Chefs’ Latin Collaboration Dinner At Two Sevens

March 26, 2018 By

Photo credit Two Sevens.

Fenwick’s Latin Chefs Team Up For Epic Family-Style Sunday Night Supper Sunday, April 22nd – 5:00-10:00pm in Princeton, NJ.

On April 22nd, a multi-cultural culinary team of talented Chefs from all of Fenwick‘s restaurant kitchens will join Two Sevens‘ Patrick Lacey for a special five-course celebration of amazing Latin flavors. This epic meal will be served family-style at $39 per person. Cocktails, beer, wine or pitchers of sangria or margaritas for the table will also be available.

The Menu:

First Course
Mofongo Fritters: mashed plantains, pork, shrimp, garlic.
Chef Rob Brown, Two Sevens
Churrasco: pobre, epazote & aji amarillo salsas.
Chef Carina DeLeon, Cargot Brasserie

Second Course
Vegetarian Pepian: trumpet mushroom, bok choy, pickled pineapple, herbs.
Chef Fito Beleton, Agricola Eatery

Third Course
Red Snapper a la Plancha: market vegetables, clams.
Chefs Tereso Del Cid and Patrick Lacey, Two Sevens

Fourth Course
Costillas Adovadas: Peruvian potatoes, chirmol, tortillas.
Chef Erwin Lopez, Fenwick Catering & Events

Dessert Course
Torta De Mil Hojas: 1,000 layers cake, passion fruit custard
Alfajores: dulce de leche cookies
Corporate Pastry Chef Liz Sale

Two Sevens offers an exciting new Latin option to the Princeton dining scene. This special menu showcases the many talented Chefs in the Fenwick Hospitality Group‘s kitchens, and honors the varied culinary traditions that inspired each of them to cook. For reservations, call (609) 921-2777.

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22 March 2018 New Jersey Restaurants Easter Celebrations

New Jersey Restaurants Easter Celebrations

March 22, 2018 By

Photo by Crystal Springs Resort

Celebrate with friends and family in style this Easter at some top New Jersey restaurants. On Sunday April 1st (it’s no joke), the following local restaurants are offering brunch and/or sit down meals.

Agricola (11 Whiterspoon Street, Princeton, NJ) will offer a brunch from 9am-3pm on April 1st. Cost is $45/adult; $20/children under 10.  Reservations can be made at http://agricolaeatery.com/reservations.  

Blue Morel Restaurant & Wine Bar (2 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960) will offer a three-course menu for $59 adults and $29 children under 12 years old from 12 noon to 9pm. Call 973-451-2619 for reservations. http://bluemorel.com.

Calandra’s Mediterranean Grill (118 U.S. Highway 46 East, Fairfield, NJ 07004) Easter Buffet on Sunday, April 1st, 2018.  Seating at 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:30 PM. Adults: $46.95 Children 12 & Under: $23.95 (toddlers 4 & under: no charge) NJ sales tax and 20% Gratuity will be added automatically. For reservations, call: (973) 575-6500. https://www.calandrasmedgrill.com.

Cargot Brasserie (98 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540) will offer a brunch from 9:00am – 3:00pm on April 1st. Cost is $40/adult; $20/children under 10, plus tax and gratuity. Menu and reservation info at http://www.cargotbrasserie.com/menus.

Catherine Lombardi (3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901) is celebrating Easter with a full, a la carte dinner featuring Easter specials. More details at https://www.catherinelombardi.com/reservations.

Chakra (W. 144 Route 4, Paramus, NJ 07652) will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu from 12pm to 5pm on Sunday April 1st. Cost is $42 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Children’s a la carte menu available. Visit http://www.chakrarestaurant.com for reservation info.

Chevys Fresh Mex® (Clifton and Linden) Saturday March 31 kids can participate in an egg-cellent Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30am. Families can also enjoy a kids eat free special following the Easter Egg Hunt from 11am-12pm. April 1, families who dine in at Chevys Fresh Mex will receive one free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase. More details at www.chevys.com.

Crystal Springs (1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ) is a great place to spend the holidays. With six options for Easter celebrations on Sunday April 1st. Visit www.crystalgolfresort.com for menus and reservations.

Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar (2 Main Street, Edgewater Harbor, Edgewater, NJ 07020) is offering a three-course menu costing $65 on April 1st. More information at http://www.havenedgewater.com/menu.

Restaurant Serenade (6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928) is offering a three-course menu at a cost of $75/person and $35/child 10 (exclusive of sales tax and gratuity). Details and menu at www.restaurantserenade.com.

Ryland Inn (115 Old Hwy 28, White House Station, NJ 08889) is offering an Easter brunch on April 1st from 12pm-6pm. Costs is $79 per adult, $29 per child (not inclusive of tax & gratuity). Details and menu at https://rylandinnnj.com/menu.

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub (Clifton and Ramsey) is hosting a family-friendly brunch on Sunday April 1st complete with an Easter egg hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $32 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made via phone at 973-284-0200 (Clifton) or 201-962-7602 (Ramsey), or online at www.TheShannonRose.com.

 Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (Clifton and Garden City, NY) is offering its a la carte brunch menu on April 1 from 11:30AM – 3:00PM. Note that the restaurants’ Taste of Tuscany menu will also be available on Easter. Menu and more info at http://spuntinowinebar.com

Stage Left is offering a 3-course brunch with an unlimited dessert bar on April 1st from 11AM-2:30 PM at a cost of $39.95; kids 12 and under $19.95. More details at http://www.stageleft.com/reservations.

Summit House (395 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ) is offering an Easter Sunday meal from 12PM – 5PM. The 3-course menu includes four options per course and two tiers of optional wine pairings will be available. Pricing (tax + gratuity not included) Adults (15+): $65, Children 8-14: $35, Children 0-7: a la carte kids menu. http://www.summithousenj.com.

Happy Easter?

Veronique

PS: Is your restaurant offering Easter? Email me at veronique@foodandwinechickie.com to alert me!

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19 March 2018 Balvenie Scotch Tasting of Tun 1509 Batch 4 at Blue Morel

Balvenie Scotch Tasting of Tun 1509 Batch 4 at Blue Morel

March 19, 2018 By

Blue Morel Restaurant features a Balvenie Scotch Tasting of Tun 1509 Batch 4 on Thursday, April 12, 2016 at 6:30pm for $55 per person before tax and gratuity.

Jim Patterson, Balvenie Brand Ambassador, will feature an amazing journey into the Highlands of Banffshire, Home of The Balvenie–the most handcrafted Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Jim will take guests’ senses through a tour of The Balvenie 12 year Doublewood, 17 year Doublewood and Tun 1509 Batch 4.
The Tun 1509 Batch #4 showcases the rare skills Distillery Mastery David Stewart has acquired in a lifetime dedicated to his craft as he continues to bring old and precious whiskies together in a single marrying vessel. Batch 4 represents an age range of 22 to 40 year old barrels.

Chef Dennis Mathews will offer light hors d’oeuvres for this informal tasting. Tickets are limited. The tasting begins promptly at 6:30pm. Guests who stay for dinner will receive 15% off their food check. Reservation cutoff date is April 10, 2018. For reservations and additional information please call 973-451-2619.

About Blue Morel Restaurant and Wine Bar

Blue Morel Restaurant and Wine Bar combines the finest seasonal ingredients from local, regional, organic and sustainable farms with the culinary creativity of Chef Thomas Ciszak and Chef Dennis Mathews. Nestled in historic Morristown, New Jersey, Blue Morel creates a “Farm to Table” experience serving New American Cuisine, Sushi and a Seafood Raw Bar.

 

Blue Morel ranks among the Top 2 Best Whiskey Bars in New Jersey, and offers over 80 labels of whiskey. Every last Thursday of the month, Blue Morel features Bourbon and Blues Night, which combines live music and a free tasting of a different whiskey presented by the distillery brand ambassador. The Wine Bar offers more than 70 wines by the glass and half glass tastings and is available for receptions up to 25 people. For private dining, Blue Morel features the Wine Room, which seats up to 18 guests. For larger events, weddings and bar mitzvahs, elegant rooms are available to accommodate up to 400 guests.

www.bluemorel.com

Cheers,

Veronique

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1 March 2018 North Jersey BBQ Showcase March 15

North Jersey BBQ Showcase March 15

March 1, 2018 By

The North Jersey BBQ Showcase will be held on March 15 from 6PM – 9:30PM at Garden State Plaza (lower level concierge area) in Paramus, NJ.

Event and Judges

NJ/NY’s best pitmasters, chefs and restaurants will showcase their skills as well as compete as the Best of the Best with 3 categories: Experts Panel (Esther Davidowitz, Food Editor of The Record, Deborah Smith, Editor of Jerseybites.com and Marc Mangano (Certified KCBS judge), Bloggers Choice (@gothamburgersocialclub,  @omgitsbomb, @yeahfoodbeer,  @revcianco, @mattbruck @myinnerfatkidisout) and People’s Choice.

Participants

Participating in this tasting event are Hugh Magnum of Mighty Quinn’s (NYC/Paramus), named Top 23 BBQ Restaurants in America by Timeout, Handsome Devil (Newburgh), who won Best BBQ at NYCWFF ’17, Smoked (Ridgewood), featured in 201 Magazine, Red, White, and Que (Kearny), named Best BBQ in NJ ’16  by Thrillist, Robert Austin Cho, who recently appeared on Beat Bobby Flay, Empanada Mania (Bergenfield), Best Empanadas by NJ.com, Glaze Donuts (New Milford), who won Best Donuts in NYC ’16, Mr. Cupcakes (Paramus),Fink’s BBQ (Dumont), voted Best BBQ in NJ by Bergen Magazine, Carlito’s Trailer (Jersey City), a new food truck featuring homemade tortillas, Hamilton Pork (Jersey City), Best New Restaurants ’17 by NJ Monthly, and Kimchi Smoke (Westwood), Best BBQ ’17 by NJ Monthly.

“The reason I’m organizing this event is to bring more BBQ awareness to North Jersey and to the local businesses. We now have some very good ‘cue options here and I wanted to bring the BBQ community together. We can all brag we’re the best but at the end of the day, we support each other. We want to eat, hang out and have a great time while we’re at it. And of course, take some good pics for the Gram!” – Robert Austin Cho.

Tickets available: Adults $50, Children under 12 $20; Limited Tickets may be available at Door. Entry allows samples from all the restaurants, cash bar available.

Cheers,

Veronique

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10th Annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort

February 16, 2018 By

Grand Tasting – Photo by Crystal Springs

This year marks the 10th annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort. The weekend-long Festival takes place May 4 – 6, 2018. To mark this milestone, Crystal Springs has partnered with ment’or to jointly celebrate the 10th anniversaries of both organizations. Ment’or was founded by Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jérôme Bocuse to support the next generation of chefs and to fund a team to compete in the biannual Bocuse d’Or competition, which the U.S. team won for the first time in 2017.

This year’s Festival will be the largest collection of chefs and winemakers yet, featuring renowned Chefs Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, as well as the complete Bocuse d’Or USA teams from 2007 to 2017, which include highly regarded chefs like Michael White, Gavin Kaysen (a James Beard award nominee) and Bryan Voltaggio (Top Chef).

2018 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival Schedule

Friday May 4

7pm     Champagne Reception Guests meet the chefs while enjoying Krug Champagne and hors d’oeuvres from Restaurant Latour ($50, included in Wine Cellar dinner).

7:30pm Wine Cellar Dinner with Chef Thomas Keller and Marc Perrin of Chateau de Beaucastel
($1,000 inclusive of accommodations, tax and gratuity).

8pm    Ment’or Anniversary Dinner with Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable, MN; James Beard Award nominee), Bryan Voltaggio, (VOLT, MD; Top Chef & Top Chef Masters), Matthew Kirkley (Team USA 2019), Justin Cogley (Aubergine, Carmel, CA), and Martyna Krowicka ($295 plus tax & gratuity).

8pm     Chef’s Garden Dinner with Chef Anthony Bucco and Chef Michael White ($295 plus tax & gratuity).

Saturday May 5

8am     Chef & Winemaker Golf Tournament Play 18 holes with chefs and winemakers ($149, includes lunch)

8:30am & 10am Sip, Stretch & Sparkle Start the day with a yoga session and a glass of sparkling wine ($30)

10am   Doughnuts & Coffee – Doughnuts from Montclair Bread Co. paired with coffee from NJ’s own Coffee Afficionado ($25)

11am   Spring Foraging with local forager Heather Housemaker ($25)

12pm – 3pm   Marketplace Lunch with local New Jersey wines and products served ($45)

12pm   Perfect Pizza Pairings Build your own pizza! ($35)

12pm   Pasture to Table with Fossil Farms and Trinchero wines ($40)

1pm      Sake and Ramen featuring New Jersey’s own Ani Ramen ($40)

1pm      Rose All Day Kick off rose season with selections from around the world ($45)

2pm      97 & Above Taste highly rated wines – all 97 points or above in Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate ($75)

2pm     The Art of Charcuterie Take a peek inside Crystal Springs’ charcuterie program and enjoy wines from The Hess Collection ($45)

3pm     Krug Vertical Tasting This unique tasting will highlight three recent vintages – 2002, 2003, 2004 and the current release of Krug Grande Cuvee ($95)

3pm     Uruguay Wines & American Beef Tastings of farm raised beef paired with the wines of Uruguay’s Bodega Garzon ($45)

3pm & 4pm   Garden State Culinary Throwdown (2 sessions) In each throwdown, 3 NJ chefs compete by cooking a dish from a basket of secret ingredients with the audience choosing the winner ($35)

4pm     Raising the Bar cocktail seminar with cocktail enthusiast and author Beth Ritter Nydick of Blue Barn Kitchen ($45)

6:30 / 7pm – 10pm  The Grand Tasting is the Festival’s signature event featuring more than 200 wines from over 50 wineries and bites from 50 top restaurants ($150; VIP $250; VIP admission  6:30pm, General Admission 7pm). Highlights of The Grand Tasting:

  • The VIP Experience: two floors of outstanding wines and spirits with tastings from Michelin-starred restaurants including Per Se, Daniel, Restaurant Latour, the upcoming Felina and more.
  • Restaurant participants highlight New Jersey’s best including: Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Fascino, Mistral, Ani Ramen, Agricola, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, Crystal Tavern, Heirloom Kitchen, Blue Morel, Osteria Morini, Common Lot, Viaggio, Halifax, Montclair Bread Co, Pig & Prince, 17 Summer Restaurant, Bell Market, Andre’s, Saly G’s, Orama, Piattino, Cardinal Provisions and more.
  • A wide range of wineries and Champagne houses from around the world.
  • Live entertainment by the thirty-two piece David Aaron Orchestra

10pm – 1am   Meet the Chefs and Winemakers After Party with open bars, DJ, buffets and more ($150). 

Sunday May 6

10am – 1pm   Champagne Brunch A lavish, decadent brunch buffet accompanied by Champagne ($50).

Tickets for the 2018 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival are available at www.njwinefoodfest.com. Resort reservations are available as well at 855.977.6473.

About Crystal Springs Resort   http://www.crystalgolfresort.com/

Located in Hamburg, Hardyston and Vernon, NJ, Crystal Springs Resort is the only four-season resort of its kind in the Tri-State Area. Comprised of two luxury hotels – Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Resort & Spa; six renowned public golf courses; four-star Restaurant Latour; a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar since 2006; two full-service spas ranked #19 in Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas; the state-of-the-art Minerals Sports Club; and multiple indoor and outdoor pools, including the distinctive Biosphere Pool Complex with an underground aquarium, tropical foliage and free form nature pools.

About Ment’or   http://www.mentorbkb.org/

The ment’or BKB Foundation is a nonprofit that aims to educate and inspire excellence in young culinary professionals and also preserve the traditions and quality of cuisine in America. Ment’or is led by Founders Chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jérôme Bocuse, as well as an esteemed Culinary Council of over forty renowned chefs. Educational grants and internships are offered to culinary professionals through the Continuing Education Program. The Young Chef and Commis Competitions offer yet another opportunity for them to further their careers. Ment’or is also responsible for recruiting, training, and financially supporting the promising young American talents who represent Team USA in the prestigious biennial Bocuse d’Or competition, held in Lyon, France. For the first time in history, Team USA 2017 won the coveted Gold Medal at the Bocuse d’Or.

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14 February 2018 Fascino Guest Chef Dinner with Chef Anthony Bucco

Fascino Guest Chef Dinner with Chef Anthony Bucco

February 14, 2018 By
Fascino

Photo Credit: Fascino

On February 28th at 7PM, Fascino Chef/Owner Ryan DePersio will welcome Chef Anthony Bucco of the soon-to-open Ridgewood restaurant, Felina.

The five-course dinner held at Fascino is $75 and features the following menu:

CO U R S E 1

Heirloom Beets, Burnt Bread, Robiolina, Horseradish, Dill

CO U R S E 2

Local Bass Crudo, Uni, Citrus, Pistachio, Castelvetrano Olives

CO U R S E 3

Gnocchi, Delicata Squash, Pecorino, Sage, Hazelnut

CO U R S E 4

Coppa Wrapped Veal Loin, Salsa Verde, Polenta, Punterella, Sweetbreads

CO U R S E 5

Budino, Whipped Cream, Biscotti

Reservations can be made by calling Fascino at 973-233-0350. The dinner is Bring Your Own.

Fascino – 331 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042. http://www.fascinorestaurant.com

Hope to see you there,

Veronique

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8 February 2018 Kimchi Smoke Robert Austin Cho on Beat Bobby Flay

Kimchi Smoke Robert Austin Cho on Beat Bobby Flay

February 8, 2018 By
Rob Cho

Rob Cho

Robert Austin Cho, Chef/Owner of Kimchi Smoke in Westwood, will be appearing on Beat Bobby Flay on February 22 at 10PM. The episode, “Sour with the Sweet” will include a Round 1 Battle between BBQ fusion master Cho and Brian Malarky, a Top Chef finalist.

What was the secret ingredient Bobby Flay chose in Round 1? Cho was hoping that it would not be a vegetable, so he could have his long awaited showdown with Flay. “I got into barbecue by watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay and just being on the show with an opportunity to face Bobby Flay is a real blessing. My parents immigrated to the States to give me a better opportunity. This is that opportunity. Win, lose, or draw I know my father would proud of me”.
Food Network’s Sunny Anderson and Chef Josh Capon will be serving one of them to Flay.
Judges: Rich Aronovitch, Dana Cowinand Leah Cohen who recently opened Piggyback Bar in Jersey City. 
 
301 Center Ave. Westwood, NJ 07675
(201)497-6333
Kimchismoke.com
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7 February 2018 Fun and Delish Classes at Vanillamore

Fun and Delish Classes at Vanillamore

February 7, 2018 By

Cheese and PairingsI attended a cheese tasting and pairings class at Vanillamore a few weeks ago and loved the experience. Students sat at the horseshoe-shaped counter and learned about cheese and sweets pairings from cheese meister, Marie Fromage (aka Mary Connolly).

I recapped the whole experience for Jersey Bites and you can view it here.

See class listing for all happenings at Vanillamore. (Note that Marie Fromage is hosting another cheese class at Vanillamore in June).

Vanillamore
349 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ

Cheers,

Veronique

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6 February 2018 Valentine’s Day Paella Class at Denville Meat Shop

Valentine’s Day Paella Class at Denville Meat Shop

February 6, 2018 By

Celebrate Valentine’s Day learning how to make (and eat) paella at Denville Meat Shop. Chef Jeff will answer all of your questions and will demonstrate and walk you through SIMPLE step by step processes to get you cooking healthier and economically.

The class and dinner will be served family style – bring some wine (Denville Meat Shop is BYOB) and enjoy your Valentine’s Day with paella!

Class fee is $45 which includes demonstration and dinner. Class Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm Wednesday February 14.

Reserve online with deposit, minimum 10 signups to hold class. Any cancellation must be made 48 hours prior to the event start time to receive a full refund.

Hope to see you there!

Veronique

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1 February 2018 Valentine’s Day at Crystal Springs Resort

Valentine’s Day at Crystal Springs Resort

February 1, 2018 By

Valentine's DayWhether a romantic getaway, elegant tasting menu or wine pairing dinner, Crystal Springs Resort in the picturesque Skylands region of North Jersey has something to offer for every couple this Valentine’s Day.

For the Couple Looking to Get Away – Enjoy a romantic stay with your significant other at Grand Cascades Lodge or Minerals Resort & Spa hotel at Crystal Springs. Get transported to the tropics at the Biosphere Pool Complex or spend a relaxing day at the resort’s two top-ranked spas. Take a free tour, offered daily, of the resort’s award-winning Wine Cellar, which has won numerous accolades including Wine Spectator’s prestigious Grand Award since 2006 and dine at the resort’s restaurants from the acclaimedfour-star Restaurant Latour to Tuscan-inspired Springs Bistro to New American Crystal Tavern with views of the Kittatinny Mountains. Special Valentine’s Day packages are available: https://www.crystalgolfresort.com/discover/packages/valentine-suiteheart-escape/

 

For the Foodie Couple – Garden State’s top dining destination, the four-star Restaurant Latour, will open on Wednesday especially for this holiday. Chef de Latour Martyna Krowicka will woo guests with a 5-course menu ($115, wine pairing $55) highlighting the flavors of the season and luxury ingredients well-suited for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Better yet, impress your date with the seven course Chef’s Tasting ($145, wine pairing $65). Dinner 5pm – 10pm.

For the Italy Loving Couple – Springs Bistro Tuscan-inspired dining is perfect for Italophiles. Menu highlights include Grilled Octopus with chorizo, pickled shallot and lemon zest; Tagliatelle with duck confit, mission fig and sherry, and Venison with Jerusalem artichoke, red cabbage and pear. Dinner a la carte 5pm – 10pm.

For the all-American Couple – At Crystal Tavern, Chef Aishling Stevens’ New American menu can be paired with craft cocktails, craft beers and American wines. Dine on elevated favorites like Braised Lamb Poutine; Smoked Salmon Toast with salmon roe or Beef Pot Pie with kale and roasted potatoes. For dessert, split the Chocolate Pot de Crème with salted caramel and whipped cream. Dinner a la carte 5pm – 10pm.

For Wine Lovers – Napa Valley comes to New Jersey! Minerals Resort & Spa showcases the wines of Cakebread Cellars paired with a five-course menu. Guests start with raw bar and cocktails before the dinner begins with a Root Vegetable Salad followed bycrispy Seafood Arancini with saffron blanc, Chilean Sea Bass with potato puree and baby watercress, and Fillet Mignon with Bordeaux sauce and with a side of Lyonnaise crispy potatoes with parsley. Save room for dessert, a Cake Duo of rich chocolate mousse made with finest Belgian Callebaut chocolate. (7pm; $95 per person plus tax & gratuity)

Reservations for any and all of the above can be made by calling 855-977-6473. Crystal Springs Resort is located at 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg NJ; www.crystalgolfresort.com

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