The dining issue

I thoroughly enjoy dining out, taking time to talk and relax away from the everyday. But recently, at two separate restaurants — that shall go unnamed — I had rather quirky experiences that fall into the category of “what could they be thinking?” First came the restaurant with a menu that was set up to encourage sharing. (I have never been keen on sharing.) Usually whatever I’ve ordered is what I want to eat — not share. And conversely, eating whatever the rest of the table has ordered is not generally on my agenda. Next came the restaurant with special “grill” selections.

After ordering grilled scallops with an olive tapenade, I was advised that the entrée would arrive at the table only partially cooked. It would be my job to finish cooking the fish to my desired doneness. This unwelcome challenge preoccupied me while I might have been chatting with my grandson and resulted in a scallop-steam facial — even though the result was perfectly delicious.

If you enjoy food, wine and dining out, I know you’ll find this issue to be a great resource. Filled with reviews of 12 New Jersey restaurants you’ll want to visit, outstanding hotel dining options, inspired picnic venues and menus to match, as well creative recipes for summer corn, peaches and tomatoes, this could well be your insurance against the quirky.

Bon appétit!

Allene Stanton Fay
Publisher