We ended my birthday weekend with a spectacular dinner at Cafe Matisse. We haven’t been here in over 7 years (since we got married). This is still one of the top restaurants in NJ. I haven’t been to Nicholas, but I would guess this is on par with that restaurant. Chef Loria is a true artist! It is strictly a tasting menu (any 3, 4, or 5 items). Normally you would order 2, 3, or 4 savory dishes and one dessert, but we ordered 3 savory dishes, with no dessert, for an additional $10.00. It is very expensive, so would be considered more of a special occasion restaurant (unless you are rolling in dough 
) We dined with some friends, and these are the magnificent items we had:
Asiago Glazed Shrimp w/ Lobster Meat
Spring Pea and Macadamia Nut Risotto, Dollop of Pea Mint Pesto, Asiago Cream Jus, Asiago Shards
Roasted Beet Tartare & Imported Burrata Cheese
Peaches Wrapped in Speck Ham, Dollop of Peach Ginger Jam, Peach Vinaigrette, Vanilla Yogurt, Black Pepper Maple Jus, Baby Greens
Cilantro Lime Shrimp & Crab Cocktail with Yellow Tomato Confit
Spicy Tomato Horseradish Gazpacho, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Rolled in Cilantro Crema, Cucumber & Red Onion Julienne, Baby Greens
Panko Crusted Fried Artichoke
Creamy Sage Feta, Heirloom Cherry Tomato and Thinly Sliced Red Onion Tossed in Olive Oil, Spicy Tomato Jam, Speck Ham, Sage Vinaigrette, Chopped Arugula, Balsamic Pearls & Jus
Panko Crusted Crab Cake & Cheddar Glazed Shrimp
Chipotle Honey Glazed Cornbread, Cheddar Cheese, Dollop of Spicy Crab Relish, Guacamole, Fried Jalapeno Cheddar Popper, Chipotle Mayo Vinaigrette, Cheddar Glace’
Pan Seared Scallops
Toasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Foie Gras Truffle, Pineapple Shortbread, Toasted Banana, Coconut Yogurt Jus, Mango Vinaigrette
Pan Seared Muscovy Duck Breast
Cherry Balsamic Demi Glazed Short Ribs, Parsnip Risotto, Pecan Fritter, Black Cherry Ginger Marmalade, Cherry Vinaigrette, Foie Gras Jus
Pan Roasted American Lamb Loin
Goat Cheese Pine Nut Fritter, Chorizo Jam, Hummus, Eggplant Tapenade, Drizzle of Red Pepper Vinaigrette, Lemon Yogurt Jus, Mango Vinaigrette
Pan Seared Bronzed Chilean Sea Bass
Wild Rice Lentil Croquette Pancake, Apricot Ancho Chili Mustard Vinaigrette, Apricot Glazed Carrots, Apricot Ginger Jam, Julienne Scallion
