Here is a brief history of Chef Fredy’s: The restaurant was previously known as Tim Schaffer’s Cuisine, and in 2005, after almost 20 years in business, chef/owner Tim Schaffer moved to North Carolina. His employees, Fredy Umanzor and Nestor Bedoya, bought the restaurant and kept the name. In June 2014, it was renamed Chef Fredy’s Table, and in October of 2016 it was relocated from 82 Speedwell Avenue into a more spacious storefront at 78 Speedwell Avenue. Not many restaurants can claim such longevity.
New American cuisine is offered and some of the menu items, such as beer-battered, stuffed jalapeno peppers; salmon with a two-mustard Ale cream sauce; Berkshire pork chop with brown ale chutney; and venison with a white-truffle stout demi glace, still bear the influence of chef Schaffer who is also known as “the brew chef.”
Appetizers can easily be shared. We started with a hot, baked brie surrounded by a tropical fruit chutney and a trio of raviolis; lobster with a light cream lobster sauce, brisket with a port wine demi-glaze, and wild mushroom with a light basil cream sauce. Of the two we would recommend the ravioli.
Chef Fredy’s ravioli
Yes, Lowell ordered the aforementioned pork chop, medium rare and it was juicy and delicious. Not as successful was the salmon filet, which tasted fishy and remained uneaten. To the waiters credit, I was asked if I wanted to order something else. I didn’t, and we were not billed for this entrée. The pan-seared Atlantic halibut filet was worth ordering and this pleasing piece of fish came with goat cheese-whipped potatoes, vegetables and a tropical-fruit puree. The mixed grill containing bison, Andouille sausage, and chicken breast wrapped with wild-boar bacon would please game lovers. Dessert was a tasty, tart and flaky-crusted key lime pie topped with meringue; and a bland, double-chocolate stout brownie topped with vanilla gelato.
Service was attentive and the restaurant has a modern ambiance with white tablecloths, yellow napkins and black leather banquettes and chairs. Specials are on a printed page with prices, however there were “special specials,” which were recited by our waiter without the prices. Plating was attractive, but orchids came on all the entrees and were superfluous.
Lunch Monday through Friday; open daily for dinner. Chef Fredy’s Table, 78 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown 973-538-3330 cheffredystable.com/ BYO
ROSIE’S SHOUT OUTS
BOULEVARD SEAFOOD COMPANY, SOMERVILLE
A prix-fixe lunch with one course for $14, two for $22, plus complimentary dessert brought the “ladies that lunch” to the Boulevard Seafood Company, whose fish is purchased from the Fulton Fish Market. Adjoining the restaurant and retail seafood market is Conlin’s Café & Bakery. Both establishments are owned by executive chef/owner Scott Snyder and his wife, Allison, who also operate Boulevard Five72 in Kenilworth. It is now my favorite seafood restaurant; I highly recommend.
Boulevard Seafood tacos
Yes, there are a la carte small and large plates as well as a raw bar, but we opted for the two-course special and tasted six different dishes. All were exceptional. Here’s the rundown: tender octopus and shrimp salad; ancho-chili grilled shrimp; fried calamari and mixed baby greens; a do-not-miss grilled salmon club with bacon, guacamole, arugula, tomato, onion chili aioli on ciabatta; equally delicious cod tacos with mango and tomato salsa, pickled red onion baby arugula and chili aioli; and linguini with clams with toasted garlic, arugula and parsley.
We were too full for desserts, which are made in the adjoining café/bakery, and our choices were wrapped for us to take home. YES, to the lemon meringue tart.
The venue is lovely with pictures of lobster, oysters and crabs on brick walls. The fish was so fresh tasting and service so attentive that Lowell and I will be returning for dinner to try the small- and large-plate options. We will also bring a cooler and purchase fish from the retail seafood market, as well as some of the pastries/desserts at Conlin’s created by pastry chef Diana Ramos.
Boulevard Seafood Company, 49 West Main Street, Somerville 908-722-3300 http://boulevardseafood.com BYO
TAVERN 5, POMPTON PLAINS
A seasonal menu created by chef Anthony Lo Pinto is featured in a family-friendly atmosphere. Menu items include burgers, pasta, stone-fired pizza, salads and entrees. We loved the tender, crispy calamari dipped into a creamy balsamic aioli or marinara sauce, as well as the tender and rich short ribs with butter-whipped potatoes and fresh vegetables. The large serving of three fish tacos can easily be shared. Made with broiled cod, pico de gallo, avocado and a lime crème, one filled me up. Wash you meal down with a choice from their extensive beer list, wines by the glass or bottle and/or cocktails. Weather permitting ask to sit outdoors at one of the picnic tables. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Tavern 5, 710 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains 973-835-1426 tavern5.com
Tavern 5 short ribs
Photos above courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
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Bourbon and Biergarten
HERE COMES THE JUDGE!
Plan on having a delicious evening on Saturday, July 15 at the Bourbon and Biergarten event hosted by the Montclair Food & Wine Festival that will be held at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair from 7 to 10 PM. Along with live music, Amanti Vino—my favorite wine store—will be supplying the wines, beers and spirits. Some of the participating restaurants are: Ani Ramen, Bluff City BBQ, Brick Lane Curry House, Burg, Halcyon Brasserie (2016 champion), Miss Nicky’s Toffee, Mish Mish, Satis, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, Turtle + The Wolf, Viaggio, Villalobos and Vital Dining, plus many more.
I will be judging so please stop by to say hello. Tickets available at: montclairfoodandwinefestival.org
Photo courtesy of Christina Nuzzo|LifeMosaic Photography