The Mmmetuchen Inn
NJ: Fran and I are both professional refugees of the B.C. As two Jersey girls, when we decided to get together for lunch earlier this week, it made sense to find a midway point in our state to rendezvous. Due to the hour time difference between charming Middletown, her neck of the woods, and Basking Ridge, mine, we had to do a little research to find a location. To our good fortune, we discovered the perfect spot in the quaint and tasty Metuchen Inn (above).
The Inn has served discriminating diners in this southern New Jersey town since 1843. Three working fireplaces, beautiful woodwork and heavy ceiling beams act as an exquisite backdrop for meals that are notable for their simplicity and sophistication.
We each started lunch with a salad -- watercress with pear chutney, toasted walnuts and Stilton bleu cheese for me; mixed greens with shitake mushrooms, cucumber and lemon garlic vinaigrette for Fran. Although the pastas, sandwiches and meat plates looked terrific, we both opted for fish (it is still time for new year's resolutions, after all!). Fran had the crisp striped bass with tomato, lentil salad and wilted arugula. I opted for the seared Atlantic salmon with roasted bite-size beets, grilled portabella, and butternut squash puree. All the dishes were visually interesting, while light and robust in flavor due to the fresh ingredients used in prepared them. If you wish to accompany your meal with wine, the Metuchen Inn boasts a world-class selection.
Prices are reasonable with luncheon salads and appetizers ranging from $6.50-11.50, entries from $9-17. The Inn also serves dinner.
The Metuchen Inn
424 Middlesex Avenue
Metuchen, NJ 08840
732.494.6444
www.themetucheninn.com
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