Photo Credit: @leclubavenue

Hop over to a stress-free Easter brunch or dinner at these NJ eateries

By Sarah Emily Gilbert 

For some reason, everything tastes better when you’re not the one cooking. This Easter, free yourself from the homemade honey-baked ham and head to one of these local eateries for fresh and creative menu offerings.

The Pluckemin Inn

10 Pluckemin Way, Bedminster

Call 908.658.9292 for reservations

Modern American restaurant in an 18^th century farmhouse with farm fresh ingredients

Easter Offerings: From 1-5:30 p.m., a three and four course prix fixe menu is available. $65/pp for three course; $75/pp for four course, plus tax and service fee.

Menu Highlights: Scottish Salmon; Sea Scallops with Pork Belly; Swordfish; & Griggstown Chicken

The Brick House

179 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff

Call 201.848.1211 for reservations

Chops, seafood, and steak in an 1851 historical house run by chef/owner Aldo Cascio

 Easter Offerings: A la carte menu from 1-4 p.m.; grand buffet in ballroom, beginning at 2 p.m. $59.95/pp plus service fee, tax, and a cash bar

Menu Highlights: T-Bone Steak; Broiled Twin Brazilian Lobster Tail; & Grilled Loin Veal Chop & Shrimp

Le Club Avenue

23 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch

Call 732.759.2900 for reservations

Luxury American restaurant with an unforgettable view of the Atlantic Ocean

 Easter Offerings: $37/pp for brunch; $40/pp for dinner

Brunch Menu Highlights: Grand Marnier Pancakes with Bananas, Hazelnuts, & Nutella Butter; Lamb Sandwich; & Pulled Lamb

Dinner Menu Highlights: Risotto of Quinoa with Shaved Vegetables, Cashew Emulsion; and Moules Frites with White Wine, Shallots, Grapefruit Pommery Sauce

The Shannon Rose

1200 New Jersey 17, Ramsey; 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton

Call 201.962.7602; 973.284.0200 for reservations

Irish Pub with locations in Ramsey and Clifton that uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible

Easter Offerings: Brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and a Kids’ Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. that includes pictures with the Easter Bunny

Menu Highlights: Honey-Roasted Ham with Honey Mustard at the Carvery Station; Omelets Prepared to Order; Shepherd’s Pie

Olde Mill Inn

225 Route 202, Basking Ridge

Call 908.221.1100 for reservations

 Fine hotel with an 18^th century American restaurant

 Easter Offerings: A buffet in the Washington Ballroom or Grain House Restaurant from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Grain House Menu changes at 4 p.m. with dinner items, but the price stays the same. $56/adult; $24/children 4-11 plus service fee and tax

Menu Highlights: Seafood Bar with Hickory Smoked Salmon and Shrimp Cocktail; Mussels Fra Diavolo; Organic Garlic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Honey Lemon Beurre Blanc

Dolce Basking Ridge

300 North Maple Ave, Basking Ridge

Call 908.953.3000 for reservations

Hotel and restaurant that houses Vita Restaurant and Lounge

 Easter Offerings: Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. It will include a lunch buffet and chef stations. $49.95/adult; $21.95/children 6-12, free/toddlers 5 & U plus tax and service charge.

Menu Highlights: Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon & Hollandaise; Stuffed Lamb with Dijon Mustard, Watercress, Rosemary Jus, & Mint Jelly; Marshmallow Peep Cheesecake

Redux

3 Central Avenue, Madison

Call 973.845.6263 for reservations

Modern American restaurant and specialty market featuring locally sourced ingredients

 Easter Offerings: Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Menu Highlights: Brioche French Toast with Apple Compote; Korean BBQ Chicken Sliders with Red Cabbage, and Brioche; & Mushroom Manchego Omelette with Mixed Greens and Potatoes

Blue Morel

2 Whippany Road, Morristown

Call 973.451.2619 for reservations

Restaurant and wine bar that was named one of the top new restaurants in the U.S.

Easter Offerings: Seating for three course pre-fixe menu from noon – 9 p.m. $59/adult; $29/children 11 & U, includes service fee and tax. Private dining is also available in their wine room.

Menu Highlights: Pan Roasted Barnegat Scallop; Chili-Cinnamon Glazed Chilean Sea Bass; & Horseradish Crusted Lamb Loin