Dined at Table 8 with friends last night, at last. From the moment I stepped in the door I loved the place. Demetri has created a truly wonderful restaurant.
We ate early before attending a show at Montclair State, Kasser Theater.
The restaurant design, graphics, tables and chairs, wine glasses and place settings are all perfect in my opinion. The use of color in lighting and decor is warm and inviting.
Staff is attentive, accommodating and hip. Although from what I hear strained on some busy nights.
We sat at “Table 8” which is in the front of the restaurant and accommodates 8 people, we were just 4 so it was very comfortable and provides a nice vista of the restaurant.
To start we enjoyed the passion fruit salad, dates wrapped in bacon, a sushi tuna napoleon, and oysters for appetizers. Actually I thought the oysters were just fair, the dates in bacon however are truly sublime.
The special pork chop with a light sweet glaze, served with pureed potatoes and garlic spinach was excellent. The Atlantic salmon in a tropical preparation was just right; the sliced duck was also very good. The very best dish we all agreed was a delicious hand made potato gnocchi with lamb, swiss chard and tomatoes.
Did not stay for dessert because we were off to a show at Montclair State.
On the downside, it does get very crowded and noisy. We were dining early so it was not so bad, but later I hear it gets intense. Reservations are a must by the way.
Read more on Table 8 in this NY Times Review
The wines we tasted were also very good. Started with Terre di tufi produced by Enrico Teruzzi & Carmen Puthod I think this is my new favorite Italian white wine. It is from San Gimignano and is predominately made with the Vernaccia grape although today Malvasia, Vermentino and Chardonnay are blended into this wine. Very nice delicate fruit, with a breath of fresh air mouth feel. It sells for around $16.00 at many local wine stores.
Next we opened a favorite Weissburgunder 2004 an Austrian wine by Heidi Schrock that we love. It is a available at Amanti Vino for around $20.00 as I recall.
Lastly we enjoyed a real gem that I discovered at Shoppers Vineyard. It is a high end Cabernet Sauvignion from Chile called Vina San Pedro, Cabo De Hornos, 2001. A product of the joint venture of Chile's Viña San Pedro and Bordeaux's Château Dassault.“Intense color, dark and concentrated which anticipates the intensity of it's aroma, with spices blended with oak, coffee, and loads of black fruit. Rich on the palate, with terrific concentration - very expressive.”
I found it to be an impactful wine yet delicate with a French feel not Californian. I am really hardly qualified to comment since I rarely drink Cabernet, I usually find them too intense. This one I liked.
After the show, Glen Branca, we came back to our house and sipped a Daphne Malvasia Secco by Medici Ermete. Astor Wines NY $18.00
"The Medici Ermete frizzante I find irresistible is the Daphne Malvasia Secco. This delicious white made from the Malvasia grape has earned its local nickname: Champagnino, or "Little Champagne." Food and Wine
Oh by the way. We did have a designated driver.
Table 8
615 Blooomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ, 07042
973-746-2233
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
..and for more information on Champagnino 'Daphne' go to www.vinofrizzante.com.
Posted by: VinoFrizzante.com | 08/22/2006 at 18:49