We had an exquisite dining experience at Ninety Acres at Natirar, the restaurant located on the property that was formerly owned by the King of Morocco. This gorgeous venue also houses a culinary center, a main dining room, an outdoor dining area with fire pits, a 12-acre farm that grows over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables and also houses sheep, pigs and chickens. We have been dining here since the restaurant’s opening about 7 years ago and were thrilled when we were invited for dinner.
Founder Bob Wojtowicz greeted us in the Club Lounge, where we met him for drinks. This unique space located on the top floor of Ninety Acres is only open to members and their invited guests and has a stunning mahogany full-size snooker table that was built in England. We were more successful at drinking then trying to play snooker.
From there, we were escorted to the smaller dining room next to the open kitchen, where we could watch the chefs preparing the food. This is also known as the “Bring Me Food” area where executive chef David Felton and his staff are able to outdo themselves and show off their creativity. This is how it works. We were given a list of ingredients that would be used to create a seven-course tasting menu, which can also be paired with wine or beer, and were asked if we had any likes, dislikes or dietary restrictions. Then delicious, beautifully plated dishes were presented by executive chef Felton, who also described the ingredients in each of his creations. Kudos to him and his staff for presenting a memorable meal. I said to Lowell when the evening was over: “we are coming back here soon.” This is what we ate, but be aware that the menu changes daily.
East coast oyster, watercress, bacon & crème fraiche
Serrano, fennel, green tomato & wild mushroom
Poached egg, crispy chicken, waffle & maple
Black cod, uni, shishito & shiso
Roe venison, cauliflower, pumpkin, porcini & sarsaparilla
Goat Camembert, golden raisin caramel, apple brioche & pickled apple
Walnut cake, burnt orange caramel, quince jam & bay leaf pink peppercorn ice cream
If you are looking for an event space, there will be another option as of June 2017 as renovations have started on the circa 1912 Tudor mansion on the property, which will be returned to its original grandeur, along with a new ballroom and events center. Plans are also in the works for a boutique hotel, spa, wellness center and private residences.
Natirar has recently joined Benchmark’s, a leading US-based hospitality management company for nearly 40 years, prestigious Gemstone Collection of distinguished hotels and resorts.
Ninety Acres at Natirar
2 Main Street
Peapack-Gladstone
908-901-9500
East coast oyster, watercress, bacon & crème fraiche
Roe venison, cauliflower, pumpkin, porcini & sarsaparilla
Photos courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
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