NERUDA UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS:

Free Tequila Tasting with Mark Fritsch Thursday, July 29th:  Mark Fritsch of Wirtz Distributors brings a selection of twelve different tequilas to Neruda for a complimentary tasting on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.  Mark is a long-time spirits representative and long-time friend of Neruda.  We are always happy when Mark takes the time to come and educate us with his insights and hands-on samples, so come as you are to enjoy a few high-end tequilas along with spirited discussion about the production of quality tequila from Mexico.  Neruda will provide light snacks for the occasion.  Free to all customers of legal drinking age, no purchase necessary.  Stay for dinner if you like.

All Can Beer Dinner on August 19, 2010:  Joe Billhartz returns in August to present the second of his series of 2010 summer beer dinners at Neruda, this one featuring "Great Beers You Can only Get in Cans".  Joe will again share his decades of expreience in the food and beverage industry, so I am confident we will enjoy a fun and educational evening at Neruda.  If you think you can make it, give us a call.  All the summer beer dinners are $55~ per person or $100~ for two (plus tax and gratuity).  We will announce the beer selection and the menu later this month.

Other Events on the Event Horizon:  Mark Fritsch with Wirtz Distributors will be hosting a scotch and whiskey tasting in July.  We're hoping to plan a special outdoor event in August around the time of Neruda's 13th birthday.  In fact, Neruda will be 13 in August 2010, so we're shooting for a "13 on the 13th".   That takes us to the fall. 

RECENT PAST EVENTS AT NERUDA:

Neruda Pig-Fest 2010, Saturday June 26, 2010:  This was Gary's and Kurt's idea.  And I like it.  On Saturday June 26, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until about 11:00 p.m. Neruda will spill out onto the adjoining lawn for a little fun in the late afternoon sun.  Chef Gary McNelly is roasting a whole pig for the occasion, and we will offer some free tastings from his fare.  (Plates for purchase will also be available).  Southern Wines and Spirits will setup to pour samples of their fine beers and wines, and at 8:00 p.m. we will have live music featuring local favorites Matt and Craig K.  Reservations are not required, just grab some friends and come on down.  You may want to bring a folding chair if you plan to stay for the music.  Also, please note that a portion of the day's receipts will benefit the Edwardsville Art Center.  And we thank you...

Mother's Day at Neruda:  Neruda was open for Mother's Day for the first time in 2010.  We offered a variation of our regular evening menu which included our perrenial specialties such as the Broiled Twin Lobster Tails and the Prime Filet with Bearnaise Sauce.  We also included many of our popular menu items such as the Seared Tuna Appetizer, the Grilled Pork Tenderloin, and Gary's Mojito Chicken.  Click here to see the menu in PDF format.

Palatte of Flowers on Monday, May 3rd:  Once again, for the eighth year running, The Edwardsville Ars Center hosted their annual fundraiser, the Palatte of Flowers, at Neruda.  To help support our friends, contact the Edwardsville Art Center by clicking here.

Beer Dinner with Joe Billhartz on Thursday, May 6th:  Our longtime friend Joe Billhartz presented another five course beer dinner at Neruda.  This dinner's theme was "Hot Trends in Cold Beer".  Many thanks to the twenty or so patrons who enjoyed the evening with us.  To view Chef Gary's menu along with the selected beers, click here (PDF format).

Chateau Ste. Michelle at Neruda April 7th:  We enjoyed another five-course dinner with some of the great wines of Chateau Ste. Michelle hosted by Dave Carlson, Midwest Representative for Chateau Ste. Michelle Estates.  Even the Goat Garnitas with a Jamacian Jerk Sauce received a 1.80 out of 2.00 thumbs up.  To view the wines and the menu for this event, click here.

Wine Dinner, Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Spectator "Top 100 Wines of 2009":  On Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Chris Rutter of Koerner Distributors hosted a five-course wine dinner featuring five red wines from Wine Spectator's list of the Top 100 Wines of 2009.  This was the first time that we have been able to do this type of event because of the scarcity and demand for wines on the list.  A good time was had by all.  You can view the menu and the wine selections by clicking here.

Spirit Tasting January 12th:  Our annual complimentary Spirit Tasting with Ian Warford of Koerner Distributors will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 in our smaller private dining room.  Each year Ian brings twelve or so spirits to taste, and Neruda puts out light appetizers for the occasion.  Last year we had about twenty customers who trudged through the snow to enjoy the warmth of a wee dram or two, so I hope the weather holds out a bit better for us this year.  Again, this is a free event for any customers and guests over 21 years of age.  Reservations are not required, but we limit the event to fifty attendees, so please feel free to call and make a reservation. 

December 2nd - Italian Wine Dinner with Scott Reed:  On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, Scott Reed, our long-time friend and Oenologistico Fantastico, hosted a special five-course Italian Wine Dinner featuring six wines from the portfolio of Ionia Atlantic Importers.  An evening with Scott is always a great wine adventure, limited only by the amount of time afforded by the evening.  To view the wine selections with Chef Gary's menu, click here, or visit our menus page

November 10th - Wines of the Southern Hemisphere with Anthony Hendrie:  On Tuesday, November 10, 2009, Neruda presented Wines of the Southern Hemisphere: From the Portfolio of Southern Starz Imports, hosted by Anthony Hendrie of Southern Starz.  To view the wines and the menu (in PDF format), click here, or visit our menus page.

Neruda Celebrates Twelve Years of Operation on 8/22/2009:  As many of you know, I have seven employees who have worked at Neruda for over ten years, and next year I will have another two ten-plus year employees on the payroll.  Thank you employees, and thank you faithful customers who have made us successful over the years.

Our Daily Goal

Hours of Operation

Dinner:

Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 5:0 until 10:00 p.m.

Lunch:

Open for private events by reservation

The Neruda Bar:

Open Monday through Saturday daily beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Separate bar menu available

 

Our smaller dining room is available each business day as well as Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings  for your private party, business meeting, or other special event.