SEPTEMBER 2010
I hope you had an enjoyable summer. If it was anything like ours then it was fun-filled and also just a bit busy. As we move into the fall we've got a lot more in store for the weeks ahead. First, though, I have some great news to share thanks to many of you.
We're Honored…Again!
In a recent survey by NJ.com and Inside Jersey, The Bernards Inn was named the most romantic restaurant in New Jersey. In its review Inside Jersey commented: "what truly makes this a romantic dining spot is its genteel old-Hollywood feel, its stone fireplaces, high ceilings, gleaming woodwork and stone terrace lush with greens. It's so gracious you wouldn't be surprised to see Grace Kelly or Humphrey Bogart." I invite you to come experience the Inn for yourself and create your own romance.
The Bon AppÉtit / Cadillac Challenge
Saturday - Sunday, September 18th - 19th
On Saturday and Sunday, September 18th and 19th at the Bridgewater Commons mall in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Executive Chef Corey Heyer will participate in the 2010 Cadillac Culinary Challenge sponsored by Bon Appétit and Cadillac. www.cadillacchallenge.com The event will feature head-to-head competitions between Chef Heyer and Anthony Bucco, executive chef of Uproot in Warren, New Jersey. This is an event you won't want to miss. Attendees will get to enjoy a tasting of the chef's creations and audience volunteers will vote on their favorite dish and decide who gets the honor of being named as the top chef.
Our New Fall Menus
On Friday, September 24th Executive Chef Corey Heyer will introduce his new fall menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the bar. With the change in seasons comes some great new selections that are perfect for the cooler fall weather. Come and experience fine dining in an atmosphere of refined elegance combined with impeccable service. Make your reservations by calling (908) 766-0002 or online through OpenTable.com.
Great Fall Getaways
What do feasting, flying and Fido have in common? They're part of the three great new getaways we're offering for the fall. Fall Feast is a gastronomic delight from beginning to end. Go Fly! includes a 30-minute helicopter ride for two over the beautiful New Jersey landscape. Go with Fido! is the ultimate getaway for pampering yourself and your pet. Click here for all the details on these great escapes. When you're ready to book your fall getaway just click on the Guest Room Reservations link. It's as easy as that.
Signature Style Meets Carlisle - Friday, September 24 at 11:30am
Join us on Friday, September 24th as the Inn presents Signature Style meets Carlisle—a style trends fashion show and luncheon to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, North Jersey Affiliate. The event begins at 11:30am with a reception, silent auction and signature Komen scarf sale. The luncheon presentation will feature designer Jeffrey Haines of Butler's of Far Hills and the Carlisle/Per Se Fall 2010 Collections. Entertainment will be provided by Bob Egan at the piano. For more information or reservations contact Diane Carr at (908) 766-1313 or by email to dcarr@bernardsinn.com.
Alla Salute- An Evening of Italian Wines, Foods and Travel
Save the date, Monday Nov. 1, for our upcoming Italian event that features a tasting of over 150 wine bottles that will also be available for retail purchasing. We will also offer Chef Corey Heyer's tasting of Italian foods from the "Mama Agata's" Cookbook with a special appearance of her daughter, Chiara Lima! The evening will be even more festive with travel specialist, Marlene Iaciofano of Gourmet Getaways, who will be introducing an upcoming travel opportunity sponsored by The Bernards Inn. Check our website for all the details and make your reservations by calling us at 908-766-0002.
The Word of the Day
Are you a friend of the Inn on Facebook? If you are, look for the word of the day on our page every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Tell your server at lunch or dinner that you know the word of the day and receive your choice of a complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée. Enjoy!
Eric Hayes Joins Us Thursday Nights
Pianist Eric Hayes shares his keyboard and vocal artistry beginning at 6:30pm.
We're pleased to present a very talented new entertainer on Thursday nights in the Library Bar for your listening pleasure. Pianist Eric Hayes shares his keyboard and vocal artistry beginning at 6:30pm. Come enjoy his soulful sounds paired with great food, wine and hospitality.
Community Corner
Friday, September 10th at 5:00pm
On Friday, September 10th beginning at 5:00pm, the Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce presents the next installment of Sounds Around Town. The town's main business area will be alive with a variety of musical entertainment, activities, sidewalk sales and plenty of food for you to enjoy. Be sure to stop by the Inn and enjoy a complimentary glass of our refreshing non-alcoholic Summer Spritzer.
CELEBRATE THE DOG DAYS
AT THE BERNARDS INN
The Dog Days of Summer are here and The Bernards Inn invites you and your four-legged best friend to enjoy terrace dining in style. Beginning August 9th, and every Monday in August, the Inn will welcome you and your dog for dinner. While you enjoy al fresco dining and drinks, Fido will enjoy a special gourmet treat prepared in our kitchen by pastry chef Duane Hendershot. All well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Please call the Inn for reservations. Bow wow!
AUGUST 2010
THURSDAY NIGHTS IN THE LIBRARY BAR
Thursday nights at 6:30pm
We're pleased to present a very talented new entertainer on Thursday
nights in the Library Bar for your listening pleasure. Pianist Eric Hayes shares his keyboard and vocal artistry beginning at 6:30pm. Come enjoy his soulful sounds paired with great
food, wine and hospitality.
Our New Summer Menus
With the change in seasons comes the Inn's exciting new summer menus presented by Executive Chef Corey Heyer. The new breakfast, lunch, dinner, bar and dessert menus feature some lighter dishes that are a perfect match for the toasty days of summer with many of the ingredients coming from our very own gardens. Come enjoy Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote, the Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich with Yellow Tomato Gazpacho, the Kindai Snapper with a Crab-Stuffed Squash Blossom or our signature Strawberry Shortcake with Chantilly Cream. Whether it's for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a bite at the bar you're in for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Roof-top Garden
As we've done for the last few years, many of the herbs and produce presented on our summer menus come from our garden at Red Barns Farm. Chef Heyer and his culinary team have taken this effort to new heights with a roof-top garden right here at the Inn. The container garden sits above the Fenwick Ballroom where it gets abundant sunshine throughout the day. The garden's output is cultivated daily and brought right into the kitchen where it's added to the day's presentations. It doesn't get any fresher than this!
Send Us Your Favorite Drink Recipe
Anyone who's enjoyed a drink at the Inn knows that we can mix a great cocktail. But, we know that there are a lot of great mixologists out there and we'd love to have you share your favorite drink recipe with us. Send your recipe to Dave Riley, the Inn's Director of Food and Beverage, at driley@bernardsinn.com. Dave will be testing, and tasting, the recipes that are submitted and yours might be the one that's featured on our next drink menu.
Refreshing Summer Cocktails
Along with our new summer dining menus comes our menu of refreshing summer cocktails presented in the Library Bar by Emily, Jess and Moises. Our talented bartenders are mixing up some amazing libations such as the Basil Limonata, the Lychee Martini and the Capp-Patron-o. We also have a selection of great craft beers to enjoy including Cricket Hill East Coast Lager, Magic Hat #9 and Sweaty Betty Blonde. If you're a Sangria lover then you have to try Wine Director Terri Baldwin's secret recipe red and white Sangrias. No matter what you choose our smooth and satisfying summer drinks are the perfect way to beat the heat.
We're Honored!
For the fourteenth consecutive year, The Bernards Inn hotel and restaurant have been honored with the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award. For 2010, the Inn is one of only six hotels and eight restaurants throughout all of New Jersey to receive this prestigious honor. And, for the last four years, The Bernards Inn is the only establishment in New Jersey to hold a Four Diamond rating for both the hotel and restaurant. I invite you to come and experience the gracious hospitality and outstanding cuisine and service that has earned the Inn this exceptional achievement year after year. And while you're here take a look at our gleaming new awards.
Thursday, June 10 from 7:00pm - 9:00 pm
Are you a single male between the ages of 35 and 55? Then I invite you to join us for our next Signature Singles Social The ladies have already responded. The social is on Thursday, June 10th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in our private Silver Vault and Wine Pantry. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, an open bar of wine and beer and the company and conversation of others.
$50.00 per person including tax and gratuity.
Reservations for the evening, which are required and limited.
For more information or to make your reservation please call Tracey Mancini or Lauren Montemarano at (908) 766-0002.
The Bernards Inn in partnership with the
J. M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art in Bernardsville is offering a great getaway package for art lovers-the Gallery Gourmet.
This special package for two features deluxe overnight accommodations for one night at the Inn, a welcome specialty cocktail or featured glass of wine at the Library Bar, a $100 food and beverage credit that can be used for dining at the Inn during your stay and a personalized tour of the current exhibit at the J. M. Stringer Gallery guided by the owners. $315.00 excluding taxes and is available Tuesday-Saturday evenings.
TWO UNFORGETTABLE WINE EVENTS
Wine Director and Sommelier Terri Baldwin presents two exciting wine events for you to experience.
Go Bike! Go Celebrate! Ultimate Indulgence. The Unforgettable Proposal. These are just a few of the new getaway packages we recently introduced. Whether it’s for adventure, romance or a bit of both, The Bernards Inn offers a host of great getaways throughout the year all designed to invigorate the senses from beginning to end. You can also create your own package by choosing from a list of tantalizing extras. Reservations can be booked online at www.bernardsinn.com or by calling us at (908) 766-0002.
Executive Chef Corey Heyer shares a special dessert recipe.
NOT JUST A NUMBER......
Did you know that the guest rooms on the second floor of The Inn, don't just have a room number, but a name? In fact each room is named after a magnificent estate here in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey. To read about the history of each of these beautifully designed guest rooms click here....and next time you are at The Inn ask to see one of these rooms ...Appletrees, Overleigh, Mayfield, Claremont, Westover, Peachcroft, Timberfield or Kennelston. Better yet plan an special overnight and experience the luxury for yourself! Read more about each mansion.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
HIGHLIGHTS IN 2009 - NAMED "BEST FRESH & LOCAL
..."This year, as chefs competed to see how many local place names they could squeeze onto their menus, no one kept it more local than Corey Heyer, the executive chef at The Bernards Inn led a team that grew nasturtiums (served with an appetizer of seared ahi tuna), arugula (with grilled Wagyu beef and cilantro pesto), salad greens, potatoes, squash blossoms, eggplants, cucumbers, peppers, thyme; they are not just decoration, but the restaurant’s foundation." Read more.
WHEN THE FAMILY COMES TO VISIT
If you have out-of-town family members staying overnight, make things easier on yourself by having them stay at the Inn. We have 20 beautifully decorated guest rooms ready to welcome your visitors with all the warmth of the holiday season. Room reservations can be made by calling us at (908) 766-0002 or make reservations on-line.
ESCAPE TO WINTER ROMANCE
The Bernards Inn is known as the place to go to for special occasions. So when you’re looking to create your own special occasion we have just what you need. Escape to our Winter Romance getaways and come rekindle the romance.
Click here to read more.
INTIMATE WEDDINGS AT THE BERNARDS INN
A wedding at The Bernards Inn is the perfect marriage of sophistication and enjoyment. Tracey Mancini and Lauren Montemarano, our in-house professionals, will assist you in planning the perfect day and make sure that no detail gets overlooked. Next to saying "Yes, I will!" choosing The Bernards Inn for your wedding will be the easiest and best decision you'll make. Contact Tracey or Lauren at (908) 766-0002 to start planning your special day. Prime dates are still available for the 2010 season. When you call be sure to ask about a unique opportunity to host your wedding at the 2010 Mansion in May catered by The Bernards Inn.
FACEBOOK
Are you a friend of The Inn on Facebook? If not, I invite you to join the ever-growing group of people who are. You can read all about what we’ve been up to and what we’re planning.
Click here to make the connection and get the “Inn-side” scoop.
THE PERFECT GIFT - A BERNARDS INN GIFT CERTIFICATE
Our gift certificates are available in any amount and can be used for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks at the bar or an overnight package in one of our beautiful guest rooms. Gift certificates can be purchased online, or by phone at (908) 766-0002 or in-person at the Front Desk of the Inn.
CHEF DE CUISINE, CRAIG POLIGNANO SHARES A SPECIAL RECIPE
Fall is my favorite season for creating new recipes. After a summer of beautiful New Jersey tomatoes, corn and peaches, there’s nothing I look forward to more than getting different kinds of apples, squashes, and cabbages to use for our menu. Butternut squash soup is a staple of the fall season in most restaurants. Roasted squash has a delicate flavor; slightly earthy and mildly sweet. Click here for a simple recipe to help those at home make a great soup. Visit our Blog and let me know how it worked for you. I’d love to hear from you.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU....VISIT US ON THE BERNARDS INN BLOG AND FACEBOOK
We are proud to present our new blog entitled "The Bernards Innspirations." Our hope is that you will be inspired by our postings and will comment on what you are reading. Look for recipes from Chef Corey Heyer, wines from Wine Director, Terri Balwin and other fun postings from staff at The Inn. Click here to visit our blog. We invite you to also become a fan on our new facebook page. Click here to visit our facebook page.
GETTING THE MOST FROM A WINE TASTING OR WINE DINNER
Have you ever been invited to a wine tasting or wine dinner and weren’t sure how to get the most out of the experience? In a recent issue of New Jersey Countryside magazine, our Wine Director and Sommelier Terri Baldwin shares her advice on the subject with tips on how to avoid getting overwhelmed in the process.“The advice I would give for wine tastings and wine dinners would be slightly different for the two” says Terri.
WINE TASTINGS
Whether it’s a walk-around event featuring 40 or so wines or a tasting on a smaller scale, Terri suggests:
- Bring a small notebook and pen to take notes. You don't necessarily have to write down details about every wine, but jot down notes about wines that interest you in any way.
People seem to have a tendency to forget what they liked, even though they think they’ll remember. It can become confusing when mingling, tasting, and talking.
- Arrive early to avoid missing out on wines that may quickly become out of stock.
- You should arrive with a clean palate (not already having consumed any alcohol, or any type of strong food such as garlic, onions, peppers, etc.). This may disguise the flavor profiles of the wines you’re about to taste.
- Carry as little as possible. It can become a juggling act if you’re carrying too many items.
- Don't wear white or light-colored clothing in the event of spills. You also will have a good chance of getting splashed when dumping your wine in buckets.
- Don't wear perfume or cologne. This prevents the olfactory senses from being able to do their job properly. You want to be able to smell the wine without interference from other odors.
- Smell the glass you’re given to make sure it’s clean; meaning free of odors, detergents, etc.
- Keep the one glass and you can always do a rinse with water or rinse with a small amount of the wine you’re about to taste.
- It's a good idea to spit, allowing you to taste many more wines. If you follow your notes from the beginning, you can revisit some wines that you liked towards the end of the event and then sip them without spitting. Despite what you may think, if you spit you’ll be taken more seriously, and questions will be encouraged.
- Don't hesitate to ask any questions; this is a good way to increase your knowledge.
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
- Cleanse your palate often with bread. (This is one of the best palate cleansers.)
- Be courteous of others; you’re not the only one tasting wine. Let others get to the tables to share in the experi ence.
- Bring a credit card in the event you’re able to purchase any of the wines you’ve enjoyed.
WINE DINNER
For a seated wine dinner Terri offers these suggestions:
- Smell the glasses at your place setting to make sure they’re clean; meaning free of odors, detergents, etc.
- Don't wear perfume or cologne. This prevents the olfactory senses from being able to do their job properly. You want to be able to smell the wine without interference from other odors.
- Pace yourself in the beginning so that you’ll be able to enjoy all of the wines poured throughout the dinner.
- Bring a pen to take a few notes on the menu, if you like.
- Try to compare wines side-by-side allowing you to notice even subtle differences.
- Blind tasting the wines can be a lot of fun, and this will also let your palate judge what wines you prefer without being influenced by price, package, etc.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Cleanse your palate often with bread.
- Ask questions of the host or presenter.
- Eat food slowly to enjoy the experience.
- Try different wines with the food to see what may pair the best. Wines do enhance the food, and food will enhance the wine.
- Wines will constantly change and evolve over the course of the evening, therefore, it’s advisable to sip and re-visit the wines during the dinner. This will allow you to really notice how wines change with oxygen.
- Make new acquaintances and/or new friends.Relax and have fun as you create a lasting memory of the evening!
THE MAGIC OF MASSAGE
Enrich your soul and enliven your senses with a relaxing and rejuvenating massage during your next stay at the Inn. We offer a wide range of in-room services including massages for individuals and couples, moms-to-be, brides, wedding parties, and corporate guests, 30-, 60- and 90-minute sessions, Swedish and traditional Thai therapies, and our exclusive Bernards Inn Essential Indulgence Signature Massage available separately or in a great overnight package. For information on rates and availability please give us a call at (908) 766-0002.
BERNARDS INN NAMED NEW JERSEY’S TOP RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR BY STAR-LEDGER
The Bernards Inn has been named the state’s top restaurant of 2008 by the Star-Ledger. Describing the Inn as a “Garden State dining legend,” “awesome,” and with “service that makes you feel as if you’re the only patron in the place,” reviewer Cody Kendall distinguished the Inn as her favor ite of 2008 after awarding the top rating of four stars to the Inn last fall. A twenty year veteran of the Star-Ledger, Kendall’s criteria for top restaurants include: food quality, atmosphere, value, service, cleanliness and more.
FOUR STAR REVIEW!
On November 8th, the Inn was honored with a four star rating from food critic Cody Kendall of The Star-Ledger. Cody began the review by saying: “All the standards are high here, from the solicitous service that doesn't skip a beat to the live piano music, which provides an appropriate nightly soundtrack for the top-caliber restaurant.” Cody went on to say: “The way we were treated on our visit to the inn made us feel as if we were the only patrons in the room. A glance around assured me that was not so, as the other well-spaced tables were filled, but we wanted for nothing during our evening at the inn. On another occasion, I dined at a table in the bar area near the pianist, and received the same type of attention, even though we ordered only a few items and some drinks.” Click here for the full review.
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See what else is happening in Bernardsville this month www.bvillechamber.com
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