AN ADVERTISING FEATURE Restaurant Week to display colorful ‘palate’ of eateries By Kerry Serzan Special to The Star-Ledger Dine somewhere new, stop in for a bite at your favorite spot or, better yet, do both during the most delectable and long-awaited week in Morristown. Morristown Restaurant Week will take place April 27 through May 3, and is presented by the Morristown Partnership thanks to sponsors including NJ Advance Media, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, The Wine Group and Wells Fargo. This year will mark the sixth installment of the highly anticipated showcase of dining venues in restaurant-rich Morristown. “We encourage our businesses to be very creative and show off their expertise,” said Jennifer Wehring, director of marketing at the Morristown Partnership, which represents the town’s business community. “This event promotes our incredible diversity of restaurants and the variety of dining options for families, date nights, business occasions and more,” she said, adding that more than 40 unique dining establishments have signed on for the event this year. Morristown boasts a variety of restaurants that range from upscale gourmet and casual sit-downs to cafes, delis, bakeries and everything in between. This year, Kings Food Markets will sponsor a gift certificate promotion to kick off Restaurant Week. Gift Greenbacks will be available through the Morristown Partnership in a one-day special “double” promotion beginning at 10 a.m. April 25. For every $50 in Morristown gift certificates purchased, buyers will receive an additional $20 in Gift Greenbacks, which can be used at participating Restaurant Week businesses — including Kings. The maximum purchase during the promotion will be $100 per person. “Whether you are planning to be in the area that week for a show at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, a day of shopping downtown or you are staying in a Morristown area hotel for business or pleasure, plan ahead. Visit your favorites and then try something new,” Wehring said. Participating in the event gives restaurants a level of exposure that attracts new clientele, according to Andrew Silverstein, operations manager for Harvest Restaurant Group, which owns 10 restaurants throughout northern New Jersey. “People really come out during Restaurant Week; the guests just love it,” Silverstein said, noting that Harvest’s Morristown Restaurants — Roots Steakhouse and Urban Table — have been Photo courtesy of Morris Arts/ The Morristown Green Meet Me in Morristown By Kerry Serzan Special to The Star-Ledger Photo courtesy of Chef Fredy’s Table. participating in the event since its inception. “We love being involved. Morristown has done very well; this town is just unbelievable in terms of how popular it’s become,” he said, adding that local attractions, such as the theater and jazz festival also draw many visitors to the town. The upscale elegance of an old-fashioned New York-style steakhouse is prevalent at Roots Steakhouse. The restaurant will offer a $29 prix-fixe menu at lunch that will include an appetizer and dessert and feature entrees, such as an 8-ounce New York strip steak, swordfish or roasted chicken. Lunch specials will be featured all week at Urban Table, a hipster-friendly casual dining establishment with an eclectic menu that includes sushi, creative salads and sandwiches, burgers and more. On weekends, Urban Table also offers breakfast and brunch specials. Another venue returning for its sixth Restaurant Week is Chef Fredy’s Table, a casual/fine dining BYO situated on the Morristown Green across from Headquarters Plaza. The restaurant, previously named Tim Schafer’s Cuisine, took a new moniker last spring to reflect its evolving identity under owners and seasoned restaurateurs Fredy Umanzor and Nestor Bedoya, who bought and renovated the landmark establishment in 2005. “We’ve been very passionate — since the day we started — about being a part of this event, which is about really being able to showcase yourself to so many prospective clients,” Bedoya said. Chef Fredy’s will be serving a bevy of patrons’ top menu picks, including shrimp and andouille sausage, Thai beef satay, filet mignon and Maryland lump crab cakes. A special three-course prix-fixe will be available at lunch and dinner throughout the week. “Restaurant Week is also about pride in being part of Morristown, (which) has become the mecca for restaurants,” Bedoya said. “You don’t want to be left out of Restaurant Week. You feel it, you breathe it. It’s Morristown. It’s hopping that week.” Pan Casero Bakery, a combination of bakery and fast food, will bring a fresh face to the Restaurant Week scene. “This is the first time Pan Casero is participating in Restaurant Week and we are very excited about it,” said owner Maria Muñoz. “We are having two special promotions for the week: tacos for $5 and buy two get the third free for any kind of empanadas.” Open since 2011, Pan Casero combines rich traditions with a modern twist. Specialties include empanadas, tacos, enchiladas and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. “We look forward to seeing our regular loyal customers and hope to see many new faces as well,” Muñoz said. n Modera 44: Best of in-town living Modera 44 Apartments, by Milk Creek Residential, is leasing new studio, one- and twobedroom luxury apartments in Morristown, with pricing that starts at $1,800 per month. “Mill Creek Residential has created a chic living experience at Modera 44 that is an expression of both style and convenience for residents,” said Richard Murphy, managing director for Mill Creek Residential in New Jersey. “Walkability is also a key part of Modera 44, as it helps define the ‘live-workplay’ trifecta that so many prospects are searching for in a transit-oriented community.” Paying homage to classic exterior architecture with New England row houses and in-town living, Modera 44 residences feature thoughtful, open floor plans with gourmet kitchens that highlight moveable chef islands and quartz countertops, custom cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, upgraded fixtures, private balconies or patios, soaking tubs and full-size washers and dryers. Lofts, dens, and direct-access garage parking also are available. With hotel-inspired interiors and chic social zones, Modera 44 is home to a club-quality fitness studio with yoga and spin, as well as a business center and conference room. The expansive clubhouse features free Wi-Fi, fireplace lounge, bar seating and pool tables. There also is a rooftop deck The hotel-inspired interior features open floor plans that are stylish as well as practical. with outdoor kitchen lounge and water fountain. The dog- and cat-friendly community offers a pet spa. Nestled in the center of historic Morristown, Modera 44 is just steps from the town’s well-known array of top galleries, acclaimed restaurants and trendy boutiques. And with a “Walk Score” of 92 by Walkscore.com, Modera 44 is considered a “walker’s paradise,” in which daily errands do not require a car. Modera is located one-half mile from the NJ Transit Morristown Station, 60 minutes from New York’s Penn Station and minutes from Madison, Chatham, Summit, Parsippany and Short Hills. The community also is near major employers, such as Novartis, ADP, Wyndham, Honeywell, Pricewaterhouse, Coopers, Deloitte & Touche, Johnson & Johnson and Colgate-Palmolive. Those interested in Modera 44 Apartments, located at 44 Prospect St., can call (888) 491-0653 or visit Modera 44.com. To learn more about Mill Creek Residential, visit MillCreekPlaces.com. To schedule a tour, call (855)-830-1291. n Vibrant and culturally diverse, Morristown has become a destination for people from all walks of life. Its unique blend of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, and its many enriching community-oriented programs, have made the town a hub of commerce, culture and fun. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Morristown Partnership and Morris Arts, industry and art have come together to create Meet Me in Morristown, a summerlong event that promotes arts and culture as well as the downtown economy. Meet Me in Morristown will return May 28, building on the program’s success in 2014, its inaugural year. Held on the last Thursday of the month from May through August, Meet Me in Morristown will transform the downtown into a center for art, music and fun with artists and musicians lining the streets that surround the Green. A town-wide permit allows select visual artists to showcase and sell artwork while Morristown businesses are allowed to remain open later and host sidewalk sales and demonstrations. “Our organizations complement each other’s efforts and this event is so beneficial to both,” said Jennifer Wehring, director of marketing at the Morristown Partnership. Just a floor apart in the Maple Avenue office building, the organizations had often connected through advisory committees, but until recently, had never worked together on an event. “Programming, such as this reinforces Morristown as an arts destination and will keep people coming back to our downtown year-round,” Wehring said. Musicians and performance artists lend their talents to the lively atmosphere. Last year’s events saw fine artists, photographers, hula hoopers, a professional tattoo/face painter and larger-than-life, hands-on art projects provided by the Montclair Arts Museum’s mobile art truck. Kadie Dempsey, director of arts in community and creative placemaking, Arts Council of the Morris Area, said the event has created “an amazing partnership” by combining local businesses, downtown development and marketing organizations with arts organizations. She said Morristown is at the forefront of a grassroots movement that examines how arts and culture can be used to create a more vibrant community. “It’s about making art accessible to everyone,” Dempsey said. “It’s a great introduction to all kinds of art.” Morristown will host another business and art community collaboration, The Morristown Art Walk, on May 2 during the sixth annual Morristown Restaurant Week. Hosted by Morris Arts and ArtSpace Studio, the one-day event showcases area artists in 16 venues, including more than 12 Morristown businesses. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. n THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK to our sponsors morristownrestaurantweek.com AN ADVERTISING FEATURE A preview of summer events and programs Summer is right around the corner and Morristown is the place to be Meet Me in Morristown Shopping Arts Music Food Friends Downtown Morristown Morristown Partnership, (973) 455-1133 Morris Arts, (973) 285-5115 Seaton Hackney Stables 440 South St., Morristown (973) 633-3355 meetmeinmorristown.com Seaton Hackney Stables offers an awardwinning Summer Riding Camp as well as trail rides, lessons, Troop, Flex Camp and birthday parties year-round. Visit and enjoy great horseback riding in Morristown. Looking for an afternoon stroll, sidewalk sale, shopping or a bite for dinner? Why not meet in Morristown? Be sure not to miss the last Thursday of the summer months (May 28, June 25, July 30 and Aug. 27) for days of shopping, and evenings filled with music, visual arts performances and outdoor dining all around the downtown. Mark your calendar to take in a show, saddle up for a trail ride or start the kids early in “college.” For additional details and a preview of special summer programs and events that Morristown has to offer, read on. College for Kids @ CCM 214 Center Grove Road Randolph (973) 328-5187 seatonhackney.com ccm.edu/cfk Fun, educational, day camp programs for ages 5 to 14, plus an SAT Prep for high school students. Full/partial day programs beginning June 29 and ending July 31. Science, technology, art, literature, cooking, fitness and more. Meet Me in Morristown is a fun event offering music, arts, shopping and a variety of food. Photo courtesy of Morris Arts. Morristown Farmers Market Downtown Morristown Spring and Morris streets Morristown (973) 455-1133 morristown-nj.org At Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Camp Discovery, the emphasis is on hands-on activities. Since 1990, this premiere Farmers Market has been ranked among northern New Jersey’s best. Held on Sundays from June 21 to mid-November from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market features New Jersey-based produce and specialty vendors offering flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables (including organic), herbs, baked goods, eggs, cheeses, honey, fish, poultry, grass-fed beef and pork. Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Camp Discovery Summer Address: Madison and Teaneck Business address: 1000 River Road H-DH1-02, Teaneck (201) 692-6500 The Red Oaks School is offering academic programs this summer. The Red Oaks School Academic Mornings The Red Oaks School 21 Cutler St. Morristown (973) 539-7853, ext. 33 redoaksschool.org/summer-camp fdu.edu/campdiscovery FDU’s Camp Discovery is a fun day camp for children in first through seventh grades. The emphasis is on hands-on activities (science, swimming, musical theater, world games/discovery, arts-and-crafts and sports). Fun trips are offered each week. Seaton Hackney Stables offers an award-winning summer riding camp for children ages 5 through 17. The Morristown Farmers Market has been ranked among northern New Jersey’s best. At Red Oaks, learning and development are not restricted to the school year. This summer, the school is offering academic summer programs from 8:45 to 11 a.m. for early childhood and elementary-school children, which may be followed by afternoon summer camp at Harbor Hills Day Camp. The morning programs also are available as stand-alone options. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Presents Love’s Labour’s Lost Outdoor Stage on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road in Morris Township, Convent Station (973) 408-5600 ShakespeareNJ.org The theatre presents Love’s Labour’s Lost, among the Bard’s most delightful comedies. Pack a picnic and bring the family to enjoy young love, witty language, and comedy under the stars. The show will run June 17 through July 26. Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival returns Aug. 15 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival returns Aug. 15. Entering its fifth season, the Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival has become one of the region’s most popular summer events. Inaugurated by Mayor Tim Dougherty, this year’s festival will celebrate the centennial birthdays of jazz artists Frank Sinatra and Les Paul, plus bluesman Muddy Waters on Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon until 10 p.m. The hard driving “little big band” Swingadelic kicks off the festival at noon. Legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli returns with Guitar Summit, joined by his pals Frank Vignola, Vinny Raniolo and Ed Laub at 2 p.m. The quartet was a huge hit at last year’s festival and relishes the opportunity to salute Les Paul and Frank Sinatra. Following Guitar Summit, the extraordinary young trumpet player Bria Skonberg takes the stage with her group. Bria has been earning high praise for her music from Downbeat Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and the Jazz Journalists’ Association. At 6 p.m., the music turns to the blues with the award-winning Roomful of Blues, a rocking, swinging horn-driven ensemble that has been a crowd pleaser since their start in the ‘60s. The eightpiece group is led by the exciting guitarist Chris Vachon. The festival concludes with the legendary blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite and his band. The winner of 27 Blues Legendary blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite and his band will perform on Saturday, Aug. 15. Photo by Richard Lam. Music 19514 Camp Discovery_SLMorristown v1_Layout 1 3/31/15 11:09 AM Page 1 Awards, Musselwhite is in the Blues Hall of Fame, has been A summer of friendship, exploration and fun June 29 – August 7, 2015 Florham Campus (Madison, NJ) • Metropolitan Campus (Teaneck, NJ) Camp Discovery For children entering 1st thru 7th grade • Camp programs and activities include: – Science & Nature – Arts & Crafts – Outdoor Sports & Recreation – Swimming (Madison location) – Musical Theater Performances – World Discovery & Games – Weekly Trips • Certified teachers and experienced college-level counselors • Extended care available Leader in Training Camp For children entering 8th & 9th grades Space is limited. Register today! 201-692-6500 fdu.edu/campdiscovery Last year’s Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival attracted large crowds. Photo courtesy of MorristownGreen.com. nominated for 10 Grammy Awards and is among the most popular blues artists in the world. The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival will take place on the Morristown Green, rain or shine and admission is free. Bring a lawn chair and blanket. For more information, visit www.MorristownJazzandBlues.org. n
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