Everything is Peachy at the Frog and the Peach
This years peach season has been a little topsy turvy due to the weather, but it looks like it sorted out just in time for National Peach Month (August). This month I was very fortunate to visit the Frog and the Peach, and got to try everything on their peach inspired menu.
This was my first visit to the Frog and the Peach, located on Dennis St in the downtown New Brunswick area. Myself and other writers in NJ were hosted by the fabulous team at Victory Public Relations. My impression of the restaurant before hand was that it was very expensive and only meant for special occasions, but I was very happy to see first hand that is not the case! In addition to their “fancier” fare, the restaurant has a great menu featuring pizzas, sandwiches, tacos which you can get at the bar (fantastic happy hour deals too!) or throughout the restaurant. They also offer prix fixed lunches and dinners in addition as well as a pre-theater menu. Of course you can also go for a special occasion, including a wedding! The restaurant is beautiful inside and out.
We were lucky enough to sit outside and it was really nice. I felt like I was in the South!
On to the food…
We tried some amazing appetizers like their chickpea fries (one of the best things I’ve ever eaten!) and their Olive Tapenade (pictured). Their bread is also pretty amazing too, but don’t fill up or you won’t have room for anything else!
Their Peach Tasting menu is five courses. We also got to try the food paired with their Rose tasting, which I highly recommend if you’re a wine aficionado.
First Course: Peach Carpaccio; Crispy Duck Confit, Spiced Almonds, Arugula, Prosecco Vinaigrette. Paired with Alice Prosecco Rosato ‘Osé’, Italy
Second Course: Grilled Shrimp; Curry Yogurt Marinade, Basmati Rice, Ginger Peach Vinaigrette. Paired with Domaine de la Prébende, Beaujolais Rosé Burgundy, France 2015
Third/Main Course: Pan Roasted Squab; Pancetta Wrapped Grilled Peaches, Herb Polenta, Zinfandel Reduction. Paired with Bruno Clair Marsannay Rosé, Burgundy, France, 2014
Fourth/Cheese Course: Peaches & Burrata; Roasted Peppers, Lemon, Black Pepper Honey. Paired with Chateau Gassier ‘Le Pas du Moine’ , Côtes de Provence Rosé, France, 2015
Fifth Course/Dessert: Baked Alaska; Raspberry Meringue, Peach Ice Cream, Basil. Paired with Falesco Pomele Rosso Dolce, Umbria, Italy, 2014
This was a beautifully put together dinner with fantastic wine and food. As you can see, all the food was gorgeously plated and paired delectably with their Rose. We were also very fortunate to meet Executive Chef Bruce Lefebvre who has owned the restaurant since 2012. The staff at the Frog and the Peach went above and beyond to provide us with fantastic service as well.
In summation, this was a night to remember at the Frog and the Peach. It was my first time visiting, but it won’t be my last!
Basic Information on the Frog and the Peach:
About (Via their Website): The Frog and The Peach was founded in downtown New Brunswick, NJ in 1983 by husband and wife team Jim Black and Betsy Alger, both Rutgers University graduates. The restaurant occupies an old industrial building (c. 1876) located at 29 Dennis Street, which originally housed printing presses for the local paper, The Home News. It was later used for various types of manufacturing, and was last used as a leather suitcase handle factory. Pioneering the redevelopment and subsequent renaissance of New Brunswick, they carefully gutted and renovated the space to create a multi-leveled contemporary restaurant that reflects the spirit of its industrial roots.
In April 2012, Executive Chef Bruce Lefebvre purchased the restaurant from Betsy and Jim. Lefebvre is known for his modern take on American Cuisine and for staying true to the authenticity of The Garden State’s world class agriculture and fisheries. He combines his classical training from The Culinary Institute of America with an eagerness to explore and share influences and ingredients from cuisines throughout the United States and the world. “The Frog has always been proud to highlight local ingredients,” says Chef Bruce. “In fact, 30 years ago, Betsy’s first menu had on it an Arugula Salad with Hunterdon County Goat Cheese, Walnut Oil and Champagne Vinegar (menu price $4!).”
The Frog and The Peach has received critical praise for its fine food, extensive and approachable selection of wines, genuine hospitality and ambiance. It was named New Jersey’s Best “All Around” restaurant, been selected for inclusion in “America’s Top Tables”, and was most recently selected as one of New Jersey Monthly’s “Top 25 Restaurants in 2013″. The Frog is repeatedly chosen as among the most popular restaurants in the state by the Zagat Survey.
The restaurant’s unique name comes from the title of a Dudley Moore and Peter Cook comedy routine about a restaurant in the Scottish moors that served only Frogs and Peaches — a culinary concept that was never considered for the restaurant!
Address: 29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ
Phone: (732) 846-3216
