Millburn-Short Hills Magazine May 2018 | Page 80

dining

Everything Tastes Better

Outside

When the weather turns nice, local diners turn outfor al fresco dining

WRITTEN BY JOYCEVENEZIA SUSS

If you live in California, eating outdoors may benobig thing. But in New Jersey, with its four seasons— and blizzards inMarch— eating outdoors is a highly-anticipated pleasure. Fortunately for us, the greater Millburn and Short Hills area is blessed with awide variety of restaurants that offer seasonal outdoor dining. Here are some great spots for enjoying fresh air and fine meals together.

BOXCAR BAR & GRILL Some restaurants have train themes, with model railroads circling the dining room. This restaurant takes it to a different level, because it’ s inside the Short Hills train station, with a 25 CHATHAM ROAD, SHORTHILLS( 973) 912-0002 • Mostentrees $ 15- $ 20 • full bar • open 7days • nolunch menu • family friendly • noreservations • takeout ticket window staffed by a New Jersey Transit employee. When you dine outside on the patio, you’ ll certainly hear passing trains, and there may be commuters waiting nearby. Quite often, arriving train passengers meet family and friends for a tasty dinner or drinks. This clever adaptation of an underused train station has morphed into a popular eatery with a broad selection of starters, salads, burgers, pizza and entrees. And yes, for those commuters, coffee service is available on weekdaymornings. AL FRESCO SUGGESTION: Enjoysipsof summer with the Blueberry Smash, crafted with Claremont blueberry vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and muddled with blueberries and fresh mint— perhaps with aplate of crispy artichokes.	SOUTH MOUNTAIN TAVERN South Mountain Tavern’ s secluded outdoor setting is away from the bustling bar area that beckons commuters coming from the nearby train station. Selectawine 19 VALLEY ST., SOUTH ORANGE( 973) 763-1006 • Mostentrees $ 15- $ 20 • full bar • closedMondays • nolunch menu • family friendly • handicapped accessible • takeout that complements abowl of PEI mussels cloaked in aseasonal sauce, or abeer to go with the South Mountain burger made with a houseblend of chuck, short rib and brisket. Get a tangle of fried shoestring potatoes on top; they are super thin and extra crispy. AL FRESCO SUGGESTION: The outdoor patio offers a serene atmosphere on a warm evening for enjoying a prime Angus steak and a good bottle of wine.	HUNTLEY TAVERNE This beautiful restaurant evokes the feel of a European lodge, with alarge stone fireplace and a great room boasting wood beams and high ceilings. Like many lodges, this one alsohas a quiet porch area, and it’ s a 3 MORRIS AVE., SUMMIT( 908) 273-3166 • Mostentrees over $ 20 • full bar • open 7days • brunch served • takeout, valet lovely spot for enjoying a meal on a balmy night. Fully screened, with fans whirring overhead, it’ s more elegant than eating on a deck or patio. This is apopular venue fordate nights, group outings, and special occasions. The dinner menu has a large selection of starters, pizza from a wood-fire oven, and a good variety of entrees including Bluefin Tuna and Asian Plum Pork Chop. AL FRESCO SUGGESTION: The creative menu changes seasonally, and summer specialties may feature locally caught fish, fresh melon and berries.	WINBERIE’ S: COURTESY OF MASSERY PHOTOGRAPHY; ALL OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RESTAURANTS
78 MAY 2018 MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE