Our second visit to this charming Gastropub, End of Elm, that delivers deliciously creative American fare, well crafted cocktails and 24 taps of thoughtfully selected local, American and European craft beers. And a great wine list.
We loved a Saturday brunch at the welcoming communal table and then small plates on a Monday evening at the well tended bar.
The Wine: Eventually, after cocktails and beers, an outstanding Merlot from Chateau Des Landes-Lussac in Saint Emilion, France
The Food: New American Brunch and Small Plates
The Place: End of Elm, Gastropub, Cocktails and Cuisine, Morristown, NJ
Named for it’s location at the north end of Elm Street on Morris Avenue, End of Elm is a place where Chef Thomas Donohoe, a name you may have seen in Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, The Chicago Tribune, Men’s Journal, Forbes, The New York Times, or other publications, will have us coming again and again for his delicious food.
And of course, the great drinks, attractive atmosphere, and personable staff is a wonderful bonus. Open almost a year I see this place as just beginning to fulfill its potential.
A tasty Bloody Mary and some tasty craft beer started our brunch.
Which we enjoyed with perfectly prepared Hanger Steak and Eggs,
Exotic Mushrooms and Eggs, the winner dish of the meal, fresh well sourced ingredients are one the keys to Donohoe’s success.
And this pleasing Caesar Salad with roasted root vegetables. On our second visit we sat at the bar and tried some cocktails, beers and small plates. Our bartender was skilled and knowledgeable and most important happily conversant.
That cucumber martini was awesome, hand muddled to order. Seems that everything is fresh here.
Potato Gnocchi, Exotic Mushrooms, Truffle, Chives, like you would find in Tuscany. We also loved the Braised Lamb Nachos with soft Pita Chips, Feta, Greek Yogurt & Cucumber Salsa. Paired very well with the IPA I had. Sorry, could not get a good picture of that.
Then there was this very interesting Sashimi Tuna "Pizza", Sashimi Tuna on Crisp Sticky Rice with Scallion, Wasabi Crème Fraiche & Soy Glaze. This I paired a sumptuous Merlot from Saint Emilion, France, on End of Elm’s very adequate wine list.
The wine was a classic Bordeaux Merlot with 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Wonderful delicate flavors of cherry, plum, some oak and notes of cedar and balsam.
Made by Chateau Des Landes-Lussac a highly regarded winery in the Saint Emilion region.
As for this dish. I think, they should really take the pizza out of the name, as beyond being flat this is like no pizza you have ever had. Although I would be hard pressed to find another way to describe it. I liked it more than my dining partner, Nell, did. But after the abundance of flavors in the prior two dishes, it may have been just a little out of place. And, it is better with wine than beer. I would also pair the Gruner Veltliner on the list or the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier from California with this dish.
We spoke with both the chef Thomas Donohoe and the owner Paul Haley they both see ways to improve and make End of Elm even better which is very exciting.
They are certainly realizing Paul’s early vision that "Morristown’s demographics called for a place that would serve everyone from their mid-20s into their 60s.” Me, 65, and Nell, my daughter, 26, do certainly agree, so much so that we are happy to come from points east and west, Montclair and Hopatcong, to meet in Morristown for the End of Elm experience.
140 Morris Street (at the end of Elm Street)
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-998-4534
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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