Two BYOB Nights in Haddonfield Next Week: Mahjong at Sparrow's and a Pasta Class at Jersey Java

Haddonfield has two BYOB weeknights downtown next week. Dragons After Dark brings mahjong to Sparrow's on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Chef Edward Strojan teaches a hands-on pasta class at Jersey Java and Tea Co. on Wednesday, Nov. 18. One pours for you. One doesn't. Here's what to bring to each.

Tuesday, Nov. 17: Dragons After Dark at Sparrow's

When and where: 6 to 8 p.m. at Sparrow's, 10 Mechanic St.

This is a mahjong night out: play, snack, sip, talk. Sparrow's provides the food. The hosts provide wine and seltzers. The listing says BYO only "if you'd like to sip something specific," per Haddonfield.Today.

It's for players of every skill level who can already play on their own. Not a lesson. Bring your own card; the hosts keep a few spares. Leave your set at home. Tables are set up before you arrive. Tickets and details are on Eventbrite through the listing.

What to bring: your card, and maybe one bottle you actually like. That's it. You don't need a cooler for a two-hour game night where wine is already on the table.

Wednesday, Nov. 18: BYOB pasta class at Jersey Java

When and where: 6:30 to 9 p.m., doors at 6:15, at Jersey Java and Tea Co., 140 North Haddon Ave.

Chef Edward Strojan walks the class from dough to plate. Per the Eventbrite page, the menu starts with homemade focaccia and antipasto. Then come two pasta dishes made with the pasta and sauces you make in class, and homemade tiramisu to finish. You go home with recipe packets. The page also promises a little history of each pasta shape and the chef's tips for making it at home.

Beverages are BYOB, full stop. Nothing is poured for you here.

The details that matter before you buy:

• Eventbrite listed tickets at $87.31 on Friday evening, Nov. 13.
• No refunds.
• Share dietary restrictions and allergies two days ahead of class. For this one, that means by Monday, Nov. 16.
• The page lists free parking and all ages.

What to bring: a bottle that works with a tomato or olive oil sauce, since you won't know the exact sauces until class. A medium red or a crisp white is the safe call. Bring something nonalcoholic too. It's two and a half hours of rolling dough, and you'll want water. Beer fan? Our seasonal beers and ciders guide has local picks.

BYOB etiquette, the short version

BYOB is normal in Haddonfield. Our Umile Trattoria guide covers the restaurant side. At events like these, the basics are simple. Bring what you'll drink. Share if you're at a shared table. Take the empties home unless someone tells you otherwise. And if the host is already pouring, a second bottle is a gift, not a requirement.

Which one is for you?

If you already play mahjong and want a low-key Tuesday, go to Sparrow's. If you want to learn something you can cook again at home, the pasta class is your night.

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