TDN Weekend December 2016 Issue 9
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/998879
Some 15 minutes northwest of Monmouth Park, on an otherwise quiet stretch of Route 35 along the border of Red Bank and Middle- town, NJ sits one of the most highly regard- ed restaurants in the Garden State. Rated #1 in New Jersey by Zagat since 2005, Nicholas earned a four-star rating from the New York Times, which called it "extraordinary." Since it opened in 2000, Nicho- las Harary and his wife Melissa's Restaurant Nicholas has garnered comparisons to some of the finest restaurants in New York City, and for good reason—the same atten- tion to detail, elegant ambience, and impressive menu and wine list you'd expect in Manhattan is on offer down the shore. The exterior of Nicholas is modern and opulent, remi- niscent of some of the homes you'll see driving along the coast on Ocean Avenue in nearby Monmouth Beach or Deal. The main dining room is fairly formal (jackets are recommended), and the atmosphere is decidedly sub- dued. This probably isn't the place to take a large group unless you book the events and special-dining room, but it's perfect for celebrating a special occasion with a loved one or a few friends. The white of the tablecloths is contrasted with plush, reddish-orange booths and a very large and impressive glass-blown light fixture overhead. In a separate room sits Bar N, which provides a more re- laxed Nicholas experience with the opportunity to order à la carte off of an otherwise prix-fixe menu. The service, as you'd expect at a restaurant of this cal- iber, is exceptional. The staff is extremely attentive and knowledgeable—something that will come in handy when attempting to navigate a very extensive, high-end wine list. This is very much a wine-centric restaurant. Harary was formerly the sommelier of New York institution Jean-Georges, and he also operates his own online wine