11 W. Front St., Trenton
(609) 392-6900
The Mystery Muncher, a feature of the Downtowner in its first years, returns this month.
I had no idea of what to expect when I walked into Eleven Front so, with much anticipation, my Co-Muncher and I entered the small entranceway and passed through the second door. The rumor that the original bar from Bob’s “11” was gone is true. I was sad about that. It was a nice bar.
We were greeted with a smile from the barkeep who, as she was drying a glass, asked if we had reservations. It’s always nice to be greeted right away and to feel welcomed. She directed us to Table 6, located between the bathroom (unisex) and the door to the patio, so I was hesitant at first, but it did not become a problem. It can also be entertaining to watch people try the handle and back off, or watch as two people go in at the same time.
Drinks: I do not particularly like the latest trend in a martini glass, sort of a triangle-shaped old fashioned, but I understand it. In addition, I prefer to watch my martini being poured in front of me instead of being carried by warm hands. That being said, it was a very good. It is amazing to me how wonderful an experience a martini can be.
Apps and space: Perusing the menu, we picked the calamari ($8.95) and a half portion of the antipasti ($6.95), and I ordered a cup of New England clam chowder ($2.75).
The room has six tables and an undulating bar with a stunning back bar that seats, about 10. Nicely detailed wainscoting and a classic chair rail presented a very nice and comfortable setting. Our experience would have been enhanced by dimming the light directly overhead and the addition of a candle.
There is an outside dining area. One can just imagine how the addition of an overhead trellis and some greenery around it would bring transformative intimacy to the space. It has good potential.
Chelsea, our server, brought out the calamari and antipasti. The former was crisp and not greasy. The delicately seasoned sauce contains nice chunks of tomato.
The antipasti consisted of thin sliced prosciutto di Parma and soppressata, hard cheeses, olives, artichoke hearts, and a little bread. Together, they were quite filling.
The clam chowder arrived along with our entrees and only after we had asked about it. Chock full of clams, it was flavorful and just the right consistency.
Entree: Co-Muncher ordered what I was going to order, dual sirloin filets ($19.95) with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and veggie medley, with the Cypress Vineyards Merlot. I ordered the tilapia entree with Ménage à Trois White.
The salad that accompanied the dinners was crisp, fresh, had Bermuda onions, and homemade croutons. Since they do not yet make their own dressings, we chose the oil and vinegar. We both wished we had fresh cracked pepper; maybe we forgot to ask. The uncomplicated salad was refreshing, and prepared the palate for what was to come.
The sirloin was simply wonderful. Perfectly cooked and incredibly tender. The Cypress Merlot was a great match for this lovely steak and you just found yourself wanting to take bite after bite, sip after sip. Kudos!
The Tilapia Francaise ($12.95) was lightly breaded, crispy, with a lemon butter sauce and was also a good match with the Ménage à Trois White. The wine, which I had never had before, was a wonderful blend of grapes from three of California’s top Chardonnay growing regions, with fresh citrus aromas from Monterey County, lush tropical fruit flavors from Santa Barbara County and fine structure from Mendocino County. Extremely nice. The fish was paired, like the sirloin, with a veggie medley consisting of broccoli, carrots, green beans, and zucchini, surrounded by ziti, butter, and parmesan cheese. Again, simple and good.
As we enjoyed our meal and watched other entrees float past, I wished I had ordered their pasta and meatballs ($11.90) that folks at the next table were raving about, no wait, the Baxter burger ($7.95); I mean the Pasta e Olio Spaghetti, olive oil, sautéed onions, and garlic ($8.75)… I guess this means I will have to go back.
Dessert: We started off with some complimentary Prosecco (it was an anniversary for us), and ordered some cheesecake and carrot cake ($5.95 each). Co-Muncher ordered coffee. I had another glass of Ménage à Trois White that went quite well with the cheesecake.
I liked the walnut-laden carrot cake. The cheesecake was creamy and I could taste rich butterscotch character somewhere. I liked that.
So bottom line is this: the menu is short. Karolyn Ippolito, the co-owner (with husband Vince) and chef, spoke of trying not to do too much, but doing a few things and doing them well. I asked about changing menus seasonally, two maybe three times a year, and she said they want to know what their customers enjoy and will build menus with that concept – what the customers like. That is why the Baxter Burger exists. That sounds good.
Trenton needs more establishments that set the bar higher than the ‘not bad’ or good enough mentality. 11 Front Bar and Grill is a serious step in that direction, take the time to enjoy, let us know what you think.
