Keeping Up with Foodies

Haimowitz and Rob Russo

By Millicent K. Brody

Guest Chef Michael Haimowitz Does Tuesdays at Girasole in Bound Brook
Somerset County residents and fans of Girasole in Bound Brook should plan to visit the restaurant on Tuesday evenings.

Michael Haimowitz, the former Executive Chef at the now defunct Arthur’s Landing in Hoboken, is serving as consulting executive chef at the restaurant. Guests are being treated to his menu of fabulous favorites. Come and enjoy his featured sea scallops, risotto, rack of lamb, grilled salmon, halibut, and veal dishes.

“Michael never ceases to delight the crowd with his wonderful array of salads and fresh vegetables,” said Proprietor Rob Russo. “He is doing what he does best...cooking with passion and zeal.”

A fond and old friend of the Russo family, Haimowitz is looking forward to greeting former dining clients, and many new friends.

Girasole, 502 W. Union Ave., Bound Brook, 732.469.1080.


Flamenco Dinner Show at Spain 92
Amigos, plan to attend the Flamenco Dinner Show at Spain 92. The festive evening takes place on October 21 at 7 p.m.

The menu: Salad of baby greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, garlic croutons, shredded Manchego cheese, citrus vinaigrette; a tapas platter; grilled New Zealand herbed lamb chops with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled mixed vegetables, sherry wine sauce; Arroz con leche, rice pudding, coffee or tea. Serving Red and White Sangria with the meal. Cost: $60 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Entertainment: Ricky Santiago Flamenco Show (rickysantiago.com). Reservations required. For more information and/or reservations contact Sergio at: 908. 872-9591 or info@spain92.com.

Spain 92, 1116 Route 202 S., Raritan


Gary’s Wine & Marketplace Hosts Wine Tasting Event
If you have a passion for wine, circle October 26. Gary's Wine will be hosting a huge wine tasting event at the Madison Hotel, with all proceeds going to charity, This year’s recipients include: Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Memorial Hospital and the Interfaith Food Pantry.

Although the event will feature spirits, beer, a buffet, and gourmet cheeses, fine wines will clearly be the main attraction. At Wine Tables, guests can experience 2004 Brunello di Montalcino-Vintage: Score: 97 points; 2005 Bordeaux-Vintage Score: 95-100 points; 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape - Vintage Score: 98 points; GF Family of Wines, (Gary Fisch); Go Figure, Going Forward, and Grand Finale. Each label comes from very prestigious partner wineries. General Admission Tickets: $75.00: Taster's Guild Members $65.00. Hours: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at any Gary’s Wine & Marketplace Stores: 121 Main Street, Madison, 973.822.0200; 100 Morristown Rd., Bernardsville, 908.766.6699; 1308 Route 23 N.,Wayne, 973.633.3900


Fall at Restaurant Nicholas
A graduate of the famed Culinary Institute of America, Executive Chef Nicholas Harary has worked in all aspects of the restaurant industry. Along with his wife Melissa, he opened Restaurant Nicholas in December of 2000. Over the next nine years, Restaurant Nicholas garnered four stars from The New York Times, The Star Ledger, and the Bergen Record, as well as many others.

Harary can now add author to his impressive resume: he's just published his first cookbook: Restaurant Nicholas. To order a copy, call the restaurant at 732.345.9977 or visit restaurantnicholas.com.

New fall offerings in the dining room and bar include Venison "Carpaccio", Jicama & Fig Salad with Pine Nuts, and hazelnut crusted bass, red pearl onions, fingerling potatoes, and banyuls broth.

Nicholas, 160 Rte. 35 S. (between Navesink River Rd. & Pine St.), 732.345.9977


Bargains at Restaurant Plan B in Asbury Park
Visit Plan B on Thursday nights for their three-course Dinner and a Movie, $25 per person, theshowroomap.com or their four-course prix fixe dinners from Tuesday to Thursday, $25 per person. The restaurant served brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

Restaurant Plan B, 70 S. Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, 732.807.4710