the buzz

“New Chef at the Pluckemin Inn”

The Subway is my general mode of transportation to restaurants (and most places to be honest), so my visits to New Jersey are few and far between. The 4 train doesn't quite make it that far. But a worthwhile culinary jaunt via something called a car is something to consider when it comes to The Pluckemin Inn, the award-winning Bedminster restaurant.

The restaurant has a colonial farmshouse setting and serves contemporary American fare crafted from local ingredients sourced though a partnership with nearby Three Meadows Farms in Bedminster. In 2011, the restaurant was awarded with the highly coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator, an award that only 75 restaurants around the world can claim. The restaurant is one of very few in the entire state to receive the prestigious 4-Diamond Award from AAA as well as the Award of Ultimate Distinction from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. And Food & Wine Magazine called Pluckemin Inn “one of the world’s 50 most amazing wine experiences in America.”,

Now comes one more reason to check it out: they've just annouced a new Executive Chef, Andrew Lattanzio, who was sous chef over the past few years. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and began his career at the nearby Tewksbury Inn, where he ultimately ascended to the role of Executive Chef.  From there, he went to work at the legendary Town restaurant as Chef de Partie under Executive Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. He opened Artisan Kitchen in Lebanon, New Jersey, where he received 3 ½ stars from The Star-Ledger. 

Here's a sampling of what's now on the menu:

Acquerello risotto with jonah crab, mascarpone, lobster jus, and herb salad ($14), grilled octopus with garbanzo, cilantro, black olive, and preserved lemon ($14), Griggstown chicken with anson mills polenta, swiss chard, and mushroom confit ($25), Niman Ranch pork with organic grains, lady apple, endive, sage, and walnut jus ($26).  golden tilefish with heirloom chickpeas, manilla clams, escarole, and herb pesto ($15/$28), and Loch Duart salmon with pumpernickel, brussels sprouts, red cabbage, mustard ($15/28).

The Pluckemin Inn is located at 359 Route 206, South Bedminster, NJ, 908/658.9292, www.PluckeminInn.com

Enjoy!

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