CORSO 98, MONTCLAIR
We recently returned to Corso 98, 98 Walnut Street, Montclair, to try the winter menu, as we were impressed with Chef Derek Haupt’s cuisine when we dined there a few months ago. Well, we were just as pleased with this visit. We started with three appetizers, which were more than ample for four diners to share. One of these dishes, puff-pastry-wrapped Brie with shaved pears, mango, strawberry flower, and cranberry-watermelon-pineapple reduction, would have also made a fabulous dessert. The other starters, which were specials that evening, were baby artichoke hearts with pecorino and garlic, and, my favorite, baked bocconcini wrapped with prosciutto and served with arugula, roasted sweet peppers, and toasted pignoli and dressed with champagne vinaigrette.
Entrées were chitarra pasta “alla Mama con polpettini,” which roughly translates to Mama’s fresh pasta with marinara and tiny meatballs. If you like spaghetti and meatballs, this is the dish for you. An aged Angus hanger steak topped with crispy onions was flavorful, as was Lowell’s herb-encrusted center-cut pork chops with shaved garlic, tomato, lemon, and rosemary over steamed broccolini. Roasted salmon sat on top of wilted spinach and came with whipped potatoes, roasted peppers, pancetta, and grilled fennel, a highly recommended dish for fish lovers. We went easy on dessert and just had cherry gelato, pistachio gelato, and Mama’s Italian cookies (pignoli, iced lemon, and biscotti). For dinner reservations call 973-746-0789; BYO. Some of Chef Haupt’s creations were listed on my Best Dishes of 2008 list here: www.njmonthly.com/blogs/tablehopwithRosie/2008/12/24/restaurant-news.html
Corso 98: Puff-pastry-wrapped Brie with shaved pears, mango, strawberry flower, and cranberry-watermelon-pineapple reduction.
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein.
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THE BROTHERS MOON, HOPEWELL
The Brothers Moon, 7 West Broad Street, Hopewell, has been open for eight years, which tells me they’re doing everything right. Chef/owner Will Mooney has a seasonal menu as well as take-out items such as salads, soups, cheeses, specialty meats, olives, breads, and desserts. Some items on his current menu are: roasted kabocha squash soup; marinated grilled jumbo scallop with pomegranate molasses and mâche accented with cured citrus rind; sautéed salmon over wilted spinach with crisp potato cake and grapefruit butter sauce; grilled filet mignon with glazed haricots verts and Stilton mashed potato tart; and homemade gnocchi with roasted celeriac, kale, and Portobello mushroom with saffron cream sauce. Hopewell is a charming little town with antiques shops and art galleries, so even if you don’t live in the area it’s worth the ride for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Princeton and Lambertville are nearby and are also lovely walking towns. Chef Will gives cooking classes; you can spend a day in the kitchen with the chef and be “chef du jour.” Mooney’s seasonings are also available at the restaurant and include Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Spicy Chili Sauce, BBQ Spice Dry Rub, and Chili Rub/Spice Mix. For more information and dinner reservations call 609-333-1330; BYO. Closed Mondays.
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GOING GREEN AT MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE
On February 13, learn the art and history of absinthe at Morton’s the Steakhouse, Riverside Square Mall, 1 Riverside Square, Hackensack. The evening will include four cocktails: absinthe served with ice water dripped through a sugar cube, the Monkey Gland (Bombay gin, orange juice, grenadine, absinthe), the Sazerac (whisky, sugar cube, bitters, absinthe), and Le Deuce (Absolut, raspberry purée, Freixenet sparkling wine, absinthe). Hors d’oeuvres will include Morton’s signature oysters Rockefeller prepared with absinthe, crab-stuffed mushroom caps, mini prime cheeseburgers, and sliced tenderloin crostini. While dining and drinking, guests will enjoy a short historical presentation about absinthe’s notorious past. Guests will also receive an ornate slotted spoon used for serving absinthe in the traditional French service as well as a variety of recipes for making absinthe cocktails at home. 6 to 7:30 PM; $45 including tax and gratuity. For reservations and more information contact Korina Insana at 201-487-1303.
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PROVENCAL DINNER AT THE FROG AND THE PEACH
Through February, the Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will offer a three-course Provencal winter menu for $38, consisting of warm artichoke and fennel salad with black olives and citrus chervil dressing; spit-roasted leg of lamb with winter ratatouille and goat cheese flan; and Meyer lemon panna cotta with olive oil financier. For reservations call 732-846-3216.
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GETAWAY OFFER FROM CONGRESS HALL, CAPE MAY
A general manager’s special package is being offered at Congress Hall, 251 Beach Avenue, Cape May, for stays through April 2. The offer includes accommodations at Congress Hall, an invitation to a cocktail reception each evening in the Brown Room, and daily breakfast for two at the Blue Pig Tavern. For more information call 888-944-1816.
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WASSAILING THE APPLE TREES
On February 8, celebrate Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton. This is an ancient British tradition where celebrants gather around a bonfire to chant a traditional verse that invokes the positive spirits in the orchards to keep the trees safe from evil spirits until the next year’s apples appear. Cider-soaked bread will be tied to an apple tree for the spirits. Activities during the day will include the Princeton-based dance troupe Handsome Molly, which will perform traditional and rural molly dances from 19th-century England. Free hot cider, doughnuts, and roasted marshmallows will be served. Bring your own noisemakers. 1 to 4 PM. For more information and directions call 609-924-2310.
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MARDI GRAS PARTY
Michael Arnone, who has a Crawfish Fest each year at the Sussex County Fairgrounds (this year it will be from May 29 to 31), is hosting a Mardi Gras Party at Mexicali Live, 1409 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck, on February 20 at 8 PM. Musical guests will be Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys from Opelousas, Louisiana. Menu items will include jambalaya, shrimp Creole, fried catfish, crawfish, and much more. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and can be purchased at www.mexicalilive.com. More information about the Crawfish Fest can be found at www.crawfishfest.com.
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TEEN BAKING CAMP
From February 16 to 20, send kids ages eleven to seventeen to the Teens’ Spring Baking Camp that will be held at Chef Central, Paramus Towne Square, 240 Route 17 North, Paramus. The course will cover methods for making various types of dough and batter and will include breakfast baking, breads, rolls, and quick breads. 9 AM; $500. For more information and to enroll log on to www.chefcentral.com or call 201-576-0100.
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CONDOLENCES
We offer our sympathy to the family of Carl LaGrassa, owner of the Pluckemin Inn, Bedminster, who passed away on January 27.
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DINING DEALS
A Dinner and a Movie Night promotion is being offered on February 12 and March 12 at the following restaurants in Caldwell: Bangkok Kitchen (973-618-9975), Calandra’s Italian Village (973-226-8889), Caldwell Seafood (973-226-2031), Cedar Grill (973-403-7787), Cloverleaf Tavern (973-226-9812), Ocha (973-228-8856), Otto’s (973-228-9555), Rock ’n’ Joe (973-226-1116), and Tasty CoCo (973-364-1734). Each restaurant is offering 20 percent off each dinner from 5 to 7 PM and will also give patrons a coupon worth $2 off a movie ticket that night. These will be offered for each dinner purchased and will be available only on the nights of the promotion. For movies and times call 973-226-9002. Babysitting services are available at Creative Cottage (973-452-5192) and the Caldwell Community Center (973-228-7665).
Through March 1, Thursday is Wine Day at Restaurant David Drake, 1449 Irving Street, Rahway, with 50 percent off every wine by the bottle. For dinner reservations call 732-388-6677.
Tuesdays through Thursdays, Trattoria Rustica, 517 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, is offering a three-course meal for $24.95. For reservations call 917-783-3436; BYO.
Mondays through Thursdays from 4 to 6:30 PM, Tortilla Press, 703 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, has a twilight menu for $16.50. For reservations call 856-869-3345; BYO.
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VALENTINE’S DAY 2009
The following restaurants will be celebrating Valentine’s Day (Saturday, February 14):
Adventures in Cooking, 12 Legion Place, Wayne, is offering a Valentine’s Couples participation cooking class on February 13 taught by Daniel Rosati. 6:30 to 9:30 PM; $82 per person. To enroll log on to www.adventuresincooking.com or call 973-305-1114.
Andre’s Restaurant & Wine Boutique, 188 Spring Street, Newton, will offer a four-course ($48) and five-course dinner ($53) on Valentine’s Day with choices for each course. On Sunday, February 15, a five-course Sweetheart Dinner will be offered for $60. You can also surprise your loved one with handmade chocolate truffles for $10 a box. For reservations call 973-300-4192.
Avenue, 23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, will serve a four-course French-Mediterranean Valentine’s Day menu; $45 plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. For reservations call 732-759-2900.
Bacio Italian Cuisine, 2801 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, will offer a full à la carte menu. Call 856-303-9100 for reservations.
The Bernards Inn, 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, is offering couples a special three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s menu on February 14 and 15. The evenings will include gourmet cuisine, flowers, live piano music, and a special gift. $110 per person with seatings beginning at 5:30 PM. Those wishing to turn Valentine’s Day into a romantic getaway can indulge in the Valentine’s Romance Package, which includes dinner for two along with luxury overnight accommodations. In their room, guests will arrive to a bottle of chilled champagne and a dozen long-stem roses, along with a sumptuous assortment of truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries. Guests will also enjoy a full breakfast in the conservatory the next morning. The package is priced from $600 based on guest room availability. Gratuities are included; taxes are additional. Extend the stay with a second night at the inn and receive 25 percent off that night’s room charge. Reservations for dinner or the Valentine’s Romance package can be made by calling 908-766-0002. Entertainment, dining, drinks, and casual conversation will also be available on Valentine’s Day for singles ages 25 to 55. 7 to 10 PM; $75 per person. For more information and reservations call Tracey Mancini or Lauren Montemarano at the inn.
Bin 14, 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken, will offer a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner. Seatings at 5, 6:30, 8, and 9:30 PM; $65; with wine pairings $35 additional. For reservations call 201-963-9463.
Blackbird Dining Establishment, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, will have three courses for $55 plus tax and gratuity on Valentine’s Day, with seatings at 5, 5:30, 6, 7:30, and 9 PM. For reservations call 856-854-3444.
Braddock’s, 39 South Main Street, Medford, will present Valentine’s Comedy & Dinner on February 13. 6:30 PM; $60 including dinner and the comedy show, plus tax and service charge. For more information and reservations call 609-654-1604.
The Brothers Moon, 7 West Broad Street, Hopewell, will serve a six-course aphrodisiac menu on Valentine’s Day; $75. For reservations call 609-333-1330.
Casa Dante, 737 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13 and 14 with a special à la carte menu. For reservations call 201-795-2750.
Church Street Kitchen, 12 Church Street, Montclair, is offering a special menu for lovers on February 13 and 14. For reservations call 973-233-0216; BYO.
Copeland, Westin Governor Morris Hotel, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, wants you to spoil your loved one with a choice of tasting menus presented by executive chef Thomas Ciszak; 5:30 to 9:30 PM from February 13 through 15. A five-course tasting is $69; wine pairings are $49 more. A seven-course menu is $89; wine pairings are $69 more. For a romantic getaway, the Westin Governor Morris is offering a special rate for guests dining at Copeland on Valentine’s Day weekend. Call 800-WESTIN1 to reserve accommodations or romance packages, and mention code VALENTIN, or visit www.westin.com/morristown. Call 973-451-2619 for dinner reservations.
David Burke Fromagerie, 26 Ridge Road, Rumson, will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13 with a special three-course menu at a 20 percent savings. The à la carte menu will also be available along with the romantic jazz sounds of the Gerald Carboy Jazz Trio with guest vocalist Layonne Holmes. On February 14, a three-course Valentine’s menu will be $69, and on February 15 a three-course Valentine’s brunch will be offered along with complimentary champagne and roses for $39. For reservations call 732-842-8088.
The Dining Room at Anthony David’s, 111 10th Street, Hoboken, will serve a four-course dinner on Valentine’s Day. Seatings at 6, 8 and 10 PM; $75. For reservations call 201-222-8359; BYO.
Docs of Sparta, 191 Woodport Road, Sparta, will be open on Valentine’s Day from 2 to 11 PM serving a chef’s tasting menu with a choice of one each of eight appetizers, eight entrées, and eight desserts. $50 to $75; will include a champagne toast and a rose for the women. Men will receive the check. For reservations call 973-729-0555.
Due Mari Pesce e Vinoteca, 78-80 Albany Street, New Brunswick, will offer a three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner; $55 plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. For reservations call 732-296-1600.
Due Terre Enoteca, 107 Morristown Road, Bernardsville, will offer a three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner; $55 plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. For reservations call 908-221-0040.
Fascino, 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, will offer a four-course menu for $75 per person plus tax and gratuity on February 13, as well as on February 14. For reservations call 973-233-0350.
The Frog and the Peach, 29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, will celebrate Valentine’s Day from Friday through Sunday with an à la carte menu, a four-course prix-fixe menu, and a Valentine’s tasting menu. For reservations call 732-846-3216.
Gladstone Tavern, 273 Main Street, Gladstone, will have Valentine’s Day entertainment featuring a live jazz duo, plus a long-stem rose for each lady and a five-course prix-fixe dinner; $50. Other romantic specials will be available from February 9 through 13. For reservations call 908-234-9055.
The Heldrich Hotel & Spa and Christopher’s Restaurant, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a few romantic choices. Christopher’s will feature a special three-course menu from February 13 to 16, priced from $39.99 per person. A Valentine Sweetheart Package is offered, which includes luxury overnight accommodations for two and champagne from $159 per room, including taxes and gratuities. Couples can add a second night for just $79. Another option is the Heldrich’s Romance Packages for Valentine’s weekend, which include luxury guest accommodations, champagne, breakfast for two, and a $100 gift certificate for use at Christopher’s Restaurant or the Spa at the Heldrich. The Romance Packages start at $279 per guest room per night and include all taxes and gratuities. And if you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t forget that the Heldrich has a Weekend in New Brunswick Package available all year long, which includes a two-night stay with dinner for two at Christopher’s, breakfast for two on the morning of the couple’s choice, and a $100 gift certificate for use at one of several downtown restaurants, with choices including Daryl Wine Bar, Catherine Lombardi, Stage Left, and Christopher’s restaurants. Catherine Lombardi and Stage Left will even treat the couple to a complimentary box of chocolates. The Weekend in New Brunswick Package includes all taxes and starts at $498 per couple. For more information and reservations call 732-729-4670 or visit www.theheldrich.com.
Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, will serve a special three-course dinner with choices on Valentine’s Day. $72 plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Call 973-731-3463 for more information and reservations.
High Street Grill, 64 High Street, Mount Holly, will serve a wine and beer pairing dinner for two from February 12 through 14. The prix fixe will consist of choices from a select menu paired with a flight of either three wines or three beers, plus a glass of port with dessert. For information or reservations call 609-265-9199.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, will serve a four-course prix-fixe menu; $75; $100 with a wine pairing with each course. A jazz band will coax you to dance the night away. For reservations call 201-445-4115.
The Hunt Club, Grand Summit Hotel, 570 Springfield Avenue, Summit, will offer a four-course, four-wine Valentine’s weekend dinner on February 13 and 14. 5 to 10 PM; $72.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call 908-273-7656.
The Iron Monkey, 99 Greene Street, Jersey City, will present a prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu with choices for $45. It will also have an exclusive cocktail menu and roses for each lady (or man); 5:30 PM to 1 AM. For reservations call 201-435-5756.
Liberty House Restaurant, 6 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu; $75 plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. For reservations call 201-395-0300.
The Madison Bar & Grill, 1316 Washington Street, Hoboken, will serve a three-course meal on February 13, 14, and 15 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Seatings at 5, 6:30, and 9 PM; $55. For reservations call 201-386-0300
The Manor, 111 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, will have a few options on Valentine’s Day weekend. On Valentine’s Day an à la carte dinner, which includes an appetizer, intermezzo, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea, will be available in the Terrace Lounge from 5 to 9:30 PM; $69.95 plus 7 percent tax and 20 percent gratuity. A children’s dinner (for kids ages four to twelve) will be available on request for $29.95. A Valentine’s Day lobster buffet will be served from 5 to 9:30 PM; $59.95; children ages four to twelve $24.95. On Sunday there will be a special Valentine’s brunch (11:30 AM to 2 PM) and dinner buffet (3:30 PM) featuring champagne and lobster; $49.95; children ages four to twelve $19.95. À la carte dining will be available in the Terrace Lounge from 4 to 7:30 PM. For reservations call 973-731-2360.
Panevino Ristorante, 637 West Mount Pleasant Avenue (Route 10), Livingston, will serve a three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu for $29, and all bottles of white, red, rosé, and bubbly will be 25 percent off the menu price. For reservations call 973-535-6160.
Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, a private dining club where the profits support the works of eleven NJ charitable and cultural organizations, will offer a three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu. $65 plus additional beverages, tax, and 20 percent gratuity. It’s not too late to join the Park Avenue Club to enjoy Valentine’s Day dinner and contribute to worthy causes in the process. For more information and reservations call 973-301-8233.
The Park Steakhouse, 151 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, will have its full à la carte menu available on Valentine’s Day. For reservations call 201-930-1300.
The Perryville Inn, 113 Perryville Road, Perryville, will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13 and 14 with a four-course menu; $75. On February 15 the inn will host a Valentine’s wine dinner featuring small-production selections; 2 PM; $115. For reservations call 908-730-9500.
Restaurant Lorena, 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, will start celebrating Valentine’s Day weekend on February 13. To reserve a table call 973-763-4460; BYO.
Restaurant Plan B, 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, will offer its regular menu, with some sexy specials, entertainment, and added treats, on Valentine’s Day. For reservations call 732-807-4710; BYO.
Restaurant Serenade, 6 Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham, will feature a three-course prix-fixe menu all weekend. February 13, 5:30 to 9:30 PM, $75; February 14, 5 to 10 PM, $85; February 15, 5:30 to 9 PM, $65; plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. For reservations call 973-701-0303.
Rosie’s Wine Bar, 514 North Avenue, Garwood, will serve a special three-course dinner of aphrodisiac foods on Valentine’s Day. 5 to 11 PM. For reservations call 908-518-WINE.
Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson, will celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend. A special à la carte menu will be featured on Saturday night, and a champagne brunch will be held on Sunday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM ($29; children ages eleven and under $12). Dinner is from 5 to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday and from 5 to 10 PM on Sunday. For reservations call 732-933-9272.
Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick (732-828-4444), and Catherine Lombardi, 3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick (732-296-9463), will be open for lunch from 12 to 2 PM on Valentine’s Day. Both restaurants will offer dinner that evening and can have roses, champagne, or chocolate—or all three—delivered to your table. Additionally, arrangements can be made for a limousine or a hotel room at the Heldrich Hotel right across the street. Call the special arrangements coordinator directly at 732-828-4444 ext 201. On Sunday, February 15, a White Rock Vineyards wine dinner will be presented. Call for details.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 50 Stirling Road, Warren, will serve a three-course prix-fixe menu on Valentine’s Day. $75 plus beverages, tax, and gratuity. For reservations call 908-754-1222.
Tavern 344, 344 French Hill Road, Wayne, will serve a three-course menu starting at 5 PM ($40) and a four-course menu starting at 7 PM ($55). There will also be soft live background music. For reservations call 973-696-9440.
T-Bones, Marriott Hotel, 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater, will offer a Valentine’s Day menu for $65. An à la carte menu will also be available. For reservations call 908-482-0007.
Terraces Restaurant at Meadowlands Racetrack, 50 Route 120, East Rutherford, has a Get Lucky package, which includes a four-course dinner for two, a champagne and strawberry toast, and a $5 betting voucher; 7 to 11 PM; $80 per couple. This package does not include admission, racing program, tax, or gratuity. For reservations call 201-843-2446.
The Washington Inn, 801 Washington Street, Cape May, will open at 5 PM on February 13, 14, and 15 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For reservations call 609-884-5697.
Za Restaurant, 147 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, will have a few options to celebrate Valentine’s Day. On Friday, February 13, and Sunday, February 15, an à la carte menu and a three-course prix-fixe menu ($49) will be served. On Valentine’s Day a three-course dinner will be $59. And a three-course brunch, which includes soup or salad, a choice of one of six brunch entrées, and dessert, will be available from 11:30 AM to 3 PM on Valentine’s Day for $19. For Friday and Sunday dinner, Za will also serve its current holiday à la carte menu. For reservations call 609-737-4400; BYO.
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