CAMPANIA RESTAURANT, FAIR LAWN
Although Campania Restaurant, 17–15 Broadway, Fair Lawn, is located in a dismal strip mall, the chic signage is welcoming, as is the staff. This neighborhood restaurant serves attractive, fresh-tasting food under the guidance of chef/owner Joe Cerniglia. Warm bread, herbed olive oil, and a plate of crispy zucchini slices are presented when you’re seated, along with the menu and specials written out with their prices. An unusual appetizer was mashed eggplant and chickpea balls that were fried and served with a tomato sauce. They were spicy and reminded us of falafel, but better. Another starter was a decent but not exciting house salad. All of the entrées were winners. The tender double-cut bone-in pork chop with sautéed broccoli rabe, peppers, and roasted bliss potatoes was perfectly cooked medium-rare as ordered. The only disappointment was that Lowell finished them up and I couldn’t have leftovers the next day. We did, however, bring home some of the fork-tender short ribs, which we loved scooping up along with the creamy polenta and sautéed spinach—a rich, satisfying dish. One special of the evening, pan-seared fillet of tilefish, was exceptional. This firm, white, extra-lean fish gets its delicate flavor from a diet of crab and other crustaceans. Campania served it with butternut squash, sautéed spinach, and crispy sage for our favorite dish of the evening. Then, with coffee, we munched on homemade biscotti. For reservations call 201-797-8222; BYO.
Double-cut bone-in pork chop at Campania.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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HERE COMES THE JUDGE
I’ll have my fifteen seconds of fame when I’m a judge on Throwdown With Bobby Flay, which will air on Wednesday, March 17, at 9 PM on the Food Network. This episode, “Stuffed French Toast,” which will also air on March 18 at 12 AM and on March 28 at 11 PM, was filmed in January with chef/owner Omar Giner of La Isla Restaurant, 104 Washington Street, Hoboken (201-659-8197). Joining me in the judging was Steve Picker, chef/owner of Good Restaurant, 89 Greenwich Avenue, New York City (212-691-8080). At this time I am under contract not to reveal any more information, other than the fact that it was extremely enjoyable to participate and to judge the food of two very talented chefs.
Find a description of the show on the Food Network Web site here:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/throwdown-with-bobby-flay/stuffed-french-toast/index.html
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HAT CITY KITCHEN, ORANGE
Hat City Kitchen, 459 Valley Street, Orange, has opened, with executive chef Patrick Pierre Jerome, whom some of you may remember from Yves in Montclair. Along with new American cuisine with Southern and Cajun influences, music is offered on Thursday through Saturday evenings, with various types of events, such as poetry readings, lectures, art exhibits, and other community-based projects, planned for the future. The restaurant is owned by HANDS Inc., a nonprofit that is developing the Valley Arts District in Orange and West Orange with affordable housing and loft space for artists and musicians.
The menu is moderately priced, with the most expensive dishes, a full rack of St. Louis ribs or braised short ribs, priced at $19. Salads, chili, burgers, and hot dogs are available, as are jambalaya, buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp étouffée, and “my mom’s meatloaf.” Main courses include two sides such as cornbread, mac and cheese, honey-ginger-glazed carrots, creamed spinach, and collard greens, all of which can also be ordered à la carte. Hat City offers reasonably priced wines with house brands at $5 a glass, plus draught and bottled beers. For reservations call 862-252-9147.
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BRUNCH AT NINETY ACRES
Ninety Acres Culinary Center, Natirar, 2 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, is now serving a prix-fixe two-course brunch on Sundays. Menu items include chocolate bread French toast; chicken liver terrine; personal pizzas; duck confit and potato hash with an egg, greens, and brioche toast; a giant baked pancake with caramelized apples and toasted walnuts; and a Ninety Acres burger with Herdsman cheese, caramelized onions, a brioche bun, and fries. 11 AM to 2 PM; $35 including a brunch cocktail and a basket of homemade pastries; 20 percent gratuity included for parties of eight or more. An $8 children’s menu is also available. Call 908-901-9500 for reservations.
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ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES
Here are some places that will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day (Wednesday, March 17).
The Alchemist & Barrister, 28 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day party and Longbeard Contest on March 17 at 5:30 PM, to raise funds for the Literacy Volunteers in Mercer County. Bagpipers will usher in festivities that include traditional dancing and Irish music and food. Executive chef Arthur Kukoda will offer a special Irish menu, including a steamship round of corned beef. For more information and reservations call 609-924-5555.
Donna Toscana and the Chocolate Path along with Slow Food Northern New Jersey will have a Green Event for St Patrick’s Day at the Chocolate Path, 94 Walnut Street, Montclair. The evening will include Irish-themed handmade chocolates, local cheeses, breads and quiches from Terra Tea Salon & Fair Trade Market, Montclair, and a guided fair-trade and organic chocolate tasting by Susan Fine, owner of the Chocolate Path. Bring your own beer or wine to suit the Irish theme and to complement the chocolate. 7 to 8:30 PM; $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/100794.
Luciano’s, 1579 Main Street, Rahway, will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish dishes and a pint of Guinness for $3. For more information and reservations call 732-815-1200.
Restaurant Plan B, 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, will have its annual buffet featuring foods for St Patrick’s Day; $10, BYOG (bring your own Guinness). For reservations call 732-807-4710.
Robin’s Nest Restaurant, 2 Washington Street, Mount Holly, will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 16 and 17 at lunch and dinner, with corned beef and cabbage, homemade soda bread, Irish potato candy, and beer specials. For reservations call 609-261-6149.
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DINING DEALS
Cafe Luna, 32 Main Street, Millburn, offers a three-course prix-fixe menu that includes choice of appetizer; salad or soup; pasta, fish, or chicken; and dessert. For reservations call 973-376-8008; BYO.
On Fridays through April 4, Matisse, 1301 Ocean Avenue, Belmar, is featuring a “two-for-one fish” promotion on all of its Fulton Market finds. For reservations call 732-681-7680; BYO.
Mondays through Thursdays through March, Trattoria Rustica, 517 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, offers a three-course prix-fixe menu for $21. Call 973-748-3436 for reservations; BYO.
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