New Jersey's Elements to Launch Dinner Series With Matthias Merges, Dominique Crenn

Chef Scott Anderson announced this week that his Princeton, NJ restaurant Elements is going to play host to chefs from across the country as part of an upcoming "Chefs & Craftsmen" summer dinner series. And the starting lineup is pretty strong: Matthias Merges (Yusho, Chicago) will start things off on May 17, followed by Dominique Crenn (Atelier Crenn, San Francisco) on June 24. Each of them will work with Elements chef Scott Anderson on a seven-course tasting menu for these dinners that Anderson explains in a press release are intended to "honor masters of their crafts."

And what about the craftsmen element of the Chefs & Craftsmen dinner? Well, the Merges dinner will incorporate all kinds of fermented goods from Berkeley's Cultured Pickle Shop. Meanwhile Crenn has enlisted designer John Shedd to design a piece of service ware based on her own sketches. Guests will get to take home some pottery, too. A rep says there are no additional details available at the moment as to how long the series may last or who else might join the roster of guest chefs. For now, reservations are available by calling 609-924-0078, and here's the release with more details:

The press release:

SCOTT ANDERSON PAIRS CELEBRATED CHEFS & CRAFTSMAN FOR HIS 2013 SUMMER GUESTS CHEF SERIES

(Princeton, NJ; April 18, 2013) Beginning in May, Chef Scott Anderson of elements in Princeton, NJ introduces his "Chefs & Craftsman" dinner series, teaming up top cooks and artisans from coast to coast to create once in a lifetime experiences.

"My team and I wanted put together dinners that honor masters of their crafts—from chefs around the country that I have to utmost respect for, to fermentation experts, and even designers," explains Anderson. "There's a strong interplay between what each of us creates, and bringing all of these elements together is going to make for a whole that is greater than each individually."

The lineup for the first two dinners in the series includes:

v Chef Matthias Merges & Cultured Pickle Shop – On Friday, May 17th Chef Matthias Merges of Yusho in Chicago, IL will cook a seven-course meal with Chef Anderson, utilizing products from the Cultured Pickle Shop in Berkeley, CA created especially for the occasion. Pickling gurus Alex Hozven and Kevin Farley spent weeks working closely with the two chefs to develop ingredients that will be featured on the menu—which will be heavily inspired by Japanese culture and cuisine—including fermented myoga, koji, and squab fermented in sake lees.

The event is $105 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with an optional $45 beverage pairing. The evening begins with hors d'oeuvres at 6:30pm, followed by a seated dinner at 7:00pm.

v Chef Dominique Crenn & Designer John Shedd – On Monday, June 24, Chef Dominique Crenn of the two Michelin starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, CA will work in conjunction with local New Jersey designer John Shedd to produce a memorable seven-course tasting event. Shedd, who regularly creates custom plates and bowls for elements, is designing a piece of service ware that will aesthetically complement one of Crenn's dishes that the evening, based upon her personal sketches. As a special treat, all guests will receive hand crafted artisan pottery to take home.

The event is $120 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with an optional $45 beverage pairing. The evening begins with hors d'oeuvres at 6:00pm, followed by a seated dinner at 6:30pm.

The first two events in the "Chefs & Craftsman" dinner series at elements will be held on May 17th and June 24th. Reservations are required for each event and can be made by calling 609.924.0078. For more information visit www.elementsprinceton.com.

About elements:
elements, is located in Princeton, NJ and is rooted in the philosophy that a memorable dining experience depends on a harmonious union of the fundamentals – food, service, and environment. Helmed by Chef/Owner Scott Anderson, the interpretive American cuisine focuses on locally grown, sustainable products from which his team blends the many cultural influences of the world to create fresh and inviting flavors. Daily changing menus, a formidable wine list and exquisite craft cocktails make elements the ultimate in neighborhood and destination dining. For more information, visit: www.elementsprinceton.com.

· Elements [Official Site]
· All Elements Coverage on Eater [-E-]