New Jersey wine fanatics, listen up. There’s a can’t-miss event coming to Jersey City, featuring the best of Iberian winemaking.
Theo Orban—a NJ/NY-based wine professional and manager at Jersey City staple, Satis Bistro—will take over the 87 Sussex dining room for an evening of Iberian wine, popping Spanish and Portuguese bottles alike from producers Anselmo Mendes, Frontonio, Aphros, and Diego Magaña of Anza.
Theo’s Iberian Wine Dinner
To go with the lesson in Iberian viniculture is a five-course pairing menu, arranged by Executive Chef Brian Walter.
Chef Walter—an honorary James Beard Foundation member with more than 20 years of experience in some of NYC’s finest kitchens—turns to the Iberian Peninsula for menu inspiration. Here’s what diners can expect:
- First Course: Bolinhos de Bacalhau—salt cod, potato, parsley, piri-piri aioli
- Second Course: Roasted Atlantic Hake—littleneck clams, couve galega, potato, coriander broth
- Third Course: Quail—Jamón de Teruel, migas, Mission fig, rosemary
- Fourth Course: Vine-Grilled Lamb Loin—patatas a la Riojana, piquillo pepper, lamb jus
- Dessert: Almond and Olive Oil Cake—caramelized orange, Pedro Ximénez-soaked raisins, crème fraîche
Theo will curate pairings for each course, taking diners on a journey that begins and ends with one of the world’s greatest wine regions. “This dinner is an opportunity to celebrate Iberian winemaking through an intimate and memorable dining experience. Each course has been created to bring out the personality of the wines and give guests a deeper appreciation for the producers behind them,” Theo said of the event.
It fits the 87 Sussex concept. Chef Brian Walter’s culinary style bridges the gap between the classic French cooking he picked up during his career at legendary restaurants like Le Cirque, with the globally-inspired flair expected of a modern fine dining destination—and the Theo Wine Dinner does exactly that.
In addition to James Beard recognition, Walter has earned a Top 5 Chefs in NJ spot by NJ Life Magazine, multiple nationally broadcast news appearances, and even a top-rated burger in NJ by NJ Monthly, solidifying his impressive range in the kitchen.
Event Details
Theo’s Iberian Wine Dinner will take place at 87 Sussex on Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person, and can be reserved here or through OpenTable.
For any wine fans in the area, this is a meal you don’t want to miss. Book now—seats are filling up fast.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
