"Word around Essex County is that Montclair is getting a bit expensive and the newer restaurants are opening in Bloomfield where my partner's colleague recommended this fusion BYOB establishment located on Broad Street. Reservation is highly recommended on weekends as it's a small store front establishment with 11 tables where my partner, our friends and I came for dinner yesterday. Upon arrival, the interior was decorated in a tasteful low key manner. We were greeted and seated by our server/wife of the chef, Deisey who gave us the day's specials. The menu was varied. Each was prepared with great taste and pleasing to the eye. Complimentary bread was given to start our meal. As for appetizers, we began with Escargot Al Ajillo (garlic escargot over greens, lemon wedges and crostini), Mediterranean Cold Plate with prosciutto, chorizo, cheese, olives, artichokes, roasted red peppers, grilled vegetables, tomatoes and mozzarella, Stuffed Jumbo Mushrooms (stuffed with spinach and blue cheese, blended with a savory garlic beurre blanc), Spicy Batatas Bravas (seasoned crispy roasted potato wedges with garlic aioli) and Caesar salad. For entrees, one of us got their special, butternut squash raviolis, Eggplant Involtini (thinly sliced eggplant rolled and stuffed with shredded chicken and ricotta cheese over capellini), Braised Short Ribs crusted with sweet chilli bread crumbs, over mashed potatoes and spinach in a demi glaze and Pappardelle Fra Diavolo with clams, mussels, shrimp, bay scallops, calamari, onions, tomatoes in a marinara sauce. Chef/owner Johnny Arango wasn't only attentive in the kitchen, but also in the dining room, where he made it a point to visit every table. We even had room for some desserts and got the Home made Warm banana bread pudding with butter pecan ice cream and vanilla sauce Brownie (with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce) and churros (fried dough with ice cream and chocolate sauce). Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious as Johnny accommodated our food preferences. There was a minor detail that the Batatas Bravas could have been a bit crispier. For the price, the portion sizes were just right. What a hidden gem in the heart of Bloomfield where people are discovering this restaurant which we can recommend it."
