Indigo Smoke - Restaurant Review

This is another restaurant we have not tried in a while.

My son Pierce and his grandfather came back from a day of fishing with a hankering for ribs.

I suggested Indigo Smoke. 

Update 10/20/2007: Dined at Indigo Smoke a few weeks ago. It is still great. They have opened a new location in Maplewood, NJ, 1859 Springfield Avenue.

First visit since they moved into their new location. We were very pleased. The cool decor is very comfortable and inviting.

Indigo Smoke does gourmet BBQ, if there is such a thing. Purists may say no. Compared to Blue Smoke and Virgil's in the city, I'd rate Indigo number one. The chef, Lance Whitney Knowling does a fabulous job in the kitchen creating traditional dishes with a special flair.

Our waiter, surely an aspiring actor, entertained us through the menu. Started with some corn bread that was so good we immediately ordered more.

We loved the tender baby back and meaty spare ribs, bourbon smothered pork chops and the unbelievably good grilled veal meatloaf with shallot red wine gravy. The absence of BBQ sauce on the table is a testament to the chef's confidence. The long list of sides is hard to choose from. We settled on the whipped sweet potatoes, macaroni & cheese, BBQ baked beans, collard greens and the cole slaw. All were fresh and delicious.

For drinks we enjoyed cold beer and a very interesting Austrian wine, Glatzer Carnuntum Zweigelt. "It is delicious. It has all the typical bright cherry fruit, slight earthy, rustic edge, and firm structure of Zweigelt from this region. Matches perfectly with hearty stews and meat dishes- and it's a bargain."  From Amanti Vino.

For dessert we tried the red velvet cake and the hot chocolate pudding cake. Decadent, yes, but a perfect way to end the meal.

Indigo Smoke | 387 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair | 973-744-3440

Indigo Smoke | 1859 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood | 973-275-6214 

Comments

[Andrea Hoffman]

Hi,

Have you tried Rio 22 Brazilian Steakhouse & Sushi Restaurant yet? Would love to know what you think.

Andrea