Food lovers, don’t miss these special food events in North Jersey this month. From a blindfolded dinner to an Italian festival to food trucks galore and a gorgeous dinner in white — there are plenty of delicious things to eat in August. Don’t miss a thing — and bon appetit!
August 9
What It’s Like to Eat Dinner Blindfolded at Red Horse, Rumson
Chef David Burke will be hosting a blindfolded five-course sensory experience at his modern-American steakhouse and sushi bar, the Red Horse, at 6:15 p.m. on August 9. The experience will take place in the restaurant’s loft “speakeasy.”
Cost: $100
Go: 26 Ridge Road, Rumson; 732-576-3400, Red Horse by David Burke
August 9-13
La Festa Italiana annual celebration at Sixth Street, Jersey City
La Festa Italiana in Jersey City has a more-than-a-decade-old tradition of celebrating Italian heritage, food and faith. Local restaurants and food vendors line 344 Sixth Street with music, games and rides. On the the last day, you have a chance of winning more than $10,000 at the Super 50/50 Cash Raffle. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, prices depending on vendor
Go: 344 Sixth Street, Jersey City; 201-795-0120, lafestajc.com.
August 12
Multicultural Summer Celebration at Thompson Park, Monroe Township
Monroe Township will hold a Multicultural Summer Celebration on August 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey and will offer a variety of food and fun.
Cost: Free
Go: Thompson Park, Lakeview Ave., Monroe; Search Eventbrige for its page: Multicultural Summer Celebration.
August 13
Paramus Food Truck Festival at Paramus Park Mall, Paramus
More than 20 gourmet food trucks will be serving at Paramus Park Mall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. August 13. Participating food trucks will include: Angry Archies, The Brownie Bar, Chef J Latin Fusion, Chick Wings & Things, Cold Stone Creamery, Dagastinos Desserts, El Lechon De Negron. Empanada Mania, Hold My Knots, House of Cupcakes, Kimchi Smoke, Kono Ice, Little Sicilian, Lomo Truck, Mac Truck NYC, Master Asador, Rolling Pita, Sandwich Freak, Senor Tacos and Uncle Sals Gourmet Egg Roll. They will be joined by music, pony rides, a petting zoo, and face painting, among other activities.
Cost: $5; children under 5 free
Go: 700 Paramus Park, Paramus; Search Facebook for its page: Paramus Summer Food Truck Festival.
August 17
Le Diner en Blanc at a secret venue, Jersey City
This special, internationally celebrated night, occurs in more than 120 cities and 40 countries around the world, and now is being held in Jersey City too. The Art House Production will host Le Diner en Blanc on August 17 for a second year. The picnic is renowned for its all-white dress code and secret venue until the big reveal on the day of the event. Participants with purchased tickets are given a rendezvous location where they will depart to the event. Attendees are requested to bring their own tables, chairs, table linens, tableware and gourmet meal. Beer and hard liquor are prohibited but wine or champagne can be reserved online through Le Diner en Blanc’s e-store. Guests need to be invited by the hosts’ network or participating partners or sign up for the Phase 3 waiting list via the official website.
Cost: $61-$68
Go: Revealed on ticket; jerseycity.dinerenblanc.com.
August 19
Edison Food, Wine and Beer Festival at Amboy Ave., Edison
Edison’s annual food, wine and beer festival will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be food trucks, wine, craft beer, sangria, live bands and local vendors.
Cost: $5; children under 10 free
Go: 926 Amboy Ave., Edison; 732-738-9482, edisonchamber.com/events/details/2023-food-wine-and-beer-festival-3992.
August 20
Main Street Pops Artisan Market at Main Street, Hoboken
Hoboken is welcoming artisans and creators from all over New Jersey to showcase their crafts and offer artisanal food. From cookies to pasta, attendees are bound to find a vendor that suits their taste while enjoying live music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, prices depending on vendor
Go: 1401 Adam’s St., Hoboken; no phone, mainstreetpops.com/main-street-pops-artisan-markets-hoboken-nj-2023.
August 21-27
Tiki Week at The Barrow House, Clifton
The Barrow House will host Tiki Week, which will feature tropical themed food and drink specials, from August 21-27.
Cost: Price varies depending on a customer’s order.
Go: 1296 Van Houten Ave., Clifton; 551-223-6609, thebarrowhouse.com.
August 26
Dessert in the Dahlias at Sunset View Farm, Lafayette
Sunset View Farm is opening its dahlia field from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for guests to relax, smell the flowers and delight in farm fresh food. Enjoy the stunning view of 6,000 dahlias while sampling gourmet desserts made straight from Wesselhof farms. While strolling through a field of flowers, sip on provided coffee, tea and homemade lemonade.
Cost: $30 per person
Go: 27 Pierce Rd, Lafayette; 973-579-7382, sunsetviewfarmdahlias.com/product-page/dessert-in-the-dahlias-2023.
Every Monday
Open Mic Night at The Fox & Falcon by David Burke, South Orange
The Fox & Falcon, an Irish pub in South Orange now headed by celebrity chef David Burke, has hosted Open Mic Night on Mondays since June 27. Word artists, including comedians, songwriters, poets, and storytellers, of all levels are welcome to perform their work in front of the dinner crowd.
Cost: Included with dinner at no extra charge
Go: 19 Valley St., South Orange; 973-419-6773, thefoxandfalconbydb.com
Every Thursday
Thursdate Dinner at Melting Pot, Westwood
August is national romance month and Melting Pot in Westwood is celebrating with a Thursday night “Thursdate”-themed dinner. The dinner will include a four-course menu featuring handcrafted cheese fondue, fresh salad course, and entrée options of tender filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, savory teriyaki steak. Sparkling chocolate fondue will be served for dessert. Each table will be set with rose petals, candles, and “Thursdate Sweet Talk” — fun and flirty conversation starters.
Cost: Starts at $62.
Go: 250 Center Ave., Westwood; 201-664-8877, meltingpot.com/westwood-nj.
Every Friday and Saturday
Ciel Dessert prix-fixe at Ciel Dessert, Westwood
Starting this summer, Ciel Dessert, a charming dessert lounge, has been featuring a fixed-price dessert menu every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The menu, which costs between $20 and $25, features different plated desserts and its content is posted online on Tuesdays. The price includes one drink and one dessert (you have three choices). The fixed-price dessert tasting will run through August 26.
Cost: $20-25
Go: 273 Center Ave., Westwood; 201-497-8899, cieldessert.com