***If there's one review you should read before deciding to come here, it's this one. I'm about to…read morewax poetic.***
Let me preface by saying that I'm a young adult who considers himself a bit of a foodie. I work in Times Square so I usually frequent fine dining establishments in the city, but my home is North Jersey so I am acutely aware that there are some hidden gems in this state. Last week, I was at the Saddle River Inn in Saddle River and was blown away. But this place is far, far, even more exceptional.
Greatest dining experience ever.
Called the restaurant due to a last-minute cancelation in my party. Evan, a manager, was super helpful in waiving any cancelation fees.
It's BYOB and there's a brewery across the street that apparently does takeout. I just brought beer from my house. They gave me chilled glasses and a bucket of ice to keep my refreshments chilled.
Onto the ambience. You walk in and it's a nice, cozy little place with tables and a bar top with an open kitchen layout behind it. You can see all the food that's cooking and the presentations that go behind each dish - all live in front of you. The chef's were busy but always obliged when I said hey or asked a question.
I tried the 5 course chef's tasting menu for $125. You get a little bit of all of the best flavors coming out of the kitchen. And the flavors are always changing. They source their ingredients from local farms.
First came out complimentary course #1 - all I remember is it had crudo in it. Then course #1 - gulf shrimp with squid. This is the point where I decide no matter how else dinner plays out, I'm coming back. What fresh ingredients and creative flavor pairings.
Next was course #2 - duck confit spring roll. It's just a smaller portion of what's regularly on their menu. This may have been my favorite item of the night.
Next was wood fired octopus in tagliatelle pasta. After that, I believe, was complimentary course #2 - what appeared to be a caesar salad. Anything they make is delicious.
Finally, I had an American wagyu strip as the fourth course. Absolutely delectable.
At this point, I'm in Heaven. But I'm not quite yet full and ready for my dessert - profiteroles - one of my favorite desserts. I was looking forward to it from the moment I walked in and saw it listed on the tasting menu. I only eat 1 meal a day so when I finally eat, I eat a lot. A normal person would be full at this point, but I wanted more. I also couldn't help but think it might have something to do with me not wanting to leave and just try anything this kitchen made.
So I ordered more. I asked for their regular menu and ordered some more duck confit spring rolls and some type of pork belly entree. Quick note - the pork belly entree was not good. You have to take the losses on the chin to make the wins matter more. Pork belly over beans? It was like bbq ribs meets an English breakfast. Please get rid of that, respectfully.
After 3 bites, I didn't want any more so I quietly flagged down my server, Kat, and told her please quietly take this, I fully intend to pay for it since I ordered it; it's just no good. And I had been raving to her about every dish up until that point. So she insisted that she'd take it off the check. I insisted I'd pay, she kept insisting, so I relented. That's really good customer service.
Now time for dessert. I wish I could say I was ending on a better note but the Profiteroles - which I mentioned is a favorite dessert of mine - massive disappointment. After everything else was put together for care, I got notes of freezer for this last one - especially the pumpkin part. I love this restaurant and I intend on returning as soon as possible, so please don't take offense to my constructive criticism. I applaud your efforts to infuse different flavors together. It is working wonders for you. Keep it up.
I'm gonna share pictures of everything, including the menu. But the last 2 things I'll talk about are the cost and the service.
With the pork belly entree taken off, it was just the 5 course tasting menu, an order of duck confit spring rolls, and a $6 double espresso. The total came out to $168 after taxes. I tipped $168. That's right. 100%. In a world where people like to dock tip percentages from their precious "20%" for what they perceive to be a lack of good service, let's normalize going above 25% for exceptional service. Not everyone can afford 100% like me, but next tip tip your servers 30-35% for exceptional service. As a former server in my heyday, I promise it'll mean more to them than the few extra dollars to you.
And exceptional service is what I got. From manager Evan, to server Kat, to all of the others I met - forgive me if I forget any names. Chef Kelly, Chef Mike, Chef Jon, Keira, Jimmy. Thank you for an unforgettable 5-star experience. Keep up the exceptional work. I will see you again soon.