The Alternative Press

The weather is changing. Time to drag out the winter woolies. Most of all, it’s time to think warm, cozy, comfort food. Do let me know if your favorite restaurant serves a great bowl of soup. Also let me know if you’ve discovered a really great local restaurant that caters to the taste of their clientele. You know where to find me: Mkbrody@aol.com
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Luciano’s Italian Ristorante & Lounge
Executive Chef and Partner, Joseph Mastrella has introduced his new menu at Luciano’s Italian Ristorante & Lounge. Along with house favorites, enjoy Jumbo lump Crab Cake Bruschetta, Crab and Asiago Fonduta with creamy Asiago and Fontina cheese served with crispy focaccia crostini, and a fresh Mozzarella tower with stratums of roasted peppers, grilled eggplant and tomatoes. You’ll love the House Made Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter-balsamic emulsion and toasted almonds, and Home made ricotta gnocchi and bolognese, tossed in a traditional meat sauce, scented with fresh basil. Entrees; include Horse radish crusted Atlantic Salmon over apple-wood smoked polenta, and sauteed spinach with a champagne reduction sauce, Sicilian Braised Short Ribs, with creamy asiago cheese polenta and sauteed wild mushrooms,and Fettuccini Seafood Fra Diavola, fresh seafood slowly cooked in zesty pomodoro sauce. The menu includes an array of salads, and delicious desserts, plus a basket of really interesting bread. Enjoy Live entertainment in the bar and lots of camaraderie. Call and ask for Joseph. He is always happy to speak to his loyal clientele. Full Catering Menus appear online: www.lucianoristorante.com. Specializing in business functions, engagements, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, christenings showers and holiday parties. Luciano’s, Italian Ristorante & Lounge, 1579 Main Street, Rahway. Call for reservations and information: 732.815.1200

Girasole Cucina Italiana in Bound Brook
Executive Chef Alfonso Russo and his sons Rob and Aldo Russo of Girasole Cucina Italiana in Bound Brook are encouraging their friends and loyal clientele to consider making holiday reservations, now. May I also suggest that you look forward to a really memorable meal, and telephone to make reservations for lunch or dinner at the lovely Girasole Cucina Italiana in Bound Brook.

Remember Girasole Cucina Italiana is a BYO. Please check your calendar to allow several weeks for a Saturday night reservation. You’ll be glad you did. Girasole Cucina Italiana, 502 West Union Ave., Bound Brook. Call: 732.469.1080.

The Tocci Restaurant Group Owners of La Griglia in Kenilworth and Water and Wine in Watchung Encourage Friends to Make Holiday Reservations
Everyone really likes to get together with family and friends over the holidays. Brothers Chris Tocci and Executive Chef John Tocci and their able staff, truly know how to make you feel really comfortable.  Working as a team, they’ll be able to offer a variety of menu options and private areas to please you and your guests. Do Call to check Availability and to Customize and Consider menu options.
* Reservations and Information at La Griglia: 740 Boulevard, Kenilworth: 908.241.0031
* Reservations and Information at Water and Wine, 141 Stirling Rd., Watchung: 908.755.9344.
   
Happenings at the Highlawn Pavilion
Highlawn Pavilions Executive Chef Mitchell Althoz’s carefully-crafted menu features classic favorites alongside an array of hearty fare. Try, the soul-warming Jarrahdale Pumpkin Soup with Duck confit or Rabbit Ravioli with wild mushrooms pearl onions, and house smoked applewood bacon and black truffle sauce, for starters

Highlawn Pavilion’s new fall lineup of live music features the Mark Peterson Trio on Wednesday and Friday evenings, through December in the Piano Room & Bar. Entertainment varies on Thursdays and includes the John Carlini Trio, the David Caruso Trio, and the Dave Stryker Trio. The musicians perform a variety of jazz, bossa nova, unique renditions of contemporary songs, and a fresh take on the American songbook.
LIVE MUSIC: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m.
For more information about the performers, and the complete live fall schedule including corporate events, and other private dining events, Call: 973.731.3100
Hours: Lunch: Noon to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Dinner: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange: For dining reservations and information call: 973.731.3463.

Great Changes at Aliperti’s Ristorante in Clark
Christopher Cicca is the new Executive Chef at Aliperti’s Ristorante in Clark. Do take time to visit and appreciate the work-in-progress known as Aliperti’s Dining Room.
Come appreciate:New Appetizers, Entrees, and Salads. Enjoy fresh homemade pasta, and old world Pizza.  Aliperti’s, 1187 Raritan Road, Clark. Call for reservations and information: 732.381.2300.

Nicholas Announces 4 Course Game Dinner, Thursday, October 25
Chef de Cuisine, Nicholas Wilkins, drew inspiration from the United Kingdom's Glorious Twelfth to create an unforgettable, one-night-only menu that reflects the very best of the game season.
4- Course Game Tasting Menu
*Wild Scottish Langoustines, Olive Oil, Lemon, Glass Wort
*Wood Pigeon, Apple, Honey, Hibiscus
*Red-Legged Partridge, Heather, White Beet, Winter Rye Berry
*Grouse, Celery Root, Bread, Chanterelle
*Dessert    
www.restaurantnicholas.com
Nicholas, 160 Route 35 South, Red Bank. For reservations and information: Call: 732.345.9977.

ANDIAMO Restaurant and Bar in Haworth
5 Dollar Martini’s are featured at ANDIAMO Restaurant on Wednesdays: This Week’s Feature: Andiamo Pineapple Infused, Vodka, Andiamo Lemonade, and Alan’s New concoctions. (Not valid on Holidays.)
Comedy Night: November 7th: Keith Barney, Writer for Seinfeld....Reserve Now!
Party Special: Book a Holiday Party by October 30th, 2012 and Receive 10% off the total Bill, (Excludes Tax and Tip). Andiamo Restaurant, 23 Hardenburgh Avenue, Haworth.

What’s New at Chez Catherine in Westfield
Check out their new fall menu: www.chezcatherine.com
Lunch: Tuesday to Friday: Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Private Rooms available for 10 to 40 people.
Chez Catherine, 431 North Avenue West, Westfield: Call for reservations and information: 908.654.4011
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JUST TO LET YOU KNOW
On Millicent’s Menu
is YOUR column.

Perhaps a new restaurant, bakery, cafe, or diner has opened in your area? Perhaps you have special information about a new Irish Pub or Pizzeria opening with a special menu. Please, if you have any information to share, kindly  e-mail me:
Mkbrody@aol.com
May I also suggest you visit The Contemporary Art Group’s Show at Overlook Hospital in Summit.

Girls’ Night Out in Westfield, Wednesday, October 17th from 5 to 7 p.m. Come on down to Downtown Westfield this Wednesday. Enjoy an evening of shopping, gifts, sales, discounts, and refreshments. Visit WestfieldToday.Com for more information.

MKB: October 15th, 2012