Coda Gets the Spotlight in Star-Ledger

Maplewood's dining spots are having a good week.

A very good week.

On Monday, but the entire Maplewood restaurant scene.

Today, the Star-Ledger features a rather glowing review of Coda Kitchen & Bar in Maplewood Village as well as some very nice descriptions of Maplewood itself. Point of fact, the article starts off as follows:

Maplewood has long been considered a refuge for New Yorkers who yearn for a bit more real estate. So much so that this little Jersey village sometimes feels like a miniature Manhattan neighborhood.

And ending just so:

People who live in Maplewood feel lucky to do so. Coda is another good reason for that.

The Ledger rates food highly, stating that chef Luke Finn takes "American dinner favorites on a clever little adventure." The crisping on grilled meatloaf gives it "a decadent edge, yet it remains remarkably light, for meatloaf." While the crab and artichoke bisque "was flavorful; the tastes of crab and artichoke both distinct and true." Desserts "impressed" — "A maple blueberry cookie parfait ($5) seemed like an odd combination, but was light, creamy and distinctive. Silky crème brulee ($5) was perfectly crisped."

Read the full review here.