The Table: Metropolitan NJ Dining Guide 2017

YOUR GUIDE TO DINING OUT

201 Route 17 • Rutherford, NJ 07070

Presort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Richmond, VA Permit #2367

DISCOVER LOCAL FAVORITES

W

hen it comes to dining out, Metropolitan New Jersey brings so much to the table— that is why we are bringing you this edition of The Table. Our area boasts a vast diversity of cuisine, ambiance and concepts—which reflect our richly diverse demographics.

And there are so many delicious places to choose from. Whether you want something new or something classic, you will never run out of delectable options here. We produce this guide to provide residents and visitors with a tasting of some of the best our region has to offer when it comes to eating—and with the information you need to make choices that will please your palate! Did you know that New Jersey has some of the most restaurants and eateries per capita in the country? We certainly were not surprised to learn this!

New Jersey’s official nickname is the Garden State, and it is home to more than 9,071 farms covering 715,057 acres of farmland. That is a major amount of farmland, considering we are also the country’s most densely populated state! In this issue we’ve covered the benefits of the growing farm-to-table trend, which many of our restaurants have been boasting for years.

We offer another piece on recommendations for wine and beer to have with food. We hope that you will find this guide useful in selecting beverage choices to pair with your next meal out.

The directory offerings in this guide are of a wide range, as we present you with eateries, four-star ranked restaurants, event venues, pizzerias, diners, caterers for your own events, pub fare and of course a multiplicity of ethnic cuisine. Perhaps you will find a new local gem right in your backyard—please let us know about your experiences at these restaurants and also let us know if you have a suggestion for what we should include next time.

We thank you for coming to The Table and we of course we invite you back for our next edition in the Summer of 2017!

Buon appetito!

Judith Ross Vice President, Meadowlands Regional Chamber/Meadowlands Liberty Convention & Visitors Bureau jross@meadowlands.org | (201) 939-0707

The MRC/MLCVB received funding through a grant from the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism www.visitnj.org

A D V E RT I S E R S I N D E X Applebee’s Grill & Bar, 17 AVE, 11 Bazzarelli’s Restaurant, 12 Bonefish Grill, 23 Chart House, 9 Chevy’s Fresh Mex, 17 Chit Chat Creative Caterers, 29 Chowderfest, 31 Elegant Desserts, 19 Goya, 16 Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, 3 Houlihans, 19 Il Villaggio, 7

La Reggia Ristorante, 25 Legal Sea Foods, 15 Lincoln Harbor, Inside Front Cover - Chart House - Houlihan’s - Jack Austin’s Eat & Drink - Ruth’s Chris Steak House Martini Grill, 15 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, 19 Mitchell’s Fish Market, 27 Meadowlands Liberty Convention & Visitors Bureau, 28 Mortons Steakhouse, Inside Back Cover

Nanina’s, Back Cover NJ Beer Company, 19 Oceanaire Seafood Room, Inside Back Cover Olive Garden Secaucus, 32 Park Château, Back Cover Park Savoy, Back Cover Redd’s Restaurant & Bar, 25 Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn, 26 Spuntino Wine Bar, 25 Stoney Hill Inn, 26 The Plaza at Harmon Meadow, 13 The Shannon Rose, 15

Meadowlands Regional Chamber & Meadowlands Liberty Convention & Visitors Bureau Meadows Office Complex, 201 Route 17 North, Rutherford, NJ 07070, (201) 939-0707 Publisher: Meadowlands Publishing, 201 Rt. 17N., Rutherford, NJ • Art Director: Susan Reid • Ad Sales: Martha Morley, (201) 679-5102

The TABLE

See our ad on back cover

➐ 

CARLSTADT The Balcony 491 Broad Street (201) 933-0071 thebalconylounge.com Biggies Clam Bar 430 Route 17 South (201) 933-4000 biggiesclambar.com Gianna’s Restaurant & Bar 843 Washington Avenue (201) 460-7997 giannas.biz Hunkar Turkish Restaurant 319 Hackensack Street (201) 507-0606 hunkarrestaurant.com Il Villaggio 651 Route 17 North (201) 935-7733 ilvillaggio.com See our ad on page 7

$$$ 

Mr. G’s 335 Paterson Plank Road (201) 460-0100 mrgs.restaurant Redd’s Restaurant & Bar 317 Washington Avenue (201) 933-0015 reddsrestaurant.com See our ad on page 25

$$ ➐  2

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern...

Where A Seasonal Experience is Always on The Menu

CLIFTON Buco Ristorante 953 Allwood Road (973) 779-3500 bucoristorante.com Chevys Fresh Mex 365 Route 3 East (973) 777-6277 chevys.com See our ad on page 17

$$ ➐ 

Istanbul Café & Restaurant 1378 Main Avenue (862) 238-8888 istanbulcafeandrestaurant.com Matthew’s Italian Restaurant 1131 Bloomfield Avenue (973) 928-4300 matthewsitalian.com Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque The Promenade Shops at Clifton 850 Route 3 West (973) 773-6400 mightyquinnsbbq.com Sergio’s Bistro 327A Lakeview Avenue (973) 772-1655 sergiosbistro.com

Key to Symbols $ Entrees $15 & under $$ Entrees $15 - $20 $$$ Entrees $20 & over

 Full Bar service  Handicap Accessible  Entertainment ➐ Open 7 days

This historic neighborhood gem, a favorite among locals, serves up contemporary American tavern fare in a handsome, convivial setting. Join us to experience our new seasonal tavern, dinner, and cocktail menus for fall!

Steakhouse Selections • Local Craft Brews • Hand-crafted Seasonal Cocktails Sunday Brunch • Private Rooms for the Holidays • Weekly Happenings • Monthly Events 2016 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence Open Table Diners Choice Winner (201) Magazine Best of Bergen Best Alfresco Dining (201) Magazine Best of Bergen Favorite New Restaurant (201) Magazine Best of Bergen Best Neighborhood Bar Jeffery Steccato/Haviland Photography

Nanina’s in the Park 540 Mill Street (973) 751-1230 naninasinthepark.com

Steve’s Sizzling Steaks 620 Route 17 South (201) 438-9677 steves-sizzling-steaks.com

Photo by Sheldon Richman/Richman Films

BELLEVILLE

Open Daily: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch. Private Dining Rooms, Special Monthly Events.

Reservations: (201) 445-4115 • www.hohokusinn.com One East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423

The TABLE

Pairings Guide

Make the most of your meal with these wine & beer suggestions Note: The level of tannin is determined by the length of time those skins, stems and seeds soak in the juice after the grape is pressed. Red wines typically have stronger tannins but they are also found in white wines aged in wooden barrels.

Vlahopoulos: Agiorgitiko, or St. George’s Grape, a lush variety from the southern Peloponnesian Islands of Greece. “A very versatile grape that can be produced as a varietal or blended with a Cabernet Sauvignon.”

Bildner and Miles: Hudson Pale Ale, made with hops grown in the Pacific Northwest. “Has a solid hops kick that delivers for the casual ale drinker and die-hard ‘hop-head’ alike. Has bold flavor but not over the top. Perfect with a juicy steak.”

Acidic foods

“White with fish, red with beef.” That has long been the go-to rule when choosing wine with your meal.

However, Tim Vlahopoulos, General Manager and in-house wine expert for Axia Taverna in Tenafly, said there are so many wine varieties and so many potential food pairings, the red/white rule is now inadequate.

“Each variety of wine has its own unique taste and quality,” Vlahopoulos said, adding that Axia’s extensive list boasts about 360 different wines. “To just say ‘red’ or ‘white’ would be to deny oneself of wonderful possibilities.”

Wines, both white and red, comprise several elements: acidity, tannins, alcohol content, fruitiness and sweetness. Likewise, foods also have their unique flavor components, such as salt, sugar, bitter, fat, etc. The ideal wine/food pairings complement the other’s flavors and enhance the richness and textures of every bite.

Beers and ales also are brewed with different flavor additives and seasonal ingredients, and are designed to appeal to a variety of tastes and food choices. North Bergen-based New Jersey Beer Company’s Ari Bildner, general manager, and Mike Miles, sales manager, said selecting the right beer to go with one’s meal also depends on unique factors, such as emphasis on hops, malt or yeast, which in turn determine color, alcohol content and texture.

“We have begun to do beer pairings with some of the finer dining establishments in New Jersey, so it’s a growing trend,” said Bildner, noting a recent pairing in Atlantic City that featured oysters, fondue and pretzels, pork chops and tiramisu. Currently, New Jersey Beer Company produces nine distinct beers, including five seasonal choices.

Of course, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences. However, our experts weighed in on just a few of their recommendations for best enhancing the dining experience.

Fatty foods

The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, located at 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, offers a large variety of craft beers on its drink menu that pair nicely with its expansive menu.

4

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

Many of our favorite foods have high levels of fat, such as meat, dairy and those popular fried morsels that we find on so many appetizer menus. When selecting a wine, remember that it should balance that fat with a variety higher in tannin, or polyphenol, the naturally occurring compound in grape skins, stems and seeds that give a wine its dryness or stringency.

Acid is an element in both food and wine. Fish with a lemon sauce, tomato-based dishes and green salads are a few examples of acid-rich foods. When choosing a wine or ale, opt for one whose acidity level is at least equal to that of the food or your meal will overpower whatever you’re drinking.

Vlahopoulos: Aidani or Assyrtiko, grown in the volcanic rich soil of the island of Santorini. “Reminds me of a burgundy white.”

Bildner and Miles: 1787 Abbey Single Ale, a crisp, light and refreshing ale. “It’s malty and light and very approachable with anything because it doesn’t wipe out the flavors. Perfect for salads, chicken or fish.”

Salty foods

Salty foods can be difficult to pair with wine. Your best bet is to choose a wine that’s on the sweet side, like a sauterne, or an effervescent, like champagne.

A full-bodied stout also goes well with starters, such as cheese and salty or cheesy crackers.

Bildner and Miles: Garden State Stout, brewed with Belgian dark chocolate, malts and “just enough hop character for balance, and a touch of raisin.”

Vlahopoulos: Moscato, a sweet sometimes bubbly white wine that’s ideal with fruity desserts or poured right over fresh berries. Or Commandaria, an amber-colored sweet dessert wine that tastes “a bit like sherry.”

Bildner and Miles: Seasonal ales, such as New Jersey Beer Company’s “Chairman of the Gourd” offering, a pumpkin brew that is “not a full-on pumpkin pie but has the same aroma with a beer backdrop.”

They also suggest their Bergenline Brown Ale to finish off a meal.

Classic pairings Here are a few other suggested food and wine pairings:

Chardonnay: turkey, pork, veal, white fish, butter sauces, risotto Pinot Noir: mushrooms, grain breads, legumes, ham Dry Rosé: spicy seafood stew, prosciutto, sweet onions and peppers Pinot Grigio: tuna, salmon, mild Asian dishes, lighter pasta dishes Merlot: grilled foods, warm spices, milder cuts of beef such as tenderloin Cabernet Sauvignon: well-marbled beef, stews, pot roasts, pasta with red sauces How about with a big, juicy burger? “Can’t go wrong with a nice IPA,” said Bildner.

Sweet foods

Sweet desserts and other sugary foods seem like the logical choice to pair with a sweet wine. But too much of a sweet thing can cancel the other out and mix flavors for an unpleasant result.

Remember, there are degrees of sweetness in both wines and foods. Pork chops with a fruit sauce, for instance, is delicious with white wines such as Chardonnay which has a hint of sweetness that balances the sauce. When it comes to desserts, opt for a wine that is sweeter than the dessert or even the sweetest of grapes can end up tasting tart.

New Jersey Beer Company is a craft brewery based in North Bergen and founded in 2009. They’ve been ranked among New Jersey’s best craft breweries and recently won New Jersey Monthly’s Jersey Craft Beer Showdown. “We pour our New Jersey pride into every pint we produce!” the owners say. They’re open for tastings and tours Wednesday through Friday 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from 3-9 p.m.

The TABLE

CLIFTON

continued

The Shannon Rose 98 Kingsland Road (973) 284-0200 theshannonrose.com

Mr. Bruno’s Pizza and Beyond 53 Route 17 South (201) 531-8900

See our ad on page 15

$$ ➐ 

Park & Orchard Restaurant 240 Hackensack Street (201) 939-9292 parkandorchard.com

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas 70 Kingsland Road (973) 661-2435 spuntinowinebar.com

Taos Restaurant & Lounge 356 Paterson Avenue (201) 460-8988 villagerestaurantgroup.com

“A diamond in the shadow of the Meadowlands, old-style cuisine that never disappoints” Zagat Survey, America’s Top 1000 Italian Restaurants 2008

“Best of Award of Excellence” - Wine Spectator Magazine

See our ad on page 25

$$ ➐ 

CLOSTER Locale Cafe & Bar 208 Piermont Road (201) 750-3233 locale208closter.com

EAST RUTHERFORD

EDGEWATER Cafe Archetypus 264 River Road (201) 941-0609

Al Di La 1 Hoboken Road (201) 939-1128 aldilatrattoria.com

HAVEN Riverfront Restaurant & Bar 2 Main Street (201) 943-1900 havenedgewater.com

Annabella’s Fine Foods, Inc. 246 Hackensack Street (201) 804-0303 annabellasmozz.com

Mitchell’s Fish Market 541 River Road (201) 840-9311 www.mitchellsfishmarket.com

The Asian Grill 20 Route 17 North 201) 933-0988 thebestasiangrill.com Caffe Capri 119 Park Avenue (201) 460-1039 caffecaprirestaurant.com Candlewyck Diner 179 Paterson Avenue (201) 933-4446 candlewyckdiner.com 6

Vesta Wood Fired Pizza & Bar 64 Hoboken Road (201) 939-6012 vestapizzeria.com

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

See our ad on page 27

$$$ ➐ 

Orama Restaurant 595 River Road (201) 945-2020 orama.com The River Palm Terrace 1416 River Road (201) 224-2013 riverpalm.com

Come experience Il Villaggio’s distinguished cuisine in our newly renovated restaurant Since 1979, Il Villaggio has been consistently providing guests with truly memorable dining experiences.

Our menu specializes in classic northern Italian dishes, which include a wide variety of fresh fish & seafood specials that change daily. Complete your dining experience with our wide selection of homemade desserts.

Il Villaggio caters to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs,Weddings, and Private/Corporate Events.

Monday-Friday: 11:30 am -11:00 pm • Saturday: 5:00 pm - 12 Midnight Sunday: Private Events Only 651 Route 17 North, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 Telephone: 201.935.7733 • info@ilvillaggio.com • www.ilvillaggio.com

The TABLE

ELMWOOD PARK Giovanni’s Restaurant 430 Market Street (201) 791-3000 giovannisbyob.com Royal Warsaw Restaurant & Fine Martini Bar 871 River Drive (201) 794-9265 royalwarsaw.com Taverna Mykonos 238 Broadway (201) 703-9299 tavernamykonos.com

ENGLEWOOD Baumgart’s Café 45 E Palisade Avenue (201) 569-6267 baumgartscafe.com Blue Moon Mexican Café 23 E Palisade Avenue (201) 541-0600 bluemoonmexicancafe.com Daruma Neighborhood Japanese Restaurant 45 N Dean Street (201) 567-9600 darumaenglewood.com Las Maravillas De Tulcingo 84 W. Palisade Avenue (201) 578-1980 lasmaravillasdetulcingo.com

FAIRLAWN Oceanos Restaurant 2-27 Saddle River Road (201) 796-0546 oceanosrestaurant.com

8

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

Spectacular

Sage Restaurant 17-15 Broadway (201) 797-0500 sagefairlawn.com The River Palm Terrace 41-11 Route 4 (201) 703-3500 riverpalm.com

FLORHAM PARK

WATERFRONT DINING Indulge in the area’s freshest seafood while you marvel at our panoramic view of the New York skyline.

The Park Savoy 236 Ridgedale Avenue (973) 377-7100 theparksavoy.com See our ad on back cover

➐ 

GARFIELD Goodfellas 661 Midland Avenue (973) 478-4000

HACKENSACK Bel Posto 160 Prospect Avenue (201) 880-8746 www.belpostonj.com Casual Habana Café 125 Main Street (201) 880-9844 casualhabanacafe.com Chit Chat Diner 515 Essex Street (201) 820-4033 chitchatdiner.com See our ad on page 29

Key to Symbols $ Entrees $15 & under $$ Entrees $15 - $20 $$$ Entrees $20 & over

 Full Bar service  Handicap Accessible  Entertainment ➐ Open 7 days

Pier D-T/Lincoln Harbor • Weehawken (201) 348-6628 Beautifully-Remodeled Private Event Space chart-house.com

The TABLE

HACKENSACK

continued

The Crow’s Nest 309 Vincent Avenue (201) 342-5445 crowsnest.com

Gabriel’s Grille & Bar 283 Rt. 17 South (201) 288-9600 gabrielsgrille.com See our ad on page 17

$$ ➐ 

Morton’s The Steakhouse One Riverside Square (201) 487-3614 mortons.com

Houlihan’s 5 Route 17 South (201) 393-9330 houlihans.com

See our ad on page inside back cover

$$$ ➐ 

See our ad on page 19

Oceanaire Seafood Room 175 Riverside Square Mall (201) 343-8862 theoceanaire.com

Ivy Inn 268 Terrace Avenue (201) 393-7699 ivyinn.com

LIVE BETTER. AVE flexible-stay furnished suites & unfurnished apartments.

Our amenities and services are unparalleled.

Convenient locations with easy access to NYC, Newark Airport, I-78, I-287, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike.

$$ ➐ 

See our ad on page inside back cover

$$$ ➐ 

Picco Tavern 160 Prospect Avenue (201) 880-8750 piccotavern.com Rosa Mexicano 390 Hackensack Avenue (201) 489-9100 rosamexicano.com Stony Hill Inn 231 Polifly Road (201) 342-4085 stonyhillinn.com See our ad on page 26

The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern 1 East Franklin Turnpike (201) 445-4115 hohokusinn.com See our ad on page 3

$$$ ➐ 

LITTLE FERRY Segovia Steakhouse & Seafood 217 Main Street (201) 814-1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

$$$ ➐ 

LYNDHURST

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

The 3rd Wave Cafe Crepes 525 Riverside Avenue (201) 528-8163 the3rdwavecafecrepes.com

Bistro Six-Five-Zero at Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands 650 Terrace Avenue (201) 288-6100

10

HO-HO-KUS

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

AVELIVING.COM CLIFTON 743 PASSAIC AVE UNION 1070 MORRIS AVE SOMERSET 199 PIERCE ST FLORHAM PARK SPRING 2017 PENNSYLVANIA LOCATIONS MALVERN DOWNINGTOWN LANSDALE NEWTOWN SQUARE (COMING SOON) KING OF PRUSSIA (FALL 2017) 973.707.3380 NOW LEASING! CALL TODAY OR STOP BY FOR A TOUR! @AVELIVING

Key to Symbols $ Entrees $15 & under $$ Entrees $15 - $20 $$$ Entrees $20 & over

 Full Bar service  Handicap Accessible  Entertainment ➐ Open 7 days

The TABLE

LYNDHURST

continued

Welcome to the Plaza at Harmon Meadow

MOONACHIE

Angelo’s Restaurant 263 Ridge Road (201) 939-1922

Bazzarelli Restaurant & Pizzeria 117 Moonachie Road (201) 641-4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com

Colonial Diner 27 Orient Way (201) 935-3192

See our ad on page 12

Elegant Desserts 275 Warren Street (201) 933-0770 elegantdesserts.net See our ad on page 19

$

Mazur’s Sugarflake Bakery 323 Ridge Road (201) 438-8500 mazursbakerynj.com Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 149 Polito Avenue 1 (800) We Joust medievaltimes.com See our ad on page 19

Cosi • Tokyo Hibachi & Buffet • Red Lobster • Chipotle Cheeseburger in Paradise • Chili’s Restaurant BurgerFi • Cups Frozen Yogurt • Niko Niko Sushi

Bistro 507 107 Moonachie Road (201) 440-3339 bistro107nj.com Segovia Restaurant 150 Moonachie Road (201) 641-4266 segoviasteakhouse.com

NEW MILFORD Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn 105 Old New Bridge Road (201) 692-7700 sanzaris.com See our ad on page 26

$$$ ➐ 

Bazzarelli Restaurant is Now Celebrating 46 Years!

BAZZARELLI

Offering affordable classic Southern Italian dishes to modern eclectic, there is something for everyone: gluten free, vegetarian, children’s, take-out and catering menus.

Come enjoy HAPPY HOUR at our new bar area with TVs!

Chicken & Rib Crib 72 Franklin Turnpike (201) 529-0090 thechickenandribcrib.com The River Palm Terrace 209 Ramapo Valley Road (201) 529-1111 riverpalm.com 12

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

3973697 ©NJMG

Family Owned – Family Run Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria & Bar

MAHWAH

work. shop. dine. play. stay

Enjoy Our Restaurants!

$$ ➐ 

Thistle Restaurant 442 Valley Brook Avenue (201) 935-0004 Trattoria Il Cafone 7 Ridge Road (201) 933-3355 trattoriailcafone.com

Secaucus,NJ

OPEN 7 DAYS LUNCH, DINNER AND TAKE-OUT

Bank of America

Party & Banquet Facilities Available Accommodating up to 60 Guests Catering • Gift Certificates

117 Moonachie Road • Moonachie (Off Route 46) • 201-641-4010 ###1/2 The Record

bazzarellirestaurant.com

Key to Symbols $ Entrees $15 & under $$ Entrees $15 - $20 $$$ Entrees $20 & over

Become a fan on

 Full Bar service  Handicap Accessible  Entertainment ➐ Open 7 days

14 Screen Movies • Open Sundays • All are within walking distance NJ Transit Bus Infomation: 973-275-5555

For schedule, visit www.njtransit.com Free Shuttle Service to Secaucus Train Station: 201-939-4242 For schedule, visit www.ezride.org For Newark Airport Shuttle Service & Shops, visit www.ezride.org

The TABLE

NEWARK

RAMSEY

Redd’s Biergarten 218 Market Street (201) 933-1204 reddsbiergarten.com

Biggies 1315 Route 17 South (201) 962-9096 biggiesclambar.com

Fornos of Spain Restaurant 47 Ferry Street (973) 589-4767 fornosrestaurant.com

Brady’s At the Station 5 W Main St (201) 327-9748 bradysatthestation.net

NORTH ARLINGTON

Lakeside Grille & Bar At Ramsey Golf & Country Club 105 Lakeside Drive (201) 327-0009 lakesidegrilleandbar.com

Lassoni Restaurant 602 Ridge Road lassonirestaurant.com (201) 998-0911

NORTH BERGEN Sabor Latin Bistro 8809 River Road (201) 943-6366 saborlatinbistro.com Waterside Restaurant and Catering 7800 B River Road (201) 861-7767 watersiderestaurantandcatering.com

PARAMUS Legal Sea Foods, LLC 1 Garden State Plaza (201) 843-8483 legalseafoods.com See our ad on page 15

$$$ ➐ 

Olive Garden 1620 Bergen Town Center (201) 368-1090 olivegarden.com

The Shannon Rose 1200 Rt. 17 at Franklin Tpk (201) 962-7602 theshannonrose.com See our ad on page 15

$$ ➐ 

RIDGEWOOD Baugmart’s Café 158 Franklin Avenue (201) 612-5688 baumgartscafe.com Café 37 37 S. Broad Street (201) 857-0437 cafe-37.com

LOCAL PUB IRISH SOUL

Cravings Tapas Bistro 8 Wilsey Square (201) 857-8533 cravingstapas.com

Key to Symbols $ Entrees $15 & under $$ Entrees $15 - $20 $$$ Entrees $20 & over 14

Private Dining available One Garden State Plaza • 201.843.8483 www.LEGALSEAFOODS.com

EAT WE L L . D R I N K B E T T E R .

 Full Bar service  Handicap Accessible  Entertainment ➐ Open 7 days

Voted Best Irish Bar CLIFTON COMMONS 98 Kingsland Rd. • Rt. 3 E. • 973.284.0200 RAMSEY 1200 Rt. 17 North at Franklin Tpk. • 201.962.7602 TheShannonRose.com

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

SAVE S AVE TIME. ORDER ONLINE. Or Order der anywhere anywhere fr from om your your ccomputer, omputer, phone or table tablett and pick it up in-restaurant in-restaurant or a att our Carside Carside To To GoÂŽ!

SCAN S CAN OUR QR C CODE ODE or visit: applebees.com applebees.com

The TABLE

RIDGEWOOD

continued

Fish 54 East Ridgewood Ave (201) 859-5151 www.citybytheseahospitality.com From Scratch 44 E. Ridgewood Avenue (201) 981-8606 fromscratchridgewood.com La Lanterna 29 West Ridgewood Avenue (201) 444-5520 lalanternaofridgewood.com Latour 6 East Ridgewood Avenue (201) 445-5056 latourridgewood.com Le Bon Choix 11 Godwin Avenue (201) 689-0400 lebonchoixcafe.com Mediterraneo 23 N Broad Street (201) 447-0022 mediterraneoridgewood.com Novo 37 Chestnut Street (201) 444-4910 novomediterranean.com Office Beer Bar & Grill 32-34 Chestnut Street (201) 652-1070 office-beerbar.com Park West Tavern 30 Oak Street (201) 445-5400 parkwesttavern.com

18

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

Pearl Restaurant 17 South Broad Street (201) 857-5100 pearlridgewood.com Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut Street (201) 444-1922 rootssteakhouse.com Sakura-Bana 43 Franklin Avenue (201) 447-6525 Steel Wheel Tavern 51 North Broad Street (201) 882-1800 The Sensible Fork 14 Oak Street (201) 857-8686 www.sensiblefork.com

e

ecognized in the finer hotels,

restaurants, country clubs and catering establishments as a premier

dessert company serving award-winning European tortes, individual plated desserts and Venetian pastries.

Elegant Desserts 275 Warren Street, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 201.933.0770

www.elegantdesserts.com

RIVER EDGE Sanducci’s Trattoria 620 Kinderkamack Road (201) 599-0600 sanduccis.com

ROCHELLE PARK The Dog Cask 55 Route 17 South (201) 845-5101 thedogandcask.com

We make our food the hard way—from scratch and cooked fresh with quality ingredients.

And whatever your food mood or lifestyle needs, our menu is flexible, with bold flavors, lighter bites, classics and vegetarian-friendly options.

Satisfy your every craving at Houlihan’s.

RUTHERFORD Cafe Matisse 167 Park Avenue (201) 935-2995 Finch’s (at The Renaissance Hotel) 801 Rutherford Avenue (201) 231-3141

SECAUCUS I HASBROUCK HEIGHTS I BAYONNE I WEEKHAWKEN PARAMUS I FAIRFIELD I RAMSEY I BRIDGEWATER I HOLMDEL NEW BRUNSWICK I EATONTOWN I PRINCETON I CHERRY HILL I BRICK PARSIPPANY I WOODBRIDGE I WESTBURY, NY I FARMINGDALE, NY VISIT US AT WWW.HOULIHANS.COM

The TABLE

Farm To Table

Restaurants embracing the benefits of locally sourced ingredients Some fruits, such as apples and pears, can be picked right through to the first frost. Others, such as mushrooms and potatoes, are cultivated and are available all year round. As a result, seasonal growing greatly influences menu options.

“Our core menu is pretty much the same but we design our weekly specials based on seasonal products,” Purut said, adding that he uses locally sourced fruits, vegetables, poultry and dairy products in his menus. “This keeps our menu exciting and fresh.”

Better for business

The farm-to-table trend is a win-win for restaurant owners and consumers who reap the benefits of delicious and healthy food choices. But buying local also does wonders for the local economy by keeping dollars closer to home.

The concept of farm-to-table dining is nothing new.

Landowners who grow crops or raise livestock on their property have been enjoying the fruits of their labor for centuries. But what began as part of a social movement in the 1960s and ’70s is now gaining new momentum as more and more dining establishments are embracing the many benefits of locally sourced ingredients. And their customers are eating it up.

Fresh is best

Can you think of anything more appealing than a freshly picked tomato in your salad? But have you ever had one that looks like a tomato but has very little taste? The latter is most likely the end result of a practice that ‘gases’ green tomatoes so they turn red. The reason for this practice is that out-of-area farms have to pick their produce before they are fully ripened, process them and ship them off to a destination.

“The biggest benefit of locally sourced products is the freshness,” said Harry Purut, General Manager of Martini Grill and Gourmet Inflight Catering in WoodRidge. “The product does not need to travel far, sit in trucks or warehouses, all the time losing its freshness.”

Locally grown fruits and vegetables have a longer time to fully ripen and are delivered soon after har-

20

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

vesting, preserving the flavor and staying fresh. Also, Purut added, restaurants can interact and communicate much easier with a local producer to obtain the products unique to the needs of the establishment.

“You can actually visit and inspect the facilities and choose who you want to deal with versus obtaining a product that you’re not exactly sure where it comes from,” he said.

And added bonus: Fully ripened fruits and vegetables also develop and retain their vitamins and minerals and thus contain more nutritional value in addition to desired taste.

‘Tis the season

New Jersey is called the “Garden State” for good reason. With the exception of the severe winter months, local crops are grown throughout most of the year. Cool spring days give us a taste of leafy greens, like spinach and a variety of lettuces, as well as many herbs. Early summer is the time for strawberries, corn and summer squash. Hot summer days yield a wide variety of melons, peaches, peas, and of course tomatoes, among many other fruits and veggies. And the crispness of autumn brings out the best in root vegetables, squash, beans and a second round of leafy greens.

According to the State of New Jersey’s Department of Agriculture, there are an estimated 9,100 farms spread across 720,000 acres. Last year, New Jersey generated $1.02 billion in farm revenue while ranking among the top producers in the nation for tomatoes, cranberries, bell peppers, spinach, peaches, blueberries and cucumbers, as well as many other fruits and vegetables.

Investing in locally grown food is also good for the environment. Each week, hundreds of diesel-fueled semitrailers carrying all kinds of foods, including produce, meats and dairy products, travel across the country, filling the air with exhaust fumes. Instead, locally grown products can arrive in a short time, with far less damage to the environment.

Price is right

According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, 57 percent of consumers said the availability of local food is an important factor in deciding where to dine out. Another 68 percent said they are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers locally produced items.

Although most are happy to pay for what they get, many consumers still believe that buying local is more expensive than buying from supermarkets or wholesalers. However, Purut said this is not necessarily the case.

“The price of any item is based on its quality.

There are many grades of products and if it’s cheaper, it is of lesser quality,” he said. “Also, there are no shipping charges built into the purchase of local products, so it’s not generally true that local is more expensive.”

The TABLE

RUTHERFORD

continued

Gain Ville Café 17 Ames Avenue (201) 507-1800 gaincontact.com Paisanos Ristorant 132 Park Avenue (201) 935-5755 paisanos.com Sabor Peru 8 Highland Cross (201) 935-7378 saborperunj.com Village Gourmet 75 Park Avenue (201) 438-9404 villagerestaurantgroup.com Volare’s 7 Station Square (201) 935-6606 $$ BYOB 

SECAUCUS

BurgerFi 700 Plaza Drive #4 (551) 257-7979 burgerfi.com Cafe Four Fifty Five 455 Plaza Drive (201) 864-7300

ENJOY FRESH SEASONAL

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 475 Harmon Meadow Boulevard (201) 330-8497 carrabbas.com

Chili’s Restaurant 700 Plaza Drive (201) 319-0804 chilis.com Chipotle Mexican Grill 700 Plaza Drive (201) 223-0562 chipotle.com Cosi - Harmon Meadow 700 Plaza Drive (201) 330-1052 getcosi.com

Bonefish Grill 200 Mill Creek Drive (201) 864-3004 bonefishgrill.com

Houlihan’s 700 Plaza Drive (201) 330-8856 houlihans.com

See our ad on page 23

See our ad on page 19

Buffalo Wild Wings 470 Harmon Meadow Boulevard (201) 348-0824 buffalowildwings.com

TONIGHT

Cheeseburger In Paradise 700 Plaza Drive (201) 392-0500 cheeseburgerinparadise.com

Bareli’s Restaurant, LLC 219 Route 3 East (201) 865-2766 barelisrestaurantandbar.com

$$ ➐ 

WOOD-GRILLED FISH

ENJOY 10% OFF OFF *

$$ ➐ 

AT THESE LOCATIONS

I LL C REEK DR. DR . • S ECAUCUS • (201) (201) 864-3004 8 64 -3004 2 200 00 M MILL CREEK SECAUCUS 6 01 F ROM RD. RD. •• PARAMUS PAR AM US • ((201) 2 01) 2 61 -2355 601 FROM 261-2355

Key to Symbols $ Entrees $15 & under $$ Entrees $15 - $20 $$$ Entrees $20 & over

 Full Bar service  Handicap Accessible  Entertainment ➐ Open 7 days

*G et 10% 1 0% off off g uest c h eck (excluding (exclu d ing a l co h o l , a p p lica b le ttaxes axes and and g r a t u i t y) w it h show s h ow o cer t i fi cate. V a lid ffor or *Get guest check alcohol, applicable gratuity) with off certificate.

Valid dine - in o n ly for for d in n er ((after af ter 4 p m) a the S e c a u cu s , N J or or P a ra m u s , N J Bonefish B o n e fi s h Grill G rill llocations. ocat ion s . O ne o ff er p er dine-in only dinner 4pm) att the Secaucus, NJ Paramus, NJ One offer per ta b le, per per v isit . Not N ot valid va lid in in c o nju n c t io n with wi t h a ny other ot h e r o ff er, discount d i s co u n t o gif t c a rd p u rchases . C er t i fi cate m ust table, visit. conjunction any offer, orr gift card purchases.

Certificate must be s u rren d ered u po n redemption. red em pt io n . No No c as h value. va lu e. Void Void w here p rohibited b y law. law. Prices, P ri ce s , p rod uc t p a r t ici pa t io n be surrendered upon cash where prohibited by product participation a n d rrestaurant esta u ra nt hours hours m ay vary va r y by by location. locat io n . Excludes E xc l u d e s G rou p & E vent Dining.

Dining . D i s t ri b u t i o n o his c oupon b elongs and may Group Event Distribution off tthis coupon belongs exclu sively tto oa u t h o rized representatives r e p r e s e n t a t i ve s o B o n e fi s h Grill, G rill , LLC LLC and/or a n d/o r its it s affiliates. a ffi liates . Bonefish B o n e fi s h strictly s t ri c t ly p rohibit s exclusively authorized off Bonefish prohibits t h e reproduction rep rod uc t ion o t his c er t i fi cate in in any a ny form form o he s a le or o r exchange exch a ng e of of it it in in a ny forum. fo ru m . N OT V ALI D FOR FO R the off this certificate orr tthe sale any NOT VALID H OO K E D ON O N TUESDAY TU E S DAY 3 COURSE CO U RS E MENU, M E N U, 12 12 DAYS DAYS OF O F BONEFISH BO N E FI S H GRILL G R I LL OR OR D I N E & DISCOVER. D I SCOVE R .

HOOKED DINE

VALID VA LI D 10/31/2017 10/31/2017

22

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

C C6-%-MGR 6 -% - M G R

The TABLE

SECAUCUS

continued

La Reggia Ristorante Banquets & Lounge 40 Wood Avenue (201) 422-0200 lareggiaus.com

TENAFLY Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Road (201) 569-5999 axiataverna.com $$$ ➐ 

Located in the Meadowlands Plaza Hotel

La Reggia proudly serves the finest Italian Cuisine prepared one dish at a time, served in our warm & friendly restaurant and catering/reception hall, located in the heart of the Meadowlands, minutes away from Izod Center and MetLife Stadium.

See our ad on page 25

$$ ➐ 

TETERBORO

Olive Garden Secaucus Harmon Meadow 500 Route 3 West (201) 867-3543 olivegarden.com

Sal’s Good Eats 80 Green Street (201) 375-4949 salsgoodeats.com

See our ad on page 32

WALDWICK

$$ ➐ 

Outback Steakhouse 455 Harmon Meadow Boulevard (201) 601-0077 outback.com Panera Bread 200 Mill Creek Drive (201) 348-2846 panerabread.com Red Lobster 700 Plaza Drive (201) 583-1902 redlobster.com Stefanos Mediterranean Grille 700 Plaza Drive (201) 865-6767 stefanos-mg.com Tokyo Hibachi & Buffet 700 Plaza Drive (201) 863-2828 www.tokyohb.com

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

Weddings, Social Events, Holiday Parties and Corporate Functions. Hosting up to 275 Guests

Nellie’s Place 9 Franklin Turnpike (201) 652-8626 nelliesplacenj.com

Entertainment: Saturday Nights Happy Hour: 4 pm – 7 pm

The Village Grille Restaurant & Bar 71 Crescent Avenue (201) 670-8200 villagegrillewaldwick.com

WEEHAWKEN Chart House Restaurant Pier d/t Lincoln Harbor (201) 348-6628 chart-house.com See our ad inside front cover & page

$$$ ➐ 

Houlihan’s - Weehawken 1200 Harbor Boulevard (201) 863-4000 houlihans.com

info@lareggiaus.com • 201.422.0200 40 Wood Avenue, Secaucus, NJ 07094

317 Washington Avenue Carlstadt, NJ 07072 (201) 933-0015 • Fax (201) 939-1204 www.ReddsRestaurant.com PRIVATE BANQUET ROOM AVAILABLE

Redd’s offers Shuttle Service to and from All Events at MetLIfe Stadium

House-Made2 Pasta

$$ ➐ 

See our ad inside front cover

Key to Symbols $ Entrees $15 & under $$ Entrees $15 - $20 $$$ Entrees $20 & over 24

Lunch Buffet: Monday–Friday Ala-Carte Menu: 7 Days per Week Banquet Rooms: Specializing in

The perfect place to host your next event, holiday party, happy hour or corporate function.

 Full Bar service  Handicap Accessible  Entertainment ➐ Open 7 days

Clifton Commons on Rt. 3 East 70 Kingsland Road 973.661.2435 SpuntinoWineBar.com

The TABLE

WEEHAWKEN

continued

Jack Austin’s Eat & Drink 1200 Harbor Boulevard (201) 348-4444 sheratonlincolnharbor.com/jack-austins $$ ➐ 

O

WESTWOOD Baci Italian Grill 36 Jefferson Avenue (201) 722-1900 baciwestwood.com

N O P W EN !

See our ad inside front cover

Marco Polo Pizza Breakfast Grill 1200 Harbor Boulevard (201) 863-0057

WOOD-RIDGE Martini Grill 187 Hackensack Street (201) 939-2000 martini-grill.com

Waterfront Views Overlooking the New York Skyline

$$$ 

See our ad on page 15

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 1000 Harbor Boulevard (201) 863-5100 ruthschris.com $$$ ➐ 

See our ad inside front cover

WYCKOFF Bourbon BBQ & Catering 529 Goffle Road (201) 444-4744 bourbonbbq.com

Specialty Cocktails

Lobster & Shrimp Stuffed Cod

ON THE WATER AT EDGEWATER COMMONS MALL 541 River Road • 201.840.9311 • MitchellsFishMarket.com

NEED TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY? S PA C E IS L IMIT E D, R ES ERVE YOU R H OLI DAY C ELEBR AT I ON T ODAY!

Co nt a c t : E d g e w a t e r E v e n t s @ l d r y. c o m 26

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

The TABLE

CHOWDERFEST Cook Off Classic on October 1, 2017 Named one of the top food festivals on the East Coast, Chowderfest celebrates its 29th year of serving up the restaurant competition the state.

Ticketholders get unlimited chowder sampling, live music, gourmet food court with seasonal beers and hard ciders on tap. Everyone gets to vote for their favorite in following categories: Red, White and Creative Class Chowders.

Southern So S ouutthheerrn O Ocean Oc cceeaan C County Co ouunntty C Chamber Ch haam mbbeer oof C Commerce Co om mm meerrcce

Chowderfest Cho Ch hoowd wde deer erf rfe fes est st Co Competitors Com om mpe mp pet eti tit ito tor ors rs in invite inv nvi vit itte t yyo you ou to sa sam sample am mpl mp pple le the th he be bes best esst the th h sh he sho shore hoore re ha has ass to of off offer ffe feer

For more info go to www.chowderfest.com or follow us on Facebook: The Official LBI Chowderfest Location: Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, NJ Featuring: Unlimited tasting of red, white and creative chowders Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: General Admission $25, Children $10 $55 VIP with exclusive 10 a.m. entry and Official Taster Tee shirt Free parking and shuttle service available For more information Contact: Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce 265 W Ninth St, Ship Bottom NJ (609) 484-7211 visitlbiregion.com www.chowderfest.com

Can’t wait until then Plan a visit @ VisitLBIRegion.com 265 West 9th St., Ship Bottom, NJ

609-494-7211 ● 800-292-6372

FUNDED IN PART BY NJ DEPT OF STATE, DIVISION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM

30

METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY DINING GUIDE

WE’RE MORE THAN MEATS THE PLATE THE SHOPS AT RIVERSIDE One Riverside Square 201.487.1303

MORTONS.COM/HACKENSACK

You can still enjoy Olive Garden specialties when you don’t have time to dine with us at our table.

Order your favorites from our selection of craveable appetizers and soups, handcrafted italian entrées and delicious desserts.

Of course, don’t forget our signature salad and breadsticks!

We’ll prepare your order and have it ready for you to pick up.

It’s easy and convenient when you place your order online!

Fresh Seafood. Flown in Daily.

The Ultra-fresh Seafood Experience.™

THE SHOPS AT RIVERSIDE

175 Riverside Square | 201.343.8862 | theoceanaire.com