Review: PLUM ON PARK in Montclair NJ for an Unforgettable Dining Experience

Plum on Park, the stylish American eatery, is part of the vibrant, gourmet restaurant scene in Montclair New Jersey. The cozy restaurant is set in a renovated 1920's railroad car, one of only about a dozen left in the Garden State.

Plum on Park is ideal for all those who enjoy fine food, wonderfully prepared and presented. Open every day but Tuesday, they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Culinary Director and Owner Natalie Colledge designs the menu that features fresh, seasonal, and delicious food choices with an array of gluten-free selections.

We stopped by early on a Saturday evening. The dinner menu has just the right number of items that will please a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences. For appetizers, we ordered Crispy Spiced Cauliflower with harissa aioli, fresno chilis and scallions. The Salmon Toast with avocado, house smoked lox, pickled red onions and cilantro crema is an ideal table share. Or enjoy a fresh, tasty salad to start your meal.

We loved the entrée of Citrus Marinated Roasted Cast Iron Chicken. The tender, bone-in half chicken is accompanied by smashed fingerling potatoes, roasted broccoli, and a citrus butter sauce. The Wild Caught Salmon, perfectly seasoned, is a seafood lovers delight. The salmon is served with roasted baby tomato chermoula, sautéed baby spinach, and basil oil. The menu items have flavor combinations that are completely original, dishes you won't find anywhere else. And you can be sure that they serve the very finest meats. Pat La Frieda is their exclusive meat purveyor.

Plum on Park is a BYOB establishment. Plan to bring your favorite beer or wine to pair with your food. Save a little room for something sweet to top off your meal. They offer expertly prepared desserts.

Guests rave about Plum on Park's weekend brunch with choices that includes starters like Deviled Eggs, and Jelly Donut Fritters. Savory selections include Shrimp and Grits, served with two poached eggs, crumbled bacon and scallion or you can enjoy a Classic Breakfast with eggs, bacon or sausage, home fries and toast. For sweeter tastes, they serve Ricotta Griddle Cakes and Baked Bread Pudding French Toast.

When in Montclair, be sure to visit Plum Bakery where they serve all gluten-free breads and treats. You don't have to have a gluten-free diet to appreciate this fine bake shop. They have fresh baked breads, rolls, cookies, pastries, breakfast pastries, muffins, loaf and bundt cakes along with savory selections that includes pizza, quiche and soups.

Montclair is the home of Montclair State University. The town has a charming town center for shopping and a top local theatre scene. Plan a meal soon at Plum on Park. It is truly an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended.

Read our recent "Chef Spotlight" for Natalie Colledge of Plum on Park. /bwwfood-wine/article/Chef-Spotlight-NATALIE-COLLEDGE-of-PLUM-ON-PARK-and-PLUM-BAKERY-in-Montclair-NJ-20171103/.

Plum On Park is located at 14 Park Street, Montclair, NJ 07042. Call 973.744.7100 and visit: http://www.plumonpark.com/restaurantmenu/.

Plum Bakery is located at 179 Glenridge Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042. Call 973.509.PLUM and visit: http://www.plumonpark.com/about-us-1/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Plum on Park

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