Diana and I are suddenly regulars at Uptown in Upper Montclair, since the new owners, Emilie Kartika, Ora Kemp, Ruben Mora and Christian Quiros have transformed it from good to great.
The menu looks much the same with a wonderful selection of salads,
small plates, pizzas, burgers and entrees. Chef Christian Quiros works miracles in his kitchen. What is new is the fabulously welcoming and friendly family atmosphere and service that just makes you want to come back again and again.
The dining room is newly decorated with warm colors and pleasing flowery accents. The cheerful staff seem to be a very happy family themselves, more than eager to see to your perfect dining experience. Ruben appears to be one of the primary dynamics behind this welcome change. With his vibrant Cuban roots and experience in his father's 3 restaurants in Mexico City he is very ready for the job. And of course there's Ora Kemp, who managed Uptown prior to assuming ownership. Ruben gives her all the credit. Ora brings a world of hospitality experience to 596. I am looking forward to meeting her.
We have dined at Uptown 596 three times since the new opening and loved every meal, but I have words of advice, call for a reservation, as Uptown 596 is "much busier than we expected" says the charming Emilie, who places her own wonderful mark on this place I think you will love.
We have tried three of the burgers which are all 6 ounce, flame broiled and served on a brioche roll with lettuce, tomato & Uptown's delicious shoestring fries in a cone. There is something for every
one, two meet, 2 fish, turkey, portobello and a trio that the kids will love. We have had the Sirloin Beef, with sauteed onions & mushrooms, the 596 Burger with lettuce, a choice of cheese, pickles,& tomato and the Mahi Mahi Burger with arugula & herb mayo.
The salad selection is so varied that it has its own salad menu, Diana has had Uptown Salad twice, she likes it so much. It is Arugula, Avocado, Hearts of Palm, Corn and Shaved Parmesan with Uptown's own perfect Mustard Vinaigrette. You can buy this dressing to go and will want to. A Soave by Cantina del Castello paired well with this salad and my Mahi Mahi burger.
On our last dinner I ventured into the entrees and enjoyed a special fish of the night Sea Bass done in one of the 8 offered fish or chicken preparations. I chose Asia Tequila, which is a marinade of soy, ginger, orange, garlic & tequila that is fire roasted & served with a mango - lime salsa. I had two sides, which come with each entree, of a mushroom rissotto and perfect brussel sprouts with olive oil & sea salt. This dish can be ordered with Shrimp, Hailbut, Salmon & Swordfish as well as special fish of the day. With this meal we paired a Mencia called Triton Avante Mencia from Bierzo, Spain. A modern interpretation of Mencia, an ancient wine that is gaining popularity in the states. It medium body and gentle bright fruit lend it to a wide variety of dishes. Another good pairing with one of our dinners was an Austrian beer, a lager by Stiegl.
Honestly I was nervous ordering the fish, with a menu so large I wondered how can it all be very good, but I was not disappointed. I mentioned this to Emilie. She agreed but assured me that Cristian is amazing and somehow pulls it off. They have stopped weekday breakfast and serve dinner 5- 10 only on Wednesday through Sunday, brunch is served 10-4 Tuesday - Sunday. A good move I think.
Desserts are wonderful too. They are not on the menu, so do ask. We have had the current tart and the creme brulee cheese cake. Both a perfect end to perfect meals.
I can't wait until the weather is fair enough to dine outside, the side patio has been fondly redcorated as well.
Uptown 596
www.uptownmontclair.com
596 Valley Rd, Montclair, N.J. 07043 973-744-0915
Currently Kids Eat 1/2 Price
Tuesday - Friday
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Live Jazz on Thursday
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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