554-556 Allen Rd.
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
908-470-1200
By Joanne Kleinle
There is a new restaurant in Basking Ridge that is the essence of the town itself. Just like its zip code, it is high-end without losing its welcoming neighborhood feel. It gives you sophisticated dishes and great presentation without forgetting its roots in good taste and healthy portions. The restaurant? blu crete on Allen Road in The Hills.
Nick Mavraj loves this town. He has lived here for 20 years. His kids go to school here. He even developed the idea of blu crete when he was bringing his son to a martial arts class in the shopping plaza and he saw the space available. He knew what the neighborhood needed and blu crete was born.
The name blu crete is derived from the french word for “Ridge.” Nick wanted a neighborhood restaurant that mirrored the neighborhood he loves. The menu has a range of diverse dishes like duck confit, sushi pizza, grilled shrimp, and hanger steak. It even has sushi and raw bar, but when you walk in the feeling is not cold or urban. It is welcoming, just like Nick and the town itself. Nick believes in treating his customers like guests and he is always open to accommodating their needs. He has no problem customizing dishes or allowing customers to order off the menu if he is able to accommodate them.
blu crete opened its doors in December and since then word has spread about the great menu, the fresh, local ingredients, and the great vibe. There is something for everyone. Vegetarian? There are a number of options including vegetable ravioli and a Tagliatelle Bolognese with a Vegetable Beef Ragu that would convert even the most ardent carnivore. The fresh pasta is a favorite in all of its many different variations on the menu, with gluten-free and whole wheat options also available upon request. The full menu is available on the website at www.https://blucretebistro.net, but there are additional specials every night.
If you love the dinners, you should also try the pre-fixe lunch. In addition to a lunch menu that ranges from fish to pasta to salads, blu crete has a pre-fixe lunch option- three courses for only $34. It is a great excuse to break away during the day to reconnect with friends. Although the posted hours are for lunch and dinner, upon request, blu crete has already hosted quite a few early breakfast and brunch parties and worked with the host to create a memorable meal. The restaurant has two rooms- one room for parties up to 50 people and the other up to 85 people, so you can host a fabulous get-together and let blu crete do the work!
If you love good food and a welcoming atmosphere, you have to check out Basking Ridge’s latest restaurant – blu crete. It is BYOB so bring your own bottle if you choose to, but let them take care of the rest! Call 908-470-1200 for a reservation today.