The Alternative Press

MILLBURN, NJ - The moment you enter Moonshine Supper Club in Millburn, you’re sure to see one or both of the owners, and definitely Chef Francis X. Falivene at work in his open kitchen. Certified sommelier, Joseph San Philip, an owner of The Brass Rail in Hoboken, is Director of Operations and an Owner of Moonshine Supper Club with his childhood friend and partner Victor Delapa. Thoroughly involved in restaurant management, Delapa is also affiliated with The Brass Rail. In stressing the art of teamwork, the gentlemen created the concept for Moonshine Modern Supper Club.

“Moonshine is a place you’ll want to explore for atmosphere, drinks, comfortable, approachable food, and desserts you can enjoy,” said Joseph San Philip.

“Moonshine is our creative dream,” adds Victor Delapa. “You’ll appreciate our ambiance. Drop by for a drink and hors d'oeuvres, and take time to tour our restaurant.”

Executive Chef Francis X. Falivene graduated from the French Culinary Institute and served as Chef de Cuisine at Artisanal Bistro in NYC. Locally, he was Chef/Owner at Ora in Morristown, and at other fine locations, before joining the staff at The Brass Rail in Hoboken.

A hands-on-kind of guy Chef Frank says, “I’m here to make people happy. Moonshine is all about food, ambiance, personality and service.”

Together with Culinary Director Douglas Gough the gentlemen are responsible for creating Moonshine’s menu. A graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona, Culinary Director Gough has served as the Executive Chef at The Brass Rail since 2003. He has held senior kitchen positions at Maize in Newark, Soho on George, and the Frog and the Peach in New Brunswick, as well as Lespinasse & Patroon in Manhattan.

“We’ve done a great deal to create a New York atmosphere at Moonshine,” adds Chef Frank X. Falivene. “Our French fries arrive in special silver cups. Our Porterhouse and Strip Steaks are aged for 28 days, and our beautiful seafood arrives from Samuel and Sons, the best Seafood House in Philadelphia. I’ve visited all of our purveyors before they began delivering to us. We serve the best!”

Upon arriving at Moonshine, we toured the restaurant, then sat down for drinks and appetizers. We sampled the Lobster bisque, Cauliflower Puree, with curry spiced creme Fraiche, and cracked Pistachios, ($7), Duck Egg and Hash with a poached duck egg, and Hollandaise sauce, ($13), Oysters Rockefeller, with creamy spinach, and parmesan tuille, ($14), and Paprika Spiced Shrimp, frisee, with chick peas, Piquillo peppers, and paprika oil, ($12). We also enjoyed a new and different take on Caesar salad, with romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, and shaved parmesan cheese that appeared to be blended with romaine and croutons, ($7).

Entrees featured a Moonshine Burger, (ordered off the Bar Menu), served with New York Cheddar cheese, Applewood Smoked bacon, handmade ketchup, and French Fries, ($10); Wood oven roasted whole fish of the day served with head and tail, crushed fingerling potatoes, braised fennel and sauce, ($27), Salmon Wellington, braised Savoy cabbage, and fois gras emulsion, ($22), and a Braised short rib of beef with cheddar cheese grits, and slow cooked collard greens, ($25).

Offered on the Bar Menu is a Crabcake Sandwich with Old Bay Mayonnaise and Cole slaw, ($10), a selection of pizzas, which include Prosciutto and arugula, with Mozzarella and Pecorino cheese, ($14), plus a selection of cheese and meats.

Sides are served in delightful little skillets. From green beans with almonds, to wild mushroom risotto, and Macaroni and Cheese Gratin ($6), there’s much to choose on this eclectic menu.

Most desserts are prepared in House, ($7). Indeed, gelato fans will love their Dulce d’ Gelato, which arrives from Piece of Cake in Rahway, and Chef’s Winter Fruit salad with pears, apples, roasted Hazelnuts, and whipped Mascarpone cheese.

From snacks to small plates, from wine by the glass or by the bottle, you’re sure to enjoy the dining experience at Moonshine Modern Supper Club.

FYI:
What: Moonshine Modern Supper Club, 55 Main Street, Millburn
Call: 973.218.6042
Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dinner: 5 to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Brunch: 11: 30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Bar Menu: 3 to 5 p.m. All Day
FYI: Casually smart dress. Accepts major credit cards. Available for private parties, take-out and catering.  Call for reservations and information. Complimentary secure parking, 75 Main Street / 1 Taylor Street: Enter on Taylor Street during the following hours: 6:30 p.m. to closing, Monday -Friday. All Day Saturday and Sunday. Holidays- All Day.
$$$$: Dinner for Two: $95.00 (Includes: appetizers, entrees, dessert, 2 glasses of wine; not including tax and tip)