Community Corner

Restaurants Prep for Taste of Madison

Escargot, 'grandma pizza' and Drip coffee in store.

Madison restaurant kitchens will be bustling this weekend and on Monday as borough eateries prep their dishes for the annual Taste of Madison Monday night.

For chef Robert Ubhaus of Rob's Bistro, his Sunday afternoon will include stewing escargot for several hours in white wine, herbs, celery, carrots, onions and garlic.

On Monday, he'll mix the escargot with a basil puree and diced brie, then serve it in a little tart shell at the event.

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The presentation and preparation "takes away a little of the fear factor" for any attendees who have never tried cooked snail, said Ubhaus, whose classic French bistro is on Main Street.

Escargot will be one of the many, varied dishes served Monday during the fundraiser, which is being held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. VIP hour starts at 6 p.m.

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The social event and culinary experience raises money for the Madison Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Downtown Development Commission.

New Italian restaurant Benissimo will be there, and recently-renovated Firehouse, and Drip coffee are back after missing last year. See a full list of participating restaurants here.

Romanelli's participated last year after a hiatus, and they'll be back again on Monday with homemade meatballs, "grandma pizza," and penne vodka, owner Mary Chiarolanzio said.

Chiarolanzio said the event draws people from outside towns, and lets Romanelli's showcase dishes other than the pizza they're primarily known for.

"There are lots of people—wow—and the venue is a great venue," she said. "It's a huge turnout. Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger. People travel for good food."

One of the event chairs, David Morozoff, said Madison's restaurants "really do step up for the event," donating food and time for the cause.

Tickets

For tickets visit www.TasteofMadison.org

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available Gary's Wine & Marketplace at 121 Main Street in Madison and online at TasteofMadison.org. Tickets are also available at Gary's locations in Wayne and Bernardsville.

General Admission tickets are $65 each and permit entry at 7 p.m. VIP tickets are $100 each and permit early entry at 6 p.m. The Taste concludes at 9:30 p.m.

Gary's hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.


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