It's hard to believe that it was 24 years ago that Mark and I finally got the doors open after two years of trying. At the ripe old age of 26, we had no idea the ride we would be in for.
We opened with an eye to make a difference. We knew we would succeed or fail spectacularly, but we were young and had little to lose. As it turns out, our ideas had some staying power.
In the beginning, we had the following crazy principles by which we wanted to make our living.
- Serve local, sustainable, seasonal delicious food from your local food shed
- Carry exclusively estate-bottled wine from small producers and don't worry about scores
- Make cocktails from scratch, and with Dale's help, historically accurate and forward thinking
- Bring people new adventures in food and beverage and teach and share
- Commit to the revitalization of New Brunswick and be a positive force in the community
- Be honest
- Not kill each other
It's a good feeling to know that for almost a quarter century, we've been able to accomplish these things. We came closest to the edge on #7, but with our partner Lou's help, we both survived. It's even nicer to know that these are no longer novel principles.
Did we ride the wave? Certainly. Do we think we helped make the wave? Well, maybe in our own small way out here in The Garden State. I hope so anyway.
What I do know is that we've made a lot of friends along the way and that without you folks reading this right now, none of it would have been possible. Thank you. Come celebrate with us.
Anniversary Events - Celebrate With Us!
Thursday, May 19: McPrice Myers Wine Dinner
We're celebrating with one of the things we do best. We're bringing you a new winemaker you've probably never heard of. And you will love him. McPrice Myers is the most down-to-earth, by the boot straps winemaker in the New World. Come meet him and drink great stuff with the big man himself. We're making this dinner very affordable because it's our anniversary celebration and we really want to introduce you to Mac and his wines. It's $99. [email protected] or 732-828-4444. Full info >
Saturday, May 21, 2 PM: Glenfiddich Seminar: Deconstructing The Blend
Jim Patterson be here with a very special look at Glenfiddich whisky. You see most Scotch whisky is a blend of different years and different barrels. The age statement on a bottle of Scotch refers to the youngest spirit in the blend.
Jim is bringing special bottlings of the components whiskies that go into the Glenfiddich 15 year. These components are not for sale anywhere for any price. Jim will take us through how the 15 year is built as we taste each component, then you will be able to mix and match a little as you follow along and build your own. This is an unprecedented opportunity. $25 per person. [email protected] or 732-828-4444.
Saturday, May 21, 3 PM: Wine Tasting, Walk-Around Style
We will host our annual Spring Tasting. Mark and I have sampled thousands of wines since our last tasting in the fall and we want to show off a little bit. It's also an ideal time to stock up for the summer.
After the Scotch seminar, walk right next-door, or just come to the wine tasting. We've put together quite a sampling of delicious and sometimes unexpected bottles that will bring a smile to your face. The cost is $25, which is good toward wine purchases if you buy a case. I'll publish the list next week. [email protected] or 732-828-4444.
I hope you can come to some or all of these events above to join in our celebration of nearly a quarter century at the corner of Livingston Avenue and George Street. We couldn't have made it without you.
And don't forget:
Monday, June 13: Johannes Selbach Dinner
I had always loved German wines. Then I met Johannes Selbach and I understood German wines. Mr. Selbach is one of the most thoughtful producers of Riesling on the planet. His family has been producing wines in the Mosel for more than 400 years. Please come meet Johannes on June 13. [email protected] or 732-828-4444. Full info >
Chimay Beer Dinner: Wednesday, June 1
There is no more iconic Belgian beer than Chimay. It is first among Trappist Breweries, of which there are only eleven in the world. We're going to dig deep into our own cellar for this dinner, and also include some beers that are available nowhere else in NJ, and one rare bird that was only produced in 2012. [email protected] or 732-828-4444. Full info >