Wayne Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 71

CASUAL DINING Lake Edge Grill serves up a casual dining experience with a scenic view to complement menu items such as Grilled Swordfish (left) and Sunday Pasta (right). LAKE EDGE GRILL 56 Lake Drive West, Wayne 973-832-7800 y f oe ghpt v On the Waterfront for Drinks and Dining L WRITTEN BY ADRIANA MARIELLA ake Edge Grill overlooks scenic Packanack Lake in Wayne. Serving lunch and dinner, this reinvented eatery under new management specializes in New American cuisine and boasts a unique selection of signature cocktails. Owner Ray Tarantula says it’s a great spot for a casual family dinner or a night out with friends. “We’re one big family,” says Tarantula. “When you walk in, we treat you as one of our own,” he promises, noting that the restaurant strives to provide homemade food at an affordable price. For an appetizer, Tarantula suggests trying the stuffed hot cherry pepper oregenata filled with grana padano cheese, prosciutto and a white wine lemon garlic sauce. Other popular starters include the tempura wings served with a sweet chili thai sauce and also the Lake Edge salad with grilled pineapple, baby arugula and toasted macadamia nuts topped with a PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE-MARIE CARUSO candied ginger citrus vinegarette. Pasta dishes are among the dinner entrees. Tarantula recommends the Sunday Sauce Rigatoni Pasta with meatballs sausage and a short rib. Another favorite is the Shrimp Zoila (shrimp with a spicy white wine garlic sauce over linguini). There is also a selection of meat and seafood dishes including Pan Seared Swordfish with kalamata olives and grape tomato capers over roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The Bistro Skirt Steak is served sliced over ciabatta bread with caramelized onions and mushrooms, and served with boardwalk fries and crispy challots. Midday, Lake Edge Grill offers a Prix Fixe menu that includes an entrée, soup and soft drink for $12.95. The restaurant’s menu changes regularly to accommodate customer demand and keep its offerings fresh and new, but Tarantula says there are staples that can always be found. “We don’t only have one chef, but three: all with different specialties to offer,” he explains. Inside Lake Edge Grill are two dining rooms, so that when the main room gets a little loud and crowded guests can enjoy a more casual and quieter dinner in the second dining room (which is also available for private parties). At the bar, there is a separate menu with lighter dining options including potato skins, Ciabatta bread pizza and French dip sandwiches to complement signature cocktails created by resident mixologist Margie Maak. Two drinks that are patron favorites are the Ohranj Julius and the Cider Jack. Happy hour specials are available from 12-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and all day on Sunday. Lake Edge Grill is open for dining from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, with the bar staying open after dinner hours daily. Reservations can be made by calling 973-832-7800, but are not required ■ SPRING 2015 WAYNE MAGAZINE 69