry!

A six course custom dining experience, designed and prepared by:

  • Chef Mitchell Altholz, Highlawn Pavilion
  • Chef Michael Carrino, Pig & Prince
  • Chef Ryan DePersio, Fascino, Battello, Nico
  • Chef Ariane Duarte, CulinAriane
  • Chef Francesco Palmieri, The Orange Squirrel
  • Kevin Sippel, Jockey Hollow Kitchen & Bar

To learn more about the chefs – CLICK HERE.

Wines paired by Sharon Sevrens, proprietor of Montclair’s Amanti Vino

CLICK HERE for additional information, for pricing and to buy tickets to the gala dinner.

Friday, June 12, 2015 – NEW – Bourbon & Biergarten at the Montclair Art Museum

Join the Montclair Food & Wine Festival’s first ever Bourbon & Biergarten!

A casual evening filled with the finest bourbons and craftiest brews, the Bourbon & Biergarten will feature food samplings from over 25 local restaurants and food artisans.

Each attendee will receive a commemorative sampling stein. 

Beers and bourbons curated by Amanti Vino.

PARTICIPANTS (check back for an updated list)

Montclair Bread Company

Escape Montclair

CLICK HERE for additional information, for pricing and to buy tickets to Bourbon & Biergarten.

Saturday June 13, 2015 – THE GRAND TASTING at the Montclair Art Museum

Gala Dinner by Christina Nuzzo | LifeMosaic Photography

Gala Dinner by Christina Nuzzo | LifeMosaic Photography

Enjoy an evening of diverse culinary offerings from many of the state’s finest restaurants and purveyors!

Amanti Vino will be presenting wines and spirits from around the world.

DETAILS ON PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS COMING SOON!

Want an exclusive experience? 

The VIP Grand Tasting Ticket ($135) gets you into the Museum at 6 pm (LIMITED).  Sip your favorite wines and spirits, and nibble on diverse, exquisite fare one hour before the crowd arrives. 

CLICK HERE for additional information, for pricing and to buy tickets to the Grand Tasting.

To stay abreast of all things Montclair Food & Wine Festival, visit:  http://montclairfoodandwinefestival.org/

About the Montclair Food & Wine Festival

The Montclair Food & Wine Festival, Inc. was incorporated in September 2011 by of a unique group of community volunteers, local chefs, restaurateurs, and industry professionals. As food and wine enthusiasts, our Board of Trustees has designed a two-day event that will recognize, celebrate and share the culinary wealth and diversity of Montclair, while pursuing charitable and educational purposes.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , ,
17 January 2015 Escape Charity Dinner Featuring Chef David Viana

Escape Charity Dinner Featuring Chef David Viana

January 17, 2015 By

Escape LogoEscape Montclair Chef Bryan Gregg Holds a Charity Dining Experience with Acclaimed Chef David Viana of The Kitchen at Grove Station in Jersey City.

When: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 7PM. 

Cost: $68 per person plus taxes and gratuity.

What: The Charity Dinner Featuring Chef David Viana, of The Kitchen at Grove Station, menu will feature:

Amuse Bouche

Cornmeal oyster, apple pie vinaigrette – Chef Viana

1st Course

Barbecued local eel, borage, charred pear – Chef Gregg

2nd Course

Warm carrot salad, carrot cumin vinaigrette, quinoa, beet ketchup – Chef Viana

3rd Course

Roasted cod, smoked pork brandade, pickled clam – Chef Gregg

4th Course

Mod cup braised short rib, crispy pesto potatoes, duck fat fried sunchokes – Chef Viana

5th Course

Semolina, whipped goats milk, moro, almond nougat – Chef Gregg

The five-course dinner will allow diners to bring their own wines to pair up with the courses. The cost of the dinner will be $68 per person with 50% of the proceeds being donated to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center of NJ.

Seating for this event is very limited, please call (973) 744-0712 to reserve. 

Escape – 345 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Cheers,

Veronique

 

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , , ,
Next Page »