Last weekend was about the kids with a trip to the firehouse. The kids listened to a presentation by the Firefighters, got some good advice on safety, and and then were allowed special permission to climb on the trucks. This excitement was followed by snacks & drinks…it couldn’t have gone better for the kids!
But this weekend was grown-up time at Pane & Vino for a buffet dinner and a steady selection of fine wines to sample and enjoy. The Wyckoff Newcomers & Neighbors event was an opportunity for couples to join in some sophisticated fun, explore wines, and meet new folks before the summer season comes on full force.
One goal of the event was to bring out “the other half” made up of local husbands, and who could refuse an evening that offered good wine, good food, and plenty of good company. Pane & Vino is a perfect locale for hosting a social event of this type. The large marble-top table centrally located creates a perfect focal point, and the bar is set to the side so as to be accessible without being intrusive. It makes for easy mingling and socializing.
P&V provided a varied selection of wines to be sampled throughout the evening. Riondo Prosecco Veneto 2002, a clean, pure , sparkling white with a delicate finish is perfect for the summer. This wine got a score of 90 from the Wine Advocate. Another white, Colosi Bianco 2007, has a young, fresh taste for a Sicilian wine. It makes an excellent choice if your grilling fish, having shellfish or serving an antipasto. Representing the reds is Pillar Box Red 2006 from Australia. This purple-colored win is 50% Shiraz, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Merlot aged in a mix of used French and American oak. It is full-bodied, ripe, layered with flavor, and an excellent bargain. All of the wines chosen were, for future reference, very reasonably priced.
Of course, to really celebrate, champagne is needed, and so that too was being poured. It might not have been part of the plan, but champagne glasses were being raised as the summer solstice passed us at 7:59pm on Friday evening. It might not be the same as ringing in the New Year, but there’s something about partying on a summer evening in June that easily surpasses that of a cold, dark, January night.
The Newcomers & Neighbors Club has a long tradition in Wyckoff and was established in 1965. They work to create opportunities for people to meet, and for friendships to build. A list of activities and events is available on their website WyckoffNewcomers.com; and, they are always welcoming new members whether you are new to the community or have been here for years. There are book clubs, dinner clubs, family activities, and support groups that reach out to families who may need help after a birth, after a death, or during a serious illness.
