Jersey Girl Kitchen & Bar in Wildwood brought a taste of Spain to the Jersey Shore with a special five-course wine dinner showcasing thoughtfully prepared dishes paired with wines from several of Spain’s celebrated wine regions.
The one-night dining experience at 3601 Atlantic Avenue took guests on a culinary journey from a sparkling Cava welcome to a rich Tawny Port finale, with seafood, pork belly, and a show-stopping tomahawk steak along the way.
Five Courses, Five Spanish Wines
The evening began on a light, refreshing note with a Citrus Crab Salad Bite, paired with a glass of Brut Cava.
Next came a beautifully composed appetizer of Seared Scallop with Parsnip Purée and Orange Gastrique. The scallop was paired with Albariño from Rías Baixas, the coastal Spanish wine region best known for this crisp white varietal.
The intermediate course turned up the richness with Sherry Vinegar and Honey-Glazed Pork Belly served over romesco with piquillo pepper and toasted almonds. Jersey Girl paired the dish with Juan Gil Silver from Jumilla.
Then came the centerpiece of the evening.
The entrée featured a Grilled Tomahawk Steak with Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Broccolini, and red wine demi, paired with a Rioja Reserva.
Finally, dessert brought together Espresso Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch and Vanilla Cream, complemented by Tawny Port.
The progression moved from bright, delicate flavors into increasingly bold, decadent territory, giving guests the chance to experience several styles of Spanish wine over the course of one dinner.
A Different Kind of Night Out in Wildwood
Known for putting its own contemporary spin on dining at the Shore, Jersey Girl approached the dinner as more than simply a prix-fixe meal. Each course was created with its accompanying wine in mind, making the pairings integral to the experience.
The Spanish theme also made this a particularly fun event for wine lovers who may know Rioja or Cava but haven’t ventured much further into Spain’s diverse wine regions.
And, of course, you don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it. Sometimes the best way to learn about wine is to sit down, taste it alongside great food, and discover which combinations speak to you.
For information about Jersey Girl, its menu, and future special events, visit the Jersey Girl Kitchen & Bar website.
All photos by Jennifer Cassada and should not be used without permission.
