The Pie Social is Jersey City's New Pie Destination

New pie stand and online business, The Pie Social , debuted at the Van Vorst Farmer's Market early this summer, bringing their midwestern and southern-inspired pies to downtown Jersey City.

CoolVines Opens Second Location + Cafe

CoolVines is launching the soft open of their second Jersey City location today, 11/14 at 12pm.

Pasta Dal Cuore In Viaggio sulla Via Emilia Wine Dinner

UPDATE - This event has been postponed. Stay tuned for more information on the next event. 

Pasta Dal Cuore is kicking off summer with a new wine dinner, In Viaggio sulla Via Emilia. 

Join Pasta Dal Cuore for Springtime on the Italian Riviera

Join Pasta Dal Cuore on Tuesday, 3/27, for a five course dinner inspired by the tastes and style of the northwestern coast of Italy. Personalized takes on regional favorites from Cinque Terre and Genoa will be served with a focus on fresh spring ingredients and seasonal flavors. 

The Hunt at Pasta Dal Cuore

*UPDATE* This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date, TBD. 

Join Pasta Dal Cuore, 527 Jersey Ave, next Tuesday, 12/12 for a special six course dinner with wine pairings from CoolVines.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Time is running short but if you're still looking for some emergency gifts, food and food-related items are always great options. Here are some of your best bets around Jersey City:

Transmitter Brewing+Cool Vines Collaboration

Cool Vines, 276 Grove, has teamed up with Queens-based brewer, Transmitter, for their very own unique beer. Available in limited quantities solely through Cool Vines here and in Princeton, the beer will be called CV1.

Pasta Dal Cuore Wine Dinner + New Years

Full disclosure: I attended this dinner free of charge at Pasta Dal Cuore's invitation, but with the understanding that any review I posted would be honest and unbiased. All opinions are my own and are an honest reflection of my experience. 

Earlier this fall, Pasta Dal Cuore and Cool Vines collaborated on Autumn in Northern Italy, a five course dinner featuring regional Northern Italian recipes paired with Italian wines. It was a wonderful night, complete with an excellent menu and some truly delicious wines. For the diners and organizers alike, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation that paid off so well, Pasta Dal Cuore has already planned their next event (hint: midnight and drinks are involved! More details below).

It felt like the theme of the night was elegant simplicity. As guests came in, they were started off with a light prosecco, a nice touch. As each course was presented, we'd hear a couple of notes about the dishes and the wine and what went into them from Elena, owner of Pasta Dal Cuore and Amy Ezrin from Massanois Merchants who worked with Cool Vines to select the wines. There wasn't a wine I didn't like and it was a great way to learn about and experience some I might not otherwise try. While there were a couple of moments of off-timing as wine got poured and dishes were served, overall, the evening flowed very well and the portions were perfectly sized - not just bites of everything so everyone's still hungry but made with an awareness that five courses can be a lot to get through.

Exploring Cool Vines

Last weekend at the Charles & Co. Block Party, I checked out the new location of Cool Vines which recently moved to 276 Grove Street as part of Charles & Co. and was really impressed with the new store

Upcoming Events

It may be freezing outside, but there's still plenty to do, eat, and drink! Here are some of the best bets coming up:

Satis Bistro is holding a "Winter Wine Dinner" on Wednesday, January 21st. It begins at 7:30 pm and there will be six delicious-sounding tastings paired with wines presented by Cool Vines, Kermit Lynch, & IPO Wines.

Reservations are required and can be made through their website.

Jersey City Events!

Even though the weather doesn't seem to realize we should slowly be creeping towards warmer temperatures and fewer layers, the heroic businesses of Jersey City do and there are lots of events over the next several days to get you out of your apartment and enjoy!

First off, today Barcade is celebrating NYC Craft Beer Week Jersey-style with the 2nd Annual Bridge and Tunnel Night! They will be featuring craft-brewed beers that you can't get in New York, beginning at 12pm.

Tomorrow at 10:30am, WORD will have their Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and will be giving out free cups of Stumptown coffee in celebration. It's a great time to check it out if you haven't already.