I am always in search of the perfect burger. It's not that I don't enjoy haute cuisine or ethnically diverse food, its just that sometimes a great juicy burger and perfectly done fries are all I crave. Maybe it's a throwback to childhood or simply that a burger and fries is my type of comfort food.
In my ongoing search, I found that the Red Oak Grille, located in The Hills at the New Jersey National Golf Club, hosts "Burger Paradise" every Wednesday. With 11 different hamburgers, 4 specialty burgers (2 for non meat eaters), 7 different sauces, assorted cheeses and 5 side dishes to choose from, it was calling my name.
New Jersey National is one of two private county clubs in Bernards Township that open their restaurants to the public (the other being Basking Ridge Country Club with the Bamboo Grill).
Expecting a sparse crowd in the middle of the week, we were surprised to find all of the stools occupied around the large U-shaped bar. Additional bar seating was available by a rail against the wall and an adjacent lounge offered tables, chairs and cozy nooks. We opted for a cozy nook. With red oak hard wood floors and warm red brick walls the atmosphere was very pub-like and in keeping with our Burger themed evening.
"Burger Paradise" was introduced by Executive Chef Oliver Filley only recently but has been well received. According to our waiter, people come in specifically for it. The menu hosts imaginatively conceived recipes like the Santa Fe Burger, with Pepper jack cheese, roasted poblano, avocado relish & chipotle mayonnaise, on a toasted brioche and a Spicy Lamb Burger, seasoned lamb and feta cheese served with lettuce and tomato in a pita pocket. There are also more classic renditions such as the ROG Burger and a Crab Cake Burger.
Each burger is accompanied with the diner's selection of a side dish: french fries, onion rings, salad, cole slaw and pickle and all tap beers are $1 off (Guinness, Bass, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Stella Artois, Yuengling Lager and Coors Light).
Given the Chef's background, it should be no surprise that our meal was delicious. Chef Filley trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City and worked at some of the area's most notable restaurants including The Bernards Inn, Tewksbury Inn, Long Valley Brew Pub and Chatfield's.
On the recommendation of our waiter, we ordered the Garlic Calamari appetizer ($11). True to his word, this dish would make many non-calamari lovers into converts. Crisply fried with spicy cherry peppers in a garlic infused oil, and drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction, it surprised the palate with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. Served in a large bowl, it could have served as a standalone entree.
A salad is one of the side dishes included in the Burger Paradise menu and we shared the Caesar Salad. Topped with a parmesan crisp and lightly dressed it was done properly - not drowning in an excess of dressing. We also shared an order of fries since what is a burger without the fries! They too were done expertly, fresh, crisp and hot.
For our first venture at the Red Oak Grille we ordered beef burgers, the ROG ($11) and the Kobe Beef ($16). Served on Brioche rolls and easily two inches thick they were just the right pink in the center and dripping with melted cheese. With some freshly tapped Guinness and a glass of Mark West Pinot Noir ($8.50), the evening was everything we had hoped for.
The Red Oak Grille does offer a full a la carte menu and wine list as well. Prices are reasonable and based on our experience with "Burger Paradise," the other dishes are probably well worth trying.
