Elements Cafe (Tapas Style)

We visited Elements Café , 517 Station Avenue, Haddon Heights, NJ, 08035, 856-546-8840, on Saturday, April 26, 2008, with our friends Mary and Terry.

Since the dinner tasting menu was very descriptive, our server allowed Jay to write on, and take, the menu. Since this was a "tapas" style menu, portions were smaller.

Warm, crusty bread was brought out first, along with soft butter.

Starters

Pita bread and crostini accompanied the three starters that we selected: herb marinated olives, roasted garlic hummus and tomato bruschetta. Everything was fresh and delicious.

First Course

Mary ordered the crispy ravioli du jour, Ken had the spicy grilled shrimp w/tomatillo & feta cheese salsa, Terry had the crispy Asian vegetable dumplings w/sweet chili dipping sauce and Jay had the petite crab ball w/arugala salad & red wine vinaigrette (actually three nice-sized balls). Although Mary wasn’t thrilled with her ravioli, everything else was tasty.

Second Course

Mary, Jay and Terry ordered the soup sampler which contained grilled chicken & vegetable soup, shellfish bisque (a bit salty) and the soup du jour – black bean w/salsa fresco. By putting the shellfish bisque into the black bean, Mary and Jay were able to finish.

Third Course

Ken & Terry enjoyed the heart of romaine w/black pepper parmesan dressing & roasted garlic crustini; Jay had panzanella – warm Italian bread salad topped with asiago cheese & reduced balsamic vinegar; May devoured the endive salad w/roasted beets, toasted walnuts & blue cheese vinaigrette.

Main Course

Mary – sautéed asparagus, tomato & potato gnocchi with herb butter sauce

Ken & Mary – pan roasted scallops w/apple smoked bacon, granny smith apples & watercross salad

Jay & Terry – grilled rack of lamp chop w/potato puree & romesco sauce

Terry – venison special

Ken – Suzuki special (Japanese fish)

Dessert

Mary – Flourless chocolate torte w/vanilla ice cream & crème anglaise
Jay – Mint chocolate chip sundae with chocolate sauce

Terry – Bread pudding w/crème anglaise

Wines Enjoyed:
2006 Kali Kart Chardonnay
Chestnut Hill Winery Merlot (not the best)
Assorted red & white leftover from other tables

• Dress - casual
  
• Service - good
  
• Decor -
  
• Portions - Tapas style
  
• Price - reasonable
  
• Reservations - Highly recommended

We took a stroll afterwards but quickly returned to our car as there were groups of teenagers “hanging out” on the main street, skateboarding and being intimidating. It’s a shame because this could be such a nice spot for couples and families.

More restaurants in Haddon Heights to visit: Kunkel’s, Anthony’s, Francesca Room

Nunzio's (Italian)

On Saturday, April 5, after finally remembering to make reservations earlier in the week, we visited Nunzio's, 706 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, 856-858-9840. We arrived 25 minutes early and were promptly seated. Slightly warm bread was was brought out with a nice cilantro spread.

Appetizers:
Jay enjoyed the Calamari Dorati (baby squid lightly floured and crispy fried
with spiced marinara sauce)
Ken thoroughly devoured the scallops appetizer special. The scallops were expertly done and plentiful.








Entrees:
Jay enjoyed the yellowtail tuna special, slightly seared with peppercorns.
Ken had the Sea bass with shrimp. Both came with mashed potatoes.






Wines enjoyed:
2005 Clayhouse Adobe Red
2006 Pine Ridge (86% Chenin Blanc, 14% Viognier)

• Dress - Casual.
  
• Service - excellent. Our server, Caleb, was extremely knowledgeable and answered any questions we had.
  
• Decor - Italian villa, lots of tables, but not too close together. Stemware was nothing to write home about. The ladies room was clean.
  
• Portions - Perfect.
  
• Price - appetizers were in the $10-15 range; entrees ranged from $20-$30s
  
• Reservations - recommended.

Service was timed perfectly. We then walked around Collingswood to see any other restaurants we may have missed.

Joe Pesce Restaurant - 833 Haddon Avenue
Cafe Antonio II
The Painted Cottage Cafe, 712 Haddon Avenue - Breakfast, lunch and soon to open for dinner (Formerly Les Crepes - Thank God!)

La Campagne (Becoming a Favorite)

Ted's on Main was closed for Easter weekend, so we went to La Campagne. Everything was fantastic.

We arrived a bit early for our 7 PM reservation and were promptly seated.

Appetizers:
Ken had the crab cake (jumbo lump, grain mustard aioli, smoked tomato) and Jay had the Escargot Dijon (puff pastry, roasted shallot, Dijon mustard, parsley, brandy butter). The escargot were a bit bland, but the puff pastry and sauce were very good.



Entrees:
Ken had the Irish Trout w/oatmeal crust special. It was pink like salmon, but had its own distinctive flavor. He was impressed.

Jay had the Risotto and Clams (chorizo, flageolet, parsley, garlic confit and very special olive oil) and finished every bite.



We didn't want dessert, but decided on the Plats du Fromage (cheese platter) to finish. Four artisan cheeses [Saint Andre, Pecorino Foglie de Noce, Gorgonzola Dolce and Aged Gouda (complimentary)] and two local made preserves (strawberry-balsamic & orange marmalade) were brought out with "house made croutes." It was the perfect ending to the evening.



Wines enjoyed:
2001 LaFleur de Bouard Appellation Lalande-de-Pomerol Controllee
2005 Louis Latour Pouilly-Fuisse




The ambiance was nice; the waitstaff very attentive and the bathroom was clean.

Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro (Seafood)

For his birthday on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, Ken kept changing his mind between Ted's on Main and the "new place" that used to be Pacific Grille. Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro won. Marcello's is located at 1200 S. Church Street in Mount Laurel.

Since it was a Tuesday, we called ahead and were told there was no need for a reservation. We were a little surprised about the amount of people in the restaurant, although there was plenty of seating available.

Warm, crusty bread of different varieties were brought out with herbed butter.

Appetizers:
Ken thoroughly enjoyed the scallop skewers, wrapped with prosciutto.
Jay was happy with the jumbo lump crab cocktail, which came with three cocktail sauces: original, pineapple and jalapeno.

Entrees:
Ken had the surf and turf - a filet with lobster tail on top, along with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.
Jay had the shrimp risotto special, which included tomatoes and asparagus. She took half home for the next day's lunch. (Picture doesn't do it justice)



Service was great - there was plenty of time to digest between each course.

Wines enjoyed:
2005 Michael Pozzano Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserves
2006 Kali Hart Chardonnay

• Dress - Smart casual.


• Service - excellent. Our server, Nicole, was extremely attentive.


• Decor - Sea theme with lots of blues - fireplace on one side. The ladies room was tastefully decorated and clean, although the stalls were a bit tight.


• Portions - Ample.


• Price - appetizers were in the $8-15 range; entrees ranged from $20-$30s


• Reservations - Recommended.

Very nice experience and we will return.

Bacio Revisited

On Saturday, March 1, we wanted to go out for dinner. We couldn't get into Nunzio's or Ted's on Main, so we were able to get into Bacio (which both Jay & Ken really wanted to visit). We were not disappointed even though the restaurant quickly became packed.

Of course they brought toasted bread and focaccia with their three famous spreads: olive, hot peppers and eggplant.

Appetizers:
Ken - Prosciutto and Fontina Cigars - crispy prosciutto di Parma and fontina “cigars” with marinated artichoke and Roma tomato salad
Jay - "Crispelle della Nonna" - Italian crepes stuffed with jumbo lump
crabmeat, spinach and artichokes, baked in a gorgonzola cream sauce - yummy!

Entrees:
Ken - "Osso Buco alla Milanese" - double cut veal shank slowly simmered in red wine with fresh herbs and vegetables, served over saffron risotto - come hungry because it's HUGE
Jay - swordfish special - with orzo and vegetables - delicious

Wines enjoyed:
2003 La Crema Pinot Noir
2004 Di Maio Norante Sangiovese

Too full for dessert even though Jay wanted the gelato [sigh]

We will return.

Barnacle Ben's (A Favorite)

After hitting the Philly Auto Show, we swung by Barnacle Ben's on the way home. Since neither of us had our credit cards, we were working with cash only, so we didn't bring any wine.

We enjoyed spicy calamari for an appetizer. Jay had the cream of crab soup - very creamy and full of crab.

Ken enjoyed the pecan crusted salmon, with mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas and carrots), and wild rice.

Jay had her favorite - seafood au gratin - scallops, shrimp, fish and crabmeat in a creamy imperial sauce with extra CHEESE thrown in. She selected a baked sweet potato and cole slaw. Very good.

Jay stuck with water; Ken had iced tea.

We stuck to our budget - not bad for the spur of the moment.

Blackbird (Franco-Italian) Again.

To start the New Year off right, we visit Blackbird today in Collingswood for lunch with our good friends, Karin & George.

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

We shared in appetizers:
Thai chicken spring rolls, with spicy mustard and sweet chili sauce.

Arborio rice and coriander-crusted shrimp, avocado salad and cilantro oil


Fricassee of Prince Edward Island Mussels, fine herbs and natural mussel jus.


Karin & George shared, and Ken ate, the Steak Frittes. All ordered medium and it was done to perfection. The fries were crispy and seasoned well.


Jay ordered the Bento Box du Jour which included a salad, spring roll, mussels, macaroni & cheese, lamb and fingerling potatoes.


The proper stemware was delivered with expertise (Rona).

Our server, Laurie, was extremely attentive. We requested her for George's birthday on February 16.

Wines enjoyed:
2007 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Francois Pinon Vouvray (Chenin Blanc) Cuvee [George mentioned that the Foxen Chenin Blanc is also good]
2005 Smoking Loon Syrah

We were not rushed and enjoyed two hours of dining pleasure. Highly recommended.