Where Quality Is Not Sacrificed For the Early Birds

Amanda’s is a beautiful restaurant in a renovated brownstone with a long main dining room and smaller dining rooms to the sides. The service is stellar without being at all pretentious, and the commitment to quality is evident in each course. It is as if they are intentionally striving to be the finest restaurant in NJ.

While the space, service and menu exude romance and it is a great date spot, I’ve also been there for group celebrations as well as with school-aged children. Two couples I know have even rented the downstairs for their small wedding receptions. The brunch is wonderful and their main dinner menu is also excellent, but the best deal in town is by far the “early bird.”

How much would you expect to pay for a three course meal in one of Jersey’s quality restaurants? Well if you go to Amanda’s in Hoboken, Monday-Saturday at 5:00 or 5:30, you will only pay . . . are you ready for this? $14.00. They also offer a bottle of their house wine for $20. So for under $50 plus tax and tip you can finely dine with wine, appetizer, entrée and dessert.

The server will always pull the chair out for you as you are seated at a pre-set table. The dishes are decorative only and are removed once you place your order. The water glasses are always kept full and you often aren’t even aware they are being filled. If you leave the table to use the restroom or take a phone call, you will find that in your absence, your napkin was neatly folded and placed at your setting. Almost as soon as you are seated, a server comes around with a basket of warm rolls and uses tongs to place one on each bread plate.

For my first course, I chose the chilled melon soup that had hints of pineapple and pesto. It was a little different from anything I’ve ever tasted, but in a good way. Chris ordered the salad which is served with goat cheese and raisins over baby mixed greens and endive.

Because they don’t have a vegetarian option for the early bird dinner, I chose the Flounder stuffed with duxalles (which I found out is a mixture of shallots and mushrooms sautéed in butter) and wrapped in cabbage leaves. It was served over white rice in a cream sauce. I did think the rice could have cooked another couple of minutes but the flavors were still wonderful. Chris enjoyed his short ribs and was impressed that they were boneless. It was served over mashed potatoes and root vegetables with gravy.

We both ordered the chocolate mousse for dessert (other choices were apple strudel and key lime pie). It was served on a plate and encased in a chocolate cup. The mousse was topped with whipped cream, a halved strawberry and a mint sprig. It was a perfect dessert.

We left feeling very satisfied. The portions are just right, so even after a three course meal that included a rich dessert, we didn’t feel overly full.

Even if you can’t make it for the early bird special, I strongly recommend you find a special occasion to go to Amanda’s.

Amanda’s
908 Washington Street
Hoboken
(201) 798-0101
www.amandasrestaurant.com

— by Melissa H.
Melissa has lived in Hudson County for 16 years. She is passionate about issues of faith and social justice, politics, and creative wholesome vegetarian cooking.

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