Started off my birthday weekend celebration with fabulous cocktails at the exciting new Pig and Prince Restaurant and Gastro-Lounge at 1 Lackawana Plaza in Montclair. Had some great booze, saw a lot of good friends and had a festive dinner at the magnificent bar.
As you step into what was once the main Montclair terminal for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, built in 1913 but out of service since 1981, you will be awed by a majestic breathtaking view. They built such beautiful public buildings in those days.
The elegant old world bar is an immediate focal point. It is surrounded by dining areas and a lounge space that are charmingly inviting.
This a view from the southeast side of the bar which looks across over into the large main dining room, we liked this cozier side and I know will enjoy these seats often.
The Chef creator of Pig and Prince is Michael Carrino of the applauded retaurant Passione, Montclair. Here he will take his many talents to a whole new level.
While we had some frustration with the hostess staff, they are still just learning, our bartender, can I say bartendress without offending, was first rate. You know Urban Dictionary defines "Bartendress" as "a female bartender with moxie." That she had!
Wish I got her name, but she has worked some of the NY greats and has recently re-located to this area. So glad she did.
She skilfully executed the two cocktails you see above and had a lot to say about the brimming cocktails, beer and spirits menu.
We were delighted by the "Cu-cumbersome” - Cucumber vodka, Lillet, honey water, lime, pickled watermelon which Diana ordered. I had the “Autumns Breath” - Bourbon, sweet vermouth, maple syrup, allspice, and orange peel. Priced at just $10, these are destined to draw a good bar following.
After our cockktails we drank some very good beer and enjoyed these dishes from the bar/late night menu.
Crispy pork belly pizza, zesty peach marmalade, with wilted kale. And the Poutine, duck fat fries with foie gras gravy, taleggio. Yes Foie Gras is still legal in NJ.
House Made Merguez “Hot Dog” with taziki, zesty carrot slaw and gin pickle. We saw another dish that looked so tempting.
Everything was exceptional, looking forward to trying the rest of the menu.
Thanks Michael, and your staff.
Restaurant & Gastro-Lounge
1 Lackawanna Plaza
Montclair NJ 07042
973.233.1006
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
Give this place some time, from what I am hearing they still have some issues to resolve.
Posted by: Mano a Vino | 09/14/2012 at 06:54
Wow! Another liquor license in Montclair! I am happy.
Can't wait to try Pig and Prince....looks fab and a great way to celebrate Peter's birthday! xo
Posted by: stacey snacks | 09/09/2012 at 15:06