The Restaurant Guys

The Brigadoon of Wine Shops Is Open

Here are Selections of Spirits Organized into Cocktail Kits with recipes

 

The Coravin: Perfect for The Wine Lover $300
Coravin II: $350

The Wine Shop Will Be Open

Sunday, December 20, Through Wednesday December 23: Noon - 8 PM and
Thursday, December 24: Noon - 5 PM

We once ran Old Vines Wine Shop out of what is now the Wine Library Dining Room. Every year, just before Christmas, we open it again.

Almost our entire wine collection is available for retail sale. That's an extremely well curated collection of close to 900 bottles. We also make available a selection of spirits and proprietary cocktail ingredients. If you are looking for some really special and uncommon wines for your holiday enjoyment or to give as gifts, we would love to help you.

We've also got some other pretty special items, like olive oil, our house blend coffee, Austrian roasted pumpkinseed oil, rare apple balsamic from Modena, salt brick and stand, cheeses, coravins and a whole host of other items for your perusal and enjoyment.

We'll be making some of my grandmother's eggnog, the old fashioned kind you cook on the stove almost to a custard and then chill. Come have a glass of eggnog with our compliments. I'll also have the recipe if you care for it.

Gift Certificates to Both Restaurants Will Also be Available

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 Rock Wine Dinner - November 5

It's officially Autumn. The equinox has passed, there's an occasional crispness in the air and we've put up a few thousand pounds of local tomatoes to keep Catherine Lombardi in sauce until next summer. The sidewalk cafe is still going strong most nights. We'll see how long that lasts. Our fall wine tasting is going to be a blast on October 9 - A blast and a bargain!

We would like to announce THE Wine Dinner of The Season. White Rock Vineyards has produced some of the most well-balanced, age-worthy, delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the Napa Valley since the 1970s. Their story is pretty special, but first, here's the menu. Note: We have had White Rock on our wine list, every single vintage since 1993. There are very few wineries that hold that distinction. We look forward to the new vintage every year, and we have aged many vintages in our personal cellars.

White Rock Wine Dinner
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Walk Around Tasting 6:15 - 7 PM
Dinner at 7 PM

Hors d'Oeuvres & Tasting
Chardonnay 2013
Claret (Bordeaux-style blend) 2012
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Scallops with Saffron, Bacon, Mussels
Chardonnay 2012

Shibumi Farm Roasted Mushrooms Five Ways and Roasted Lamb
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Claret (Bordeaux-style blend) 2011

Venison with Smoked Apples, Cipollini Onions, Thyme & Sage
(If game is not your thing, we will offer a substitute of tenderloin of beef for venison)
Cabernet Sauvignon "Laureate" 2010
Cabernet Sauvignon "Laureate" 2007  Library Selection

Walnut Semolina Cake with Fernet Branca Ice Cream and Chocolate
Coffee

$129
[email protected] or call 732-828-4444

White Rock is a 35-acre naturally farmed vineyard, boasting a unique terroir of white volcanic ash, nestled in a small valley at the base of the Stag’s Leap Range. It has never been farmed any other way. The estate has never been subjected to herbicides, pesticides, or fumigants.

The original parcel was purchased by one Dr. Pettingill in 1870. Dr. Pettingill planted the property to Riesling and Zinfandel, one of the earliest plantings in Napa. In 1871, using only a hand saw to cut the white rock he quarried from the property, he constructed a winery in which he would process 7,000 gallons of wine per year. It was renowned to be of high quality.

Henri & Claire Reclaimed the Vineyards in the 1970s

One hundred years later, the property was reclaimed by Henri and Claire Vandendriessche. He came to America from France to study at UC Berkley in 1967. He met Claire, they fell in love, started a family and then set about restoring the White Rock Estate to its former glory. They moved into the old winery and made it their home.

They replanted as much of the original vineyard as they could, and dug a cave system where they would make and cellar the wine. Always a family business, Henri oversaw all aspects of the enterprise, including the vineyard management, while Claire marketed and sold the wines. They have always farmed organically.

Christopher Vandendriessche will Be At Stage Left November 5

After graduating UCSC with a degree in Physics, Christopher Vandendriessche achieved a degree in enology from The University of Bordeaux. He went on to work at Chateau Pape Clement, then harvests in Burgundy, Spain (Remelluri in Rioja), and Argentina (Catena in Mendoza). He returned to Napa as Assistant Winemaker under John Kongsgaard at Luna. In 1999 Christopher took over as wine maker of White Rock. Today, Christopher and his brother Michael have taken over the business, working together to craft thoughtful and balanced wines showcasing the unique terroir of White Rock.

Mark and Francis Have Poured White Rock Since 1993

Mark, Lou and I first visited White Rock waaay back in 1996. This was a time when California wine makers were pursuing ever more powerful wines, and ever bigger scores and throwing balance out the window. Henri was different. He brought a European sensibility to this extraordinary California terroir. He was right of course, and we've followed him through many vintages and now we buy wine from his sons. For twenty vintages, we have seen firsthand that they are great for dinner tonight, and they age gracefully for years.

Do come and enjoy an evening with Christopher, a comprehensive selection of his wines and an extraordinary dinner at one of your favorite restaurants. [email protected] or 732-828-4444.

Fall Wine Tasting - October 9

Our annual fall wine tasting will occur on Friday October 9th. We're going to present you with a rigorous selection of 25 of our best new wines. We will also have a few interesting food products and I might even have a few bargain mixed case 'sawdust' lots from our cellar. The cost will be $25 per person, applied to the purchase of your first case of wine. This is perfect timing for you to stock up on all the wine you need for the holidays, yourself and gift-giving season.

Friday, October 9
This Walk-Around tasting Is Open From 5 PM to 8:30 PM
We've extended the hours from last year to give you more flexibility.
Please do let us know if you would like to attend.

If you're coming to the tasting and having dinner at either Stage Left or Catherine Lombardi and would like to attend the tasting before or after dinner, Just make a reservation for Stage Left here or Catherine Lombardi here and put in the "Note to Restaurant" that you will be attending the tasting either before or after dinner.

If you're coming to the tasting but not dining with us that night, just let us know you're coming by emailing [email protected] or by calling us at 732-828-4444.

Super Tuscans of Bolgheri: The Wines of Michele Satta

It was never easier to come up with a wine dinner menu than the experience we had this week with the Michele Satta dinner. An excellent line up from a great producer of Super Tuscans from Bolgheri. We were inspired and the menu is the result of that inspiration. These wines are so food-friendly it's remarkable. They also stand well on their own. I'm sure you'll be delighted.

Make a reservation by emailing [email protected] or calling 732-828-4444. Mark and I are running this dinner for you. The wines speak for themselves (but that doesn't mean we won't say a few words to help them along).

The Wines of Michele Satta
Super Tuscans of Bolgheri
Friday, April 10 - 7 PM

$99 per person, plus tax and service and that's a steal!

Hors d’Oeuvres
Rosso di Bolgheri 2012
(Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah)

Hamachi Crudo
Espalette Pepper, Clam and Kumquat
Costata Guilia 2012
(Vermentio, Sauvignon Blanc)

Potato Gnocchi
Wild Brown Enokitaki Mushrooms Roasted Winter Vegetables
Piastraia 2011
(Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah)

Short Ribs
with Garlic & Marrow Croutons
Syrah 2010
(Syrah)

Veal Birds
with Pancetta & Fresh Herbs
Cavaliere 2006
(Sangiovese)

Torta Mantovana
Traditional Tuscan Cake from Pignoli and Almonds with Pignoli Ice Cream and Honey

George Hendry Wine Tasting and Dinner Menu Announced!

On Monday March 9th, George Hendry will be here to host a dinner and tasting with his wines. It's an extraordinary lineup, including library releases from 2005! The kitchen will not disappoint!

Reserve by emailing [email protected] or calling 732-828-4444732-828-4444

Here are the juicy details.

Tasting from 6-7

Rose
Albariño
Pinot Gris
Malbec, 'Block 14'
Merlot, 'Block 13'
Petit Verdot, 'Block 15'
Primitivo, 'Block 24'
Red Wine, Meritage Blend 2010
Red Wine, Meritage Blend 2005

Dinner at 7 PM

Turbot with with Blood Orange, Toasted Pistachios & Ginger Romesco
Chardonnay, 'Un-oaked'
Chardonnay, 'Barrel Fermented'

Bacon Lettuce and and House Preserved Tomatoes on Foie Gras Bread
Pinot Noir, Hendry Vineyards

Potato Gnocchi with Maitake Mushrooms & Roasted Winter Vegetables
Zinfandel, 'Block 28'
Zinfandel, 'Block 7 & 22'

Venison Stuffed with Duck
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Chocolate Tasting
Espresso Truffles, Chocolate Pot De Crème, Spiced Hot Chocolate

Forget Santa Claus, Paul Hobbs is Coming To Town January 29!

In January, our friend and favorite winemaker, Paul Hobbs, will return to Stage Left for his annual appearance.

If you don't know Paul Hobbs, you should. His wines are extraordinary and Paul himself is one of the most sought-after winemakers on three continents. He's one of the smartest guys in the business and we are proud to say that we have been supporters and friends since he and we started our businesses at roughly the same time.

We are the ONLY venue where Paul does a dinner every year. It is the greatest opportunity to taste Hobbs wine anywhere in the world because it is supplied by his wine operations on all three continents and from our deep collection of Hobbs wine.

On Thursday, January 29, we will start with a comprehensive tasting at 6 PM.

At 7 PM, we will sit to dinner paired with an excellent selection of wines, including a preview of the first ever Estate Bottled Cabernet from Paul's own vineyard. The 2012 Coombs Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon will not be released anywhere until the fall, but we'll be previewing it at the dinner. You can be some of the first people anywhere ever to taste this wine and even drink it with dinner. Ya, that's amazing. Guests at the dinner only, will have first dibs to pre-order these.

The cost for the tasting and dinner is $279 plus tax and service.

These are the wines we're planning for the tasting:

Chardonnay 2013; El Felino, Mendoza
Chardonnay 'Ross Station' 2012; Paul Hobbs; Russian River
Chardonnay 'Edward James Estate’ 2012; Paul Hobbs; Russian River
Pinot Noir 'Hyde Vineyard' 2012; Paul Hobbs; Russian River
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012; Paul Hobbs, Napa (Pre-Release)
Merlot 2013;El Felino; Mendoza
Malbec 2013; El Felino; Mendoza
Cabernet Sauvignon 2013; El Felino, Mendoza
Cabernet Sauvignon “Cocodrilo” 2012; Bramare, Lujan de Cuyo (new wine)
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012; Bramare, Lujan de Cuyo; Mendoza
Cabernet Sauvignon “Marchiori“2012; Bramare; Mendoza
Malbec 2011; Bramare; Lujan de Cuyo,
Malbec 2012; Bramare; Val d’Uco Mendoza
Malbec “Rebon” 2011; Bramare; Mendoza
Malbec ‘Marchiori Vyd’ 2012; Bramare; Mendoza
Malbec 2011; Cobos; Mendoza
“Volturno” 2011; Cobos; Mendoza
Cabernet Sauvignon, 'Beckstoffer’ 2012

Here is the menu:

Cannoli of Tuna,
Foie Gras Mousse, Caviar
Paul Hobbs “Lindsay Estate” Pinot Noir 2012
Paul Hobbs “Lindsay Estate” Pinot Noir 2011
Russian River Valley

Lobster Lasagna
Burnt Orange and Truffle Ricotta
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2013
Russian River Valley
Bramare Chardonnay “Marchiori ” 2012
Mendoza, Argentina

Lamb Chops with Minted Lamb Sausage
Bramare Malbec 'Zingarhetti Vineyard' 2012
Mendoza, Argentina

Duo of 45-day and 21-Day Aged Strip
Grilled Pears, Apples and Quince
Paul Hobbs “Coombs Vineyard”
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Preview - First Time Served Anywhere

Chocolate Tasting
Mousse, Peanut Butter Molton Chocolate Cake,
Valrhona Fudge Popsicle
Coffee

Riesling Eiswein 2013;
Stratus; Niagara, Canada

Gift Certificates Are Available For This Dinner

If the recipient can't make the dinner, the certificate will convert to a cash value: The perfect wine-lover's christmas gift!

Reservations

 For reservations to the Paul Hobbs Dinner, call 732-828-4444 or email me directly. This evening is a ton of fun and one of the most extraordinary wine events in New Jersey. If you are interested in a room at The Heldrich Hotel, located directly across the street, just let us know and we will help arrange for a room at a favorable rate.

We look forward to seeing you.

*Final menu and wine choices may change

The Walk Around Wine Tasting

We're hosting another one of our famous (yet pleasantly informal) walk-around wine tastings from 4:30 - 7 PM on Saturday, November 29.

We've got our hands on a number of new wines since our last tasting and we're eager to share them with you. They might just be perfect for your cellar or your holiday table.

The cost is $25 and we'll have 25 wines to sample. The $25 will be credited toward the purchase of your first case of wine.

So let's give thanks, have a great time and be just a little mindful of others who are struggling to make it in very difficult circumstances.

Bubbles from Champagne
Jacquart 'Brut Mosaique' NV Champagne

California Reds, Including the New Vintage of White Rock Claret!
Zinfandel 2012; Fritz; Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011; Ladera; Napa, California
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; Wing Canyon Vineyard; Mount Veeder, Napa, California
Claret 'Cab Sauv - Franc - Merlot...' 2010; White Rock; Napa, California

Two Super Tuscans and Brunello
Stielle 'Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon' 2009; Rocca di Castagnoli; Tuscany
Lorenzo & Isabelle 'Cab Franc - Sangiovese - Petit Verdot' 2005; Il Palazzone; Montalcino, Tuscany
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino 2009; Tuscany

Wines from Piedmont
Nervi Gattinara 2006
Barolo 'Prapo' 2010; Schiavenza; Piedmont

Current and Back Vintages from Germany and Austria
Riesling Kabinett 'Estate' 2007; Schloss Schonborn; Rheingau, Germany
Schmid Riesling Priorissa Sunlogen 2005; Kremstal, Austria
Schmid Gruner Veltliner Gebling Reserve 2005; Kremstal, Austria
Schmid Gruner Veltliner Satzen 2013; Kremstal, Austria

A Lovely California Chardonnay
Chardonnay 2012; Fritz; Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

One of The Most Decadent and Unusual Viognier from France
Viognier ''Super Rhone'' 2012; Chene Bleu; Rhone

Pinot Noir from France and The USA
Including Jayer-Gilles Burgundy for the First Time in A Decade
Pinot Noir 'Les Brulis' 2012; Domaine de Mauperthuis; Burgundy
Jayer Gilles Cote De Nuits Villages 2010; Burgundy
Pinot Noir 'Beresini Vineyard' 2012; Stomping Girl; Carneros, California

Rhone Wines and Rhone Varieties from The USA
Crozes-Hermitage 'Beaumont' 2012; David Reynaud; Rhone
Ruben 'Mourvedre, Syrah' 2010; The Withers; Sierra Foothills, California

Two Rocking Country Wines from Puglia
Negroamaro 'Roccamora' 2012; Schola Sarmenti; Nardo, Puglia
Primitivo 'Critera' 2012; Schola Sarmenti; Puglia

Got to Have An Argentine Malbec
Malbec 'Las Divas Vineyard' 2012; Riglos; Valle de Uco, Mendoza Valley, Argentina

California Reds, Including the New Vintage of White Rock Claret!
Zinfandel 2012; Fritz; Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011; Ladera; Napa, California
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; Wing Canyon Vineyard; Mount Veeder, Napa, California
Claret 'Cab Sauv - Franc - Merlot...' 2010; White Rock; Napa, California

Refresh the Palate with A Crisp White and Finish Up Sweet
Pinot Gris 'Crawford Beck Vineyard' 2012; Owen Roe; Oregon
Sauternes 2007; Prieure d' Arche; Bordeaux

For $25, it's a Wine Adventure!

Let us know if you're coming: [email protected] or 732-828-4444.