MANTRA, PARAMUS
The website for Mantra, 275 Route 4, Paramus, states, “Our true service is about building relationships with guests. When our guests leave, we want them to feel it’s not just a service they have received but an unprecedented experience.” Heads up, patrons: Service was indeed friendly and attentive, but this restaurant puts the tip on the bill. Not a problem if you know about it. We didn’t see anything about this practice on the menu, the waiter didn’t tell us, and the bill has a line marked “tip.” The same thing happened to us at Moghul in Edison, except the menu said a tip is added to large parties—and we were a party of four!
If you’re looking for a high-end Indian restaurant with lovely décor, tableside service, and a liquor license, then this place is for you. We thoroughly enjoyed all but one of the dishes, and the waiter was helpful in giving us recommendations. The mixed basket of bread with naan, garlic bread, and spicy onion kulcha gave us a variety of tastes and came to the table piping hot. Highly recommended is the chaat ($11), which was enough for four people and contains chickpeas, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, papdi (crispy crackers), sweet tamarind, and a zingy coriander mint chutney. This dish had beautifully blended flavors and textures. Dal makhni (slow-cooked black lentils) was creamy, and shrimp caldin, with mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and coriander, was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Cubes of lamb in a vindaloo sauce, however, were tough and not as spicy as other versions of this dish we’ve tasted. Gajar halwa, fresh grated carrots cooked with milk, cardamom, and nuts, was a sweet finish to our meal, along with a scoop each of mango, vanilla, and pistachio kulfi, an Indian ice cream. Reservations: 201-342-8868.
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SALT CREEK GRILLE, RUMSON AND PRINCETON
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson (732-933-9272), and 1 Rockingham Row, Princeton (609-419-4200), has a new menu with lighter fare and an emphasis on local farms and products. Some new items offered by executive chef Bob Belt (Rumson) and Fabio Quiros (Princeton) are smoked ahi tuna with citrus, shaved celery, red grapes, and sherry vinaigrette on baby greens; rock shrimp risotto with corn and basil; citrus-glazed swordfish, baby tomatoes, citrus segments, and avocado mousse; coffee-crusted New York steak with baby arugula, locally sourced Great Hill blue cheese, oven-roasted potatoes, and bourbon caramel; and grilled vegetable wrap with baby wild arugula, Portobello mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, locally sourced Bijou Buttons goat cheese, hummus, and sweet potato fries. Several Salt Creek Grille signature dishes remain, including bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp, double-cut pork chops, and the made-to-order chocolate ganache soufflé. For more information, log on to www.saltcreekgrille.com.
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CHEF’S NIGHT 2012
On June 25, more than thirty-five restaurants will be participating in Chef’s Night 2012 at the Palace at Somerset Park, 333 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, to benefit the Elijah’s Promise Culinary School. Participating restaurants include Brandl, the Brothers Moon, Clydz, Due Mari, the Frog and the Peach, Harvest Moon, TPC Jasna Polana, the Palace at Somerset Park, Sophie’s Bistro, Steakhouse 85, and Tula. 6 to 9 PM; $130. For tickets, call 732-545-9002 ext 126.
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SICKLES MARKET, LITTLE SILVER, GOES TO LACROIX IN PHILLY
On July 7, Sickles Market, 1 Harrison Avenue, Little Silver, is hosting a Ladies’ Lunch at Lacroix in the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia, which will include transportation to and from the Rittenhouse by air-conditioned coach, a guided tour of the Lacroix Chocolate Laboratory, an insider tour of the Lacroix kitchen to meet the chefs, a Rittenhouse Hotel guest talk over lunch at Lily’s Cafe (alcohol not included), free time for shopping, an optional walk to Di Bruno Brothers, a narrated bus tour of Philadelphia, onboard talks by Sickles gourmet experts, a map of Rittenhouse Square and shopping highlights, a summer goodie bag, and raffles. 9:30 AM to 6 PM; $165. Contact Kirsty Dougherty for more information at [email protected] or call 732-741-9563.
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HONEY’S KITCHEN, FAIRFIELD
On June 30, a five-course tasting dinner will be held at Honey’s Kitchen, 48 Clinton Road, Fairfield. The following menu will be presented by owner/chef Carlos Castro: corn soup with avocado, crème fraiche, and roasted tomato; beet salad with goat cheese, candied walnuts, roasted peppers, and apple cider vinaigrette; roasted chicken with quinoa, asparagus, and truffle jus; butter-poached lobster with pappardelle, shiitake mushrooms, and fava beans; and a homemade dessert. Reservations are taken between 6:30 and 8:30 PM, and there’s just one seating per evening, so the table is yours for the night. $52. Reservations: 973-287-6749.
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STAGE LEFT PIG ROAST, NEW BRUNSWICK
On Sundays throughout the summer, Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, will hold a Pig Roast around 5 PM. The pig is served family style, for $19 per half pound and $29 per pound. For more information, call 732-828-4444.
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MODERN AMERICAN EATERY, JERSEY CITY
MAE, aka Modern American Eatery, 339 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City (201-743-8454), is now offering brunch on weekends from 11 AM to 3 PM. A $12 prix-fixe menu is also being served, which includes an entrée with coffee and juice or a brunch cocktail. Reservations: 201-743-8454.
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LOOKING AHEAD
On July 29, have sushi for your poochie at a Wine and A-PAW-tizers fundraiser for the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge at Flirt Sushi Lounge, 140 West Allendale Avenue, Allendale. 6 to 9 PM; $75. For tickets, contact [email protected] or send a check Rob Lehmann, 52 Saxonia Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.
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AMANTI VINO’S SHARON SEVRENS ON THE “TODAY” SHOW
On June 28, Sharon Sevrens, owner of Amanti Vino, 30 Church Street, Montclair (973-509-WINE), will be discussing great wines to pair with BBQ on the Today show with hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, during the 10 AM hour.
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Congratulations to chef Humberto Campos Jr. and his wife, Lorena, owners of Lorena’s in Maplewood, on the birth of Liam Thomas Campos on May 10.
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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to [email protected].