The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition January February 2015

Dining Out www.theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 18 ***/ "' #",&1 ) %&/ #! ***/ "' #",& ' % " %) / #! 2 -- 2 ) %, 2 " 1 " % -- * ' #" '#$$ " 3 8/88 +$ % & 6064047 % ! & ' % " #"' ' (& #% ", # ,#(% ' % " " & / . +$ % & 6064047 (, " "" % ' 5" "" % 405 GALLOP ASIAN BISTRO 793 US Rt 202 North Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 210-9161 By: Keli Gabinelli Ed Sotto The new management at Gallop Asian Bistro is offering patrons of Som- erset County a fresh perspective on Chi- nese cuisine and fine dining. The Asian Fusion restaurant, open since July 2013, has been under the management of Chef Ed Sotto since this past November. Sotto and the staff of Gallop are work- ing to change the reputation of Chinese food from the “take-out go-to” to a more sophisticated, elegant opportunity to interact with culture at the table with- out having to break the bank. The menu, the atmosphere and the service at Gal- lop complete the perfect mixture of con- temporary yet classic, foreign yet familiar and upscale yet affordable. The ambience of Gallop is friendly and inviting, with a rustic feel and a chic aesthetic. High walls surround each round table booth, spiraling around the center of the dining room while provid- ing privacy and creating an intimate din- ing experience. The art on the walls tell the centuries-old tale of the restaurant’s namesake in hand-painted murals by Tibetan artist Ya Fu. Ya Fu’s art reflects the legendary tale of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, his counselor Chang and “the Flying Horses.” The large banquet room with a grand fireplace and tiled floors is the perfect place for parties or corporate events. Gallop is not any old Chinese-take-out-place, rather an upscale establishment with a prestigious reputa- tion among local Asian communities look- ing for authentic Chinese cuisine. General Manager Ed Sotto, always joking at his apparent “Italian-ness,” humorously ensures all customers that despite this cultural difference, it is pre- cisely what helps Gallop appeal and attack the non-Asian market. One of Sotto’s top priorities as the new manager at Gallop is to bridge the cultural divide between the American palette and Chi- nese tradition. As a chef for over 20 years, Sotto understands what the Amer- ican customers want and need. He has also been featured as a chef on Food- Network and other reality culinary shows. Gallop’s cuisine is a fusion of tradi- tional Chinese specialties and modern American-Chinese food. An assortment of Sushi is also available on the menu, made to order exclusively at the Sushi Bar. The “Gallop Fish,” a whole Tilapia in a cilantro and peanut sauce is the top Seafood item on the menu, followed by the “Chong Bei Fish.” The “Tea Smoked Duck,” or “Spicy Beef and Tofu” are popular choices for meat-lovers. The menu also features extensive vegetarian options to accommodate non-meat eaters. For diners interested in authentic Chinese cuisine, Gallop offers items like “Signature Szechuan Spicy Hot Pots.” The authenticity of Gallop’s Szechuan style food is what makes it a popular choice for the Asian communities of Bridgewater and surrounding areas. The Chef at Gallop prepares every dish just as it would be made at home in China, insisting the Spicy Hot Pots are one of the most delicious and authentic the kitchen has to offer. For those more interested in the Americanized Chinese- food options, Gallop offers new twists on traditional take-out-favorites, items like General Tso’s chicken or fried rice. In the future, Gallop is hoping to expand the menu to encompass a Thai cuisine fusion as well. Sotto is confident that his expertise will help Gallop expand upon its clien- tele, and define Gallop as an upscale and affordable spot that ought to be enjoyed with friends and family. Orders can be made To-Go at Gallop, however, don’t make the mistake of lumping Gallop in with other Chinese-take-out spots; it is far from this type of establish- ment! Details on Catering, Parties, and Corporate Events are available online at gallopbistro.com, in addition to more information about Gallop as a center of Art, community, and culture. Gallop is open seven days a week, 11:30am- 9:30pm Monday through Thursday; Fri- day and Saturday until 10:30pm, and Sundays until 9:00pm, call for your reser- vation today! Open 7 Days: Mon-Fri. 6:30 am - 5 pm, Sat. 7 am - 5 pm, Sun. 7 am - 3 pm 161 Main Street • Peapack, NJ • 908.781.5554 www.cocoluxepastry.com Serving European Style Pastries, Housemade Croissants & Breakfast Pastries, Wedding Cakes, Tarts, Cookies, Assorted Truffles & Confections, Soups, Sandwiches, Quiches. All Cakes and Pastries Made from Scratch. Valentine’s Menu Available Online