| Author |
Message |
    
r2boy
Supporter
Username: R2boy
Post Number: 241
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 7:07 am: |     |
Just read in NJ Monthly magazine that Mitchell Altholz, formerly of Jocelyne's here in town, is now the new executive chef at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange.He has already changed the menu...Haven't been there in years but it will be worth it now that Mitchell is the chef..His rack of lamb is on the new menu... |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 986
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 9:54 am: | |
Oh! That's good to know. We've been thinking of going there again one of these days. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4247
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 12:01 pm: | |
...we were there last Saturday night. The Highlawn rocks!!! |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 4647
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 1:49 pm: | |
Art,
Glad to hear you had a rocking experience.
Last time I went, a few years ago, a client wanted to go there. Its a really nice setting but the food was the epitome of mediocrity. When a couple of weeks later the NJ Monthly Readers Poll came out listing it among the top restaurants in Northern NJ, I wrote an editorial letter (which they didnt print probably because the restaurant group which includes The Manor, is a big advertiser..or because it wasnt well written). I said that any restaurant that uses pink hothouse tomatoes for a tomato and mozzarella salad in August in New Jersey not only is undeserving of being a top restaurant, but is committing a sacrilege. I mean, I was going to offer to bring them a bag of real red tomatoes from my garden, it was so embarrassing! With Mitchell at the helm, perhaps his high food standards will make the place really worthwhile. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 4249
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 5:54 pm: | |
Actually, we didn't eat, just stopped in for a drink at the bar and then off to a movie "Flight Plan"... pretty good I might add.
I said it rocked, first because we love the place, and second because it was packed with lots of interesting people. We were only there about an hour, met some new friends and spoke to several people who enjoyed their food... I agree that with Mitchell at the helm, his high food standards will make a positive difference. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 2751
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 10:34 pm: | |
Do the Knowles' still own it? Last I heard they also own The Manor and Pleasantdale Chautel (sp). |
tabby
Citizen
Username: Tabby
Post Number: 217
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 10:05 pm: | |
Yes, they do. I worked at the Manor for 13 years while in college, grad school and then part time afterwards...I remember when they started Highlawn-it was the old "casino". They own the Manor, Ram's Head Inn in Absecon, Highlawn and the Pleasantdale Chateau.
FYI the big beautiful chandelier in the foyer of Highlawn came from the estate of Madame Jeritza the famous opera singer from Forest Hill Newark.
My mom is from Forest Hill and remembers all the kids clamoring to go trick or treating at her house to get a glimpse inside. Of course a servant answered the door and gave out the candy. |
Private Citizen
Citizen
Username: Privatecitizen
Post Number: 67
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, October 22, 2005 - 5:28 pm: | |
Had my wedding reception at Highlawn back in 2000 and it was a blast. Food and service were very good.
Wife and I are heading there tonight to see if Mitchell Altholz has had an impact on the menu. |
Da Lat
Citizen
Username: Sidrn
Post Number: 115
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 22, 2005 - 6:11 pm: | |
Private Citizen,
Please report back on the food at Highlawn. We love Mitchell's cuisine. Thank you in advance...
|
Private Citizen
Citizen
Username: Privatecitizen
Post Number: 69
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, October 23, 2005 - 10:07 am: | |
We had a good time last night at Highlawn.
Food was about near the best I've had at Highlawn, but not as close to the flavors I've experienced at Jocelyn's. New chef has been there for two months, so maybe he needs more time to fully influence the menu selection.
We started with an appetizer. I had the tuna tartar, which was good, but could have been seasoned a little more. My wife had the lobster bisque, which she liked.
I had one of the "specials", pheasant stuffed with foi gras and truffles, with a light pheasant gravy drizzled over it and a nice complement of mushroomsn, asparagus, and root vegetables. It's what I would call a nice Fall dish.
My wife had the diver scallops and prawns served with a saffron risotto.
Service was attentive without being obtrusive. |
mlj
Citizen
Username: Mlj
Post Number: 183
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 9:42 am: | |
We had a lovely dinner at Highlawn. Saw Mitch and chatted a little with him. Food was great. |
SOSully
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 929
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 9:49 pm: | |
Was there last night and saw Mitch too. Apps were better than entrees and desserts were very good. The setting is spectacular. |
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