BY ARTFUL DINER
Holiday dining is special in many ways: Not only does it afford us the opportunity to enjoy the bounties of the table, but also the joys of gathering together with loved ones and friends. And while we still seek out excellent cuisine, ambiance also plays an extremely important role in our dining choices. We tend to frequent those establishments that are able to warm our hearts as well as satisfy our hunger. Listed below are just a few of the many Garden State restaurants that will help us enjoy the warmth, peace, and festivity of this wonderful season of the year. Wishing you and yours the very best...
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Yes, good things really do come in small packages. And Lorena's, the enchanting jewel-box located in the very heart of Maplewood Village, is living proof of that old adage. But this diminutive establishment offers up infinitely more than just an alluringly intimate ambiance. Utilizing only the freshest, seasonally-inspired ingredients, chef/proprietor Humberto Campos, Jr., weaves together an enticing array of upscale French cuisine with intriguing international subtitles. Appetizers are as beautifully presented as they are delicious. Wedges of red and golden baby beets and Roquefort fondant surround an epicenter of Graiff Farms frisee & māche and are consummated with a ribbon of Valencia orange emulsion; locally-cultivated organic mushroom risotto luxuriates in a splash of white truffle oil and sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano; and the roasted Hudson Valley foie gras de canard envelops the palate in an utterly seductive sensuality. Entrees are equally beguiling: pan-seared Atlantic halibut bathed in a zippy horseradish emulsion; duck breast embellished with a fig & port wine jus; and filet mignon enhanced with an assertive yet elegant sauce Bordelaise. Desserts, particularly the homemade ice creams, are simply not to be missed. Lorena's is an absolute must during the holiday season. BYOB.
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