An American Fare

[coughy]

We have not been to An American Fare in Maplewood for a while. We loved it when we went and have not been back. We are thinking of going tomorrow evening. Has anyone been there lately?

[bearstew]

we only get out once every three months or so but, we were there last week, love the game dishes and the hanger steak. wish we could go more often, love byo's

[coughy]

I am happy to report that dinner was delicious. I had an apple/beet/goat cheese appetizer that was great. My husband had a porcini gratin that was so good. Friends had mussels and a caesar that they both enjoyed. My main dish was perch that was served with Morrocan spiced tomatoes and brown rice. I really enjoyed it. My husband had the hangar steak with preserved lemon risotto that was the best. Friends had Shepherd's Pie and the perch. We shared a chocolate fondue for dessert.

It was a lovely place and we will definitely go back.

[agent orange]

Had a great experience at American Fare over the weekend. Hadn't been there in quite awhile and really feel that we'll be going in more often (went with my wife )

It is a small place, I think we counted 11 tables, but it makes for a cozy atmosphere. The waitress took our coats and we sat down at a table for two. There was much to choose from on the menu and the waiter and waitress that work there answered the few questions that we had with accurate details about the dishes.

I started with the charcuterie tasting plate and my wife had the beet and apple salad. The tasting plate was just wonderful and the marinated goat cheese on the beet and apple salad fit the dish perfectly (I stole a bite, I mean come on, goat cheese). Next time we go I'm going to have to get an appetizer and a salad. For dinner my wife had scallops with a lemon risotto and I had the venison. The roasted chesnuts and the pepper sausce made the dish one that I shan't forget soon. For dessert we had a tough time saying no to the fondue the waiter told us about, but I just can't turn down a red wine poached pear with a roquefort parfait to boot. my wife had the creme brulle and a blueberry tea that was just yummy.

I find myself looking at their website( http://home.earthlink.net/~americanfare/ )every other day now to see what they're up to over there. We live in south orange and between here and maplewood there really isn't any other place like it. the prices are right, the food is amazing, and the service is attentive.

I'm sure we'll be back for either the tasting menu or the brunch this weekend.

cheers

Edited December 17, 2004 by agent orange (log)

[Rosie]

Agent Orange--Welcome to eGullet. Have you been to Haru on Academy St and if so is it worth the ride?

Also, it has been years since I have been to Cafe Arugula. Any info?

[agent orange]

Hello Rosie. Thanks for the warm welcome, excited to be here. As far as your questions go I have the following to say...

Cafe Arugula is an old haunt of mine that I won't really go back to anymore. I believe the chef died last year and the people that took over (chef's son?) have attempted to keep the same menu and it just isn't working. I used to love their balsamic chicken as an affordable and filling dinner. Went back a couple of times after the unfortunate news and found everything I ordered to be all wrong. Even the service has seemed to suffered.

As far as Haru, I have never have had a bad time there. Been there maybe ten times. I have to admit that a $ 20 all you can eat is a nice reason to go. The sushi is decent and the people there are friendly. I really enjoy the tea. If you are looking for really nice sushi in the area, even though it is more expensive than Haru, the sushi place that took over the spot across from rite aid on south orange ave is very nice. but. be warned, they do play celien dion a lot.

Going back to American Fare though tonight...let you know about it later.

[Rosie]

What is the name of the the sushi place that took over the spot across from Rite Aid on South Orange Avenue and how long ago did they take the place over. What was there before? Thanks.