It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the season of good cheer, it was the season of chilly air. There was a mama who wanted a night out on the town, there was a mama who just wanted a cozy night with her suitor.
Both were in luck.
Here we found two eateries: one new, one classic, both great.
Capital Grille officially opened its doors a week ago at the Westfield Garden State Plaza. Perhaps you may be thinking: chain restaurant plus mall parking during holiday season equals disaster. But alas, you will be pleasantly surprised if you’re able to snag a reservation at their Paramus outpost.
After pulling up to the entrance, use the restaurant’s hassle-free valet parking. You will then be ushered into warmly lit dining rooms with round tables, private rooms for large groups and small tables for more intimate dinners. The host actually gave us black napkins to lay on our laps as we sat down to check out the wine list, so extensive it would make any vinophile proud. And the main event: Chef Joseph Boyer, formerly of The Palm in Manhattan, is turning out flavorful aged steaks and fresh seafood from the grill’s open kitchen. Standouts include the Pan-fried Calamari With Hot Cherry Peppers, Bone-In Kona Steak with Shallot Butter and the Lobster Bisque, not listed on the menu (shhh). Top off your decadent dinner with one of Capital Grille’s Coconut Crème Pies and roll on home.
The Capital Grille
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
201-845-7040
Been to Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern lately? If not, you owe this historic establishment a visit. The vibe is vintage. The menu is anything but. Chef Bryan Gregg has created a wide selection of innovative new offerings, made with farm fresh meat, poultry and produce. It’s hard to believe that you could pair House-Made Pretzels and a Spiced Cheese Fondue with Goffle Fams Chicken but it works. And the formal restaurant could just as easily accommodate the whole family, with one of the best kid’s menus we’ve seen in Bergen. Sure they have the standards like mac-and-cheese and pizza, but your foodie-in-training can also nibble on Edamame, Salmon and Hangar steak too. Desserts aren’t run of the mill either. We like the sound of the “Pretzels and Beer”, which is comprised of Malted Milk Parfait Chocolate Covered Pretzel Bites with locally brewed Defiant Porter laced Ice Cream.
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern
1 East Franklin Tpke, Ho-Ho-Kus
201-445-4115
So hook up a reservation at one of these two spots. And expect a far, far better night, than you have ever done.
