22 July 2013 Veggie Heaven – Meatless in Denville

Veggie Heaven – Meatless in Denville

July 22, 2013 By
Veggie Heaven

Veggie Heaven Dining Room

If you’ve read me in the past, you might be slightly amused to see me dining at a vegetarian restaurant. I’m known for my porkie penchant and my beefy boldness and venturing into foreign land was a bit intimidating for a non-vegetarian like me. The menu is extensive and offers some dishes whose names will sound familiar: General Tso (veggie chicken or crispy tofu) and Moo Shu Veggie Chicken.

Veggie Heaven

Tom Yum Soup

After several visits by the friendly waitress prompting me to order, I quickly requested a Ton Yum soup to get my order started and continued perusing the entrées. This isn’t the soup with layers of tart and spicy flavors found at Thai restaurants, but a cup of soup with cabbage pieces and lackluster flavors. A small bowl of pickled cabbage is served complimentary and it had the right level of tartness one would expect.

I love tofu and veggie stir fry so I was tempted to take the easy road and order something along those lines, but instead, I selected the Black Mushroom Supreme ($12.95 off the regular menu). Black mushrooms are stuffed with a minced adamame and “chicken” filling and served over wilted mustard greens and adorned with giant, candied walnuts. The dish was satisfying and the mushrooms offered a meatiness that I appreciated and was taken aback by. The sesame sauce the dish is served with is overly sweet and could have used a dose of acidity or heat to balance it out. Pretty great plate of food nonetheless.

veggie heaven

Black Mushrooms

Some of the dishes I’d like to try on future visits are the Shredded Heaven ($12.95), tofu skins wrapped with shredded snow peas, bean sprouts, carrots and black mushrooms served with peanut sauce, or the Spicy Girl ($14.95), vegetarian chicken strips, green and red peppers, onion, fresh asparagus and garlic in a Hunan sauce.

Veggie Heaven also offers an extensive sushi, sashimi and rolls selection including some usual suspects and some creative options like the Fireball Roll ($7.95), spicy tuna, avocado outside with the chef’s spicy Thai sauce. There are eight noodle soups to sample too.

Lunch specials are available Monday through Friday from 11:30AM until 3:30PM and on the weekends from 12PM until 3:30PM. The dishes are nearly half price during those lunch hours and each entrée is served with an egg roll, a choice of soup and rice.

Delivery is available to Denville, Boonton, Rockaway, Mountain Lakes and certain surrounding areas.  ($20 minimum, $2 delivery charge will apply for orders under $30). There are Veggie Heaven locations in Teaneck and Upper Montclair also.

If you enjoy Asian food and are looking for a healthy and tasty alternative to the run of the road options in Morris County, give Veggie Heaven a try.

57 Bloomfield Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Tel: (973) 586-7800.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cuisine Type, Restaurant Reviews, Vegetarian Tagged With: , , , ,
4 June 2013 Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner

Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner

June 4, 2013 By
Culinariane Halibut

Culinariane Halibut

Sunday night, I attended the first annual Montclair Food and Wine Festival Gala Dinner held at the Women’s Club of Upper Montclair. The upscale event, for which I was a guest of Devil Gourmet, one of the event sponsors,  featured some of Montclair best culinary talents and showcased fabulous wines by Amanti Vino, Montclair’s premier wine store.

The dinner was a six-course food extravaganza that encompassed the following menu:

Pig & Prince Amuse-Bouche

Pig & Prince Amuse-Bouche

Amuse Bouche by Chef Mike Carrino of Pig & Prince Gastrolounge

Deviled quails egg, cornichon, sriracha, “PB+J” stone fruit and pistachio butter macaroon, Ahi Poke, avocado mousse, Tokyo green onion, Petite porc pâté en croute.

Wine Pairing: OCD Riesling 2010 SRP $14.99

Orange Squirrel Duck and Oyster

Orange Squirrel Duck and Oyster

First Course by Chef Francesco Palmieri of The Orange Squirrel

Warm Pickled Oyster Mushroom, Duck Confit and Chilled Oyster with Green Apple Fennel Mignonette.

Wine Pairing: My Essential Rose 2012 SRP: $15.99

Second Course by Chef Ryan Depersio of Fascino

Crab-Scallion Agnolotti, Clam-Herb Broth.

Wine Pairing: Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Blanc 2011 SRP: $10.99

Fascino Agnolotti

Fascino Agnolotti

Third Course by Chef Ariane Duarte of Culinariane

Pan Seared Halibut, Bacon Lardon Corn Chowder, Pea Tendrils.

Wine Pairing: Capiaux “Chimera” Pinot Noir 2011 SRP: $31.99

Highlawn Pavillion Short Ribs

Highlawn Pavillion Short Ribs

Fourth Course by Chef Mitchell Altholz of Highlawn Pavilion

Duo of Grass Fed Boneless Short Ribs and Côte de Bœuf with Celery Root Puree, Brunoise Vegetables and Early Summer Truffle Sauce.

Wine Pairing: Jean Edwards “Stagecoach Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 SRP: $64.99

Blu Caramel Panna Cotta

Blu Caramel Panna Cotta

Fifth Course by Chef Zod Arifai of Blu

Caramel Panna Cotta with Banana Juice & Black Pepper Crumble.

Wine Pairing: Echeverria Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2007 SRP: $19.99

BallroomCoffee: Java Love Coffee Roasters & The Chocolate Path

Wonderful olive oil was provided by Olive That! And More and I’m looking forward to visiting Jen O’Sullivan’s store in the next few weeks.

The event was attended by who’s who of Montclair and Essex County and I’m hearing a second annual event is in the works. Connect with the Montclair Food & Wine Festival on Twitter and Facebook to be in-the-know about the 2014 event.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: ,
2 May 2013 Rise and Shine at Ted’s BULLETIN

Rise and Shine at Ted’s BULLETIN

May 2, 2013 By

CounterThe décor at this popular restaurant on Barracks Row on Capitol Hill is art déco meets kitsch. There are glorious light fixtures in the front bakery / bar / waiting room that were salvaged from the old Philadelphia Civic Center and antiques (or replicas) throughout the space that add a homey, comfortable feel to the place.

Ted’s doesn’t take reservations, so expect a significant wait for breakfast. While we waited for our table, we took a short walk around the neighborhood and then came back and watched the bakers prepare the morning batch of Pop Tarts. Yes, I said Pop Tarts – Ted’s house-baked version has developed quite a cult following over the years. Diners can select from the classic strawberry jam, the cherry, the blueberry cheesecake and the crowd-favorite peanut butter and bacon Pop Tarts.

Pop Tarts To-GoBreakfast is served all day at Ted’s and the menu comes in the form of a folded, old-fashioned newspaper.

Corned Beef Hash

Corned Beef Hash

Chef Eric Brannon offers a nice lineup of breakfast dishes and we opted for The Big Mark Breakfast ($13.29) – 3 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausage, hash browns, toast and homemade pop tart, the Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito ($12.29) – sirloin steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar, green chile sauce wrapped in a large tortilla and served with hash browns and the Corned Beef Hash ($10.89) – cubed potatoes, onions and corned beef sautéed together and served with 2 eggs cooked any style and toast.

Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast Burrito

Diners can substitute toast with a Pop Tart, bagel, muffin or croissant for $1.89, and really, who isn’t doing that!? We enjoyed that our waitress brought a pot of coffee and left it for us to refill our own cups.

Big Mark Breakfast

Big Mark Breakfast

The pros of a visit to Ted’s are clearly the food and ambiance. The cons would be the wait, the noise level and the spotty service. Luckily, the pros far out-weight the cons and all should make Ted’s BULLETIN a regular place to rise and shine with.

505 Eighth St. SE.

Washington, DC

202-544-8337.

www.tedsbulletin.com.

Open: Daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Major credit cards accepted.

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , ,
26 April 2013 Delicious Midtown Manhattan Lunch at Kellari Taverna

Delicious Midtown Manhattan Lunch at Kellari Taverna

April 26, 2013 By
Kellari Calamari

Kellari Calamari

Last week, I was at a conference in midtown Manhattan and wrapped up early with the sessions, right around lunchtime. Since I was near one of my favorite restaurants, Kellari Taverna, I decided to stop in for some of the best mezzes, small plates of food, one can find on this side of Greece.

The restaurant is spacious with many tables for two, but what I like doing at this popular Greek restaurant is to sit at the bar to grab lunch. A friendly bartender took my drink order, a glass of 2007 Boutari Assyrtiko from Santorini Greece. I enjoy Assyrtiko, a Greek white wine, and know Boutari delivers a solid product (see my review of the 2010 Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko).

Kellari Greek Salad

Kellari Greek Salad

After sipping my wine for a few moments, I ordered my favorite dish at Kellari, the Calamari ($15.95). The calamari is simply grilled with lemon and oregano and it’s the most tender version of this dish you’ll likely encounter. I also ordered the Traditional Greek Salad ($15.95). Not sure where Kellari gets its tomatoes but they are certainly not the variety one finds at the grocery store in the winter. The salad features vine ripe tomatoes, onions, blue olives, cucumbers, peppers and a huge block of good-quality Feta cheese.

I didn’t order dessert but there’s always a huge platter of various Greek cookies and treats available for guests as they walk out. My go-to cookie, the Koulourakia.

I love eating at Kellari Taverna and highly recommend a visit at lunchtime for a quick and delicious meal.

19 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

212-221-0144

Opa!

Veronique

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25 April 2013 Agricola – Farm to Table Comes to Princeton

Agricola – Farm to Table Comes to Princeton

April 25, 2013 By
Coach Farm Goat Cheese - Potato Terrine

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

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

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

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

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

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25 March 2013 5 Passover Kosher Wines

5 Passover Kosher Wines

March 25, 2013 By

FusionToday is Passover and for those of you who still need Kosher wine recommendations, here are 5 Passover Kosher wines that are readily available.

  • 2008 Herzog Late Harvest Clarksburg Chenin Blanc ($20 – California) – This Kosher wine is a bit sweet on the palette with a long dry finish.
  • 2009 Tabor Adama Cabernet Sauvignon ($16 – Israel) – Big cherry and berry flavors with smoky notes.
  • 2009 Segal’s Fusion Dry Red Wine ($16 – Israel) – Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that is a great pairing with most foods.
  • 2009 Binyamina Reserve Shiraz ($24 – Israel) – Big wine with nice balance and notes of chocolate.
  • 2010 Yarden Odem Chardonnay ($17 – Israel) – Pleasant floral aromas and tropical fruit flavors.

Chag Sameach!

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22 March 2013 Millie’s Old World Meatballs and Pizza

Millie’s Old World Meatballs and Pizza

March 22, 2013 By

Wood OvenAfter two years in the making, Millie’s Old World Meatballs and Pizza has recently opened in Morristown, NJ.

Chef Peter

Chef Peter

The restaurant is co-owned by brothers Brandon and Vince Carrabba who take Morris County by storm with their meatballs and pizza, both wood and coal-fired.

The space is nicely designed with an open kitchen that serves as a show of sorts while diners eat. The beautiful red pizza oven is the centerpiece of the kitchen and I’m told that pizzas cook in less than 90 seconds in it. I’m looking forward to warmer weather so I can enjoy my meal al fresco once the giant garage door is open to the sidewalk.

Fresh Mozzarella and Proscuitto

Fresh Mozzarella and Proscuitto

Both the pizzas cooked in the Neapolitan wood oven and in the coal oven are special and great. The Carrabba brothers know they have something unique in the wood-fire oven brought over from Naples, Italy. After sampling the Millie’s Signature Pie (placed # 1 in the open region at the 2011 International Pizza Expo), I know it also. The coal-fired pizza has chewy crust with great crunch on the outside that’s simply delicious with the various toppings. I urge guests to request the white pizza with basil leaves that’s not typically on the menu.

Meatballs

Meatballs

Some of the starters we enjoyed were Chef Peter Martinez’ Arcadian Mix Salad, a mix of candied walnuts, crumbled Gorgonzola and red onion dressed with apricot vinaigrette and made even better with the addition of applewood smoked slab bacon. Another must-order appetizer is the handmade fresh Mozzarella cheese paired with Prosciutto. The cheese is milky, soft, really good and made daily on the premises.

Millie's Signature Pie

Millie’s Signature Pie

Brandon and Vince’s grandma Millie’s meatball recipe is front-and-center. The meatballs are made with top-grade sirloin beef and fried to a well-seared exterior and served with good quality marinara sauce infused with flavorful basil. Guests can even get a “Bag of Balls” to go if they wish.

Meatballs

Meatballs

Save room for dessert as Chef Peter makes a mean Nutella pizza topped with ice cream and powdered sugar. It’s pretty great, if not over-the-top.

Millie’s pizza is super and I’m thrilled to not have to make the trip to Naples to get this sort of pie where toppings, thankfully, adopt a less-is-more approach. Millie’s is a BYOB, so don’t forget the vino.

Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza
60 South Street
Morristown, NJ 07960

Phone: 973-267-9616

Hours of Operation

11:30am-10pm Sun-Wed

11:30am- 11pm Thurs-Sat

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
20 March 2013 Fricassée Brings Back Solid French Bistro Fare to Montclair

Fricassée Brings Back Solid French Bistro Fare to Montclair

March 20, 2013 By

BreadWhen he owned Epernay from 2000 – 2006, Chef Mark Papera was beloved by Montclair diners. After he sold and moved away, what was once a cozy place to devour a great meal was no longer. To the delight of northern New Jersey foodies, Chef Papera is back in the space previously housing Epernay, and this time, he’s not going anywhere. “Former clients of mine come in and tell me I can’t ever leave again. I tell them I’m back where I belong”, says Papera.

Mussels

Mussels

The menu at Fricassée reads like many French bistros but the food is superior to any I’ve enjoyed outside Paris. One Plats du Jour, daily specials, sounds better than the next: Monday – Chateaubriand, Tuesday – Cassoulet, Wednesday – Bouillabaisse, Thursday – Cotes de Boeuf, Friday – Pot au Feu and Saturday – Boeuf Bourguignon.

Frites

Frites

Our meal began with three kinds of bread with herb butter presented in a mini cast iron pan. I don’t eat much butter, but when I do, I want it to be Chef Papera’s butter – herbaceous and lightly salty.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese

Our starters were outstanding: beef tartare and mussels. The tartare was fresh and actually tasted like beef, which appears to not be something so easily accomplished by other bistros. The portion of mussels was gigantic and offered a very flavorful white wine, garlic and cherry tomato saucy broth bursting with thyme, basil and mint flavors. I highly recommend this dish, especially with the crusty bread served at Fricassée.

Cotes de Boeuf

Cotes de Boeuf

We dined on a Thursday and the Cotes de Boeuf for two was absolutely delectable. Chef Papera shared that the meat purveyor he used to secure the unusual cut of beef from at Epernay is once again providing it for Fricassée. The beef is seared to a gorgeous crusty exterior and was served rare, as ordered, with a beefy, rosemary-laced jus. It’s just an outstanding dish.

Don’t pass up the sides at this place. The frites served with garlic aioli are what French fries should taste like and the Gratins de Macaroni, dressed up mac & cheese, is creamy and rich. We sampled the five-cheese macaroni and it was super. Other variations include wild mushroom and truffle, short rib and blue cheese and vegetable.

Creme Brulee and Chocolate Mousse

Creme Brulee and Chocolate Mousse

It’s unlikely you’ll have room for dessert, but splurge and perhaps share with fellow diners. The crème brulée and chocolate mousse are above-par examples of these popular dishes.

Fricassée is a BYOB so grab your favorite bottle of Bordeaux and celebrate the return of Mark Papera to Montclair with a visit to what will surely be one of the hottest restaurants in northern New Jersey.

Fricassee

6 Park Street
Montclair, New Jersey 07042
(973) 744-2191

Mon – Sat: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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15 March 2013 Todd English P.U.B.

Todd English P.U.B.

March 15, 2013 By
Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary

Last week, I had the pleasure of staying at the gorgeous Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas. One of the 15 restaurants at the resort is Todd English P.U.B., a charming hot spot with an extensive beer list and creative, delicious food.

The traditional English pub food with a modern twist features options from the carvery, the grill and the raw bar. During a lunch visit, the carvery is where I decided to focus. The carvery features the highest-quality rotisserie meats offered in half or full pound servings. I opted for the roast turkey and selected the sourdough bread from an extensive list of breads. Each sandwich is served with two side dressings ranging from horseradish sour cream, curried apple butter, blue cheese fondue, black truffle mayo, maple soy and salsa verde. I picked the black truffle mayo and it was incredible.

Carvery Turkey

Carvery Turkey

One of the fun things about this place is the Bloody Mary bar offered on the weekends where one can pick from a wide selection of condiments. By ‘condiments’, I mean anything from a mini burger to a chicken wing to a shrimp. It’s just a neat idea.

I love this new restaurant concept by four-time James Beard Award winner, Chef Todd English. I hope he brings P.U.B. to the east coast so a visit to Sin City isn’t needed in order to sample this comforting fare.

3720 Las Vegas Blvd. S

Las Vegas, NV 89158

Phone: (702) 489-8080

Hours of Operation: Open Monday thru Friday from 11:00am

Saturday & Sunday from 9:30am – Brunch & Bloody Mary Farm Cart Service as well as regular menu.

Happy Hour Everyday 3:00-6:00pm & 10:00PM – midnight

Take-Out Available

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
14 March 2013 Mesa Grill Las Vegas

Mesa Grill Las Vegas

March 14, 2013 By

MargaritaI’ve been to Mesa Grill several times, both in New York and Las Vegas. Just love the vibe of the Vegas location in Caesar’s Palace and the food’s always solid.

Lobster Tacos

Lobster Tacos

On my latest visit, a group of us dined at the popular Bobby Flay restaurant and had a fabulous time. For starters, everyone should start with one of the many margaritas offered at this hot spot. I selected the Mesa Grill Margarita on the rocks, with salt and it was refreshing, tangy and delicious.

Duck Pancake

Duck Pancake

One dish is more mouth-watering than the next, but for appetizers, we opted for the Blue Corn Lobster Tacos and the Blue Corn Pancake with barbequed duck. Both were bold and bursting with flavors. Simply wonderful.

Green Chile CioppinoFor our entrées, some of the dishes we enjoyed were the Green Chile Cioppino, the Mango Spice Crusted Tuna Steak and the New Mexican Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. The cioppino was unlike any other I’ve had and was full of lime and cilantro flavors and perfectly-cooked seafood. A few of us had a taste of the tenderloin and unanimously agreed that it was perhaps the best pork tenderloin rendition we’ve had.

Mesa Grill is a fun atmosphere with an efficient staff and a roomful of beautiful people having a great time. Everyone should make a point of eating here while in Sin City.

Caesars Palace

3570 Las Vegas Blvd,

Las Vegas, NV 89109

877.346.4642

Brunch – Sat – Sun: 10:30am – 3pm

Lunch – Mon – Fri: 11am – 2:30pm

Dinner – Daily: 5pm – 11pm

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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