Italian Pantry, Cool Vines, Tuesday night. Contine Fontezoppa Wine Dinner.

How often you do get do sample a restaurant's best dishes? At a special dinner tasting event hosted by one of the hottest new Italian restaurants in and around Westfield, you can do this from time to time. But how often are these special dinner tastings also accompanied by a wine tasting and lecture? Not very often...I follow these events, and they happen maybe once each season. They are truly special events, not to be missed.

Well, hunker down for winter, the Italian Pantry and CoolVines Wine Tasting Dinner is upon us. And a spectactular menu promises a warm and seasonal pairing of your favorite entrees like short ribs, mushroom risotto and pan seared lamb chops. It's so special they have a special name for it -- the Contine Fontezoppa Wine Dinner. It will take place Tuesday, November 16 and the special price is $65 - well worth it for 5 incredible courses of contemporary Italian cookery paired with exceptional wines.

One of the new and adventurous kitchens in town is pairing up with a wine shop where every purchase is an adventure, and this promises a fabulous night out for those who love food, wine and how they connect. There will be 5 food courses, expertly paired with Italian wines. You will not want to miss the cioppino with gnocchi paired with a Marcho Rosso, nor skip the lamb chops matched with a "vardo" Colli Maceratesi Rosso 2007. And did I mention there were five courses?

This will be an exceptional dinner featuring fresh innovative food courses with unexpected wine pairings. To join us for this fun night, register at CoolVines and join us for an exceptional evening of food, fun & friends.

Turkey. Sides. Dessert. Massage, Rinse, Repeat.

We are all consumed with what will be consumed in 2 weeks and 4 days from now, a day otherwise known as Thanksgiving, also known as Turkey Day. You almost have to serve turkey. To do otherwise is un-American? Call it what you will. The big question is, are you cooking, travelling or visiting? 


I am visiting, and will have it easy this year. No hosting, no turkey, just some sides and a dessert. But let's face it, eating Turkey on Thanksgiving Day is completely random!! But we all love it so take the pressure off. Preparing turkey, potatoes and desserts might just be easier than the inevitable "day with the relatives." 


I give hosts a lot of credit. This is no easy holiday to host. Thanksgiving should be about eating corn and turkey and giving thanks. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has turned into a culinary stylistic showcase with incredible food AND family pressure that also opens the floodgates for the holiday season indulgence to come. Fun for all!


Let's bring it on back for a minute. Turkey. Sides. Dessert.  Massage, Rinse, Repeat. Here's a plan to help you through the month:


If you want to improve your cooking acumen, try Williams-Sonoma. Located in downtown Westfield at 127 Central Avenue, Williams-Sonoma has four free-of-charge Techniques Classes that focus on 4 primary Thanksgiving host approaches: A Traditional Thanksgiving, A Contemporary Thanksgiving, An Intimate Thanksgiving and A Time-Saving Thanksgiving.  Pick one and run with it. Call in advance to reserve your spot: 908-301-0075.


If you are looking for a farm fresh turkey, look no further than Alan's Orchard. You can order your local, fresh turkey from Griggstown Quail Farm and pick it up right at the store on November 24 for your Thanksgiving feast.  Alan's Orchard is taking orders through November 14th for these local, fresh birds that have never been frozen, never been treated with antibiotics or growth hormones, and never fed a commercial corn-based diet. And don't forget their pies for dessert, including sweet potato, pumpkin, apple, apple crisp, pecan pie and carrot cake. 


If you want to order in, you have some fabulous options as well.  Clyne & Murphy offers a roasted turkey, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans with cashew butter, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls and a dessert.  Robert Treat Deli is a good bet for an honest fresh roast turkey, homemade gravy, traditional bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, buttered green beans, cranberry sauce and fresh baked pies. 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro offers roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, traditional stuffing, pumpkin & shrimp bisque and fresh apple and pumpkin pies. 

If you are dining out on Thanksiving day, make a rezzie at Acquaviva delle fonti or Chez Catherine, for Thanksgiving specials all day. Or get some Applegate Farms or Trader Joe's sliced turkey breast and make your own sandwich. What could be more American than that?! 

Whatever you do, enjoy your day and enjoy cooking & entertaining. 

Thank you--

Westfield Foodie