Hidden behind a wine shop, this Rutherford classic has been wowing diners with its romantic atmosphere and sensational food. Café Matisse is the go-to place for an intimate, romantic dinner with a special someone. Service is attentive and unobtrusive and the food is fresh, flavorful and filling. Instead of traditional appetizers and entrees, all of the dishes on the Café Matisse menu are “grazer portions” – something akin to tapas, these small plates are great for sharing and can be ordered as a three-course or four-course meal. Some of the most popular options include the incredible tasso ham fried oysters, the peppered beef tenderloin over fingerling potato salad, and the great scallops. Desserts are great as well – don’t miss the almond crème brulee. When the weather warms up, they open the patio seating in the lush outdoor garden. Café Matisse is a BYOB restaurant, but you can just pick up a bottle from the attached wine shop.
Café Matisse
167 Park Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 935-2995
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-matisse-rutherford
Recognized five years in a row as “one of the best performing arts centers in South Jersey” by the Courier Post, the Mainstage Center for the Performing Arts brings an appreciation and respect for art and culture to the South Jersey community. Mainstage puts on first rate productions of both original, unique shows, and timeless Broadway hits like The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and The Music Man. Classes are also offered regularly, including lessons in digital photography, Zumba fitness, tap dancing, acting, and more—click here for the schedule. Since 1989, the Mainstage Center has maintained a Summer Stage program that gives thousands of young people the chance to learn and master the performing arts. Click here to learn more and register for the 2010 season.
Mainstage Center for the Arts
127 Shire Drive
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 589-7710
www.mainstage.org
Clydz prides itself on serving creative food and drink to its diverse mix of patrons (from Rutgers students to sophisticated clientele). Beloved for its extensive martini list—made to taste or suggested based on your preferences—the restaurant also serves wine and classic cocktails to complement its dinner and bar menus. Food choices tend toward modern eclectic cuisine, with appetizers like thinly sliced ostrich loin over watercress, or kiwi mussels in a bean and artichoke stew rounding out heftier options like venison flank steak with rattlesnake-rabbit sausage. Be sure to leave room for dessert—which leans more toward the classic than the outlandishly unique—like peach and blueberry pie or bittersweet chocolate truffle cake.
Clydz
55 Paterson St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 846-6521
www.clydz.com
If Hairspray and Les Miserables make your heart sing and your eyes sparkle, then it’s time to queue up for a ticket to the Paper Mill Playhouse. Discovering and training emerging young actors is part of their mission, so their shows offer a great opportunity to see a budding young Broadway star before they hit the bright lights of New York City. This season’s roster of musical performances includes Disney’s Newsies, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Boeing-Boeing, Damn Yankees, and Once on This Island. Sign the kids up for their weekend Children’s Theatre Series, featuring interactive performances that are both educational and entertaining.
Paper Mill Playhouse
222 Brookside Drive
Millburn, NJ 07041
(973) 376-4343
