(RED BANK | SEPTEMBER 28) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, New Jersey’s premier nonprofit performing arts venue, has announced an exclusive dining program for Basie patrons.

Beginning today, ticket buyers can purchase deals from three of Red Bank’s most popular dining destinations: Pazzo Restaurant on West Front Street, The Bistro at Red Bank on Broad Street and The Melting Pot, located in the Galleria building on the corner of West Front Street and Bridge Avenue.

The offers are available as part of the checkout process on theBASIE.org, or while customers are buying tickets via phone (732-842-9000) or onsite at the Basie box office.

“The Melting Pot of Red Bank is proud to be a partner and supporter of the Basie Center for the Arts,” said Jennifer Zmurk, marketing consultant for Front Burner Brands, parent company of The Melting Pot.  “We are excited to offer locals and visitors an enhanced social fondue experience before or after events.”

“Diner and theater go hand and hand and that’s the relationship my businesses love have with the Count Basie Center,” said George Lyristis, owner, The Bistro at Red Bank. “We are very lucky to have such an outstanding organization at our business’s doorsteps and will continue to support them and everything they do”

“The Basie Center is a focal point of Red Bank’s magnetism,” said Richie Dell’anno, co-owner at Pazzo. “Associating ourselves with its history and mission, supporting its operations, and offering dining experiences as fans are purchasing event tickets is a win-win for all involved.”

The Basie’s dining program allows patrons to “make a night of it” as they buy tickets to any one of the center’s 200+ annual shows. All offers include a $45 gift certificate, while the Melting Pot offer includes six hand-dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries, and Pazzo provides a free appetizer.

For more information on upcoming Count Basie Center events – and opportunities to take advantage of the Basie’s dining partner program, visit theBASIE.org or call 732-842-9000.