Week 4: Cafe Panache

Restaurant of the Week: Cafe Panache (Ramsey, NJ)

Mom's "29th" Birthday so Sis & I decided to treat her to Ramsey's French treasure, Cafe Panache. Another of Bergen County's finest, also having recently undergone new management, this subtle gem lies on the charming Main Street, looking less like an eatery and oddly more like a glamorous dentist office by facade. Don't be fooled. The tables are full, the decor divine, and the food superb* (must be said in a guttural, over exaggerated French accent).

After a few espresso martinis around the corner at the Nouveau-Greek "place-to-be" Varka (potentially a future bloggee), we strolled into Panache where the host was kind enough to house the wine I dropped off pre-cocktail hour, chilling our appropriate Chardonnay. The BYO aspect helps even out some of the prices which are steep, but in-check and deserving by quality. Our reasonable bill included 2 apps, shared, and an entree for each of the three of us. We divvied up the succulent whole artichoke bathing in lemon-basil white wine broth (with a 'little' butter... it is French). The plating truly foreshadowed the subtle complexity of the palate pleasing taste. The Burrata was a Tuscany-meets-Provence delicacy. If you haven't yet experienced Burrata, you must, if even (or especially) from your nearby Italian deli. It is a dual layer, oozy Mozzarella that literally spills apart at fork's touch.

Mom had the simply crafted soft shell crab, the special of the day, done up with the traditional white wine, lemon, and butter. I think Mom has SCC's on a daily basis during the month of May, being that they're in peek season. Sis had what seemed to be a Panache staple, the salmon. One on nearly every table in the intimate parlor, it was delicately baked, flaky, juicy, and served over farm fresh greens. I, of course, could not pass up the duck confit... never can. While NYC's Union Square Cafe still served me my most prized duck, this Cafe managed to keep stride. The sliced burgundy shavings paired w/the confit provided a textural harmony not easily rivaled.

Save Panache for rare occasion as it is higher up on the $ scale... but well, well worth it. Split a few apps amongst friends/family, byo French reds & whites, splurge on a special or two, and split a dessert (probably won't need) and you'll leave plenty full, partially intoxicated (on wine & the taste of the Boulevard St-Michel), and potentially with a few $ in your wallet... maybe. Only flaw (I usually have to dig one up for reality purposes...), the bussing.. The bread was dropped rather carelessly on our bread plates a few times... but how can you cry over oven-fresh homemade French 'pain'. So I wont. I'll simply remember the other 99% of the our experience and recommend you do the same... soon.