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Restaurants

These restaurant reviews have been submitted by members of the Northern New Jersey convivium of Slow Food USA. Opinions expressed in the reviews are those of the submitting members, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Slow Food NNJ.

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Passionne
77 Walnut St.
Montclair
973-233-1006
http://www.restaurantpassionne.com
“My husband and I visited Passionne a couple of weeks back......why have we not been there sooner! This place is downright amazing. From the second we entered we felt so welcomed and comfortable. I was wearing my little black dress and when the host noticed that he offered a black napkin. Who does that!! They had me from there. Most importantly was the food, perfectly presented and delicious. Steak tartar and a bowl of delightful spring onion soup were our starters. Pat had the lamb special as a second course but I sampled it as well, OMG!! It was ridiculously tasty. We decided on fish for dinner, the chefs \"signature\" Atlantic COd and a soft shell crab special. We were stuffed but our server was too convincing and we ordered the chocolate souffle for dessert. Passionne has won our hearts, not only is the food outstanding but the service is so friendly and comfortable. But the best part was when we flippedour menu over it read where the chef was getting his food! and he was a locavore!!!! We asked to speak to the Chef and when we finally met Michael we understood why the food was so good, he is a passionate young man with a love for local and he runs his own green house. We will be back very offten and recomend Passionne to all of our friends and family!!!”
Submitted by: Susan, West Caldwel

Namasté Café
89 Morris Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-247-0118
http://www.namastejuicebar.com/
“Their menu includes a variety of salads, wraps, sandwiches, veggie burgers, soups, raw foods, vegetable juices, smoothies, fair trade coffee drinks, and desserts -- All guaranteed and all nutritious and delicious!

This restaurant usually "adopts" many of it's customers into their family, so "orphans" are always welcomed.”
Submitted by: Maggie, Elizabeth

Boulevard Five 72
572 Boulevard
Kenilworth, NJ
908-709-1200
http://www.boulevardfive72.com
“A fine dining experience everytime! Amazing food and a great staff. ”
Submitted by: Sally, Cranford

Campania
17-15 Broadway
Fair Lawn, Nj 07410
201-797-0908
http://www.campaniarestaurant.com
“Campania Restaurant epitomizes everything that Slow Food stands for. The food is fresh and local, deliciously prepared and artistically presented. A salad of mixed greens, early macs, roasted almonds and dressed with lemon balsamic and topped with shaved pecorano romano cheese provided one's taste buds with an exciting adventure. The rib eye steak with caramelized onions, baby potatoes, and salsa verdi was tender and delicious. The pan seared red snapper accompanied by sweet roasted corn and grilled baby plum tomatoes with scallions and salsa verdi was excellent. Most produce comes from within 25 mile radius and couldn't be fresher.

The meal was topped by two memorable desserts: a hazelnut bomba, and blueberry zeppoles with homemade vanilla semi freddo. These sent us home very happy campers.”
Submitted by: Rick Hanifan, Pompton Lakes, NJ

KC's Chiffafa House
5 Hilltop Road
Mendham, NJ
973.543.4726
http://www.chiffafa.com/
“KC who is also the proprietor of KC's Coffee place in Chester, N.J.,has done a wonderful job in this new venture with Paul Viggiano, Dan Baker and Mischa Camaniti who work creative wonders in the kitchen.

Serving coffee, bouchon, pastries, ice cream and treats during the day. KC's becomes a fabulous restaurant and jazz place Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Oh yes they serve up an amazing Sunday brunch menu.

Chiaffafa is from a Diana Krall song. A delicious yummy something to eat. At KC's it means very good.

The menu is prefix, $55. This night we Moules & Pernod which were the freshest and most tender mussels I have ever tasted. Belgian fish sticks were delightful were a tasty tarter sauce. A hot and cold Caesar salad had very fresh greens and a delicate yet sparkling vinaigrette. A Mac and Cheese like no other, with ripe cheese and white truffle oil rounded out our first course.

The 1999 Meursault was just right we these.

For dinner Mark and I had the Ferel Swine Chops that claim to be moonlight caught Russian wild baby boar chops. Our empty plates with just a bone and bits of the sage risotto and trumpet mushrooms royales were clear evidence of how much we enjoyed this entree. Gail had a wonderful roasted chicken chasseaur. Diana's hanger steak was not perfect.

A boutique French red was poured.

Sides of Brussels sprouts with hollandaise, pomme frites and roasted Belgian endive were perfect.

Desserts were bountiful and exceptional.

The preparations are genuinely creative and effusive with fresh ingredients.”
Submitted by: Peter Conway, Montclair, NJ

Fascino
331 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, New Jersey
973-223-0350
http://www.fascinorestaurant.com
“It's no accident why Fascino has such a high Zagat rating. It's simply first-rate.
Like many great restaurants in Italy, it is family-run; this translates into the sort
of quality and attention to detail seldom found in local BYO places. The room is comfortable
and attractive. The wait staff is knowledgeable, but not obtrusive. Most importantly, the
kitchen is on the mark. Pastas are great, fish is cooked properly, the menu is inventive without
being overly trendy, and the tasting menus are a bargain. "La famiglia DePersio" has provided
a boon to the dining public: you can eat exquisitely without trekking into the City. The BYO
policy makes a great deal even better. This is currently my favorite restaurant in the area.
Pick out a special bottle or two from your cellar, go there, and find out why.”
Submitted by: Gary Tonucci, Maplewood, New Jersey

La Baita Cucina Italiana
98 Main Street
Butler, NJ 07405
973-838-2100
http://labaita.us
“This superb Italian restaurant features delicious entrees with fresh ingredients,
attentively served. You can bring your own wine or purchase there. It's reasonably
priced and conveniently located. We've been spoiled for going anywhere else!”
Submitted by: Michael Southwell, Bloomingdale, NJ

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