Restaurant News

This week Rosie tells us about Drew’s Bayshore Bistro in Keyport, Daryl in New Brunswick, cooking classes at Rat’s in Hamilton, Christmas and New Year’s dining, and much more news about NJ restaurants.

DREW’S BAYSHORE BISTRO, KEYPORT
As a 2010 and 2011 James Beard Foundation nominee for Best Regional Chef, Andrew Araneo, owner of Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, has received a well-deserved honor. This was no surprise to us, of course, as we’ve been in love with the very talented chef’s Gulf Coast and Low Country cuisine since he opened up in 2005. Located in a new spot, 28 East Front Street, Keyport, one block from the old location, Araneo’s new digs, decorated in black (napkins) and white (tablecloths) with water-themed pictures on the walls and black-and-white-checked curtains, are comfy and welcoming. The service is attentive, and the food is fabulous.

We pigged out. Starters included an empanada filled with andouille sausage and sweet potato, served with fruit chutney.

Do not miss rich and tender orange- and chipotle-glazed duck wings, a new dish for us.

Pan-roasted littleneck clams and andouille sausage in a garlic tomato broth, which we finished with our spoons.

Sautéed tender rings of calamari with garlic, hot cherry peppers, herbs, tomatoes, white wine, butter, and breadcrumbs—scrumptious, and a delightful change from fried calamari.

Our entrées are also highly recommended. Shrimp and creamy green chili–cheese grits were enhanced with bacon, mushrooms, tomato, and scallions. The grits were as good as those we’ve had in Charleston, South Carolina.

A delicious and humongous pork shank osso buco was served with mashed sweet potatoes and string beans.

Seared day-boat scallops with butternut squash and ancho chili risotto.

And finally for the main dishes, braised beef short ribs with smashed potatoes, zucchini, carrots, red chili onions, and chipotle braising jus.

Of course we had dessert. Do not miss the Bistro Funny Bone, based on Drake’s Funny Bones. Made with devil’s food cake, peanut butter mousse, chocolate ganache, and chocolate sauce, this is a dessert that I wouldn’t think of not ordering.

We also had a sweet potato ice cream sundae with toasted house-made marshmallow sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs, and pumpkin and dried cherry bread pudding with house-made vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. Yes, we were beyond full, and we didn’t have breakfast the next day. But boy, oh boy, Chef Araneo sure can cook.

For reservations, call 732-739-9219; BYO.

Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.

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DARYL, NEW BRUNSWICK
Daryl delivers. Located at 302 George Street, New Brunswick, with executive chef Zod Arifai from Restaurant Blu and Next Door (both in Montclair) at the helm, this restaurant should be on your go-to list. David Viana, who was previously sous chef at David Drake in Rahway, Due Terre in Bernardsville, and Uproot in Warren, is the chef de cuisine. We were recently at a family-and-friends dinner before the official opening, and we can’t wait to return. The opening menu has some favorites from Blu, including creamy polenta with wild mushrooms, buffalo mozzarella with eggplant and arugula, seafood dumplings in a spicy coconut broth, veal short ribs with a soy-vinegar glaze, and tuna with napa cabbage, shiitakes, and a ginger-chili sauce. Two items we adored were the duck meatballs with yogurt and apricots, and the chicken liver agnolotti with sage, balsamic, and caramelized onions. If you’re a fan of liver, do not miss this dish. Steak lovers can opt for a 28-day dry-aged rib eye, NY strip, skirt, or filet served with a choice of béarnaise, au poivre, mushroom-soy, or, our favorite, horseradish sauce. We also appreciated the wine list, which has 50 whites and 50 reds all priced at $50 and under. Daryl is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and for dinner nightly. A small-plates bar menu is offered on Friday and Saturday nights. For reservations, call 732-253-7780.

Executive chef Zod Arifai and chef de cuisine David Viana at Daryl.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.

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CHUTNEY & CO., MADISON
There’s a new dining option in Madison with the opening at 4 Park Street of Chutney & Co., an Indian restaurant with a small menu but enough varied options that diners won’t have a problem finding something to order. Appetizers include samosas, tandoori paneer, puff pastry filled with mushroom or minced lamb, tandoori chicken, lentil soup, and salads, and sides include breads, chutney and lentil crackers, and spiced potatoes. Some entrées: tandoori chicken in a tomato cream sauce; lamb shank; Goan lamb vindaloo; lamb chops; fillet of salmon; and cheese cubes in a tomato cream sauce or creamy spinach sauce. We had sautéed chunks of cauliflower and potato in a spicy red sauce. Delhi murgh tikka masala, tandoori chicken in a spicy tomato-based curry sauce, was tasty.

Service was spotty; we think it all depends on which server you get. Ours didn’t put our white wine in an ice bucket; the couple at a table across from us with a different server had an ice bucket. Also, our server was aggressively trying to up-sell us. We were charged $3 for a side of rice, which we thought accompanied our entrée. Also, it’s not the server’s fault, but one of our entrées was served tepid; the other was cold and was sent back to the kitchen to be reheated. We bypassed dessert, but some options were rice pudding, crème brûlée, Indian ice cream, and caramelized flatbread with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. For reservations, call 973-845-2769; BYO.

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COOKING CLASSES AT RAT’S, HAMILTON
Four-week cooking classes are being offered by executive chef Shane Cash at Rat’s Restaurant, Grounds for Sculpture, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Attendees will learn how to prepare a four-course meal inspired by ingredients from local growers. Rat’s wine expert Alan Hallmark will also present wine for the dinner. Session one starts on January 9 for four Mondays; session two will be on Tuesdays starting January 10. Class size is limited to twelve students. 6 PM; $325. To register, call 609-584-7800.

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SUNDAY SUPPER AT THE BERNARDS INN, BERNARDSVILLE

A new Sunday Supper Series is being offered at the Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, with a three-course à la carte dinner for $39 plus tax and gratuity. The seasonal menu features new dishes and ingredients as well as selections from the regular menu. Call 908-766-0002.

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CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DINING

Santa Claus will be making a special visit with treats for children of all ages on Christmas Eve at the Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville. Two dining options will be offered. A three-course prix-fixe dinner will be held in the dining room from 3 to 8 PM; $95, $45 for children under twelve. An elaborate buffet will also be offered from 3 to 8 PM; $65, $29 for children ages five to twelve, $15 for children ages two to four (no charge for children under two). Call 908-766-0002.

Boulevard Five72, 572 Boulevard, Kenilworth, will feature an Italian-style dinner, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, on Christmas Eve; $70, $95 with wine. Call 908-709-1200.

A Christmas Eve Seven Fishes dinner and an à la carte menu will be offered at Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, from 2 till 9 PM. Call 201-795-2750.

Fascino, 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, will be open on Christmas Eve from 5 to 9:30 PM, offering a special tasting menu along with à la carte dishes. Call 973-233-0350.

Firecreek, 13109 Town Center Boulevard, Voorhees, will be open for lunch on December 24 and closed on Christmas Day. Call 856-344-7901.

On Christmas Eve, the Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will offer its à la carte menu from 4:30 to 9 PM. Call 732-846-3216.

For Christmas, Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, will offer a four-course prix-fixe menu featuring a choice of appetizers and entrées for $59 plus tax and gratuity. Call 973-731-3463.

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, will host a Christmas Eve brunch, served buffet style from 11 AM to 3 PM, which will include traditional holiday favorites along with creative new selections. The restaurant will also be open for dinner beginning at 5 PM. Call 201-445-4115.

The Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, has a few options on Christmas Day. A buffet will be offered from 12:30 to 6:30 PM; $49.95, children $19.95. A four-course prix-fixe dinner will be held from 12:30 to 6:30 PM; $69.95, children $24.95. Call 973-731-2360.

The Pluckemin Inn, 359 Route 206 South, Bedminster, will have seatings from 4 to 8 PM on Christmas Eve, with three-course ($70) and four-course ($80) prix-fixe options. Call 908-658-9292.

Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham, will celebrate Christmas Eve with a three-course dinner from 5 to 9 PM for $69, $35 for children. Call 973-701-0303.

The Christmas Eve bar opens at 3 PM and a special dinner menu will be served from 4 to 10 PM at Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson. A children’s menu will also be available. Closed Christmas Day. Call 732-933-9272.

A five-course prix-fixe $65 Italian Christmas Eve dinner and $80 Feast of the Seven Fishes is being offered at Satis, 212 Washington Street, Jersey City, from 5 to 8 PM. Call 201-435-5151; BYO.

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NEW YEAR’S DINING

Celebrate at the Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, with a special three-course prix-fixe New Year’s Eve dinner. 5:30 to 11 PM; $115. On New Year’s Day, a bountiful breakfast buffet will be offered from 10 AM to 2 PM; $29.95, $10 for children ages five to twelve (no charge for children under five). Call 908-766-0002.

The Brass Rail Restaurant & Bar, 135 Washington Street, Hoboken, will present its annual three-course gala dinner on New Year’s Eve from 9 PM, after regular dinner seating from 5 to 7 PM; $70 with an option to upgrade to open bar, plus tax, additional beverages, and gratuity. If you wish to party solely at the bar, a premium open bar includes two hours of hot and cold food platters for $80. On New Year’s Day from 11 AM to 3 PM, recover with a two-course prix-fixe brunch, with or without a little “hair of the dog”; $17, or $27 including the choice of mimosas, Bloody Marys, red sangria, or featured beer (restrictions apply), plus tax, additional beverages, and gratuity. Call 201-659-7074.

The New Year’s bash starts at 8:30 PM at Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. It includes a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, party favors, dancing and entertainment, and a televised feed from Times Square; $175 plus tax and gratuity. A standard dinner will be served from 3 PM in the front room. Call 201-795-2750. Hotel rooms and transportation are available.

The Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will serve an à la carte menu from 5 to 6 PM. A four-course dinner will be offered from 6:30 to 11 PM for $85. Call 732-846-3216.

Firecreek, 13109 Town Center Boulevard, Voorhees, will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Call 856-344-7901.

Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, will serve a four-course prix-fixe menu on New Year’s Eve. Guests who dine after 8:30 PM will receive noisemakers and hats. Early seatings are available from 5 PM. Call 973-731-3463.

The Mad Batter Restaurant, Carroll Villa Hotel, 19 Jackson Street, Cape May, will serve a four-course prix-fixe New Year’s Eve dinner for $75. Call 609-884-5970.

Maritime Parc, 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, is offering several packages, including two different menus from Chef Chris Siversen. Join the festivities for part of the evening, or ring in 2012 on the third-floor Aviary space. The first seating is from 6:30 to 7 PM and includes a three-course prix-fixe menu and a glass of bubbly for $75. A five-course menu with a glass of bubbly is offered at the second seating, from 9:30 to 10 PM, for $125. Spend New Year’s in the Aviary from 9:30 PM to 2 AM, with a full open premium bar, DJ and dancing all night, a dinner buffet until 11 PM, a cocktail buffet until 11 PM, savory and sweet treats passed throughout the night, a midnight toast, and party favors; $150 all-inclusive. Call 201-413-0500.

After regular à la carte seating on New Year’s Eve from 5 to 7 PM, Moonshine Modern Supper Club, 55 Main Street, Millburn, will present a limited-seating three-course prix-fixe dinner highlighting executive chef Frank Falivene’s contemporary American comfort fare from 9 PM to closing; $70 plus tax, beverages, and gratuity. On New Year’s Day, Moonshine will feature a two-course prix-fixe brunch from 11 AM to 4 PM; $17, or $27 with brunch cocktails and soft drinks included, plus tax, additional beverages, and gratuity. Call 973-218-6042.

The doors open at 8 PM on New Year’s Eve at Pilsener Haus Biergarten, 1422 Grand Street, Hoboken. Admission is $100 and includes an open bar from 9 PM to 1 AM with premium imported and American craft beers; abundant platters from the grill with weisswurst, bratwurst, kielbasa, and more; oversize Bavarian soft pretzels; and a midnight toast of champagne or beer. After midnight, Chef Thomas Ferlesch will serve a kettle of Hungarian beef goulash to ward off that New Year’s Day hangover. Live DJ all night long. Call 201-281-0271.

Have an early dinner at the Pluckemin Inn, 359 Route 206 South, Bedminster, on New Year’s Eve or celebrate at the stroke of midnight. Seatings are available from 5 to 10 PM. Three courses are $85 from 5 to 7 PM; five courses are $145 from 8 PM with champagne toast. Call 908-658-9292.

Dine à la carte or enjoy a five-course tasting menu at Rat’s Restaurant, Grounds for Sculpture, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. There will be a DJ in the pavilion and a midnight champagne toast. Call 609-584-7800.

An elegant evening is planned at Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham, with a four-course dinner from 6 to 10 PM for $115. Call 973-701-0303.

Resto, 77 Main Street, Madison, will be open on New Year’s Eve with seatings from 5:30 to 6:30 PM and 8:30 to 9:30 PM. Call 973-377-0066.

On New Year’s Eve, the bar opens at 3 PM and a special dinner menu will be offered from 4 to 11 PM at Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson. A children’s menu will also be available. A four-course dinner with an open bar will be available from 9 PM to 1 AM, which also includes a champagne toast, a photo booth for take-home memories, party favors, and dancing with “An Affair to Remember” DJ music; $99 plus tax and gratuities. On New Year’s Day, an unlimited champagne brunch will be served from 11 AM to 2:30 PM; $29, children $12. The dinner menu will be available from 5 to 10 PM. Call 732-933-9272.

Satis, 212 Washington Street, Jersey City, will be serving from 8 PM to 2 AM on New Year’s Eve; $95. Call 201-435-5151; BYO.

The Strip House at the Westminster Hotel, 550 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, will offer additions to its classic steakhouse fare on New Year’s Eve from 5 PM to midnight. On New Year’s Day, breakfast will be served from 8 AM to noon. Skip the driving and stay over at the Westminster Hotel, with special rates starting from $99 on standard deluxe rooms until January 1. For hotel reservations, call 800-388-2741. For restaurant reservations, call 973-548-0050.

The Washington Inn, 801 Washington Street, Cape May, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a four-course dinner with choices and a glass of champagne for $85, or, if seated before 6 PM, a four-course dinner for $55. Call 609-884-5697.

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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].

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