Dining Out… | Princeton Magazine

ALTO Rooftop at Montclair’s MC Hotel Now Welcoming Guests

Boutique Property Reopens Rooftop with Stunning Views of New York City Skyline

The MC Hotel, in the heart of Montclair, has reopened its doors to its popular ALTO rooftop, the city’s only rooftop bar. Located on the ninth floor of the hotel through the building’s Bloomfield Avenue entrance, the spacious rooftop space is now open for drinks Wednesdays-Sundays, with reservations encouraged through opentable.com. Guests can sip on a glass of sparkling rose or a handcrafted cocktail while enjoying sweeping views of the New York City skyline. more

Peach Month at Peddler’s Village

August is peach month at Peddler’s Village, and every day the Bucks County location will offer special peach-themed food and drinks at restaurants and eateries. There will also be live entertainment on select weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, guests can enjoy made-to-order sandwiches and burgers at the Water Wheel Food Tent. more

“Sunday with Dorie” Friends of PPL Fundraising Event

Cook along with five-time James Beard Award winner and New York Times best-selling cookbook author Dorie Greenspan in this special virtual fundraising event for Princeton Public Library (PPL) on Sunday, July 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. more

Princeton Insider: Summer Cookout

Image Source: Cookingchanneltv.com

Get into the great outdoors for a summer cookout.

Photo Credit: Kristin Perers/The Guardian

Dating back to the early British settlers of North America, cobblers are based on a tradition of baking seasonal fruit and covering it with a sweet, dry scone-like mixture. The result is a cousin to the humble pie, but somehow even more satisfying. Perfect for an early summer barbecue, Claire Ptak’s cobbler makes for a crave-worthy sweet, tart dessert. more

Spring Offerings from The Meeting House

The Meeting House restaurant at 277 Witherspoon Street is offering a tantalizing spring menu for takeout that will elevate any mealtime. Their Family Supper is now offered daily, with Family Brunch on weekends. Throw in a great bottle of wine at a reduced price. The Meeting House is happy to deliver all orders to your home. Better yet, order a spectacular meal for your social distancing friends! more

Terra Momo: Box to Table Brings Italian Classics to Your Dinner Table

For $85 per box, Terra Momo will provide family-style Italian culinary classics, ensuring plenty of great food and good memories despite the current climate. more

Carryout Specials at Yardley Country Club

Catering by Thomas at Yardley Country Club offers delicious, gourmet meals to go with curbside pickup available Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24 from 2 to 6 p.m. more

Wine and Chocolate Weekends at Alba Vineyard

By Taylor Smith

Located in the rolling hills of Warren County, two miles east of the Delaware River in Milford, N.J., Alba Vineyard is the perfect February getaway. The winery is hosting Wine and Chocolate Weekends on February 8, 9 and 15, 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tasting experiences are priced at $20 per person (21 and older) and include a flight of Alba’s estate wines paired with cheeses, flatbread, and a sampling of gourmet truffles, chocolate caramels, and a selection of French macarons. The price also includes an etched wine glass. more

Eno Terra features Tuesday Tastings Series, Valentine’s Day Menu

By Taylor Smith

Tuesday Tastings with Tony: An Education Series Featuring the Wines of France

January 28 through February 25, 6:30-8 p.m.

The Meeting House Features Valentine’s Day Menu

By Taylor Smith

The Meeting House, at 277 Witherspoon Street in Princeton, is offering a Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu for $55 per person/$25 pairing option. Diners can choose from delicious items such as a Roasted Corn Pancake with House Cured Salmon and Crème Fraiche, Roasted Beet Salad, Braised Short Ribs, and Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Buttercream (paired with a chocolate strawberry and glass of Cava), among others. View the complete Valentine’s Day menu at https://bit.ly/2Rrw1TP. Customers can place orders for custom cakes by calling (609) 436-7892. more

Nino’s Pastry Shop Features Everyday Favorites and Specialty Cakes

By Taylor Smith

Nino’s Pastry Shop at 3800 Quakerbridge Road in Trenton has all the classic pastries and desserts that you, your friends, and family will love. Guests will savor every last buttery crumb of Nino’s Sicilian Cannoli, walnut rings, pies, Danish, and cookies. more

Scottish Burns Supper and Whisky Tasting at Brandywine River Museum of Art

By Taylor Smith

Each year, Scots from around the world gather in the darkest days of winter for a traditional evening meal and celebration to commemorate the birthday of one of their favorite native sons, Robert Burns. Born on a tenant farm on January 25, 1759 in the village of Alloway, near Ayr, Burns’s early life was marked by back-breaking work on a succession of small family farms. With an ear for Scottish folk songs and traditional stories passed down by his mother, Burns grew to become a widely-respected poet and lyricist. more

Winter Wonderland Weekend at The Asbury, Dec. 7 and 8

Images Courtesy of The Asbury

By Taylor Smith

Learn what makes the vibrant shore town of Asbury Park unique at The Asbury’s Winter Wonderland Weekend, December 7 and 8.

The Asbury is situated just two blocks from Asbury Park’s famous beach and boardwalk and is easily accessible from several NJ Transit lines. Designed with a nod to the shore town’s rock n’ roll past and proximity to the seaside, The Asbury offers upscale lodging, dining, multiple vibrant bars, live music in the lobby, and more. more

What to Buy at Your Local Farmers Market this November

By Taylor Smith

November is still a fantastic time to find fresh fruits and vegetables at area farmers markets. Here are just a few to look for: more

Beneduce Vineyards Offers Aromatically Intense, Food-Friendly Wines

By Taylor Smith

Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, Hunterdon County, is a passion project of Michael Beneduce Sr. and his son, Mike Beneduce Jr. As a family rooted in farming for multiple generations, the Beneduces have a distinct love and understanding of the Garden State’s soil. more

Fifth Annual Columbus Day Weekend Oktoberfest in Asbury Park

By Taylor Smith

This year’s Oktoberfest Celebration at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten (asburybiergarten.com) will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13. Beginning each day at noon, the tented biergarten celebration offers plenty of food, beer, live polka bands, and Oktoberfest fun. more

All Aboard!

George and Lee White have made their home at the former Pennington Railroad Station for 13 years, becoming train buffs along the way.

Area Train Stations Reimagined

by Anne Levin | Photography by Charles R. Plohn

Thirteen years ago, Lee White and her 13-year-old daughter were taking a stroll near their house in Pennington when they noticed that the town’s former train station, a three-story, 1882 building with a curvy, mansard roof, was for sale. The sign on Railroad Place beckoned, and they peeked in. It was love at first sight.

“We both just adored it,” says White, a fourth-grade teacher at Toll Gate Grammar School. “I didn’t think my husband would agree. But when we brought him over, a train happened to go by while he was looking. Since the walls are 18 inches thick, we didn’t hear it. That impressed him.”

So did the former depot’s textbook-Victorian architecture and compelling history. The couple bought the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and moved in with their two children. They were the second private owners to occupy the old station, which had been purchased by another person a few years after service was discontinued in the late 1960s. Now nearing retirement age and ready for a home with less upkeep, the Whites recently put the building on the market. more

Diesel & Duke Opens in Princeton

By Taylor Smith

Ready to throw caution to the wind?

Diesel & Duke at 124 Nassau Street has taken over the previous 30 Burgers space with updated decor and a unique menu that is ideally suited to Princeton University students (and those with fearless palates). more

Discover Karla’s Restaurant in New Hope

By Taylor Smith

Serving lunch, dinner, brunch, and cocktails in quaint New Hope, Pa., since 1978, Karla’s Restaurant at 5 West Mechanic Street features a European flair and an open-air setting that offers plenty of opportunities for people watching. Yelp reviewers repeatedly recommend both the outdoor seating and sunroom dining experiences.

Tasty brunch offerings include a quiche du jour and house salad, Bananas Foster French Toast, multiple variations of Eggs Benedict, and a tantalizing lineup of omelettes (fresh herb and cream cheese, anyone?). more