TRATTORIA RUSTICA, MONTCLAIR
We hadn’t dined at Trattoria Rustica since it opened in October of 2006. It was time for a return visit as friends have been telling us how much they enjoy this casual restaurant with friendly service and reasonably priced food. Although there are the usual choices one finds on an Italian menu, we opted to start with a delightful crostini topped with fig jam and goat cheese. Other options, as well as flat breads, are available and although bread and olive oil are served when seated, we found this app to be very enjoyable. We also shared a plate of broccoli rabe with sausage and potatoes that was so good we would have loved a bigger portion. Entrées were a baked eggplant with ricotta salata and tomato sauce, a comfort food for me, which stood out because it was made with thin slices of eggplant that were not dredged in bread crumbs. Pasta Bolognese may not be a cutting-edge dish but the preparation was spot on. There were only a few desserts, ice cream, cannoli, lava cake or tiramisu, so we went for the latter and were not disappointed. A three-course, prix-fixe is available Monday through Thursday for $24.95 and the restaurant is open daily for dinner.
Pasta Bolognese
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
Trattoria Rustica
517 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair
973-783-3436
BYO
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SALT CREEK GRILLE, RUMSON
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Ave, Rumson will help you stay warm this winter with hot drinks and a new dessert menu. New sweets include a Granny Smith apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce; New York-style cheesecake with a graham-cracker crust, strawberry compote and mixed berry sauce; and gluten-free, flourless, chocolate cake topped with chocolate gelato and chocolate sauce. If you prefer to sip an after dinner sweet, and want it hot, some offerings along with Irish coffee are: Salt Creek coffee (butterscotch schnapps, Baileys Irish Cream, coffee and whipped cream); Navesink Coffee (Grand Marnier, brandy, coffee, sugar and whipped cream); the Chip Shot (Tuaca, Baileys Irish Cream, coffee and fresh whipped cream); and Nuts and Berries (Frangelica, Chambourd, Bailey’s, coffee and whipped cream). Reservations: 732-933-9272.
Navesink Coffee, Chip Shot and Irish coffee served at Salt Creek Grille.
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HUDSON RESTAURANT WEEK
Hudson Restaurant Week will be celebrated January 28 to February 8 with participating restaurants offering special priced lunches and dinners. For information log onto http://www.hudsonrestaurantweek.com/
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SLOW FOOD EVENTS
If you are looking for a source for local food (meats, breads, mushrooms, cheeses, baked goods and much more) the following Slow Food events will be held on Sunday, January 27:
A Winter Farmers Market sponsored by Slow Food Central NJ, will be held at Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton. 11 AM to 3 PM. $2 suggested donation to benefit Slow Food Central NJ. Call 609-577-5113 for information.
Slow Food Northern NJ will hold a Winter Market at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown. Some participants include: Appleridge Farm, Good Fields Farm, Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, Griggstown Quail Farm, Churutabis Farm, Plaid Piper Farm, Flint Hill Farm, Rogowski Farm, Valley Shepherd Creamery, Donna & Company Chocolates and The Artist Baker. Noon to 4 PM; $3 donation for Slow Food Northern NJ School Vegetable Garden Programs. Information: www.slowfoodnnj.org/
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