The Food Spy: Surprising Colts Neck Newcomer… Union Jacques

FEATURED PHOTO: Union Jacques in Colts Neck

Located in the quaint spot that used to be Christopher’s on Route 34 in Colts Neck, one stumbles upon a delicious experience provided by Athena Anderson and Aprile Ferrer-Taylor, two chefs who met in culinary school. The French and New England twist on several delicious canapes was a glimpse of tasty fare to come. The scallops seared to a caramelized exterior crunch and creamy inside were accented by a mild sauce. Beef sliced thin and placed on a crusty baguette gave meat lovers a taste of top shelf cuisine. The mini crab cakes with Remoulade had a nice crisp to them and a tangy finish. The dainty dessert samples made us want to come in for a full meal. It is about time that the space left in the village across from Delicious Orchards hummed with the sounds of a kitchen again. It’s a beautifully hidden spot with good access and parking and serves not only dinner, but breakfast and lunch.

Our return trip to the now open restaurant was just as enjoyable. The dining area is crisp and spacious with a fireplace at one end for chilly nights. We were quickly seated and treated to a complimentary appetizer and plenty of fresh, crusty bread. The unsalted whipped butter served with Hawaiian black sea salt was an interesting surprise. Our smartly dressed and smiley server gave us some insight as we scanned a variety of French dishes on the seasonal Winter Menu. We opted for the French onion soup and house-made pasta for our appetizers. The soup was traditional and delicious, which was served in an iridescent blue cast iron Le Creuset bowl with a lid keeping the soup toasty for the duration. The topping of baguette and gruyere gave a nice contrast in flavor. The squid-inked fettuccine with lump crab and cauliflower had a light, creamy touch and excellent mix of textures – we can only label it “out of this world”.

Having already been impressed, we moved on to our main course. The Vegetarian looked like a nice light mixture of vegetables and sides, but the quintessential Coq Au Vin would ultimately be our choice. The Boeuf Bourguignon and Pan Seared Sole looked like viable alternatives we will try on our next visit with an Angus Prime Rib rounding out the Mains on the neatly balanced list. Purple potato confit, roasted shallots, shitake mushrooms and spaetzle accompany the chicken in the Coq Au Vin. The chicken was done with the right amount of crisp on the skin and juiciness in the meat.  The dish had an impressive amalgam of tastes from the delicate sauce to the spaetzle as a bed, I particularly liked the color contrast with the purple potatoes. Much thanks to host Alan Page as an attentive, yet unobtrusive presence during the experience. Alan made sure that our comments were heeded quickly and quietly.

The plates were filling, but we had to try some dessert from a balanced list of temptations. I would have loved to try the Chocolate Beet Cake, but thought the praline, Crème fraiche and citrus segments would overwhelm me. Instead, we opted for the Blueberry Black Tea Crème Brulee. The crunchy caramelized sugar topping and creamy base is heavenly if done correctly, and yes, this was a little ramekin of above the clouds scrumptiousness. Paired with a couple cups of French pressed coffee and mulled cider, and we were completely sated. We left with a chocolate treat and some great food memories.

Our next visit is planned with friends so we can try the balance of the menu, as I have heard from several foodies the breakfast/lunch offerings are just as enticing. Try this new entry into the Colts Neck area food scene for a truly enjoyable experience. Bon Appetit!

Union Jacques is a BYOB and located at 317 Route 34N in Colts Neck directly across from Delicious Orchards in the Colts Towne Plaza adjacent to Windsor Art Gallery (another local gem), and can be reached at 732.414.6991. Visit UnionJacques.com for hours of operation. Reservations are suggested and available on OpenTable. They accommodate takeout and private catering for parties.

Until next month – live well, eat well,

The FoodSpy

The FoodSpy seeks and finds hidden, (and perhaps not so hidden) epicurean gems in New Jersey promoting the notion that good wine, good food, in good company is one of life’s most simple and civilized pleasures.