[ngatti]

Harvest is a smallish restaurant in Closter NJ. It is *not* BYO. It is *not* Italian. What the hell is it doing here?

What it is, is a genuine french-get this- Bistro!! (thank ya Jaysus!!!). They get major points right off the bat for executing this heretical concept in North Jersey.

Starters--Cheese Fondue for two--15. Quite good against my reference point (La Fondue, circa mid 70s).

A big surprise and on the menu also---Drum Rolll....Roasted Marrow Bones with toasts 10 bucks). Of course I ordered these. A bit under done but delicios nevertheless.

Spanish red shrimp on a too buttery layer of flavorful fettucinne noodles and a grilled salmon over fennel and red pepper slaw. All quite nice. Well executed and no surprises.

Profiteroles split for two and a cup of coffee.

Wine was a Far Niente 2000 Chard. Not Gaaacky enough for me, but I now have this out of my system.

Couple of sparkling Rose' proseccoish glasses of something as a comp from the gracious owner. Very good service, but I was recognized and treated well, though those around me seemed to be getting the very same good treatment.

Third visit and the place is getting better, especially within the Bistro context. Definitly returnable

180 bucks sans tip. Recommended.

[Rail Paul]

This sounds very nice, Nick. Marrow bones, no less. I'll keep that in mind for February.


252 Schraalenbergh Road @High Street
Closter
201-750-9966

available on OpenTable

[Liza]

Thanks for the tout, Nick. I've got a special date coming up and this sounds like the ticket.
Closter???
YIPPEE.

[Rail Paul]

Liza, on Sep 1 2004, 10:41 PM, said:

Thanks for the tout, Nick. I've got a special date coming up and this sounds like the ticket.
Closter???
YIPPEE.

Closter's a nice little town, lovely neighborhoods. Summer concerts in the park, that sort of thing.

Ten minutes from the GWB via 9-W

[Liza]

Dinner at Harvest tonight and THANK YOU Nick. Really really enjoyed it, all around.

D. had the marrow bones - four lip-smacking chunks, with warm toast, and fleur de sel on the side. I had the quail in balsamic reduction - a special. Really well seasoned little birdy.

I had to have the steak tartare - large ring mold of red flesh mixed with a goodly amount of capers and seasoning, dare I say slightly overseasoned but so much better for trying than not.
D. had the rack of lamb and I didn't get so much as a forkful.
Split the special dessert of banana crepes in caramel - superb. Should be on the regular menu.
Wish I could remember the name of the pastry chef.
$48 Stonestreet Cab.

They're changing to their fall menu around the beginning of October. Will be adding pheasant, rabbit and cassoulet. Mention was made of choucroute!

Service was the best we've had in NJ. We'll be back.

[ngatti]

Bonom weighs in

Although my experiences have been better than his, I trust David. I'm sure the place was just plain uneven on the nights he visited. Be forewarned that the menu has changed quite a bit from this described visit. The Record lead times must be long.

[Rail Paul]

Bonom weighs in

Although my experiences have been better than his, I trust David. I'm sure the place was just plain uneven on the nights he visited. Be forewarned that the menu has changed quite a bit from this described visit. The Record lead times must be long.

Elisa Ung of the Bergen Record describes her experiences with Harvest Bistro. Three years later, and the song remains the same.

Flashes of brilliance, ineptitude, and creativity. Consistency seems lacking.

It's a shame. The "good side" of the restaurant seems great, while the bad side is enough to scare off anyone.


Harvest