Dining Out With Michael
Rose
When many people think of the Shadowbrook
in Shrewsbury, N.J., they automatically think of wedding - and
justifiably so. However, that point of view might be a bit shortsighted.
Set back approximately a mile from
Route 35, the Shadowbrook features sprawling grounds and gardens.
The classic Georgian mansion, which is filled with handsome
wood trim, and a dazzling array of antiques, contains several
different rooms capable of handling parties of all sizes as
well as a top-notch restaurant.
Although the menu is rather limited
- all told only about 16 entrees are available - the high quality,
impeccable service and delightful ambience make an evening spent
here one that will long be remembered.
On a recent Saturday, we arrived
and were told that there would be some delay before we could
be seated. The apologetic hostess immediately offered us a complementary
cocktail - an offer she repeated twice more while we waited
and pleasantly whiled away the time in one of the air-conditioned
garden rooms.
When we were finally seated, we
found ourselves in an intimate - only five tables had been set
- greenhouse room on the second floor. Those looking for romance
would be hard-pressed to find a more delightful setting.
From the appetizers, we selected
the escargots and the prosciutto and melon, both of which get
high marks. Soup lovers might also want to order a tureen of
French onion soup that comes topped with generous helping of
melted cheese. The hearty stock was neither overpowering nor
salty - the two most common flaws with onion soup.
Prior to serving the entrees, our
waiter offered a small sorbet cone to cleanse the palate.
For our main courses, we selected
the rack of baby lamb ribs and the "Steak and Tail".
Both the food and the manner of presentation are commendable.
The lamb, which had been rubbed
with just a hint of garlic and salt, had the final preparations
performed at our table where it was warmed and carved. Cooked
to perfection, the delicate flavor of the tender meat was not
overshadowed by the spices but rather enhanced. The platter
arrived garnished with asparagus spears , artichoke hearts,
mushroom caps and a baked tomato.
The "Steak and Tail" brought
an 8-ounce South African rock lobster tail that was melt-in-your-mouth
delicous as well as a perfectly cooked piece of filet mignon.
All dinners are served with a salad, potato and vegetable.
Dessert at the Shadowbrook is another
adventure. After the cart is wheeled to the table, diners can
select from a dozen different desserts. We opted for the chocolate
torte and the delightfully out-of-season eggnog cheese cake.
For those with a sweet tooth, this
could be a trouble spot because, as our waiter informed us,
diners can mix desserts and thus sample more than one.
Although The Shadowbrook is not
inexpensive, dinner for two with appetizers, entrees and desserts
with beverages but without drinks or wine came to $97.50, the
quality more than offsets the prices.
Upon leaving we learned that
three different parties were being held that evening, yet the
relaxed yet attentive service to the individual diners had been
exemplary throughout the evening. So if you have a special occasion
coming up, you might want to consider taking a drive to New
Jersey for a delightful change of pace.
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