Open that bottle!

Project Self-Sufficiency sponsors night of celebration HOPATCONG — Project Self-Sufficiency will sponsor the fifth annual Open That Bottle Night, an event created for wine-lovers which traditionally takes place on the last Saturday evening in February. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m., at the Hudson Farm Club, a 3,000 acre private hunting preserve in Hopatcong. The occasion will include rare wines, sumptuous food from Chef Kirk Avondoglio of Perona Farms, and the opportunity to purchase artwork from local sculptors, artists and photographers. = Musical entertainment will be provided by the Meant to be Jazz trio. How it works Participants are required to bring their own bottle of wine along and share their story about its origin with the other guests. Additional rare and unique wines will be available to supplement those brought along by participants. Origins Open That Bottle Night was created in 2000 by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, former authors of the Wall Street Journal’s Tastings column. The concept encouraged those who had been saving a special bottle of wine to gather together with other wine-enthusiasts to share their own bottles and create a memorable wine-tasting experience. The bottles of wine brought along to the occasion did not have to be particularly expensive. The popular event is now celebrated around the world, in countries from Canada to Russia to Japan. "Open That Bottle Night is an important component of our annual campaign, and one whose message reminds us that we need not wait for a special occasion to celebrate with family and friends," said Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. "Every day gives us the opportunity to create new memories." Menu The menu for the evening will feature hors d’oeuvres of smoked salmon, an artisanal charcuterie platter, and shrimp shooters; followed by poached salmon, veal and sage ravioli, tossed salad with mustard vinaigrette, and pork chops with sweet potato puree and haricot verts. Triple chocolate cupcakes will be offered for dessert. “Perona Farms is heavily invested in helping out people in our community who need assistance, and Project Self-Sufficiency does a great job of helping out people in need,” said Perona Farms chef Kirk Avondoglio. Tickets Tickets for Open That Bottle Night are $300 per person or $500 per couple, and select sponsorships are available. For information about the event, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about sponsorships, please call 973-940-3500.