Pop-up Gala Deals Popping up all over Collingswood

Collingswood, the Pop-up Gala is almost upon you.

The "ultra-elegant, super-secret dinner party," which will be held at a location to be announced mere moments before the event starts, is more than an opportunity to celebrate a night out with your neighbors. 

It's also a chance to try some of the finest fare in town from Collingswood restaurants. Plus, many other businesses are getting in on the act, offering everything from white place settings to the mandatory all-white outfits for event, attendees.

Read on for a preview of some of the deals and check back with this story for updates, as more businesses join in the fun!

Akira (720 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-858-1888.)

The newest sushi and hibachi restaurant in Collingswood is offering $10 sushi and sashimi appetizers (six or 11 pieces), including the salmon and cucumber roll, crazy tuna roll and shogun roll (deep-fried sweet potato with spicy lobster salad and fresh avocado).

Then you can pick from any of three $30 entrees built for two, including chicken, steak and shrimp hibachi, 20 pieces of sushi, or a 40-piece sashimi dinner.

The American Table (740 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-240-1224.)

Set your Pop-up Gala table with white dinner plates, tablecloths and napkins from The American Table ($10-30). Reserve online or call the store; quantities are limited.

Want to accent your table? Owner Cyndi Zippilli is also offering 20 percent off all white candles, candleholders and white wine glass shades. 

Casona (563 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-854-5555.)

Take out your meal for the Pop-up Gala from Casona and get 30 percent off the extensive dinner menu at Collingswood's Cuban restaurant.

Executive Chef Jorge Reyes dishes out items ranging from the jumbo lump crab meat guacamole appetizer ($12.50) to the vaca frita braised short rib, chipotle mashed potatoes, asparagus and mushroom sauce ($25) all the way to up to the signature Casona paella, made with saffron rice, bay scallops, clams, mussels, shrimp, chorizo, chicken breast, calamari, green peas & lobster ($31; $55 for a portion that serves two).

All orders must be placed by 3 p.m. Friday, September 6, and picked up by 6:30 p.m. on the day of the gala; not valid with any other offers.

Cheese Etc. (686 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-858-1144.)

You can take a cheese box to the gala in one of two sizes: appetizer and meal-size.

For $29.95, the appetizer box includes a seasonal table cheese, pepperoni, two small homemade cheese spreads, crackers, grapes and chocolates.

The $39.95 box is large enough to serve as a full meal: it includes a seasonal table cheese plus another sharp cheese, two homemade cheese spreads, crackers, wine biscuits, grapes and chocolates.

Need something bigger? Owners Kenny and Gina Horlacher will hook you up with as few as 48 hours notice.

DiBartolo Bakery (667 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-869-3565.)

While you're planning your special dinner event, you shouldn't neglect dessert—and why would you, when you can get two white tower cakes with white chocolate mousse and whipped cream for $10? 

Order by Wednesday, Sept. 4, and you can sample the fare from the reality TV stars at Collingswood's oldest bakery.

Frugal (740 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-858-0700.)

Pop-up Gala dress is all white, so Frugal is offering 15 percent off its "white" rack. Owner Morgan Robinson is known to have fashion superpowers and will make sure you're properly attired.

Moore Brothers Wine Company (7200 N. Park Dr., Pennsauken. 856-317-1177.)

What's a gala without refreshments? Take 15 percent off your wine purchase at Moore Brothers with the Pop-Up Gala coupon attached to this story. 

The Pop Shop (729 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-869-0111.)

Connie and Stink Fisher are rolling out some of their favorite menu items, all priced to move at $8-11. 

Want to take a salad along? Try the Foghorn Country Chicken salad with crispy chicken fingers, applewood smoked bacon, tomato and Jack cheese over romaine with honey mustard dressing ($8.59).

Or help yourself to a BTA: applewood smoked bacon, tomato and avocado and balsamic mayonnaise on a ciabatta ($7.99)

All orders need at least 35 minutes' notice. 

Sapori (601 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. 856-858-2288.)

Chef-owner Franco Lombardo has prepared a special take-out menu for gala participants.

Highlights include: $6-8 antipasti specials, like the Portobello mushroom topped with goat cheese and toasted almonds; $12-15 appetizers—smoked pancetta with white onion and basil in a plum tomato-red wine sauce—and $14-15 entrees like the grass-fed hanger steak filet, flash-seared and topped with a barolo reduction-dried cherry sauce, with red beets and mascarpone mashed potatoes.

Volunteers still needed: Want to help with the Pop-Up Gala? Contact Pam Ciervo to lend your services: pwciervo@yahoo.com. And for more information, follow the event Facebook page.