The Brisket of Beef jumped right out at me with horseradish and potato pancake which was exceedingly delicious and most generously portioned. I started with their version of the Caesar Salad and while major credit is deserved for creativity the result fell far short. The salad was made exactly as described on the menu, but for my palate the capers just didn't work and the other flavors worked against each other and weren't complimentary. I forgot about it almost instantly though once I tasted the brisket.
It's not a real good idea to offer one basket of bread for a table that size... 3 would have worked much better. Others this evening raved about the
Surf and Turf specifically the beef fillet which was remarked as best ever tasted. Another standout included the
Salmon.
When eating out at holiday time, especially with a
large group, it's nice to know that you are not going
to be hurried along, and we were not. We were
allowed to eat at a leisurely pace with lots of time
to interact while being attended to by a very pleasant
staff. I'd have to say that although not perfect by any means, the meal was quite memorable with elements of brilliance. I do love the idea, of trying to offer a new take on the classic Caesar Salad and perhaps some reworking of that might be in the future... at the very least the capers (and I love capers) should come out and for sure very flavorful large homemade croutons should be included.
Everything considered, Gladstone Tavern provided a
most pleasant dining experience and should be included
in your restaurant choices.- Jersey Shadow -
Gladstone Tavern
273 Main Street
Gladstone, NJ 07934
Phone: 908-234-9055
Credit Cards Accepted
4 Park Avenue Trattoria -
4 Park Trattoria in Madison, NJ, has emerged
from the old Top Notch restaurant formerly at the same
location. Outside is an early bird special at
$14.95 beconning all who pass to stop in.
Parking is difficult here with spots that are way too
small... even if a few spots are lost, widening the
spots would go a long way to ease navigating the
small lot. Inside is comfortable, and this evening
the food channel was playing on a modern flat
screen TV. The old Top Notch always seemed to
be a favorite with the (make a reservation) ladies
lunch or business lunch crowd and this evening a big
table welcomed a big party.
In the end and as always, it's the food that is either
the star or the flop of the show or,in this case,
the mediocre performer. It's sad to see that
the food has slipped a bit here and all the re-branding
can't change that. The salads were okay but
salads do not a meal make. Seasoning is a big part
of any dish... get it right and the flavor goes off
the chart... get it wrong and ruin it. I went with
the Veal Picatta, and sadly it was way over seasoned
with salt which was a shame because the meat was
moist and tender. My guest didn't fair much
better, with a prime rib which wasn't very prime with too
much fat and overcooked.
Like my father used to say... a bad meal on occasion is
inevitable from time to time, but still, it was
surprising, as I was expecting more. It's
clear that more has probably changed here than just the name,
and if they want to succeed they will have to step up
their game, because even the most loyal regular will
grow tired of inconsistent fare.
- Jersey Shadow -
4 Park Ave Trattoria
4 Park Avenue
Madison, NJ
Phone: 973-660-9222
Credit Cards Accepted