Best of Bernardsville, New Jersey Restaurants: Due Terre

Brent came out to visit me in the Roxiticus Desperate Office yesterday and I took him to Peony's Envy (scroll down to post below for photos), followed by lunch at Due Terre in Bernardsville, New Jersey.

It was my first visit to Due Terre since the restaurant (formerly Eccoqui) changed hands, and I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch. I should also note that Due Terre is having a 15% off lunch special for the rest of the summer, making it an attractive choice for lunch in the Roxiticus Valley.

Starting with appetizers, Brent ordered the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with Caper-Salmoriglio and Tonnato Sauce ($13), and I chose the Crispy Point Judith Calamari with Mint and Sicilian Lemon Crema ($11). We shared both appetizers. I wish I could have stolen all of Brent's Tuna Tartare, which was spectacular...I enjoyed the calamari but prefer multiple dipping sauces (like they serve at Punch in New York City's Flatiron district), as well as the calamari at Grill 73, across from the Bernardsville train station.

Moving on to our entrees, Brent ordered the Grilled Hangar Steak with Satan (Portobello Mushrooms), Wild Arugula, Grape Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar and Parmigiano ($15). I wouldn't taste his entree due to the Satan, but Brent assures me it was quite delicious and highly recommends it for the rest of you. I do love hangar steak, so when I return to Due Terre for lunch with Rex, I may order it and ask them to leave the mushrooms in the ground where pigs can find them, instead of on my plate. I chose a pasta: Orecchiette, House-Made Fennel Sausage, Broccoli Rabe Pesto and Ricotta Salata ($14). While my pasta was quite tasty, including a nice little kick from the combination of sausage and broccoli rabe, the only surprise for me was exactly how green the entire dish was...I guess "broccoli rabe pesto" should have tipped me off.

For dessert, Brent and I shared the Tiramisu, which was so delicious that I tried to order a take-home portion for London and Maddie. Warning: do not try to "take out" Tiramisu, from Due Terre or anywhere...everything soaks together and my girls called it a sloppy soggy mess.

Not to leave you on a soggy note, Brent and I highly recommend Due Terre, and I will be sure to take Rex there over the summer to enjoy the 15% off lunch special...hope to see you there!

Due Terre
Enoteca
107 Morristown Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924

You can call (908) 221-0040 for reservations, but at least at lunchtime, you don't really need them.