THE ORANGE SQUIRREL
The chocolate squirrel presented with the bill was just one example of the details that we loved at the newly opened Orange Squirrel, 412 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield. Others were hot milk with the coffee, an amuse between the appetizer and entrée, the “give me more of that” shot of house-made Irish cream liqueur that accompanied our dessert, the sink in the unisex bathroom with tiles that say “squirrel washing,” and the cute little squirrel at the hostess stand offering orange nut-shaped candies when you leave. We also appreciated the high-quality ingredients used in the dishes and the attentive service under the direction of chef/owner Francesco Palmieri.
Appetizers were a kabocha squash soup flavored with mascarpone and candied hazelnuts, and a baby beet salad with blood oranges, goat cheese fritters, and hazelnuts, followed by an amuse of a mini meatball with tomato sauce. One entrée, a gorgeous whole branzino served in a frying pan with a blood orange beurre blanc was sweet flavored, with a substantial amount of semi-firm white meat. Colorado lamb chops with mint pomegranate glaze and pistachio powder were scrumptious. Although these are more expensive than New Zealand lamb, I find them more tender and flavorful. Sides can be ordered à la carte; options include pancetta Brussels sprouts and hand-cut potato fries. Other dishes we’d like to try when we return are the 28-day dry-aged rib eye, the chicken potpie, any of the hand-rolled pastas (certainly the gnudi with wild mushrooms, parsley salad, and Parmesan consommé), and the personal pizzas. For dessert, visually attractive butterscotch, banana cream, and black-and-white creamy mousses layered between cookie crumbs were served in three shot glasses. When we finished our meal, we realized we’d never been served bread—which was fine with us, as we prefer to fill up on the food.
Please ask Chef Palmieri how he got the name Orange Squirrel, and post your findings here. I’ve heard two versions, and both would put a smile on P.T. Barnum’s face. For reservations call 973-337-6421.
Trio of desserts at the Orange Squirrel.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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WEEKDAY CHEF’S MENU AT THE MANOR
If you ask me my least favorite day to dine out, it would be Saturday. Weekdays are quieter in restaurants, and you usually get better service. So I was pleased to learn that executive chef Mitchell Altholz of the Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, has a tempting weekday chef’s menu Tuesdays through Fridays. The following will be offered through the end of February.
Appetizers:
Celery root and truffle soup with smoked duck
(2006 Ayama Chenin Blanc, South Africa)
First course:
Lobster ravioli with saffron sauce
(2004 Léonard de Saint-Aubin Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy)
Entrées:
Olive-oil-poached Norwegian salmon with roasted fennel, hon-shimeji mushrooms, and black garlic sauce
(2006 Cameron Hughes Merlot, Dry Creek Valley)
Or
Roasted organic chicken breast with foie gras, Brussels sprouts, lardons, and truffle sauce
(2005 Chateau La Gatte “La Butte,” Bordeaux)
Dessert:
Butterscotch crème brûlée with gingersnap tuiles
(2005 Bonny Doon Muscat Vin de Glaciere, California)
Or
Flourless chocolate cake with Manor-made vanilla ice cream
(Deco Chocolate Infused Port Wine N/V)
Or
Chef’s assortment of artisanal cheese
(The red wine that accompanied the main course will be served)
$47; with selected wines $19.95 additional. If you can’t get out on a weekday, a different chef’s menu is offered on Saturdays and Sundays for $65. Call 973-731-2360 for reservations.
Manor executive chef Mitchell Altholz.
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RESTAURANT WEEK IN MONTCLAIR AND HUDSON COUNTY
Just when you thought the food news from Montclair, aka restaurant heaven, couldn’t get any better, this town loved by foodies will celebrate Montclair Restaurant Week from February 2 to 8. More than 30 restaurants will be participating by offering three-course fixed-price dinners at $20 or $30 (beverages, gratuity, and tax not included). Participating restaurants include: Alan@Five94, Blu, Church Street Kitchen, Corso 98, CulinAriane, Dai-Kichi, Egan & Sons, Osteria Giotto, Fascino, Gencarelli’s, Leone’s, Mango’s Reggae Café, Marrakech, Nauna’s Bella Casa, Joe Bartoni’s, Marzullo’s, Orbis, Richie Cecere’s, Sesame, Passionné, Table 8, Taro, Tinga Taqueria, Bistro18, Fawa, T.S. Ma, Cianci, Aozora, Halcyon, Palazzo, La Couronne, Toast, Uptown Café, and Greek Taverna. For more information log on to www.gotomontclairnj.com/rest-week/restaurantweek.htm.
Hudson Restaurant Week will be celebrated through February 6 (Mondays through Fridays), with area restaurants offering special prix-fixe meals with lunches starting at $13 and dinners at $25. Some restaurants will also be offering $5 drinks or $15 bottles of wine. For menus and details, visit www.hudsonrestaurantweek.com.
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STEAK OUT
Meat lovers have a new option for dining out, as Steakhouse 85, 85 Church Street, New Brunswick, has recently opened, with chef/co-owner Brian Karluk manning the stoves and serving hand-selected prime Black Angus beef. Options include sirloin, filet mignon, cowboy rib eye, veal porterhouse, lamb chops, and 28-day dry-aged Delmonico and strip steaks. Chicken, shrimp, tuna, lobster, salmon, crab cakes, and sea scallops are other options. Steakhouse 85 is open for lunch Mondays through Fridays and for dinner Mondays through Sundays. There is live jazz every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night from 7 to 11 PM. For reservations call 732-247-8585.
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NERO’S CAFE MENU
For those who don’t feel like eating a full meal, Nero’s Bar and Grill, 618 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, has introduced a cafe menu that is always available along with the regular à la carte menu. Menu items include raw bar selections; Caesar salad; individual thin-crust pizzas; three-quarter-pound sirloin burgers; ahi tuna wrap; Nero’s steak sandwich; and an omelet of the day. Nero’s is open Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 AM and Saturdays and Sundays from 5 PM. For reservations call 800-55-NEROS.
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DINNER AND A PERFORMANCE
Starting February 1, in conjunction with the Provincetown Fringe Festival in Asbury Park and Conn Artist Performance Event, The Letters of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg will be presented at Restaurant Plan B, 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park. The performances are on February 1, 8, 15, and 22 and March 1, with different actors playing the roles at each performance. The event begins with a four-course dinner. 5 PM; $35. For reservations call 732-807-4710; BYO.
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DINING DEALS
Through the end of March, Church Street Kitchen, 12 Church Street, Montclair, is offering a $5.99 lunch, which features full-size meals such as a half-pound burger with fries, soup, and a salad; grilled chicken panini; or soup and a turkey BLT. Available Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information call 973-233-0216; BYO.
Tuesday through Friday evenings through March, Rat’s Restaurant, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, is offering a special prix-fixe three-course dinner for $38 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are not required but are suggested (609-584-7800).
Save money all year with the Hudson Deck, a set of dining discounts that gives you $10 off at 50 participating restaurants in Hudson County. The 2009 deck, which is valid through December 29, 2009, is now available for $25, with free shipping, at www.hudsondeck.com.
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The following restaurants will be celebrating Valentine’s Day (Saturday, February 14):
Adventures in Cooking, 12 Legion Place, Wayne, is offering a Valentine’s Couples participation cooking class on February 13 taught by Daniel Rosati. 6:30 to 9:30 PM; $82 per person. To enroll log on to www.adventuresincooking.com or call 973-305-1114.
Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique, 188 Spring Street, Newton, will offer a four-course ($48) and five-course dinner ($53) on Valentine’s Day with choices for each course. On Sunday, February 15, a five-course Sweetheart Dinner will be offered for $60. You can also surprise your loved one with handmade chocolate truffles for $10 a box. For reservations call 973-300-4192.
Bacio Italian Cuisine, 2801 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, will offer a full à la carte menu. Call 856-303-9100 for reservations.
The Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, is offering couples a special three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s menu on February 14 and 15. The evenings will include gourmet cuisine, flowers, live piano music, and a special gift. $110 per person with seatings beginning at 5:30 PM. Those wishing to turn Valentine’s Day into a romantic getaway can indulge in the Valentine’s Romance Package, which includes dinner for two along with luxury overnight accommodations. In their room, guests will arrive to a bottle of chilled champagne and a dozen long-stem roses, along with a sumptuous assortment of truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries. Guests will also enjoy a full breakfast in the conservatory the next morning. The package is priced from $600 based on guest room availability. Gratuities are included; taxes are additional. Extend the stay with a second night at the inn and receive 25 percent off that night’s room charge. Reservations for dinner or the Valentine’s Romance package can be made by calling 908-766-0002. Entertainment, dining, drinks, and casual conversation will also be available on Valentine’s Day for singles ages 25 to 55. 7 to 10 PM; $75 per person. For more information and reservations call Tracey Mancini or Lauren Montemarano at the inn.
Bin 14, 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken, will offer a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner. Seatings at 5, 6:30, 8, and 9:30 PM; $65; with wine pairings $35 additional. For reservations call 201-963-9463.
Blackbird Dining Establishment, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, will have three courses for $55 plus tax and gratuity on Valentine’s Day, with seatings at 5, 5:30, 6, 7:30, and 9 PM. For reservations call 856-854-3444.
Braddock’s, 39 South Main Street, Medford, will present Valentine’s Comedy & Dinner on February 13. 6:30 PM; $60 including dinner and the comedy show, plus tax and service charge. For more information and reservations call 609-654-1604.
The Brothers Moon, 7 West Broad Street, Hopewell, will serve a six-course aphrodisiac menu on Valentine’s Day; $75. For reservations call 609-333-1330.
Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13 and 14 with a special à la carte menu. For reservations call 201-795-2750.
Church Street Kitchen, 12 Church Street, Montclair, is offering a special menu for lovers on February 13 and 14. For reservations call 973-233-0216; BYO.
David Burke Fromagerie, 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13 with a special three-course menu at a 20 percent savings. The à la carte menu will also be available along with the romantic jazz sounds of the Gerald Carboy Jazz Trio with guest vocalist Layonne Holmes. On February 14, a three-course Valentine’s menu will be $69, and on February 15 a three-course Valentine’s brunch will be offered along with complimentary champagne and roses for $39. For reservations call 732-842-8088.
The Dining Room at Anthony David’s, 111 10th Street, Hoboken, will serve a four-course dinner on Valentine’s Day. Seatings at 6, 8 and 10 PM; $75. For reservations call 201-222-8359; BYO.
Docs of Sparta, 191 Woodport Road, Sparta, will be open on Valentine’s Day from 2 to 11 PM serving a chef’s tasting menu with a choice of one each of eight appetizers, eight entrées, and eight desserts. $50 to $75; will include a champagne toast and a rose for the women. Men will receive the check. For reservations call 973-729-0555.
Fascino, 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, will offer a four-course menu for $75 per person plus tax and gratuity on February 13, as well as on February 14. For reservations call 973-233-0350.
The Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will celebrate Valentine’s Day from Friday through Sunday with an à la carte menu, a four-course prix-fixe menu, and a Valentine’s tasting menu. For reservations call 732-846-3216.
The Heldrich Hotel & Spa and Christopher’s Restaurant, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a few romantic choices. Christopher’s will feature a special three-course menu from February 13 to 16, priced from $39.99 per person. A Valentine Sweetheart Package is offered, which includes luxury overnight accommodations for two and champagne from $159 per room, including taxes and gratuities. Couples can add a second night for just $79. Another option is the Heldrich’s Romance Packages for Valentine’s weekend, which include luxury guest accommodations, champagne, breakfast for two, and a $100 gift certificate for use at Christopher’s Restaurant or the Spa at the Heldrich. The Romance Packages start at $279 per guest room per night and include all taxes and gratuities. And if you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t forget that the Heldrich has a Weekend in New Brunswick Package available all year long, which includes a two-night stay with dinner for two at Christopher’s, breakfast for two on the morning of the couple’s choice, and a $100 gift certificate for use at one of several downtown restaurants, with choices including Daryl Wine Bar, Catherine Lombardi, Stage Left, and Christopher’s restaurants. Catherine Lombardi and Stage Left will even treat the couple to a complimentary box of chocolates. The Weekend in New Brunswick Package includes all taxes and starts at $498 per couple. For more information and reservations call 732-729-4670 or visit www.theheldrich.com.
Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, will serve a special three-course dinner with choices on Valentine’s Day. $72 plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Call 973-731-3463 for more information and reservations.
High Street Grill, 64 High Street, Mount Holly, will serve a wine and beer pairing dinner for two from February 12 through 14. The prix fixe will consist of choices from a select menu paired with a flight of either three wines or three beers, plus a glass of port with dessert. For information or reservations call 609-265-9199.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, will serve a four-course prix-fixe menu; $75; $100 with a wine pairing with each course. A jazz band will coax you to dance the night away. For reservations call 201-445-4115.
The Hunt Club, Grand Summit Hotel, 570 Springfield Avenue, Summit, will offer a four-course, four-wine Valentine’s weekend dinner on February 13 and 14. 5 to 10 PM; $72.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 908-273-7656.
The Madison Bar & Grill, 1316 Washington Street, Hoboken, will serve a three-course meal on February 13, 14, and 15 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Seatings at 5, 6:30, and 9 PM; $55. For reservations call 201-386-0300
The Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, will have a few options on Valentine’s Day weekend. On Valentine’s Day an à la carte dinner, which includes an appetizer, intermezzo, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea, will be available in the Terrace Lounge from 5 to 9:30 PM; $69.95 plus 7 percent tax and 20 percent gratuity. A children’s dinner (for kids ages four to twelve) will be available on request for $29.95. A Valentine’s Day lobster buffet will be served from 5 to 9:30 PM; $59.95; children ages four to twelve $24.95. On Sunday there will be a special Valentine’s brunch (11:30 AM to 2 PM) and dinner buffet (3:30 PM) featuring champagne and lobster; $49.95; children ages four to twelve $19.95. À la carte dining will be available in the Terrace Lounge from 4 to 7:30 PM. For reservations call 973-731-2360.
The Perryville Inn, 113 Perryville Road, Perryville, will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13 and 14 with a four-course menu; $75. On February 15 the inn will host a Valentine’s wine dinner featuring small-production selections; 2 PM; $115. For reservations call 908-730-9500.
Restaurant Lorena, 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, will start celebrating Valentine’s Day weekend on February 13. To reserve a table call 973-763-4460; BYO.
Restaurant Plan B, 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, will offer its regular menu, with some sexy specials, entertainment, and added treats, on Valentine’s Day. For reservations call 732-807-4710; BYO.
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson, will celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend. A special à la carte menu will be featured on Saturday night, and a champagne brunch will be held on Sunday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM ($29; children ages eleven and under $12). Dinner is from 5 to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday and from 5 to 10 PM on Sunday. For reservations call 732-933-9272.
Tavern 344, 344 French Hill Road, Wayne, will serve a three-course menu starting at 5 PM ($40) and a four-course menu starting at 7 PM ($55). There will also be soft live background music. For reservations call 973-696-9440.
T-Bones, Marriott Hotel, 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater, will offer a Valentine’s Day menu for $65. An à la carte menu will also be available. For reservations call 908-482-0007.
Terraces Restaurant at Meadowlands Racetrack, 50 Route 120, East Rutherford, has a Get Lucky package, which includes a four-course dinner for two, a champagne and strawberry toast, and a $5 betting voucher; 7 to 11 PM; $80 per couple. This package does not include admission, racing program, tax, or gratuity. For reservations call 201-843-2446.
The Washington Inn, 801 Washington Street, Cape May, will open at 5 PM on February 13, 14, and 15 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For reservations call 609-884-5697.
Za Restaurant, 147 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, will have a few options to celebrate Valentine’s Day. On Friday, February 13, and Sunday, February 15, an à la carte menu and a three-course prix-fixe menu ($49) will be served. On Valentine’s Day a three-course dinner will be $59. And a three-course brunch, which includes soup or salad, a choice of one of six brunch entrées, and dessert, will be available from 11:30 AM to 3 PM on Valentine’s Day for $19. For Friday and Sunday dinner, Za will also serve its current holiday à la carte menu. For reservations call 609-737-4400; BYO.
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