Restaurant News

This week Rosie tells us about Benissimo in Madison, places to celebrate Mardi Gras, Dining Deals and much more news about NJ restaurants.

RISTORANTE BENISSIMO, MADISON
What would you do if you walked into a restaurant and it had about 60 seats, and they all were empty? Would you stay? Leave? We experienced this dilemma recently. It was early on a Sunday evening and since it was a new establishment, we figured that if we left we might be missing a “new find.” A few months ago we did walk out of a restaurant. We were the only patrons there, and after sitting for 10 minutes with not a waitress in sight, we left.

But back to our latest “uh-oh, do we want to stay” experience. As it turned out, we had a mixed dinner. The quality of the food was quite good but the spicing and saucing were bland. Benissimo in Madison, where Top Notch, 4 Park Avenue Trattoria, and Chutney & Company were previously located, has opened offering standard Italian cuisine. The proprietor previously owned Il Cinghiale Trattoria Italiana in Little Ferry, which is now closed due to flooding.

The food? We appreciated that the bread was served warm with chunks of cheese, a sundried tomato spread and olives, along with butter and olive oil. The burrata accompanying our appetizer of grilled eggplant and zucchini was creamy and luscious. The vegetables were lackluster. A whole branzino was oven roasted with olive oil and deboned at the table. It was a very succulent fish and quite large. The problem is that it needed lemon, perhaps capers or herbs to give it some liveliness. Pappardelle with meat sauce was also a hefty portion, but the sauce was too dry. The menu had many fish choices with or without pasta, as well as chicken, veal shank, pork tenderloin, rib eye and veal offerings. Desserts—tiramisu, cannoli, berries and cream puff to name a few—didn’t tempt us. If you dine here, let me know what you think. The restaurant may be worth another try.

Benissimo Ristorante
4 Park Ave
Madison
973-845-9800
BYO

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COOK OR DINE IN CELEBRATION OF MARDI GRAS
On Tuesday, January 29, a demonstration cooking class, “Mardi Gras Favorites,” with Drew Araneo of Drew's Bayshore Bistro in Keyport, will be held at Taste & Technique Cooking Studio, 597 River Road, Fair Haven. 6:30 to 9:30 PM; $69. Reservations: 732-741-COOK.

On Friday, February 1, a four-course Mardi Gras New Orleans-style supper and dinner show will be held at the Wedgwood Country Club, 200 Hurffville Road, Turnersville. 7 to 10 PM; $60, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 856-227-5522 ext 3.

Mardi Gras will be celebrated on February 12 from 5 to 8 PM at the Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Ave, Collingswood (856-869-0111), with free Mardi Gras beads, indoor kids parade and coloring sheets and, of course, gumbo!

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CAPE MAY NEWS
The Washington Inn, 801 Washington St, Cape May, will serve dinner every Saturday during the winter beginning at 5 PM. Starting Friday, March 29, they will be open Friday and Saturday evenings through April, as well as Sunday brunch and dinner on Easter. Reservations: 609-884-5697.

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DINING DEALS

Fireside Grill & Bar, 133 South Main St, Marlboro (732-780-7900), is offering half-price appetizers on Wednesday evenings after 8 PM.

Also on Wednesday nights bring the family to West Side Gravy, 714 Haddon Ave, Collingswood (856-854-3444), where kids under 10 eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Avenue, Pier Village, 23 Ocean Ave, Long Branch is offering a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $30; available 4:30 to 6 PM daily and all night on Tuesdays. Reservations: 732-759-2900.

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LOOKING AHEAD
On February 21, Peter Turso executive chef at Ursino in Union will be presenting a Winter Garden dinner at the James Beard House, 167 W 12 St, New York City. 7 PM; $170; members $130. Reservations: 212-627-2308.

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Please send press releases and restaurant news, including information on staff changes, wine tastings, and cooking classes, to rosie@njmonthly.com.