The Alternative Press

Lots to share as we enter the month of August. Next week, we return with Monday With Millicent and a favorite restaurant review.  But for this minute, please remember this is the last week for Verve’s Crabfest to benefit the Resource Center of Somerset County.

Check out a short review of this Somerville mainstay.....and Tuesday is the First Anniversary of Pizza Vita in Summit. Look for the Pizza Vita Truck in Summit, at the Westfield and Summit Farmer's Market and perhaps one day in your neighborhood. You're also welcome to call and ask Proprietors Ernesto and Rocco to bring the truck for your next party. Congratulations!
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Verve Restaurant in Somerville
Walking into Verve is much like walking into a friend’s living room or den. An enormous old-world bar is filled with the friendliest people who will only be too glad to sit and discuss whatever is on your mind.

Proprietor Rick St. Pierre is proud of his menu which offers quality butcher-aged steaks, chops, fabulous burgers, fries, and sushi-grade fish. The lunch menu offers  appetizers of Shrimp Dumplings, Poached Pear Salad, and Roasted Beet Salad, along with a Grilled Chicken Cuban, sandwich served with pickle, ham and Gouda cheese,  and a Crab and Lobster Roll with herbs, citrus, and light mayo.  Sandwiches arrive on toasted brioche buns, with seasonal greens. Those wanting a bit more for their midday meal will enjoy Plates a la Verve with house salad. You’ll love the Seared Ahi Tuna with soba noodles, and vinaigrette, and Verve’s Grilled Hanger Steak au Poivre with garlic mashed potatoes.

“We feature seasonal artisanal  drinks prepared with fresh fruit, seasonal herbs and only the finest alcohol,” said proprietor Rick St. Pierre.

While tables are set with white cloths, the crowd is always lovely, friendly and interesting.  Yes, there is a lounge upstairs which guests are cordially invited to visit on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m.

Your gracious host, Rick St. Pierre will surely welcome you, your friends and family. Ask him about his specialty catering. Whether it’s a party, picnic, cocktail affair, or just a gathering, Rick will happily arrange your event.  Verve, 18 East Main Street, Somerville: Call: 908.707.8655

Nicholas and Melissa Harary Throw a Staff Party
“The shopping list for the event was short but very particular,” said the famous New Jersey Chef Nicholas Harary.

The menu featured:
Clams... 500 middlenecks, the best way to start any outdoor feast.
Lobster... 65 lbs. of Nova Scotia's finest for lobster rolls on custom baked Balthazar brioche buns.
Fresh Mozzarella... 20 lbs. made the night before, after our shift, for thin crust margarita style pizzas in the wood fired pizza oven.
The Meat... The main course, a Pat LaFrieda blend of 65% sirloin and 35% fat made for the most juicy of burgers.
Chocolate Chip Cookies and Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream... for homemade Chipwiches made by our Pastry Chef Kelly Kennedy.

And the wine: Sancerre from Dominique Crochet a crisp, clean and mineral-laced Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley.

“If you re doing any outdoor entertaining this summer,” he continued, “consider serving this wine.”

You might also consider purchasing the wine from Restaurant Nicholas Wines. Nicholas, 160 Route 35 South, Red Bank. Call: 732.345.9977.
www.restaurantnicholas.com

Tuesday is Scotch Night at Stone House at Stirling Ridge
Please remember Summer Scotch Night takes place on Tuesday, July 31st - Featuring: LACALLAN & HIGHLAND PARK
Cigar Roller: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Three Scotches and One Cigar: $40 per person
Please call and confirm your reservation: 908.754.1222.

Blue Plate Specials on Tuesdays at Stone House at Stirlng Ridge
Executive Chef Jerry Villa and Staff cordially invite you and your friends and family to come for lunch on a Tuesday, and enjoy his Blue Plate Specials.
The Menu features:
SALISBURY STEAK
CARROTS, CARAMELIZED ONIONS, 18
ROAST CHICKEN
PEPPERS, ONIONS, GARLIC, NEW POTATOES, 18
PARMESAN CRUSTED MEATLOAF
SPINACH, WILD MUSHROOMS, 21
BAKED CODFISH OREGANATO
BROCCOLI RABE, LEMON, 22
MARSALA BRAISED BEEF BRISKET
ARTICHOKES, RAPINI, YUKON GOLD POTATOES, 26
GRANDMA’S TRADITIONAL
ITALIAN SUNDAY DINNER, 19
For Reservations and information call: 908.754.1222. Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 50 Stirling Road, Warren

Summer Seafood Special at the Spanish Tavern
The Spanish Tavern located in Mountainside and in Newark has geared up for summer by offering their Summer Seafood Festival. Consisting of Twin Lobsters, guests start with soup, then enjoy Twin Lobsters with rice and Spanish potatoes. All for $22.95.

With two locations, the Spanish Tavern welcomes Business Meetings and private parties. The Spanish Tavern is located in Mountainside at 1239 U.S. 22:  Call: 908.232.2171; and 103 McWhorter Street, Newark. Call: 973.589.4959. 

The  Ryland Inn Scheduled to Open Some Time During the Month of September
A tweak of previous plans: Once an acclaimed destination for fine French cuisine, the Ryland Inn will reopen some time during the month of September under the proprietorship of Frank and Jeanne Cretella of Landmark Hospitality in Jersey City.

Executive Chef Anthony Bucco will be heading the dining room.  With a focus on New American Cuisine, guests can expect Farm to Table, ‘Food from the Heart!’

Built in 1796 as a country home and stagecoach stop, the Cretella plans include a hotel and conference center. Upon the completion of all of the renovations and additions, the newly renovated Ryland Inn will boast event facilities and intimate dining space.

The glorious reopening of the Ryland Inn, can only fabulous fine dining, glorious celebrations, magnificent Holiday parties and the blessings of being surrounded by friends and family who truly share the love of returning to one of New Jersey’s landmark locations.

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Message from Millicent
Do promise to send me your fabulous new “Finds”. I am always interested in hearing about your favorite new restaurant, your favorite chef, someone who opened a new restaurant in your area, or not far away, and what you are particularly looking for in a restaurant, local bar, bakery or just a lovely place to eat.

The best for a wonderful last week in July and early August.

Millicent: Mkbrody@aol.com