ULTIMATE CHEF BERGEN COUNTY COMPETITION
Chef Central, Paramus, has announced the lineup of chef competitors for the 2011 Ultimate Chef Bergen County competition. On Saturday, January 15, Michael Ostros of Regina’s Steakhouse in Teaneck will square off against Bryan Gregg of the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. On Saturday, January 22, Matthew Tirri of Nicole’s Restaurant in Bogota will compete against Justin Pehowic of Chakra in Paramus. The winners of these competitions will then vie for the title of Ultimate Chef Bergen County 2011 on Saturday, January 29. All three rounds will start at 11 AM. For more information call 201-576-0100.
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THAI CHEF, MONTCLAIR
What we thought was a new restaurant, Tee Time (French/American menu), at 664 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, opened up next to Thai Chef (Thai/ French menu). When we went there, however, we realized that both places are using the same address and phone number. We were ushered into the Thai Chef space and given menus from both restaurants. Although the two have some similar items on their menus, the Tee Time menu, with dishes such as rack of lamb and salmon with a mustard Mornay cheese sauce, did not entice us, so we ordered from the Thai Chef menu. The spicy shrimp soup with mushrooms, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, chili, cilantro, and lime juice was delicious and refreshing, with just the right amount of kick. It wasn’t a big deal, but the menu stated that it came with straw mushrooms, while what we tasted appeared to be button mushrooms. A generous portion of arugula salad with mango and avocado served on a chilled plate was as good as we’ve had in upscale restaurants. Green curry emitted an enticing fragrance as it was placed on the table, and it was as tasty as it smelled. Lard na, a flat rice noodle with mixed vegetables and pork, was salty, and the sauce was a congealed mess by the time it cooled down. Thai Chef offers French-inspired desserts, and we opted for a special of apple tatin, which turned out to be a cooked apple cut into four pieces and topped with vanilla ice cream. “Where’s the pastry base?” we said to each other. The chocolate soufflé would have been a better option. The restaurant, with linen tablecloths and napkins, an uncluttered dining room decorated with pictures of the Buddha, and padded seats, is one of the prettiest Thai places we’ve visited. For reservations at either establishment call 973-783-4994.
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ROMEO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO & PIZZERIA, PLAINSBORO
If you’re looking for a casual red-sauce Italian restaurant, you can’t go wrong at the BYO Romeo’s Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria, Plainsboro Shopping Plaza, 10 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro; 609 799-4554. The food is comforting, the portions large, the prices low (our bill with tax and tip was $18.20 per person), the staff eager to please. Specials are written out with the prices, and the kitchen will even cook something not listed on the menu if they have the ingredients. There is something for everyone here, from pizza to pasta to seafood, veal, and chicken dishes. At a recent dinner we bypassed the appetizers, as entrées come with salad or soup. The substantial salad contained crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Entrées were fettuccine with chunks of veal, peas, Romano cheese, onions, and tomato sauce; chicken Maximo consisting of chicken breast sautéed with shallots and sherry wine and accompanied by mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and mozzarella; eggplant parmigiano with pasta on the side; and house-made meat lasagna. Everyone had a doggie bag to bring home, and we were full enough to easily pass on desserts by Bindi.
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TASTE OF MADISON
On January 18, sample signature dishes from more than 30 restaurants and chefs at Taste of Madison, Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park. The event will benefit the Madison Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Madison, and the Downtown Development Commission. 6 PM VIP admission $100, 7 PM general admission $65. For tickets log on to www.tasteofmadison.org.
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ROBBIE BURNS DINNER
Poetry, toasts, music, and dancers will be featured on January 14 at the Sixth Annual Robbie Burns Dinner, Mount Holly Library, 307 High Street, Mount Holly. 7 PM; $55. For reservations call High Street Grill at 609-265-9199.
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WINTER WINE SCHOOL
On seven Wednesdays starting January 12, a Winter Wine School will be held at Branches Catering, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch. Wines will be served with hors d’oeuvres, and bottles will be available for purchase after the tasting. Topics are…
January 12: Napa Cabernets to keep you warm through the winter
January 19: Southern Italian blockbusters
January 26: Global obsession with Pinot Noir
February 2: Pedroncelli wines from Sonoma
February 9: Tuscan sunshine in a bottle
February 16: Best-value wines under $15
February 23: Is Alexander Valley the next “Napa”?
7 to 9:30 PM; $149 plus tax for seven sessions, or $25 per session plus tax. For reservations call 732-542-7790.
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GRAIN HOUSE, BASKING RIDGE
The Grain House Restaurant at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge will be closed for approximately ten days to complete some equipment upgrades. The Olde Mill Inn hotel and corporate meeting center will be open for business as usual during this time, and room service will be available. Customers should check www.grainhouse.com for the confirmed restaurant reopening date. Nationally renowned executive chef Walter Leffler is responsible for both the Olde Mill Inn and the Grain House Restaurant.
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DINING DEALS
On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights, the Brothers Moon, 7 West Broad Street, Hopewell, offers a three-course dinner menu for $33. For reservations call 609-333-1330; BYO.
Every Sunday, a four-course family-style meal is served at Treno, 233 Haddon Avenue, Westmont; $19, children twelve and under $5. For reservations call 856-833-9233.
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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].