Chez Catherine has become our FAVORITE restaurant in NJ -- not just our favorite French restaurant -- our favorite restaurant - period.
Owned by Edith and Didier Jouvenet, this special little jewel offers one of the most excellent - and personal dining experiences you're likely to experience anywhere - including France. From first course to last, every fork full, each morsel, is to taste heaven on earth.
From the start, you'll know you're in for a special dining experience. The pre-dinner cocktails are made with only top shelf spirits, and mixed with expert care. My husband's 'dirty martini' and my Cosmopolitan were perfection. If you like wine, you'll love the wine list which is extensive and it's obvious the selections were chosen with care.
As for the food, order what you like - you can't go wrong. I had the grouper and almost cried it was so good. My husband started with the sweet breads and darn it if I didn't see tears in his eyes as well! My best advice is to save room for the souffle -- which, in my opinion should be served with lead weights just to ensure that it stays on the table...it's so light it nearly floats away. It's the perfect ending to a magical evening.
The restaurant itself is small, offers only two dinner seatings, which means reservations are a must. The menu is Prix Fixe at a reasonable $65 per person - and offers variety and enough courses to satisfy a hungry person. Dress is classy casual. For those who need more of a hint: leave your baseball cap and shorts at home.
Service is top shelf - and very friendly. If you're up to it, here's a great opportunity to practice your French. Both hosts and the staff speak French fluently - because they ARE French.
If I can offer any advice to the prospective diner it would be to be aware of the cocktails and the wine costs --- ordering these items could raise your bill significantly. Our last dining experience (anniversary) rang up an impressive $360 tab for dinner for two that included one bottle of (dreamy) wine and a total of only two before dinner cocktails.