18 November 2016 Heirloom Kitchen Partners with Chef David Viana

Heirloom Kitchen Partners with Chef David Viana

November 18, 2016 By

heirloomkitchen_kitchenHeirloom Kitchen, Chef’s Table & Cooking School, in Old Bridge, NJ, has announced a partnership with Executive Chef David Viana that includes weekend dinner service Friday through Sunday from 5PM until 10PM.

Viana has spent a year freelancing as a guest chef at Heirloom Kitchen and can now offer a truly unique dining space where guests may choose to dine at the Chef’s Table, an island surrounding an open kitchen where they can watch Chef Viana and Sous Chef Andrew Wolverton prepare and artfully present their dishes. Communal seating at a ten foot white oak farm table and more traditional dining options are also available.

Chef Viana’s menu rotates weekly, featuring modern, playful and seasonal takes on American classics. Chef Jon Boot will spearhead the pastry program and conceptualize Heirloom’s desserts. Chef Boot has worked in some of the state’s most esteemed restaurants, including The Ryland Inn, Elements, and The Bernards Inn.

Heirloom Kitchen is a BYO but will also hold a California Winery License from Domenico Winery which will offer fabulous California wines at retail pricing.

About David Viana

viana3Among Chef Viana’s many accomplishments, was his recent post as Executive Chef at The Kitchen at Grove Station in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he earned a coveted three stars from The New York Times. Among his experience includes time working with the industry’s most recognizable chefs including Bobby Flay, Michael White, Anne Burrell and David Drake, in addition to his time working at heralded restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park, in New York City.

Dinner Service: Fri–Sun, 5pm–10pm

Reservations can be made on Open Table or by calling 732 727 9444.

Heirloom Kitchen – 3853 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08557.

Cheers,

Veronique

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28 September 2016 Kimchi Smoke New Opening and Pop Up

Kimchi Smoke New Opening and Pop Up

September 28, 2016 By

kimchi-smoke-sandwichI know I’ve told you about my love for Kimchi Smoke in the past and I’m excited that Owner Rob Cho will soft open his brand new, spacious location in Westwood, NJ on October 12th. Between October 12th and 15th, the soft opening hours will be 12PM – 9PM. The tiny Bergenfield location closed on September 24th….no more eating messing sandwich in the car!!

Rob will be hosting a pop up dinner dubbed “Park and Cho” in Westwood on Oct 5-6 (5-9pm). The menu will be a collaboration between Chef Tim Culvert, former head chef at Park and Orchard, sous chef Victor Oravetz and Rob and will include Smoked Clam Chowder, Smoked Tomato salad with Orange Raspberry Vinaigrette, Gumbo with Brown Rice and Cornbread, Chipotle marinated Chicken with spicy vegetables and cabbage slaw, Kale Jap Chae, Texas Stallion (smoked pork shoulder with sautéed broccoli rabe w gochugaru, sharp provolone cheese on toasted hero) and Apple Crumble with Lemon Ginger sauce.

Kimchi Smoke Pop Up will be Oct 7-8 from 12-9pm. Menu will include newer items or items that aren’t on the regular rotation: Reuben Lee (smoked brisket, smoked kimchi, Fatboy BCS, mozzarella cheese and remoulade on marble rye, Gochu glazed Baby Back Ribs and Smoked Pork Belly on Ramen Buns, 5 Spice Beer Can Chicken w Sautéed Choy Sum and Smoked Kimchi, K-Town Bratwurst, Bourbon Daktori Tang (braised chicken with potatoes).

Kimchi Smoke Barbecue

301 Center Ave.

Westwood NJ 07675

201-497-6333

Go have a ‘life-altering’ Chonut, or whatever else Rob’s cooking/smoking.

Cheers,

Veronique

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17 August 2016 Restaurant Latour Makes New Jersey Proud

Restaurant Latour Makes New Jersey Proud

August 17, 2016 By
Photo by Crystal Springs Resort

Photo by Crystal Springs Resort

For those of you who have visited the incredible 75,000-bottle wine cellar at Crystal Springs Resort, you’ll agree it’s difficult to comprehend the unmatched selection without witnessing it. Equally as outstanding is the culinary program at Restaurant Latour, the refined restaurant at Crystal Springs where Chef de Cuisine Martyna Krowicka crafts creative and delectable dishes under the direction of Head Chef Anthony Bucco. The sophisticated restaurant has again in 2016 been recognized by a number of top wine publications in the US and abroad for its outstanding fine wine collection, including Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and UK’s The World of Fine Wine.

Wine Enthusiast America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants

Perhaps most impressive is Restaurant Latour being named as one of Wine Enthusiast “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants” for the third year running. Why is that particular award so impressive, you might ask? Restaurant Latour is the only New Jersey restaurant to make the list, which is published in the magazine’s August 2016 issue, joining the ranks of such esteemed restaurants as Per Se, Daniel, Eleven Madison Park, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Le Bernardin, among others. See the mention and gorgeous photos here: http://www.winemag.com/100-Best-Wine-Restaurants-2016/Restaurant-Latour

The World of Fine Wine Three Stars

The World of Fine Wine, the prestigious international wine publication for serious wine aficionados and collectors, has also recognized Restaurant Latour third year running as having one of the world’s best wine lists. For the 2016 “World’s Best Wine Lists,” the magazine’s editors and a group of international wine experts reviewed over 4,500 wine lists from around the world to come up with just over 800 honorees. Restaurant Latour’s wine list was awarded three stars – the highest honor (the ratings are 1, 2 and 3 stars). Restaurant Latour was additionally awarded a Jury Prize, given “at the nomination of individual senior judges, but subject to the approval of the jury as a whole, these prizes recognize wine lists that show distinctive character and flair, offer exceptionally good value, or were particularly strong in a specific wine style. See the award mentioned here: http://www.worldoffinewine.com/WineListAwardsSearch/RestaurantDetails/2016/restaurant-latour

Wine Spectator Grand Award

Restaurant Latour has once again been awarded Wine Spectator’s prestigious top honor Grand Award, which it has held since 2006 – only 88 restaurants in the world hold the award. Wine Spectator gives its wine list awards to about 3,600 restaurant around the world in three categories from the lowest Award of Excellence to Best of Award of Excellence to Grand Award. See the award mentioned here: https://restaurants.winespectator.com/restaurant/1050/restaurant-latour

Congrats to the Crystal Springs cellar and Restaurant Latour teams – making us proud in the Garden State.

Cheers,

Veronique

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13 May 2016 Adieu Terre à Terre

Adieu Terre à Terre

May 13, 2016 By
Chef Villani

Chef Villani

A few weeks ago, when Chef Todd Villani told me he’d be shuttering down his restaurant, Terre à Terre, when his lease was up, I was truly saddened. When I received the written notice earlier about the impeding June 26th closing, it seemed impossible to think that all the hard work Chef Villani and his marketing/PR/event planner/cheerleader sister Lisa put into the Carlstadt restaurant was all for naught.

Folks not around the restaurant business truly have no concept of what these entrepreneurs take on when they open independent dining establishments. In New Jersey, what makes things even more difficult is the challenge and costs associated with acquiring a liquor license. Without the aforementioned license, the margins these restaurants operate on are incredibly low.

Another challenge Chef Villani faced, and a problem facing many other BYOs and independent restaurants in the area, was the chronic lack of consideration from diners who secure multiple reservations on busy evening and decide at 4PM which to actually honor. No-shows and last minute cancellations plague the restaurant business and New Jersey appears to be worse than other states based on the constant feedback from local chefs and restaurant managers. I truly don’t believe diners know how much a no-show for a table of six on a Saturday at a restaurant seating 50 can cripple small business owners – CANCEL YOUR DAMNED RESERVATIONS, AND NOT AT 5PM THE DAY OF!!!

Chef Villani at Beard House

Chef Villani at Beard House

From Chef Villani “Terre a Terre has given me gratifying achievements beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve made lifelong friends and colleagues. I’ve employed incredible, passionate people who joined me in redefining the dining experience. My family has been incredibly supportive. And as for my customers, what can I say?  You’ve made it all worth it.  We are grateful to everyone who has supported us and we hope to see you one last time. Reservations are greatly appreciated. Thank you again for your support”.

It’s a sad day in the New Jersey food scene and I know Chef Villani and his expecting wife Beth will find another rewarding path, whatever they opt to do next. I was glad to be a guest and a friend through your three-year journey.

Farewell to Terre à Terre.

Veronique

 

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events, Restaurant News Tagged With: ,

New Fall Menu at Terre à Terre

October 21, 2015 By
Chef Todd Villani

Chef Todd Villani

Fresh off its 2-year anniversary celebration, Terre à Terre  has a new fall menu showcasing the freshest locally-sourced ingredients the area has to offer.

With input from his new Chef de Cuisine, Ralph Perrotti, Chef/Owner Todd Villani has crafted an autumnal menu featuring Nicolosi Black Berkshire Braised Pork Ramen, Goffle Road Farm Quail, Crispy Local Black Bass and Sfoglini Seasonal Porcini Trumpet Pasta.

If you haven’t paid Chef Villani and his welcoming team a visit or haven’t eaten at Terre à Terre in a while, call to reserve a table now.

Terre à Terre – 312 Hackensack Street, Carlstadt, NJ. 201-507-0500.

Cheers,

Veronique

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14 May 2015 The Orange Squirrel Launches 4-Course Prix Fixe Menu

The Orange Squirrel Launches 4-Course Prix Fixe Menu

May 14, 2015 By

The Orange Squirrel LogoThe Orange Squirrel is launching a new, four-course prix fixe menu Monday through Thursday from 4:30 – 7:30pm. The cost of the new menu is $29 (not inclusive of tax/gratuity).

Course I

Mushroom Tempura – baby artichoke aioli / truffle oil

or

Chitarra Marinara Meatballs

Course II

Mesclun Green Salad – vinaigrette / croutons / sliced radish

Course III

Skate Wing – braised beet greens / meuniere sauce

or

Chicken Pot Pie – vegetables / leg and thigh confit / puff pastry

Course IV

Banana Bread Pudding – rum caramel / vanilla ice cream

or

Chocolate Soufflé – ganache

The Orange Squirrel / 410 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ  07003 / 973-337-6421.

Cheers,

Veronique

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