Coach Farm Goat Cheese – Potato Terrine
A few weekends ago, I made my way south to the beautiful town of Princeton, NJ to dine at the newly-opened Agricola. I “like” Agricola on Facebook and enjoyed experiencing the transformation of the space over many months into what is now a gorgeous space. By the time I arrived at the restaurant, I felt like I was visiting a friend’s home.
The décor is simple, relaxed and welcoming. After eating at Agricola, I feel those are three qualities that Chef/Partner Josh Thomsen’s dishes also possess.
Atlantic Cod Fritters
Chef Thomsen is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and earned the title of “Rising Star Chef” by StarChefs in 2010. His culinary career includes stints at cult establishments like the Little Nell in Aspen, the French Laundry in Napa Valley and Michael Mina’s Nobhill Tavern in Las Vegas. The New Jersey native makes his way back to his home state to delight diners with the techniques and tips he’s amassed along his culinary journey.
Restaurateur Jim Nawn, who owns Agricola along with Fenwick Hospitality Group, also owns Great Road Farm, a 112-acre farm Skillman, NJ, just four miles from downtown Princeton. Great Road Farm will supply Agricola with impeccable ingredients like fresh vegetables and eggs from pasture-raised chicken. Other nearby farms will provide the majority of the ingredients needed to create the delicious seasonal American fare prepared by Chef Thomsen and his team.
Lancaster County Roasted Chicken
The restaurant with its 160 seats is laid out in five separate dining areas. I was excited to learn that my party was being seated in the room adjacent to the kitchen. It was a joy to watch Chef Thomsen and his crew work like a well-oiled machine to create our memorable meal after working as a team for less than two weeks.
The menu at Agricola is seasonal, local and of pristine quality. Our meal started with the Coach Farm Goat Cheese – Potato Terrine ($12), the Atlantic Cod Fritters ($12) and the Octopus “A La Plancha” ($13). The terrine features roasted beets, micro arugula and balsamic syrup and is as visually beautiful as it is delicious. The fritters are masterly fried to a perfectly crunchy outside and a moist inside. The dish is presented with oven-dried tomatoes, flat leaf parsley and shaved fennel. I’m a huge fan of octopus and Chef Thomsen’s version is beyond tender and is served with pickled cauliflower, bell pepper, black garlic and toasted almonds – a true winner.
House-Made Sausage Flatbread
For our entrées were opted for the Creekstone Farms Braised Beef Short Rib ($29), the House-Made Sausage Flatbread ($16) and the Lancaster County Roasted Chicken ($23). The rich, fork-tender short ribs are served with spring vegetables and arrowleaf spinach. The flatbread we selected was topped with Mozzarella, spring onion and pea tendrils. The dough is a bit chewy, as it should be, and grilled expertly. I already know I’ll be ordering the flatbread topped with wild mushrooms and a farm-fresh egg on my next visit. The chicken was golden brown and very moist and paired with Tuscan fried potatoes, sautéed farm greens and green olive – fennel tapenade.
Mixed Berry Cobbler Skillet Cake
The dessert menu features tempting options and we selected the Mixed Berry Cobbler Skillet Cake ($9), an Artisan Cheeseboard ($15) featuring Valley Sheppard Creamery cheeses and served with Tassot Farms honeycomb, pear-pepper chutney and house-made crackers. We also tried the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake ($9) which is served with huckleberries and sprinkled with vanilla salt. The cobbler is baked and comes to the table in a small cast iron pan topped with crème fraîche ice cream.
There is an extensive selection of whiskeys, craft beers and wines, both by the glass and bottle on the “libations” list. Great job on building a wine, beer and cocktail program that’s eclectic and interesting with both affordable options and unusual finds.
Agricola thrives to be known as “a community eatery where friends gather over dinner, where wine glasses toast to milestones, and where families savor Sunday brunch and time together”. I can say that after being at it for two weeks, Agricola’s already provided me this kind of experience.
11 Witherspoon Street, Princeton NJ 08542
www.agricolaeatery.com
(609) 921-2798
Dinner: 7 Days a week, 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Brunch and Lunch: To Begin in April
Sounds……….healthy!