Gnocchi

Last week, I met some friends at The Orange Squirrel for drinks and a dose of Chef Francesco Palmieri’s comforting and delicious food.
While I’ve been to this popular Bloomfield, NJ restaurant many times, Chef Palmieri and his team always find a way to wow me with a combination of new creations and signature favorites I’ve come to crave.

Ribeye

New on this visit was the bag of acorn-shaped corn “muffin” treats with knives smeared with good-quality butter. I understand Chef Palmieri had some reservations about offering any type of bread to his guests, but the warm treats were just that, a tasty treat. We also ordered the infamous Squirrel Nuts, cheesy potato puffs, to munch on and they are still as addictive as the first time we sampled them.

There are a number of tempting starters at The Orange Squirrel and on this visit, our group shared the Gnocchi and the Veal Meatballs. The gnocchi in a flavorful broth is both elegant and comforting and I’ll be hard-pressed not to order this dish on every visit. As exhibited during his winning appearance on food network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, Chef Palmieri knows his way around a pot of meatballs. The veal version we enjoyed was moist, flavorful and served in some of the best red sauce around.

Cassoulet

Not sure how one could pass up a chance to order the decadent Dry Aged Ribeye Steak so we didn’t try. As always, the meat was cooked to perfection and served on a hot platter with a roasted head of garlic, in a buttery, rosemary-infused bath. No need to visit a steakhouse to sink your teeth into a stellar steak, just visit The Orange Squirrel. Two other entrées we enjoyed were specials that evening: the Cassoulet and the Pork Osso Buco. The cassoulet was deeply-flavored with duck and sausage paired with white beans under a breadcrumb crust that was to die for. The pork Osso Buco was a nice change from the typical veal rendition and served in a shareable serving.

Can’t forget the sides at The Orange Squirrel as they are decadent. On this visit we enjoyed earthy mushroom risotto.

Dessert here calls for the Dirt, three servings of various monthly themed concoctions typically featuring some type of crumb and mousse/custard. The red velvet version was my favorite while my guest raved about the chocolate malted.

Dirt

The beer and wine selection is limited but interesting with craft beer on tap and bottles and several wines by the glass. There are also inventive cocktails available for those seeking an adult beverage before eating one of the best meals in the area.

The award-winning team at The Orange Squirrel serves up one of the best meal in the area. If you’ve not visited recently or haven’t had the pleasure of eating at this popular Bloomfield restaurant, go, soon.

Cheers,

Veronique