*Once again I welcome a contribution from my daughter, Stefanie Sears, who recently enjoyed pre-show dining in nearby Millburn, New Jersey. Thank you, Stef! -- Steve
Next were the entrees, and what unique tasty dishes they were. After at first being a bit indecisive about the entrees, I finally decided on my first choice, a choice that had been on my mind (or taste buds) since my aunt and I checked out the online menu weeks before when we first made our reservations. The baby spinach salad, roasted chicken, two pea, toasted almonds and sesame vinaigrette and my aunt got the imported garganelli, spring peas, bacon, carrot-garlic broth, and fresh ricotta. Her meal was actually my second choice, so I am happy that I was able to try both! Prior to my decision, I asked Grace which meal was the heartier of the two, and she answered the garganelli dish. However, my roasted chicken spinach salad fed me just fine! Finally, for dessert I had the bittersweet chocolate raspberry tart with raspberry whipped cream and my aunt had the summer peach gelato, two refreshing sweet treats that topped off an already incredible meal. One thing I kept thinking about when I was eating is how fresh and light the meal was. I couldn't stop saying these very words to my aunt as we ate. Afterwards, I did not feel full, but satisfied and healthy, even with the desserts. All in all, a very pleasant dining experience. Sheesh. My mouth is watering as I write this, remembering the tastes and textures. After I told Grace that I would be guest blogging here again, she introduced me to executive chef and general manager Holly Guber, who nicely came out to visit me at our table. We chatted about the creative choices that go into the menus, which are always different to complement the time of year and each show at Paper Mill Playhouse, such as Italian themed shows corresponding with Italian food. Though Half Time did not have any food tie-ins, this particular menu was a spring theme, appropriate enough for the time of year. Half Time opened in late May and closed that very day we went. Guber explained to me that the Carriage House was also having its final dining service that day, for the restaurant is only open during the playhouse's seasons. "We came here right on time!" I joked with Guber. However, having special events held there during the summer is an option, for at the time, Guber was preparing for a wedding there later in the summer. The ambiance and background music is also nice and classy with soothing colors, excellent waitstaff, and two quaint dining rooms and a bar completing the picture. They also have a cute small party room upstairs. An added bonus, rather something about my visit that sticks with me greatly: I recall hearing a Johnny Mathis song playing as part of the calming lunch music set list. :) Thank you, Stef! Nice review of a nice place. A big thank you to Holly and Grace for such a nice experience.
And Johnny Mathis, too, huh? Super! Steve
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January 2023
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