Balocco, Clifton Opening Party

Since moving to Montlcair I've tried the restaurants at the top of the hill near the Holy Face Monastery in Clifton. It is such a perfect location with a magnificent view of the NY skyline. But in the past the restaurants there did not measure up.

The latest effort by Chef Adolfo Marisi with his new restaurant called Balocco seems very promising.

I attended one of their opening parties and was quite impressed.

The restaurant has been beautifully decorated in a classic style. It is very warm and welcoming. Valet parking was on hand, the lot was filled with A8s, 740s, 300s and 500s, that is car guy code for luxury cars.

As you step into the large entry way, of what was once a great mansion, there is a bar on the left that faces the New York skyline. I plan to get up their again soon to try their interesting bar menu and nice collection of wines. So there will be more to share soon.

The chef intends to create a new dining experience:

"The menus created by Chef and owner Adolfo Marisi for his newest restaurant Balocco are intended to abandon the common practice of serving single, oversized appetizers and entrees in favor of perfectly presenting selections of all his dishes. They are a confluence of different, yet  complimentary, styles. The heart of the cuisine is Italian, based on the simplicity and naturalness   of Marisi's home region of Abruzzo, which is then energetically infused with Asian, French, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. In this art-form of culinary expression, guests of Balocco enjoy a tantalizing diversity of taste and flavors. Selections from Balocco's "library of wines paired to each course are available by the glass and a full wine list if also available." balocco.com

I met Adolfo during the party he is quite enthused about the new restaurant. I tried many of his dishes, each was more delicious than the last. I hope I find the same when I return next week.

Carol A. Berman, was sommelier for the night, pouring two Sardinian wines from Sella & Mosca, a red, Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, and a white, La Cala Vermentino. Two excellent choices. You may know Carol from her many appearances on Food Talk with Arthur Schwartz and appears frequently around New Jersey teaching the wonders of wine. You may find Carol's classes listed on Rosie Saferstein's Event Pages on nj.com.

Balocco
110 Vincent Drive
Clifton, NJ 07013
Tel: 973-773-3833

Posted January 23, 2007 Visited December 17, 2006

There seems to be trouble in Paradise:

Misty Girl Reports on NJ Monthly Food Forum January 17, 2007

"We were there recently. Food is just OK, very bland with no flavor, and very overpriced. We didn't even have the "view". Difficult to see menu and understand waiter. Wait staff was very rude, we didn't order dessert so he made an awful hand gesture at us while talking to the other shorter waiter. " Misty Girl

Seems to be a common problem with NJ restaurants. Just can maintain quality when the crowds arrive.  For that reason I rarely go out in NJ on a Saturday. Weeknights are much better. Mano a Vino

Bergen Record Review

Comments

[Mo]

We had a similiar experience on 2/10. You could see the wheels falling off as the night went on. The maitre d' was so busy going from table to table apologizing for the wait for food. Almost every table had scowling patrons. 2 1/2 hrs to serve 2 ppl. The lone waiter was dashing "diner" style back and forth. It made you tense just sitting there. Bland food. The small portions promised for the tasting menu were too big.It's no Italianissimo.

[John]

My fourth visit there and the meal, as usual, was excellent. Adolfo must buff up hia staff, the wait and lingering confusion is going to hurt him in the long run. The prices have gone down and we even had a coupon for $22.00.

[ej nobel]

I went last night and the food was great. What can I say Adolfo has done it again. From West Caldwell to Clifton and I hear further east may be in his future plans... Can't wait to see what this guy does next!

[Eric]

Went to Balocco both Friday & Saturday. It just so happens I had two non related business meetings at the same location. Let me say that this food is the best kept secret in NJ! Location is wonderful with the NYC skyline...
MY NEW HOME!
LOVE IT!

[g & c]

We went to balocco on Aug 21, 2008 (thursday night). The best service we have had...sat outside...wonderful specials...hidden gem
g

[Emily]

Just returned from dinner and will never go back again. Yes the view is amazing but the service was aweful, the menu was nothing like the website stated and the wine was horrible! I was quite impressed by the consistency of the cream sauce on the "so-called" lobster ravioli....I've never had anything like it! It was, in one word, disgusting. Save your money and have a night a Mickey D's!

[Liz]

We had a private sit-down 60th b-day dinner there. Great location, but thats about it. The service was average at best and I am being kind, the food just ok. I must say when we received the bill for 25 people we sent it back surprised that it was too low, yes too low! After getting the manager involved he checked with the bar and verified that our bill was indeed correct. We tipped the staff the extra $500 we had budgeted for, 2 days later the manager or owner called and after a 10 minute survey asked me for the $500. I was very polite and told him that we attempted to resolve this with the manager on duty and his staff was tipped the difference. For good food and service, go to Lunello,for a view go to Hoboken or Edgewater.

[Susan]

June 2009
We were there for a private party. Lousy food and horrible service. Dirty carpeting and bathroom had dustballs on the floor. They rushed us out of there and wait staff kept disappearing.

[Linda]

We had reservations for six on June 12, 2009, which I confirmed two days earlier and included both my cell and home numbers. We arrive for dinner and the place is shut tight - no signs, nothing! No call to this day. No way to run an airline. We were tempted to order pizza, get some wine and sit at their tables and enjoy the view anyway. What gives????