The Ryland Inn

In a word...transporting.
Excellent service (the kind where if you get up for any reason, they run over to refold your napkin). Knowledgeable staff (the sommelier suggested a New Jersey Pinot Noir...that's right, New Jersey...and it was fantastic.  Oh and by the way, we are California wine snobs).  The star of the show, however, was the yellowfin tuna dish with goat cheese polenta.  The tuna was fresh and supple and as wonderfully prepared as the finest sushi restaurant...gently floating on a pillow-soft polenta that I could have had a whole plate full of...oh delicious!  Also, the dish had an olive tapenade that added just the right amount of salty tingle for the tastebuds, and something called a bacalao (a bite-sized, delicately fried fritter).  If you share a salad and an appetizer beforehand, the main course portions are plenty filling, even for the most Homer-est of Simpsons.  They even came around and offered us warm sourdough rolls three times.  Sated, we passed on dessert and had a marvelous cappuccino...but not accepting that, our waiter brought us (on the house) a tray of out of this world mini desserts with an incredibly smooth chocolate peanut butter bite that I'm still thinking about.  I saw a review here saying that the chef was not creative...couldn't be further from reality, as each dish had such bold, distinct flavors that gave me pause and made me thank god I'm alive.  Romantic, without pretension.  Unsurpassed service and divine cuisine.  If I haven't sold you on it yet, nothing I say will.

Impressive re-do of a Jersey icon. Imaginative menu, artfully prepared.  Service needs a little tweaking, but overall, Craig can be proud. The bar will need a few more visits more me to form an opinion.....

My husband and I had a long awaited date night last night and couldn't think of a more spectacular way to have spent it.  We are both foodies, and we were blown away by the food,as well as the service.

We had gone to the old Ryland Inn years ago, and hoped the new one would provide the same elegance, dining and romantic experience.  THankfully, it was more than we imagined.

We arrived  early, and was looking around, when the matre'd asked if we would like a tour of the renovations.  How awesome and unexpected.  Natalie took  us upstairs, downstairs and through the kitchen - very awesome.

We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairing.  The courses were creative, layered with flavors and left us wanting more.  The chef added 2 additional courses as a bonus.  Our favorite was the scallop and green curry dish, but actually loved them all.

Service was spot on, and all were very attentive and friendy.  Next time we will reserve the chef's table overlooking the kitchen!!!!

All foodies must go!!!!