By Veronique Deblois
Since Morris Tap & Grill opened its doors in July 2011, it has won a loyal clientele of craft beer lovers. Since the neighborhood hot spot hired Food Network Chopped Champion Chef Eric LeVine in January 2012, it has now won the hearts of local foodies as well. (Deal Alert: Check out the Deal for Morris Tap & Grill running now on 3SquareDeals.com. Very limited quantity, so don’t hesitate.)
The menu is creative and focused on food that pairs well with beer. “The menu was developed with many things in mind. First variety for our diners. Second seasonality and using as much local farms as we can. We wanted to create a menu where guests can come in and have a fun and unique experience every time they come to Morris Tap & Grill. Maybe they are in the mood just to pick on foods while they enjoy a glass of wine or one of our 100 craft brews, well we have a variety of flatbreads, crostinis and mason jar pâtés to satisfy that guest,” says Morris Tap & Grill Chef and Partner, Eric LeVine. “…We offer a wide variety of steaks, chops and outside the box seafood items and then there is our burger bash section. All hand-crafted creative burgers for any palate to choose from. We offer cuisine that has something for everyone and within every budget so people can come back often,” continues Chef LeVine.
The beer selection at Morris Tap & Grill is likely the most extensive one can find in New Jersey. There are 24 beers on draught and 75 in bottles with some well-known names and some more interesting ones like Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot, Otter Creek Spring Bock, Victory Golden Monkey and Ommegang Three Philosophers. There is a wine list, but wine is not what it is about at Morris Tap & Grill – beer is queen.
The Chef LeVine’s new gastro-pub menu offers a creative way to present pub favorites. On a recent visit, our party savored the Duck Meatballs ($13) – served over creamy polenta with Marsala jus, the Chicken Liver Parfait ($7.50) – served in a mini mason jar with toasted bread, the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese ($14.50) – made with Cotswold and Cheddar cheeses and the Pappardelle with Tender Beef Short Rib in Red Wine Sauce ($15). The duck meatballs were tender and moist with the jus perfectly complimenting the meat. The chicken liver parfait was a smooth-as-silk version of its pâté relative, served in mini mason jars – adorable and delicious. The macaroni and cheese was flavorful and served in a generous portion but the lobster was used very sparingly and I would again order the mac & cheese, but without the crustacean in it. The pappardelle was cooked well and there was a large serving of tender short rib served with it.
Chef LeVine’s burger selection will please any palate with favorites like the Baconator ($14.50) – ground triple-ground meat, applewood bacon, cipollini onion marmalade and crumbled blue cheese, the Short Rib Burger ($12.50) – red onion, bacon marmalade, Fontina cheese and radish and the Black Truffle Burger ($14.50) – brie, crispy pancetta and romaine. On my last visit, I opted for the Baconator and paired it with Troegs Troegenator beer – a winning formula.
Dessert options, although they sounded delicious, were sort of an afterthought after such a hearty meal.
Whether going for Sunday brunch, a beer and appetizer at the bar (ask for beyond-friendly bartender Megan), for a complete meal in the large dining room or to celebrate a special occasion at the exclusive chef’s table located in the bustling kitchen, Morris Tap & Grill is on its way to becoming the go-to craft beer mecca with solid food in Morris County.
Don’t miss the deal on 3SquareDeals. Click here.
500 Route 10 West
Randolph, NJ 07869
(973) 891-1776
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am – 1 am
Sun 11:30 am – 12 am
Cheers,
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.
