Seafood Risotto – HAVEN
While I’ve had many, many memorable meals in 2013 (God knows I over-share), I’ve tried to narrow down the 10 best dishes I enjoyed during the past year. Here’s the list in restaurant name alphabetical order.
Duck, Knoephla and Eggs – A Toute Heure
The Knoephla dish showcases a generous portion of rich pulled duck confit, Knoephla, a German dumpling much like Spaetzle and a New Jersey farm-fresh egg.
Sweetbreads and Crispy Bone Marrow – Escape
Sweetbreads with Crispy Bone Marrow – Escape Montclair
Sweetbreads, Pea Purée, Crispy Marrow, Chanterelles and Grape Juice. Simply an amazing dish. The sweetbreads were tender and perfectly cooked and Chef Gregg was truly gilding the lily with the addition of crispy bone marrow. The best bone marrow I’ve had.
Moules Meunière – Fricassée
The portion of mussels is gigantic and offers a very flavorful white wine, garlic and cherry tomato saucy broth bursting with thyme, basil and mint flavors.
Fluke Crudo – The Ryland Inn
Seafood Risotto – HAVEN Riverfront Restaurant & Bar
Seafood Risotto with Riso Venere, Lobster, Sea Scallops, Shrimps, Sea Beans, Sweet Corn and Mascarpone. The black rice contrasted beautifully with the rich broth and perfectly-cooked seafood.
Combination Kabab Platter – Kabab Paradise
The flavorful dish is comprised of a chicken breast kabab, a beef kufta kabab and a lamb tikka kabab. The meats are moist and perfectly charcoal-grilled. The white accompanying sauce is addicting.
Rabbit – Restaurant Latour
Pork Belly Ramen – Mitsuwa
The ramen bowl features pork belly and hen-of-the-wood mushrooms. The ramen noodles are cooked perfectly, just a bit chewy, and the pork-laced broth is out-of-this-world.
Loin of Young Rabbit – Restaurant Latour at Crystal Springs
Loin of Young Rabbit Roulade with Belly Confit and Sweet White Onion Jus. Tender loin, rich belly and tart jus.
Crescent Duck Breast – The Orange Squirrel
The duck was rare as ordered with a masterly-rendered, crisp skin and paired with earthy carrot quinoa.
Duck – The Orange Squirrel
Fluke Crudo – The Ryland Inn
Fluke Crudo, Summer Melons, Heirloom Tomatoes, Garden Herbs. Just the perfect summer starter with fresh, clean flavors.
House-Made Ricotta Gnudi – VB3 Restaurant
The wonderful Gnudi are pillowy-soft and served with a light, basil-infused tomato sauce.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these dishes and leave a comment when you do in the new year!
Cheers,
Veronique
Great list! It looks and sounds like you’ve had a pretty tasty 2013. The only dish I have tried is the gnudi from VB3 and you are right – It’s a treat! Thanks for sharing.