Looking for a great way to start the weekend?
Consider Springfield Avenue.
Over at 1914, Knitknack’s Friday night knitting/spinning/crocheting circle (6-8 p.m.) is featuring “Knit and Chips” this week. Writes owner Marie Downes, “We usually have Gigi’s for those of us with the sweet tooth. Well, this Friday we are spinning the circle in a different direction.”
“Knit and Chips” comes to Knitknack this Friday night.
“We are having a salty night. This Friday, July 25, is ‘Knit and Chips’ — a salsa and chip knitting circle.”
Although Downes warns patrons to be “prepared to wash your hands,” she notes that no-one should worry: “Eating first is okay. The fiber will get over it.”
A little further east, Simone Anthony Brown offers her ever-popular “Cocktails & Canvas Workshop” from 7-9 p.m. (also offered on Thursdays and Saturdays) at Express Yourself Studios, 1877 Springfield Avenue.
“Bring your bottle of wine (or favorite beverage) and explore your creative side while having a night out with friends!” Brown writes. Cocktails & Canvas Workshops are suitable for all levels. Brown stresses that the main objective is to have fun. And everyone leaves with a finished piece of artwork.
Fun and art happen during “Cocktails & Canvas” at Express Yourself Studios.
And if Thursday, Friday and Saturday don’t work for you, try Express Yourself Studios’ Pinot & Pottery on Wednesdays or Coffee & Canvas on Sunday.
For some more serious eating, Verjus at 1790 Springfield Avenue continues to wow the crowds with its stellar cuisine. Verjus has just been named — for the gajillionth time — as one of the 25 top restaurants in New Jersey (New Jersey Monthly).
Throughout July and August, Verjus is offering a special prix fixe menu on Fridays for its summer Shore Dinner Night. A recent Shore Dinner menu included first courses such as Chesapeake Oyster Fry and Gratin of Exotic Mushrooms. Second courses included One Pound Main Lobster (split and broiled Oreganata) and Black Angus Flat Iron Steak (with green peppercorn sauce). Desserts included Blueberry Crepes, Brooklyn Ice Cream Sundae and Georgia Pecan Tart.
Award-winning cuisine at Verjus’ Shore Dinner Night.
(Note: The third Friday of July and August is NOT Shore Dinner Night; instead it’s Bistro Night. Check the Verjus Facebook page for details and menus.)
Jane Witkin, who owns Verjus alongside husband and chef Charlie Tutino, reports that Verjus is using lots of local produce in its summer menu — much of it from Alstede’s Farm which is a vendor at the Maplewood Farmers Market. Diners will find Jersey corn showing up in Verjus’ Jersey Corn Chowder, Jersey tomatoes in the Gazpacho, and peaches in Tutino’s Peach Crisp or in his homemade Peach Ice Cream.
We can’t think of a better way to start the weekend.
Is there a fun Friday night event happening on Springfield Avenue that we missed? Email us at villagegreennj@gmail.com and we will cover your story.
