Restaurant News

This week Rosie tells us about Above in South Orange; Maritime Parc, a new restaurant that will be opening at Liberty State Park in the late spring; dining options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve; and much more news about NJ restaurants.

ABOVE
Executive chef Paul Lustbader, previously at Cent’Anni, Maplewood, and Trattoria Fresco, Caldwell, can now be found at Above, 1 South Orange Avenue, South Orange. We didn’t know what to expect before we dined here, as the restaurant is on the second floor of Eden Gourmet Marketplace. Would it be a cafeteria-style restaurant with metal tables and plastic trays? Not at all. Above is a sophisticated restaurant with a knowledgeable staff. The brick walls, wood paneling and floors, and Italian-themed tile pictures reminded us of a Mediterranean villa. Some appetizers on the contemporary American menu are lobster mac and cheese, Kobe sliders, wood-fired pizzette, and salads. We loved the wedge of iceberg lettuce with tomato, bacon, and blue cheese; it was enhanced with crispy onions, a perfect augmentation. Entrées include halibut with broccoli rabe, farro, and pickled radish salad; beef short ribs; spaghettini with shrimp and lobster in lobster broth; and sugar-cane-grilled scallops. We had a cheese plate as an appetizer and finished it for dessert with a bowl of fresh berries. Whatever cheeses you like, you can purchase downstairs in the market’s extensive cheese section. There are also two outdoor terraces for dining during the warmer months and a private party room on the third floor. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner six days a week. For more information and reservations call 973-762-5900.



Wedge of iceberg lettuce with tomato, bacon, crispy onions, and blue cheese.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.

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LOOKING AHEAD
Chef/owner Christopher Siversen will be opening Maritime Parc at 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, in the late spring. The three-story building, with wrap-around windows and views of New York City, New Jersey, and Liberty State Park, is being designed by Stephanie Goto Design Group, whose projects include Monkey Bar, Morimoto, Buddakan, and Corton in NYC. Maritime Parc will have two floors of catering, with seating for 350 guests for dinner and up to 1,000 for a cocktail party; the restaurant will have seating for 80 to 85 guests and room for 100 on the outside terrace.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION COOKING CLASSES
Learn everything you need to know to create a decadent year-end dinner at a New Year’s Celebration class at Viking Culinary Center, 4 Sperry Road, Fairfield. Classes are scheduled on December 26 from 4 to 7 PM, December 27 from 4 to 7 PM, December 28 from 6 to 9 PM, and December 30 from 6 to 9 PM. Cost is $129. Students will learn how to create individual lobster potpies, grilled Caesar salad, porcini-crusted filet mignon, and jumbo-crab-stuffed shrimp with champagne butter sauce. Students will also receive a sample recipe for coconut layer cake with raspberry lime curd. To enroll log on to www.vikingcookingschool.com or call 973-244-1580.

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DINING DEALS

Until the end of December, Brandl, 703 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, is offering a three-course dinner for $30.09, excluding Chef Toni’s dinner, holidays, and Saturdays. For reservations call 732-280-7501.

On Monday and Tuesdays from 5 to 7 PM, Zylo Tuscan Steak House, W Hotel, 255 River Street, Hoboken, is offering a seasonal three-course dinner for two people with a bottle of wine for $79.95. Entrée choices include halibut, grilled chicken, flat-iron steak, or orecchiette with spicy lamb sausage and broccoli rabe. For reservations call 201-253-2500.

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The following restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day:

Andre’s Restaurant, 188 Spring Street, Newton, will be catering for Christmas with pickup on December 24 before 4 PM. The menu will include shrimp bisque, salad of mixed greens, seafood or beef Wellington, and chocolate mousse for $39 or orders by the tray. Call 973-300-4192 for more information and to place an order.

The Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, is offering two dining options for Christmas Eve. A three-course prix-fixe dinner will be served in the dining room from 4:30 to 8 PM. Executive chef Corey Heyer will present a special holiday menu of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Dinner is $90 for adults, $45 for children under twelve. Guests can also enjoy live piano music in the Library Bar. An elaborate buffet will be offered from 5 to 8 PM and will include an assortment of salads, fruits, chilled seafood, pasta, hot entrées, carving stations, and a dessert station with an ice cream sundae bar. The buffet is $65 for adults, $30 for children ages six to twelve, and $15 for children ages two to five (free for children under two). Santa Claus will pay a special visit with treats for children of all ages. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 908-766-0002.

Order your Christmas dinner from the Brothers Moon, 7 West Broad Street, Hopewell, for pickup on December 24 between 11 AM and 9 PM. Call 609-333-1330 for more information.

Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, will serve a traditional Christmas Eve fish dinner with a special à la carte menu. For reservations call 201-795-2750.

Enjoy a prix-fixe three-course holiday family dinner at Chakra, West 144 Route 4 East, Paramus. 4 to 9 PM; $49, $15 for a special children’s three-course dinner. For reservations call 201-556-1530.

Chef Loryn’s Cafe and Catering, 250 Main Street, Madison, has delicious holiday offerings. For more information call 973-520-8703 or log on to www.chefloryns.com.

Christopher’s Restaurant & Bar, Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, will offer a Christmas buffet from 11 AM to 5 PM; adults $36.95, children ages five to eleven $16.95, children ages four and under free. For reservations call 732-214-2200.

Copeland Restaurant, Westin Governor Morris, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, will serve a three-course dinner from 1 to 9 PM on Christmas Day; adults $59, children ages six to eleven $29. For reservations call 973-451-2619.

The Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will be open for lunch on Christmas Eve from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Dinner will be offered from 4 to 8:30 PM with a regular and a prix-fixe menu. During Christmas week, a five-course tasting menu with wine will be on the menu for $150 per couple. For reservations call 732-846-3216.

High Street Grill, 64 High Street, Mount Holly, will be open on Christmas Eve from 4 to 8 PM. For reservations call 609-265-9199.

Joe Palombo’s Mirabella Cafe, 210 Barclay Farms Shopping Center, Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, will celebrate the traditional seven-fishes feast on December 23 and 24. For reservations call 856-354-1888.

Christmas Day buffet dining will be held at the Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange. Noon to 7 PM; adults $49.95, children ages four to twelve $19.95; plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 973-731-2360.

The Park Steakhouse, 151 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, will be open on Christmas Eve, offering the full à la carte dining menu. For reservations call 201-930-1300.

Restaurant Nicholas, 160 Route 35 South, Middletown, will offer a three-course menu ($65), a four-course garden menu ($65), and a six-course tasting menu ($85) on Christmas Eve from 5:30 to 10:30 PM. For reservations call 732-345-9977.

Have a three-course holiday feast on Christmas Eve at Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham. 5 to 9 PM; adults $65, children ages ten and under $32. Call 973-701-0303 for reservations.

Rosa Mexicano, Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, will be open on Christmas Day at 4 PM. For reservations call 201-489-9100.

Vine Restaurant, 95 Morristown Road (Route 202), Basking Ridge, will be open on Christmas Eve with an à la carte menu. For reservations call 908-221-0017.

Witherspoon Grill, 57 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 AM to 10 PM. For reservations call 609-924-6011.

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The following restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day:

Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique, 188 Spring Street, Newton, will serve a ten-course dinner for $100 on New Year’s Eve. For reservations call 973-300-4192.

Anton’s at the Swan, 43 South Main Street, Lambertville, will serve a six-course tasting menu on New Year’s Eve; $95. For reservations call 609-397-1960.

A Toute Heure, 232 Centennial Avenue, Cranford, will offer two multi-course New Year’s Eve dinners at two seatings: a five-course tasting menu for $80 at 6 PM and a seven-course chef’s grand tasting menu for $115 at 9 PM. For reservations call 908-276-6600.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, with a special three-course prix-fixe dinner for $110, presented by executive chef Corey Heyer. Guests can also enjoy live piano music in the Library Bar. Reservations will be taken from 6 to 10 PM, and guests are invited to ring in 2010 with party favors. You can continue the celebration with an overnight package for two that includes dinner, accommodations in a luxurious guest room, a bottle of champagne, a decadent assortment of chocolate-covered strawberries and truffles, an à la carte breakfast, a special gift, and late checkout. The New Year’s Eve Celebration package is priced from $650 based on guest room accommodations. Taxes and gratuities are additional. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 908-766-0002.

Blue Rooster Bakery and Cafe, 17 North Main Street, Cranbury, will have two seatings on New Year’s Eve, 5 to 6 PM and 8 to 8:30 PM. Call 609-235-7539 for more information and reservations.

The Brothers Moon, 7 West Broad Street, Hopewell, will have an $85 prix-fixe menu on New Year’s Eve from 5 to 9:30 PM. Call 609-333-1330 for more information and reservations; BYO.

A special gala will be held at Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, starting at 8:30 PM with a champagne toast, which will be followed by dinner and live entertainment, including party favors. Dinner only from 4 PM. For reservations call 201-795-2750.

Catherine Lombardi, 3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, will be open on New Year’s Eve. For reservations call 732-296-9463.

Chef Loryn’s Cafe and Catering, 250 Main Street, Madison, has delicious holiday offerings. For more information call 973-520-8703 or log on to www.chefloryns.com.

Christopher’s Restaurant & Bar, Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, will offer a New Year’s Eve package that includes a five-course dinner, a champagne toast, and midnight fireworks outside the restaurant for $79 per person. Stay the night for $349 a couple. For reservations call 732-214-2200.

Copeland Restaurant, Westin Governor Morris, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with an à la carte menu from 5:30 to 7 PM. At 7:30 PM, seating will start for a six-course tasting menu with live music and a champagne toast; $119, $69 additional with wine pairing. Stay the night for $119, with breakfast for two. On New Year’s Day, a breakfast buffet will be served from 6:30 to 11 AM; $19. A brunch buffet will be offered from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; $24. For reservations call 973-451-2619.

There are a variety of family-style, casual, and luxurious overnight specials and packages for New Year’s at Crystal Springs Resort, Hardyston, and the family-friendly Minerals Resort & Spa, Vernon. For more information log on to www.crystalgolfresort.com or call 973-827-5996 ext 2.

Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, 58 Broad Street, Keyport, will be open on New Year’s Eve from 4 PM with a special three-course menu for $65 plus tax and gratuity. It will also be open on New Year’s Day. For reservations call 732-739-9219; BYO.

Fascino, 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, will offer two dining options on New Year’s Eve. The first seatings are at 5:30, 6, 6:30, and 7 PM and will include a three-course menu for $65 plus tax and gratuity. A five-course menu for $105 plus tax and gratuity will be offered at the second seatings, at 8, 8:30, 9, and 9:30 PM. Table size will be limited to eight people. For reservations call 973-233-0350; BYO.

A New Year’s Day five-course champagne supper will be held at Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 500 Route 73 North, Marlton. 6:30 to 9 PM; $65. For reservations call 856-988-1351.

The Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will have an early seating on New Year’s Eve from 5 to 6:15 PM with an à la carte menu. From 7 to 11 PM a four-course prix-fixe holiday menu will be served for $75 per person. For reservations call 732-846-3216.

Grand Cru, 36 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, will have à la carte dining at 5, 7, and 9 PM for $65 and an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live DJ from 10 PM to 2 AM for $65. Call 201-568-3939 for reservations.

High Street Grill, 64 High Street, Mount Holly, will celebrate New Year’s Eve from 5 to 10 PM. For reservations call 609-265-9199.

The Hunt Club at the Grand Summit Hotel, 570 Springfield Avenue, Summit, will host a New Year's Eve dinner with live music, dancing, one bottle of red or white wine with dinner, a champagne toast, party favors, noisemakers, and party hats. 8 PM to 12:30 AM; $325 per couple plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 908-273-7656.

Knife & Fork, 3600 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, will offer its regular menu with special holiday additions. No all-night commitment, limited menu, or exorbitant prices. For reservations call 609-344-1133.

Kuzina by Sofia, Sawmill Shopping Center, 404 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, will offer a five-course prix-fixe dinner for $45, with seatings at 5, 6, 7, and 9 PM. A late mezze dinner party at 10 PM is $50. For reservations call 856-429-1061.

LoBianco New American Cuisine, 2 Powell Lane at Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, will serve a four-course menu on New Year’s Eve for $65. For more information and reservations call 856-854-4500.

There are many options to help you ring in 2010 at the Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange. The lobster buffet will have seatings from 5 to 10 PM; adults $55.95, children ages four to twelve $29.95. From 9 PM to 1:30 AM a gala New Year's Eve party will include the lobster buffet, an open premium bar, wine, hats, noisemakers, continuous DJ dance music, a toast at midnight, and a Viennese dessert table; $125. À la carte dining will be available from 5 to 9 PM; adults $69.95, children ages four to twelve $29.95. A New Year's Day champagne brunch will be served from noon to 2:30 PM; adults $45.95, children ages four to twelve $19.95. A New Year’s Day lobster buffet will have seatings from 4:30 to 7 PM; adults $45.95, children ages four to twelve $19.95. The Terrace Lounge dining room will open at 4 PM on New Year’s Day, featuring an à la carte dinner menu as well as the prix-fixe signature menu for $55 ($19.95 more with selected wines). For reservations and more information call 973-731-2360.

Ninety Acres Culinary Center located at Natirar, 2 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, will be open on New Year’s Eve from 7 to 10 PM. For reservations call 908-901-9500.

The Park Steakhouse, 151 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, will be open on New Year’s Eve offering the full à la carte dining menu. For reservations call 201-930-1300.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate New Year’s, grab your party hat and head over to the Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, which will have its Kids’ Kazoo Parade on December 31. The parade begins at 4:15 PM in front of the Pop Shop. Kazoos will be provided, and mummers from a local string band will lead the group down Haddon Avenue. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be served. (In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held inside.) The Pop Shop will be open from 8 AM to 10 PM on New Year’s Eve. For more information call 856-869-0111.

Enjoy Grounds for Sculpture by moonlight, before or after your meal, on New Year’s Eve, when dining at Rat’s, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. An à la carte menu and a five-course tasting menu for $80 (paired with wine for $125) will be available. The chef’s table for private seatings must be reserved in advance. For reservations call 609-584-7800.

Restaurant Nicholas, 160 Route 35 South, Middletown, will offer a three-course menu for $125 on New Year’s Eve from 5:30 to 10:30 PM. For reservations call 732-345-9977.

There will be two choices for diners on New Year’s Eve at Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham. The first seating will be at 5:30 PM and will include a four-course dinner for $85. The second seating is at 9 PM and will include a five-course dinner with champagne, music, and dancing; $195. Call 973-701-0303 for reservations.

Rosa Mexicano, Shops At Riverside, 390 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, will offer its regular menu with special additions on New Year’s Eve. A DJ will start at 10 PM. For reservations call 201-489-9100.

Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, will be open on New Year’s Eve. For reservations call 732-828-4444.

Steakhouse 85, 85 Church Street, New Brunswick, will serve a special New Year’s Eve three-course prix-fixe menu packed with new items as well as classic dishes from Chef Brian Karluk. The Hankins Fowler Project, a five-piece band, will be jamming away, so dancing is also on the menu. Call 732-247-8585 to make a reservation.

On New Year’s Eve, 3 Forty Grill, 340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, will offer a five-hour premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet buffet, a carving station, party favors, and a champagne toast. 9 PM to 2 AM; $130. Tickets must be purchased in advance; the minimum age is 23. For tickets call 201-217-3406.

Executive chef Anthony Bucco of Uproot, 9 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, will offer live piano music on New Year’s Eve and a three-course dinner for $79 or a five-course dinner for $99. For reservations call 908-834-8194.

Vine Restaurant, 95 Morristown Road (Route 202), Basking Ridge, will be open for New Year’s Eve offering a three-course menu at 6 PM in the main room ($75), at 7:30 PM in the upstairs dining area ($75), and at 9 PM in the main room ($95). Tax and gratuity are not included. For reservations call 908-221-0017.

Witherspoon Grill, 57 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, will be open on New Year’s Eve from 4 to 10 PM. For reservations call 609-924-6011.

Za Restaurant, 147 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, will be open on New Year’s Eve through Sunday supper on January 3. A prix-fixe menu for $49 will be offered on New Year’s Eve, with seatings from 5 till 10:30 PM. On New Year’s Day, a $ =19 three-course prix-fixe brunch menu will be served beginning at 11:30 AM. From January 1 through 3, the restaurant will offer its à la carte holiday menu and the New Year’s dinner prix-fixe at the reduced price of $39. The New Year’s prix-fixe brunch will be on the menu again on Saturday, January 2, for the reduced price of $15. For reservations call 609-737-4400; BYO.

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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to rosie@njmonthly.com.