Nicholas, Red Bank, NJ

March 15, 2009

How do I love thee, let me count the ways? The wine list, the tasting menus, the cheese selection, the decor, the wait staff... Nicholas is rated the number 1 restaurant in New Jersey by Zagats for a reason. It is difficult to even imagine a better meal.

When we moved from Manhattan to the Middletown area a few years ago, one of our requirements was good restaurants and with Nicholas we hit the jackpot! Unlike many, we are lucky enough to have dined here on numerous occasions because it is literally around the corner from our house- a 5 minute drive.

The menu generally consists of at least 2, but sometimes as many as 4 different tasting menus ranging from 3 courses (appetizer, main course, dessert) to 6 courses and are priced accordingly. When we were there this week, they were offering 4 menus- Late Winter 3 Course Menu ($59), a 6 Course Late Winter Tasting Menu ($79), a 6 Course Black Truffle Tasting Menu ($105), and a Late Winter 4 Course Garden Menu ($59). For an additional $45 you can also choose to do a wine pairing with the 6 Course Late Winter Tasting Menu.

My husband and I both selected from the Late Winter 3 Course Menu this time around and in addition we made a special request to have an order of the Seared Day Boat Sea Scallops with Mascarpone Cheese and Black Truffles which was happily accommodated. The scallops were out of this world- it was a melt in your mouth flavor explosion- no exaggeration. Our other menu selections were: the "Seafood Tasting" which consisted of a little sampling of: Grilled Octopus & Citrus Salad, Scallop & Jalapeño Crudo, Geoduck & Yuzu Vinaigrette; Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Soup with Red Onion Marmalade and Goat Cheese Fritters; Butter Poached Lobster and Potato Gnocchi with Sweet Carrot Butter Sauce (supplemental cost of $10- worth every last cent); Red Miso Glazed Prime Roasted Pork Chop with Grilled Eggplant and Charred Baby Bok Choy. Everything was mouth-wateringly delicious. For dessert we both decided to have cheese instead of something sweet so together we were able to try 8 of the 12 varieties that they were offering including: Valencay, 24 Month Mainland New Zealand Cheddar, Brillat Savarin, Morbier, Gouda, Perla Grigia al Tartufo, Humboldt Fog and Epoisses. If I said I loved them all, it would be the truth. For dessert, they also offer, warm chocolate cake, chocolate souffle, creme brulee, etc. I am sure they are all fabulous.

The wine list is extensive with a good selection of half bottles, about 10 different types of wine by the glass and full bottles that range in price from around $40 all the way up to the very pricey "cult" selections. If you are a wine lover, Nicholas offers wine tastings each season- the next one is this Friday, March 20- you need to sign-up and pay in advance. Call for details.

Visit the website to view all of the menu offerings in detail.

No matter where you live, Nicholas is worth the trip.

Signing Off From Food Heaven,
Foodie

Nicholas
160 Route 35 South
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732 345 9977
Website: www.restaurantnicholas.com

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