NJ Dining: Last Meal at The Citrus Grille

Last night, our friends who live in the Ramsey/Mahwah area introduced us to one of their favorite restaurants, The Citrus Grille, located in nearby Airmont, NY, which is owned by CIA-trained chef Steve Chrisitanson, who cut his culinary chops at New York City’s The Four Seasons Restaurant under the late Christian Albin.

I was extremely looking forward to adding another fine dining location to our list, only to hear from our friends that this was the restaurant’s last weekend after 13 years in business.

However, there is a silver lining to this story. While The Citrus Grille will be closing after Valentine’s Day weekend, Christianson will be opening a new restaurant in nearby Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, in a newly constructed space in the Fall of 2010. So think of this post as a preview of great things to come, and not a goodbye.

While the new restaurant doesn’t have a name yet, I’ll keep you apprised of upcoming developments.

I apologize in advance for the lighting/color in the photos, as we were sitting by a nice warm fireplace that was giving off orange light.

What do you start the evening off with? Why, a green tea Zen Martini.

Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.

The regular menu for the evening. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Special canneloni appetizer, with butternut squash and braised meat filling.

Butternut Squash Bisque.

Thai Curry Ravioli Appetizer with Crab, Shrimp and mussels.

This was a special Veal ravioli appetizer.

Special Lamb Chops entree.

Veal Osso Buco.

The Beef Shortrib dumplings with port wine reduction appetizer, ordered in an entree portion.

Pork Loin Entree

Brownie dessert

Chocolate sampler dessert.