The Restaurant Guys

Thanks to You

For 23 years now, you have allowed us to be a part of your lives. Thank you. For 23 years, you have supported our little endeavor here on Livingston Avenue. We are not perfect, but we are unique. I like that about stand-alone small businesses. I like that with your support, Mark, Lou and I are able to do what we do here. There is a real community around these places and a lot of life events take place here. Some of you are new to the family and welcome.

Some of you started out supporting two young bartenders with an idea, who were too foolish to know they didn't really have enough money or experience to make it work. This is still a deeply personal business for me and Mark. We don't have any larger corporate entity setting standards or goals. We just try to make it great, make it a warm home away from home, make it a positive part of the community, and keep it fun, interesting, sometimes a little oddball and always delicious. None of that is possible without your ongoing, decades-long support.

I remember penning a Thanksgiving message in 2009 and 2010, when the whole country was in trouble and restaurant doors were closing in New Brunswick. I remember writing to you then about how great it was to have a community of patrons who helped us make sure that these two restaurants were not among them. Well, things have changed quite a bit and "gangbusters" is an apt description of our restaurants and the restaurant scene in New Brunswick today. It's a much happier and more secure place from which we write you today, but we're no less conscious of how we got here and no less grateful for it. Happy Thanksgiving.

If You're Free at The Weekend, Come See Us!

If you're around this weekend, please come by and celebrate with us. All weekend long, we'll have something to mark Catherine Lombardi's 10th anniversary .

What I want most on Black Friday, is a civilized drink. On Friday, we're going to have about 20 different Scotches and Brandies available for The Spirits Project. That is to say that we're going to list a bunch of extraordinary spirits for you to choose from. We're basically opening up our top tier of spirits and making them available in 1 ounce portion at cost. You may have up to three. You can also choose a top tier spirit and ask us to make an extremely decadent cocktail, again at cost. A few times a year we offer an evening like this, we call "Cocktails for Millionaires." Believe it or not, many great spirits shine through gorgeously in a well-made cocktail. While you might be reticent to order a $40 Ritz Cocktail, it might not be a bad idea to come in Friday and see what a $40 Ritz Cocktail would taste like for $12. Much fun will be had by all.

Saturday is the Cocktail Party and Dale DeGroff event. We have a few seats left!

Sunday, I'll be teaching an Italian wine class extraordinaire! See details below.

Here are the wines I plan to pour. Most will be available for purchase after the class.

Whites of Italy (Three Grapes)

Soave Classico 2012; Gini; Veneto
Soave 'La Frosca' 2012; Gini; Veneto
Lugana 'Riserva Sergio Zenato' 2011
Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007; Emidio Pepe; Abruzzo
Ribolla Gialla 2013; Perusini; Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli
Ribolla Gialla 2005; Il Carpino; Collio, Friuli

Tuscan Reds DOC

Chianti Classico 'Ceppeto' 2011; Manucci Droandi
Chianti Classico Riserva 'Ceppeto' 2009; Manucci Droandi
Rosso di Montepulciano 2011; La Ciarliana
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2010; La Ciarliana
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 'Vigna Scianello' 2007; La Ciarliana
Rosso di Montepulciano 2013; Le Chiuse
Brunello di Montalcino 2010; Le Chiuse

Super Tuscans

Al Passo 'Sangiovese, Merlot' 2011; Tolaini
Valdisanti 'Cab Sauv, Sangiovese, Cab Franc' 2010; Tolaini
Lorenzo & Isabelle 'Cab Franc - Sangiovese - Petit Verdot' 2005; Il Palazzone
Indaco 'Malbec, Cab Sauv, Merlot' 2009; Tenuta Sette Cieli
Syrah 2010; Michele Satta; Bolgheri

These are subject to change, but you get the idea - TONS of fun and worth well more than the price of admission.

The class will be $79 Seating is limited and you must sign up in advance.

To Reserve A Spot, call 732-296-9463 for reservations or email [email protected]

Due to limited capacity, these events must be paid at time of booking.

You may cancel without penalty until Wednesday, November 25th.

Paul Hobbs is Coming To Town - So Is Dale DeGroff

As we celebrate Catherine Lombardi's 10th anniversary and as as the holidays approach, I am mindful of the many great friends who have helped these restaurants become what they are over the years. Two of the most extraordinary among them are particularly relevant right now.

Dale DeGroff

In 1992, we did not realize that our new friend, Dale DeGroff, would go on to become the most important bartender in the world and spark a world-wide cocktail renaissance; but he did. We believed in his mission then and he's the reason we jumped on the cocktail train pretty early. Thanks Dale

Saturday afternoon of Thanksgiving weekend, Dale will be here to celebrate the anniversary. Come join us - See Details.

Paul Hobbs

In 1992, we did not realize that our new friend, Paul Hobbs, would go on to become one of the most important winemakers in The New World; but he did. Our championing of Paul Hobbs wine was an early coup for us. He was the first in a long line of extraordinary winemakers we introduced to The Garden State. Stage Left's Paul Hobbs Dinner is the only dinner Paul does every year.

Paul Hobbs will return once again on January 28th. This marks a very special anniversary for us both - See Details.

Paul Hobbs Is Coming to Town

In 1992, we did not realize that our new friend, Paul Hobbs, would go on to become one of the most important winemakers in The New World; but he did. Our championing of Paul Hobbs wine was an early coup for us. He was the first in a long line of extraordinary winemakers we introduced to The Garden State. Stage Left's Paul Hobbs Dinner is the only dinner Paul does every year.

Paul Hobbs will return once again on January 28th. This marks a very special anniversary for us both. It's Paul's 25th anniversary year. While Paul has been doing wine dinners here for the 23 years Stage Left has been open, there were two years early on, when Paul did two dinners. That means this will be the 25th Stage Left Wine Dinner on Paul Hobbs' 25th anniversary. Where does the time go?

Paul has called this event the single greatest opportunity to taste the Paul Hobbs Wine every year, bar none, including at The Winery itself. We will have some things available nowhere else, including a near-priceless, one-of-a-kind bottling of Merlot that Paul bottled for us on the occasion of the birth Laura Catherine Pascal, Mark's eldest, in 1996.

Paul and Mark selected a single barrel of merlot that Paul kept separate. In 1998, Mark, his wife Jen and two-year-old Laura Catherine went out to California and helped Paul bottle it by hand. It was put mostly into magnums, with one 6 liter bottle and one impressive 9 liter bottle. Laura's in college now and the wine is ready. We're going to pop the 9 liter in the dinner.

This is a one-of-a-kind bottle from a one-barrel lot from one of the best winemakers in the new world. It is drinking at its zenith at 20 years old and we will drink it at the 25th anniversary wine dinner. I cannot imagine what we would sell it for. Instead, we're just going to drink it with you at this dinner. Laura will be in attendance.

Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner and Tasting
25th Anniversary Edition
Thursday, January 28th

Comprehensive Tasting of Hobbs Wines: 6 - 7:30 PM
(wines to be announced)
Dinner: 7:30 PM

Lobster Lasagna
Burnt Orange and Truffle Ricotta
*Chardonnay “Ross Station” 2013; Paul Hobbs; Russian River
*Chardonnay 2014; Bramare, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Duck and Foie Spring Roll
Black Truffle
*Pinot Noir “Hyde Vineyard” 2013; Paul Hobbs, Carneros

Lamb Loin
Minted with Pepino and Crispy Hen-of-the-Wood Mushrooms
*Cabernet Sauvignon 2012; Paul Hobbs; Napa

Standing Rib Roast
Marrow Bones, Roasted Garlic, Slow Roasted Winter Vegetables
*Malbec “Rebon Vineyard” 2012; Bramare; Valle de Uco, Mendoza

Curado de La Mancha Cheese
*Merlot 'Cuvee Laura Catherine' 1996; Paul Hobbs; Napa, California, USA
One-of-a-Kind Bottling

Stage Left Chocolate Bar
Caramel, Peanuts, Pretzel and Marshmallow

$295 per person
plus tax and service

Reservations at 732-828-4444 or [email protected]

This dinner will sell out. We already have 40 reservations before we even announced. Please book early if you would like to come.

Makes a great Christmas Present!

White Truffles Have Arrived!

It's the most wonderful time of the year. That's right: Truffle time! I was holding off on this announcement until they arrived. They're here, in the restaurant and for your home!!!

Truffles for Your Home

Great white truffles are just meant to be shaved paper thin on top of a dish at the last minute. Typically, we choose somewhat neutral or lighter or flavored dishes as the base for truffles. Pasta, Risotto, Veal, Chicken all make a great base. But do you know what food just screams out for truffle? Yes, that's correct: Turkey. After you slice the meat and plate it, walk around the table and sprinkle a little truffle love all around. You will make the whole house smell delicious. Don't forget to shave some on top of the gravy boat. We are offering truffles for sale, now through November 26th. You must pre-order so ensure we have enough in-house. Truffles are perishable and should be used within 10 days of taking delivery. The sooner the better. Truffles are $225 per ounce and sold as whole truffles so we will get as close as we can to your requested weight. They are perishable of course, and best used within a week of purchase.

Truffles in The Restaurant

Wonderful and aromatic white truffles from Alba are in the midst of their annual appearance and it's a particularly good season so far.

We're offering some lovely pasta dishes in Catherine Lombardi with White Alba Truffles for $69. They also make a Veal Chop sing!

In Stage Left, we're offering them atop a dish of Antebellum Grits and Local Egg for $59, in a dish of Roasted Cheddar (colored) Cauliflower Risotto $59 or atop just about any other dish for a $50 supplement. The most decadent among you have taken to ordering Truffle Burgers. We wholeheartedly support this trend.

Seriously, we would just shave them right into your mouth if you like, but a little decorum is required. They're heady and pungent and wonderful.

Thanksgiving in Stage Left and Catherine Lombardi

Back in 1992, when we started in this business, very few folks went out for Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinner. It seemed a less authentic holiday experience. Then again restaurants were different back then.

Now, we're more a part of people's lives. For you who receive this email especially, you are family and our dining rooms are as much yours as ours. We are the holiday tradition for many families and we love that. People have said to me, that they love coming out for Thanksgiving every year.

The only thing they miss are the late night turkey sandwiches with stuffing and cranberry sauce that they would make for themselves around 11 PM. That little bit of nostalgia resonated with Mark and me. So we have made it our tradition that Thanksgiving diners will take home the fixings for a late night turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce and stuffing. You must supply the glass of milk.

I hope you will consider dining with us on Thanksgiving (Stage Left | Catherine Lombardi) and Christmas Eve. We would like to be your new Holiday Tradition.

Thanksgiving at Catherine Lombardi

Seating from 1 - 7 PM
$49.95
Reservations: [email protected] or 732-296-9463

Catherine Lombardi's table was the center of her family's Thanksgiving tradition. We will offer a holiday menu inspired by those 60 years of holidays. We will also serve our regular menu a la carte.

Antipasti

Pizza Rustica
House-Made Mozzarella

Macaroni Course

Fettuccini Garganelli Orecchiette Spaghetti Long Fusilli Pappardelle

Roasted Garlic, Pepper Flakes, Tomato & Mussels Truffle Cream, Prosciutto, Asparagus Sausage (Hot or Sweet), Garlic, Broccoli Rabe Marinara Walnut Basil Pesto Cream Bolognese

or
Lasagna
or
Eggplant Parmesan
or
Caesar Salad

Turkey (American) Course

Natural Turkey with Sausage Stuffing
Broccoli Rabe
Polenta
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes

Dessert Choices

Zabaglione with Fruit
Mrs. Palmisano's Cookie Plate
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Pudding
Tiramisu

$49.95 per person plus tax, tip and beverage
A la carte menu also available

Thanksgiving at Stage Left

Seating from 2 - 8 PM
$59.95 per person
Children 12 and Under Pay Their Age!
[email protected] or 732-828-4444
Thursday 26 November
Our regular a la carte menu is available as well as a traditional Thanksgiving Menu

All dinner guests will receive the fixings for a late night turkey sandwich to take home. Dine with us in the main dining room, or if you wish a little privacy, inquire about booking one of our private dining rooms.

First

Butternut Squash Soup with Chestnut Herb Salad
or
Endive and Arugula Salad, Blue Cheese, Candied Walnuts and Grapes
or
Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese Mousse, Toasted Pumpkinseeds, Lemon Vinaigrette
or
Seared Day Boat Scallops, Red Curry Sous Vide Pork Belly
Thai Basil-Infused Pineapple Garlic, Ginger, Red Curry Puree

Main Course

Local Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing
Sweet Potato Puree
Garlic Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes
Roasted Parsnips, Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Applejack
or
Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Lemon Thyme Brown Butter and Pecans
Roasted Parsnips, Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Applejack

Dessert

Mixed Berry Gratin
or
Pear and Cranberry Bread Pudding
or
Cherry Compote and Dulce de Leche, Vanilla Ice Cream
or
Baked Caramel Apple Streusel
or
Molten Valrhona Chocolate Cake

$59.95 per person plus tax and service
A la carte menu also available