A friend of ours who knows that I am writing this blog and that I am interested in exceptional cuisine recommended that I try this restaurant, so we did. I didn’t know about Boro because there used to be a restaurant in the same space which I didn’t care for very much, so we didn’t go there. I’ve been to Boro about 5 times since! It is located in a strip mall and there is a market associated with the restaurant where you can buy edible sundries.
The décor is very nicely done. I especially like the atmosphere and the friendliness.
The hostess is a lovely woman and happens to be the mother of the owner. When you glance around the dining room, you see that everyone is thoroughly enjoying themselves. You can dine inside or al fresco. The first time we went, one of our friends had crispy chicken as an appetizer. I tasted it, and it was wonderful! Now I have had it every time I go there. It comes with a tiny side of kimchee. I have spent some time in Korea and was always told by my Korean colleagues not to eat kimchee in a restaurant, only to eat it in a friend’s home when a family member prepares it. However, this kimchee was very good!
The bar is very nice and stocked with a wide variety of liquors. The staff is very welcoming, and the bartender, Will, is especially good for his acumen with mixology. He even has made me one of my favorite summer drinks which is an Aviation Cocktail. Not many bartenders know how to make this drink. This was popular prior to Prohibition but faded from the drink scene because a main ingredient, Crème de Violette, became scarce. It also includes Gin, Luxardo Cherry and Lemon juice. You can even have a burnt zest of lemon in it. It is very delicious, refreshing and pretty, as it ends up in the color lavender. One time we were there, I started the night with a Boulevardier cocktail (made with Bourbon and sometimes called a whiskey Negroni). I ended the night with a fine decaf espresso martini, which Jon tasted and said was delicious. Jon likes to finish with an espresso and Anisette, and so he did that evening.
We sometimes go there planning not to have a full meal. We sit at the bar had have small plates (the crispy Chicken is one of those). At other times, we do have a full dinner. Try the Berkshire Pork Tenderloin (Five Spice, Plum Barbecue, Fairytale Eggplant), the Wild Salmon (Farro, Fava Bean, Charred Tomato Yogurt, Basil Oil) and the Crispy Cauliflower Gnocchi (Leeks, Cognac Cream, Tarragon Oil).
The last time, Jon had the rather exceptional Brisket Burger (Local Cheddar, Caramelized Onion, Pickles, Iceberg, House Sauce), which I tased, and it was simply divine!
147 West Delaware Avenue
Pennington, NJ 08534