BEST DISHES OF 2008
Do you sometimes tell friends, “I would go to that restaurant just to have the _____”? Well, here’s a list, in alphabetical order by restaurant, of my favorite dishes of 2008. Please post yours.
Arthur’s Landing, Weehawken: Grilled blue nose bass with butternut-ginger purée, shimeji mushrooms, baby spinach, and chili butter; seared day-boat scallops with roasted cauliflower and pancetta risotto; sticky toffee pudding with spiced poached pear, warm toffee sauce, and whipped cream
Arturo’s, Maplewood: Hand-cut fresh pasta with prosciutto, red onion, and Parmesan
Bin 14 Trattoria and Wine Bar, Hoboken: Bruschetta with roasted pumpkin topped with balsamic reduction
Bistro 18, Montclair: Caponata
Blu, Montclair: Seafood dumplings in coconut red chili broth; gently cooked salmon with scallions, black beans, peanuts, and sweet and sour glaze; duck breast with caramelized turnip, red cabbage, and fig red wine emulsion; coconut tapioca with fresh mango
Copeland, Morristown: Burger of Wagyu beef on a brioche bun with cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, with homemade French fries; Jersey corn soup; chili-cinnamon-glazed Chilean sea bass with potato-wrapped shrimp, baby bok choy, and miso-lemongrass nage; peach doughnut with sweet corn ice cream
Corso 98, Montclair: Sautéed Florida rock shrimp risotto with green asparagus, braised fennel, and Romano; Alaskan day-boat cod oreganato with warm tomato, arugula, and red onion salad; Alaskan Yukon River salmon baked with jumbo lump crab-vegetable stuffing with steamed baby bok choy and Chardonnay lemon-thyme sauce
Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Keyport: Black bean soup; shrimp with grits
Due Mari, New Brunswick: Robiola ravioli in butternut squash brown butter sage sauce
Farm 2 Bistro, Nutley: Sesame-seared ahi tuna with chipotle aioli
55 Main, Flemington: Udon noodle salad with peanut vinaigrette
Gladstone Tavern, Gladstone: Lobster mac and cheese
Greek Taverna, Montclair: Baklava with almonds and walnuts surrounded by honey-soaked phyllo
Huntley Taverne, Summit: Peach tart with homemade peach ice cream
LaPrete’s Italian Table, Belleville: Cappellini in vodka sauce; chocolate almond torte with fresh cream
Lorena’s, Maplewood: Gently cooked Scottish salmon with melted leeks, tomato confit “jam,” and black olive powder; skate wing with honey-glazed carrots, smoked bacon, and cauliflower purée; strawberry tart
Mantra, Paramus: Table Side Chaat (chickpeas, tomatoes, potatoes, and papdi tossed with spicy sauce), which serves four; Goan shrimp curry (shrimp simmered in a coastal-style sauce with coconut and ground spices); kurkuri bhindi (crispy okra tossed with onions, spices, and fresh coriander)
Next Door, Montclair: Mushroom barley soup; hamburger on a brioche hamburger roll; napa salad with peanuts, crisp wontons, snow peas, carrots, and spicy peanut dressing
Pluckemin Inn, Bedminster: Chocolate pudding with warm chocolate biscuit, malt streusel, and espresso malt ice cream
Restaurant Latour, Hardyston: Quince-glazed Muscovy duck carved tableside, with braised Pine Island cabbage, caramelized quince, and aged balsamic game jus
Resto, Madison: Day-boat scallops with truffled pea sauce, carrot caviar, and coriander tuile; yellow tomato gazpacho with jumbo lump crabmeat salad; freeform ratatouille ravioli with Parmigiano foam; toasted almond and black plum bread pudding with minted crème fraîche
Spuntino Three 60, New Brunswick: Pappardelle Bolognese with sheep’s-milk ricotta
Stage House Restaurant and Wine Bar, Scotch Plains: Burger; bourbon pecan pie
Stamna Greek Taverna, Bloomfield: Any of the grilled whole fish
Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Warren: Kir at the bar; rib veal chop
Tabor Road Tavern, Parsippany: Mini monkfish taco; side of creamy grits; butternut squash soup
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SAVE THE DATE
On January 23, a wine and chocolate tasting with a light buffet will be held at the Hyatt Regency, 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, to benefit Deirdre’s House, a center in Morris County for child victims of abuse and neglect and kids who have witnessed domestic violence. 6:30 to 10 PM; $65. For tickets call 973-631-5000.
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DINING DEALS
Wine Down Mondays are celebrated at South City Grill, 55 Route 17 South, Rochelle Park, with 50 percent off select bottles. For reservations call 201-845-3737.
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The following restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve:
Auletto Caterers, 1849 Cooper Street, Almonesson, will celebrate Wines Around the World on New Year’s Eve. 9 PM to 2 AM; $245 per couple. For more information and reservations call 856-227-3800.
Spend New Year’s aboard the Battleship New Jersey, 62 Battleship Place, Camden, and sleep in the bunks the crew once did. This event includes dinner and breakfast served from the crew’s mess, a tour of the ship, a ride on the 4-D flight simulator, a nonalcoholic toast at midnight, and a view of the fireworks over the Delaware River; $60.95. Reserve your bunk by calling 866-877-6262 ext 203. The battleship will also open its decks to guests at 10 PM and have music, prizes, food, and beverages including bar service for adults; $7. For tickets call 866-877-6262 ext 107. For more information log on to www.battleshipnewjersey.org.
The Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, has two dining options for New Year’s Eve. A three-course prix-fixe dinner with seatings from 6 to 7 PM is $110 plus alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tax, and gratuity. A four-course prix-fixe dinner with seatings from 9 to 10 PM is $170 plus alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tax, and gratuity and includes a glass of champagne at midnight along with hats and noisemakers. For a very special evening, consider the New Year’s Eve Celebration Getaway for two, which includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious guest room, a bottle of champagne on ice in the room prior to arrival, an assortment of chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate truffles presented with the champagne, a four-course dinner at the late seating, a midnight champagne toast, a sterling silver Bernards Inn wine stopper, an à la carte breakfast, and late checkout. The package is priced at $650 for standard guest room accommodations, $725 for deluxe guest room accommodations, and $800 for a premium suite. Taxes and gratuities are additional. For reservations call 908-766-0002.
Blackbird, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, will serve a four-course dinner on New Year’s Eve; $75. For more information and reservations call 856-854-3444.
The Brothers Moon, 7 West Broad Street, Hopewell, will serve a six-course New Year’s Eve menu; $75. For reservations call 609-333-1330.
Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, will feature the Latin sounds of Eddie Caban and also big-band music and standards from First Kiss Entertainment. For more information and reservations call 201-795-2750.
Catherine Lombardi, 3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick (732-296-9463), and Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick (732-828-4444), are participating in a New Year’s Eve concert in cooperation with Moët Champagne and the Heldrich Hotel. The Gala New Year’s Eve Jazz Concert will be held at the Crossroads Theatre right next door to the restaurants with Jacqui Naylor, a singer and songwriter with six albums to her credit. Tickets for this event are $79. Groups of ten or more get 20 percent off the regular ticket price. A champagne intermission will be provided by Moët. Both restaurants are offering special menus before and after the performance.
Copeland, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with an à la carte menu from 5 to 7 PM. A seven-course tasting dinner with a champagne toast will be held with seatings from 7:30 to 9:30 PM; $149; wine pairings an additional $85. On New Year’s Day, there will be a breakfast buffet from 6:30 to 10:30 AM for $19 and a brunch buffet from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM for $28. For reservations call 973-451-2619.
There are a myriad of options at the Crystal Springs Resort on New Year’s Eve. Celebrate with dinner and/or an overnight stay at the Grand Cascades Lodge, 3 Wild Turkey Way, Hardyston, or the family-friendly Minerals Resort & Spa, Route 94 and 2 Chamonix Drive, Vernon. A New Year’s Day brunch will be available at both hotels. For information log on to www.crystalgolfresort.com or call 973-827-5996 ext 2.
Docs of Sparta, 191 Woodport Road, Sparta, will host its second annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular and will serve an à la carte menu from 4 to 7 PM. There will be limited seating for a full prix-fixe New Year’s Eve Bash starting at 8 PM, complete with music, dancing, and champagne. The lounge area will be open from 4 PM to 2 AM with a DJ, dancing, and a free New Year’s buffet after midnight. For more information and reservations call 973-729-0555.
Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, 58 Broad Street, Keyport, will be open from 4 PM on New Year’s Eve offering a three-course dinner for $60 plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 732-739-9219; BYO.
Fascino, 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, will have two seatings on New Year’s Eve. A three-course menu will be offered at the first seating (5:30, 6, 6:30, and 7 PM); $65 plus tax and gratuity. A five-course menu will be served at 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, and 10 PM; $105 plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 973-233-0350; BYO.
The Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will have two seatings on New Year’s Eve. From 5 to 6:30 PM an à la carte menu will be offered. From 7 to 11 PM a four-course dinner will be served; $99. For more information and reservations call 732-846-3216.
Gladstone Tavern, 273 Main Street, Gladstone, will host a New Year’s Eve party with live music. Call 908-234-9055 for more information and reservations.
The Heldrich, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, will offer two overnight packages on New Year’s Eve. A 2009 New Year’s Eve Party Celebration sponsored by the State Theatre includes deluxe hotel accommodations for one night, a breakfast buffet, a New Year’s Eve party in the ballroom, a buffet dinner, a four-and-a-half-hour open bar, music, hats, and noisemakers. $489 per couple, $302 single, including tax and gratuities. A New Year’s Eve Christopher’s Celebration package includes deluxe hotel accommodations for one night, valet parking, dinner for two at Christopher’s Restaurant (with a glass of champagne, a choice of entrée from a special New Year’s Eve menu, and an after-dinner Christopher’s Bar Party with one well-brand drink per person), and a breakfast buffet for two at Christopher’s Restaurant on New Year’s Day. $370 per couple, $265 single, plus gratuities. If you prefer not to stay overnight, dinner will be $79 per person. For more information and reservations call 732-214-2200.
Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, will offer a special limited menu on New Year’s Eve. Call 973-731-3463 for more information and reservations.
High Street Grill, 64 High Street, Mount Holly, will offer an à la carte menu on New Year’s Eve along with live music. Booking from 5 to 11 PM. Call 609-265-9199 for reservations.
LaPrete’s, 369 Washington Avenue, Belleville, will offer a special party menu with filet mignon, plus a New Year’s Eve breakfast. $80. For reservations call 973-450-1555.
Lorena’s, 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, will offer a three-course dinner on New Year’s Eve. 5 to 10 PM; $78. For reservations call 973-763-4460; BYO.
The Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, will offer a prix-fixe menu and buffet on New Year’s Eve. For more information and reservations call 973-731-2360.
Mediterra Restaurant & Bar, 29 Hulfish Street, Princeton, will serve an à la carte menu from 4 to 7 PM on New Year’s Eve. At 9 PM a five-course tasting menu will be offered, along with dancing to the live Latin sounds of Sonido Costeño; $85 plus tax, gratuity, and alcohol. For reservations call 609-252-9680.
9 North, 37 Berdan Avenue, Wayne, will serve a six-course menu on New Year’s Eve; 5 or 8 PM; $65. For reservations call 973-832-4284; BYO.
The Olde Mill Inn and Grain House Restaurant, 225 North Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, offer a couple of New Year’s Eve options. Enjoy an all-inclusive dinner for two at the Grain House Restaurant with overnight accommodations at the inn, including a hot continental breakfast buffet served in the conservatory on New Year’s Day. Or you may choose just to have dinner at the Grain House. Reservations are required. For more information visit www.oldemillinn.com or call 908-221-1150 for the restaurant or 908-221-1100 for the hotel.
Palmer’s Crossing at the Clinton Inn, 145 Dean Drive, Tenafly, will have a New Year’s Eve jazz dinner with entertainment. 6 PM seating $75; 9 PM seating $95. Stay overnight for $169 plus tax. For reservations call 201-871-3200.
The Perryville Inn, 113 Perryville Road, Perryville, will have two seatings on New Year’s Eve. A four-course meal with a champagne toast will be offered at 5 PM for $75. A gala celebration with hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing to a four-piece band, favors, and champagne at midnight will have an 8 PM seating; $150; black tie optional. For reservations call 908-730-9500.
Pierre’s, 995 Mount Kemble Avenue (Route 202), Morristown, will be closing on January 1, 2009, and invites you to celebrate its last New Year’s Eve event. Call 973-425-1212 for more information and reservations.
A New Year’s Eve Kids’ Kazoo Parade will be sponsored by the Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood. The parade will start at 4:30 PM in front of the Pop Shop. Kazoos will be provided. Afterward, a New Year’s Eve countdown will be held, with cookies and hot chocolate. Prizes will be awarded for best party hat and best family group. For more information call 856-869-0111.
Rare, the Steak House, 440 Main Street, Little Falls, is taking reservations for New Year’s Eve. Call 973-256-6699 for more information and reservations.
restaurant.mc, 57 Main Street, Millburn, will serve an à la carte menu from 5 to 7:30 PM, a five-course tasting menu from 9 to 11 PM for $75, a five-course tasting menu with a 375-milliliter bottle of champagne (per couple) for $100, and a five-course tasting menu with an open bar for $125. Open bar from 9 PM to close is $50. For more information and reservations call 973-921-0888.
Restaurant Nicholas, 160 Route 35 South, Middletown, will offer a three-course menu on New Year’s Eve. 5:30 to 10:30 PM; $125. For reservations call 732-345-9977.
Restaurant Passionne, 77 Walnut Street, Montclair, will have two seatings on New Year’s Eve: a three-course prix-fixe dinner at 6 PM ($55) and a five-course prix-fixe dinner at 9 PM ($90). For reservations call 973-233-1006; BYO.
Restaurant Plan B, 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, will serve a five-course dinner with a champagne toast and live music. $75; seatings are from 7 to 10:30 PM. For reservations call 732-807-4710.
Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with two seatings. The four-course Twilight Seating is at 5:30; $85. The five-course Gala Seating is at 9 PM and includes champagne, music, and dancing; $195. For reservations call 973-701-0303.
Rosa Mexicano, Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, will say “adios” to 2008 with a $45 four-course prix-fixe dinner and à la carte menu options. Call 201-489-9100 for reservations.
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson, will have an early seating from 5 to 6:30 PM with an à la carte menu. A dinner-party package will be offered from 9 PM to 1:30 AM for $125. An open-bar package will be available from 10 PM to 1:30 AM for $75. On New Year’s Day, the regular menu will be served starting at 5 PM. For more information and reservations call 732-933-9272.
3 Forty Grill, 340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, will be open for New Year’s with a premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a buffet, party favors, and a champagne toast. 9 PM to 2 AM; $130. For reservations call 201-217-3406.
Trattoria Il Mulino, Trump Taj Mahal, 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue, Atlantic City, will offer two seatings on New Year’s Eve. The first will be à la carte, and the second, at 9 PM, will feature a special $250 New Year’s Eve prix-fixe menu. For more information and reservations call 609-449-6004.
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