Wine, Chocolate, and Fundraising

By Brianne Harrison

Delicious wines, hors d’oevres, music, and fundraising for foster kids—sound good? You’ll find it all at Hudson County CASA’s 4th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser this Friday. The Wine Library of Springfield will be on hand with a tasting of more than 80 different wines, and there’ll also be a silent auction and raffle, as well as food and music. Cap off the evening with a chocolate tasting—a delicious way to end the night!

The Wine Tasting Fundraiser will be held at the Atrium at Harborside Financial Center in Jersey City. Tickets are $65 in advance and all proceeds support CASA and its mission to advocate on behalf of Hudson County’s 700+ foster children. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit hudsoncountycasa.org.

Color for a Cause

By Brianne Harrison

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly dire form of the disease. Diagnosis often comes too late—in more than 80% of cases, the tumor has already spread and cannot be completely removed. A staggering 95% of those diagnosed die within five years. This is an area of medicine greatly in need of more research into treatments, but, like anything, research takes money. Quite a lot of it.

In an effort to raise those necessary funds, Entertain Me For a Cause is hosting their first annual Color for a Cause fundraising benefit on March 25 at The Manor in West Orange. The evening offers something for everyone: Swayde Boutique will host a fashion show, and there will be entertainment, dancing, raffles, a four-course gourmet dinner, and an open bar. There’ll be plenty of prizes, giveaways, and gift baskets, and all attendees will leave with a goodie bag.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by contacting Robyn at RobynMP@gmail.com. Twenty percent of the ticket sales will be donated to the Pancreatic Research Unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Come out and help those suffering this terrible disease. Remember that each patient is someone’s child, spouse, parent, or friend, and only by joining together to help can we make this cancer a thing of the past.

Learn to Live Holistically

By Brianne Harrison

You hear a lot about holistic health and alternative health practices these days, but as with anything that starts to get very popular, there’s a lot of information out there to sort through. How do you know which treatments are best for you and your family? How do you go about choosing the right practitioner? What can be treated, and how do they do it?

The annual Mindful Living Holistic Health and Wellness Fair, which will take place March 21, aims to answer many of these questions—and any others you may have—by giving attendees the chance to meet vendors who specialize in a wide array of complementary health and wellness disciplines. Now in its third year, the Holistic Health and Wellness Fair has highlighted yoga studios, fitness instructors, massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, green architects, chiropractors, acupuncturists, wellness centers, homeopaths and naturopaths, to name just a few. This year promises even more for both adults and children. Parents can chat with practitioners and sample a wide variety of products while the younger members of the crowd are treated to a musical performance by Sister Sing Sister String and demonstrations by Wholesome Kids Cook, Jen Slaw Juggler, and Step2gether.

The event is free and open to the public, so stop by, have your questions answered, and find new ways to live a healthier life.

The 3rd Annual Mindful Living Community Holistic Health and Wellness Fair will be held March 21 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Maplewood Woman’s Club, 60 Woodland Rd., Maplewood. For more information, visit mindfullivingnj.com.

Health and Fitness Challenge

By Brianne Harrison

March has arrived, which means spring is right around the corner—and bathing suit season comes right after that. Time to start thinking about getting fit and finally shedding those winter hibernation pounds, but where do you start? The sheer amount of information available can be overwhelming—what’s right and what isn’t? What should you be eating? What exercises are most effective?

The answers to these and many, many other questions can be found at the 2010 Asbury Park Boardwalk Health and Fitness Challenge, a 12-week program of free introductory fitness, nutrition, and health classes. Participants can learn more about how to get healthy from local professionals, and be entered to win a slew of great prizes! This weekend, you can learn how to decipher the labels on your food and discover new exercises with kettlebells, presented by Jamie Pigman. Next weekend, discover the best ways to keep the weight off and burn some calories on a waterfront bike ride. The whole program culminates with a Boardwalk Body Fair on May 15—a day-long event that spotlights the latest and greatest health, wellness, and art for the body.

The Health and Fitness Challenge takes place every Sunday through mid-May. Nutrition classes start at 2 p.m. and fitness classes start at 3 p.m. For more information and videos of the sessions, visit facebook.com/apchallenge

Endless Possibilities

By Brianne Harrison

One of the wonderful things about the arts is that they frequently provide a means of expression for those who struggle or are unable to express themselves in other ways. Those with severe physical disabilities may fall into this group, but a New Jersey nonprofit called A.R.T. (Artistic Realization Technologies) helps them realize their full (and impressive) creative potential by providing them with the tools and technology they need to paint, take photographs, and sculpt. A.R.T has helped many artists create beautiful works that have been shown in galleries in New Jersey and Manhattan.

From February 25-28, A.R.T. will come to the Princeton University Art Museum with a new show entitled “A New Way of Seeing.” Stop by for the opening reception, from 6-8 p.m. on February 25, or check the show out over the weekend—admission to the museum is free, and the works will astonish you.

If you’re feeling more active this weekend, you might want to take part in the Enable Possibility Pursuit on Sunday. Possibility Pursuit includes a 5K run, indoor and outdoor fitness walks, and a dog walk. The event is geared towards persons with disabilities, their families, and friends. Pledges and funds raised will go towards supporting the services Enable provides to the disabled and their families. For more information, visit enablenj.org.

No Gloom in the Gallery

del la Serna, Open Bowl, 2009
courtesy of groundsforsculpture.org

By Brianne Harrison

There’s no denying, it’s cold outside. And not terribly colorful, unless you’re a fan of slush grey. So, why not thaw out and brighten up the weekend by ducking into an art exhibit (or two?)

Saturday and Sunday are the annual Artists’ Days at Sickles Market in Little Silver. Local artists will be on hand to show their work and give demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. And while you’re there, you can grab a few gourmet goodies to enjoy later!

Also displaying the work of New Jersey artists is the Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville. The current exhibition features handcrafted pieces in metal, wood, textiles, ceramics, and other, more unusual materials. The show only runs through February 28, so head over soon if you want to see it!

Over at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, visitors can enjoy free admission for the rest of February. Current exhibitions include Albert Paley: Dialogue with Steel—elaborate, impressive sculptural works by a former jeweler—and Jacobo del la Serna’s Reflections on Tradition, which highlights the artist’s beautiful, delicate pottery. You can also see the unusual, whimsical hand-blown glasswork of Flo Perkins.

In New Brunswick, the Zimmerli Museum is showing an exhibition of children’s book illustrations from 1960 through today, focusing on how they highlight social themes and subjects of contemporary culture. Artists’ whose work is on display include Catherine Stock, Roger Duvoisin, and E.B. Lewis.

A Healthier, Happy Valentine’s Day

By Brianne Harrison

It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend, and yes, there are lots of lovey-dovey events going on across the state. But as important as it is to show your honey you care, it’s also important to show yourself a little love every now and then. So, this weekend, why not check out one (or all!) of these events, which should get your heart pumping, bring a blush to your cheeks, and help you get a little healthier?

First up, on Saturday, is Fit for Cancer at the Hunterdon Health & Wellness Centers at Clinton and Whitehouse Station. What started as a grassroots event with a few spinners has exploded over the years, raising over $200,000 for Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Participants pledge to raise $250 and in return they get an intense three-hour workout. Choose from one of five programs, including Spin for Cancer—a high-energy, indoor cycling program that allows you to go on a virtual outdoor road race; a boot camp combining cardio and strength training; a biathlon swimming and running workout; a Zumba dance and fitness workout; or a senior water & walk class. For more information, visit fitforcancer.kintera.org.

If you’re looking for a workout you can do with that special someone, take a trip to Unionville Vineyards, which is hosting Taste and Tango Lessons with Cliff Marino on Sunday the 14. Marino has been teaching all styles of ballroom and Latin dance for the past 20 years, and he trained with some of the best dance coaches both here and abroad. He’ll be teaching the Argentine Tango for starters to intermediates in the vineyard’s historic cave room. Afterwards, take a tour of the winery or treat yourself to a tasting of some of Unionville’s wines—remember reds have heart-health benefits! Visit unionvillevineyards.com for more information.

Night of Hope

By Brianne Harrison

I’ll admit—I’m girly, and I like pretty, sparkly things. And I really like having a chance to save a bit of money on those sparkly things while also contributing to a good cause, but how often do you get the chance to do that? Well, on February 11, Yanina & Co. in Cedar Grove is giving you just that chance at its Night of Hope Event.

From 6 to 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy exclusive discounts on all Yanina & Co. jewelry, as well as delicious hors d’oeuvres by Lu Nello Restaurant and chances to win fabulous prizes, including art deco-inspired diamond earrings, Oved diamond studs, a Swiss-made Louis Erard men’s watch, and a one-year membership to the Park Avenue Club. All proceeds from the night will benefit the Valerie Fund of Saint Barnabas Hospital, which offers comprehensive health services for children with cancer and blood disorders.

Need an extra incentive? The first 25 women who walk through the door will receive a free pair of the pearl and diamond earrings pictured above, valued at $350. That’s right—free jewelry! What’s not to love?

RSVP by calling 973.857.5544.

Good Food, Good Cause

By Brianne Harrison

Restaurant weeks are a wonderful thing—they offer the perfect opportunity to try out that new restaurant you’ve been dying to go to without spending a fortune. Good food and a great price? What’s not to love?

This week, Montclair is up to bat with its second annual Restaurant Week. Their first, in 2009, was a huge success, so it’s hardly surprising that they’ve decided to do it again. But this year, they’ve added something extra. All the prix-fixe meals offered for Restaurant Week will cost $1 more this year, but that additional dollar will go towards Montclair’s largest food charities. Going BYOB? If you buy a bottle of wine at Amanti Vino, Magnolia’s Wines & Spirits, or Town House Fine Wine & Spirits and mention it’s for Restaurant Week, the wine merchants will make a donation to the Montclair Rotary Foundation. Good food, great prices, and altruism? I think that’s something we can definitely all get behind!

Montclair Restaurant Week runs through February 7. Find a list of participating restaurants and make reservations online at gotomontclairnj.com.

Oenophile’s Weekend

By Brianne Harrison

January’s the month winter blues tend to set in—the weather’s lousy, and there aren’t many big holidays to look forward to (unless you count Valentine’s Day). But I’ve found that one thing that helps chase away the winter blahs is a nice glass of wine, and New Jersey’s vineyards and wine shops are ready to provide it this weekend.

The folks at Natali Vineyards in Cape May Courthouse have planned a Kick the Winter Blues Festival this Saturday. Appropriately, entertainment will be provided by blues legend Frank Bey. There will also be local crafts and food specialties available to sample or buy and, of course, wine tastings. For more information, visit natalivineyards.com.

Also getting into the swing of things is Heritage Vinearyds, which is hosting Rhythm, Reds & Whites—a Special Wine and Jazz Event Saturday and Sunday. Check out their wines, paired with hot hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, and desserts, while listening to the music of a jazz trio. Heritagewinenj.com

CoolVines will be holding a Many Faces of Riesling tasting at both their Princeton and their Westfield locations on Saturday. Learn about where Riesling comes from, why it’s wonderful, and what foods pair perfectly with it. Visit coolvines.com for more information.

Amalthea Cellars will have its 2007 New Release Celebration Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Try the new wines and enjoy special barrel tastings and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. amaltheacellars.com

Heat up the Winter at Four Sisters Winery Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary wine tastings, cellar tours, and desserts will help chase away the chill! foursisterswinery.com

Father John Morley of Seton Hall University will lead a Blessing of the Vineyards at Laurita Winery on Saturday. The ceremony will be followed by wine and feasting, as it should be. Lauritawinery.com

Local Harvest

By Brianne Harrison

In last week’s blog, I mentioned the 2nd Annual Local Harvest: Farms, Food, & Family, but considering the growth in interest in sustainability and eating local, I think it deserves a bit more attention.

Local Harvest is being hosted by Slow Food Northern NJ in partnership with the Morris County Park Commission. From Noon to 4 p.m. on January 16, you can meet local farmers and food artisans, shop for some delicious pantry staples or intriguing new additions, and learn more about sustainable farming and local CSAs.

Help yourself to grass-fed beef and pork from Plaid Piper Farm in Branchville; artisan cheeses and breads from Bob-O-Link Dairy & Bakeyard, Appleridge Farm, and Valley Shepherd Creamery; organic teas from Ducky Life Tea; and organic handcrafted herbal aromatherapy products from Degage Gardens. Plus, you can bone up on your history with the Morris County Historical Society and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. If you’re really dedicated to supporting local agriculture, you can purchase seasonal farm shares at Genesis Farm and Rogowski Farm.

New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the country, and its farms are disappearing fast. This is your chance to sample and support some of the best the Garden State has to offer and help ensure it’s still around for future generations to enjoy as well.

For more information, visit slowfoodnnj.org.

A Healthy Start to 2010

By Brianne Harrison

A new year usually means resolutions and a new start. If your resolutions this year have to do with your health—eating better, getting into shape, perhaps learning a better way to deal with stress, than this is your lucky week. Time to kick off 2010 the right way!

The Hunterdon Health and Wellness Centers in Clinton and Whitehouse Station are starting a “Take Control” program. This 12-week course is designed to help you take control of your health and offers practical approaches to weight loss and weight management. Classes started at Whitehouse station on the 4th, but Clinton classes begin January 5. Participants will receive a three-month membership to the Health and Wellness center as well as a fat and carbohydrate counter book and other resource materials. Classes are $169 for members and $299 for non-members at Whitehouse Station and $169 for members and $329 for non-members at Clinton.

Learn how to “Connect with Inner Joy and Peace” at the East Brunswick Public Library tonight from 7-8 p.m. Learn a simple technique to de-stress and gain peace of mind. For more information, call 7362.3990.6767 or visit ebpl.org.

Explore whether or not your lifestyle choices are sustaining or draining you at a lecture by Lorraine Maita, MD on January 6. Discover how your lifestyle choices can affect your life and health. Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. To learn more, visit hwpn.org or howtoliveyounger.com.

Want to improve your diet? Check out “How to Eat for the New Year”, a presentation and tasting hosted by Go Lightly. Learn more about the health, environmental, humane, and economic benefits of eating a plant-based diet. Stock up on literature, nutritional guidelines, and recipes. Register in advance by calling 973.744.7889 or e-mailing hi@golightlystore.com.

And, if you’re thinking ahead, Local Harvest: Farms, Food, and Family will be held January 16. This event brings together local farmers and food artisans for an afternoon of sampling, education, and shopping. Enjoy local meats, produce, breads, teas, eggs, and more while learning about local community supported agriculture. To learn more, visit slowfoodnj.org.

Quality Time

By Brianne Harrison

The week between Christmas and New Year's is usually an opportunity to relax, enjoy your gifts, and get in some quality family time (since most schools are closed). At a certain point, though, pretty much everyone wants to get out of the house for a little while, so why not try out some of these family friendly activities happening this week?

Holiday Fun Week runs through the 30th from 12:30 to 4:30 at the Newark Museum. You can catch art and science workshops, scavenger hunts, planetarium laser shows, music, plays, and a puppet show. Why not learn a little while you're on vacation?

For the history buffs, there's Patriot's Week, held annually from December 26-31 in Trenton. Patriot's Week celebrates the city's unique and pivotal role in the American Revolution, with art, music, literature, battlefield reenactments, and living history events. For more information and a schedule of events, visit patriotsweek.com.

For those hoping to ring in the New Year en famille, Morris County and Ocean City are hosting First Night Celebrations. These family friendly, non-alcoholic events feature crafts, music performances, magic shows, concerts, and more. For more information, visit firstnightmorris.com or firstnightocnj.com.

This week is also your last chance to see Historic Smithville's Holiday Light Show, which features more than 100 Christmas trees, floating on Lake Meone, lighting up to the rhythm of playing music. The show ends January 3. Visit smithvillenj.com for more information.

Have a happy New Year!

Christmas Carol(s)

By Brianne Harrison

It’s a great week for music lovers. And really, even if you’re not particularly musical, isn’t there something about holiday tunes that still makes you want to join in (or at least get caught up in the spirit)? Here are just a few of the most “noteworthy” events:

Classical Christmas Concert: Internationally recognized pianist, composer, and conductor Siegfield Tepper and his son, critically acclaimed violinist Christer Tepper, will be performing at the Flemington Assembly of God church in Flemington on December 18 at 7 p.m. Call 908.782.5232 or visit flemingtonassemblyofgod.org for more information.
Kids Helping Kids Concert: Heading up to the city? Catch Red Bank-based band Six Volt headlining this concert, which features young artists from across the country performing to raise money to help feed homeless children over the holidays. For tickets, go to theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/161885 or call 212.352.3101

Celtic Holiday Classic: The Pipes of Christmas: The Pipes of Christmas will celebrate its 11th season with two performances in Summit this Saturday (2 p.m. and 8 p.m.) and one performance in Manhattan on Sunday (2:30 p.m.). For more information or to order tickets, visit pipesofchristmas.com or call 212.868.4444.

The Masterwork Chorus Performs Handel’s Messiah: The Masterwork Chorus will be performing one of Handel’s most celebrated works at 8 p.m. this Saturday at the Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown. If you miss the show, you can still catch them at Carnegie Hall on the 23 at 8 p.m. Visit mayoarts.org or carnegiehall.org for more information.
PSO Pops! The Holiday Concert: The Princeton Symphony Orchestra will present its annual family holiday concert at 4 p.m. December 19 at Richardson Auditorium. For more information, visit princetonsymphony.org

Homegrown for the Holidays: Grab dinner and a show at McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park this weekend. This concert benefits ReVision Theatre. Visit ReVisionTheatre.org to order tickets.

Candlelight Carol Service: Yearning for a good old-fashioned holiday service? The First Presbyterian Church of Englewood is holding its 98th annual Candlelight Carol Service, featuring the Cancel Choir, soloists, violin, harp, and the junior choir leading traditional carols. The event is Sunday, December 21 at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Gifts Galore

By Brianne Harrison

It’s that time of year when many of us are staring down a list of gift recipients and wondering just what we’re supposed to get them. Sure, you can hit the mall or troll the internet for some inspiration, but if you’re really looking for something unique, there are two events this weekend that will ensure you give a gift they’ve never seen before.

If there’s a bibliophile in the family, be sure to swing by the 18th annual Antiquarian Book Fair. More than 60 dealers of rare books, prints, maps, and ephemera will be gathering at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in East Hanover to offer their best wares. Find literature that covers all the bases, from history to law, Americana, sports, travel, and music. Even if the giftee isn’t impressed by being handed a first edition, they’re sure to enjoy receiving a book on their favorite subject that can’t be found at Barnes and Noble. Visit newjerseybookfair.com for more information.

Forget the crowds and frustration of the mall—head over to Tuckerton Seaport this weekend for Christkindlmarkt. Sip mulled cider and munch roasted chestnuts while listening to strolling carolers and shopping for unique gifts from the many crafters and vendors in attendance. There’ll also be ice cutting demonstrations, decoy carvers, a wine tasting by Valenzano Winery, and children’s rides, so everyone can have some fun! Visit tuckertonseaport.org or call 609.296.8868 for more information.

Holiday Happenings

By Brianne Harrison

The holidays are here, and there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit this weekend. Here are some of our favorites:

Jingle All the Way Holiday Run, 12/3: Jog off some of your holiday indulgence and raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey. Dress up in your most festive running gear (prizes for the best outfits!), bring some friends or family members, and join the fun!

Festival of Trees, 12/2-1/10/10: Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton is dressing up for the holidays. Trees decorated by area businesses and organizations will be gracing the museum’s galleries—stop by and be inspired!

Holiday Light Show, 12/3-1/3/10: Be amazed as over 100 Christmas trees, floating on Lake Meone, light up to music in an orchestrated show. There will also be a Christmas Train, a Magical Talking Tree, and Story Time with Mrs. Claus every weekend in December.

“A Dickens of a Weekend,” 12/4-5: Catch a trolley in Spring Lake and enjoy costumed carolers, a scavenger hunt honoring Dickens’ Mr. Fezziwig, a Dickens-themed cocktail party, and a performance of “Scrooge”.

Cape May’s 36th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours, 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19: What better way to see Victorian Cape May than by candlelight? Explore at least 14 homes, inns, hotels, and churches decorated for the holidays while listening to carolers and strolling musicians.

Model Train Exhibit and Tree Lighting Ceremony, 12/4-29: The Barron Arts Center turns on their lights at their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this weekend. There will also be collections for the Mayor’s Food Bank and for Angel PAWS, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding homes for stray, homeless, and abandoned animals.

Sister’s Christmas Catechism, 12/5: CSI meets Bethlehem as the Sister of Late Nite Catechism takes on The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold.

Messiah-A Sacred Oratorio by George Frideric Handel, 12/6: The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra partners with the State Theatre to perform one of Handel’s most celebrated works.

Festive Feasts and Family

By Brianne Harrison

As we’re fast approaching a holiday dedicated to feasting, it seems only fitting to mention Festive Feasts and Culinary Creations, a new exhibit at the Monmouth Museum that runs through January 3.

Festive Feasts is the museum’s annual holiday exhibition, and it features trees decorated by local garden clubs and the Friends of the Museum, stories and family-friendly activities, and their traditional, ever-expanding model railroad. The museum also has several holiday and food-related activities scheduled throughout the month. Activities include a festival of songs with Maureen McCrink on November 29; Chocolate Fairies with Don Magee—a chocolate tasting featuring bittersweet chocolate popcorn and fountain dipped chocolate pretzels on December 6; stories of festival feasts with Joan Jannerone on December 13; and Who Says You Can’t Play With Your Food? where participants learn to make crafts with food items, on December 20.

Holiday programs are held from 2-3:30 p.m. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $7 per person (children under 2 and Monmouth Museum members free). Visit monmouthmuseum.org for more information.

Don’t Miss…
The Thanksgiving Family Festival on November 27. Find buried treasure, uncover ancient stories, and learn to make pottery at the Newark Museum.

Annual Tree Lighting at Palmer Square on November 27. Enjoy music by Holiday Brass and the Princeton High School Choir as well as a reading of The Night Before Christmas before the 65-foot Norwegian spruce is lit by Santa Claus. Festivities will continue every Saturday and Sunday afternoon in December and on Christmas Eve.

Finders Keepers

By Brianne Harrison

Talk about a treasure hunt! Starting today, Devon Fine Jewelry will be giving away 30 pieces of jewelry worth more than $25,000 to thank Northern Bergen County for its support over the past 30 years.

Some companies are content to celebrate 30 years with a cake and perhaps a party for some favored clients, but Devon’s owner, Nancy Schuring, decided to take it a bit further. She placed 30 pieces of jewelry (one for each year Devon’s been in business) in Devon shopping bags with “Finders Keepers” tags on them. The bags have been left all over Devon’s home town of Wyckoff and the areas surrounding it.

“Everybody loves surprises and getting gifts! With our Finders Keepers Event, we’re putting the two together,” Schuring says. “It's been a fantastic 30 years in business and we appreciate the loyalty of Wyckoff and the surrounding communities. We wanted to express our gratitude by giving back in a unique way.”

The bags contain a wide variety of jewelry, from white and yellow gold rings to pendants, bracelets, an d even some diamond necklaces! The pieces’ worth ranges from a few hundred dollars up to $3000 for a platinum sapphire and diamond ring. All Schuring asks in return is that finders share the story of where and how they discovered their bags.

The bags may be found anywhere, from grocery stores and shopping malls to libraries and beauty salons, so keep your eyes peeled!

The Perfect Party

By Brianne Harrison

The holiday season is upon us once again, which means parties, which means stress for the host(ess). But if you’re going to be in the Princeton area Friday evening, you may want to check out an event that’ll help make your next soiree a smoother affair.

CoolVines is joining forces with Miele Gallery to present “The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Party: Easy Appetizers and Wines.” Holly Curry, Miele’s Home Economist, and Mark Censit, the owner of CoolVines, will be on hand to teach you how to make some simple yet delicious hors d’oeuvres and pair them with your favorite wines.

Sample blue cheese dip with kettle chips, spicy grilled Brazilian shrimp, Manchego and tomato toasts, and berry mascarpone cream with cinnamon sugar chips while you learn about this season’s hottest vintages in Miele’s beautiful gallery.

Cost is $15 per person. Register with Vicki Robb at 800.843.7231 x 2515 or e-mail vrobb@mieleusa.com. Miele Gallery, 9 Independence Way, Princeton.

Elementary, My Dear New Jerseyans!

By Brianne Harrison

Whip out your violin and deerstalker—it’s time for Cape May’s Sherlock Holmes Weekend! Slip into character (and period garb) as you take on a case involving a medical investigation, a case of mistaken identity, a dangerous villain, and, of course, a dark secret. Track down clues that’ll lead to a $250 grand prize and other valuable gifts.

The weekend kicks off Friday evening as you gather for desserts and coffee and meet Dr. Watson, who’ll fill you in on his past with Holmes and get the mystery started. On Saturday afternoon you’ll visit some of Cape May’s loveliest Victorian locales in a search for clues and compare notes with Holmes and Watson to see how you’re doing. Sunday morning, Holmes will unlock the mystery at a hearty brunch with all the characters and participants.

Full weekend packages are available for $180 per couple or $95 per person. Packages include the welcome reception, tour, lunch, and all performances. Overnight packages run $270 per person, based on double occupancy, and include a room for two nights in one of Cape May’s cozy bed and breakfasts, beachfront hotels, historic hotels, or Victorian suites, as well as breakfast, a $75 dinner gift certificate (per couple), and all the Sherlock Holmes Weekend activities. Call 800.275.4278, x 185 for more information or to reserve your overnight package.