2022 Best Dishes

2022 Best Dishes

My travel schedule in 2022 allowed me to dine at so many outstanding restaurants, Internationally and domestically, and made for great content for my annual Best Dishes recap.

Again, this year’s list encompasses a blend of fine dining and casual dishes, which were truly the ‘best’ dishes of 2022.

The Views from La Maison in Santorini Mentioned Below

I’ve narrowed down all the incredible dishes I enjoyed to the following 15 Best Dishes 2022. The list is in restaurant name, alphabetical order.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland – While not an official dish, the high tea my mother and I experienced during our stay at this amazing property when we were in Ireland in March was beyond words. From the remarkable service, the gorgeous room and the delectable bites, we were simply wowed.

Blue Morel, Morristown, NJ – We attended a celebration dinner in Blue Morel’s private dining room where Chef Bryan Gregg crafted a tasting menu that was just out of this world. Of particular deliciousness was the Dry Aged Beef served with butterball potatoes, beef cracklings and Bearnaise sauce. PS: Chef Gregg has dry aged beef on the current menu.

Blue Morel Dry Aged Beef

Cookoovaya, Athens, Greece – We dined at this top-rated Athens restaurant on our first night in Greece and it set the tone for the rest of our meals. The warm and friendly service was only matched by the outstanding food. A winner when we visited was the seafood saffron risotto.

Cookoovaya Seafood Risotto

Dax, Dublin, Ireland – At this restaurant with an array of awards, a beautiful, luxurious décor and stellar service, the food is stunning. While it doesn’t seem fair to list the amuse-bouche of a perfect oyster with an indulgent helping of caviar as my best dish, it truly heightened our expectations for the rest of our meal. Don’t miss the filet of Hereford beef.

Oyster Amuse at Dax

El Molino Central, Sonoma, CA – This popular taqueria in the heart of Sonoma is a must-stop place on any wine country trip. The adorable little building welcomes diners for counter ordering and the intimate courtyard with its picnic tables is the perfect place for al fresco dining. The best dish I had on a recent visit were these rich and comforting beef tacos, but one can’t go wrong with anything this dynamic team serves up.

Beef Tacos at El Molino Central

Foiegwa, Montreal, Canada – Cozy, fantastic, fun is how I’d describe this Montreal favorite. There’s a sexy little wine list and the cocktails are some of the best I’ve had in this city. While each dish we had was memorable (don’t skip the tartare and the chicken liver mousse), the star of the evening was the house made spaghetti with black truffle butter sauce and a 64 degree egg….don’t pass on the black truffles shaved tableside.

Truffle Pasta at Foiegwa

Forsythia, Philadelphia, PA – This was likely my favorite meal of 2022. Had several starters and a couple entrées and, while I thought his Will BYO was a gem, Chef Christopher Kearse, takes the dining experience to the next level at Forsythia. It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but the Wagyu Beef Tartare with black truffle was a standout.

Tartare at Forsythia

Glai Baan, Phoenix, AZ – This authentic Thai street food restaurant has made my best dishes lists in the past and it’s worth including again. The food offers bold flavors, the space is vibrant and busy, the service is helpful and friendly, and the cocktails are must-order. From the sharing menu, the Kanom Jeeb, steamed local pork dumplings with scallion and ginger soy, was our favorite.

Dumplings at Glai Baan

Herb & Wood, San Diego, CA – A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without a meal at Herb & Wood. The welcoming staff, sexy space and fantastic food is a winning combination. My favorite dish on a recent visit was the pasta and truffle, but any of the pastas are outstanding.

Truffle Pasta at Herb & Wood

Homewood Dallas, Dallas, TX – On a return visit to this top restaurant by Chef Matt McCallister, I opted for a crudo of the day which was simply incredible and served ultra-cool with great textures. Anything one orders from the seasonally changing menu is top notch.

Crudo at Homewood

Kounter, Rock Hill, SC – First, understanding the history of Kounter is a reason enough to visit this restaurant in the Charlotte suburbs. Another reason is the food, especially the Fried Ribs, with black ginger and burnt Bourbon BBQ sauce. The ribs are melt-in-your-mouth from being coated and deep fried and the sauce should be bottled.

Ribs at Kounter

La Maison, Imerovigli Santorini, Greece – It’s difficult to top the breathtaking views of the sea at this award-winning restaurant, but the food comes very close. In a place where fresh fish and seafood abounds, the red snapper with corn, corn sauce and tarragon oil was sublime.

Snapper at La Maison

Omakase by Prime Fish, Charlotte, NC – We’ve been to some of the best omakase restaurants in Japan, New York and more and this is the real deal. Chef Robin crafts the most creative, eyes-closed-head-tilted-back-in-ecstasy dishes at this six-seat chef’s counter in the Queen City. Omakase means the chef selects a menu encompassing tasting portions for you and while each of the 16 courses were mind-blowingly incredible, the bowl of briny Japanese sea urchin folded in warm sushi rice then gilded by caviar, was the star.

Sea Urchin Rice at Omakase by Prime Fish

Para, Charlotte, NC – The lobster shooter at this Charlotte hot spot was a perfect teaser for the wonderful meal to come. $1 of the $6 price of the shooter is donated to @Its4TheKids Foundation, so you’re helping a great cause while satisfying your tastebuds.

Lobster Shooter at Para

Spitalfields Pub and Restaurant, Dublin, Ireland – At this cozy pub with elevated classics, the beef cheek and oxtail Parker House roll with bone marrow gravy is a must-order. A plus, the staff is wonderful and one departs like he/she just left a family member’s home.

Oxtail Parker House Roll at Spitalfields

What have been some of your favorite bites of 2022?

Happy eating!

Veronique

Bhramari Brewing Company Opening in Charlotte

Bhramari Brewing Company Opening in Charlotte

I was recently invited to attend the pre/soft opening of the Charlotte outpost of Asheville’s cult brewery Bhramari Brewing Company and loved the transformation of the space from what was previously home to Salty Parrot Brewery.

Sampling a Couple Brews

Unlike its sister to the west, the Bhramari Charlotte location won’t feature a kitchen or a full cocktails menu. Instead, it’ll rely on local food trucks for food and focus on the 16 beers on tap, ciders, wine and seltzers, including fan favorite “Bhong Water”.

The space has a fun, kitschy vibe with ample seating, indoors and outdoors, and oversized windows bringing in a lot of natural light.

New Bar Looking Spectacular
Loved the Merchandise
Ample Outdoor Space

While the brewery is currently in soft opening mode, the official opening will be August 13 and the brewery will be opened from 3pm – 10pm Monday – Thursday and 12pm – 12am Friday – Saturday and 12pm – 10pm Sunday.

Cheers to another fun brewery with a solid beer lineup in the Queen City.

Veronique

Best Dishes 2021

Best Dishes 2021

Fortunately for my annual Best Dishes recap, I was back on the road for work and leisure quite a bit in 2021. This allowed me to experience many outstanding meals along my journey.

This year’s list includes a combination of fine dining and casual dishes, which were truly the ‘best’ dishes of the last 12 months, regardless of price point.

I’ve narrowed down all the fab dishes I had to the following 13 Best Dishes 2021, plus a bonus dessert. The list is in restaurant name, alphabetical order.

Aquila Pizza Al Forno, Little Falls, NJ – The only thing as lovely as the soppressata and Meyer lemon pizza with its perfect, slightly-tart and salty crust charred in all the right places is the team behind the cozy pizzeria. By the way, I copied/pasted this recap from my 2019 Best Dishes list and I’ll do the same in 2022 if I’m fortunate enough to visit pizzamaker extraordinaire Jerry…perfect pizza, period.

Meyer Lemon Pizza

Café Chameleon, Bloomingdale, NJ – At his former place of business, Chef Bryan Gregg continued serving some of the best scallops I’ve had. The preparation of the scallops during this visit was outstanding with morels, quinoa and pea butter. I look forward to my next plate of scallops at Chef Gregg’s new home, Blue Morel in Morristown, NJ.  

Chef Gregg’s Scallops

Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix, AZ – This hot spot within The Wrigley Mansion is the brainchild of Chef Christopher Gross. Among the lineup of winning dishes was the duck two ways, a seared breast and a confit leg. Did I mention the foie gras terrine? A very sexy space with gorgeous views, masterly-prepared food and impeccable service.

Duck Two Ways

Ever, Chicago, IL – During a business trip to the Windy City, I was able to secure an early table for one at the amazing Ever. This was by far my most luxurious, fine dining experience of 2021. While each dish was masterly crafted and original, one dish I consider the best, is a signature dish from Chef Duffy’s former restaurant, the Alaskan king crab dish (here’s a video of it being made).

King Crab

Futo Buta Ramen House, Charlotte, NC – The craving for ramen is real and we were thrilled to find cozy place when we moved to Charlotte. Highly recommend the Buta Bowl with its chicken and dashi broth, double noodle, pecan smoked pork belly, onsen egg, duck confit, spicy ground pork, ono chili sauce, sweet white corn, roasted and julienne leeks, scallions and cayenne pepper threads. Yes, it’s a mouthful to say and eat.

Buta Bowl

Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge, NJ – I believe this is the only restaurant that’s always been on my annual lists. Chef David Viana creates incredible experiences at his chef’s counter and the meal I had there in 2021 was a special one as I was with my mom who I’d not seen in 18 months due to Covid. I can’t pass up the opportunity to say that whatever preparation is applied to his signature duck, is always, and I’ve had many variations over the years, always the best duck you’ll ever have.

Heirloom Duck

Jon G’s BBQ, Peachland, NC – Truly some of the very best barbecue I’ve had and the brisket, not a typical North Carolina BBQ winner, is the gem among all the memorable dishes. The brisket is juicy, perfectly fatty with a nice coating of pepper. Plus, the wait, complete with free beer, is an experience. Highly recommend.

BBQ Platter at Jon’s

La Barbecue, Austin, TX – I know Austin is all about brisket, and this was some of the best I’ve had, but the smoked turkey was by far the greatest turkey I’ve had. The exterior was generously coated in spiced, heavy on the pepper, and the meat was mind-blowingly juicy.

Turkey at La Barbecue

La Belle Helene, Charlotte, NC – The prettiest space we’ve found in our journey through the Queen City, our new hometown, is undoubtedly this place. French bistro food is served here, but the space itself is the opposite of what one would consider ‘bistro’ like. The rich French onion soup topped with Compté is worth ordering and so is the well-made steak tartare.

French Onion Soup

O-Ku, Charlotte, NC – A hot restaurant doesn’t always translate to hot food, but at this hip Charlotte restaurant, the food isn’t a passing thought. One of our favorite dishes was the Lobster Temaki, a trio of handrolls filled with butter-poached lobster, asparagus, chives, cilantro aioli and black volcanic salt.

Lobster Handrolls

Standard Oyster Company, Hickory, NC – This local gem serves up some of the freshest oysters in the Charlotte metro area. We enjoyed a variety of bivalves, but a fun, old school treat my mom and I opted in to is the oyster shooter, which can be served with beer, Tequila or Vodka (we selected the latter). Tip: 12PM – 2PM Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Standard Oyster Company serves $1 raw NC oysters.

Oyster Shooter

The Everyday Market, Belmont, NC – I wrote about the special café and market earlier in 2021. Pastry, dish and dessert are prepared with the care of a veteran, classically trained Chef Majid Amoorpour. Particularly great is the cheesy scrambled eggs on croissant. My out-of-town visitors rave about this breakfast item months after their visits.

Cheesy Eggs Croissant

Vecina, Phoenix, AZ – At this intimate Latin-inspired hot spot, the drinks are creative and flavor-packed to match the delectable food. One of the winning appetizers we sampled was the white bean puree with crispy short rib, herb salad and served with ultra-thin flour tortillas. The must-order entrée is the Carnitas Empanada, Duroc pork confit, onion marmalade, Manchego, salsa verde and Manzana chile.

Empanada

Best Dessert

La Boucherie Restaurant, Orlando, FL – I don’t usually include desserts on this list, but the perfectly executed Floating Island at this popular Orlando restaurant were light, melt-in-your-mouth and served with a decadent crème Anglaise and a drizzle of caramel.

Floating Island

What have been some of your favorite bites of 2021?

Happy eating!

Veronique

Speakeasy at The Jailhouse Spirits and Lounge Belmont North Carolina

Speakeasy at The Jailhouse Spirits and Lounge Belmont North Carolina

When we moved to the quaint town of Belmont, North Carolina from New Jersey, one of the first things I researched were places to visit for happy hour. While we were looking for a place with craft cocktails at the level we were used to in the NYC metro area, we were doubtful a small town could deliver. Boy were we wrong! We found The Jailhouse Spirits and Lounge and it quickly became our favorite cocktail bar in all of Charlotte.

Cozy Foyer

About The Jailhouse

The Jailhouse is the brainchild of Linda Matinata and Matthew Matinata, a mother-son duo. The Matinatas have owned Old Stone Steakhouse, situated in the building that used to house the Belmont Police Department, since 2007. In 2016, they began work to reinvent the town’s former jail as a whiskey and cigar bar, and The Jailhouse Spirits and Lounge launched in April 2017.

In addition to offering a variety of rare beers and high-end wines, The Jailhouse features an extensive collection of 150+ whiskeys as well as a creative craft cocktails list.

Notice the Jail Cell Bars in the Background

The Jailhouse is a three-story building housing a full-service bar on the top level, a cigar lounge on the second floor and offices on the ground floor. There are also a few tables on a small outdoor patio.

Cute Banquette Seating Area

The Jailhouse is run as a private club, so a membership is required to enter the premises. A one-day membership is a mere $2 and a yearly membership is a nominal $12, and well-worth it. In North Carolina, bars and lounges that don’t prepare food on the premises must operate as a private club. The membership fee addresses this rule.

The Cigar Lounge

Cigar aficionados will rejoice is the selection of cigars for purchase in the walk-in humidor upstairs. A speak-easy inspired cigar lounge is located on the second level for those who wish to enjoy their sticks alongside The Jailhouse’s craft cocktails.

Walk In Humidor
Cigar Lounge

The Libations and Food

The list of cocktails is creative and showcases some of the extensive spirits on hand, masterly-prepared by friendly bartenders, Erin and Chris. There’s a section of Signature Whiskey Cocktails featuring the Angel’s on a Board, a drink smoked by burning bourbon barrel shavings and served with a glass of Angel’s Envy bourbon mixed with a berry syrup made in house. From the “standard” Signature Cocktails list, some favorites are the Pisco Sour, a classic sour made with Barsol Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites and angostura bitters and the gin Campari Sour, a classic with a touch of tan, made with Uncle Val’s botanical gin, Campari, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites and Regan’s orange bitters. Whiskey and Scotch flights are also available and a great way to compare between brands of spirits at various stages of ageing. A refreshing drink that’s not always on the menu but is our ultimate favorite, especially on a hot Charlotte day, is the Bee’s Knees, made with rare bitters and a touch of honey.

Campari Sour
Pisco Sour
Bee’s Knees

For those who want food to go along with their libations, the full menu from the Old Stone Steakhouse is available at The Jailhouse. We’ve enjoyed having a couple appetizers and also a full steak supper in the lounge that we could pair with the fantastic drinks.

Everyone in the Charlotte metro area, or folks passing through, should stop and enjoy a cocktail at The Jailhouse. It’s truly a special place.

WED: Half off wines by the glass

THURS: Bartender’s Choice Cocktail

Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 5pm – 10pm and Friday and Saturday 3pm – 11pm. The Cigar Lounge closes one hour prior to closing time.

23 S Main St, Belmont, NC 28012.

Cheers,

Veronique

Give Back with Lasagna Love

Give Back with Lasagna Love

A couple of weeks ago, I learned of Lasagna Love via social media. I was curious to see what it was all about as it’s getting so much media love. The area of the organization I was interested in was the cooking part. There are people hungry all over our communities that could use a simple lasagna to feed their family. Come on, who can’t make a lasagna!!?

My Packed Lasagnas

About Lasagna Love

Lasagna Love is a nationwide grassroots movement that aims to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery. One of the primary goals is to make people feel good and not strange or guilty about asking for help – I love this!

There are currently 20,000+ volunteers, serving 3,500 meals a week in 50 states as part of the organization and I’m happy to be one of them.

Since its launch in May 2020, Lasagna Love’s volunteers(Lasagna Chefs) have delivered over 95,000 meals and positively impacted more than 400,000 lives.

Ways to Get Involved

There are several ways for individuals and organizations to get involved and make a change in people’s lives. Regardless of your background and cooking experience level, there is a way for you to join the kindness project:

Become a corporate sponsor

Companies who become sponsors can really make an impact in the community by not only helping families in need but also in moving the needle on kindness in our communities.

Collaborate

Lasagna Love has partnered with food banks, community centers and school districts to ensure food is provided to the families they serve. There are also partnerships with supermarkets and food suppliers that have been very successful.

Sponsor a Lasagna Chef

Lasagna chefs can prepare food for additional families with incremental funding. Consider sponsoring one of the chefs so they can keep making a difference in their community.

Become a Lasagna Chef

If, like me, you’re a cook and are looking for additional ways to help the community, consider becoming a Lasagna Chef. Join the kindness project with your whole family, specially with kids, is a great way to instill a sense of empathy and helpfulness.

Donate

Can’t cook and make lasagnas? You can still donate to the organization!

My First Experience

Yesterday was my first match with a family in need. As a Lasagna Chef, one can opt to prepare lasagnas daily/weekly/monthly and can select how many lasagnas will be offered for each match. I opted for once a month for one lasagna for one family to start.

Today, I delivered my lasagnas! I made two 8”x8” lasagnas vs a 13”x9” lasagna so this family of two adults can eat one and freeze one. It was a great experience and the folks I met were even Canadian like me!

I used my tried and true lasagna recipe but I switched the meat sauce to one easier and faster to make than my Grandma’s recipe. This is the Bolognes Sauce recipe I used (made a double batch to have extras) but I omitted the Marsala and the syrup.

Lasagna Love on Social Media

Facebook

Instagram

Hope you can join me in becoming a volunteer for this great organization!

Cheers,

Veronique

Support Local Wineries on April 10

In the spring of 2020, Lenn Thompson, of The Cork Report, and Gina Shay, well-known to the local wine scene, launched an event called #openlocalwine at a time when local wineries were experiencing the most difficult of times with tasting room closures and various pandemic-related issues. I reported, promoted and participated in the 2020 event and am thrilled that the due will host this worthy event again in 2021.

The first #openlocalwine event of 2021 will take place on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The event not only helps your local wineries through wine sales, it’s also a great opportunity to celebrate with fellow local wine lovers.

To take part in #openlocalwine all you need to do is:

  1. Get a bottle of local wine (or cider) and open it Saturday, April 10
  2. Enjoy it with a nice meal – either home-cooked for takeout from your favorite local restaurant.
  3. Post picture(s) of the wine or wines online – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter – using hashtag #openlocalwine. And tell us why you picked that wine (or wines) and who you are sharing it with.
  4. Raise a glass to the winemaker who made it.
  5. Drink it and enjoy it with your family.

Please also make sure that you @ mention the winery/winemaker as well as The Cork Report on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram (we are @ginashay1, @lennthompson and @corkreportmedia on the latter two).

Hope you’ll join us!!

Veronique

Best Dishes 2020

Best Dishes 2020

As I thought about 2020, I was tempted to simply skip my annual Best Dishes recap but then I looked at my photo library and was pleasantly surprised to see how many delicious meals I enjoyed this year.

While my job didn’t have me the road in 2020 like it usually does, we traveled a few times to explore the south where we relocated in October, so we had quite a few nice meals along the way.

I’ve narrowed down all the fab dishes I had to the following 16 Best Dishes 2020. The list is in restaurant name, alphabetical order.

Aquila Pizza Al Forno, Little Falls, NJ – The only thing as lovely as the soppressata and Meyer lemon pizza with its perfect, slightly-tart and salty crust charred in all the right places is the team behind the cozy pizzeria. By the way, I copied/pasted this recap from my 2019 Best Dishes list and I’ll do the same in 2021 if I’m fortunate enough to visit pizzamaker extraordinaire Jerry…perfect pizza, period.

Ariane Kitchen and Bar, Verona, NJ – AKB features the best fried oysters of all times. While this place is so much more than these ultra-popular bivalves, they’re perfect with their cornmeal crust and should be recognized appropriately. The horseradish cream the oysters are served with is insanely good too.

Barnegat Oyster Collective, Barnegat, NJ – While homebound during the pandemic, we ordered the freshest, most pristine oysters from this fantastic place several times. They were expertly packed with dry ice and a shucking knife and made for the most fun and tasty treat.

Brasserie Mémère, Closter, NJ – Could there be a more perfect concept than the French brasserie concept? I think not and Brasserie Mémère does absolutely everything right. When German-trained Chef Thomas Ciszak puts a schnitzel on the menu, it must be ordered. It’s perfectly-crunchy on its exterior and moist and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside – a must. During one of my 2020 visits, they offered a bouillabaisse special, served in a Dutch oven that was one incredible.

Café Chameleon, Bloomingdale, NJ – Chef Bryan Gregg never disappoints, and I could have picked several dishes for this compilation but opted to feature the rich, fantastic tagliatelle with white truffle butter with shaved truffles to gild the lily.  

Crown Shy, New York, NY – Every single dish, cocktail and glass of wine was on point during our pre-Covid visit in January. Our favorite dish of the night was the cavatelli in chicken liver sauce. This meal set the bar for all 2020 meals.

Estadio, Washington, DC – This was a top 5 best meals of 2020. Every morsel of food we consumed at this popular Spanish tapas place was stellar. Our favorite was the seared foie gras.

Glai Baan, Phoenix, AZ – This is the best, most authentic Thai street food I’ve had outside Thailand. Food with bold flavors, a kitschy space, friendly service and some of the best cocktails we had in 2020. The larb moo, minced pork with lime dressing, was amazing.

Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge, NJ – I believe this is the only restaurant that’s always been on my annual lists. Chef David Viana creates incredible experiences at his chef’s counter and both meals I had there in 2020 were outstanding. I can’t pass up the opportunity to say that whatever preparation is applied to his signature duck, is always, and I’ve had many variations over the years, always the best duck you’ll ever have. Don’t skip dessert, they’re always stellar.

Hush Public House, Scottsdale, AZ – Top five meals of 2020. Laidback atmosphere, great service and delectable, fabulous food. We started with the chicken liver mouse served in a glass jar that was topped with drunken cherries and served with top notch grilled country bread – way to set the tone for a memorable dinner.

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Morristown, NJ – During a tasting dinner, Chef AJ Capella served perfectly-pillowy gnocchi with peas bursting with flavor. Very well done, as is the case with the other dishes we devoured there in 2020.

Leah & Louise, Charlotte, NC – Thrilled to have landed a table at the hottest spot in town, we enjoyed everything we ordered but the River Chips, fried chicken skins served piled high with “granch” dressing (ranch and green onion) were unlike anything we’ve had. This southern-inspired juke joint is a must when in Charlotte.

Rhubarb, Asheville, NC – After patio dining at this popular Asheville restaurant, I understood why it’s difficult to get a reservation – it’s a wonderful meal! We started the evening with bubbly and a beautiful and well-put together charcuterie board that is still on my mind.

Scales, Portland, ME – We sat outdoors at this Portland gem over the summer and enjoyed a fabulous seafood meal. My entrée stands out in particular, seared scallops, crispy pancetta with corn.

Summit House, Summit, NJ – Took clients out to dinner at this Jersey favorite and boy were they wowed. If I see squid ink pasta on a menu, I must order it and this version with perfectly-cooked seafood didn’t disappoint.

VENTANAS Restaurant and Lounge at The Modern, Fort Lee, NJ – Chef David Burke’s over-the-top food concepts are masterly executed by Executive Chef Brian Morales. The space and vibe are hip and fun to match the food. Our favorite, on one of two 2020 visits, was the signature lobster dumplings in a tomato miso sauce.

What have been some of your favorite bites of 2020?

Happy eating!

Veronique

Shannon Rose Irish Pub Annual Fundraiser for Community Food Bank of New Jersey

Shannon Rose Irish Pub Annual Fundraiser for Community Food Bank of New Jersey

The financial impact of COVID-19 has left New Jersey families more in need of food assistance than ever.

Throughout November, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, with locations in Clifton and Ramsey, NJ, is giving back and helping put food on the table for New Jersey families in need with a month-long fundraiser to benefit Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Throughout November, The Shannon Rose invites guests to donate to Community Food Bank of New Jersey when dining at either location. Guests can add $1 or $5 to their check, helping feed food insecure families statewide during the holiday season. The restaurant has committed to matching all donations during the month, up to $1,000. This donation will help provide groceries to local soup kitchens and food pantries, along with supporting other feeding programs across New Jersey. In addition to monetary donations, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub will also collect non-perishable canned goods at both locations all month long.

In 2019, the restaurants raised over $2,000 to benefit Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub features a chef-driven, scratch-made menu that blends Irish pub classics and new tavern favorites. For more information and set prices, please visit TheShannonRose.com.

NJ Wineries to Reopen for Outdoor Service on June 15

Great news from our friends at The Garden State Wine Growers Association.

The farmhouse at Willow Creek Winery. #njwine
Photo by The Garden State Wine Growers Association

New Jersey wineries will be able to welcome customers back to enjoy the full vineyard experience beginning June 15.  Wineries will be open for outside service only providing customers with tastings, wine by the glass and bottle sales.

Wineries will be following guidelines established by the NJ Department of Health for the reopening as well as by the Garden State Wine Growers Association in its plan to the state, but will modify to fit the specific needs of the winery.

Elements to include, but not be limited to:

–        Social distancing and sanitation best practices will be maintained by our winery staffs

–        Minimum of six feet distance between all outdoor tables

–        Winery employees will be wearing masks.

–        Guests entering into the winery tasting room for a takeout purchase or to visit a bathroom will be required to wear a face covering, which can be taken off while seated or tasting wine

–        Many wineries will offer their own policies regarding schedules, tastings, etc. so guests are encouraged to check their social media channels and websites for updates.

While additional details will be provided as the reopening date draws near, New Jersey winery fans can look forward to enjoying the total wine experience again.

The Garden State Wine Growers Association is a non-profit organization of New Jersey-based wineries, vineyards and allied businesses.  It serves as a centralized information repository, resource and clearing house for industry members, and offers a unified voice advocating for issues important to the entire range of New Jersey winery and vineyard operations.  Central to this mission are efforts toward branding, marketing, public relations, education, and legislation and regulation for the furtherance of the vineyard and wine industries in the Garden State.

For more information, please visit www.newjerseywines.com

Teacher Appreciation Week Photo Contest; Winners Get Meal Tray and Cocktail Kit

To honor and give back to local schoolteachers who have transitioned in-classroom teaching to online teaching over the past two months, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub will hold a Teacher Appreciation Week photo contest to recognize top schoolteachers in Bergen and Passaic counties* during Teacher Appreciation Week, as nominated by their students’ parents and other teachers beginning Monday, May 4.

Teacher Appreciation Week - Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish

Submissions will be accepted through Thursday, May 7. The top two teachers from each county with the most submissions and/or those with the best rationale for their nominations will move on to the voting round. The Shannon Rose Irish Pub will post on the Instagram page on Friday, May 8, asking for comments to determine the winner of each county. Winners will be announced Monday, May 11.

To nominate a teacher, the rules and guidelines are as follows:

  1. The nominating parent/teacher’s account must follow The Shannon Rose Irish Pub on Instagram**
  2. The nominating parent/teacher must submit a photo of the teacher, along with two sentences explaining why he/she deserves to be nominated and should be recognized during Teacher Appreciation Week.
  3. The top two submissions from each county will be shared to The Shannon Rose Irish Pub Instagram page on Friday, May 8.
  4. The teachers (one from each county) who receive the most comments on The Shannon Rose Irish Pub Instagram post will each win a Family Meal and Cocktail Kit from The Shannon Rose Irish Pub location of their choice.

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub provides a chef-driven menu using fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering fare that blends Irish pub classics and new tavern favorites. The Shannon Rose Irish Pub in Clifton and Ramsey are open for takeout and delivery, operating daily from 12pm-9pm. For more information on The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, visit www.TheShannonRose.com, or become a fan on Facebook and follow @shannonrosepubs on Instagram.

*One winner will be selected from Bergen County and another from Passaic County.

**Entries limited to one per person.