EASTER Dining in New Jersey

Celebrate your Easter in style at one of these fabulous New Jersey dining destinations. Garden State restaurants are offering brunch and dinner options that are sure to please. Gather your group and plan your Sunday outing.

AVENUE (Long Branch, NJ): Guests can feast all day long on Easter Sunday April 16th, as Executive Chef Josh Sauer and his team will serve three-course brunch ($37, served 10am-4pm) and dinner ($40, served 4pm-7pm) prix fixe menus showcasing contemporary French fare prepared with coveted spring ingredients like ramps, lamb, fava beans and more. Brunch highlights include Grand Marnier Pancakes; and the Lamb Sandwich on a toasted baguette with arugula, spicy harissa and sun-dried tomatoes. For dinner, don't miss Lamb Loincomplete with fava beans, ramp pesto, roasted garlic and an olive-chickpea "cake." There is even an Easter brunch cocktail with gin and carrot juice, the Tipsy Rabbit. Children's prix fixe menus ($12) are available too. Avenue is located at 23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch. Visit: http://www.leclubavenue.com/.

Mitchells Fish Market (Edgewater, NJ) Celebrate Easter differently this year. Instead of searching for the ultimate brunch spot in the NY/NJ metro area (along with everyone else), opt for fresh seafood dishes at Mitchell's Fish Market Restaurant & Bar in Edgewater, NJ. While enjoying your delicious meal with family, you can soak up the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. Enjoy menu items like Shrimp and Crab Dumplings, Ahi Tuna Rice Bowl, Shrimp Cavatelli, Spring Halibut, and Marble Potato and Spring Pea Saute. Mitchell's Fish Market is located at 541 River Road in Edgewater. Visit: http://www.mitchellsfishmarket.com/.

Catherine Lombardi (New Brunswick) Celebrate Easter as Lombardi, the owner's grandmother did, Brooklyn style. Enjoy a full dinner from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In addition to our regular à la carte menu, they will have specials like Spring Vegetable Minestrone, Asparagus and Ricotta Ravioli, Lamb Shank, and of course Easter Pie (aka Pizza Rustica, aka Pizza Gain). Catherine Lombardi is located at 3 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Visit: http://www.catherinelombardi.com/.

Stage Left (New Brunswick, NJ) Stage Left, the contemporary American steak house, will present an a la carte, 3-course brunch with an Unlimited Dessert Bar. Selections include Lobster Bisque, Hamachi Crudo, Warm Duck Confit Salad, Sunny-side Eggs over Lobster Potato Hash, Raisin Hazelnut French Toast, Flat Iron Steak and Eggs, Braised Lamb Shank, and Wood Grilled Burger. Dessert bar includes Crème Brûlée, Lemon Fruit Tart, Chocolate Cake and Cherry Bread Pudding. Brunch will be available from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. The cost is $39.95 for adults and children under 12 pay their age. Stage Left is located 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Visit: http://www.stageleft.com/.

Plum on Park (Montclair, NJ) The restaurant is a gem housed in a 1929 streetcar diner. They serve American bistro food with a flair. Plum on Park will be open from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Easter Sunday with brunch specials that include Fried Duck Confit with Waffles and Eggs served with whole grain mustard maple syrup and their Grits with Poached Eggs served with roasted asparagus, piperade and fennel fronds. Plum on Park is located at 14 Park Street, Montclair. Visit: http://www.plumonpark.com/.

Molos on the Hudson (Weehawken) This Easter, dine at Molos in Weehawken on the Hudson River with some of the best views of the New York City skyline from every table. Their $60 per price fixe menu includes Easter Eggs and Tsoureki, a Greek lamb soup and Prasini salad with romaine hearts, feta crumbs, fresh dill and scallions. Enjoy your main course of Baby Lamb served from on the spit with oven-roasted potatoes and end your meal with a Greek classic dessert, Baklava dipped in chocolate. An a la carte menu will also be offered. Molos on the Hudson is located at 1 Pershing Road in Weehawken. Visit: http://www.molosrestaurant.com.

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern (Ho-Ho-Kus) Constructed in 1796, the tavern was fully restored in 2009 renovation overseen by proprietors Gordon and Laurie Hamm. Easter Sunday Grand Brunch Buffet has seatings at 10 am*, 12 pm & 2 pm seatings. Brunch selections will include Fruit & Cheese; Assorted Grain & Bean Salads; Assorted Homemade Pastries; Smoked or Poached Salmon; Carving and Omelet Station; Seasonal Vegetables; Fish or Chicken Entrée; Pasta; Bacon & Sausage; Eggs Benedict; Waffles; French Toast or Pancakes; Viennese Dessert Station. The cost is $39.95 Per Person (exclusive of tax/gratuity) and the price includes unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys, The cost for children 10 years and younger is $14.95. *10am Seating -Bergen County Blue Law restricts the serving of alcohol or sales prior to noon on Sundays. Reservations for Easter Sunday fare is required. Ho-ho-kus Inn and Tavern is located at 1 Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus. Visit: http://hohokusinn.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Avenue, Long Branch

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