YOU CAN GET (ALMOST) ANYTHING YOU WANT…
Alice’s Restaurant, 24 Nolan’s Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong, with executive chef David Drake manning the stoves, offers casually elegant food, innovative specials, and stunning lake views. The menu is available throughout the restaurant, so options include stopping by for a drink and dining at the bar upstairs, on the outside deck, or in the downstairs lounge. Reclaimed wood barn walls and comfortable booths create a relaxed atmosphere. Our recent dinner here started with corn muffins with a lime honey glaze, a most delightful change from bread and so good we would have taken them home for breakfast the next morning if we hadn’t eaten them all. Apps were squash soup, mushroom soup (it will be on my list of the best dishes of 2009, coming out at the end of December), mac and cheese served in a cast-iron frying pan that gets an extra nod from thick smoked bacon, addictive fried onion rings served with spicy homemade ketchup, and a light chopped salad made with assorted lettuces and veggies.
You can eat simply or hardily at Alice’s. Sandwiches and a burger are available, as are vegetarian choices. Or opt for fresh grilled swordfish; grilled Atlantic salmon topped with steamed asparagus and microgreens and surrounded by red onion marmalade; grilled skirt steak; or the ultimate comfort food, homemade meat loaf. Each entrée is visually pleasing and is accompanied by vegetables such as al dente haricots verts or baby carrots and/or a starch such as garlic mashed potatoes. With an eye for freshness and the use of local seasonal produce whenever possible, Chef Drake receives many of his vegetables and herbs in season from a farm on Halsey Island, which is located in the middle of the lake. The food that he will prepare that day is taken off the boat each morning. Try the Granny Smith apple tart, hot chocolate cake, or white chocolate bread pudding, or any dessert that is topped with creamy “don’t miss” locally made Jefferson Dairy ice cream.
Kudos to Chef Drake and owners Alice and Bela Szigethy for keeping prices so reasonable; Alice’s is a place where people can return often. A hamburger with steak fries is $10; crispy fried chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw is $14; and most glasses of a generous pour of wine are $5. Mixed drinks won’t set you back either, as they cost from $6 to $7.50, and beer ranges from $3 for a glass of draft to $6 for a sixteen-ounce draught can of Guinness.
Alice’s serves dinner daily starting at 5 PM and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 PM. The Big Fish Lounge and Bar is open until 1 AM, and breakfast and lunch are offered daily in season. Boat docking available. For more information and reservations call 973-663-9600.
Alice’s mushroom soup.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Watch for the opening next month of Hat City Kitchen, 459 Valley Street, Orange, where executive chef Patrick Pierre Jerome will be manning the stoves. Some of you may remember Chef Jerome from Yves, Montclair. The restaurant is located in the Valley district of Orange, an arts district where affordable housing and loft space for artists and musicians will also be developed.
Bringing charity to the table is the theme of Montclair Restaurant Week, which will be celebrated from January 25 through February 7, with participating restaurants offering multi-course prix-fixe meals for $31 or less. A dollar from each meal will be donated to local food charities through the Montclair Rotary Foundation. Restaurants wishing to participate can contact [email protected] for details. Further information and a list of participating restaurants can be found at:
www.gotomontclairnj.com/rest-week10/restaurantweek.htm.
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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.
Alice’s Restaurant, 24 Nolan’s Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong, will have live music and an all-you-can-eat New Year’s Eve hoedown on Lake Hopatcong, featuring a bountiful buffet with ribs, chicken wings, sliders, chili, mac and cheese, salads, brownies, and more, with a complimentary sparkling toast at midnight. Seating starts at 6 PM; $34.99 plus beverage, tax, and gratuities; children under twelve are half price. For reservations call 973-663-9600.
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.
Avenue, 23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a five-course dinner that includes a champagne toast and live entertainment. Seating starts at 8:30 PM; $95 plus beverage, tax, and gratuities. An à la carte menu will be available from 6 to 8 PM. For reservations call 732-759-2900.
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.
Blu, 554 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, will be open on New Year’s Eve and for dinner on New Year’s Day. For reservations call 973-509-2202; BYO.
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.
Boulevard Five72, 572 Boulevard, Kenilworth, will have three options on New Year’s Eve. An à la carte menu will be presented. Dinner and dancing with live music, a buffet, and passed hors d’oeuvres starting at 8 PM will be $65 with a cash bar; tickets must be purchased in advance. And a prix-fixe five-course wine tasting menu will be served from 4 to 10 PM for $95, $125 with wine pairing, plus tax and gratuities. On New Year’s Day, an unlimited brunch buffet will be held from 11 AM to 3 PM for $25. For reservations call 908-709-1200.
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.
Chakra, 144 West Route 4 East, Paramus, will have two seatings on New Year’s Eve. From 5 to 8 PM, a three-course dinner will be $75 plus beverage, tax, and gratuities. From 9 to 11 PM, a four-course dinner will be served, with a midnight champagne toast; $125 plus beverage, tax, and gratuities. 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 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.
Midnight fireworks, an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, a DJ, a champagne toast, and party favors, plus views of the Manhattan skyline, are what celebrants can expect at Liberty House Restaurant, 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City. 9 PM to 1 AM; $135 plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For reservations call 201-395-0300.
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.
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson, will have an early seating on New Year’s Eve from 5 to 6:30 PM with an à la carte menu. A dinner party package will be available from 9 PM to 1:30 AM for $125. Or participate in an open bar from 10 PM to 1:30 AM with party favors and dancing to live music. On New Year’s Day, the bar opens at 4 PM, and the regular menu will be served from 5 to 11 PM. For more information and reservations call 732-933-9272.
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.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 50 Stirling Road, Warren, will offer a four-course menu on New Year’s Eve from 5 to 9 PM or from 9:30 PM to close; $75 plus beverage, tax, and gratuity. For reservations call 908-754-1222.
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 [email protected].