Nicole’s 10, which opened in 2007 in Randolph, offers casual dining in an upscale atmosphere. The restaurant is located in an unassuming shopping center in Morris County and wows guests with its welcoming vibe as they walk in. The space is warm and comfortable without feeling formal. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and its ingredients and can make solid recommendations to diners overwhelmed by all the tempting options.
The restaurant’s name is derived from Chef Nicole’s nine fresh menu fish options plus one nightly fish special. The selections range from classic favorites like the seafood pot pie ($23) and broiled scallops ($24) to modern creations like the Drunken Sailor ($24), a medley of Belgian tempura shrimp in Malibu rum sauce, coconut sea scallops in Kahlua-citrus reduction and crabby-lobster balls with a touch of Midori-lime coulis and the Lighthouse Lobster, Crab and Shrimp ($22), three shrimp-stuffed crab / lobster cakes on guard amidst a sea of lobster and lemon basil bisque served with a savory seafood risotto and sautéed spinach streaked with raspberry reduction. A favorite on the night I visited, was the Coastal Lobster and Shrimp ($21), sautéed shrimp and lobster, Prosciutto de Parma, sweet peas, and reduced plum tomato in a savory roasted-garlic Sherry shrimp broth with rosemary, herbs and pecorino over penne.
Non-seafood items that are diner-favorites are the Kobe Burger ($18), nearly a pound of Tajima Black Wagyu beef, smoked applewood bacon, port-wine cheddar, caramelized onion and all the toppings and the Wild Boar Campagonola ($19), a platter of Lancaster-farmed chicken, wild boar-merlot / cranberry sausage, braised French onion, silver dollar mushrooms, sun-dried tomato and broccoli in a caramelized demi-garlic emulsion tossed with penne. The menu also boasts an extensive selection of Certified Angus Beef served with a medley of butters for the meat lovers who frequent Nicole’s 10.
Although unlikely after such a copious meal, those who save room for desserts can satisfy their sweet tooth with the Chocolate Indulgence, an over-the-top chocolate cake concoction, the Raspberry Bomb, raspberry sorbet coated in chocolate and a variety of other sorbets on the menu.
The restaurant showcases a full bar, somewhat of a novelty for Morris County, and features ten wines by the glass, an affordable wines by the bottles list and perhaps one of the most extensive and creative craft beer menu around.
After sampling Nicole’s 10 Executive Chef and Owner, Nicole Ann Dabal’s food, you’ll agree that a woman’s place is indeed in the kitchen. An Institute of Culinary Education (I.C.E.) for Culinary Arts graduate and French cooking enthusiast, Chef Nicole insists on fresh, high quality ingredients in her kitchen. With the support of Head Chefs, Christopher M. Masey and Luis Ocampo, Chef Dabal prepares solid food from a creative menu that rivals many restaurants east of the Hudson River.
Nicole’s 10
246 Route 10 West
Randolph, NJ 07869
973-442-9311
www.nicolesten.com
Dinner
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00PM – 10:00PM
Friday & Saturday: 5:00PM – 10:30PM
Sunday: 5:00PM – 9:00PM
Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie. Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.
