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Message |
    
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2753
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2005 - 11:59 am: |     |
Tried this two-year old Italian BYO for the first time last night. Mrs. Soda being in NYC with H.S. girlfriends for a mini reunion weekend, I arrived solo. At 5:30, there were already several parties in mid-meal, and I was warmly greeted and shown to my corner table pre-set for one (yes, I had reservations, through Open Table) by Anthony DePersio, one of the talented family members who own and operate this handsome place. I was in the "front" room, a charmingly-lit space where banquetted booths flanked the wall, and tables for four were set out on the floor. My wine was immediately opened and presented to me, along with the cork, in case I chose not to empty the bottle. "Nice touch", I thought.
A foursome of older diners who arrived shortly after I did murmered amonst themselves about having a bit of trouble reading their menus; their young waiter instantly produced a mini-Maglight for their use. Another thoughtful idea.
I had no such vision problems, but I wasn't famished, either...so I eventually selected a CrabCake appetizer (served atop pureed golden beets, accompanied by a small portion of celery root "slaw".) and a half-order of hand-made pappardelle with braised beef, carmelized onions, and crumbled gorgonzola.
While waiting for my food, nibbling on crusty bread, sippeing my wine, admiring the shape and heft of my water glass, I began to feel quite unexpectedly comfortable, even though alone. Then, quietly, Ryan DePersio, Chef/Partner at Fascino, appeared at my table, asked me if this was my first time at his restaurant, and wished me an enjoyable meal. Gosh.
No surprise: service at Fascino is attentive and reassuring deft. The food was really WONDERFUL, beatifully presented, and worth savoring. And, although I'm not usually a dessert hawk, my first two courses left me hankering for a Fascino finale, created by Ryan's mother, Cynthia. I chose an apple crostata (one of the ten best apple desserts I've ever enjoyed): a tender freeform crust surrounding lovely slivers of fruit, aside a mound of luscious cinnamon-swirled gelato, topped with a dolop of caramel sauce. And good coffee!
My bill was $40. So, counting tips for wait staff and coat check, I walked out (on air) $50 lighter. I'll return with Mrs. Soda. Soon.
Fascino 
331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
973-233-0350
http://www.fascinorestaurant.com/ |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 731
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 1:17 pm: | |
I had a great dinner at Fascino a few months ago. Really nice place. I highly recommend it. |
juju's petals
Citizen
Username: Jujus_petals
Post Number: 51
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 4:12 pm: | |
Does anyone know the "back way" to Montclair? I'm curious about this place but think I'd have to take the Parkway to get there. Do I? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2012
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 4:34 pm: | |
The best way to Montclair is to take Prospect (pass Essex Green Shopping Center) and keep going until you get to the intersection with Bloomfield Avenue. Then turn right.
BTW: Soda, I sure hope you got the Early Bird Special for dining solo at 5:30pm on a Saturday night.  |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 175
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 5:16 pm: | |
I am NOT an authority on driving in our area since I've only been living here a little over a year, but we live on Parker and I think those directions might not be as fast as the way I go for people on the East side of town.
I have timed it driving at night (with little or no traffic it takes LESS than 20 minutes to get to Bloomfield Avenue.
I take Valley all the way (it changes name to Scotland Ave) to Park Ave. I take a left onto Park Ave and a right onto Main Street. I take Main Street to Franklin Ave. I bear slightly off to the right onto Franklin to Harrison Ave. (NOTE: You can take Main Street all the way to Harrison Ave, but I find that Franklin Street is a good shortcut). Take a right onto Harrison Ave (which changes name to Orange Road) and take that all the way to Bloomfield Ave. Most of the stores are off to the right, so take a right onto Bloomfield Ave.
I'm sure that there MUST be a faster way, but my way seems pretty fast, and it also stays in fairly nice neighborhoods the whole way. WELL...I never fear for my life too much going that way.  |
Two Sense
Citizen
Username: Twosense
Post Number: 50
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 7:40 pm: | |
Been going to Montclair for years, and AlleyGater knows the way. Alternatively, take N. Ridgewood into Valley Street (in West Orange)to Main Street. Pass the Edison Museum, and bear right just after Washington. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2773
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 12:32 pm: | |
Here's how I go: Scotland Road North (it changes to High Street) till it dead-ends at Dodd Street. Right onto Dodd Street, then left onto Thomas Blvd., then bear left at the fork onto Orange Road, then right onto Elm Street, till Elm intersects with Bloomfield Avenue, then left onto Bloomfield, and Fascino (331 Bloomfield) is a block and a half up, on your right. Here's a map:
-s.
BTW: fairly nice neighborhoods? |
trapper
Citizen
Username: Trapper
Post Number: 142
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 12:36 pm: | |
Soda,
Thanks for the map. Sorry to hear about the small penis. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2774
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 1:36 pm: | |
That's how it goes, guy. But you know what they say...
And thanks for your support.
-s. |
trapper
Citizen
Username: Trapper
Post Number: 144
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 1:49 pm: | |
....what? You have small hands too? |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2777
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 4:21 pm: | |
Hands, feet, bank account... Such a catch. |
kmk
Supporter
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 520
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 4:26 pm: | |
Soda,
How did you get Google maps to go the way you want? I have been struggling with some of their suggested routes. I would love to have some control over the course taken. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2779
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 4:54 pm: | |
I cheated. I started by searching for a Google map showing Fascino's address, then, using the directional arrows, worked backwards to the bottom section, copying each map as I went. Then I just pasted all the maps together, and drew in the red route lines myself. Ain't I clever?
-s.
BTW: I use Paint Shop Pro (www.jasc.com) as my graphics s/w, but I suppose any decent package could do the same thing. |
kmk
Supporter
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 521
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 5:02 pm: | |
You little dickens! I thought you were a wizard of some sort......
You didn't point out Star Tavern as a landmark at High Street and Dodd. I have been dealing with a company just a little further down Dodd. Who knew that the Whitney Houston Academy for Creative Arts is right there? |
juju's petals
Citizen
Username: Jujus_petals
Post Number: 56
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 5:48 pm: | |
Wow. Detailed maps and directions. I now feel like I have an obligation to try Fascino. A good kind of obligation to your good will. Thanks! |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5729
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 7:42 pm: | |
What does 'fascino' mean in Italian? |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 643
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 8:05 pm: | |
"The word 'Fascino' means to 'allure' the 'desire to fascinate'." Just love Google.
I assume fascinate comes from that. |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5733
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 8:13 pm: | |
cool name |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3333
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 3, 2005 - 11:54 am: | |
This coming Monday, June 6th, Fascino will be having a tasting event: "Fascino Around the World - Asia"
They still have a couple of spots remaining at 5:00 - 6:30 and after 8:00......
Some of the dishes include:
Fried Oysters over Sushi Rice and a Coconut-Wasabi Emulsion
Miso Braised Short Ribs, Taro Puree, and a Kumquat Chutney
and, of course, many more!
Fascino is located at:
331 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-233-0350
Fax: 973-233-0359
-s.
BTW: You can make reservations for Fascino at:
http://www.OpenTable.com/single.asp?ID=3042
|
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3366
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 4:32 pm: | |
Update:
Fascino will be holding a 5-course tasting event on Sunday, June 26th starting at 5:30. This will be rather an exciting event because they have a wine consultant coming from Napa, representing six small vineyards which turn out excellent wines (wines, BTW, which are NOT sold by outlets in our area). All the vineyards have won awards, but only turn out between 100 and 500 cases annually, so they don't get much exposure.
The vineyards are: Kelham Winery, Amphora Wines, VJB Winery, Frazier Winery, Truchard Vineyards, and Mauritson Winery
Each vineyard will be providing either two or three wines, so you'll be able to taste at least 12...
Ryan's menu will be:
1. Wild King Salmon and Yellow Tomato Tartare with an Organic Basil Puree
2. Jonah Crab Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Roasted Peppers and Red Onions
3. Long Island Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli with a Port Butter Sauce
4. Loin of Lamb, Cauliflower Sformato, Balsamic Braised Radicchio, and Wild Mint Oil
5. Dessert Sampler
The prices for the meal and the wine tasting will be separate: $65 per person for the food and $35 per person for the wine, plus tax and tip.
They can only take the first 40 reservations due to limited wine availability, so the event should sell out quickly. Reserve soon!
Fascino is located at:
331 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-233-0350
You can make reservations for Fascino through:
http://www.OpenTable.com/single.asp?ID=3042
You'll find information on dress code, parking, and a map at:
http://www.opentable.com/restaurant_profile.asp?ID=3042&restref=3042
-s.
BTW: I wish that Cafe Arugula, Verjus, Jocelyne's, or Centanni would do something like this...
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