The Restaurant Guys

March: The Green and Purple Lines

When I was a kid, there were two parades in my town. In October, there would be a purple line painted down Main Street, just to the left of the double yellow. This was for the Columbus Day Parade marchers to follow and for the Italian-American community to leave it's mark on the town.

Just before St. Patrick's Day in March, a green line would appear to the right of the existing three lines. This line served the same dual purposes for the Irish-American community that the purple one did for our Italian-American brothers and sisters.

We were too proud and there was too much rivalry that either camp could have conceived of following the other's line down the road. Neither could we have left the other party's marking of territory unanswered. Any visiting foreign drivers must have been quite befuddled as to what traffic rule was indicated by a quadruple line of yellow, green and a purple.

Three March Events

While we won't be painting a green line down Livingston Avenue, we do have some Irish themed events for you to enjoy in the month of St. Patrick. I will be leading a Whiskey Tasting on Friday, March 3. I'll take you through 8 whiskeys, mostly Irish and a touch of Bourbon (whose roots lie with the Scots-Irish). The craic will be mighty (that means it will be a lot of fun), and you might even learn a thing or two. 

We're also hosting another Live Performance of A Radio Show by Raconteur Radio: The Quiet Man, based on the 1952 film starring John Wayne as a retired American boxer who returns to the Irish village where he was born. It will be performed dinner-theater style on March 19. 

The Italian influence (the purple line) will be a dinner featuring wines from one of the greatest regions of Italy: Piedmont. We're bringing in a real live Italian for this one. Giorgio Conterno will be here with wines from his family's 19th Century estate. The Conterno Barolo Wine Dinner will take place on March 6. 

The Spirits Project: Monymusk 10 Year 'Raw Cask' Rum (2004)

Making the experience of super-luxury spirits crazily affordable and accessible!
Read more about the Spirits project.

• Suggested retail price: $159
• Thursday, February 23 (for as long as it lasts), we're pouring one ounce for $5

Blackadder Cask Selection
190 bottles produced
Jamaica

Monymusk rum is all about the aging and the skill of the merchant that does that aging. The base spirit comes from the large, modern distillery called Clarendon. Clarendon produces mostly generic rum that is sold off to other bottlers.

A small amount however, finds its way to Inswood, formerly a distillery in its own right and now a blending and aging house. Inswood is where various grades of rum are blended and barrelled and then aged in a bonded warehouse. The resulting rum is released as Monymusk.

Jamaica was once home to 155 distilleries so it has a long and unique rum history. Today, there are just five distilleries and much of their produce is sold off in bulk. It's left to the few remaining distilleries to keep up the tradition of style and quality of this classic heritage.

The folks from Blackadder purchased this single American Oak barrel of Monymusk, distilled in 2004 and bottled it separately at cask strength (116.2 proof) with no artificial color, no cold-stabilization or filtration. Tiny bits of the charred cask settle at the bottom of each bottle: Blackadder's 'Raw Cask' signature. We look forward to opening a bottle with you Thursday evening.

Next week in The Spirits Project
Inchgower 20 Year Scotch (1995)
Blackadder Raw Cask 20th Anniversary

Conterno Barolo Wine Dinner

Monday, March 6 at 6:30 PM

Paolo Conterno founded the Casa della Ginestra in 1886 and devoted the best parts of his Ginestra hillside to the cultivation of grapes. He subdivided his dolcetto, barbera and nebbiolo by type, exposure and terrain. This sort of specialization was very forward thinking and these very old vines benefit the winery today. They will benefit you too, if you come to our wine dinner on March 6!

Paolo was succeeded by his son Carlo and his wife Giuseppina, then the next generation was another Paolo and Caterina Conterno. Today their son Giorgio runs the show. Come join Giorgio and us for dinner.

This is a single family, continuously tending vineyards planted by their great grandfather in the 19th century. The ancient vines are planted on steep hillsides (38% grade) that require specialize skills and a lot of back-breaking labor, but produce a result that can be achieved in no other way.

The vineyards lie above 1000 feet and are ideally suited for stunning and concentrated Barolo. You can see proof of this in the wines of their famous neighbors: Clerico, Conterno-Fantino, and Elio Grasso.

Most of the wine is aged in large neutral casks, so that wood does not dominate. These are classically styled examples of Ginestra’s excellence with laser pure perfumes, great balance, and long potential for aging. We are excited to welcome Giorgio Conterno on March 6th for a dinner with his extraordinary wines.

Hor d’Oeuvres
Arneis, Correggia 2015

Tuna with Jamon Blackberry Jam and Mint
Barbera d'Alba "Bricco", Paolo Conterno 2015

Rabbit Terrine with Marjoram and Rosemary
Langhe Nebbiolo 'A Mont', Paolo Conterno 2014

A Study in Wild Boar:
Chop, Belly and Sausage with Polenta and Crispy Kale
Barolo "Riva del Bric", Paolo Conterno 2012
Barolo "Ginestra", Paolo Conterno 2012

Coffee and Zeppoli

$149 Per Person

[email protected] or 732-828-4444

The Spirits Project: Armagnac - Domaine D'Aurensan Armagnac 1975

Making the experience of super-luxury spirits crazily affordable and accessible!
Read more about the Spirits project.

• Suggested retail price: $449
• Thursday, February 16 (for as long as it lasts), we're pouring one ounce for $14

The Rozès family has been distilling Armagnac for four generations. Their Domaine d’Auresan is a 5 hectare estate with southwest facing vineyards situated on chalky, clay soil. The latest generation, headed by sisters Sophie and Caroline, are moving the domaine to organic and biodynamic viticulture.

Trying to achieve the purest spirit possible, the fermentation is done with natural yeast. No sulphur is used. The brandies are aged in local Gascon wood casks, that are made from trees that grow on the estate. They are then bottled according to their “Triple Zero” philosophy – no sugar, no coloring, no water. This is quite uncommon in spirits anywhere!

Armagnac from the region of Ténarèze are known for their richness and expressions of dried fruits – figs, dates – and sweet spice. The unadulterated brandies bottled by d’Aurensan express this terroir in a way more commercial bottlings never can.

Next week in The Spirits Project
Monymusk 10 Year 'Raw Cask' Rum 2004

The Spirits Project: Springbank 14 Year Blackadder "Statement Series" 2001 Edition 14

Making the experience of super-luxury spirits crazily affordable and accessible!
Read more about the Spirits project.

• Suggested retail price: $589
• Thursday, February 9 (for as long as it lasts), we're pouring one ounce for $19

All Blackadder whiskies are single-barrel bottlings, with no chill-filtering and no color added. Their "Raw Cask" bottlings are bottled at cask strength, passing only through a rough sieve. Most whisky is filtered and most of it is cold stabilized. Cold stabilization is a process by which the whisky is brought near to freezing so that certain oils and natural fats (that can make a lower proof spirit go cloudy) fall out. This is done purely for cosmetic reasons. The Blackadder folk don't believe in it. Likewise they don't believe in added color. I like these guys!

The Statement Series, is the absolute finest bottlings from Blackadder. This Springbank "Statement Series" is one of 132 bottles, from a single cask that was distilled on May 31, 2001 and bottled in September of 2015.

From Blackadder

Blackadder Raw Cask whisky are released at cask-strength, which keeps them from ever becoming cloudy. The bottles even contain flecks of barrel char that are not filtered out. It's as natural and raw a whisky as if you yourself popped the bung out of the barrel and drew it. This is how whisky was sold in days of yore, by the barrel.

Springbank is a delicious and quirky little distillery in the tiny region of Campbeltown. The malts from Campbeltown tend to be dry, a little briny, and much loved by connoisseurs. Springbank is perhaps the best known example. They definitely have a cult following, and we are members of that cult.

Next week in The Spirits Project
Domaine D'Aurensan Armagnac 1975

A Class In Irish Whiskey (March 3)

Do take a look at our "Run-Up to Valentine's Day" special menus for Stage Left and Catherine Lombardi. Great fun and great bargains.

I would also like to point out that March (the month of St. Patrick) is the high holy days of Irish culture in America. We think a great way to start out is with a tasting and class on whiskey. Don't you?

On Friday, March 3rd at 6:30 PM I will conduct a fun and informative class on Irish and American whiskey from two great producers, Tullamore D.E.W. from Ireland and Tuthilltown's Hudson whiskeys from New York!

You will learn about how whiskey is made, how to evaluate different whiskey, its connection with history and culture on both sides of the pond and how to make a proper Irish Coffee (trust me, you're probably doing it wrong).

The Class is $49

Friday, March 3, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

[email protected] or 732-828-4444

Get a Jump on Valentine's Day at Catherine Lombardi

Friday February 10 through Monday February 13
Special Price Fix Menus for Two
with Bubbly

Catherine Lombardi Valentine's Day Price-Fix Menu

Includes 2 Glasses of Pertimali Prosecco
$99 per Couple
(you read that right)

First Course

Fried Calamari with Spicy and Sweet Marinara or
House-Made Fresh Mozzarella with Roasted Peppers and Basil or
Pear, Gorgonzola, Pecans, Greens, Honey Vinaigrette

Second Course

Garganelli Truffle Cream, Prosciutto, Asparagus
Manicotti Marinara
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Pork Osso Bucco with Polenta & Spinach
Eggplant Parmesan Sautéed Spinach and Marinara

Dessert

Mrs. Palmisano’s Cookie Plate
Rum Crème Brûlée
Sorbet

Reservations here

Get a Jump on Valentine's Day at Stage Left

Friday February 10 through Monday February 13
Special Price Fix Menus for Two
with Bubbly

Stage Left Valentine's Day Price-Fix Menu

Includes 2 Glasses of Sanger Champagne
$125 per Couple
(you read that right)

First Course

Salad of Shaved Winter Carrots, Pears
Pine Nuts, Black Garlic, Pickled Raisins
Or
BBQ Shrimp
Pickled Cauliflower, Shibumi Mushrooms,Ginger Puree

Second Course

Ricotta & Vegetable Gnocchi
Mushrooms, White Bean Tomato Puree
Kale, Charred Tomatoes, Bay Leaf Oil

Flat Iron Steak
Roasted Cauliflower, Chipotle Jus
Fried Shallots and Corn Bread

Seared Salmon
Bone Marrow and Root Vegetable Gratin,
Brussel Sprouts and Roasted Walnuts

Dessert

Crème Brûlée
Molten Valrhona Chocolate Cake
Sorbet

Reservations here

NJ Monthly Restaurant Poll: Please Vote!

Click Image To Vote

 

Stage Left is on The Drop Down List for

• Best of the Best
• Best American
• Best Burger
• Best Steak
• Best Wine List
• Best Beer Selection (our vintage beer cellar is a treasure)
• Most Romantic

Catherine Lombardi is on The Drop Down List for

• Best Italian
• Most Romantic

If you think we deserve any or all of these, we would really appreciate your time casting your ballot!

Thank you!

The Spirits Project: Distillers Art Bunnahabhain 27 Year Scotch 1988 (by Hunter Laing)

Making the experience of super-luxury spirits crazily affordable and accessible!
Read more about the Spirits project.

• Suggested retail price: $350
• Thursday, February 2 (for as long as it lasts), we're pouring one ounce for $14

Bunnahabhain stands on the shores of the Sound of Islay, which separates Islay from Jura on the East. The ship that seems to be waiting there has been there since 1974, when it ran aground on the rocks. Tourists once bought Bunnahabhain (‘Boon-a-havn’) (or more affectionately 'Boon-a-hobby') almost by mistake on the way to see the ship. It was the top selling brand at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre in Edinburgh, but in the larger world it was strictly a cult following. It was founded in 1881 – the same year as Bruichladdich – and for the same reason: to meet the rising demand for whisky for the blending industry. Due to the isolated nature of the zone, the first owners had to build roads, houses and grocery shops for the distillery workers, as well as a school for their children. Bunnahabhain became an example of a self-sufficient community.

The malt whiskies produced on the isle of Islay are generally pungent and salty; since 1883, Bunnahabhain has contradicted this. It produces a smooth almost wine-y whisky, with an impressive constancy and regularity. A few years after the construction of Bunnahabhain, the owners joined up with two other distilleries, forming Highland Distilleries. Closed for a short period in the early eighties and re-opened almost immediately, since 1963 Bunnahabhain has operated with two pairs of stills. The whisky is elegant and layered. While softer than most Islay, you still get a whiff of the sea. (info taken from For Whisky Lovers)

This 27 year old was bought in barrel, and then bottled by the Hunter Laing & Co, a family company that was founded by Stewart H. Laing. Stewart started first as a blender, and later as a bottler of some of the finest single cask scotch whiskies in the market. With nearly fifty years in the industry, Stewart learned the whisky business from the ground up, starting as an apprentice at Bruichladdich Distillery. The company's scotch blends were frequently best-sellers in their main markets of Asia and South America. They are now available here.

Stewart's father, Frederick Laing was an exporter who acquired many hundreds of casks from distilleries all over Scotland, providing unrivaled resources. Today, Stewart is joined by his sons Scott and Andrew. Expert single cask bottlers in their own right, they know the importance of selecting the most distinctive casks for the discerning single malt consumer

Thursday evening, we will open one bottle at precisely 6:30. When it's gone, it's gone. I hope to see you there.

Next week in The Spirits Project
Springbank 14 Year Blackadder Raw Cask 2001