For
Immediate Release:
Nancy McDevitt
High Street Grill
P: 609-265-9199
F: 609-265-9190
E: highstreet1@verizon.net
W: www.highstreetgrill.net
Celebration and renovation marks 4th anniversary at High Street Grill
August 12, 2008. Mount Holly, NJ. Expect more when entering the High Street Grill as owners John & Nancy McDevitt diligently continue their quest to update the 200 year old space located at 64 High Street in the historic downtown of Mount Holly.
The High Street Grill is currently known for their extensive selection of Craft Beers on tap, with 10 varieties available. Beginning on Thursday, Aug. 21st, there will be a total of 16 taps, each spouting a different unique name and flavor. In addition, the restaurant's Sommelier, Nancy McDevitt, will be introducing their new Barclay Bar and preservation system which will allow the Grill to offer more than 16 premium wines by the glass. The restaurant will be featuring Flights of Wine in the tavern and dining room, for your quaffing and pairing pleasure. The bar itself will be getting a "facelift", with new back bar features, bar top and lighting provided by the craftsmen at Sun Architecture.
As food and beverage connoisseurs, the McDevitt's regularly hold beer lunches and wine dinners, so it is not surprising that for their 4th birthday they will be holding two great pairing events. Friday, August 22, there will be a Sly Fox Beer Dinner, which will include 4 courses each paired with a different draft from that brewery. The event will be hosted by Suzanne Woods of Sly Fox and attended by Gary Monterosso and his crew from "Still crazy after all these Beers", who will be taping segments that will go out to the U-Tube crowd as well as Gary's followers from his writing at the Mid-Atlantic Brewing News and his Sirius Radio show. Cost to attend the dinner is $50 per person.
Saturday night, August 23rd, will turn the attention on comparing the benefits of Brew over Vino with the "Beer VS Wine Dinner", featuring a four course menu, each paired with a beer, and a wine, and a score card! That's right….guests of the dinner will vote on their choice for the best pairing! Reservations are available for both events and can be made by calling 609-265-9199. Details and pricing on the Saturday event are available at www.highstreetgrill.net. The Grill has been going strong and John and Nancy are looking forward to more good things in Mount Holly in the coming years. To assist in that effort, Nancy has been slated to take over as President of the Greater Mount Holly Business Association effective September 2008.
What people are saying about the High Street Grill...
Dear Nancy & John, Thank you so much for all you did to make our shower special. Our guests all thought the food was delicious. The servers did a very professional job and the room was set up perfectly. Your attention to detail made for a wonderful celebration! Sincerely,
~Holly
Pearson
MAy 5, 2008
Thank you so much for making Jude and I feel so welcome on the beer tour yesterday! We had an absolute blast and it was so nice to meet such great people! Hopefully we'll be able to get back down to Mount Holly in the near future to experience the High Street Grill. Thanks again and good luck with everything!
~
Abby Phillips
August 6, 2007
Nancy & John,Thank you so much for making Jude and I feel so welcome on the beer tour yesterday! We had an absolute blast and it was so nice to meet such great people! Hopefully we'll be able to get back down to Mount Holly in the near future to experience the High Street Grill. Thanks again and good luck with everything!
~
Abby Phillips
August 6, 2007
Nancy & John, Really enjoyed our dinner at the High Street Grill this past week. Excellent food and outstanding service. Pleasure being with you. We will be back.
Thanks
for your hospitality,
~ S.D.
Sarasota, Florida
July 21, 2007
Hello Nancy and John, I visited your establishment yesterday being part of the Tokazewski baby shower. I would like to let you know that my visit there was superb! What a beautiful environment! Your customer service was excellent Nancy! And, Chef John … the food is excellent! As promised Nancy, I made copies and posted on bulletin boards your card with a note how on how much I loved my visit and the excellence of the food! We have 260 employees that work with me. I hope they all get to experience your wonderful hospitality and divine food!Thank you for a lovely afternoon.
Sincerely,
~ Dianna D
April 26, 2007
John & Nancy, What a great day, John & I had a blast! Thanks so much for arranging the day, we can't wait to do it again! I have to admit that I do have some lapses in my memory, but surpriseingly no hangover.
Thanks
again,
~ Bonnie
February 12, 2007
John & Nancy, We just wanted to thank both of you from the bottom of our hearts for the Brew Tour you both organized yesterday. Your careful planning and hard work do not go unnoticed! It is great to have restaurateurs like the two of you in the area who are dedicated to serving outstanding food & drink along with creating a great sense of community in our area. Once again, thank you.
Sincerely,
~ Jason & Megan
February 12, 2007
I just wanted to take a moment to compliment you on the delicious dinner my wife, brother and I had last night. It was out of this world. We wish you the best of luck and look forward to visiting in the future.
Brian Valachovic Thursday, December 28, 2006
(By The Artful Diner Special to nj.com November 13, 2006...)
Maybe dreams really do come true -- at least for John & Nancy McDevitt, who always entertained an intense desire to open a restaurant. And when they crossed the threshold of the 150-year-old building with its original brick interior and bi-level seating -- the former home of the long-running C.J. Muffins and several other short-lived occupants -- it was love at first sight.
Like its predecessors, the High Street Grill is a convivial gathering place for locals and out-of-towners alike, especially when the strains of blues and jazz waft gently from the attractive piano bar. But there the similarity ends. The establishment always had a spiffy feel about it; but now, under the watchful eye of Nancy McDevitt, who presides over the front of the house, the environs sparkle with style and panache. And John McDevitt's seasonally-inspired eclectic cuisine is head-and-shoulders above anything to come out of the kitchen in quite some time.
Two recent visits proved to be the best of both worlds. On our first sojourn, we sampled a special prix fixe dinner ($60.00 per person, plus tax & gratuity) in honor of the establishment's 2nd anniversary. Since a choice of two menus was offered, my wife and I had a chance to mix and match and indulge in a deliciously diverse sampling of the chef's gastronomic treasures.
Rather than "amusing the mouth," the amuse-bouche nearly overwhelmed it. Consisting of a mini crab cake topped with micro greens and sun-dried tomato bruschetta, the presentation, given the four course to follow, was entirely too copious in my book -- though undeniably delicious.
The soup course was also more than ample. The gazpacho was rife with chunks of smoked tomato, cucumber and corn, and gently nudged by just enough spice to invigorate rather than incinerate. The shellfish bisque, on the other hand, was infused with lobster, shrimp and crab, and exhibited a fabulously funky shellfish flavor softened by a hint of truffle oil.
Portion-wise (and taste-wise) the next course was right on the money. The seared foie gras was absolutely silken of countenance and garnished with a perfectly grilled sliced peach half. The real razzle-dazzle, however, was delivered by a superlative blueberry/port wine glaze. But even better were the skewers of shrimp and scallop. The single crustacean was appropriately crunchy, the bivalve succulent and meaty, and both were set on a seabed of pad Thai noodles and finished with an incredibly enticing red Thai curry.
The main course offered diners a choice of sumptuous game or Alaskan seafood mixed grills. The former headlined rack of venison, ostrich filet, and baby quail arranged around an epicenter of luscious mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. The latter featured perfectly prepared salmon and halibut filets reclining on a pillow of asparagus spears and white corn/tomato salsa. The crowning touch (literally) was a huge, tender-as-butter king crab leg.
Desserts? A decadent molten chocolate cake and homey Jersey peach and blueberry cobbler. Divergent denouements, to be sure, but both were right on the mark
I must confess, I generally find special occasion prix fixe menus somewhat disappointing. High Street Grill's 2nd anniversary bash, however, proved to be a delicious exception to the rule and an immensely satisfying dining experience.
And à la carte fare is even more impressive. You may, for example, take the exotic route with starters like "Firecracker Shrimp" with black bean/avocado salsa and perky pineapple/chipotle glaze ($8.50), or the "Mediterranean Sampler," an intriguing combo of hummus, baba ghanouj, and muhammara (a Syrian red pepper and walnut dip) garnished with feta, mixed olives, and flatbreads ($8.95).
On the other hand, even what would be considered more traditional appetizers also have their significant rewards. The baby spinach salad ($5.25) is perfectly proportioned and comes embellished with kalamata olives, chunks of sheep's milk feta, a colorful and tasty collection of pickled red onions and arrives dressed in a zippy Pommery vinaigrette that gently coats the leaves rather than inundating them.
The grilled roasted vegetables ($8.50) also have a great deal to recommend them. An artistic array of pencil point asparagus, fennel, and red pepper & eggplant strips are accompanied by yin and yang ramekins of bleu cheese fondue and smoked tomato coulis. The former, delightfully rich and creamy; the latter, sparklingly acidic.
Among the entrées, the "Jersey Shore Crab Cakes" ($23.00) are pure delight. Three golden brown cakes are set atop a pillow of sweet corn sauté and grilled asparagus spears, then drizzled with a marvelous lemon/mustard aîoli. A classic presentation.
And the same may be said for the Moroccan-spiced duck ($21.95). Tender medium rare slices are arranged around the periphery of the plate; residing at the centrum, a warm Israeli couscous salad -- awash with dried cherries, cranberries, and apricots -- and an array of sautéed spinach. The pièce de résistance, however, is a superlative port wine duck jus, which succeeds in drawing the divergent constituents together into a seamless gastronomic gestalt.
Another can't miss selection is the shrimp and scallop skewers ($24.00), which was noted above as part of the 2nd anniversary prix fixe. This is a larger version, of course, and, given the superb quality, an absolute steal at the price. Both the crustaceans and bivalves are prepared to perfection, the Asian vegetable sauté and pad Thai noodles wonderfully complementary, and the red Thai curry sauce a superlative finishing touch.
Desserts ($6.00), all homemade, continue Mr. McDevitt's excellent work. Try the down-home delicious blueberry crisp or, perhaps, the superbly textured warm apple raisin cinnamon cake partnered with a dollop of fresh cinnamon whipped cream.
The wine list is compact, but selections match up well with the cuisine. By the glass, try the light and straightforward Cavit Pinot Grigio ($6.00) or the surprisingly supple Sunrise Pinot Noir ($7.00). For something a bit more substantial, tie into the always reliable King Estate Pinot Gris ($27.00).
Kudos to John and Nancy McDevitt. The High Street Grill is a real gem... and highly recommended.
Just wanted to say that we had a great time at our ‘first’ beer lunch! (We were the ones with the vegetarian!). The food was amazing and perfectly matched to the beers. We can’t wait for the next one!
~
See you then, John
July 31, 2006
A group of us just returned from a deligthful and delicious evening at the High Street Grill in Mount Holly. Many thanks to Linda and Dennis Mazar for, once again, being superlative hosts! For those of you who haven't yet experienced the High Street Grill, definitely put it on your "must go" list. Fabulous food and drinks, live music, a warm atmosphere and attentive service. A top notch place right in our own backyards.
~
Phyllis Josephson of Deerwood Country Club Estates
May 1, 2006
My
husband and I dined at your restaurant on Saturday night. We live in Lumberton
and have often passed by, wondering what it was like. I was delighted
with everything -- the ambience, the service, the food (delicious!). We
will be back -- and I am telling everyone about this great experience
tucked away on High Street. Thank you!!
~ Mary Pat S.
Howdy,
I was in for lunch last week and had a terrific lunch--the mediterranean
sampler appetizer. The menu variety intrigued me and my waiter/bartender,
Steve, seemed very knowledgable about food and wine. Eventhough I ate
lunch by myself, I felt welcomed and relaxed. Also, as a fellow restaurant
worker, I am ecstatic to see the "restaurant worker appreciation
night". I'll make sure to tell my co-workers about Tuesday nights
at your place. Is the "Tavern" menu the same as your Dinner
menu?
Thank you for the great hummus!
Jenn Berryann
Trenton Times
High
Street Grill's food, service combine for impeccable meals
Friday, October 15, 2004
By JOAN BELKNAP
Staff Writer
Every once in a while, a restaurant comes along that is so good it makes
one forget about other dining-out experiences.
Such a restaurant is High Street Grill in Mount Holly.
The grill would be perfectly at home in Manhattan. Chef John McDevitt
has created an imaginative menu that changes seasonally. He runs the kitchen
and wife Nancy McDevitt runs the front of the house. She does that so
well that service is almost impeccable. Our helpful, enthusiastic server,
A.J., is a good example. He knew the menu and made excellent suggestions.
Housekeeping is another shining example of Nancy McDevitt's expertise.
Spotless would be the word. Associate taster Joan and I went on a Friday
night, when soft blues music is played in the bar and wafts up to the
main dining room. The room is casual with exposed red brick walls and
a smidgen of warm paneling.
The menu is grand - and may be slightly different when you read this because the chef will have gone into fall mode.
Soups this evening included a shellfish bisque with medallions of lobster, shrimp and lump crab meat, $5.95, and the soup of the day, which Joan ordered - a black bean, $4.95, which was delicious and hearty with just a touch of zip.
I started with New Brunswick Pacific oysters, $10.50 for six, tiny, delectable bivalves with two dipping sauces. One was a chili sauce and the other, a dark vinaigrette. I wish the oysters had been imbedded in ice so I could have taken my time to savor them instead of gobbling them up while they remained cold.
There were also two appetizer salads on the menu that we didn't order: a mesclun with roasted vegetables, herb croutons and balsamic vinaigrette, $4.95; and a baby spinach with Kalamata olives, sheep's milk feta, red onion and a pommery vinaigrette.
Among
other appetizers, tuna tartare, $9.95, is notable, along with a heavenly
appetizer we ordered to share - a Mediterranean sampler of hummus, babaghanoush
and a muhamarra
(a red pepper delight), plated with crumbled feta, top quality mixed olives
and crispy toasted flatbreads, $7.95.
There are two entree salads, one a chilled seafood selection with shrimp, scallops and braised fennel, fingerling potatoes and a truffled shellfish emulsion, $18.95. The other is a warm duck confit served on a brioche croustade with arugula salad and a port wine glaze, $10.95.
For entrees, Joan chose New Jersey fluke, $18.95, pan-roasted and served with new poatoes, grilled asparagus and a luscious fresh summer succotash in a delicate lobster broth. It was picture perfect and palate perfection, too.
Even better was my tender Moroccan spiced duck breast, $19.95, served medium rare, as requested, in a puddle of port wine duck jus. A mound of couscous - a large pearly kind I have never had before - was topped with sauteed spinach. The couscous contained dried cherries, cranberries and apricots. It was so wonderful, I would return just to eat that.
But I'm not finished. We ordered two of the offered desserts that take 10 minutes or so to prepare to order in a convection oven - a fresh berry crunch and a dark chocolate volcano cake (you know the kind) with the hot chocolate sauce running out. It came with a raspberry coulis and four fresh raspberries. Each dessert was $6.
We had enjoyed an espresso, $2.50, and a regular coffee, $2, while we waited.
Please
reserve.
NEW GRILL CAUSING QUITE A STIR IN MT. HOLLY
Mt. Holly, NJ, October 2, 2004. Business is growing steadily for the newest, most unique restaurant that has joined in the revitalization of historic downtown Mount Holly. Through creative menu ideas and an extensive list of options at the bar, Chef John McDevitt and his wife Nancy have been drawing crowds from outside of town by the dozens! High Street Grill, opened on August 16th and has been a welcome and refreshing venue in these parts, so they are told daily by their already loyal client base.
Patrons
from Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford and Lumberton, and even as far
away as Mantua, have come flocking in to enjoy creative New American Cuisine
in a beautiful historic yet chic atmosphere that the McDevitt’s
like to call “Comfortable Elegance”.
In addition to daily offerings of Lunch and Dinner, the McDevitt’s
have been inviting patrons to use their facility to private events, which
can be easily accommodated in their upstairs dining room, with privacy
partitions and a private bar. This idea has drawn a wedding, rehearsal
dinner, christening and bridal shower already, with holiday parties in
the works! Off premise catering is also available.
This Tuesday, October 5th, High Street Grill will host it’s first Wine Dinner, with Charlie Tomasello of Tomasello winery in Hammonton. The event is $73 per person(including tax and gratuity) and will feature 5 wines, with four courses and commentary by the winemaker and chef. This is the first of quarterly wine events that will be held at High Street Grill. In January, look forward to a California wine dinner that will know your socks off.
Take
a trip to “Oz” and meet all of your favorite characters from
the beloved classic. On Saturday, October 16th, come to the Witches Ball
in Mount Holly and follow the Yellow Brick Road to our door and be greeted
by Dorothy who will take you over the rainbow to your table. There you
will be served by Glenda the Goodwitch and the Tin Man while the Scarecrow
and Cowardly Lion make you a drink at the bar. Beware of the Wicked Witch
of the West!
Keep your ears to the radio on Saturday Morning, October 23rd, as Chef
John and Nancy appear as guests on Ed Hitzel’s Food and Dining Radio
Show. Beginning at 10 am, on WOND, 1400 AM, the couple will chare a signature
recipe and discuss their story with Ed. They will be taking your calls
until 1 pm, and look forward to sharing their recipes as well as interesting
sagas from the Restaurant Biz.
Things couldn’t be busier for the management and staff as the restaurant grows. Watch for a review from famed Restaurant Critic Joan Belknap of the Trenton Times in the next couple of weeks. She was in for dinner on October 1st and she told everyone how much she enjoyed it.
October
6th marks the beginning of the Fall Menu and with that will soon be the
arrival of some Autumn/Winter wine selections. A new art exhibit will
be brought in on October 15th, with Photography by Lou Trefz, whose work
was recently seen hanging in the Burlington County Public Library. His
edgy photos will bring in a new season at High Street Grill and the entire
staff looks forward to sharing the brilliance of this wonderful time of
year with all of their patrons.
“I
just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much my husband and I
enjoyed dining at your restaurant. We love to find places to go on our
“date night” that feel special. A friend told us about High
Street Grill in Mt. Holly and so we thought we would check it out.
Where do I start with what we liked—the specialty drinks and great
wine selection, the presentation of the meal, the combination of ingredients
and dishes that complimented the entire meal, the warm and friendly atmosphere,
topped off with a delectable homemade dessert to die for—need I
say more?
We are still talking about it! Thanks you for bringing such high standards
to our area! We will be back soon and plan to tell all our friends about
you.”
Rene R. of Muirfield Court
NEW
MT. HOLLY GRILL GOES INTO HIGH GEAR TO OPEN DOORS
Mt. Holly, NJ, July 20, 2004.
The highly anticipated opening of Mt. Holly’s High Street Grill
is soon to become a reality. Owned and operated by Chef John McDevitt
and his wife Nancy, High Street Grill will offer “New American Cuisine”
with an emphasis on fresh flavors and grilled specialties.
Several renovations of the 100 year old building have brought the restaurant
and bar into a new dimension. The kitchen has been opened up for public
viewing by patrons. This will allow customers to view the preparation
of their meals, as well as enjoy the wonderful aromas of the restaurant’s
Authentic Southern Style Smoker. Chef John will prepare his own house
smoked Salmon, as well as smoked nuts for munching at the bar.
In the tavern, the McDevitt’s have built a Piano Bar which will
be a venue for great Jazz and Blues music, while sipping a Martini from
the vast list that has been prepared. Get ready for some hot nights with
the Margarita Specials as well!
Nancy’s passion for wine is being carried over into an eclectic
wine list with selections that pair perfectly with the menu. Staff training
is now taking place to ensure that servers and bartenders are ready and
waiting with suggestions to compliment your mood as well as your meal.
The décor is taking on a new look as well. The previous feeling
of the building has been transformed to create a chic yet comfortable
atmosphere. Ceiling fans have been added to the upstairs dining room,
where patrons will be treated to white cloth service with a casual flair.
The dining room also boasts a new Service Bar, which can be divided for
parties of 30-40 people to have a private venue and their own bartender
at their event.
The entire upstairs dining room is available on Sundays for that perfect
Private Brunch Party, celebrating such events as Birthdays, Christenings
or Showers! High Street Grill also provides Catering off-premise. John
and Nancy provide an excellent catering menu, in addition to a la carte
and create dishes to suit the personal style of your event, at their venue
or yours.
The McDevitt’s hope to invite artists from the area to become a
part of their décor. They are currently seeking Photographers and
Painters that are interested in hanging their work on the exposed brick
walls. In this way, they hope to bring together all of the finer things...
great food, good wine, cool Jazz and Fine Art… in the center of
this newly energized historic district.
Mount
Holly's High Street Grill dazzles.
Masterful efforts earn newsletter's best
as printed in Ed Hitzel's Restaurant Newsletter
By Janice Gallagher
MOUNT
HOLLY- The moment I walked through the door and entered into the lower-level
dining room/bar area, I suspected that something magnificent was about
to happen. And it did. The High Street Grill in Mount Holly is aptly named
not only with regards to its address but because the meals turned-out
in this 150 year old establishment renders an absolute and intoxicating
high. Chef/
Owner John McDevitt performs what can only be de-scribed as masterful
feats when it comes to presentation, creative pairings of ingredients,
and in ultimately palate pleasing dishes.
Feeling as though I was breaking a cardinal rule and desecrating what looked to be a work of art, I hesitatingly began to forage through my baby spinach salad ($4.95). A mound of very young and therefore exceedingly tender spinach leaves, each glistening under a thin veil of pommery vinaigrette, was specked with chunks of creamy sheep's milk feta whose flavor was balanced by the briny, saltiness of kalamata olives, sweet, scarlet-colored, onions that had been steeped in the pommery vinaigrette dressing laced this perfect spring salad.
A meal in itself, the fried goat cheese and arugula salad ($10.95) turned out to be an interesting and creative diversion to the usual salad flecked with goat cheese. This more than ample dinner plate size serving overflowed with crisp, peppery arugula and was centered with a large, crunchy round of fried goat cheese. The crispy delectable outer coating gently gave way, surrendering its warm and creamy, herbed-specked center.
Our server was professionally attired completely in black except for her crisp white apron. Able to describe in detail, even the more complex specials offered on this particular evening, she not only proved to be knowledgeable and pleasant, but was quite efficient as well. In describing the dishes and in answering our impromptu questions, her delivery was done with style and grace.
The first appetizer to arrive was the marinated grilled shrimp martini ($11.95). Six large sluimp, bearing beautiful grill marks straddled the side of a martini glass which was filled with a tropical salsa. Light, refreshing and hinting of summer, the mango and pineapple combination just seems the proper accompaniment to this clever and colorful presentation.
Even more stunning in presentation was the tuna wasabi appetizer special ($9.95). Another dish so visually appealing that I almost felt an apology was necessary before launching an assault armed with knife and fork. Presented on an Asian-inspired rectangular dish, a dozen small, and very thin slices of rare, bright red tuna took center stage sided by glistening strips of vivid green seaweed. Adorning this dish was a swirl of sauce that was mild and subtly tangy at the same time. A toss of black and white sesame seeds finished off this splendid dish.
Although the fascinating menu is the main draw of patrons to The High Street Grill, just dues must also be attributed to atmosphere and to the wann and welcoming front of the house. Exposed brick walls that no doubt have been witness to a lot of history over the past 150 years contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere further embellished upon by the black and white framed photos depicting Mount Holly's rich history. White linen table clothes, flickering candles and intimately spaced tables can make for a very romantic experience. Soft jazz and soothing blues melodies lazily make their way to the upper dining room that provides a glimpse of the artist at work in the kitchen.
Co-owner, and wife of chef McDevitt, Nancy is the savvy force behind the welcoming vibes that characterize the front of the house. Although it doesn't always happen, we always appreciate it when the owner or manager makes it a point to inquire as to the patron's satisfaction. So when Nancy took the time to stop table side to make sure that everything was to our liking, we were impressed.
I can not quite ever remember being as impressed with ingredients and sauces as I was with those that comprised the striped bass special this evening ($25).
Chef McDevitt created a dish that I will long remember. It was pan seared so as to render a delicate crispiness to the skin, but prepared with an intimate appreciation for the integrity of the natural tenderness of the light and firm meat of the fish. This perfectly designed entree presented a large serving of pineapple-chipotle glazed striped bass perched atop a square of scallop and crab polenta. Although I anticipated, and would have appreciated, actual chunks of scallop and crab, the infusion of these flavors partnered well with the com meal and nicely complimented the sea bass. Crowning the sea bass was that same mildly sweet tropical salsa that married so perfectly with the marinated grilled shrimp appetizer. With its typically mild bitterness; the side of seasonal broccoli rabe gently responded to the delicate sweetness of the salsa.
The prime rib ($20) was not over-sized, but was what you would expect for the price. Roasted to an ever so slight crispiness on the outsIde, the center was perfectly deep pink in color and effortlessly yielded to the prodding of the knife and fork. And who would ever have thought to add a swirl of red wine butter sauce to the plate? This meat and potato lover's staple was accompanied by a mound of creamy mashed potatoes and a side of sweet, sautéed baby spinach.
Our server saw to it that our water glasses were always full and that fresh ground pepper was offered without our asking. Perceptive as she was efficient, she did not allow the bread basket to become even near-empty before she produced another wonderful assortment of warm rolls, some sprinkled with whole grains and crunchy seeds. It's the little things like a plate of home made chive butter rounds, like crisp linen napkins, and like the feeling that your enjoyment is the most important thing in the world to the staff that makes restaurants like The High Street Grill stand out.
All desserts are home made. Even the raspberry sorbet ($6) is home made. Gatta get the recipe for this one! Three scoops of the deepest red raspberry sorbet I have ever seen arrived ringed with paper-thin pineapple and cantaloupe spears and perfectly ripe, sliced strawberries. The raspberry sorbet had a smooth creamy texture, was loaded with flavor, and yet proved light and refreshing.
Why is anything chocolate always such a welcoming conclusion to a meal? Historically, it seems that man has had an obsession with chocolate. Besides the ancient Greeks and Romans who lauded chocolate for its aphrodisiac qualities, chocolate was viewed as almost hallowed i by primitive Mexican societies who believed that it was given to man by the gods as a blessing.
And so, being no less human than our ancestors, we ordered what we were told was simply chocolate cake. Simply chocolate cake? An understatement, to be sure. We were taken by surprise when this dessert arrived. But I must admit that unexpected surprises like this are easy to digest. The anticipated unpretentious dessert ($6) turned out to be a small round of rich, dark chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar, all sitting in a swirl of creme anglaise. The wonder of this dessert doesn't stop there. Down the middle of the sweet creme anglaise ran a ribbon of radiant red strawberry sauce that echoed with freshly picked flavor. AND, that's not all. Totally unexpected was as eruption of warm chocolate lava that streamed out of the center of this airy chocolate perfection.
Besides offering a varied menu that includes entrees like herb marinated chicken breast ($18.95), Moroccan spiced duck ($19.95), chili rubbed New York sirloin ($23.95), and wild mushroom lasagna ($18.95), to mention just a few, you can also go a little wild and order the grilled ostrich filet ($24.95), a regular on the menu. The menu is not the only thing that offers variety and contrasting flavors.
In contrast to the quiet, intimate non-smoking dining room on the upper level, the downstairs dining room is a place that makes you feel comfortable socializing while enjoying a cocktail before your meal. The modem, well stocked martini-like bar runs the length of the street level room and adds an eclectic aura to this historic eatery. This part of the house looks like the perfect spot to imbibe with friends after a long, hard day on the job. Upon our arrival, we were cheerily welcomed by the bartender and then again as we passed by to leave, he made sure to ask us to come back again. It was such a pleasant experience to ' dine where it seems like the servers, the bartenders and everyone else is as happy to tend to your needs as you are , to be there. Therefore, kudos to The High Street Grill, and congratulations on being added to Ed Hitzel's Excellence List.
Just
The Facts
Name: The High Street Grill.
Address: 64 High Street, Mount Holly
Phone: (609) 265-9199.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Website: www.highstreetgrill.net
Liquor license: Yes.
Credit cards: Most major.
Between you and me: Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy live entertainment
on the weekends.
Ratings:
Food: 8
Service: 8
