Address: | 319 E Central Ave, Alpha, NJ 08865, USA |
Phone: | +1 908-454-9394 |
Site: | almondtreemanor.com |
Rating: | 4 |
Working: | 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–10PM |
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Thomas Mayor
Went to the Almond Tree Manor today because I won a gift certificate from a local radio station. When you walk in, the dining area looks like it is unfinished. It almost seems like a restaurnat in search of an identity. There is a pool table, a couple of dartboards, some sofas near the entry into the dining area, which is also confused with tables on one side of the space with tablecloths and much too close to the wall, and tables on the other side of the space with no tablecloths. The food was not bad, but it also did not stand out to me. I and my girlfriend started out with the Baba-Ghanouch, which is roasted eggplant, pureed with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini paste. It was good, but I want to try it somewhere else, or just try to make it at home since the flavor wasnt memorable. Except for what the menu said about what was in it, I couldnt taste much more than the eggplant and a bare hint of garlic. We then ordered soup: she had the seven cheese french onion soup, and I had their firehouse chili. They have an interesting take on french onion soup, combining the traditional with the addition of tomato as well as chicken stock. My girlfriend said it was good and an interesting take on french onion soup, but would have preferred something more traditional. As for the firehouse chili, it did not have enough spice to call it "firehouse". However, on a good note, they use larger cuts of beef, like shredded chuck or sirloin, as opposed to just using ground beef. Entrees: Hers was the baked Haddock which came with couscous and fresh vegetables. My entree was their Bic Mac n Cheese which comes with grilled chicken and bacon. First, there was a pinbone in my girlfriends fish. The chef apologized for not catching it, but that was it. No offer to make a fresh dish of food. The flavors again were not inspired. The dish was well prepared, but could have been so much more. As for the Mac n Cheese, the sauce, while it has some good flavors, was thinner than I would have liked. And, when you add bacon to mac n cheese, it should not be whole slices of bacon, but it should be crumbled into or on top at the end. HUGE PET PEEVE - SOFT DRINKS ARE NOT REFILLABLE! Who the heck does that anymore? The server could not even answer whether or not they were refillable, and never did tell us until I got the bill and noticed that we were charged for each drink. Not cool! I think the chef, who states he has been cooking for 40 years, may have lost a little of his passion for cooking. It looks like this place is trying its very best to be something more than it is. With the catering hall being used for events like Teen Night on Friday nights, they might just be trying to create revenue streams to keep them in business, when they should focus more on amping up the flavor of their food and turning the restaurant dining area into something that is more focused and inviting. If they make improvements like this, then I may consider going back, as long as the soft drinks are free refills!!
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Brian Ellis
What can I say, for the town of Alpha, New Jersey this place is an oasis in the middle of nowhere, Chef is awesome and passionate, the food is bar none, would like to see some live singing bands in near future, this place reminds me of The Peacock Inn in Princeton or Black Horse Tavern & Pub. Too bad Zagat have not listed this great place yet. The place is romantic and cozy, I was spellbind by the atmosphere!!!! Brian Ellis, Mendham, NJ
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Jennifer Williamson
My husband and I took my parents here for dinner last Saturday. It was a great dining experience. Between the four of us we had chowder, chicken and pasta, ribs, a New York strip steak,one hell of a baked mac n cheese with salad and delicious hot bread and butter for the table. All were cooked well and you could feel the love in the food. I would recommend to anyone and look forward to working with them on future banquet business.
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Tiffany Guadagnino
The venue is beautiful, the staff is friendly and amazing, the only reason this isnt 5 stars is the humidity was horrific and the air conditioning didnt seem to be working. The bridal ready room was great too, nice and big with lots of mirrors. The property was gorgeous with fountains and nice landscaping. I really cant say enough nice things about the staff, I wish my own wedding had been here, they were a joy to be around.
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Christine Piper
I had my wedding at the Almond Tree Manor on Febuary 17. Chef Tony and his Staff went above and beyond what I had expected. He was very accomadating as I had to chang ethe date of my wedding. Thank you Chef Tony and Staff for making our Day beautiful. Christine and Ryan. We recently addenting the Mothers Day Brunch Food was excellent...very kid friendly. Once again Chef Tony has outdone himself!!
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A Private User
Went there for a Mothers Day buffet. Was the worst slop I ever had. Carving station had cheap, dry, flavorless, meats. They had some sort of mushy pasta dish. Desserts were defrosted prepackaged crap. I guess the locals think this is fine dining.
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Autumn McClain
Food was way below par. Tasted like vegetables all came from a can. Salad wilted. Meat dry. Staff was nice and place was pretty. So if you dont eat I guess its ok.
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Tito Torres
PHENOMENAL & AWWWSOME Place to me Kitchen Stadium Cant wait to get back in Kitchen Stadium GO RED,WHITE & AWWWSOME GRÉÉN
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gotta draw sonic and other things
The food to me was just okay nothing to rave about but, the mashed potatoes were very good and the space was adequate.
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Edward Snyder
Thank you Chef for another wonderful experience, my Wife is glowing happy!
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Jim Allen
Food is awesome and Tony is very creative absolutely love it
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Aphex ᄋᄌᄋ
Very nice, LOVED the chocolate fountain