MEKONG GRILL, RIDGEWOOD
There are lots of tasty dishes to try, so don’t fill up on the shrimp chips placed on the table when you’re seated at Mekong Grill, 24 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood. These addictive starters are like potato chips; you can’t eat just one. The 36-seat, BYO Vietnamese restaurant, owned by Chef Tai Nham, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, is inexpensive, with dishes ranging from $5 to $15. Tofu with brown sauce was crispy and creamy. A Mekong roll filled with a mini shrimp roll and five-spice pork was a favorite, as was the crunchy Vietnamese crêpe stuffed with sprouts and shrimp. Hot-and-sour soup with a tamarind-flavored broth tasted more like hot-and-sweet soup and was loaded with pineapple, tomatoes, okra, basil, fried shallots, and bean sprouts. The stir-fried glass noodles with tofu and mixed vegetables was a hit, and we wouldn’t hesitate to order the half hen with sautéed sticky rice that contained egg, Chinese sausage, peanuts, and dried shallots. Although it was not as spicy as we would have liked, the black pepper squid was as addictive as the shrimp chips. We bypassed dessert, but some options were durian cheesecake, banana with sticky rice, chocolate lava cake, and ice cream, all which can be washed down with Vietnamese coffee. Mekong is closed Mondays and every day between 3 and 5 PM. It’s open from 11:30 AM on other days. Reservations, which are encouraged, can be made at 201-445-0011.
Vietnamese crêpe.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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IL CAPRICCIO, WHIPPANY
As we hadn’t dined there in over fifteen years, it’s an understatement to say that we were long overdue for a visit to Il Capriccio, 633 Route 10 East, Whippany. Many words came to mind when we thought about this restaurant: upscale, romantic, dressy, formal, and expensive…but not family-friendly. So we were quite surprised to see casually dressed families dining there on a Saturday night. There was even a baby carriage. None of this was a problem, as we were there for the food, ambiance, and service. Keep reading, as a few other things have changed since our last visit.
Terrific bread from Calandra Bakery and marinated vegetables (red and green peppers, celery, olives, and onions) are served when you’re seated, and wine is aerated and decanted—appreciated ways to start a meal. Some of the pastas are listed on the menu as homemade, and some as fresh. Our fresh squid-ink fettuccine was perfectly cooked and topped with cubes of salmon, shrimp, calamari, and New Zealand clams, with a slightly spicy tomato concasse. A loin of veal was a gorgeous piece of meat, perfectly roasted to medium-rare and extremely tender. It came with escarole on the plate, which was a problem, as we’d ordered a side of escarole and now had two servings of this vegetable. If the waiter had told us about the duplication we would have ordered a different vegetable. A roasted Berkshire rack of pork, which was also a stunning and substantial serving, came well-done, not medium-rare as ordered. When we pointed this out to the waiter, he started arguing with us that the pork was medium-rare, and then he changed tactics and said pork had to be served well-done. This whole incident was getting uncomfortable, and we told him we’d keep the pork. In any case, the meat was tender and juicy. The dessert list was uninspiring, with choices such as cheesecake, warm lava cake, tiramisu, crème brûlée, and cannoli. We opted for a special of maple walnut cheesecake with maple walnut gelato. Both were cloyingly sweet. Il Capriccio does get busy and noisy on a Saturday night. Just know that whether you’re wearing jeans or sequins, you will fit in. Reservations: 973-884-9175.
Squid-ink fettuccine topped with salmon, shrimp, calamari, and New Zealand clams.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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DARYL, NEW BRUNSWICK
There’s some exciting news from Daryl, the restaurant that opened at the Heldrich Hotel, 302 George Street, New Brunswick, in December. Executive chef/partner Zod Arifai says, “Daryl has become a restaurant that’s really approachable. I think of it now as casual fine dining. The New American menu is more varied, with competitive pricing.” Some items to opt for: tuna tartare with avocado and spicy ginger sauce; seafood dumplings in spicy coconut broth; fettuccine with pulled short ribs, onions, and Gorgonzola; spaghetti carbonara with crispy duck; mahi-mahi with pineapple, jalapeño, black beans, and baby bok choy; and salmon with butternut squash, cranberry, and orange-mustard glaze. Desserts include butternut squash–apple cake with walnut-raisin ice cream; chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream; and saffron panna cotta with fennel and Gorgonzola.
Daryl now features 56 wines by the glass, original seasonal cocktails, artisanal beers, and a “50-50-50” wine list (50 reds and 50 whites under $50). A reserve list showcases another 300 bottles, and the casual wine tasting room features an Enomatic wine preservation system, dispensing 2-, 4-, and 6-ounce pours. The entire wine list is available for purchase to take home. Under construction is a new 640-square-foot private dining room for larger groups, parties, and meetings. A direct interconnection to the Heldrich Hotel will be completed in the spring.
Daryl serves lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner nightly; a late-night menu featuring signature favorites is available Friday and Saturday from 11 PM to 1 AM. Reservations: 732-253-7780.
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WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET
On February 19, stock up on locally produced meats, breads, mushrooms, cheeses, wines, baked goods, and much more at the Slow Food Central New Jersey Winter Farmers’ Market at Tre Piani Restaurant, 120 Rockingham Row, Plainsboro. 11 AM to 3 PM; $2 suggested donation to benefit Slow Food Central New Jersey.
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MARDI GRAS COMES TO CALDWELL
Shrimp Creole, jambalaya, gumbo, and Cajun popcorn are a few of the Cajun and Creole menu items that chef/owner Joe Albergo of Rose Mediterranean Restaurant, 435 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell (BYO), will be serving for Mardi Gras, February 17 through 21. For reservations, call 973-403-7673.
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Here are some ideas for where to celebrate Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, February 14).
Above, 1 South Orange Avenue (second floor of Eden Gourmet), South Orange, will serve a special Valentine’s dinner with choices from 6 to 11 PM. Reservations: 973-762-5900.
Take a cooking class with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. An Evening in Tuscany class will be held at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. 6 to 9 PM; $65. To register, call 609-343-4829 or visit www.atlantic.edu/conted.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day a day early at a February 13 cooking class, Liquid Nitrogen: Applications in the Modern Kitchen, taught by Chef Tre Ghoshal from Adara, 77 Walnut Street, Montclair. Prepare and enjoy a three-course meal, with each dish involving liquid nitrogen, and also receive an information packet and recipes. Singles and couples welcome. 5 PM; $250. Reservations: 973-783-0462.
Every lady will leave with a complimentary rose after the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart four-course dinner at the Atlantic City Country Club, 1 Leo Fraser Drive, Northfield. 4 to 9 PM; $55. Reservations: 609-236-4415.
Avenue, Pier Village, 23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, is offering a four-course dinner for $39 on Valentine’s Day. Reservations: 732-759-2900.
There are a few options at the Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville. On February 14 beginning at 5:30 PM, executive chef Corey Heyer will present a special three-course prix-fixe menu for $115 per guest. A special Valentine’s Sunday brunch on February 12 will be served from 10 AM to 2 PM and will also include a special holiday treat for children, with make-your-own Valentine’s cookies, cupcakes, and more. Family Valentine’s photos will also be provided. $39.95 for adults, $14.95 for children under twelve; no charge for children under five. For a very special celebration, stay the night with the Valentine’s Day Getaway Package. For dining and getaway package information and reservations, call 908-766-0002.
Bin 14, 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken, will serve a special three-course Valentine’s Day dinner for $65, with seatings at 6, 7:45, and 9:30 PM. Reservations: 201-963-9463.
Culinary director Thomas Ciszak and executive chef Kevin Takafuji from Blue Morel, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, will celebrate Valentine’s Day from February 11 through 14 with a special six-course menu. 5:30 to 10 PM; $89, $158 with wine pairings, plus tax, beverages, and gratuities. On Sunday, a brunch buffet that includes a glass of sparkling wine, a mimosa, or a Bloody Mary will be served from noon to 2 PM; $28 plus tax, beverages, and gratuities. Reservations: 973-451-2619.
An à la carte menu will be offered at Catherine Lombardi, 3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, for Valentine’s Day. Reservations: 732-296-9463.
Executive chef Thomas Ciszak from Chakra, West 144 Route 4 East, Paramus, will serve a special four-course prix-fixe dinner February 11 through 14. 5 to 11 PM; $82 plus tax, beverages, and gratuities. On February 12, a three-course Lovers’ Brunch with a complimentary glass of Prosecco will be offered from noon to 3 PM; $42 plus tax, beverages, and gratuities. Reservations: 201-556-1530.
Classic Thyme Cooking School, 710 South Avenue West, Westfield, is presenting a full-participation cooking class with Daniel Rosati from 7 to 10 PM on Valentine’s Day; $70. Reservations: 908-232-5445.
Daryl, Heldrich Hotel, 302 George Street, New Brunswick, under the direction of Chef Zod Arifai, will serve a luxurious four-course prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day, featuring new dishes and favorites from Blu in Montclair. $75, $125 with wine pairings, plus tax, beverages, and gratuities. Reservations: 732-253-7780.
David Burke Fromagerie, 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, will offer a three-course Valentine’s dinner for $75. Reservations: 732-842-8088.
The Dining Room at Anthony David’s, 111 Tenth Street, Hoboken, will offer a three-course dinner for $75 from 5 to 10 PM. Reservations: 201-222-8359; BYO.
The Elan, 111 Route 46 West, Lodi, will serve a special four-course dinner on Valentine’s Day from 6 to 10 PM, for $129 per couple. Price includes beer, wine, champagne, taxes, tip, and roses. Reservations: 973-777-0503.
Fascino, 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, will offer a four-course Valentine’s Day menu for $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. 5 to 9:30 PM. Reservations: 973-233-0350; BYO.
Firecreek Restaurant & Bar, 13109 Town Center Boulevard, Voorhees, will serve its à la carte menu as well as special additions for Valentine’s Day. Reservations: 856-344-7901.
Grounds for Sculpture, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, offers many options to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. On February 11, a Valentines’ Tea will be held at the Peacock Cafe from 4 to 6 PM. A brunch will be offered on February 12, which includes a tour of the kitchen at Rat’s Restaurant; adults $59, children ages five to twelve $24. On February 14, a special five-course tasting menu will be offered at Rat’s, along with an à la carte menu. Reservations: 609-584-7800.
Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, with its gorgeous views of the New York City skyline, will offer a four-course prix-fixe dinner for $74 per person. Reservations: 973-731-3463.
Honey’s Kitchen, 48 Clinton Road, Fairfield, will offer a special Valentine’s dinner. Reservations: 973-287-6749.
Bring your special someone to the Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, where executive chef Mitchell Altholz will present a four-course prix-fixe dinner in the Terrace Lounge, or opt for the lobster buffet dinner. Lobster buffet seatings are from 5 to 9:30 PM; $62.95. Terrace Lounge seatings are from 5 to 9 PM; $75.95. All ladies will receive a long-stem rose. Reservations: 973-731-2360.
Executive chef Frank Falivene from MoonShine Modern Supper Club, 55 Main Street, Millburn, is offering specials for Valentine’s Day to augment the restaurant’s New American menu. Reservations: 973-218-6042.
Picnic, the Restaurant, 14-25 Plaza Road North, Fair Lawn, has two seatings available on Valentine’s Day. At 6 PM, a three-course dinner will be offered for $65. A four-course dinner will be available at 8:30 PM for $75. Reservations: 201-796-2700; BYO.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13 or 14 in the newly renovated dining room at Restaurant Lorena’s, 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood. Chef Humberto Campos Jr. will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu for $95 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 973-763-4460.
An à la carte menu as well as a steak menu will be offered at Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, on February 11, 12, and 14. Reservations: 732-828-4444.
Executive chef Bill Zucosky from the Strip House, Westminster Hotel, 550 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, has created a three-course Valentine’s Day menu designed for couples to share; $75 per person plus tax, beverages, and gratuities. The regular à la carte menu is also available. Make the night extra-special and check into the Westminster Hotel for a lovers’ getaway package available over two weekends: February 10 to 14 and February 17 to 19. Starting from $169 a night, the package includes rose-petal turndown, a bottle of chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a $100 certificate good toward dinner for two at the Strip House, early check-in at 1PM and late checkout at 2PM, and an upgrade to a private suite for additional $70 (subject to availability). Restaurant reservations: 973-548-0050. Hotel reservations 800-388- 2741.
On February 11, learn how to cook a romantic Valentine’s Day brunch at the Tortilla Press Cantina, 7716 Maple Avenue, Merchantville. 11AM; $34.95 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 856-979-3333.
If you prefer to have a quiet romantic meal at home, WannaBee Chef, 18 Union Avenue, Cresskill (201-503-0335), will create a dinner for you, with warming instructions. Orders are taken until February 10 and can be picked up after 5 PM on February 14.