With Father’s Day quickly approaching, I found myself scrambling to find that special gift for my dad. My father isn’t particularly too hard to shop for, but he seems to have everything. He’s into sports, jeans and fine liquor. Just when I was about to admit defeat, I received an invitation to a tasting in Jersey City.
New Yorkers are notorious for not venturing outside their boroughs; so needless to say, getting us to New Jersey often takes a miracle. But when you receive an invitation from Chef Dale Talde, you don’t ask questions.
Chef Dale Talde, whose name you may recognize from Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef All-stars,” has opened a Jersey City location of his Asian-fusion restaurant, Talde. He decided to gather a few members of the press to share a special menu in honor of Father’s Day – and many of the dishes are ones that Dale himself enjoyed during his childhood. The dishes have been designed to pair with Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia and have been created to elevate Talde’s unique cuisine.
While we sipped Reserve de la Familia, Chef Dale, who hales from the suburbs of Chicago, regaled us with childhood stories of time spent with his family. Many of the Talde Jersey City’s Filipino-styled dishes are remixed recipes from Dale’s childhood. The feast began. We were severed Beef Short Rib Kare Kare, which are Hong Kong noodles with peanuts and Thai chili relish, a whole roasted Branzino, and Black Pepper Short Ribs. The eclectic dishes were savory with the perfect amount of spice. The pairing of Reserve de la Familia and Dale’s signature dishes were phenomenal.
Reserve de la Familia is a tradition passed down through the Jose Cuervo Family line, resulting in the finest extra-anejeo tequila ever made. The flavor of rich oak, vanilla, and toasted almonds makes this extra-anejo tequila exquisite.
The event ended with a special tour of Talde Jersey City. Housed in a former police station, the restaurant has an industrial feeling and the furniture and décor are made from eco-sustainable materials. Beautiful, whimsical lanterns hang over the bar area. Wooden booths line the perimeter, and there is a long community table for those who would like to dine with their neighbors.
Guilty of being one of those New Yorkers that don’t get too far outside my borough, I was pleasantly surprised the entire afternoon. I was introduced to a great spot in Jersey City not too far from the Path train and the perfect bottle of tequila to get my dad for Father’s Day.
Twisted Talk: Does your dad drink tequila? Will you nab a reservation at this tasty spot for Father’s Day? Discuss below!
